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Why are we here? What did God create us to do? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering that, please read on. This touched me today.
Matthew 10:5-42 The Message
Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge. “Don’t begin by traveling to some far off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light. When you enter a town or village, don’t insist on staying in a luxury inn. Get a modest place with some modest people, and be content there until you leave. When you knock on a door, be courteous in your greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in your conversation. If they don’t welcome you, quietly withdraw. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and be on your way. You can be sure that on Judgment Day they’ll be mighty sorry-but it’s no concern of yours now. Stay alert. This is hazardous work I’m assigning you. You’re going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so don’t call attention to yourselves. Be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don’t be naive. Some people will impugn your motives, others will smear your reputation-just because you believe in me. Don’t be upset when they haul you before the civil authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you-and me-a favor, given you a platform for preaching the kingdom news! And don’t worry about what you’ll say or how you’ll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. When people realize it is the living God you are presenting and not some idol that makes them feel good, they are going to turn on you, even people in your own family. There is a great irony here: proclaiming so much love, experiencing so much hate! But don’t quit. Don’t cave in. It is all well worth it in the end. It is not success you are after in such times but survival. Be survivors! Before you’ve run out of options, the Son of Man will have arrived. A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content-pleased, even-when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect? Don’t be intimidated. Eventually everything is going to be out in the open, and everyone will know how things really are. So don’t hesitate to go public now. Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire life-body and soul-in his hands. What’s the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail-even numbering the hairs on your head! So don’t be intimidated by all this bully talk. You’re worth more than a million canaries. Stand up for me against world opinion and I’ll stand up for you before my Father in heaven. If you turn tail and run, do you think I’ll cover for you? Don’t think I’ve come to make life cozy. I’ve come to cut-make a sharp knife cut between son and father, daughter and mother, bride and mother-in-law-cut throught these cozy domestic arrangements and free you for God. Well-meaning family members can be your worst enemies. If you prefer father or mother over me, you don’t deserve me. If you prefer son or daughter over me, you don’t deserve me. If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me. If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me. We are intimately linked in this harvest work. Anyone who accepts what you do, accepts me, the One who sent you. Anyone who accepts what I do accepts my Father, who sent me. Accepting a messenger of God is as good as being God’s messenger. Accepting someone’s help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”
Sums it up for me!
I found this on a great faith filled site called A Walk Through the Valley, and just cried. I’m still so shaken and moved by it, the song lyrics still running through my head. What would my cardboard say? Can I pin it down to one thing? That’s hard.
Watch it and let me know how you feel. What would your cardboard sign say? Without Him and with Him.
Noah was a man that stood for righteousness in an unrighteous generation. He lived in a time of incredible darkness in the world, yet he chose to walk in the light. Surely he must have felt alone, but he was never forsaken. Noah’s life was blessed by God’s grace. The very same grace that God extended to Noah, He extends to us. Can we do any less than to live for Him?
Noah was given an impossible task. He was asked to collect two of every kind of animal on the planet and put them in the ark. Can you even stop to imagine this for a minute? How could he possibly do this? He served our God, the great I AM, in which nothing is impossible.
He had to let go and let God. Noah could not do the impossible task of collecting all those animals, but God could. Noah just let go and let God bring the animals to him. We can let go and let God! I actually have a keychain that reminds me of that very phrase daily. Is anything too hard for God?
Sin’s darkness is alive and well, but so is Jesus Christ. We are the light of the world. God sent a great light in the form of an infant child. May you and I be faithful to walk in that Light as we seek to follow the Son!
Have you ever sat in church during a sermon about tithing, and could feel the tension building up in the room? I sat through this on Sunday, and came out with a few thoughts. When you look at other countries and compare their wealth to ours, we are rich! What do we do to help others?
Abraham Lincoln once said, “You can see what God thinks of money when you see the people He gives it to.” What does that say about us?
I’m not sure that it’s enough for us to give our 10% and let the church dole it out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad the church does this for me, and I support all the different fields that it goes into. I just feel like there is more to do, personally. Can we be wealthy in ways other than money? I think so. I’m feeling like witnessing, using the scriptures, and helping. What do you think? Will it work? Will you try it too?
”My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love,
so that they may have the full riches of
complete understanding, in order that they
may know the mystery of God,
namely, Christ, in whom
are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 NIV
Ten assurances that we have in God:
He is infinite
He is in control
He is all-powerful
He can be trusted
He is the source of truth
He loves you
He accepts you
He forgives you
He has an amazing plan for you and your life
He wants you to spend eternity with Him
Who else can you say those things about in your life?
Reading through the bible, you pick up on the many names of the Lord. Proverbs 18:10 says “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” If we call on the Lord in faith, with love, understanding, and great reverence, our faith will increase. When you’re sick, call on your Healer. When you’re having financial problems, call on your Provider.
