Thought I would let you know both my husband and I have been very sick with bronchitis, and are unable to do much at all. I have asthma and copd, and JOhn has heart problems, so it takes us longer to fight this, and it seems to have knocked us off our feet this time. Please remember us in your prayers. I Hope to start posting to the blog again soon, and to complete one for David.
I love you all dearly.
millie
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Envision The End
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever started a task, and it seemed neverending?
It just seemed no matter how hard you worked, it didn't look
like it would ever be done? But you persisted, and finally it was.
At the end, it was very gratifying to know you persisted
until you saw that job through.
What about a trip? When you are going someplace the
journey can seem fairly short if you are excited. But if
you are dreading a long journey ahead, it can seem
like it is taking forever. You just don't know for sure
what the end result will be.
I am reminded, of how often we tell God how we think
our life should go, when we don't have the ability to
see 10 hours ahead much less 10 years. You see, the
secret is that only God knows what will happen down
the road, and He has the great insight to know what is
best for us.
I cannot think of a better reason to allow Him to be Lord
of our life. He knows how to deal with what we will
be dealing with. He has the perfect answer, and a resting
place when we get weary.
If you cannot see what is coming, if you are worried about
your future, or troubled about your life now, you must
learn that if you want to find peace, you have to stop
trying to control your situation and let go of it through prayer.
1. You may have to go to the Lord 50 times a day, and say
God I need help, this is too big for me. Please take this
from me, and work out your perfect will.
2. The next step is we learn to take our mind off it.
Everytime it comes up, we say, no, I am not going there, I gave it to God.
It will take practise, but it is programming our mind to
think differently.
3. Learn to enjoy what you do have, and quit looking at what
you don't.
4. Make plans for your day, find some useful thing to do.
Make a list, keeping busy really helps.
5. Find someone else to do things for, the best way to
forget your own problems is to do something for someone else.
6. If you are too weary to do any of the last 3, then you need
to go back to step one. :)
It is all a choice. Remember that the next time
you fill your day with worry. Even in the greatest
tragedies, we have a shelter in the storm, who
knows just how to navigate, protect and get us
to the other side of the storm safely.
Faith is believing the answer is on the way, even
when we cannot see anything happening yet.
I love you all dearly, and want you to know,
no matter how great your problems, or pain,
God is greater still.
Love Always
Millie
For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect towards Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,
and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9
For He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly
will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities,
in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,
for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
It is only when we let go, that He can take over.
ENVISIONING THE END
Eight-year-old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There hadn't been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident of the fishing trip. But, wouldn't you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily and it appeared that it would continue all day.
Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. "Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today," he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers' crops. But Frank was adamant. "It just isn't right," he said over and over.
Then, about three o'clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.
At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank's mom asked him to say grace. Frank did - and concluded his prayer by saying, "And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn't see far enough ahead."
By James Hewett
Have you ever started a task, and it seemed neverending?
It just seemed no matter how hard you worked, it didn't look
like it would ever be done? But you persisted, and finally it was.
At the end, it was very gratifying to know you persisted
until you saw that job through.
What about a trip? When you are going someplace the
journey can seem fairly short if you are excited. But if
you are dreading a long journey ahead, it can seem
like it is taking forever. You just don't know for sure
what the end result will be.
I am reminded, of how often we tell God how we think
our life should go, when we don't have the ability to
see 10 hours ahead much less 10 years. You see, the
secret is that only God knows what will happen down
the road, and He has the great insight to know what is
best for us.
I cannot think of a better reason to allow Him to be Lord
of our life. He knows how to deal with what we will
be dealing with. He has the perfect answer, and a resting
place when we get weary.
If you cannot see what is coming, if you are worried about
your future, or troubled about your life now, you must
learn that if you want to find peace, you have to stop
trying to control your situation and let go of it through prayer.
1. You may have to go to the Lord 50 times a day, and say
God I need help, this is too big for me. Please take this
from me, and work out your perfect will.
2. The next step is we learn to take our mind off it.
Everytime it comes up, we say, no, I am not going there, I gave it to God.
It will take practise, but it is programming our mind to
think differently.
3. Learn to enjoy what you do have, and quit looking at what
you don't.
4. Make plans for your day, find some useful thing to do.
Make a list, keeping busy really helps.
5. Find someone else to do things for, the best way to
forget your own problems is to do something for someone else.
6. If you are too weary to do any of the last 3, then you need
to go back to step one. :)
It is all a choice. Remember that the next time
you fill your day with worry. Even in the greatest
tragedies, we have a shelter in the storm, who
knows just how to navigate, protect and get us
to the other side of the storm safely.
Faith is believing the answer is on the way, even
when we cannot see anything happening yet.
I love you all dearly, and want you to know,
no matter how great your problems, or pain,
God is greater still.
Love Always
Millie
For the eyes of the Lord run to and from throughout the
whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect towards Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you,
and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
He will keep the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall
be silent in darkness, for by strength shall no man prevail.
1 Samuel 2:9
For He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My
strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly
will I rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may
rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities,
in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses,
for Christ's sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
It is only when we let go, that He can take over.
ENVISIONING THE END
Eight-year-old Frank had looked forward for weeks to this particular Saturday because his father had promised to take him fishing if the weather was suitable. There hadn't been any rain for weeks and as Saturday approached, Frank was confident of the fishing trip. But, wouldn't you know it, when Saturday morning dawned, it was raining heavily and it appeared that it would continue all day.
Frank wandered around the house, peering out the windows and grumbling more than a little. "Seems like the Lord would know that it would have been better to have the rain yesterday than today," he complained to his father who was sitting by the fireplace, enjoying a good book. His father tried to explain to Frank how badly the rain was needed, how it would make the flowers grow and bring much needed moisture to the farmers' crops. But Frank was adamant. "It just isn't right," he said over and over.
Then, about three o'clock, the rain stopped. Still time for some fishing, and quickly the gear was loaded and they were off to the lake. Whether it was the rain or some other reason, the fish were biting hungrily and father and son returned with a full string of fine, big fish.
At supper, when some of the fish were ready, Frank's mom asked him to say grace. Frank did - and concluded his prayer by saying, "And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier today it was because I couldn't see far enough ahead."
By James Hewett
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Certainty in A Uncertain World
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/23/08
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.
He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Good Morning Everyone,
Often we feel we are surrounded by problems.
By trouble with people, finances or other issues in our life.
Sometimes the world situations can make us feel insecure
and even fearful. But the core of us... our spirit belongs to Christ.
That core, should never be fearful. For we have a fort built
inside of us. That fort is the stronghold of God, who will not
let us go or forsake us.
Did you know you had a fort? Did you know that even in the
storms of life you have a anchor for your soul? Are you counting
on that, or are you focusing on your problems rather than
the sufficiency of a All Powerful God who loved you so much He
brought His son to earth to die specifically for you, to save you
from your sins?
Who else loves us this much? Who else promises to be with us
24/7 365 days a year? Are we blessed or what? Are we acting blessed?
Are we showing we have faith, or we living in fear?
Its all a choice. It starts every morning when we make a choice
to face the day with courage, and walk in God's strength and promises
or walk in our fear and leave God out of our equation.
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in You in all things.
2 Corinthians 7:16
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence of faith in Him.
Ephesians 3:12.
We may not have access to political officials, those in charge of things
we participate in. Sometimes we may feel like the low person on the
roster, but with Christ we are first in his thoughts daily. He has plans
for you and He loves you and offers you hope, strength, security, and
promises to Guide you daily. Count on it, rely on it, hope in it, speak
it out loud, and rely on Him. Talk to him all the time. Tell Him how
you feel, and allow Him access to your heart, and life. He will help
you make dramatic changes as He speaks to your spirit about changes
you must make or the way you must go.
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a expected end. Then you
shall call upon me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will hearken to
you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with
all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
My friends do a reality check today. What are you relying on? What is
your core security? As a Christian, even when the world falls apart around
us, we can cry out to God, and know He has promised to protect us and be
with us, no matter the circumstances. Just Trust,
Love
millie
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.
