"Living a life of faith means never knowing where you are being led," writes the great saint Oswald Chambers. "But it does mean loving and knowing the One who is leading. It is literally a life of faith, not of understanding and reason – a life of knowing him who calls us to go."
My dear friend Shelley, my heart hurts for you with all that is on the plate right now. I wish I could see the future but all I can see is our Lord and Savior - His face -His open hands - His arms wanting to pull you and your family close at this hard time. He will provide everything if we just trust in Him. I too believe in God and all He stands for and all He has done - but there are still times unbelief in my life. Its easy to have strong faith and love for God in good times. Its the hard times that really puts us to the test and we have to endure a hardship in life or a giant struggle. As I look back with my mom I know this was my time to come to Jesus and fully understand Him and what He means to me. I think everyone has a season of opportunity that is open to us to accept Jesus and His free life changing salvation. I think we have that opportunity each and every day but there are those seasons in our lives that we are RIPE for the harvest. If we are already there and in tune with God and His plan for our lives - our trust builds and our understanding deepens. We will be able to share the Good News with others in more effective ways. Shelley my dear - I pray that God leads you to the next place in life. I know it will include Jesus in this new place and direction and I pray its a chance right now - a season that the fruit is ripe - for your family to come to Jesus. Abraham loved God - Paul loved God - I know You love God.
Father - I believe, God - help me overcome my unbelief. I believe, God - help me to live like I believe. I believe, God - help me to make decisions like I believe. I believe, Lord, you are trustworthy; help me to abandon my mythology that says I am more trustworthy than you. Help us Lord believe when its hard to believe and help us Lord put our trust and full faith in You Lord during the days and decisions ahead. Lord Shelley's family needs her right now, her family needs Steve right now and Lord her family needs You right now. Shine for them - the season of the harvest is ripe - pick them Lord and remove the doubts in their hearts to "if" YOU would do this now - to "Of Course" YOU will do this now. I pray in Jesus name who is above all other names,
Amen~
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Word we never want to hear -
Terminal
The definition of terminal - situated at or forming the end or extremity of something. Occurring at or forming the end of a series, succession, or the like; closing; concluding. Pertaining to or lasting for a term or definite period; occurring at fixed terms or in every term.
When the bible was written and recorded, during those times if you had leprosy then you were unclean. A terminal illness - a disease with no cure or hope of any kind. When someone was close to you or approached you one must yell "Unclean" so others knew to stay away from you. If you entered a house with leprosy, many times it was burned down afterwards or cleaned in such a way that those living in it had to live elsewhere for many days. Today sin is our terminal disease - our leprosy. Friends there is no cure for sin - its a terminal disease that leads to the same place - death. During the time Jesus was on earth, He cleaned leprosy from people and made them clean. He cleaned their sins but because leprosy was something everyone could see and knew was a death sentence - Jesus healed them. Just like He does today - He cleans us and washes us clean - white as fresh snow. Friends we are all terminal, from the moment we are placed on this earth our time is coming. Do you think you can just sit back and wait, work the deal out with God that it will be all OK - I have always done it before - I have time and it will all work out?
My father n law has cancer. He is terminal- everyday he works hard with blood tests, shots, treatments and medicine - he goes to doctors all over specializing in his cancer. As of now there is no cure but if there was - don't you think he would take it? Sin is terminal and should be treated the same as this cancer. It is killing us but many times we don't even know it. We are not aware of the sin in our lives or we don't want to face the harsh reality of it and examine ourselves in the mirror. How our lives and loved ones around us would be so much different - we cannot change others but we can change ourselves. Jesus is our miracle treatment - or wonder pill.
So what is keeping you? A cure is closer than you think....... my moms cancer was terminal but her soul was not. She lives because she had the miracle treatment - JESUS
Acts 4:
8-12With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
"HIS NAME IS JESUS"
Pride keeps us from God - humble yourself and remove the pride in your life. My mom did it - you can do it. The mirror is waiting.........for a new reflection - a new "you" to shine back on.
The definition of terminal - situated at or forming the end or extremity of something. Occurring at or forming the end of a series, succession, or the like; closing; concluding. Pertaining to or lasting for a term or definite period; occurring at fixed terms or in every term.
When the bible was written and recorded, during those times if you had leprosy then you were unclean. A terminal illness - a disease with no cure or hope of any kind. When someone was close to you or approached you one must yell "Unclean" so others knew to stay away from you. If you entered a house with leprosy, many times it was burned down afterwards or cleaned in such a way that those living in it had to live elsewhere for many days. Today sin is our terminal disease - our leprosy. Friends there is no cure for sin - its a terminal disease that leads to the same place - death. During the time Jesus was on earth, He cleaned leprosy from people and made them clean. He cleaned their sins but because leprosy was something everyone could see and knew was a death sentence - Jesus healed them. Just like He does today - He cleans us and washes us clean - white as fresh snow. Friends we are all terminal, from the moment we are placed on this earth our time is coming. Do you think you can just sit back and wait, work the deal out with God that it will be all OK - I have always done it before - I have time and it will all work out?
