As I was reflecting upon the past year and some of my blog posts, I started thinking about all that has been said and why.
For
more than a year now, I have been writing as God has inspired me to
write based on His Word. At least that's what I believe. My early
morning posts should attest to that on a daily basis. This is the
ministry that God has encouraged me to do so that others will also be encouraged and enlightened.
I pray that the goal was met--people being encouraged and enlightened
that is. If you have a personal favorite blog--feel free to re-blog or
let me know. I usually have to "look back" at them to understand the responses I get.
Some
of my posts have been political rants or personal vents and some
promotions for my books. Blogging--as a way of communicating,
self-reflecting, and learning has become such an integral part of my
life that I don't see it ending any time soon.
At
any rate--I would love to say what will be (I don't know), but I can
say with certainty is that--I'll be here--blogging away, writing what is
in my heart and praying that something is said to encourage yours.
Thanks
for your support and may God bless your every endeavor that honors Him.
I have no resolutions other than hearing from God and obeying. Here's
to--reflections of The Word!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Pulling Down Strong Holds in 2014!
“I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. 2 Corinthians 10:2
For though we live in the world, we do
not wage war as the world does.2 Corinthians 10:3
The weapons we fight
with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power
to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians10:4
We demolish arguments
and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we
take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
Father, in the name of Jesus,
We look to You, the author and finisher of our faith,
To help us to do all that You have said we could and would
do in Your Word.
We ask You to look upon the hearts and minds of those in
positions of authority and leadership everywhere—heads of state, politicians,
law enforcement, military, pastors, church leaders, heads of families and
everyone else—expose the true nature of each and every person so everyone can see.
We thank You for breaking the strong holds the enemy has
on those who cloak themselves in deceptions and lies; exposing manipulative
schemes devised by those who think that no one knows.
We thank You for having eyes that see in every place,
beholding the good and evil and for pulling off the cloak of dark works that
fester in the minds of those who are so easily fooled and influenced by Satan.
We thank You for allowing the scales of political correctness
to fall from our eyes and minds so we see and know Truth for the sake of Truth
and in following Him in all things.
We thank You for the remnant—those who refuse to buy into
political correctness over Godly righteousness—and for their strength and
courage that only You can provide to stand against the deeds of evil and praise
You in the midst of the chaos.
We thank You for deliverance—from bitterness and desire
to avenge the evil so thoughtlessly committed against us—for You have said that
we cannot allow the evil to rule over the good that is within us and we will
maintain the good in spite of the evil.
We thank You for speaking to hearts of parents everywhere—who
have abandoned, abused, or neglected their children. We ask You to create in
them a heart to want to do what is right for their children and for themselves.
We thank You for being God, our creator and for the fact
that there is none like and nor will there be. There is no god, created by our
hands that we would should worship or give any credence to being anything other
than something made by the hands of man.
We look to You—more now than ever before—to break
every chain that binds those who inflict evil and influence minds to perpetuate
evil against others. We look to You to create situations in which men
and women and children everywhere will know that they must develop the mind of
Christ and live within the Word so the nations can be saved.
We look to You, O God—to position those who know You in places
where they can, with courage—take a stand and become immoveable—in promoting
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray Your hand of protection over all who
belong to You and for those You know will change their directions and come to
You of their own accord. Keep all assigned angels alert and watchful so
the enemy will not have opportunity to steal, kill or destroy the hopes of
entire nations. Open our eyes that we might see the deceptions planned so we know how
to fight against them. Open our hears so we can hear You when You speak—warning
us of dangers and telling us what to say. Touch our bodies and heal them of all
sickness and disease. Touch our minds cutting away any thoughts of disobedience
or evil in the light of day so they cannot manifest themselves in darkness.
Speak to the hearts of Your children of all ages and encourage them to know
that wisdom is the principle thing and with all their getting—they need to have
understanding—academically, economically, and spiritually.
In the new year, O God, we look for You to do a new thing—a new
thing so great that will once and for all convince the unbelieving that You are
God and You are God alone.
We proclaim every good thing that You have planned
for us will be obtained in 2014 by all who obey Your Word and share the love of
Jesus Christ with others. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers. Amen!
Monday, December 30, 2013
Battlerama Super Tweens on The Other Side Book Trailer
http://youtu.be/NWEXYcePERQ
Book Trailer for Battlerama Super Tweens available now on YouTube! Laugh a little, laugh a lot, and then buy the book on smashwords.com
Book Trailer for Battlerama Super Tweens available now on YouTube! Laugh a little, laugh a lot, and then buy the book on smashwords.com
Know His Voice and Follow Him!
“But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep,
as I said to you. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they
follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish;
neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10:26-28 NKJV).
What would happen to children if they did not know their parent's voice in the midst of chaos--in a crowd? What usually happens when children hear their parent's voice and they recognize what's about to happen because they know the "tone"of that voice?
In response to questions by the religious leaders of the day, who kept trying to determine who Jesus was, He told them--and basically what He was saying was this--"because I did not give you the answer you wanted to hear, you do not believe me." But then He continues by letting them know--they did not really know or understand God by being in relationship with Him; if they did,they would have recognized that Jesus was only doing what the Father had instructed Him to do.
We cannot hear God or understand clearly what scripture is saying to us today, unless we have a relationship with God and know His voice above all the mindless, godless chatter that we hear. Not everyone who professes to believe in God--knows His voice. But those who have a relationship with Him--can commune with Him--and know His voice and follow the Great Shepherd.
