The early church was a growing church. It is the will of God for the church to continue to grow. Acts 2:47 “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 4:4 “Many of them which heard the word believed and the number of the men was about five thousand,” Acts 5:14 “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women” Acts 6:7 “And the word of God increased: and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”
What hinders the church being added to daily? Some say it is opposition. The early church faced opposition, too. Therefore, to answer the question we must determine what the early church did to yield results and compare if we are doing similar to yield a similar harvest.
Acts 2:42: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” The early church was steadfast in doctrine. They realized the importance of fellowship together or assembling themselves together. They enjoyed meals together and prayed together. The early church accomplished these things together. In summary, the early church was a praying and fellowshipping ministry. Despite opposition it was steadfast. This type church will surmount every obstacle and conquer every foe.
Today people are more concerned with selfish desires. More attention is given to bodies than souls. Some are more concerned with saving a dollar than saving a soul. Entertaining services are more appealing than those with anointing. Too much emphasis is placed upon self and not enough on others.
The church is more skillful and organized than ever. These ingredients should add to the church and not hinder. They should never be ingredients taking the place of fellowship, breaking bread and prayer. Yet they should be tools to facilitate fellowship breaking bread, and prayer. Often we try to exist on skill, organization, and talent and omit the vertical experience of prayer. The Spirit of God or anointing is a necessary ingredient. Human relationships will never be stronger than our relationship with the Creator of humanity.
The harvest is greater than one can imagine. Vertical relationships must increase to allow for the swell of the horizontal relationships. In order to experience the results of the early church we must do as the early church did. We must continue steadfastly.
Steadfast: fixed in direction; steadily directed; firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc., as a person; unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence, etc.; firmly established, firmly fixed in place or position
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Beware: Isolation/Separation
Often people deal with a problem by choosing isolation or separation. Having been a Pastor’s wife for almost 20 years now I recognize the symptom. When a distance in someone’s marriage occurs I know soon to come is a separation or divorce unless a miracle occurs. Likewise, when isolation or separation begins in an individual within the church the person backslides or changes churches. Often the later occurs then if the problem isn’t resolved within the individual he eventually backslides.
Each weekday morning I receive a devotional email written by Terry Davidson, Superintendent of Comanche Public Schools in Oklahoma. Once I told Mr. Davidson I think he missed his calling of being a minister. Today his devotional deals with my aforementioned paragraph.
“Because I've battled problems with my back for many years, I've learned that, when lifting something, it is important to keep it close to me. Some of the injuries to my back have occurred when I was lifting something while wearing my good clothes. I would try to keep from getting my clothes dirty by holding the load out away from me.
Whether physically, emotionally, or mentally, we all have loads that need to be picked up sometimes. Sometimes the burden is heavy and sometimes it is dirty. The natural tendency is to try and distance ourselves from the burden.
It won't go away by itself. At some point, it has to be lifted. We might as well get close to it and lift it - - - even if we get our clothes dirty.”
Terry Davidson, Superintendent
Comanche Public Schools
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done." - Author Unknown
Thanks, Mr. Davidson, for another thought provoking email. I don’t want to be more concerned with getting my ‘clothes’ dirty or distancing myself from burdens and injure myself in the process. Suits can easily be replaced if torn or stained but an injured spirit is more difficult to deal with.
Anyone having a hard time dealing with a wounded spirit should get a copy of Bro. Shatwell’s message “The Wounded Spirit” preached @ Texas Men’s Conference 2010.
Each weekday morning I receive a devotional email written by Terry Davidson, Superintendent of Comanche Public Schools in Oklahoma. Once I told Mr. Davidson I think he missed his calling of being a minister. Today his devotional deals with my aforementioned paragraph.
“Because I've battled problems with my back for many years, I've learned that, when lifting something, it is important to keep it close to me. Some of the injuries to my back have occurred when I was lifting something while wearing my good clothes. I would try to keep from getting my clothes dirty by holding the load out away from me.
Whether physically, emotionally, or mentally, we all have loads that need to be picked up sometimes. Sometimes the burden is heavy and sometimes it is dirty. The natural tendency is to try and distance ourselves from the burden.
It won't go away by itself. At some point, it has to be lifted. We might as well get close to it and lift it - - - even if we get our clothes dirty.”
Terry Davidson, Superintendent
Comanche Public Schools
"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done." - Author Unknown
Thanks, Mr. Davidson, for another thought provoking email. I don’t want to be more concerned with getting my ‘clothes’ dirty or distancing myself from burdens and injure myself in the process. Suits can easily be replaced if torn or stained but an injured spirit is more difficult to deal with.
Anyone having a hard time dealing with a wounded spirit should get a copy of Bro. Shatwell’s message “The Wounded Spirit” preached @ Texas Men’s Conference 2010.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Joy for the Journey thru the Word
Sometimes life is a little bumpy or even has too many curves. During those time we still need to praise and worship God. The joy of the Lord comes as we worship and praise Him. In turn the joy gives strength for our journey of life. It is amazing the strength I find in praying the Word. Praying the Word puts me in the very presence of God. John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Psalm 18:1-3 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,> I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalm 24:1-10 (KJV)
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Psalm 47:1-9 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Psalm 89:1-18 (KJV)
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I
Psalm 89:1-18 (KJV) cont’d
establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, thou hast founded them. The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. For the LORD is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
Psalm 92:1-9 (KJV)
A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
Psalm 93:1-5 (KJV)
The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
Psalm 95:1-9 (KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Psalm 96:1-13 (KJV)
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness and the people with his truth.
Psalm 113:1-6 (NKJV)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
Psalm 99:1-6 (NKJV)
The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! The LORD is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name -- He is holy. The King's strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool -- He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
Psalm 104:1-9 (NKJV)
Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth.
Psalm 145:1-13 (NKJV)
I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
I Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 4:8 (NKJV)
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
Psalm 18:1-3 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,> I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Psalm 24:1-10 (KJV)
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Psalm 47:1-9 (KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah. God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet. Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
Psalm 89:1-18 (KJV)
Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I
Psalm 89:1-18 (KJV) cont’d
establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah. And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD? God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee? Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them. Thou hast broken Rahab in pieces, as one that is slain; thou hast scattered thine enemies with thy strong arm. The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, thou hast founded them. The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted. For thou art the glory of their strength: and in thy favour our horn shall be exalted. For the LORD is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
Psalm 92:1-9 (KJV)
A Psalm or Song for the sabbath day. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn sound. For thou, LORD, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this. When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O LORD, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
Psalm 93:1-5 (KJV)
The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O LORD, for ever.
Psalm 95:1-9 (KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.
Psalm 96:1-13 (KJV)
O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth. Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness and the people with his truth.
Psalm 113:1-6 (NKJV)
Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised. The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, Who dwells on high, Who humbles Himself to behold The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
Psalm 99:1-6 (NKJV)
The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved! The LORD is great in Zion, And He is high above all the peoples. Let them praise Your great and awesome name -- He is holy. The King's strength also loves justice; You have established equity; You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the LORD our God, And worship at His footstool -- He is holy. Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
Psalm 104:1-9 (NKJV)
Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain. He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. You who laid the foundations of the earth, So that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; The waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; At the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. They went up over the mountains; They went down into the valleys, To the place which You founded for them. You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, That they may not return to cover the earth.
