Yes, Lord!
This morning as I was constantly awakened by my husband's two alarms that go off every 15 minutes after the hour, I heard the radio announcer say 'happy halloween'. As I crawled out of bed to greet Rich and say goodbye, he said, 'I'm going to work, have a good day'. He kissed me and I remembered that I needed to get my bag out of the car before he left. I noticed the car was not clear for take off and moved Tony's bike out of the way, a shovel and a stool, opened the garage for him. Tony was up earlier today, and got to greet Dad good-bye as well. It's funny how everything sounds loud in the morning. I don't know if it's me with sensitive ears, but the magnitude of everything seems to be LOUD. I recalled the Sears tech is suppose to stop by and check the machine for the gazillionth time (exaggerating) from the really bad piercing sound it makes. It seems to be temperamental and only makes it now and then. Not helpful at all for this guy I'm sure. We have mounds of laundry to catch up on since they've been dealing with this machine back in August. I think to myself, Lord, all I want to do is my study, and to turn on the dishwasher. As Rich backed the car out of the garage, I noticed our car leaked some pretty good fluid over the cardboard I placed to catch the slow oil leak in front of it. I said to myself 'here come the trials', and showed Rich the cardboard. We have no money to fix this car, Lord. I signed up to make dinner for a struggling friend tomorrow, and I only have $20.00, and whatever is in the cupboard until payday. What shall I feed the kids today, make dinner for them tonight. I have oatmeal for breakfast, eggs for lunch, and there's some meat in the freezer. Things we're looking fine, just the busyness of what to do started to beset me. I went out to sweep the snow off our walkway. In the dark, I listened to cars passing and my neighbor that lives across me opening his gate. The dogs howled, and it's quite dark in front of my home if my neighbor didn't leave his light on. I recalled today is Halloween. As I felt my spirit get down, God allowed me to recall the verse in Psalm 118:24 "This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it". It didn't matter if today was a day I did not understand, whether it is a day of mourning, or a day filled with chores, it is the day the Lord made. I thought about how Jesus had said that to himself when he walked towards the Cross on Calvary. Whether it is my first day, or my last, let the name of the Lord be praised.
I'm trading my sorrows
I'm trading my shame
I'm laying them down for the Joy of the Lord
As strong as my opinions can be Hebrews 13 tells me:
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.
It's to no advantage of mine to work against my brother. Lord, you say in your Word if I have not love, I'm a clanging symbol. That my fruit is determined by my love for the brethren. Help me to love as you do, as I know this pleases You, and what pleases You is helpful to me. I want to have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way for Your glory, the benefit of my husband and children. Not to just tickle people's ears, but to be relevant as a Christian in this world today. Thank you for the lessons, as hard as they are.
Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
2 Let Israel say: "His love endures forever."
3 Let the house of Aaron say: "His love endures forever."
4 Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."
5 In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
7 The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
11 They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns;
in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
13 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
14 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous:
"The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
16 The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
17 I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
18 The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter.
21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.
22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;
23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success.
26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD.
From the house of the LORD we bless you. [a]
27 The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up [b] to the horns of the altar.
28 You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you.
29 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
I want to know You, Lord.
I am Yours.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
One day I can live without
If there is one day out of the entire 365 days of the year that I am confused in what to do it's Halloween. I am a Christian and a mom, and my views are pretty much the same as this article:
http://www.gty.org/resources.php?section=articles&aid=231305
Never in the Christian community have I heard such conflicting views in what to do. People are on the one extreme or the other. I hear appearance of evil should be avoided this day. Appearance of evil, or evil period should be avoided every day.
Being I have kids, they do want to just have fun like other kids that day. I know it is my responsibility as a mother to teach my kids right from wrong; good from evil. I try and do this everyday. On the legalist view this is evil, and we better not let the kids be kids or have fun. They need to be like Jesus. This will really tell if they're a christian or not [please hear my sarcasm here].
