Many times God has spoken directly to me, when I get myself out of the way. Saturday morning, was just one of those times. I went for a walk after spending time in prayer, in God's word, and CLEANING my home.
As I was walking, ever so gently the Lord spoke to my heart. "He didn't heed the warning." I wasn't pondering anything, I wasn't dwelling on a situation, simply God spoke to my heart. "He didn't heed the warning."
Girlfriends, that is NOT a term in my vocabulary. It is NOT a term that I just read in my bible reading or the current book I am reading just for enjoyment. YET it spoke volumes to my soul. Instantly I knew God was speaking to me over a situation with a family member. He didn't take to heart the warning I had spoke prior to a decision coming forth that had already been planted in their mind. He went HIS way when that wasn't an option. By not heeding the warning, it resulted in a confrontation with an out come that didn't sit well with either of them. Through their manipulation & controlling nature they have stopped all communication! They walk in darkness and with that comes self-love. Placing themselves as god above everyone else. NO one has the right to tell them how to live life, what I can or can not do on the job, etc. Their way or no way. Who does that remind you of?
Are you and I any different? I pray that we are. Actually we are suppose to be, because we have Jesus Christ living on the inside of us. Jesus is our HOPE, Jesus is our VERY BEST FRIEND, and The Word of God is our plumb line. If you aren't able to agree with that, then I ask that you seek Christ out for yourself, you will NOT be disappointed.
How else are we different? We have a warning system built right into our souls. The Holy Spirit and may we heed the warning that is given to us when our feet want to step off the very narrow path. May we heed the warning when our lips are getting ready to speak things that are un-kind, not true, and need not be said.
You and I need and MUST RESPECT any and all warnings.
To be real honest, I wasn't sure that I was to send this out, that perhaps God was showing me something more than any one else. Then less than 24 hours later, in my quiet time Sunday morning I read, Psalm 25:12 NIV "Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him." HEEDING THE VOICE OF GOD!
And a prayer this morning from Be Bitter or Be Blessed devotion "Free me from all of the assumptions that flood my soul. Unwrap my fingers from around my offense. Break the chains off my emotions. Open the prison doors of my indignation & shame. Lead me to a better place. A place where You address all my needs and assure me that You have taken HEED of the the things that have transpired. Speak words of comfort to me. And though I may never forget what has happened to me, help me to forgive even as You have forgiven me, in Jesus' name. Amen."
Then in our church service we were told to HEED God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." Heed was spoken to my eyes & ears twice this morning, a word that I honestly can't ever remember before yesterday morning. I wasn't sure if that wasn't even a word. Now I know!
Merriam-Webster dictionary: to pay attention; to give consideration or attention to.
Sisters & Brothers, we have the MIND OF CHRIST, not unbelievers/satan/gods of this age. We can SEE the LIGHT of the Gospel, let us walk in it! A more valuable lesson for me and perhaps those of you reading, is that you and I HEED THE WARNING!
Scriptures that I came across later in the afternoon after having written and posted this:
"Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people— the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not heeded My words...." Jeremiah 6:19 NKJV
"Jesus... said to them: 'Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many." Matthew 24:4-5 KJV
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The World We Live In
Bill and I made a "pact" with one another the day we married. No large gifts for one another when it came to the worlds standard of gift giving days. Instead of acquiring THINGS (believe me, the two of us have plenty, but then....who doesn't?) we would do something that caused a memory. Something that could not be taken away from us except perhaps in a memory loss.
How does one cause a memory? By simple random acts of kindness, better yet an action. Ok, generally, Bill and I decided that the "memory" would be something out of the ordinary for us, in our day to day living. This is one of the reasons we enjoy traveling.
A definition that I found from Webster's is: a particular act of recall or recollection; an image or impression of one that is remembered.
I have one more thought that I wanted to share with you that God showed me while in Alaska and I'm choosing to do it through Higher Grounds. In June, I joined an on-line bible study with Beth Moore and 3,000 other women from all 50 states, and many different nations. It is titled, "No Other God's" by Kelly Minter. This study deals with recognizing idols that we allow into our own personal worlds. Some we set up, and some we simply allow in.
As we headed off for the sole purpose of going on a train ride in Alaska, I bundled up my workbook, empty pages to be filled and later added to my journal upon arriving home, and my bible all stowed in my book bag. My daily bible reading at the time, was in Isaiah. I had not recalled to my mind (memory) all the issues of IDOLS that are in Isaiah. I started making a list the very first morning of specific scriptures....and then I just sat.....the people that walked and talked this side of heaven in the old testament surrounded themselves with IDOLS. And you know what I realized? WE ARE NO DIFFERENT!
What are some of them, that are in our world today?
1) bank accounts
2) who our friends are
3) who our spouse is, and just having a spouse
4) our homes
5) our vehicles
6) our jewelry
7) our children
8) our NAMES
9) our status/title in our jobs
10) the brand of jeans we wear
11) pride
and the list goes on.....whoa, maybe I'll add one more....the church that we attend.