The shepherd's role in the natural is to take care of the sheep--feed, protect, and guide. The role of the Great Shepherd is the same--provide for us, protect us and guide us and we are protected from the enemy when we "hear His voice" and "follow" His instructions and directions."
The enemy (sometimes in sheep's clothing) deceives and masquerades as a ministering angel, but is role is to steal, kill, and destroy. He is a master of deception and the father of liars. The enemy today, attempts to thwart the Word of God by twisting and curling God's Word into so many knots of deception that they really make themselves look foolish. Anyone who has a relationship with God is not deceived or fooled by the machinations of the enemy and God will not allow those who know Him to become fuel for the fodder that the enemy spreads.
If greatness for any nation is going to abound--it will be because of those who "know God's voice and follow Him," not the latest trends of treachery and political correctness. God is yet speaking, but many are not hearing or believing because they do not know His voice.
Know the voice of God by comprehending clearly His Written Word and communing with Him on a daily basis. When we lack wisdom--we seek Him, not those who do not know the voice of God and we know them because of their lack of understanding God. Don't put yourself in the position to be plucked out of God's hand because of the enemy's deceptive practices. Remember--he wants to destroy every chance of happiness and joy that God has promised. The enemy will lie at every turn and try to use God's Word to support his lie. When we know the Word, we cannot be deceived by those who manipulate the Word for their advantage. God knows who belongs to Him and He knows who the enemy is and those who are cloaked in deceptive practices.
Know God's voice and do not follow the others who attempt to mimic Him!
What would happen to children if they did not know their parent's voice in the midst of chaos--in a crowd? What usually happens when children hear their parent's voice and they recognize what's about to happen because they know the "tone"of that voice?
In response to questions by the religious leaders of the day, who kept trying to determine who Jesus was, He told them--and basically what He was saying was this--"because I did not give you the answer you wanted to hear, you do not believe me." But then He continues by letting them know--they did not really know or understand God by being in relationship with Him; if they did,they would have recognized that Jesus was only doing what the Father had instructed Him to do.
We cannot hear God or understand clearly what scripture is saying to us today, unless we have a relationship with God and know His voice above all the mindless, godless chatter that we hear. Not everyone who professes to believe in God--knows His voice. But those who have a relationship with Him--can commune with Him--and know His voice and follow the Great Shepherd.
The shepherd's role in the natural is to take care of the sheep--feed, protect, and guide. The role of the Great Shepherd is the same--provide for us, protect us and guide us and we are protected from the enemy when we "hear His voice" and "follow" His instructions and directions."
The enemy (sometimes in sheep's clothing) deceives and masquerades as a ministering angel, but is role is to steal, kill, and destroy. He is a master of deception and the father of liars. The enemy today, attempts to thwart the Word of God by twisting and curling God's Word into so many knots of deception that they really make themselves look foolish. Anyone who has a relationship with God is not deceived or fooled by the machinations of the enemy and God will not allow those who know Him to become fuel for the fodder that the enemy spreads.
If greatness for any nation is going to abound--it will be because of those who "know God's voice and follow Him," not the latest trends of treachery and political correctness. God is yet speaking, but many are not hearing or believing because they do not know His voice.
Know the voice of God by comprehending clearly His Written Word and communing with Him on a daily basis. When we lack wisdom--we seek Him, not those who do not know the voice of God and we know them because of their lack of understanding God. Don't put yourself in the position to be plucked out of God's hand because of the enemy's deceptive practices. Remember--he wants to destroy every chance of happiness and joy that God has promised. The enemy will lie at every turn and try to use God's Word to support his lie. When we know the Word, we cannot be deceived by those who manipulate the Word for their advantage. God knows who belongs to Him and He knows who the enemy is and those who are cloaked in deceptive practices.
Know God's voice and do not follow the others who attempt to mimic Him!
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Plan for 2014!
Re-assessment has come early--usually delayed until the very end of the year, but while I was thinking about it--this was the result. Full Steam Ahead for 2014!
No Need To Fear!
"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and
because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in
exchange for your life" (Isaiah 43:4 NIV).
The promise of God spoken through Isaiah--those who have been redeemed (purchased by the blood of Jesus) have no need to fear anything that appears to be devastating on the earth. God will save us in the midst of the turmoil and chaos. He will gather our children to a safe place where they will not be harmed.
When we learn to receive the Word of God into our hearts as a word spoken directly to us--we know we do not need to fear the events unfolding in the society in which we live. All things that are coming to the forefront were foretold in the past so we would have hope and have no need to be fearful. What God has accomplished in the past, He will continue to do now and in the future. If we teach our children to have reverence for The Lord and obey His Word, we have no need to fear for their futures. If we encourage all we know to come and partake of the Living Water--we get them into a secure place where they will not be harmed.
God is saying right now--though it appears that many have forsaken Him, He has yet numbered those who truly love Him and He calls us "precious in His sight" and because He loves us--He will protect us from the insolence and stupidity that seems to reign in our land.
"Call on The Lord" with a heart to hear and respond to Him and see if He will not save. For He has said, "who ever calls upon His name shall be saved." But those who call upon Him, in mockery and insincerity will have to deal the consequences and they have every reason to fear the calamities that will come upon them.
Because of our obedience to Him, God is willing to exchange nations for us. In other words, He will remove us from those who are doomed in order for us to be saved.
O God--help us to see You in all Your glory and praise You for being such an awesome God that You are not willing for any to perish, but for all to have safe passage into Your kingdom. Help us to magnify who You are by our conduct before others so they too shall receive the benefits of Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
The promise of God spoken through Isaiah--those who have been redeemed (purchased by the blood of Jesus) have no need to fear anything that appears to be devastating on the earth. God will save us in the midst of the turmoil and chaos. He will gather our children to a safe place where they will not be harmed.