Remember this scripture:
1 Corinthians 13
10 but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Well, that's what/how children are. They're children --not little demons! Well, maybe on a bad day, roflol!!! They're not little adults either. They're learning from adults in how to live like an adult.
Last year I was a bit confused in what to do that I just fasted and prayed. I can't help, but feel weird when this day comes up. The pressure to do one thing or the other. The kids hear about other kids going to a Harvest Party, or Trick or treating. I won't do trick or treating after rumors of tampered candy year after year. I'd rather go to a Harvest Party at a church for the kids. I've also heard views where Satan has all the Christians where he wants them in between 4 walls. I've done the giving of tracts and treats at home. I wouldn't mind skipping this day all together and maybe make another holiday two days or something.;) Even if I was not a kid, I'd probably be helping out in a Harvest Party. I won't go to a place of business with my kids where they can trick or treat either. I don't do the whole t.o.t. thing.
If people's views are so strict on Halloween, why aren't they as strict on other days, or with the Easter Bunny and Eggs or a Turkey at Thanksgiving. These are all good reasons to celebrate, but if you're going to go anti-pagan on me, why not call it all? Don't sit there and stuff your face, while there's people hungry in Africa, Ethiopia, and other third world countries. Don't sit so comfortable in your big, large living house, computers, etc. while others are homeless, hungry, or hurting. Balance out your living. If you're not struggling in it, than why not? I don't know how you live or your convictions, but I'm sure you're not as consistent as you want to be. Guess what? I am not either. If you're gonna preach it, preach it all. If you're going to yell to the rooftops that people need to get saved, then park yourself outside where there are many captive, and preach the good news; feed the hungry, house the homeless, raise the dead [the spiritually dead]. We can either allow this to freeze us or free us. I am free. It's the legalism that kills me. I will respect if it is a problem for my brother or sister in Christ, and I guess I expect for it to be told to me in that manner. The bible says that 'you who are more spiritual ought to be careful how you pull your brother up.' Lord, please pull me out of this one.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Update
Well, I prayed over it, and was going to head on down there with flowers. I wrote a letter that God loves them and the bibles are a gift; gifts are not given with the intention they'd be given back; God has many wonderful thoughts towards them, and a desire for them to know Him; there are many treasures in His Word, but we won't find half of them without His Word. Basically I encouraged them to read it beginning with the book of John, and that I was coming as a friend.
The letter didn't make me feel good. I can see in hindsight, their telling me there is nothing wrong with their life. They're happy with what they do, etc. So, I thought maybe just go down there and talk with them. Well, when this all happened I told Rich how I felt, and we prayed. The next day we prayed again, and when he got home from work yesterday, he said he did not want me to go down there. He didn't feel comfortable, and was concerned they would retaliate, or all gang up on me, and I would be in a situation that wouldn't be good for his wife. :( So, now I'm between a submissive wife and a hard place.:( I don't have a problem with it, and look at it as God's protection when my husband lays down the law. I also know that his faith is different from mine. I will go out on a limb and trust, and there are times where we are opposite. Some things have also come up in how this has taken me and others out of their comfort zone. One friend told me I should not gave them God's word, but tracts. I see that out of respect of God's Holy book. I was thinking more from a 'this is the best gift someone can give anyone', but that's my view, and probably other Christians. To a non-believer I see that it would be offensive. God, I struggle with how you want us to minister to these.... How can I develop a relationship with them when I'm banned from their place of employment? How do we as the saved, get to know them without doing as Jesus did, and entering into their lives. I know we can pray and ask God to send people, but that prayer is put into action by someone.
Is it really another day, another dollar, another 95cents to the government, and 5 cents to us?
Why are people so eager to preach on the 4 corners of my street near the freeway, and not in front of places as these. Why aren't more Christians in places like these winning them over as friends. I bet these people need to know they are loved by God; that the Owner is very lost and in need of a Savior. I can't imagine he goes home and kisses his wife, has a meal with his kids and goes off to work.
