Fear Factor

  Do you remember the show Fear Factor?  I never watched it much because "fear" is not something I enjoy.  I figure real life has enough of it's own "real" fears, why on earth would I want to add anymore to my life! The one time I did try to watch it, the episode had something to do with spiders!  Needless to say, I quickly turned the channel.  I don't like spiders or snakes! 

Today is Halloween the day most people are looking for a little "fear factor".  Whether it's visiting a haunted house or dressing up all ghoulish and ghostly, this is the night that most get a thrill out of fear!  This morning while reading in my One Year Bible (a great quiet time bible) I read two passages concerning the "fear factor".  The first was in Hebrews 2:14-15 which reads:  Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

The second was in Psalm 103:11-18 a little longer section so, bear with me please: For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD'S love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.  Notice in Hebrews fear is used to describe a form of slavery in this case death.  In Psalms fear is used in a holy and healthy way.  Promises are in store for those who fear God and obey His precepts.  One little word with so much power!  Fear depending on how it is used in our lives can put us in slavery or can set us free to enjoy all the power and promises of God Almighty.   Jesus died so He could set us free from the fear of death, hell and the devil and live a holy and healthy life in the fear of the LORD.   

Not all fear is evil! Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and discipline.  The right kind of fear can be very healthy! 

So, which "fear" will be the determining "factor" of how you and I live out our days? 

Lord Jesus, I pray today that those who don't know You as their personal Lord and Savior would enter into a relationship with you today by grace through faith.  I also pray for those of us who know you that we would be determined to walk in the fear of the LORD not in the fear of man. 

Your Life is a Tapestry!

Anyone remember the cotton commercial's jingle? "The look, the feel of cotton, the fabric of our lives."

Continuing on with my blog's title, Life is a Tapestry....

What threads or pieces of fabric will make up your tapestry?
 

If like the jingle says, "cotton is the fabric of our lives" (the clothes in our closet); what makes up the fabric of our spiritual lives?

One thread we must have is the Word of God. The Word of God gives us a strong framework for all the other threads to be connected to. Prayer is another essential thread in our tapestry; without prayer our tapestry will not be strong and will come unraveled at the corners. Prayer is what holds it all together.

The commitment to "go & make disciples of all nations in our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the earth" is a vital apart of our tapestry. Fellowship with other believers and being connected to a local bible believing church in our community is also important. Relationships built on the word of God, prayer and agape love. All of these threads should be woven all throughout the tapestry of our lives.

The threads in our tapestry are sometimes vivid and vibrant in color & soft and smooth in texture.  Then there are threads in  our tapestry that are of a darker hue like black, gray or beige. These threads represent the times of sorrow in our lives put there to make us more dependent on the Master Weaver.

There are also threads that are thick, rough and coarse these threads represent the trials and perseverance through difficult times in our lives. Any designer or artist knows that a little black or gray will enhance the finished piece. It's on a back drop of black that the colorful threads are made even more beautiful.

While we welcome the beautiful and soft threads, it's the combination of each and every strand that we need to embrace, knowing that the master weaver can be trusted. After all, He alone knows what the finished tapestry should look like. He knows just the right color, texture, size and strength of each thread He weaves into the fabric of our lives in order to achieve His desired purpose. 

Have you ever seen the back of a tapestry?  It's not pretty, in fact from the back it looks like a mess.  When you look at it the right way, from the front, the mess is transformed into a masterpiece!  It's the same way with our lives.  What we see from the backside can look messy, ugly and sometimes hopeless.  But not so with God.  He looks at it the right way.  He can take those messy threads of our lives and create a masterpiece. 

Will you turn your life over today to the Master Weaver?  Will you allow Him to choose which threads to use and just where to place them in our lives so our tapestry will bring glory to Him? 

YOU are His masterpiece!

Are You a Builder Upper or a Tearer Downer?

1 Thess. 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

OK, so I am taking some liberties with the English language in my title and in this post but bear with me.  I have a point to make.  Besides, some of the greatest authors have done the same.  Now,  Back to  my post....

