HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~~ Testimony and Hope ~~ STUDY

Testimony and Hope
O’ what a Christmas we had!

In years past, many times there was chaos and turmoil in my household, but not so this year. Love and care for one another surrounded us more than I’ve ever witnessed. I believe that my household is not much different than most, perhaps like yours.

Without going into great detail… previous wounds from relationship destruction, divorce and broken homes had caused mountains of ice anger within each heart. Even when we gathered as a family, hoping that peace would present itself, the past haunted every word, breath and gesture. There was no true peace. But many are the prayers that have been offered and GOD has answered. HIS love has been slowly melting the ice. GOD does not force the warmth of HIS love on anyone. We must desire, pray and wait for it, just as HE waits patiently for the recipient to desire HIS love. HE has already given the gift of HIS love through CHRIST JESUS, we only need to receive HIS gift.

This year, although coldness still lies in sections here and there, the mountains of ice are nearly gone. Hallelujah! I believe when this family core is fully warmed by HIS great love then those in our family who are still on the outskirts will draw closer seeking its warmth. The fire has to start with GOD. Our fire started with Bob, my husband and me. Hallelujah! But, we must remember that we are only kindling. GOD sent the fire in HIS SON, JESUS. This fire will never go out because it is a holy fire! There are many embers and each one is a gift. As we continue to grow in knowledge, the smoldering embers reignite. We must continue to stir the fire and give it what it needs to blaze hot.


I will continue to pray for all my loved ones to truly “come home” to the FATHER who loves them. HE continues to patiently wait. As I write this, my thoughts are of my friends who now have families in distress. GOD hears the meditations of my heart and mind. My thoughts have become prayers. May all the prayers of those who love the LORD JESUS, be answered and all be drawn to the love that waits “at home” in HIM. Amen.

When we believe in the LORD JESUS as our SAVIOR, our home is with the KING! We are children of the KING and as the Hallelujah Chorus rings:

And HE shall reign forever and ever
KING of kings,

Forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

LORD of lords,

Forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Our home is with the KING! Hallelujah!

STUDY FOR THE NEW YEAR!

I’ve been wanting to understand Hebrew better in order to capture more meaning from my scripture studies. Bob knew this and one of my gifts this year included a nine month online class in classical Hebrew. I’ve already had the initial orientation on how to use the software and met the tech support directly from Israel. I’m very excited to begin but at the same time, nervous about it. We are to use the Bible in order to learn the language. That is what was so appealing to me. Now, I’m fairly sure we are just going to use the Old Testament, but perhaps not. On this point I’ll just have to wait and see.

It was difficult to find a good time because so many days I’m very late getting home. When we were trying to find a time to schedule I asked about Saturday and of course that was out of the question. I should have known but I asked anyway. My first real class is Monday, Jan. 4 @ 8 pm. This seemed to be the best time for me. Bob is off on Mondays and if I run into any tech problems, he will be here to rescue me. LOL!  I have a one hour class each week and then another hour to log-in on my own for study and there will be homework. My greatest fear is being able to keep up and still do all the things that need to be done here. GOD will help me. 

The free resource materials are all in English. Yeah! I’ve been exploring and already learned something that I didn’t realize. For instance: although I knew from television and movies that many times the Hebrew scrolls are sung and not merely read. I didn’t know why but thought it was nice. Well, I found out that when the scrolls are sung, it is the center of prayer for the Jewish congregation or individual. The part that struck me was the idea of the scroll being the center of prayer.


Do we, as Christians, think of our Bible as the center of prayer? I know I didn’t. I thought of the Bible as being something set apart from prayer. We are generally taught that scripture is GOD speaking to us and that prayer is us speaking to HIM and usually both are done in perhaps different settings.


But, the nugget of knowledge and picture image that I received is that when we open the WORD and speak aloud from it, we are in prayer! Just think of that, reading the scripture aloud puts us in prayer. Then the extra bit of imagery I received revealed that the scripture is to be sung in a beautiful melody. WOW! This may not mean much to you reading this, but to me it is an enormous revelation. I feel as though I have all these puzzle pieces to assemble and I just found one that fits.


I had learned previously that GOD inhabits the praise of HIS people. My learning of this had been linear in nature. Now, there is more understanding of this idea. When one or many of us read or sing the WORD, then we are within HIM. We are within HIS very WORD. HE delights in this but there is more.


As the sound of HIS WORD (not my word) comes from within me and I release it, then it surrounds me. When I sing with others, we sing HIS WORD in unity. The combined voices saying/singing HIS WORD is released and HE inhabits our praise. The praise is released as sound waves and spread throughout our space as a ripple. The inhabitation begins as HE is within us and finishes as HE surrounds us and ripples outward. What a fantastic thought! This is how HE desires HIS word to go forth!


In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. John 1:1,2 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Pray the scriptures:

1Pet 5:6..Heavenly Father, we humble ourselves under Your mighty hand.

1Jn 1:9..Forgive us for our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Heb 10:22..Let us draw near to You with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

Heb 10:22..having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,

Heb 10:22..and our bodies washed with pure water.

Col 3:16..Let Your Word dwell in us richly.

Col 1:9..Fill us with the knowledge of Your will,

Col 1:9..in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,

Col 1:10.that we may live and conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of You,

Col 1:10..fully pleasing You, and being fruitful in every good work.

Eph 4:23..And, by being renewed in the spirit of our minds,

Col 3:12..that we put on tender mercies, kindness, humility,

Col 3:12..meekness, longsuffering: bearing with and forgiving one another.

Eph 4:13..That we dwell together in the unity of the faith,

1Thes 5:12..recognizing those who labor among us,

1Thes 5:13..esteeming them highly in love for their work's sake.

1Cor 1:10..I pray we all speak the same thing, with no divisions among us,

Phil 1:27..standing fast in one spirit, striving together for the faith.

Heb 13:9..That we're not carried about with various and strange doctrines,

2Tim 2:15..But we study, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Jude 1:16..That we're not murmurers, complainers, walking after our own lusts,

1Tim 6:18..but are rich in good works, ready to give and willing to share.

Eph 4:16..I pray that the whole body be knit and joined together,

Eph 4:16...and that every part does its share causing growth to the body.

1Pet 4:10...As each one has received a gift, let him minister it,

Phil 2:4...looking out for the interests of others.

1Pet 1:22..Let us all fervently love one another with a pure heart,

2Jn 1:8..so that we do not lose the things we have worked for.

1Pet 4:7..Let us become serious and watchful in our prayers,

Eph 5:16.redeeming the time, for the days are evil.

Heb 12:1....Running with endurance the race that is set before us,

Col 3:2..setting our minds on things above and not on things on the earth.

Phil 3:14..But pressing toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.

Eph 6:11..Putting on the whole armor of God that we may stand against the devil.

Acts 4:29...That we will speak forth Your Word with great boldness

Acts 4:30...and that You will stretch forth Your hand to heal,

Acts 4:30..that signs and wonders may be done in the name of Your Son Jesus.

So let’s remember to speak out
(or sing out)
THE WORD as it is written,
getting the idea that it is the center of prayer.