My father n law has cancer. He is terminal- everyday he works hard with blood tests, shots, treatments and medicine - he goes to doctors all over specializing in his cancer. As of now there is no cure but if there was - don't you think he would take it? Sin is terminal and should be treated the same as this cancer. It is killing us but many times we don't even know it. We are not aware of the sin in our lives or we don't want to face the harsh reality of it and examine ourselves in the mirror. How our lives and loved ones around us would be so much different - we cannot change others but we can change ourselves. Jesus is our miracle treatment - or wonder pill.
So what is keeping you? A cure is closer than you think....... my moms cancer was terminal but her soul was not. She lives because she had the miracle treatment - JESUS
Acts 4:
8-12With that, Peter, full of the Holy Spirit, let loose: "Rulers and leaders of the people, if we have been brought to trial today for helping a sick man, put under investigation regarding this healing, I'll be completely frank with you—we have nothing to hide. By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the One you killed on a cross, the One God raised from the dead, by means of his name this man stands before you healthy and whole. Jesus is 'the stone you masons threw out, which is now the cornerstone.' Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one."
"HIS NAME IS JESUS"
Pride keeps us from God - humble yourself and remove the pride in your life. My mom did it - you can do it. The mirror is waiting.........for a new reflection - a new "you" to shine back on.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Character - what does it mean to you?
It was a tough day today without my friend Shelley at work. I just hope the worst is over now and that department at our work can refocus and rebuild now. Had an OK day today even though I walked around all day with a sour taste in my mouth with how people treat each other. Sometimes flexing our muscles to put down another person is just plain wrong no matter the issues at hand. I wonder why in most cases when people just don't like each other or have words that they cant work them out or at least make an attempt at it. Most Hollywood marriages are like this when they have an issue and just break it off - done - stick a fork in it because they are moved onto the next thing or they react to what people might think or do. God is our only judgement - and people need prayers more than anything else in life. Even if they are wrong on every aspect of something - forgiveness can be obtained and wounds heal. My friend Shelley will bounce back bigger and better after all this because she loves God and trusts in Him - He will move her to greener pastures and this will be a learning experience long forgotten. Could all of this have been avoided.... maybe not but doing people with dignity and honesty makes for a good character - and that is what God is looking for most.
I am reminded today as I am still flying high from Sunday's church service and all that is going on and will be going on -
Gods work done Gods way will not lack Gods support.
Got to love it that God has our backs..... pray for focus in your life today and doing something in your life today that would make God smile.
I am reminded today as I am still flying high from Sunday's church service and all that is going on and will be going on -
Gods work done Gods way will not lack Gods support.
Got to love it that God has our backs..... pray for focus in your life today and doing something in your life today that would make God smile.
Monday, March 19, 2007
My dear friend Shelley .....
Shelley - I know you read this from time to time and do hope and pray you get this in the coming days. I value your friendship and will miss you at work. Today is a case where the bad people won the battle but the war continues on. Take the high road and honor yourself and God with who you are - You are His above all things! God removed the people in your life today that have been dragging you down for months - surround yourself with God loving people and those who will raise you up and pray for you and your family. I pray we stay in touch and can continue or friendship that God placed together for a reason but if it is only for a season - I understand. God has the plan even when we don't understand. We may know one day when its time why this has happened. We have been through some things together and have grown closer to God together and understand so much more today than we did a year ago. You became my sister in Christ when my mom died over a year ago and I learned to lean on those around me - may I get the chance to honor you if you should need me or ask me. My family and I are here to help in anyway we can .....
Forever your brother in Christ,
Lonnie
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
The Injustices of Life 16 I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”
18 I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. 19 For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe[a] and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.
Forever your brother in Christ,
Lonnie
Ecclesiastes 3
A Time for Everything
1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do people really get for all their hard work? 10 I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. 12 So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. 13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. 15 What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.
The Injustices of Life 16 I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! 17 I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”
18 I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. 19 For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe[a] and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! 20 Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. 21 For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is why we are here! No one will bring us back from death to enjoy life after we die.
Reflections.......
Just how I am feeling today. There is something happening at work today that I can't seem to look at but I know that it is not good. As the last 4-5 days had me flat on my back - I am going to focus myself and hopefully those around me who really know me on what Job did - give God all the praise and Glory for everything in life no matter what is happening around me which we have no control over - the sin deal is done and sometimes we get hurt in the middle of it.