Psalm 145:1-13 (NKJV)
I will extol You, my God, O King; And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts. I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, And on Your wondrous works. Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. The LORD is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall praise You, O LORD, And Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, And talk of Your power, To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
I Timothy 1:17 (NKJV)
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 4:8 (NKJV)
The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!"
Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)
"You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Be Still
This morning I’ve been humming the chorus “Be Still and Know I am God”. It has such a peaceful melody. After continuously humming the song I thought I would read the scripture from Psalm 46:10 (NIV)"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
What would really happen in our lives if we took time to ‘be still’? Be still and stop worrying about children, home, career, finances, problems, family, politics, government, friends, marriage, pressures, and the past. What would happen if we could for a few moments cease to dwell (to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing) on the thoughts which consume our minds and realize or know that He is God.
Simply knowing He is God may not change the situations in our lives but knowing He is God gives us the ability to stop worrying or fretting over those situations we cannot change. It empowers us to know the one that is able to change every circumstance. Every day I want to be still and allow Him to be sovereign.
What would really happen in our lives if we took time to ‘be still’? Be still and stop worrying about children, home, career, finances, problems, family, politics, government, friends, marriage, pressures, and the past. What would happen if we could for a few moments cease to dwell (to linger over, emphasize, or ponder in thought, speech, or writing) on the thoughts which consume our minds and realize or know that He is God.
Simply knowing He is God may not change the situations in our lives but knowing He is God gives us the ability to stop worrying or fretting over those situations we cannot change. It empowers us to know the one that is able to change every circumstance. Every day I want to be still and allow Him to be sovereign.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Seeking? He is Interceeding!
Before my husband asked me to marry him I began to feel such horrific frustration of wanting to know God’s will for my life. Little did I understand I was really seeking His will for my spouse and not His will for my life. It seemed it was such a huge nagging feeling that once I settled the issue all of the other issues in life would be settled. How funny that seems these 29 years later! It was really only the beginning.
I have learned that finding His will means I must continue doing what I know to do and God will take care of my steps otherwise. Yesterday I shared with a minister since coming to Conroe Kent has never tried out for another church nor inquired about another church. We know that God sent us to Conroe and should He ever direct us differently He will open the door. In the mean time we do not have to expend our energy walking around searching doors rather our energy needs to be spent doing the things He has called us to do in Conroe.
As a pastor’s wife the “will of God’ comes up often with young people and r mature adults, too. I’ve prayed many prayers about the will of God for people. Often young ministers and those trying to decide if they are called to ministry become so consumed in the process of finding “the will”. Some stop ministering and begin seeking where God wants them to be or what He wants them to do. Our daughter, Redonia, has the most incredible insight to this turmoil. Being a PK and having often heard the conversations with others has sent her on a quest for the answer. Recently she stated to her Dad and me, “If so and so is really feeling God is leading them to do ______ then why are they not doing that here? How do they think God is leading them somewhere else when they can do the same thing here and are not?” All we could say was “Good questions, Redonia!” She didn’t let the conversation die but passionately talked about Conroe has every opportunity of any other city or any mission field. She questioned if a person really feels God leading them somewhere else maybe they should get some practice or experience here before moving on. We explained sometimes people become consumed seeking God’s will and they miss out on God’s work and pleasure for the day. Of course she agreed and said that is exactly what she was trying to say!
It’s Graduation time and this week I’ve been praying for our high school seniors. I know this is a time when they are trying to soar into new heights. I don’t want these young adults to be so consumed with trying to figure out the “will” that they miss a key moment of opportunity today. Every day they must continue to walk and do whatever it is they know to do that is good. God will take care of the rest.
Ironically this morning as I read a devotional from crosswalk.com the catchy title “Eaves dropping on Jesus” caught my attention and opened my thinking. A scripture used was Romans 8:34 (NAS) “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” How amazing to think we are on God’s prayer list – He intercedes for us!
Today I plan to do the wonderful things for God that present themselves to me knowing with God I am fulfilled and do not need more to satisfy. He knows my needs and it gives me great confidence knowing He prays for me and will direct my path.
I have learned that finding His will means I must continue doing what I know to do and God will take care of my steps otherwise. Yesterday I shared with a minister since coming to Conroe Kent has never tried out for another church nor inquired about another church. We know that God sent us to Conroe and should He ever direct us differently He will open the door. In the mean time we do not have to expend our energy walking around searching doors rather our energy needs to be spent doing the things He has called us to do in Conroe.
As a pastor’s wife the “will of God’ comes up often with young people and r mature adults, too. I’ve prayed many prayers about the will of God for people. Often young ministers and those trying to decide if they are called to ministry become so consumed in the process of finding “the will”. Some stop ministering and begin seeking where God wants them to be or what He wants them to do. Our daughter, Redonia, has the most incredible insight to this turmoil. Being a PK and having often heard the conversations with others has sent her on a quest for the answer. Recently she stated to her Dad and me, “If so and so is really feeling God is leading them to do ______ then why are they not doing that here? How do they think God is leading them somewhere else when they can do the same thing here and are not?” All we could say was “Good questions, Redonia!” She didn’t let the conversation die but passionately talked about Conroe has every opportunity of any other city or any mission field. She questioned if a person really feels God leading them somewhere else maybe they should get some practice or experience here before moving on. We explained sometimes people become consumed seeking God’s will and they miss out on God’s work and pleasure for the day. Of course she agreed and said that is exactly what she was trying to say!
It’s Graduation time and this week I’ve been praying for our high school seniors. I know this is a time when they are trying to soar into new heights. I don’t want these young adults to be so consumed with trying to figure out the “will” that they miss a key moment of opportunity today. Every day they must continue to walk and do whatever it is they know to do that is good. God will take care of the rest.
Ironically this morning as I read a devotional from crosswalk.com the catchy title “Eaves dropping on Jesus” caught my attention and opened my thinking. A scripture used was Romans 8:34 (NAS) “Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” How amazing to think we are on God’s prayer list – He intercedes for us!
Today I plan to do the wonderful things for God that present themselves to me knowing with God I am fulfilled and do not need more to satisfy. He knows my needs and it gives me great confidence knowing He prays for me and will direct my path.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Listen to Him
Mark 9:7 (NIV) Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"
Being the Mother of children with a love for music there always seemed to be noise in our home or vehicles. I do not share the same love or appreciation for music as the other members of my family. At some point along the way Kent’s passion for music switched to Talk Show Radio and soon after the kids learned to love it, too. I learned to be in a car or room with a talk show or music playing loudly yet not hear a thing that was being spoken or sang. Honestly, I heard the “noise” in a very loud and annoying sense yet I did hear anything specifically spoken. My family cannot understand how the volume is loud and with perfectly good hearing I cannot hear.
Maybe Mark 9:7 leaped from the page with a different meaning to me than some because of my natural abilities or ways. “Listen” may mean to grow still, stop talking, or may imply the person speaking is talking softly. However, “listen” to me implies pay close attention to what is being said.
Before our first child was born a concern of mine was I would not hear her cry in the night. Amazingly however, I didn’t have to hear her cry loudly nor for long periods to awaken me. The slightest movement in her crib would awaken me. I loved this new bundle of joy and my ear was attuned to her.
