Friday, October 12, 2012
Sovereignty of God
As someone very wise said, God is either sovereign all the time or He's not sovereign at all. It's really hard to remember that despite the circumstances, the small to the large, he has engineered them specifically for us for his purpose. We are either going to be part of that purpose or we will fight against the injustices, the irritations and the fact that though we see and we hear, we can't judge rightly except through the spirit. It's also difficult to submit to the Lords hand when he sees fit to use the hammer when we think he should be "smoothing". Anyway, just a thought for the day. What comes my way if part of the purpose and plan of God. Get with his purpose and I'll see things correctly.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Part of the Plan
Janelle:
This morning, Steven talked about not forgetting through the days, the irritating little things that send us into worry and into stressing, that God has a plan and He is 100% absolutely confident that what He has planned will come to pass. That nothing is out of His hand and our choice is to stay in our feeble struggle to change circumstances beyond our control and stay worried and stressed by those same things or to be part of His plan and leave it in His hands.
It's such a good reminder that the small but significant things that come up in my day that send me over the moon in anger or irritation or annoyance are all orchestrated by the Lord for his Purpose and I need to come in line with it to have the right response to it.
Dan:
He's been thinking about Football and Hunting...:) though still praying for Jackson and all that good stuff.
This morning, Steven talked about not forgetting through the days, the irritating little things that send us into worry and into stressing, that God has a plan and He is 100% absolutely confident that what He has planned will come to pass. That nothing is out of His hand and our choice is to stay in our feeble struggle to change circumstances beyond our control and stay worried and stressed by those same things or to be part of His plan and leave it in His hands.
It's such a good reminder that the small but significant things that come up in my day that send me over the moon in anger or irritation or annoyance are all orchestrated by the Lord for his Purpose and I need to come in line with it to have the right response to it.
Dan:
He's been thinking about Football and Hunting...:) though still praying for Jackson and all that good stuff.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Amy
Janelle:
Yes, it's been a long time. I don't actually feel bad. Mostly because I've been sick, Dan's been working long hours and Jackson has been sick. Lot's happening.
But I do want to jot this down as it were because I don't want to forget when I need it. For Amy, my oldest sister, who is 36 years old and not married. This is only a big deal because she has wanted to get married for a long time and been through all kinds of hell because she didn't even have any prospects. She is now in a serious relationship, which will probably end in marriage. For her bridal shower, I intend to use this scripture as the theme.
Joel 2V23 - 27 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
Yes, it's been a long time. I don't actually feel bad. Mostly because I've been sick, Dan's been working long hours and Jackson has been sick. Lot's happening.
But I do want to jot this down as it were because I don't want to forget when I need it. For Amy, my oldest sister, who is 36 years old and not married. This is only a big deal because she has wanted to get married for a long time and been through all kinds of hell because she didn't even have any prospects. She is now in a serious relationship, which will probably end in marriage. For her bridal shower, I intend to use this scripture as the theme.
Joel 2V23 - 27 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
I love the promise that the years she spent in anger and bitterness and working with all her heart to justify God, He will restore that time. It's also especially fitting because of Nelson's past. The years of hell that he has gone through are not for his shame, because God was in it and there is no shame where God is. He will restore the years for Nelson too. I love this and really the Lord spoke this to me right after they got together. Pretty cool. :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Correction
Janelle:
Well, I've been corrected again. :) Such a surprise. But this time it was a lot worse because it was about Jackson. I was told that I was not drawing lines for Jackson and his margins were way to broad etc. I wanted to go BLAH! but, instead I cried a bit and justified myself a bit and then prayed that God would show me exactly where I need to be more firm and how exactly to make Jackson be obedient. I believe in obedience. I believe he should do exactly as I say, but it's a much different thing to know how to do that in all the different situations. Especially since kids change ALL THE TIME!
But, again the line "what will I answer when I am reproved" keeps running through my mind. In the end, it doesn't matter if Bill is right, as long as I am open to correction and direction.