My God is a Healer-Psalm 103:3
Redeemer-Isaiah 59:20
Deliverer-Psalm 70:5
My Strength-Psalm 43:2
Shelter-Joel 3:16
Friend-John 15:15
Advocate-1John 2:1
Restorer-Psalm 23:3
Everlasting Father-Isaiah 9:6
Love-1John 4:16
Mediator-1 Timothy 2:5-6
Stronghold-Nahum 1:7
Bread of Life-John 6:35
Hiding Place-Psalm 32:7
Everlasting Light-Isaiah 60:20
Strong Tower-Proverbs 18:10
Resting Place-Jeremiah 50:6
Spirit of Truth-John 16:13
Refuge from the Storm-Isaiah 25:4
Eternal Life-1 John 5:20
The Lord Who Provides-Genesis 22:14
Lord of Peace-2 Thessalonians 3:16
Living Water-John 4:10
My Shield-Psalm 144:2
Husband-Isaiah 54:5
Helper-Hebrews 13:6
Wonderful Counselor-Isaiah 9:6
The Lord Who Heals-Exodus15:26
Hope-Psalm 71:5
God of Comfort-Romans 15:5
Lord, I come to Your throne room
and bow at Your feet, humbly proclaiming
my love for You. Thank You for loving me
enough to send Your Son to save me.
I make You Lord over every area of my life.
I surrender all that I am, all that I have,
to You, and ask that You would rule every
part of me. Mind, soul, body and spirit.
I am Yours. I make this commitment to You,
trusting You with all my being.
Enable me to deny myself in order to take
up my cross daily and follow You. I carry
the burden of the cross. Make me Your disciple.
Guide me and lead me. Make me hear You.
I want to lose my life in You, so I will be saved.
Amen
Psalm 16:1-11
1-2 Keep me safe, O God,
I’ve run for dear life to You.
I say to GOD, “Be my Lord!”
Without You, nothing makes sense.
3 And these God-chosen lives all around-
what splendid friends they make!
4 Don’t just go shopping for a god.
Gods are not for sale.
I swear I’ll never treat god-names
like brand-names.
5-6 My choice is You, GOD, first and only.
And now I find I’m Your choice!
You set me up with a house and yard.
And then You made me Your heir!
7-8 The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake
is confirmed by my sleeping heart.
Day and night I’ll stick with God;
I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go.
9-10 I’m happy from the inside out,
and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed.
You canceled my ticket to hell-
that’s not my destination!
11 Now You’ve got my feet on the life path,
all radiant from the shining of Your face.
Ever since You took my hand,
I’m on the right way.
The Message
I had said that I was going to read the Bible in historical order after I completed the 90 day reading schedule. Well, I let life get in the way of my time with God, and I can sure tell it. The spiritual warfare is all around me and I’m fed up. I’m starting today on the chronological reading, and putting God first, just like He does for me!!
After some research, this is what I’ve come up with for a historical or chronological timeline reading plan. (Read the book as it was written.) I did find a couple that varied slightly, and this one is broken up into a yearly plan. Since I completed the Bible in 90 days reading, I’m pretty used to reading around 12 to 15 pages per day. That’s what I’m going to stick to, especially since it’s summer vacation around here. I’ll adjust as I read, and can post that schedule if someone wishes. I miss my daily dose of His Word!!
To find the schedule, just click on the Chronological Reading of the Bible page. Remember, that is the yearly plan.
Psalm 17:1-15 1-2 Listen while I build my case, God,
the most honest prayer You’ll ever hear.
Show the world I’m innocent-
in Your heart You know I am.
3 Go ahead, examine me from inside out,
surprise me in the middle of the night-
You’ll find I’m just what I say I am.
My words don’t run loose.
4-5 I’m not trying to get my way
in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
Your Word’s way.
I’m staying on Your trail;
I’m putting one foot
in front of the other.
I’m not giving up.
6-7 I call to You, God, because I’m sure of an answer.
So- answer! bend Your ear! listen sharp!
Paint grace-graffiti on the fences;
take in Your frightened children who
are running from the neighborhood bullies
straight to You.
8-9 Keep Your eye on me;
hide me under Your cool wing feathers
From the wicked who are out to get me,
from mortal enemies closing in.
10-14 Their hearts are hard as nails,
their mouths blast hot air.
They are after me, nipping my heels,
determined to bring me down,
Lions ready to rip me apart,
young lions poised to pounce.
Up, GOD: beard them! break them!
By Your sword, free me from their clutches;
Barehanded, GOD, break these mortals,
these flat-earth people who can’t think beyond today.
I’d like to see their bellies
swollen with famine food,
the weeds they’ve sown
harvested and baked into famine bread,
with second helpings for their children
and crusts for their babies to chew on.
15 And me? I plan on looking
You full in the face. When I get up,
I’ll see Your full stature
and live heaven on earth.
The Message
I’ve been on a little bloggy hiatus that was not planned. Oh, how I wish I could tell you a wonderful story about warm beaches and spending time with the fam, but I cannot. I’ve been here all along. Lost in my own world.
I’ve been under attack lately, and I just figured out that I’m to blame for that. Physically, spiritually, financially, and mentally under attack, but it all stops now. I rebuke satan in the holy and precious name of Jesus Christ, and take away the hold he’s had on me! I will no longer allow myself to fall into his traps, and wallow in self pity. I will rejoice and be glad in all the blessings that God has given me. He gave His Son for me, and I will forever praise Him! He healed my ear and returned my hearing after 2 different antibiotics. All of a sudden I could hear, and to top it off we were in church! He helped me complete all the tasks I had committed to, and on time. He’s given me a great husband, who works very hard to support us, and loves us very much. We are all healthy and safe. We are not hungry or cold. We have what we need, and then some. He’s also blessed me with wonderful parents who pray for us, and we have a great relationship. And friends, great friends I can share with. I am truly blessed.