Does that step all, ALL, over your toes? It did mine, the very morning that I started reflecting and thinking about the world that I live in today. This is something that I want God to continue to reveal to me, and show me areas that I need to move away from so I can move closer to Him. He is what I desire, He is who I want to be my treasure. Matthew 6:21 NIV "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Now to move on to some encouragement that God used to bless me so. As I began preparing for traveling to a land that is steeped in the history of their forefathers, I knew from pictures and things that there would be idols that are visible to the eye. An example that comes to my mind is: totem poles.
Do you have any idea what I found there? I FOUND GOD! His creation, His people, GOD HIMSELF.
At both of our Bed and Breakfast establishments, the owners were CHRISTIANS. We had no idea when we booked this trip and made these plans way back in February. A beautiful woman that held me spell bound one morning at breakfast and I was trying so hard to not look like Dorothy from Kansas by staring....says to me later downtown on the sidewalk, "I'm a Believer". (YES AVIS, YOU!) As we sat one evening having dinner, Carolyn says, "Yolanda look...that couple is praying over their meal." And one more that comes to my mind, we were taking a hike up into the mountains to get to a beautiful waterfall we were promised to see, we came across a young man that knew about Kansas. He had decided on a whim to just show up in Kansas, ended up in Great Bend going to Barton County Community College, and he works for the Christian Radio Station there in Juneau, giving his heart to Christ when he was 16.
I can't help but think of Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." God is my dwelling place, and He provided and protected.
GOD! I love Him so and take great delight in how He shows up and off just for me, and just for you. Yes, the very world we live in.
How does one cause a memory? By simple random acts of kindness, better yet an action. Ok, generally, Bill and I decided that the "memory" would be something out of the ordinary for us, in our day to day living. This is one of the reasons we enjoy traveling.
A definition that I found from Webster's is: a particular act of recall or recollection; an image or impression of one that is remembered.
I have one more thought that I wanted to share with you that God showed me while in Alaska and I'm choosing to do it through Higher Grounds. In June, I joined an on-line bible study with Beth Moore and 3,000 other women from all 50 states, and many different nations. It is titled, "No Other God's" by Kelly Minter. This study deals with recognizing idols that we allow into our own personal worlds. Some we set up, and some we simply allow in.
As we headed off for the sole purpose of going on a train ride in Alaska, I bundled up my workbook, empty pages to be filled and later added to my journal upon arriving home, and my bible all stowed in my book bag. My daily bible reading at the time, was in Isaiah. I had not recalled to my mind (memory) all the issues of IDOLS that are in Isaiah. I started making a list the very first morning of specific scriptures....and then I just sat.....the people that walked and talked this side of heaven in the old testament surrounded themselves with IDOLS. And you know what I realized? WE ARE NO DIFFERENT!
What are some of them, that are in our world today?
1) bank accounts
2) who our friends are
3) who our spouse is, and just having a spouse
4) our homes
5) our vehicles
6) our jewelry
7) our children
8) our NAMES
9) our status/title in our jobs
10) the brand of jeans we wear
11) pride
and the list goes on.....whoa, maybe I'll add one more....the church that we attend.
Does that step all, ALL, over your toes? It did mine, the very morning that I started reflecting and thinking about the world that I live in today. This is something that I want God to continue to reveal to me, and show me areas that I need to move away from so I can move closer to Him. He is what I desire, He is who I want to be my treasure. Matthew 6:21 NIV "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Now to move on to some encouragement that God used to bless me so. As I began preparing for traveling to a land that is steeped in the history of their forefathers, I knew from pictures and things that there would be idols that are visible to the eye. An example that comes to my mind is: totem poles.
Do you have any idea what I found there? I FOUND GOD! His creation, His people, GOD HIMSELF.
At both of our Bed and Breakfast establishments, the owners were CHRISTIANS. We had no idea when we booked this trip and made these plans way back in February. A beautiful woman that held me spell bound one morning at breakfast and I was trying so hard to not look like Dorothy from Kansas by staring....says to me later downtown on the sidewalk, "I'm a Believer". (YES AVIS, YOU!) As we sat one evening having dinner, Carolyn says, "Yolanda look...that couple is praying over their meal." And one more that comes to my mind, we were taking a hike up into the mountains to get to a beautiful waterfall we were promised to see, we came across a young man that knew about Kansas. He had decided on a whim to just show up in Kansas, ended up in Great Bend going to Barton County Community College, and he works for the Christian Radio Station there in Juneau, giving his heart to Christ when he was 16.
I can't help but think of Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." God is my dwelling place, and He provided and protected.
GOD! I love Him so and take great delight in how He shows up and off just for me, and just for you. Yes, the very world we live in.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
How can one say, "There is not a God"?
If you have read the last Higher Grounds titled " Jesus, thrills me like no other!", then you are very aware that Bill and I traveled to Alaska last week. WOW-what a trip!
