WHATEVER YOU ARE SELLING, SOMEONE IS BUYING

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/25/19

Acts 8:18-20 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostle’s hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, “Give me this power also that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought the gift of God could be purchased with money!”

To get an understanding of the working of the Holy Spirit in the Church, read the Book of Acts.  There were miracles, signs and wonders on a daily basis; people were healed of all varieties of disease and infirmities, demons were cast out, chains broken and many delivered from years of torment.

  THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS NOT CHANGED, God still desires to work through Men and Women, healing, delivering, restoring, and providing through miracles, signs and wonders.  No, God has not changed and it would seem that mankind has not changed over the last two thousand years either.

Acts 8 gives an interesting account of a Revival in Samaria.  Philip had preached Jesus and witnessed many believing and coming forward to be baptized, including one of the local celebrities, a man named Simon.  Simon was a Sorcerer; through trickery, sleight of hand, and manipulation, he had gained quite a following, so much so, that his followers had set him up as the authority in their lives. 

As Simon listened to the preaching of Philip and witnessed the Power of the Holy Spirit working miracles, signs and wonders, he was intrigued, here was a Power greater than himself and he came forward to be baptized also.

THEN IT GOT EVEN MORE INTERESTING….

Peter and John came to town to help Philip.  Many had been baptized but none had yet received the Gift of the Holy Spirit.  Simon witnessed an event that he had never been able to pull off, when the Apostles laid hands on the baptized believers, they received the Holy Spirit.  Now that was just too much…think of the crowd that would gather if he could do that; the power; the money that would be his…Simon wanted what the Apostles had and he had the means to acquire such power. But, what Simon didn’t understand…

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT FOR SALE!

Yes, Simon believed and was even baptized in the Name of Jesus, BUT…what was the real root of Simon’s belief?  Rather than recognizing his sinful state and need for salvation; rather than laying down his life to follow Jesus, Simon desired the POWER; the ABILITIES; the MANIFESTATIONS, that came with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Today, we have Prophetic Conferences, Prophecy Crusades and “Glory Cloud” Revivals to which people flock.  Some are hungry for God, while others are hungry for the show; to see the miracles, signs and wonders and then there are those who are constantly seeking for someone to give them a “WORD.” 

If you seek, you will find….there are plenty of “Sorcerers” ready to give a “word” to anyone willing to “grease their palm” or shower them with flattery and set them up as an authority figure to be consulted and obeyed.

Oh these followers are Believers, BUT…in what are they believing?

This is an excerpt from an article by Jennifer LeClaire, entitled, “This Shocking Prophetic Practice Needs To Stop Right Now.”

“Just recently, a young man is branding himself as a prophet, shared with me how he had prophesied over a number of people starting a business and they are wildly successful.  That should have been reward enough, but the young man was complaining that none of them returned with an offering in hand for his ministry.  He told me he felt led to start a consulting business to prophesy into people’s business for a PRICE.”

Here we have two different situations and God will deal with both.  We have a young man willing to SELL the Gift of God and a following willing to BUY whatever he is selling. And God says, “YOUR MONEY PERISH WITH YOU!”

THE GIFT OF GOD IS NOT FOR SALE!

Jesus purchased your salvation on Calvary….IT’S ALREADY PAID FOR!  And the Gift of the Holy Spirit comes as a complete package.  Included is your salvation, your healing, your deliverance, your provision, your counselor and your guide.  Jesus is all you need and it is a FREE GIFT to those who will repent of their sins, leave all and follow Him.

SAVE YOUR MONEY or even better give it to MISSIONS that are spreading the Gospel in places you can’t go.  Get on your knees and ask THE WORD to speak into your life.  God is talking, if you will take the time to listen.  He has a WORD for your day and a WORD for your future.  And you can “take it to the bank”…no sorcery or travel involved; JESUS IS THE REAL DEAL!

THE END OF YOUR FAITH

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/23/19

1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith-the Salvation of your souls

As a little girl, when I would see a rainbow, my Mom would always say, “If you can get to the end of the rainbow, there is a “Pot of Gold.”  As I got a little older, I realized that no one can get to the end of the rainbow because it is really only refracted light through drops of water.

A few years ago Steve preached the sermon entitled, “The End of Our Faith.”  So many times our Faith Journey feels like a futile trek to the End of the Rainbow.  Not only is there no waiting “pot of gold” but it seems a small leak has developed in our “Faith Tank” and we have reached the END.

BUT WAIT….

Around the next bend; over the next hill; just ahead, there is more; YOU HAVE NOT YET REACHED THE END.  God has a Service Station with a repair shop and a full Tank of Faith prepared just for you.