Of late my husband’s hearing has declined. In a normal office or home setting he has no problem hearing. Most of the difficulty is in a loud restaurant. Background noises prohibit him from hearing the persons speaking sitting near him. This has become a great point of frustration. When entertaining guests I endeavor to be considerate of Kent when making dining out plans.
Listening and hearing are very important concepts in our relationship with the Lord. Often, we make decisions in our lives based on our feelings, emotions or others and never consider the Lord. Then, again we feel our decisions are based on God when every principle of the Word is violated. God and His Word cannot be separated therefore God is not a part of such decision.
Last evening a lady shared with me a situation that occurred on her job which is an environment of non-believers for the most part. However, one coworker shares similar religious beliefs. This person began to tell my friend things that “God” had spoken to her. Unfortunately, she was accusing ladies on the job including the lady from our church of things that have not happened. Finally, my friend proclaimed God did not tell you this because what you are saying is a lie and God cannot lie. This morning upon reading Mark 9:7 I could not help but question how many times have I heard voices and confused it with the voice of God. Fears, personal desires, frustrations, the crowd can be factors of confusing thoughts.
Regardless of circumstances or noises around me I want to listen to the voice of God. Just as I very carefully heard the noises of my babies and can clearly recognize even the footsteps of my husband I want to be in such an intimate relationship with the Lord that I know the difference of his voice and confusing spirits.
NOTE: Again the scripture is derived from a devotion on Crosswalk today. There are many online resources for scripture reading and devotions. Though I enjoy reading from devotionals I never want to allow these to 'think' for me. I always ensure the scripture is posted correctly and the interpretation is accurate or measures to the Word of God. Then I sit and meditate upon it I am thankful for so many wonderful places to provoke my thoughts.
Being the Mother of children with a love for music there always seemed to be noise in our home or vehicles. I do not share the same love or appreciation for music as the other members of my family. At some point along the way Kent’s passion for music switched to Talk Show Radio and soon after the kids learned to love it, too. I learned to be in a car or room with a talk show or music playing loudly yet not hear a thing that was being spoken or sang. Honestly, I heard the “noise” in a very loud and annoying sense yet I did hear anything specifically spoken. My family cannot understand how the volume is loud and with perfectly good hearing I cannot hear.
Maybe Mark 9:7 leaped from the page with a different meaning to me than some because of my natural abilities or ways. “Listen” may mean to grow still, stop talking, or may imply the person speaking is talking softly. However, “listen” to me implies pay close attention to what is being said.
Before our first child was born a concern of mine was I would not hear her cry in the night. Amazingly however, I didn’t have to hear her cry loudly nor for long periods to awaken me. The slightest movement in her crib would awaken me. I loved this new bundle of joy and my ear was attuned to her.
Of late my husband’s hearing has declined. In a normal office or home setting he has no problem hearing. Most of the difficulty is in a loud restaurant. Background noises prohibit him from hearing the persons speaking sitting near him. This has become a great point of frustration. When entertaining guests I endeavor to be considerate of Kent when making dining out plans.
Listening and hearing are very important concepts in our relationship with the Lord. Often, we make decisions in our lives based on our feelings, emotions or others and never consider the Lord. Then, again we feel our decisions are based on God when every principle of the Word is violated. God and His Word cannot be separated therefore God is not a part of such decision.
Last evening a lady shared with me a situation that occurred on her job which is an environment of non-believers for the most part. However, one coworker shares similar religious beliefs. This person began to tell my friend things that “God” had spoken to her. Unfortunately, she was accusing ladies on the job including the lady from our church of things that have not happened. Finally, my friend proclaimed God did not tell you this because what you are saying is a lie and God cannot lie. This morning upon reading Mark 9:7 I could not help but question how many times have I heard voices and confused it with the voice of God. Fears, personal desires, frustrations, the crowd can be factors of confusing thoughts.
Regardless of circumstances or noises around me I want to listen to the voice of God. Just as I very carefully heard the noises of my babies and can clearly recognize even the footsteps of my husband I want to be in such an intimate relationship with the Lord that I know the difference of his voice and confusing spirits.
NOTE: Again the scripture is derived from a devotion on Crosswalk today. There are many online resources for scripture reading and devotions. Though I enjoy reading from devotionals I never want to allow these to 'think' for me. I always ensure the scripture is posted correctly and the interpretation is accurate or measures to the Word of God. Then I sit and meditate upon it I am thankful for so many wonderful places to provoke my thoughts.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Fresh Start for Strong Faith!
This morning my routine of web devotions led me to the following as my very first scripture:
Ephesians 2:14 (Amplified Bible)
14For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,
Ephesians 2:14 (The Message)
14-15The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
14-15The Messiah has made things up between us so that we're now together on this, both non-Jewish outsiders and Jewish insiders. He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then he started over. Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody.
Have you ever needed a fresh start? I certainly have needed a new beginning more than once in my life. In fact there have been days as a Mother I realized it wasn’t my children but rather me that needed a fresh start. I had gotten in the habit of seeing their bad behavior, saying no before really considering what they were asking feeling grouchy, etc. Then often I have made mistakes while not even necessarily sinful in nature mistakes they were. During time of mistake I needed someone to give me a fresh start. Maybe I was too temperamental and it hindered my relationship with my husband or others surrounding me.
This scripture is really an eye-opener to me….every day God has a fresh start planned for me. All of my faults and failures from yesterday or wiped away. It’s up to me to walk in that fresh start! A fresh start leds to STRONG faith!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Powerful Verse
Each day I endeavor to read scriptures and/or the devotionals from www.crosswalk.com A few moments ago I scrolled to the bottom of the home page and read the POWER VERSES for today. Both are definitely powerful. After reading the scriptures then I went to www.biblegateway.com as I normally do for some Bible reading. Tonight I decided to read one of the power verses from crosswalk. I thought it would be interesting to read different translations of the verse. Check out this powerful verse:
Isaiah 43:16-21 (The Msg) This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can't get up;
they're snuffed out like so many candles:"Forget about what's happened;
don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.
How powerful to be reminded that we were made especially for God! My previous post today I refered to being alert or sensitive to know when evil comes but I want to be alert and present because God is about to do something brand-new!!!! This week CUPC is hosting a Parent's Day inviting all of our bus children's parents to church Sunday. I am alert and expecting GREAT things.
Isaiah 43:16-21 (The Msg) This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can't get up;
they're snuffed out like so many candles:"Forget about what's happened;
don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!' —the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert, rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.
How powerful to be reminded that we were made especially for God! My previous post today I refered to being alert or sensitive to know when evil comes but I want to be alert and present because God is about to do something brand-new!!!! This week CUPC is hosting a Parent's Day inviting all of our bus children's parents to church Sunday. I am alert and expecting GREAT things.
A Lesson from a Dream
Last night’s sleep/awake cycle has dominated my devotion this morning. I dreamed the same dream several times but awoke each time to pray. During each prayer I felt a calm assurance all was well. Then I drifted back to sleep and the cycle began over and over again.
I dreamed there was a bent over person wearing a black cape and hood moving my door knob in attempt to quietly sneak in my front door. I walked swiftly from my bedroom to the front door. Our front door is leaded glass with a leaded glass side light. Before approaching the door I could vividly see the person turning the knob. As I approached the door the person obviously saw me and fled. I never touched the door and would then go back to my bedroom. At this point I woke up.