GOD’s WORD is the center
of the ripple that goes forth.

It goes forth with the human voice.

Merry Christmas! May the peace of GOD surround you in all your coming and going! May you and your family be blessed as we lift up the name of JESUS!

Most everyone understands Christmas to be a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus all around the world. There are many fulfilled prophecies surrounding the traditional story and we only need to study scriptures to find them. It’s wonderful that we have such a marvelous record but let us take the time to imagine a bit…

Have you ever been truly afraid of something? I've noticed that whenever holy things of GOD are about to take place, the recipient of the news always has to be told not to be afraid. This helps to remind me in my daily walk that I need to be discerning of matters set before me. What is truly spiritual and of GOD and what is not? I believe that GOD will give me complete peace in matters that I take to HIM and I will not feel edgy concerning it. I believe HE will also give me a warning if there is something that I need to steer clear of. After all, GOD is the same~ yesterday, today and forever. I just need to stay close to HIM so that I can hear the messages HE has for me. In regard to this thought, here I've listed a few "fear not" words of grace for the greatest story every told…

• In Luke 1, we read Fear not, to Zacharias… This tells about his son, John, who would be born to prepare the people to receive JESUS.
• Then there’s, Fear not, Mary… This is about GOD’s son, JESUS coming to prepare sinners for the kingdom of GOD.
• In Matthew 1, we read fear not to Joseph that he might take Mary to be his wife.
• In Luke 2, we read Fear not to the shepherds from the angels proclaiming the birth of CHRIST.
  
  

The story of Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem has been romanticized on Christmas cards and nativity scenes everywhere. Can we imagine that journey? The young couple, after hearing a political decree had to leave the security of their home in order to obey. I wonder how they felt as they packed up to leave. How would we feel?

Any mother can tell you that it’s very difficult to travel under the best of circumstances when you are in your ninth month. I wonder how long it took Mary and Joseph to travel and how many times they had to stop along the way. Scriptures don’t tell us if they had a donkey, but a donkey always shows up on Christmas cards. I really wonder if they had one. Well, whether they had a donkey or not, I’m sure aching bodies and sore feet were part of the ordeal for both of them. I wonder how we would physically feel under those circumstances. How would we emotionally feel?

Mary trusted GOD and offered herself as the LORD’s handmaid. Joseph trusted also that GOD had everything under control. GOD had planned from the start just when and where JESUS would arrive. HE looked on earth to find the suitable family, orchestrated the angel choir and placed the star in just the right place and at just the right time.

O holy night when CHRIST was born. O holy months and another journey when the wise men finally found HIM. O holy years where Mary and Joseph would raise HIM and teach Him through childhood the things that HE should know. O holy ministry when the SON OF GOD would walk among the people teaching GOD’s kingdom on earth. O holy suffering, death and resurrection that ushered in the finished work of CHRIST. O holy forever, now we wait for HIS return to reign in glory. Hallelujah!
This is truth for the CHRISTIAN! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

 But not everyone believes in CHRIST as Savior. Christmas is just another holiday celebration for some. There are many other traditions attached to the Christian's very strong faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. There are extra stories and non-Christian traditions intermingled with biblical truths everywhere you look. The secular side of Christmas has very little to do with CHRIST. Yet, the unsaved world witnesses this presentation every year and believes what they see about CHRIST because of it.

Sadly, eyes continue to be blinded. There is no one there to show them the true CHRIST. Their ears continue to be stopped because there is no one there to tell them the gospel of truth. Their hearts continue to be cold because there is no one to show them the love of CHRIST. Their heads continue to be filled with misconceptions because they just don’t know whom to trust.
You see, many Christians like the Baby Jesus because who can find fault with a baby? These Christians get all excited about celebrating Christmas. But friends and family, the real story of CHRIST cannot be told without telling about HIS suffering.
Dear friends and family, CHRIST did not remain that beautiful little baby boy. CHRIST grew to become a man in order to represent the human race throughout the ages. HE offered HIMSELF up as a living sacrifice so that we might have everlasting life. HE commissioned us to be HIS representatives here on earth so that we might show and tell the gospel and that we might love on those who have lost all hope and that we might encourage the lost that JESUS loves them and died to save them...

Let's just think about what that means...

· HE loved us so much that HE first shed HIS blood drops in the garden, as sweat from his brow, when HE laid down His human will for GOD’s heavenly will. JESUS could have taken HIS life back at that time but HE didn’t.  HE did this so that we might have a way to the FATHER.  HE gave us an example to follow in laying down our will for GOD's will.  Matthew 26:39 O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. Matthew 26:42 O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
· HE loved us so much that HE shed HIS blood on the whipping post.  HE allowed this to break the curse of sickness. HE could have taken HIS life back at any time but HE continued the work. 1 Peter 2:24 who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
· HE loved us so much the HE shed HIS blood when the crown of thorns was placed on HIS head.  This HE allowed to break the curse of poverty for those that believe. JESUS could have taken HIS life back at any time but HE didn’t do that because HE was thinking of us all the time. Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground...     Matthew 27:28 And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. 29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 30 And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. 31 And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.         Galations 3: 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree…
· HE loved us so much that HE shed HIS blood when they pierced HIS hands.  HE allowed this to restore dominion for the work of the hands of those that trust in HIM. HE could have taken HIS life back at any time but HE didn’t because HE was the lamb for the sacrifice. Deuteronomy 28: 12 The Lord shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season, and to bless all the work of thine hand: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them…
· HE loved us so much that HE shed HIS blood when they pierced HIS feet.  HE allowed this to restore dominion to the walk of the believer. HE could have taken HIS life back at any time but HE continued HIS work. Joshua 1: 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.
· HE loved us so much that HE shed HIS blood when they pierced HIS side.  HE allowed this to heal the broken hearted among us. JESUS could have taken HIS life back at any time but HE chose to think of you and me instead of himself. Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised…
· HE loved us so much that HE shed HIS blood internally as HE was bruised.  HE allowed the beatings to bruise HIM and break every iniquity and to drive sin from our flesh.  JESUS could have taken HIS life back at that time but HE finished HIS redemptive work to save us. Isaiah 53:5 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

How
awesome
a thought that
GOD loved you and
me that much! Do we need
Christmas trees, stockings, tinsel,
decorations, shopping sprees, and huge
feasts to remember CHRIST at Christmas?
Of course not. Do we need CHRIST? Yes, indeed we do.
So let us remember the true meaning of CHRISTMAS.
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah


Let us live so that others may
believe!

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31

What Do You Really Believe?

We sometimes think we have more trouble than anyone in the world. When we look only at ourselves, yes, we might find much trouble. But those of us who have Internet access and many other conveniences cannot begin to comprehend the suffering that takes place in the world, and sometimes even in our own neighborhoods.

There is sickness and disease everywhere in the world, even in our own homeland. Most of us get a sniffle or ache, think its the flu or because of our vast sources of information, we diagnose the problem, and rush to our doctor to get a remedy without much thought. But there are many who break bones, severe limbs and endure the suffering of major diseases who have never seen a true medical doctor. Can we imagine from birth to death never having seen a physician?

