I Know

"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.

1 Corinthians 13 - A Christmas VersionHi

Received this in an email this morning from a good friend. I don't know who the author is, but wanted to include it.

Blessings,

Carol

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn’t envy another’s home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Inspirations

Read this and absolutely loved it. Pray for Matt Chandler. He is experiencing some serious health issues.


Inspirations

Matt ChandlerActs 29 Pastor - Dallas, Texas

It has been my experience that inspirations are brief, sporadic and rare. By inspiration I mean those moments where our souls are stimulated to a high level of feeling, thinking and doing. I love those brief, sporadic and rare moments. I am addicted to the vitality I have, the love I feel, and the clarity of thought that occurs when I am inspired. I have tried for years to pay attention to these moments, to dig into them, excavate them, and figure them out.

What is it that inspires me?
Who is it?
What stirs my affection…for my wife?
For my children? For life in general?

This to me is one of the major ideas that demand an answer. To solve this arduous riddle means more energy, richer life, deeper relationships and greater self-awareness.

Several years ago I started applying this line of thought to my relationship with Christ. Instead of asking myself what inspired me to be a good man (what’s that anyway?) I started asking what stirs my affections for Christ. What, when I’m doing it, when I’m around it or dwelling on it creates in me a greater hunger for, passion for and worship of Christ and His mission? The first list was a strange one. It looked something like this:

1. Early mornings and hot coffee
2. The writings of John Owen (at the time it was The Mortification of Sin)
3. Listening to Lauren sing
4. Walks through graveyards (I know this is weird but it reminded me of mortality)
5. The book of Hebrews
6. Robust dialogue on ecclesiology or missiology
7. Sermons by John Piper
8. 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

For the last few years I have updated this list often. In fact it has changed quite a bit. I want to pay attention to life. I want to be keyed in to what feeds my zeal for our great God and King and what kills that zeal. My hope is that I could flood my life with Christ-exalting, worship-creating things and avoid anything that would rob me of that.

What inspires you?

Better yet, what stirs your affections for Christ, truth and holiness? If we can fill our lives with the things that stir our affections and avoid and flee those things that rob us of inspiration, we have a better shot at dwelling deeply. What and who inspires you? Stirs you? What presses you into holy places? What robs you of joy and vitality? What robs you of your affection for Christ and holiness?

Matt Chandler's posts are re-published from his blog—Dwell Deep.

Kept in Step by His Spirit

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

Approximately six years ago I sensed in my spirit that God was directing me towards children’s ministry. For nearly 15 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 a couple of 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 apologize 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

Joyful Prayers

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5

It is necessary to pray for the lost. I think we all know that. It is also extremely important that we pray for those who are serving the Lord in ministry. The responsibilities are great and the pressures can be unrelenting. Paul prayed for those who were partners with him in the spreading of the gospel. They weren't just takers, they were givers. They weren't just watchers, they were workers. I know so many people whose ministry is also their occupation. They are faithfully witnessing and being sermons in shoe leather. They are living it out in their neighborhoods, offices, and in business. Paul said, "I remember you and I am offering prayers for you, in view of your participation in the gospel." We need to pray for every faithful servant. You will never know until you get to heaven if perhaps your prayers kept someone from throwing in the towel. Your prayers could bring a surge of encouragement, strength to resist temptation, protection from an evil scheme of the enemy. Don't ever think your prayers don't matter. Ask God to bring people to your mind by His Spirit Christians who need your prayers.

If you are in need ask God to lay you on someone's heart. I believe He will totally honor such a request. I think even in the area of prayer we reap what we sow and we have not because we ask not. I had an amazing thing happen. One night as I was turning off my bedside lamp to go to sleep, the names of a friend's daughters came to mind. I prayed for both of them before dropping off to sleep. The next morning their mother who lives at least 25 minutes from me showed up at our front door. She said that she felt impressed to come and pray for my mother-in-law who lived with us. My friend is shy and not given to such boldness. When I told her about my prayers for her daughters the night before, we stood in awe of the One who was working in our lives. Only He could have orchestrated that. It was no mere coincidence. He let us know that He was concerned about our burdens as well as those of others. Isn't He good?

