THANKFUL THURSDAY

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”~ Romans 6:4 (ESV ~ emphasis Iris')

Iris, at Sting My Heart (http://www.eph2810.com/), has come up with a wonderful thankful theme and list today. She talks about "change." Oh, sometimes, to some of us, this can be a dreadful word! Who likes change? But think about it. If the caterpillar never underwent change, how would we be able to cast our eyes upon the beautiful butterfly? Aren't our lives as Christians similar? For all of you who have already given your lives to Christ for eternity, let's imagine the caterpillar was our pre-saved state. Let's imagine that we gained the knowledge that our life was spotted, tarnished, ugly, sinful, we were unable to change it, out of control, etc., whether we appeared to be moral caterpillars or not. Something should tell us that we were in need of a major change. So we agree that change needs to happen. Like the caterpillar goes into a cocoon, we go into prayer, asking the God of second chances to do what only He can do--change the old creature into a new one. We go into prayer one way, and like the metamorphosized (changed) caterpillar now turned butterfly, we come out another way, something beautiful, something that will never be the same as it was before, our chains of bondage from sin are gone. We've been set free. We've been rescued from death to life. We've been ransomed. Our tarnished surface is polished. Our inward stains have been washed by the blood of the Lamb.

"Thank You Jesus for change!! If it had not been so for me, I'd be destined for an eternal hell, permanent separation from You. I would be useless for the Kingdom, even now as I live on earth. Good morals or not, I could never see You face to face, as these character traits can't get me to heaven (good character is just the outward manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit because of salvation). I would have no eternal rewards. You would never be able to say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Even as a moral human being, all of my good works would be counted as filthy rags. But oh faithful and good God, not so for me. Because of the miraculous change that I underwent in my prayerful cocoon, because of your loving me and pursuing me first, because I answered, because I realized that I'm nothing without You and You're everything to me and for me, some day, I will go from this life to eternal life with You. I will, like the butterfly, get to try out my new body and live eternally sinless. I will behold the beauty that is You, Lord. Thank You Abba Father." Well now, CHANGE is good!

For the sake of Iris's theme, I used change, because we are new (or changed) creatures when we are redeemed by the blood, but let's look a little deeper. Are our lives changed or EXCHANGED? In all actuality, our lives are exchanged with Christ's. We exchange our lives for His. We willingly give ourselves over. Jesus paid it all and in return, we give it all--our lives for the paid ransom. It's like an exchange done at the agreed upon meeting spot in a kidnapping--the person for the money. Picture the kidnapper shoving the person toward the person with the suitcase full of money, and at the same time or simultaneously, the person with the suitcase shoves it over to the kidnapper. "I'll give you what I have in exchange for what you have." Jesus went from life as a man to death on the Cross in exchange for our sins. He took our sins upon Himself. In exchange, we earned freedom. In salvation, we give our lives to Christ, He gives us eternity and life with Him. "Thank You Lord, for the EXCHANGE! What a gift!!"

These are the things that I'm thankful for today. What about you? Click on Iris' link above and see what others are thankful for as well.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #17

SEEING SARAH IN YOURSELF

In one of my classes at church, we're studying the life of Sarah. What comes to mind when you think of her? What have you been taught about her all of your life? Most responses are that she is a great woman of faith, and you hear people often say, "I want to be just like her." Well, in a way, most of us are already like her, but it's not necessarily the positive way we've heard or talked about.


Like we function now, and like Sarah often functioned then, we act like humans. And what do humans do? Err. Sin. Some days we sin over and over and over. Will we ever stop? Well, I think you know the answer to that.


Let's look at the life of Sarah a little closer. While she eventually, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:11, became known as a woman of great faith, an obedient wife, and a woman after God's heart (or at least His promises), she didn't always appear that way in Biblical accounts. In fact, Sarah doubted God because of her age. She heard the promise that God made to Abraham, but it wasn't happening in a sensible time frame as far as she was concerned, so she doubted that it would happen, at least through her. She knew the seed of promise was to come through she and Abraham, but she remained barren for so long. Sarah, I think really wanting to obey God and wanting to see the promised fulfilled, took matters into her own hands. She was going to "make" something happen, even if it didn't happen the way God said it would. Do we do that? Are we impatient with God? Do we believe and stand on His promises, no matter how long it seems to take for them to be fulfilled?


Sarah insists that Hagar, her maiden, be given over to her husband so that a child, that she probably thought that she could raise as her own, could be born and the promise fulfilled. Sarah wanted to get on with it. She also didn't want to be the shame in her culture by not producing a child. There were probably many reasons why Sarah took matters into her own hands. She wanted to obey, but was tired of waiting, she was getting older, she would have been put to shame in her culture, she wanted to help God out, she wanted to please her husband, I'm sure. Can we sympathize? But did her reasons make her sin right? Have we had any of the same reasons or excuses for sinning? Even bigger, have we ever felt that God needed our help? If we didn't consciously feel that way, we sure act like He does sometimes.


Sarah and Abraham also were found to be, well...liars. Hmmm, is this still a human problem today? Abraham convinced Sarah to lie about not being his wife to the Egyptians and again to Abimelech. We can see that she wanted to submit to and obey her husband by going ahead with the lies, but that still didn't excuse the lie. Besides, they may have been able to plead innocent with the first lie, although they suffered consequences for that (God eventually saved them out of trouble), but they had no excuse for lieing about the same thing again, and Scripture proves, again. And of course, they had to suffer the consequences...again. There is even an instance in Genesis 18:11-12 where Sarah not only doubted God, but she lied (to God, of all people!) and said that she didn't laugh when our omniscient God knows that she did. Have you ever consciously or unconsciously called God a liar? Do we ever learn? The great thing is that regardless of Sarah and Abraham's sins (over and over), He still intended to and did fulfill His promises, using them. He was still merciful toward them when they got themselves in trouble. Can you recall God being merciful to you after you've taken matters into your own hands, or after you've sinned over and over?