He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
Good Morning Everyone,
Often we feel we are surrounded by problems.
By trouble with people, finances or other issues in our life.
Sometimes the world situations can make us feel insecure
and even fearful. But the core of us... our spirit belongs to Christ.
That core, should never be fearful. For we have a fort built
inside of us. That fort is the stronghold of God, who will not
let us go or forsake us.
Did you know you had a fort? Did you know that even in the
storms of life you have a anchor for your soul? Are you counting
on that, or are you focusing on your problems rather than
the sufficiency of a All Powerful God who loved you so much He
brought His son to earth to die specifically for you, to save you
from your sins?
Who else loves us this much? Who else promises to be with us
24/7 365 days a year? Are we blessed or what? Are we acting blessed?
Are we showing we have faith, or we living in fear?
Its all a choice. It starts every morning when we make a choice
to face the day with courage, and walk in God's strength and promises
or walk in our fear and leave God out of our equation.
I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in You in all things.
2 Corinthians 7:16
In whom we have boldness and access with confidence of faith in Him.
Ephesians 3:12.
We may not have access to political officials, those in charge of things
we participate in. Sometimes we may feel like the low person on the
roster, but with Christ we are first in his thoughts daily. He has plans
for you and He loves you and offers you hope, strength, security, and
promises to Guide you daily. Count on it, rely on it, hope in it, speak
it out loud, and rely on Him. Talk to him all the time. Tell Him how
you feel, and allow Him access to your heart, and life. He will help
you make dramatic changes as He speaks to your spirit about changes
you must make or the way you must go.
For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a expected end. Then you
shall call upon me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will hearken to
you. And you shall seek me, and find me, when you search for me with
all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
My friends do a reality check today. What are you relying on? What is
your core security? As a Christian, even when the world falls apart around
us, we can cry out to God, and know He has promised to protect us and be
with us, no matter the circumstances. Just Trust,
Love
millie
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A notice to my list
I wanted to notify you today, that someone on my list reported my email as spam.
Therefore aol is not letting me send emails right now. I jump through this hoop
every year, even though I comply with all their rules. I have to be by subscription
only, which I am, and there must be a link to unsubscribe in the emails. So I am posting this notice to my blog for those of you who visit it. If you know someone
on my list, please tell them.
It seems that in my disclaimer I asked people not to forward my emails, as
they might be reported as spam, but to copy and paste the emails to a new email
if they wanted to share it with their friends. This is what aol considered a
violation. However, it is their guidelines! I do not know what else to do
after talking with several technicians.
If you don't want my mail all you have to do is tell me, but don't report me as spam, that causes me a great deal of grief to get reapproved to send the mail, after 10 years of having approval to send it. I do not want to be a bother to anyone, but a encouragement. There are never hard feelings if someone unsubscribes, I know many are busy, or just move on from what I send, and that is ok. I am thankful to be in your life for a time. It is just so disheartening to have someone handle it by reporting me.
I will be posting a devotion to this blog tonite.
You can still email me, but I am unable to email you today.
Please pray about this matter.
love
millie
Therefore aol is not letting me send emails right now. I jump through this hoop
every year, even though I comply with all their rules. I have to be by subscription
only, which I am, and there must be a link to unsubscribe in the emails. So I am posting this notice to my blog for those of you who visit it. If you know someone
on my list, please tell them.
It seems that in my disclaimer I asked people not to forward my emails, as
they might be reported as spam, but to copy and paste the emails to a new email
if they wanted to share it with their friends. This is what aol considered a
violation. However, it is their guidelines! I do not know what else to do
after talking with several technicians.
If you don't want my mail all you have to do is tell me, but don't report me as spam, that causes me a great deal of grief to get reapproved to send the mail, after 10 years of having approval to send it. I do not want to be a bother to anyone, but a encouragement. There are never hard feelings if someone unsubscribes, I know many are busy, or just move on from what I send, and that is ok. I am thankful to be in your life for a time. It is just so disheartening to have someone handle it by reporting me.
I will be posting a devotion to this blog tonite.
You can still email me, but I am unable to email you today.
Please pray about this matter.
love
millie
Friday, January 18, 2008
Just Do It, Even When In Fear!
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/18/08
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been fearful? I mean to the point it
seemed to take over your life, your thoughts, your actions?
I think most have faced fear to varying degrees in their
lifetime. What we do next is what counts.
I know people who are so fearful, most of the decisions
they make are out of fear. They protect themselves
(or so they think) by making decisions that isolate themselves.
Basically what they have done is cave into that fear
and built their lifestyle and mindset around it.
I am here today to tell you that whatever life may bring
your way, even if you are fearful, you have to have courage.
You do whatever must be done... even if you are fearful.
I was talking with my son in law who is a policeman. He
was talking about the decisions they make daily and
how many times when they are confronting criminals
they do not know what can happen in the next few
seconds, and they always have to be prepared. He
said even if you have fear.. you do it in fear. Just do it!
Don't let fear control you. Fight it. Do things whether you
are fearful or not. Get my point? Just forge ahead.
I have had fear several times in my life. A couple of
times from dreadful circumstances my family was going through
and it caused me to have severe panic attacks. These are
so frightening in and of themselves, it takes a lot of courage
to face them and overcome them. But I did, through counseling,
and just forging ahead even when fearful. I can remember
being in the grocery store, my heart rate up to 130,
and I felt myself passing out, I could not get my breath.
I said to myself. I am not leaving here, I didn't die from
this yesterday, I will not die today, I am going to fight this fear.
And so I set out on a journey to beat it.. and I did.. totally.
I also have had it from not being able to get my breath
when my asthma gets bad. But caving into the fear
only increases it. So I fight the fear.
I am here to declare to you today, no matter what your
circumstances, God is still on the throne.
Fear is not your friend, or a worthy companion.
It is from the author of confusion. satan the loser.
You can fight it. You stand up strong, face your problems,
just do what you must, whether you are afraid or not..
just be pushy with yourself.
Here are some verses to speak out loud to your fear.
God did not give us a spirit of fear that makes us
afraid, but a spirit of power and love and self control.
2 Timothy 1:7
Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect
love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person
fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.
1 John 4:18
Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected
by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, You are my place of
trust and protection. You are My God and I trust you.
Psalm 91:1-2
So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid,
because the Lord is my Helper. People can't do
anything to me." Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today and forever.
Hebrews 13:6,8
My friends, God is in control. We control almost nothing.
Our job is to keep forging ahead, make the best
decisions we can, do it with courage to make our lives
count for something good in the long run. God promises
over and over to be with us through everything we face.
We must hold his hand, cry out to Him, trust in Him,
cling to Him, and speak His word out loud to our fears
and trials. God's word never returns void but will
go out and have power over your situation and against
the powers of darkness and fear will always prevail.
YOU ARE EITHER TRUSTING GOD, OR TRUSTING
YOURSELF. Which works best?
Only you can choose to trust God no matter what you face.
Hold your head up high, face it, even if you face it in fear,
JUST DO IT.
love always
millie
Ps. Every time I feel fear creep near me.. I speak out loud:
For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of Love, Power
and a Sound Mind. I speak it over and over, it always works.
The fear departs, it cannot stand the word of God.
Just fight it friends, God is with you.
Good Morning Everyone,
Have you ever been fearful? I mean to the point it
seemed to take over your life, your thoughts, your actions?
I think most have faced fear to varying degrees in their
lifetime. What we do next is what counts.
I know people who are so fearful, most of the decisions
they make are out of fear. They protect themselves
(or so they think) by making decisions that isolate themselves.
Basically what they have done is cave into that fear
and built their lifestyle and mindset around it.
I am here today to tell you that whatever life may bring
your way, even if you are fearful, you have to have courage.
You do whatever must be done... even if you are fearful.
I was talking with my son in law who is a policeman. He
was talking about the decisions they make daily and
how many times when they are confronting criminals
they do not know what can happen in the next few
seconds, and they always have to be prepared. He
said even if you have fear.. you do it in fear. Just do it!