MY PRAYER: Lord, I thank you that by your Holy Spirit you will remind me to pray for my brothers and sisters. Help me to realize that those who are spreading the gospel are in need of my prayers. As I strive to live my life for you, I trust that you will lead others to pray for me as well. What a privilege and what joy we have to undergird and strengthen others through intercession. In Jesus' Name!

MY CONFESSION: The Holy Spirit will bring to mind those who are in need of my prayers today. I will offer those prayers with joy knowing that I am a participant in their efforts. This is an offering of great delight to you. I am strengthened by the knowledge that Jesus ever lives to make intercession for His people. I stand on Your Word.

RECEIVE THE RIGHT SPIRIT, CHOOSE THE RIGHT FRIEND

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. I Corinthians 2:12 But I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. John 15:15b Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4b

When we come to a saving (as opposed to a vague acquiescence in our minds to something we’ve heard or been taught) knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and believe and receive that He is:
· The perfect Son of God
· He took our punishment on the cross
· Gave His blood for the forgiveness of our sin
· Died and rose again
· He is now in heaven at the right hand of the Father

We receive the Spirit who is from God. Ephesians 3:17 tells us that Jesus dwells in our hearts through faith. He becomes our Savior, Lord, and yes, He tells us He will call us His friends. Part of friendship with Jesus is an intimate, impartation of spiritual insight.

I Corinthians 2:12 tells us that we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God. Oh, how very different those two spirits are. The world system has a spirit (it operates in those who know not God) and to the degree it still holds sway over our sense of self-worth, what we value, and our way of thinking, we will be hampered in our ability to really know the things freely given to us by God. Picture yourself all poised to breathe some clean, pure, invigorating oxygen through a tube, but suddenly you realize someone is standing on the hose. That spirit is not your friend. That spirit calls good evil and evil good. That’s why the world weeps when Michael Jackson dies and only wants to talk about the positive things they believe he did. When someone like Jerry Falwell dies the world will call him divisive, narrow and a homophobe and totally ignores a loyal family man, a thriving church, a growing university and many charitable outreaches that he has left behind. Is it any wonder that James tells us that whoever wishes to be a friend of the world’s system makes himself an enemy of God?

So practically what can we apply from these Scriptures? Breathe them in through reading and declaration. Meditate on them for a day or a week or a month, however the Holy Spirit would lead. Post them on your mirror as you get ready for your day.

· Lord, today I declare that I have received your Spirit so that I may know the things that you have freely given me.
· I am your friend, not the worlds.
· Root out any attitudes, alliances, or allurements that come from the world’s spirit.
· Help me to receive the right Spirit and choose the right Friend.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I thank you that I no longer have to receive the spirit of the world. How can I be friends with or love a system that is so opposed to you? Lord, divided affections dull my ears and harden my heart. I want to hear your still small voice. Holy Spirit help me to recognize and turn away from the world’s clamor that desensitizes me to your ways and your voice. Lord even as you knelt before Peter washing away the defilement picked up on his journey, I ask you to wash away any of the world’s dust and ways that are clinging to me. I receive your Spirit this day that I may know freely the things you have given to me because I am your friend.

MY CONFESSION: I confess boldly today that I am a friend of God. I have chosen sides and I will not be friends with the system that opposes Him. I receive the Spirit who is from God. My ear is tuned to hear His voice. He will make known the Father’s word to me.

Lyrics to Revival by Robin Mark

My husband and I were working in the yard today and he played the CD this song comes from Revival in Belfast. As I listened to the words my spirit soared. I love the words and the message of this song and I believe I will live to see it happen. Even so come quickly Lord. We desperately need you.

I hear the voice of one calling, prepare ye the way of the Lord.

And make His paths straight in the wilderness

And let your light shine in the darkness

And let your rain fall in the desert.

As sure as gold is precious and the honey sweet,

So you love this city and you love these streets.Every child out playing by their own front door

Every baby laying on the bedroom floor.

Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job

Every driver driving through the rush hour mob

I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones

You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance

Like a train on the edge of town

I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit

"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

From the Preacher preaching when the well is dry

To the lost soul reaching for a higher high

From the young man working through his hopes and fears

To the widow walking through the veil of tears

Every man and woman, every old and young

Every fathers daughter, every mothers son.

I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones

You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance

Like a train on the edge of town

I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit

"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

Revive us, Revive us,

Revive us with your fire!

