Sunday, August 25, 2013

Pass it On


Randy Kilgore shares with us,"I've noticed through the years that those who have suffered are quick to comfort other sufferers.

When a young couple suffers the loss of a child, another couple who also lost a child in the past asks if they can help.

If a couple looses their main income, almost immediately another couple steps forward to offer their aid, remembering their own journey through fore-closure years earlier.

Again and again we see the body of Christ supporting and encouraging one another.

These Christians have learned that they can use the trials they've been through to reach out to others going through similar difficulties.

Have you been sick? Lost a loved one? Been imprisoned? Unfairly treated? In all of our trials, God promises to bring something good out of even our darkest moments. James 1:2-4.

One key way this takes place is when we share the comfort He offered us with those who are now going through trials.

As Paul points out in 2 Cor. 1:3-7, we are comforted by a Savior who knows our suffering, and we honor Him when we pass His comfort on the still others.





 May we never leave someone to suffer alone. If we know the trial another is on, God will help us to guide that person to His presence—the surest comfort of all."






                      "Dear Lord, help us to step forward when
                  others around us are suffering trials familiar to
                     what we've been through. Enable us to be a 
                    comfort, as You have been to us in the past."

                   God comforts us so that we can comfort others."
                                     Our Daily Bread 8/2/13

Today’s Bible verse: John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me."

Today’s quote: Cindy Sproles – “God promises us hope and peace. He never steps to the side, but He stands firm as the anchor we can grasp hold of…an anchor of safety. The security we find in Him is steadfast and immovable  Just as He swore this oath of faithfulness to Abraham, He does for us as well. The Father is, by His own oath, the anchor that will never break. He is the hope, the promise, we are given and He will not abandon us.

Our thought today: When you mess up, humbly repent and go back to God's ways. God's all about redemption. He goes after His Own. His thoughts are that He loves us and welcomes us back. 

The next post on Sept. 24th:  #21  Women as Intercessors  C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:   GOD'S PLAN FOR MAN God created you with something very special in mind, and once you arrive at the destiny God has for you, His perfect order will flood your home."


jowildflowers@gmail.com
Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout


http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.


[From My Personal Testimony}

#14 Lord God, May Our
       Hearts Come to Know

"Lord God, may our hearts come to know
That You will be enough.
It is with hope that we will grow
Through trials that are tough."




Finding What You've Always Wanted

Sharon Jaynes shares with us, 
"Yard sales. I’ve never really liked them.

But when we were preparing to move from the home we had lived in for 20 years, we decided it was a must. 


It was a way to clean out the clutter, make a little money, and not haul yesterday’s treasures to today’s trash.


We displayed our lovely attic decor on makeshift plywood tables and waited for the bargain babes to descend. 


We were not disappointed. Two hours before the advertised opening time, treasure hunters began congregating outside the closed garage doors. 


Then, upon the unveiling, the swarm attacked.

Among the valuables from my past sat an electric ceramic Christmas tree with various colored lights…no doubt a gift from the eighties. 


One particular woman perused the lovely display and came upon this 'magnificent work of art.'

'I’ve always wanted one of these!' she declared with excitement in her voice. 'How much is it?'

'Three dollars,' my husband answered.

'Humph,' she grunted and walked on.

Steve and I just looked at each other and stifled our laughter.

Let’s rewind the scene for a moment. This woman said she had always wanted a ceramic Christmas tree just like that one. (I’m not here to judge another person’s dreams. That’s just what she said.) 


Always. Her whole life. And here it was! For a mere three dollars, her dream could have come true! The search over! 


Most likely we would have sacrificed this masterpiece for two dollars, but she didn’t even ask. She just shrugged and walked away.

Then my mind began to wander through a rummage sale of its own. I thought about the Pharisees in the Bible. 


For years they waited for the coming of the promised Messiah. Prayed about it. Preached about it. Prepared for it. Then, when Jesus showed up, they turned their backs and walked away. 'Humph,' they said with a shrug. 'No thanks.'

How many times do we long for a particular dream to come true in our lives? Long for it. Search for it. Obsess over it.


 A husband. A child. A job. A home. Then one day, there it is! It can be ours!


The search is over! We say our 'I do’s,' bring home the bundle of joy, log in our first eight hours, hang the last curtain. But then a little time passes. 


The husband is not as romantic as we had hoped, the kids are not as obedient and loving as we had imagined, the job isn't as rewarding as we had envisioned, and the house is a never-ending maze of maintenance. 