Don't let fear control you. Fight it. Do things whether you
are fearful or not. Get my point? Just forge ahead.
I have had fear several times in my life. A couple of
times from dreadful circumstances my family was going through
and it caused me to have severe panic attacks. These are
so frightening in and of themselves, it takes a lot of courage
to face them and overcome them. But I did, through counseling,
and just forging ahead even when fearful. I can remember
being in the grocery store, my heart rate up to 130,
and I felt myself passing out, I could not get my breath.
I said to myself. I am not leaving here, I didn't die from
this yesterday, I will not die today, I am going to fight this fear.
And so I set out on a journey to beat it.. and I did.. totally.
I also have had it from not being able to get my breath
when my asthma gets bad. But caving into the fear
only increases it. So I fight the fear.
I am here to declare to you today, no matter what your
circumstances, God is still on the throne.
Fear is not your friend, or a worthy companion.
It is from the author of confusion. satan the loser.
You can fight it. You stand up strong, face your problems,
just do what you must, whether you are afraid or not..
just be pushy with yourself.
Here are some verses to speak out loud to your fear.
God did not give us a spirit of fear that makes us
afraid, but a spirit of power and love and self control.
2 Timothy 1:7
Where God's love is, there is no fear, because God's perfect
love drives out fear. It is punishment that makes a person
fear, so love is not made perfect in the person who fears.
1 John 4:18
Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected
by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, You are my place of
trust and protection. You are My God and I trust you.
Psalm 91:1-2
So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid,
because the Lord is my Helper. People can't do
anything to me." Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today and forever.
Hebrews 13:6,8
My friends, God is in control. We control almost nothing.
Our job is to keep forging ahead, make the best
decisions we can, do it with courage to make our lives
count for something good in the long run. God promises
over and over to be with us through everything we face.
We must hold his hand, cry out to Him, trust in Him,
cling to Him, and speak His word out loud to our fears
and trials. God's word never returns void but will
go out and have power over your situation and against
the powers of darkness and fear will always prevail.
YOU ARE EITHER TRUSTING GOD, OR TRUSTING
YOURSELF. Which works best?
Only you can choose to trust God no matter what you face.
Hold your head up high, face it, even if you face it in fear,
JUST DO IT.
love always
millie
Ps. Every time I feel fear creep near me.. I speak out loud:
For God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of Love, Power
and a Sound Mind. I speak it over and over, it always works.
The fear departs, it cannot stand the word of God.
Just fight it friends, God is with you.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
New Life in Christ = New Habits
New Life in Christ = New Habits
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/15/2008
Lord, who may enter your Holy Tent? Who may live
on your Holy mountain? Only those who are innocent
and who do what is right. Such people speak the truth
from their hearts and do not tell lies about others.
They do no wrong to their neighbors and do not gossip.
They do not respect hateful people but honor those who
honor the Lord. They keep their promises to their neighbors,
even when it hurts. They do not charge interest on money
they lend and do not take money to hurt innocent people.
Whoever does all these things shall not be destroyed.
Psalm 15:1-5
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of
my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my
rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
When we are children, we behave as children. We do
things wrong, we get disciplined for them (hopefully)
and we learn what is wise to do, and what is foolish to
do. We become accountable for our actions. These should
be lessons that follow us throughout our life.. teaching
us self discipline and helping us make wise life choices.
The same would apply to our Christian walk. When we are
baby Christians, and just learning the Word of God and APPLYING
it to our lives, heart and thinking, we have much to learn.
We learn to let go of those things we know are worldly and
not pleasing to God by reading His word which tells us what
pleases Him and what does not. But there is more to it than that.
These things that do not please Him also are things that can
really hurt us along the way. These decisions that we make
that are from a worldly perspective can not only lead us away
from God but into addictions, bondages and a lifestyle that will
make us very unhappy, unproductive and often downtrodden people.
You would think that after a while a Christian would grow and change
just as a child does. But many Christians do not make it past the
baby stage. Somehow they think they can sit back on their laurels,
and never change the way they talk, the things they do, or the people
they associate with. They do not come out from among them and be separate
as Jesus called us to do. We are to be new in Christ, not the same old,
same old.
Are you changing? Have you grown from a baby Christian to a mature walk
with Christ? Does the words of your mouth reflect that?
The other day I was at a craft store, and there was this beautiful young
woman in her late teens. She had spent much time on her make up,
her clothing, her hair, and she looked very well turned out. But she opened
her mouth and vile language came out, and it really destroyed all else
she had done to look beautiful. Inner beauty is even more important
than outer beauty. She had compromised herself as we often do,
by not watching what we say and do, and only putting on a appearance
of being beautiful.
Some of you are saying, how snotty that sounded. No my friend, its called
standards. We have to walk the walk and talk the talk. If we are really
new in Christ, it has to show in what we SAY, and what we DO.
There is no middle ground. You are either spiritually seeking to rise
from level to level by being personally accountable to God, or you are in
a rut, and seeking to please yourself first.
There has to come a time where we face the truth and say am I really walking
with God? Am I really reflecting him to others? Or did I just give lip
service to God and go on doing what I wanted to do.
We as Christians preach a silent sermon to people around us everyday by what
we say and do.
How is your sermon looking? What if someone out there needs Christ and you
are reflecting a lie about Christ? What if someone needs you to be sincere
and upright so they can see Christ in you? What if they are desperate for
help, and you are just misleading them by what you are saying?
You must take up the torch. You must be sincere. You must leave the ways
of the world behind, the thinking of the world, and be new in Christ.
I would ask each of you today, to read the 3rd chapter of Philippians. It
will tell you what we must be thinking as Christians. WE continue to pursue
Christian goals, a accountable Christian walk before Christ and others. And
if we fall, if we fail, we ask forgiveness, get up, dust ourselves off, and
keep pushing forward as soldiers for Christ. Learning lessons from
our mistakes, and recognizing our accountability and the need
for personal righteousness before God.
I pray you take this lesson to heart, as we all must if we ever want to
get past that baby stage, and truly be a worthy servant of Christ who seeks
to please Him with the words of our mouth and the deeds we do daily.
How can we give any less to the master who loved us so much He gave his
life for us?
love always
millie
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last!
copyright Millie Plastaras 1/15/2008
Lord, who may enter your Holy Tent? Who may live
on your Holy mountain? Only those who are innocent
and who do what is right. Such people speak the truth
from their hearts and do not tell lies about others.
They do no wrong to their neighbors and do not gossip.
They do not respect hateful people but honor those who
honor the Lord. They keep their promises to their neighbors,
even when it hurts. They do not charge interest on money
they lend and do not take money to hurt innocent people.
Whoever does all these things shall not be destroyed.
Psalm 15:1-5
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of
my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my
rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
When we are children, we behave as children. We do
things wrong, we get disciplined for them (hopefully)
and we learn what is wise to do, and what is foolish to
do. We become accountable for our actions. These should
be lessons that follow us throughout our life.. teaching
us self discipline and helping us make wise life choices.
The same would apply to our Christian walk. When we are
baby Christians, and just learning the Word of God and APPLYING
it to our lives, heart and thinking, we have much to learn.
We learn to let go of those things we know are worldly and
not pleasing to God by reading His word which tells us what
pleases Him and what does not. But there is more to it than that.
These things that do not please Him also are things that can
really hurt us along the way. These decisions that we make
that are from a worldly perspective can not only lead us away
from God but into addictions, bondages and a lifestyle that will
make us very unhappy, unproductive and often downtrodden people.
You would think that after a while a Christian would grow and change
just as a child does. But many Christians do not make it past the
baby stage. Somehow they think they can sit back on their laurels,
and never change the way they talk, the things they do, or the people
they associate with. They do not come out from among them and be separate
as Jesus called us to do. We are to be new in Christ, not the same old,
same old.
Are you changing? Have you grown from a baby Christian to a mature walk
with Christ? Does the words of your mouth reflect that?