KEEP WALKING…

God has something waiting for you that is so much greater than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow….

AT THE END OF YOUR FAITH IS SALVATION OF YOUR SOUL!

GET OFF THE ROLLER COASTER

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/19/19

Proverbs 28:13 He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

THE ROLLER COASTER OF LIFE….You’ve settled in your seat for the ride, the safety bar is locked in place and the adventure is about to begin; your heart beats with anticipation…the thrill….the rush…

BUT…

Now it’s getting old, the ride has lost its thrill.  The anticipation of what lies over the next hill no longer excites you.  The ups and the downs, the twists and the turns have become too much and you want off.  You are ready to try the “train ride” on a smooth track…

YOU FEEL DEFEATED…

Where is the victory?   Where is the joy?  The “Roller Coaster” ride didn’t live up to all the hype.  You want to tell the long line of expectant faces, don’t waste your time, it’s just not worth it.

Once again Israel faced its own “Roller Coaster” moment.  The “Thrill of Victory” was palpable throughout the Camp. God had delivered the great city of Jericho into their hands in a way that was an absolute miracle.  Who ever heard of walls so thick you could drive a chariot on top, simply crumbling?  And Rahab, yep, there she is, the only one of Jericho’s citizen that escaped; all because she hid the spies and left a red cord hanging in her window.  The fireside celebration and the stories continued…

BUT…

There was another battle waiting over the horizon and the downhill ride was not going to be quite so exhilarating…

The next battle was the BATTLE OF AI and the defeat was ABSOLUTE!  There were no victorious stories; 36 men lost their life and the Army of Israel retreated back to their camp.  What happened?  Where was God?  AI was not even a major city; this battle should have been a piece of cake.

Israel had a TRUE LEADER in Joshua who recognized that if they ever wanted to win another battle, he had better consult with his COMMANDER IN CHIEF. 

Joshua 7:10-11 So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? 11 Israel has sinned and they have transgressed my covenant which I commanded them.  For they have taken some of the accursed things and have both stolen and deceived and they have also put it among their own stuff.

REALLY GOD?  It was just a few silver coins, a gold bar and a beautifully woven robe.  After all I deserved it; I marched 7 days; I blew my trumpet louder than anyone else…I’m not hurting anybody.  But, God had given specific instructions regarding the Spoils of Jericho; some things were to be utterly destroyed and the rest were to be dedicated to His Service; Achan had brought sin and defeat to the whole Nation of Israel.

VICTORY AND SIN CANNOT COEXIST!

What about your Roller Coaster Ride?  One day you ride high on a victory and the next day you are rushing downhill to defeat.  Perhaps it is time to uncover the accursed things you have buried in the corner of your tent.  Oh they seem so innocent…everyone else is “getting by” doing much more; what can it hurt to take just a little, after all “society” has changed…BUT GOD SAYS, “do not touch the accursed things.”

PASTORS, if your church is on a Roller Coaster of Victory and Defeat, it is time to “inquire before the Lord” and let God reveal the hidden sin.  Tolerating sin in the congregation is NOT showing the “love of God.”

You may say, “Well there not in leadership” or “I don’t want to drive them away.”  Achan was NOT in leadership among the Israelites either.  As a matter of fact, except for the 7th chapter of Joshua, his name is not even mentioned.  Achan was just a small player in the scheme of things but his sin brought defeat on the entire camp.

Be the Leader that God called you to be and utterly destroy the sin that is infecting the camp. If YOU are the person in the camp that has hidden the accursed thing in your “tent,” DIG IT OUT NOW! 

YOU CAN GET OFF THE ROLLER COASTER….YOU CAN LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!

LET THE WALLS CRUMBLE

PRAYER JOURNAL 11/22/19

Joshua 2:17-18 So the men said to her, “We will be blameless of this oath of yours which you have made us swear, unless when we come into the land, you bind this line of scarlet cord in the window, through which you let us down and unless you bring your father, mother, brothers, and all of your father’s household to your own home.

Joshua 2 gives an account of the Children of Israel’s preparation for their first big conquest as they moved forward, to take possession of the Land of Promise.  Spies were sent out to bring back information that would aid Joshua in forming a victorious strategy.  Jericho was a mighty city with thick walls complete with watchmen patrolling night and day, so word was spread that two strangers had entered and were now lodged at the dwelling of a prostitute named Rahab.

As the story continues, the men are pursued, Rahab’s house is searched but the Israelite spies, hidden by Rahab are not found.  Rahab helps the spies escape and in lieu of payment requests that when the city is conquered, that they spare her and her family.

