Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in motherthomp's LiveJournal:

[ << Previous 20 ]

Tuesday, August 14th, 2007
6:54 pm	A BATTLE MAP FOR A CHRISTIAN WALK I was cleaning my den yesterday, and I found this little paper that has been in my possession since the 70's (when I became "born again" :-) It contains a lot of "Christianese" and a little "hokey", but it is very true. It was written on a page that had a little diagram of "the walk" on the "narrow road" - Hope you can understand it and maybe even "heed" it. :-) The Natural (unsaved) “man” CAN NOT live a Christian life because he is DEAD in sin . Most people are NATURAL (unsaved) and on the BROAD ROAD to destruction ... In contrast, few people take he NARROW ROAD. This is FAITH IN THE SHED BLOOD (DEATH) OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS. as the ONLY payment for their sins. Salvation is not even by a combination of faith in Christ and good works. I must be by FAITH IN CHRIST ALONE! Good works should follow as our “thank you” to God for our salvation. (Corinthians 2:14; Matthew 7:13, 14, 21-23; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Ephesians 2:8-10) When we trust Christ ALONE as our Savior, we are God’s “children” by spiritual birth . This establishes our eternal “RELATIONSHIP” with God which is permanently guaranteed by God’s written Word. Christ is our Savior FOREVER (Galiations 3:26 ; John 5:24; Hebrews13:5). In addition to saving us from the “penalty” of sin (the lake of fire) God also wants to save us from the “power” of sin in our present daily life. Our life after we trust Christ as our Savior, can be a daily “WALK” with God. Every day can be OVERFLOWING with the “JOY THAT JESUS GIVES” Satan will fight our daily “WALK” with God to steal this JOY . This study explains that “BATTLE” and is a MAP for out victory (John 10: 10 ; 15:7-11) THE BABY CHRISTIAN has trusted Christ as his Savior, but is still IMMATURE in his WALK with God and his understanding of Spiritual truths. He must learn how to WALK BY FEEDING HIMSELF from the Bible, God’s Word. All new Christians are BABES at birth which is normal.. However, to REMAIN a BABE beyond the normal time of BABYHOOD will lead to a CARNAL WALK (1 Corinthians 3:1-3) JOY, PURPOSE, and FULFILLMENT in life comes to the child of God only as he GROWS from “Spiritual Immaturity” (Babyhood) toward “Christlikeness” This is God’s goal for us. “Spiritual growth” is a gradual development just like “physical growth” As a BABE we should desire the “milk” of God’s word (simple truths). Then, as we grow we CAN take on a diet of the “strong meat” ( deep truths) (Romans 8:29; 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:13, 14) The WISE baby Christian will make an EARLY DEDICATION of his LIFE to Christ. As he had previously committed his soul to Christ, trusting Him as Savior, he will also YIELD his LIFE to Christ trusting Him as Lord (ruler). The WISE baby Christian will want God’s very best for his life. Therefore, he will PRESENT HIS BODY to God for HIs use and glory, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER SALVATION. To make the most of his life he will immediately seek to understand and obey the will of the Lord for his life from God’s Word. The indwelling HOly Spirit can then fill (control) his life (Romans 6:13; 12:1, 2; Eph. 5:15-20) THE GOAL : Our growth toward Christlikeness THE METHOD: Learning and obeying God’s word THE REWARD: Our joy and God’s glory. THE VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN has trusted Christ as Savior AND “LORD” (ruler). His WALK with God is growing from IMMATURITY TOWARD CHRISTLIKENESS. The victorious Christian learns and claims the promises of God’s Word for VICTORY over sin and Satan. His life will ‘SPARKLE WITH EXCITEMENT AND JOY UNSPEAKABLE” as he EXPERIENCES this victory (Romans 6:12, 13 ; John 13:17; 1 Peter 1:8) We will all have “BATTLES” with the “WORLD”: We can overcome the world by a strong faith, which comes from knowing and believing God’s Word (1 John 5:4; Romans 10:17) THE “FLESH”: We should recognize the fact that our OLD SIN NATURE WAS CRUCIFIED with Christ on the cross and we need not be a slave to sin. (Romans 6:6; 11-13; Galations 2:20; 5:16, 24) THE “DEVIL” : We should realize that the Holy Spirit lives in ALL of God’s children and is MORE POWERFUL than Satan! Therefore, we can RESIST the devil and God says he will flee! (1 John 4:4; Ephesians 6:10, 11; 1 Peter 5:8,9; James 4:7). Just think - YOU AND I CAN actually know, live harmoniously, and have daily fellowship with the God of the Universe and His Son, Jesus! WE CAN have a fruitful life for His glory as we “walk worthy of the Lord” and “grow up into Christ to all things” This would allow God to give us HIS BEST in “all areas” of our lives - our leisure, school, church and social life, or love, marriage, sex and family life, our college, work and financial life (1 John 1:1, 4; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:11-15) THE DEFEATED CHRISTIAN has trusted Christ as Savior, but he is NOT ALLOWING Christ to be the LORD (ruler) of his life. He is remaining Spiritually “immature”. His daily WALK is CARNAL (fleshly) and controlled by his old sin nature. His diet has not progressed from MILD to MEAT Bible truths (1 Corinthians 3:2, 3; Heb. 5:12 ) The religious life of the carnal Christian is shallow and