The other day I was at a craft store, and there was this beautiful young
woman in her late teens. She had spent much time on her make up,
her clothing, her hair, and she looked very well turned out. But she opened
her mouth and vile language came out, and it really destroyed all else
she had done to look beautiful. Inner beauty is even more important
than outer beauty. She had compromised herself as we often do,
by not watching what we say and do, and only putting on a appearance
of being beautiful.
Some of you are saying, how snotty that sounded. No my friend, its called
standards. We have to walk the walk and talk the talk. If we are really
new in Christ, it has to show in what we SAY, and what we DO.
There is no middle ground. You are either spiritually seeking to rise
from level to level by being personally accountable to God, or you are in
a rut, and seeking to please yourself first.
There has to come a time where we face the truth and say am I really walking
with God? Am I really reflecting him to others? Or did I just give lip
service to God and go on doing what I wanted to do.
We as Christians preach a silent sermon to people around us everyday by what
we say and do.
How is your sermon looking? What if someone out there needs Christ and you
are reflecting a lie about Christ? What if someone needs you to be sincere
and upright so they can see Christ in you? What if they are desperate for
help, and you are just misleading them by what you are saying?
You must take up the torch. You must be sincere. You must leave the ways
of the world behind, the thinking of the world, and be new in Christ.
I would ask each of you today, to read the 3rd chapter of Philippians. It
will tell you what we must be thinking as Christians. WE continue to pursue
Christian goals, a accountable Christian walk before Christ and others. And
if we fall, if we fail, we ask forgiveness, get up, dust ourselves off, and
keep pushing forward as soldiers for Christ. Learning lessons from
our mistakes, and recognizing our accountability and the need
for personal righteousness before God.
I pray you take this lesson to heart, as we all must if we ever want to
get past that baby stage, and truly be a worthy servant of Christ who seeks
to please Him with the words of our mouth and the deeds we do daily.
How can we give any less to the master who loved us so much He gave his
life for us?
love always
millie
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Have You Not Known?
copyright Millie Plastaras 6/26/2006
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends
of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary!
His understanding is unsearchable,
He gives power to the weak, and
to those who have no might He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:28-29
Why is it we think God forgets about us? Why is it
we think He cannot understand our trials, our hurts,
our pain? Do we think he is a God who is insensitive?
Some far away, nebulous creature who doesn't even know us?
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize
with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as
we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Why would a God make all that we see, and not notice us?
Why would our God give his only begotten Son to die
for all the rotten sins ever committed or ever to be
committed, and take them upon himself on the cruel cross Just for Us?
Why would God do that if He didn't love us, didn't understand
our human frailties? The Bible says God has known us
before we were born, even as we were being formed
in our mother!
Wow.. He has known us longer than anyone!
This being said, if all that is true, why do we doubt His
ability? Why do we try to run and control and solve
everything ourselves? Why do we give him last place
in our lives?
Who is He in your life? Is He in control? Or do you
just run to Him in emergencies.. just in case?
There is a really important verse we should write
upon our hearts (one among many)
That by two immutable
(not capable of or susceptible to change) things, in
which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have
strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to
lay HOLD of the HOPE set before us. This Hope
we have is a ANCHOR FOR OUR SOUL.
Hebrews 6:18-19
My friends, God is our only hope! People come and go,
they love us and let us down, they try to please us,
and cannot always...they cannot be everything that
we need or require, just as we cannot be for them!
We are human.
But God has promised he would never leave us
or forsake us. Most of us never see that kind of relationship
in our lifetime! Why then do we neglect Him? Who can
do better? Who better to solve our problems, give us
hope, strengthen our spirit, protect us from evil,
answer our prayers, and lead us in the path of light?
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,
to eat the bread of sorrows, for so He gives
his beloved sleep.
Psalm 127:2
Did you hear that? All that worrying, and crying,
and stewing, and trying to control is in vain.
He said, come to me, and I will give you rest for your souls!
Are you allowing Him that place? Have you told him
your problems today? Have you talked to Him about
your needs? Do you visit with Him often?
My friends, if you ever hope to succeed spiritually,
you must make God Lord of your life. It has to be about
Him above all else. For when the hard times come
you are going to need a anchor for your soul.
If you don't walk it, talk it, believe it, live it,
don't expect anyone to take you seriously. You have
to mean what you say and say what you mean,
to be a child of the king of Kings... we have to be
serious about it. Eternity depends on it.
When life seems out of control, God is on the throne.
He has the answers to all we need. He is the great I Am.
I Am whatever you need!
The answers are found in the Arms of God.
Who never leaves, never forsakes and never fails.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;
and He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
stayed on you, because he TRUSTS IN YOU.
Isaiah 26:3.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield,
The Lord will give grace and glory;
no good thing will he withhold from those
who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:7
Always remember.. He is the door.. walk in and
receive what He has for you.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last!
Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends
of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary!
His understanding is unsearchable,
He gives power to the weak, and
to those who have no might He increases strength.
Isaiah 40:28-29
Why is it we think God forgets about us? Why is it
we think He cannot understand our trials, our hurts,
our pain? Do we think he is a God who is insensitive?
Some far away, nebulous creature who doesn't even know us?
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize
with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as
we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and
find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
Why would a God make all that we see, and not notice us?
Why would our God give his only begotten Son to die
for all the rotten sins ever committed or ever to be
committed, and take them upon himself on the cruel cross Just for Us?
Why would God do that if He didn't love us, didn't understand
our human frailties? The Bible says God has known us
before we were born, even as we were being formed
in our mother!
Wow.. He has known us longer than anyone!
This being said, if all that is true, why do we doubt His
ability? Why do we try to run and control and solve
everything ourselves? Why do we give him last place
in our lives?
Who is He in your life? Is He in control? Or do you
just run to Him in emergencies.. just in case?
There is a really important verse we should write
upon our hearts (one among many)
That by two immutable
(not capable of or susceptible to change) things, in
which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have
strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to
lay HOLD of the HOPE set before us. This Hope
we have is a ANCHOR FOR OUR SOUL.
Hebrews 6:18-19
My friends, God is our only hope! People come and go,
they love us and let us down, they try to please us,
and cannot always...they cannot be everything that
we need or require, just as we cannot be for them!
We are human.
But God has promised he would never leave us
or forsake us. Most of us never see that kind of relationship
in our lifetime! Why then do we neglect Him? Who can
do better? Who better to solve our problems, give us
hope, strengthen our spirit, protect us from evil,
answer our prayers, and lead us in the path of light?
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,
to eat the bread of sorrows, for so He gives
his beloved sleep.
Psalm 127:2
Did you hear that? All that worrying, and crying,
and stewing, and trying to control is in vain.
He said, come to me, and I will give you rest for your souls!
Are you allowing Him that place? Have you told him
your problems today? Have you talked to Him about
your needs? Do you visit with Him often?
My friends, if you ever hope to succeed spiritually,
you must make God Lord of your life. It has to be about
Him above all else. For when the hard times come
you are going to need a anchor for your soul.
If you don't walk it, talk it, believe it, live it,
don't expect anyone to take you seriously. You have
to mean what you say and say what you mean,
to be a child of the king of Kings... we have to be
serious about it. Eternity depends on it.
When life seems out of control, God is on the throne.
He has the answers to all we need. He is the great I Am.
I Am whatever you need!
The answers are found in the Arms of God.
Who never leaves, never forsakes and never fails.
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble;
and He knows them that trust in Him.
Nahum 1:7
You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is
stayed on you, because he TRUSTS IN YOU.
Isaiah 26:3.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield,
The Lord will give grace and glory;
no good thing will he withhold from those
who walk uprightly.
Psalm 84:7
Always remember.. He is the door.. walk in and
receive what He has for you.
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done, for Christ will last!