Well, I've been corrected again. :) Such a surprise. But this time it was a lot worse because it was about Jackson. I was told that I was not drawing lines for Jackson and his margins were way to broad etc. I wanted to go BLAH! but, instead I cried a bit and justified myself a bit and then prayed that God would show me exactly where I need to be more firm and how exactly to make Jackson be obedient. I believe in obedience. I believe he should do exactly as I say, but it's a much different thing to know how to do that in all the different situations. Especially since kids change ALL THE TIME!
But, again the line "what will I answer when I am reproved" keeps running through my mind. In the end, it doesn't matter if Bill is right, as long as I am open to correction and direction.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Trust
Janelle: Well, it's been a very busy two weeks. I have no excuse to not be posting other then the classic, "no time". I have been thinking about trust again, as there is massive sickness going around including Whooping Cough. I read so much judgement on the internet. You are judged if you do vaccinate you are most definitely judged if you don't vaccinate. You are going to kill your child if you do and you will DEFINITELY kill your child & other children if you don't. I hate it. I strongly believe that you must hear from the Lord about what is right for your child, and every individual child, and then trust him that He will take care of them. I have definitely been thinking about if I really trust the Lord with Jackson or not. I remember thinking after the whole ectopic pregnancy, getting pregnant and then being sick with worry that I would loose the baby, that there is NEVER a time to not trust the Lord. He requires it of us ALL the time. And it is still true. I have to keep hearing and keep asking to hear so that my relationship is up to date and current so I do the rights things.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The War
Janelle:
The war has intensified. I listened to John Jeffries word from a month ago on my laundry day, and was really struck by a story he told of Sam Fife. He was talking about how they were praying for John Hinsen not to go to jail, and in the story, they were all praying fervently and then a bunch of people left and some time after that, Sam's head came up and he said: "He's here. We have His ear. Let's make our request." It was so powerful to think that the we have his ear. That He will listen to us as we make our request to him, but we have to wait on him. It's not a magic button, it's our God, whom we serve and it's our responsibility to wait on him. To know the difference of being in his presence or not.
The war to me has gotten a lot harder, just in being faithful every day. It's evident from the lack of posts on this blog, that I have been struggling. In the same way that I don't give myself much room with exercise, I need to not give myself any room when exercising my spirit.
It seems it's a lot harder to simply think about what God is speaking today then to just go for a run. But if I'm not faithful, I won't be counted.
The war has intensified. I listened to John Jeffries word from a month ago on my laundry day, and was really struck by a story he told of Sam Fife. He was talking about how they were praying for John Hinsen not to go to jail, and in the story, they were all praying fervently and then a bunch of people left and some time after that, Sam's head came up and he said: "He's here. We have His ear. Let's make our request." It was so powerful to think that the we have his ear. That He will listen to us as we make our request to him, but we have to wait on him. It's not a magic button, it's our God, whom we serve and it's our responsibility to wait on him. To know the difference of being in his presence or not.
The war to me has gotten a lot harder, just in being faithful every day. It's evident from the lack of posts on this blog, that I have been struggling. In the same way that I don't give myself much room with exercise, I need to not give myself any room when exercising my spirit.
It seems it's a lot harder to simply think about what God is speaking today then to just go for a run. But if I'm not faithful, I won't be counted.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Employing the Holy Spirit
Janelle:
We have been talking recently about employing the Holy Spirit. It says that he is an advocate for us, but if we don't employ him, we don't receive any help from him at all. My biggest problem is that I just don't remember to involve him in my day. When I get busy or focused, I rarely take the time to say, "Lord, direct me. Help me, show me what you want from me in this particular situation."
The Sad thing is, that instead of living my life with purpose, directed by the Lord, I get so comfortable just drifting from all the normal things I do. I take care of my family, I clean my house, I go to work, and I relax, completely failing to involve the Lord in my days.
But it doesn't have to stay that way. I also think, employing the holy spirit it about the burdens that we carry. Instead of feeling heavy under them and unable to help, we can give them to the Lord, who says he will carry our burdens and His burden is light, and have not only the help we need, but the wisdom to see which burdens are from him, and which are ones we take on ourselves.
We have been talking recently about employing the Holy Spirit. It says that he is an advocate for us, but if we don't employ him, we don't receive any help from him at all. My biggest problem is that I just don't remember to involve him in my day. When I get busy or focused, I rarely take the time to say, "Lord, direct me. Help me, show me what you want from me in this particular situation."