This morning I was thinking about a dear friend of mine and how she builds up others in her words, giving, generosity and service. She is a "builder-upper".  You are probably thinking, "what on earth is a "builder-upper"?  According to scripture a "builder upper" is someone who puts others first.  For a follower in Christ, well HE, the Lord, would be first and then others next.  Maybe you  have seen this little acronymn:  J.O.Y.  Jesus - Others - You.  A "builder-upper" is someone who is kingdom focused.  A person who lives with eternity in mind.   

As I have watched and witnessed my friends life up close and personal, I see Christ living through her.  She is careful to build up and not tear down.  Although, she would definitely admit that she has done her share of tearing down over the years.  God has taught her how to build up.  To build up others by being a generous giver.  I do mean generous.  Everything she has is God's and she knows it.  She holds on loosely to all her treasures because her treasure is not in earthly things but her treasure is Christ. 

On numerous occassions, I've watched her spend her own money to meet needs in the lives of countless people.  I have witnessed her and her precious  husband "lay down their lives" for others.  They have done it for me and my family.  I will never be able to repay them for their generosity and grace but they wouldn't want me to.  They don't live for "reward" from man, but are focused on hearing their heavenly father say, "well done MY good and faithful servant", that is all the reward they need.  I have even watched my friend and her husband suffer silently because others have misunderstand their desire to do all things with excellence for their King; and have accussed them of being "extravagant".   But, I see they are extravagant worshippers, not extravagant spenders!  It's been such a blessing to be a close friend to someone that is just as frail and sin scared as I am yet, live with such amazing grace and mercy!  I see Jesus in her.  I see JOY in her countenance and I WANT the same thing!  I believe a great friend in the Lord should make us thirsty and hungry for MORE GOD.  That is how Jesus has used her in my life! 

Then I see those who are NOT builder uppers at all.   They are so "me" focused and centered on "self" that they end up doing the opposite.  Instead of being great builders they are "tearer downers".  They tear down their husbands, children, marriages, themselves, the church and are living contrary to God's word in every area of their lives.  I was one of them until recently, well not in every area.  But, was blinded by my sin.  Now, I didn't know or realize this mind you.  I thought I was doing "OK".  Not great but I was trying to hold it all together.  Thinking I was a builder when in reality I was really a "tearer downer".  Thankfully my God who loves me in spite of "me", put people in my path to help  me see some hard truths about, well... "me".  He gave me this sweet friend, who is not in any way a perfect person, but has a heart for others and especially for Her Lord and Savior to be an example in my life.  I have seen her be "Jesus with skin on" in so many people's lives.  Especially in my own.  I will be forever grateful for the godly example she has been to me.  For making me want more of Jesus.  For just living her life rooted and grounded in Christ.  Not knowing how she has impacted so many with the kindness, love, peace and joy of the Savior! 

So, I have decided that I want to be a "builder upper" too!  I want to die to the "I" and live unto Christ!  No more tearing down with words, looks, or well meaning ministry.  No more tearing down "self".  God is changing me into this new creation He promised I already am.  But, praise GOD!  I am learning to walk in the truth and in the spirit.  It is indeed a process this sanctification thing.  One step at a time.  Leaning and trusting in My Savior Jesus Christ.  The way I will get there is by crucifying "flesh", dying to "I" and living to Christ. 

God has called all believers men, women and children to be "builder uppers".  How about you?  Do you have someone who is "Jesus with skin on" in your life?  Someone who is a "builder upper".  Are you one who builds up or tears down?    God's word has a lot to say about this, more than I can post here.  Go to the concordance in your bible and do a study on verses about building up.  You will be amazed.  Then get alone with the Lord, ask him to reveal where you are tearing down and where you need to begin building up. 

These verses only scratch the surface of what God has to say about being "builder uppers": 

Romans 14:9 - So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.

Romans 15:2 - We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord.

1 Corn. 10:23 - "All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.

1 Corn. 14:12 - So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear

1 Thess. 5:11 - Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.

Proverbs 14:1 - The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.