Eventually, God's promise was fulfilled in Sarah and Abraham's life. God sent 3 messengers to tell Abraham that Sarah would be with child in a year's time (the appointed time). Though Sarah doubted this initially, obviously from studying Genesis and reading Hebrews 11:11, she had no choice but to believe what she had already been told and overheard. She was strengthened in old age to have a baby. You can no longer doubt God if you lay with your husband at, what was it 89 and 99, where apparently you weren't even having sex anymore-let alone a baby, conceive, be strengthened enough to carry a baby 9 months, and then deliver a healthy baby boy. That would make a believer out of me too. I'm sure her "faith issue" changed before conception. Her faith issue probably changed when she even had the notion (or Abraham did) or the desire to have sexual relations with her husband. I'm sure in a few weeks when conception was apparent that just really sealed the faith deal. Sarah became a great woman of faith through her trials. Can you see Sarah in yourself? Unfortunately, I know that I can, especially her errors. But I want to see myself in Sarah as the woman of faith; the woman that, despite her constant and apparent need for God and her need for believing Him at His every Word, learns from her mistakes and draws just that much nearer to Him; a woman that will go down in history, like Sarah, as being "real," but loving God and allowing Him to use her trials, unbeliefs, and struggles as ways that she was strengthened, and tried to help others.


What about you?


I hope you have a wonderful rest of the Lord's day!

WE'RE BACK! and MOMMY MONDAYS at the same time

IMAGES OF VIEUX CARRE (THE FRENCH QUARTER)

(Courtesy of neworleansonline.com)

We're back, and to say the least, we're so pleased that God chose us to go and allowed us to join Him in His work!! I will be doing a separate post this week, telling you about our experiences on this trip, but I'll say this much, we need to and must obey the Matthew command in 28:19 and believe the promise of v.20. If you do it, God will be glorified, He will add more to the Kingdom, and you will experience His promises. As beautiful as the above pictures are, they don't reflect at all the nastiness and filthiness of the sin and spiritual darkness that permeates this city. Let me just say though, that having gone to New Orleans, I'm convinced still, that every city's sin is nasty and filthy, and EVERYBODY NEEDS JESUS and needs to be touched by someone that just loves souls...bottom line!! There is work to be done there but here also. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. That will link us to my "MOMMY MONDAY" post below, discussing my children's experience on this mission trip. I wish I had the pictures ready!

We took our three children, two girls and one of our sons, on our trip, as I may have already expressed in another post. God met with our children in this place! Thanks be to God that our children are saved by grace through faith and that they have a heart for all people. Thanks be to God that they had, at some point, started to grow a heart for missions. This trip grew a heart for missions all the more, and so far, my boy sees himself going on missions trip after missions trip. They all grew spiritually while here. Nothing that they loved about people and serving changed, it simply grew largely. Thank you Jesus!

We arrived in New Orleans late, the drive was long, and the children were hungry, but because of their excitement and the knowledge of the goal of the trip, they immediately hopped out of the vans we drove and unloaded all of the food, supplies, and other provisions we brought for ourselves and the disadvantaged of Vieux Carre' and the surrounding area. We had the vans loaded down too, so this was not a quick task. We're off to a good start.

We just prayed continuously while in NO (New Orleans) for the team, the city and it's people, and the power and protection of the children. God answered. Save for a couple of run-ins and images of what typically goes on among the people (satan worshipers on the street and homosexual activity), the children's eyes and character were protected from what was really actively going on outwardly and definitely behind the scenes all of the time. They could have run in to a lot worse, but God was in control, and we knew it. Now don't get me wrong, because of God's hand on my children's life, the training they've gotten, and lots of powerful prayer, we didn't intend on hiding them from the environment or the people of Vieux Carre at all (or they never would have accompanied us on the trip in the first place), but you must use wisdom and discernment (and keep praying and covering your children) on where they can go and how far they can go while there. Because of the power of the blood of Jesus, the children were not afraid or hindered. They weren't even outwardly shocked. We had made it a point to remind them of what they may see and hear the whole time, and I feel like they were well prepared. This was the actual outward proof of God's protection and covering, I believe. In the natural, it was unbelievable.

The children walked the streets with us and prayed, gave out tracts, goodie bags with toiletries and witness materials, booklets (to anyone from the tourist to the homeless), and just generally talked to people with cheer. This all happened in the Vieux Carre' area. At the church, which is right in the heart of the French Quarter (imagine that! perfect location though!), we had what's called a cafe. It's where we go upstairs to the church's kitchen to cook, and we bring the food back down to the sanctuary-now-converted-to-a-cafe-giveaway-area-for-whosoever-may-come. We place the food on one table and we have giveaways on another table next to it, with chairs facing the table like they would be for church. We open the doors to the people on the street (tourist, homosexuals, homeless, druggies, alcoholics, families, pagans, etc.--you name it, NO has it, but bigger and 'badder' or more concentrated in a smaller area). They come in and sit. We have a short talk about Christ and everyone's need for Him, hope, etc., and we end it with a genuine "we love you, and you are not forgotten." After this, we all ate together. Oh yeah, back to where the children fit in to all this. The children helped clean the sanctuary for preparation, prepare the food after it was cooked, set the tables with food and giveaways, my son literally waited on people hand and foot (he wasn't afraid to smile and shake hands, place food in the hands of, and help find shoes of all sorts for people who desperately needed them). At the end of the service, we had praise and worship time in music, and my son just clapped and sang. If you could have seen how genuine his smile was and his joy for what he had done for Jesus and others! I'm thanking God for the children's testimony!! As a mother, I am filled with joy!

While we went out among the people, seeking to plant seeds or water somewhere out in the city everyday that we were there, in the middle of one of the days, I needed to stay back and minister to my girls and my husband and cook dinner for the team, so my son and the rest of the team went to what's called The Wall. It is where the chronically homeless hang out, literally up against a big concrete wall, not far off from all of the activity of the city. Big things and lots of eating were going on all around these people, but in a way, they could not participate or take advantage of all of this. Yes, they could walk among the people and the shops, but they had no money to buy anything, and they certainly couldn't eat of the fare of the fine restaurants that NO has to offer. And there are MANY, folks. As you may already know, this place is reknowned for food, uniqueness, history, and it's unique residents. My son came back from The Wall with great praise reports. The team even told me of his boldness to walk up to people, pray with them individually, talk to them like they were human beings (duh!), give out nice shirts to some and flip-flops, feed, and just generally hang out with. My son is only 15 years old, but from all reports he became a leader. Thank you Wonderful Savior!! Jesus did it all!! All Glory and honor to God!

