Carol's Life Song

For God so loved the world...

2012-01-20T11:55:00.000-05:00

Answered Prayer

2011-11-08T14:06:00.003-05:00

Mark 10:27 Looking upon them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God."

I really have to give praise to the Lord even though I can't be specific. I have been praying over something for 15 years. It has troubled my heart on several levels. I know that God is sovereign, but right alongside is the truth that man is responsible. When human beings with free wills are involved, they can choose to obey or disobey. His leading and His word can be ignored or implemented. So, I prayed for God to act, and those involved to yield….for 15 long years. I have seen Him answer in a way that I would never have guessed or figured out if I had tried. I am grateful, humbled, and not a little amused at His orchestrations of events to bring about the change. Like a master craftsman He brought all the circumstances and motivations together to bring it to pass. I stand in awe. Truly I do. I am compelled to give Him grateful praise.

2011-11-08T13:50:00.003-05:00

This is from my nephew serving in the Philippines.

Dear Rell & Carol,
Greetings from Dakuton Base. It is a sultry 89 degrees outside, the barometer is low at 28.90 inches, and big waves are rolling in from the Sulu Sea. Typhoon Quiel is a powerful category four storm, and has just passed to the North of us. Last week, Typhoon Pedring made a mess of our base, but fortunately caused no major damage. Another storm is now forming to our West. Quiel is the 17th typhoon to affect the Philippines this year, and the season doesn’t end until December!
Some pretty amazing things have happened in our area in connection with these storms. Two weeks ago, the residents of a village to the north of us, awoke to discover that twelve Vietnamese fisherman had washed up on their beach. The fishermen’s boat had sunk during a typhoon and they were very fortunate to have survived. Last week we awoke around daybreak, and were astonished to see a huge waterspout (tornado over the ocean) descending from the clouds. We have seen dozens of these waterspouts but never one so big or occurring so early in the morning. For several weeks now, Billy and Christine have been working with the reality TV show,” Survivor Philippines.” The show’s cast experienced more reality than they bargained for, when the boat they were riding in, sank in huge seas generated by Typhoon Pedring.
On September 10th, we received the news of the passing of Karen’s father. He had been in poor health for some time, and passed away peacefully at his home in Wisconsin. Open Door Bible Church graciously provided the funds for Karen to fly home to be with her family. I am sure they would all appreciate your prayers during this time.
This month we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the founding of The Youth Center. It hardly seems possible that we began a decade ago, teaching a small group of children, gathered on an overturned fishing boat. Government officials advised us,” to focus on the children of the village because of the rampant drunkenness and violence common among the adults.” They confided in us,” that they were seriously considering demolishing the entire village.” Through the years, we have continually marveled at how God has worked in the lives of the fishermen of the village Pagkakaisa. As individual lives have been transformed, our village has also changed dramatically. It is now considered a model of development, and we have seen an explosion in growth these past several years. We continue to call ourselves,” The Youth Center” but are actually a functioning church; with as many adults attending as youth.
In our last newsletter, we mentioned that the son of our opponent in our court cases had begun attending church at The Youth Center. Many of our members were apprehensive because some of them had had violent encounters with Bisoy in the past; including a shooting incident. Some of them had also been present when he had slapped Pastor Ongcal, only two weeks earlier. Well, Bisoy has not only faithfully attended church these past three months, but has been an extremely positive influence. Men of our village that we have been unsuccessfully urging to attend church for years are now are regulars, because Bisoy ordered them to come! We are currently having record attendance in our adult Sunday school.
We are also celebrating the tenth anniversary of our Dakuton Base and Camp ministry. Originally, our idea was to have a place to serve as a base for missionary work in Northern Palawan. At that time, the area had almost no churches, and was very wild and undeveloped. As our base developed, a pastor friend encouraged us to try hosting youth camps at our facility. At first we were hesitant. We had no funding, no experience with that type of ministry, and no one to staff it. Also, we felt we would be getting sidetracked from our normal church planting focus.
After much prayer, we decided to try hosting a small camp. It was a simple affair with the campers using tents. It was successful and fun, in spite of the disruption of having two helicopters crash nearby! The next camp we hosted attracted over 200 people. We were surprised at the amazing variety of people that came to these camps; many of which would not normally attend church.
In the following years, whenever we had extra funds, we would use it in construction of cottages. The variety of people that continues to come to these camps is remarkable. Primitive Batak tribal people, missionaries from 11 countries, numerous transvestites, members of the Tagbanwa tribe, a famous anthropologist, Muslims, a group of Chinese doctors, college students, prostitutes, Palawano tribal people, fishermen, a group of young people that arrived with their own military escort, a Dumagat tribal person, farmers, members of the Muslim Molbog tribe, hundreds of members of various street gangs from the city, and Bajao tribal people.
These past ten years, the ministry at our base has evolved into something that is not easy to describe. We thought of using random statistics to give a glimpse of some of what has occurred here.
Number of people that have participated in the camp ministry: 20,000+. Number of meals cooked using firewood: 300,000+. Number of languages and dialects that have been spoken here: 19. Nationalities of visitors: 17. Unreached People Groups taught: 4. Number of people that have entered our facility carrying automatic weapons: 50+. Number of hours spent by campers in Worship and Bible teaching: 15,000+. Units of medicine (tablets, capsules, suspensions, etc.) dispensed from our medical clinic: 60,000+. Number of terrorist attacks that have occurred within a mile of our base: 3. Number of basketballs and volleyballs worn out: 11. Number of live pigs that have been brought to the facility: 23. Number of live pigs that have left the facility: 0. Number of death threats Scott has received: 3. Attempts by individuals, to cause our facility to close: 8. Criminal cases filed against our workers: 12. Number of mission works we have assisted in starting in Northern Palawan: 14. Number of times our facility has been seriously damaged by typhoons: 3. Number of full time workers working with the camp ministry: 0. Number of people that have died at our clinic: 2. Cost to use our facility: 0. Christian bands that have performed here: 50+. Maximum number we are allowed to host per camp: 250.
We are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of Ariel, her husband Robert, and new baby Kaelyn, in November. We are excited not only about seeing family again but also welcoming co-workers.
In spite of the fact that the work here has grown so much in size these past ten years, we have only been able to add one full time worker. None of our six ministries has workers that can focus solely on their specific work. On Sundays, Pastor Oncgal travels to teach in three separate places! As in the time of Christ,” The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.” Our camp ministry in particular is only reaching a fraction of its potential, because of having no full time workers. Please pray for Robert, Ariel, and Kaelyn as they prepare to join us.
What’s the latest from Hanging Dog? Rell, it was good to hear that you have some prospects for new houses. Because of the guys we have had come here to do projects, we hear from all over the country about construction. You are the only one we have heard from that has new building prospects.
Rell you asked about the lady that is harassing us. She is 62 and definitely not mellowing much with age. It is like dealing with a very naughty, but dangerous child. She addresses me as Pastor Demonio and loves to stomp on my foot, when she gets a chance, in court! Yes, her kids (except for the one that attends church at The Youth Center) are also opposed to us, and in addition are regular users of methamphetamine. Amazingly, the one attending church with us was at one time, the worst of them all; there is hope.
Carol, that was a nice picture of Taz on your Blog sight. It is amazing how attached you can get to a dog you have had a long time. While we were on furlough, someone (probably our neighbor) poisoned one of our dogs, and he died on Christmas Eve. The dog we have now is in very bad health after being poisoned twice. Speaking of your blog sight, we recently received an e-mail from a guy that read about us there.
Well, I’ve got to sign off and get back to work. We are trying to get a new roof put on the house Ariel will be living in, in between storms. Rell, the roof is made up of shingles, consisting of palm leaves sewed onto bamboo. The shingles are attached using split rattan. A roof for a small house costs about $30 and lasts for about three years. We are also trying to get the mowing done. We have about an acre and a half that has to be mowed weekly, with a small push mower. The lady that is mowing right now has thirteen kids!
Because of the financial crisis in the U.S., giving to the work here had fallen by half in the previous two months. Normally, such a shortfall would be would be devastating to an organization, but by God’s Grace, we are doing just fine. It is so encouraging to all of us here, when God touches people like yourselves to meet our needs. Everyone sends their love.

Scott

Hallelujah Chorus -Quinhagak, Alaska

2011-10-12T10:08:00.000-04:00

This is a wonderful video; especially when you realize it probably took the whole village cooperating to accomplish it.

Quite a Little Mister

2011-09-02T09:08:00.005-04:00

One of God's many blessings on mankind.

We lost our faithful little companion, Taz. We acquired him 13 years ago when he was 3 years old. I would never have tolerated having an inside dog had we not been taking care of my dear, sweet, mother-in-law. It occurred to me that she might really enjoy having a dog, and she did. We had no idea that our desire to bless her would bring such joy to us through such a little mister.

Taz was a Chihuahua Pomeranian mix. He was extremely laid back, but could cause our much larger outside dog, Lola, roll over and submit with his self assured strut. Nothing made him happier than to see his dog bed going into the back seat of our car. He was an amazing traveling companion. All he asked was an occasional walk and treat. If we stopped to eat he would be on high alert for a table treat and highly insulted if we forgot to bring him something which rarely happened. If he got to stay in the hotel room with us he was a perfect little gentleman. If for some reason that wasn’t possible then he would spend the night quietly sleeping in his bed in the car right outside our door. He just went with the flow whatever was going on.

Our granddaughters loved him. When they were toddlers and would give chase he wasn’t such a fan, but once they got older he returned their affection. Whenever we would Skype with our granddaughters the highlight for them was the obligatory appearance of Taz. We put him front and center and they would call his name and try to get his attention. Taz merely tolerated the whole strange procedure.

Taz developed a heart murmur and went on medication. That kept him enjoying life for a year and a half. Then he started having what we would call “spells.” They came out of nowhere and were over quickly. On the evening of Good Friday he had a really bad one. We thought for sure we were losing him. He rallied and had a great Saturday. We had just started carrying him up and down our outside stairs. He could still do it, but we could see it was getting to be a challenge for him. It was a beautiful day and I was going to clean out my car. I put him under the shade of our maple tree with Lola. At one point he decided that maybe I was going somewhere so he came over looking up expectantly and wagging his tail. I think he was trying to reassure me that he was up for one more trip if that was what I had in mind. That evening he ate a good dinner. My husband carried him and his little bed up the stairs to our master bedroom for the night. When we got up Easter morning Taz was lying on his side in his bed and he was gone.

We were so thankful to the Lord for the easy way he went out. He enjoyed life to the very end. We wept many tears for the loss of his faithful companionship. We loved him and he loved us. We miss him terribly.

Living Proof Live 2011

2011-08-30T21:42:00.002-04:00

It is time for the 2011 Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore. Come join us Saturday, September 10th for a day of encouraging teaching by Beth, heartfelt worship by Travis Cottrell, and fellowship with other women from our community. MountainView Community Church is hosting this event.

Cost: $20 for conference includes viewing guides, refreshments, and finger foods

Time: Doors open at 10 a.m. conference begins at 10:30 and concludes at 5:00
Lunch break is from 12:30-1:45

Location: MountainView Community Church 1335 Hwy. 64W, Murphy, NC
Phone: 828-835-8100

Never Let Go, David Crowder Band

2011-05-14T10:46:00.000-04:00

Ever faithful, ever true.

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2011-04-22T11:07:00.000-04:00

Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me; Buried, He carried my sings far away; Rising, He justified freely forever; One day He's coming, O glorious day! How I pray you know the reality of His redeeming love.

Jesus Is Risen. He Is Risen Indeed.

2011-04-20T08:42:00.004-04:00

This is from The Father's Business. Sylvia Gunter has been an encouragement to me for years. Enjoy the insights from Sylvia and her daughter Elizabeth.

This Easter season, I have been thoroughly blessed by Luke 22:15. It has drawn me deeper into the heart of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples, "I have earnestly and intensely desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer" (Amplified Bible). He used a strong word for "earnestly and intensely desired." He was saying, "I long eagerly to have communion with you. My affections are deeply directed toward sharing this significant holy feast with you." Jesus passionately wants our fellowship. Jesus yearns to intimately share a special meal with us, in the long leisurely custom of those days (see also Rev 3:20).

This is my watchword for this Easter season. This is a great time to pause and remember the ways Jesus has shown his love to you during the past year. What are the times or situations since last Easter that you have sensed his presence or received his passionate covenant love and kindness or basked in his intimate goodness? Thank him for those moments and journal your great gratitude for him alive, present, and active in your life and in your world.

There can be some seasons in life in which it can be hard to really "see" Jesus. When Mary Magdalene met Jesus at the garden tomb after he had been resurrected, she didn't "see" him (John 20:11-18). Of all people, she knew him so well that she should have recognized Jesus immediately, but she didn't. She thought he was the gardener. Jesus was there for her, but she just couldn't see. But then Jesus said her name "Mary," and she immediately knew it was Jesus.

This Easter be blessed to know and appreciate the many ways Jesus is present for you, even if you think he is just the gardener. Ask him to open your eyes to know him as his words burn within you on your road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35). Remember a time when you were toiling away at your ordinary duties, and Jesus addressed you gently as "Friend" and then did something so awesome that you knew immediately that it was he (John 21:1-7).

Read the Easter week narratives in your Bible from your spirit, as if for the first time. Ask God to immerse you deeply in some of the other rich imagery of Easter... "be there" as the triumphant King enters to waving palm branches,
"be there" at the Passover meal, "be there" in Gethsemane with the agonizing submitted Son, "be there" at the cross with your crucified Savior, "be there" seeking your Lord in the garden.

Be touched by the thought in a song from decades ago: He paid much too high a price for you to be merely inspired but not truly changed.

For reflection:
Ask God to help you remember times when he was with you. Remember the emotions and stirring of your heart in those times. Ask him to give you a glimpse into his heavenly realities concerning those times. Ask him for fresh eyes to see him in the dailies of life, when he crowns them with his glory. Ask him if there is anything he wants to say to you today. Open your heart and your spirit to hear him afresh.
© 2011 by Sylvia Gunter and Elizabeth Wallace

The Jewish Jesus: Lamb of God - CBN.com

2011-04-19T07:47:00.000-04:00

A video to remind us Who and what this Holy week is all about.

A Little Humor

2011-04-17T22:10:00.002-04:00

A friend posted this on FaceBook and gave me a good laugh. I'm just recovering from bronchitis. I could have used this contraption.

Amazing Achievement

2011-04-16T11:25:00.001-04:00

This video may force us to examine the excuses we make not to tackle those major challenges in our lives.

Google Exodus

2011-04-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

This is too clever not to share. Enjoy!

The Heavens Declare! Supermoon Tonight

2011-03-19T06:58:00.004-04:00

"It is all a matter of keeping my eyes open. Beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will sense them. The least we can do is try to be there…so that creation need not play to an empty house. " Annie Dillard Pilgrim at Tinker’s Creek

Let's keep our eyes open to the beauty of God's handiwork!