Continue to pray loved ones and give thanks to Jesus for all He has done and all He will continue to bring us all through. Feeling better today and I have a promise of tomorrow that will include Jesus in my heart. Thats all that really matters most.
Lord no matter what is really going on today I pray we see Your reflection in the calm pool of Your living water when we look down to see what we are today. I pray for those around me today Lord who need You more than ever and a friend who will understand. Help us be that person for that someone as we do this life together all under Your loving care. Help us focus on Your promise of tomorrow as You surely will be there along side of us then and forever more. Help us remove the disease Lord of those around us who are dragging us down and move us to greener pastures so that we may see and hear You more clearly than ever before. What is happening now is for a reason in our lives and with our eyes focused on You - the best is yet to be revealed.
Amen~
Psalm 23
A David Psalm 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Continue to pray loved ones and give thanks to Jesus for all He has done and all He will continue to bring us all through. Feeling better today and I have a promise of tomorrow that will include Jesus in my heart. Thats all that really matters most.
Lord no matter what is really going on today I pray we see Your reflection in the calm pool of Your living water when we look down to see what we are today. I pray for those around me today Lord who need You more than ever and a friend who will understand. Help us be that person for that someone as we do this life together all under Your loving care. Help us focus on Your promise of tomorrow as You surely will be there along side of us then and forever more. Help us remove the disease Lord of those around us who are dragging us down and move us to greener pastures so that we may see and hear You more clearly than ever before. What is happening now is for a reason in our lives and with our eyes focused on You - the best is yet to be revealed.
Amen~
Psalm 23
A David Psalm 1-3 God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. 4 Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. 5 You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. 6 Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Just a day of worship...... NOT
WOW - is all I have to say. Yesterday Carol and I barely made of off the couch. The last 3 days have been nothing but a blur! Still feeling the affects of the stomach crud - feeling pretty low and food was no where to be seen since last Wednesday night. I got the call yesterday to help with the Baptism tub and another call to help with setup/breakdown. How could I say no? I prayed God would help us through this time of service. Not one thing went right this morning but it all came together 5 minutes before the service started. God was in control - He was testing us to make sure we had faith in His timing and His delivery. We couldn't find the key to the trailer, the hose was missing, we had to change vehicles, the janitor at the school couldn't find the key to turn the water on. We found the hose - outside in the frozen tundra all night - when we did find the key to turn the HOT water on we had to unfreeze the hose and blow out the ice burg that was in it and the HOT water was Luke warm at best. Only 1 person showed for setup this morning and Jeff and I were running around with our hair on fire - but you know what? We got it done - and we had 5 minutes to spare. I did not even want to move this morning - I through my bagel out the window on the way in this morning at 7am because I still cant hardly eat anything. Coffee is a thing of the past and I can't move around for more than 15 minutes without tiring. I know how the Survivor people now are after days of no food and still have to work and compete every day for the show. Whew... but all along - God brought the smiles and the hundreds of people that showed today with family and friends to be Baptized - we not let down. God provided that way, the strength and the courage to say YES when I really wanted to say NO to doing all this today. I am the type of person who likes things organized and run smoothly but I am learning that this is not Gods way all the time. He puts us into something and checks us out sitting back and watching to see how we do. We learn something about ourselves along the way when we know God has our back and provides what we need to endure - serving on blind faith!Nothing makes me more proud to serve those Baptized today entering Gods kingdom and showing publicly their faith to all their friends and family. Nothing is more important - that is why I said YES - I am in - I get it. Thanks to the folks who kicked some butt today serving and for Pastor Jimmy Britt for an awesome message and for Brandon and the band for playing some awesome music and the 300 or so people there today packing and raising the roof!
As I was sitting watching those being Baptized today - a few of the children I have become friends with and it honors me to be helping in Sunday School - teaching them the love of Jesus. Its a deciding factor for them if we can show these children the love that Jesus has for them when they are young - so they will carry that throughout their lives and help them in times of struggles. Me of all people taking part in something this big and important. I never saw myself as a kid person - I have always felt I couldn't relate and how was I to act around them. I have my own son to be silly around how can I do that with someone else child? I do.... and love it! I am proud of everyone today .... it was such a blessing to take part of something so important.
This reminds me of Job from the Bible - how he had everything and God was so proud of him. He was faithful and honorable to God in every way. The devil asked God why he chose favorites over Job and in a way took a bet with God - that he could over take him and turn Job against God. God told the devil to do whatever he wanted but he could not physically hurt him. God had confidence in Job- just like He has confidence in you. The devil took his riches, his homes, his servants, his live stock and all his family possesions - and finally his family.