There is persecution in much of the world, even in our own homeland. Most of us would love to think that prejudice doesn't exist. But look at the news and we can witness racial tensions and religious intolerance in many places around us. If we ever felt the motivation, we could freely stand up and speak our minds concerning any aspect of our lives. We can agree or disagree, as long as we do no harm to others. We currently have free speech legally. We can worship as we will. We can bear arms if we desire. Can any of us imagine having to go underground to worship? Can we imagine only mouthing words of praise or whispering prayer or whisper preaching for fear of being drug out into the street and beaten or shot? Can any of us imagine the horror of knowing we could be executed if we are seen as an outsider or if we convert openly to Christianity?

There is homelessness and hunger in many areas of the world, including our own homeland. Families split up, children are left to the care of one parent and that one parent is left with no means of support. Eventually, what once was a home is in foreclosure and bankruptcy overwhelmed the situation. When there is no one to turn to, then abandoned cars, cardboard boxes on the streets and bridge underpasses become homes. Children are physically starving and resort to rummaging garbage to find half eaten food. Can we even imagine such a fate as to die of hunger or of exposure to the elements?

There is rioting, fighting and warfare taking place in many areas of the world, including our own homeland. Most of us do not live in gang neighborhoods or where true war is taking place. It is far from our mind. But can any of us imagine living in fear that someone would actually drive up to the outside of our home and fire into it from the street? That happens regularly in America. Can any of us imagine a siren going off (day or night) and knowing that we only have 15 seconds to take cover before a missile hits its intended target meant for us. This happens in war torn cities of the world. Can any of us imagine raids on our homes or businesses to terminate or maim? Can we imagine such things as this?

There is slavery and abuse taking place in many areas of the world, including our own homeland. Most of us would not think that slavery takes place in America, but there are different forms of slavery. Have you not heard of the story of wealthy couples who hire foreigners on the pretense of helping them to have a better life and then threaten them with illegally coming here? Sometimes these poor people are forced to work in different capacities in horrible situations. What about the young man or woman who try to do their best only to be taken advantage of when they were given loans only to realize that they could never pay them back? This is a form of slavery. On the other hand, there are those who are trafficking young boys and girls as sexual slaves throughout the world. What about the lonely woman in another country, who just wants a chance to know what freedom is in America. She comes here as a mail order bride and doesn't know how to get out of the horrible nightmare she's created for herself. She has no legal rights because she is not a citizen. She often speaks no English and doesn't know the first thing about surviving on her own. Can we imagine such abuse? Do we even want to think of such things?

Yet, these examples are true, very true! These are horrible happenings, but it is defining moments like these that we must really take stock in what we believe. Truthfully, we in America may not be far from knowing more and more about these examples on a personal level. As problems continue to mount and America's core values change, what do we really believe? What are we willing to stand up for? What are we willing to die for?

Will we run when danger comes? Will we leave quickly and quietly? Will we give up to what we think is a stronger power? Do we know any history? Did we learn from any one's history? How does an affluent country who was once rich in goods, services, military protection for itself and many in the world come to failure? Did Rome fall?

What will it take before we claim our rightful place in the fight for freedom? What do we believe? Is it only up to the brave young men who will honor themselves and this country by serving in its military? Why do we send them off to battle, when we do not stand up for our own freedom and the freedom of future generations right here, right now? Perhaps, we believe that letting sleeping dogs lie will be our best protection. When a political bully comes around, we believe that if we do nothing it is better than doing something, because after all they will be gone in a few years, right? What happens to us while they are in control? Why do we turn a blind eye as a nation? Perhaps we believe if we stand up we'll rock the boat and it will be worse than better? If George Washington had thought like that, then America would never have been born. If Thomas Jefferson had thought like that, he would not have penned the Declaration of Independence. If Patrick Henry had thought that, he wouldn't have had the courage to shout "Give me liberty or give me death!" Why are we so afraid to maintain liberty and gain back what has already been lost?

If you are over 50, you can identify freedom in America that has already been lost. Do you remember daily open prayer in your school? Do you remember hearing scripture in your classroom? How did the Bible become censored out? Was it quietly given up? Did it go without a fight? Where was our nation? Where was our state? Where was our local governments? Where were our parents and grandparents? I don't really know where they were. Could it be that they believed the life they were living would always be present? Could it be that they felt so secure that they did not wonder about current event when law suits were pushing to take prayer out of schools among other crucial decisions were being made? I dont know, I was a kid at that time.

But later when I was older, I was too busy living my selfish life. I didn't have time to think about others around me. I really didn't think much about others until I was in my 30s. Listening to the news never crossed my mind. Others that I knew who were about my age lived life just like me. Now, not passing blame but did anyone teach their kids about freedom not being free and each generation has to maintain it in order to sustain it! Freedom still isn't free!

An empty spot wasn't left when the Bible and prayer was taken out of school. But many rules were whispered and many things were cut out of daily life, even if you were a Christian. You better not say the name of JESUS anywhere. That name might offend someone. Don't put a Bible in your classroom for anyone to see, you'll get in trouble. Don't recite the golden rule anymore, isn't' it a scripture? (It's based on Matthew 7:12: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.) Don't pray publicly. Didn't Daniel pray three times a day and end up being thrown to the lions? (Yes, but he was spared. Read it, why don't you? It's an incredible ending for those who accused Daniel in the first place. Daniel 6:16-24.)

So we did as we were told, even thought the Bill of Rights Article 3 states,

• Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Oh listen enough in public places and you can hear and see "Allah, Buddha, Great Spirit, etc." spoken by government leaders. So why does the name of JESUS offend them? Because JESUS is not a name that is politically correct. It stirs up hatred for those that are against anyone speaking that name.

As I remember, JESUS was not politically correct in the first place. Had HE been politically correct, HE would never have died in the manner that HE did. HE died because HE was not politically correct. HE died because HIS kingdom was not of this earth. HE died to redeem us individually across the ages to new life. HE died because that was the ultimate plan of salvation for us.

Shame on us for not speaking HIS name, JESUS. Shame on us for being undercover Christians. Do our neighbors know we follow JESUS? Do our co-workers know? If someone felt the drawing of the LORD upon their lives, would that someone know that he/she could learn more from you? Would he/she know that you would pray for and with them? Would they be able to approach you with their spiritual questions?

Our freedom is eroding at an alarming rate. Our country was founded on freedom and Christian values. Free from tyranny on any level was the cry before the birthing of our nation. Think about it.

Christmas is coming very soon! It is one of our most precious holidays. Do you feel comfortable saying "Merry Christmas"? Most of you reading this probably don't. You might wear it on a pin, sweater or sweatshirt, but can you say it in comfort? The more we keep silent, the more freedom we lose! Begin to say it and it will become easier to say! We live in America and the last time I checked we still have freedom of speech.