'Humph,' we grumble. We think we want something, and then when we get it, we decide we really don’t want it after all.

Let me take it one step further. How many times do we long for love, joy, and peace in our lives? 


We search for it, long for it, and pray about it. Then someone points us to the cross and says, 'There is it. It can be yours for the asking. It’s not three dollars, two dollars, or even one dollar. It’s free!'


'Humph,' we shrug. 'No thanks.' And we walk away to rummage through the yard sales of life looking for treasure among other people’s clutter.

Dear friend, God is holding out His holy hand with the most magnificent gift of all time. 


Love, joy, and peace personified in His Son, Jesus Christ. He is what you have always been longing for, searching for, watching for. 


Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full” John 10:10. Will we take Him up on the offer or say, 'Humph. No thanks,' and walk away?

Chances are, you’ve already taken hold of Jesus’ hand at one time or another. 


So today, examine your heart and make sure you haven’t returned to the rummage sales of life to find fulfillment, but have continued to experience the abundant life that only Jesus can give. He IS what your heart has always wanted.

Let’s Pray- Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making all my dreams come true. You have given me everything I have ever longed for in the person of Jesus Christ. Please forgive me for turning my back on Your amazing gift and trying to fill my longings with people and possessions. I know that nothing will ever satisfy my desire for peace, love, and joy except Jesus. In His name I pray, amen."


"I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." John 10:10 MSG.


Finding What You've Always Wanted   July 11, 2013


Sharon Jaynes     www.girlfriendsingod.com

Now they're your treasures!
[Google images added]

Today’s Bible verse: Is. 53:6 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD (Jesus) hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."

Today’s quote: P. T. Forsyth – “He (Jesus) not only perfectly understands our case and our problem, but He has morally, actively, finally solved it.”


Some thoughts today: Apply the Blood of Jesus to everything. When we plead Christ's Blood over someone or something, we should not be surprised when God shows up!

- It takes action on our part. We must speak out the Word!

-God will protect us in every situation when we speak His Word.

Tonight’s post: Pass It On  Randy Kilgore  



A popular post:  Three Times Blessed  "Be specific in your requests when you pray. Trust in the promises God offers, then sit back and watch how He will provide."


Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

 Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse my book for women contemplating marriage.

         {From my Personal Testimony}

           #12  When I Think of What
                      I've been Through


       "When I think of what I've been through
I realize the love
That has guided me now to you
                        Is from the Lord above."



Saturday, August 24, 2013

God is With Us in Dark Times



Dr. Charles Stanley tells us that "The life of Joseph, [Gen. 39], teaches important principles about challenging times.

Here are three of the lessons we can learn from the adversities he faced:

1. Difficulties will continue until God's purpose is accomplished.

In Joseph's case, God's plan was to prepare him to rescue his family as well as the nation of Egypt from famine.

In order to ready Joseph for a position of authority and responsibility, God placed him in an important Egyptian household as a slave.

There, in difficult circumstances, Joseph could learn key lessons needed for the future. Not only did he acquire valuable skills, but his faith and relationship with the Lord were also strengthened.

God still operates that way so we will be equipped to accomplish the work He has planned for us Eph. 2:10.

2. We learn more in the dark than we do in the light.

Besides discovering the Lord's faithfulness, Joseph learned how to discern God's presence, reject temptation, and handle any position, whether respected or lowly.

The lessons and principles of Scripture truly become 'ours' only after they have been tested and proven reliable.



3. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the light.

Joseph openly share his faith and knowledge from God when he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams Gen. 41:15-16.

What we learn in our trials is to be offered to those who are suffering.

Nobody looks for adversity, but hard times seem to find us often enough.

Instead of fearing hard circumstances, we can trust God and embrace His plan, knowing He uses trials for his glory and our gain."

[This was take from the April issue of In Touch magazine of
Dr. Charles Stanley, pg 45.]

Let’s pray: Father, it has been our experience that You have always have shown us mercy and protection during our difficult times. We are learning that You're always with us, and You will help us go through each situation, to learn from them. May we allow our characters to become more like Christ's as a result. Help us to always keep His Word in mind to guide us. We pray this in Jesus' Name, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 18:3-4 NKJV "Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make."

Some thoughts today: Transfer the responsibility to the Awesome God!

- Develop your own time with the Lord. You’ll hear from Him and
become intimate.

- Remember, there’s something put in you by God that no one can take!