Ok that's my rant....
Jesus spent time with all of these......why can't we?
I guess working in the apartment managing job, I worked with a lot of people that came from various backgrounds and was able to share my life with them. Now, that we're away from there I see how are lives are just our lives unless I am put out there in the world, and that only happens when I've got the car and we go places. My priorities are in the home now. No 50 or so customers coming to the door to see an apartment, pay rent, ask about repairs, etc. a week, no phones ringing off the hook, or immediate demands. Our lives have really slowed down, but sped up in other things....unpacking, laundry, organization. Oh thrill, lol. I really love my husband and my children. I see my tasks and need to be faithful in them.
Well, I prayed over it, and was going to head on down there with flowers. I wrote a letter that God loves them and the bibles are a gift; gifts are not given with the intention they'd be given back; God has many wonderful thoughts towards them, and a desire for them to know Him; there are many treasures in His Word, but we won't find half of them without His Word. Basically I encouraged them to read it beginning with the book of John, and that I was coming as a friend.
The letter didn't make me feel good. I can see in hindsight, their telling me there is nothing wrong with their life. They're happy with what they do, etc. So, I thought maybe just go down there and talk with them. Well, when this all happened I told Rich how I felt, and we prayed. The next day we prayed again, and when he got home from work yesterday, he said he did not want me to go down there. He didn't feel comfortable, and was concerned they would retaliate, or all gang up on me, and I would be in a situation that wouldn't be good for his wife. :( So, now I'm between a submissive wife and a hard place.:( I don't have a problem with it, and look at it as God's protection when my husband lays down the law. I also know that his faith is different from mine. I will go out on a limb and trust, and there are times where we are opposite. Some things have also come up in how this has taken me and others out of their comfort zone. One friend told me I should not gave them God's word, but tracts. I see that out of respect of God's Holy book. I was thinking more from a 'this is the best gift someone can give anyone', but that's my view, and probably other Christians. To a non-believer I see that it would be offensive. God, I struggle with how you want us to minister to these.... How can I develop a relationship with them when I'm banned from their place of employment? How do we as the saved, get to know them without doing as Jesus did, and entering into their lives. I know we can pray and ask God to send people, but that prayer is put into action by someone.
Is it really another day, another dollar, another 95cents to the government, and 5 cents to us?
Why are people so eager to preach on the 4 corners of my street near the freeway, and not in front of places as these. Why aren't more Christians in places like these winning them over as friends. I bet these people need to know they are loved by God; that the Owner is very lost and in need of a Savior. I can't imagine he goes home and kisses his wife, has a meal with his kids and goes off to work.
Ok that's my rant....
Jesus spent time with all of these......why can't we?
I guess working in the apartment managing job, I worked with a lot of people that came from various backgrounds and was able to share my life with them. Now, that we're away from there I see how are lives are just our lives unless I am put out there in the world, and that only happens when I've got the car and we go places. My priorities are in the home now. No 50 or so customers coming to the door to see an apartment, pay rent, ask about repairs, etc. a week, no phones ringing off the hook, or immediate demands. Our lives have really slowed down, but sped up in other things....unpacking, laundry, organization. Oh thrill, lol. I really love my husband and my children. I see my tasks and need to be faithful in them.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Lead me straight
What is God accomplishing through me…….
my family……..
my church……..
my community……..
United states………..
the world?
Well, since it begins with me, I wonder sometimes what you're doing through me, Lord. I wonder where we're going with things, or that I’m doing the right thing(s). Lord, I know You love me, and you have a place for me, and this world is not my home. Lord, I know I don’t have to know because I know You. Your character, Your strength, Your loveliness, Your mercy. I just want to know if it is You, or is this me? And if it is me, is it something for me to use for Your glory. Please clarify where I go from here. Many are the evils around this world, but many are the thoughts God has toward me and those He loves. How I love to wallow in it! How can I share God with the world unashamedly, unswervingly and unconditionally.