Job 1:20-22
20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped:
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
I pray today for the person who is struggling with the things in this life that they feel God is to blame. I pray that you will one day realize that "you didn't get screwed" - all you need in life is Jesus and when you finally "Get it" - you will be amazed at the doors that God opens your heart to - the possibilities in life and the friendships that Jesus will bestow upon you. There is more - so much more than what we see. I pray for those who have hangups and struggles that keep you held down and in bondage, bondage from yourself, from others, relationships and moving on with your life. Gods abundance and His horizon forever expands if we ask Him and accept His free gift. Gods love endures forever and ever - Amen
As I was sitting watching those being Baptized today - a few of the children I have become friends with and it honors me to be helping in Sunday School - teaching them the love of Jesus. Its a deciding factor for them if we can show these children the love that Jesus has for them when they are young - so they will carry that throughout their lives and help them in times of struggles. Me of all people taking part in something this big and important. I never saw myself as a kid person - I have always felt I couldn't relate and how was I to act around them. I have my own son to be silly around how can I do that with someone else child? I do.... and love it! I am proud of everyone today .... it was such a blessing to take part of something so important.
This reminds me of Job from the Bible - how he had everything and God was so proud of him. He was faithful and honorable to God in every way. The devil asked God why he chose favorites over Job and in a way took a bet with God - that he could over take him and turn Job against God. God told the devil to do whatever he wanted but he could not physically hurt him. God had confidence in Job- just like He has confidence in you. The devil took his riches, his homes, his servants, his live stock and all his family possesions - and finally his family.
Job 1:20-22
20 Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped:
21 Naked I came from my mother's womb, naked I'll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God's name be ever blessed.
22 Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God.
I pray today for the person who is struggling with the things in this life that they feel God is to blame. I pray that you will one day realize that "you didn't get screwed" - all you need in life is Jesus and when you finally "Get it" - you will be amazed at the doors that God opens your heart to - the possibilities in life and the friendships that Jesus will bestow upon you. There is more - so much more than what we see. I pray for those who have hangups and struggles that keep you held down and in bondage, bondage from yourself, from others, relationships and moving on with your life. Gods abundance and His horizon forever expands if we ask Him and accept His free gift. Gods love endures forever and ever - Amen
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Psalm 133 -
Well baseball practice was cold - even the coach from NJ was freezing - so he cut the practice 1/2 short and this was our first practice. As I was sitting and freezing - Psalm 133 comes to mind. The last few days of being under the weather has me thinking who knows we are sick down here 1,000 miles from now where? Sounds like a country song but really who knows? The people that are connected know- thats who. The others are just going through life the way they see fit with whatever they can get from it. You know this salvation thing should be at the top of the list for everyone. We worry about all kinds of other stupid stuff like shopping, politics, buying beer on Sundays in SC,democrat vs. republican, the war in Iraq, my next promotion, my job stinks, why wont anyone help me? - so many other things. For some - their salvation is something they will think of right near the end - if your lucky enough to have that chance. Its nice knowing the handful of people in our lives we are on the same page with things. We are very different but we understand each other. Can you say that about yourself and those around you? I bet sometimes you think nobody understands you - and I too sometimes feel that way but its that time I know God is trying to show me and teach me something. God understands..... He understands everything we go through - every emotion and thought.
I hope those who know Jesus really know Him and not leaning on Him just in emergencies. I bet many times we just call on Jesus when we have things falling down around us and we have no other place to turn. We all should enjoy the peace and comfort that only Jesus can give us during everything we go through - good and bad.
Psalm 133 -
1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Heavenly Father - I give you my worries and my problems - thank You for taking care of my family this week. I pray for those who don't know You and only might call Your name in emergencies. Your grace is avaliable to all of us all the time. Thank You for this wonderful gift You have settled in our hearts.
Amen
I hope those who know Jesus really know Him and not leaning on Him just in emergencies. I bet many times we just call on Jesus when we have things falling down around us and we have no other place to turn. We all should enjoy the peace and comfort that only Jesus can give us during everything we go through - good and bad.
Psalm 133 -
1-3 How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It's like costly anointing oil flowing down head and beard, Flowing down Aaron's beard, flowing down the collar of his priestly robes. It's like the dew on Mount Hermon flowing down the slopes of Zion. Yes, that's where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.
Heavenly Father - I give you my worries and my problems - thank You for taking care of my family this week. I pray for those who don't know You and only might call Your name in emergencies. Your grace is avaliable to all of us all the time. Thank You for this wonderful gift You have settled in our hearts.
Amen
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