The Sad thing is, that instead of living my life with purpose, directed by the Lord, I get so comfortable just drifting from all the normal things I do. I take care of my family, I clean my house, I go to work, and I relax, completely failing to involve the Lord in my days.
But it doesn't have to stay that way. I also think, employing the holy spirit it about the burdens that we carry. Instead of feeling heavy under them and unable to help, we can give them to the Lord, who says he will carry our burdens and His burden is light, and have not only the help we need, but the wisdom to see which burdens are from him, and which are ones we take on ourselves.
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Refill
Janelle:
Today David DiGloria talked about needing a refill of the Holy Spirit, because we are actually called to be suppliers of the Holy Spirit for one another.
Ephesians 4V15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
We are called to supply the body with what we are given. We aren't called to sit and take and take and never give. God has given us his Holy Spirit and as we are filled with that, we are to supply the body. Sometimes we just need to be re-filled with the Spirit so we can get in the right way again and be our effectual part in the body of Christ.
Dan:
No strife in our relationship.
Friday, July 6, 2012
What Comes out of my mouth.
Janelle:
Well, many years ago, almost six, my mother said, "We can bring life or death into our relationships by what we say."
This mornings opening was about keeping our tongues under control. About not speaking when you aren't supposed too, and learning how to have the Lord bridal your tongue.
I was actually thinking about not being a gossip, and not talking about people. It's so easy to fall into just "chatting" about others and really not caring what we are saying, if it's hurtful or if it's tearing down. I hate it after I do it, but the thing about what you say, is you can't take it back. Once something is said, it's there. And the consequences of those things that we say can be much more long term than what we want.
It's like the scripture in James 3v1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Dan:
Words
Well, many years ago, almost six, my mother said, "We can bring life or death into our relationships by what we say."
This mornings opening was about keeping our tongues under control. About not speaking when you aren't supposed too, and learning how to have the Lord bridal your tongue.
I was actually thinking about not being a gossip, and not talking about people. It's so easy to fall into just "chatting" about others and really not caring what we are saying, if it's hurtful or if it's tearing down. I hate it after I do it, but the thing about what you say, is you can't take it back. Once something is said, it's there. And the consequences of those things that we say can be much more long term than what we want.
It's like the scripture in James 3v1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
I want the words of my mouth to be a praise to God and not a shame.
Dan:
Words
Our worlds have more power than we care to think about on any given day. Proverbs 18:21 says "life and death are in the power of the tongue".
How we think and speak to each other has a great effect on our relationships and how our lives our formed. We can encourage or belittle those that we come in contact with, both in and outside of our immediate circle of friends/family. While this interaction can directly effect us in both the long and short term, of more importance perhaps is the immediate affect our words have on ourselves. What you say is an expression of what you think and how you feel, in short your view of the world around you. Negative words and projections create a negative atmosphere and perspective that can if unchecked lead to destructive behavioral and thinking patterns.
The flip side is also true, we all love funny people. Why? Because they make us happy. When a positive and reinforcing environment is projected it also begets positive actions.
In short how we think and what we say shapes our lives. Not only what others see and think about us but how we perceive our very selves.
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Kingdom of God
Janelle:
A real & relevant relationship with God. What kind of relationship do I have? Do I care more about his program then I do about my own? Is the Kingdom of God coming in me? Can I see the Kingdom coming in those around me? We talked on Saturday about these things. It can be discouraging to me to see how much I need to get with the program. And when I see it, I intend to, and then procrastinate. It's a cycle I have found myself in far too often. I have to invest my time and energy into a relationship with God, or it won't happen. I loved when Vickie got up and talked about the places she sees the Kingdom of God. The different relationships between people, the work that is poured out etc. I was really touched and I want to look for those things in the people around me.
The Other thing David said that really had an impact on my was about needing to have more compassion on each other. This really rang true for me as I was having a judgmental view of someone and why they weren't getting with the program. And I even heard God tell me to give the grace and time. I need to be more attentive to the voice of the Lord and the nudging of the Spirit. How else will he direct me if I won't listen and won't be turned?