LOS ANGELES (AP) — There's a full moon Saturday, but it won't be just any old full moon. It'll be bigger and brighter. It will appear larger as it makes its closest approach to Earth in 18 years.
Scientists estimate the "supermoon" rising in the east at sunset will appear 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter at its peak.
Full moons vary in size because of the oval shape of its orbit, with one end closer to Earth. On Saturday, the moon will be 221,565 miles away — the closest to Earth since March 1993.
This celestial phenomenon should give people an excuse to take time out for the moon.
Usually, "most people are completely oblivious to its presence," said Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Super-full-moon-to-shine-on-Saturday-1193286.php#ixzz1H2gseDT5

01. Michael Card - El Shaddai

2011-01-25T08:33:00.000-05:00

The Patriarchs Week One-Day Three

2011-01-22T09:01:00.002-05:00

"We won't embrace with both hands what God has for us if we hold our old lives in a death grip." Beth Moore, The Patriarchs pg. 21

Parting Company

Then Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. "Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me: if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left. "Gen 13:10a-13 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere-- So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan; and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD. Genesis 13:8-9

In Genesis chapter 12 we see the weakness and failure of Abraham, but here we see his strengths. He knew what the book of James tells us in chapter 3:16 “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Abraham generously gives Lot the choice. “If you go right, I’ll go left, you choose.” How many of us fight and jockey for positions or possessions with self-interest foremost in our minds? What a study in contrasts:

• Lot lifted up his eyes
• Lot chose for himself
• Lot moved his tents toward Sodom
• Bad neighbors/bad choice

Genesis 13:14-18 And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. "And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. "Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you." Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.

• God lifted Abraham’s eyes
• God chose for Abraham
• Abraham moved tent to Hebron and built altar
• God focused/good choice

I have often heard it said, “God gives the best to those who leave the choice to Him.” Surely this must be the proof text of that proverb.

What must have seemed like continuing loss to Abram (leaving his home, his extended family, all that had been familiar) was actually a means of great gain.

Do you sense that God might be asking you to believe and trust Him in some area? I know that I am in that place right now. Let's pray for one another that we will not miss our part in His plan for the world.

TRUST HIS HEART with lyrics

2011-01-21T07:10:00.000-05:00

11. Michael Card - Things We Leave Behind

2011-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Pray for Joanne Heim

2011-01-17T15:20:00.000-05:00

This and That

2011-01-13T05:16:00.004-05:00

Since Monday this has been the view from my front porch and back patio. Really beautiful and because I have been sick, I have felt free to enjoy and not fret about what isn't being accomplished. Since we are empty nesters and our grandkids aren't near by it has been very serene. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have kids sledding and building snowmen, running in and out, tracking in snow, creating more laundry than usual, but that's not what's happening. I have bronchitis and an fluid in my ears so life has taken on a different rhythm and I'm just resting and enjoying what is. Every season of life has its joys, jobs, and challenges.

One benefit of the snow is the delightful way it amplifies the beauty of the birds at our feeders. Rufous sided towhees, cardinals, purple finches, tufted titmice, wrens, and chickadees all contending for their time at the feeders. One poor little wren flew into a window and knocked herself out. We brought her in and placed her on a pad, put a little water in a flat container, and covered her with a large mesh strainer so that if she survived and revived she wouldn't fly about and sustain another injury. It took her about half an hour to move from her side to her feet and another half hour to finally hop a little. We released her and off she flew into a large tree. Felt great.

The only other excitement we had was after my return trip from the doctor's office on Tuesday. My husband had cleared the sidewalk and positioned the truck so that I could step down onto the sidewalk. We had used the excursion to restock some groceries and it made it easier to be right at the sidewalk. However, that meant the back tires were on an incline and not on the large flat part of our driveway. Even though it was in park with the engine off a short time later Rell discovered his truck had slid down the driveway into a ditch. We were really grateful because it stopped its trajectory toward the side of our garage. Fortunately he was able to drive it out. Thank heavens for 4 wheel drive. Of course a neighbor we call, "The Mayor of Hanging Dog," had seen our predicament and offered his assistance if Rell's attempt failed. Love it when that happens.

Hope whatever season or circumstance you find yourself in that you will also find as Matthew 11:29-30 The Message says, “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly." Even sick and home bound.

Religion is Basically Guilt

2011-01-11T04:54:00.001-05:00

I am a collector of good quotes. I found one this morning that I absolutely loved.

All religions are the same: religion is basically guilt, with different holidays. ~Cathy Ladman

Cathy is a comedian and I am sure she was trying to be funny as well as speak the truth as she has observed it.

You may be surprised that I agree 100 percent. I was raised in a Protestant church. I grew up filled with guilt. That really is all religion is good for.

· I knew the stories but not the Great Storyteller.
· I knew the basics of how to be saved, but I didn’t know the Savior.
· I knew the list of do’s and don’ts. I didn’t know the One who canceled out the written code consisting of decrees against me and which was hostile to me; and He had taken it out of the way, having nailed it to His cross. Colossians 2:14

The kindest thing the Lord ever did for me was allow my religious veneer to be stripped off so one day I could come into a true relationship with Him.

Romans 8:1“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” His Holy Spirit will convict us when we fall short. He will be specific and empowering. We confess that we have blown it and allow Him to wash our feet from defilement. There is no need to be weighed down by guilt or condemnation. No one is perfect. Our right standing with God is still dependent on what Christ did for us on the cross.

The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, the blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose it power. We find mercy and grace continuously as we look to the finished work of Christ on the cross. No guilt. My sins not in part, but the whole are nailed to the cross and I bear them no more, praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, Oh my soul.

If you are reading this and you do not know the beauty of a relationship with Jesus Christ I ask you to enter in. There is only one way. Jesus said, “No man can come to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 Repent, admit you have sinned and gone your own way and made a mess of things. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God sent to live a sinless life and to give Himself for us. He paid our debt so that we may have peace with God. Enter into a love relationship with Him. Read his letter to you. Talk to him in prayer. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. No condemnation. Receive His forgiveness and cleansing. No religious guilt needed. Walk with the Master. He said His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He meant it.

Two Great Prayers

2011-01-05T03:12:00.004-05:00

I mentioned in an earlier blog that I went to a Jason Gray concert last Sunday and was so glad I had the opportunity. He quoted someone who said the two greatest prayers we can pray are, “Help me, help me, help me!” and “Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Today my granddaughter and I experienced how true that is.

She’s eight years old and has beautiful, thick, brown hair. We decided to eat dinner out and everyone was going in different directions getting ready. Her mom told her to brush out her freshly shampooed hair. We are visiting in their home and I am sharing the bathroom with the children. She picked up my small cylindrical hairbrush meant for styling short hair. She got her long hair tangled in the brush and couldn’t pull it out. She thought the logical thing to do was rotate it in the opposite direction which only wound it more tightly until it was firmly affixed to her scalp. I wish now I had taken a picture of her predicament, but she wouldn’t have appreciated it. She was afraid the only solution was going to be a haircut. Honestly, that thought crossed my mind too. I told her that we needed to pray for help in untangling the mess and we did. Approximately 15 minutes later with a few, trying to be brave tears, flowing down her cheeks I had her untangled. She bowed her head with no prompting and said, “Jesus, thank you, thank you, thank you.” I loved it and I’m sure He did too.

More Like a Love Affair

2011-01-02T17:10:00.007-05:00

Went to His Place Church in Burlington, Washington today with our daughter. Jason Gray did a concert and it was absolutely wonderful. Right up there with Michael Card and Rich Mullins in depth and the ability to express the deep heartfelt things of God. I enjoyed it so much because even though the church early service was packed Jason seemed to talk heart to heart. The Holy Spirit was so tangible. Jason wrote More Like Falling in Love from this G. K.Chesterton quote, "Our Christianity should look less like a theory and more like a love affair." I can only say, "Amen, may it be so Lord." I've included the video of the song with the lyrics. If you don't know the words please listen and read along as Jason sings.

More Like Falling in Love

2011-01-02T17:07:00.001-05:00

2010-12-31T13:14:00.003-05:00

I was visiting in a friend's home yesterday,and framed on her dresser was this verse from Isaiah 42:16 "And I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, In paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do, And I will not leave them undone." I stood for a long time looking at the verse and remembering...a young woman who was getting ready to break free from a long period of bondage, very fearful and wanting above all to be led by the Prince of Peace. I didn't know the Scripture from Isaiah so the Lord gave me a dream where I experienced it. Later on I was stunned when I came upon the verse.

I am no longer a young woman and I know I'm not completely walking in all the freedom He wants to give me. On the brink of a new year He brought to my rememberance that He will be leading me in paths that I don't yet know. I have His promise to make darkness light before and rugged places into plains. He is my Guide, my Light, and the Leveler of my Path. My Lord knows the way through the wilderness, all I have to do is follow.

I pray that you will allow Him to be your Guide and Companion into the New Year that awaits you.

Love and abundant blessings,

The Patriarchs by Beth Moore

2010-12-29T00:29:00.003-05:00

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Sisters,

I think everyone can sense that we are living in times that are getting tough. I truly believe none of us can imagine how tough things are really going to get. I don’t say that because I’m a pessimist, but because 2 Timothy 3:1 says simply, “that in the last days difficult times will come.” The world economy and the shakiness of the US dollar are aligning to cause unthinkable changes in our world system. I say this only to emphasize the precious promise that we have in Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.”

What should our response be to these things? From the mouth of Jesus, "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight.” I don’t know any better way to prepare ourselves than to be in fellowship, prayer, and the Word of God. It is truly our desire to bless and strengthen the body of Christ in our area. Our first joint effort drew a total of 55 women to our morning and evening classes. For that we are truly grateful. I’m including the info for our next study below:

– The Patriarchs – by Beth Moore

Join Community Bible Study Fellowship on an 11 week study of Beth Moore’s The Patriarchs. This study will lay a strong biblical foundation from the Old Testament as you encounter the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Genesis is the Book of Beginnings and there we will discover God’s pursuit of relationship with man and marvel as His plan to bless all people unfolds. Explore with Beth such concepts as blessing, covenant, and promise. See how they affect our lives as New Testament believers. In this intensely practical study we will learn how relevant the patriarchal narrative is to our present lives. Rest assured, God knows the ways of mankind. The most shocking part is that God raise people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and you and me out of the mire of this troubled world and brings Himself glory.

BEGINS: Monday, January 10th -
WHERE: MountainView Community Church, Hwy. 64W, Murphy, NC
WHEN: Daytime 10am-12 or Evenings 7-9pm
COST: $20.00 (includes workbook and all supplies)
Small group leaders: Cindy Bradshaw, Debby Intemann, Lori McClure Payne, Karen Pope, Cheryl Miller, Lauren Steadham, and Carol Lackland

Focus on the Philippines

2010-12-26T01:31:00.003-05:00

A letter from my niece and nephew Scott and Karen Taylor who have been serving faithfully in the Philippines for twenty years.

Dear Rell & Carol,
The thermometer is pegged at 90 degrees, the Northeast trade winds are blowing steadily, the waves are pounding the seawall, and a typhoon is forming to the South of us. This kind of weather can only mean that Christmas is near!

We now are entering into our busiest and most productive time of year. The people of the Philippines are very receptive to things of a spiritual nature during the holidays. In addition, the holiday season is very long. It begins in November and continues thru New Years. In February, the Chinese community will usher in the year of the Rabbit and the Vietnamese here will celebrate the Tet New Year.

Two days from now, we will be holding our annual Christmas celebration with the Batak. We are expecting around 100 people. How different it will be, from our first Christmas celebration with them, twenty years ago. At that time, there were only 19 people in our entire village. Because of our very limited language ability back then, we could not explain to them why we were celebrating. There were no churches in any of the Batak villages in spite of sixty years of missionary work. Happily, God in His goodness has been working in the hearts and minds of the Batak. Today, there are probably more Batak believers per capita than there are American.

After the Batak celebration, we will be hosting a Korean Missionary group as part of our camp ministry. They are currently working with three tribal groups found here in Palawan, and campers will be coming from as far as 150 miles away, to attend the three day event.

These past months have been very eventful ones for our Youth Center ministry. It continues to grow and the church members are maturing in the Faith. You might remember a story we wrote about some years ago. The children of one large family had earned Bibles and proudly took them home to show their father. Sadly, the father took the Bibles and threw them out the front door, where they landed in the mud. He said, “Bibles were not allowed in his house and the children were forbidden to attend church.” Last week the same father confessed,” he now sits outside every Sunday and listens to our worship service. For years, his wife and children have been regular members and his oldest daughter helps with children’s Sunday school. She would also like to attend Bible school next year.

Please pray for the safety of the fisherman, of our Youth Center ministry. Recently, they have been experiencing very violent storms that seem to come out of nowhere. We personally experienced one of these storms just last week. Sudden, gale force winds littered our base with coconuts and broken tree limbs. A bathroom door blew off, which then tore out a section of fence! The rain was blowing so horizontally, it actually traveled up the tailpipe of our jeep and filled the muffler with water! At The Youth Center, several trees were blown down.

Also last week, one of our fishermen came upon three men, clinging to the wreckage of their fishing boat, about 100 miles offshore. There was also a body tied to the wreckage.

Three days earlier, the men had been fishing when their boat was struck by lightning, and sank. One of the men was killed instantly. The survivors spent the following three days and nights, drifting without food or water. They were also forced to fight off the fish that were consuming the body of their friend.

Recently, a group arrived at our Youth Center saying,” The land where our Center is located belongs to them, and they were going to take it.” We took the threat very seriously because this group is known for its violent, land grabbing activities. A member of this group is the same person responsible for Scott being called before a grand jury several years ago, accusing him of being head of a criminal syndicate! While we were trying to figure out what to do, the brother of Scott’s former accuser, stabbed and killed someone while attending a wake. The family of the victim decided not to press charges, and the murderer was released from jail. As soon as he was released, a member of the victim’s family killed him! It is not likely that this group will be bothering us, as long as they are busy fighting one another.

Things continue to go well for us on the legal front. In spite of our nine cases continuing throughout 2010, the prosecution scored no major victories. We are thankful that one case was dismissed, when the plaintiff fail to appear for three consecutive hearings.

We are astonished at the development currently taking place around our Dakuton Base. When we arrived in the area ten years ago, it was a wild, sparsely populated place. Today, we are surrounded by resorts and more are being built. A group of investors from mainland China recently bought a nearby resort and plan to develop it. There is now a large, Korean school within walking distance of our house, where wealthy Koreans come to learn the English language. In spite of all of this development, most of the local people in our area still live in grinding poverty, and are controlled by superstition. Recently, in spite of the fact that a typhoon was threatening, the top story locally was about a family of vampires that was supposedly in the area. The radio was actually urging people to remain calm!

About this time last year, we experienced major flooding at our base. One of the vivid memories we have was that of one of our neighbor’s children walking by, as we surveyed the damage to our place. The ten year old girl had been forced to abandon her flooded house. She was walking alone, carrying all of her possessions in one, small plastic bag. Six months after the flooding, this same child was the victim of a violent rape. In addition, the girl’s mother began having serious emotional problems, and disappeared. With no relatives in the area, the child has been living with our Youth Center workers for about a month now. Please remember her in your prayers.

In January, we will have a new addition to our team of workers here. Mallory Oliff is from Tallahassee, Florida, and will be joining us for six months. Please pray for him as he adjusts to major changes in climate, food, and culture. Also pray for wisdom and patience as he attempts to learn a new language.

What’s the latest from Hanging Dog? Sorry it has been a while sense I have written. The motherboard went out in my computer and they had to send all the way to China for another one.
Yes, our neighbor has really been something. Just last night, I was playing my guitar, getting ready for the rehearsal of our Praise band. I hear this horrible screaming, and it was her telling me to turn my guitar down! Many nights, I have fallen asleep to the sound of drunken prostitutes and their customers, singing karaoke at her resort! If you come for a visit, I will make sure I introduce you.

I don’t know if you have heard the news that Ariel is expecting. We are really excited. Ariel continues to work in Waukesha while her husband finishes Bible school. I am having a lot of fun at the motocross track. When I beat a loud mouth, hotshot teenager in a race, I now get to kid him about getting beat by a Grand paw!