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Battleground!
copyright 1/9/2008
Good Morning Everyone,
As we listen to the news on the war, it reminded me today
of what I perceive it is like to be in a battle. Soldiers
go through combat training, and are taught many disciplines
and skills before they are sent to battle. They are taught
how to use various weapons, and taught how to be strong,
and resilient and not to fear when battles rage in front of
them. Even when they feel fear or evil, they are taught
to be self disciplined, and just get up and do their duty.
It is not easy, but it is a skill and a mental discipline
they learn to be battle worthy.
This morning a picture came to my mind, and I felt so led
to write about it, that I could not do anything else until
this was completed.
The picture came to mind of a soldier kneeling on his knees,
saying ok, I am tired, I am afraid, I am just going to give up.
Go ahead and hurt me, I deserve it, and I need it. I am not
a good person, I don't deserve to live, and I don't deserve anything
good. Can you picture this? Its a difficult thing to imagine isn't it?
Yet this is the very thing many of you are doing today. Yes, you are!
You are giving up. You are weary, worn down and saying that is the
end of the story. I have a bad life, nothing good happens to me I am
giving up. You are saying I have no power to do anything different.
You are saying you deserve this and there is no way out.
Does this sound like you? Is this the way God teaches us to be?
Who in the world taught you to give up in the middle of a battle?
You are to stand strong. Not fall apart, fall on your knees and
give up. Fall on your knees temporarily to pray, but not give up!
Remember in 2 Kings 6:17 how Elisha went out and saw a army of
of horses and chariots and many men was surrounding their city?
Elishas servant became fearful, and said what shall we do?
Elish answered him and said: "Fear not for those with us are more
than those with them".
Then Elisha prayed for his servants eyes to be opened and as the
servant looked around he saw the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. A invisible
army!
So while we are giving up, we have this invisible army of angels
surrounding us, with all the provision we need. Sent forth by
a Holy, and All powerful God. And here we are in the midst of
them giving up. Is this sad or what? Why in the world would we
cave in to fear, despair, or any other heavy thing when we are
surrounded with so great a army?
If you are giving up today, if you are weary or feeling defeated,
ask God today to give you a fresh perspective, and to open your eyes
to see his provision.
Stand strong. Stand fearless. Stand on God's promises. And don't let
fear be your friend. Let satan and the evil ones fear your relationship
with God. Our army outnumbers theirs, and we must be strong in it, and
never be a weak minded and feeble soldier.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you can hide.
His truth will be your shield and protection. You will not fear any
danger by night or an arrow during the day. You will not be afraid of
diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon. At your
side one thousand people may die, or even ten thousand right beside you,
but you will not be hurt.
Psalm 91:4-7
So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid, because the Lord
is my helper. People cannot do anything to me". Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:6-8
Dear Father, remind us today, you are on the throne, and nothing can
happen to us today, that you and us together cannot handle with the power
of God, His army, His precious promises and provisions. Teach us to
have a spirit of gratefulness, and a spirit of joy, and to prosper in what
we do, rather than fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Teach us
to walk in strength and not defeat. Help us to have a new mental discipline
and attitude of a soldier of Christ. That we may be a witness to all those
around us and a constant source of encouragement in the power of God.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen
love all of you.
Stay strong in God.. you have that invisible army there with you.
millie
Good Morning Everyone,
As we listen to the news on the war, it reminded me today
of what I perceive it is like to be in a battle. Soldiers
go through combat training, and are taught many disciplines
and skills before they are sent to battle. They are taught
how to use various weapons, and taught how to be strong,
and resilient and not to fear when battles rage in front of
them. Even when they feel fear or evil, they are taught
to be self disciplined, and just get up and do their duty.
It is not easy, but it is a skill and a mental discipline
they learn to be battle worthy.
This morning a picture came to my mind, and I felt so led
to write about it, that I could not do anything else until
this was completed.
The picture came to mind of a soldier kneeling on his knees,
saying ok, I am tired, I am afraid, I am just going to give up.
Go ahead and hurt me, I deserve it, and I need it. I am not
a good person, I don't deserve to live, and I don't deserve anything
good. Can you picture this? Its a difficult thing to imagine isn't it?
Yet this is the very thing many of you are doing today. Yes, you are!
You are giving up. You are weary, worn down and saying that is the
end of the story. I have a bad life, nothing good happens to me I am
giving up. You are saying I have no power to do anything different.
You are saying you deserve this and there is no way out.
Does this sound like you? Is this the way God teaches us to be?
Who in the world taught you to give up in the middle of a battle?
You are to stand strong. Not fall apart, fall on your knees and
give up. Fall on your knees temporarily to pray, but not give up!
Remember in 2 Kings 6:17 how Elisha went out and saw a army of
of horses and chariots and many men was surrounding their city?
Elishas servant became fearful, and said what shall we do?
Elish answered him and said: "Fear not for those with us are more
than those with them".
Then Elisha prayed for his servants eyes to be opened and as the
servant looked around he saw the mountain
was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. A invisible
army!
So while we are giving up, we have this invisible army of angels
surrounding us, with all the provision we need. Sent forth by
a Holy, and All powerful God. And here we are in the midst of
them giving up. Is this sad or what? Why in the world would we
cave in to fear, despair, or any other heavy thing when we are
surrounded with so great a army?
If you are giving up today, if you are weary or feeling defeated,
ask God today to give you a fresh perspective, and to open your eyes
to see his provision.
Stand strong. Stand fearless. Stand on God's promises. And don't let
fear be your friend. Let satan and the evil ones fear your relationship
with God. Our army outnumbers theirs, and we must be strong in it, and
never be a weak minded and feeble soldier.
He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you can hide.
His truth will be your shield and protection. You will not fear any
danger by night or an arrow during the day. You will not be afraid of
diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon. At your
side one thousand people may die, or even ten thousand right beside you,
but you will not be hurt.
Psalm 91:4-7
So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid, because the Lord
is my helper. People cannot do anything to me". Jesus Christ is the same
yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:6-8
Dear Father, remind us today, you are on the throne, and nothing can
happen to us today, that you and us together cannot handle with the power
of God, His army, His precious promises and provisions. Teach us to
have a spirit of gratefulness, and a spirit of joy, and to prosper in what
we do, rather than fall apart at the first sign of trouble. Teach us
to walk in strength and not defeat. Help us to have a new mental discipline
and attitude of a soldier of Christ. That we may be a witness to all those
around us and a constant source of encouragement in the power of God.
In Jesus precious name,
Amen
love all of you.
Stay strong in God.. you have that invisible army there with you.
millie
Monday, January 07, 2008
Armed With God's Word
Good Morning Everyone.
The last few weeks God has really been dealing with
my heart about some new things. For a time I lost
my focus because some things that were going on
in my family and my health were wearing me down.
I let the unkind words and discouragement of a few
who mocked or look for flaws to enter my spirit.
I should not have. I am sure most of you can relate.
We get our eyes off what we need to focus on, and
focus instead on those things which deplete our strength,
and our hope.
Because God has made it clear to me how very important
it is in these times to stay focused. satan the loser
will use every weakness he knows you have to
distract you from the cross of Christ and the
word of God. To keep you out of prayer, out
of church, out of fellowship and worn down.
We must recognize this battle, and be strong
in the Lord and the power of his might, and fight back.
Things are going to happen in the next year or so that will
change the history of this country and the world.
You will see Christians despised more and more.
You will see leaders seeking a way to pacify the masses
to unite them. Organizations that have "world unity"
in mind. You will see leaders that speak of "one religion"
so that all may "work together for the common good".
You will see the concept of the cross denied in
favor of a "feel good God" who doesn't talk about sin,
hell, the need for personal righteousness or repentance.
One gospel who accepts all people, all lifestyles, and
never mentions sin or the need for repentance.
You will see people become confused about what the
word really says, about their own spiritual life, and they
will fall away from their first love of God. They will
seek their own way rather than God's way.
God has taught me to be a purist. One who checks
everything people say out by the word of God. If what
they preach or say about spiritual matters cannot be
backed up by the word of God, I will not receive it.
This is very important. Because there are too many
different beliefs out there, too many different churches
drawing us into scattered bunches of " I am right"
churchianity that leaves out the true message.
