Good Morning Everyone,
I have a question for you today.
How is your prayer life? If you had
to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate it? Be honest, it is important for
you to do this.
I can guarantee you in writing that those of
you who rated it low, find yourself often
feeling hopeless, and overwhelmed, and
full of worry.
Another question for you. When do you pray?
Do you pray when crisis times hit? Do you
pray when you want God to "fix" something?
Do you pray to talk to God? What do you find
yourself most often praying about?
We all have to start someplace. Most of us
find we do not pray as often as we should.
Prayer is communication with the God of the
Universe. How could this not be powerful?
I mean, think about this. God
who made the far flung galaxies,
the stars that shine at night, the moon held
in place invisibly, the nebulae that shine
with splendid brilliant lights, the majestic mountains,
the rivers, the vast oceans, the animals and sea life,
all with perfect composition timed to make
their life work, each atom, chemical, structure
made perfectly to work with everything else.
How could this God be powerless?
Are we only thinking He is because we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, and we
have never learned to trust anyone? Have
we felt we had to control everything or life
wouldn't work well? Who can control
everything? Not even Donald Trump can
control the circumstances of life. All the
money in the world, all the power in the world,
even Kings and Queens cannot control the
weather, or the disasters, or illness. WE truly
control very little.
I heard a great saying today ... think about this.
If we worry we are opening the door for satan
to come in and have power in our thinking.
If we pray we are opening the door for God
to come in with His power to overcome.
It is a matter of trust, bottom line!
You are either fearful or trusting.
You are either walking with God, or avoiding Him.
You either believe what He says, or you are
trying to control things yourself.
Let me ask you this. How is that working for you?
My friends, when is the time we will stop being
children feeding on the milk of the word, and
become adults in Christ, growing in the meat
of the word? When will we start practicing
the presence of God? When will we starting
meaning what we say, and saying what we mean?
When will we walk the walk and talk the talk?
When crisis times hit? When we get old?
When we get through doing things we know
we shouldn't and finally confess and change?
Do any of us honestly think we are fooling God?
Do any of us truly believe avoiding God will give
us any hope each day? Will trying to control our
life make it happen? Will worry ever change
one thing in your life?
Has worry ever bought you one good thing in this life?
Worry breeds fear and hopelessness and despair.
Prayer changes things.
My friends, I challenge you today, to take
a deeper look at your spiritual life. See if you
are playing games with it. Are you being
honest with God and yourself? You know
God sees everything, nothing is hidden to Him,
He knows every detail about you. He has seen
every tear you have shed, He has seen all the
times you have been angry. He knows every sin.
Yet, He loves you.
My friends, I love you, I want to see you succeed
in life, and not be filled with worry, despair,
daily overwhelming depression. I want to see
you go forth and make a difference in this
world and be a light to the lost and the dying.
I want you to get up out of your chair and go
forth and seek Gods will and allow Him to take
you places He has work for you to do. I want
you to get serious about your prayer life. I
want you to be disciplined about reading
God's word and applying it to your life.
I want you to be an adult Christian, walking the
walk, talking the talk. Someone else's soul
may depend on you to finally grow in Christ
and go tell them the gospel.
But if you are too busy feeling sorry for yourself,
being chained to the past hurts and sorrows,
if you are too busy trying to control, if you
are too busy clinging to unforgiveness,
you will miss that dear soul that needs you to
be the light of Christ to them.
And your life, will be far beneath what it could
be, all because of conscious choices you made
mentally.
Never forget.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
When my spirit was overwhelmed and fainted
(throwing all it's weight) upon me, then You
knew my path.
Psalm 142:3
How precious and weighty also are Your
thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
Psalm 139:17
In the day when I called, You answered me,
and strengthened me with strength
(might and flexibility) to temptation in my inner self.
Psalm 138:3
God can deliver us from wrong thinking. But
we need to ask Him to help us do it, and desire
to change.
The Lord is near all who call upon Him, to all who
call upon Him sincerely and in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who
reverently and worshipfully fear Him,
He will also hear their cry and will save them.
Psalm 145:18-19
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
Psalm 56:3
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Light For Your Path - Seek It
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever had someone tell you, that you
can only walk in as much light as you have got?
Our spiritual life is truly lit, by Gods great light
of understanding and our life reflects the amount
of light we let in us from God.
There is no hiding the truth about our spiritual life.
If we neglect God's word it is going to show, because
when life's storms hit, we will not have the word in us
to give us strength, hope, wisdom and guidance.
We will feel lost.
If we do not pray enough, it is going to show.
We will be worrying constantly and trying to control things
we have no control over, rather than talking to our
heavenly Father about what is best to do and finding
the wise and right path.
So, we can only walk in as much light as we have.
Have you got a lot of light on your path? Does it
seem dark and dreary? Do you feel lonely, or
like a cast away from society?
What can you do about these things?
Sit in the dark and fear?
Sit in the corner and give up?
Complain to everyone who will listen?
How will that help?
You will be in the same place tomorrow!
If we want our situation to change, we have
to take steps to change it ourselves. Starting
with our mental abilities. Make choices,
make plans, set goals. Get up off our seat
of self pity and make plans to change things.
If we want our spiritual life to shine light on our path
and give us strength for the day, light for the way,
hope for tomorrow, answers to our needs, we have
to TAP INTO IT. You cannot just say you are spiritual
and never do anything, it DOESN'T WORK LIKE THAT!
I know this must sound like a lecture. Guess why?
I have to lecture myself like this. I have had to learn
this lesson myself.. probably at least 50 times or more.
We all have this problem. We all have to adjust to the
crisis times of life, the losses, the sadness, the illness,
the suffering the chaos of the world around us, the
loneliness, the not enough money to go around.
If we want to get ahead, we have to take steps to
move and get there.
If we feel hopeless, it is because that is all we
are focusing on.
God has answers.
But you have to:
Get into His word and receive His input into your spirit.
Spend time talking to Him, conversationally as you
would a dear friend. Tell Him what is in your heart,
ask for His help.
Spend time worshipping Him. Worship clears
out the gloomies. satan the loser hates worship.
he cannot abide being in the same room with it.
These things are powerful, they will inspire you to
change other things.
One step at a time.
Slivers of light, into our darkened world, bringing
us out into God's precious, glorious light.
Love
millie
Ps. Don't expect to have a spiritual life
if you don't spend time being right before God!
All He is, is all we will ever need!
*************************************************************
Slivers of Light - May 07, 2007
Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone,O Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
The hotel room seemed very dark after we turned off our night side
lamps. The blackout curtains were doing their job very well,
concealing any outside glow from our room. I closed my eyes and
snuggled close to my husband, but sleep eluded me. It is always
difficult for me to fall asleep in a strange room, and the intense
darkness didn't help matters. I tossed and turned, finally opening my
eyes to check out any "shadows" in our room! I was surprised to see
that the room was not in total blackness, as I had once thought.
There were rays of light coming in our room from under the base of
the front door. Then I noticed slivers of brightness on each side of
the blackout curtains. There were 4 in all, and I realized there was
enough light to distinguish objects in our room. Somehow, these
slivers of light gave me peace, and I was able to sleep, knowing if I
were to awaken in the night, I would not be engulfed in total darkness.
Sometimes our lives take a turn into the darkness. We never knows
when we might plunge into that black hole, not knowing which way to
turn, or even being able to function at a normal level. We may be in
the grips of grief, depression, illness, alcoholism or drug abuse. We
may have fears, emotional or physical violations, or a deep sadness.
No matter the cause, the effect can be so overwhelming and
overbearing we feel overwhelmed beyond belief.? When we experience
these times of utter helplessness and we can barely put one foot in
front of the other, God will send slivers of light into our lives. He
will be there, so we may dwell in safety.(Ps.4:8)
These slivers of light maybe in the form of a note, or flowers
received, a dinner delivered, a special kind word, a phone call, or
someone just stopping by to "be with us." God will use friends,
acquaintances and even strangers to help us. He will use events and
circumstance to lighten our load and make the walk more bearable. He
will personally be available to comfort and guide us, to give us
wisdom in decision making, and to love us right where we are. He will
bring those rays of light into the dark room of our lives, and help
us through our time of need.
We must do our part, however, and open our eyes to see the slivers of
light He sends our way. He loves us very much, for we are His
children, and He will never leave or forsake us.
Contributed by Marion Smith
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Solutions - Where Do You Find Them?
Good Morning
Everything we face daily has a solution.
Sometimes we can work on it till it is accomplished.
Sometimes we are to wait, it is something that
cannot be solved now.. and needs prayer. We
need to wait for God's timing and help.
Sometimes there doesn't seem to be a answer or
rhyme or reason to why something is happening.
That is when our faith kicks in. We just trust in
the Lord, that his Sovereign will, grace, hope,
strength and comfort will be our source.
Sometimes we get so caught up in looking at
the problem, we stop looking for the solution.
Simple concept.
We are not taking time to refresh ourselves in God,
Hope in His abilities
Find comfort in His word,
and listen for that still small voice saying:
"Are you listening"?