self-centered! Satan USES carnal Christians to bring division and confusion into the church to ruin its testimony of love and unity (1 Corinthians 3:3,4; 14:33; Ephesians 4:1-3) The defeated Christian has little (if any) genuine, lasting, JOY. His life is empty of real PURPOSE and FULFILLMENT. He is a “SLAVE” to his sinful desires and habits. He is a DELIGHT to the devil, but he GRIEVES the Holy Spirit of God within him., ( Romans 6:12; Ephesians 4:30) A “delayed dedication” and WALK WITH the Lord would bring SOME growth, joy and fruitfulness for God’s glory. However, the more delay, the more loss and shame for the carnal Christian both now and when he meets Christ face to face (Romans 14:12; Corinthians 3:13-15; 1 John 2:28) Which Represents Your Present LIfe? 1. Natural (unsaved, trusting good works) ___ 2. Baby (saved, but immature) ___ 3. Victorious (saved, growing, and fruitful)___ 4 Defeated (saved, but not victorious)___ I am trusting Christ as my SAVIOR. I now trust Him to also be the LORD (ruler) of my daily life. DATE______________SIGNED________________________________
Tuesday, April 17th, 2007
10:01 am	SEEDS, SPARKS (AND CHOICES) SEEDS - you plant them - they grow. (or not) There are different kinds of seeds, and different kinds of conditions that effect their growth. SPARKS - they are little "pieces" of fire that can, under certain conditions, cause flames and either something positive and useful, or destruction. Our thoughts, our beliefs, our convictions are "seeds" and "sparks". Think about that..... think about what is going on around you - and in our country, world and universe. Let your mind dwell on how our thoughts, beliefs, and convictions are effecting it all. Where are you planting "seeds" and what kind of seeds are they? Where are you causing "sparks" and are they useful or destructive ? ( to others or yourself) CHOICES - conscious decisions made over options given us. Make wise ones when you plant seeds, or spread sparks. And remember..... yesterday is gone (and forgiven) .... tomorrow isn't here yet (but hope is) ...... what you do and think TODAY AND NOW counts. Current Mood: hopeful
Thursday, April 12th, 2007
8:51 pm	"We are the X-Men!" Well! I think I just figured out how to get back into my journal page! So, I won't waste the opportunity. I always can think of something to say! So lets talk about the X men! How neat that they each had a super power unique to each one of them. I think there is another show that is coming on this season with the same "theme". I heard my daughter talking about it. Anyway.... What if you could pick a "super power" that would be your own special power - what would you choose? To be able to become invisible? Or to fly? To read minds? Well the fact is, we all HAVE been given our own special "super powers". The bible calls them "gifts". We are all gifted by our Creator with talents, and abilities that are unique to us. And when we learn to appreciate our gifts , and appreciate other people's as well - when we learn not be envious of others talents, and not to sell ourselves short - Then we find that those gifts and talents are given to us to be used to love, help, and enjoy each other. And that my friend is what life is all about - loving, helping and enjoying one another. :-) Pretty simple isn't it. So why aren't we doing it ? :-/ Current Mood: sick
Tuesday, February 27th, 2007
10:37 am	Easter is not a Christian Holiday ! I mention this every year in my "musings"... but it probably should be mentioned again. Since Easter is coming, and we are now in the season of "Lent" (which by the way I don't think is very Christian either!) What am I talking about? Well - just as with all religious traditions, the celebration of Easter is really based on something other than what we think it does. It is actually comes from the pagan celebration of Ishtar - the babylonian and Assyrian "goddess" of love and fertility. (who supposedly "hung out" with Baal the "god" worshipped in the ancient East.) The use of all the cute little bunnies and colored eggs have pagan roots as well. So to all my pagan friends...... "Happy Eastre..... or "Ostara"..... or "Astere" But to my Christian friends... those who say they believe that Jesus lived, died, rose from the dead, and is coming back..... to you I say - "Get with the facts!" :-) I'm not trying to be flip here... but for crying out loud, the most important fact in our faith... the fact that Jesus defeated sin and death is celebrated with marshmello bunnies, colored eggs, and chocolate candy... and all representing pagan rituals.... give me a break! And lent! Give me a bigger break! First on "Fat Tuesday" using up all the stuff you aren't supposed to have the next day! That is so much like I have heard people say... "well I am going to sin now, while I am young and can enjoy myself... and then when I am close to dying, I may "get right" with God." Then for lent everyone usually gives up stuff that will benifit them anyway... like chocolate, or drinking , or cigarettes. (But just like New Years resolutions, they usually don't go the whole nine yards) So what am I saying... get the facts! Know the truth! Don't take what someone tells you (even me) check things out. Use your mind, and listen to your heart. I know the one who made that heart... and I know He loves you. You know it too. Happy resurrection day! Jesus is Alive!
