December 13, 2011
Klove (radio station) was telling a story yesterday morning about a stabbing. I can't remember the specific details, but basically a man was stabbed. He was able to make it to a neighbors house to ask for help. Of the few members in that home that were there, one stepped forward instantly. The victim's physical need was obviously urgent and someone called for help. The first neighbor out the door ran to kneel beside him and immediately asked him if he was saved. She asked him "Do you want salvation?" The victim, in his last few breaths responded "yes, I do." The neighbor prayed over and with him the prayer of salvation. Meanwhile the others scurried around trying to tend to him physically. EMS arrived. The man passed on shortly after.
Let that soak in for a second...
She knew instantly that the greatest need, in that moment for that man, would be for his eternal soul. She did not hesitate. She ran. She did not question what was truly important. She knew. She was not frazzled because she knew this was not about her.
How many of us would think that way? How many of us would be prepared for something like this?
This is how we need to see each person we encounter - as someone possibly taking their last breaths. Will we step forward - no, will we RUN to our knees toward those that are dying in every sense?
What an amazing testimony. I can only imagine what the reunion in heaven is going to look and sound like between the two people above.
To those that question this story in the literal sense - if someone can be saved on their death bed, here's my opinion on it:
1. Luke 23:41-43 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong." Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
^ Jesus said this to the thief that was crucified next to him who believed in him and asked to be with him.
2. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.
Remember the parable of the field workers where the last worker to join the field was paid the same as the first one that joined earlier in the day. We shouldn't wait to be on death's door to accept the giftof salvation, but if the moment were to ever arise that this was what someone was facing, we better believe that it's a legit window to help secure their eternity. Their soul will be rewarded salvation just as much as the soul that accepted salvation earlier in life.
3. Luke 15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, rejoice with me: for I have found the piece which I had lost
Believing or non-beliveing, we are still God's precious. We are either saved or lost. It overwhelms me how God rejoices over each and every one of us being found and I feel that means at any time while we are on earth before we physically die.
4. John 11: 25-26 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
I think "whosoever liveth" pretty much covers anyone.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Voice In The Dark by Beth Moore
I can not say enough, daily, how much I love this woman.
Be blessed.
Monday, January 16, 2012
"Why I Hate Religion"
I've seen some back and forth about this video. Some feel it's an attack on the faith. I don't see it that way. I see it as an attack on legalism....false religion.
IMO, he is describing "false religion" and has described it really well. So everytime he says "religion", I take it as him talking about false religion. I think there are others taking it otherwise, and in that I can see where there would be offense, but I don't see it as an attack on the faith.
I don't see it as a message saying "sin all you want, grace will cover it". I don't see it as saying we don't have to do any changing in our lives. Not at all. I think he addressing how the church has put so many restrictions and judgmental attitudes on people that they feel they can not freely approach salvation. Salvation is not earned. It's a gift.
"IT IS DONE" is about initial salvation. Christ died and rose again so that we did not have to die for sin. We now have the option of life. Yes, we need to make efforts to reflect a life of Christ, but we do not earn the salvation that begins our journey. It's a gift, to us...to ALL of us. When we can freely approach salvation then we understand grace, and grace is what keeps us getting up every morning knowing that we just need to do our best and that our weaknesses are not bigger than God. Religion as false religion is the reason I tried so hard to be athiest for years. All I could see was the world's view of God and what a Christian "should be. In this thinking, no one can measure up in it's eyes. We are defined by how God sees us though, and he's searching for the unwanted, the undesireable, the snubbed, the unrighteously judged, and the lost. He's searching for the ones that get turned away at church or get scoffed at or the ones that try but feel they can't add up. None of us add up! We never will! That's the beauty of grace! Why would Christ die to give us grace if we didn't need it?
I don't see it as a message saying "sin all you want, grace will cover it". I don't see it as saying we don't have to do any changing in our lives. Not at all. I think he addressing how the church has put so many restrictions and judgmental attitudes on people that they feel they can not freely approach salvation. Salvation is not earned. It's a gift.