GOD’S SPECIALTY IS
RAISING DEAD THINGS TO LIFE
AND MAKING IMPOSSIBLE
THINGS POSSIBLE.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so distrubed within me?
I choose to put my hope in You, O God, for I will yet praise You, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I remember You! (Ps. 42:5-6). In all my distress, you too are distressed, and the angel of Your presence saves me. In Your love and mercy You redeem me. You lift me up and carry me as You have done for Your children through all the days of old (Isa. 45:3).
Lord, help me not to fear, for You are with me; I need not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).
Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word Day by Day
Thank You, Father for the incredible privilege of partnering with Jesus in the work of intercession. Help me to stay alert and consistent as I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. Help me to be clear minded and self controlled as I stand in the gap for others, especially during these times. Remind me that prayerlessness for others is a sin against You. Help me be instant in prayer so that it becomes a way of life for me, as continuous as breathing. In Jesus’ name, Amen
GOD’S MERCIES HAVE EXISTED
THROUGH ALL ETERNITY,
YET SCRIPTURE TELLS US THEY
ARE NEW EVERY MORNING.
Merciful and faithful Lord, because of Your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lord, You are good to those whose hope is in You, to the one who seeks You (Lam. 3:22-25).
Surely You, Jesus, took up my infirmities and carried my sorrows, yet we considered You stricken by God, smitten by Him and afflicted. But You were pierced for my transgressions; You were crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was upon You, and by Your wounds, Lord Jesus, I am healed (Isa. 53:4-5).
Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word Day by Day
THE WAY WE BEHAVE
OVERWHELMINGLY FLOWS
FROM WHAT WE
DEEPLY BELIEVE.
I am so grateful that my own heavenly Father is the Sovereign Lord who made the heavens and the earth by His great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You! (Jer. 32:17).
Truly, You have released me to resurrection life! For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Gal. 2:19-20).
Lord, I belong to Christ Jesus! Therefore I have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24). Help me live in the reality of this liberating crucifixion.
Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word Day by Day
Dear Heavenly Father, Bless me with faith that can move mountains. May I not be tempted to forget Your power. May I not be tempted to forget Your love. May my mind not stray to the might of the destroyer but remember instead the might of the Lord. Show me Father. I know You will have the last word, the final say. And I won’t worry. You will redeem me. I will resurrect. You will bring forth new life from all apparent death. You create from what the darkness has destroyed, for Your power is infinite, Your forgiveness total, Your mercy complete. I might fall, but I will not remain down for my God is with me. You will lift me up. You will create a new day. You will bring me home. Thank You Father. Amen
Isaiah was a prophet and one of God’s greatest messengers. He tried to tell the people to focus on God, He is the one true thing, and He will never leave us. The prophecies cover before, during, and after the exile. The Kings who trusted God experienced peace, but the kings who didn’t experienced disaster. God revealed His plans and asked everyone to follow them. The book of Isaiah demonstrates that God is trustworthy. Will you follow Him?
Is. 1:16-20 Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Is. 55:6-7Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
I have to admit, this was a hard one for me. I really wanted to go to my regular bible and read the notes so I could understand. It was hard for me to follow the love poems without a little explanation. The underlying tone is all about love and sex, how powerful and important they are in our lives, and that’s how God made us. It’s not a bad thing! We are to be disciplined in keeping it in our marriage. The sanctity of the marriage is where God created it to be. A few key verses-Song of Songs 2:7 “Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.” SOS-8:6-7 “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, it’s jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. 7Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away. If one were to give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
The search for the meaning of life. The king of Israel thought happiness came from success. He found success, but not happiness. Success was meaningless, and not permanent. Neither is money, wealth, pleasure or fame. It all sounds like things we strive for, doesn’t it? We strive for, because we focus on ourselves. I think what Ecclesiastes is teaching us, is how to live a God centered life. Focus on the fact that everything that we have is a gift from God. Our troubles also come from the hand of God, but for those we should give thanks too. He never promised a trouble free life. We need to adjust our expectations if we’re always falling short of the goal, and that makes us unhappy. We can learn lessons from the adversity that is dealt to us. Make the best of it and go on. Focus on what’s ahead of you. Enjoy life, and enjoy what you have. It’s a great gift from God.
Proverbs is a book about wisdom. God is wise, and He wants us to be wise too. He will direct the path of those who trust and seek Him, and walk in faithful obedience. Reading through it, you might find one verse that seemingly contradicts another. In reality, it applies to different situations that you might encounter. An example is Proverbs 26:4-5. v4: “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.” v5: “Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” Don’t, then Do? Well, the wise person knows what to do in which situation. How do we get wise? STAY IN HIS WORD!! I’ve noticed His presence so much since I’ve been doing this 90 day reading. He will speak to You!~ Try it.
In Psalms we find praise, varying emotions, lamentations, and gratitude. There’s a dash of hope mixed in as well. God will not abandon you. His love endures forever!