Since the time that I received JESUS as my SAVIOR and was reborn, I cannot change the fact that I am a Christian any more than I can change the fact that I am female or that I am white. It is who I am! Although there are those who would even argue those points. The fact is I was born female and white. Perhaps there are those who make physical adaptations to change gender and alter their skin's pigment, that does not change the fact that adapting the original does not fully change the original. Let them stop taking hormones and drugs and see what happens. The body will revert back.

Do you witness well wishing for Happy Chanukah (Hanukkah), or Happy Kwanzaa, or Chinese New Year or other beliefs floating around? Well, thank God you are in America and you have the right to your belief. But, "Hey America", so do I have the right to my belief. So when "they" say in whisper voices "Better not mention JESUS CHRIST", then I will say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in a normal voice for all those around me to hear!

It certainly makes our spiritual enemy happy when we are mute. When we don't live like Christians, satan and his demon gang are the most happy. When we don't openly show love for others and we become selfish, the enemy is thrilled. When we choose to live like the world and no one can tell what we believe, the enemy doesn't have to work so hard.

But, live for JESUS and you will go under spiritual attack. Don't be afraid, JESUS will be with you always. Stay strong in the faith and don't waver even when it seems too hard. Be strong in the LORD. Follow HIS leading and GOD will fight the battle for you. Remember, it is finished. It was finished on the cross. GOD is with us, even to the end of this age! Some things are hard to understand, perhaps we don't need to understand so much as we have to just believe and have faith that HE will do what HE said HE would do. Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Lastly, it's very easy to get caught up in the world view and forget our purpose. The world view is everywhere just look at the ads on every level these days. The world captures your senses. You see, you hear, you taste, you smell, you feel the sensations of what the world has to offer. The world says you have to have everything you want. Some ads and stories even tease us, as they show us how to step all over others to get to the top. They show how you can have your mate and swing with others, pretending that you won't hurt anyone. (Just look in the current magazines of the day. I happened to get my hair done yesterday and that's what I witnessed in a January edition of a fashion magazine.) The world says that you have a right to satisfy all the desires. You can't help but see the sexual implications for current women's perfume, men's cologne, weight loss products and fashion. You can't help but witness the pride that's portrayed in the ads for new cars and goods. How much more cleavage can you show? How much tighter can clothes get on both men and women alike? How much smug pride can you see on the facial expressions of models and actors? How many suggestive gestures does it take to give you the message that this product will satisfy all your carnal desires? IT'S A BOLD FACED LIE THAT ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS WILL SATISFY THE HUNGER OF YOUR SOUL. WHEN ANYONE INDULGES IN EVEN THE FANTASY OF SENSUAL PLEASURES, YOU ARE DISTANCING YOURSELF FURTHER FROM GOD. GOD DOESN'T MOVE AWAY FROM YOU BUT, YOU HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM HIM.

satan is veiling the truth of GOD and HIS love for the world's people. If you are a light and the curtains around your are thick layered and black, then your light is small. But if you are a light and your Christian brother or sister is a light and you seek each other out to shine together, then the layers of curtain fall away until all that is left is the light. Darkness cannot overtake the light, but the light overtakes the darkness. You can't measure darkness, but you can measure light. Let us shine together for the glory of GOD! This is why we must assembly together. Our unity reflects HIS light. The greater the unified body then the greater will be the reflection of HIS love. So seek out HIS light in others and give your light's warmth to others of the faith. Seek out HIS light in others and give of your shining light to others of the faith. Do this and watch GOD's flame ignite into HIS brilliance in anticipation of HIS coming. We do this together. We do this in unity to the glory of GOD! May the name of JESUS be lifted up and praised forever.



Leave the world behind in thought and deed. Don't get caught up in the trap of the enemy! Don't we have a duty to be Christ like? I will say "Merry Christ-mas!" I will say "Happy Holy-days!" That's just one thing I will do. I will strive to live like Christ would have me to live. I will endeavor to reach out to those in need and offer my assistance. I will smile more and say more nice things to those I encounter even when it is hard to do. Everyone isn't so very lovable, but JESUS did not say love only to love those who love you. HE said to love even your enemies. HE warned us that we wrestle not with flesh and blood (physical human beings). We wrestle with principalities and powers (spiritual evil entities). May HE give us discernment in all our dealings and protect us in this walk.

So, what do we really believe?

I believe...
in God, the Father Almighty,Maker of Heaven and Earth,
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into Hell.

The third day He arose from the dead,
He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the church universal (catholic),

the communion (gathering) of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

and I believe Revelation 22:12-13

when JESUS said...

And, behold, I come quickly;

and my reward is with me,

to give every man according as his work shall be.

I am Alpha and Omega,

the beginning and the end,

the first and the last.

What do you believe?

Prayer Requests so far this week:

• new prayer: staff/faculty friend who has a brain tumor~ pray GOD's will in the matter and pray much for the family (this is a mother with small children)
• continue to pray for R.S. family and especially her husband who is having radiation and chemo soon
• continue to pray for those who haven't jobs~that's GOD direct the path and open the windows of heaven in blessings on these families
• new prayer: pray for the homeless~ especially a women of 55 who is struggling to survive with medical issues and has no home of her own~ she was offered a bed in a home, only to find that it is a hostile environment where much abuse is taking place~ pray that GOD direct her to a place of peace, warmth and comfort
• pray blessings on our families & homes, school and school families~ that the love of JESUS surround and draw families ever closer to HIM and that we as Christians do what HE wills and not what we will in every situation

NOTE: I have tried not to honor satan. His name is not capitalized in this article and it has been shrunk to very small print. GOD however is all caps and any place that calls up names for GOD or important information concerning GOD, I've posted with all caps. This is a Monica thing! I've felt the need to do this from the start of my postings, but haven't always been alert to following through with it. Thank you for reading my devotions. I hope you have found something of good use in your daily walk with and in the LORD. May GOD bless you abundantly... in JESUS name... Amen.

Blessings to come will be so much greater than blessings here… but we can’t forget that we live here!

The following script is my notes taken from Pastor Paul Sheppard’s preaching of 1 Corinthians 15.


Children just want to play forever. You have to make them take a nap or go to bed. They are young and they have more energy than anyone! But we grow up and nobody has to tell us to go to bed. We want to go to bed! Sometimes we have so much to do that we push ourselves to stay up too late, but our body is ready for bed all the same.

Our earth-suits get tired. This body we have is just a suit. It is temporary. The body that’s coming will be able to enjoy GOD forever and be strong all the time. It will be a heavenly body. That body will be raised in power...

• No sickness
• No weakness
• No disease
• No tiredness of the body
• No tiredness of the mind (mental and emotional)
  The body catches mental and emotional diseases. Theses stresses (frustrations) are carried in the body and make us weak and tired. Your neck stiffens up and you have many aches and pains with no apparent reason. Your emotions directly impact your body.
  
  

But our next body will have every frustration removed. One day we will only rejoice, but now we are supposed to intercede…

• Now is the time of prayer
• Now is the time of interceding
• Now is the time of pleading
• Now is the time of crying to GOD
  
  

One day GOD will wipe the tears from our eyes and nothing but joy will be there for us.
We will have a body without limitations. It will reflect the glory and image of GOD.
Starting in verse 45, we are reminded of Adam, who represents the natural and then we hear of JESUS, who represents the spiritual. Verse 49… We will bear the likeness of the man from heaven. That’s JESUS. We will be like HIM. Hallelujah! What a time we will have. Free from pain, sickness and sorrow!