Jesus. It is all about Him. That he recognized
we were sinners in need of a Savior, and came to earth
to die for those sins and rose again the third day
after conquering hell, death and the grave. We must
in turn repent of those sins, confess them, and walk away
from them, asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives.
If people preach any other gospel they are leading you
astray. If people are teaching you your church is the only
one with the truth they are leading you astray. If your
church is telling you that your salvation comes from
works or baptism, they are preaching another gospel.
It is all about the cross of Christ. Jesus died for those sins.
Not our church, not our pastor, and we cannot earn
that salvation, otherwise it makes void the precious
sacrifice of Jesus upon that cross. If we could have
earned our salvation, we could have remained under
the law and Jesus never needed to die.
My friends, the Bible says in the last days many will be
led astray. If you are not into the word, and really check
out what you are being taught, you will be led astray,
subtly, slowly, and perhaps irrevocably.
We must be wise as serpents, harmless as doves.
We must be discerning, full of the Holy Spirit, full of
God's word, focused on the cross of Christ, righteous
before Him.
There is no other way. None.
Jesus said" I am the way, the truth and the life, no
man comes to the Father God, except through me"
John 14:6
Without the word of God implanted in our heart, a
Christian cannot survive. It feeds and fuels your spirit.
It implants the word of God in your heart, so you can
then speak it out to your situations, to witness to
others of Jesus great love for them, and to grow
in the wisdom and knowledge of God.
You must learn to be a purist in the word of God.
Stick to the word.. not what you hear being taught,
not what your pastor tells you, not what people
teach you.. but what the Word of God speaks.
Of course we recognize our pastors, priests, bishops
are teaching us from the Bible, but if we don't read it
ourselves, how will we know if what they say is really
in there, or if we are being led astray. NEVER take this
for granted.
The Holy spirit will open the word of God to you and lead you
into all truth.
Try everything you hear by the word of God.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits (by
the word of God) whether they are of God, because many
false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
How do we know the spirits are of God?
By this you know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. (Jesus
being the incarnate son of God)
And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ
has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of
the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is
now already in the world.
1 John 4:1-3
My friends, its so simple. It is about the cross of Christ,
that Jesus is the incarnate son of God. If anyone is
telling you it is your church that saves, good works,
baptism or anything other than the cross of Christ
it is a false gospel.
My friend, if you miss this great salvation through Jesus
nothing else matters. Not one thing. Eternity and your soul
hangs in the balance.
Be aware, be strong, be in the Word.
Let no one deceive you.
Together, we will work through the scriptures and
stay true to His word during the coming times of trouble.
We will not be moved, nor distracted. We are the sons
of God.. no man can pluck us out of Gods hands. And
we must be faithful to what is taught in His word,
we must live it, walk it, talk it, abide in it, and stay strong in it.
Then we can say:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
The last few weeks God has really been dealing with
my heart about some new things. For a time I lost
my focus because some things that were going on
in my family and my health were wearing me down.
I let the unkind words and discouragement of a few
who mocked or look for flaws to enter my spirit.
I should not have. I am sure most of you can relate.
We get our eyes off what we need to focus on, and
focus instead on those things which deplete our strength,
and our hope.
Because God has made it clear to me how very important
it is in these times to stay focused. satan the loser
will use every weakness he knows you have to
distract you from the cross of Christ and the
word of God. To keep you out of prayer, out
of church, out of fellowship and worn down.
We must recognize this battle, and be strong
in the Lord and the power of his might, and fight back.
Things are going to happen in the next year or so that will
change the history of this country and the world.
You will see Christians despised more and more.
You will see leaders seeking a way to pacify the masses
to unite them. Organizations that have "world unity"
in mind. You will see leaders that speak of "one religion"
so that all may "work together for the common good".
You will see the concept of the cross denied in
favor of a "feel good God" who doesn't talk about sin,
hell, the need for personal righteousness or repentance.
One gospel who accepts all people, all lifestyles, and
never mentions sin or the need for repentance.
You will see people become confused about what the
word really says, about their own spiritual life, and they
will fall away from their first love of God. They will
seek their own way rather than God's way.
God has taught me to be a purist. One who checks
everything people say out by the word of God. If what
they preach or say about spiritual matters cannot be
backed up by the word of God, I will not receive it.
This is very important. Because there are too many
different beliefs out there, too many different churches
drawing us into scattered bunches of " I am right"
churchianity that leaves out the true message.
Jesus. It is all about Him. That he recognized
we were sinners in need of a Savior, and came to earth
to die for those sins and rose again the third day
after conquering hell, death and the grave. We must
in turn repent of those sins, confess them, and walk away
from them, asking Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives.
If people preach any other gospel they are leading you
astray. If people are teaching you your church is the only
one with the truth they are leading you astray. If your
church is telling you that your salvation comes from
works or baptism, they are preaching another gospel.
It is all about the cross of Christ. Jesus died for those sins.
Not our church, not our pastor, and we cannot earn
that salvation, otherwise it makes void the precious
sacrifice of Jesus upon that cross. If we could have
earned our salvation, we could have remained under
the law and Jesus never needed to die.
My friends, the Bible says in the last days many will be
led astray. If you are not into the word, and really check
out what you are being taught, you will be led astray,
subtly, slowly, and perhaps irrevocably.
We must be wise as serpents, harmless as doves.
We must be discerning, full of the Holy Spirit, full of
God's word, focused on the cross of Christ, righteous
before Him.
There is no other way. None.
Jesus said" I am the way, the truth and the life, no
man comes to the Father God, except through me"
John 14:6
Without the word of God implanted in our heart, a
Christian cannot survive. It feeds and fuels your spirit.
It implants the word of God in your heart, so you can
then speak it out to your situations, to witness to
others of Jesus great love for them, and to grow
in the wisdom and knowledge of God.
You must learn to be a purist in the word of God.
Stick to the word.. not what you hear being taught,
not what your pastor tells you, not what people
teach you.. but what the Word of God speaks.
Of course we recognize our pastors, priests, bishops
are teaching us from the Bible, but if we don't read it
ourselves, how will we know if what they say is really
in there, or if we are being led astray. NEVER take this
for granted.
The Holy spirit will open the word of God to you and lead you
into all truth.
Try everything you hear by the word of God.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits (by
the word of God) whether they are of God, because many
false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
How do we know the spirits are of God?
By this you know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses
that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God. (Jesus
being the incarnate son of God)
And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ
has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of
the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is
now already in the world.
1 John 4:1-3
My friends, its so simple. It is about the cross of Christ,
that Jesus is the incarnate son of God. If anyone is
telling you it is your church that saves, good works,
baptism or anything other than the cross of Christ
it is a false gospel.
My friend, if you miss this great salvation through Jesus
nothing else matters. Not one thing. Eternity and your soul
hangs in the balance.
Be aware, be strong, be in the Word.
Let no one deceive you.
Together, we will work through the scriptures and
stay true to His word during the coming times of trouble.
We will not be moved, nor distracted. We are the sons
of God.. no man can pluck us out of Gods hands. And
we must be faithful to what is taught in His word,
we must live it, walk it, talk it, abide in it, and stay strong in it.
Then we can say:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last
Saturday, January 05, 2008
A Worship Hungry Heart
Good Morning Everyone,
One of the issues I find among most I know anymore,
is a weariness. Life is wearing them down. Whether
it is their problems, or their attitude, by the end of
the day they are tired, mentally, spiritually and physically.
Do you find this true in your life?
I think many of us have become stale, stagnant spiritually.
we find ourselves weary because we have not been refreshed.
Truly we have neglected the thing we need most.
A worship hungry heart. A God hungry heart. One that
seeks God, and the restoring presence that heals the
wounds we have within us. One that inspires our spirit
to get out of the pit and walk on the mountain top with Christ.
We know in this life we will have problems, and sorrows.
But that is not the end of the story, and that is not the sum total of life.