GOD CAN DO WHAT HE
SAYS HE CAN DO PRECISELY
BECAUSE HE IS WHO HE
SAYS HE IS.
Lord God, help me to trust in Your unfailing love. Cause my heart to rejoice in Your salvation. Help me to sing to You, Lord, for You have been good to me! (Ps. 13:5-6).
The earth is filled with Your love, O Lord! Teach me Your decrees (Ps. 119:64). May Your unfailing love be my comfort, according to Your promise to Your servant (Ps. 119:76).
O God, help me to meditate on Your unfailing love! (Ps. 48:9). Help me not to have the sin of unbelief after all You’ve done to tell me You love me, after all You’ve done, Lord, to demonstrate Your love for me.
Yesterday my 1 Peter 3 online group fasted and prayed again. I did this a few weeks ago and it was amazing. This time was a struggle in many different ways. I woke up hungry, and in two hours I had fixed 3 breakfasts and packed 2 lunches. My husband was home sick with the flu. I sat down to write a prayer and my pen died. I started to pray and a telemarketer called twice. I had an annoying ringing in my ears that would not stop. Ironically it is gone today! And I just didn’t feel well. My stomach hurt, I was queasy and light headed to boot! I was under attack, both physically and mentally. But I persevered and called on the Lord for my strength, and He provided. He sustained me all day, until around 8:40 last night when I was able to eat. I know that satan was scared of all the praying I was doing, and that’s why he was trying to pull me away. It was hard yesterday, and I really struggled. I was surprised to get online last night and find messages from several others in the group who struggled as well. It is proof that there’s power in prayer. I prayed for everyone that I prayed for last time, and added 8 more to the list. I really prayed for a breakthrough in my family. In the afternoon I got the chance to just sit and listen for Him after I prayed. That was hard for me because of the distractions, and I just kept interjecting with more prayers and thoughts. What I got from it was the number 6, and I kept hearing/singing a song we sang at church last week called On My Cross by Ffh. Another song that was playing both times I got in the car to pick up my kids was Casting Crowns East to West. I thought both of the songs reflect working on me spiritually, and I was unsure what the number 6 meant. A friend from 1 Peter 3 did some research on the number 6, and it is really interesting. I’m having trouble uploading it, so I’ll have to post on that later. The overall impression of yesterday’s fast was Faith, Obedience and Discipline. God is at work, and He’s changing me too. More later on the fast and meaning of number 6.
We complain about the cross we bear but don’ t realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road ahead that God can see and we can’t.
Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain.
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God’s always ready, to answer your call.
He knows every heartache, He sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear.
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn’s early light.
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.
I’ve been reminded so much lately that God never promised my cross wouldn’t be heavy, but He has promised me the victory and that I would not walk alone. I hope this makes you stop and think, and cause your lips to praise Him even if you are in the valley or in the midst of a raging storm. You are not alone.
Iris is hosting Thankful Thursday again, so please go visit her. You’ll leave remembering how blessed you truly are! Here’s what I’m thankful for this week.
God’s grace and love is sufficient for me. No matter what I’m feeling, He is feeling it with me. When I feel like I can’t, He carries me throught it.
Brian and Brooke took a ski trip together and had a wonderful daddy & daughter day. (No broken bones was a plus too!)
Zach has a good group of friends and is actively attending bible club now.
Matthew is the light of my day. He just comes up and gives me a hug or kiss right when I need it!
More snow and ice in the forecast for tonight, maybe we’ll get a 2 hour delay and sleep in…. Maybe?
God is at work in my family, and He’s making visible changes. I am so blessed.
Proverbs 16:1 To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue. 2 All of a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord. 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
As Brooke and I head out to the first dance competition of the season, we always pray that she uses her talents to glorify God and witness to others the love of Jesus Christ. I think that’s something we should all strive to do. Have a blessed Sunday.
WE ARE WISE TO REMIND ONE ANOTHER
NEVER TO FORGET WHO
WE ARE AND NEVER TO
FORGET WHO WE’RE NOT.
Father, Your Word says You will break down stubborn pride and make the sky above the proud like iron and the ground beneath him like bronze (Lev. 26:19).
Lor, Your Word is drawing a vivid picture of the arrogant life. Prayers lifted to heaven will seem to hit a ceiling of iron, and life beneath the feet will be hard.
Help me to be humble before You, Lord, because the life of the proud will eventually and undoubtedly become very hard.
My Savior and Redeemer, help me to take Your yoke upon Me and learn from You, for You are gentle and humble in heart, and I will find rest for my soul (Matthew 11:29).
From Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word Day by Day
Psalm 8:1-9
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise
because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
The book of Psalms covers many different emotions and prayers over a thousand year period. God is worthy of praise and the wise will trust Him. Some key verses include.. Ps. 8:1 “how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Ps. 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God.” and one that most people know is Ps. 23:1-6 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Nehemiah follows along closely with Ezra in the restoration of the temple, community, Jerusalem, and the covenant. It shows the many ways that God was at work to restore the people of Israel to their land. Allegiance was made to God, and the Jews were restored. God never forsakes, and nothing is impossible for Him.
Esther was a Jew who heard of the plan of Haman, the chief administrator to the Persian King, which was to kill the Jews. She approached the king and told him of the plan, hiding the fact that she herself was a Jew. The king listened to her, and Haman was put to death. Esther was very brave for approaching the king. God used her to save His people.