I might have told you before, that the courthouse where I spend so much of my time, is located right next to the motocross track. After a stressful day in court, I de-stress out at the track. Lots of court cases = lots of practice. The Philippine National Motocross season just concluded and I ended up 14th in points standing for 2010, in the veteran division.

This year, the price of postage has sky rocketed here. There has also been a big increase in the number of people that are experiencing hunger right now. What we decided to do is: instead of sending you a Christmas card this year, we took the amount of the postage saved and threw a big Christmas blow out. We are sending a picture of the child you sponsored. She received a big meal, a small gift, and was a happy camper!

Well, I’ve got to sign off and get back to work. Everyone sends their love.

Scott

If the Lord would lead you to contribute to this ministry the address for contributions is:
The Taylors (this is the only address to send contributions)

C/O Glenda Norris
25665 Nightingale Drive
Lebanon, MO 65536
Their Field Address:
Scott and Karen Taylor
P.O. Box 113
Puerto Princessa City
5300 Palawan, Philippines
email: scottkarentaylor@yahoo.com

PRISONERS OF HOPE

2010-12-17T13:08:00.003-05:00

I often ask the Lord for a word in due season. One that will encourage a heart that may need it that would stop by the blog. This morning..I'm resharing something that I need to be reminded of. Hope....can't live without it.

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them--to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:1-3

When I was raising my children I never wanted to break a promise to them. I tried to under promise and over deliver because I didn’t want to hear their words of disappointment claiming, “You promised.” I wanted them to trust and believe me, and know that their mother was a woman of her word. Therefore, I often had to add qualifiers…. if it doesn’t rain, if your dad gets home in time etc.

Our Father shows even more care in fulfilling His promises. Joshua 21:45 could proclaim, “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.”NASB He had promised Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses a land and even though they were long gone, He kept His word. “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” Hebrews 11:13a NIV

I am brought to my knees by the faithfulness of God. Not one of His promises to us will fail. Even when we close our eyes in death we can rest assured that His promise to us will be fulfilled even if we don’t get to see it come to pass in our life time. He is a covenant making God, a promise keeping God and we who know Him are “prisoners of hope”.

There have been times in my life when I wanted to suppress my expectations because I didn’t want to deal with another round of disappointment. I was sure the fulfillment of a promise was just around the corner and it wasn’t. I found that I couldn’t continue very long in a pit (that is where it takes us) of hopelessness. It was not because I was such a woman of faith, but because He is and always has been a God who keeps His word. As I stayed in His word, and prayed His word the faith, hope, and confidence in His loving heart would rise once again. In Zechariah 9:12 Israel is told to return to their “stronghold” you prisoners of hope. In this Scripture the stronghold is a good thing. It is a high place, a fortress of safety and I would much rather live there than in a pit of doubt and unbelief.

I was given a Fruit of the Spirit Bible by a dear friend. One morning as I was reading my eyes fell on this remark in the notes, “Jesus, if I do not see your promises fulfilled today, I will set my alarm extra early tomorrow morning." I believe that is a heart attitude that is a delight to our Father and will strengthen those who live with us or around us.

Are you in a pit of hopelessness? Are your eyes on the problem or the promises? Lift your eyes to the One who does not lie and cannot go back on His word. Return to your place of safety. Trust in Him at all times O people. By all means pour out your heart to Him; He will be your refuge. Psalm 62:8 NASB Tell Him you are struggling. He already knows it, so ask Him to restore you to that place of safety. Trust Him.

Lord, I believe you are at work even when I don’t see your hand. You are trustworthy and I am a prisoner of hope. Thank you for your covenant keeping ways and your unfailing love.

One Child - The Nativity

2010-12-13T10:30:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What a beautiful prophecy and description of the Savior. Unto us a Child is born (His humanity) Unto us a Son is given (His divine nature) I have known Him as my Wonderful Counselor, as my Mighty, Nothing is Impossible God. He has been the Father my heart always needed and longed for. My Prince of Peace in the midst of all that life can throw at me. He's more than enough and exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask for or think. Let's not lose sight of this wonderful gift in the midst of the season.

Christian Pastor Faces Death in Iran

2010-12-10T04:40:00.004-05:00

Please pray for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and his wife and children. Heb 13:3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body.

Wednesday, 08 December 2010 05:14 PM EST Jennifer LeClaire

The Supreme Court of Iran has upheld a lower court’s conviction in an apostasy case against Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani. Nadarkhani was sentenced to death for his faith in Jesus Christ.
The International Campaign for Human Rights is calling for the reversal of the conviction and sentence, as well as the release of pastor Behrouz Sadegh-Khanjani, who is under legal fire on similar charges in Iran.
The argument to free Nadarkhani points to Iran’s law, which does not contain articles relating to apostasy. The judge said he exercised his right to make a decision based on texts penned by Iran’s religious scholars.
“It is the low point of any judicial system to sentence a person to death outside of its own legal framework,” said Aaron Rhodes, a spokesperson for the Campaign. “To execute someone based on the religion they choose to practice or not practice is the ultimate form of religious discrimination and disregard for the freedom of conscience and belief.”
The 32-year-old Nadarkhani was born into a Muslim family, but came to faith in Christ at age 19. When interrogated, Nadarkhani offered a written confession stating he left Islam for Christianity. During his trial, however, he testified that he was pressured to make the statement.
“I am not an apostate … prior to 19 years old I did not accept any religion,” Nadarkhani said at trial. “My interrogator coaxed me [into thinking] that a person who is born to Muslim parents, and does not accept a religion other than Islam before reaching the religious maturity age, is automatically a Muslim.”
Nadarkhani’s lawyer filed an objection on Dec. 5. The lawyer contends that the constitution of the Islamic Republic clearly grants Christians the right to worship and congregate. The constitution also mandates Iran to offer equal human rights to Christians.

Dolly Parton; Selah - Once Upon a Christmas

2010-12-09T13:56:00.001-05:00

I love this version of Once Upon a Christmas. It amazes me that Dolly Parton wrote it, just the way it amazes me that crazy (in a good way) Mark Lowery wrote Mary Did You Know. I guess the Lord means it when He says, "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God." 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NASB That's what gives me hope that I may do some lasting good in this life. Those who know me recognize what God has done.

It is hard for me to take when someone compliments me on some aspect of giftedness and they don't realize what a work God has had to do to bring it to pass. It isn't a false sense of humility...it is a deep realization as Paul says in Romans 11:36 "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen."

I don't want to ever lose sight that these creative gifts come from the great Creator for the benefit of us all.

I hope you are enjoying this wonderful season. Cast all your care on Him because He cares for you.

Charlie Brown Christmas

2010-12-07T05:08:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine on Facebook posted this video. It really moved me and made me think of an old hymn we use to sing when I was a child. "I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 'twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long." Isn't that so true? I hope it is true in your heart and life. May we never lose the wonder and joy of the story of His coming.

In Christ Alone by Newsboys

2010-12-06T08:07:00.001-05:00

Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1 Corinthians 15:1-5 NASB

Thank you O my Father, for giving us Your Son and leaving Your Spirit til the work on earth is done.

Dear friend, I pray that this season finds you focusing on the Giver of every perfect gift. Don't allow yourself to miss the wonder of who He is and what He has done. Embrace the true spirit of this season.

I Know

2010-12-03T14:16:00.005-05:00

"For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." 2 Timothy 1:12
NKJV

Great quote but better reality.

God is not a belief to which you give your assent. God becomes a reality whom you know intimately, meet everyday, one whose strength becomes your strength, whose love, your love. Live this life of the presence of God long enough and when someone asks you, “Do you believe there is a God?” you may find yourself answering, “No, I do not believe there is a God. I know there is a God.” ~Ernest Boyer, Jr.

Images Without Substance

2010-11-30T07:44:00.007-05:00

I was watching a television program recently that was spotlighting people who go to extremes decorating their homes for Christmas. One man had filled his lawn and adorned his roof with every conceivable plastic and inflatable Santa, snowmen, reindeer, elves, and thousands of lights. When he was asked where he kept it all he showed them his storage shed behind his house. Oddly enough the only thing that was in the emptied out shed was Jesus, Joseph, and Mary. I’m not making this up.

I know that I am not the only one who has realized that the greatest symbols of God’s covenant love for us are always trivialized and set aside by our world system. The apostle John sheds light on this and encourages New Testament believers. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols. 1 John 5:19-21

Let’s define idol:
1. an image of a deity other than God
2. a mere image or semblance of something, visible but without substance.
3. a figment of the mind; fantasy.

The world replaces the true and profound with semblances removed of substance.

Look what has happened to the rainbow. To children in our world rainbows are more associated with CareBears, leprechauns and cartoons than a covenant promise of Almighty God. Prior to the flood, "A mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground." Gen 2:6 Often we read Scriptures and we don't allow our humanity to really interact and think about what the biblical characters were experiencing. They would not be so different from us. Think "Katrina" or tsunami for a moment. Noah's family experienced the destruction of their world on every level. The earth was no longer watered by a gentle mist. Now they would experience the gathering of ominous dark clouds, thunder, lightning, and at times torrential downpours. Can you imagine the fear, the flashbacks, and the gnawing dread they would experience if God in His mercy had not made this covenant with them and sealed it with a beautiful display above their heads? We've lost the meaning of the rainbow to leprechauns with pots of gold and glittery children's stamps. To the survivors it was a constant reminder of His holiness and His mercy.

Then there is the cross. God's holiness and mercy displayed for all to see. I don’t remember where I heard or read this, but the cross was not originally a symbol of Christianity, not at least for the first few centuries. Not until all those who actually knew first hand of its barbarity and cruelty were dead did it replace the ichthus or fish that seems to have made a comeback as a car bumper sticker. There was a shop in south London which stocked crosses as a fashion item. Punk rockers, Madonna, and fashion icons have used it that way. The Evening Standard reported that one of their readers had gone into a shop to ask for one. "Sure," said the assistant, reaching for the crucifixes. "Do you want it with the little man on, or without?"

We all know what has happened to our celebration of His resurrection. The Easter bunny and his promise of sweets and dyed eggs take front and center.

We are in the Christmas season and the emphasis in our world is on Santa and not a Savior. Santa appears once a year makes a list and checks it twice trying to find out who is naughty or nice. The Savior is God with us 365 days of the year. He knows we are beyond naughty and has come to save His people from their sins. Jesus is God’s indescribable gift to us. His grace lavished on us. His life lived to show us the way and empower us to learn and change.

We can't expect those who don’t know Him to grasp the meaning and significance of God's covenant reminders to us. It is up to us not to lose the meaning of these sacred things. Beloved guard yourselves from idols. They have no substance or power to deliver. Go tell God’s amazing story in every creative way you can think of during this and every season. Do it with joy, grace, and a heart of love for those who only know the world’s cheap substitute.

MY PRAYER: Father, we bow before you and thank You that you are a covenant keeping God. Help us to never lose our wonder and awe when we see Your covenant reminders. We know that there were many shadows and types that pointed to You, but "the substance belongs only to You." Colossians 2:17

Happy Thanksgiving from a Grateful Heart

2010-11-25T14:02:00.002-05:00

I am sitting in my son’s living room watching my newest little granddaughter sleeping in her mother’s arms. She is healthy, happy and beautiful. She lives in a nurturing environment with a sound roof over her head and plenty in her tummy. I don’t take that for granted. Many in our world aren’t always so blessed.

For many years now we have sponsored a Compassion child in India. We hope that we have improved the lot of a child whose parents love him as much as we love our children. I’m not saying this to pat ourselves on the back, but just to say, “God has been so faithful to us, how can we not extend that blessing to others?”

Like every family we have had some highs and lows, but the anchor of our souls has held us secure and steadfast. My oldest grandchild has overcome a serious eye problem. I am so grateful that our niece came through melanoma surgery and is doing well. My brother-in-law had open heart surgery without complications. This very week my sister and her husband are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. I just finished up Jesus the One and Only with a great group of women and leaders. I hope we all head into the holidays all the richer for studying the beautiful life, death, and resurrection of the Word made flesh. It was an incredibly rich experience yet we can never plumb the depths of all that He is.

I am grateful most of all to the Lord Jesus Christ for all that He has done in His mighty saving grace in this woman’s life. I have no idea where I would be if He had not intervened and rescued me from the lost and destructive path that I once was on. Truly I can sing, “Amazing grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I am found, was blind but now I see.”

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, even if you are in or from a country that doesn’t have our tradition. The God of the whole earth is worthy to be thanked for His incredible faithfulness.

Be On Guard

2010-11-19T10:38:00.003-05:00

But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, that they were saying to you, "In the last time there shall be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." Jude 1:17-18
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19

I listened to one of the most deceitful things that I have heard in a long time yesterday. It was the pastor of a mega church announcing his homosexuality to his congregation. His motivation was to spare teens who are grappling with their sexual identity from the anguish that would drive them to suicide. His message was that you are who you are and that is fine with God. Anything in the Bible that leads you to believe it is wrong is to be ignored. He stated clearly that he believes the Bible is inspired but not true in all of the teachings. He urged his congregation to listen to Paul when he teaches on Jesus, but ignore his teachings on homosexuality because Paul basically didn’t even understand sex between a man and a woman much less the subject of sexual orientation.

Of course it was all baptized under the covering of love and acceptance i.e. approval. I agree with the love, but I don’t agree with the acceptance/approval. I went to church with a man who was a convicted pedophile. He’s attracted to children. I can love him and try to understand his brokenness, (he was molested as a child) but I will never approve or accept that this is the way his desires take him. We are a fallen race and never is it more apparent than in our sexuality. I am not suggesting people deny their sinful bents, I am proclaiming that Christ came to set the captives free and to make us whole and healthy human beings. Tiger Woods is a heterosexual and yet he is terribly bent and needs the healing power of God. He is a slave to his sexual appetites. To tell him that is just the way he rolls and we all accept that is to condemn him to the lifestyle of a roaming dog. Never free to bond to and really love a woman. Never free to be a wholesome example for his children through the redemption that is available through the cross of Jesus Christ. I pray that someday he will find his way to the cross of Christ who came to set the captives free.

I think one of the most disturbing things about this pastor's message was to observe the people in his congregation giving hardy approval as he twisted the word of God and justified himself. He was granted several standing ovations and other signs of approval. In Romans 1:32 the Apostle Paul warns us of those who “although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

Seeing all these things that are coming to pass what manner of people should we be? Beloved friend, my purpose in writing of this is to say, “Arm yourself for battle. In these last days difficult times are upon us. Ground yourself in the word and love of God.” "Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." 2 Peter 3:17-18

Misty Edwards ~ I Love You

2010-11-18T19:02:00.001-05:00

A friend shared this on FaceBook and it is a beautiful declaration of His love for us. Enjoy and receive that love.

Kept in Step by His Spirit

2010-11-16T09:19:00.004-05:00

The past week the Lord has encouraged me in several situations to share this with some friends. So, even though this is an old post, I sense it may be a timely word to someone who needs to hear it.

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:14 NASB

Approximately eight years ago I sensed in my spirit that God was directing me towards children’s ministry. For nearly 20 years my focus had been exclusively women’s ministry so I was shocked and questioned if I was hearing correctly. Then two years later my pastor asked me to head the children’s ministry at our new church.

With very few exceptions I was never in the sanctuary during the preaching. We were plugged into a small group and that is where we enjoyed some intimate fellowship. After several years I started having some concerns that I was disconnected from the flow of what the Lord was doing in our church. God put that to rest in an amazing way.