Have This Attitude in Yourselves

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:4-8

In a quick perusal of the New Testament I found eight men who call themselves or are described as bond-servants of Jesus Christ. Both of Jesus’ brothers James and Jude describe themselves in this way. The Apostle Peter and Paul called themselves bond-servants. Bottom line a servant is someone whose will is caught up in the will of another. They live a life of servitude. Usually some life altering misfortune brought them to that state. But a bond-servant was in a totally different class. In Deuteronomy 15:12, 16&17 we read the description, “If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free. And it shall come about if he says to you, 'I will not go out from you,' because he loves you and your household, since he fares well with you; then you shall take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he shall be your servant forever.” A bond-servant was a love slave. They knew that they fared far better with a master and with his house than when they were free to do as they pleased. Wherever the bond-servant went, the mark in the ear showed he had a wonderful master and had chosen to serve him forever.

Of all the forms Jesus could have taken upon himself, He took the form of a bond-servant. Paul asks us to have this same attitude in ourselves. Listen to Paul’s plea. “When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others”. NCV One of the most devastating descriptions I’ve ever heard given of a person was this, “If it isn’t happening to her family, then it isn’t happening.” People who are genuinely concerned for the welfare of others and put it into shoe leather are rare even in the body of Christ. The old nature resident within us just has that tendency to seek after our own interests and not those of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:21

How can we obtain to this kind of attitude living in a “me first” society? I believe in part it is to remember that we are serving Christ when we serve others. Anything we do for Him is small repayment and should reflect that we have a wonderful master. Motivated by our love for him we will do whatever He bids us to do. Nothing is a greater reproach to His goodness than to see a child of God going about in joyless servitude merely doing “their Christian” duty. It is the Lord Christ that you serve.

I am throwing this in to give you something to think about. Several years ago I had a very intense dream. In the dream I was battling a very strong demonic force. I took action; I came against them even though I felt somewhat intimidated. I moved toward them singing a song of victory declaring my God the Victor. When I left their presence, I left by backing out. The reason I had to back out of the room? My only attire was an apron that covered my front but left my back exposed. When I awoke from the dream, my first thought was, “God gives us no armor for our backside because we are never to retreat and never turn our back on the enemy.” But after pondering that my armor was an apron I asked God why I was wearing an apron in my dream. Into my spirit came this thought, “A servant’s heart IS your greatest protection.” Bill Gothard made a profound statement that should hang in every home and in every church, “The true test of a servant is if I act like one when I am treated like one.” Remember, it is the Lord Jesus Christ that you serve.

MY PRAYER: Lord, you define greatness as those that serve. It is the form you chose for yourself and your disciples. Develop in me a heart that is fixed on serving you and thereby demonstrating to others I have a wonderful Master. In the Name Above All Names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I will have this attitude in myself that was in Christ Jesus. I have the mind of Christ. I stand on your word. 1 Corinthians 2:16

The Danger In Success

Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, "Rule over us, both you and your son, also your son's son, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian." But Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you." Judges 8:22-23

And his (Gideon’s) concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech. (Name means, “My father is king”). Judges 8:31

I love stories that end well. I know that is a bit Pollyannaish, but that’s me, a real fan of happy endings. Gideon’s story begins in Judges 6 and it is the classic underdog story. God comes to a nobody, reveals himself in a wonderful way, issues an invitation that centers on a task of deliverance, assures Gideon of His presence and power to accomplish the task. He shows his patience and understanding of Gideon’s human frailty with many assurances. Then God delivers Israel through a yielded piece of clay in a most marvelous way.

Oh, that the story ended with a happily ever after right there, but the Bible tells the unflinching truth of fallen humanity. In 1 Timothy 3:6 there is a strong warning not to put a new convert into a leadership position less they become prideful and fall. That appears to be what happened to Gideon. When he had such great success, others asked him to rule over them. He said the right things, and reminded them that God was to rule over them, but his ensuing actions show that the thought of being king had been successfully planted in his heart and mind. He did many of the things that kings in those days would do. He asked for tribute, overstepped his spiritual authority, and had many wives who gave him seventy sons. He also had a son by a concubine and gave him a name that meant my father is king. When Gideon died that son rose up and killed all but one of his half brothers to secure his own future as king. What a sad end to such a promising man and his family.