Life has many good times also. But some of those we have to create
ourselves. We have to take time to have fun, to laugh, to sing, to celebrate,
to enjoy people who uplift and inspire us.
And one of the greatest tools is time praising God. Turn on some
beautiful praise music, let it lift your heart. Sing along with it. You will
find the atmosphere in your home changes dramatically, quickly.
Because God dwells in the praises of his people.
It gets our minds off our troubles and lifts them to a higher realm.
A realm where all things are possible with God. A realm where we
are truly loved, and truly forgiven. A realm where our Father God
dwells, and longs to hold us and restore our spirit and give us a spirit
of joy and peace.
If you don't have this.. you need time alone with God. Its not a game
or a catch phrase, it is a reality.
Do this.. and see if your day doesn't go far better when invested
in praise, prayer and the word of God. All these benefit your spirit
and lift your mood and hope level.
love always
millie
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
A WORSHIP-HUNGRY HEART
by Max Lucado
People on a plane and people on a pew have a lot in common.
All are on a journey. Most are well-behaved and presentable. Some
doze, and others gaze out the window. For many, the mark of a good
flight and the mark of a good worship assembly are the same. “Nice,”
we like to say. “It was a nice flight/It was a nice worship service.”
A few, however, are not content with nice. They long for something
more. The boy who just passed me did. I heard him before I saw him. I
was already in my seat when he asked, “Will they really let me meet
the pilot?” The question floated into the cockpit, causing the pilot
to lean out.
“Well, come on in.”
With a nod from his mom, the youngster entered the cockpit’s world of
controls and gauges and emerged minutes later with eyes wide. “Wow!”
he exclaimed. “I’m so glad to be on this plane!”
No one else’s face showed such wonder. I studied the faces of the
other passengers but found no such enthusiasm. I mostly saw
contentment: travelers content to be on the plane, content to be
closer to their destination, content to be out of the airport,
content to sit and stare and say little.
Do you see why I say that people on a plane and people on a pew have
a lot in common? Enter a church sanctuary and look at the faces.
Content to be there. Content to sit and look straight ahead and leave
when the service is over. “Seek and you will find,” Jesus promised
(Matt. 7:7). And since a nice service is what we seek, a nice service
is usually what we find.
A few, however, seek more. A few come with the childlike enthusiasm
of the boy. And those few leave as he did, wide-eyed with the wonder
of having stood in the presence of the pilot himself.
_________________________________________
From Just Like Jesus, Copyright 1998, Max Lucado
One of the issues I find among most I know anymore,
is a weariness. Life is wearing them down. Whether
it is their problems, or their attitude, by the end of
the day they are tired, mentally, spiritually and physically.
Do you find this true in your life?
I think many of us have become stale, stagnant spiritually.
we find ourselves weary because we have not been refreshed.
Truly we have neglected the thing we need most.
A worship hungry heart. A God hungry heart. One that
seeks God, and the restoring presence that heals the
wounds we have within us. One that inspires our spirit
to get out of the pit and walk on the mountain top with Christ.
We know in this life we will have problems, and sorrows.
But that is not the end of the story, and that is not the sum total of life.
Life has many good times also. But some of those we have to create
ourselves. We have to take time to have fun, to laugh, to sing, to celebrate,
to enjoy people who uplift and inspire us.
And one of the greatest tools is time praising God. Turn on some
beautiful praise music, let it lift your heart. Sing along with it. You will
find the atmosphere in your home changes dramatically, quickly.
Because God dwells in the praises of his people.
It gets our minds off our troubles and lifts them to a higher realm.
A realm where all things are possible with God. A realm where we
are truly loved, and truly forgiven. A realm where our Father God
dwells, and longs to hold us and restore our spirit and give us a spirit
of joy and peace.
If you don't have this.. you need time alone with God. Its not a game
or a catch phrase, it is a reality.
Do this.. and see if your day doesn't go far better when invested
in praise, prayer and the word of God. All these benefit your spirit
and lift your mood and hope level.
love always
millie
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
A WORSHIP-HUNGRY HEART
by Max Lucado
People on a plane and people on a pew have a lot in common.
All are on a journey. Most are well-behaved and presentable. Some
doze, and others gaze out the window. For many, the mark of a good
flight and the mark of a good worship assembly are the same. “Nice,”
we like to say. “It was a nice flight/It was a nice worship service.”
A few, however, are not content with nice. They long for something
more. The boy who just passed me did. I heard him before I saw him. I
was already in my seat when he asked, “Will they really let me meet
the pilot?” The question floated into the cockpit, causing the pilot
to lean out.
“Well, come on in.”
With a nod from his mom, the youngster entered the cockpit’s world of
controls and gauges and emerged minutes later with eyes wide. “Wow!”
he exclaimed. “I’m so glad to be on this plane!”
No one else’s face showed such wonder. I studied the faces of the
other passengers but found no such enthusiasm. I mostly saw
contentment: travelers content to be on the plane, content to be
closer to their destination, content to be out of the airport,
content to sit and stare and say little.
Do you see why I say that people on a plane and people on a pew have
a lot in common? Enter a church sanctuary and look at the faces.
Content to be there. Content to sit and look straight ahead and leave
when the service is over. “Seek and you will find,” Jesus promised
(Matt. 7:7). And since a nice service is what we seek, a nice service
is usually what we find.
A few, however, seek more. A few come with the childlike enthusiasm
of the boy. And those few leave as he did, wide-eyed with the wonder
of having stood in the presence of the pilot himself.
_________________________________________
From Just Like Jesus, Copyright 1998, Max Lucado
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
A Clear and Strong Path
Good Morning Everyone,
How many of you can conclusively say you are a decisive person?
Can you honestly say that decisions come easy to you?
Do any of you struggle with decisions, and almost find
them overwhelming? Is there a solution? I believe there is.
I believe indecisiveness is as much of a choice as decisiveness is.
It actually is a mental discipline. Like any other choice we make.
The Bible tells us over and over again to trust God for our
decisions and to learn what his will is. How many of you
truly sit down and spend time with God daily praying over
decisions you must make? Or just take time to talk with
Him about how you are feeling, and how much you love
Him and appreciate all He has done in your life.
If you look back on the last year, you should have a very
broad perspective of where you have been and what you
have done and how it worked for you. Do you see some
things you would change if you could go back? These
are things we learn from that help us make decisions
in the future more carefully and wisely.
Lean on, trust and be confident in the Lord with ALL
your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own
insight or understanding.
IN all your ways KNOW, recognize and acknowledge HIM,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (amplified)
Let us analyze that verse a bit. When is the last time
you could say you were fully relying on God? I mean really.
Not just lip service, but really trusting in Him to work
out situations and problems for you. Could it be your
own insight or understanding might be limited? Could
it be God has greater insight and wisdom and knows
all of your yesterdays and sees all your tomorrows
and knows what is best? Why would we pass up such
help, strength and wisdom?
How do we rely on something? Simple trust. Trusting
in God is just resting in His abilities and not ours. It is
seeking His will first by prayer.
How can we know his will?
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21.
God will lead us specifically if we listen for that still small voice.
But this means actually listening... actually spending quiet time
with Him. Closing out the noise of the world and DEDICATING
time to prayer and meditation upon God.
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the Giving God
who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without
reproaching or faultfinding and it will be given him.
James 1:5
God will show you the way. He desires to. He wants
you to rely on, cling to, trust in, and find your strength
and daily source in Him. He wants to make your path plain,
clear, and wise.
Looking back over the last year, seeing where you have
been and all you have done, don't you wish you had
spent more time seeking God's will and investing your life
more wisely? Would it have saved you a lot of grief?
Today is a new day my friend, seize the day, and seize
time with God. Take hold of His strength, His wisdom,
and His will, and walk the path He has chosen for you.
It will bless you beyond what you imagine, walking with
God, and not turning to the right or left, but taking
His hand and abiding with Him.
Even the little decisions will become crystal clear,
when our conscience and will is turned towards Him.
love always
millie
How many of you can conclusively say you are a decisive person?