One Saturday afternoon my husband came home from work and mentioned that he had been up and down on a ladder all day and his feet were sore from balancing on the rungs. I asked him if he would like a foot massage and who wouldn’t be up for that? While he showered I prepared a warm footbath and searched my arsenal for every soothing foot product I could find. I sat for half an hour and worked on his feet. In 35 years of marriage I am sorry to say that was just one of a very few times I have done that for him.

The next morning at church, I noticed on the platform near the pastor’s pulpit was a basin, towel, and pitcher. I thought to myself, “Well, I think I know what Pastor Jeff will be preaching today.” Then I went about my business and never gave it a second thought until the next morning during my quiet time. The Lord brought the picture of me ministering to my husband’s feet and the display at the front of the church. I heard that still small voice that I love saying, “I can keep you in step with what I am doing.” What had happened at our house God was doing at the gathering of His house. I was stunned. However, He wasn’t through with me yet. When I went to get my mail I found a note from a woman named Sharon Coarsey. She had been in a women’s Bible study I had led and sent me a lapel pin as a token of her appreciation. It was a basin and a towel. (By the way, she apologized that she hadn't sent it sooner. The timing was impeccable.) That was jaw dropping affirmation that I was being led and kept in step by His Spirit. How gracious and kind He is. He was asking me to stay at my post and trust Him to continue to lead.

I don’t know if you have concerns and doubts about where you are right now. Take them to the One who desires to lead you. It is part of our privilege as His child.

MY PRAYER: Lord we have received you and believe in your name. You have given us the right to become your children. Thank you that part of that privilege is to be led by your Spirit. In Jesus’ name amen. John 1:12

MY CONFESSION: I am a child of God and I am being led by His Spirit. I choose to follow. I stand on Your Word! Romans 8:14

Listen and be blessed! "Everything Sad is Coming Untrue" Part 1

2010-11-12T10:30:00.001-05:00

Jason has a speech impediment. He stutters and this is the wonderful thing he says about it. "I'm actually grateful now," Jason says, "that my speech handicap never afforded me the option of masking my weakness behind an illusion of competency. Whenever I opened my mouth, there it was for all to see... something was clearly wrong with Jason. I couldn't fool others or myself. I think the best thing that can happen to us is to be 'found out' for all that we are, our religious and human pretenses stripped away to reveal our sin, pettiness, and weakness. Then we can devote our energies to better endeavors than the constant masquerade of sufficiency. The added benefit is that people are able to see how God's grace works in a real person's life. When we come clean about our brokenness, Christ becomes the star of our testimony and not us."

Thank You Veterans! We Are Grateful.

2010-11-11T08:27:00.004-05:00

Just finished a writing assignment to be published at http://www.amarthaheart.com/ on November 19th so I don't have a whole lot to say here. I do want include a couple of great quotes I've come across today. The first concerning our gratitude for our veterans. "In war there are no unwounded soldiers." Jose Narosky I thought about how very true that is whether you have been in combat serving your country or in combat serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone is wounded in one way or the other.

The other quote I found is by Thomas Edison and I know how true it is. Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Can I get an amen on that one?

A Martha Heart

2010-11-09T08:19:00.006-05:00

Head on over to A Martha Heart and read the article I wrote. Check out all the recipes and the other writings while you are there. You will be be glad that you did. Hope you are having a wonderful day. http://www.amarthaheart.com/2010/11/09/my-holy-editor/

Winter Snow (Feat. Audrey Assad) - Chris Tomlin (Must See)

2010-11-06T12:44:00.001-04:00

We had a few flurries yesterday and I woke up today to an icy morning. Made me start thinking of the upcoming Holy Days and the music I would want to add to my Shuffle. This was my favorite off Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest cd. Actually it wasn't my favorite, I was just taken by this song I had never heard and thought it had a gentle beauty to it. Enjoy!

Picture Worth a 1,000 Words

2010-11-06T09:13:00.001-04:00

Receive Like a Child

2010-11-04T19:55:00.005-04:00

"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it at all." Mark 10:15 NASB

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking care of 3 children under the age of four. Their parents are moving and needed someone to be in-house to keep them safe and occupied while big furniture was being taken out. Their mom needed to be free to clean the rooms when the furniture was moved out and of course the endless packing of clothes and kitchen items.

We go to church together but didn’t know each other very well. We finally had some interaction through fall Bible studies my husband and I are leading. So when I showed up at their house the children didn’t know me at all. It took them about 20 minutes to get totally comfortable with me. They are great children; very bright, well-behaved and grateful to have the undivided attention of a grandmotherly (that would be me) person in the house. By the end of a very long day, we were totally bonded. That felt free to come and snuggle in my lap. There is just nothing like having a child seek a moment with their heads on your shoulder. Just quiet for a few minutes before they are off and busy again.

As I was overseeing their baths the oldest little girl looked up with a big smile and said, “It’s nice to meet you.” A little later she said, “I’m glad you got to come to my house today.” My heart just melted. How great was that? Her mom overheard the last statement and said, “We have been so busy they really needed a day like today where they have someone’s undivided attention.” Then their oldest boy who looked so tired came up and asked, “Would you rub my back?” I just loved it.

On the way home I thought to myself, “Lord I think I understand much better why you said we must become like a little child.” They were trusting, accepting, love sponges who didn’t try to disguise their needs. Even though I was tired at the end of the day I felt so blessed. What a gift to give, and have it so readily accepted. How many times would the Lord pour His care out on us if we would humbly receive it like a child? He’s so much more worthy of our trust and dependence than any mortal person no matter how well intentioned.

MY PRAYER: Help us to trust You with a childlike trust Lord. Help us not to refuse what you so freely give because we won’t humble ourselves and ask. Free us to seek quiet moments with you where we are just snuggled in enjoying Your comfort and presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Wife Released From Prison

2010-10-30T08:49:00.003-04:00

This is an article I found this morning as I attempted to find an update on this situation. Please continue to pray.

Fatemeh Passandideh, the wife of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, was released October 11 by a court in Gilan province, in northern Iran, an official linked to the Church of Iran told BosNewsLife.

"The release of Fatemeh Passandideh comes ten days after the announcement of the death sentence for her husband Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani," he said, speaking on earlier agreed conditions of anonymity, amid security concerns.

Pray for Our Brother, His Wife and Children

2010-10-28T09:43:00.008-04:00

Iranian Authorities to Execute Pastor for Apostasy

Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3

I just received this article from a friend this morning. I am so glad I just read this verse this morning and the following remark by Beth Moore in Jesus the One and Only. Luke 12:4 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.Luke 12:5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." "Eternity is a far greater reality than this short breath of time. In essence, Christ said: "Don't fear people who can kil you now but can do nothing to you after that." The only healthy fear is of the One who controls forever"

After a court order temporarily delayed his death, a Christian pastor in Iran is again scheduled to be executed. Worthy News reports that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani will be executed this weekend for the crime of apostasy unless the court again delays his execution. Before he was arrested in October 2009, Nadarkhani led one of the largest Christian communities in Iran. He was singled out by authorities for helping Muslims turn to Christ even though leaving Islam is punishable by death. He was finally arrested after protesting against the enforced reading of the Quran to Christian children. His wife was also arrested and has been sentenced to life in prison. Rights activists are petitioning for the release of both Nadarkhani and his wife.

OUR PRAYER: Lord God we come humbly to Your throne of grace to receive help in the time of trouble for our dear brother and sister and their children. Lord, You have counted them worthy to suffer for your name's sake. Lord, we now ask that you deliver them by Your mighty hand. Lord, you were obedient unto death, even death on the cross. If this is the means by which Pastor Yousef is to glorify you then we ask that you will give him the awesome sense of Your presence and great peace and courage. Help him to pray for those who persecute him. Help him to overcome evil with good. I pray that you would extend great courage and mercy to his dear wife. I pray that their captors would be ashamed and convicted of this sin against heaven. Help us to rise up and pray and act on their behalf. In the name above all names, amen.

Adopted

2010-10-27T15:10:00.005-04:00

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:5-6 NASB

Adopted

I’ve wondered at all that word could mean.

Chosen by a longing need;

Agreeing to take them sight unseen.

Adopted

Suddenly a thought descends;

I’ve been taken in by Him.

Chosen before time begins

Adopted

He saw me in my mother’s womb

I wasn’t taken sight unseen

With all He knew there still was room.

Adopted

I found this simple little poem I wrote a long time ago. The wonder of it all. It made me reflect on one of Rich Mullin's songs that I love so much. I should know better than to follow one of my simple renderings with something as great and textured as Rich's beautiful expression of Psalm 139. I once heard someone say, "If God has given you a beautiful voice praise Him with it. If He hasn't...sing and get even." Just kidding...sort of.

Nothing is Beyond You

Where could I go, where could I run

Even if I found the strength to fly

And if I rose on the wings of the dawn

And crashed through the corner of the sky

If I sailed past the edge of the sea

Even if I made my bed in Hell

Still there You would find me

'Cause nothing is beyond YouYou stand beyond the reach

Of our vain imaginations

Our misguided piety

The heavens stretch to hold You

And deep cries out to deep

Singing that nothing is beyond You

Nothing is beyond You

Time cannot contain You

You fill eternity

Sin can never stain You

Death has lost its sting

And I cannot explain the way You came to love me

Except to say that nothing is beyond You

Nothing is beyond You

If I should shrink back from the light

So I can sink into the dark

If I take cover and I close my eyes

Even then You would see my heart

And You'd cut through all my pain and rage

The darkness is not dark to You

And night's as bright as day

Nothing is beyond You

You stand beyond the reach

Of our vain imaginations

Our misguided piety

The heavens stretch to hold You

And deep cries out to deep

Singing that nothing is beyond You

Nothing is beyond You

And time cannot contain You

You fill eternity

Sin can never stain You

And death has lost its sting

And I cannot explain the way

You came to love me

Except to say that nothing is beyond You

Nothing is beyond You

"I Know You're There" - Casting Crowns

2010-10-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

New Life Worship: Hiding place

2010-10-06T09:46:00.003-04:00

It has been a very busy September and here we are a week into October. I haven't been attending to the blog, but then there aren't people hanging on my every word either.
Some wonderful things have been happening and as usual some challenges as well. The Community Bible Study Fellowship that some friends and I have begun is going well. We have 56 women in Bible study doing Jesus the One and Only. That thrills my heart. The really good part is that we come from many churches in our area and we are hoping and praying it will build bonds and a sense of unity among us. Jesus prayer was John 17:21 "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
I had the privilege of meeting Sandy Day http://www.calebministries.org/. I volunteer with the Woman's Enrichment and Family Center and they sponsored a seminar with her. Part of my privilege was to be her guide and host since she is not familiar with our area. What a delightful sister in the Lord. All I can say is she did what Hebrews 10:24 tells us to do, "Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." I came away from my time with her more committed to be who God wants me to be. I love it when that happens.
In the middle of all this I had two episodes with my inner ear that causes extreme vertigo. I average one episode about every year and a half. The good part was my husband was wonderful or I would never have made it. When I am in the worst part I can't function. All I can do is hang onto my bed with my eyes closed. There is no walking or even crawling when it hits. Even when it's over there is a residual that's very unpleasant. The day before my sister and nieces got here for a rare visit in North Carolina I had my second episode. Fortunately I was able to rebound enough to really enjoy their company and cook! They left yesterday morning on the same day the Woman's Enrichment Center opened an office in my hometown. So...whew!
Added to all this like wonderful icing on a beautiful cake is my privilege of writing for A Martha Heart http://www.amarthaheart.com/. Once again, the best part is getting to know the women who are on the team. I hope you will drop by often to partake of all that is being offered. Be sure and check out all the wonderful recipes that are there. I made the apple craisin breakfast casserole for my family and it was a BIG hit. So simple too when you are rushed...make it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning.
This morning I have had the luxury of lying down beside the still waters. I love the quietness here at my Shepherd’s feet for some needed restoration.

Carol

A Holy Moment

2010-09-03T12:03:00.007-04:00

I was thinking this morning about how precious our grandchildren are to me. I want so much to be a good and godly influence on them.For some reason this incident came to mind and I thought I would share it. I directed a childcare program at our church for two years. While we didn't have a curriculum per say we did have a schedule that we tried to adhere to. We typically would start off our day with a song and Bible story. All our activities were indoors until the afternoon when, weather permitting, the children were allowed time on the playground. We had several days of bad weather that had kept all activities indoors. As the children were dropped off and our day was starting I glanced outside and realized a truly beautiful day was unfolding. I made the decision to let the children go out to play right then as the day was beginning. I knew they would love it, but more than that I felt we all needed to get out and breathe in the glory of a new day.

I will never forget the look of pure joy on the face of one little girl in particular. She was flying high on a swing and I was watching her face. Our eyes met and she exclaimed, "Miss Carol, I LIKE God!" That moment could not have been more profound for me if I had been in a cathedral. I knew her background. Her parents were young and struggling to make it. God was not a priority, but they wanted a safe place for their child. We were trying to sow seeds into all the children who were under our care. Here before my eyes it was bearing fruit. She liked God. I hope all of us that worked with the children had something to do with that. I once heard the definition of a Christian as "Someone who makes it easier to believe there is a God." I love that. Let's make it easier for people by being authentic and having faces and hearts that say "Yes" to finding joy in the journey.

Before I Eat

2010-09-02T07:51:00.000-04:00

If you need some sympathy or empathy or just a laugh...watch this!

Okra as Art Form

2010-09-01T12:35:00.004-04:00

I don't usually put recipes on here, but I am making an exception today. Yesterday I was watching Paula Deen, yes, it is a guilty pleasure of mine. She was cooking Cajun fried okra. Since I grow okra and we've been eating it in many ways, some that are even healthy....I decided to try Paula's version. I'll include the link below. Oh my goodness...elevates the lowly okra to an appetizer worthy art form. Her recipe is huge, and I just wanted a sample batch so even as mathmatically challenged as I am..it was wonderful. Yes, I ate the whole thing, alone. One of the privileges of the test cook. I know my husband and he will gladly subject himself to this new recipe. Wow! Really good. The dipping sauce is spicy, but I am a fan of the chili garlic sauce that you can find in the Chinese section. My picture turned out almost as pretty as hers and I am sure she has a food stylist. Way to go Paula, good one!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/cajun-fried-okra-recipe/index.html

The Fire, the Cloud, and the Aroma

2010-08-30T10:05:00.007-04:00

This morning as I was searching the Scriptures I decided to consult a commentary. By the way, if you are not familiar with http://preceptaustin.org/ I highly recommend this resource for a wealth of good solid commentaries available online. Don’t automatically fly to a commentary though. If you haven’t read and re-read the text, prayed for insight, and done some preliminary work on your own you won’t have the discernment you need to assess whether the commentator is on track.

I knew the correlation between God appearing to Abram as a smoking oven and a flaming torch as they cut covenant in Genesis 15, and God appearing to his descendents as a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night that guided His children out of Egypt. However, my understanding was deepened by these wonderful insights by Alexander Maclaren. “These two symbols, the fire and the cloud point to the double aspect of God’s nature, that “He can never be completely known; He is never completely hid.” But also, “It speaks of that twofold aspect of the divine nature, by which to hearts that love He is gladsome light, and to unloving ones He is threatening darkness. As to the Israelites the pillar was light, and the Egyptians darkness and terror, so the same God is joy to some, and dread to others.” (Expositions of Holy Scripture [Baker], 1:109).

As I pondered this wonderful insight 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 came to mind. “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?” The very same principle Macclaren was describing will be played out in our lives too. Even if we are representing our Lord well, there will be those who love darkness and will dread the light that is in us. It is an awesome thing to carry the Presence. As Paul asks, “Who is adequate?” Read these words in the NKJV 2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses (poured forth) the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”

May it be so Lord.