Learning to build,

History Doesn't Have to Repeat Itself! Part 2

It's been a while since I wrote my first post on this topic and so much has happened.  The  pain did present it self but so did God's grace and mercy.  I am going to a biblical counselor for the next couple of months to work through this process of becoming "free in Christ".  Well, technically if we are "in Christ" we already have this freedom but we have to learn how to walk in it.  So that's why I'm there.  I truly want to be free to learn to walk in the truth.  Free to be me.  I've been to counseling before a few times and it has always given me a clearer perspective.  More times than not I go in with my finger pointing at someone else and leave with the finger pointing back at me and equipped with some healthy tools to help me in this sanctification process.  I would strongly recommend biblical counseling to ALL my friends and family members.  There is nothing quite like a little objective perspective! 

I learned at my last session that I've been harboring unforgiveness and bitterness for a long time.  Mostly, because I had a wrong view of what forgiveness looks like in action. The Cross is the ultimate example and expression of forgiveness.  The Cross was messy, bloody and painful.  Yet, it was the only way sinful man could be made right with a holy God.  It's one thing to say "I forgive you" it's quite another to live like you've forgiven that person because we don't forget even if we have forgiven; our hearts remember the hurt and pain.  My counselor pointed out that forgiveness is not necessarily for the other person but for you and your relationship with God.  It's to set you free. Isn't it strange how easily our hearts can deceive us?  If you would have asked me a  month ago if I had any unforgiveness in my heart towards anyone I would have told you no!  I have a quiet time with the Lord each day asking Him to search my heart, spend time in confessing my known sins by name, seeking his forgiveness and time in worshipping my Savior.  What I learned from my counselor last week is that I don't spend time really being "still and knowing that He is God".  Not just sitting still but "being" still.  My heart, mind, soul and mouth being still and sitting in the stillness of the Lord. 

I am so grateful for these counseling sessions.  The Holy Spirit has used them to pull some things out of my heart that were buried deep within, so I could see them for what they truly are and repent, forgive and receive His grace and power to turn  from the old habits, hangups and hurts. 

I am learning to just "be" in His presence and slowly learning to just be the "me" God created me to be.  Not a carbon copy of any other person.  God made me to glorify Him in the way He made me "in Christ" and by just by being Renee.  Praying history doesn't have too repeat itself in my family tree. 

Ps. 91 In the Shadow of the Almighty,

When You Won't Open the Door

A few weeks back I went to visit someone close to me.  My  husband was doing a little work on their home, so I figured that I would go over and visit.   I didn't call but assumed it would be OK.  Boy, was I wrong!  I rang the door bell no answer. So, I waited a few minutes thinking they didn't hear the bell and tried again.  Still, no answer.   Next,  I knocked loudly, still no one came to the door.  So, I opened the door and called out their name thinking maybe they are in the bathroom and didn't hear me.  As I entered the house I noticed a light on in the bedroom and saw someone walking around in there.  I could also hear a t.v.  Then I figured that they just didn't hear me over the noise of the t.v.   I called out their name but still no answer. 

Still giving them the benefit of the doubt and thinking they would come out to greet me I sat down on the couch and waited for them to come out.  Still nothing.  Finally, after sitting there for awhile, I got up to leave. 

Before leaving, I knocked on the bedroom door and said their name again.   They yelled back something rude and never did come to the door to speak with me face to face.  I chalked it up to a bad mood, or maybe they had an argument with their husband before I showed up.  I finally left.  I felt so unwelcome, so hurt.  But, learned a valuable lesson in my walk with God.  It was a vivid reminder of how God stands at the door of our hearts and knocks waiting for us to get up and open the door.   We are the only one who has access to the door handle.  There is one knob and it is on our side of the door. We are the only ones with the power to turn the door knob and invite Him in.  This incident was a great reminder of how it must make the Creator of the universe feel when we choose to act as if He isn't there.  To treat him with such a "dismissed" attitude!  To treat Him as an unwelcome guest.  Ignoring His presence.  So caught up in our selfish little moments that we leave the God of heaven standing at an unopened door. 