When we learn to receive the Word of God into our hearts as a word spoken directly to us--we know we do not need to fear the events unfolding in the society in which we live. All things that are coming to the forefront were foretold in the past so we would have hope and have no need to be fearful. What God has accomplished in the past, He will continue to do now and in the future. If we teach our children to have reverence for The Lord and obey His Word, we have no need to fear for their futures. If we encourage all we know to come and partake of the Living Water--we get them into a secure place where they will not be harmed.
God is saying right now--though it appears that many have forsaken Him, He has yet numbered those who truly love Him and He calls us "precious in His sight" and because He loves us--He will protect us from the insolence and stupidity that seems to reign in our land.
"Call on The Lord" with a heart to hear and respond to Him and see if He will not save. For He has said, "who ever calls upon His name shall be saved." But those who call upon Him, in mockery and insincerity will have to deal the consequences and they have every reason to fear the calamities that will come upon them.
Because of our obedience to Him, God is willing to exchange nations for us. In other words, He will remove us from those who are doomed in order for us to be saved.
O God--help us to see You in all Your glory and praise You for being such an awesome God that You are not willing for any to perish, but for all to have safe passage into Your kingdom. Help us to magnify who You are by our conduct before others so they too shall receive the benefits of Your love. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Be Still and Know!
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psalm 46:10).
Why does it seem like the enemy is winning the battle of good and evil?
Why do parents abandon and abuse children?
Why do predators exist and keep preying on the vulnerable and weak?
Why is it that those who attempt to do good--always, seem to have more difficulty in life than those who do evil?
Why is that we often lose loved ones to sickness and disease and yet those who never do anything right, continue to live?
Why is it some will always hate others for no other reason than they are different?
Why can't the human race (not the white, black, brown, or red, but all) just get along with one another and stop hating?
Why do children die young, before they have opportunity to live life?
Why can't our government stop feuding long enough in their attempt to promote personal agendas and see the needs of the people?
Why do we have to maim and kill one another?
Why can't we all just learn to exist--peaceably--on the one planet in which we must stay?
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof," He has just allowed us to enjoy His goodness on earth for a number of days (that number which we do not know), so why don't we--just enjoy it and give Him praise for it? There is going to be a time and that time is soon when all knees will bow and declare His goodness! He will be exalted among those who claim to never have known Him.
There are more questions than answers to explain life and living, but this one thing we can be sure of--if we just get quiet and stop trying to figure things out that God has already worked out--He will get the glory in the end. Because He love us, when we are obedient to Him--no matter what--we will receive all of His promises. All we have to do is--be still and know that no matter what is going on around us--He is still God--of the righteous and the unrighteous, the just and unjust, the saved and unsaved--God of all at all times!
Why does it seem like the enemy is winning the battle of good and evil?
Why do parents abandon and abuse children?
Why do predators exist and keep preying on the vulnerable and weak?
Why is it that those who attempt to do good--always, seem to have more difficulty in life than those who do evil?
Why is that we often lose loved ones to sickness and disease and yet those who never do anything right, continue to live?
Why is it some will always hate others for no other reason than they are different?
Why can't the human race (not the white, black, brown, or red, but all) just get along with one another and stop hating?
Why do children die young, before they have opportunity to live life?
Why can't our government stop feuding long enough in their attempt to promote personal agendas and see the needs of the people?
Why do we have to maim and kill one another?
Why can't we all just learn to exist--peaceably--on the one planet in which we must stay?
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof," He has just allowed us to enjoy His goodness on earth for a number of days (that number which we do not know), so why don't we--just enjoy it and give Him praise for it? There is going to be a time and that time is soon when all knees will bow and declare His goodness! He will be exalted among those who claim to never have known Him.
There are more questions than answers to explain life and living, but this one thing we can be sure of--if we just get quiet and stop trying to figure things out that God has already worked out--He will get the glory in the end. Because He love us, when we are obedient to Him--no matter what--we will receive all of His promises. All we have to do is--be still and know that no matter what is going on around us--He is still God--of the righteous and the unrighteous, the just and unjust, the saved and unsaved--God of all at all times!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Love, Pray, and Move Forward
"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you,that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun
to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and
the unrighteous" (Matthew 5:44,45 NIV)
One of the reasons many of us never reach the heights of success that God has planned for us is because we get stuck--stuck in disappointments, by those who create problems for us, by inner-feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. We get stuck on getting revenge trying to avenge those situations over which we have no control and end up moving backward instead of forward. We get stuck trying to "make" people like us or pay attention to us, when they don't have to like us. We get stuck trying to control situations that are totally out of our control.
The solution to being "unstuck" in any situation--love those who love you, but love the ones who hate you as well. Pray for all--those you love and those you may not like, but you love. Keep loving and keep praying and all the while you're praying, keep moving forward. We have no control over people and what they do, but we do control what we do. We do not have to allow what others think of us-- to stop us. We do not have to allow what others do to us to hinder us. Pray--for wisdom and discernment--understand that your success is not contingent upon others liking you, but whether or not your plans are aligned with God's plans.
When people hate you--pray and smile at them. When they talk about you--pray and pray some more. When people attempt to misuse you--back away and pray for them and self. And all the while you're praying--keep moving forward, without holding onto the hurts and disappointments--keep going. Life happens and sometimes we just have to deal with it where we are. Cry, scream, get angry, but get over it quickly and move forward.