This morning in reflection I am reminded of several things. First, it occurred to me this was an evil spirit. How horrible to think than an evil spirit was attempting to walk into my home one might say! However, I challenge this thinking and say evil spirits try everyday to get into each of our homes. I’m thankful that I was keen enough to hear the slight rattle of the door knob or maybe it was just that I sensed someone was at the door. What if I would not have heard or sensed something? The spirit could have come in and attacked me or one of my family members. Maybe he would not have been brave enough at that moment to attack but could have hid in a closet or under a bed and oppressed us with his presence until we became weak and vulnerable for his attack
When I saw the evil spirit I didn’t run, hide, or scream for help. I simply kept walking towards the door confronting the very presence of the spirit. It didn’t take a war to get him away from my door. He was persistent and came back several times or at least I dreamed it several times. Maybe God had to be persistent with me several times so I would understand all the dynamics of the dream. Either way, I realize that there was not a fight rather I confronted the spirit and he left.
After the dream I woke up and prayed asking God to protect us and tried to determine the meaning. How many times have I not been sensitive and let something creep in robbing me of my joy, strength, health, emotions, and torment my family? I want to be sensitive and recognize the power that resides within me. I have no reason to fear or be tormented by evil spirits. I can confidently address the spirit. In prayer God will give me the calm assurance that everything is alright. Too often when a tormenting spirit comes we become overcome in the battle. From now on I want to confidently address it and then walk away. In my dream, I did not open the door to ensure the spirit was not there nor did I stand guard of the door. I didn’t call my husband to go out with his gun or call the police because someone was trying to get in the house. I simply walked back to my room and rested.
Normally, when I dream something I feel is spiritual I wake up and move to the living room to pray. Last night was different for some strange reason. I stayed on my pillow and softly prayed then very quickly drifted back to sleep. This morning this has been an important part of my devotion. I have felt the Lord speaking to me saying we don’t have to be tormented or overcome in the battle nor expend lots of energy fighting against things that come to rob us of doing the things we are called. I wonder how many times I have wasted time and energy guarding against something coming back that doesn’t even have the power to come back. From now on I want to confidently address evil spirit and then walk away in the same assurance that everything is going to be ok with God on my side.
I dreamed there was a bent over person wearing a black cape and hood moving my door knob in attempt to quietly sneak in my front door. I walked swiftly from my bedroom to the front door. Our front door is leaded glass with a leaded glass side light. Before approaching the door I could vividly see the person turning the knob. As I approached the door the person obviously saw me and fled. I never touched the door and would then go back to my bedroom. At this point I woke up.
This morning in reflection I am reminded of several things. First, it occurred to me this was an evil spirit. How horrible to think than an evil spirit was attempting to walk into my home one might say! However, I challenge this thinking and say evil spirits try everyday to get into each of our homes. I’m thankful that I was keen enough to hear the slight rattle of the door knob or maybe it was just that I sensed someone was at the door. What if I would not have heard or sensed something? The spirit could have come in and attacked me or one of my family members. Maybe he would not have been brave enough at that moment to attack but could have hid in a closet or under a bed and oppressed us with his presence until we became weak and vulnerable for his attack
When I saw the evil spirit I didn’t run, hide, or scream for help. I simply kept walking towards the door confronting the very presence of the spirit. It didn’t take a war to get him away from my door. He was persistent and came back several times or at least I dreamed it several times. Maybe God had to be persistent with me several times so I would understand all the dynamics of the dream. Either way, I realize that there was not a fight rather I confronted the spirit and he left.
After the dream I woke up and prayed asking God to protect us and tried to determine the meaning. How many times have I not been sensitive and let something creep in robbing me of my joy, strength, health, emotions, and torment my family? I want to be sensitive and recognize the power that resides within me. I have no reason to fear or be tormented by evil spirits. I can confidently address the spirit. In prayer God will give me the calm assurance that everything is alright. Too often when a tormenting spirit comes we become overcome in the battle. From now on I want to confidently address it and then walk away. In my dream, I did not open the door to ensure the spirit was not there nor did I stand guard of the door. I didn’t call my husband to go out with his gun or call the police because someone was trying to get in the house. I simply walked back to my room and rested.
Normally, when I dream something I feel is spiritual I wake up and move to the living room to pray. Last night was different for some strange reason. I stayed on my pillow and softly prayed then very quickly drifted back to sleep. This morning this has been an important part of my devotion. I have felt the Lord speaking to me saying we don’t have to be tormented or overcome in the battle nor expend lots of energy fighting against things that come to rob us of doing the things we are called. I wonder how many times I have wasted time and energy guarding against something coming back that doesn’t even have the power to come back. From now on I want to confidently address evil spirit and then walk away in the same assurance that everything is going to be ok with God on my side.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Am I Part Giraffe?
Giraffes have the shortest sleep cycle of any mammal. They sleep between 10 minutes and 2 hours in a 24-hour period or an average of 1.9 hours of sleep per day. For Giraffes it is not a sleep disorder that keeps them awake. It is just the way God made them.
Last week I had surgery. While I am not in pain I am not comfortable sleeping at night nor am I sleeping during the day. Even the 2 nights I took pain medication I was not able to sleep. During my interrupted sleep I have prayed, thought, planned, etc.
Last night I had a comforting thought during one of my long awake times. My heavenly Father never sleeps and He was awake with me. David declared, “He who keeps you will not slumber” (Psalms 121:3). God’s sleeplessness is for our good. Verse 5 states, “The Lord is your keeper.” God keeps us, protects us, and cares for us.
I know I’m not part Giraffe despite the fact I have a long neck and long legs. I also know this season in my life will pass but I’m thankful my Heavenly Father is with me every step of the way.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Facebook or Jesus?
Facebook is a social networking site I belong and enjoy. It is totally private if the account is set to be viewed by 'friends' only. I don't recommend meeting new people on Facebook (accepting friends with those you don't know or having the account set as public) In fact I feel it is dangerous for everyone and more especially teens to utilize it for making new relationships. Some times, however, I have become acquainted with someone - a visiting minister's wife, etc and later connect to them on Facebook. Facebook allows me to get to know the person better. It has also proven a great tool for me to keep up with family and friends who live 100's of miles from me. I have also been blessed to reconnect with friends of years gone by using Facebook.
Facebook should not be used as a sole piece of communication relaying important information to those who may need to know. The more friends a person is connected to the more difficult it becomes to read every status update or comment. I currently have 763 Facebook friends. When I read updates I never take the time to go back and read everything since my previous time to read. In other words I leave gaps and miss MANY updates. Hence, don't use facebook to tell me something important. Now if you choose to send me a private email via Facebook I will eventually read it but again I may not connect to Facebook for a while and may not get the message in a timely manner. Remember Facebook is for SOCIAL networking and not for proper communication.
Another frustration I have with Facebook is people use it to say things they would never say otherwise and feel justified because they are saying it to a Facebook "friend". Now I don't have a problem being connected to EVERYONE you may know but some things should not be said to some people. For instance I am a pastor's wife and from time to time I read discouraging words from members of another church. It is NOT my place to be the Facebook Pastor's wife to encourage a saint from another church. First, I don't know the whole story and I may say something wrong. Secondly, the appropriate pastor/pastor's wife may not be on Facebook at all or for a season and the devil can plant a seed that "Sis. Smith cares for me more than my pastor's wife." Ministerial ethics should alway supercede Facebook ethics. Those involved in ministry KNOW the ethics, too.