Friday, February 16th, 2007
7:51 am	Back in Action? Well I'm not sure, but it seems I can get back in my "live journal" to so mom's musings again. I don't know what happened, but for some reason I couldn't get in here. I guess other people could, but I couldn't. So this is just a test to see if I can post it... and then maybe I will be back to writing in here. I must say my life has been so busy lately that I haven't had time to sit down and write much anyway. But when I get the chance I have been writing in my MySpace blog. I don't know if anyone sees that, but that was the best I could do. So I'm going to see if I can put this up now. Current Mood: hopeful
Friday, January 19th, 2007
1:02 pm	Who we are supposed to be and Who we think we are Lately I have been thinking of how "watered down" we have become. I mean those of the faith.... the so called believers of Christ. I hesitate to say Christians because I have noticed that that title is misunderstood by most everyone - even those who call themselves by it. I have posted many messages that refer to being "children of the King" and the different possibilities that brings. But it seems that we just don't get it. I consider myself very blessed. If I began to count my blessings here , it would sound like bragging - so I won't. But I know that these blessings are showered on me because of my relationship to my Lord - and I have a taste... just a taste of what it means to be a child of my Father God, the King. And when I let Him, God pours His love all over me. (notice I say - when I let Him) As I said above, who we think we are is not who we are supposed to be. We are far away from taking the full role of "beloved" . Loved because we are, not because we earn it. We get so hung up on either thinking we don't deserve something, or that we deserve more. We have the mind set that we have to do something to earn God's love and blessings..... to be good enough to get a tidbit from God. Or - we think that there is no God , because He hasn't shown Himself in a way that we think he should. We say "If there is a God, why does He allow all the pain in the world?!" If you enjoy studying History, you know that there is the cycle of Golden age followed by dark age. If you study the scriptures that parallel the historical events, I think you will find that it applies spiritually as well. People turn their backs on God.... dark age. People worship praise and obey God ..... Golden age. Then in the middle of the "golden times" they get into themselves and forget God...... back to a dark age. This doesn't happen over night. But it happens. It happens in the government, in the religious institutions (churches), in the home, and in people's hearts. I am sad to say, but it seems we are living in a dark age right now. So dark that people are blind to the truth that is right in front of their eyes. But, as the scripture says.... Jesus is the "light of the world" and those of us who know Him are supposed to be too. Sometimes, I just feel like a match in a windstorm. :- (
Tuesday, January 16th, 2007
3:44 pm	History Repeats Itself I have been reading the book of Judges in the bible. The "judges" are the leaders that God raised up for His people to follow. God never intended for people to have another person to lead them.... but they asked for it - so He started providing leaders for them. Well the leaders sometimes did things God's way, and sometimes they didn't. Some of them started out following what the Lord said to do in the hard times, and when things got easy took the "reigns" themselves. (and usually ended up in trouble again - needing God again :-/. One of the biggest "no-nos" they did in these bible accounts, was to follow other gods. They either would marry into false religions, (and do what the wife wanted! ) - or just take up worshiping false gods because people in that religion threw some pretty good parties or something. Whatever the reason.... it was wrong, and always got them in trouble! And they always ended up apologizing to God and getting back into worshiping the Father. I think the worse thing was that in mingling with other god worshipers, their became "watered down". They lost the excitement, the power, the joy and strength of a close relationship with their loving Father God. They became religious.... but didn't have relationship. The thought that hit me this morning was that these stories of each leader cover many years. One judge could be in "office" for 20 years or so. And if the Lord delivered the people through the leader, and things were going along just fine, then people kind of let their guard down. They got in a "comfort zone" - they got lazy. The got "in with" the other gods... and weren't struck by lightening... and were having fun. But they were still in trouble because they were out of God's will.... they just didn't know it - yet. They just kind of slid into not honoring God... or even knowing God. The next generation didn't know about the Creator because no one told their kids about the wonderful things God had done for them. And so the kids didn't expect Him to do anything for them because they didn't think He existed. And as more time went on , it seemed as if He didn't! Their love grew cold. (ever have that happen with a someone you loved?) So... as I said above, this seems to be the state we are in today. Most of us have food to eat, a place to stay, two cats in the yard..... two cars in the driveway! Those of us who don't believe in God aren't getting struck by lightening. But there is unrest and "bad stuff" happening. The leaders are not all listening to the one true God, or pointing us to Him. In fact, as you know, they have been pointing us away from Him. So.... if you check out the book of judges..... we probably should start turning our eyes upon the Lord.... both eyes. If we don't.... we are in for a surprise. :-/ Current Mood: restless
Saturday, December 30th, 2006