God loves you my friend, there is no higher nor
better solution than going to God in prayer
and telling Him every detail, problem, and every
pain and hurt in your life, He wants to hear.
He wants to help. He is after all.. STILL GOD.
But those who wait for the Lord -- who expect,
look for and hope in Him -- shall change and renew
their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and
mount up (close to God) as eagles (mount up to the sun);
they shall walk and not be weary, they shall walk and
shall not faint nor become tired.
Isaiah 40:31
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and
peace in believing -- through the experience of your faith -- that
by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and
be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
Romans 15:13
(my prayer for each of you)
Remember prayer is not pitiful or powerless, or a last resort.
Prayer is our first resort, communication with God,
the almighty all powerful God of the Universe!
It is powerful, it should be our first resort, and our
constant state of mind. Prayerful. Pray without ceasing.
This is when a true God seeker, sees things get done.
Prayer changes things!
The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 5:16
love always
millie
PS. Sometimes I think, if we are not seeking the
Savior, what are we seeking? Have you thought
lately about where your focus is or what you make
a priority in your life? Nothing is more important.
Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done
for Christ will last.
****************************************************************
A Gentle Thunder
by Max Lucado
Once there was a man who dared God to speak.
"Burn the bush like you did for Moses, God. And I will follow."
"Collapse the walls like you did for Joshua, God. And I will fight."
"Still the waves like you did on Galilee, God. And I will listen."
And so the man sat by a bush, near a wall, close to the sea and waited for God to speak.
And God heard the man, so God answered.
He sent fire, not for a bush, but for a church.
He brought down a wall, not of brick, but of sin.
He stilled a storm, not of the sea, but of the soul.
And God waited for the man to respond.
And he waited...
And he waited...
And waited.
But because the man was looking at bushes, not hearts; bricks and not lives;
seas and not souls, he decided that God had done nothing. Finally he
looked to God and asked, "Have you lost your power?"
And God looked at him and said, "Have you lost your hearing?"
Monday, May 21, 2007
Cast Away the Fear, Receive His Peace
Good Morning Everyone,
He said, Cast your cares upon Me, for I CARE for you.
I said, Oh Lord, I know you do, but I am used to carrying
my own burdens, you have enough to worry about.
He said, these burdens are too big for you to carry,
leave them at my feet, my yoke is easy and my burden
light.
I said, Oh Lord, I will leave them at your feet tonight,
I am on my way to here and there, and must do this and that.
He said, my child ... take time for me, I am your Abba
Father.
Oh thank you Father God, I know you are, and I appreciate
it so much, but I am worried right now.. and cannot
concentrate on praying.
He said, Cast your Cares upon ME, for I CARE for you.
Sitting in that mental corner of fear and frustration,
suddenly I realized I was living in fear not in faith,
and I was stretched to the limit of my ability, and that
is where God's ability takes over. His ways past our
understanding, his abilities higher than our thinking
can fathom, His power and strength unlimited, and unfailing.
Suddenly the light broke through my rigid and selfish
way of thinking.. and I realized He had a plan just for me,
and for me to live that plan, I had to divest myself
of all burdens, all cares, and move in His strength,
His Hope, His Will, His plans.
God has plans for each of us, we are His, called by His
name, called out from the world, into His arms, care,
provision, hope, and comforting arms.
Because I am no longer my own, I am bought with
the price of the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ,
who came and died for me, to take away my sins,
and give me a future and a hope, and a new life in
Him.
How then, could I neglect so great a salvation?
My child.. I am here. Let go and let Me be God
of your circumstances, your heart and your life.
Love,
millie
xoxox
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
1. God will not depart from you.
2. You never have to face anything alone.
3. His presence is available 24/7, just reach out and open
your heart and talk to Him.
4. He has the answers and comfort just for the place you
are at and the needs you have.
5. He is not limited by your thinking.
6. He is still on the throne, God has not changed or moved
away.
7. He promises great peace to those who receive it from Him,
who rest in His capabilities and His Power and His Hope.
Just receive it, rest in it, cling to it, hope in it, thrive on it.
You will guard Him, and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed
on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and
hopes confidently in You.
(Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
God is your strength and help, a very present help in the time
of trouble.
Are you receiving this yet? Or would you rather spend the
day in sorrow and worry?
Tis a mental choice my friend.
Sink or swim. Trust or be afraid. Lean on Christ or lean on
your own limited understanding and limited power. Who is
on the throne in your life and thinking today?
How is that working for you?
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Are you trusting Yet? What are you waiting on? Till you
are worn down and weary?
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
You either trust Him or you don't. One way is the way
to despair and fear, the other is the way to strength, comfort
and hope.
Which way will you take today?
He said, Cast your cares upon Me, for I CARE for you.
I said, Oh Lord, I know you do, but I am used to carrying
my own burdens, you have enough to worry about.
He said, these burdens are too big for you to carry,
leave them at my feet, my yoke is easy and my burden
light.
I said, Oh Lord, I will leave them at your feet tonight,
I am on my way to here and there, and must do this and that.
He said, my child ... take time for me, I am your Abba
Father.
Oh thank you Father God, I know you are, and I appreciate
it so much, but I am worried right now.. and cannot
concentrate on praying.
He said, Cast your Cares upon ME, for I CARE for you.
Sitting in that mental corner of fear and frustration,
suddenly I realized I was living in fear not in faith,
and I was stretched to the limit of my ability, and that
is where God's ability takes over. His ways past our
understanding, his abilities higher than our thinking
can fathom, His power and strength unlimited, and unfailing.
Suddenly the light broke through my rigid and selfish
way of thinking.. and I realized He had a plan just for me,
and for me to live that plan, I had to divest myself
of all burdens, all cares, and move in His strength,
His Hope, His Will, His plans.
God has plans for each of us, we are His, called by His
name, called out from the world, into His arms, care,
provision, hope, and comforting arms.
Because I am no longer my own, I am bought with
the price of the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ,
who came and died for me, to take away my sins,
and give me a future and a hope, and a new life in
Him.
How then, could I neglect so great a salvation?
My child.. I am here. Let go and let Me be God
of your circumstances, your heart and your life.
Love,
millie
xoxox
For though the mountains should depart and be shaken
or removed, yet My Love and Kindness shall NOT depart
from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness
be removed, says the Lord, Who has compassion on you.
You shall establish yourself on righteousness -- right,
in conformity with God's will and order; you shall be far
from even the thought of oppression and destruction, for you
shall NOT FEAR; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.
But no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment
you shall show to be in the wrong. This (peace,
righteousness, security, triumph over opposition) is the
heritage of the servants of the Lord (those in whom the
ideal Servant of the Lord is reproduced).
Isaiah 54: 10, 14, 17
1. God will not depart from you.
2. You never have to face anything alone.
3. His presence is available 24/7, just reach out and open
your heart and talk to Him.
4. He has the answers and comfort just for the place you
are at and the needs you have.
5. He is not limited by your thinking.
6. He is still on the throne, God has not changed or moved
away.
7. He promises great peace to those who receive it from Him,
who rest in His capabilities and His Power and His Hope.
Just receive it, rest in it, cling to it, hope in it, thrive on it.
You will guard Him, and keep him in perfect and constant peace
whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed
on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and
hopes confidently in You.
(Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on
thee, because he trusts in THEE).
Isaiah 26:3
God is your strength and help, a very present help in the time
of trouble.
Are you receiving this yet? Or would you rather spend the
day in sorrow and worry?
Tis a mental choice my friend.
Sink or swim. Trust or be afraid. Lean on Christ or lean on
your own limited understanding and limited power. Who is
on the throne in your life and thinking today?
How is that working for you?
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall
remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty
(whose power no foe can withstand).
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, on Him I lean and rely, and IN Him I confidently trust.
Psalm 91:1-2
Are you trusting Yet? What are you waiting on? Till you
are worn down and weary?
He will cover you with His pinions and under His wings shall
you trust and find refuge; His truth and HIS FAITHFULNESS
are a shield and a buckler. You shall not be afraid of the
terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and
slanders of the wicked) that flies by day. Nor of the pestilence
that stalks in the darkness, Nor of the destruction and
sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
right hand, but it SHALL NOT COME NEAR YOU.
Because you have MADE the Lord YOUR REFUGE, and
the Most High YOUR DWELLING PLACE.
Psalm 91:4-6, 9
Just walk in faith, trusting in God. Just give it to Him, and let
it go, and let Him work it out, and find comfort in Him. Right
now. Take time to talk to Him, right now, say a prayer
and receive the gift of faith and hope, and strength, and
comfort and joy. Receive it. Rebuke the fear. Rebuke the
despair, cast them out and receive a spirit of joy.
No matter what we face, we will not face it alone or powerless. God will provide. Rest in that.
You either trust Him or you don't. One way is the way
to despair and fear, the other is the way to strength, comfort
and hope.
Which way will you take today?
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Is Church Important?
Is Church Important?
copyright Millie Plastaras 5/19/2007
That their hearts might be comforted being knit together
in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.
Colossians 2:2
What Christ wants to see from the church is unbroken ranks.