But, for now we have to deal with limitations on earth. We are headed for a state where we will be like JESUS in body as well as spirit, but for now that is not the case.

Don't fret... but remember that NOW are we the sons of GOD… so don’t keep calling yourself a sinner after you are saved. Call yourself a son or daughter of the MOST HIGH. Yes, we will sin but we must remember that we have been redeemed. The sin was nailed to the cross on JESUS! All sin was placed there, past... present... and future! HE alone had the power to rise up without the sin attached.

CHRIST dying for us did not give us a ticket to sin, but gave us a family to which we are responsible. We are to respect and honor our FATHER and we do this by obeying HIM. A true family looks out for one another and that is just what our FATHER and our brother, CHRIST does for us. CHRIST sent the HOLY SPIRIT to guide us and we have the WORD to see how our forefathers behaved. That is what GOD has done for us, so what have we done for HIM in HIS family? Something to think about...

So yes, we will have issues and sin will continue to abound in this earth realm. But when satan tempts us and tells us about our stuff from our past. We need to remind HIM that JESUS already paid for that long ago. We need to remind him (satan) of his future.

Hopefully you have read the book and know the ending. JESUS overcomes and comes back as the tryumphant KING of KINGS. Every knee shall bow to HIM. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and we will reign forever with CHRIST in heaven. Satan's future is bleak... he has no future. If you think he's tucked away in hell now, you are mistaken. He is in the earth realm now and he’s trying to drum up company to take to hell with him in the end. Don’t let satan mess with you and don't let him mess with your family and friends here on earth. You, who are a true child of GOD, study the WORD so that you cannot be fooled or deceived. Find GOD's promises to you... you will be amazed!

It does not appear what you shall be… but we know this according to scripture… you shall be like HIM… JESUS, our SAVIOR.

You are on a road… on a journey...
Yes, you will be convicted of sin as you travel along. Sometimes we sin and don't realize it but the HOLY SPIRIT will let us know. We only need to repent as soon as we know what we've done and get back on track. GOD will guide us through each step of the way and HE will take us further on our journey. It's a journey only we can take with HIM.

It is the road of our life that we travel. We will go from glory to glory as HE reveals HIMSELF to us in our daily walk with HIM. It will be the same as driving our car up and down hills and around curves. Sometimes the road is scary. Sometimes drivers will do foolish things with their cars and put us in danger, but HE is there. Sometimes deer and other animals run out in our path but HE is there. Sometimes there is snow and ice on the roadway, but HE is there. Sometimes the rain and the wind push us all around, but HE is there. Sometimes we are the ones who are not behaving properly, but HE is still there. We are not to forget that HE is there!

Scripture says that it was GOD who began the good work in us. HE first drew us near and made us like JESUS in our hearts. That was only the first place of redemption. Now, HE’s guiding us to walk like HIM and talk like HIM and be like HIM. We are, afterall, sons and daughters of GOD right now, right here!

The last enemy conquered for us is death. Scripture says that death has been swallowed up in victory. When death is finally conquered, we will live without any restriction. We will be raised in glory. Whether we will be raised before an earthly death, only GOD knows! But, when we go doesn't matter.

The fact is that we will be raised in glory to be with HIM and those who have gone on before us will be raised also. Hallelujah! Many of us have others who have gone on. We will all have new bodies and be reunited. Joy will abound. We cannot comprehend what this means fully, but it will be GOD’s best for us. Just think about it...

Even if you think of your very best day here on earth, it is not to be compared to a day in heaven. When Paul was in Philippi, he pondered, “Should I go or stay?” He said if he stayed, it would be better for the people of Philippi. But he went on to say if he goes, it would be far better for him. Life in the hereafter is better than anything we can experience here.

If someone leaves this earth and goes to be with GOD, all their glory and excitement will be wrapped up in the presence of GOD. They will never want to return here. They will have no desire to turn back. They will be like babes in the arms of JESUS when they get there...

But... Wake up now… we live here! Dreaming of that heavenly day is wonderful, but we are alive here now!

• We need to live so we are missed when we leave.
• Someone’s life should be better because we have been here on earth.
• People should be blessed while we are here because of the one we serve.
• We should live our lives to make a difference.
  But… dream again… when we leave… we will experience the ultimate experience! We will fly away to be with our LORD. We will go to a land where joy will never end. THIS IS OUR HOPE, OUR DESIRE... OUR REALITY... TO COME...
  
  He has prepared for us a place!

We all want our blessing RIGHT now. That’s just how we are, but when this life is over we will have even greater blessings than we can ever imagine now. We need to always be mindful of our blessings and ever thankful for them. The blessings that we have had, the blessings we are having and the blessings yet to come in our lives.

So the thing is that we can’t afford to live just thinking about our future forever with GOD. We can’t just be pew warmers and go to church once in a while. When we do this, it’s not about GOD. It’s only about us.

We must realize the time we are in right now. We’ve got a job to do. We’ve got to live a life that reflects the LORD JESUS. When we do this, others can come to know HIM because they will want to know HIM. They will want to know why we have our faith. We will not only tell them but also show them our faith. They will look to see how we live before they ever open their ears to hear us! May they see our victoriours lives and know that its because of CHRIST.

Our pastor told a little story about a little boy who cried out because of a thunderstorm. He was frightened and felt alone. His mom (or dad I can’t remember) said something like, “It’s alright GOD is here.” And the little boy said, “I know, but I need someone with skin.”

Hey, everybody… we are the skin to those who are weaker or without faith in the LORD JESUS CHRIST as their Savior. We must show the love of JESUS. We are more like JESUS when we are sharing ourselves with others in HIS name. We can smile, speak kindness, and give hugs and encouragement just like HE did during HIS ministry on earth. WE can feed, clothe and visit others just as HE did. Yes, HE was preaching and teaching but HE was also ministering. HE not only spoke but also touched others both physically and spiritually in his ministry. CHRIST allowed the children to gather on his lap and HE allowed HIS feet to be bathed in love and tears. CHRIST is approachable. HE desires us more than we desire HIM.

So what are we doing for others? Are we living CHRIST-like? What are we doing for _________? Fill in the blank with someone’s name. Sometimes we just have to make it up close and personal to get the message.

May GOD bless you this week coming! Scripture says HE bends to hear us… don’t forget to speak to HIM regularly and listen for HIS word to you. WE serve a living GOD, who is not too big or too busy to commune with us.


Love and Prayers,

Monica :)

Intercessory Prayer

Hi Friends,
(A list of prayer concerns can be found at the bottom of this post. Thank you for your prayers.)

Over the course of my life, I have moved from quick prayers about my wants to a different type of prayer where I have become more aware to whom I pray and more of the reasons behind why I pray. But there is always room for self-evaluation...