If you really want to make the enemy upset--keep smiling, keep loving, keep moving forward and never let set-backs cause you to stop moving in the direction that God has destined for you. Bless others when you need a blessing. Love others when you need to be loved. Encourage others when you need to be encouraged. Pray for others when you need someone to pray for you. And through it all--never lose sight of God's love or His plans for your life.
God knows and sees all--He will take care of us and those who have attempted to destroy us as well. He rains on the just and unjust, the righteous and the unrighteous--and all is accomplished by His design. Remember this--it takes a lot less effort and time to love than it does to hate. It is so easy to love others and so time-consuming to hate!
One of the reasons many of us never reach the heights of success that God has planned for us is because we get stuck--stuck in disappointments, by those who create problems for us, by inner-feelings of inferiority and low self-esteem. We get stuck on getting revenge trying to avenge those situations over which we have no control and end up moving backward instead of forward. We get stuck trying to "make" people like us or pay attention to us, when they don't have to like us. We get stuck trying to control situations that are totally out of our control.
The solution to being "unstuck" in any situation--love those who love you, but love the ones who hate you as well. Pray for all--those you love and those you may not like, but you love. Keep loving and keep praying and all the while you're praying, keep moving forward. We have no control over people and what they do, but we do control what we do. We do not have to allow what others think of us-- to stop us. We do not have to allow what others do to us to hinder us. Pray--for wisdom and discernment--understand that your success is not contingent upon others liking you, but whether or not your plans are aligned with God's plans.
When people hate you--pray and smile at them. When they talk about you--pray and pray some more. When people attempt to misuse you--back away and pray for them and self. And all the while you're praying--keep moving forward, without holding onto the hurts and disappointments--keep going. Life happens and sometimes we just have to deal with it where we are. Cry, scream, get angry, but get over it quickly and move forward.
If you really want to make the enemy upset--keep smiling, keep loving, keep moving forward and never let set-backs cause you to stop moving in the direction that God has destined for you. Bless others when you need a blessing. Love others when you need to be loved. Encourage others when you need to be encouraged. Pray for others when you need someone to pray for you. And through it all--never lose sight of God's love or His plans for your life.
God knows and sees all--He will take care of us and those who have attempted to destroy us as well. He rains on the just and unjust, the righteous and the unrighteous--and all is accomplished by His design. Remember this--it takes a lot less effort and time to love than it does to hate. It is so easy to love others and so time-consuming to hate!
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Hear, Learn, Attain!
"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels" (Proverbs 1:5)
Wisdom from God can only be heard in the Spirit, before the wisdom can make one wise in the natural. When wisdom is "heard" we can proceed in making wise decisions--decisions that will not cause us regret or harm.
Once we have heard the voice of God speaking wisdom into our spirits, we will increase in learning--both spiritually and naturally. We shall make room for all we need to know in order to be the best representative of God that we can be and in producing means to assist others in the natural realm. All knowledge comes from God whether we believe that or not. We come into the world knowing absolutely nothing and yet some achieve more wisdom and knowledge than others because they were willing to hear--God's voice (not their consciences that could nothing apart from God anyway).
When we truly "understand" that we know nothing apart from God and that we need His direction in all we do, then we shall be considered wise and others will seek our counsel in all matters because they know they can trust what we say and do.
"The fear of the Lord (reverential respect for God and His ways) is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).
If we are not wise and walking in the wisdom of God, then we are fools doing foolish things.
Lord, help us to be wise and do all things to Your glory, not our own so that we will not appear foolish in anything. Create desire in us to move forward by Your direction only so we won't have to back-up and retreat in order to keep going. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Wisdom from God can only be heard in the Spirit, before the wisdom can make one wise in the natural. When wisdom is "heard" we can proceed in making wise decisions--decisions that will not cause us regret or harm.
Once we have heard the voice of God speaking wisdom into our spirits, we will increase in learning--both spiritually and naturally. We shall make room for all we need to know in order to be the best representative of God that we can be and in producing means to assist others in the natural realm. All knowledge comes from God whether we believe that or not. We come into the world knowing absolutely nothing and yet some achieve more wisdom and knowledge than others because they were willing to hear--God's voice (not their consciences that could nothing apart from God anyway).
When we truly "understand" that we know nothing apart from God and that we need His direction in all we do, then we shall be considered wise and others will seek our counsel in all matters because they know they can trust what we say and do.
"The fear of the Lord (reverential respect for God and His ways) is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).
If we are not wise and walking in the wisdom of God, then we are fools doing foolish things.
Lord, help us to be wise and do all things to Your glory, not our own so that we will not appear foolish in anything. Create desire in us to move forward by Your direction only so we won't have to back-up and retreat in order to keep going. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Thanking God!
I've been up, literally all night!
When I impose deadlines on myself, I try like crazy to make it happen. I made it happen, but I'm also very tired.
I was not up all night wrapping gifts. I was up all night typing and revising, and revising my latest book in the Battlerama series. And the reason I was up all night? Tired and not paying attention. But I'm thanking God for being up with me. We had time to chat. He kept telling me that sometimes, I move a little too fast. When I do, I make mistakes and then spend much more time fixing the mistakes that I would not have made, if I hadn't moved so fast.
I got it! I really grateful that in the quiet times of the night, when I only hear the sounds of the keys clicking, that I can hear my Daddy speak to me. He is so good!
I already knew that this day would be a bit of a challenge, but I didn't know I'd face it without getting any sleep. If I hurry, I may get a nap in before others wake up. But while I wait for sleep to overtake me, I just wanted to let you know that I truly thank God for loving me so!