Today’s quote: 
Phyllis Qualls Freeman – “Has God challenged you with an occasion for change? You can be sure that if He transplants you, He will give tender care so you will develop and grow in Him. The vital part of your search for the right path is to seek and to trust absolutely in a God who loves to reveal His will and plan.”
Tomo
rrow morning’s post:  Finding What You've Always Wanted  Sharon Jaynes


Evening's post:  Pass It On  Randy Kilgore

A popular post:    God Sent an Angel on my Darkest Day " I hoped to glean a speck of wisdom and get out of there. God had a different plan, a better one."

In difficult times, hang on!



[From My Personal Testimony]

#11  I Found God's Way
Was Not My Way

"I found God's way was not my way
For how to get things done.
But soon I would learn it did pay
To not let my mouth run."



Friday, August 23, 2013

How to Stay Young

 Mary Southerland shares these suggestions with us today:

"1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch, there are probably family members to fill that need.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Just never let the brain idle.

4. Enjoy the simple things. When the children are young - that is all you can afford. When they are in college that is all you can afford. When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever. Your home is your refuge.




8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country - but not guilt.

10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get. Never assume they know.

11. Don't worry about things you cannot change or do anything about. Accept them and move on.

12. Read more and dust less.

13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working.

14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. Recognize these moments now and cherish them.

15. Do not 'save' anything. Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see.

16. Wear your best outfit to the market.


17. Don't save your good perfume for only special occasions. Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank.

18. 'Someday' and "one of these days" should vanish from your vocabulary. If something is worth seeing, hearing or doing, go and see, hear or do it now.

What about you? Are you living each day to the fullest? 


Jesus is all about living an abundant life in the here and now … whatever stage of life that might be for you. Jesus came so that we can live abundantly and eternally. 

Eternity began the moment you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

Let’s Pray:  Father, I want to live life to the fullest. I want everything you have for me and don’t want to miss a single blessing or trial that is for my good. Please help me keep my eyes on You and celebrate every day and all that it holds. I trust You, Lord, to work all things together for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Who or what is stealing the joy from your life?

What circumstance are you facing that you need to see through God’s eyes and boldly trust Him for?

Look around. What can you find in your life to celebrate?

Are you living out God’s purpose for your life or are you bowing to the wrong audience and listening to the wrong voices?

Today, make the decision to celebrate life and all God has for you.

Read Romans 8:28 and know God is at work to make your life exactly what He wants it to be

How to Stay Young     Mary Southerland
7/23/13 info@girlfriendsingod.com

www.girlfriendsingod.com

Be sure to check out the FREE MP3s on Mary’s website.

Need help getting the Word of God into your life? Check out Mary’s Weekly Online Bible Study, Power Up With Proverbs, to learn how to seek and find the wisdom of God for daily life.

Are you ready to begin a new faith adventure? Get a copy of our new book, Trusting God. Connect with me by email or on Facebook.

Let’s pray:  Father, when we think of the above thoughts of Mary's, may we begin to understand Your way for us, that there is to be a good life for each of us. Help us to maintain good attitudes, so we can learn to be satisfied in what our life is now, and how to walk out Your plan for us. We pray in Jesus' 
Name, amen.
                                   

                                     STAYING YOUNG

                                       "The spirit never ages.

                                       The essence of the soul
Is sure and strong forever
And keeps us young and whole!

The body shows that time has passed
When lines enrich the face,
When sight and hearing weaken,
When movement lacks in grace;



And yet we know that deep within
We're winsome, bright and fair,
Just as we were when we were young
And life was ours to dare!"

by Charlotte Pease

Today’s Bible verse: Job 42:12a "So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning."

Today’s quote:  Brenda K. Hendricks – “Like our physical bodies, our souls crave spiritual food. We can choose healthy nourishment through devoting time to Bible study and prayer. Or we can choose to feast on junk. But be sure one way or the other our souls will be fed today.”

Some thoughts today: It is to be understood that God has a plan to use us in the Kingdom. You'll find great fulfillment and true fulfillment.

Apprehend God’s involvement through prayer. We miss out when we fail to pray.


God moves in answer to prayer. Imagine what God would do if you pray! 


A popular post:  Sharpened Friends   True friends hold one another accountable.   


[Google images added]


http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.


  {From My Personal Testimony}

#9  I Often Wanted My Own Way

"I often wanted my own way.
Rebellion was still there.
I felt I had something to say
And longed to voice my share."