Job is a great read when you’re feeling down and out. Job suffered the loss of everything at the hand of satan, but he never rebuked God. Satan took everything but his life, and Job maintained his innocence to his 3 friends who came to comfort him. They didn’t believe that Job was innocent. Why would God take it all away? Just confess your sins and repent! But Job stayed firm and steadfast, even questioning God as to why he was suffering so much. God answered him in a roundabout way, showing him all He’d created, and the greatness of it all. Job demonstrated his righteousness and God heaped His blessings upon him for the rest of his life.
Today was awesome in the most amazing way! I prayed for over 31 families today, some that I’m close to and some that I’ve never met. I prayed specifically for their needs, each and every one of them. I feel so honored that they all shared their requests with me, and that I could do something that is so simple for me, yet can be so profound. To everyone that emailed me, please know that I covered you in prayer on at least two separate occasions today, and many of you just popped into my head as I was doing something else so I prayed for you again. I have faith that God is going to bless you all with His favor. He is in control. I learned so much today. Sometimes a person has to be at rock bottom before they finally reach out, or cry out to Jesus. When I pray for strength and endurance for my dh, maybe what he really needs is to feel empty and hopeless, so he has nowhere to turn but God. That might be hard to surrender to, but I’m game if it works. Surrender…
In a way, that’s what I did today. I surrendered myself and put all else before me and it felt so good. Did I get hungry? Yeah! You know those days where you’re just so busy you don’t have time to eat? You don’t even really notice it! Well I’ve done that before, and this is so much different. I knew today that I couldn’t eat because I was giving that up for the greater good, and I got hungry. My stomach was growling, and I was thinking of food. But the Word of God sustained me. He filled me up!
In the words of Andrew Murray, “Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.”
I need to do more of this, and I’m trying to listen and follow God’s leading, so I’m going to have to get back with you on what that actually means. For now, I want to leave you with some very wise words from one of the women from the 1 Peter 3 group that I’m in. We all participated in this fast today, and prayed for the salvation of each of our loved ones. R wrote this. “He will speak. Expect it. Don’t be surprised by the revelations or the confirmations. Don’t be surprised by the power of your prayers or the desires to worship. Do as the spirit of God leads and watch Him work through your surrendered hearts to bring about transformation. He is doing a new thing. Don’t be afraid of that new thing. For some, your prayer life will change. For others, you will understand worship in a new way. And for others, you will be given the direction you’ve asked for. This isn’t about giving up food, but about seeking His presence and His will above all else. Enjoy your fellowship with Your creator. Rest in His arms. Give Him your cares and concerns. Trust Him with what you’ve held onto. The attack of the enemy will be strong. But your God, He is bigger than the enemy’s attack! Put on your full armor and wage war against the prince of darkness through worship. Enter the holy of holies and dwell there. Just hang out. Drink up His presence and soak in His truth. He Will Speak.”
Today I spent a little over 18 hours fasting and praying, so this edition of Thankful Thursday will be more spiritual.
1. I’m thankful that the Word of God sustained me today as I fasted and prayed.
2. I’m thankful that the prayer time today transformed me.
3. Everything I’ve ever wanted in my life can be found in God.
4. I’m thankful that my enemy is defeated because of what was done for me on the cross.
5. I’m thankful that “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
6. I’m thankful for peace, patience, endurance, comfort, salvation, gentleness, love, joy, faithfulness, grace, mercy, kindness, truth, healing, protection, guidance, wisdom, discernment, worship, forgiveness, Godly role models and mentors, reconciliation, restoration, glory, humility, knowledge and did I say forgiveness…
This morning has been awesome. I’ve only missed my frosted mini wheats and Cranberries once, and then God filled me up with love and adoration! I’ve had 7 people request prayers, with 27 specific prayer requests so far, and I’ve spent the morning covering these friends in prayer. I know God has heard and will respond to those in need, and I feel so blessed already. I’ve discovered a new Psalm that is so beautiful I want to share it, but now have my little one who needs mommy’s attention. I’m off to snuggle and pray some more for my 1 Peter 3 group. If I can pray for you, please leave me a comment and I will be happy to include you. God is so amazing!
I’m in a 1 Peter 3 group that is taking today to fast and spend in focused prayer for our husbands and families. I’m sending this out to open the floor up to your prayer requests, and I’ll add you to my list. I would be happy to cover you in prayer, so just comment on this with your requests and I’ll pray. I look forward to this time of worship and prayer, and can hardly wait to listen to what God has in store for us. I’ll be blogging about it throughout the day, with verses regarding fasting, so check back for updates.
Ezra begins where 2 Chronicles left off, the exiles return. They started rebuilding the temple and found opposition from the enemies of Judah. A letter was written against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes, and he ordered the rebuilding to stop. That lasted until King Darius was petitioned to search for documentation that King Cyrus had issued a decree that the temple be rebuilt, and that documentation was found, and a decree made for construction to begin.
Chapter 7 tells us that Ezra was well versed in the Laws of God, and a teacher. 7:10 says”for Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. ” Ezra travels from Babylon with a large number to Jerusalem under the allowance of king Artaxerxes.
