What More Do We Need?

I don’t understand some folks. Why is it we need people like Sarah Young, Joel Olsteen, Beth Moore, Joyce Meyers (do I go on?) to feel good about His word?  I admit it, I am a purist. As much as possible anyway. I stick with my Geneva and my King James – No other “version” for me.

I keep a concordance handy; I strive to study Greek and Hebrew as I can. I don’t say that to give the impression I am smarter or better than anyone else – I have a hunger though for the truth. I don’t want anything but the truth. Half a truth will not set me free; a partial truth will not bring me joy or peace. HIs truth will free me! It can free you too.

 

Why do we tolerate and go to these false prophets, with their false gospels? Why can the Word, the pure Word of God, not be enough for us?  I cannot imagine Paul or Peter or Mary seeking out another to tell them what His word said about something. I cannot fathom them looking past the One with the answer, for something better or easier. They knew the Word and the truth and they never once needed a different version.  If they did not understand, they had faith in His timing. If they needed an answer, they sought God through prayer and fasting.

 

Consider 1 Kings 13: There was one prophet, a man of God who lied to another; the second was deceived and died because he listened to the prophet, who lied, and put aside what God had said! How many are listening to these voices and putting aside God’s word and using others that seek to inspire rather than speaking the WORD OF GOD?  It not about how it makes us feel but about what is true.

 

I am so tired of people sharing these tidbits that they say is “God’s word for them” ~ How soon so many are deceived…The Word of God is pure. It is true. The Word was God and is God. Do we really believe HIs word or is it something we just say? And if we believe it, if we are led by His Spirit, why do we need anything more than His Spirit and the Bible to understand and get the answers we need.

 

There are two sides in this, we cannot forget that there are many voices that speak to us – Can we please get wisdom, get understanding and discern His voice from all of the other ones out there?  We cannot allow ourselves to be distracted, we cannot allow ourselves to be too busy for study of the Word, for prayer.  We must, in these dark days, give ourselves wholly and fully, to Him. Seeking Him in all things.

 

Are we seeking out devotionals?  Books like The Message, even the ESV and NIV versions that are not really HIs word at all but merely man’s interpretation of His Word (which the scriptures say is not for any private interpretation)?  Have faith, be patient, wait on the Lord and keep His way – He will give us all we need to know as we need to know it. It is far too dangerous, in so many ways, to seek out answers from those who do not have the truth and are not filled with His Spirit born again believers.

 

 

Be wise…Be discerning….Know His word – if His word is not enough to inspire and motivate you … you have some bigger problems which no devotional is going to solve!!

(said in love)

52 Little Lessons

     I love musicals.  I remember the very first time I saw this on stage; I was in love.  From that point on I read and studied the story, the history surrounding it all – I learned how to play the music, I learned every word to every song.  It was such a beautiful and powerful experience for me.  To this day I still remember, almost word for word, the songs within this musical.  🙂

 

So when I came across this book – how could I possibly pass it up? This, Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, has never grown old. I do not believe that this story will ever lose its value. At its core it speaks of sin, love and redemption. It shows sacrificial living; it is in many ways an excellent example for us as to how we ought to live.

 

Author Bob Welch, states he did not seek out to analyze this story but rather he sought to answer a question. Not just any question; it did not have anything to do with France and the time period in which Les Miserables historically occurs, but rather a most simple question:“What can it say to me where I am right now?”

 

These real such simple lessons. Short reads to ponder for our own life. For example: Lesson 6: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit”; Lesson 26: “The Past Can Be a Springboard to the Future” and Lesson 40: “Self-Pity Morphs Into Selfishness”  and one of my favorites,  Lesson 38:  Perspective Changes Everything.  These are just a small sample of the lessons within this book. Certainly we all have much to learn as we grow in Christ. 🙂

 
Typically lessons begins with a short quote from the original story and then continues discussing a specific event or scene, then moving on to “real life” examples as well as scriptural references  Each lesson concludes with a thought provoking question, something that helps to show its application to our own life. They really encourage you to stop and take inventory, and reflect before moving forward.

 

A good example of this is seen in the character of Valjean; his story and even the characters of those like the Bishop and Enjolras. Fantine and Cosette.  There’s so much life within the pages of this book all full of lessons and ways we can grow ourselves in our own lives.  I love the depth in the one simple line: “even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”  Doesn’t that take on a greater meaning when you really stop to consider it?