When you get a chance--check out the new book and see how Holy Spirit worked with me during the month of November for NaNoWriMo Challenge Battlerama Super Tweens On The Other Side! Let me know what you think of it. I'm grateful! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391582
Have a wonderful day celebrating and stay safe!
When I impose deadlines on myself, I try like crazy to make it happen. I made it happen, but I'm also very tired.
I was not up all night wrapping gifts. I was up all night typing and revising, and revising my latest book in the Battlerama series. And the reason I was up all night? Tired and not paying attention. But I'm thanking God for being up with me. We had time to chat. He kept telling me that sometimes, I move a little too fast. When I do, I make mistakes and then spend much more time fixing the mistakes that I would not have made, if I hadn't moved so fast.
I got it! I really grateful that in the quiet times of the night, when I only hear the sounds of the keys clicking, that I can hear my Daddy speak to me. He is so good!
I already knew that this day would be a bit of a challenge, but I didn't know I'd face it without getting any sleep. If I hurry, I may get a nap in before others wake up. But while I wait for sleep to overtake me, I just wanted to let you know that I truly thank God for loving me so!
When you get a chance--check out the new book and see how Holy Spirit worked with me during the month of November for NaNoWriMo Challenge Battlerama Super Tweens On The Other Side! Let me know what you think of it. I'm grateful! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/391582
Have a wonderful day celebrating and stay safe!
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
In The World, Not Of The World!
“For I have given to them the words which You have given
Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth
from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You.
Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17: 8-21 NKJV).
The true Lord's Prayer--the prayer that Jesus prayed in the garden just before He was arrested, says all that needs to be said about those living "in this world, but are not of this world."
Be encouraged to stay in the faith and walk in God's Truth (His Word), no matter what people of the world may say or do. When we have a relationship with God, we know we have His Truth and nothing the world does can persuade us to think otherwise.
Have a wonderful season celebrating the birth of our Savior and it is--all about Him!
“I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours.
And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You.
Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.
“I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
“I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
“And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;
“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me" (John 17: 8-21 NKJV).
The true Lord's Prayer--the prayer that Jesus prayed in the garden just before He was arrested, says all that needs to be said about those living "in this world, but are not of this world."
Be encouraged to stay in the faith and walk in God's Truth (His Word), no matter what people of the world may say or do. When we have a relationship with God, we know we have His Truth and nothing the world does can persuade us to think otherwise.
Have a wonderful season celebrating the birth of our Savior and it is--all about Him!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Misjudged!
I've read a number of blog posts that address the birth of
Jesus--more specifically--Mary and I have been thinking about how she
managed to hold up her head when everyone around her was judging her--or
rather--misjudging her.
Superficiality--judging a matter based on surface appearances or externals has been the cause of missteps throughout our history. People have been misjudged because of the tribe from which they came, because of the color of their skin, because of their family connections or affiliations, because of their intelligence quotas or the special needs, because of their faith or lack thereof, because of their gender or nationality--all this misjudgment--declaring something is so without having sufficient evidence.
During the time that Mary was pregnant with her precious Son, she was supposed to have been stoned to death, according to the law. We know that people did not think that Joseph was the father or they both could have been stoned to death--with the presumption that he was the father. For centuries now, whenever a woman gets pregnant without the benefit of marriage--she bears a stigma for life and in many cases so does the child. That stigma--judging a matter without all the facts--stems from a lack of compassion or self-righteousness or even worse--a superiority complex.
There are some people who can never feel comfortable in their own skin unless they are attempting to make others inferior to them.
Fortunately, Mary rose above the rumors and held up her head with pride, knowing she had no reason to be ashamed. Most who have a relationship with God, understand the inference in scriptures and know how Joseph felt--but what a champion he became to his betrothed. No matter what some may say, I believe that love--Mary's love of God and His love for her, along with Joseph's love--gave her the strength to prevail against the naysayers and the hatemongers. She understood her purpose. She did not attempt to explain to those who would not have understood anyway--how she had been chosen by God to bring forth the Savior of mankind. They would not have believed her anyway--not then. But now--when we have historical records to review--there are some who are still unbelieving and would rather judge those who do believe--misjudging!
For as long as people have a right to believe whatever it is they believe--others will be misjudged when they do not agree. I pray that believers everywhere will develop the stamina and strength to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of how they will be misjudged by those who do not believe. We have a Risen Savior, born into circumstances beyond His control whose mother was misjudged and so was He. They had a purpose to fulfill and they did so, in spite of the naysayers.
Today, each one of us has a purpose to fulfill and many may not understand why we do what we do and we will be misjudged. Proceed with the knowledge that God loves you, and He will never leave you alone. People will talk and misjudge you, but don't allow their thoughts about you to deter you from God's plan for you. Hold your head high--not from self-righteousness or sense of superiority, but in the knowledge that you are doing what God would have you to do.
During this season--remember Mary and what she endured to bring us our Savior. Now endure what you must in order to please God and your reward will be great from Him--even if others don't understand and misjudge you.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that You grant us with more wisdom from on high--to do all that You would have us to do. Thank You for loving us, in spite of our shortcomings and Your willingness to experience misjudgment for our sakes. Thank You for giving us chance after chance to get our relationship right with You. Thank You for the gifts--both natural and spiritual--being developed in all right now so we can fulfill the purposes You have established for us. Help us stand in the face of adversity, knowing You are always right by our sides and we hold our heads up high. Amen!
Superficiality--judging a matter based on surface appearances or externals has been the cause of missteps throughout our history. People have been misjudged because of the tribe from which they came, because of the color of their skin, because of their family connections or affiliations, because of their intelligence quotas or the special needs, because of their faith or lack thereof, because of their gender or nationality--all this misjudgment--declaring something is so without having sufficient evidence.