The last day, we had regular (although the service in Vieux Carre can be anything but normal--it's so unique) Sunday service. The attendees or the congregation make up--missionaries, students, homeless, alcoholics...pretty much everything I named above. We all worshipped together. Wow! What a concept (I'm being a little sarcastic)! Which one of us would do that on a regular basis or feel comfortable with the local prostitute (and definitely looking like one) sitting next to them in church, looking for comfort, acceptance, something to fill the void and hole in her heart? My children did, and I didn't notice any recoiling. Our children were taught to be cautious and careful walking around the building and outside with homeless men and very possibly pedophiles milling about, but as long as they took our cautions and safety measures seriously, and because the Lord was surely in control, all was well. We painted, beforehand, the worst case scenario for our children and reminded them of things to remember daily, and still, they were undeterred. Thank You Jesus for Your awesome testimony in our children! I can't stop thanking You enough. You caused your agenda to go forward unhindered by the enemy. You are in control because...YOU ARE GOD!! Glory to your name!

I want to end this post encouraging you as parents and mentors to just give all opportunities for your children and/or charges to do the work of Christ. Encourage them in missions and to be missions-minded, locally and foreign. Direct them to opportunities in giving. Show them the plight of other people, but that literally EVERYBODY needs Jesus, no matter who they are and where they live. Share the knowledge with them that (if they're saved) at one time, someone shared Christ with them, gave them a hope, and helped snatch their souls from the grips of eternal hell; they should grow a love and concern to do the same. Tell them that but for the grace of God, anybody we serve who is disadvantaged could be us and can be if we stray away from Christ, or if for whatever reason, He decides to withhold something from us or allow something to happen, ultimately for His glory and our good. Remember, His thoughts and intentions are higher than ours. Continue, in general, to admonish them toward righteousness and love the things and people that God does. Remind them to think on the things that they've learned during their experiences and to not forget them when they come home and get back to their own corners of the world.

Pray for us, as we teach our children as they rise, and go about their day, and lie down. Pray that God keeps His mighty merciful hands on them and that He increases their hearts and affections toward Him and things that He is concerned about. Pray for their strength to keep pressing on in the face of the world and the enemy. Pray for us as parents that we keep our eyes on Him also and stay in His Word, doing what is right and pleasing to Him with ourselves and His children that He has given us charge of and as gifts.

We're grateful for the awesome opportunity that God presented in going to NO. Pray for us as we decide if God wants us to go back in the fall for a Thanksgiving celebration in the Quarter for anybody that will come. Ours, of course, will be a true Thanksgiving and God-focused theme while offering good food,...while all around us will be parties celebrating in a whole other way, I'm sure. We want to offer the better alternative.

Ask God for an opportunity to be a blessing to somebody. Post a comment here and tell us about it, if He has already extended an opportunity for you to do that today or some time this week. I'm anxious to hear what God has done in your life. May you and yours be blessed today.

MOMMY (or Caregiver/Mentor) MONDAY #21

We've been instructed to raise our children in the instruction of the Lord. For those of us who have accepted Christ as Savior, we know that, or, we've at least heard it and know that it's a good thing. But why? How often? When? What if you don't have children now? What if you never have children? Let's see if we can answer these most important question with God's Word. I think He'll make it clear why we should, how often, how we should, and the benefit of doing so.

In Exodus 13, Moses explained to the sons of Israel the consecration of their and their animals' firstborn. This was in accordance with the instruction the Lord had given him, because God had adopted Israel as His firstborn. The sons of Israel were to do certain things for this consecration, but the point was to let the people know that everything that they were to do was to be a reminder to them and their children of what the Lord had done for them when they came out of Egypt. In other words, they were to do things that would be a constant reminder of the goodness of the Lord. They were to be reminded that God had a powerful hand. They were to keep this information ever before them and in their hearts and minds. When sons asked fathers why they were doing what they were doing, the father was to answer, "It is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt." (NASB v. 8) Do your children know why you do what you do? Do your children know why you praise the Lord every chance you get, if you do? Can your children see you express some kind of way, the goodness of the Lord? Do you recognize how good the Lord has been to you?


In addition to doing the things that Moses instructed the people to do, v. 9 explains to them what following the ordinances and being reminded of the goodness of the Lord would do. Following his instructions was to serve as a sign on their hand, as a reminder on their forehead, and that the law of the Lord should be in their mouth. This was figurative language to say, "Your heart should be toward the Lord in all you do, in all you think, and in all you say." (the hand, the forehead, the mouth) The Israelites were to do these things at the appointed time, from year to year. This was under the Old covenant. We are under the New Covenant my friends. We are to do these things every day, every month, every year--all of the time.


Moses gave these instructions to the adults. But the adults were to not just carry these things out in obedience, but to instruct their children to do the exact same; and, not only to do the exact same thing, but to give them a reason for doing what they were to do. Shouldn't we have this same model? "Kids, don't just follow my instruction and follow my lead, but here's why we're doing this. How can we be reminded of the Lord in all things, good and bad, and keep our eyes on Him?"


This theme of giving kids instruction in the Lord and admonishing them to keep their thoughts toward God, His goodness, and His will, runs throughout the Bible. The Old Testament is rich with instructions in teaching parents how to impart to sons how they should obey laws, commandments, ordinances, instructions, wisdom, etc. of the Lord and the benefit of doing so. The New Testament even tells the children (indirectly to the parent who should be instructing the children in the Way) to obey their parents in the Lord (Ephesians 3:20-21).


Why would we want to do all of these things ourselves and teach them (or mentor others' children if you don't have one--these instructions definitely do pertain to you too) to our children? What is the benefit? First of all, we are commanded to do these things. That's pretty simple and straight forward. If you love the Lord, you keep His commandments. But the benefits to us, well, there are many and they are all good--1) so that you and your generations will respect the Lord, 2) that your days may be prolonged, 3) that things may be well with you and you may multiply (in many ways) greatly, 4) that you might see the promises of God, 5) that God may impart to you things that you could never attain on your own, 6) that you may grow in wisdom and grace, and 7) that you may experience a relationship with and the goodness of the Lord.


What can we say then? Is it not time that we open God's Word and allow Him to speak to our hearts about the things He has called us to do? Is it not time for those of us who have not always gotten it right with our children to ask for forgiveness of Him and them and open ourselves to be called to righteousness according to His Word, concerning His children? Is it not time that we start where we are now rather than worrying about how we've failed or how we've been lax in the past? For those out there who have gotten it right thus far, is it not time that we praise God for the lessons we learned early and commit to teaching what we've learned and imparted to our children to someone else and their children? Is it not time for those who have no children to commit to mentoring and discipling another's child?


We have God's instructions and we see the benefits. Let us pray, go forward, and move another generation toward Christ. Teach the children to love God, think on Him in all things, everyday, and live with eternity in view.