Catching Up

2010-08-28T09:38:00.009-04:00

August has been a wild ride. Well, for some adrenaline junkies and those who like to live at a fast pace my life would seem pretty tame, but for me...not so much. I live in the mountains where life has a totally different cadence. We don’t have malls, traffic jams, or an abundance of restaurants or theaters. Some of you may find it strange that it’s not unusual for us to cross state lines just to see a movie. What we do have is family scattered all over creation, and since we love them and seek opportunities to see each other, it involves a lot of travel, phone calls, and the ability to Skype.

I also have spent a lot of time encouraging, consoling, and just listening to friends and loved ones who are going through or have loved ones going through really tough times. Just yesterday I had the surreal experience of helping to plan a prayer vigil for the safe return of a friend’s 26 year old cousin who has been missing for almost a week. In my own extended family we’ve had a potentially life threatening motorcycle accident, open heart surgery, and in a couple of days, my niece will have a melanoma removed from her leg.

On a much lighter note… in the family realm I had the delight of flying to Wisconsin for my great-niece’s wedding. Ariel Taylor married Robert Jank. Ariel is the daughter of my nephew Scott Taylor who is a missionary in the Philippines. It was a quick trip, but so worth it to see love ones that I so rarely get to see. I’m something of an airport connoisseur (probably the 7 years I spent as a stewardess) and I loved the Milwaukee airport. Good thing because I had to spend several hours there. I had chosen Lost Horizon off my bookshelf to read and used a gift card to treat myself to Starbucks so it was all good. I’m including some pictures of the lobby. It was bustling because the PGA had a tournament nearby. Lots of men with plaid pants. The atmosphere was really wonderful.

On the home and garden front I hate to admit it, but my husband and I made a real rookie mistake this year. We overplanted two of our raised beds and didn’t thin them out. You’ve heard that “he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly?” I have something to add, “she who sows abundantly and doesn’t thin out the seedlings will have a lot of frustration and waste.” We were gone two weeks during prime garden time which didn’t help. My cucumbers leaves were so thick and abundant that I couldn’t find the cucumbers until they were near watermelon size. The delight of growing your own is to pick them when they are small and crisp with tiny seeds, but they couldn’t be found in the jungle. My bush beans were the same way. They were crammed in side by side and loaded. We ate a lot of green beans and I shared with my neighbor, but I dreaded picking them. Next year I will probably overreact and have one plant every 3 feet.…balance Carol, balance.

Our little Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix 14 year old dog, Taz, is now on medicine for a heart murmur. He gave us a real scare by almost passing out. Fortunately he was scheduled for an appointment with the vet that very day. He is the most compliant and laid back dog. I had to throw that in because of the mix of his breed you may be picturing a high strung yipper. That is so not Taz. He has been a delightful companion to us. Nothing makes him happier than to see his bed go into the backseat of our car or truck. He knows he gets to go on an adventure. He curls up and snoozes with one eye open so he won’t miss any opportunity to roam and find new trees and bushes to mark. He doesn’t want to miss out on any food being passed around either. If there were pictures to illustrate words in a dictionary Taz’s would be next to optimist. We do NOT feed him from the table, but that’s where you will find him at every meal. Maybe he’s waiting for a stray morsel to escape, but only when the grandkids are here does that plan bring a return. Since they live SO far away, it’s a long wait.

September beckons with a varied and full schedule. My husband is going to visit the grandkids without me. He and one of our granddaughters have birthdays close together. She wanted her grandparents there and I can't make it so as his birthday present he gets to go alone. Now he doesn't have to shamelessly vie to be the favorite. I can't believe I am missing out, but I will try to benefit spiritually from the solitude. The night I came face to face with the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ, His word to me was, "Be still and know that I am God." I still need to allow that truth to reign in my heart and life. On September 1st I get to be part of a new online ministry A Martha Heart — Sitting at His Feet http://www.amarthaheart.com/ I feel so privileged to be asked, but more privileged to work with and get to know some wonderful women. The 9th of September my husband will begin facilitating a men's Bible study and I will be there to serve and help him in any way I can. On the 11th some friends and I will be providing the wedding reception for a wonderful young couple. On the 13th I will be launching a new Bible study group in our community with some young women who are stepping out in faith to reach their circle of influence. In all of this I would desire your prayers. I want to do what I do out of the overflow of my relationship with Him. I want to abide in Him and His word in me so that I bear fruit and exhibit a gentle and quiet spirit that is precious in His sight.

Hopefully, I will still have time to come here and share lessons learned as I journey with Him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Fall Bible Study--Jesus, the One and Only

2010-07-28T14:36:00.005-04:00

Hey Girlfriends, want to give you a heads up so you can make your plans for the fall. If you have never been in a small group Bible study you don't know what you are missing. It adds a dimension to your spiritual growth that is incredibly valuable.

Come along with Beth Moore on a life-changing journey which will lead you through the hills of Galilee with the Teacher, across the lake with the Master, and, finally, on the road with the Savior--His face set toward the cross. Filmed on location in Israel.

BEGINS: Monday, September 13th (11-week, in-depth study)
TIMES: Daytime Class: 10a.m.-12 Evening Class: 7-9p.m.
WHERE: MountainView Community Church, 1335 Hwy. 64 West
Murphy, North Carolina 28906
FACILITATORS: Community Bible Study Fellowship: Cindy Bradshaw, Debby Intemann, Carol Lackland, Theresa Noland, Lori McClure, Cheryl Miller, Karen Pope, Lauren Steadham

TO REGISTER & ORDER WORKBOOK CALL: 828-837-7971

The Source of Our Confidence

2010-07-20T13:16:00.004-04:00

I have been reading in the book of Acts. It never fails to encourage me. It always stirs up faith in my risen Savior. Jesus’ disciples had gone from the depths of despair, after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, to the heights of joy. He had appeared to them through “many infallible proofs.” Acts 1:3 They had waited obediently, according to His instructions, for the filling of the Spirit to become His witnesses. Now they were living it out on the streets of Jerusalem and it was getting them in trouble.

Peter and John had in Jesus’ name healed a man lame from birth. It caused quite a stir and the religious leaders were fearful. They thought they had put an end to the Jesus problem. Now they were trying to intimidate and quiet His followers. All the big guns were called in and they were put on trial. Every eye was on Peter and John. Read chapter four of Acts. It is wonderful to see the wisdom that was given them. I love verse 13 “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” I think education and training are wonderful, but nothing can compare to walking with Jesus.

Nothing would please me more than for people to know that any confidence I have comes from walking with Jesus. Every day we wake up we should hear afresh, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Oh, I know that issue was settled in my life a long time ago. However, if I’m not intentional, I will allow the pressures or lures of life intrude and hamper my time with Him. We have to make it a priority to get alone to talk to Him and allow His word to talk to us. Do you want to grow in confidence in your faith? Be very intentional. It won't just happen. Spend time with Jesus. What is done in secret will be reflected openly.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I want to walk in humble confidence. It is a marvel to me that You call us Your friends. Thank you for drawing and calling me to spend time with You.

How Do You Know God is True?

2010-07-15T05:29:00.008-04:00

How do you know God is true?
I could tell a tale or two
How 'bout you?
Cause when your life's on the line
You gotta know He's there for you
Every time, I'll be reminding you

“Songs From the Loft” 1993

I was recently given an iPod shuffle by my daughter and her husband for Mother’s Day. Amazing little gadget. It is unbelievably small, talks to you, and can store and play up to 500 songs.They know how much I enjoy listening to worship music and thought I would love it. I do. Makes mowing the lawn a much happier experience. I can go for a walk and it just slips in my pocket and I’m in heaven.

When I was choosing my songs to download I came across an old gem from 1993 called How Do You Know? I’ve included the lyrics from the chorus. It’s a simple upbeat song, but holds a real nugget of truth. We can use Bible narratives and personal experiences of God’s deliverance and provision to encourage others.

So many people are going through hard times right now. I am praying for people in financial stress, a family desperate for work, some are fighting serious and life threatening illnesses or injuries. Others are experiencing the heartbreak of alienation from love ones. We always have to be sensitive when we are giving encouragement not to be trite or downplay the seriousness of their situation. Pray and seek for opportunities to point them to God's promises and His amazing history of faithfulness and provision.

I recently solicited prayer on the behalf of a family member seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. God answered those prayers in a miraculous way. I sent out the letter from the father describing how God had intervened and thanking them for their prayers. So many responded to his letter telling how it encouraged them to believe God for their own situations. That reminds of what the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. How do we know God is true and sufficient to sustain us in every trial? I’ve got a tale or two. How about you? Use those things to comfort and strengthen others.

MY PRAYER: Lord, great is your faithfulness. We have tried you and found your promises are true, you are everything that you said that you would be. Help us to encourage others with the encouragment you have given us. In Jesus' name, amen.

Great Times and Sweet Memories

2010-07-12T16:30:00.004-04:00

Daughter-in-law Lindsay, Paityn Jean, and our son, Micah, at the family reunion on the 4th of July.

Our daughter Rachel, her husband Dan, Caitlin and Madeline celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary with us.

It's Been a While

2010-07-12T12:46:00.007-04:00

It's been a long time since I have been on the blog. We've celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary with our daughter and her family. They flew in from Washington state with two of our granddaughters. It made it all the more fun and special to have them here with us.

Then we celebrated my birthday in Maryland with the immediate family together including our son, his wife Lindsay, and our newest addition little Paityn Jean Lackland. My birthday happens to coincide with the 4th of July annual Lackland reunion so it is never dull.

My husband's cousin lives right on the Potomac so there is fishing, canoeing and beautiful fireworks all around the river. Her son puts on an impressive display of his own for us. Most of all it is a good time to gather with extended family we see too infrequently.

We took advantage of our location to visit Mt.Vernon, Gettysburg, and while our granddaughters were taken to the Smithsonian, Rell and I went to the Holocaust museum. I was reminded once again of the truth, "All that it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." I'm still processing all that we experienced.

I'm filled with gratitude that our children went to all the trouble and expense to spend this time together. I'm grateful for the ability to travel and spend time with our loved ones. The pages of the calendar of my life seem to be flipping at an escalating rate. I want to savor every day and use it to grow closer to my Savior and those He has given me to love.

We had a great time but it's good to be home.

Bonfires

2010-06-17T05:04:00.004-04:00

I recently had to wrestle with a forgiveness issue. I was hurt and deeply disappointed by someone. I went back and read again something that James MacDonald had written while he was on a sabbatical. The quotes below really struck a chord with me. Especially what his friend wrote about in our imperfections we sometimes, “Drag our weirdness into situations.” Can anyone but me identify with that statement?

James’ excerpt: Kathy and I have had a lot of time to walk and talk and process so much that has happened. The praises go with you all the days of your life but the pains have to be left behind. Week by week Kathy and I have been talking and praying about a ‘bonfire.’ It won’t be a literal one but we will be gathering up all the ‘hard parts’ and our relational disappointments in a very focused way and entrusting those to God as we head out into a new season of joyful fruit bearing for God’s glory. I encourage you to have a ‘bonfire’ too if you need one, they are so important and life giving. A recent email paragraph from a friend said it well.

• We live in such an imperfect world and we are such imperfect people that it is no wonder we drag our weirdness into situations. When it seems impossible or unfruitful to attempt to unscramble the complexities of life I have learned the peace and profit of turning it over to our Lord and keeping focused on the joy of all that lies ahead with malice toward none.

Isn’t that an excellent word? Even as closets and garages need seasonal cleanouts so do our hearts from hurts and disappointments. I intend to ask the Lord what needs to go on the bonfire so I can keep focused on the joy ahead with malice toward none. Does anything need to go on your bonfire?

Blessings,

The Basin and the Towel

2010-06-02T12:10:00.000-04:00

Attracting Grace

2010-06-02T12:08:00.001-04:00

But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." James 4:6 NASB

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 NASB

We have not one but two Scriptures in the New Testament to let us know the value of humility and the consequences of pride. I started genuinely asking God to show me how to walk in greater humility. After several weeks I told my husband, “A large part of humility must entail understanding what is none of my business.” I would be going about my day and find myself wondering why a person was doing this or that. For instance a friend was in a financial pinch and yet owned a horse. My internal dialogue was mulling over why in the world they didn’t sell it because surely that wasn’t a priority. They never seemed to do anything with the horse other than feed it. As clear as a bell, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “That’s really none of your business.” It wasn’t. They hadn’t asked me for my great wisdom, and I certainly didn’t have enough information to be forming an opinion on what they should do. My concern was good, but needed to be straightened out. God showed me that pride sits on its perch and judges. Humility gets on its knees and prays.

I need to be reminded of this daily. Do you?

MY PRAYER: Lord, you clothed yourself with humility. You came to serve and to save not to judge. John 12:47 Help me to get off pride’s perch and down on my knees. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: You resist the proud, but give grace to the humble. I choose grace. I stand on Your Word!

2010-05-31T14:31:00.001-04:00

The Courage of Our Heroes

2010-05-30T21:08:00.008-04:00

"Greater love has no one than this that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 NASB

"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." —John Stuart Mill

Today is Memorial Day. I just heard the testimony of Col. Leo Thorsness. He was an Air force pilot shot down over North Vietnam. He was held captive in the Hanoi Hilton for 6 years. For 18 days he was tortured non-stop before being held in solitary confinement and intermittent torture for 3 years. Then he was put in a group cell with 42 other American POWs. They tried to hold a church service by gathering together and reciting the Lord’s Prayer. They had just started when the guards came in and violently broke it up. The next week their highest ranking officer asked the men if they were committed to having a church service. He asked them all individually if they were committed. (Each one knew what it was to be tortured so they were aware of what was possibly in store for them.) Each one made the commitment. Their commanding officer said that when they hauled him away then the next ranking officer was to take his place leading the prayer until none of them were left if necessary.

The next Sunday they gathered with the commanding officer leading them in prayer. They barely got our “Our Father,” when the guards broke in and violently snatched him away. Immediately the next ranking officer took up the prayer with “who art in heaven,” and he was beaten and dragged away. In all the confusion the 3rd officer took his place “hallowed be Thy name.” By this time the prisoners were shouting the prayer over the violence and commands of the guards. When they laid hands on the 5th ranking officer suddenly out of the chaos came a deep stillness and the guards stopped beating and dragging them away. They decided what they were doing wasn’t working. From that Sunday forward those men held their church service without interference. That privilege came with a cost they were willing to pay. I have to ask myself am I made of such stuff. The Apostle Peter thought he was but his flesh failed him. Through the love, example and power of His Lord he did become the man he thought he already was.

I get a glimpse of why the Apostle Paul asks us to, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3 I believe the church of Jesus Christ is in desperate need of good soldiers. I was made free spiritually by the exertions of the Lord Jesus Christ who laid down His life for me. I have been kept physically free by the exertions of the American servicemen and women who have laid down their lives. I am profoundly grateful for both. Their examples inspire and humble me to stand and if necessary die for what I believe in.

MY PRAYER: Father, thank you for sending your Son to set us free. Thank you for the men and women who have laid down their lives for our liberty. Help us to follow their example and help us to thank them at every opportunity.

MY CONFESSION: For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:10

Loving God Loving Each Other - Gaither Vocal Band

2010-05-28T12:28:00.001-04:00

FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT

2010-05-28T12:14:00.004-04:00

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

Pastor Joe Guglielmo said something about this passage that impacted me deeply. Remarking on verse 40 he said, “I love this verse, and here is why. If our vertical axis with God is right, if we love God supremely, then our horizontal axis with man will be in line also. Do you see the picture that emerges from this? It is a cross - all that God has said through the prophets and the law hangs on the finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary!”