I don't feel Facebook is the forum for seeking advice or answers to problems. With the internet we can search out causes and cures to problems of any kind. Many medical problems have similar symptoms yet treatment for a specific problem can vary greatly. For instance many illnesses include fatigue and muscle weakness. A such illness is Guillain-Barre-Syndrome, a nerve problem that can lead to paralysis while a thyroid disorder is another. The chief complaints of both diseases are very similar yet the diagnosis is medical miles apart. The treatment is even a wider distance. Seeking advice via the Internet can lead a person on a wrong trail of help. In fact a person could spend hundreds of dollars and countless hours pursing the wrong medical attention only to start over while the suffering continued. Wrong temporary treatment can even cause a problem to grow worse.
Several times of late I have endeavored to caution people of their words on Facebook. I have asked people to think of a scripture and post it when their thoughts would be negative. Or would remind a person of the love of God. Sadly, others had already read the negative comments and possibly were giving wrong advice or forming wrong opinions. We all have bad days. I do not want an opinion formed of me in the midst of a bad moment.
Facebook can be a great place to solicit prayer or post prayer requests. However, just as most churches no longer have 'spoken' prayer request time because many used it is a gossip time neither should Facebook be used to exploit or spread gossip.
Often a person feels a need to carry something to others or talk. Really before carrying to our Facebook friends we should carry to our Friend, Jesus. The old song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" sums up much of my thoughts this beautiful Sunday morning.
Enjoy the lyrics and if you know the tune sing along as you read.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear, May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Facebook should not be used as a sole piece of communication relaying important information to those who may need to know. The more friends a person is connected to the more difficult it becomes to read every status update or comment. I currently have 763 Facebook friends. When I read updates I never take the time to go back and read everything since my previous time to read. In other words I leave gaps and miss MANY updates. Hence, don't use facebook to tell me something important. Now if you choose to send me a private email via Facebook I will eventually read it but again I may not connect to Facebook for a while and may not get the message in a timely manner. Remember Facebook is for SOCIAL networking and not for proper communication.
Another frustration I have with Facebook is people use it to say things they would never say otherwise and feel justified because they are saying it to a Facebook "friend". Now I don't have a problem being connected to EVERYONE you may know but some things should not be said to some people. For instance I am a pastor's wife and from time to time I read discouraging words from members of another church. It is NOT my place to be the Facebook Pastor's wife to encourage a saint from another church. First, I don't know the whole story and I may say something wrong. Secondly, the appropriate pastor/pastor's wife may not be on Facebook at all or for a season and the devil can plant a seed that "Sis. Smith cares for me more than my pastor's wife." Ministerial ethics should alway supercede Facebook ethics. Those involved in ministry KNOW the ethics, too.
I don't feel Facebook is the forum for seeking advice or answers to problems. With the internet we can search out causes and cures to problems of any kind. Many medical problems have similar symptoms yet treatment for a specific problem can vary greatly. For instance many illnesses include fatigue and muscle weakness. A such illness is Guillain-Barre-Syndrome, a nerve problem that can lead to paralysis while a thyroid disorder is another. The chief complaints of both diseases are very similar yet the diagnosis is medical miles apart. The treatment is even a wider distance. Seeking advice via the Internet can lead a person on a wrong trail of help. In fact a person could spend hundreds of dollars and countless hours pursing the wrong medical attention only to start over while the suffering continued. Wrong temporary treatment can even cause a problem to grow worse.
Several times of late I have endeavored to caution people of their words on Facebook. I have asked people to think of a scripture and post it when their thoughts would be negative. Or would remind a person of the love of God. Sadly, others had already read the negative comments and possibly were giving wrong advice or forming wrong opinions. We all have bad days. I do not want an opinion formed of me in the midst of a bad moment.
Facebook can be a great place to solicit prayer or post prayer requests. However, just as most churches no longer have 'spoken' prayer request time because many used it is a gossip time neither should Facebook be used to exploit or spread gossip.
Often a person feels a need to carry something to others or talk. Really before carrying to our Facebook friends we should carry to our Friend, Jesus. The old song "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" sums up much of my thoughts this beautiful Sunday morning.
Enjoy the lyrics and if you know the tune sing along as you read.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear, May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Who Shall I Obey
Romans 6:15-18 (The Message) So, since we're out from under the old tyranny, does that mean we can live any old way we want? Since we're free in the freedom of God, can we do anything that comes to mind? Hardly. You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and it's your last free act. But offer yourselves to the ways of God and the freedom never quits. All your lives you've let sin tell you what to do. But thank God you've started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!
Thinking this morning that many things that we CAN do will only hinder liberty and freedom in our lives. Just as many criminal offenses revokes certain rights and privileges as an American citizen, I believe taking certain Christian liberties into our lives hinders the power and the anointing to operate freely in our lives.
Which means more partaking in these liberties or having HIM in complete operation in my life?
Thinking this morning that many things that we CAN do will only hinder liberty and freedom in our lives. Just as many criminal offenses revokes certain rights and privileges as an American citizen, I believe taking certain Christian liberties into our lives hinders the power and the anointing to operate freely in our lives.
Which means more partaking in these liberties or having HIM in complete operation in my life?
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Convenience or Burden
Following is a copy of an email I sent to our student ministries staff and Christian school administrator who serves as the director of our Sunday School.
Every weekday I receive an email from Terry Davidson. He is a most incredible thinker. I felt today’s email was worth sharing with each of you. Immediately I thought to send it to each of you. First off to those of you who work with youth @ the church, you have a MUCH greater influence on them that you realize. For the most part those following will not quite measure up to your dedication, prayer life, worship, holiness, nor love for truth. It is best that each of you go a step beyond what you may feel necessary to ensure those following you land in a safe place.
Sis. Tina, I feel this would be great to share with both the Sunday School teachers and CCS staff. As I mentioned to you a few Sundays ago it is going to take teachers in strong command of themselves in areas of preparation and spiritually to even maintain enough order to hold a decently structured class with our outreach children. These children are bringing into our buses and class rooms many spirits.
Last evening Bro. Trent was informed by one of the bus boys he was stabbed @ school this week. He was already pulled from his school and attending the RA school for children with behavioral issues for the rest of the school year. Now he has been sentenced to boot camp, He will even have to attend boot camp in the summer for fighting. The other student is in the Mont Co Juvenile Detention Center for a couple of years. Trent said, “Mom I may not have believed his story but he showed me the big bandage” Well, I have been a little more acquainted with XXXX and trust me I believe this and no telling what else is true about him. XXXX is only in the 6th grade. Both youth leaders and Sunday School teachers of CUPC are working with these type children on a weekly basis.
Each of us have such an incredible responsibility yet such a powerful opportunity before us! If your burden slips even the least I would absolutely love for you to ride the ‘tennis shoe’ bus for two weeks. I promise you will have a renewed burden for doing ALL you can to reach our city. I’m appreciative for the prophetic words of Bro. McClain Sunday night. I have felt exactly the same thing. We are having a revival . I know my conversations always get to outreach but honestly the mission of the church must be outreach. We must reach out to those youth who sit on our benches week end and week out as well as those we are bringing via the buses and van. Every single one of them is worth the effort.