I couldn't believe they would behave in such a rude way.  Then God reminded me of the times in my life when I have treated Him that same way.  For years He had been knocking at the door of my heart but I was too busy doing my own thing.  Sulking, arguing, having "me" time and I just didn't feel like answering the door.  I was so into "ME" that I didnt' care about whose feelings I hurt or how rudely I behaved.  I can still get like that if I live in my flesh and choose not to walk in the spirit.   There were days in my life, I didn't care or even really notice that God the Creator of the universe was wanting to come in and fellowship with me a sinner.  I was such a little spoiled brat all I cared about was me and my own little world.  Yet, the LORD of heaven and earth, my Maker wanted to come in and fellowship with me; one so undeserving, so rude, unloving, unkind, selfish and self absorbed. 

It reminded me also of how patient the LORD is.  I don't understand His patience.  He is the One who gives us our very breath.  He is the very reason we live and yet we treat Him so flippantly.   If I were God, I would just bring down fire from heaven on most of us.  But not so with God.  His ways are not my ways.  His thoughts are not my thoughts.  Thank God!  He is long suffering, slow to become angry, full of mercy and grace, even though we don't deserve it.  Thank you LORD for never giving up on me.  Thank you LORD for knocking until I opened the door to my heart and YOU came in and now dwell there forever.  Help me to have the same grace, mercy, forgiveness and patience with others that you  have had with me. 

Revelations 3:20 - 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Details Matter To God

This morning while reading my One Year Chronological Bible in 1 Kings Chapter 7; God showed me something of His character that I really needed to see. The whole chapter is devoted to King Solomon building his palace and the furnishings for the Temple of the Lord.  I am NOT a details person.  In fact, details bore me to death, unless they are related to people and their life stories.  So, I was tempted to just skip over this chapter but the Holy Spirit would not let me.  So, I went back and read about all the measurements, the skilled craftsmen, the type of stone and wood used to build the palace.  I continued on reading about the furnishings for the Temple of God:  the gold altar, the tables for the Bread of the Presence, the lamp stands and their lamps of solid gold, to burn in front of the Most Holy Place as prescribed; the flower decorations, lamps and tongs - all of purest gold, the lamp snuffers, bowls, dishes, and incense burners - all of solid gold, the doors for the entrances to the Most Holy Place and the main room of the Temple, overlaid with gold.  

I thought back to Moses and how the Lord had given him exact instructions on how to build the tabernacle,  the priest to offer the sacrifices, how it should be carried from place to place.  So detailed!  I then thouht about King David and how God had given him specific details about how the temple of the Lord should be built.  David wanted to build the Temple for the Lord and even collected all of the supplies to begin building the place that God's presence would dwell.  Yet, God would not allow David  to move forward with it.  God had another plan.  He wanted David's son, King Solomon to build the Temple.  David was given the  privilege of preparing the way for the Temple of the Lord to be built,  but Solomon was given the task to see it through.  I'm not sure exactly why? I didn't study it that far out but as I read through all the measurements and the things that typically bore me; I saw clearly that my God is concerned with details.

God is a god of details!  Being someone who is NOT detailed I thought...Ouch! If details are important to God then details should be important to me! 

The details were important because they were a shadow of things to come, a picture of the coming Messiah.  Then I thought about how, David being called to prepare the way for the Temple of the Lord to be built was much like John the Baptist from the New Testament called by God from the womb to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ.  He was a forerunner of Christ.  How cool is that!  Details are important to God.  So, whether you are the one called to prepare the way or the one called to finish the job.  It ALL matters to God!

So, how about you?  Are you one to ignore details; so focused on the end results that you skimp and slack off on those small things you think no one will notice or that it simply doesn't matter?  Details matter.  The end result depends more on the details than you or I could possibly imagine.  Let's pay attention to details in our homes, finances, ministries, relationships and especially in God's word. 