8:28 pm	New Year's Resolution Suggestion Here we are at the beginning of another year. And people usually make "new year's resolutions". Usually it has something with dieting, or organizing, or exercising. And it is a good time to kind of "regroup" and start out the new year with a plan to not make the same mistakes we made in the past year. But I have a suggestion for this year - and I am certainly going to try to put it into practice myself. Try blessing yourself instead of cursing yourself. :-) "How, "you may be saying, "Can we bless or curse ourselves??? Isn't that God's job.... or the devil's? " Yes, blessings come from God. But..... guess what? We can cause them..... as well as curses to come to us by what we say! "What you say is what you get" so to speak. And that is biblical. And it is also something most people aren't aware of. If you go around saying you are sick, or ugly, or fat, or stupid etc ..... guess what? On the other hand, if you speak health, happiness, success etc. you will begin to see the blessings flow. You could say that's just being optimistic or pessimistic....... yup, that's true. But there is also a spiritual side to it. As I said, "what you say is what you get".... the bible says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (proverbs 18:21) The bible also says (and you have heard me quote this often) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6) So if you think the bible is a fairy tale...or just a bunch of stories written by men, you will not get the "knowledge" about what you say with your mouth.... and you will more than likely be "destroyed" Unfortunately, we tend to be more pessimistic than optimistic.... so what comes out of our mouths are usually negative comments. I am including myself in this. How many times have you heard me say that I'm old.... or tired.... or ditzy. (not that I'm not :-) But..... my mom is 86 and she NEVER says she is old.... that's why she bops around like a teenager. I am proposing... that for the new year we all try to say nothing but good - about ourselves... and others.... and situations......and our abilities. And lets stifle our mouths when the negative stuff starts to barf out. (I think it will be quite a shock to see how often we have to "stifle") And I know, if we keep at it..... the blessings will flow - to us and to others. Current Mood: excited
Thursday, December 21st, 2006
11:48 am	To believe or not to believe This morning I have been thinking about the story of the conception and birth of Jesus. And how far fetched the whole thing sounds. Just as most of the stories of the miracles of Jesus sound. Of course not much was written of the times He was just hanging out with His friends and relatives in between the miraculous stuff. (But does the Herald or the Gazette write about the "boring" normal stuff?) I was also feeling bad about all the people that I know who don't believe that Jesus is the "Messiah". They don't believe the stories and are waiting for God to "show Himself" today and "prove Himself" to them. I can't tell you how many people I have talked to who say something like, "well if God wants me to believe in Him, then He will have to speak to me Himself" I usually tell them that He will, if they really want Him to. That He will show them in a way that they will understand. But - this morning as I thought of Jesus on trial before the religious people, and before the Roman government - He never spoke up to defend or prove Himself. And when He was in his home town and they were making fun of Him - He never did or said anything to show them that He was the son of God. Which brings me to something I read that said "There's a profound difference between people who are hard to convince and people who refuse to believe. And we may not be able to tell the difference, but God can - He reads hearts" And that gives me great comfort, even though it makes me sad, to know that God will speak to those who He knows will hear Him. And that it is not up to me to convince anyone that He love them. I just have to tell them He does. I pray that you are not one who refuses to believe... if you are I guess that is why you haven't heard from God. :-( Current Mood: sad
Thursday, December 14th, 2006
1:29 pm	My Christmas Message to You First of all MERRY CHRISTMAS! ( I want to say that while I still can. ) The way things are going, I don't think it will be long before it will be against the law to say. But also, the way things are going..... it seems like very few people will care. :-( Over the last few years , a part of me has become progressively sadder at Christmas time. And not for the usual reasons people get depressed during the holidays. I AM NOT SAD because I don't have enough money to spend on all the presents, and have maxed out credit cards, and can't pay my bills............. Our business has been blessed and we have more money now than we ever have... lots to spend and to donate with lots left over. So that's not it. I AM NOT SAD because of lack of friends and family to celebrate with............. we are blessed with an overflow of friends and family and laughter. We barely fit into our house at holiday parties. I AM NOT SAD because I am getting old and missing "days gone by" (although a little nostalgia is good for a heartfelt tear or two :-) I am excited about all the new things that come along to add to the Christmas family traditions. I AM SAD because the season that is supposed to be the celebration of Jesus birth (even though we don't know when He was born ) is becoming "diluted" a little more each year in the name of "political correctness". Well...... what is really going on... is the "law makers" playing into Satan's hands. And most people don't even notice. God said, "my people parish for lack of knowledge" - He didn't mean physical death and He didn't mean a college education. I AM SAD that the world is filled with such intelligent people - who know nothing! ...... and the (spiritually) "dead and wounded" are all over the place! I AM SAD that the ones who represent Jesus (those of us who call ourselves by His name) - Christians - are included in the "my people" that God is referring to...... actually we ARE the "my people" And the reason those who don't know the Lord . . . . . dont know the Lord, is that many of "His people" haven't been telling them.... because THEY don't know! What very poor witnesses we are for the Lord ! I can see why people who don't know Jesus..... don't want to. :- ( Satan has done his best work making the Christian community look like fools. Yet ......... in the midst of the mess.........Jesus is our rock. And He will blast back into our world like the phoenix ..... at a time when we least expect Him....... to once and for all clean up the mess. Those who know Him will be in on the "clean up detail" and it will be a glorious job! Then , those who know Him will get on with "everlasting life" (whatever that will be) in "the new heaven and new earth" (wherever that will be) And we will be in the presence of God....... forever. You may or may not have known this.... and you may think it a fairy tale. Believe what you want..... But IT MAKES ME SAD to think you don't understand it because if you don't... then you don't know God. So...... as odd as this "Christmas message" may seem..... this is what is in my heart. I will probably BE SAD every year that I can't help introduce someone to the Lord. But, I thank God for knowing me! I thank God that even though I am "sad"... the joy and peace that He gives me "overrides" it. So I am content.... and excited to know that He has a plan for me...... and for you. So my Christmas "wish" for you is... and hopefully it is a blessing too... that this year, you will let God "find you" .... that His Holy Spirit will guide you to a peaceful life here and now, and to an amazing life later. Current Mood: sad
Saturday, December 2nd, 2006