Last week Taylor presented his paper @ school that I mentioned a few wks ago. He received a 95. Greater than that his professor wrote on the paper she was thankful he attended such a great church. She also included his story was a very moving story. Basically Taylor told what happens week in and week out on the bus. He told how he was beginning to question if he was making a difference then the events of Jared & Christian’s life caused him to know HE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Let’s ALL make a difference by not only telling the kids what to do but let’s MODEL it for them!
Love
Sis. Smith
Dear Colleagues,
Kenneth Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager and many other books about leadership has said, "If you're interested, you do something if it's convenient. If you're really passionate about it, you'll do it whether or not it's convenient." If we expect our students to excel, we must go beyond doing what is convenient.
If we think our students are going to be more passionate that we are, we're mistaken. Most of them aren't going to work harder than we do; they're not going to start earlier than we do; and they won't stay longer than we do.
There's nothing wrong with telling them what they need to do. But let's not forget to model it.
Terry Davidson, Superintendent
Comanche Public Schools
"Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means." - Albert Einstein
(Note: XXXX is used to protect the identity of the 6th grade bus student. Additionally, Taylor is a 10th grade student @ our christian school. Two years ago we double promoted him. He is currently dually enrolled in our school and an area college. The paper was presented to one of his college classes. Taylor is 14 and a very valuable youth worker every Sunday on the bus route)
Every weekday I receive an email from Terry Davidson. He is a most incredible thinker. I felt today’s email was worth sharing with each of you. Immediately I thought to send it to each of you. First off to those of you who work with youth @ the church, you have a MUCH greater influence on them that you realize. For the most part those following will not quite measure up to your dedication, prayer life, worship, holiness, nor love for truth. It is best that each of you go a step beyond what you may feel necessary to ensure those following you land in a safe place.
Sis. Tina, I feel this would be great to share with both the Sunday School teachers and CCS staff. As I mentioned to you a few Sundays ago it is going to take teachers in strong command of themselves in areas of preparation and spiritually to even maintain enough order to hold a decently structured class with our outreach children. These children are bringing into our buses and class rooms many spirits.
Last evening Bro. Trent was informed by one of the bus boys he was stabbed @ school this week. He was already pulled from his school and attending the RA school for children with behavioral issues for the rest of the school year. Now he has been sentenced to boot camp, He will even have to attend boot camp in the summer for fighting. The other student is in the Mont Co Juvenile Detention Center for a couple of years. Trent said, “Mom I may not have believed his story but he showed me the big bandage” Well, I have been a little more acquainted with XXXX and trust me I believe this and no telling what else is true about him. XXXX is only in the 6th grade. Both youth leaders and Sunday School teachers of CUPC are working with these type children on a weekly basis.
Each of us have such an incredible responsibility yet such a powerful opportunity before us! If your burden slips even the least I would absolutely love for you to ride the ‘tennis shoe’ bus for two weeks. I promise you will have a renewed burden for doing ALL you can to reach our city. I’m appreciative for the prophetic words of Bro. McClain Sunday night. I have felt exactly the same thing. We are having a revival . I know my conversations always get to outreach but honestly the mission of the church must be outreach. We must reach out to those youth who sit on our benches week end and week out as well as those we are bringing via the buses and van. Every single one of them is worth the effort.
Last week Taylor presented his paper @ school that I mentioned a few wks ago. He received a 95. Greater than that his professor wrote on the paper she was thankful he attended such a great church. She also included his story was a very moving story. Basically Taylor told what happens week in and week out on the bus. He told how he was beginning to question if he was making a difference then the events of Jared & Christian’s life caused him to know HE IS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Let’s ALL make a difference by not only telling the kids what to do but let’s MODEL it for them!
Love
Sis. Smith
Dear Colleagues,
Kenneth Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager and many other books about leadership has said, "If you're interested, you do something if it's convenient. If you're really passionate about it, you'll do it whether or not it's convenient." If we expect our students to excel, we must go beyond doing what is convenient.
If we think our students are going to be more passionate that we are, we're mistaken. Most of them aren't going to work harder than we do; they're not going to start earlier than we do; and they won't stay longer than we do.
There's nothing wrong with telling them what they need to do. But let's not forget to model it.
Terry Davidson, Superintendent
Comanche Public Schools
"Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means." - Albert Einstein
(Note: XXXX is used to protect the identity of the 6th grade bus student. Additionally, Taylor is a 10th grade student @ our christian school. Two years ago we double promoted him. He is currently dually enrolled in our school and an area college. The paper was presented to one of his college classes. Taylor is 14 and a very valuable youth worker every Sunday on the bus route)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Change
I am a huge fan and advocate of change; in fact often I have taught that a rut is simply a grave. However, of late I have dwelt much in my private meditations on the subject of change. I realize that many things change and we can either move in some areas of our lives or we will be left behind.
Many people don’t deal well with change. In fact many people are insecure and change creates imbalance. Others are fearful and the slightest change creates trauma. Then there are those who thrive on change. These people change for change sake even if the change moves them to a negative or backwards position. Surely there is balance in all of these people.
Change means different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. Analyzing the definition of the word change causes me to think deeply. While I agree many things in life needs to change, other times it simply does not matter if things are changed or remain the same, and some things must never change. Some things are simply not negotiable.
In a world that is bombarded with the ideology of tolerance are we instilling in our young people the importance of standing firm being unmovable, unchangeable in the areas of Biblical truths? I know some of the older generation fuss about new music. Honestly I could care less if we are singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” or “I am a Friend of God”, “How Great is our God” or “How Great Thou Art” Both the old version and the new version are proclaiming the same message. What matters to me is the position of the singer or the musician. The style may change but the position of a submitted singer or musician to God must never change.
My meditations have brought me to a particular conclusion long before a person changes he sets his eyes in a different position. Unfortunately I have known people with a change of position in their marriage. Long before the marital status changes from married to separated or divorced one can change his/her direction of the eye. If that direction changes it isn’t long before the marital status changes. After the eye begins to behold things differently, new friendships or relationships are formed. I have observed similar take place in a spiritual realm. The eye sees things different then relationships change.
Now I’m filled with new questions having resolved the aforementioned conclusions. If a person keeps his eyes on God would he be interested in changing? If a person keeps his eyes on God rather than others would he endeavor to rationalize what’s wrong with some things or would he just leave well enough alone and not struggle with making changes? If we keep our eyes on God would we spend more time on outreach rather than trying to find ways to ‘change safely’? I’ve lived long enough to realize naturally change occurs. We really don’t need to try to facilitate it. In fact I have discovered too often we have to struggle to take things back to its original state rather than find creative innovative ways to change.
Proverbs 22:28 (The Message) Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.
I believe it is important that we realize the Devil is seeking whom he may devour and a stealthily (quiet, caution, secret) change of boundaries staked out by our ancestors can be a way he is attacking the church today.
Today I am determined more than ever before to pray for every young person possessing any degree of leadership. I am committing more time in prayer including praying the word for my three children this week. Additionally, I will call the name of every preacher’s kid and young minister I know. I don’t want something as valuable as change to create a negative change to move these precious people from the position of being the dynamic powerful leaders God intends them to be. I appreciate the changing of the guard to a younger generation.