Thursday, August 22, 2013

#20 Intercession as a Spiritual Gift


C. Peter Wagner shares with us that "Intercession is not one of the 25 spiritual gifts mentioned specifically as gifts in the New Testament.

But, like the gift of exorcism, I believe it should be added to the list.


When I talk about this to pastors, they almost invariably tell me that in their congregations are certain people whom they and others openly recognize as having a special prayer ministry, over and above that of the average person.


This is an early clue that they might have the gift of intercession.


Here is my definition of the gift of intercession:

  The gift of intercession is the special ability that God gives to certain members 
of the Body of Christ to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian.


Those with the gift of intercession:

  • Pray longer. One hour a day is the minimum I have found; more frequently they pray two to five hours a day.
  • Pray with more intensity.
  • Enjoy prayer more and receive more personal satisfaction from their prayer times.
  • See more frequent and dramatic answers to their prayers.
  • Are acutely aware of hearing quite clearly from God. Many have an accompanying gift of prophecy.
How many members of an average congregation have the gift of intercession?

The answer to this question is not fully known.

Undoubtedly, further research may turn up some significant variables.

Certain denominations or theological traditions may have more active intercessors than others.

I say 'active' because I am convinced there are many people with the gift of intercession out there in our churches who have not yet discovered their gift or started to use it effectively because their church environment is not conducive to releasing this gift.

One of my prayers is that God will use this book to help change the environment so that multitudes of churches across denominational lives will aggressively encourage the ministry of intercession on all levels."

Today’s post -##20  Intercession as a spiritual Gift, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 48-50) By Regal Books

The next post: 8/24 from Wagner’s book is, #21 Women as Intercessors


Let’s pray: Father, some of us recognize this "gift" working in us. Help us be faithful to follow Your guidance in exercising it for the benefit of those around us, especially for fellow believers. 


Hopefully, others will now see that they too, have this gift, and will be more willing to pray. We ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

 
Today’s Bible verse Prov. 2:10-11 "When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul: Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee."


Today’s quotes: Max Lucado – “If God is able to place the stars in their sockets and suspend the sky like a curtain—do you think it remotely possible God is able to guide your life? Could it be He is mighty enough to light your path?

Jesus said, “Look at the birds in the air. They don’t plant or harvest or store into barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. Why do you worry about clothes?” Matthew 6:26. The next time a sunrise steals your breath, say nothing and listen as heaven whispers, “Do you like it? I did it just for you!”

Martin Wiles - Never assume you can handle all of life’s situations on your own. Keep in touch with the One who sees not only the present but also the future.

Some thoughts today: Who do people think you are? Where's your identity? How firm is your identity with God?

- We are born again into the Holy Nation of believers in Christ.

- We are priests and we can go between God and the world.

Tomorrow’s post: How to Stay Young  Mary Southerland

A popular post:   
 Oh No, She's Awake! "What we feared as a weakness, an obstacle to overcome, was, in reality, a great strength and part of the Master’s plan." [Another message by Mary Southerland]


I'm protected!


http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  my book with new title and cover for women contemplating marriage.




                   #31  My Heart Goes 
                      Out to You, My Dear

"My heart goes out to you, my dear
As you will look ahead.
Some things may cause you now to fear
But please trust God instead."



 




Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Rowing in the Right Order

Jill Savage- "Last weekend, I headed to the lake to discover there was a regatta going on.

For those unfamiliar with the term, it's a series of boat races typically between rowed or sailed water craft.

This particular regatta was a competition where long boats are rowed.

I've seen the races before, but this time, as I watched the precision of the rowers and listened to the shouts of encouragement coming from a passenger in the boat, I grew curious about the details of the sport.


What I learned after some research was just how much a rowing team resembles our Christian walk...or at least how it should look.  


For starters, just look at the teamwork required just to get the boat IN the water. The team needs to lift the burden together... just as we should be lifting one another's burdens up in prayer. 



Then, once the boat is in the water, each of these team members has a specified position in the boat.

Using an 8 person boat as an example, the one closest to the front of the boat, or the 'stern', is called the 'stroke'.  


This is the rower who is the most technically sound member of the team. It is that person's responsibility to establish the rhythm and rate of the boat - or basically, the speed at which they proceed. 


In the picture below, you can see a person facing the rowers.  


That non-rowing member of the team is the 'coxswain' and his responsibility is to steer the boat by working with the 'stroke', to provide motivation and encouragement to the crew, to let the crew know where they are in relation to other crews and the finish line, and to make any necessary race tactic calls.