 

Such a sweet, simple, valuable read. I do believe this would be wonderful to use as a devotional even.  I plan in the near future to space this out, one lesson to ponder over several days. To really seek His word and way in those pages; there is a greater depth that I do not want to miss!  Certainly this one is overflowing with the most precious of lessons if we only take the time to really allow the words to sit, just as our tea bag steeps in the cup. I definitely will be reading this one again, as a steeping teabag, that I may gain a greater and stronger understanding from every word.

 

Shine that Light

Matthew 5:14, 16 (KJV)
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid….Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

We cannot hide this light within. We cannot try to dim it either. We have been so very blessed to be called, to be chosen, by God, to be His vessels. We cannot hide what God has done in our lives.  We must tell everyone; testify to His goodness and mercy and love. Do not try to hide the reason for the hope in us, the power that we have that causes us to not just show but desire to show compassion, mercy, peace, joy and love.  This is the that very light which God uses to draw people to Himself.

What good is salt if it’s left on a shelf and never used? What good does it do to have a candle that remains hidden? 

 

Did you know that salt has been used in several cultures throughout time as a valuable commodity?  In fact, our english word ‘salary’ originates from an ancient word used in reference to the Roman solider’s salt purchase allowance or “salt-money.” It is also sprinkled throughout the Old Testament as a legally binding agreement and the Law commands it to be used always in meat offerings. Salt enhances flavor, but it goes on to say that it slows decay ONLY if the salt itself stays pure. So sodium chloride never actually loses its saltiness, but it CAN lose its effectiveness when diluted.

Consider, if we are the salt, that means we are a: Valuable Commodity…Legally Binding Agreements…Enhances Flavor…Slows Decay

Jesus sees me as a precious (you too!)…a valuable commodity. Oh how He loves me ❤

I am His workmanship created for His good works. (Rom 1:7; Eph. 2:4, 10; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4) I have been born again for the water and of the Spirit, thus I have put off the old man and out on the new.   I have a new heart that is as His is; no longer is the stony heart within me.  I am a new creature; an heir – I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith. 

As a Christian, my walk…my life should not be hidden. It should be lived out in all that I do. It should be as the city on a hill. Am I (are we) a beacon of light to those seeking shelter? Do we enhance the flavor, slow the decay, and have a preserving influence in our community…our world?  Or have we lost our flavor? 

 

Who Don’t you Love?

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27).

So great should be our love for Jesus, that every other relationship falls to a distant second in importance. We must be willing to sacrifice everything, lose everything, forfeit everything in this life for the furtherance of the gospel and His Kingdom. We must be willing to bear that cross and live by the two greatest commandments: love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-40). Its sacrificial love (John 15:13). Whatever we are unwilling to give up in obedience to and for Jesus Christ (even relationships) it is an idol. And idolatry is a sin against God.

If we refuse to share the gospel with a friend or family member because we fear we will lose our relationship with them, we are saying we love ourselves more than we love them. We are saying that our relationship is more important than their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Unsaved family and friends need to hear the truth; we cannot withhold what we are charged with by the Lord himself. Do we not want to see our unsaved family and friends get saved, before it is too late? We cannot be indifferent, and refuse to share the gospel, EVERY WORD OF IT, for in that we are not truly loving others. And many who believe they are sharing in a “friendship evangelism” only show that they care more about their relationships than they care for the eternal souls of those who do not have the only one that really matters.

If we truly love them we will do all we can to snatch them from the fire; let us go:

Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:31)

 

Do You Have a Family Toolbox?

I never heard of the National Center for Biblical Parenting; not until recently.  From Joanne Miller, RN, BSN & Scott Turansky comes, The Family Toolbox, a powerful tool for parents and youth. Needless to say,  I was quite excited to be able to review this fabulous resource created for parents and youth, ages 10-18, one that seeks to encourage and lead the way in family discipleship.

The Family Toolbox is totally interactive, with videos to watch together and a workbook designed for parent and teen to use, again, together. The ultimate goal is to learn and grow in the 16 success principles which are all covered in the eight lessons provided.  These focus on common issues such as handling pressure, considering others needs, and having the right heart. Using discussion questions and prompts in the workbook, we are able to talk about those challenges that come our way; it is beautiful too how scripture is woven throughout each lesson to show what His word says for each item being discussed. 

The videos are short and simple, meant to encourage and spark conversation and interaction which is so needed with our kids, especially as they get older.  Each lesson shows a family in their daily life and the challenges that they face as a family. The discussion guide included provides encouraging prompts for parents and youth as well as a 10-minute teaching session for parents with Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN.  This is where we get some really handy tools we can use. Right away.