A body of unity. A body working as one.
You cannot work as one … if you are not ONE.
It is that simple.
I often run into people who say they will not go to church,
that God teaches them all they need to know at home.
Some say they won't go to church because too many
hypocrites go there. Hey folks … why do you think they
went there in the first place? They knew they were sinners
and needed salvation.
I hear people say they won't go to the church because
they don't like the pastor telling them they
need to give to God. Their money somehow
is only theirs to spend, it should never be given back to God.
It is one of the most touchy subjects to people. To me
that speaks volumes about how important it is.
Tonight... I am going to explain why you must find a church
and join with it. God wants us to be an unbroken rank
of believers working together for His Kingdom.
Church does several wonderful things you will not get
any place else. It gives you a central place to go,
to gather together, in worship and praise. This is
really important. It lifts your spirit, and it puts the focus
on God. WE are honoring Him. Many do not take the
time to do this at home.
They think they will, but they never get around to it.
Church gets us into the Word. Honestly, most people I know
who do not attend church, find it very, very hard to be
disciplined about their Bible reading. How important is this?
People cannot survive spiritually without the input of the
Word of God into their spirit. It is fuel for your spirit. It inspires, uplifts, teaches you, leads you into all truth, and shows you what God said and what he wants. There is no substitute!
If you really love God, you will become addicted to His
Word, so you can learn what He wants, and How to live
successfully. The Word of God is our guidebook to God,
it shows us what He wants and how we can live in right
standing before Him. It also shows us if what we are being taught at
our church of choice, is really in the Bible or is someone's
opinion. This is really important, because God's word
is often distorted by people with a specific agenda. God's
word will show us who is lining up with Him and who is
leading us astray spiritually. Discernment is very important.
Churches that teach the word, open it up like a
moving picture before our eyes … things become more
clear, and we understand God's word better and grow
in the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
The anointing of God upon a preacher loving others,
speaking the depths of Gods word to his congregation
is priceless. It reaches our soul in many ways and
brings growth and nurturing.
Church keeps us accountable. When we have no one
watching us ... we can live any way we want, and justify it
as what God told us. Church teaches us about how to
grow fruit of righteousness in our lives, and we learn
by the example of others, and by joining in conversation
and fellowship. It is a common bond in the Lord.
Many people in today's society have trouble being
accountable to other Christians, or having a servants
heart. Most people want to run the show, rather
than humbling themselves and allowing their
hearts to be shepherded and guided spiritually. This
is one of the gravest errors Christians make.
Life is not all about us, but about our right standing
before Christ. Only when we become humbled
and teachable can we grow spiritually.
Iron sharpens iron the Bible says. Our thoughts together,
and the study of God's word and discussions of it
sharpen our spiritual thinking.
Church gives us a support system. It gives us a place
to go where people can meet us, and grow close to us.
They can pray for us when we need it, or love us when
we feel lonely, they can minister to our needs. And we
can minister to theirs.
Going to church is obedience. God said to forsake not
the assembling of yourselves together. To stray from
the church is to find yourself feeling alone, abandoned,
and often needy. We need fellowship folks.
And I must say, if you go there expecting perfection,
you need a reality check. The only place there is
perfection, is in Jesus Christ. Don't expect perfection on earth.
Don't go there and sit in judgment on other people. Everyone
you know has flaws and has made mistakes and is still growing
and learning. Just love them, let them love you, and learn
to pray together as a team and be united in cause and love.
Go ... Enjoy what you can, and let go of what you do not
find ... perfect people, and a perfect church. Just love others,
and keep in mind, we come to church because
we recognize our spiritual neediness. That is why Jesus
came! What better place to start getting "perfect"
than joining together recognizing the central need we
all have for growth and perfection through Christ!
No finger pointing allowed!!!
We took sweet counsel together, and walked into the house
of God in company.
Psalm 55:14
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has
given himself for us as an offering and sacrifice to God for a
sweet smelling savor. Speaking to yourselves in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord.
For we are members of one body, of his flesh,
and of his bones.
Ephesians 5:2,19,30
Don't neglect God's people,
God's house, or Gods Word. These
are needful things for your eternal soul.
You are only defeating yourself, and defying
the very thing you need most.
Go to a church that teaches all of the word, and loves you.
Someplace where you feel the nurturing of your soul,
the whole gospel preached, and great Bible teaching.
Not a nebulous feel good, make me happy message,
but depth of scripture teaching that feeds your spirit,
and brings about spiritual growth in you.
If what they teach is not in the word, run the other way.
Over the years, as time passes, you will look back
on the sermons, the beautiful music, the word of God
you learned, and realize how it utterly changed you
and the path of your life to something wonderful for
Christ's sake.
Do that which is needful and avoid that which
is vain and unprofitable, for your souls sake.
Remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The Nighttime of The Soul
Good Morning Dear Friends,
As I get up each morning, and seek fresh
inspiration each day to write you it can often
be challenging. Sometimes the very thing
I am telling others to do, I need to do myself.
And therefore must take my own lesson to heart
for the day.
My heart is heavy this morning, for some
things my family is going through, and some
battles in my own life, and for a time, I really
felt keenly those burdens.
Then I thought about some things I had said
recently. Truly the only time we grow as
a person, and our spirit is strengthened is
when the dark, harsh times of life teach us
the lessons of waiting upon God, and not
being afraid. Realizing there is a purpose
for each of us and trusting in God to work it out.
How could I teach you lessons that were not
burned within my own heart by the trying of
fire to refine my own spirit? How can I
understand suffering if I do not suffer?
How can I grow if I never face new challenges?
How can I understand loss and grief in others
if I never go through it myself?
How can I complain when Christ suffered so much
more for me upon the cross?
These things teach us to comfort others as
we have been comforted, and learn the great
school of prayer and closing in with Christ
when the storms come against our hearts and
minds.
Also, learning to have joy in the midst of sorrow.
This is what true faith brings forth in the heart
of man. Faith is trusting that even in the storm,
God is master of it all, and we can rely on,
trust in, cling to, and hope in Him at all times.
I know this too shall pass, but until it does,
I know who the source of my strength is,
and I shall not take my eyes off of Him nor
let my faith in Him waver even a little.
Do not be frightened in the great night of
the trying of the soul, for through it the light
of Christ shines in the darkness and all
is comforted and strengthened by His touch
and prevailing power.
Dear God, Whatever circumstances are in our lives
today, make us realize you are with us in it.
And that each thing we go through is a spiritual
lesson of some sort, even if it is only about learning
to trust you above all. Refine us God, make us
beautiful in your sight, let the words of our
mouth, and the meditations of our heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, our Strength,
Our Hope, and our Redeemer.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen.
When you pass through the waters I will be
with you, and through the rivers they shall not
overwhelm you; when you walk through
the fire you shall not be burned or
scorched, nor shall the flame kindle upon you.
For I Am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of
Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
*************************************************
When Christ was in the world, He was despised by men; in the hour of need He was forsaken by acquaintances and left by friends to the depths of scorn. He was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything? He had enemies and defamers; do you want everyone to be your friend, your benefactor? How can your patience be rewarded if no adversity tests it? How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him. Had you but once entered into perfect communion with Jesus or tasted a little of His ardent love, you would care nothing at all for your own comfort or discomfort but would rejoice in the reproach you suffer; for love of Him makes a man despise himself. ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ, II.i. [1418]
As I get up each morning, and seek fresh
inspiration each day to write you it can often
be challenging. Sometimes the very thing
I am telling others to do, I need to do myself.
And therefore must take my own lesson to heart
for the day.
My heart is heavy this morning, for some
things my family is going through, and some
battles in my own life, and for a time, I really
felt keenly those burdens.
Then I thought about some things I had said
recently. Truly the only time we grow as
a person, and our spirit is strengthened is
when the dark, harsh times of life teach us
the lessons of waiting upon God, and not
being afraid. Realizing there is a purpose
for each of us and trusting in God to work it out.
How could I teach you lessons that were not
burned within my own heart by the trying of
fire to refine my own spirit? How can I
understand suffering if I do not suffer?
How can I grow if I never face new challenges?
How can I understand loss and grief in others
if I never go through it myself?
How can I complain when Christ suffered so much
more for me upon the cross?
These things teach us to comfort others as
we have been comforted, and learn the great
school of prayer and closing in with Christ
when the storms come against our hearts and
minds.
Also, learning to have joy in the midst of sorrow.
This is what true faith brings forth in the heart
of man. Faith is trusting that even in the storm,
God is master of it all, and we can rely on,
trust in, cling to, and hope in Him at all times.
I know this too shall pass, but until it does,
I know who the source of my strength is,
and I shall not take my eyes off of Him nor
let my faith in Him waver even a little.
Do not be frightened in the great night of
the trying of the soul, for through it the light
of Christ shines in the darkness and all
is comforted and strengthened by His touch
and prevailing power.
Dear God, Whatever circumstances are in our lives
today, make us realize you are with us in it.