Because of the finished work of Christ, I am at peace with God and I am free to love and believe Him. God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. Romans 5:1-5 I don’t have to force myself to love Him or others. The presence of the Holy Spirit produces fruit and the first fruit listed in Galatians 5:22 is love. He gives us what we need for a life that is pleasing to Him. He doesn’t make demands and then dispassionately stands back and watches our struggle to obey. Peter tells us in his 2nd letter that God has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Then he encourages us in light of all God has done to apply diligence in our walk of faith. This is where the rubber meets the road, where we work out what He has worked in. How do we do that?

Matt Chandler, the pastor of the Village Church in Texas gives some good advice. “Ask yourself what inspires you? What stirs your affections for Christ? Make a list:
(this is a shortened version of Matt’s)

1. Early mornings and hot coffee
2. The writings of John Owen
3. Listening to my wife sing
4. The book of Hebrews
5. Sermons by John Piper
6. Angst-filled music

"I also wrestled with and paid attention to what robbed me of affection for Christ. What, when I was doing it or spending time around it created in me an unhealthy love for this world? The first list was a strange one because the majority of things that robbed me of zeal for Christ and His mission were morally neutral things. " It looked something like this:

1. Watching too much TV and spending too much time online
2. Staying up late for no reason
3. Following sports too closely
4. Being physically lazy
5. Empty conversations (talking for hours about nothing)
6. Idleness

Matt’s insights have been a tremendous practical help to me. I hope they will be to you as well. Let’s pay attention to those things that cause our hearts to burn with a holy fire and those things that threaten to extinguish that flame. His Holy Spirit will enable and equip us.

MY PRAYER: Lord, help us to give you what you fully deserve…our mind’s attention and our hearts affection. Help us to focus on those things that move us closer to you. Help us to put aside those things that promise much but leave us empty. In Jesus’ name.

Darlene Zschech & Hillsong - Call on Jesus

2010-05-27T08:46:00.001-04:00

A Man Like Us

2010-05-27T08:21:00.007-04:00

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. James 5:17-18 NIV

Do we really believe that Elijah was a man just like us? Have you noticed that the Bible doesn’t gloss over even the greatest heroes weaknesses? They are laid out for all to see. We have a tendency to put those who appear on the pages of Scripture in a specialized category in our hearts and minds. We shouldn’t do that. They were people, in their human nature, just like us. Ultimately God wrote them into His story and that is what gives them and us our significance. At some point in time God called them into a relationship with Himself. The depth and quality of any relationship depends on communication. He talks to us through his Word and prayer. We respond to Him through conversation…we talk to God… that is what prayer is. It is simple and profoundly important. We really don’t need to complicate it. We don’t need formulas or big theological words.

I love this quote by Rick Warren: Imagine I walked in the door one evening and my kids said: "O, almighty procreator of our family. How wonderful thou art, who sovereignly deposits our allowance to us. Oh, the majesty of thy wonderful self! We beseech thee to come eat dinner with us." I'd check their temperatures to see if they were sick! I don't want to hear that. I want them to say, "Hey! Dad's home. Good to see you, Pop!" I'm not saying to be flippant in prayer, but that's how you make contact with God. You just talk with him in a genuine and heartfelt way."

Elijah was very specific in his request and we should be also. When I was a young a mother I heard a sermon that really challenged me to teach my children to pray for specifics and not just in generalities. The pastor was very pointed in his analysis of why parents are hesitant. We don’t want our children to be disappointed if God doesn’t answer, so we foster low expectations with non-specific requests. He stepped on my toes, but more importantly he convicted my heart. I asked the Lord for opportunities to encourage my children to pray for specifics. Of course He came through.

My daughter overheard my concerns that the lack of rain was hurting our large garden. Big brown eyes looked earnestly into mine and said, “Mommy, let’s ask God to bring rain today.” I swallowed hard because I knew that there was no rain in the forecast all week. We joined hands and prayed that God would bring the needed rain to our garden. She happily and confidently went outside to play in the bright cloudless day with her brother. I had my own prayer session asking God to deal tenderly with her young faith. Imagine my delight when a couple of hours later the kids were dashing to the front porch to get out of rain shower that was falling as the sun shone almost as brightly as her little face. There was no doubt in her mind or mine that the Lord of the universe had stooped to hear and to answer her request. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Of course my daughter had to grow in her relationship to God in prayer. She had to learn patience and perseverance and how to stand on His promises. But I would say she learned one of the most important aspects up front…when you pray say….be specific. The Lord hasn’t changed He still asks, “What do you want Me to do for you? Matthew 20:32 Remember to say, “Thank you.”

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the privilege of bringing all our concerns to you in prayer. Help me to be clear, help me persevere and help me to have high expectations because of who You are.

MY CONFESSION: I will be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving I will let my requests be made known to God. Your peace will guard my heart and mind. I stand on Your word! Phil. 4:6-7

Having Done All...Stand

2010-05-26T10:39:00.001-04:00

To me this so clearly illustrates what Peter says about the devil being a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. This is a cougar but the methods are the same. The cat caught the cub separated from its mama, rolling around taking life easy and the predator seized the opportunity to pounce. This little cub panicked and tried valiantly to escape but clearly was no match. When it finally came down to it...the cub had to take a stand and fight for its life.

We are told in Ephesians 6 to be on the alert and clothed with our God-given protection. Eph 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Eph 6:13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. We are also told in James 4:7-8 to resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Just like this little cub we are no match. But when we do what our Father commands by taking our stand and resisting we can know that rising up behind us is the full authority and protection of our Shepherd, the Almighty. The enemy will flee and we can run to the One who will comfort and heal us. He's saved my scrawny neck countless times. How about you? Do you need to stop running in a panic and take a stand?

MY PRAYER: Convict me when I'm running scared to stop, submit myself to you, and take my stand. Father, you have promised that as we submit to you and resist our enemy that he will flee from us. I am dressed in your righteousness alone and that scares my enemy. He doesn't see me...he sees you. You are awesome and you are mighty to save. In the Name above all names.

The Saving Strength of His Right Hand

2010-05-23T10:42:00.006-04:00

A Psalm of David.) May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary, and support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings, and find your burnt offering acceptable! Selah. May He grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel! We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions. Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven, with the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stood upright. Save, O LORD; May the King answer us in the day we call. Psalm 20:1-9 NASB

Ever have one of those nights where you wake up and the sadness and lack of hope over a situation just settles over you like a dark suffocating quilt of despair? I had one of those moments last night. I thought of Rich Mullin’s words from Hold Me Jesus:

Well, sometimes my life
Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small
And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

I was confronted with two choices:

• Give in and let it bury me under the hopeless weight of seemingly insurmountable odds….
• Look up and trust in the saving strength of God’s right hand.

Hebrews 1:3 lets us know that it is Jesus who sat down at the right hand of the Father. He is the Redeemer. He is the One who by His mighty and awesome power can and will, “work all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28 I am looking up to the One who sets me securely on high. I am looking to the One who will help and support me. I will place my confidence in His mighty and awesome name. Oh to know and believe that He is bending His ear to hear the cries and petitions of our hearts.

Psalm 20 fell over me this morning returning a quietness and confidence that defies what my eyes can see. Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him

from His holy heaven, with the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stood upright. To quote Keith Green speaking for Noah, “It’s just a matter of time until we see who’s going to float.” My circumstances will bow and fall to His great plan that He is unfolding. When our issues drive us to our knees we will rise secure and upright as we put our trust in the Name. We will be refined and repaired by putting our faith in who He is.

My prayer for you today is that the LORD will answer you in the day of trouble! The name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high…high above your circumstances. I will sing for joy over your victory.

Beware of Motives

2010-05-08T10:58:00.006-04:00

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1

These verses may seem to be contradictory at first glance, but there is a world of difference between the two. Jesus warns us that there are pitfalls in serving our Father. He wants us to keep our motives pure and our ultimate reward safe. Do we want our reward now by “doing good works to be seen” and having men honor us? Jesus wants us to go about it simply and as privately as is feasible. How much better to be seen doing good works than to do good works to be seen?

I think a good visual is a burning candle that is simply fulfilling its purpose and casting a glow around everything it touches. It gives light and warmth and the wick is facing upward. An unseen hand has provided the fire. Love and gratitude is the fuel that keeps it going. It is a light and a comfort in a dark and sometimes hard world.

The second visual would be a spotlight. If you’ve ever stood in a spotlight the first thing you will notice is that it is blinding. You can’t see those who are right in front of you. Whoever steps into the middle of the light can be assured that all eyes will be on them. In directing jargon it is called, “Front and center.” I have seen people so bent on serving the Lord in a public fashion unable to see the needs in their family who are right in front of them.

We are told in Ephesians 2:10 that “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We each have a path and a reward. Jesus so wants us to walk the path and receive our reward. He knows the pitfalls and He warns us to “Beware.” If Jesus gives us a warning let’s take it to heart and let it search us.

I recently was tempted to be offended by a lack of gratitude for something I had done faithfully and quietly for a long period of time. This has been a needed reminder that the One who never misses anything, even a motive, is the only one worthy to be “front and center.” "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your reminder. We trust your Spirit and your Word working in us and through us to keep us on the right path with the right motives. You are awesome. Take your rightful place front and center. Help us to take shelter under the shadow of Your wings.

Believing God/Spreading Influence

2010-05-03T08:05:00.001-04:00

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death."Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."The royal official said, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus replied, "You may go. Your son will live." The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, "The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour." Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and all his household believed. This was the second miraculous sign that Jesus performed, having come from Judea to Galilee. John 4:46-54 NASB

If a group of Christians came together to share their conversion stories the circumstances would be extremely varied. God in his mercy and grace knows what it will take to bring us to saving faith in his Son. For this nobleman it meant allowing circumstances to arise that neither his position nor privilege could solve. His son was desperately ill and he had reached the end of his resources. Rumors of a holy man, a miracle worker, had faintly held his interest… now thoughts of Jesus take center stage as his last hope.

Jesus’ answer seems harsh, but many were flocking to him not in a quest for right standing with God, but for spiritual thrills and entertainment. It always astounds me when I hear testimonies of God’s miraculous intervention in a life and then hear the person confess that they still went on in sin and unbelief a while longer. The nobleman begs Jesus to come, but Jesus bids him to go and believe his word. He does exactly that…he takes Jesus at his word and heads back home. The next day his servants meet him with the news that his son is alive, the fever is broken. It occurred at the exact time Jesus spoke. His faith is deepened and his belief spreads through his household until they all come to faith.

I hope that one of the joys of heaven will be testimony time. I know that God is front and center there, but to me nothing shows his grace and glory more than the tales of His transforming redemptive power. I can’t wait to hear what was going on in the noble man’s heart and mind in that long journey home to his son. Or to hear what happened after the healing of his son in his home and life.

That was his testimony, but I would venture to say that if you know Jesus, if you have walked with him any length of time I would want to hear yours too. I have a great desire to tell what Jesus has done for me. I started asking God in earnest in January of 2009 about making new opportunities for me to tell others what He has done for me. Since that time, I have had the privilege to speak to over 200 women and give my testimony. The next day, at a private home, I met a woman who told me she was sorry she had missed my testimony so I shared it with her one on one. I also got to sit at a dinner table with 3 of my family members and give them my testimony and all of the opportunities were deeply satisfying. That’s all happened in less than four months. Jesus has a deep desire that we tell others what he has done and allow him to use it in their lives.

I needed to be reminded by this wonderful story to keep praying for spreading influence and to be ready to go and tell what he has done. It doesn’t matter the number of people or the depth of the need, it is really all about him and what he has done to bring salvation to us and to our household. I challenge you to start praying for opportunities to share. I would love to hear your stories.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for what you done in our lives. Grant to us great boldness and love in sharing our stories and making you known. Give us many chances to share your good news. Help us to tell it freely, fully, and plainly. Give us your words and help us to be gracious and wise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: This is your promise, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." Acts 1:8 I stand on your word.

The Way I Was Made

2010-04-29T09:31:00.000-04:00

Our True Identity

2010-04-29T09:02:00.003-04:00

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. Ephesians 1:1-4 NASB

I have joined Face Book at the urging of some friends. On the whole I have enjoyed the experience. It has actually helped me to reconnect with friends from my youth who I haven’t seen in many years. Of course I soon discovered that there is a down side that to me seems very juvenile and a huge waste of discretionary time. Call me judgmental, you won’t be the first or the last.

One of the more confounding aspects is how many of my Christian friends take quizzes that help them understand their identity. For those of you not familiar with Face Book I’ll elaborate.

· What flower am I
· What movie villain am I
· What occupation best suits me
· What Vera Bradley Pattern am I
· What is my Indian name
· What Dirty Dancing Character am I (I kid you not, this is hot off the press this morning)

I could go on and on, but you should be able to get the picture even if you aren’t familiar with Face Book. I totally get that they are not taking this seriously, but I think the appeal is based on a real human need.

It is important that we know who we are, whose we are, what our purpose is and where we are going. The Apostle Paul begins all of his epistles telling us who he is and how he got there. Then he begins to tell us who we are. Paul was under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit who knows that we need to know and embrace these things. The first chapter of Ephesians is a treasure trove of revelation for us. Four major revelations, but barely scratching the surface, are:

Chosen by God vs. 4

Holy and blameless

Loved

Adopted through Jesus vs.5

Freely bestowed with grace vs.5 (vs. 8 says we are lavished with His grace)

Redeemed through Jesus' blood vs. 7

Trespasses forgiven

We have an inheritance vs. 11

Sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise vs. 13

This is just barely dipping our toes into all that He has done for us.
I would encourage you to read the 1st chapter of Ephesians in its entirety. Make a list of who you are in Christ. Read it back to the Lord and affirm what He says about us and thank Him.
I want to include a quote by John Piper on this subject from a sermon series he preached on 1st Corinthians 1:

“A tremendous stability comes into your life when you let the Bible define who you are in relation to God rather than letting the world define who you are in relation to things and groups and your body. To know where you've come from in relation to God, and where you are heading in relation to God, and where you stand now in relation to God, will make you a free agent.

You will not be the lackey of contemporary advertising. You won't be the slave of fads or fashions or trends. When the world attempts to leverage your decision by defining you in terms of a body or car or bank account that you don't have, you will not crumple with insecurity and dissatisfaction and covetousness; but you will stand like an independent free agent knowing who you really are and what your life really means in relation to God.”

Can anyone join me in a strong amen! I want to be a Free agent. Not independent and haughty, God forbid such a thing, but not a slave to society’s evaluations and standards either. Let us with great eagerness search the Scriptures to become the secure in Him and allow Him to give us our definition and value.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for choosing us. Help us to sink our roots deep into who we are in You. Help us to revel in Your love and acceptance.

MY CONFESSION: Lord, thank you for choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before You. I stand on Your Word! Ephesians 1:4

My Holy Editor

2010-04-15T09:49:00.002-04:00

I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 NASB Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:12-13 NASB

I am reading 1 Peter this morning and in chapter three Peter quotes verses 12 and 13 out of Psalm 34. The subject is the tongue and it wasn’t lost on me that it follows Peter’s instructions to husbands and wives in how to live with one another.

We have just finished James MacDonald’s study, Lord, Change My Attitude. Our small group leader asked what primary impact the study had on each of us. I shared that God once again was working on me to rein-in my critical comments and reign over my tongue. I believe that I have made huge progress over the years, but to say that I have arrived would not be true. I shared with the group that in particular God was moving strongly over my private conversations with my husband. I am not talking about being critical of my husband. I sense the Lord asking me not to share my “take” or “insights” i.e. judgments on events, people, or situations that are negative in nature and offer no solution and which neither of us can correct. It is amazing how many words have been stopped from coming out of my mouth. I believe I have a new name to praise Him with, My Holy Editor.