"IT IS DONE" is about initial salvation. Christ died and rose again so that we did not have to die for sin. We now have the option of life. Yes, we need to make efforts to reflect a life of Christ, but we do not earn the salvation that begins our journey. It's a gift, to us...to ALL of us. When we can freely approach salvation then we understand grace, and grace is what keeps us getting up every morning knowing that we just need to do our best and that our weaknesses are not bigger than God. Religion as false religion is the reason I tried so hard to be athiest for years. All I could see was the world's view of God and what a Christian "should be. In this thinking, no one can measure up in it's eyes. We are defined by how God sees us though, and he's searching for the unwanted, the undesireable, the snubbed, the unrighteously judged, and the lost. He's searching for the ones that get turned away at church or get scoffed at or the ones that try but feel they can't add up. None of us add up! We never will! That's the beauty of grace! Why would Christ die to give us grace if we didn't need it?
I see this video as attacking a prominent world's mindset of this faith, not the faith. I do back up this video, but I do want to acknowledge that maybe he should use "false religion" vs "religion" since definitions/angles always change with the culture. We have a responsibility to be very careful in our wording and/or how we are perceived especially when trying to be good examples. No everyone is going to understand your intentions, so we should be very careful. Anyhoo...for those interested or not liking it. Just a tidbit on how I see it/understood it...
Monday, January 9, 2012
Daniel Fast Meals
I'm on day...six on the Daniel Fast. I'm going to record my more favorited meals so that I can reference them. As this goes on, I will just add the new meals to this post. So, it will be changing with add ons during the next couple weeks. I'll come back later this week and add in the "how to's" on these dishes. That's been the amazing thing that I've noticed while doing this - the veggies are the stars of the show so you don't have to "create" a flavor. You just add, per your preference, what you want to spice it up with. The seasonings/herbs and amounts are up to you. Let nature do its thing. :)
CILANTRO CHIL'E LIME RICE THING
TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI
KEEPING BREAKFAST SIMPLE WITH POTATOES
CILANTRO CHIL'E LIME RICE THING
TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI
THE TOMATO BASIL SPAGHETTI DURING DEMOLITION
KEEPING BREAKFAST SIMPLE WITH POTATOES
BREAD FINDS
VEGGIE SAGE RICE THROWDOWN
Praying "For" A Spouse
My thoughts on this:
I was thinking about this idea today and something didn't sit right with me. I couldn't pinpoint it until now. When you hear this topic we all assume there's going to be a list that follows for each individual and what they are praying for in a person. There's nothing wrong with that. I dont 'think it's neccessarily about praying for certain qualities in someone. Yes, there are things you can pray for, but it's something bigger than that. You don't need to just pray for a special someone, but pray FOR them like pray for their protection, guidance, discernament, and spiritual growth. It's not neccessarily just praying for them to be known to you right now or what you "want". God made you. He knows what you like and what you need. Are you going to trust Him in that?
If there is someone out there who is meant to be in your life as a future spouse, then you/we need to be praying FOR their well being. If there is a plan that includes you as being a partnered with someone, then you/we have a responsibility to be spiritual support for them right now. Even if we can't see ourselves married right now or have no clue who this person may be, that doesn't negate the fact that you may meet someone down the road that needs your spiritual intercession for them right now. I hope I'm making sense.
I dont think there's a better way to love a person then to love them before you ever meet them. Love them enough to be praying them through their "right now". In other words, it might help if we not make this issue about us and what we want. Maybe we should make it about them. That seems more ....right...to me. Just a thought. For me, for someone else...but there it is.
I was thinking about this idea today and something didn't sit right with me. I couldn't pinpoint it until now. When you hear this topic we all assume there's going to be a list that follows for each individual and what they are praying for in a person. There's nothing wrong with that. I dont 'think it's neccessarily about praying for certain qualities in someone. Yes, there are things you can pray for, but it's something bigger than that. You don't need to just pray for a special someone, but pray FOR them like pray for their protection, guidance, discernament, and spiritual growth. It's not neccessarily just praying for them to be known to you right now or what you "want". God made you. He knows what you like and what you need. Are you going to trust Him in that?
If there is someone out there who is meant to be in your life as a future spouse, then you/we need to be praying FOR their well being. If there is a plan that includes you as being a partnered with someone, then you/we have a responsibility to be spiritual support for them right now. Even if we can't see ourselves married right now or have no clue who this person may be, that doesn't negate the fact that you may meet someone down the road that needs your spiritual intercession for them right now. I hope I'm making sense.