Repeatedly (Ex. 13:9, 16, Deut. 6:4-9, 20-25, 11:18-21, Prov. 3:3, 6:21) the Bible instructs us and then instructs us to teach our children to set our focus and eyes on things above, to be reminded of the work of the Lord, to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul, to do these things regularly. I love Deut. 6:5-7--"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart (the word "heart" is an indication that while this talk was under the old law, the new law will command us to keep Jesus in our hearts, to believe Him in our hearts, and still think on Him daily, etc.). You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." What does that leave to question about how, when, where, how much?


Now the Jews took the figurative instructions literally and they would tie phylacteries on their forehead and left arms. They would also nail Scripture to the doorposts and place it in boxes. A figurative interpretation is supported by Deut. 11:18-20 and Ex. 13:9, 16. We may see the Jewish symbolism and custom of doing this as strange or even unnecessary, but what can be said about them is that they take the ordinance seriously. So many of us Christians can find fault or even error in the customs, traditions, etc. of the world's religions, but, we can find with Jews, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and others that there is a common thread, that something good can be said about, that runs throughout each, and that is, that they are serious about what they feel and/or believe about their faith and the instructions of that faith. They diligently teach their churches and their children about their faith, and they are not afraid or hindered of trying to teach what they believe to others. If we were to surrender to God's will and adopt this same attitude for the cause of Christ, imagine how many people God would call to Himself, using us! Imagine how we would raise up a generation of children who would teach this to the next generation, then the next, and so on. Imagine what the world would be like.

MY FIRST BLOG AWARD!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

Is this award not beautiful!! Talk about humbling!! Tracy, a precious blogger at Seed Thoughts (http://http://www.takeck.blogspot.com/) thought enough of this new, amateur blogger and her posts to award me the Art Y Pico Award. What is this award and what does it mean? I'll let Tracy's words explain it to you. They'll do a better job than I would. Here's Tracy:

"It is the Art Y Pico award and it is given to those who inspire others with their creative energy and talents in writing, artwork, design or contributions to the blogging community. It originated here. What does the expression mean? Well, apparently it doesn’t exactly translate to English, but it loosely translates to, “Wow. The Best Art. Over the top.” (This was taken from the Art Y Pico blog.)"

WOW!!

I tell you, I'm just blogging at the encouragement of a friend I met at church, who is getting to be well-known in the blogging community I might add. She knew I loved poetry, and she shared the same love, and she thought I might have, well...something to say. I like writing and always have so I thought I'd look into it (which I did for a long time before deciding to jump in) and give it a shot. I really prayed about doing it though, because I didn't want blogging to take over my life like I knew it could, I didn't want to become addicted and neglect family or other priorities because of it, and I wanted God to be pleased with me doing it. Once I got all this down, things started to flow. God has given me a good handle on it (most of the time, and when I surrender my time and schedule to Him), and I think God is pleased with the content. I never even thought about real and regular readers! In my mind, this would just be a writing outlet and a hobby.

People really do read my posts, I soon found out. I'm still shocked by this! Then, I became a little more conscious of what I wrote, and thought well, if people are reading it, even if it's not that often, I'd better say something that they can use or be edified by, be pleased with, or at least get them thinking and/or praying about. I hope and pray that I'm doing that.

Tracy must think so, and folks, I am so honored and blessed by her heart and decision to name me one of the recipients of this award.

If you would like to investigate the origin of this award, go to http://arteypico.blogspot.com/.

I will be looking at some of my favorite blogs and praying about whom I can share this same award with. It will be so hard, because there are so many great blogs I've come across.

Well, thanks again Tracy. You've made my day and my week. May God get all the credit for our gifts and talents. Without Him, we wouldn't be able to receive an award nor bless someone else with one.

Blessings to you all.

MOMMY (or Mentor/Caregiver) MONDAYS #20

MISSIONS MINDED FAMILIES

Do you believe that every believer (people who have accepted Jesus as Savior and believes every word in His Word) is commanded to "go?" In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commanded His disciples to "go" and make disciples of all nations. He even left them with the promise that He would be with them always. Who do you suppose (I know some of you already know the answers to this; just hang in here:)) Jesus was talking to? Was this a request of Jesus'?

Well, it was not a request, it was an emphatic command. You know, Jesus can do any job we have been privileged to do all by Himself. But He has chosen the fearfully and wonderfully made creation of His, us humans, to do what He wants and will get done. What a privilege!! We're getting to join Him in His work. Besides, if we love Him, we'll keep His commands. And remember, I just said that to take the Gospel to the nations was a command. God is so good, faithful, and just though, isn't He? He commands us to do something, but, He promises to be with us, to guide us, comfort us, speak through us, and anything else we need to get the task done. He would have it that no man would perish. He won't allow us to fail (even if we don't know the results or see the fruit of our labor) getting anything on His agenda done, if we just commit (and submit) to obey Him. This gives us confidence in the task. God is incredible!

Well, what does all of this have to do with the title? If God commanded us to go, did He mean our children too? Well sure! If you and I have children who have already commited their lives to Christ, even though they're not as spiritually mature as someone who has been walking with and obeying Christ for a long time, they still know more than someone who doesn't know Christ at all, so...God can use them, and..HE WILL. Wouldn't God be pleased, and wouldn't you love to see your children grow a heart to boldly tell others about Christ? Our first step is to teach them to love the very souls of others. Teach them to care about the eternal future of those around them. Pray to God that they grow a heart for sharing the Gospel and missions in some form or another. Then, teach them about this command in Matthew 28.

Missions, as you may already know, doesn't have to be trips to the remotest jungles of Africa or even to another city in the U.S. Missions can be in your neighborhood, and really, it should be. We don't want to miss the opportunity to minister to those around us and pursue just those far away. Everyone is not called to foreign missions, but EVERYONE is called to be a missionary, a carrier of the Good News, a lover of others' souls. You can do that at work, at school, on vacation, at church, etc. Do we convey this message to our children? Do we think, even without consciously thinking it sometimes, that missions is just for grown-ups? When we don't teach our children about missions, far and near, we cause them to miss great opportunities, we neglect to obey God as parents and Christian stewards of the Gospel, and our children miss out on sharing in God's work and the blessings that come with that. Missions work can be so easy, although it isn't always. Our children can do so much, and they can grow a heart to love it.