It's possible to have the right relationship and to please the Lord. But it's going to take energy and time and investment on my part.
Dan:
Perseverance in the face of adversity. We have been sick for a long time, and it's not as bad as it seems but in the middle of it, it seems to be never ending. It's frustrating too, because it's also my family that it's out of my control. Find hope in the struggle.
A real & relevant relationship with God. What kind of relationship do I have? Do I care more about his program then I do about my own? Is the Kingdom of God coming in me? Can I see the Kingdom coming in those around me? We talked on Saturday about these things. It can be discouraging to me to see how much I need to get with the program. And when I see it, I intend to, and then procrastinate. It's a cycle I have found myself in far too often. I have to invest my time and energy into a relationship with God, or it won't happen. I loved when Vickie got up and talked about the places she sees the Kingdom of God. The different relationships between people, the work that is poured out etc. I was really touched and I want to look for those things in the people around me.
The Other thing David said that really had an impact on my was about needing to have more compassion on each other. This really rang true for me as I was having a judgmental view of someone and why they weren't getting with the program. And I even heard God tell me to give the grace and time. I need to be more attentive to the voice of the Lord and the nudging of the Spirit. How else will he direct me if I won't listen and won't be turned?
It's possible to have the right relationship and to please the Lord. But it's going to take energy and time and investment on my part.
Dan:
Perseverance in the face of adversity. We have been sick for a long time, and it's not as bad as it seems but in the middle of it, it seems to be never ending. It's frustrating too, because it's also my family that it's out of my control. Find hope in the struggle.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Janelle:
Romans 8 v 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
This mornings opening was about hope. And hope is something that I can struggle with, when I am faced with myself and how difficult it is for me to see things correctly. If I can look at the world through eyes of hope, my perspective will be drastically different then my normal, default view of life. How much better, to look with hope and faith, then to be weighed down with my own analysis of the things that come my way. I especially love the verse about not having received from God a spirit of bondage and anything that is bondage needs to be cast from us. He has given us a spirit of adoption. He has taken us out of the family we were born to, and made us his sons. It's beautiful and I need to remember it all the time.
Dan:
I was thinking about how all the choices that we make through our days and weeks, months and years, make us the people we are. The little choices, to either be honest, or lie, to be kind or self seeking, adds to the person we are becoming through our lives. It can be overwhelming, but it if we are led by the Spirit, we'll be the person God wants us to be.
Monday, June 25, 2012
A couple thoughts.
Janelle:
Well after a week hiatus, I am back. I have been thinking about a couple of things. The first being what Amy said on Monday about we have to see the goodness of the Lord not only in the rainy, plentiful season, but also in the dry times. "He rains down goodness the whole year." It's not just the blessings that are good, but the dry times too. Also I was thinking about what Josiah said about learning to trust. It's so hard to trust in every area. We sometimes feel like it's possible for certain things, but just not everything. But it's it possible and really required for us to trust the Lord in everything.
Well after a week hiatus, I am back. I have been thinking about a couple of things. The first being what Amy said on Monday about we have to see the goodness of the Lord not only in the rainy, plentiful season, but also in the dry times. "He rains down goodness the whole year." It's not just the blessings that are good, but the dry times too. Also I was thinking about what Josiah said about learning to trust. It's so hard to trust in every area. We sometimes feel like it's possible for certain things, but just not everything. But it's it possible and really required for us to trust the Lord in everything.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Dan: These are thoughts for a possible opening.
This story of a Marathon runner who takes wrong turn at end of race.
http://tv.gawker.com/#!
Psalms 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
This story of a Marathon runner who takes wrong turn at end of race.
http://tv.gawker.com/#!
Psalms 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
God is the one that has to give us strength to keep after him.
The farther we get into God the less traffic and trails there are. There is only one that has gone before (Jesus)
We have to rely on Him to be our direction and compass.
We can't stop and waste the calling we have on our lives and all the work.
Robert Scott in 1912 lead an expedition to be the first to reach the South pole, although he was bested by a Norwegian expedition lead by Roald Amundsen that got there 2 weeks before.