I dont think there's a better way to love a person then to love them before you ever meet them. Love them enough to be praying them through their "right now". In other words, it might help if we not make this issue about us and what we want. Maybe we should make it about them. That seems more ....right...to me. Just a thought. For me, for someone else...but there it is.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Guiding My Steps
God, I'm going to just let go of these things beginning to taunt me. I don't need to get tangled in them again to know it's not where I want to be. I've done what I should. That's all I can do, and that's ok. I know you've got me. Thank you for gently guiding my steps even when it's my steps just pointing in the wrong direction. I'm soo grateful for your love in that way. You're my joy. Thank you for filling me. I need nothing else. Just keep overpouring into me so that your love continues to go out to others. My cheek rests on yours.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Monday, December 26, 2011
From "Facing the Giants" (Movie and Book)
From "Facing the Giants" movie and book:
movie- “Attitude is the aroma of the heart. If your attitude stinks, your heart is not right.”
book- "Jesus never missed the mark. Equally amazing, he never distances himself from those who do. Just read the first verse of Matthew's gospel. Jesus knew David's ways. He witnessed the adultery, winced at the murders, and grieved at the dishonesty. But David's failures didn't change Jesus's relation to David. The initial verse of the first chapter of the first gospel calls Christ "the son of David". (Matt 1:1 KJV) The title contains no disclaimers, explanations, or asterisks. I'd have added a footnote: "This connection in no way offers tacit approval of David's behavior." No such words appear. David blew it. Jesus knew it. But he claimed David anyway."
Whether we are David, or we are judging a David....remember God and David's relationship. People are "God's projects, not His failures". We may distance ourselves from God (being in a place to not be able to communicate clearly with Him), but our relationship TO him never changes. How amazing is that...
No matter what or who, keep turning back to Him...God claims us anyways. Praise God
movie- “Attitude is the aroma of the heart. If your attitude stinks, your heart is not right.”
book- "Jesus never missed the mark. Equally amazing, he never distances himself from those who do. Just read the first verse of Matthew's gospel. Jesus knew David's ways. He witnessed the adultery, winced at the murders, and grieved at the dishonesty. But David's failures didn't change Jesus's relation to David. The initial verse of the first chapter of the first gospel calls Christ "the son of David". (Matt 1:1 KJV) The title contains no disclaimers, explanations, or asterisks. I'd have added a footnote: "This connection in no way offers tacit approval of David's behavior." No such words appear. David blew it. Jesus knew it. But he claimed David anyway."
Whether we are David, or we are judging a David....remember God and David's relationship. People are "God's projects, not His failures". We may distance ourselves from God (being in a place to not be able to communicate clearly with Him), but our relationship TO him never changes. How amazing is that...
No matter what or who, keep turning back to Him...God claims us anyways. Praise God
Friday, December 23, 2011
You Lead, and I'll Follow
MUSIC VIDEO: Jamie Grace "You Lead"
Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11
You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Isaiah 30:21
Your ears will hear a word behind you,
“This is the way, walk in it,” whenever
you turn to the right or to the left.
Romans 8:14
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Hebrews 13:21
equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Everytime I come out of a storm, I come out more numb to the world around me. I become more sensitive to God holding my face towards Him. Everything else is a mere muffled thing around me. I can't wait to look at you. You've got me now and later. :)
“This is the way, walk in it,” whenever
you turn to the right or to the left.
Romans 8:14
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Hebrews 13:21
equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Everytime I come out of a storm, I come out more numb to the world around me. I become more sensitive to God holding my face towards Him. Everything else is a mere muffled thing around me. I can't wait to look at you. You've got me now and later. :)
Monday, December 19, 2011
My King and Your Unfailing Love
"Son of God you are the perfect one
You came to give your life away
My sin you have erased with your
Precious blood you showed your, Unfailing love and I will never be the same
Forever I am changed,
Jesus...
Sit enthroned upon my heart, with everything you are
Come live your life in me, reign supremely
I'm not just giving you my sin, but everything within
Come take control and make me Holy
Son of God you are the risen one,
You came to overtake the grave
By the power of Your name. You have
raised me up with your conquering love
And I will never be the same,
Forever I am changed,
Jesus...
You are my king, Enthroned to be
My everything, My everything
Sit enthroned upon my heart, with everything you are
Come live your life in me, reign supremely
I'm not just giving you my sin, but everything within
Come take control and make me Holy
1 John 18-20 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
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