SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS:
In a vision I saw the women of ancient Israel keeping watch as they waited expectantly for their warriors to come home. They were not worried that their men would not return victorious. Instead, they were excited about receiving the spoils of war. Then, over the rise the horsemen came into view. They weren't running home as victims; they we're marching home with dignity, their standard held high. They had engaged the enemy, the battle was arduous, but the victory was sweet. I asked the Lord about the vision, and He showed me that the warriors represent the spirit, and the women represent the soul or flesh. When we engage in spiritual warfare, we never have to fear losing the battle, and our soul should wait expectantly for the spoils of war -- deliverance and blessing.
Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22 & 23 which says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Lord this is my prayer this weekend for my family. That we would show this not only in our home but to others as well.
Lord this is my prayer this weekend for my family. That we would show this not only in our home but to others as well.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Many Blessings
As I just sat down to eat my lunch and finished praying beep beep goes the dryer "really I thought". I could ignore it and just eat or get up and hang the clothes up before they get wrinkled. I choose to get up and as I was hanging them up I thought of last night. Kaleb was home sick yesterday with a stomach bug. He slept most of the afternoon till around 8:00pm. I had told Cory and Brendin they were going to be in bed by 9:00 because I wanted to watch a movie. Well they were in bed by 9:10, so I sat down and start watching it (on time thanks to DVR. My husband walk in and I had already known he had a rough day. Kaleb asks if he could have some chicken noodle soup. So I get up and go make it for him and reheat dinner for Jeremy and as I'm handing them their dinner Kaleb says "mommy do you wish you could have a maid"? I say no, now some days don't think the thought doesn't cross my mind. But I am thankful that I am able to do the things that God as called and created me to do. Like stay home and take care of my sick baby, fix dinner for my husband & family, have a washer and dryer to help me with all the laundry I have. Some days it is very overwhelming but this morning I was thanking God as my husband was getting ready for work. That for this season of my life I am here and have been able to be home with them their whole lives. I do not think badly of women who work outside of the home at all. But I know that this is where God has me and I pray that this year before I choose to complain I will choose to thank Him for allowing me to be here. It is my desire to be a homemaker and I do find joy in it. So as I look around at all that needs to be done even the Christmas stuff that needs to be put away and the dishes that still need to be unloaded and reloaded as well as the laundry that needs washed I say Thank you Lord!! Thank you for all these blessings that sometimes don't feel like they are but when I stop for just a moment I see that they are.
Hebrews 13:15
15Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
Hebrews 13:15
15Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Written by Dr. Charles Stanley
I just received this e-mail and thought I would share it. Be blessed!
Dear Friend,
As you reflect on the experiences and events of 2010, what is it you remember most? What successes, milestones, or memories do you treasure?
What you hold dear from this past year may be something material, but more than likely what endures in your heart and mind will be much more meaningful and valuable than mere possessions. The best blessings in life generally have nothing to do with our wealth or worldly goods.
Perhaps there were places you went that impacted your life in an amazing way—locations you visited that were especially beautiful or where you shared wonderful memories with family and friends.
Or maybe there were special moments you will always treasure—a wedding, the birth of a child, a graduation, a particular accomplishment, or some other unique occasion with loved ones that transformed your life. Likewise, as you look back at the past year, I am sure there were quiet times you experienced with God in prayer and worship that you will recall with joy.
The Father loves to fill our lives with these special glimpses of His care, power, and presence. He does this so we will have the enduring treasures of hope and faith to cling to when difficulties arise. We can look back at these times and recall how faithful God was to bless, lead, and teach us. You can find this principle in the life of King David, who wrote, “Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate” (Ps. 145:3-5).
What kinds of treasures does the Lord send us? What awesome acts of God should we always keep in mind? For me personally, the most meaningful of the Father’s works are those moments that deepen my relationship with Him, the promises He gives me in Scripture, and the trials He sends me that help me follow Him more faithfully.
Is the same true for you? As you review 2010, here are some specific treasures you can record that will encourage you whenever you feel downcast or encounter trials that require faith and courage.
First, write down the special times you grew in your intimate relationship with the Lord, learning more about His loving character or the ways He works in your life. These may come as a result of your quiet timesin Bible study and prayer, but there are countless other ways the Father may reveal Himself to you as well.
I had the privilege of traveling this year, and as I looked at a particularly stunning landscape, I was overwhelmed by a sense of the Father’s awesome presence and power. I thought, God, please don’t let me ever forget this. You created all of this. I cannot begin to imagine the absolutely wonderful things You can doin the lives of Your children. It was an extraordinary moment I always want to remember.
Second, make a note of Scripture verses that the Lord used in a powerful way to encourage and teach you. If you have been seeking God, He more than likely has been speaking to you through His Word, and there are probably some very special passages that you have come to treasure.
One of the verses I always hold on to is Proverbs 3:5–6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Anytime I need to make a decision or experience a burden that I cannot fully comprehend, I recall that verse. Practicing the principle in this passage always keeps me walking in the right direction.