Chapter 9 discussed the disgrace that Ezra felt when he heard of the intermarriages. It says he tore his cloak, pulled hair from his head and beard, then fell on his knees with his hands spread out and prayed. v6 - “O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. “ A large crowd gathered around Ezra while he prayed, and they cried and confessed their sins. Those found guilty pledged to put away their wives, and they presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.
NOTHING ON EARTH COMPARES TO THE
STRENGTH GOD IS WILLING TO
INTERJECT INTO LIVES CAUGHT IN
THE ACT OF BELIEVING.
Father, so often I feel like the boy’s father who first exclaimed, “I do believe!” then in a flood of sincerity cried out, “Help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). Please help me overcome my own unbelief, Lord, so I can start taking You at Your Word.
I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power to us who believe! (Eph. 1:18-19).
As You did for the jailer who received salvation through the witness of Paul and Silas, fill me with joy when I choose to believe You (Acts 16:34).
Beth Moore-Praying God’s Word Day by Day
Today’s scripture comes from my 90 day bible reading schedule, 2 Chronicles 16:23.
“This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
” ‘ the Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms
of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him
at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of his people among you–
may the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.’ “
Hasn’t He given us all the kingdoms of the earth? I think we’re all missionaries for Him and His kingdom. Go out and spread the love of Christ this week. Share it with someone who doesn’t know Him!
The author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is thought to be Ezra by many bible scholars. 1 Chronicles was written for the Jewish exiles so they could relate to their ancestry. It covers the history roughly the same as 1 & 2 Samuel, but it leaves out David’s sin and consequences of it, and it stresses in great detail the building of the temple and establishing worship for God. It also lists the most comprehensive of genealogies. The importance for the Jews to preserve their racial and spiritual heritage is stressed, as well as the importance of the law, and the temple and priesthoods ongoing relationship with God. That was more important than a relationship with an earthly king!
2 Chronicles covers the same time period of 1 & 2 Kings, but it focuses more on Judah’s history, worship, revival and reform. A thought—focus on the temple. There seems to be lots of focus on the temple. So if we think about the temple, and the importance of it, then how does it relate to the New Testament? What is the temple? Doesn’t Jesus refer to His body as the temple in the New Testament? Is the temple destroyed and raised again in 3 days? Do God and the Lamb replace the temple? YES!! I can see the relationship between the OT and the NT by reading it like this. I’m not saying that the OT is always a truly enjoyable read with all the geneaologies, but it helps me put things together relationally. Tomorrow we start and finish Ezra.
MY GOD IS HUGE AND
MY GOD IS ABLE. IF I DON’T GET
WHAT I ASK HIM FOR, I KNOW I’LL
GET SOMETHING BIGGER.
You alone are the Lord. you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everyghing, and the multitudes of heaven worship You (Neh. 9:6).
The earth is Yours, O Lord, and everything in it— the world and all who live in it (Ps. 24:1). For You are a great God, the great King above all gods. In Your hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to You. The sea is Yours, for You made it, and Your hands formed the dry land (Ps. 95:3-5). In Your hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:10).
Another excerpt from Beth Moore- Praying God’s Word Day by Day
One of the many things I’ve learned from my daily bible readings so far is how dependent on God the people of the Old Testament were. If they didn’t know what to do, they asked God, and then followed his direction! How simple to do, but how little we do it. I like the part where it says “if I don’t get what I ask Him for, I know I’ll get something bigger.” I KNOW… Ask and believe, then you will receive. Thank You God! You are so full of wisdom and love, thanks for sharing it with us.
1 Kings 2:3-4 David is talking to Solomon. “I am about to go the way of all the earth, so be strong, show yourself a man and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in His ways, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and requirements, as written in the Law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go, and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
When David died, his son Solomon became king. Solomon prayed for wisdom and discernment, and he was given that by the Lord. You may recall the story of the two mothers, and one of their children had died. The mother of the child who died had tried to trick the other mother into believing it was her child who was dead, and they took their plea to Solomon. Solomon said the baby should be cut in half, and the woman whose son it was said No, don’t kill him. That is how Solomon knew she was the real mother. Solomon was wiser than any other man from all the nations because he asked God for wisdom! He built a beautiful temple for the Lord in Jerusalem, and brought the box of the covenant to the temple.
Solomon angered the Lord when he had many wives who had many different idols that they worshipped, and sometimes Solomon would join in with the offerings to the idols. The people saw Solomon doing these things, and thought it was OK, so they became interested in the idols too. Solomon died and Rehoboam took over as king. He was nothing like Solomon, and the Israelites separated into two kingdoms. The ten tribes to the north of Jerusalem made their own king and made sacrifices to idols in Bethel and Dan. The prophet named Elijah felt as though he was the only true worshipper of the Lord left. He was told by God to stay with the widow at Zarephath, and she provided for him what she didn’t have to provide. Then her son became ill and died, but Elijah took him and prayed for his life to return and it did. The widow knew that he was a man of God. Elijah then went on to prove that Baal was not the real God, but still had to run for his life because king Ahab’s wife wanted to kill him. Elisha was called to succeed Elijah.