And that each thing we go through is a spiritual
lesson of some sort, even if it is only about learning
to trust you above all. Refine us God, make us
beautiful in your sight, let the words of our
mouth, and the meditations of our heart
be acceptable in your sight, Oh Lord, our Strength,
Our Hope, and our Redeemer.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen.
When you pass through the waters I will be
with you, and through the rivers they shall not
overwhelm you; when you walk through
the fire you shall not be burned or
scorched, nor shall the flame kindle upon you.
For I Am the Lord Your God, the Holy One of
Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
*************************************************
When Christ was in the world, He was despised by men; in the hour of need He was forsaken by acquaintances and left by friends to the depths of scorn. He was willing to suffer and to be despised; do you dare to complain of anything? He had enemies and defamers; do you want everyone to be your friend, your benefactor? How can your patience be rewarded if no adversity tests it? How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him. Had you but once entered into perfect communion with Jesus or tasted a little of His ardent love, you would care nothing at all for your own comfort or discomfort but would rejoice in the reproach you suffer; for love of Him makes a man despise himself. ... Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471), Of the Imitation of Christ, II.i. [1418]
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
The Drive Through God
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/12/2005
The Drive Through God
Hi, This is St. Peter's Place, may I help you?
Yes, I am in a big hurry, I have some place to go.
I will take an instant healing, and 3 blessings please.
The next customer comes through, saying:
I need for my marriage to be healed, I don't have time
to work on it, or pray, so could you just give me the
marriage blessing, and fix it please?
The next customer is equally unaware when saying:
I need the blessing my neighbor has, could you help
me win the lottery? I need a bigger house,
and cannot make enough money to buy one.
The next woman says God, I got myself in
massive debt, and have spent most of my life
thinking entirely about what I want, would
you help pay off my credit card debt, and
I will promise to go to church every Sunday.
People lining up with the greatest intentions,
the least faith, and almost no relationship with God,
yet expecting instant gratification when they pray.
Suddenly God is the "fix it" man.
We do not have to do anything on our part, it is all His job.
Where did people get this concept of God?
Could it be from the pulpit of a church
that forgot we are to teach the gospel
of Christ above all else?
Could it be from people neglecting God's word
and making up their own God?
While I was watching a famous newscaster tonight,
He was talking about his concept of God. A God who
would forgive everyone, because He was merciful.
A God who never got angry, who never judged,
but only loved people. A God who never did a
trial after we die, but fulfills nebulous needs while
we are alive. A God we don't need to have a
dedicated or holy, righteous relationship with.
A God of convenience. A God of people's own making
to suit whatever lifestyle they choose to live.
This is the god the one world religion would
want people to believe in, a nebulous feel good
god with no power or concept of sin.
This is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
This is what the world is saying nowadays.
Oh I will take the God that never judges, so I can
sleep with everyone in town, or smoke and drink
or do drugs, but God will still love me.
I will never have to confess sin, because God is merciful.
I don't need to go to church, I don't need to
change, I don't need to read an old fashioned,
irrelevant old book like the Bible. God will love
me anyway.
A drive through God.
Where do people come up with this stuff?
My friends, this is why we have a Bible.
1. It tells us who God is.
2. It tells us what He expects from us.
3. It tells what happens to those who disobey.
4. It tells how to find salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Bible says Jesus is the truth, the life, and the way,
there is no other way to God, except through
redemption in Jesus Christ.
I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes
to the Father God, except through me. John 14:6
This means we have to be proactive. We have to:
1. Recognize we are a sinner in need of salvation.
2. Recognize Jesus died for those sins, and to receive
His salvation we must take certain steps.
3. Confess our sins to God, ask forgiveness of our
sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We have to truly mean this.
4. When we repent of our sins, it means we leave them behind,
we walk away from them, we get into the word, and live as
Jesus taught. New life, new habits, new transformed thinking.
We make a conscious effort to change, and ask
God to help us change the things we cannot, so we
can be right before Him. Forgiven, renewed
by the blood of the Lamb of God.
There is no other way! We cannot pick and choose
the parts of the Bible we like or don't like or agree with or
don't agree with. We cannot tell God who to be, or what His
laws and concepts should be.
It is like this. We must accept Him for who He is,
we must live righteously before Him, by accepting
His son, and repenting of our sins, and then walking
right by reading His word, praying and living a holy life.
Anything else, is straying from the truth. You can make up all
the thoughts about God you want, the newscaster can justify his
lifestyle by being in denial about God, the person who has strong
addictions will deny God to justify his sin. The person steeped
in sexual sin or perversion will try to justify a kind, all loving God,
to leave out any part of the scripture that might convict them of their sins.
Sin is a reality. God is not only a merciful God, but
a God of judgment. Someday we will all face
him and account for every word and deed.
Have you faced this reality?
No decision or concept is more important for
you to realize in your lifetime!
The drive through thing won't work. If you want a relationship with God, there is one way. The right way, through Jesus Christ. Any other way leads to eternal death.
Now that you have been told, there is no excuse. Pass this to others, so they may know that there is no excuse that will stand before God's all knowing judgment and wisdom. He sees all, knows all, knows every where you have been, every thought you have had, every deed you have done. Everything that is done in darkness will be bought into light.
Where you will stand in that light? Can you stand the glare of light
that exposes the truth about you and your inner thoughts and spirit?
There is only one way.
You are either for God or against Him.
You are either born again by his precious
blood, or you have walked away from the salvation
Jesus Christ bought upon the cross.
For God's holy wrath and indignation are revealed
from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness
repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.
For that which is known about God is EVIDENT
to them, and made plain in their inner
consciousness, because God Himself has shown
it to them!
For ever since the creation of the world His
invisible nature and attributes, that is his eternal
power and divinity have been made intelligible
and clearly discernible in and through the
things that have been made -- His handiworks.
So men are without excuse - altogether without
any defense or justification.
Romans 1:19-21
Without Christ, we cannot receive forgiveness
of our sins or be justified before God.
Make that decision my dear friend, God is waiting
for you and loves you dearly, and longs for you
to be cleansed from sin, and have a new life in Christ.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.
Blue Skies Ahead
Good Morning Everyone.
Somethings never change. And so they shouldn't.
Because they are stable, strong, truthful, full of wisdom,
and life changing.
It is amazing how often we must all be reminded about
these basic things, because we seem to forget, and go
astray, and then someone says one of these truths,
or we read it in the word, or hear it in a sermon, and
realize oh yes, I forgot that, I need to get back in line with
that thinking.
To me, this is why it is so vital to read the word of God.
It is like it opens up your heart like a window opening
to the warmth of a new day, allowing the sun,
and fresh air to come in. And with it a visitor, that brings
joy, forgiveness, and relief from sorrow.
My friends, if you watch the news at all, you know that
the world is suffering in many areas. That danger is
everywhere, and sickness, and disease and many
hard things to bear. If we focus on all this, and allow
it to come through that window, it rains and becomes
dark.
We need to fuel our spirit with the word to uplift us.
We need to open our spirit to prayer and go to the
throne room of God often, and fervently.
And we need to allow God to be God, and stop trying
to carry all our own burdens. We were never meant
to carry them. That is why Jesus came. Let Him
be all in your life, He came to be your Savior,
your source of hope, strength, comfort, wisdom and your
guide.
Let go of the past,
of your sorrow of your burdens, and find freedom in
His arms. And then.... Let him do His job,
and you trust in His abilities which are far
above your knowledge or mine, and let Him
work all things out in his time for His glory
and your gain.
Fill yourself up with his word today, so you may
find strength and comfort, and light for the way,
and hope to fill your day.
Love
millie
ps.The little mottos below are very light hearted
compared to what I usually send, but there is a measure
of wisdom in them, I hope you enjoy them.
If any of you need scriptures to help you in a specific
problem, please let me know.. would be glad to send you some
specific scriptures.
*****************************************
TRUTHS TO LIVE BY
1. Faith is the ability to not panic, but to trust God.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so God can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
Life is not about toys, but about what we do for others.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise
it's just hearsay.
18. Surviving and living your life successfully requires
courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require
courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it
sticks out its neck.
19. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
*********************************************
Somethings never change. And so they shouldn't.
Because they are stable, strong, truthful, full of wisdom,
and life changing.
It is amazing how often we must all be reminded about
these basic things, because we seem to forget, and go
astray, and then someone says one of these truths,
or we read it in the word, or hear it in a sermon, and
realize oh yes, I forgot that, I need to get back in line with
that thinking.
To me, this is why it is so vital to read the word of God.
It is like it opens up your heart like a window opening
to the warmth of a new day, allowing the sun,
and fresh air to come in. And with it a visitor, that brings
joy, forgiveness, and relief from sorrow.
My friends, if you watch the news at all, you know that
the world is suffering in many areas. That danger is
everywhere, and sickness, and disease and many
hard things to bear. If we focus on all this, and allow
it to come through that window, it rains and becomes
dark.
We need to fuel our spirit with the word to uplift us.
We need to open our spirit to prayer and go to the
throne room of God often, and fervently.