Last week Wednesday morning I watched a video on the rapture (sorry my non-rapture friends), and I was moved to share God's word with someone. I asked God to whom, and I believe He put the word 'captive' on my heart. I asked, "Who are the captive, Lord in my community?" Although I had an idea as I've done Prison Ministry before both here and CA, it appeared to me that He was saying the women in the strip clubs of our city. I said "Are you serious?" He said, Yes, it will be great. I said, oh no, lol. Are you sure, Lord? Yes, I am. Well, this rapture movie had Robin Marks 'Revival' song on there, and I just about died. Crying in tears the song got my emotions going, and well, I felt even more grieved for their souls, and more encouraged for the task. I was scared to death for my physical being. Not that the gospel's a bad thing to share, but going to a place where it’s dark spiritually, the gospel is not preached or welcomed was the big pill to swallow. So, what do I do now? Give me a Word, Lord. He said 'captive'. Who are the captive in your community you can minister to? I sensed He was telling me the elderly as that has always been a place people needed care and to know they are loved, and the road ahead of them doesn’t have to be scary. I spent seven years knowing a lovely elderly pastor couple. They were my spiritual Godparents that are in heaven now. Russ left in his late 80s and Betty in her 90s. I wish I was able to ask them. Lord, am I silly to ask for a sign? I remember the Elderly Homes were something I've enjoyed as I visited Russ. I saw a friend the past week at the Pioneer home, and I've enjoyed helping women which I did at the apartment managing job for the past 7 years. Women that were on drugs, women facing divorce, bad relationships, hardship, jail time, making it at home alone, with kids, or had kids with problems, jobs, you name it. I believe in this short time I miss reaching out to them for Him. Is that Him, or is it me? Have I missed their friendships, or am I truly concerned about their souls being saved? Can it be both?
Flashback three years ago, when I really sensed God was speaking about it. It was the first time I’d ever really noticed the sign. My husband stopped at the corner store to get fuel and a soda. It was near the Appliance Hardware store we go. I was in the car with my children. I was looking at a sign that said Reflections. I thought to myself what is a place like that? I was surprised to see that in what I thought was a wavy design under the name was discreetly a woman laying on her back. I was sad. I was shocked to see this in the middle of our city. There were flashing strobe lights and at the end the names of the women were being shown over a digital sign. Immediately my heart sank. I was torn. You see, I come from an abusive background. Sexual, physical, etc. I know what it means to be in bondage, a victim, and despair. And, I know the freedom in Christ. God gave me a heart for the Owner of that place and the women. Nothing ever became of it.
Back to the present, that Wednesday evening with the permission of my Pastor, I ended up putting a bible with a tract on each vehicle. There were 10 vehicles and I had 10 bibles. I did this with my Pastor's permission, and a promise to bail me out of jail if I was arrested.;) Well, I prayed beforehand, prayed after and left it in the Lord's hands. It was late when I went over. I was scared as I sensed an evil dark spirit, but it was clear that I was intervening for their souls. A big lady with a Security sign over the back of her jacket had just walked across and into the club. As I distributed I prayed over each one. Sensed some angry spirits, but intervened in love and the sake of their souls. I did it in love and compassion for them, and I’d do it again. I prayed for their souls, and the Word of God to be an overflowing fill of water for them that they could not deny. There was a verse God gave me in
2 Timothy 2
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Colossians 2
7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
2 Cor. 10
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
The best gift I could give them is God's word. It is up to them what they do with it.
A girlfriend recently shared with me that she has a friend that is talking about being a stripper. Her husband is also wanting her, too. My heart grieved for her and her husband. I hoped she might be there to find the Word, but later learned she's in New York. Pray for Vicki and her husband. I fear for them and the life it turns out to be. Now, I have no experience with the job, but I sensed the struggle of them, and how it must be either the only job for some of them where it pays their bills, but the bondage must be enormous! I don't see that as a job you can just do, and it not steal a piece of your soul.