Isaiah 29:14a NIV "Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder". We both saw wonder upon wonder, things that we have never seen before. If you know me any at all, it is extremely easy for me to be touched. I watched some of the "video" of our vacation that Bill filmed this week, and the tears just ran. In the filming of our vacation, un-beknownst to me that he would be doing so, I would be praising and thanking God for what He has given each of us. THE SPLENDOR OF HIS MAJESTY! Two quotes I received this week from Our Daily Bread sums this up: "God gives blessing to us so we can give glory to Him." "All creation sings God's praise."
We discussed many times with Ron & Carolyn in Alaska, how can anyone question whether there is a God or not? Just look around you, right where you live. What do you see, that just takes your breath away? That woos your heart? That causes you to utter, ONLY GOD.
I made a very short list from a very quick trip that I would like to share with you:
Glaciers Whales Bald Eagles Caribou Bear/cub Snow capped mountains Ocean
And other's that came to my mind:
Plains of Kansas Grand Canyon Face of a newborn infant Newborn animal
Face of an aging relative/friend Fields of grain
I'm sure by this point, you are coming up with your own list. GLORY TO GOD!!!!
Isaiah 41: 17-20 NIV
17 "The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
18 I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
and the parched ground into springs.
19 I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,
20 so that people may see and know,
Did you see that in verse 20, THAT THE HAND OF THE LORD HAS DONE THIS, THAT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL HAS CREATED IT. Breathtaking.
I wanted to save a very precious moment/gift I had for the end of this posting.
James 1:17 NIV "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I do believe, I had the sweetest conversation with a beautiful young girl. Bill and I were "resting" while Ron & Carolyn walked over to a water-fall at the Mendenhall Glacier, sitting on a park bench when a young, petite girl walked right around Bill and came to sit beside me. Out of no where....just happy as a lark. She sat down and started talking like we were long lost friends. She was beautiful in my eyes, and spoke such perfect English.
I began to question her finding out that she was born in Bulgaria to the Gypsy "tribe". Her name is Danka, meaning little donkey. But she was adopted into a loving home when she was two and moved to Utah. If you care to know, she was adamant that she lives with a very obnoxious dog. (WAY TO FUNNY TO WATCH HER TELL THIS STORY). Her name in America is Kristen and in her native Bulgarian language, that means "snuggle me". I said to her, oh, I want to snuggle you and she gave me the best deepest loving long hug you ever saw with a smile that reached clear across Alaska. Yep, to my heart it was THAT big. Her Mom by that time had come over and I looked right into this 10 year olds eyes and said, "You know what? Jesus made you just perfect!" She loved that. I do believe that she and I entertained angels that day, don't you?
Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
Isaiah 29:14a NIV "Therefore once more I will astound these people with wonder upon wonder". We both saw wonder upon wonder, things that we have never seen before. If you know me any at all, it is extremely easy for me to be touched. I watched some of the "video" of our vacation that Bill filmed this week, and the tears just ran. In the filming of our vacation, un-beknownst to me that he would be doing so, I would be praising and thanking God for what He has given each of us. THE SPLENDOR OF HIS MAJESTY! Two quotes I received this week from Our Daily Bread sums this up: "God gives blessing to us so we can give glory to Him." "All creation sings God's praise."
We discussed many times with Ron & Carolyn in Alaska, how can anyone question whether there is a God or not? Just look around you, right where you live. What do you see, that just takes your breath away? That woos your heart? That causes you to utter, ONLY GOD.
I made a very short list from a very quick trip that I would like to share with you:
Glaciers Whales Bald Eagles Caribou Bear/cub Snow capped mountains Ocean
And other's that came to my mind:
Plains of Kansas Grand Canyon Face of a newborn infant Newborn animal
Face of an aging relative/friend Fields of grain
I'm sure by this point, you are coming up with your own list. GLORY TO GOD!!!!
Isaiah 41: 17-20 NIV
17 "The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
18 I will make rivers flow on barren heights,
and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water,
and the parched ground into springs.
19 I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,
20 so that people may see and know,
may consider and understand,
that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.Did you see that in verse 20, THAT THE HAND OF THE LORD HAS DONE THIS, THAT THE HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL HAS CREATED IT. Breathtaking.
I wanted to save a very precious moment/gift I had for the end of this posting.
James 1:17 NIV "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
I do believe, I had the sweetest conversation with a beautiful young girl. Bill and I were "resting" while Ron & Carolyn walked over to a water-fall at the Mendenhall Glacier, sitting on a park bench when a young, petite girl walked right around Bill and came to sit beside me. Out of no where....just happy as a lark. She sat down and started talking like we were long lost friends. She was beautiful in my eyes, and spoke such perfect English.