CUPC is blessed to have a church full of young people in positions of nursery workers to ushers to musicians to praise singers to bus workers to teachers. I appreciate the youthful change their leadership brings however I do not want them to change Biblical truths including those of salvation and holiness.
Many people don’t deal well with change. In fact many people are insecure and change creates imbalance. Others are fearful and the slightest change creates trauma. Then there are those who thrive on change. These people change for change sake even if the change moves them to a negative or backwards position. Surely there is balance in all of these people.
Change means different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone. Analyzing the definition of the word change causes me to think deeply. While I agree many things in life needs to change, other times it simply does not matter if things are changed or remain the same, and some things must never change. Some things are simply not negotiable.
In a world that is bombarded with the ideology of tolerance are we instilling in our young people the importance of standing firm being unmovable, unchangeable in the areas of Biblical truths? I know some of the older generation fuss about new music. Honestly I could care less if we are singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” or “I am a Friend of God”, “How Great is our God” or “How Great Thou Art” Both the old version and the new version are proclaiming the same message. What matters to me is the position of the singer or the musician. The style may change but the position of a submitted singer or musician to God must never change.
My meditations have brought me to a particular conclusion long before a person changes he sets his eyes in a different position. Unfortunately I have known people with a change of position in their marriage. Long before the marital status changes from married to separated or divorced one can change his/her direction of the eye. If that direction changes it isn’t long before the marital status changes. After the eye begins to behold things differently, new friendships or relationships are formed. I have observed similar take place in a spiritual realm. The eye sees things different then relationships change.
Now I’m filled with new questions having resolved the aforementioned conclusions. If a person keeps his eyes on God would he be interested in changing? If a person keeps his eyes on God rather than others would he endeavor to rationalize what’s wrong with some things or would he just leave well enough alone and not struggle with making changes? If we keep our eyes on God would we spend more time on outreach rather than trying to find ways to ‘change safely’? I’ve lived long enough to realize naturally change occurs. We really don’t need to try to facilitate it. In fact I have discovered too often we have to struggle to take things back to its original state rather than find creative innovative ways to change.
Proverbs 22:28 (The Message) Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.
I believe it is important that we realize the Devil is seeking whom he may devour and a stealthily (quiet, caution, secret) change of boundaries staked out by our ancestors can be a way he is attacking the church today.
Today I am determined more than ever before to pray for every young person possessing any degree of leadership. I am committing more time in prayer including praying the word for my three children this week. Additionally, I will call the name of every preacher’s kid and young minister I know. I don’t want something as valuable as change to create a negative change to move these precious people from the position of being the dynamic powerful leaders God intends them to be. I appreciate the changing of the guard to a younger generation.
CUPC is blessed to have a church full of young people in positions of nursery workers to ushers to musicians to praise singers to bus workers to teachers. I appreciate the youthful change their leadership brings however I do not want them to change Biblical truths including those of salvation and holiness.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
My Valentine
This year marks my 28th Valentine's to be in love with my best friend, my husband, my pastor, an incredible Dad, an awesome father-in-law, a loyal son, a great son-in-law, a friend to many, a mentor, a Godly man, but I am glad he is my Valentine.
The past 28 years have given me many memories. We have shared many wonderful times together and have braved storms together. Kent is an optimist, a man of faith, and a visionary, full of humor, loving, compassionate, and dedicated.
Today he sent me an email with the following words: “The reservation is set for 6:30Friday nite. You might wanta dress up. Mysterious and romantic!!!!!!!! I love you” He loves surprising me. The greatest gift we give to one another is ourselves. There's absolutely nothing more important to me than Kent. I LOVE him...
I LOVE my Valentine of 28 years. I truly love him more today than ever. He's my boyfriend.....I LOVE him!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
In Honor of Valentines Month – Romans 12:10
Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; (KJV)
Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. (God's Word Translation)
The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Kindness cannot be expressed to friends and family only. A Christian will not harbor anger against enemies. Christians bless rather than curse those despitefully use them or those who have had occasion to disagree. Blessing does not mean pray for the person and then curse them with actions or hurtful and hateful thoughts or words. It is impossible to both bless and curse. This can only be done in hypocrisy.
A very noticeable symptom of unkindness or lack of love is jealousy or competition. It is impossible to compete or be jealous if we love. These negative symptoms reveal a missing ingredient - a heart filled with love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love - 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
If God resides in our lives it is impossible to not love everyone. God is either present or He is absent. It is impossible to have hidden places within our heart where we don't love some people. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) With God operating in us we will show the same mercy, love, and kindness. It doesn’t matter how others treat us today, treated us in the past, or wronged us. We are never justified in our actions of being rude, short, ugly, or unkind. We will show love and mercy and be kind if God is living within.
God, please dwell in my heart that I may show love and kindness to all!
Be devoted to each other like a loving family. Excel in showing respect for each other. (God's Word Translation)
The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and deceitful compliments. Our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. Kindness cannot be expressed to friends and family only. A Christian will not harbor anger against enemies. Christians bless rather than curse those despitefully use them or those who have had occasion to disagree. Blessing does not mean pray for the person and then curse them with actions or hurtful and hateful thoughts or words. It is impossible to both bless and curse. This can only be done in hypocrisy.
A very noticeable symptom of unkindness or lack of love is jealousy or competition. It is impossible to compete or be jealous if we love. These negative symptoms reveal a missing ingredient - a heart filled with love. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love - 1 John 4:8 (NIV)
If God resides in our lives it is impossible to not love everyone. God is either present or He is absent. It is impossible to have hidden places within our heart where we don't love some people. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4-5) With God operating in us we will show the same mercy, love, and kindness. It doesn’t matter how others treat us today, treated us in the past, or wronged us. We are never justified in our actions of being rude, short, ugly, or unkind. We will show love and mercy and be kind if God is living within.
God, please dwell in my heart that I may show love and kindness to all!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Seeking Answers...Numbers 9:8
I have had opportunity to talk with 7 and possibly more persons the past couple of weeks who were seeking answers. Each of these persons articulated their discussions differently but ultimately each were discussing the same point. They have been praying about direction, wisdom, guidance, answers, the will of God, or the call of God. What a complex subject!
Does one really hear the voice of God? How do I know what God is saying? How am I sure this is from God? I feel God is wanting me to do this so do I need to begin doing so and so. What a whirlwind of emotions follow!
As a pastor or pastor's wife the last thing we want to do is misguide someone. I find these times like wading off in the deep yet not being a very good swimmer. I can swim enough to stay afloat yet I am not an accomplished swimmer. In fact I am better at floating and dog paddling. How will I survive the deep?
Today I have lunch with a wonderful young lady needing answers. She isn't looking to me for the answer rather looking to me to facilitate her finding answers. I never take such meetings times lightly. I marvel at the times people want to talk with us about finding answers and God begins nudging my spirit.
Last night was a sleepless night for me. Finally I thought of a couple of words. I wasn't sure if God was giving me these words for me or for those I will endeavor to help -"BE STILL". Upon searching I began to read Numbers 9:8.
As I read Number 9:8 from several translations the Word of God was illumninated to me in a most powerful way.