Well, today I get a call from Pastor that the club called and they want us to go pick up the bibles. My first reaction was well, praise God. They've responded. Yesterday I heard a Missionary's testimony, and I so wanted to speak with her about how to approach these women, but I didn't get a chance to. Anyhow, I told Pastor I will go and pick them up. I did speak with my friend, and she told me to fast and pray. Ask God for clarification. I know these people are lost, but if someone showed they cared for them, why not? Isn't it worth it?
Is my life not exciting enough? Did I do this on my own accord? I've been told I shouldn't affiliate the church with such matters by this missionary. Well, who will the lost go to? Where is the church in the lives of the captive? What are we doing in our city, etc. to move these people to Christ? I am one person, but the church is many. Lord, the Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Give us a heart for the captive!
Ok, so maybe it wasn't my business to involve them, but are we not to set the captives free? The part that confuses me is that I'm a wife and a mother first, and I owe my life to God, my husband and children. Pray that I be a good steward, a great homemaker, wife, and great mother to these children. The task is HUGE, somedays I want to stay crawled up in bed. I know they are my priority. I also know that the gospel is my priority. Have I used that life as a way of coping with my own? Help me make sense of where you are leading me, Lord. I know it is dangerous. I know you can move mountains. I know it starts with me.
I plan to pick up the bible tomorrow night as God leads after fasting and praying. How do I balance the juggle? I don't need to create havoc, chaos, or situations that are not good for my family. I took a few spiritual gifts surveys this year, and came out 'apostleship' on top. I have an idea of what that means, and will have many ideas, but I just don’t know. Help me figure out my ministry, and how I can glorify You, Lord with what you've given to me. Help me to work well with others. I've heard of many Pastors and missionary families that didn't do well with ministry pressures on the family. My husband isn't as social in this area, and he was concerned for me. He likes hospitality, but he's being stretched. I try to do the ministry interests he comes up with, but they drop off so easily. I just don't know what to do with myself, Lord.
Lord, thank you for helping me struggle this out. I know You did not give me the world to handle. You're doing that. Lead me straight, where I need to be. Help me not to be too content, and a light for many.
I am Yours
What is God accomplishing through me…….
my family……..
my church……..
my community……..
United states………..
the world?
Well, since it begins with me, I wonder sometimes what you're doing through me, Lord. I wonder where we're going with things, or that I’m doing the right thing(s). Lord, I know You love me, and you have a place for me, and this world is not my home. Lord, I know I don’t have to know because I know You. Your character, Your strength, Your loveliness, Your mercy. I just want to know if it is You, or is this me? And if it is me, is it something for me to use for Your glory. Please clarify where I go from here. Many are the evils around this world, but many are the thoughts God has toward me and those He loves. How I love to wallow in it! How can I share God with the world unashamedly, unswervingly and unconditionally.
Last week Wednesday morning I watched a video on the rapture (sorry my non-rapture friends), and I was moved to share God's word with someone. I asked God to whom, and I believe He put the word 'captive' on my heart. I asked, "Who are the captive, Lord in my community?" Although I had an idea as I've done Prison Ministry before both here and CA, it appeared to me that He was saying the women in the strip clubs of our city. I said "Are you serious?" He said, Yes, it will be great. I said, oh no, lol. Are you sure, Lord? Yes, I am. Well, this rapture movie had Robin Marks 'Revival' song on there, and I just about died. Crying in tears the song got my emotions going, and well, I felt even more grieved for their souls, and more encouraged for the task. I was scared to death for my physical being. Not that the gospel's a bad thing to share, but going to a place where it’s dark spiritually, the gospel is not preached or welcomed was the big pill to swallow. So, what do I do now? Give me a Word, Lord. He said 'captive'. Who are the captive in your community you can minister to? I sensed He was telling me the elderly as that has always been a place people needed care and to know they are loved, and the road ahead of them doesn’t have to be scary. I spent seven years knowing a lovely elderly pastor couple. They were my spiritual Godparents that are in heaven now. Russ left in his late 80s and Betty in her 90s. I wish I was able to ask them. Lord, am I silly to ask for a sign? I remember the Elderly Homes were something I've enjoyed as I visited Russ. I saw a friend the past week at the Pioneer home, and I've enjoyed helping women which I did at the apartment managing job for the past 7 years. Women that were on drugs, women facing divorce, bad relationships, hardship, jail time, making it at home alone, with kids, or had kids with problems, jobs, you name it. I believe in this short time I miss reaching out to them for Him. Is that Him, or is it me? Have I missed their friendships, or am I truly concerned about their souls being saved? Can it be both?