And we need to allow God to be God, and stop trying
to carry all our own burdens. We were never meant
to carry them. That is why Jesus came. Let Him
be all in your life, He came to be your Savior,
your source of hope, strength, comfort, wisdom and your
guide.
Let go of the past,
of your sorrow of your burdens, and find freedom in
His arms. And then.... Let him do His job,
and you trust in His abilities which are far
above your knowledge or mine, and let Him
work all things out in his time for His glory
and your gain.
Fill yourself up with his word today, so you may
find strength and comfort, and light for the way,
and hope to fill your day.
Love
millie
ps.The little mottos below are very light hearted
compared to what I usually send, but there is a measure
of wisdom in them, I hope you enjoy them.
If any of you need scriptures to help you in a specific
problem, please let me know.. would be glad to send you some
specific scriptures.
*****************************************
TRUTHS TO LIVE BY
1. Faith is the ability to not panic, but to trust God.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so God can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
Life is not about toys, but about what we do for others.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise
it's just hearsay.
18. Surviving and living your life successfully requires
courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require
courage and risk-taking.
Learn from the turtle -- it only makes progress when it
sticks out its neck.
19. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
*********************************************
Monday, May 14, 2007
Our Father Knows What Is Best
Good Morning Dear Friends,
I just felt led to send you this poem today.
I know there are many of you out there, who
are carrying burdens that are too heavy.
When you woke up this morning, they became
the focus, and even at the start of the day,
you are weary in your spirit.
God sees your tears. He knows your internal
agony, your loneliness, your needs. All
of us have things we must deal with, it is
part of the journey of life.
You are not alone in this journey. No matter
how hard it may get. You are absolutely loved,
totally forgiven if you ask, and totally being
watched over daily by your Abba Father God.
What joy and peace should resonate through
our heart when we know this!
Do not receive despair when life's storms hit.
Close in with God, he alone can sustain you
and carry you unharmed through the storms.
Remember these trials are not to crush you
but to help your spirit grow and learn to be strong,
and wise, and be comforted and be comforting,
as we learn from these harsh desert times, and
go forth sweeter in spirit for the Lord Jesus sake,
and so that others around us, may see that
precious light pour from the depths of our soul
who has been tried and found faithful.
love
millie
**********************************************
Our Father knows what's best for us,
So why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine,
But He knows there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear.
Our Father tests us often
With suffering and with sorrow.
He tests us not to punish us
But to help us with tomorrow.
For growing trees are strengthened
When they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of a chisel
Gives the marble grace and form.
God never hurts us needlessly,
And He never wastes our pain,
For every loss He sends to us
Is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings
That God has so freely sent,
We will find no cause for murmuring
And no time to lament,
For our Father loves His children,
And to Him all things are plain,
So He never sends us pleasure
When the soul's deep need is pain.
So whenever we are troubled
And when everything goes wrong,
It is just God working in us
To make our spirits strong.
Helen Steiner Rice
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The Art and Gift of Kindness
Good Morning Everyone,
Recently a friend shared this inspirational story with
my yahoo group. It touched me deeply, let me tell you why.
I hope if you do not read anything else I send this week,
you will take a moment to read this inspiration and story.
This weekend, I was able to get out for
and go to one of my favorite stores, just to look around
for a while, and get out of the house. While I was there
an elderly man came up to me, and sized me up for a minute
and decided I would listen if he talked. So I did. He needed
to tell someone about the special watch he had on, and
how the watches they make now were not as well made,
and how thankful he was for his watch. Then he left,
satisfied to have told someone the story.
I ran into another lady there about his age, and we were
talking about comfy shoes, and she was sharing with me
about how both of her feet had been broken. She didn't complain, she just needed someone to listen. She had
such a sweet spirit, and I was glad to spend a minute
or two talking to her about life. Sending her off with a
blessing and some kind words for the day.
It reminded me of years ago, when I was caring for
my Dad who was in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He
was constantly trying to run away to get to a mall that
he loved. Even though we hired someone to take him
there for an hour or two everyday, he would get home,
forget he had been there and want to leave again, and
it was hard to keep him here. One day, I was so tired
I fell asleep for a nap, while he was laying down. When
I woke up he was gone. I drove the streets for a long time
looking for him, and he was no where in sight. You can
imagine my panic. Eventually we called the police.
They drove all over the city looking for him. And they
came to my home every few hours to report to me,
they couldn't have been more thoughtful. We made
flyers up and passed them around, but no one called,
and my precious Dad was no where to be found.
Three days later, I got a call from the La Habra police
department, they had found a man who fit Dad's
description, and so we quickly drove out to the
police station. Yes, it was my Dad, he was so
dirty, and disheveled, and hungry and thirsty.
He didn't even know who I was, as I ran to hug
him, it just broke my heart to see him in this state.
The police couldn't have been more compassionate,
and I will always be thankful for that.
We took Dad to the hospital to be checked,
he was so very dehydrated, and really smelled badly.
When he became a little more coherent, he said
no one would give him water. He had stopped many
places and asked for a cup of cold water, and no one
would give him one, for three days!
Can you imagine this?
My friends, this is the cold world we live in,
where people walk by us without caring, or even
offering a smile. Where there are hungry children
each day who go to bed without food, while others
are out shopping and getting into massive debt
only thinking of themselves.
All this should be a testimony to us. To pay
attention to the needs of others, and not get in
such financial bondage that we cannot share what
we have with those in need. Is this not what Jesus taught?
How hard it is to take time to listen to someone who needs
to share what is in their heart that day? How hard is it
to fix a meal once in a while for someone you know who
has a hard time fixing it for themselves? How hard could
it be to find kind things to say to someone each day?
How hard can it be to stop spending our money on
ourselves, and get out of debt, and start looking for ways
to bless others?
This lesson is being pounded in my own heart. I think
God wanted me to write this for a reason.
If you cannot read this and feel compassion,
if you cannot read this and feel convicted,
there is something truthfully being neglected in
our spiritual lives. Each day we should take account
of our shortcomings and flaws, and work on changing them.
We have to get busy and work for our Father God.
Share what you have with others, and love them
fervently, and pray for the needs. These are from
the heart of God, and only his servants remember to do it.
Love,
millie
******************************************************
What If No One Cared About You?
Of all the sufferings in the world, I've always thought that loneliness must
be one of the most brutal. We spring from the womb craving human love and
contact. Giving and receiving love is the emotional staple of our existence. To be deprived of it, especially later in life, is an unimaginable grief.
Pity, then, Vincenzo Ricardo, of Hampton Bays, New York, who was found dead in his home this week. A neighbor had called the police to complain about a busted water pipe at the Ricardo house. When police entered, they found Vincenzo dead, sitting in a chair in front of a blaring television. After an autopsy, it was determined that he had been dead for over one year. In all that time, no one had expressed any interest or made any inquiries. Imagine that. A person so alone in the world that he could be dead for a year, and no one noticed. The only possible grace is that the year he spent dead was likely less tortuous than some of the years he spent alive.
In one of his talks, Gil Bailie says that sin is punishment in its early
stages, and that punishment is just sin in its latter stages. I know there are
people who choose to push others away, to erect barriers to love that leave them bereft and bitter in the autumn of their lives. But there are others,
especially older people, who are simply forgotten. It is not their sin that
leads to such suffering it's ours. Nearly thirty years ago, I worked as an orderly in a nursing home. There was one woman who got up every morning, put on her finest Sunday clothes, and rolled her suitcase to the front lobby to wait for her son. She would tell everyone who passed that her he was coming to take her home that very day. At noon, the staff would fetch her for lunch, careful to leave her suitcase by the door in case the son arrived. At night, the staff would persuade her that perhaps she had the days mixed up, that she must have confused this day with the next day, and so forth.
Eventually, the woman would consent to being led back to her room for dinner, evening ablutions and bed. Then, the next morning, the whole
thing would start again.
Here's the sad kicker: The son never came. Never. Not even a visit.
The loneliness this woman felt had made her delusional. It had
driven her mad. And it was the fault of her very real son, who simply
abandoned her. To this day, it remains one of the saddest things
I've ever witnessed.
Reading about Vincenzo Ricardo, I was reminded of the
John Prine song, Hello In There:
Ya know that old trees just grow stronger, And old rivers gr ow wilder ev'ry
day. Old people just grow lonesome Waiting for someone to say, Hello in
there, hello.
So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient
eyes, Please don't just pass em by and stare As if you didn't care, say,
Hello in there, hello.
Is there someone you know who could use a hello in there? Is
there someone who would appreciate a visit, a telephone call, some
expression of human love? Don't let someone you know die like Vincenzo Ricardo. Perhaps their death will be on your conscience.
(Mark Gordon)
Recently a friend shared this inspirational story with
my yahoo group. It touched me deeply, let me tell you why.
I hope if you do not read anything else I send this week,
you will take a moment to read this inspiration and story.
This weekend, I was able to get out for
and go to one of my favorite stores, just to look around
for a while, and get out of the house. While I was there
an elderly man came up to me, and sized me up for a minute
and decided I would listen if he talked. So I did. He needed
to tell someone about the special watch he had on, and
how the watches they make now were not as well made,
and how thankful he was for his watch. Then he left,
satisfied to have told someone the story.