I began to question her finding out that she was born in Bulgaria to the Gypsy "tribe". Her name is Danka, meaning little donkey. But she was adopted into a loving home when she was two and moved to Utah. If you care to know, she was adamant that she lives with a very obnoxious dog. (WAY TO FUNNY TO WATCH HER TELL THIS STORY). Her name in America is Kristen and in her native Bulgarian language, that means "snuggle me". I said to her, oh, I want to snuggle you and she gave me the best deepest loving long hug you ever saw with a smile that reached clear across Alaska. Yep, to my heart it was THAT big. Her Mom by that time had come over and I looked right into this 10 year olds eyes and said, "You know what? Jesus made you just perfect!" She loved that. I do believe that she and I entertained angels that day, don't you?
Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jesus thrills me like no other!
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Have you ever wondered what that means? Will God, truly give me and/or you the desires of our hearts? Yes, because God's word promises, but please notice the first part of this scripture...we MUST delight ourselves in the LORD. That means, we have to learn to place Him first, we must cause our days to revolve around Him, we must spend time in His word, commune with Him. Just as we desire our loved ones to do with/for us, then we get thrilled by having them in our presence and desire to bless them. Our Heavenly Father, friends, is truly this way. He loves to show off, and show off He did!
Bill and I journeyed to Alaska over a 6 day period with friends of ours, and had thrills one right after the other. This morning, I am choosing to share with you, the first thrill I was given on this trip because GOD was there and He did show off, just for me!!!!!!
You see, I am a middle aged female from sunny Southwest Kansas. Prior to marrying my best friend, I had simply only been to the states of Oklahoma & Colorado for strictly visiting family. So not really a vacation, where you see new and exciting things, witnessing the wide world that we live in. Prairies I have seen, rattlesnakes I have seen, and yes a tornado or two.
In the years since our dating/marriage we have had a blast seeing God's creation. Today, we both understand that it is a privilege to do so but to be thankful to The Creator and not worship the creation. Not once in our travels to New Mexico & Colorado have I ever seen a wild bear, in their own habitat. I have asked, I have begged and I have pleaded so in February of this year when we started planning this trip, I told my husband and who-ever else would listen to me, that I WANTED to see a bear when we go to Alaska. Let me tell you, that included Father God.
We crawled off the plain in Skagway, Alaska on Friday around noon. After having a bite to eat, stretching and walking through some of the shops, we decided to crawl into the car to travel the one and only highway in and out of Skagway. It takes one up into Canada, via Whitehorse, into the Yukon territories. We had traveled just a short distance, looking at the waterfalls, when my husband noticed about a 1/4 of a mile in front of us, a huge bus was making a u-turn in the middle of the highway. Bill thought they must have spotted something and about that time, Ron says, there was a bear back there. Putting the car into reverse, we happened upon.....the desires of my heart.
A mother bear and her cub, hanging in the top of this tree, by their front under-arms, sound asleep! What a sight for my eyes. God, You THRILLED ME!!
Let me tell you, there is NO HIGH LIKE THE MOST HIGH! Psalm 7:17 NIV "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
My girlfriend, Lelia enjoys bragging on God also, and I ask that you take a moment, by venturing to her blog. Click here to take you there. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." Amplified version of Psalm 37:4 I choose this version, as it truly was a "secret petition".
And I close, to simply brag on MY GOD, God....You SIMPLY THRILL ME! Thank You for showing off just for me and my tiny little heart.
Have you ever wondered what that means? Will God, truly give me and/or you the desires of our hearts? Yes, because God's word promises, but please notice the first part of this scripture...we MUST delight ourselves in the LORD. That means, we have to learn to place Him first, we must cause our days to revolve around Him, we must spend time in His word, commune with Him. Just as we desire our loved ones to do with/for us, then we get thrilled by having them in our presence and desire to bless them. Our Heavenly Father, friends, is truly this way. He loves to show off, and show off He did!
Bill and I journeyed to Alaska over a 6 day period with friends of ours, and had thrills one right after the other. This morning, I am choosing to share with you, the first thrill I was given on this trip because GOD was there and He did show off, just for me!!!!!!
You see, I am a middle aged female from sunny Southwest Kansas. Prior to marrying my best friend, I had simply only been to the states of Oklahoma & Colorado for strictly visiting family. So not really a vacation, where you see new and exciting things, witnessing the wide world that we live in. Prairies I have seen, rattlesnakes I have seen, and yes a tornado or two.
In the years since our dating/marriage we have had a blast seeing God's creation. Today, we both understand that it is a privilege to do so but to be thankful to The Creator and not worship the creation. Not once in our travels to New Mexico & Colorado have I ever seen a wild bear, in their own habitat. I have asked, I have begged and I have pleaded so in February of this year when we started planning this trip, I told my husband and who-ever else would listen to me, that I WANTED to see a bear when we go to Alaska. Let me tell you, that included Father God.
We crawled off the plain in Skagway, Alaska on Friday around noon. After having a bite to eat, stretching and walking through some of the shops, we decided to crawl into the car to travel the one and only highway in and out of Skagway. It takes one up into Canada, via Whitehorse, into the Yukon territories. We had traveled just a short distance, looking at the waterfalls, when my husband noticed about a 1/4 of a mile in front of us, a huge bus was making a u-turn in the middle of the highway. Bill thought they must have spotted something and about that time, Ron says, there was a bear back there. Putting the car into reverse, we happened upon.....the desires of my heart.