Yes, I pray and I believe that GOD hears me and answers. But if I can learn even a little more to make this process better, that is what I want to do. So I'm presently in a study where several of us are gaining much insight from the research and life experiences of Dutch Sheets in his Christian walk. We are using his book and study series, Intercessory Prayer. Our sessions are discussion based and we are learning from one another and scriptures as well as the teachings from our focused lessons.

In the first lesson, Dutch teaches that there are basically three motives for prayer. 1. I need to... (but this alone, is us using HIM) 2. HE needs me to... (but this alone can turn into legalism, bondage, and faith built on works) 3. Relationship... (this is our communion with GOD, when we visit with HIM while praying and listen for HIM in return)


OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
If we have never thought about our relationship to GOD in regards to our prayer life, just where do we start? Well, I'm assuming that everyone reading this has accepted the LORD JESUS, but if you have not.... that is your starting point ~~ to receive the LORD as your Savior. Please look to the right of this blog article for scriture references to help you begin your journey with CHRIST JESUS.

I pray that everyone reading this, gain a newness in understanding about intercessory prayer. I pray that we utilize this new understanding to the glory of the LORD. In JESUS' name. Amen.

So what is our relationship to GOD in regards to prayer? We must first realize who we are. We were created in GOD's image and we were created for a purpose. Genesis 1: 26-28 Then God said, “Let us make human beings* in our image, to be like ourselves...God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

Psalm 8: 3-8 ...5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God*(some texts say the angels, but the original translates GOD) and crowned them* with glory and honor.6 You gave them charge of everything you made,putting all things under their authority—7 the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals,8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,and everything that swims the ocean currents.

Psalm 115:16 The heavens belong to the Lord,but he has given the earth to all humanity.

So we were made in HIS image and given a purpose to take charge of everything on earth. Isn't this just what a good father does with his children? We were created as sons and daughters of GOD. GOD put HIS glory on us from the start. By having HIS glory, we are to attract attention to HIM. We were created in HIS image to do as HE does by having authority over the earth just as HE has authority over all creation. HE wants us to be a reflection of HIMSELF. When the world sees us, they should be seeing our FATHER. We should be representing HIM in all our ways.

What an awesome thought, to be a child of the KING of KINGS. Is your image of a king like that of a tyrant? This is a false image of CHRIST. Although throughout history many kings have been tyrants. Read the scriptures and see the image we were created to model after. Look at the life of JESUS. HE was/is GOD in the flesh! Was He ever a tyrant?

Adam had the privilege of walking and talking with GOD daily. Scriptures tell us this and then sin entered and broke that daily communion. (I'm not talking about taking of the bread and the wine as in the last supper remembrance. I'm talking about our daily walk and talk with our HEAVENLY FATHER.)

So prayer for the Christian has become our communion. We cannot physically walk and talk with GOD as Adam did. But, we can walk and talk with GOD in the spiritual realm. We need prayer so that our walk and talk in the natural realm can be effective (where we meet and greet people daily) and that our communion will carry over to reflect GOD (in us) walking and talking with them, too. We need discernment to know what GOD would have us say and do. We need courage to do it. We need faith to see it through. We need to obey HIS will.

To my understanding then, just as the body needs oxygen to survive daily and it is a continual function for our lungs to breathe in and out, so our spirit needs prayer to survive. Prayer should be for the spirit as ordinary a function as the continual function of the lungs. Intercessory prayer then comes from a deep desire to truly commune with GOD... My relationship to HIM is important. I truly desire to reflect HIM in my day to day existence in this natural world we live in.

My prayer is that my relationship be so intimate with ABBA FATHER that there be no doubt that HE is the LORD of my life. My prayer is that HIS light shine and that I can be used as the vessel to draw others closer to HIMSELF.

How many times have I grieved GOD by not seeking a relationship with HIM? How many times have I grieved GOD by not praying? GOD has always been there. HE does not change. HIS door is always open. Let us seek HIM.

Prayer Concerns:

I know of many situations at this time that need GOD's touch. Here is a general list of needs I'm aware of and will not mention names here but GOD knows who they are...

• Those with cancer~~ I lift up 14 names (leukemia, breast, colon, prostate, skin, & bone)
• Those with ailments of the knee or leg ~~ I lift up 4 names
• The family on the death of a Christian brother's father this week
• One with a serious staff infection, which is better but still in need of prayer
• One who is pregnant~~blessing for a healthy pregnancy and delivery
• One who has a serious ulcer in the colon~~facing major surgery~possible total removal
• Two who are seeking deliverance from tobacco
• One with lupus
• One 4 mo. old baby to have surgery at Johns Hopkins for cleft lip and palate
• Seven separate families who are experiencing the throes of divorce and the aftermath~~pray for peace and courage to put the pieces back together
• One teen contemplating sucide~~pray for the love of GOD to overtake in this situation
• Several teens who are experimenting with dangerous elements~~pray that their eyes open and they repent and seek CHRIST
• Several families in a communist country who are proclaiming CHRIST, although the threat of prison or worse is probable
• Missions around the world~~pray GOD's will be done
• Seven brave patriots who are now in the military~~pray for safety in their assignments and that they come home
• Our sister churches and their administration (Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Teachers, Any Helps Minister, etc.)~~pray for unity within their congregations as well as unity between the sister churches for the cause of CHRIST
• Those who are without CHRIST and/or who belong to HIM but are running as Jonah tried to do~~pray that GOD is merciful and that they simply come home soon
• Pray for our pew warmers~~ we need active participants in the harvest~pray for motivation
• Pray for our fellow intercessors~~ we are in a spiritual warfare~~ pray that we continue to stand together on behalf of those who are weak and that we continue to seek HIM in all that we say and do

May the GOD of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Amen from Romans 16:24

.

Give Thanks and then Listen to the call of GOD...

1 Thessalonians 5
16 Always be joyful.17 Never stop praying.18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12
14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. 16 Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal. 17 You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.

18 You have not come to a physical mountain,* to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”* 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”*


22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel.


25 Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. For if the people of Israel did not escape when they refused to listen to Moses, the earthly messenger, we will certainly not escape if we reject the One who speaks to us from heaven! 26 When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.”* 27 This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. 28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.




Dear Friends,

These scripture references at first seem at odds with each other but through my studies I have learned that all things are not as they seem at first glance.

We are now in the week of Thanksgiving here in America. It means football and turkey to most and a great time of family celebrating together. But there is so much more to our history than that. We have forgotten the purpose of true "thanksgiving" and even who we should be giving thanks to in our celebrating. I'm sure the Native Americans were thanked for many things in those early days, but the real bounty giver was GOD. Pilgrims running from religious persecution had not forgotten...