Not much is known about Rahab except that she was a prostitute that lived in a house built in the thick wall.  How had she come to be a prostitute?  And why would she hide the strange men from the men of her city?  After being used and abused by many men, what made her trust these strangers? And what gave her faith to believe that they would keep their word when the city was conquered?

Perhaps she was sick of the life she had been forced to live; or possibly it was act of desperation to be free of the man who owned her and gained from her profession…what did she have to lose, either way, she would finally be free. 

Joshua 6:17 Now the City shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it.  Only Rahab the Harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

The things that went through Rahab’s mind as the Men of Israel began to march around the city; once a day until the seventh…the marching began as it had for the past six days but this time it continued, 1 time, 2 times, 5 times then the 7th time around the City Walls.  Was this the day? Would the spies remember?  The scarlet cord was secure and her family had gathered in the house. 

Suddenly, the trumpets blew, the people shouted and the walls began to shake; the bricks crumbled and the army entered the city.  When the dust settled, Rahab’s house was the only one standing and the Israelite Spies appeared to escort Rahab and her family to safety.

RAHAB RECEIVED HER MIRACLE BUT FIRST SHE HAD TO WATCH THE WALLS CRUMBLE ALL AROUND HER!

Are you in need of a MIRACLE OF DELIVERANCE?  You are tired of being used and abused by Satan.  Perhaps it is a life created by your own choices or you may find yourself in a situation that has been forced upon you by the choices of others.  Whatever the circumstances; if you are sick of living in bondage, GRAB HOLD OF THE SCARLET CORD.  Bind it to your heart and trust that God will not forget you; He has a plan.

BUT FIRST….

You will have to WATCH THE WALLS CRUMBLE all around you as God conquers the “city” in which you currently reside.

FEAR NOT…

If you have the SCARLET CORD; THE BLOOD OF JESUS, securely fastened, God is faithful to His promise and YOU WILL be delivered.

THE MARCHING HAS BEGUN; SOON YOU WILL HEAR THE SHOUTING; TODAY IS YOUR DAY OF DELIVERANCE.

REJOICE AND BE GLAD

PRAYER JOURNAL 10/13/2019

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

TODAY IS A SPECIAL DAY…TODAY IS YOUR DAY…TODAY IS MY DAY! 

It is early in the morning; the sun still hides its face and in the stillness I contemplate all of the possibilities just waiting to be realized over the next 24 hours.  What choices will I make?  And what will be the result of each choice?  What unexpected situations will I face?  How will I handle the situation?  What am I going to cook for dinner?  Will it be Keto-friendly?  Is it going to rain?  I wish the coffee would hurry up and be ready for that first cup.  What outfit should I wear to church?  GOD I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!

All of the many thoughts that flood my mind as I consider MY DAY!

We all have TODAY that lies before us.  Some have 24 hours; some less AND it is all unknown and mysterious.

BUT….

The one thing I can be sure of is…THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE!

He made it just for me and placed me HERE at this SPECIAL PLACE IN TIME on this SPECIAL DAY.

THEN…

He places all kinds of special surprises in the 24 hours and gives me the “JOY STICK” to make the choices that navigate the obstacles that reveal HIS GLORY and declares me the WINNER!

YES…I’m rejoicing…THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE, I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!

BE STRONG

Prayer Journal 10/8/19

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

It isn’t always easy being strong.  Sometimes life zaps all your energy and you barely have the strength to get back on your feet. And you just want to be that “little girl” that could crawl up in Daddy’s lap.  His big strong arms assured me that “Everything’s gonna be alright.”

AND THAT IS STILL THE ANSWER….

We have a Heavenly Father that will make “Everything alright!”  You have all of the POWER OF HIS MIGHT ready to fight for you.

If you find yourself knocked down on the floor, reach up, His Hand is extended.  Let Him pull you up on His lap and wrap His big strong arms around you.

When you can’t find any strength to keep walking, He will give you a STRENGTH TRANSFUSION direct from His veins.  When you feel powerless to fight the raging battles, you can plug into the never ending POWER SUPPLY of HIS MIGHT!

BONUS!!!!!!!!!

You will also find REST FOR YOUR SOUL, have your SPIRIT REFRESHED and your MIND RENEWED!

Have a restful day with Jesus!

LET'S GET CURIOUS

PRAYER JOURNAL 10/7/19

John 14:17 The Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him or knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and He will be in you.