Scott and his crew were frozen, exhausted, diappointed, and suffering from scurvy as they began their return trip. By February 17, one crew member, Seaman Edgar Evan died. Other members of the expedition began to die, and they set up their last camp on March 11, 1912 only 11 miles from One Ton Depot, where they could have gotten supplies. A raging blizzard kept them from the depot, and the remaining crew died at this camp. They were found dead in ther sleeping bags by a rescue party on November 12, 1912.
We know that we have help as long as we go to the source of our help. Even that runner had help he just didn't look at the race official. Isa 30:21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.
Ps 145:18 The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Smorgasbord
Janelle:
Several things have been running through my mind throughout the week, but I've been too stickin' busy to get on here and type them out. The relevant bits are, "what do you have in your pocket?" - which is a question about what we have that the Lord has spoken to us specifically that we carry around with us. It's really important to remember when the Lord has moved majorly in our lives so we can look back and be encouraged when we are in a dryer spell. Next up, "When we are cut by each other, do we bleed Christ?" In other words, when we are offended, what do we answer, and when we are reproved, what do we do with it. I have still been struggling with the confrontation I had last week and something my sister said really rang true. "It is right that I should be examined and questioned." It is true. I should be open to be read and examined by all men, like the scripture says.
Anyway, no deep thoughts tonight because I am too tired!
Dan:
Several things have been running through my mind throughout the week, but I've been too stickin' busy to get on here and type them out. The relevant bits are, "what do you have in your pocket?" - which is a question about what we have that the Lord has spoken to us specifically that we carry around with us. It's really important to remember when the Lord has moved majorly in our lives so we can look back and be encouraged when we are in a dryer spell. Next up, "When we are cut by each other, do we bleed Christ?" In other words, when we are offended, what do we answer, and when we are reproved, what do we do with it. I have still been struggling with the confrontation I had last week and something my sister said really rang true. "It is right that I should be examined and questioned." It is true. I should be open to be read and examined by all men, like the scripture says.
Anyway, no deep thoughts tonight because I am too tired!
Dan:
Monday, June 11, 2012
Forgiveness
Janelle:
Forgiveness was brought up for opening and I was thinking about it the rest of the day. It's so important to really let things go, every time they come up. In our own strength, we can't forget the offences against us, but we can choose to be offended or not. And if we don't give room to the offence, we won't have to forgive it.
But many times, we have to forgive the same thing in our minds over and over again. And the day that we decide to not forgive, is the day we will find ourselves in bondage. Oshea said that forgiveness and thankfulness go hand in hand and I really think that is true as well. If we are focused on the blessings and the great things in life, we"ll be less likely to hold to all the unfair, meanness of life.
Dan:
Matthew 6V14 "14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Forgiveness was brought up for opening and I was thinking about it the rest of the day. It's so important to really let things go, every time they come up. In our own strength, we can't forget the offences against us, but we can choose to be offended or not. And if we don't give room to the offence, we won't have to forgive it.
But many times, we have to forgive the same thing in our minds over and over again. And the day that we decide to not forgive, is the day we will find ourselves in bondage. Oshea said that forgiveness and thankfulness go hand in hand and I really think that is true as well. If we are focused on the blessings and the great things in life, we"ll be less likely to hold to all the unfair, meanness of life.
Matthew 6V14 "14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Often times we expect and even demand forgiveness from others, but are reticent to giving it ourselves. Forgiveness isn't a right it's a choice we make and a gift we receive. It's as much a gift to the giver as to the receiver.
Friday, June 8, 2012
What I will Answer
Janelle:
So I was confronted about something, and you know how it is when someone is critical of any of your actions. I immediately defend myself. I hold a trial of all that I have done and thought, and lay all my evidence before the jury (me) and the Judge (me again) and point out to the prosecution in minute detail all the why's and wherefores and "how dare you come against me in any case." But because of the life I have chosen to lead and the call that I believe in, I have to stop. To open my heart and to ask God what He is wanting to say to me. And not only that but asking how I should answer.