I ran into another lady there about his age, and we were
talking about comfy shoes, and she was sharing with me
about how both of her feet had been broken. She didn't complain, she just needed someone to listen. She had
such a sweet spirit, and I was glad to spend a minute
or two talking to her about life. Sending her off with a
blessing and some kind words for the day.
It reminded me of years ago, when I was caring for
my Dad who was in the last stages of Alzheimer's. He
was constantly trying to run away to get to a mall that
he loved. Even though we hired someone to take him
there for an hour or two everyday, he would get home,
forget he had been there and want to leave again, and
it was hard to keep him here. One day, I was so tired
I fell asleep for a nap, while he was laying down. When
I woke up he was gone. I drove the streets for a long time
looking for him, and he was no where in sight. You can
imagine my panic. Eventually we called the police.
They drove all over the city looking for him. And they
came to my home every few hours to report to me,
they couldn't have been more thoughtful. We made
flyers up and passed them around, but no one called,
and my precious Dad was no where to be found.
Three days later, I got a call from the La Habra police
department, they had found a man who fit Dad's
description, and so we quickly drove out to the
police station. Yes, it was my Dad, he was so
dirty, and disheveled, and hungry and thirsty.
He didn't even know who I was, as I ran to hug
him, it just broke my heart to see him in this state.
The police couldn't have been more compassionate,
and I will always be thankful for that.
We took Dad to the hospital to be checked,
he was so very dehydrated, and really smelled badly.
When he became a little more coherent, he said
no one would give him water. He had stopped many
places and asked for a cup of cold water, and no one
would give him one, for three days!
Can you imagine this?
My friends, this is the cold world we live in,
where people walk by us without caring, or even
offering a smile. Where there are hungry children
each day who go to bed without food, while others
are out shopping and getting into massive debt
only thinking of themselves.
All this should be a testimony to us. To pay
attention to the needs of others, and not get in
such financial bondage that we cannot share what
we have with those in need. Is this not what Jesus taught?
How hard it is to take time to listen to someone who needs
to share what is in their heart that day? How hard is it
to fix a meal once in a while for someone you know who
has a hard time fixing it for themselves? How hard could
it be to find kind things to say to someone each day?
How hard can it be to stop spending our money on
ourselves, and get out of debt, and start looking for ways
to bless others?
This lesson is being pounded in my own heart. I think
God wanted me to write this for a reason.
If you cannot read this and feel compassion,
if you cannot read this and feel convicted,
there is something truthfully being neglected in
our spiritual lives. Each day we should take account
of our shortcomings and flaws, and work on changing them.
We have to get busy and work for our Father God.
Share what you have with others, and love them
fervently, and pray for the needs. These are from
the heart of God, and only his servants remember to do it.
Love,
millie
******************************************************
What If No One Cared About You?
Of all the sufferings in the world, I've always thought that loneliness must
be one of the most brutal. We spring from the womb craving human love and
contact. Giving and receiving love is the emotional staple of our existence. To be deprived of it, especially later in life, is an unimaginable grief.
Pity, then, Vincenzo Ricardo, of Hampton Bays, New York, who was found dead in his home this week. A neighbor had called the police to complain about a busted water pipe at the Ricardo house. When police entered, they found Vincenzo dead, sitting in a chair in front of a blaring television. After an autopsy, it was determined that he had been dead for over one year. In all that time, no one had expressed any interest or made any inquiries. Imagine that. A person so alone in the world that he could be dead for a year, and no one noticed. The only possible grace is that the year he spent dead was likely less tortuous than some of the years he spent alive.
In one of his talks, Gil Bailie says that sin is punishment in its early
stages, and that punishment is just sin in its latter stages. I know there are
people who choose to push others away, to erect barriers to love that leave them bereft and bitter in the autumn of their lives. But there are others,
especially older people, who are simply forgotten. It is not their sin that
leads to such suffering it's ours. Nearly thirty years ago, I worked as an orderly in a nursing home. There was one woman who got up every morning, put on her finest Sunday clothes, and rolled her suitcase to the front lobby to wait for her son. She would tell everyone who passed that her he was coming to take her home that very day. At noon, the staff would fetch her for lunch, careful to leave her suitcase by the door in case the son arrived. At night, the staff would persuade her that perhaps she had the days mixed up, that she must have confused this day with the next day, and so forth.
Eventually, the woman would consent to being led back to her room for dinner, evening ablutions and bed. Then, the next morning, the whole
thing would start again.
Here's the sad kicker: The son never came. Never. Not even a visit.
The loneliness this woman felt had made her delusional. It had
driven her mad. And it was the fault of her very real son, who simply
abandoned her. To this day, it remains one of the saddest things
I've ever witnessed.
Reading about Vincenzo Ricardo, I was reminded of the
John Prine song, Hello In There:
Ya know that old trees just grow stronger, And old rivers gr ow wilder ev'ry
day. Old people just grow lonesome Waiting for someone to say, Hello in
there, hello.
So if you're walking down the street sometime And spot some hollow ancient
eyes, Please don't just pass em by and stare As if you didn't care, say,
Hello in there, hello.
Is there someone you know who could use a hello in there? Is
there someone who would appreciate a visit, a telephone call, some
expression of human love? Don't let someone you know die like Vincenzo Ricardo. Perhaps their death will be on your conscience.
(Mark Gordon)
Monday, May 07, 2007
The Community of Christ
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been around someone who
was totally self-absorbed and selfish? Life was
all about them? Their troubles are greater,
their possessions are greater, their job is the
best, their family is perfect? That is a lot of pressure
for them. Yes, them! Why? They are not happy,
or they wouldn't need to feel this way. Insecurity reigns.
People who know they have what is needful, good
and comforting, and wise, take comfort in it, they do not
need to brag about it, or focus on it, or feel the need
to put others down to feel better about themselves.
One of the things I have noticed over the last few
years is how little people reach out to each other.
A spirit of distrust, and selfishness has crept into
our hearts, and churches and public life.
Remember years ago, when you attended church,
if you missed a Sunday, someone would call or drop by?
They used to have a visitation committee. Now, for
the most part, if you don't go, you are soon forgotten.
What about those you know in need? I mean,
when is the last time you gave to someone you knew
had a specific need? Have you gotten yourself into
so much debt you cannot even help others?
How can we be an instrument for God and sing
His song to others, and minister to the needs of
others, if we are in bondage to ourselves, our
debt and the world?
I think truly we as Christians should be an example,
a role model. We cannot change ourselves overnight,
but we should make the effort to start to change
our bad habits and selfishness one step at a time.
Volunteer your services in some way, whether
small or in a larger outreach. Give to your church,
your time, and your efforts. Give to those you
know in need.
If our cup is full, we have no room for further blessings
to enter that cup, until we pour some of what we have
out into the lives of others and make room in our cup
for the blessings that come from giving, loving and
reaching out.Pray today, ask God what you can do, to make
this world a better place because you are in it,
and for God's glory, honor and the needs of others.
You will find the satisfaction is greater than
anything you imagined. Don't look for things
in return, give because it is the right thing to do for your
spirit to grow, and take joy that you are obedient to your
Savior.
love always
millie
Give, and gifts will be given you, good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over
will they pour into your bosom. For with what
measure you deal out -- that is, with the measure
you use when you confer benefits on others -- it will
be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38
It is called the law of reciprocity, what you sow you
reap. What you give, shall be returned to you in
a greater portion. But it has to be sacrificial,
without looking for a thing in return, from a heart
turned towards giving and loving, and not receiving.
A servants heart.
Can you seek this for your Saviors sake?
Working together, reaching outward, loving Others.
This is the calling God had on his church and his followers.
That and teaching the gospel.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.
*******************************************
A RACCOON STORY
My fingers were locked in the death grip mode on a half filled bag of
bread. My mom was taking me to the zoo and I wanted to feed the birds and
raccoons.
We had taken the time to tear the bread into little bits so they would last
longer. This was a special occasion for a seven-year-old boy. I placed my
two shiny quarters on the counter and walked into the zoo.
It wasn't a big zoo, but it was the only place I could see monkeys and an
old lion. They had a few things to play on and didn't seem to mind if
little kids fed a few of the animals.
The ducks and geese acted as if we owed them the bread and became
increasingly upset with us if we failed to keep the stale bread coming. I
got tired of that pretty quickly and wandered to the raccoon cage.
The furry criminals looked at us with joy and shuffled quickly to an
awaiting tube. The zoo staff had installed a metal tube that allowed
children to place food in the top and gravity took it from there. Two or
three of them would stretch their raccoon hands as far into the tube as
possible hoping they would be the one to grab the tasty morsel. Then they
would run to a corner of the cage and hiss at any other raccoon that had
designs on their prize catch.
I have discovered that I can be a spiritual raccoon. I know God is the
giver of all good gifts and I struggle to catch one of His blessings and
then I run and hold tightly to the blessing. I know it could bless others,
but - IT'S MINE!!! Get your own, leave me alone.