• After the Pilgrims had lost over half of their population in the winter 1620, they formed a relationship with the Wampanoag tribe and who taught them to fish, hunt and plant. After the harvest of 1621, the colonists collected enough food to feed the community and the Wampanoag were part of the feat. Edward Winslow (American Pilgrim and governor of Plymouth Colony~1633, 1636, and 1644) had this to say: "Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor. They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty." Mourt's Relation (full title: A Relation or Journal of the Beginning and Proceedings of the English Plantation Settled at Plimoth in New England)

• The first Thanksgiving Proclamation goes like this... WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour... and this is only the beginning of what George Washington had to say, October 14, 1879 as he proclaimed November 26 as a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. See the entire text @ http://www.earlyamerica.com/earlyamerica/firsts/thanksgiving/thankstext.html

• Other days of thanksgiving were proclaimed as days of fasting and prayer in America's early history. ..

• Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation begins... The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. and there is much more...see the entire text @ http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeches/thanks.htm

Let's remember to give thanks in the good times and the bad... GOD is in control and there is a plan. We don't have to know the plan. We only have to trust and obey HIM and He will reveal what we need to know in HIS time.

You know, I have witnessed that some people do not accept that American’s foundation was based on Christian principles. But I say, how can anyone read our history and not see GOD in it? We must let them believe what they will, because history does reveal that many generations in America were taught and brought up in Christian homes from the time of the first colonies until today.

Some of our earliest founders came here for religious freedom. I believe that they listened to the call of GOD. They fought their way through the wilderness of settling in a New World. Yes, there were some disgraceful actions in American history. But have we truly looked at the goodness that America has brought to the world? But looking at the culture within families in early America we find that it was vastly different then. In most homes children grew up in the glow of scripture and godly parenting. This is where the work ethic of America was born. It was just part of the call of GOD to a people in a new land that became a new nation.

These families did not keep to themselves but built communities. They met regularly together. They planned and worked together. They worshipped and prayed together. They became a conquering machine with GOD as the engine. No community was without a church, even if they had a circuit riding preacher. For those who think we were never a Christian nation, if the first settlements didn't believe in GOD, why did they build churches?

At any rate, this work ethic that we know as the American way was established firmly in our beginnings. Then something happened. As people who were willing to work hard achieved great things for themselves and their families, they began to neglect GOD. Over time, families were no longer worshipping and praying together. There became a time in our history where only women were bringing their children to church. This probably started when so many men had to go off to war. But, those that returned from war also stayed home. Church became a place for women and children. GOD did not change, but our values did. If men were not going to church, then they were not setting good examples at home.

Eventually, even the mothers were not attending church and children were coming only when invited by others or because of a church bus ministry. I grew up in this era and it hasn't been that long ago (just about 50 years or so). GOD has purposefully been left out of families. The next thing that happened is that families disintegrated more and more. Divorce spread like a disease. Once families had a high priest in their own homes The fathers were the high priests of the home. Now, in most homes there is no priestly guidance. .. no example to follow...

When children grow up without a loving father, they have difficulty understanding that GOD is a loving father. Look at our homes today, sad but true is the fact that parents are signing up their children for all kinds of things at earlier ages. The thought is that I don't want my child to be bored and I want the best for my child.

Well, wanting the best for your child is wonderful, but what ever happened to teaching a child to be content with the things he/she already has? How can a well versed child ever be bored? Boredom doesn't come from a lack of things to do or lack of entertainment. It comes when children are constantly given things and never taught to consider others and to be grateful for the things that they have. When we give children everything they become ungrateful and expect more and more. We are not teaching children to make inward motivational changes so that their lives can be enriched, because we have not learned this lesson yet for ourselves. We neglect to train them to study GOD, but most of all we neglect to train them to listen to GOD. When we are too busy, we cannot hear from GOD. It is the same for our children. We all need to slow down our busy life and listen for GOD.

But let's get back to history, this turning away from GOD has had its impact, not only on families but also on society as a whole.

Through years of not knowing GOD in our homes, we have made HIM to be lesser than HE is in our hearts and minds. As a country, we are not able to keep the same Christian principles that we began with and our homes have been destroyed. When polls are taken, many say they are Christians but Christianity without Christ is not possible. Where is CHRIST in our lives? HE should be visible. We should look like CHRIST to the world. Would CHRIST ever do some of the things that we have done to others???

We have become arrogant as a nation and many times have believed that through our own power and wisdom we have arrived to a certain status. We put our faith and trust in our elected officials and in political gods who have made promises that can never be kept. As a people, our way of doing anything has not been with respect to seeking HIS face but has been by doing it all our way. May GOD have mercy on us as a people and forgive us for turning away from HIM.

Now, I realize that what I’m saying is a generalization and that not everyone who came here was Christian, but history reveals that many were. Our nation was built with the blessing of GOD and we are still being blessed but often don't realize how blessed we truly are. Let's consider what we need to do...

1. Study the Word of GOD, praise HIM and pray to HIM but most of all listen to HIM...
2. Study our American history… don’t take anyone’s word for it…go to the original texts and diaries… go to the original documents of our foundations. It’s recorded… it’s history… You will find the good, the bad, and the ugly in our history, but you will also find the faith of our forefathers of American history. Were they above sin? No. Did they do ungodly things? Yes, at times they did. But, did they have faith? Yes, most of them did. They believed in a good providence… this good providence we know as GOD through JESUS CHRIST our LORD. We need to be aware of history, so that we can learn from it and not repeat the same bad mistakes of the past. We need to be aware of history and put back into place the foundation on which our forefathers built this nation.

• These are just a few examples of the many you can find if you look... In the text of the Declaration of Independence, we find that GOD is mentioned in the very first paragraph. The next paragraph speaks of truths endowed by our Creator.
• Quote: "Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. … Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."— Massachusetts Provincial Congress, Resolution October 6, 1774
• Quote: “I sat next to John Adams in Congress, and upon my whispering to him and asking him if he thought we should succeed in our struggle with Great Britain, he answered me, ‘Yes—if we fear God and repent of our sins.’”— Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) Founding Father& signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Quote: “God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all the nations of the earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say: ‘This is my country.’”— Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Statesman, Scientist, Inventor, Printer and Philosopher
• Quote: “Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.”— Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of Independence, 3rd President of the U. S.
• Quote: “A freeborn people are not required by the religion of Jesus Christ to submit to tyranny, but may make use of such power as God has given them to recover and support their laws and liberties." (after the Boston Tea Party)— Samuel Adams (1722–1803) Father of the American Revolution, Patriot and Statesman
  
  Today, many of us know GOD as someone watching us from a distance. We sometimes call on HIM when we get in a jam. HE often answers us and helps us through and then we go straight back to the same way of living. Why are we so dumb? Why does it take so long for us to learn? You would think that we would learn after the first time but that usually does not happen. We forget that GOD is holy. HE is divine. HE turned HIS face from HIS own SON when the sins of all of us were laid on HIM. Do we really think that HE will not turn from us when we continue to go back to the very thing that drained HIS SON of human life?
  
  Hebrews 12 reminds me just how awesome HE is. When I read it, I have an openness to accept the power and might of OUR GREAT CREATOR. I read it to remember that when I raise my voice in praise and prayer to HIM that I call on a living GOD where angels gather joyfully. I enter into a great assembly of GOD’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. I enter before the judge over all things. I enter before JESUS who is my advocate and pleads forgiveness on my behalf rather than vengeance for my disobedience.
  