Have you felt unsettled in your mind, lately?  Perhaps someone has spoken a Biblical Concept you had not considered.  Maybe your sleep has been interrupted with troubling dreams and you lie awake with questions that you thought were settled.  You want to ignore it all, grab your “Security Blanket” of the way it’s always been; everyone else believes it that way; I’m not going to let my mind even go there and keep living the same, comfortable life; IGNORANCE IS BLISS…they say.

BUT…

GOD DOESN’T WANT TO LEAVE YOU LINGERING IN THE SHADOWS, HIS LIGHT OF REVELATION BECKONS!

Revelation requires a change of your mindset.  Revelation involves supernatural surgery that removes the Cataracts from your Spiritual Eyes.  Revelation requires CURIOSITY.

God will attempt to reveal Himself to you in many different ways.  He will reveal Himself through HIS WORD; He will reveal Himself through direct communication during PRAYER; God will even send you a PERSON to SPEAK the revelation of TRUTH into your life.

BUT…

You have to be CURIOUS enough to read, seek and listen.

So many have missed their MOMENT OF REVELATION because they simply were satisfied to keep living in the shadows of partial truth; THEY WERE NOT CURIOUS enough to EXPLORE THE LIGHT!

You don’t have to stumble in the dimness of Religious Philosophy any longer….GET CURIOUS!

 GOD HAS THE GREATEST REVELATION JUST WAITING; HE WANTS TO REVEAL HIMSELF; HIS NAME TO YOU…JESUS!

GOOD THOUGHTS?

PRAYER JOURNAL 10/9/19

Act 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.

Social Media can be a great tool for gathering a Prayer Group.  Within just a few short minutes I can post a need; a call to prayer and have hundreds all over the United States and other countries joining me; touching the Throne of God.  It is becoming more common, however, to ask for or offer “GOOD THOUGHTS.” 

WHAT?????????????  GOOD THOUGHTS? 

GOOD THOUGHTS may make me feel better about a situation; they may make me smile or get me out of my funk, but GOOD THOUGHTS ARE NOT THE SOLUTION; my problem still exists.  It is still waiting to be dealt with.

GOOD THOUGHTS…Okay, sometimes I have GOOD THOUGHTS when I’m talking to God, but more often than not, my THOUGHTS ARE NOT SO GOOD …that is until God straightens out my STINKIN’ THINKIN’.  So if you are just wanting some GOOD THOUGHTS, I am probably not your Gal.

When I am struggling; when I am sick; when I have a need, I run right past all the GOOD THOUGHTS straight for the POWER-FILLED PRAYER!  I am seeking someone to join me who knows what it means to get HOLD OF GOD; I’m looking for the PLACE TO SHAKE.

If you are dealing with impossible situations; if you are in need of prayer today, find a PLACE SHAKING PRAYER WARRIOR.  Then join them in prayer until you feel the SHAKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 

Now that your little world is ALL SHOOK UP, things will start LOOKING UP.  God is sending the answers you’ve been searching for; your healing touch is on its way; the path through the storm is suddenly visible AND….YOU EVEN HAVE A FEW GOOD THOUGHTS!

GO AHEAD AND SHAKE IT, BABY….GOD IS ON THE MOVE!

NON-NEGOTIABLES

PRAYER JOURNAL 10/15/2019

Psalms 119:45:46 I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings and will not be ashamed.

During the last week another controversy has arisen in the Sporting World…Imagine that! 

It seems that an NBA General Manager, exercising his right to Freedom of Speech tweeted his support for the Hong Kong Protestors.  The NBA immediately apologized to Communist China, for offending them and violating their belief that no one has a right to say anything that does not agree with their official government stance.  Players and Coaches joined in the chorus of calling for the General Manager to apologize and be subjected to some type of “punishment.”

WHAT????  FREEDOM OF SPEECH IS ONE OF THE MAIN PILLARS OF OUR CONSTITUTION!  It is not subject to the feelings of a foreign government. For America to remain a Beacon of Freedom, FREE SPEECH MUST REMAIN NON-NEGOTIABLE!

Everyone must have NON-NEGOTIABLES in their life. Your NON-NEGOTIABLES must be based on the WORD OF GOD and cannot be subject to the opinions or beliefs of anyone else.

Situations will arise and you will be challenged.  At first you may try to ignore the warning signals and justify your place in the situation.  You will list all the excuses to explain and validate your position…BUT…Eventually, you have to make the choice to stay or leave.

Your choice may go against family and friends; it may mean speaking out and standing firm, all by yourself; it may even mean that you lose your position…

BUT…

If you have settled the WORD OF GOD in your heart and made it the MAIN PILLAR of your belief, when you are faced with a situation that requires a COMPROMISE of your NON-NEGOTIABLES, your ONLY CHOICE is to leave the situation…

OR…

You will no longer have the NON-NEGOTIABLES to guard your heart and Satan will have found the opening for which he has been searching.