I like to think of those raccoons from time to time and I don't like to
think of myself as greedy, yet I wonder if there might be some blessing I
could give that I have been selfishly holding.
If memory serves me correctly, when I have shared in the past, I am always
blessed by the sharing. So, today I share with you a raccoon story and a
boy who saw the need to share so long ago, yet must continually learn the
same lesson.
By Glenn A. Hascall
Have you ever been around someone who
was totally self-absorbed and selfish? Life was
all about them? Their troubles are greater,
their possessions are greater, their job is the
best, their family is perfect? That is a lot of pressure
for them. Yes, them! Why? They are not happy,
or they wouldn't need to feel this way. Insecurity reigns.
People who know they have what is needful, good
and comforting, and wise, take comfort in it, they do not
need to brag about it, or focus on it, or feel the need
to put others down to feel better about themselves.
One of the things I have noticed over the last few
years is how little people reach out to each other.
A spirit of distrust, and selfishness has crept into
our hearts, and churches and public life.
Remember years ago, when you attended church,
if you missed a Sunday, someone would call or drop by?
They used to have a visitation committee. Now, for
the most part, if you don't go, you are soon forgotten.
What about those you know in need? I mean,
when is the last time you gave to someone you knew
had a specific need? Have you gotten yourself into
so much debt you cannot even help others?
How can we be an instrument for God and sing
His song to others, and minister to the needs of
others, if we are in bondage to ourselves, our
debt and the world?
I think truly we as Christians should be an example,
a role model. We cannot change ourselves overnight,
but we should make the effort to start to change
our bad habits and selfishness one step at a time.
Volunteer your services in some way, whether
small or in a larger outreach. Give to your church,
your time, and your efforts. Give to those you
know in need.
If our cup is full, we have no room for further blessings
to enter that cup, until we pour some of what we have
out into the lives of others and make room in our cup
for the blessings that come from giving, loving and
reaching out.Pray today, ask God what you can do, to make
this world a better place because you are in it,
and for God's glory, honor and the needs of others.
You will find the satisfaction is greater than
anything you imagined. Don't look for things
in return, give because it is the right thing to do for your
spirit to grow, and take joy that you are obedient to your
Savior.
love always
millie
Give, and gifts will be given you, good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over
will they pour into your bosom. For with what
measure you deal out -- that is, with the measure
you use when you confer benefits on others -- it will
be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38
It is called the law of reciprocity, what you sow you
reap. What you give, shall be returned to you in
a greater portion. But it has to be sacrificial,
without looking for a thing in return, from a heart
turned towards giving and loving, and not receiving.
A servants heart.
Can you seek this for your Saviors sake?
Working together, reaching outward, loving Others.
This is the calling God had on his church and his followers.
That and teaching the gospel.
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last.
*******************************************
A RACCOON STORY
My fingers were locked in the death grip mode on a half filled bag of
bread. My mom was taking me to the zoo and I wanted to feed the birds and
raccoons.
We had taken the time to tear the bread into little bits so they would last
longer. This was a special occasion for a seven-year-old boy. I placed my
two shiny quarters on the counter and walked into the zoo.
It wasn't a big zoo, but it was the only place I could see monkeys and an
old lion. They had a few things to play on and didn't seem to mind if
little kids fed a few of the animals.
The ducks and geese acted as if we owed them the bread and became
increasingly upset with us if we failed to keep the stale bread coming. I
got tired of that pretty quickly and wandered to the raccoon cage.
The furry criminals looked at us with joy and shuffled quickly to an
awaiting tube. The zoo staff had installed a metal tube that allowed
children to place food in the top and gravity took it from there. Two or
three of them would stretch their raccoon hands as far into the tube as
possible hoping they would be the one to grab the tasty morsel. Then they
would run to a corner of the cage and hiss at any other raccoon that had
designs on their prize catch.
I have discovered that I can be a spiritual raccoon. I know God is the
giver of all good gifts and I struggle to catch one of His blessings and
then I run and hold tightly to the blessing. I know it could bless others,
but - IT'S MINE!!! Get your own, leave me alone.
I like to think of those raccoons from time to time and I don't like to
think of myself as greedy, yet I wonder if there might be some blessing I
could give that I have been selfishly holding.
If memory serves me correctly, when I have shared in the past, I am always
blessed by the sharing. So, today I share with you a raccoon story and a
boy who saw the need to share so long ago, yet must continually learn the
same lesson.
By Glenn A. Hascall
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Got Hope?
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been in a big wind storm?
It can be difficult to walk or move in one,
and can easily topple you.
I remember a testimony in a church service
I went to. Some missionaries who were
in a huge storm, of hurricane force, were
unfortunately caught being unable to get away
from home. They prayed fervently over their
home that God would protect them from that
overpowering and violent storm. When the
storm ended, their home was the only one left
standing. Tell me that is not the protection of God.
I know friends who have been close to having
a car accident and as it was impending they
held hands and spoke the name Jesus,
and the car miraculously missed. God was there too.
You see, even when we cannot see Him. God is
there. He tells us never to fear, or be afraid,
because we are never alone.
So no matter what your storm is, God has
a answer. It may not be the one you are expecting,
but it is vital, and healthy and useful for your soul.
God knows what is best.
He just wants us to rely on, cling to, trust in,
hope in, and receive what He knows is best.
He loves us, He is our Abba Father, our Daddy.
How fortunate we are to have a spiritual,
all powerful Father, to whom nothing is impossible.
Now, that being said, pray like you believe it.
NO wimpy prayers. You are talking to the God
of the Universe, who in his great compassion
loves you and cares about the details of your life.
How awesome is that?
Receive it, live it, breathe it, walk it, talk it,
allow it, savor it, and rest in it.
Love,
millie
So we take comfort and are encouraged and
confidently and boldly say,
The Lord is my helper, I will not be seized with
alarm -- I will not fear or dread or be terrified.
What can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:6
Do not therefore, fling away your fearless confidence,
for it carries a great and glorious compensation
of reward. For you have need of steadfast
patience and endurance, so that you may perform
and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus
receive and carry away and enjoy to the full,
what is promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
*****************************************
Hold On.
Hold on tightly to what is truly important in life.
Hold on to faith;
It is the source of believing that all things are possible.
It is the fiber and strength of a confident soul.
Hold on to hope;
It banishes doubt and enables attitudes to be positive and cheerful.
Hold on to trust;
It is at the core of fruitful relationships that are secure and content.
Hold on to love;
It is life's greatest gift of all, for it shares, cares, and gives meaning
to life.
Hold on to family and friends;
They are the most important people in your life, and they make the world a
better place. They are your roots, and the beginnings that you grew from;
they are the vine that has grown through time to nourish you, help you on
your way, and always remain close by.
Hold on to all that you are and all that you have learned, for these things
are what makes you unique.
Don't ignore what you feel and what you believe is right and important;
Your heart has a way of speaking louder than your mind.
Hold on to your dreams;
Achieve them diligently and honestly. Never take the easy way or surrender
to deceit.
Remember others on your way and take time to care for their needs. Enjoy
the beauty around you. Have the courage to see things differently and clearly.
Make the world a better place one day at a time. And don't let go of the
important things that give meaning to your life.
.....author unknown
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Spiritual Rocky Mountains
Good Morning Everyone.
I have a secret to share with you. There are many different
religions represented on my list. There are Baptists,
Methodists, Pentecostals, Catholics, and Non Denominational.
You know what brings us together? The unity of Christ.
We are all God's children. We may differ a bit in our basic
church doctrine, but our central driving force is Christ.
We believe in Salvation by faith, we know we must be born
again. That we must read God's word and become more
like Him, so that we can be a light to the world.
The word below was given to a man of God, and it had a
profound effect on me. I have never heard it put this way
before. It may be a bit different than what you are used
to reading, but you need to be open to this marvelous truth.
You know.. how sometimes you pray and pray
about a situation, and you just cannot see a answer on the way?
It sometimes makes you wonder God are you listening?
Yes, He knew and heard your prayer before you ever
uttered it. And from that first day His answer and power
was working in your life. Because sometimes He has
to set up circumstances to change people or situations
little by little. One step at a time. People do not change
easily, they are stubborn and willful. It takes circumstances
that get our attention to change us.
And situations that are complicated cannot be cured
immediately in many cases. It takes God changing
the hearts in the situation, and the circumstances
around it. and that takes time. God is working even
when we don't see it happening. This is what Faith is,
believing the answer is on the way, even when we cannot
see it happening.
My friends, read this word today with a open mind.
Allow God to open your understanding to the concept.
That from the very moment you started praying,
God was using a hammer of His Holy Power to break
down the rocky circumstances in your life. Breaking them
to pieces. So then He could mold them into His divine
will.
You see, without those things being broken down,
and without us, sometimes being broken down, we would
never stop to see God working in our lives. WE would be
living just for us. Satisfied, probably selfish, and never
feeling our need for God.