My husband and I went to an event together that I found very odd. I could have spent half an hour dissecting all the things that I thought were strange about it. The Lord spared my husband’s and heaven’s ears by helping me to zip it and just tell him what I enjoyed.

I want to have a mouth that is a blessing to God and to others. Does that mean we can’t address real issues with the aim to solve a problem or improve a situation? No, but if our remarks aren’t part of the solution they should be left unsaid…even in the privacy of our closest relationships.

MY PRAYER: Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight. I want my lips to speak words that bless. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Fill my heart with grace so that I don’t harbor a critical spirit.

MY CONFESSION: Lord, people were struck with wonder at the gracious words that fell from your lips. Luke 4:22 You are my Holy Editor, I will cooperate with you to remove anything that is unworthy from my conversations. I want to be like you.

Unfading Beauty

2010-04-11T06:39:00.004-04:00

I have a friend who lived in a assisted living facility. She has a chronic physical problem that makes it necessary. The apartment is beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. It's a delight to the eye to walk in there with all her possession tastefully displayed. That's not the reason I go to see her, just one of benefits. She is sweet and kind and ever ready to share what God is doing in her life and to hear what He is doing in mine.

Many months ago her health took a turn for the worse and her doctor insisted that she had to have long term around the clock care. Now I visit her in a nursing home. She has a bed in a corner of a room. It is however, next to a window so that she can see the grass and the sky. She has a basket on her bed with her Bible and other things she needs. She has a little plastic three drawer file to hold what won't fit in the basket and that's pretty much it. Someone did put some Easter type decals on the windows to brighten the atmosphere. It's rather austere and depressing, but that's not the reason I go there. She is sweet and kind and ever ready to share what God is doing in her life and to hear what He is doing in mine.

All her earthly possessions are stored away in her sister's house. Yet her most glorious possession is still shining through, "the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 She has never uttered a word of complaint in my hearing. She is polite and grateful to the staff. I marvel at the grace received and displayed.

I found something written by Max Lucado that I put in her Easter card. I don't think she realizes why I chose it, but I am going to tell her it reminded me of her.

By Max Lucado
“Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:47, NIV

All the Roman centurion did was see Jesus suffer. He never heard him preach or saw him heal or followed him through the crowds. He never witnessed him still the wind; he only witnessed the way he died. But that was all it took to cause this weather-worn soldier to take a giant step in faith. “Surely this was a righteous man . . .”

Anybody can preach a sermon on a mount surrounded by daisies. But only one with a gut full of faith can live a sermon on a mountain of pain.

My friend is reflecting beautifully the One who went before her and left her an example to follow. We are told by Paul in Philippians 2:14-15 to do all things without grumbling and disputing and in conducting ourselves in that way we will appear as lights in the darkness. She is shining and it convicts and encourages me to remember that I have a treasure inside of me. All else can be stripped away except the unfading beauty of His Spirit within.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for leaving us an example. Thank you that your grace is sufficient and that your presence is more than enough. Thank you for putting people in our path that encourage us by their examples as they follow you. In Jesus wonderful name, amen.

Jonah

2010-04-09T22:47:00.010-04:00

The Lord has really been speaking to my heart from the book of Jonah. Since I also have grandkids and teach the children at our church, I decided to put the story of Jonah in rhyme. I'm not a poet and I know it, but I do have some fun.

The book of Jonah begins with a word
Nineveh is wicked and the Lord has heard.
He’s appointed a prophet to warn them to turn
But Jonah would really prefer they burn.
He hops a ship going in the other direction
He’s leaving God behind …well that’s his perception.
Running is tiring so Jonah sleeps
God hurls a storm and the boat begins to leak.
The sailors work and the sailors pray
But it seems they’ll not survive the day.
The captain finds Jonah asleep in the storm
He tells Jonah, “This is extremely bad form.
Get up, cry out to the God you cherish.
Don’t you care that we’re about to perish?
Someone has displeased the god of the seas
We’re casting lots to know who that would be.
The lot of course on Jonah fell
So his story he was forced to tell,
“I’m running from the God of sea and land
If you’re looking to blame… then I’m your man.”
The sailors tried to save his hide
But ended up throwing him over the side.
God appointed a fish who of course obeyed
That’s the only reason Jonah was saved.

The fish opened his mouth and Jonah went in
Life gets hard when you choose to sin.
Now he’s wide awake in the dark and
To the Lord’s voice he’s willing to hark.
He's so sorry he avoided God’s plan
So the fish vomits Jonah onto dry land.
God’s word comes to Jonah a second time
Go tell Nineveh though it’s in its prime
In forty days they’ll not be around
If they don’t repent I’m bringing them down.
This time you can believe that Jonah obeys
He gives the warning, “You’ve got forty days.”
From the least to the greatest they believe in Him
Because God is gracious He stays His hand.
Jonah pouts and Jonah prays
Why won’t you let me have my way?
I didn’t want to come and this proves my point
Your mercy on the wicked puts my nose out of joint.
Jonah sits on a hill to wait and see
Maybe the Lord will bring catastrophe.
He tries to get comfortable under a plant
It soothes his soul and it stops his rant.
God sends a worm to eat its leaves
This makes Jonah bitterly grieve.
“Jonah,” God says in a tender way,
“The death of a plant causes such dismay?
How much more a city great and tall
Filled with people, the old and small?”
We may judge and think Jonah’s not too smart
He had God’s message, but not God’s heart.
There the story ends but it gives me a thrill
To think what would happen on another hill.
One greater than Jonah would come and plea
But He would never just wait and see.
He would love and He would cherish
He died for our sin so we won’t perish.

He is Risen!

2010-04-04T06:02:00.002-04:00

Luke 24:32 And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?"

Over two thousand years later the risen Lord is still coming along side His children and explaining the Scriptures to us. My heart rejoices and burns with love when He gives me insights into His ways and His word. I have been fed and encouraged by so many men and women who have shared with me through studies, sermons, and tapes what the risen Lord has taught them.

I pray that this day our risen Savior will meet you daily in His word and prayer so that your hearts will be encouraged and strengthened by Him.

He is risen!

Rejoicing in all that He is,

Revelation Song

2010-04-02T20:37:00.000-04:00

Wait and See or Weep and Plead?

2010-03-29T15:27:00.007-04:00

When God saw what they (Nineveh) did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened. Jonah 3:10
But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry. Jonah 4:1 Jonah went out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city. Jonah 4:5

I have been in the book of Jonah for weeks. I knew that it was a word in due season for me. Everywhere I turned…someone was talking about Jonah. This morning as I was getting ready for church, it really hit me. Jonah had God’s message, but he did not have God’s heart.

Jonah had been sent to those who were not of his own people. In fact in approximately 50 years Assyria would come against Israel and take them into captivity. Even so, four times in the very short book of Jonah, Nineveh is called a great or an exceedingly great city. Archaeology is replete with the scope and historical significance of this ancient civilization. However, God was not impressed with their accomplishments; it was the state of their hearts that sent a putrefying stench heavenward. As always His mercy triumphs over judgment. God wanted them to repent so that He didn’t have to bring destruction to end their moral decay. Jonah took God’s message into the streets of Nineveh, “Forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” Jonah had God’s message, but he did not have His heart. He wanted them to perish. He wanted the word he spoke to be accomplished. He wanted his word to be validated and his reputation intact. He didn’t want to see his enemies blessed. He sat above the city under the shade of his arbor hoping against hope that they would be overthrown. He took a wait and see attitude.

How different would be the one who would come and make Himself of no reputation. Philippians 2:7 In Luke 19:41 we are told Jesus wept as He looked out over Jerusalem and prophesied the destruction that was coming upon them. Jesus grieved over the hardness of Jerusalem’s heart in Luke 13:34 and expressed His desire to gather and protect them like a hen her brood. In the Old Testament Ezekiel was commanded to tell God’s people that He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but would rather they turn from their way and live. God clothed in human flesh would weep and plead.

I’ve asked myself why this would be so pertinent at this time. We know that America is in peril. Not only from enemies without, but by our own moral decadence. The church itself is filled with those whose lives are indistinguishable from those who don’t even profess Christ. God may give us a hard message to speak forth, but He wants it spoken with a lump in our throat and hope in our hearts that it will be received. He doesn’t want us sitting in cold hearted judgment dispassionately waiting for His wrath to fall all the while more concerned for our own reputation than His.

In the past year, I had to speak a strong word of warning to someone. At first, I was burdened and greatly concerned praying fervently that they would give heed. They didn’t. I realize now that I have taken a wait and see attitude. Pride sits on a perch and judges, humility gets down on its knees and intercedes. I am going back to my knees.

I can shake my head over Jonah in chapter four. What is revealed about him is not attractive at all. However, on deeper reflection and conviction by the Spirit of God I realize that I can fall into the same self-centered trap. How about you?

MY PRAYER: Lord, I want to have Your message and Your heart. Jesus left me an example to follow and the Spirit to empower me. I thank you that mercy triumphs over judgment.

Hold Me Jesus

2010-03-23T11:26:00.001-04:00

Awake in the Dark

2010-03-23T11:21:00.005-04:00

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the stomach of the fish, and he said, "I called out of my distress to the LORD, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; Thou didst hear my voice. Jonah 2: 1-2

In chapter one Jonah is asleep in the light, but at this point we find him awake in the dark. God had appointed a great fish to swallow his disobedient prophet. I have heard it said that we can choose to disobey, but we don’t get to choose the consequences. Although Satan isn’t mentioned in this passage we can detect his presence. Doesn’t he fill our thoughts with what it will cost if we obey God? He will never breathe a word of what it will cost us to disobey.

I can’t imagine the horror and hopelessness that must have gripped Jonah as the reality of his predicament began to sink in. Oh wait, yes I can. I have experienced the sickening realization that my disobedience is exacting a higher price than I ever dreamed. Often our thoughts are self-centered and not focused on how we have spurned the direction of our God. We count the loss to ourselves and not the loss to His kingdom. Finally, Jonah says, “While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple.” 2:7 The focus finally shifts from the consequences to the heart of the matter, which was the matter of Jonah’s heart. He seems to be coming to the place of compliance and the acknowledgement that there is no way out except for the Lord’s salvation.

Our God resides over this whole potentially disastrous story in majestic splendor. He saves the sailors physically and more importantly spiritually despite the terrible example set by Jonah. He rescues Jonah from certain death through a manner so incredible that it becomes a sign of the death, burial and resurrection of the coming Messiah. Matthew 12:40 Only God can come into the middle of our folly, redeem it, and use it for His glory.

Then the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land. Jonah 2:10 Deliverance can be messy and this was no exception. I wish more could be said for Jonah. As his story unfolds, we see Jonah never did get his attitude straightened out. I know better than to sit in harsh judgment on him. I am just glad that our God uses imperfect people to carry out His purposes. I am glad that He is a God of second chances. I am so glad that within the hidden folds of our story redemption can be found.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for your patient and longsuffering attitude towards your people. Thank you for redeeming the messes that we make when we reject your plans for us. Thank you Jesus for being obedient and drinking an unwanted cup for our sake. You are beautiful beyond description. Amen.

Everything

2010-03-22T04:56:00.002-04:00

Everything from justin pae on Vimeo.

Is this your heart cry? I want it to be.

Asleep in the Light

2010-03-12T11:03:00.001-05:00

Keith Green was a prophetic voice to my generation. His voice is still speaking, still convicting.

Asleep in the Light

2010-03-12T10:11:00.007-05:00

And the LORD hurled a great wind on the sea and there was a great storm on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. Then the sailors became afraid, and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down, and fallen sound asleep. So the captain approached him and said, "How is it that you are sleeping? Get up, call on your god. Perhaps your god will be concerned about us so that we will not perish." Jonah 1:4-6

I find this scenario in Jonah revealing and convicting. Here are heathen sailors doing all they know to do to survive in treacherous seas and it isn’t working. They begin crying out in fear to their “higher power” and find no relief or help there either. In their frantic fight for survival they find Jonah snoozing in the hold of the ship. Can you imagine a lost person coming to you and imploring you to call on your God to see if perhaps He will show some concern for their situation? I am not going to point the finger at Jonah without knowing 3 are pointing back at me. Am I the only one who can be appalled at my own lack of concern for the plight of those around me? Sometimes the Holy Spirit has to shake me out of my snoozing indifference saying, “Carol, call on Me, cry out to Me on behalf of those who are perishing Speak to them of My saving grace.”

There is such pathos in the captain’s hope that perhaps “your God will be concerned about us so that we won’t perish.” We truly have the good news that our God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish.

God help me, I can see myself in the lyrics of this Keith Green song. Please pray for me and let me know how I can pray for you.

Asleep in the Light
By Keith Green

Do you see, Do you see
All the people sinking down
Don't you care, don't you care
Are you gonna let them drown

How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done

"Oh bless me Lord, bless me Lord"
You know it's all I ever hear
No one aches, no one hurts
No one even sheds one tear

But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds
And He cares for your needs
And you just lay back
And keep soaking it in,
Oh, can't you see it's such a sin?

Cause He brings people to your door,
And you turn them away
As you smile and say,
"God bless you, be at peace"
And all heaven just weeps
Cause Jesus came to your door
You've left him out on the streets

Open up open up
And give yourself away
You see the need, you hear the cries
So how can you delay

God's calling and you're the one
But like Jonah you run
He's told you to speak
But you keep holding it in,
Oh can't you see it's such a sin?

The world is sleeping in the dark
That the church just can't fight
Cause it's asleep in the light
How can you be so dead
When you've been so well fed
Jesus rose from the grave
And you, you can't even get out of bed

Oh, Jesus rose from the dead
Come on, get out of your bed

How can you be so numb
Not to care if they come
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done
You close your eyes
And pretend the job's done

Don't close your eyes
Don't pretend the jobs done
Come away, come away, come away with Me my love,
Come away, from this mess, come away with Me, my love.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I repent before You. I have been so well fed and yet I can be so numb. Help me not to close my eyes and pretend the jobs done. By your Spirit rouse me out of my apathy. In Jesus’ saving name, amen.

Be Thou My Vision

2010-03-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

Asking For Wisdom

2010-03-10T22:15:00.003-05:00

James 1:5-8 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 3:17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

One of the real gifts to evangelicals was Henry Blackaby’s Bible study Experiencing God. He taught that God speaks through His word, prayer, and our circumstances. He urged the body of Christ to realize that God is still issuing invitations to His people to recognize His activity in this world and how to know when He is inviting us to join Him. God clearly invites us through James to ask Him for the wisdom we lack. We do need to be in God’s word, but knowledge alone is not enough. Knowledge is raw information, but wisdom knows how to use it. Wisdom sees how to apply it to the complexities of life. So ask in faith and don’t doubt His ability to give or your own ability to receive. Sometimes we fall into wrong thinking: “I don’t want to bother God, He is so busy.” Actually we know from Isaiah that He runs the universe seated on His throne. He knows when a sparrow falls and the number of hairs on your head. You are not exasperating Him with your neediness. Have you ever considered that He allows the needs and pressures in your life to draw you into that place where you press in to a deeper relationship with Him? We may think, “I’m not worthy so I don’t think He will speak to me.” We focus on our worthiness when we should be focusing on His great generosity and love. Do you need wisdom? Ask in faith and don’t doubt His goodness. Stand on His Word!