We feel that God has called us to go, as a family, on a missions trip in August. We are going to the state of Louisiana and partnering with another church there to go out and meet the needs, spiritual and physical, of a specific community there. We have commited to praying, as a family, about this trip and God's agenda and will concerning the trip and it's outcome. We have even decided to fast today, with the entire group of believers that are going. Usually I don't publicly admit that, but please use this information to pray with us. We are committed to HIM. I have young girls (one pre-teen, one new teen), although my boys are older teens and can understand better, and even they (the girls) understand so early the benefit of preparation to take the Gospel to unknown and/or unfamiliar territory. We have talked to them about missions and just recently, we talked about fasting-- doing it properly, how God strengthens you for it and the task ahead, when and how we were going to do it, and anything else about fasting I thought would be helpful. There attitude, because of Christ, was one of understanding and readiness to do it. All praises and honor to God.

I feel so spiritually happy that we are doing this as a family, the fasting just until 2:00pm today, and going on this trip. They are even growing in faith, faith that God will provide the provisions for us to take the trip and all that we need while we're there. They realize that we are in no financial shape to just go to the bank, withdraw all of the funds we'll need for the trip, and then go. But they do know that if God wants us to go, He will provide. In this truth, we are all confident. So, rather than focus our minds on what we don't have, we're focusing our minds on Jesus and the road ahead. It has been a sweet time in the Lord. We've even decided that if God closes the door for us to go, He has grown us so much through this process, and groomed us for something else. We've done a lot of individualized missions work or partnered up 2 or 3 of us, mostly locally in our city, but this will be the first time we will go out of town as a family for missions work. We're all excited!

My husband and I are praying that this will grow a tender heart toward God and things concerning Him, that our children will grow a heart towards missions, that they will see people through the eyes of Jesus (won't that change your perspective?!), that they will grow in grace and obedience. Will you pray with us as we pray these things as a family? Will you consider, if you haven't already, intentionally teaching your children about Christ's commands on their lives and ours, show them where and how they can fit in the missions , and praying that they have a heart for God and others? Will you pray that that heart for God and others will take them places outside of the "norm" or their comfort zones, but that God promises to be with them always? Will you teach them that God ALWAYS makes good on His promises, that it's all up to Him, not them, that they're to just trust Him and "go?" Will you pray these things today? It's always "the time" to spread the Good News. Teach them that this can be done literally anywhere.

I pray that you have fruitful family discussion time concerning this and other things today. May you be strengthened, convicted, and emboldened by the Holy Spirit to share the Good News of Jesus every opportunity you get.

MOMMY (Mentor/Caregiver) MONDAYS #19

MAKING MEMORIES AND TEACHING LESSONS

WITH, FOR, AND BY THE KIDS

I'm often thinking of things I can do to make lasting memories for myself and the kids that are done by the kids. After all, they will probably outlast me on this earth, and hopefully, they'll have children of their own. Those memories we make now, whether they're tangible or intangible, will last a long time. We want to be intentional about that. We want to leave good legacies that they can pass to their children. We even try to think of new things, that we've never done or maybe lots of people don't do yet, that they can teach their children.

I just have a few suggestions. Some of you may already be doing some or all of these things, but I thought I'd give you my little list. Please, if you have any suggestions, leave it in comments so that we all can share. I'd love more ideas. I love spending time doing things with and talking to my children.

1. This is very popular, but buy your kids their own journal or diary. I think the boys would feel better if you called their's a "journal." Get them in the habit of writing in it as often as possible. Maybe buy two-one they can have for their own private thoughts and one they can have that they want the family to be exposed to.
2. Interview your kids. Get inside their heads. Keep your own journal or notes on the answers to the interview. Do this at each stage or year of their life, after a certain age. You both can watch their growth physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It matters what they're thinking.
3. Do a family quilt (this is a great project for any family, but as a homeschool home ec. and memory project, this would be a plus.). Cut out squares and let everyone sew on, decorate, or write on them and then, put the quilt together. The problem with this one is, if you've got more than one child, who do you leave the quilt to? Well, I guess you'll have to do more than one:)
4. Let the kids go into the kitchen and create their own recipe, whether it's something for dinner, a dessert, or an easy kid's lunch. Tell them to write the recipe in pencil on notecards, and as you watch and coach and as they tweak the recipe, they can erase what didn't work and write in what they discover does, until they've come up with something really good. File the recipes in a box they've decorated and use them often to show your appreciation.
5. Plant a simple garden together and take pictures as everything grows. Herb gardens are very simple and herbs can be dried very easily. They can be used for decoration and in the kitchen in some of those recipes they've created. This is the project that keeps on giving. This can be done annually and you can always take advantage of the fruit of your labor. Taking pictures of the kids taking care of the garden would be great for a scrapbook too.
6. Encourage them to write a children's story or book. They can use themselves as the main character or they can make it completely up. Tell them to envision an audience of really curious and anxious kids ready to hear a good story. Remind them that they never write for themselves (unless it's a diary entry) but for someone else's benefit. Let them color pictures for it.
7. Use the above books when you take them to read at a local shelter, library, orphanage, or the like. Let your kids read their homemade books to the other children. This helps them give and share experiences with others. With this, craft things at home that you can take with you to give out to children. This is a project for the whole family.
8. Have story night where the kids sit around and tell timed stories (use a timer) and everyone has their turn. The story can be serious, funny, or whatever. Call it a story marathon and see how many stories you can tell and how well everyone enjoys this. Kids will not forget this and will probably enjoy doing this with their own kids.

There are just so many more things I could come up with. These are some of my suggestions, but obviously, the internet, your moms group, your family members, your homeschool group, etc. has so much more. The goal is to make memories for yourself with your kids, make memories for them, and give them something to pass to the next generation. Oh yeah, and be intentional about it. Don't leave the ideas in your head. DO IT!! Have fun!

Have a good rest of the week.

JULY'S MARRIAGE MONDAY

E-mom at Chrysalis has invited us again, this first Monday of the month, to join her in discussing all things marriage. Let me let her explain it better:

July: Open Topic
I'd like to invite you to share your own thoughts on marriage too. Please join us for Marriage Monday on July 7, 2008. Our community of Marriage Monday bloggers is a diverse group of joyful, Godly women. We are young, old, seasoned, and newlywed.
This month our topic is wide open, so write your heart out. Feel free to discuss Christian marriage from any angle you deem relevant and God-honoring.
After you leave your link, consider taking some time to visit the other participants. You'll be blessed!

I was prompted to talk about the "covenant,"--the actual word itself, and the other one we sometimes interchange with it, you know,..."commitment." Please consider my heart, thoughts, convictions, and study concerning this, below.