If you have tough circumstances, or broken relationships,
if you have a great need. Never give up! If you have
given that situation or that person, or that need to the Lord,
then you must allow Him to work in that situation. And
remember He is breaking that situation, that circumstance,
that person down.. little by little, so He can bring about
His perfect will.
The answer is on the way. It may not be exactly as you
expected.. but wow.. it will be perfect. And it will bring peace.
Oh how truly blessed we are every day.
I love you so much, and daily praise the Lord for each of you.
How blessed I am to know you, and to be able to teach.
God is so good.
love always
millie
Ps. Can you imagine the power of people working together for the
Lord in prayer and purpose? We could make this a totally different
world if our focus would change from ourselves, to the power of
working TOGETHER for the body of Christ, for His Glory and Use.
Absolute Surrender. How powerful we could be in seeing changed lives,
healing, and restoration of broken hearts and lives. Consider this,
and ask God to lead you to a new walk in him, unified for His purpose.
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief. For
verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed
( the smallest seed), you shall say unto this mountain,
remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and
nothing shall be impossible to you.
Matthew 17:20
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of
God.
Romans 10:17
****************************************************************
Spiritual Rocky Mountains
Author: Bill Yount
Date: Mar 8, 2002
In a vision I saw a range of gigantic "rocky mountains" looming tall before God's people. These mountains towering before us represented impossible situations and insurmountable circumstances that we, the Body of Christ had come up against in our walk with the Lord. These mountains stood unmovable in our path as though defying us to go any further.
Many in the Body of Christ were standing on the word of God, believing and speaking to the mountains to be removed, persevering for a season until their lack of patience convinced them to lose hope and to give up. These mountains seemed to remain steadfast and unchangeable; indifferent to our faith in God's word to these impossibilities and believing for a miracle.
Then as though through telescopic vision; I saw in the Spirit a close up view of these mountains. In the Spirit I saw hair-line cracks coming upon these huge mountains. I then heard the voice of God speak as these cracks appeared. "IS NOT MY WORD LIKE A HAMMER THAT BREAKS THE ROCK IN PIECES?" A remnant of the Body of Christ, standing on the word of God, speaking it to these mountains, persevered in their faith and patience though they saw nothing change.
But each time they spoke with authority of God's Word, I saw a spiritual hammer striking each mountain that was spoken to. Following the cracks, I began to see a small piece of rock falling here and there from off these mountains - perhaps still not visible to the naked eye of the believer below.
Line upon line the cracks increased....here a little, there a little ... while small pieces of broken off rock were falling. Slowly but surely these mountains were weakening as this Hammer gained momentum, pounding these mountains of solid rock relentlessly as though God's vengeance was in each fatal blow. God's voice then spoke so loud and clear, shaking the very foundation of these mountains. "IF YOU CAN BREAK A ROCK IN PIECES, YOU CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN! THESE MOUNTAINS SHALL BE REMOVED BY MY SPIRIT," saith the Lord. "AND MY WORDS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE!"
Bill Yount Hagerstown, MD
blowtheshofar@juno.com
www.ourchurch.com/member/b/BillYount/
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." - Mark 11:23
------------------------------
Click here: It Took A Lamb
http://www.geocities.com/galeshome1/lamb.html
I have often felt that many things that bring us to our knees,
teach us while we are down there to learn to pray.
These possibilities are open to everyone.
Don't tell God you are not good enough, do what He asks.
Don't tell God to send someone else, He asked you.
Don't tell God you don't have time to pray, He said seek me first.
Don't neglect the things of God. He said we are to
pick up His cross daily and follow Him.
Don't tell God anything is bigger than His ability.
God is the Great I Am, I am whatever you need.
There is no pit so deep, God's love is not deeper still.
Not my will but thine oh Lord.
I have a secret to share with you. There are many different
religions represented on my list. There are Baptists,
Methodists, Pentecostals, Catholics, and Non Denominational.
You know what brings us together? The unity of Christ.
We are all God's children. We may differ a bit in our basic
church doctrine, but our central driving force is Christ.
We believe in Salvation by faith, we know we must be born
again. That we must read God's word and become more
like Him, so that we can be a light to the world.
The word below was given to a man of God, and it had a
profound effect on me. I have never heard it put this way
before. It may be a bit different than what you are used
to reading, but you need to be open to this marvelous truth.
You know.. how sometimes you pray and pray
about a situation, and you just cannot see a answer on the way?
It sometimes makes you wonder God are you listening?
Yes, He knew and heard your prayer before you ever
uttered it. And from that first day His answer and power
was working in your life. Because sometimes He has
to set up circumstances to change people or situations
little by little. One step at a time. People do not change
easily, they are stubborn and willful. It takes circumstances
that get our attention to change us.
And situations that are complicated cannot be cured
immediately in many cases. It takes God changing
the hearts in the situation, and the circumstances
around it. and that takes time. God is working even
when we don't see it happening. This is what Faith is,
believing the answer is on the way, even when we cannot
see it happening.
My friends, read this word today with a open mind.
Allow God to open your understanding to the concept.
That from the very moment you started praying,
God was using a hammer of His Holy Power to break
down the rocky circumstances in your life. Breaking them
to pieces. So then He could mold them into His divine
will.
You see, without those things being broken down,
and without us, sometimes being broken down, we would
never stop to see God working in our lives. WE would be
living just for us. Satisfied, probably selfish, and never
feeling our need for God.
If you have tough circumstances, or broken relationships,
if you have a great need. Never give up! If you have
given that situation or that person, or that need to the Lord,
then you must allow Him to work in that situation. And
remember He is breaking that situation, that circumstance,
that person down.. little by little, so He can bring about
His perfect will.
The answer is on the way. It may not be exactly as you
expected.. but wow.. it will be perfect. And it will bring peace.
Oh how truly blessed we are every day.
I love you so much, and daily praise the Lord for each of you.
How blessed I am to know you, and to be able to teach.
God is so good.
love always
millie
Ps. Can you imagine the power of people working together for the
Lord in prayer and purpose? We could make this a totally different
world if our focus would change from ourselves, to the power of
working TOGETHER for the body of Christ, for His Glory and Use.
Absolute Surrender. How powerful we could be in seeing changed lives,
healing, and restoration of broken hearts and lives. Consider this,
and ask God to lead you to a new walk in him, unified for His purpose.
And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief. For
verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed
( the smallest seed), you shall say unto this mountain,
remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove, and
nothing shall be impossible to you.
Matthew 17:20
For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence
of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of
God.
Romans 10:17
****************************************************************
Spiritual Rocky Mountains
Author: Bill Yount
Date: Mar 8, 2002
In a vision I saw a range of gigantic "rocky mountains" looming tall before God's people. These mountains towering before us represented impossible situations and insurmountable circumstances that we, the Body of Christ had come up against in our walk with the Lord. These mountains stood unmovable in our path as though defying us to go any further.
Many in the Body of Christ were standing on the word of God, believing and speaking to the mountains to be removed, persevering for a season until their lack of patience convinced them to lose hope and to give up. These mountains seemed to remain steadfast and unchangeable; indifferent to our faith in God's word to these impossibilities and believing for a miracle.
Then as though through telescopic vision; I saw in the Spirit a close up view of these mountains. In the Spirit I saw hair-line cracks coming upon these huge mountains. I then heard the voice of God speak as these cracks appeared. "IS NOT MY WORD LIKE A HAMMER THAT BREAKS THE ROCK IN PIECES?" A remnant of the Body of Christ, standing on the word of God, speaking it to these mountains, persevered in their faith and patience though they saw nothing change.
But each time they spoke with authority of God's Word, I saw a spiritual hammer striking each mountain that was spoken to. Following the cracks, I began to see a small piece of rock falling here and there from off these mountains - perhaps still not visible to the naked eye of the believer below.
Line upon line the cracks increased....here a little, there a little ... while small pieces of broken off rock were falling. Slowly but surely these mountains were weakening as this Hammer gained momentum, pounding these mountains of solid rock relentlessly as though God's vengeance was in each fatal blow. God's voice then spoke so loud and clear, shaking the very foundation of these mountains. "IF YOU CAN BREAK A ROCK IN PIECES, YOU CAN MOVE A MOUNTAIN! THESE MOUNTAINS SHALL BE REMOVED BY MY SPIRIT," saith the Lord. "AND MY WORDS ARE SPIRIT AND LIFE!"
Bill Yount Hagerstown, MD
blowtheshofar@juno.com
www.ourchurch.com/member/b/BillYount/
"For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." - Mark 11:23
------------------------------
Click here: It Took A Lamb
http://www.geocities.com/galeshome1/lamb.html
I have often felt that many things that bring us to our knees,
teach us while we are down there to learn to pray.
These possibilities are open to everyone.
Don't tell God you are not good enough, do what He asks.
Don't tell God to send someone else, He asked you.
Don't tell God you don't have time to pray, He said seek me first.
Don't neglect the things of God. He said we are to
pick up His cross daily and follow Him.
Don't tell God anything is bigger than His ability.
God is the Great I Am, I am whatever you need.
There is no pit so deep, God's love is not deeper still.
Not my will but thine oh Lord.
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