Can you honestly say that decisions come easy to you?
Do any of you struggle with decisions, and almost find
them overwhelming? Is there a solution? I believe there is.
I believe indecisiveness is as much of a choice as decisiveness is.
It actually is a mental discipline. Like any other choice we make.
The Bible tells us over and over again to trust God for our
decisions and to learn what his will is. How many of you
truly sit down and spend time with God daily praying over
decisions you must make? Or just take time to talk with
Him about how you are feeling, and how much you love
Him and appreciate all He has done in your life.
If you look back on the last year, you should have a very
broad perspective of where you have been and what you
have done and how it worked for you. Do you see some
things you would change if you could go back? These
are things we learn from that help us make decisions
in the future more carefully and wisely.
Lean on, trust and be confident in the Lord with ALL
your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own
insight or understanding.
IN all your ways KNOW, recognize and acknowledge HIM,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (amplified)
Let us analyze that verse a bit. When is the last time
you could say you were fully relying on God? I mean really.
Not just lip service, but really trusting in Him to work
out situations and problems for you. Could it be your
own insight or understanding might be limited? Could
it be God has greater insight and wisdom and knows
all of your yesterdays and sees all your tomorrows
and knows what is best? Why would we pass up such
help, strength and wisdom?
How do we rely on something? Simple trust. Trusting
in God is just resting in His abilities and not ours. It is
seeking His will first by prayer.
How can we know his will?
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21.
God will lead us specifically if we listen for that still small voice.
But this means actually listening... actually spending quiet time
with Him. Closing out the noise of the world and DEDICATING
time to prayer and meditation upon God.
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the Giving God
who gives to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without
reproaching or faultfinding and it will be given him.
James 1:5
God will show you the way. He desires to. He wants
you to rely on, cling to, trust in, and find your strength
and daily source in Him. He wants to make your path plain,
clear, and wise.
Looking back over the last year, seeing where you have
been and all you have done, don't you wish you had
spent more time seeking God's will and investing your life
more wisely? Would it have saved you a lot of grief?
Today is a new day my friend, seize the day, and seize
time with God. Take hold of His strength, His wisdom,
and His will, and walk the path He has chosen for you.
It will bless you beyond what you imagine, walking with
God, and not turning to the right or left, but taking
His hand and abiding with Him.
Even the little decisions will become crystal clear,
when our conscience and will is turned towards Him.
love always
millie
New Year - New Chance
Good Morning Everyone,
How many of you make New Year's Resolutions every year?
How many of them have you kept? I would be willing to guess
that most people do not do most of what they promise themselves
to do. Yet these resolutions are often worthy ones, and should
be something we should accomplish or change in our lives.
What is holding you back from change? Have you thought about that?
Is it laziness? Perhaps you are afraid of change? Perhaps you
don't know how to stick to goals and work to accomplish them.
All of us need to change. Its part of growth, part of learning about
ourselves, life, and how to succeed and overcome.
Why fear something that will make our life more positive and
productive?
As this new year approaches, we should spend time thinking
about something we want most of all to change, and make plans
to do it. To live a life of purpose, not one that is drifting, and
we just face things as they come. We need goals, some short
term, some lofty, and inspiring, and some practical. But we have
to seek to make this the best life we can. We only have this one life!
Over the years I have learned more discipline about accomplishing
what I want to change and do. It isn't easy for me, I tend to
procrastinate. I have learned however, that time passes
and regrets pile up, and I don't want to do that. I want to take
time for my family, to love them, to share what I have with them
and others, and to be a light to those around me.
Have you ever looked back at your life, and wish you had
done this or that? You still can, with the people you have
in your life now! You still have time to make a difference!
I want to succeed with what I have in my hands to accomplish
and make it worthwhile and successful. I do this one step
at a time, with a game plan, a daily goal to accomplish
just one thing, to make that day count.
I hope that as this new year comes, you will do this. Pray more,
ask God to lead you, and follow that leading. Get involved in
things that help you and others. Forgive people who have hurt you,
so your spirit can be free to move on. Set short term and
long term goals. And write them down, and stick to them. Each
day do one thing towards that goal. And if you fail... try, try again.
Don't beat yourself up over mistakes, and over failures
in the past, learn from them, move on, and do something good now!
Never give up. It only takes one baby step at a time. Whatever
time you have left fill it with joy, and love, forgiveness, hope,
and worthwhile pursuits. These are things you will not regret.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me, that is, I am self
sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.
Philippians 4:13
Have courage! Change. Don't be a quitter. Your life
is a investment, make it look like one by all you say and do.
You are investing in the lives of others, and you are investing
your life for Christ. Be a light.
love always
millie
PS. For those of you who asked, as you know I have
severe back problems. I fell on Christmas day and hurt
my back, shoulder and leg, and it has taken me a while to get past
the pain, and for it to lessen. It has to lessened a great degree,
and I praise the Lord for what He has done for me, and
given to me. I pray He will help me be faithful to His calling,
and His word, and always live a life turned towards Him.
Thank you for allowing me in your home and heart everyday,
it blesses me beyond any words I know to express it. I pray
I can be a inspiration and bring hope to your life daily, and
encourage you to be strong in the Lord, the power of His might,
and In His Word everyday!
How many of you make New Year's Resolutions every year?
How many of them have you kept? I would be willing to guess
that most people do not do most of what they promise themselves
to do. Yet these resolutions are often worthy ones, and should
be something we should accomplish or change in our lives.
What is holding you back from change? Have you thought about that?
Is it laziness? Perhaps you are afraid of change? Perhaps you
don't know how to stick to goals and work to accomplish them.
All of us need to change. Its part of growth, part of learning about
ourselves, life, and how to succeed and overcome.
Why fear something that will make our life more positive and
productive?
As this new year approaches, we should spend time thinking
about something we want most of all to change, and make plans
to do it. To live a life of purpose, not one that is drifting, and
we just face things as they come. We need goals, some short
term, some lofty, and inspiring, and some practical. But we have
to seek to make this the best life we can. We only have this one life!
Over the years I have learned more discipline about accomplishing
what I want to change and do. It isn't easy for me, I tend to
procrastinate. I have learned however, that time passes
and regrets pile up, and I don't want to do that. I want to take
time for my family, to love them, to share what I have with them
and others, and to be a light to those around me.
Have you ever looked back at your life, and wish you had
done this or that? You still can, with the people you have
in your life now! You still have time to make a difference!
I want to succeed with what I have in my hands to accomplish
and make it worthwhile and successful. I do this one step
at a time, with a game plan, a daily goal to accomplish
just one thing, to make that day count.
I hope that as this new year comes, you will do this. Pray more,
ask God to lead you, and follow that leading. Get involved in
things that help you and others. Forgive people who have hurt you,
so your spirit can be free to move on. Set short term and
long term goals. And write them down, and stick to them. Each
day do one thing towards that goal. And if you fail... try, try again.
Don't beat yourself up over mistakes, and over failures
in the past, learn from them, move on, and do something good now!
Never give up. It only takes one baby step at a time. Whatever
time you have left fill it with joy, and love, forgiveness, hope,
and worthwhile pursuits. These are things you will not regret.
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me,
I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him
Who infuses inner strength into me, that is, I am self
sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.
Philippians 4:13
Have courage! Change. Don't be a quitter. Your life
is a investment, make it look like one by all you say and do.
You are investing in the lives of others, and you are investing
your life for Christ. Be a light.
love always
millie
PS. For those of you who asked, as you know I have
severe back problems. I fell on Christmas day and hurt
my back, shoulder and leg, and it has taken me a while to get past
the pain, and for it to lessen. It has to lessened a great degree,
and I praise the Lord for what He has done for me, and
given to me. I pray He will help me be faithful to His calling,
and His word, and always live a life turned towards Him.
Thank you for allowing me in your home and heart everyday,
it blesses me beyond any words I know to express it. I pray
I can be a inspiration and bring hope to your life daily, and
encourage you to be strong in the Lord, the power of His might,
and In His Word everyday!
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