  

It’s all about encouraging and cultivating Biblical wisdom, in us as parents, and in our kids too. Some of the encouraging questions for discussion with our kids correction needs to be addressed are:

• What did you do wrong? (personal responsibility)
• Why was that wrong? (issues of the heart)
• What are you going to do different next time? (experience and learning)

Aren’t these questions that could even benefit us as parents in our everyday lives and set an example as to how we ought to live.

Within this toolbox are 8 lessons which teach the following:

• Lesson 1 ~ It Starts with the Heart
• Lesson 2 ~ Follow Instructions Well
• Lesson 3 ~ Handle Pressure without Losing Your Cool
• Lesson 4 ~ The Value of Correction
• Lesson 5 ~ The Importance of Responsibility
• Lesson 6 ~ Accept No as an Answer
• Lesson 7 ~ Deal with Your Own Anger
• Lesson 8 ~ Consider the Needs of Others 

I really appreciate how each lesson ends with a question, not for the child, but for the parent. How can I help my child mature and develop more effectively? Can we turn those problems into tasks and decrease conflict? Let us consider the negative behaviors, the positive heart qualities and then strategize as to how we can bring about the change that is needed. There are also principles for success for our youth to complete so that they can recognize the problem, and better ways to manage them when they arise. What does the Bible say? There is encouragement for our youth to always pray, ask God to guide you in how you can be more responsible, diligent, mature, more of a peace maker. So many brilliant thoughts are shared.  And as you complete this program, you really do grow. You really will have the tools you need to encourage and guide your children to grow in God and His ways.

I feel this was such a blessing to have the opportunity to review this.  I did watch the videos on my own, but as a family we will definitely be using this “toolbox” in the near future.  There is so much here that I had never considered; many questions never before pondered. I admit sometimes I see this parenting as an “I say and you do” but this really helped to reframe how I see my role, and theirs, in this process that really does take so much more. And as my children become older, as we partner together more in this journey, I just know this will be a wonderful experience for us all bringing us as a family so much closer to God too!

The Family Toolbox is available for download on the National Center for Biblical Parenting‘s website for a suggested donation of $79.95 or you can purchase a home kit with a DVD and physical book for $99.95.  

Be sure to follow The National Center for Biblical Parenting on social media:
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• Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.   ~  Proverbs 22:6

How He loves us

He loves us so. It’s all we hear; the love of God. How great it is, all encompassing and unconditional. As I was reading this morning in Leviticus, I was reminded of how deep His love really is. (I love this book, I know many find it hard to read but if we consider the reason and purpose for each little thing, its just the most amazing thing ever!) When there is a true love for some one is it not true that we are that much more detailed in what and how we do things? Do we not seek to do things which we know bring them joy and go out of our way to not do those things we know displease them. As He reminds them of the bondage He freed them from; how He provided for them and was with them through it all; He even tells them what they need to do. Again, in such detail there should be no doubt. Right?

Leviticus 26:1-14 Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.
7 And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright.

If only every relationship was this easy! Well maybe easy isn’t quite the right word but consider….When we meet someone new, it takes time for us to learn about them. Their likes and their dislikes. What brings them joy and where they are sorrowed. But with God, He puts it all out there. Over and over again. He says. I am the Lord, reminding us of who He is, that He should ask these things of us. Being as socially inept, and introverted, and awkward when I am “out there” I personally appreciate someone telling me from the get go what will make and break our relationship. And God certainly does that; He did it then and continues to do so now. But look at the blessings; the protection that He provides for those who seek to keep His commands and do them. Isn’t it worth it? Honestly I too often feel like I am short changing Him – all He gives and the little I give to Him? Yet it is more than enough when it is ALL that I have to offer 🙂
14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments;And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass:
And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits.And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, and destroy your cattle, and make you few in number; and your high ways shall be desolate.And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me;Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins.And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant: and when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you; and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight: and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.
29 And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat.And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours.
32 And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies.And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.

But if we are unwilling to follow His commands…..Oh my! It is sad that so many forget that while He does love us, He does not allow us to do whatever we desire. There is right and wrong; there is a standard we are called to live by. He is a holy God;  He hates sin. It does not mean that He hates those who sin but He surely will not allow one He loves to be rewarded when they are not doing as they should. We are called to a greater purpose. It may be a challenging walk but is it not worth it? Too often am I engaged in conversations with people who believe that God is love. A gentle soft, tolerant love that loves us as we are and expects nothing of us but occasional prayer, maybe a visit to the local church here and there….And He loves us just the way we are. But there is so much more. We need to love Him that much more. It’s so hard to explain how when you have truth, and you really know His word, nothing is really hard work anymore. It’s joy unspeakable!