After all God cares about every detail in our lives shouldn't we care about those details that concern His kingdom?  Matthew 10:30 - And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  Psalm 147:4 - He counts the stars and calls them by name. 

Facebook: What's on Your Mind?

The Word of God teaches in Proverbs 18:2 that.... Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.

In a day where our thoughts have found their way to the social media sites like Face Book, it is all too easy to be a "fool" with our words. This verse should be taken seriously and has changed the way I will use my words on any media site.   

The question asked of us each and every time we log onto our home page is, "What's on your mind?"  Most days I post a scripture or something I've been learning in the Word.  Some days I  just tell people what we are doing. There have been days when I should have stopped my fingers from typing "what was on my mind" and really just unplugged and thought about how my post would affect my readers.  I have also had status' which I should have not posted at all, because of the mood I was in that moment or maybe I was offended at someone and was trying to make a point,  knowing they would read it (the motive of our heart)! 

Social  media is hard because we aren't relating face to face, we can't hear the inflection of our "friend's" voices so we can easily misinterpret "what's on their mind".   Sometimes status or posts are offensive because the words are convicting which is not a bad thing.   I'm  not against being offensive when the time calls for TRUTH to be spoken in love.  You will definitely offend those who don't desire or believe the truth of God's word.  No doubt!  That's not what I'm referring to.  I use face book all the time to share God's word with others.  I will not apologize for it  but what I have been convicted about is that letting our fingers do the talking on our keyboards is easy. It's made it so easy to share God's word on a media site but can also be a little cowardice if I might say that. 

I started asking myself, am I this bold and outspoken for the Lord when I'm face to face? Would I say some of the things I have shared on face book to some one's face? I think I would, but on other days depending on who the person is I might not be quite so bold and confident? Just being honest. It's really made me think about my witness in word and in action. Do my words I so frequently type on my status match my walk? Have the words I've typed so openly and freely hurt others or offended those in an unkind way? I would never want to do that on purpose. Do I seem "self righteous" by the things I post about my activities or my ministry for Christ in this world? Truthfully, I have even considered deleting my face book page lately because of how easy it makes it to seem bold and confident because you aren't face to face. Although, I hate to do that because I think it can be used as a tool to promote the word of God with others you don't see everyday.

If the bible tells us a fool has no interest in understanding, they only want to air their own opinions.  Maybe, some days we should just not post a status at all.  Just leave it blank.  Better to be a man or woman of few words than to be a fool who gives full vent to their anger, bitterness, self-righteousness or whatever our words reveal about our heart.  Some things that are "on our minds" aren't meant to be shared with our Face Book "friends".  God's word tells us "In the multitude of words, sin lies at the door".  Ouch!  Women use so many words.  Just look at how many I have used in this post! 

I have seen some pretty critical and judgmental comments on some post lately. I'm sure I've posted a few like that over the years too.  It just got me thinking about how powerful our words are.  Also, how our thoughts written for all to see can dishonor our Savior or just paint a wrong picture of who we really are. Anyone else ever think like this about social media?  Any comments, any thoughts on this?  I would love to hear if others ever stop and think about what they are typing each day and how their words either bring life or death to the reader.  I want to get some feedback on this subject.

The Death That Brings Victory!

How can death bring us victory?  Just look at the Cross of Calvary, without Christ's death on the Cross there would be NO victory over sin, death , hell and the grave.  Well, of course His resurrection brought about the victory but without His death there would have been no reason for His resurrection! 

Christ has conquered our greatest two enemies, Satan and sin!  So we can just sit back on our laurels and coast into heaven right?  WRONG!  We still battle our flesh.  Yes we live by faith but we still have to strive against sin and our flesh.  Dying to self  is so HARD!  I truly believe it's easier to die to what we consider "big" sins, than it is to die to "little" sins.  Which by the way aren't "little" in God's sight.  Those habits & hang-ups we have grown accustom to living with have to go!  The ways we have learned to respond & react to situations and others is one of the hardest things to die to. Why, because they are rooted in pride!