Many times, as a young Christian, I remember people warning me that often on the heels of great victory in our lives the enemy would counter with a plan to bring us defeat. It isn’t always caused by pride, but it sure could be. Satan knows that God himself resists the proud so he loves to manipulate humanity’s Achilles heel. Prideful thoughts should be captured, repented of and taken to His throne of grace as rapidly as possible. Especially when God has used us in some way and we are basking in the thrill of it we can be very vulnerable to the praise that follows. Corrie ten Boom made a wise remark when someone asked her how she handled all the praise and attention she was getting. She said she tried to be gracious to people and gathered their remarks like a bouquet of flowers. At night before she got in bed she would get down on her knees and lay that bouquet where it belonged… at Jesus’ feet. That was her way of humbling herself under God’s mighty hand. (1 Peter 5:6)

The enemy wants God to resist us so he pounds us with prideful thoughts. Our society runs on pride. We have to be alert and choose to actively pursue Peter’s plea that “We all clothe ourselves in humility towards one another.” Pride is not just about how we handle accomplishments. It’s also about how we treat others. How do we react to the wear and tear of living with other imperfect people? Are we easily offended? Are we slow to apologize? Are we slow to forgive and do we hang on to offenses? Pride manifests itself in many ways, but God has given us the Spirit of his Son. Let’s ask Him to shine his light on our pride and show us the beauty of true humility.

MY PRAYER: Lord, your humility as you walked the dusty roads of earth left us an example. You have also given us your Spirit. Help us to humble ourselves under your mighty and wonderful hand so that you may display yourself through us. Bring forth the fruit of your Spirit in us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

No More Yawning!

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel. Judges 2:10 NASB

I am currently going through a two year reading plan of the Bible and enjoying the more leisurely pace that allows me to slow down and meditate. I am in the book of Judges and what a book it is. Its revelations about man are disturbing, but what the book reveals about our covenant keeping God is astonishing.

I’m sure you have heard this, but it fits so well, “God doesn’t have grandchildren. He only has sons and daughters.” Every generation must have their own encounter with God and should experience His works on their behalf. Otherwise it is just secondhand information and not firsthand experience. Sometimes I will want to tell my grown children something from the past and they’ll look at me and say, “We’ve heard that a 100 times.” It wasn’t that this generation didn’t know about God or know about his acts; they didn’t know him for themselves. Many have been raised in Christian homes and have a lot of head knowledge, but the heart is not engaged.

I want to quote Gary Inrig in his wonderful commentary on Judges, Hearts of Iron Feet of Clay. “I don’t know why, but a yawn is one of Satan’s most effective weapons, and the thing that really troubles me about second-generation syndrome is the effect it has on new believers. I am convinced that one of the greatest stumbling blocks young Christians must confront is not the opposition of the world, but the apathy of so-called established Christians.” Pg.27 Do I hear an amen or an oh me? I said both. Erich Fromm once said that “Hate is not the opposite of love; apathy is.”

Gary Inrig doesn’t just leave us convicted; he gives three causes for the second generation’s failure.

1. They were satisfied with the status quo.
2. They took God’s blessings for granted and didn’t acknowledge Him.
3. They neglected God’s word.

Of course Inrig elaborates on each point, but I obviously can’t include all his commentary. I do think it would be beneficial to pray through each point and ask God to reveal if any are true of us and for the grace and empowering of His Spirit to rectify it in our lives.

I chose the video very carefully to remind us of just how great He really is so that we won’t be satisfied with the way things are and so that we won’t take Him or His blessings for granted. It is full of examples from His word that dare us to believe Him for great things. No more yawning.

MY PRAYER: Lord, fan any embers of my desire for you that are burning low. I do want a pure and holy passion for you and for your glory and your fame. Lord, I don’t want anyone to yawn when they look at my life. I want them to sit up and take notice that Your presence has made a difference. In the name above all names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am a letter of Christ written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3b I will not be apathetic, take you for granted, or neglect your Word.

Giving Back in Proportion

Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you. Deuteronomy 16:10 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 16:17 NIV

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. Romans 12:6

In the beautiful harmony of the two Testaments we see that we give back what was first given to us. It all flows from His grace. It is to flow in response and in proportion to the blessings we have received. The aim in both economies is to testify of His goodness to us.

