Humble Pie

1 Peter 5:5&6

Ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea ALL of you be subject one to another, and be clothed in humility. For GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.

I noted in the greek form of the word, to be "subject" to someone, means that we are to submit ourselves unto and obey when necessary.

I have to admit. I am a strong-willed child. Not in all things...but in many. When I read this verse, my mind thinks of that "elder" as not only having been and still holds true-toward my parents. It is also any boss that I have had when at a job. My elder has also been any teachers that I was under submission to. Any authority, really.

I am convicted that this "elder" has also been anyone that is "more mature" in the FAITH, and not necessarily someone older than me in age.

We are all at a different level in our walk with Christ.

I noted in the KJV, that Scripture clearly has, 'FOR GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." I wondered why the writer capitalized that phrase? To make it stand out and get the reader's attention- in case it is skimmed-over without regard to the depths of its meaning?

What is it, to be "clothed in humility?" I am pierced to believe that I have way too many times, fully dressed out in my "puffed-up" clothes. You know the outfit. The one that says, "back off- you even try to get near THIS armour, and you will get hurt!" Maybe life experiences and past hurts have caused me to dress in such apparel...I don't know.

I do know however, that if I don't decide to not only take those clothes off of me-but THROW THEM AWAY...I am in big trouble. Those many pieces of clothing that I "knitted together myself with my own crafty hands-" will be that which destroys me. Those clothes, will eat up my flesh. I feel suddenly raw from the thought of what I myself, have allowed into my life.

I'd rather have "grace" than God's "resistance," thank you very much. Most definitely.

My Pastor once showed us this illustration of the meaning of Grace:

G- God's

R- Riches

A- At

C- Christ's

E- Expense

All free to us, at our own asking- when we're genuine with God.

In order to be able to take in His Holy Goodness and for Christ to "exalt me," I must first clothe myself in humility. I am thinking that this humility thing...is opposite of everything that "I" have been doing. :-(

Humility (for me, individually), means that I should no longer believe that I am "right about everything." I have got to know that I have MUCH to learn, and allow those "elders" that are placed in my life, to teach me a few things- that I may be exalted in due time.

Humility, for me, is also a place where I am meek and lowly (as Jesus)...not haughty and proud. NOT self-sufficient. OUCH. That's a hard one.

I am the oldest child. I was raised to be self-sufficient. Don't get me wrong- that can have it's very good qualities. But, God. God wants us to be fully reliant on HIM.

Proverbs 3:5-8

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart

Lean not unto thine own understanding

In ALL WAYS acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.

Be not wise in thine own eyes:Fear the Lord,

And depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel

And marrow to thy bones.

Guess if I acknowledge Him in ALL WAYS & seek His wisdom & not that of my own...I may be better humbled. More meek and lowly. More Christ-like.

Yeah. That's it.

I think I'll go eat some more "Humble Pie" (read my Bible), and get rid of some filthy clothes that need to be taken off-for good. I want to dress cleaner. Purer. Holier.

Help me Lord, to clothe myself in humility-each and every day. Forgive me, that I have not "put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11), but that I have dressed myself in the filthy selfishness of pride. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me (Psa. 51:10). Thank you Lord, that Your promises are true and that I can COUNT ON THEM. Thank you SO much, for your GRACE.

What an Awesome Savior.

What a Wonderful GOD.

The Thick of Things

Psalm 138:7-8

Thou I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever. Forsake not the works of thine own hands.

So, here's the JGV (Julie Griffin Version) :-)

Even though I'm in the thick-of-things, God- YOU will renew me. God, YOU will use Your power and strength against the evil plans of those against me- and Your powerful hand will save me.

God will make complete all that has to do with me:Your compassion God, goes on forever and ever. Don't let alone the very creation that YOU, The Creator made Yourself!!!!

God IS in the thick of things. Right there with us. In Matthew 14:22-27, Jesus had sent His disciples to go before Him onto a ship. He was to meet them on the other side after sending the multitudes away and doing some praying alone. Later, the ship began to toss as the waves were crashing all around. They were weary. IN the wee hours of the morning, Jesus came to them...walking on the sea. Funny how He does stuff like that to freak us out sometimes and show us His power, eh?