In 2 Kings, Elijah is walking and talking to Elisha, when a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the men, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha was a faithful servant, and went wherever God needed him to go. He was helpful to all peoples. On the other hand, the kings of the two kingdoms seemed to thrive on personal fame and success, and not on God. Kings Hezekiah and Josiah wanted the people to be loyal to God, but in the end even they succumbed to the evil ways of the people. The Babylonian army attacked them while under the reign of king Zedekiah, and they destroyed the temple. The descendents of David were led into exile by King Nebuchadnezzars army. The people were slaves, but God was still with them. Little by little, things improved for them, and the king Jehoiachin was released.
I think we are caught up now, and I so apologize for falling off the blog! Life took over, or satan thought he could get a stronghold on me, and I’m now saying NO WAY! I will follow Jesus Christ, He is my Lord and Savior! Bless you all.
SAMUEL- THE KINGMAKER What would make me think the Israelites would be happy once they arrived in the Promised Land, and obey God? Naive, I guess. They didn’t listen to the judges, and went back to doing whatever they wanted to do. But again, God had a plan. He helped the childless Hannah become pregnant, and she gave birth to Samuel. She promised to give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and she did just that. Samuel was a very special boy, and he grew up to be a priest and prophet who led the people through many difficult times. Again, the Israelites were not happy, and complained they wanted a king, just like the other nations. So Saul became king of the land. At first, everything went well, then power went to Saul’s head and he turned his back on God. That led to God turning against Saul, and the end of his kingship. He did realize too late what was happening, and confessed his sins to Samuel and God. David is then chosen as king by the Lord. The irony is that Saul was chosen by the people’s standards, and David by God’s. Which was more successful? David!
David had worked in Saul’s service for a while. He had played the harp when Saul was tormented by an evil spirit because he had turned from the Lord. David went on to defeat Goliath, and then run from Saul because he was trying to kill him. He had many accomplishments that showed his faithfulness to God. Saul ended up taking his own life, and David is annointed King in 2 Samuel. David was a good king, who made his kingdom stronger and stronger for a long time. Until Bathsheba came along. David saw her and wanted her, even though she was married. She became pregnant, and then David had her husband sent out to the front lines and killed. David sinned, and confessed, and God forgave him, but turmoil came upon him and his home because of the sin. Bathsheba lost the baby she was carrying, and David’s daughter Tamar wasraped by her half brother Amnon. Tamar’s brother Absalom killed Amnon and then fled for his life. Absalom then planned to kill David, and was killed himself by David’s soldiers.
I don’t know what else to call it, besides the best funeral I’ve ever been to. It sounds crazy to say that, but that’s how I feel. I was dreading this funeral so badly, but was blessed by attending it in so many ways. My dad’s cousin Jimmy died on Saturday. He was only 52 and it was totally unexpected. Married with three beautiful boys, the oldest is a teen. It’s so hard to think about sometimes, but I urge you to take the time to talk with someone about what you would like to happen when you’re gone. Jimmy and his wife did that, and I want to do it too. There were 3 songs sung by two women, and then we sang two hymns. These were songs that he had wanted. The pastor opened up the floor for people to talk, and I was amazed by the outpouring of love to the family. Everyone spoke of how much he loved his family, and how much he loved the Lord. He touched so many lives, and didn’t even realize it I’m sure. That’s just the kind of person he was. He cared. People from his church, and people from his workplace all loved him, and were blessed by the Holy Spirit within him. One woman was talking about how he always lifted them up if they were struggling at work, and then she broke out singing Wind beneath My Wings! It was beautiful! Another person spoke highly of Jim, and didn’t know his wife, but said he knew her potato salad, and to fed ex it to them every now and then if she had to. That made her laugh! There were tears and there was laughter, and I guess the difference that I felt in this funeral was this. We were a room filled with more believers in Jesus Christ than not. We know that his earthly presence will be missed, but that he is truly home with God right now. We may not understand it, but God has a plan for Jim, and it includes him at His side. The pastor then preached, because he said that’s what Jim wanted him to do. He preached about salvation, and that doesn’t mean just doing good things. We have to confess, repent, and ask for fogiveness of our sins, and He will forgive. We need to ask Jesus into our hearts and lives, and commit to follow Him. And it’s too late when we’re in the coffin. I had some family members sitting right there with me that needed to hear that, but I’m not sure they did. I don’t understand it, but I don’t need to. I just need to continue to pray for them. (Off on a tangent again!) Anyway, even in his death, Jim was witnessing to others. He planned that all out, and he knew who needed to hear it! One person that stood up said we might ask why? We should turn that around and we get YHW. That stands for Your Holy Will! Isn’t that great? WHY= Your Holy Will
I could go on and on, that’s how amazing it was! I’ll stop, but I ask for prayers for his family. I know they have a great church family that will lift them up, but you can never have too many prayers!
I have one more funeral to attend this week. A friend who passed away on Sunday, unexpectedly at the age of 36. He too has a wife and 2 kids, the oldest is 12. I just ask that these families be lifted in prayer, and that God would wrap His loving arms around them and provide comfort to them, that only He knows how.
I’m doing the single parenting thing this week as my husband is out of town on business. It happens to be a particularly busy week with dance, and the first performance coming up this weekend. There’s also a few other things going on too, so it’s about all I can do to finish my readings daily (which I am!). I just can’t seem to summarize it all to blog form! I hope to get my routine going again, but feel free to chime in with your reading input if you’d like.