What’s the difference between a covenant or promise and commitment? Is there a difference? To God there is. Let’s look at these words in relation to marriage. Tell me how your outlook has changed, if any, in the end.

Hubby and I decided that we would make a marriage covenant, rather than a commitment. We even had The Covenant Marriage of Honey and Hubby written on the invitations. It was important to us to convey that message, like it was important for us to have a Christian wedding where Christ was the head and where we spoke of what His Word said about marriage. We also wanted to show the parallel between our marriage and Christ and His bride, the church. So why was our choice of words ‘covenant?’

Commitment is defined in Webster in context as a pledge to do something; dedication to a long-term course of action; engagement; involvement. It sounds good doesn’t it? What would be wrong with using this word? Nothing really, except for the fact that while it sounds good and has good intentions at its root, it can be broken. Some people, in fact, think nothing of breaking a commitment if things don’t quite work out the way they wanted them too. Oh, they mean well. Don’t we all? But, have you ever had someone break a commitment to you? How can this happen? God is a God of assurance and sovereignty. His Word is concrete, unlike the definition of commitment alluding to something you may wholeheartedly want to do and may even say you’re going to do, but there are no real guarantees. What’s the difference then, as asked before, between commitment and a covenant and/or a promise? Can covenants be broken? The real answer is, because of our sin nature, anything, yes including a covenant, can be broken (See also Numbers 30:1-16). But at its core, this was never meant to be, and when you did break a vow or covenant, not just anybody involved could do it, and there were severe consequences when or if one did. If we took the words (covenant and promise) seriously, there would be a distinct difference and reaction to the meaning of these words versus the other. Promise is defined as an oral or written AGREEMENT to do or not to do something; a VOW; something promised. Webster defines a covenant as a BINDING and solemn agreement to do or to keep from doing a specified thing; compact; a formal, SEALED contract; theologically, the promise made by God to humanity and the relationship it established, as described in the BIBLE. Do you notice a difference yet?

God honored and took seriously covenants and His promises in the Bible. He honored covenants in the Old Testament and His promises throughout it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-6B (NIV) says “When you make a vow to God (or before God), do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin.” The NLT version says “So when you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to Him. It is better to say nothing than to promise something that you don’t follow through on. In such cases, your mouth is making you sin.” That’s serious business. If it hasn’t been quite that serious to you before now, make it that serious. PLAN beforehand to obey God and follow through. Plan to never break your promises before Him and the person you’re vowing to. (Check your Bible’s concordance to see how vow was used as a noun and verb.)

One of the covenants God made in Genesis about never flooding the earth again still holds strong till this day. And we expect that, since He is God and He can’t lie or go back on His promises, that this covenant will never be broken. God also made a covenant with Abraham about his son Isaac, that Isaac would be the son of the promise (the line from which the Messiah would come). The covenant was kept and His promise came to fruition as the Bible clearly spells out. These are very important instances in Biblical history, in our history as well. There are many more instances of God making a covenant or man making a covenant with another man. It was expected that when God made a covenant, it was something that He was BOUND to do, that it was a “done deal.” People knew God could be trusted, that He WOULD follow through.

If we are to model our Lord, shouldn’t we do our best to not just make commitments, but make covenants that we have no intention of breaking? We should be asking God for whatever it takes to keep a covenant and make it just as real in our lives as it is with Him. We should go into our marriages or wedlock (a compact, pledge; an offering or gift—hmmm, this seems to be similar to a covenant, don’t you think?) with the intention of not only never getting out of it or even thinking of that, but telling ourselves that getting out of it is not possible. It needs to be something we honor with the same seriousness and completeness as God did His. Can we do that? We’re not God. Obviously not, but a covenant can be made between two people who’ve made this promise before God, and your commitment to the covenant is honored by God who, if He is the head, can BIND and SEAL this agreement. We CAN stay married for a lifetime. We can, and we MUST. We must be a unified and Godly testimony, by living out our covenants, to lost or dying marriages wherever we go.

Satan has fed marriages in our world lies. “It’ll never work out. You’ve got too many problems.” “He’s not like you thought he would be. Just leave.” “She’s not as nice as when you first met her. You don’t have to put up with that.” “The grass is greener on the other side. Trust me.” “Too many years with the same person is boring. You’re not the type for that.” “If you just do this or that, they’ll never find out. Listen to me.” The lies and the list go on and on. These lies are marriage destroyers. Remember though, covenants can’t be broken (or shouldn’t be) so what do you do when you’re bombarded with lies? Hold on to the promise that you made. Recognize a lie when you hear it. Go to God’s Word to see what the Designer of Covenants and Marriage has to say about these things. Ask Him to help you honor and obey His Word. Get to know the God of covenants and promises intimately. See what these things truly meant to Him. Trust Him because we can’t trust our flesh. Find ways to honor your mate and start afresh every day. Pray for yourself and your spouse daily. Seek any help you need in aiding you in keeping your promise. Ask God to drive out the voice of the enemy (the hater of marriages and a covenant-breaker himself) and replace that voice with His voice and truth.

Let me end this by saying that I was once in marriages that God had not put together. Although I didn’t want to be responsible for being the covenant breaker in either case, I was responsible for not waiting on the Lord and His choice for me so that keeping a covenant would have been easier and aided by God. I know the difference now, thank God. He is a God of second, third, fourth, a million chances. When I finally received gratefully God’s choice for me, I wanted and was ready to make a covenant. We both made the choice to not let divorce or separation be an option. We don’t want the threat or possibility of that. We want to model Christ and His marriage to the church in our marriage. God loves the church. He gave Himself for it. What more of a sacrifice can one make for another? God, help us all be covenant keepers.

Be abundantly blessed in your marriage today and for the rest of your lives!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #14

COMPREHENDING OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD

I don't know about you, but I still have a hard time comprehending that I'm a friend of God. Growing up, in my mind, a friend was a friend; sometimes one that stuck closer than a brother, sometimes one that you had today and then they were gone tomorrow, but neither were on a level with "God" to me. God was "big" to me (He still is). But as a kid, He was big and kind of unreachable. I mean, I knew that He could be prayed to and He needed to be believed in or the alternative was bad (plus, I didn't want to disappoint my parents and going to church was just...normal), but God was God, not a friend. To me saying that was blasphemous and bringing the "big, unreachable" God down to my level, and I wasn't about to do that. I reverenced and respected Him. He was on a pedestal. I couldn't imagine that He could be a friend. I needed Him to be God, somebody bigger than my friends. Friends don't come close to a mighty God. I could see, at that age, that nobody I knew as a friend, no matter how good they were, could compete with God and that He was God all by Himself.