A mother bear and her cub, hanging in the top of this tree, by their front under-arms, sound asleep! What a sight for my eyes. God, You THRILLED ME!!
Let me tell you, there is NO HIGH LIKE THE MOST HIGH! Psalm 7:17 NIV "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High."
My girlfriend, Lelia enjoys bragging on God also, and I ask that you take a moment, by venturing to her blog. Click here to take you there. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart." Amplified version of Psalm 37:4 I choose this version, as it truly was a "secret petition".
And I close, to simply brag on MY GOD, God....You SIMPLY THRILL ME! Thank You for showing off just for me and my tiny little heart.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Nothing is to big or to small for God
I wanted an "idea" not for myself, but more for those that receive this Higher Grounds writing to understand/grasp the idea that they are not alone in what ever they are praying for. I wanted generalities not specifics for I did not and I do not want in their business. That is between them and God.
I was looking for something they have prayed over for days, months and possibly even years, not giving up, believing GOD for answered prayer. I wanted to encourage you that you are NOT alone in praying for something that you have not seen come to pass...yet. We don't always know why God hasn't answered our prayers but one thing I BELIEVE is that He does answer them. Sometimes they are a yes and sometimes they are a no and even still a "not yet". I also BELIEVE that He knows the big picture, and some things in my prayer concern may need some more "tweaking" either in me or the other person(s) involved. I know that God is God, and I am not. I know that He loves me, and He loves them. I know that I want Him in my life, strong, evident, and REAL. And honestly, I BELIEVE that no prayer is to large or small for Him, because He is the creator. From the ant to the elephant; molecule to the universe; baby to adult; both small & large.
Here are some of the answers I have received back via e-mail:
A Godly spouse for my child
His continued presence in my family
The correct job, or peace with my job
Healing in a relationship
Someone dear to me to leave the "gay" lifestyle
Forgiveness and healing in our church families
A new direction & purpose as we MATURE in aging and the discouragement we find in aging/health.
To see Him in my life
Strength & willpower to change our temples (self-control/denying self)
Finances
Stepping out in obedience to start a new "ministry" that will be in addition to a project my parents started in Africa
Schooling
Marriage
Children
Trust God
Strength for the task and the seemingly hard days aheadSalvation for all of my family and for the wanderers to return wholeheartedly to GodRevival
Peace
Being angry with life not going as one thought it should, to the point of being angry at God
As you read down through this list of prayer requests from my Sisters in Christ, how many of them did you read and say to yourself, "I sure stood (or am standing) on God's promises for this or that" . Or "wow, I didn't realize that some one else would have those concerns"?
I ask that you continue to pray and stand on the Promises of God. DO NOT GIVE UP! That still small Voice that spoke promises to your heart, those promises that you read in The Word of God, promises meant for you and for me, BELIEVE GOD FOR THEM!
Galatians 6:8-9 "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I know that this isn't talking about praying, specifically, but I do believe praying is sowing. With what ever it is we find ourselves continually praying over I want to challenge you with one other scripture to not give up....
Mark 10:27 NIV Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Sisters, I love you so, and so does Jesus Christ. If you haven't begun a personal relationship with Him, seek Him out! For heaven's sake, it is the most awesome thing I have ever done, and then....never ever give up for ALL things are possible WITH God. Lovingly, Yolanda
I was looking for something they have prayed over for days, months and possibly even years, not giving up, believing GOD for answered prayer. I wanted to encourage you that you are NOT alone in praying for something that you have not seen come to pass...yet. We don't always know why God hasn't answered our prayers but one thing I BELIEVE is that He does answer them. Sometimes they are a yes and sometimes they are a no and even still a "not yet". I also BELIEVE that He knows the big picture, and some things in my prayer concern may need some more "tweaking" either in me or the other person(s) involved. I know that God is God, and I am not. I know that He loves me, and He loves them. I know that I want Him in my life, strong, evident, and REAL. And honestly, I BELIEVE that no prayer is to large or small for Him, because He is the creator. From the ant to the elephant; molecule to the universe; baby to adult; both small & large.
Here are some of the answers I have received back via e-mail:
A Godly spouse for my child
His continued presence in my family
The correct job, or peace with my job
Healing in a relationship
Someone dear to me to leave the "gay" lifestyle
Forgiveness and healing in our church families
A new direction & purpose as we MATURE in aging and the discouragement we find in aging/health.
To see Him in my life
Strength & willpower to change our temples (self-control/denying self)
Finances
Stepping out in obedience to start a new "ministry" that will be in addition to a project my parents started in Africa
Schooling
Marriage
Children
Trust God
Strength for the task and the seemingly hard days aheadSalvation for all of my family and for the wanderers to return wholeheartedly to GodRevival
Peace
Being angry with life not going as one thought it should, to the point of being angry at God
As you read down through this list of prayer requests from my Sisters in Christ, how many of them did you read and say to yourself, "I sure stood (or am standing) on God's promises for this or that" . Or "wow, I didn't realize that some one else would have those concerns"?