PATIENCE TO WAIT DOES NOT COME FROM SUFFERING
LONG FOR WHAT WE LACK
BUT FROM SITTING LONG IN WHAT WE HAVE.
The Lord will do great things for me, and I will be filled with joy. I will sow in tears, then I will reap with songs of joy. If I go out weeping, Lord, carrying seed to sow, I will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with me (Ps. 126:3, 5-6).
Please help me be willing to sow the seed of Your Word and to water it with my tears, believing You in the midst of my pain. If I do, You will be faithful to fill me with joy again. You will faithfully bring a harvest forth from my life. My suffering will not be in vain.
You, the God of all grace, who called me to Your eternal glory in Christ, will restore me and make me strong, firm, and steadfast after I have suffered a little while (1 Peter 5:10).
From Beth Moore’s Praying God’s Word Day by Day.
We have finished Joshua, Judges and Ruth, and will start with 1 Samuel tomorrow. The weekend began with my birthday on Friday, and boy did I feel older! It was so bitterly cold here that I just wanted to pull the blanket over my head and hibernate! We had a chocolate cake with the whipped icing that I love, and it had chocolate bars on top. Too bad it’s all gone, or I’d have a piece right now. Saturday my mom and dad came up and we all had lunch. It was really good, and I really didn’t do much else after that. My dad called after they got home, and he had received word that his cousin had died suddenly that morning. He was in his early 50’s, married with three kids. It was a big shock, and I ask for prayers for his family to feel the healing love of Christ throughout the next few months.
This week is going to be busy finishing costumes and getting ready for the first dance performance of the year. I am not a sewing mom, so these costumes are kicking me! Luckily I only have one major one to finish, everything else fit really well this time. Also on the list for the week, clip coupons, work on the budget, shampoo the carpets, catch up on laundry, organize the towel closet, and a few other things that I can’t think of right now.
DEUTERONOMY 30-34
Yesterday we finished Deuteronomy with a very short read. God knew the Israelites would fall short again and turn from Him. He also told Moses that they would turn away, but that when they decided to obey Him with all their heart, He would bring them back to the promised land and bless them with more. Moses told them the offer of life or death was in their reach. Chapter 30, verse 15 says ” See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. 16 For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Moses blesses the tribes and then dies, leaving Joshua to take over andlead the people to the promised land.
32:1-43 is the song that Moses taught to the people per God’s command, so that when they sang it, it was a witness for God against them. I would love to record that here for you, but I know you already read it. It’s really amazing!
DEUTERONOMY 17-29
“Purge the evil.” That seems to be the resounding theme in the beginning. I counted it 9 times. The Israelites were commanded to remain clean and pure by purging the ungodly from among them. Moses says in 18:15 ” The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own borthers. You must listen to him.” Everyone knows who that prophet is, but do we always honor Him? Jesus was the ultimate prophet, and He’s already been compared to Moses in our previous readings.
In chapter 20, he tells them to not be afraid when they go to battle because God will be with them. v4 “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
23:12-13 Thank you for indoor plumbing and privacy.
Chapter 27- Moses tells the people to keep all the commands he’s given when they get into the promised land, set up an altar with stones covered in plaster, and write all the words of this law on the stones. I would hate to be in charge of all that writing on plaster covered stones.
Chapter 28-The Lord will bless you richly if you fully obey his commands.
Chapter 29- The Israelites enter into the covenant that the Lord will seal with an oath, made for his people, so that He will be their God.
When I went to my study Bible to review the laws, this is what I found that helps explain the breakdown.
There were 16 major ethical concerns in the Covenant
1. Personhood- everyone’s person is to be secure
2. False Accusation-everyone is to be secure against slander and false accusation
3. Woman-No woman is to be taken advantage of within her subordinate status in society
4. Punishment-punishment for wrongdoing shall not be excessive so that the culprit is dehumanized
5. Dignity-every Israelite’s dignity and right to be God’s freedman and servant are to be honored and safeguarded
6. Inheritance-every Israelite’s inheritance in the promised land is to be secure
7. Property-everyone’s property is to be secure
8. Fruit of Labor-everyoned is to receive the fruit of his labors
9. Fruit of the Ground-everyone is to share the fruit of the ground
10. Rest on Sabbath-everyone, down to the humblest servant and the resident alien, is to share in the weekly rest of God’s sabbath
11. Marriage-the marriage relationship is to be kept inviolate
12. Exploitation-no one, however disabled, impoverishe or powerless, is to be oppressed or exploited
13. Fair Trial- everyone is to have free access to the courts and is to be afforded a fair trial
14. Social Order-every person’s God-given place in the social order is to be honored
15. Law-no one shall be above the law, not evne the king
16. Animals-Concern for the welfare of other creatures is to be extended to the animal world.
That came from my Zondervan study bible.
Tomorrow is a short reading of Deuteronomy 30-34. Any questions?
I knew it would be easier when the kids were home and on Christmas vacation, but I am pathetic. I’m doing my readings, but can’t squeeze out more time to blog about it in depth. So here’s another overview…
NUMBERS 27 - DEUTERONOMY 16