In the Old Testament the freewill offering was to be from their flock. In the New Testament we are to present ourselves as living sacrifices as our spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1 Of course we give of our material blessings, but more importantly we give ourselves to Him, to His service, and to take our place in His body. He has given us His Holy Spirit which will manifest in gifts to be used in service to him and to his people.

In our present economy churches may be hurting for money to carry out the Lord's work, but I can say with confidence that virtually all churches are in need of gifted workers who have a servant's heart. I have attended 3 churches in 35 years and have friends attending many other churches. The story is always the same...a small minority doing the majority of the work and a lot of potential ministry opportunities unable to be staffed.

I know people who teach lunch time Bible studies at their workplace. I know someone who is in an assisted living facility and does Bible studies for the other women who live there. I am friends with several women who have jail ministries and also serve their local church. I know people who for years have worked faithfully serving the Lord with joy in their church. However, I am going to say this as kindly as I know how, faithfulness, commitment, and the heart of a servant are rare even among church goers. For many, even if God told them specifically what He wanted them to do, they wouldn't be faithful. They won't forgo the pleasures and pulls of life to prepare and show up Sunday after Sunday. He deserves so much more from His people.

I am not trying to produce guilt in anyone's heart. The Lord made it clear to me a long time ago that anything done for him motivated by guilt has no reward. I am asking for a heart check between you and the Lord. Are you serving Him? Are you presenting yourself, in light of all that He has done for you, and in proportion to His blessings, as a living sacrifice? How has the Holy Spirit gifted you? If you aren't sure then take one of the many spiritual gifts inventories that can be found online. Ask Him to develop a heart to serve in you. Ask the Lord to show you how He wants you to serve and where. Stay focused and pay attention after you pray. I can assure you He will delighted to let you know.

MY PRAYER: Lord, help me to stir up the gift that you have given me and use it to serve you by serving your church and your world. You have blessed me and I will respond in proportion to those blessings. By your grace I will take my place. I will also pray that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into the harvest. In the name of the One who is worthy, amen.

MY CONFESSION: You have given to each one of us the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. I have been gifted and I will use it for the common good. I stand on your word! 1 Corinthians 12:7

Follow Me and I will Make You...

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Heb 11:15-16 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:8-10 NASB

I attended a conference led by Henry Blackaby in which he made a comment that equipped me to face the most painful and ultimately most beneficial time in my life. He said, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Within a few years the entire landscape of my life shifted dramatically. No aspect of my life was untouched by change. As you read the Scriptures it is abundantly clear how accurate Blackaby’s statement was. Abraham said yes to God even though he had no idea where he was headed. God told Abraham that He would “make him a father of many nations.” Gen. 17:5 Jesus called His disciples to lay down their plans and dreams. He didn’t give them a road map; He kept them close by saying “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” The journey began when they chose to walk by faith in a relationship with the One who is the Way and not by sight. Abraham had to leave his country and all that was familiar. The disciples had to lay down the lesser (fishing nets) for the greater (fishers of men).

His priority in our lives is our character and not a call that we may perceive or hope He has for us. The forming of our character and the strengthening of our faith can be a painful process filled with wonderful victories but also many trials and disappointments. We do have an enemy who wants to dis-appoint us. He wants us to question, doubt, and stray off course. Both Abraham and the disciples were tempted to go back. During a time of famine Abraham went to Egypt and after the crucifixion Peter went back to fishing. When hard times come we are tempted to go back to the familiar or doubt that He ever really called us.

How do we stay on the path that He has for us? It says very clearly that, “If they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one.” Paul adds to our instruction in Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and desires aligned with His. This world is passing away. His plans for us inside and out are good. Don’t go back to the place or things He called you from. Follow Him. He is totally trustworthy.

MY PRAYER: Lord, you have called us to join you on this journey. Help us to not look back. Help us to set our minds on what your Spirit desires. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are my exceeding great reward and I will follow by your grace. In the Name above all names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am following the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am walking by faith and you are not ashamed to be called my God. My mind is set on following You and My desires are aligned with Yours. You are conforming me to the image of Your Son. I stand on your Word!

God is Faithful

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NASV

Hey Friends,

I want to say thank you for those who prayed for our trip to speak at the women's tea in Marco Island, Fl. We traveled with Ray and Theresa Noland. It made the trip so much more enjoyable and fun to have traveling companions.