The disciples cried out in fear when they saw Him, thinking Him to be a ghost. But then, Jesus said in vs. 27: "Be of good cheer, it is I; be NOT afraid!"

Christ already knew that storm was coming. Before it ever happened, He knew. He fore knows ALL. He had every intention on protecting His children- even knowing they would be scared, and doubt.

God goes before us...most particularly, when we ASK Him to do so!

In Exodus 13:21, the Lord led Israel by day, in the pillar of a cloud- and by night, a pillar of fire so they could see the way He had for them.

I am soooo glad that He will perfect that which concerneth me!!! His right hand shall save me! YES! I am so glad today, that I can count on Him to make good on His promises.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble...He WILL revive me. When I am revived-I have been given REST for my weary soul:

R- Refreshing

E- Encouraging

S- Stabalizing

T- Thankworthy

He guides and guards every step that His children (who are in obedience) walk.

The thick-of-things don't seem so thick anymore, with this perspective.

Thank you, Savior.

Following The Leader has it's Blessings, AND Consequences

Today, my heart is faint. Today, I "feel" icky. Not so great, in other words. "Life" has most definitely thrown me a curve ball. (or should I say, satan?) Yeah- that would be more accurate. He's good at those. Get to work for God-and you'd better be aware...those curve balls are headed your way.

Today, I am remembering that with the many blessings of serving Christ...you have to stay on guard-definite trials are ahead, and they do abound. This is a promise in God's Word...but I have to remember also (not taking "part" of His Word, but the WHOLE), that He also will deliver those who are His.

2Ti 3:12

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

Psa 34:19

Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.

I count on this, this morning. I rest in this. Although my trials may endure for the night...joy WILL "come in the morning." Psa. 30:5b

What an honor to be called a child of The KING. I thank Him that He resides in me, so much so-that persecution must follow me. Sound crazy? It should... because I "am" after all, part of a strange group... a "peculiar people."

Exodus 19:5, Deut. 14:2, Deut. 26:18, Titus 2:14, and 1 Peter 2:9 ALL tell me that I am a peculiar people-being one of HIS!

Have you ever noticed that satan does not bother those with whom he does not have to worry about? Those who are out of God's will or just plain lost...satan has indeed gained his victory, and goes to work elsewhere...wherever someone is striving to do the Lord's will. It seems that those who plug away working hard at the construction of His Kingdom's expansion- are afflicted the most, at times.

God's Word tells me that if I will but "hang in there" and continue in His will...I WILL be delivered. Not "MAYBE"...I WILL.

I can't help but still be excited somewhat...even in the midst of a great, grevious trial...because I know God's promises to be true. He has proven Himself time and time again. I believe He WANTS us to take Him up on these promises.

He desires that we would put Him to the test-by putting our complete faith in His capabilities to perform...as only the LORD can. Fully rely on Him. I am telling myself this today as satan tries to lie in my ears (as he's good at lying, ya know). Satan says that I need to "dwell on the negatives because I can't fix them." Well, NO KIDDING that "I" can't fix it. I've learned the hard way quite a few times, that I, in my own power and strength, can do NOTHING. God's Word ALSO tells me that!

Jhn 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jhn 9:33

If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.

We have access to the complete "Instruction Manuel" that has ALL the answers to our every day needs. The Bible. What a powerful tool at our very disposal. What in the world are we thinking when we refuse to use that which is FREE to us- to make our lives so much more transformed for the better? And WHO could know us any better and what we need...more than our own Creator?

Sometimes, I recognize satan's voice when I hear it...and all I have to do is rebuke him...in Jesus' name- with God's WORD. God tells us to "resist the devil, and he will flee." (James 4:7)

Sometimes that's a hard one for some folks- to fully rely on God and step back out of the picture and let Him have it. Not typically me. He is still the God of miracles. I believe that. He still performs them to show Himself very real. I'm banking on it.