I ask that you continue to pray and stand on the Promises of God. DO NOT GIVE UP! That still small Voice that spoke promises to your heart, those promises that you read in The Word of God, promises meant for you and for me, BELIEVE GOD FOR THEM!
Galatians 6:8-9 "The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." I know that this isn't talking about praying, specifically, but I do believe praying is sowing. With what ever it is we find ourselves continually praying over I want to challenge you with one other scripture to not give up....
Mark 10:27 NIV Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Sisters, I love you so, and so does Jesus Christ. If you haven't begun a personal relationship with Him, seek Him out! For heaven's sake, it is the most awesome thing I have ever done, and then....never ever give up for ALL things are possible WITH God. Lovingly, Yolanda
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Even the wind and the waves obey Him!
Greetings on Saturday morning! Yes, Saturday, as I am enjoying being in our camper at the KTA Campground. OK, I'm thinking many of you may ask, what is KTA? Kansas Trapshooters Association. My husband is no longer able to play golf due to his back surgery in 1999 but has found enjoyment through shooting trap. I think that we all need something that we enjoy, that gives us a break from our jobs, that provides a release from "routines".
When we arrived here Wednesday late evening, the wind was howling. We set up the camper, crawled into bed, and it was like wow...that wind is really strong. Thursday morning, as I awoke, I looked over and said to Bill, "Sweetie I feel like I've been on a ship all night." (I want you to know, I've never been on a cruise ship, but I can only imagine now...and NO THANK YOU!) We were then in for strong storms all across the state of Kansas Thursday late afternoon and evening, and we decided to go purchase a "stabilizer" to try and weather the storm and have protection for the future. I also want you to know that I was a praying maniac all day. I truly prayed without ceasing for God's protection on each one of us in this campground. We were blessed as the Camper Supply store, actually they had two stabilizers to choose from. We arrived back, received help in putting it together, and let me tell you first hand, IT DID IT'S JOB! We weathered the storm, and have slept well the past two nights.
God answered my prayers! The storm seemed to have split and was severe north and south of us. We did have strong winds, but no hail, and the new piece of equipment that was in place truly helped with the rocking of our camper. God allowed there to be not just one, but two different "stabilizers" to be available when we walked into the store. We had a choice to make. Girlfriends, you and I have choices to make. We need to be prayed up and read up in God's word to make correct choices.
Now isn't the storms in our own lives difficult and don't we find ourselves crying out, LORD, I DON'T LIKE THIS; LORD THIS IS TO ROCKY; LORD THIS IS TO SHAKEY, LORD THIS IS TO ROUGH!! (Etc.)
Guess what, HE CALMS THE STORM! HE IS OUR STABILIZER! We have the authority if we will just take some gumption to call out and ask "God, I need your help. My life has become a choppy sea, and the winds of this storm are fierce upon me, Jesus, help. "
The stabilizer's for the tongue of campers are a tri-pod. Our Stabilizer is a tri-pod also, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is a strength that can only come from God, Himself. He truly brings comfort, peace and calm in the midst of what rages around each one of us. I find that utterly amazing! He comes to each one of us that calls upon Him, many around the world at the same exact time, and steps in causing the rocking to cease.
**Jesus Calms the Storm** Matthew 7:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
When we arrived here Wednesday late evening, the wind was howling. We set up the camper, crawled into bed, and it was like wow...that wind is really strong. Thursday morning, as I awoke, I looked over and said to Bill, "Sweetie I feel like I've been on a ship all night." (I want you to know, I've never been on a cruise ship, but I can only imagine now...and NO THANK YOU!) We were then in for strong storms all across the state of Kansas Thursday late afternoon and evening, and we decided to go purchase a "stabilizer" to try and weather the storm and have protection for the future. I also want you to know that I was a praying maniac all day. I truly prayed without ceasing for God's protection on each one of us in this campground. We were blessed as the Camper Supply store, actually they had two stabilizers to choose from. We arrived back, received help in putting it together, and let me tell you first hand, IT DID IT'S JOB! We weathered the storm, and have slept well the past two nights.
God answered my prayers! The storm seemed to have split and was severe north and south of us. We did have strong winds, but no hail, and the new piece of equipment that was in place truly helped with the rocking of our camper. God allowed there to be not just one, but two different "stabilizers" to be available when we walked into the store. We had a choice to make. Girlfriends, you and I have choices to make. We need to be prayed up and read up in God's word to make correct choices.
Now isn't the storms in our own lives difficult and don't we find ourselves crying out, LORD, I DON'T LIKE THIS; LORD THIS IS TO ROCKY; LORD THIS IS TO SHAKEY, LORD THIS IS TO ROUGH!! (Etc.)