Flashback three years ago, when I really sensed God was speaking about it. It was the first time I’d ever really noticed the sign. My husband stopped at the corner store to get fuel and a soda. It was near the Appliance Hardware store we go. I was in the car with my children. I was looking at a sign that said Reflections. I thought to myself what is a place like that? I was surprised to see that in what I thought was a wavy design under the name was discreetly a woman laying on her back. I was sad. I was shocked to see this in the middle of our city. There were flashing strobe lights and at the end the names of the women were being shown over a digital sign. Immediately my heart sank. I was torn. You see, I come from an abusive background. Sexual, physical, etc. I know what it means to be in bondage, a victim, and despair. And, I know the freedom in Christ. God gave me a heart for the Owner of that place and the women. Nothing ever became of it.
Back to the present, that Wednesday evening with the permission of my Pastor, I ended up putting a bible with a tract on each vehicle. There were 10 vehicles and I had 10 bibles. I did this with my Pastor's permission, and a promise to bail me out of jail if I was arrested.;) Well, I prayed beforehand, prayed after and left it in the Lord's hands. It was late when I went over. I was scared as I sensed an evil dark spirit, but it was clear that I was intervening for their souls. A big lady with a Security sign over the back of her jacket had just walked across and into the club. As I distributed I prayed over each one. Sensed some angry spirits, but intervened in love and the sake of their souls. I did it in love and compassion for them, and I’d do it again. I prayed for their souls, and the Word of God to be an overflowing fill of water for them that they could not deny. There was a verse God gave me in
2 Timothy 2
25 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Colossians 2
7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
2 Cor. 10
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
The best gift I could give them is God's word. It is up to them what they do with it.
A girlfriend recently shared with me that she has a friend that is talking about being a stripper. Her husband is also wanting her, too. My heart grieved for her and her husband. I hoped she might be there to find the Word, but later learned she's in New York. Pray for Vicki and her husband. I fear for them and the life it turns out to be. Now, I have no experience with the job, but I sensed the struggle of them, and how it must be either the only job for some of them where it pays their bills, but the bondage must be enormous! I don't see that as a job you can just do, and it not steal a piece of your soul.
Well, today I get a call from Pastor that the club called and they want us to go pick up the bibles. My first reaction was well, praise God. They've responded. Yesterday I heard a Missionary's testimony, and I so wanted to speak with her about how to approach these women, but I didn't get a chance to. Anyhow, I told Pastor I will go and pick them up. I did speak with my friend, and she told me to fast and pray. Ask God for clarification. I know these people are lost, but if someone showed they cared for them, why not? Isn't it worth it?
Is my life not exciting enough? Did I do this on my own accord? I've been told I shouldn't affiliate the church with such matters by this missionary. Well, who will the lost go to? Where is the church in the lives of the captive? What are we doing in our city, etc. to move these people to Christ? I am one person, but the church is many. Lord, the Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Give us a heart for the captive!