Not to over simplify things, but when I think about the positions in the boat equated to our Christian walk, I think of Jesus as the one in the stroke seat with God as the coxswain.



 Jesus is in the intercessor position, establishing the rhythm of our lives when we're in submission to him. 


God's in the boat with us, directing us, providing encouragement throughout the race and the only one who can actually see the finish line.

The middle rowers are the body of believers.  We are to keep our eyes looking ahead, trusting on God to guide us.  


We faithfully serve, pulling together to stay consistent in the race, and working together toward a common goal.

The last 2 rowers in the 8 person boat are called the bow pair.  This pair are more responsible for the stability and the direction of the boat than the other rowers, and are often very technical rowers.  


In my little analogy, these would be our leaders, our pastors and the like.

So if the rowers all have a position in the boat that utilizes their strengths, what if one started to complain about their position within the boat?

What if a middle rower decides to switch positions or stop rowing? 

I'm not even sure it's physically possible to stand up in one of those long boats let alone crawl over others to switch seats...but I'll tell you what...aren't we all guilty of having made the attempt at one point or another in our lives? You know what I'm talking about. 

You think you can do something better than the person doing it...or

You think you're doing all the work with none of the credit...or

You don't see why you should have to be the one to volunteer...again...

Worse yet, maybe it's not another member of the body you have issue with...maybe you want to be in charge of the rhythm and rate of the boat. 

What if you try to sit in the stroke seat?

Yes...I'm talking about switching seats with Jesus.  C'mon, you remember...

Those times when things weren't moving along fast enough for you...

Those times when you thought switching lanes would give you an advantage...

Those times when you foolishly thought you could be face to face with God and tell him you could do a better job getting where you wanted to go...

And what happened?  You rocked the boat.  You capsized the boat.  Or maybe you just caused the boat to go around in circles without moving forward so long you got completely disoriented.




It's time for one more comparison today.

You see that big white boat in the picture? That boat is like the Holy Spirit. It follows the crews throughout the entire race.
 

The person in that boat chastises the rowers if they begin to stray from their lane...they keep them on the straight and narrow as it were.

If anything happens to a rower, they are there to pluck them up out of the water.

In our Christian walk, as in rowing, there is a proper order to things.

We need God at the head or we run the risk of being in the race but getting off course because we cannot see the finish line.

We need Jesus in our midst to set the pace. He intercedes on our behalf with the Father and together they guide us.

We need to work together as a team, understanding that each person has strengths and weaknesses and God has placed us in the position He wants us in so we are best used to accomplish His purposes.

If we try to switch up that placement we run the risk of bringing harm to the entire group.

Our pastors and teachers are there to give us the stability and guidance we need as we navigate the sometimes rough waters in our lives.

We need to listen to the Holy Spirit to keep from straying from what is right.

How are you doing today? 


Are you fulfilling the mission of your position in the boat?

Are you rowing in the right order?"
lakeside lessons    Jill Savage Posted: 30 Apr 2013 02:34 PM PDT

Let’s pray:  Father, I want to do what You direct me to do, regardless of what I may think. I ask that Your Word gives me the direction to walk on the path of Your plan for me. Help me be faithful to read its words daily. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Today's prayer challenge: There is power to destroy or build in 

our using the power of Christ; praying in tongues [heavenly language]. 

Today’s Bible verse:  Ps. 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him."

Some thoughts today: Christians are chosen people (unique identity) to declare the praises of Christ in their good conduct. 1 Peter 2:9-12


- Let's make the following proclamation as far as God's will and plan for our lives is concerned: 1. I Must do it;  2. I Can do it;  3. I Will do it!


- If you mess up, it doesn't change your being chosen by God. He'll always love you no matter what! Repent, and move on.

Tomorrow’s post:  #20  Intercession as a Spiritual Gift  C. Peter Wagner

A popular post:  An Oreo Kind of Day  [Emily Easley] "All too often I turn to food for comfort, only to realize it never soothes my soul. The only source of lasting satisfaction is God."

Samples of Jean's crafts
http://twitter.com/jeanoathout
http://facebook.com/jean.oathout


http://www.amazon.com/dp/1938499999/  Link to Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse  $7.95

                      #21  Try Riding Backwards
                      in a Car

"Try riding backwards in a car
With your man at the wheel.
It will be hard to go too far
No backward glance to steal...


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DP77URG/  Kindle addition  $2.99