I mean, after all- look at what God HAS and is willing to do>

Psa 50:10

For every beast of the forest [is] mine, [and] the cattle upon a thousand hills.

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field [are] mine.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

Yup. Today is a good day...even if I don't "feel" so great every second of it. I CHOOSE Grace. I choose to rejoice in the Lord...EVEN SO.

He is WORTHY to be praised. He tells us that, too...the same way- in two separate Scriptures:

2Sa 22:4

I will call on the LORD, [who is] worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Psa 18:3

I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

GUESS THAT MEANS I NEED TO DOUBLY-PRAISE TODAY WHILE I AM IN TURMOIL, EH?

:-)

YEAH. GOOD IDEA.

Half Full

Is your glass half-empty, or half-full?

Much too often, my glass has been half-empty. History has proven me to be a pessimist in many ways. I always wanted to view myself as an optimist...and many might say when describing me-that I am. This is because they do not know my heart, as the Father does. I guess I tend to swing back and forth...many do not know that part of me.

Jer. 17:9

The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?

GOD CAN, that's who. That's quite sobering. I wonder sometimes why in the world-knowing this truth, would I be so willing to play this game with Him (as if He doesn't just know, but LIVES INSIDE OF ME for Pete's sake!)???? He knows my every thought...

Psa 94:11

The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity.

Each day we live, we make a choice. Before we even get out of bed in the mornings, we make the choice whether we will carry a happy and rejoiceful attitude (glass half full), or whether or not to be grumbling in our spirit (glass half empty).

God's Word says that out of the abundance of a man's heart-the mouth speaketh (Matthew 12:34). This means that whatever is in our hearts, can and WILL show forth from our mouths. I've known this to be true, all too many times...in my life, and in the lives of many others. Can't you generally tell the heart of a man by what comes forth from his mouth? OH YES. A Godly man 's mouth will produce blessings, thankfulness, and a sweet spirit (which shows his heart for Christ). An un-Godly man will spew out filth, vile contempt, and inflict pain on others with his heart...through his mouth. (an obvious hateful heart)

Matthew 36 & 37:

I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

OUCH!!!!

I thank God, that being His child-I can come to Him and ask His forgiveness if I have uttered negatives and things that can and would cause pain. I must however, make sure I am genuine in my repentance, in order to receive the blessing of Him "burying them in the very depths of the sea."

Mic 7:19

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

I must also, make sure that I make restitution with whom I have offended with my words or actions that were against God's perfect will, in order to have complete healing and forgiveness. Come on...we all know when we are being disobedient children! We know very well when we have been wrong.

Exd 22:6

If fire break out, and catch in thorns, so that the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the field, be consumed [therewith]; he that kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

Scripture tells us that our mouths can be FIRE. Thinking about my mouth being that fire, and that "standing corn" (or innocent bystander) getting burnt because of me...it's enough to make me sick and ashamed. I MUST make restitution if I truly love my God.

Jam 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Jam 3:6

And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

WOWZER... my tongue-set on fire of HELL!!!! That's some serious stuff. God don't play around when He warns us. It's all in His trying to protect us...FROM OURSELVES!!! Oh, the flesh and it's filthiness. I will be so glad to get that new body and new life...even so- COME, LORD JESUS!!!!

It's all a choice.

I choose Grace. Mercy. Love. Compassion. Meekness. Tenderness. Obedience.

ALL these come from our great LEADER. He wants to not just give these things out to us...but bathe us-so cleansed by all of His saturating, wonderful qualities, that we are swimming in His goodness!!!!!

I am resolving to have a glass not half-empty, not just "half-full," but completely-FULL...and this can be done by the leading of the holy Spirit. I MUST

FOLLOW THE LEADER!

:-)

The Lord Will Take Me Up

Today, I was forced to face a childhood trauma, and deal with it-openly. Although, this particular one was not the worst of them, it was significant enough to me-that it has affected my sensitivity toward others. Sometimes to the positive, and sometimes to the negative.