Lev – If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me;And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:Then will I remember my covenant with Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, and also my covenant with Abraham will I remember; and I will remember the land.The land also shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without them: and they shall accept of the punishment of their iniquity: because, even because they despised my judgments, and because their soul abhorred my statutes.And yet for all that, when they be in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God.But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the LORD.These are the statutes and judgments and laws, which the LORD made between him and the children of Israel in mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

We have all done wrong. We have all sinned; we all come short of the glory of God. It is true. I fail Him daily and yet….still there is a way. For every one of us. Consider the Tribe of Dan; an example of His grace and mercy to all. The Tribe of Dan is not listed in Revelation 7 and 1 Chronicles also leaves them out of the genealogy. In Leviticus 24 one of the tribe of Dan blasphemes the name of the Lord and for this he is stoned and the tribe cursed. But they didn’t learn from that. Throughout the Bible we are shown their penchant for idols too. They even stole the idols they worshiped! Jewish tradition says Dan was the first tribe to follow Jeroboam into his sin of idolatry, and often the term “Dan” is used to represent idolatry.But in Ezekiel 48:1 states that Dan is first in line when land is distributed at the beginning of the millennium. Interesting right?

Do you see, how often they turn from Him; choosing their own ways? Are we not the same today? Yet still He loves us and makes a way! As terrible as all this may be, no matter the disobedience there is still a way that has been made. We must never forget that God’s Plan encompasses every one that answers His call (I Tim. 2:4).

It’s glorious how He loves us!

The Adversary – Too Real

1Pet 5:8: Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Spiritual warfare is real, and we are all involved whether we like it or not. The Bible plainly tells us that Satan schemes against humanity and that he wants to devour us. We must be aware of the dangers; we must be prepared for battle. Before the battle begins.

The Adversary by Mark Bubeck – – If you do not believe or know the true definition of spiritual warfare; this book will not only provide a foundation for you but will also guide you along the way. In these dark days it is important that we stay awake and alert; that we watch for the signs of His coming and are able to stand on a firm foundation. Too often we are not ready when the battle comes and if we are not prepared, it is often already too late for us.                                                                                                                                

(Eph 6:10-18 KJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The devil is real … dark spirits? Those are real too. Too real. Do you know how to tell when you are under attack? Do you know what to do? We need strong doctrine; we need the spirit and truth in our worship and prayer if we shall stand.

(2 Tim 4:2-4 KJV) “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. {3} For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; {4} And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

There are many dangers in today’s world for the Christian who does not have a strong and firm grasp of God’s word. Too many denominations; too many preachers who smile and tell you those little lies…tickling your ears and making you feel better but without any sound doctrine. We need to be careful. We need to be strong and sure in faith.

I am often amazed by the ignorance of people; the refusal to even hear and consider what is written in God’s word. Right there in black and white. Having a past, in fact, that is riddled with the darker side of things, as one who was a practicing and active occultist for years, it saddens me that so many can just laugh off the “idea” itself. We need to hear; we need to be open to these things. Before that demon is knocking at your door, I plead with you, be ready. Be prepared. Be wise and be strong in your faith.

We are more then over-comers through Christ that lives in us. It is time for the His children to walk in the power that God has given! For His glory.

Have Mercy

It’s the one prayer God always answered. All through the bible; perhaps (Like me) you have read it and missed it. Or not seen the greatness within those prayers. And the answers given.
Is there any time He has not given mercy when He was asked? Whether a whisper or a cry; we ask that He give mercy and we receive mercy and love. Grace and forgiveness – a second chance ( sometimes more! ).

SO what does mercy mean?? We cannot really ask for, seek it or show it without truly understanding it first. mercy and grace; we cannot have one without having the other so:

Mercy–not getting what you do deserve / withheld punishment

Grace–getting what you don’t deserve / unmerited favor

In Greek mercy can mean to show pity or compassion. (The King James Version often translated the word love as mercy.) For simplicity let us see mercy as “not getting what is deserved” in our circumstance. A.W. PInk says (rightly) that “mercy denotes the inclination of God to relieve the misery of fallen creatures. ‘Mercy’ presupposes sin.”

Lord have mercy on ME…a sinner….Can we say amen?