Needless to say, I was so wrong, for the most part. Oh yeah, God is God all by Himself, God is on a pedestal in my life, God is "big," and God's thoughts and ways are higher than mine, so He is not on my level. But God humbled Himself and became man, with the same feelings and physical nature as a man, while still maintaining His perfection, so that He could take the sin of the world on His shoulders and set the captives free! He walked among men and became their friends, and they trusted Him and followed Him. Our Lord called us friend. My husband told me this one day while we were having a "spiritual debate" about something. He said, "Honey, I understand your need to make God the biggest thing in your life and not bring Him down to a human's level, but He stooped or humbled Himself; He called us friend. He didn't lower His standards; He came from heaven and stood among men and made them friends, not on a human level, but as the best and most perfect friend man could ever have." I was floored! God calls me friend! I had to pray for the Lord to help me comprehend or understand this and then accept it.

Well, of course I had to look of Scripture pertaining to this "friend" thing. I even looked at Webster's definition to see if it even came close to what God meant when He said friend, because I was just sure that it would only hit the "human surface" of the word, but I must say, after you know that you're a friend of Jesus, you can use Webster's definition and see how it applies. What is a friend?--One whom you can share your deepest darkest secrets, one whom you can share your dreams and excitement, one whom you can trust fully, one whom you're compelled to share any and everything you have with, one whom you know well and are fond of; you're intimate, you're close; one who is not an enemy but an ally, a supporter and sympathizer. What do you know of God's character? He is one that we can talk to any time, He is an ally and definitely not the enemy, He supports us, He is close to us, He sympathizes with us when we hurt and when we're in need, He shares with us in so many ways, we can trust Him fully, He is fond of us (for He created us for His pleasure!), the list goes on and on!! God IS OUR FRIEND AND WE ARE HIS, although we can never bring anything close to what God does in the friendship to the table. He is perfect and sinless after all. He can't betray us, but we've sinned against Him over and over. He still loves us anyway. That's the best kind of friend we could ever have!! And the biggies (John 15:13 and Prov.17:17)--"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" (Thank you Jesus, the one who calls ME friend and laid down His life for ME!!) and "A friend loves at all times."

Even Job knew that God was a close friend. Look up Job 29:1-6. Job was recalling the days when He could sense, feel, and knew intimately of God's friendship with him. Verses 4 and 5 say, "As I was in the prime of my days, when the friendship of God was over my tent; when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me;..." "...when the friendship of God was over my tent..." literally means When God's council was by my tent or When God was an intimate in my tent. My Bible commentary says that this "...evokes a situation similar to that in Genesis 18, where God and two members of His heavenly council eat and drink at Abraham's tent (We're talking God here people!!)--and where God discloses to His friend the imminent birth of the promised son and God's intentions concerning Sodom and Gomorrah." Disclosing this kind of information to a human being, supping with him, etc.--how much friendlier can you get!! I'd faint if God chose, in this day and time, to consider me such a friend that He physically sat down and ate with me!! And while He doesn't make physical appearances, He actually does consider us this close a friend, and He does reveal Himself to us and His plans in so many ways. What a privilege!!

Jesus calls those whom He forgives friends. Consider the paralytic in Luke 5. In verse 20, Jesus calls this man "Friend," and tells him that his sins are forgiven. Again, more proof that we too, are friends of God. You and I (if you've accepted His free gift of salvation) have been forgiven, have been set free, and therefore, are called by God, "friends." What a friend we have in Jesus!! I'm so happy and privileged to be called such!

I pray that you can accept or have accepted that you are indeed, a friend of the risen Savior. I'm sure everyone knew this before I did. I accepted a lot of truthful things about God, but not that He could possibly be my friend. I didn't realize that this was a good thing, and that people who understood these truths weren't lowering God to our standards. He was choosing me as His friend because He loved me. The meaning of friend meant a lot to Him. I now understand and accept that. I challenge you to study further the verses and context around those instances when the word "friend" was used. You'll come away with a greater understanding of what you mean to Him, and in turn, what He means to you.

Have a wiser Wednesday today than you did last Wednesday!!

WEDNESDAY WISDOM #13

WHAT'S BLUE GOT TO DO, GOT TO DO WITH IT? WHAT'S BLUE BUT A SECOND-HAND EMOTION?

No seriously, it could be this, and Tina Turner probably doesn't know it either. You'd better read on then. She, we, and others may find this little bit of information interesting.

Colors were spoken of in the Bible in connection with literal things, and they also had symbolic meanings. From my studies, the KJV speaks of many more colors than any other version, but all versions make reference to the more popular ones we're used to hearing about, like crimson, black, red, etc. So, what does mentioning the colors of the Bible have to do with wisdom? Well, the more you know and are able to see and understand God's Word clearer (how and why the Bible made reference to certain things in the culture and times that it did), the wiser you are, the more you take that new found wisdom and ask God what it has to do with you or how you can apply any truths or facts you've found to your life. Sounds like a plan to me.

First, I'll make you a list of the colors that the KJV mentions (My only question to this was, "why does the KJV mention more colors or translate over more colors than other versions?" The answer to that is long and would require a whole other post). This longer list will include all of the colors that other versions mention. Then, I'll try and give you a brief summary of what the colors were literally describing and what their symbolic meaning has come to be known as today. The symbolic meanings are either alluded to in the Bible or have just come to be known as such over the years.

(1) bay,
(2) black,
(3) blue,
(4) brown,
(5) crimson,
(6) green,
(7) grey,
(8) hoar,
(9) purple,
(10) red,
(11) scarlet,
(12) sorrel,
(13) vermilion,
(14) white,
(15) yellow.
In addition there are indefinite words indicating mixtures of light and dark:
(a) grisled (grizzled),
(b) ringstraked (ringstreaked),
(c) speckled,
(d) spotted.
(The above list was found on www.searchinggodsword.org)

I forgot the color amber on the above list. It is only mentioned in the KJV in Ezekiel. The Hebrew word for the color amber is Chashmal, meaning glowing metal (NAS) or a shining substance. It is used to describe God's glory and His presence. Symbolically, it is associated with fire and God's judgement in other books.

Bay is the same as red.

Black, as you may well know, is associated with sin, disease, death, famine, and sorrow, passion, mourning, and skin color. It was also used to describe healthy or youthful hair in Leviticus, Song of Solomon, and Matthew. Sym., it can mean judgement.