Hab 2V1 "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
So I was confronted about something, and you know how it is when someone is critical of any of your actions. I immediately defend myself. I hold a trial of all that I have done and thought, and lay all my evidence before the jury (me) and the Judge (me again) and point out to the prosecution in minute detail all the why's and wherefores and "how dare you come against me in any case." But because of the life I have chosen to lead and the call that I believe in, I have to stop. To open my heart and to ask God what He is wanting to say to me. And not only that but asking how I should answer.
Hab 2V1 "I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.
2And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."
It really goes along quite nicely with what I was thinking about before. That being the watchman, and the vision. I was also thinking about the scripture about make the vision plane and "your call and election sure". It sounds so beautiful and poetic, but how to make it real and an every day occurrence? I make the vision plane, when I live it. When I, standing on my watch, take the correction, though I don't like it and my response it "Lord, make me what you want me to be. Make my actions to be what please you and where I need to pull up my pants and get with the program, show me, so I am not left out of this election." So when I am reproved, it's time to remember the vision. To reiterate in my life once again, that I am here to be perfected. So that means all the stuff that God doesn't like needs to be brought to my attention. That also means a lot of stuff being brought to my attention... Yuck. But it's that or not be a Son of God.
Dan: Prayer
Prayer is a tool that the Lord gives us to use. It is also a tool the Holy Spirit employs when he intercedes for us. The more we use it and are in right relationship, the more we will be asking for the right things and know how to pray for each other. John 16:24 " Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!"
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Dan:
Having the Mind of God. It is very important to have the mind of God, because of the depravity of the world, you would lose hope for society and for man kind. Without God, there are no depths that man will not go. (Couple having a baby and not telling the gender until the child is old enough to decide what it want's to be.)
Janelle:
Having the Lords View: If you aren't looking with the eyes of the Lord, you judge everything incorrectly. And miss the signs of the Lord speaking to you, because you aren't looking for them, or trying to see circumstances with his eyes. You have to have love in your response or you don't have anything.
Having the Mind of God. It is very important to have the mind of God, because of the depravity of the world, you would lose hope for society and for man kind. Without God, there are no depths that man will not go. (Couple having a baby and not telling the gender until the child is old enough to decide what it want's to be.)
Janelle:
Having the Lords View: If you aren't looking with the eyes of the Lord, you judge everything incorrectly. And miss the signs of the Lord speaking to you, because you aren't looking for them, or trying to see circumstances with his eyes. You have to have love in your response or you don't have anything.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Janelle -
The Lord brings us into a narrow way, not because He is sadistic and likes to see us suffer, but because without it we wouldn't seek Him for our strength.We are strengthened in that narrow place. II Corin. 4V8 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in us, but life in you." Though we are troubled, and worked over by the things that come at us during the day, we have the ability to go through it and not despair because of the Lord.
Dan -
Worship & Praise. We have to nurture a love for worship because that's what we are called to do. Give our lives as a worship to God. If we are called to worship, we should practice it and actually enjoy doing it. Why would we want to do something for eternity that we don't like it. Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
The Lord brings us into a narrow way, not because He is sadistic and likes to see us suffer, but because without it we wouldn't seek Him for our strength.We are strengthened in that narrow place. II Corin. 4V8 "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in us, but life in you." Though we are troubled, and worked over by the things that come at us during the day, we have the ability to go through it and not despair because of the Lord.
Dan -
Worship & Praise. We have to nurture a love for worship because that's what we are called to do. Give our lives as a worship to God. If we are called to worship, we should practice it and actually enjoy doing it. Why would we want to do something for eternity that we don't like it. Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Friday, June 1, 2012
June 1, 2012
Janelle:
Psalm 127V1 - " Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Janelle:
Psalm 127V1 - " Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
Unless the Lord enables us to watch, nothing we do will be effective to keep our temples, or cities. (Our bodies.)
1 Thes 5V6 "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober." Sober - nocturnal. In other words be the watchman who is watching through the night. Waiting for the Lord to move.
Dan:
Praying without ceasing. The reality of praying without ceasing is more about having the open relationship throughout the day and having the ears to hear all day. Because you can't be literally praying through the day, but you can be in the right spirit and connected to the Lord. You pray thought the day, but not literally without ceasing.
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