  Friends, we must not reject our GOD. HE has promised that HE would shake the heavens and the earth so that only things that are unshakable in HIS KINGDOM will remain. If we are truly HIS, we will remain… GOD is a devouring fire… We should remember HE is holy and that HE is to be respected.
  
  HE reaches down in HIS power and might to lift us up when we call on HIM to receive JESUS. HE bends down and hears us as David said in the Psalms. HE sees us because HE cares about us and HE is GOD…

• Look around… the shaking has begun here on earth… There will be no place to hide self or secret sin. All things will be revealed… Everyone is being called in and given the chance to turn to HIM and become new, for the old is being shaken away… O FATHER, OUR CREATOR! O JESUS, OUR SAVIOR! O HOLY SPIRT, OUR TEACHER!

Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
but there’s something about that name...

JESUS! JESUS! JESUS!

HE is the King of Kings!

Have we all listened and obeyed HIS call on our lives?

What is HE calling you to do?

.

We Have an Advocate... JESUS

Dear Friends,

There are so many things going on around us right now that need prayer... so don't forget... don't ever forget that we have an advocate... who pleads for us before our Heavenly Father. Take your cares to HIM because HE cares for you! 1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

But, do we come to HIM only when we need or want something? We need to be mindful at all times to keep praising the LORD. Eph. 5:18 be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Do you think it is hard to praise HIM when things aren't going well? I must say, yes, it is hard at first. But the more you learn to praise HIM in all circumstances, the easier it becomes. The amazing thing is that when we lift HIM up, HE lifts us higher. The more we praise and honor HIM, the more He takes us to new heights. We are able to see beyond our circumstances and our times of trouble because our focus is upon HIM. We are able to do this because we are in HIS will. We can be more effective in CHRIST because HE gives us power and strength that we didn't have before.


When we hear of a prayer request, if we have already been praising HIM, we know HE has been listening to us in praise. If we have also been listening for HIS direction then our communication is open between Heaven and Earth, between us and GOD. Only then are we able to offer a prayer on behalf of others that has substance.


Have you ever prayed and it was as if your words were just hanging in the air? Have you ever prayed truly knowing that GOD in all HIS wisdom and power was at that very moment answering your prayer?


When we know to do something and we don't do it, it is sin to us. James 4;17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. How many times do we pray while keeing sin as our companion? We sincerely pray for fire (the HOLY SPIRIT) to ignite the coals (of our hearts) but then we douse the coals with a flood of water (that drowns the possibility of fire to start).


Now, it's true that GOD has ignited a doused fire pit before. Read about Elijah in 1 Kings 18:16-46. HE can do it again if HE wants to, but we are supposed to prepare our hearts for HIS fire! Even in ancient times there were some things to do in order to have a successful fire. It is my belief that the supernatural is a parallel of the natural world. JESUS taught using parables which were designed to explain the natural but with a deeper spiritual meaning.

I found a guide to building a campfire and thought that it lends nicely to understanding the fire of the HOLY SPIRIT. Consider this: a campfire is a place to gather family and friends, tell stories and enjoy the company, eat and warm yourself. The location of a fire needs to be in a safe place. The location needs to be free of trees, brush, and tall grass. Are you separated from the world? Have you found that safe place in JESUS for HIS fire to ignite within you?


If you build a campfire, you would outline it with brick size rocks or brick to protect the fire. Have you studied the word and gathered your blessings and promises from GOD? Have you found the foundation rocks and prepared a space neither too large or too small? The largest rocks are scripture promises that are first understood by all who are saved. The foundational truth is here.


You would dig a trench in the middle of the site to keep it from flickering through the rocks and becoming unmanagable. Do you go off flickering self-righteousness toward others and set fires that become unmanagable? It's sad but true that we as Christians are sometimes quicker to condemn than to love others. We need to dig a trench in our hearts to free up the dirt (sinful attitudes) that hinder others from accepting CHRIST.


After digging the trench, you would scrape the bottom and pour pea gravel into the pit and smooth it out to level it and help with drainage. Ouch! Scrape the bottom of the heart... You have to get serious to do this spiritually. As you scrape away old offenses you will free your heart to truly love as CHRIST loved. As long as the old offenses are there (starting as early as childhood memories), you will never be able to be loved or to love. CHRIST loves on you always but you must get rid of hardened scabs that keep you from feeling loved... only you can do it... Then you prepare for drainage at the right time. Pea gravel are the mid-size rocks that represent scripture promises that are being learned and utilized by each individual. The scripture is based on study and is given only to those who scrape the bottom.


Next, you would add sand. This is interesting. We don't often think about anything becoming a problem underneath us, but the sand is to act as fire prevention so that fire can't spread to the roots under the pit. This is another case where we are so closely knitted to others that some of them may be damaged from the fire because they are so close to us. This is usually our immediate family and generally are the tender roots of children. We become impatient and cross to the point of harm. It's not the HOLY SPIRIT fire but a false fire that burns within us. We need to protect others from our false fire so that none will be destroyed by our lack of preparation. The sand represents the flow of protection that comes when we study scripture and truly begin to want the best for others. We don't want any harm to come to our loved ones. The grains of sand are many. These are scriptures where spiritual concepts are mastered.


Last, it is time to build the fire. We build the fire in the natural, but the HOLY SPIRIT brings the fire in the supernatural. Let the fire burn within each of us. May it give off enough light that others desire it for themselves when they realize it is of GOD. May it give off enough heat that cold hearts would melt and be filled with the true love of our Savior. May we continue to study and carry the light to the world who is dying in darkness.


As a final note concerning the campfire, the rocks are all scripture verses. Sizes of the rocks represent our level of study and commitment to understanding. It is not simply what others may do for us but it is all about what we do for others. Luke 6: 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.



So as you prepare for the fire of the HOLY SPIRIT to ignite within you that you might be a light in the darkness...

Look up, don't look down! You can't see anything looking down. It is like walking around in the dark, in a pit, in a grave... Sing, pray, study and listen for HIM to set you on fire.


Look up, don’t look within yourself to view your imperfections! Look up and see yourself as CHRIST sees you. See yourself as a reflection of HIM... Sing, pray, study and listen for HIM to set you on fire.

Look up, don’t look to the left or the right. Nothing there in this world can bring peace and hope like HE can. Sing, pray, study and listen for HIM to set you on fire.

Look up, don't look back. Your past can haunt you if you let it. The "would have, should have" self talk of destruction needs to disappear. You cannot change anything about your past, give it to JESUS. HE is the burden bearer. HE wants to take the weight off of your shoulders if you let HIM... Sing, pray, study and listen for HIM to set you on fire.


Look up, don't look into the future. You have no business there unless HE gives you dreams to dream. When we look too far ahead in our own strength, sometimes we get impatient with GOD's time table and do things to speed up an outcome. Then we find that it was not GOD's outcome that we created, but a mess that we beg HIM to fix for us... Sing, pray, study and listen for HIM to set you on fire.


For Heaven's sake... just look up...


I pray this brings you encouragement... to know that HE hears you when you call... Love & Prayers, Monica :)

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