In some ways, re-hashing hurtful events open wounds that never really healed and only "scabbed over." Sometimes I haven't even realized that this has been the case-until I am forced to "deal" with whatever that unresolved issue was.

I am reminded in Psalm 27, that when David was thinking on the things that have crossed his path to cause pain and affliction...he also reflected on God's ability to bring him out and deliver him of those issues. He banked on the promises of God.

Sometimes, people just plain HURT us. There is no escaping that. Scripture teaches me that this is just a fact of life, and that as His children, we will indeed suffer persecutions- and we must "count it all joy" because of the fact that it is to bring us to a more holy, more righteous state...more like JESUS.

Maybe in my case, I have been grieved by a very close family member. Maybe a dear, close friend. Maybe someone who has purposed themselves to be my enemy.

Maybe you can relate.

I am comforted by Psa. 27:10 that tells me:

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

I cling to that promise. What a blessed hope. Even if my earthly father chooses to forsake me-my Heavenly Father will NOT.

I am strengthened by His Word. Comforted by His grace.

Broken I come to him, and powerfully-He somehow puts those pieces back together...better than they were to start with. The Potter is truly divine in His workmanship when molding that "cracked pot" back into shape. Healing takes place-but only at the obedience of allowing GOD to be the Great Physician that He is.

I wonder if there are folks in need of re-shaping that I had fault in cracking their structure? I pray that God would show me and give me the opportunity to be used in healing that which I put my hands on, that was not mine to mess with. It was HIS creation. I pray that God would allow not just forgiveness toward me in that manner, but allow those whom I broke in any way-to forgive ME.

Jam 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

John 15:5

I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

THANK YOU GOD, FOR YOUR TRUTH.

Mission-Minded

Missions conference coming up this weekend at Henry Baptist Church. How exciting. Meeting, greeting, and blessing many of those who serve The Master on foreign soil...good stuff. I so respect and love service men. Service Men: Jesus, Military, and Missionaries...my heros (Christ being #1, of course!). I often wonder if anybody ever dwells on the sacrifices made by them to set the captive free? All service men (and women) are essentially doing a lot of the same duties. They are all passionate about their calling. They mean business about this calling. They do it to the best of their ability. They suffer hardships and pain-physical, mental, and emotional. They do this to better meet the needs of others and see those in bondage made FREE. They put others above themselves, as Scripture tells us to do. What wonderful, caring positions to have. Do we appreciate it, NEAR enough? I dare say no. All too often, they go unnoticed, unthanked, and unappreciated. This makes me so sad. Especially when it comes to Jesus. I pray as Missions Conference draws nigh, that God burdens my heart all the more about having a thankful heart, mind, and spirit. I pray that He shows me more ways to give. More ways to be a "Service Man." I must learn to GIVE more. More of myself- my heart, my time, my energy, my efforts, my funds. You can't out-give God, that's for sure. If we indeed have great faith- it WILL be manifested in the fact that we ACT upon our hope in the Lord. Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Jam 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. So much work to do on self. Note to self: more study in God's Word, MORE prayer. Show Him SOME LOVE. More of HIM, and LESS of me! John 3:30 He must increase, but I [must] decrease.

Let's Clothe ourselves in Compassion

Matthew 10:1

When He had called unto Him his twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

The names of the 12 disciples he gave this power to are listed in Matt. 10:2-4. The last one mentioned...Judas Iscariot. I noted that the last of this verse, it said behind mention of his name, "who also betrayed Him."

It is certainly true that God holds "no respect of persons" when dishing out blessings, OR in the allowance of sufferings. He shows no partiality. It is all ultimately to bring glory and honor to HIM, either way. Even though He knew that Judas was a traitor and full of satan, He still gave Judas the power to do great things in Jesus' name. I marvel at this. God, in His infinite wisdom, could allow such a man to be used...in spite of himself...to further the Kingdom.