During the time that Mary was pregnant with her precious Son, she was supposed to have been stoned to death, according to the law. We know that people did not think that Joseph was the father or they both could have been stoned to death--with the presumption that he was the father. For centuries now, whenever a woman gets pregnant without the benefit of marriage--she bears a stigma for life and in many cases so does the child. That stigma--judging a matter without all the facts--stems from a lack of compassion or self-righteousness or even worse--a superiority complex.
There are some people who can never feel comfortable in their own skin unless they are attempting to make others inferior to them.
Fortunately, Mary rose above the rumors and held up her head with pride, knowing she had no reason to be ashamed. Most who have a relationship with God, understand the inference in scriptures and know how Joseph felt--but what a champion he became to his betrothed. No matter what some may say, I believe that love--Mary's love of God and His love for her, along with Joseph's love--gave her the strength to prevail against the naysayers and the hatemongers. She understood her purpose. She did not attempt to explain to those who would not have understood anyway--how she had been chosen by God to bring forth the Savior of mankind. They would not have believed her anyway--not then. But now--when we have historical records to review--there are some who are still unbelieving and would rather judge those who do believe--misjudging!
For as long as people have a right to believe whatever it is they believe--others will be misjudged when they do not agree. I pray that believers everywhere will develop the stamina and strength to stand up for their beliefs, regardless of how they will be misjudged by those who do not believe. We have a Risen Savior, born into circumstances beyond His control whose mother was misjudged and so was He. They had a purpose to fulfill and they did so, in spite of the naysayers.
Today, each one of us has a purpose to fulfill and many may not understand why we do what we do and we will be misjudged. Proceed with the knowledge that God loves you, and He will never leave you alone. People will talk and misjudge you, but don't allow their thoughts about you to deter you from God's plan for you. Hold your head high--not from self-righteousness or sense of superiority, but in the knowledge that you are doing what God would have you to do.
During this season--remember Mary and what she endured to bring us our Savior. Now endure what you must in order to please God and your reward will be great from Him--even if others don't understand and misjudge you.
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that You grant us with more wisdom from on high--to do all that You would have us to do. Thank You for loving us, in spite of our shortcomings and Your willingness to experience misjudgment for our sakes. Thank You for giving us chance after chance to get our relationship right with You. Thank You for the gifts--both natural and spiritual--being developed in all right now so we can fulfill the purposes You have established for us. Help us stand in the face of adversity, knowing You are always right by our sides and we hold our heads up high. Amen!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
The Righteous Delivered!
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19).
Throughout the bible we see how those who God chose to be His are treated. They were ridiculed, enslaved, mistreated, mocked, and killed--just because they chose to obey God.
That was then and it is still the unfolding story of those who choose to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are ridiculed, mistreated, mocked, and persecuted and some are still being killed, simply because we choose to obey God.
God has said, "obedience is better than sacrifice" in reference to the sacrifices mandated to atone for sins. If we were living according to The Law and had to make animal sacrifices to seek forgiveness, we would all be in trouble. Some of us again, wouldn't be able to afford the elements used for the sacrifice and would be prohibited from being forgiven. Some of us would become so discouraged that we would cave and give into the status quo for living--serving idols, instead of the Living God. Only a remnant would remain strong enough in their faith in God to know that even though the enemy influences persecution, God will deliver us out of them all.
Some things may never change with regards to those choosing to live in disobedience. Unfortunately, some attitudes towards those who do obey may never change. Regardless of all the stuff that may never change, we can count on God to "never change" His mind or intent for how we live and He will deliver us from all the afflictions that we encounter. He will deliver! He has done it in the past, He is doing it now, and He will forever be--our deliverer! Hallelujah!
Deliverance is near--whether that comes in the form of people changing their minds about living for God or whether we see God's wrath poured out on all the land, deliverance will come.
Be encouraged today! Stay in faith--knowing that God will never forget those who are His and He will deliver us from the fiery furnace! There is nothing too hard for our God! With Him, all things are possible that give Him glory; without Him--whatever we do is a waste of time!
Throughout the bible we see how those who God chose to be His are treated. They were ridiculed, enslaved, mistreated, mocked, and killed--just because they chose to obey God.
That was then and it is still the unfolding story of those who choose to live a life that is pleasing to God. We are ridiculed, mistreated, mocked, and persecuted and some are still being killed, simply because we choose to obey God.
God has said, "obedience is better than sacrifice" in reference to the sacrifices mandated to atone for sins. If we were living according to The Law and had to make animal sacrifices to seek forgiveness, we would all be in trouble. Some of us again, wouldn't be able to afford the elements used for the sacrifice and would be prohibited from being forgiven. Some of us would become so discouraged that we would cave and give into the status quo for living--serving idols, instead of the Living God. Only a remnant would remain strong enough in their faith in God to know that even though the enemy influences persecution, God will deliver us out of them all.
Some things may never change with regards to those choosing to live in disobedience. Unfortunately, some attitudes towards those who do obey may never change. Regardless of all the stuff that may never change, we can count on God to "never change" His mind or intent for how we live and He will deliver us from all the afflictions that we encounter. He will deliver! He has done it in the past, He is doing it now, and He will forever be--our deliverer! Hallelujah!
Deliverance is near--whether that comes in the form of people changing their minds about living for God or whether we see God's wrath poured out on all the land, deliverance will come.
Be encouraged today! Stay in faith--knowing that God will never forget those who are His and He will deliver us from the fiery furnace! There is nothing too hard for our God! With Him, all things are possible that give Him glory; without Him--whatever we do is a waste of time!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Hearing and Practicing!