Whatever you may face today; whatever obstacles you may find along the path, STAND FIRM ON THE NON-NEGOTIABLES.  They will be the lamp that lights the path; they will be the wind that fills your sails; they will guide you through the maze of life until the end; then carry you into eternity.

MOMENTARY SORROW

PRAYER JOURNAL 9/26/19

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow lead to repentance. For you were made sorry in a Godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.  10 For Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

“I’m sorry! I’ll never do it again”…But we do; over and over and over.  We are all REPEAT OFFENDERS….WHY?

At that moment we come face to face with our actions, we ARE VERY SORRY.  We wish we had made a better choice.  We wish we could have a do-over. We dread the consequences.  AND, we are REALLY SORRY we got caught.

BUT…WHERE IS THE CHANGE?

Time passes, the consequences become the “new normal,” people forget and life goes on as if NOTHING EVEN HAPPENED. At the most unexpected moment, up pops the very same temptation and we are powerless to resist because …

MOMENTARY SORROW DOES NOT LEAD TO TRUE REPENTANCE!

In 2 Corinthians, Paul had written a letter to the Church of Corinth regarding a situation that needed to be addressed.  It seemed at first he was conflicted over the letter, at first he regretted sending it, perhaps it had caused some hurt feelings or embarrassment and some were made temporarily sorry.  But as time passed and he realized that the Holy Spirit had used his letter and their sorrow to lead the Corinthian church to repentance, he rejoiced.

PAUL REJOICED NOT OVER HIS WORDS, BUT THE WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CORINTHIAN’S HEARTS!

Too many times when we have been “wronged,” we want to make the offender feel sorry; we want them to feel shame and acknowledge their actions, so we lash out.  We rejoice, not because our words produced change, but because “WE GOT ‘EM GOOD!” Now, we have two wrongs; we are both offenders that need to repent.

It is okay to acknowledge that you have been hurt and it is okay to let the other person know that they have offended you.  Pastor, it is okay and expected that you will preach against sin but WORDS ALONE WILL ONLY LEAD TO THE SORROW OF THIS WORLD AND PRODUCE DEATH. 

Without a MOVE OF THE SPIRIT; without the working of GODLY SORROW, there will be no TRUE REPENTANCE; there will be no CHANGE.

Until we come to the knowledge that our OFFENSE IS NOT ABOUT CONSEQUENCE, BUT IT IS AN OFFENSE AGAINST A HOLY GOD, we will continue to be REPEAT OFFENDERS.

My prayer today, is that the Holy Spirit would begin its perfect work in me.  Let Godly sorrow reveal and convict so that I would repent and be changed into Your image.  Cleanse me from every sin and offense so that the Light of Your Love may once again shine brightly to a dying world…Amen.

IT CAN BE HUMBLING

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/23/19

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.

We’ve all come in contact with the person that “KNOWS IT ALL!” You can’t share any news with them; THEY ALREADY KNOW! You can’t instruct them regarding anything; THEY ALREADY KNOW! You cannot even help them find further revelation in the Word of God because, THEY ALREADY KNOW ALL TRUTH! The best thing to do when you encounter Mr./Mrs. Know-it-all is to step back and let them fail…you can watch if it isn’t too painful, but they WILL eventually fail.

Now we have all been there at one time or another; our pride overrode our humility and good sense. Usually we just don’t want to look stupid in front of someone; you don’t want to be laughed at; maybe Mr./Mrs. Know-it-all is watching.

Humbling yourself and admitting you “just don’t know,” is difficult because, IT PUTS THE OTHER PERSON IN THE SEAT OF POWER AND EXPOSES A DEFICIENCY IN YOU!

Psalm 149:4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.

How many times have we come before God with a haughty and prideful spirit? In prayer, we declare our DESIRES, and then proceed to give God the INSTRUCTIONS, so He can get it right. OR...perhaps instead of a “heart of repentance” we approach the throne boasting of our righteousness and exploits, then wonder why we never hear God’s Voice.

God doesn’t need instruction and all our righteousness are merely “filthy rags” when we present them in the light of His Holiness. God is omnipotent, nothing about Him changes if we refuse to “put Him in the seat of power” in our lives…

BUT...

EVERYTHING in our life will change when we approach Him with a humble spirit, placing Him in the “Seat of Power,” in our heart.