Guess what, HE CALMS THE STORM! HE IS OUR STABILIZER! We have the authority if we will just take some gumption to call out and ask "God, I need your help. My life has become a choppy sea, and the winds of this storm are fierce upon me, Jesus, help. "
The stabilizer's for the tongue of campers are a tri-pod. Our Stabilizer is a tri-pod also, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. There is a strength that can only come from God, Himself. He truly brings comfort, peace and calm in the midst of what rages around each one of us. I find that utterly amazing! He comes to each one of us that calls upon Him, many around the world at the same exact time, and steps in causing the rocking to cease.
**Jesus Calms the Storm** Matthew 7:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
We are to comfort others
Do you ever find yourselves giving a suggestion to comfort and something you say, just hits you right between the eyes?
I have had an extremely heavy heart for others that are being faced with a difficult time in their marriages. I can so remember a time like that, but thank GOD not at this season in our lives. Sure, Bill and I don't always agree, but we no longer have those knock down, drag out, grab the boxing glove moments. Today I say to the enemy....NOT ON MY WATCH, YOU CAN NOT HAVE MY HUSBAND OR MY MARRIAGE, SO GET BACK JACK!
Ok, now that you've seen a dose of my spiritual warfare fighting paraphernalia (thank you Julie!), we can get back to business. I truly believe we need to have listening ears for ways to be praying for those men and women that God brings into our lives. Not only to be praying, but also to be comforting them because you or I actually may have walked that way before.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
Some thing that has brought tremendous comfort and WISDOM for me, is the simple little rule of pointing fingers. Why is it, that when there is a heated argument, we point fingers at the other one? Finger pointing, generally happens ESPECIALLY when there is a separation or divorce involved! When I am pointing fingers at another, there are THREE fingers pointing back at me. The same principle applies for you, so you may need to become more aware of that. Believe me, it surely does help squelch my judgmental attitude towards others, and truly humbles me. You see, we are so quick to judge and point fingers, and FORGET or OVER LOOK where we have been, or possibly find ourselves NOW. This causes us to realize that we aren't 100 percent innocent in the situation & to take some of the responsibility, if not all of it.
So I was gently suggesting to someone in a trial over their marriage to be praying and watch the finger pointing and I told this person, "I will be praying for both of you. I will pray that hearts be turned to love for one another, instead of backbiting, complaining and grumbling. No pointing fingers, except to say, THAT IS THE ONE I LOVE."
That hit me instantly and I knew that the Holy Spirit was speaking through me, and to me! I want to leave you with an encouragement for those that find themselves in a struggling season. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor 5:17 Meaning that God is in the business of recycling, so please don't give up on Him. No problem is to big for Him, and certainly not to small.
Sisters, give the enemy a strong talking to, and remind him that you ARE a child of God's and YOU have His power living on the inside of you. There will come a time, when this test will be turned into a testimony. Girlfriends, THAT IS THE ONE I LOVE! How about you?
I have had an extremely heavy heart for others that are being faced with a difficult time in their marriages. I can so remember a time like that, but thank GOD not at this season in our lives. Sure, Bill and I don't always agree, but we no longer have those knock down, drag out, grab the boxing glove moments. Today I say to the enemy....NOT ON MY WATCH, YOU CAN NOT HAVE MY HUSBAND OR MY MARRIAGE, SO GET BACK JACK!
Ok, now that you've seen a dose of my spiritual warfare fighting paraphernalia (thank you Julie!), we can get back to business. I truly believe we need to have listening ears for ways to be praying for those men and women that God brings into our lives. Not only to be praying, but also to be comforting them because you or I actually may have walked that way before.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
Some thing that has brought tremendous comfort and WISDOM for me, is the simple little rule of pointing fingers. Why is it, that when there is a heated argument, we point fingers at the other one? Finger pointing, generally happens ESPECIALLY when there is a separation or divorce involved! When I am pointing fingers at another, there are THREE fingers pointing back at me. The same principle applies for you, so you may need to become more aware of that. Believe me, it surely does help squelch my judgmental attitude towards others, and truly humbles me. You see, we are so quick to judge and point fingers, and FORGET or OVER LOOK where we have been, or possibly find ourselves NOW. This causes us to realize that we aren't 100 percent innocent in the situation & to take some of the responsibility, if not all of it.
So I was gently suggesting to someone in a trial over their marriage to be praying and watch the finger pointing and I told this person, "I will be praying for both of you. I will pray that hearts be turned to love for one another, instead of backbiting, complaining and grumbling. No pointing fingers, except to say, THAT IS THE ONE I LOVE."
That hit me instantly and I knew that the Holy Spirit was speaking through me, and to me! I want to leave you with an encouragement for those that find themselves in a struggling season. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor 5:17 Meaning that God is in the business of recycling, so please don't give up on Him. No problem is to big for Him, and certainly not to small.
Sisters, give the enemy a strong talking to, and remind him that you ARE a child of God's and YOU have His power living on the inside of you. There will come a time, when this test will be turned into a testimony. Girlfriends, THAT IS THE ONE I LOVE! How about you?