"As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They
are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the
foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:47-49 NIV) [For context--read the entire chapter]
When Jesus was teaching those who followed Him, He wanted them to understand clearly how they were to respond to what they were being taught. In verse 39, He asks them how "the blind could lead the blind" and what could happen to them (both falling into a pit). If there are those who are hearing the Word, but are not practicing it as a model for others to see, they are doomed!
Church leaders--any and all in a position of authority--must take heed to The Word and know that when we are not doing what we have heard, we will be responsible for the demise of those we lead. We cannot turn God's Word around and say that "it does not mean what it says." We cannot say God has changed His mind about anything that He said. And more importantly, if we do not have proficient reading comprehension skills in which we have developed the ability to understand "inference" we should not be teaching anyone, anything. We become "the blind, leading the blind."
We--the corporate Body of Christ--need to spend time not only reading The Word, but studying what it means with resources available to us and in seeking God for understanding. Then when we understand The Word, we must practice doing The Word on a daily basis. Our role is the bring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people--not the perverted word of those who scorn and mock God's Word. Know when the enemy has influenced people against The Word. Don't be deceived by those who "mention the name of Jesus" and yet have no knowledge of who He really is or His purpose while here on earth. He has said, not everyone calling Him Lord will be allowed to enter in the Father's presence because in all actuality, they were hypocrites.
We cannot fool God with a superficial Christianity--in name only--and we don't fool people who are able to discern which spirits are influencing people. When we know The Word, we know which spirits are working in people and we should know how to combat them and cause all to be victorious in the name of Jesus.
Let us not be just hearers (or readers) only, but let's practice what we know we have learned in The Word. We should endeavor to do all things that please God--showing mercy because He is merciful, loving all because He is love, and obeying Him in all things rather than man because He is the Master Teacher.
Lord, help us to be better at hearing You and doing what You say, not man. Help us to stay focused on You, not man's inability to receive what You have said. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
When Jesus was teaching those who followed Him, He wanted them to understand clearly how they were to respond to what they were being taught. In verse 39, He asks them how "the blind could lead the blind" and what could happen to them (both falling into a pit). If there are those who are hearing the Word, but are not practicing it as a model for others to see, they are doomed!
Church leaders--any and all in a position of authority--must take heed to The Word and know that when we are not doing what we have heard, we will be responsible for the demise of those we lead. We cannot turn God's Word around and say that "it does not mean what it says." We cannot say God has changed His mind about anything that He said. And more importantly, if we do not have proficient reading comprehension skills in which we have developed the ability to understand "inference" we should not be teaching anyone, anything. We become "the blind, leading the blind."
We--the corporate Body of Christ--need to spend time not only reading The Word, but studying what it means with resources available to us and in seeking God for understanding. Then when we understand The Word, we must practice doing The Word on a daily basis. Our role is the bring the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to people--not the perverted word of those who scorn and mock God's Word. Know when the enemy has influenced people against The Word. Don't be deceived by those who "mention the name of Jesus" and yet have no knowledge of who He really is or His purpose while here on earth. He has said, not everyone calling Him Lord will be allowed to enter in the Father's presence because in all actuality, they were hypocrites.
We cannot fool God with a superficial Christianity--in name only--and we don't fool people who are able to discern which spirits are influencing people. When we know The Word, we know which spirits are working in people and we should know how to combat them and cause all to be victorious in the name of Jesus.
Let us not be just hearers (or readers) only, but let's practice what we know we have learned in The Word. We should endeavor to do all things that please God--showing mercy because He is merciful, loving all because He is love, and obeying Him in all things rather than man because He is the Master Teacher.
Lord, help us to be better at hearing You and doing what You say, not man. Help us to stay focused on You, not man's inability to receive what You have said. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Reading Gifts!
Don't forget great reading gifts can be found on http://www.amazon.com/Mary-M.-Hall-Rayford/e/B00BAW31CQ and https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/381188 Read, Enjoy, and Review! Have a wonderful time of celebrating this holiday season! Be safe and determined to live God's best life for you!
Lies and Liars Exposed (Part II)
A “natural perspective” can be understood as well for those
who “have a right relationship with God” and know His purpose for creating
mankind from the beginning. It is obvious—from those proclaiming that same-sex
marriage does not offend God that they have no relationship with God. What they
may have is a religious spirit that is guided by Satan and they have been
blinded to the Truth.
The Truth—Jesus Christ—clearly said (when speaking to the woman
supposedly caught in adultery) to go and “sin no more.” He did not say—don’t
commit adultery any more. He used the term sin to be inclusive of all sin—not
just one or two. When we have a right relationship with God, we can rightly
discern understanding from His Word by seeking Him and hearing Him. Admittedly,
one needs to be willing to hear what God says and many are not, because they do
not want to hear what God says. It would infringe upon their quests to fulfill
the lusts of their flesh.
To be perfectly clear—those who say same sex marriage is
okay in the eyes of God—do not know God or understand His Word. They have been
deceived by the one who is a master of deception. He has deceived mankind for a
long time and it looks as if he’s not finished yet. When will he be finished?
When mankind is destroyed and ceases to exist.
True Christians—know we are to love unconditionally—and I do
love unconditionally. I love so much that I am constantly praying for those who
are out of fellowship with God to seek Him, while He may be found. I pray that
they will be willing to receive God’s love to the degree that it overflows and
shatter the scales of deceit so they may see, truth clearly and learn to live a
godly life. I pray that they will understand the difference between having a
relationship with God and simply being religious. I pray that the enemy’s hold
on them will be broken, so they will know true freedom to love (without lust)
all of mankind. I pray they will get an understanding of love—brotherly (rea), and
the God kind of love (agape) that keeps us all in relationship with Him, and in
the love between a man and woman (erotica) that should result in a God-anointed
relationship.