Third, record the ways the Father worked through the trials you experienced to teach you to follow Him more closely. This past year was very challenging for many people spiritually, emotionally, and even economically. For some, the difficulties helped them break free from sinful habits. For others, their faith grew greatly because they had no other choice than to rely on God—and He proved absolutely faithful. Personally, the Lord blessed me through you. I was inspired by how you and our In Touch family pulled together in these trying times—praying for our nation and supporting the ministry in such a steadfast and unwavering manner. You are an absolute treasure to me, and I praise God for all He has taught me through your partnership in the gospel (Phil. 1:3-6).
So what did the Father teach you in these last 12 months? How did you grow in your relationship with Him? Are there verses of Scripture you’ve come to treasure? What trials or difficulties did He carry you through or is He currently helping you overcome?
If you’ve taken the time to write down some of these priceless blessings of God’s provision, put your list in a place where you can easily find it. Then, whenever you feel discouraged about the future, read what you’ve written. Recall the awesome things He has done in your life. Meditate on them and treasure them in your heart. The Father has worked powerfully in the past, and He is sure to help you again. Trust Him and learn from all He showed you in 2010, because that will help make 2011 a joyful and meaningful year.
Prayerfully yours,
Charles F. Stanley
Dear Friend,
As you reflect on the experiences and events of 2010, what is it you remember most? What successes, milestones, or memories do you treasure?
What you hold dear from this past year may be something material, but more than likely what endures in your heart and mind will be much more meaningful and valuable than mere possessions. The best blessings in life generally have nothing to do with our wealth or worldly goods.
Perhaps there were places you went that impacted your life in an amazing way—locations you visited that were especially beautiful or where you shared wonderful memories with family and friends.
Or maybe there were special moments you will always treasure—a wedding, the birth of a child, a graduation, a particular accomplishment, or some other unique occasion with loved ones that transformed your life. Likewise, as you look back at the past year, I am sure there were quiet times you experienced with God in prayer and worship that you will recall with joy.
The Father loves to fill our lives with these special glimpses of His care, power, and presence. He does this so we will have the enduring treasures of hope and faith to cling to when difficulties arise. We can look back at these times and recall how faithful God was to bless, lead, and teach us. You can find this principle in the life of King David, who wrote, “Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate” (Ps. 145:3-5).
What kinds of treasures does the Lord send us? What awesome acts of God should we always keep in mind? For me personally, the most meaningful of the Father’s works are those moments that deepen my relationship with Him, the promises He gives me in Scripture, and the trials He sends me that help me follow Him more faithfully.
Is the same true for you? As you review 2010, here are some specific treasures you can record that will encourage you whenever you feel downcast or encounter trials that require faith and courage.
First, write down the special times you grew in your intimate relationship with the Lord, learning more about His loving character or the ways He works in your life. These may come as a result of your quiet timesin Bible study and prayer, but there are countless other ways the Father may reveal Himself to you as well.
I had the privilege of traveling this year, and as I looked at a particularly stunning landscape, I was overwhelmed by a sense of the Father’s awesome presence and power. I thought, God, please don’t let me ever forget this. You created all of this. I cannot begin to imagine the absolutely wonderful things You can doin the lives of Your children. It was an extraordinary moment I always want to remember.
Second, make a note of Scripture verses that the Lord used in a powerful way to encourage and teach you. If you have been seeking God, He more than likely has been speaking to you through His Word, and there are probably some very special passages that you have come to treasure.
One of the verses I always hold on to is Proverbs 3:5–6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Anytime I need to make a decision or experience a burden that I cannot fully comprehend, I recall that verse. Practicing the principle in this passage always keeps me walking in the right direction.
Third, record the ways the Father worked through the trials you experienced to teach you to follow Him more closely. This past year was very challenging for many people spiritually, emotionally, and even economically. For some, the difficulties helped them break free from sinful habits. For others, their faith grew greatly because they had no other choice than to rely on God—and He proved absolutely faithful. Personally, the Lord blessed me through you. I was inspired by how you and our In Touch family pulled together in these trying times—praying for our nation and supporting the ministry in such a steadfast and unwavering manner. You are an absolute treasure to me, and I praise God for all He has taught me through your partnership in the gospel (Phil. 1:3-6).
So what did the Father teach you in these last 12 months? How did you grow in your relationship with Him? Are there verses of Scripture you’ve come to treasure? What trials or difficulties did He carry you through or is He currently helping you overcome?
If you’ve taken the time to write down some of these priceless blessings of God’s provision, put your list in a place where you can easily find it. Then, whenever you feel discouraged about the future, read what you’ve written. Recall the awesome things He has done in your life. Meditate on them and treasure them in your heart. The Father has worked powerfully in the past, and He is sure to help you again. Trust Him and learn from all He showed you in 2010, because that will help make 2011 a joyful and meaningful year.
Prayerfully yours,
Charles F. Stanley
Well so far so good, I have been decluttering this past weekend. I can walk in my closet without having to climb over and move stuff. As I was getting rid of things I was wondering why I was hanging on to some of the things I was? For example shoes that I never where but year after year I would just put them aside. I have a donation pile by the front door. I'm hoping to add some more stuff today. I never realized how getting rid of stuff can be so freeing. God reminded me it's like things we allow in our lives that aren't pleasing to Him. It can make us feel very weighed down & overwhelmed. But if we would just be obedient to the Holy Spirit we would feel that same freedom but even better. I am so thankful for Gods grace & mercy and the freedom that comes with that.
Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)