Monday, June 2, 2008
What we saw as crooked can become straight
The first part of April, I had an upper tooth pulled one morning and the very next morning I went to have my braces put on. I love to ponder, mull over, and just think about things. Today I am pondering about all the symbolism with braces.
Really, what is the job of braces? In my case, to align my teeth for the first time, as my jaws have always been out of line. Now let me take this a step further to the first time I finally understood what surrendering to Jesus Christ was about. I was aligning my soul with His. For you see, I had never been in line with Him, ever before that. Have you also found yourself ALIGNING with the Word of God by surrendering to Jesus, submitting to Our Father? I truly pray that you are because there is so much LIFE for you and I by doing so.
Have you or someone you know, had straight pretty baby teeth & later found themselves with crooked permanent teeth needing to be re-aligned? Or perhaps have had an accident causing your permanent teeth to become crooked? This very thing happens also for Believer's in Christ. Some, find themselves back-slidden and needing to re-align with the Word of God. Praise God, He is a God of second & third chances. WE THANK YOU LORD!
How about the bracing of a building? Did you know that Jesus is our brace? The brace/cornerstone is what causes a FIRM FOUNDATION. Ephesians 2:19-21 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." 1 Peter 2:6 "For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'" Allowing Jesus to be our brace or cornerstone also guarantee's you and I a firm foundation
Okay, lets back up just a minute ok? I felt like if I gave this right off the bat, I might confuse MYSELF and you. The first of May, I gathered with a group of 9,000 women in Colorado Springs for a Living Proof Live conference. Beth Moore taught us that we have to give it up, to live it up. I'm sorry this may be a stretch for many of you, but I had to give up a tooth (allow it to be extracted) , to make ROOM for my teeth to move & become aligned. By aligning myself through the word of God is simply allowing myself to LIVE IT UP! That tooth was a stumbling block, what is it in your life, that is a stumbling block that truly needs to be extracted? Giving things up as God places them on my heart and upon your own heart. This is what the Holy Spirit convicts us of, not condemnation from others. True conviction of our hearts with God's heart. I then in turn will find myself living it up, because of God. Sisters, you will also! There is a deep sweet joy in doing so, friends.
By allowing our teeth to be guided and directed by the "perimeters" that have been placed upon them, they become beautiful. When you and I choose to allow our paths to no longer be crooked but instead be guided and directed by the "perimeters" of God's Word. We will become beatutiful from the inside out.l We will find ourselves choosing and hungering to walk a straight and narrow path. Proverbs 3:6 "in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." What was once crooked has now become straight, GLORY TO GOD!
Really, what is the job of braces? In my case, to align my teeth for the first time, as my jaws have always been out of line. Now let me take this a step further to the first time I finally understood what surrendering to Jesus Christ was about. I was aligning my soul with His. For you see, I had never been in line with Him, ever before that. Have you also found yourself ALIGNING with the Word of God by surrendering to Jesus, submitting to Our Father? I truly pray that you are because there is so much LIFE for you and I by doing so.
Have you or someone you know, had straight pretty baby teeth & later found themselves with crooked permanent teeth needing to be re-aligned? Or perhaps have had an accident causing your permanent teeth to become crooked? This very thing happens also for Believer's in Christ. Some, find themselves back-slidden and needing to re-align with the Word of God. Praise God, He is a God of second & third chances. WE THANK YOU LORD!
How about the bracing of a building? Did you know that Jesus is our brace? The brace/cornerstone is what causes a FIRM FOUNDATION. Ephesians 2:19-21 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." 1 Peter 2:6 "For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'" Allowing Jesus to be our brace or cornerstone also guarantee's you and I a firm foundation
Okay, lets back up just a minute ok? I felt like if I gave this right off the bat, I might confuse MYSELF and you. The first of May, I gathered with a group of 9,000 women in Colorado Springs for a Living Proof Live conference. Beth Moore taught us that we have to give it up, to live it up. I'm sorry this may be a stretch for many of you, but I had to give up a tooth (allow it to be extracted) , to make ROOM for my teeth to move & become aligned. By aligning myself through the word of God is simply allowing myself to LIVE IT UP! That tooth was a stumbling block, what is it in your life, that is a stumbling block that truly needs to be extracted? Giving things up as God places them on my heart and upon your own heart. This is what the Holy Spirit convicts us of, not condemnation from others. True conviction of our hearts with God's heart. I then in turn will find myself living it up, because of God. Sisters, you will also! There is a deep sweet joy in doing so, friends.
By allowing our teeth to be guided and directed by the "perimeters" that have been placed upon them, they become beautiful. When you and I choose to allow our paths to no longer be crooked but instead be guided and directed by the "perimeters" of God's Word. We will become beatutiful from the inside out.l We will find ourselves choosing and hungering to walk a straight and narrow path. Proverbs 3:6 "in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." What was once crooked has now become straight, GLORY TO GOD!
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