7:10 pm	No Bare Trees , Please I was walking to work this morning. ( Just down to the bottom of our hill, I "work" for my husband :-) And, I noticed the oak tree in our yard. Now all the leaves have fallen off all the trees, except for the oak leaves. They always hang on way after all the other leaves have dropped off and blown away. I thought, "hmm , that might be a good subject for a parable." My mind went on imagining a story of how we should hang on to the Lord like the dead oak leaves hang on to the oak tree. Then I looked at the evergreen trees in the neighbors lawn - just as full of life in this cold weather as they are in the middle of summer. And I thought they make a much better comparison to the Christian life. And the dead oak leaves much better exemplify people who hold on to their dead religious ideas, no matter what. So, later on in the day, as I drove to pick up lunch (one of my duties at work! :-) I noticed all the oak trees along the road.... and all the evergreens. So I began to think of continuing my "oak leaf parable" again. But the Lord reminded me that even though the oak leaves are dead, and fall off, that the tree is still very much alive. And that it will have new leaves in the spring. And, the evergreen trees "shed" their needles too, but they always look green, so I guess their new ones are constantly coming in along side the old ones. So my parable is this: In the church, the Lord is constantly giving us new insight and ideas, and we have to let the dead ideas and traditions go. But we should take this lesson from the trees. We should be more like the evergreen and let the new ideas and insights grow along side the old traditional ones. When it is time for some to "die" - they will. And we won't have a season where we have a "bare tree". (or something like that ... :-) Current Mood: tired
Monday, November 27th, 2006
12:25 pm	It's Free For Crying Out Loud! What if you saw a big sign on a bank that said ( "FREE MONEY - JUST COME IN AND TAKE IT !" ) ? What would you think? Would you think it was a gimmick? That it was too good to be true? That there must be some "strings attached"? Do you think you would check it out? Or would you just keep on walking knowing that it was just a sales pitch of some kind, and never give it a thought again? I guess it depends on what kind of person you are. If you are curious, you might go in to just check it out. And, what if you went in to check it out, and you saw the banker standing there scratching his head saying, "I don't understand it! We are giving out free money, and no one is coming in to get any!" So you might then ask him, "You mean you really are giving out free money... no strings attached?" "yes!" says he. "How much money can I take?" "As much as you want." "What if everyone in town starts coming in for this free money ?" "Then they can have it." "But won't you run out ?" "Nope. There is an endless supply. Enough for all!" "What's the catch?" "It's free for crying out loud! Take it!" So you fill your pockets with hundred dollar bills and walk out the door. "Come again when you need a refill!" says the banker What would you do then? Would you get on your cell phone and tell your friends and family to get down to the bank? Would you pinch yourself to see if you are dreaming? Would you still be thinking that there was some string attached, and that you would have to do something to earn this? And what do you think your family and friends would say to you? Would they think you were pranking them.. or that you had lost your mind or that you got mixed up in some scam? Would they go to the bank... or would they keep an eye on you and your new wealth, to see what happens in your life ? I don't know if you see what I am getting at with this little story. You probably see the analogy. But if not, let me just say that I was once the "curious person" but it wasn't free money that I heard about , it was free love, life and forgiveness from God through Jesus. I checked it out, and I took it ! .... I wondered for a while about the "strings" that may be attached, but over the last 40 + years have discovered that the rewards far outweigh the cost. I do tell my friends and family about the "giveaway" - Some of them took it too. Most of them believe it's too good to be true, but are watching me to see what happens in my life. And now, just like the "banker", I am scratching my head that people don't accept it. It's free for crying out loud! At least check it out! and - Take it! Current Mood: curious
Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006
10:04 am	Speeding Through Life A lot of people today are speeding through life - but they don't know where they are headed. Sometimes they stumble on something good, and sometimes they fall into trouble and end up someplace they really don't want to be. Many people jump out of bed in the morning (or crawl out :-) , and get on with their day without checking in with the Lord to see what His plans are. For many people, the first thing they do after they get up is turn something on - like the tv, radio, ipod, or computer. It seems like most of us have a problem being still - in the quiet. Our minds are so full of stuff we think we have to do, and most people are uncomfortable with silence. Well Jesus always took quiet time alone with God. And no one ever has had more demands on their time than He. Yet He knew that getting alone with God (often) always relieves the stress of daily living. God has a direction for us to head each day. If we take the time to be alone (and still) with Him - He will put His priorities in our minds. And His priorities are always concerning the best for us. He will give us peace just to be in His presence - and assurance in knowing where to head, what to do (and what not to do). He "lights our path". If we feel stress, panic, or confusion coming on - we need to take a break, and get alone in a quite place (even if the only place to be alone is in the bathroom!) and ask the Lord for guidance and peace. He is always ready to give it to you. And if you can't physically get away.... you can mentally for a while. Take a moment to focus on God in the midst of the "storm". He will shed His light like a lighthouse. Psalm 46:10 says, "be still and know that I am God." Don't let satan fill your life (and mind) with darkness and so much "noise" that you think you are too busy to be quiet and to meditate. If you can't do that , you will never know God personally - and you will keep speeding through life with no idea where you are going. :- ( . Pretty dangerous, and pretty dumb. Current Mood: grateful
Wednesday, November 15th, 2006