MY PRAYER: Lord, I have asked for wisdom. I thank You in advance that the answer is coming. I need Your great presence in my life to guide me. You are so gracious. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see, and a heart to obey and believe when Your answer comes.

MY CONFESSION: I have asked for wisdom. You promise to give it. My mind and my heart are alert to hear and stand fast on the wisdom that comes from above. I will depend on Your Holy Spirit to illuminate Your answer to my heart and mind. I wait with faith and anticipation. I stand on Your word!

El Shaddai

2010-03-06T04:56:00.000-05:00

The God Who Sees

2010-03-06T04:48:00.003-05:00

Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:4-5 NASB

My husband and I had made a huge move in our lives. We had given up well paying jobs in Dallas, Texas to live in the mountains of North Carolina. We had a real sense that God was in it and so we made such a life altering change. My husband had been an industrial engineer with the Federal Reserve. He really wasn’t happy in his work. He had a growing desire to work with his hands. Rell wanted to become a builder. He was hired onto the crew of someone who was a well established contractor with a reputation for excellence. As an apprentice, my husband’s income was very modest. We had a two year old daughter and an infant son so while we were getting by, our finances were tight.

It was nearing Easter and I went into the only dress shop in our little town. There hanging in beautiful display were gorgeous Easter ensembles for little girls. There was a dress, a coat, and a hat. They were adorned with smocking, lace and embroidery. I stood there admiring them and realizing that there was no way we could afford anything like that for our little girl. I said in my heart, “Lord, they’re beautiful, but it’s okay, I know that we can’t afford it.” I didn’t mention it to anyone.

A week before Easter I went to the mailbox to find a package hanging on the outside of the mailbox. It was from my mother who lived in another state. She had gone to an outlet store and picked the exact outfit that I had admired the most even though she and I had very different tastes. I was so overwhelmed. It was as though the God of the universe wanted me to know like Hagar in Genesis 16:13b "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me." I was grateful to my mom, but in my spirit, I knew that God had shown me His heart and hand. I was learning as a young Christian how intimately acquainted He was with all my ways. I could sense His delight in showing me what an amazing God He truly is. In Daniel 2:21-22 we learn "And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” He also would take the time to fulfill a little heart wish in a young mother. Isn’t He beautiful?

MY PRAYER: Lord we are told to delight ourselves in You, and we do. You are beautiful beyond description; You are too marvelous for words.

Safely Home

2010-03-03T17:30:00.002-05:00

"I will go before you and make the rough places smooth.” Isaiah 45:2a

Yesterday I received a phone call from my husband. I was in an adjacent community about a half an hour from our home in the mountains of western North Carolina. It was the day I work as a volunteer at a local ministry. He said, “I don’t want to alarm you but you need to know that it is snowing quite heavily here and it is sticking. Even my truck was slipping until I put it in 4-wheel drive.” I drive a Honda that has front wheel drive so he got my full attention. It was raining where I was so I was completely unaware of the dangerous road conditions that were getting worse by the minute. He then began to tell me what I would encounter at every step of the way. He knew because he had just made the trip. He told me what speed and gear to be in as I approached the danger zones. He said, “Carol, if someone comes up behind you don’t allow them to pressure you into speeding up.” He knows me well. I hung on every word and followed his advice like my life depended on it.

The road from our home to town needs to be driven with careful respect on a good day, but in the snow it becomes treacherous. I can tell you I prayed without ceasing as I saw cars abandoned on the shoulders of the road and the parade of 3 emergency vehicles, two of them ambulances from clearing a wreck at the bottom of a long hill. I knew I had an even steeper hill to descend which was the last danger spot between me and home. I kept rehearsing my husband’s instructions on how to get safely down it. When I got there a man was blocking the way. He told me that several cars were sideways on the road and I would have to take another long and curvy side road. Fortunately a big suburban had just been diverted too and I was able to get in its tracks which made it easier.

My home and driveway never looked better. I felt jubilant, but I prayed for those I knew were still trying to make their way home.

Reflecting on that experience made me realize that what my husband did for me mirrors what Christ did for us. He has gone before us and has given us His word and His Spirit to guide us. In 2 Timothy 4:18 Paul expresses confidence that the Lord will protect him from every evil and bring him safely to His heavenly kingdom. I would have been incredibly foolish to resent or ignore my husband’s instructions. He wanted to get me safely home. How much more does our heavenly Bridegroom desire to do the same?

MY PRAYER: Lord thank you for going before us. Thank you for your word, your warnings, and your Spirit to guide us through and around every danger. Thank you that because we are following and trusting Christ we will arrive safely home. In His name, amen.

Be Magnified

2010-03-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

Surrounded with Favor

2010-03-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield. Psalm l5:12 And the LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Exodus 11:3 NASB

Thirty-six years ago we moved from Dallas, Texas to a small rural town in North Carolina We left behind two well paying jobs with a sense that God was leading us to a new place. We had fairly large payments on the 70 acres we had purchased. We had no problem paying them and at times even doubled our payments. However, when we moved it became evident after many months of living off our savings and finding nothing but low paying work that we needed to refinance.

We had to engage a lawyer to complete the paper work. I don’t really remember how we came to choose the lawyer that we did, but evidently we didn’t do enough research. A couple of days before our scheduled appointment a neighbor told us that we had picked the most expensive lawyer in the area. We were so discouraged and so we bowed our heads and asked the Lord for His help in the whole process.

We entered our lawyer’s office with great trepidation. He smiled at our little girl and asked us some personal questions about why we had moved to the area. He left the room and came back with some legal documents for us to sign. You can only imagine our surprise when he told us that he was foregoing his fee. He told us that we reminded him of the days when he and his wife were first starting out and he wanted to give us a break. Ten minutes later we were standing absolutely stunned on the sidewalk outside of his office with money in our hand. Neither one of us can remember the exact amount, probably under a hundred, and yet it seemed like a small fortune to us. We were astonished, humbled, and grateful. We kept looking at each other wondering if we were going to wake up and find that we were dreaming.

Neither one of us can explain that whole incident apart from the favor of God. Not many people had good things to say about this lawyer and yet he had treated us with kindness and favor. He admonished us not to tell people what he had done for us. As long as he was alive we didn’t, but you can know that we told people he was very good to us.

According to the dictionary favor is something done or granted out of goodwill, rather than from justice or for remuneration. The Hebrew word for favor is ratson and means to show delight or acceptance. I have since found myself in situations where I have asked God to give me or those I love favor in the situations that we find ourselves. I have faith to do so because I see the biblical precedent in Noah, Daniel, and Esther’s lives just to name a few. I have more than one story to share and I’m sure you do too. Remember to thank Him.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the favor that you show to your children. Thank you for those unexpected kindnesses and markers along the way that encourage us that you are intimately involved in our daily nitty-gritty’s. We delight in you and you watch over us with tender mercy. It humbles us Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How Beautiful

2010-02-26T13:54:00.000-05:00

Abounding and Abundant

2010-02-26T13:48:00.002-05:00

But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15 NASV
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 NIV

My next door neighbor and I went to the same church. We both sang in the choir and had formed a good friendship. She had surgery on her neck and was going to be immobilized for several weeks. The choir got together and supplied some meals for Judy and her husband. I cooked a couple of meals and took it to them. It was summer time and my garden was doing well so I took Judy fresh tomatoes and a vegetable casserole. In my mind I had done my part.

A few days later during my quiet time I was using a list of the names of God as a prayer and meditation guide. One of the names that I was meditating on was Abounding and Abundant. I was thinking on all the ways the Lord had been those things to me. Then in my heart I asked the question, “Since I am to be like you, how would those qualities look in my life?” I was going through my day when suddenly the Lord answered my early morning question. In my spirit I sensed Him saying, “I would feed Judy until she is well.” I took a deep breath as I let His response sink in. At that time I was taking care of my mother-in-law who was a complete invalid. I said, “Lord, if you want me to do this I want to do it with joy and not just a sense of obligation.” I told my husband what I felt the Lord was asking me to do and if he was willing to purchase the extra groceries and to help. He got on board with it and for the next couple of weeks I cooked for both our families Monday through Friday. On the weekends her daughter would come and take over.

I had such joy and gladness as I planned and cooked our meals. My husband would load up their portion and take it down when her husband got home from work. They were blessed and so were we.

What did I learn? We can exchange a sense of Christian duty for a vibrant experience of His abounding and abundant love flowing through us. Jesus asked us to go the second mile, to be a cheerful giver, to be as generous as He is. He also said that it was more blessed to give than to receive and we certainly experienced that. Glimpses into His heart may cost us something but it is so worth it.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I don’t want to walk in duty and missed the delight of your abounding and abundant nature flowing through my life. I ask you to reveal yourself to and through me. In Jesus’ name amen.

MY CONFESSION: A slave is not greater than his master. You humbled yourself and came as a servant. You promised that if I know these things I will be blessed if I do them. By Your grace, I will. I stand on Your Word! John 13:16-17

Grace to Match Every Trial

2010-02-25T05:39:00.002-05:00

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by VARIOUS trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NAS
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the MANIFOLD grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

It may seem odd that I would put these Scriptures together, but they are linked by a common Greek word. The word in the Greek for various in 1:6 and manifold in 4:10 is the same (poikilos) and the literal meaning is many-colored. The use of the same word in this wonderful hope filled letter from Peter is a beautiful reassurance to us. It lets us know that there is a matching grace for every trial that we face.

Jesus told us in John 16:33 that in this world we would have trouble, but to take heart because He had overcome the world. I never go looking for or expecting troubles but they come anyway. And just as Peter warns they have been many-colored. We’ve had financial and health related problems. We’ve had family and other relational problems. We have had work and legal entanglements. I could go on and on and so could you. I’ve observed this not only in my life but in the lives of others. I have seen the persevering love of a parent for a wayward child. I have seen the loving patience of a husband caring for his dying wife. I have seen people terribly mistreated and yet choosing to walk in a Christ-like manner toward their opponents. Their example has strengthened my faith and honored their Lord.

Peter says that our faith is being tested by the fire we are experiencing. The rigors of our trials are meant to strengthen us and show that our faith is genuine. As I heard Beth Moore say recently, “Fires can burn the fake out of us.”

In times of trial we have to appropriate His promises and expect His grace to be more than sufficient to help us to overcome in a way that honors Him. There is abundant grace to match every trial.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I thank you that you are Emanuel, God With Us. You will never leave us or forsake us. We can count on the sufficiency of your grace for every trial that you allow to touch us. I know that you mean it for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name.

MY CONFESSION: When I pass through any fiery trial I will not be burned I will be refined and strengthened. Your grace will be a perfect match for my need. I stand on Your word!

Resurrection danced by Selah Warriors

2010-02-21T15:26:00.001-05:00

Delays, Disappointments, and Going Deeper

2010-02-21T15:13:00.003-05:00

Delays and disappointments are common to man. However, if you are a friend of God delays and disappointments are often gifts from His hand to take you deeper and allow you to be someone through whom He can display His glory.

In John chapter eleven we see this lived out in such an extraordinary way we may miss the implications for our own lives.

Mary, Martha and Lazarus were friends of Jesus. They had a history and were intimate friends. Lazarus became ill and they sent word to Jesus. They knew Jesus healed, they had seen him and they heard the testimonies. Jesus received that word and this was His reaction, “Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When therefore He heard that he was sick, He stayed then two days longer in the place where He was.” John 11:5-6 NAS Notice that love motivated His delay. Love allowed the disappointment. Love allowed the devastation of Lazarus' death to ultimately take them deeper and display His glory.

Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him; but Mary still sat in the house. John 11:20

Martha called Mary her sister, saying secretly, "The Teacher is here, and is calling for you." And when she heard it, she arose quickly, and was coming to Him. John 11:28-29 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there. When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." John 11:31-33

For those of you who know Mary and Martha’s history it may surprise you that it was Martha and not Mary that instinctively and quickly made her way to Jesus. People may act in unexpected and uncharacteristic ways in crisis. In Matthew 11:2-3 the bold and fiery John the Baptist questioned the validity of the One he had previously boldly proclaimed when he was thrown in prison. Disappointment or disillusionment in the way Jesus allows things to unfold can shake us to our core.

We read that the Jews who were with Mary were comforting her. The word comfort literally means to “relate near.” On some basic level just the presence of people who care about us can provide solace, but eventually they go home and we are alone. We don’t know why Mary didn’t run to meet Jesus but I suspect she was deeply disappointed that Jesus didn’t respond in the way she thought he would. We just know she didn’t go until Martha told her that He was calling for her. One of the simplest things we can do for the hurting is to remind them that Jesus is waiting for them to come to Him with their grief and questions.

When Mary got up her comforters presumed she was going to the tomb to weep because that is a very human response. We visit the grave, we relive the events, we cry, we leave tributes, but I personally have never found consolation in those acts. But I have, with countless others, reached the place where Jesus is. It was there at His feet that Mary released her hurt and disappointment. It was there at His feet she had a deeper revelation of who He was. He took her beyond what she already knew. “Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died.” She knew Him as healer, but He would take her deeper. He is the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Jesus shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Jesus shall never die. John 11:25-26 What a revelation, what a promise, and what an amazing Savior.

We all have our own ways of coping and making it through tough times. Where do you go when you are wounded, disappointed, or grieving? Mary went to the place where Jesus was. We too need to get there by faith. Stand on his promise that he is near to the brokenhearted and to those who are crushed in spirit. He will not fail you. You may be disappointed because you know what He could have done and didn’t. But you don’t know what He can do if you trust Him. When He doesn’t meet our expectations He wants to exceed them. He will work it for our good and His glory. He wants to take us deeper still. Get to the place where He is. He is calling for you.

MY PRAYER: Lord, whatever you allow in my life is meant to draw me deeper into my understanding and experience of you. Help me to run to you for the healing and comfort that I need. Only you can bring life in the midst of brokenness, hurt, and confusion.

Desert Song

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With No View to Their Good

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And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 NAS

I have mentioned that I am doing the Bible study Lord, Change My Attitude. It is excellent and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Every week that I am in the study and memorizing key Scriptures I find ample opportunity to put what I am learning into shoe leather.

Here is this week’s challenge to determine if we are a critical person. Criticism: To dwell on the perceived faults of another with no view to their good. If we dwell on someone’s faults after a while we have a hard time appreciating what is good about them don’t we? What if it is my perception that’s off base? Hmmm, good questions. That is why it is so necessary to pay attention to what is going on in our relationships. If something seems amiss, don’t dwell on it until it becomes a problem. Take it to prayer. Ask the Lord to show you if it is your perception that is off or is there truly a problem? As Joyce Meyer is fond of saying, "We often look at ourselves through rose colored glasses and at others with a magnifying glass."

What do we do when we see or experience something in another that is truly a fault? If we are a critical person we will point our finger, judge them, maybe confront in an unhelpful way or talk behind their back. We really have no view to their good guiding us. If we are genuinely concerned then we will pray over them and what we see. We will ask God to help and to open their eyes. It may be totally appropriate to go to the person and lovingly express your concern directly to them. Galations 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

I find myself placed squarely in this challenge right now. I am not going to dwell, I am going to pray and ask the Lord to help me discern if my perceptions are incorrect. I truly hope they are. If my perceptions are correct, I am going to pray over the place of barrenness with a view to their good and God’s glory. If at some point the Lord wants me to speak, then by His grace and for their good I will.

“Any hack can tear down; it takes a real artist to build up.” Can I get an amen?

MY PRAYER: Jesus, you are the ultimate artist. You are at work by your Spirit in us to conform us to your image. Help us to treat others the way we would want to be treated.