The tea was amazing. It was something to see 220 women standing in line to get in. Every table had a tea pot and cups along with a tray of assorted goodies. Cathy Gallus and Carol Fenimore have been faithful and God has certainly blessed their efforts to reach the women of Marco Island.

When it was time for me to share my testimony I felt such a freedom in the atmosphere. You know that prayer has been the foundation of an event when the Spirit of liberty is so evident.

When we left the tea there was a woman crying in the parking lot. Her name is Mary and she was shaken by the testimony. We were able to pray with and for her. Please pray for her to believe that God's plans for her are for good and not evil, to give her a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. That was the centerpiece of my testimony. In one of those moments that only God can orchestrate...the woman, who spoke before me, shared the same Scripture. Out of the thousands of Scriptures we could have used from the Bible we landed on the same one and we spoke on completely different subjects.

We had time for fun. Our hosts were so gracious. We went on boat rides, toured the Everglades, had some wonderful fellowship, and plenty of good food. We went to our friends church on Sunday and that was a tremendous blessing. They worship with us when they are in Murphy and it was wonderful to worship with them.

So, thanks to everyone who prayed. I appreciate at you.

Gratefully,

Carol

Knowing Him in Resurrection Power

That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 NASV
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, 2 Timothy 4:16-17b NASV

I can only imagine the hurt that the Apostle must have felt as he realized his fellow believers were leaving him to face persecution alone. But there was One who stood with him. One who knew how it felt to be deserted by beloved friends in His greatest hour of need. Paul wanted to know Jesus so intimately that he said he wanted to know not only the power of His resurrection but also the fellowship of His sufferings. Paul was experiencing what Jesus did when His disciples fled at His arrest. They were more concerned with their own well-being than their loyalty to the One who had walked beside them, taught them, and loved them until the end. Paul is reflecting His Savior’s heart when he desired that his own friend’s disloyalty and desertion not be counted against them. Paul knew that the power of Jesus resurrection was to be experienced in the here and now as we die to our old way of living and reacting. As we put on the Lord Jesus Christ we find ourselves bowing down to His Spirit within us. We are supplied with the grace to walk through hard and challenging times exhibiting the fruit of His Spirit.

I don’t know if you are familiar with the story of The Hiding Place about the Ten Boom family. Two of the sisters were sent to a concentration camp for hiding Jews in their home during WWII. Corrie and Betsy were in their 50’s. They were godly women who served the Lord with gladness and had never married. When they got to the camp the Germans made all the women strip down naked and walk past many soldiers as they were given prison uniforms. They felt totally humiliated and exposed. As they stood under the smirking and cruel gaze of the soldiers Betsy leaned forward and whispered to her sister, “Oh Corrie, Jesus hung naked on the cross. He knows how we feel.”

Very few of us will suffer what the Apostle Paul or the Ten Booms went through, but we will suffer in a fallen world. We always have a choice. Will we waste our sorrows or will we allow the Lord’s resurrection power to flow through us and exhibit His life within us? Will we rest in the comfort that He knows how it feels? Will we share in some small measure what He felt? This may seem a little heavy for a devotional, but I believe with all my heart that God wants us to experience Him and He wants those in our world to experience Him in us. We will go through rough times one way or the other. I want to let Him use it to make me more like Him and in your heart, so do you.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I do want to know you. I want to know your great heart. Help me to remember in the middle of trials, temptations, irritations, and the disappointments with friends and family that you know how I feel. I won’t get it right every time, but I do want to grow and not waste my sorrows. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: Lord, even if I feel deserted and unsupported I know that you will stand with me and strengthen me. I have the same Spirit resident in me that raised you from the dead. I stand on your Word!

Abounding and Abundant

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

Peace Through Practice

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NASV (Paul’s letter was written from prison.)

I am taking James MacDonald’s Bible study Lord, Change My Attitude. In week two he made this statement about our emotions. “Emotions make a great caboose but a terrible engine.” I had to learn that gem by experience. God was faithful to deliver me from the bondage of living in my emotion laden soul.