What about ME? In spite of "myself," He's willing to use me. Wow. "I" can be a "Judas." If I let one nudge of the Holy Spirit go ignored and not act when He calls- then ultimately, I have also-betrayed Him. Oh, that God would always break my heart with what causes Him pain.

I cannot say that I have been guiltless of ignoring His plea on my heart about certain things over the years.

Scripture says just before these previous words, in Matt. ch. 9:35-38, that Jesus went all over the place. He was preaching, teaching, and healing. Then, when He realized the masses of people in need...He was MOVED WITH COMPASSION because they were weary...and scattered- as sheep with no shepherd.

Haiti? YES. This is where my mind went as I read this, today. I believe indeed, that God is clearly sending us all a message through allowing such things.

ROMANS 13:11

Knowing the time, that now it is HIGH TIME to awake from SLEEP; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

If you read my blogs, you will probably see this verse quite a bit- as God has clearly imprinted this on my heart to repentance.

I think of the situation In Haiti, when I think of so many "scattered as sheep without a shepherd." I think also, of the great Tsunami in our not too distant past. 9/11. Holocaust. Catastrophes.

It is so ridiculous to even try to make sense of any of it, yet it plagues our minds and hearts if we are a child of The King. It draws us to PRAY.

Christ says in Matthew 10:34:

Think not that I am come to "send peace," but a SWORD.

I personally view all this, as God's sword.

He said back in in vs. 14 & 15 of ch. 10 in Matthew, that (as disciples), when we go into one's personal space and try to bring the gospel- if they will not hear...we are to "shake the dust off of our feet." (do not turn back- be DONE). He says that those who reject will have a harsher judgement than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Woe. Does He send EVIDENCE that this be true? CERTAINLY. We have all kinds of warnings in Scripture and God says that He "cannot lie." Is what happened in Haiti a direct result of sin? SURE it is. Scripture speaks to prove such. The sad part is...that "I" in my sin, may have helped to bring this to pass. Oh, that we would repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven TRULY IS AT HAND.

Matthew 9: 37-38

The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are FEW;

Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.

PRAY for Haiti. Pray and ask God to send more laborers into that harvest.

It is too late for many...but what about those who remain? The field is already white and ready to harvest. (John 4:35 & 38)

God can redeem those who remain. We must ASK in accordance to His will- and He WILL deliver.

Please join me in praying Matthew 9:37 & 38 for Haiti. For the U.S.A. ...for the WORLD.

The U.S.A. is nearer than we once thought, to the very same type of devastation, if we remain unrepentant as a nation and continue to omit the Holy God that created us, from everything possible.

God is capable.

God is able.

God is IN CONTROL.

We must FOLLOW THE LEADER.

Hungering and Thirsting

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they SHALL be FILLED!


I am learning the depth of this scripture this week.
Scripture clearly says "when" we fast (notice, not "if")...and it gives us instructions. (Matthew 6:16)
Clearly, God meant for us to take time out of our busy schedules to make Him priority. It's too hard sometimes with all the "junk" in front of us...too hard to hear from Him. Too hard to sense Him. Fasting is not an easy obedience to God, but such a rewarding one. I am glad that God saw fit to introduce me to the benefits of it. Getting those "things" which typically stand in the way of me hearing from God out of my way in this week-has freed me up to really "be filled."

As I have been studying the book of James, I find that it parallels Matthew quite a bit. There are so many ways that God reiterates to us important truths so that we can "hide them in our hearts" all the better. He's cool like that.