Psalms 149:4 says “With Pleasure,” God will give you instruction, guidance and blessing. And if that isn’t enough, He will “Beautify you with Salvation.” All that in exchange for a little humility!

TRY IT TODAY….

Humble yourself as you enter into His Presence; acknowledge His “Right to His Throne;” don’t be afraid to be vulnerable; HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ALL YOUR DEFICIENCIES. Let Him love on you a little and you will be amazed at the DAY OF BLESSING you will experience.

James 4:10 Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.

THE LITTLE ONES

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/21/19

Matthew 18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in Heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

“WE’RE HAVING A BABY!  I’M GOING TO BE A MOM!”  Remember the first time you said those words?  The wonder; the joy; the anticipation; the fear; the planning…all of those thoughts suddenly running through your head.  Will I buy frills and pink and dolls or blue and trucks and baseball bats?  Will I be a good Mom?  Will I know what to do at 3 in the morning?  THE NAME….what name will we choose; I have to google lists and meanings; he/she has to have the perfect name.

THE THOUGHT THAT DIDN’T RUN THROUGH MY HEAD…. “I wonder where there is an abortion clinic. That night of fun sure put a halt to my plans. OR This is certainly inconvenient and will ruin my career.”

I can’t wrap my mind around the mindset and I weep when I read that an actress, unapologetically and boldly states, “I have no regrets for having 2 abortions; I would not have my career.”   So, I killed my babies because they would have interfered with my life and my plans.

Innocent Babies, future leaders, doctors, lawyers, scientists, inventors, presidents, preachers, missionaries, moms and dads, all created in the Image of God, slaughtered on the Altar of Selfishness; the Altar of Convenience.

When Israel allowed their children to be sacrificed to Moloch, God did not turn a blind eye.  America, God is not turning a blind eye to your finance of the sacrifice of children on the Altars of Self-Indulgence and Convenience. 

THERE WILL BE A RECKONING.

LIVE PEACEABLY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/20/2019

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

“As Christians, we should live in relationships with people in such a manner that even when we leave a room people will miss us. And when we are gone and our funeral is held, someone will cry...someone will deeply miss us.” (Balcony People, Joyce Landorf Heatherley)

A quote from my favorite book, “Balcony People,” reminded me of Romans 12:18 and then I had to take a time of introspection.  What am I doing to insure that I obey Romans 12 and will anyone besides Steve actually miss me when I’m gone?

OKAY…

I really am one of those weird people that thinks about her funeral.  Not in a morbid way but in a “practical” manner.  What will I wear?  Should I have really fabulous shoes and make sure my feet stick out?  Will my hair look good?  Will they put on too much makeup?  How much will all this cost; the Accountant in me kicks in and I determine that the cost far exceeds the satisfaction gained from a funeral, so…I have decided to forget it all, be cremated and have a memorial service of family and friends telling their favorite stories about me to each other; a minister reading my favorite Bible verses, a couple of Praise and Worship songs and a prayer…then dump the ashes because it is too weird to keep them on a mantle or in a closet or on a shelf in the garage.

BUT FOR NOW…

I want to live in such a manner that someone will actually COME to my Memorial Service or at least remember that I lived and maybe even miss me.

HOW CAN I ACCOMPLISH SUCH A MOMENTOUS TASK….

Start with Romans 12:18, live peaceably with all men (and women).  You may say, “read the first line of the verse, Paul is giving me a way out.  He said, “If it is possible,” and I am surrounded by folks that just don’t make it possible.”  Well, I have to, kind of, agree with you.  Some people make it practically an impossibility.  They don’t want peace and will do everything they can think of to insure that your peace is disturbed.

BUT…

The Apostle Paul did not give you a WAY OUT. Read the next line…AS MUCH AS DEPENDS ON YOU! 

The situation may not be very peaceful but YOU don’t have a right to contribute to the unrest. It takes two people to argue; two people to fight; two people to engage in a conflict…If reconciliation is impossible; WALK AWAY!

REMEMBER…

You are not only representing the Love of Jesus but you are ASSEMBLING THE GUEST LIST FOR YOUR MEMORIAL SERVICE!

HAVE A PEACEFUL DAY…IT REALLY DOES DEPEND ON YOU!

EVERY DAY WITH JESUS

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/19/19

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

The dreaded Monday dawns; time to go back to work; get the kids ready for school; continue with the mundane things of life after an exciting weekend.

BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DREADED….

Actually life is anything but “Mundane.”  Every morning, you wake up with a fresh set of unknown hours full of potential, choices and situations.  You never know what surprises may be just around the corner; in the next few minutes, if you look for them.