New International Version (©1984)
Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you."
Does one really hear the voice of God? How do I know what God is saying? How am I sure this is from God? I feel God is wanting me to do this so do I need to begin doing so and so. What a whirlwind of emotions follow!
As a pastor or pastor's wife the last thing we want to do is misguide someone. I find these times like wading off in the deep yet not being a very good swimmer. I can swim enough to stay afloat yet I am not an accomplished swimmer. In fact I am better at floating and dog paddling. How will I survive the deep?
Today I have lunch with a wonderful young lady needing answers. She isn't looking to me for the answer rather looking to me to facilitate her finding answers. I never take such meetings times lightly. I marvel at the times people want to talk with us about finding answers and God begins nudging my spirit.
Last night was a sleepless night for me. Finally I thought of a couple of words. I wasn't sure if God was giving me these words for me or for those I will endeavor to help -"BE STILL". Upon searching I began to read Numbers 9:8.
As I read Number 9:8 from several translations the Word of God was illumninated to me in a most powerful way.
New International Version (©1984)
Moses answered them, "Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you."
New Living Translation (©2007)
Moses answered, "Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the LORD."
English Standard Version (©2001)
And Moses said to them, “Wait, that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you.”
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Moses therefore said to them, "Wait, and I will listen to what the LORD will command concerning you."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Moses answered them, "Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands you to do."
King James Bible
And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
American King James Version
And Moses said to them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
American Standard Version
And Moses said unto them, Stay ye, that I may hear what Jehovah will command concerning you.
Bible in Basic English
And Moses said to them, Do nothing till the Lord gives me directions about you.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Moses answered them: Stay that I may consult the Lord what he will ordain concerning you.
Darby Bible Translation
And Moses said to them, Stay, and I will hear what Jehovah commands concerning you.
English Revised Version
And Moses said unto them, Stay ye; that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses said to them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
World English Bible
Moses answered them, "Wait, that I may hear what Yahweh will command concerning you."
Young's Literal Translation
And Moses saith unto them, 'Stand ye, and I hear what Jehovah hath commanded concerning you.'
Moses answered, "Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the LORD."
English Standard Version (©2001)
And Moses said to them, “Wait, that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you.”
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Moses therefore said to them, "Wait, and I will listen to what the LORD will command concerning you."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
Moses answered them, "Wait here until I find out what the LORD commands you to do."
King James Bible
And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
American King James Version
And Moses said to them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
American Standard Version
And Moses said unto them, Stay ye, that I may hear what Jehovah will command concerning you.
Bible in Basic English
And Moses said to them, Do nothing till the Lord gives me directions about you.
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Moses answered them: Stay that I may consult the Lord what he will ordain concerning you.
Darby Bible Translation
And Moses said to them, Stay, and I will hear what Jehovah commands concerning you.
English Revised Version
And Moses said unto them, Stay ye; that I may hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses said to them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.
World English Bible
Moses answered them, "Wait, that I may hear what Yahweh will command concerning you."
Young's Literal Translation
And Moses saith unto them, 'Stand ye, and I hear what Jehovah hath commanded concerning you.'
Moses was obviously in conversation and he asked them to stand or wait until he heard from God concerning them. Something leaped from reading these translations...(I guess I needed to read the many translations for it to sink!) Moses was confident that he would hear from God for the people. They needed to be patient and wait until he heard the commandments or direction concerning them.
Often people have questions or feel God calling or leading and want to do something immediately. I recognize a few powerful things in this verse. They discussed with the leader their concerns, the leader took authority and asked them to wait, Moses KNEW he would get clarity on the matter.
This also puts an incredible amount of pressure on leaders to handle people's affairs very carefully. Honestly, Kent and I have failed miserably in this scripture. Too often when people have approached us we allow our "Open Door" policy to hinder. I wonder if we said "Wait" what would be the outcome. Are people willing to submit and wait? All to often people approach their leaders with their minds made up. Of course then there are times like today when a sweet lady is tearful begging for help. She has prayed and isn't sure what God is saying.
God, help me to stay focused on you. I believe thru submission to You all things can be accomplished in the lives of those we are charged to lead.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
You are My Shield
I will bless the Lord forever,
And I will trust Him at all times.
He has delivered me from all things,
And He has set my feet upon the Rock.
I will not be moved, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
Whom have I in Heaven but you.
There's no one I desire beside You.
You have made me glad, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.
And I will trust Him at all times.
He has delivered me from all things,
And He has set my feet upon the Rock.
I will not be moved, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
Whom have I in Heaven but you.
There's no one I desire beside You.
You have made me glad, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Walking in the Midst of the Storm
"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Matthew 14:28
Jesus responded and Peter walked on the water for a while. Then he began to look at the boisterous winds around him. When he did, he began to sink. Then Peter cried out to Jesus to save him.
Peter had the faith to call out to Jesus and ask Him to let him come to Him, and at Jesus' word He stepped out onto the water. When Peter began to sink, he had the faith to call out to Jesus to save him. Peter did not have the same faith in Jesus when he looked at the "storm" around him. We, like Peter, have faith in the Lord to step into the water when we get in trouble. When we begin to sink we have faith in Him to save us. It seems our trouble comes in the "middle" of the storm. That's when we have trouble believing and trusting Him. I trust Him to get me out there, I trust Him to save me when I sink, but can I trust Him when I'm in the storm raging all around me? Do I have the faith to believe that He can keep me afloat? Do I forget Who is with me on the stormy sea?
When Peter was sinking, Jesus asked him why he doubted. In other words...why did you doubt that I would take care of you while you were out here? We must learn to trust Him while we are in the boat, when we take that first step out of the boat, when we are sinking... and while we are going through "boisterous" times.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
I've Been Through Enough
I woke up from a long afternoon nap with the following song rolling in my head. It ministered to me and maybe it will minister to you, too. Enjoy!
When I first began to walk with the Lord,
I did not really trust Him,
How He longed for me to understand that I could
So thru the valley, He lead me, afraid as I could be,
Until I felt His loving arms, embracing me
I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
He's come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I'll stake my very life, He's gonna take care of me,
Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
How could I ever doubt a God whose hands hold the universe,
Why would I ever question His ability,
There's no place that I can go, where He doesn't know,
The things that trouble me
He's always aware of where I am and what I need
I believe Him now, after all these years,
He's been so faithful He's proven to be true,
Nevermore will I doubt or question why
Cause I've seen them all before and I know what God can do
I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
He's come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I'll stake my very life He's gonna take care of me,
Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
When I first began to walk with the Lord,
I did not really trust Him,
How He longed for me to understand that I could
So thru the valley, He lead me, afraid as I could be,
Until I felt His loving arms, embracing me
I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
He's come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I'll stake my very life, He's gonna take care of me,
Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
How could I ever doubt a God whose hands hold the universe,
Why would I ever question His ability,
There's no place that I can go, where He doesn't know,
The things that trouble me
He's always aware of where I am and what I need
I believe Him now, after all these years,
He's been so faithful He's proven to be true,
Nevermore will I doubt or question why
Cause I've seen them all before and I know what God can do
I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
He's come through too many times
That puts my mind at ease, for good
I'll stake my very life He's gonna take care of me,
Cause I've been through enough to know, He'll be enough for me
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