I have quite enjoyed the quiet of "no tv and no internet" this week thus far...it has given me time to not only hear from God, but to have the peace to "listen" as I hear. So many people hear, but do not listen. I can hear you all day...but if I'm not paying close attention to the details of what you are saying...you are wasting your breath. I wonder how many times God feels that He is wasting His precious time trying to speak to us, as we claim to be trying to "hear from Him"...all the while, not really listening. You know...the quiet meditation before the Lord. The special moments of just waiting on Him to lay a certain thing/s upon your heart and mind. All too often, I have been guilty of placing something that's not really good for me into my mouth to consume, instead of hungering and thirsting for righteousness. I have been guilty of taking in with my eyes, the sin-laden offers that the world has for me, instead of turning my eyes upon The ONE that gave me the eyes to start with. I take too much thought for "today" (when He says do NOT do that!) UGH. I don't know about anybody else, but I get really aggrivated at my flesh quite a bit!!!
Oh, how I've missed Him too often, by my selfishness!
This week has been a refreshment!
I am getting not just more physical rest by having fasted, but spiritual rest. What a needed antidote to a chaotic and a frenzied life! I have been experiencing it drawing me closer not just to my Lord...but also to our kids, and to my husband. Ahhh...and it feels so nice. I do believe it has given me a newer appreciation for them. I am viewing them with a more endearing and loving set of eyes. Would I have reached this without the act of obedience toward Christ this week in laying aside all the distractions of our typical normal life? Not too likely.
It's all about submission. I think I sometimes put off obedience, out of fear that God will make some "changes" that I'm not ready to take on...when in fact, the changes He's wanting to make, would always make my life so much better and happier. Why do I do that-as a Christian? Have I said that I'm sick of myself? Ugh...
THANK YOU GOD, that your mercies are new...each and every day. Thank You, for putting up with me.

Matthew 7:7 & 8 says:
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Wow. The DEPTH of that verse, in relation to Matt. 5:6.
I don't think that enough people truly get that to the fullest extent. It is not saying to ask for whatever my heart's desire is. Maybe my heart's desire is for something will really "hurt" me, or just not what's best for me...because I"am" made of flesh, after all.
If I ask, according to His will for me (and the only way to know that is to study His Word)...then Matthew 7:7 & 8 will be a huge blessing. I SHALL be FILLED. Didn't say I "might" get filled or that if I hold my mouth right, it will come. What a great promise -I SHALL be filled if I fully desire His righteousness! COOL. I'm about it.
I want to be serious in being about My Father's business. I WANT to Follow The Leader. What an awesome role-model to immulate. What an idiot, if I chose otherwise!
I am so looking forward to His personal, intimate one-on-one time, and His direction that He has soley for me-through me seeking Him out.
I am finding that yes indeedy...I have long too long been putting too much trust into "man" to direct my paths and lead me in the right way...that's GOD's place, and His alone. Taking in what "man" says and thinking that this is enough... is most certainly NOT enough. I don't think God ever intended for us to be so shallow and blinded. No wonder so many folks are walking around deceived! We have not been actively perking our ears to His heavenly calls to teach us, HIMSELF!

This journey is becoming more scenic than I first anticipated!!!

What a Phenominal Teacher.

What a Faithful Friend.

What a GIVER.

What a Filler.

I'm not about Simon Says...I'm about Following THE Leader. It's not a game- it's a splendid journey!

Today has been a very special day. The Lord's Day.

Oh, how I rejoiced, and was glad in it.

(Psa. 118:24)

Hearing from God today, was so very special. I thought to myself as I heard the special music in both services...how much I loved so many people. God has put such a love in me that I have been selfish with...but no more. It has to get out. It's just NEEDED. It's TIME.

I wondered if many of the people whom I love, know how much I love them? I felt broken inside as I thought about how deeply I loved so many people that have been in my life.

I wondered to myself, could any of them possibly know what they "really" mean to me? Could I possibly convey even a fraction of what their lives lived before me, has done for mine?

God has truly blessed me with so many wonderful family members, both blood-related, and Christ's blood-related. What precious friendships God has sent my way.

I have been encouraged so often by so many...that I couldn't even begin to start naming them.

Pro 27:9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

I have to say, that today-not only am I grateful for the Godly people that God has placed in my life, I am also grateful for the people who has wished to do me harm that has crossed my path. YES. You heard that right.

God knows what is best for each of us. Had He not saw fit to allow satan to buffet me in such a way as to allow those who meant harm to come my way...then I would not have gained the knowledge and wisdom that I have today. I would not have grown, spiritually. God knows...I still have such a long way to go. Still So much to learn.