While we do have a race to run, and we do have an enemy to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and our testimony and yes,  in the end we will see the victory;  it is not without a cost to SELF.  Self has to die in order that we may truly live in Christ!  It is called sanctification.  It is an on-going process from the time we are born again until we see Jesus Christ face to face.  If you don't believe me go read Romans 6 the entire chapter.  We are called to be warriors over our flesh.  To not let sin master us.  To no longer offer our bodies as instruments of unrighteousness but to present our bodies as instruments of righteousness.  That my friends takes work on our part.  Paul uses lots of athletic terms to describe the Christians walk with the Lord; words like: striving, fighting, running.   So,  indeed it takes effort, energy and exertion to embrace this abundant life Jesus promised to those who would love Him and obey Him.  God keeps reminding me to crucify the I.  I actually see the word C R U C I F Y with the "I" crossed out in my minds eye and it always grabs my attention. I guess He really wants me to understand that in order to live in the "resurrection power" He used to bring His Son back to life I must first learn to die!

Thankfully, Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith if we keep our eyes on Him (the prize) we will overcome and victory is ours! Thank you Jesus. The truly Victorious One!

In the shadow of the Almighty,

Renee

The Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction!

Did you know sharing the truth with someone even while done in love can indeed be stranger than fiction? 

I had a phone call this week and the  conversation was about the person trying to find God's direction and will for their life.  This  person professes to be a believer in Christ but has lived in an immoral lifestyle for several years. This person called me, I didn't call them.  So,  I listened with compassion and did not sit in judgement or condemnation of this person, that's not my job nor is it my desire.  My heart aches for this person because I have watched them live their life according to their own terms for decades and it always ends up in disaster & destruction!  God's word tells us, "there is a way that seems right to a man but the end is destruction."

At the end of our conversation I gently and lovingly pointed this person back to God's word, reminding them that we can't live outside of God's will, word and way and expect Him to direct our path or pour His blessings out on us. If we are His children He has a plan for us to follow and it is in His word and in following Christ Jesus daily.  I reminded them that unlike us God is Holy and Righteous.  He can't bless a sinful lifestyle.  The way back into His arms is through repentance and turning from that old lifestyle trusting Him to make a way to get back into right fellowship with Him.  For God to bless a life that lives in blatant disobedience to His word would be like a parent rewarding their child's bad behavior.  Any good parent knows rewarding bad or sinful behavior is very damaging to that child's heart and could very well damn them to hell!  It's a serious matter.  God is the perfect parent.  God is a good parent.  He is not going to give us something that would harm us.  He does want to bless His children but many times we miss out because we are rebellious and want what we want, when we want it and the way we want it.  We seem to want to go around His holiness yet, still live in His "good graces". 

I told this person how gifted God made them, how I respected their ability to step out without fear to try new things, something I have to work at.  I in no way condemned them but only spoke the truth in love, in hopes that the hearer would get it.  The moment I spoke truth into this person's life, the conversation ended.  I mean it ended FAST!   It's OK for me to sit on the phone with you for an hour and listen to your life, to hear you go on and on about what you might need to do,  or what God wants for your life but the minute I speak truth into your world of fiction,  you suddenly have to hang up the phone. 

It seems that the old saying, "truth is stranger than fiction" is indeed true.  Truth can be painful and the realization of truth is hard because it means we will have to do something that will require us to admit we are wrong and GOD is right!   I know it's hard, but I truly believe God loves us so much He wouldn't dare bless or direct us if we aren't willing to listen to His word and desire to walk in obedience to the basics of our faith.  It broke my heart that this person couldn't or wouldn't recognize truth for what it was.  It seems this person enjoys revealing all the drama in her life that is mostly created by her willful choices yet doesn't want to change it. 