Oh, I know you think your day is all laid out; you think you know exactly what you are going to accomplish, where you have to go, what tasks you have to complete, what you are going to have for dinner and even what time you intend to go to bed….But do you really know?

You may meet a new friend, be used by God to minister to a need, give or receive a much needed hug or smile, God may have a surprise blessing that He has reserved just for this day…are you anticipating good things now?

WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF WE NOT ONLY LET THE LORD DIRECT OUR STEPS BUT ALSO PLAN OUR DAY?

On this day; on this Monday; before the morning hours pass, stop and take a few moments to COMMIT YOUR DAY…RECOMMIT YOUR LIFE to the One who has already factored every moment of your day into His Plan for you.

Since Jesus holds our future, it only makes sense to start the day held in His strong, sure hands.

AND REMEMBER…

“Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before”…EVEN MONDAYS!

GOD IS NOT LIKE YOU

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/17/19

Psalms 50:16-21 But to the wicked God says: “What right have you to declare My statutes, or take My covenant in your mouth, 17 Seeing you hate instruction And cast My words behind you? 18 When you saw a thief, you consented with him, and have been a partaker with adulterers. 19 You give your mouth to evil and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. 21 THESE THINGS YOU HAVE DONE, AND I KEPT SILENT; YOU THOUGHT THAT I WAS ALTOGETHER LIKE YOU; BUT I WILL REBUKE YOU AND SET THEM IN ORDER BEFORE YOUR EYES.

I like to post encouraging thoughts because daily life in this world can be quit discouraging enough. Though this may not seem encouraging, when I read it this morning during my devotions, many things jumped out at me, especially verse 21.

We are living in a world where it is not considered “PC” to speak up when behaviors and laws are passed in direct violation of the Word of God. We are considered “haters,” judgmental, “out-of-touch,” homophobic and old fashioned.”

But before we speak too loudly, perhaps we should read Psalms 50:16-18 and examine our own heart and motives. Are we being obedient? Or are we picking the instructions that we like and casting the others aside? Have we consented with and become partakers of little “pet sins” while taking up our megaphone against those we find abhorrent? God says if we hate instruction that we do not even have the right to declare His statutes or partake in His covenant.

And what about speaking against our brothers and sisters in Christ? Sure, maybe they don’t do everything or understand everything in the pure, clear revelation that we have received but we are instructed to love and pray for them, not chew them up and regurgitate our “incredible insight” about them to everyone we meet.

Finally, verse 21 hit me between the eyes. God says, “Because I kept silent, you not only became self-righteous but thought “I was like you.” Instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus and striving to become more like Him, we have turned our eyes inward and made God into an image more like us. But God will not be conformed to your image. He calls all to repentance and says “I will set things in order before your eyes.”

As Romans 2:4 states, “It is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance.” I find it very encouraging to know that God loves me so much he would take the time to deal with my heart and bring me to repentance.

He is a GOOD GOD! I am so thankful that God points out our warts and blemishes through His Word and always gives us space to repent. This moment begins the rest of your life; live it in victory!

THE SITUATION HAS PASSED

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/14/2019

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.

Three months ago, Steve and I decided to tweak our eating habits, get away from sugar and wheat and try the Keto Lifestyle…I love it! 

Because I am me; a firstborn with a perfection obsession, if I decide to do something, I research it, learn everything I can, both positive and negative, and enter in gung-ho because I intend to be successful.  I talked with other Keto-success people, watched videos, read studies, collected recipes, downloaded apps, planned menus and joined Keto-forums…my head is exploding with Keto-knowledge, carb counts and new words like, “ketones,” “fat-adaption” and “autophagy.” Fast forward 3 months and 30 pounds later, I declare SUCCESS!

BUT THE LIFESTYLE DOESN’T END BECAUSE YOU EXPERIENCE A VICTORY!

The Keto-forums that I am on have a variety of members; the Curious, the “I Love New Fads”, the “Nothing Else Has Worked”, the “I Have a Bad Doctor’s Report”, and the Committed.  The biggest trend I see, however, is the “Special Situation and I need to Lose” person.  The comments go like this….

“I have a Class Reunion in September and need to lose 15 pounds, how many carbs can I eat and still achieve my goal.”

“I’m getting Married next spring and don’t want to “roll” down the aisle; hoping I can lose 50 pounds.”

“Please pray for me, I’m a Senior Citizen and need to lose 10 pounds by December; is this possible?”

To these comments, everyone replies with tips and encouraging words, but Me being Me…my comments are usually, “If you will make up your mind to commit, you can.”  “If you will stop doing what got you to this point, you will.”  “If you can’t say NO, don’t bother; just buy a bigger dress.”