Some may think that I'm crazy, but I DO count it all joy that temptations still do head my way....those things that make me a much stronger person. Those that make me LEAN ON CHRIST MORE.

God only knows- had I not had those trials and people creating stumbling blocks...I would not have sought Him out no where NEAR enough!!! On my own...I'm pathetic. Nothing, actually. He knew that I would come to Him no other way than SHATTERED. So, Jesus brought the rain...

and it cleansed. It washed me whiter than snow. It refreshed me. It renewed my spirit. I am learning to embrace the hardships and thank God for them...so today, that includes thanking Him for those who are not necessarily considering themselves "my friends," as well as those who are so very special to me.

God knows that my heart wishes that everyone would be my friend. But, I'm a realist. You can't please everyone all the time, and at the same time, for sure-and I am learning that that's OK.

This coming week, I will be fasting from TV, computer, and a few other things that God is laying on my heart, as a part of a church-wide effort to bring us closer to the Lord. I tell you all this, to make you aware that if you do not hear from me in this next week via the web-this is why- do not be alarmed...I will be ABOUT MY FATHER'S BUSINESS!!! :-)

Please be in prayer for Henry Baptist Church, and it's many ministries and members, as we fervently seek the Lord this week and get SERIOUS about hearing from Him!

I am excited to see what He has in store for me in this week, and what He will be showing me, as I draw closer to Him.

For all you family and friends that read this...THANK YOU...

for loving me, supporting me, for being willing to pray for me and my family, and for be willing to be used of God to make a difference in our lives. Each and every one of you, mean a lot to me, and I don't know that I could express that enough. Sometimes, there are no words for the depth of love and the great debt of gratitude that I have.

Thank you for being a FRIEND.

Mean business before the Lord this week! He is soooo worthy to be praised and honored and magnified. Don't find yourself ashamed if He comes back today. Let Him find you SEEKING HIM.

Job 42:10

And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Mar 5:19:

Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, go home to they friends, and tell them how GREAT THINGS the Lord hath done for thee, and hath compassion on thee.

1 Cr 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Following THE Leader

Friday
January 8, 2009

Oh God, that you would create a clean heart and a right spirit within me!!!
(Psa 51:10)


NASB:
Jam 1:21-25
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and {all} that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
for {once} he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the {law} of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

I was this man most of the year, last year. You know, the one who heard, but didn't really "act" on what I heard. Sometimes I didn't even hear. I was too caught up in my own petty problems and the anguish of hurts that had fallen upon me. Feeling sorry for myself, mostly. Geesh.
I did, look into that mirror, and then turned and forgot who I was...and "Who's" I was.

What makes us so caught up in life's every day hub-bub, that we allow ourselves to neglect the power within us as Christians, that is capable of making a complete and total turn-around difference in this world? The power of CHRIST is IN me. How could I forget that? Why in the world would I have neglected His gentle nudges to ACT when I saw a need? Why would I neglect His tugging at my heart's door to come sit with Him, and be FILLED? WHY in the world would we, as Christians, "NOT" go to The ONE who can make it ALL better, each and every day? How pitiful the condition of the human heart.

I'm so glad that God has chosen to wake me up. I am glad that I can still hear His voice. The ONLY way to hear His voice-is to desire to, in the first place. Secondly, SEEK Him, while He "still may be found" (Isa. 55:6).

God does promise us that we can find Him, if we will just SEEK to- whole-heartedly.

The verses ABOUND in that fact...SEARCH THEM OUT for yourselves...see how many verses you can find on "seeking God." So many promises to be fulfilled, at our fingertips and all at our own asking.

James says we "have not, because we ASK NOT. (James 4:2)

What an awesome God.

What a Provider.

What a Leader.

Join me in Following the Leader in 2010!!!!!!!!!

Mean business before God, and He will do business with YOU!

Following THE Leader

Thursday

January 7, 2009

Today I decided that I would attempt to regularly journal my journey of "following The Master." Some of you know Him...some very well, and some-sad to say...only vaguely.