Einstein once said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results".  This person wants to pull you into her sickness but when you hold out the antidote for this disease she refuses to take it and refuses to make a move in God's direction.  She prefers to live a life not based on the truth of God's word but one she has invented, a life based on fiction. We can't bring God down to our standards of living.  He set the standard and it's holiness!  That's why He sent His perfect Son into the world.  Christ came to die on the Cross of Calvary for our sins, was buried and  on the third day ROSE from the grave to give us eternal life, the abundant life in Himself.  Salvation is a free gift of grace, but living out our salvation in fear and trembling requires spending time at His feet, hearing His voice, allowing Him to direct our footsteps.  His ways are best.  We have to put our hand in His and walk forward in childlike faith.  We have to love Him more than our own self. I hope I don't sound judgemental well to some I'm sure I do.  I haven't judged her I know who the true judge is and that is not my job.  As a fellow sister in Christ there are times when if we truly love someone like Christ does we will say hard things but not in a harsh way and always with the motive and intent of helping not hurting them.  I think she knows I care and love her, at least I hope she does?   

Praying to the One who is ABLE, He is the revealer, He is the only one who can convict us and comfort us.  Praying God will lead this person to His truth and they will respond with Yes Lord, You are right. 

Trusting Him for the results, 

Human Trafficking could be in your own back yard?

So grateful for our local newspaper publishing an article I wrote on the subject of human trafficking.  Here is the link if you care to read it.  "Education is the key and knowledge if power".  What we don't know can hurt us.  http://www.easternwakenews.com/2012/02/12/15239/point-of-view-human-trafficking.html

Delight in God's Word

This morning I was teaching Mikayla my 7th grader how to study God's word using the 3 pt. method.  I learned how to "hear God's voice" in my personal quiet time years ago through a wonderful community bible study me and my kids were involved in.  I will be forever grateful for those years of training & giving me the "tools" I needed at that time to dig deep for myself.  There comes a time in your walk with the Lord that you must begin to wean yourself off the milk and begin to feed yourself solid food.  If you always rely on the pastor, teacher or small group leader to feed you,  your spiritual growth will be stunted to say the least. 

We were comparing God's word to a seed & discussing how a seed needs to be planted in nutrient rich soil, given fresh water and sunlight for it to take root and begin to spout.  There are many ways for a plant to begin to grow roots and to sprout but eventually to produce fruit or flowers they need to be transplanted outside at the right time to get the appropriate amounts of nutrients, water and sunlight.  So what does that have to do with teaching a child bible study?  It's the same way with our spiritual growth or the study of God's word.  There are many ways to study God's word.  No one method is better than another, it just depends on where you are in your walk with the Lord.  A baby christian needs to be nurtured and taught how to drink the milk of God's word before they begin to cut their teeth on the meat.  Discipleship takes patience and shoving a 7 course meal down the throat of a baby could cause them to choke.  Growing in God's word should be a delight.  We should look  forward to eating God's word one course at a time.  Precept upon precept.  Line upon line.  The more mature believer.  One who by practice has learned to dig deep into the word of God should be patient, gentle and not push a baby believer to grow up too fast. 

What I have learned over the years of studying God's word is that doing the same old method can get really boring, dry and quite frankly make studying God's word a drudgery instead of a joy.   God's word is not dull but the way we go about digging can get old.   The important thing is we are in God's word, digging deeper and deeper so our roots are deep in Christ.  So, I guess what I am trying  to say is that it's not the method as much as the message we should be concerned with.  If we get STUCK on one method of "how to study the bible" we could miss out on the joy and pleasure of studying God's word.  It should not feel like a chore but something we look forward to.

Jesus said in John 8:31 - If you continue in my Word, then you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.  I spent years in "bondage" to one way of digging into God's word.  That is not god's design for my life.  So if you are getting bored or feel like a prisoner to one style of bible study I challenge you to get alone with your bible, pick a book to go through consistently .  Grab a    notebook and have pen poised and ready; ask God to speak to you through His word.  When you read  don't forget to put on your 3-D glasses.  Get into the story, look at who is speaking, the audience they were speaking to, look for names of God and lessons he is trying to teach you today in 2012. 

I promise God's word never disappoints!

Renee