6:22 pm	Here a religion, There a religion... Everywhere a religion! Lately I have been going to a class that gives an overview of different religions. We have covered so many and there are many more to check out. But there is one common thread in all of them that I can see. All except Christianity that is. In all religions, except Christianity, you have to work so hard! Every one that we have covered so far has a bunch of rules and regulations... or lifestyles.... or instructions to follow rigidly. You have to earn your way to .... whatever the particular religion calls "perfection". You have to keep at it until you "get it right". And those who don't .... too bad! I'm sorry.... but it's impossible for any of us to attain. I'm sure that even the self proclaimed leaders and "gods" of these various religions have something "in the closet" that would disqualify them if the truth were know. "What about the 10 commandments?" you may say, "aren't they rules to follow?" Originally , they were given to the "wandering Jews" as guidelines.... along with a lot of specs to follow in temple building etc. But to a Christian, their purpose is to be a standard to show us how far from perfect we are..... and to show us the need for a Savior - a Christ - the Lord Jesus. And Jesus Himself is a standard for us to compare ourselves to as well. We should never compare ourselves to others.... because we are always going to be better, or worse than they are. But compared to Jesus we always fall short. And that keeps us humble - and gives us an example to follow ( WWJD?) It also gives us a goal - "Christlikeness" (which , by the way we can never hit as long as we are on "this side". But, never does God expect us to work our way into His favor. We already have it. He has loved us since before we were born. And nothing we do, or don't do changes His love for us. The only "work" we have to do is to let go, and fall back. Let go of our pride and trying to be "good enough to go to Heaven", and fall back in the arms of Jesus. (who by the way did all the work for us) And if you don't think it was "work"... watch the Passion of Christ again. I spend a lot of time talking to people... young people mostly..... trying to explain the Love of God to them. Trying to break through the walls that "religious thinking" has caused them to put up. Sometimes it seems like whatever I say, it doesn't matter. And the Lord has told me it is more important to "show" His love than to try to explain it. And I don't think I do a very good job of that. I can get bitchy :-( And sometimes I think that blows the whole Christian example. I'm glad that God's love and intercession in my life doesn't depend on my work for Him! But because of that unconditional love... I will continue to do all I can to let people know of His love for them.... even when I blow it. (not because I have to... because I want to!) ****************************************************** I'm putting a little "P.S." on here: I just wanted to mention that when I say "Christianity" I mean what Christianity is - not what many of us "Christians" exhibit. So don't get all on my case about hypocrisy or being judgmental . As Jesus Himself said, "it is not those who are well who need the physician." I believe He also said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone". And - "there are none righteous, no not one." Our Savior and Creator knows our nature.... that's why He gave His life. And that's what Christianity is - a free give of life to those who don't deserve it. (and that includes everyone) Current Mood: loved
Thursday, November 9th, 2006
1:07 pm	Amazing Grace Amazing Grace...... how sweet the sound that saves a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind but now I see. I'm sure you have heard those words from the old hymn. They were written by a man named John Newton. He commanded an English slave ship in the 1700s. And before that he was a "deserter" from another ship. So he wasn't a very nice man. But he read a book called "Imitation of Christ" by Thomas Kempis and that changed his life because is inspired him to think about the Lord and talk to the Lord.... and guess what? He discovered that the Lord was there and that He loved him in spite of all the horrible things he had done. During a storm at sea, he gave his life to Christ. The words to Amazing Grace were heartfelt for John Newton because he knew what a sleaze he was. I'm sure he didn't like himself very much. But once the Lord's spirit was in him he could. He ended up leaving the slave business and becoming a preacher. In his old age he said, "my memory is nearly gone, but I remember 2 things - I am a great sinner and Jesus is a great savior!" Anyone who gets to know the Lord finds out that there is no place too low for you to go - that Jesus love and forgiveness can't touch you. And you can forgive and like yourself too! I think that is the amazing part of "grace". Unconditional love. You can't earn it... and you can't loose it. And it's only available from God through Jesus. Amazing! Current Mood: loved
Wednesday, November 8th, 2006
12:42 pm	Listening to God We had our Tuesday family night last night. (Something I thought would help our family get closer to each other .. and to the Lord) Some were missing because of sickness. We watched a segment of a George Carlin DVD - his bit about religion and God. It is funny... and sad. It is the last segment of the DVD and he ends saying "there is no God". I like George. He is funny. He makes me cringe a little with his blatant language... but he IS funny. But if he really believes there is no God... then I feel sorry for him. But, as with most of his humor, there is a lot of truth to his observations. It IS hard to believe in "an invisible man in the sky" who "has 10 things you are not supposed to do" that if you do them you are "sent to a horrible burning pit of fire where you will burn and scream etc" but "he loves you". :-/ George jokes that he has decided to worship the sun because he can see the sun, and it does good things for him. It is sad to me that people actually do reason like this. I understand why they do. I'm a "people" I try to reason things out too.... I like things to "make sense" ! But knowing God doesn't make sense! I wish it did. It would be easier to help others to know Him. Now some of you may say... "why is it so important for you people to force God on others? Do you think you get brownie points in heaven or something?" I wish I could just enjoy a relationship with God - and just mind my own business. But that is impossible. As soon as the Holy Spirit in in you.... you have God's heart for people..... you CAN'T leave them alone! Your "own business" becomes God's "business" and you can't stop caring about them.. you can't stop praying for and thinking about them. It becomes your hearts desire to help others to know the Lord. And to try to meet needs ... and there are so many needs! All around are people who have gotten themselves in such messes.... because they don't know God and have no guidance. People who are not "Christ centered" are self centered. They do what they want... because they can. Some of what they do is harmless, or even good. But doing good things for the