It is my heart's desire that my life would be lived in such a way, that others could and would grow closer to Him because I have chosen to share of His goodness, grace, and mercy.

You could say in this brand new year, I have decided to "follow The Leader" in a more intimate and personal way than ever before. I want to mean business when I say this Leader is the most important being in my life, and I want it to be evident.

I know this journey will take me to places that I did not anticipate to go.

I know this journey will cause me some pain.

This journey, will cause me great happiness.

This journey, will fulfill me in ways I never knew possible.

This journey, will heal me in ways I cannot begin to fathom.

But-this journey will have many hills to climb, valleys to pass through, rivers that seem too wide, and a few coastings down-hill here and there- rest for the weary soul. Ahhhh. Just what I need.

ALL that I need, will be in this journey.

I have been in the most recent past, guilty of saying that I want to see revival. Guilty, of begging God to bring the needed change...guilty of asking for things I had no right to ask. Guilty, because I had been wallowing in hidden sin. Sin only I knew about. The sin of slothfulness. The sin of sleep. Spiritual sleep. I had been over the past year, allowing Satan to lull me to a pleasant little slumber...while he whittled away at my life a little at a time. I didn't even recognize myself anymore. I was too well-coated in the miry muck of iniquity.

Ever get tired of being sick and tired? And, of YOURSELF? I know I was, when God showed me what position I was in.

This past Sunday, while in Sunday School, I was listening to the message (but I had allowed myself to go into Never-Never Land on many occasions before while the message was being taught). This Sunday was different. I was not just hearing, I was actually listening...and almost proud of myself for being able to focus, for once. Sad, but true.

All of the sudden, I heard audibly in my own ears, "WAKE UP, O SLEEPER!" I looked around...no one else in the room heard what I just heard. So, I took it as the Holy Spirit telling me that I needed to look up some verses that correspond with that phrase that just rang in my ears. I was after all, singing a special this morning in the a.m. services, and "maybe He wanted me to say something to the people out there before I sang!" Yeah....

A couple of verses in particular stood out, slapped me in the face, and convicted me. The first was from Ephesians 5:14:

"Wherefore He sayeth, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."

Then, there was Romans 13:11:

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is HIGH TIME to awake out of sleep:for now is our salvation nearer than we believed."

I knew I must share this, but not certain as to how. I asked God for Psa. 19:14- to "be the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart" ...to be acceptable in His sight.

I had come to realize that I, indeed, had been asleep most of the past YEAR. I was not only fooling myself, but many others that I had it together. I had to repent. This had been standing between me and the Lord...my much sleeping away "His light that needed to get out." I had placed him in the darkness of my sleep. Oh, how ashamed I suddenly felt; to place The ONE who gave His own life for me to set me free from an eternal damnation, into a dark corner inside of me...oh the shame. As if He didn't suffer enough on the cross.

Oh, the grace that God gives. The mercy, it abounds. He uses us, in SPITE of us sometimes-praise His name! Hard telling, how many opportunities that I let pass right by me, because I was asleep in my soul. I was not being found busy about my Father's business...not like He wanted me to. Not to the magnitude that He deserves. How pathetic.

God, forgive me, truly and wholly.

This year, I am resolving to WAKE UP. I want to KNOW HIM, much more intimately than I ever did before. I believe this is His WILL. It is His will for us ALL to come to know Him more.

James 4:8 KJV

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Psalms 51:10 KJV

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

2 Peter 3:18 KJV

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever . Amen.

My prayer in this new year-is that I would gain a greater knowledge of the true Leadership of the One and Only...to be led SOLEY by the power of the Holy Spirit and that He would change me in ways that create a situation and new life that I can't even begin to explain...you know...a "God-thing." I WANT to be among the "peculiar people."

1 Peter 2:9 KJV

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

May God show many more the very same condition that He hath shown me, in the days to come.

I love Him more and more, and He is most worthy.

What a Father.

What a Friend.

What a Savior.

What a Leader!!!!!!!!

Join me in following him in 2010!!!! Mean business before the Lord...