I think about mercy as I think about my 18 year old cousin. She is so lost. Estranged from her family; its heartbreaking how she perceives her self. No understanding or knowledge of her Creator – She continues to engage in dangerous and hurtful behaviors. Separating herself further every day from those who love and care for her. Mercy – how she needs mercy. And how little she has received of it. Is it not a struggle to show another mercy when they have hurt us so? Our pain; their pain – we forget that mercy and grace can cover it all.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7) If there is o knowledge there; we must share the knowledge we have. The closer people get to God the easier it shall be; the more they shall see their need. And them louder they shall cry (we…I…you) “Lord have mercy..” Knowledge……’My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge…”Hosea 4:6

Jesus got His hands dirty. He was willing to become unclean in order that we could become clean. Are we willing? Dirty our hands and feet a bit that another may be washed clean?

Mercy. Reading The Mercy Prayer: pondering and praying over the many examples of mercy asked for, and received throughout scripture. Seeing so many asking not even for themselves but for friends and loved ones – others needs. Do we see? Do we seek Him out; covet a healing for them? A deliverance for those down the street? Salvation for the lost?

For His mercy endures forever (Ps 136). let us pray that and share that. let us show it. If we do; let us seek a deeper understanding of what it means to be compassionate, slow to anger, gracious, abounding in love. And as we apply it we shall see: greater mercy.

Micah 6:6-7 (KJV)
6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

“Do justice. Love humbly. Walk with God.”

God in My Everything

We are in the Holy Days, celebrating the Sukkot. Such meaning in these days. There is a remembrance and honor to these times, speaking of ancient paths. I believe there is much we can learn, looking back. Its a way to remember where we came from and honor God in where we are. A time to humble ourselves and seek Him. Go deeper with Him.

We lost a friend to a tragic accident this past week. A young man who had so much potential; wise and with such a good heart. One second, one little thing and his life ends. Where is God in my life? In your life? DO we celebrate HIm in each moment, or as we have the time? We are all so busy today; running here and there. When will we slow down?

Ken Shigematsu is senior pastor of Tenth Church (www.tenth.ca) in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the largest and most diverse city-center churches in Canada. Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked for the Sony Corporation in Tokyo, Japan.

The intense work schedule at Sony led him to explore personal disciplines that could bring order to his life — from those of his samurai ancestors to the rule St. Benedict developed for Christian communities.

His first book, God in My Everything: How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God (Zondervan, 2013) describes how a rule of life that combines overtly spiritual practices with rhythms of relationships, study, work, and play can serve as a kind of trellis that supports a God-filled life.

The world screams that we need more; bigger, newer. So much competition even in the church sometimes. Ministries keep people busy inside, and outside its entertainment and family and work. It never ends.

He says we are to “wait on the Lord and keep His way and He will exalt thee to inherit the land….”

Do we know how to be still? How to wait on the Lord? Do we really know what it means to keep His ways?

This book will help you see why and how – we need to find Him or seek Him – in everything. Let us restore ourselves; let us reach out ever more and take time to read and rest and study His word. May we exercise our faith more and more. One step at a time.

Let us be less self conscious and more God conscious in all that we do.

Who are you Following?

I LOVE when I hear from the Lord – it makes those days that are such a struggle sooo worth it to hear Him confirm that I am just where He wants me to be.

I praise God too that He reminds me, as I struggle often, with all those distractions and irritations that are in the world, I need to stay focused on Him. He is all that matters – no one will walk perfectly; no one can always be “all that”. That is why we need Him so badly.

No matter how heavy the burdens that I feel; no matter the anguish within for those who I know are not making their calling sure- the regret and the sorrow I feel for those who are convicted of truth and do nothing, or those who hear truth and reject it – He is the only one who can make any one move – I am no one’s Holy Spirit 😦

I can trust in Him to move mountains, to heal and to do amazing and wonderous things- I must trust Him too to move the hearts and minds of those I love, in His time, as His will be done.

Sadly there are too many who walk away from the Lord because of “someone” ~ and sadly it shows how little many really understand His word. If we get it, really get what He is saying, the fact that someone is preaching the same message again and again, should only further how Great is our God! We cannot give up. I cannot stop preaching because I fall, because I fail, because I am imperfect…..we are to strive to walk and be as He, but when WE try hardest, is when we fail and when we trust Him and show our faith in Him, is when we shall be strong. In Him.

Let us not confuse those who lead us, those sweet teachers and mentors; let us not confuse them with Jesus – we cannot forget that the only one who is truly perfect is God. We cannot fault or blame our fellow Saints when they stumble and fall. The good news, is that He is there for us. He catches us when we have faith; when we trust Him.

And we must not worry what others think; just as Jesus left them to be alone with His father so must I when I feel called, no matter the cost.

Glory!