IF YOU CHANGE YOUR LIFE BECAUSE OF A SPECIAL EVENT, YOU WILL GO BACK TO THE OLD; EASIER; FLESH-PLEASING LIFE STYLE ONCE YOUR INCENTIVE IS OVER!

Having served God for over 50 years, I have witnessed this same thing happening spiritually over and over.  I have actually seen people enter the church, run to the altar on Sunday Night, cry and snot and repent, get up and dance their way out of church and never be seen again…THE EVENT WAS OVER!

Others have come because of a SITUATION.  Perhaps it was physical, financial, marital or one of the other thousands of situations in which we humans become entangled.  They come for awhile, they embrace the church and the church embraces them, they are excited about this new life and praising God and then SUDDENLY…one day they suddenly become too busy; become occupied with other pursuits…THE SITUATION IS OVER!

And then there are the dear ones that have “tried everything else;” the Searchers.  Perhaps you witness to them, give them a Bible Study or share a testimony.  These are things they have never heard; something NEW; something they’ve never tried and they are so excited.  UNTIL…they start living the lifestyle and find out there is SELF-DENIAL and sometimes you have to use the word, “NO.”  They count the cost and decide their bloated life of Self-Gratification and Sin is easier and more to their “liking.” Another “New Adventure” is on the horizon…THE EXCITEMENT HAS PASSED!

CHECK YOUR INCENTIVES!

If you just “do” Keto or any diet because you want to look a certain way or have an event coming up, you may lose the weight but once the event is passed you also lose your incentive. When the temptations come you are powerless to say NO.  You ask, “How much can I cheat; how many carbs/calories can I consume and still lose weight?” Then you find yourself in the same condition you were before you ever began.

If you turn to God because you have hit rock bottom, are in a bad situation, or just want to try something new, you will walk right for a period of time; until the SITUATION gets resolved or the excitement wanes.

Unless you fall in love with Jesus Christ; see your sinful state and realize you are powerless to save yourself, the incentive to serve God will pass.  You will ask, “How much sin can I engage in and still enjoy the Blessing of God?”  Then you will give in to the temptations when Satan sends them your way; BELIEVE ME, HE WILL!

When you become FULLY PERSUADED….When you are TRULY CONVERTED…When you decide to ABSOLUTELY COMMIT…no matter the situation; regardless of life’s mundane moments; on the mountain or in the valley…when LIVING FOR GOD BECOMES A LIFESTYLE…everything will change.

You will WALK differently; your VOCABULARY will change with new words of Praise; you will FEEL differently because Peace and Joy have replaced the Anxiety and Discontent; You are a NEW CREATION…

AND YOU WILL LOVE IT BECAUSE YOU LOVE HIM!

EXCHANGING THE GLORY

PRAYER JOURNAL 8/12/2019

Jeremiah 2:11 Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory for what does not profit.

Once again Israel had been unfaithful and once again God was calling them back to Himself…a scenario that had been and would be repeated over and over in Israel’s History.

Israel had been set aside to be a special people, one that would show forth the Glory of God to the Heathen. A people that, through them the whole world would be blessed, but they had pursued the way of the heathen rather than the ways of God and God was grieved.

Jeremiah 2:2-3, God says I remember when you were a young nation, how you loved me; how you went after me in the wilderness. You were Holiness unto me.

So how do we get from Verse 2 to Verse 11? What a sad commentary on the state of a “holy” people. God tells them to look at the other nations around; the nations that worship gods of stone, metal and wood and He states, “They never change their gods. Their gods never speak, never give direction, never send blessing; they are not even truly gods, yet the people remain faithful to the gods of their imagination.”

“ISRAEL, YOU, however, had the True God. I sat you apart, just for Me; My Glory rested on you and you were blessed above all nations…HOW COULD YOU exchange MY GLORY for a thing imagined and made by human hands?”

Today, God views the His people; the ones set aside; called by His Name and says, “I placed my Glory in your midst from the beginning. You know what it is to experience a genuine move of My Spirit. You know the awesomeness of my Presence and the blessings that rested upon you….WHY??? HOW COULD YOU exchange MY GLORY for things imagined; created by human hands?”

“Now you pursue MY Glory through things that will not profit. My Glory will not be found in programs, symbols, sensational doctrines of men…Stop seeking manifestations and SEEK MY PRESENCE….Only then will you experience My Glory once again in your midst."

God has not withdrawn from us; He is not hidden, we have merely “Exchanged His Glory for that which does not profit.” 

AND HE IS CALLING US BACK TO HIMSELF!