I was saved in my late 20’s and within two years had my first child followed twenty-one months later by the birth of my second child. To say that I was hormonal would be an understatement. I know that my Father was sympathetic, but He also knew the enemy was having a field day with me. One day I would wake up and all would be right with the world. The next day I would FEEL that I was failing in my walk, my motherhood, at being a wife, _________ fill in the blank. I would FEEL such condemnation. The first thing the Lord showed me was Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. God does not condemn us, He convicts us. He will be specific in his dealings, loving in his manner, and empowering by his Spirit. General FEELINGS of unworthiness and failure should not be tolerated.

Then the Lord put in my hands a quote by Martin Luther. It ministered so profoundly that I had a friend calligraphy the statement and frame it. That was 30 years ago and it is still on display at my house.

Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My assurance is the Word of God,
Naught else is worth believing.

The great theologian who started the Reformation had to remind himself of this. We would do well to allow the Lord to engrave it on our hearts. We must make our emotions bow to the truth of His word. If you allow your emotions to be the engine you will find your track is a roller coaster. Up one day and down the next. The enemy loves to play with emotions in moments of weakness. Jesus left us an example when he was tempted in the wilderness. The weapon He used to defeat His enemy was the Word of God. “It is written”…..Replace whispered lies with spoken truth.

Our thoughts affect our emotions. It isn’t a sin for a bird to light on your head, but to let it stay and build a nest is. A negative, lying, or sinful thought that comes to my mind isn’t a sin, but is to be brought into alignment and obedience to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 It only becomes sin if I let it “build a nest.” I entertain the thought, let it stay, and become at home in my heart and mind. How do we identify wrong thinking? Philippians 4:8-9 tells us what to think on and delivers an amazing promise with a condition. I would suggest that if you ever memorize Scripture that you memorize this one. It will help you identify healthy thinking. Then Paul says, “Practice these things,” that means habitually, present tense, continuous action, “and the God of peace will be with you.” The enemy or your flesh will tell you it is too hard to bring your thoughts into alignment with the Word. The opposite is true. Nothing is more draining or defeating than negative, unbiblical thinking. If you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome, He will.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I ask your Holy Spirit to help me take every thought captive. I no longer want to stand on the shifting sands of my emotions, but stand on the bedrock of your truth.

MY CONFESSION: The things I have learned and received I will practice. The God of peace will be with me. I stand on Your Word.

Make a Highway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wil9NYmp5N8

"Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the rough ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." Isaiah 40:4-5

I have had the privilege of leading and participating in some great Bible studies in my life. Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald was life changing. He asked us to pray through Isaiah 40:3-5 and to ask the Lord:
1. What voids or areas of deficiency (valley) do I have that needs to be filled?
2. What problems or barriers (mountains and hills) need to be brought down or made low?

I took the questions to the Lord one at a time and in His grace He answered me. The first answer came through a powerful song and as I listened, I sensed the sound of the Savior’s voice. “Carol, you don’t really understand the power of what I have accomplished for you on the cross.” I am deeply hungry to grasp and embrace the enormity of what He has done for me. I don’t know that I can ever plumb the depths of it, but I am beginning to live in the pursuit and experience of it. I am not satisfied with head knowledge. I want to press on to know Him.

The mountain and the hills which are barriers in my life came to me while reading 1 Peter 5:5-6. “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.” I was really arrested by the words “Clothe yourself in humility toward one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” God is looking to see how we act or react towards others to determine if our hearts are humble. It is one thing to humble ourselves before a perfect and loving God, but to humble ourselves toward other frail and imperfect human beings to me is more difficult. The word “clothed” in the Greek means to engirdle oneself (for labor), that is, figuratively (the apron being a badge of servitude) to wear (in token of mutual deference). Paul tells us in Philippians 2:3-10 that Jesus left us an example when He humbled Himself by taking on the form of a servant. Take the time to read that beautiful passage. A servant's heart is our greatest protection against pride and arrogance. Jesus was gentle and loving with people but never weak.

What will it take in my life to see the glory (who He is and what He does) of the Lord revealed? I believe He has given me some personal answers. I challenge you to ask Him to show you any hindrances to the revelation of His glory.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I want there to be no hindrances to what you want to do in and through my life. Help me to feast on the truth of your Word. I want the word to become flesh in my life. I want to take it in and live it out. I want to see Your glory.

MY CONFESSION: Through the power of your Spirit and the truth of Your promises, I am removing obstacles and deficiencies that would block the revelation of Your glory. I stand on your word.