Ok, so maybe it wasn't my business to involve them, but are we not to set the captives free? The part that confuses me is that I'm a wife and a mother first, and I owe my life to God, my husband and children. Pray that I be a good steward, a great homemaker, wife, and great mother to these children. The task is HUGE, somedays I want to stay crawled up in bed. I know they are my priority. I also know that the gospel is my priority. Have I used that life as a way of coping with my own? Help me make sense of where you are leading me, Lord. I know it is dangerous. I know you can move mountains. I know it starts with me.
I plan to pick up the bible tomorrow night as God leads after fasting and praying. How do I balance the juggle? I don't need to create havoc, chaos, or situations that are not good for my family. I took a few spiritual gifts surveys this year, and came out 'apostleship' on top. I have an idea of what that means, and will have many ideas, but I just don’t know. Help me figure out my ministry, and how I can glorify You, Lord with what you've given to me. Help me to work well with others. I've heard of many Pastors and missionary families that didn't do well with ministry pressures on the family. My husband isn't as social in this area, and he was concerned for me. He likes hospitality, but he's being stretched. I try to do the ministry interests he comes up with, but they drop off so easily. I just don't know what to do with myself, Lord.
Lord, thank you for helping me struggle this out. I know You did not give me the world to handle. You're doing that. Lead me straight, where I need to be. Help me not to be too content, and a light for many.
I am Yours
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Wisdom
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
A university degree, or even a PHD is not the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is. Wisdom comes from God. Nowhere else. Even the foolishness of God is wisdom. Did you hear that? The foolishness of God is greater than man's wisdom. That's hysterical.
1 Corinthians 1
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[c]
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,
29 so that no one may boast before him.
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[d]
Seems like when I try to make sense of my life, or things happening in it, they don't make sense without God. Henry Blackaby challenges us to get wisdom by seeking after God through prayer and God's word.
Thank you for this reminder today, Father. Oh, etch this in my heart and head, Lord. Help me to seek Your counsel in prayer, and Your Word. Help me not to use man's wisdom or ways to make sense of my life. I want to seek You first. It would probably save me a lot of misery, too. Remove my unbelief that I may see You.
Yours
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.
A university degree, or even a PHD is not the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is. Wisdom comes from God. Nowhere else. Even the foolishness of God is wisdom. Did you hear that? The foolishness of God is greater than man's wisdom. That's hysterical.
1 Corinthians 1
Christ the Wisdom and Power of God
18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."[c]
20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.
22 Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,
23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.
27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,
29 so that no one may boast before him.
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."[d]
Seems like when I try to make sense of my life, or things happening in it, they don't make sense without God. Henry Blackaby challenges us to get wisdom by seeking after God through prayer and God's word.
Thank you for this reminder today, Father. Oh, etch this in my heart and head, Lord. Help me to seek Your counsel in prayer, and Your Word. Help me not to use man's wisdom or ways to make sense of my life. I want to seek You first. It would probably save me a lot of misery, too. Remove my unbelief that I may see You.
Yours
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
I long for Heaven
When I feel overwhelmed by this world.
When I wrestle with thoughts or struggles of the mind.
When the pressure is high enough to cook a turkey.
I long for heaven.
When I hear about the corruption of the world.
When I see the sadness on the face of a child.
I long for Heaven.
When I fuss with someone because I can't handle the way they're handling something.
When I read about the ugliness about something that has past, but hasn't grown much.
When I sense the darkness we are really in.
I long for Heaven.
Come Lord Jesus, come.
I want to start anew.
When I feel overwhelmed by this world.
When I wrestle with thoughts or struggles of the mind.
When the pressure is high enough to cook a turkey.
I long for heaven.
When I hear about the corruption of the world.
When I see the sadness on the face of a child.
I long for Heaven.
When I fuss with someone because I can't handle the way they're handling something.
When I read about the ugliness about something that has past, but hasn't grown much.
When I sense the darkness we are really in.
I long for Heaven.
Come Lord Jesus, come.
I want to start anew.
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