There will come a time when God will hold all of those who
have been in positions of authority, leadership and in the spotlight
(celebrities) accountable for misusing His Word and causing the masses to be
deceived, leading them in error.
Of course—copious examples of Satan’s influence can be found
in the writings of many—and many are listed on the Internet:
But after Alfred Kinsey published his famous book, Sexual Behavior in the Human Male in 1948, a few writers began to take a second look at the relationship between David and Jonathan. While still much in the minority, these writers have been able to influence the way that some people read and interpret the text:
David Mace (Hebrew Marriage, 1953) Wrote that the relationship was an example of “the comparatively harmless homosexual attachments of adolescence”
George Henry (1955)
Wrote that David and Jonathan were homosexual lovers, although he apparently realized that the Biblical evidence of later wives and children speaks against this possibility, so he maintained that their homosexuality was only a passing phase
Of course what one must remember is this: anyone can say
anything they want in a book and attempt to make it a truth. Only God’s truth
will stand the test of time and all the works of man that were not built on
the foundation of God’s Word—will be burned and destroyed.
Even though there are those who believe that the “Bible is
just a book,” those who have a relationship with God know that the Bible is not
just a book. Relationship with God brings understanding of God and by God—not just
the words in a book. I believe God because of my relationship with Him, not
because I read a “book” as many will attempt to assert.
My motivation—to see that everyone is in position to receive
God’s best for their lives right here on earth. The only way we can receive
anything from God is to live according to His Word—not our feelings. Of course the carnal nature cannot understand
the spiritual nature because they are polar opposites. I’d rather have the
relationship with God guiding me through all things than allowing my flesh to
dictate anything. It is a matter of choice and I choose Him!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Lies and Liars Exposed (Part I)
The truth about those who proclaim that homosexuality
(same-sex sexual relationships) is all right with God!
A warning about those who deceive occurs 27 times in King
James Version, and the wise person is able to discern that Satan is always
behind those who deceive for he had no love towards God or God’s Creation. The deception occurs in the “rhetoric” about
the word or label “homosexual” not existing in the bible. It is not mentioned
by that label, but the act is graphically described in both old and new testaments. “Rape” is not mentioned by name in the bible,
but the act is graphically described.
AIDS is not mentioned in the bible (along with a host of other diseases/ailments)
by name, but if we read Deuteronomy 28 with understanding and know how inference
works, we will see it. But these detractors—are simply another means of
deceiving and many are receiving and believing the deceptive practices that
will keep people from having God’s best in their lives.
These are some of the warnings about those who would
deceive: (Please read entire chapters to understand the full context and
intent.)
For
there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs
and wonders; insomuch that, if it were
possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Matthew 24:24
For
they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by
good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of
the simple. Romans 16:18
That
we henceforth be no
more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the sleight of men, and
cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:14
Let
no man deceive you with vain words: for because of
these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Ephesians 5:6
If
we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us. I John 1:8
Little
children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth
righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. I John
3:7
And
cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him,
that he should deceive the nations no more, till
the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a
little season. Revelation 20:3
And
shall go out to deceive the nations which are in
the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to
battle: the number of whom is as the
sand of the sea. Revelation 20:8
Tom Horner, wrote in 1978, Jonathan Loved David, in which he perverts the scripture and the
relationship between Jonathan (Saul’s son) and David who served Saul and Ruth
and her mother-in-law, Naomi. What Horner overlooks—intentionally—is the
context in which the scripture discusses these relationships. Apparently, he does not understand the
contextual nature of “loving someone” which does not mean they have lust for
people. I believe that it is evident from his attempts to “deceive” the masses
that he does not know the meaning of love or at the very least, cannot
distinguish love from lust. He obviously did not bother to research the
meanings from the original language in order to not confuse them. But then
again, I believe that was deliberate. When Satan chooses those who can be
easily influenced by him, he blinds them to truth to promote his own
agenda—hatred of mankind because God loves us more than him, who was created an
angel, who made beautiful music in worship of God until he decided that he was
better than God—hence the battle and he was thrown out of heaven.
Horner also suggests that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was a
struggle with homosexuality even though Paul clearly opposes the practice as
stated—specifically in Romans 1. Tom
Horner, for the record, is (or was) an Episcopal priest who from all that is
stated in his book, is (or was) gay (conclusion based on what he says).
It appears that he very selectively chose to use scriptures
out of context to promote a lifestyle in which he was involved and to make it
appear that God had no opposition to the lifestyle. This position of course is
refuted throughout the Bible. Whatever God said was sin, is sin, and that never
changes. Man changes—his belief systems, religions, attitudes, and politics,
but God is not a man that He should lie and He said, “He is the same,
yesterday, and forever.”
Greg. L. Bahnsen, in 1978 wrote—Homosexuality—A Biblical View,
refutes the position and philosophy of Tom Horner.
In 1996, I was inspired by the Word of God and unfolding
events to write, It’s Not
Normal—The First Word on Homosexuality, a small book in which I write about
what current trends are and how they will affect the future of all. This book
garnered me a television interview on CTN with Glenn Plummer soon after its
publication.
Recently, Rick Warren, in an interview with CNN supports the
Bible’s position.
What
some groups do not understand is that when Christians say their views align
with The Word, we are not saying we “hate” anyone, we are simply standing on
God’s Word as truth. That’s the spiritual perspective.
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