wrong reasons leads to trouble somewhere down the line. The saddest thing to me is that some of the most defeated people, are in the church. And how to you talk to these people? I think I know why Jesus wept. How overwhelming and misunderstood He was.... and is today! I don't mean to sound like I feel above anyone. Believe me I have so much to learn myself! Last night I was apologizing to the Lord for my "wimpy" prayers. And for not taking more time to listen to Him. Lately I have been encouraging people to listen to God, not just throw prayers at Him and walk away.... but I have been guilty of doing that myself! So, I asked the Lord to help me to listen to Him. And guess what He told me? He said that I had to work on listening to people. That I needed to "hone my listening skills". That if I got better at listening to people... then I would be better at listening to Him. That's something about God... He always has something for you to learn! I know that I suck at listening! I forget people's names because I don't really listen when then tell me. I don't pick up on needs from conversations because I am usually thinking about what I have to say. I interrupt when someone is talking to put my 2 cents in. :-( So.... I asked God to help me hear Him.... and I heard Him..... loud and clear! *sigh* On I go to work on my listening! Current Mood: embarrassed
Thursday, October 26th, 2006
12:02 pm	Halleluia, I'm a "Who" or the gospel according to "Bruce Almighty" Remember the story of "Horton Hears a Who"? I'm sure you had it read to you, or read it yourself as a little guy. Anyway, as I was praying this morning, the image of the little "who" trying to get Horton's attention came to mind. In case you haven't read the story... a "who" is infinitesimal compared to the elephant. So small that it's voice can't possibly be heard by the giant beast. As I prayed this morning I began saying "Lord, I need you in my life ... and in my family... in my church..... my town... my state.... my country.... my world.... my planet.... my universe! It went pretty much that fast - and as I prayed it was as if I was being transported - zooming out to a "God's eye view" of how tiny we are, much we are like the "whos" from the story. The difference being God CAN hear us, loud and clear, and intimately (unlike Horton who just heard a tiny noise at first) From that "prospective" I prayed about His greatness... His awesomeness that we cannot possibly understand. I am "blown away" by His great love for us - and how He considers each of us individually, and equally and intimately - continually.... and that we can't understand either. But we can know it, with the assurance that the Holy Spirit gives us within. So then.... in my prayer... my thoughts went to the movie "Bruce Almighty" (I love that movie!) the scene where Bruce was trying to deal with the prayer requests coming in..... with post it notes and the computer. I'm so thankful that God is able to deal with them all simultaneously. And I laughed at myself at the thought of me trying to juggle and deal with the problems in my life, and all of my family... and you kids... and the country... and the world... etc etc. WHAT A BURDEN! AND SO DUMB TO TRY! I know that when I "dump" all these concerns on the Lord, He shows me which thing He is going to help me deal with , and when. He "deals with" the rest with someone else... (if they are doing what He tells them instead of getting all "worn down with their own set of burdens" Jesus says in Matthew 11: 29 - "take my yoke upon you , and learn from me - my burden is light" He said this when He was starting his "ministry" in the world. Many people just didn't understand who He was or what He meant... they still don't :-( The "know -it-all " so called "wise people" - the religious leaders.. and the scholars of the day didn't get it at all! Apparently God kept them from understanding on purpose, so that He could show His ability to use "the simple" because... Jesus also said this - in Matthew 11:25 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." Which seems to be the case these days. The "know-it-alls" today just don't get it. But Jesus said, again - in Matt 11 verse 27- "... no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, except the Son, and HE TO WHOEVER THE SON WILL REVEAL HIM" So... some of us "get it" and some of us don't. Some of us can't believe that there could be such a thing as a Creator God who can, and does have a handle on each of us individually.... it "doesn't make sense". Some of us feel like a "who" - too small to be heard by a big God. And some of us know the Lord "up front and personal" because, for some reason, known only to God, He has chosen to open our eyes. But who does and who doesn't it all up to Him and His timing. He is also bringing to my mind right now... something else from "Bruce Almighty". When Bruce was trying to make his girlfriend love him..... He couldn't "mess with free will". God won't either. It is always up to us to accept Him. So much for my "story book / movie prayer" :-) As foolish as you may think this is.... remember God uses ALL things. ;-) Current Mood: amused
Wednesday, October 18th, 2006
2:47 am	I See Dying People I just heard a message, and the speaker said that phrase. It made me think of that movie where the little kid said, "I see dead people". I think that may have even been the name of the movie, I don't know. But the speaker was referring to spiritually dying people, and I don't think he was thinking about the movie quote, I don't know. But he also mentioned the parable Jesus told about the lost sheep. How the shepherd will leave the 99 sheep safely gathered together in the fold to go after the one lost one and save it. My thought is that it is more like one or two "safe sheep" and 99 out there, lost and in danger. It is sad to know that they don't even think they are lost... or in danger. And.... they don't know where the "fold" is. Now you know we are not really talking sheep here.... we are talking people. And lost? and in danger? Well if you aren't following Jesus... you are lost.... AND in danger! And the fold? Well , unfortunately that SHOULD be the Church. It IS the Church, but it is kind of hard to find it these days. That is because it is pretty spread out. lol...... the scarecrow in the wizard of oz just came to mind! His arms were over there.... and his legs were in another place etc. You get the picture? The "parts" of the body of Christ (the Church) are here and there too. That's why it's hard to find any one church (meaning a place where people come together to worship the Lord) that has a "fold feeling". And.... that is why I said to follow Jesus.... not follow the "church people"..... or the pastor. Jesus is the one who will never let you down.... will always tell you the truth....... will keep you safe..... and , of course, give you eternal life with Him.... in Heaven, or Earth, or the new Heaven and Earth..... wherever. Jesus Himself said, "Follow ME" (not follow my followers) You can find a lot of fault with me... or any other Christian..... but take a good look at Jesus.... what He has done and promised..... has He ever gone back on His word? Don't let satan "play you" like a video game! Don't believe the doubts and temptations he puts in your mind... don't be one of the "walking dying" .....go with the truth......and the truth will set you free (and bring you into the "fold" B-a-a-a-a-a-a)
Friday, October 13th, 2006
1:11 pm	"How a person THINKS in his HEART so he IS" You have more control over your life than you think you do. And "think" is the key word here. I have a little experiment for you to try. Well it is more like a research project. But it could change your life if you do it..... and use the information you gather from it. The "project" is this. Listen to people. I mean really listen. Listen to what they say, and how they say it. See if you can find a connection in the things they say and the life they have. What I mean is.... see if the people who are always always talking bad about themselves - are having bad life. And see if those who are talking positively are having a positive life. The obvious examples are those who say stuff like , "Nothing good ever happens to me!" or "I never get good grades." - "I am ugly" - "I have no talent" - "No one likes me" etc. People who talk like this are losers. And I am not being mean here... By "losers" I mean they are living a defeated life. They have talked themselves into believing this stuff. (or allowed others to talk them into it) And they usually are not even noticed because they don't want to be, so they fade in to the background..... or..... they exhibit some outlandish, wild behavior and are considered a "freak" and feel that at least they are being famous for something. How they THINK is how they ARE. On the other side of this are the people who say (and think) - "I am great", "I am beautiful", "I'm smart", "I'm loved", "I'm gifted" - "I can do anything" Now as obnoxious as these people can be... they really have the right idea..... kind of - (and I will tell you what I mean by "kind of" in a minute) - These people are the "achievers" the "beautiful people" the "stars" the "winners" Now, you can't always tell from the outside about these people. Because sometimes the "losers" act like the "winners" and visa versa. And, in those cases.... they may be the ones who really have it together. Which brings me to the explanation of "the right idea": The right idea is to believe - and think - and speak the truth about yourselves. And the truth is you ARE beautiful, you ARE great, you ARE loved, and you CAN do anything. BECAUSE GOD MADE YOU, LOVES YOU, HAS GIFTED YOU, AND HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOU. Once you realize this.... you will realize you are a winner (and you shouldn't brag about it - because you didn't make it happen - God did...... and if you are a "bragger" you are pretty much a "loser" because people can't stand you :-/) ...... and you realize that even if "bad" things happen, or "bad" situations - or if you make mistakes - that you still win - because God takes bad and uses it for good..... you just need to trust Him and look for what He wants you to do in these situations. I guess I have wandered a little from where I started..... but you can still observe people and see if this is true. But better yet..... "observe" yourself..... and if you need some "thought adjustments".... why not try to THINK like a winner. Because the truth is.... YOU ARE! :-)
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2006
8:44 am	Be Happy! I am trying so hard not to "force my beliefs" on you, whoever you are. I'm not even sure who reads what I write anymore. But over the last few years I have done the best to "stifle" myself when it comes to speaking out for Jesus. I purposely try to say "the Lord" whenever I can. I avoid saying that I am a Christian because I am aware of what comes to the minds of many at that name - both the name Jesus, and the name Christian. It usually causes some people to be angry and to go off on a tirade about intolerance and judging.... and about all the hypocrites. I understand why. But that is because they haven't seen what Jesus is really all about, and they haven't experienced true Christianity. Jesus, and Christianity is all about love. The kind of love none of us are capable of possessing, naturally. We have to know Jesus, and have His Holy Spirit within us to even touch on that kind of love. And therein lies the problem.... kind of a "catch-22" situation. You need Jesus in order to understand Jesus - and to represent Him on Earth as His "name bearer" ( CHRISTian ) And these days.... well actually it has always been.... Jesus has been given a bad reputation by rumors - incorrect information, gossip and downright lies. So.... many people want nothing to do with Him based on what they hear. Well.. none of us like to be judged by gossip and lies told about us , do we? And don't we love it when our friends come to our defense, and stick up for us? Jesus doesn't need anyone to stick up for, or defend Him. But I think He loves it when we try. I feel a little guilty for "stifling myself" as I mentioned above. One - because the name of Jesus should be proclaimed from the "mountain tops" as the Savior of the world. Two - because I know Him well.... He is more than my best friend .... He is my life! (so it really bothers me to not talk about Him all the time) and Three - He loves you, and wants to be your life too, and it is my hearts desire to help you know this. But, I have held back because He tells me to! And as much as I try to be obedient to His wishes..... when I look at the news and see what is going on in the world. And when I observe "people on the street" (even people in the churches) and notice what they say and do - I have to say "People need the Lord! Jesus is the answer!" Knowing Him that is.... not just using His name....... but having His Spirit within you. Without that you will never "get it". You won't even know you need to "get it". :-( So , what do I want from you? The same thing Jesus does........ Just get alone with Him, and ask Him if He is there. If He doesn't show you that He is - well, either you aren't sincerely looking for Him- ( you are looking on your terms instead of His) or for some reason He doesn't want to. It's His call. All I know is that He loves us all, exactly the same... He has no favorites ..... and He has a plan for each of us that is amazing if we go through the doors He opens for us (and stop banging on the doors He shuts!). So, if you are reading this, I hope you see what I am talking about. I will try not to "preach at you" when I see you in person. But I just love you, and want the best for you..... I want you to be happy! Current Mood: loved and loving