Blue was used to describe hangings, holy coverings, embroidery, the Lord's commandments in Numbers 15, palace adornments, and royal apparel, and wealth and the corruptions thereof. Sym., it meant heavenly, holy service, and chastening.

Brown comes from the Hebrew word meaning sunburnt or "swarthy" and is translated "black" in the Revised Version (British and American).

Crimson was used to describe fine materials and sin. Crimson appears to be slightly darker than red. Sym., it meant the blood or sacrifice.

Green described edible plants, trees, and a meat offering. It was mentioned negatively once in Leviticus 13 to denote disease. Sym., it means rest, life, growth, fruitful, maturity, and frailty in Psalm 37:2.

Gray or grey is used to describe old age, beauty of old age, hair color in old age, and weakness in Hosea 7:9. Sym., it could mean ash, purification, mourning, and repentance. The word "hoar" mentioned above is the same as gray.

Purple described coverings or hangings, fine materials, and the dyeing trade itself. It was also used to describe beautifying the temple and furnishings. In the books of Mark and John, it described royalty, but in mockery. Sym., it denoted riches, royalty, and corruption of riches.

Red is used very diversely in Scripture, but mostly is associated with blood and war. It was also used to describe skin color, stew, wine, sores or plagues, bloodied water, clothing, horses, shields of mighty men, the sky, pottage, pavement, a shield, sins, and the great dragon in Revelation. Sym., it refers to temptation of sin, vengeance, and war.

Scarlet and Crimson are about the same. Scarlet is used to describe fine materials and thread. Like Crimson, it also describes sin, clothing, and riches. It has also been used to describe purification in Leviticus, Numbers, and Hebrews. Song of Solomon talks about scarlet lips in 4:3. Associated symbolism with the word describes the virtuous woman in Proverbs and beasts, fleshly nature, and brute.

Sorrel occurs once in the Revised Version (British and American), in Zechariah 1:8. It is a reddish-brown color.

Vermilion is used to describe paint on a house and in a portrait. Its color symbolism denotes unrighteousness and lust. Sym., this color refers to rust or corruption and paint or a false covering.

White is a familiar color to most people in its meaning and symbolism. Literally, it was used to describe animals, plant flesh, teeth, manna, leprosy, linen, garments, hair, compared as milk and snow, stone, clouds, fields, coriander seeds, and a throne. Sym., it means purity, refinement, heavenly, righteousness, victory, and even false righteousness in Matthew 23 and Acts 23. You will also see it compared to the "milk of the Word" or first teachings.

Yellow is used to describe leperous hair, gold, and pavement in Esther.

For the sake of time and space, I won't discuss the indefinite colors that indicated lights and darks of color mixtures.

This was an interesting study to me. It will help you read and see the Scriptures in a whole new light. It will help you envision what the passage is describing and see clearer what the author meant or was trying to convey. It will help you delve into the culture of the day and understand Scripture contextually. I hope you can use some of the information I've presented here. It is by no means all-inclusive or exhaustive. There are probably many more instances of color usage in the Bible, but this will give you a great start and will help you study and research for yourself.

Have a colorful and wise Wednesday!

(My research and resources have come from the Bible, Webster's dictionary, www.searchinggodsword.org, and other web/internet sources)

INTERNET CAFE DEVOTIONS--CAFE CHAT

Today I went to a site I like to check in on every now and then (www.internetcafedevotions.com). It's a neat site and there is a post for today that got my attention and asks the following:

If you could go back in time to a pivotal point in your young life and give yourself one word/sentence of advice, and know that you would accept the advice, what would it be?
Imagine what a gift it would be if we could actually go back in time and give ourselves advice…Hmm… Of course we cannot, but I think this is a great question for us to ponder. Although, I think many of us would agree that we learned more from the mistakes we made, but wouldn’t it be nice to not have to learn the “hard way” in some situations? Have fun with the question this week.
I cannot wait to read your responses…

Click on the link I provided above to join in. I thought I'd give it a try; just ponder on what advice I'd give myself and share my thoughts with you. Here's what I came up with--

If I could go back and give myself advice, if I could stand over me and speak into my life, if I knew I would have been receptive and listened, here's what I would have told myself and then followed through: Know who you are in Christ as a single woman. Don't pray for a husband as much as pray that God uses you in the season you're in right now (as a single person) and that you pursue Him with all diligence. Turn your affections and devotion toward Him and no one else. If you are to be married, pray for your future husband and don't let your worldly thinking and flesh choose him for you. Wait on the Lord. Pray that you're the kind of woman God wants you to be when or if He chooses to send a husband your way. Pray that you are mature and ready for him (the future husband). Find out what God's Word has to say about being a woman of God and wife. Once you know, make the decision to follow through. God will honor His Word and your decision.

These are the things I would have told myself. These are the things that I wished I had done, although God has graciously and mercifully used my bad decisions for good and for His glory. Oh, had I listened to the advice given me sometimes growing up... Oh, had I had someone telling me things I needed to know and pouring themselves into my life... But God...:)

THURSDAY POTPOURRI #7

WHILE THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD, HE

HAS MANY NAMES FOR MANY REASONS

Want to know some names for God for perhaps your prayer time, your study time, or your teaching time? I have listed for you 25 names for God, in Hebrew, from the Old Testament. I included the meanings in English and Scripture references to them. They are worth looking into and studying. Look at what circumstance the person or people were going through when they used the name. I've heard people, even today, pray using some of the many names for God, when their circumstance or that name for God fit whatever situation or thing that they were praying about.

In Hebrew
Adonai-Jehovah (The Lord our Sovereign-Isaiah)
El-Elyon (The Lord Most High-Deut 26:19)
El-Olam (The Everlasting God-Gen 21:33)
El-Shaddai (The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His people-Gen 17:1,2 Job)
Jehovah-Elohim (The Eternal Creator-Gen 2:4, Gen 1)
Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord our Provider-Gen 22:14)
Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord our Banner-Ex 17:15)
Jehovah-Ropheka (The Lord our Healer-Ex 15:22)
Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord our Peace-Judges 6:24)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord our Righteousness-Jer 23:5)
Jehovah-Mekaddishkem (The Lord our Sanctifier-Lev 20:8)
Jehovah-Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts-Isaiah 1:24)
Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is Present-Ezek 48:35)
Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord our Shepherd-Psalm 23)
Jehovah-Hoseenu (The Lord our Maker)
Jehovah-Eloheenu (The Lord our God)
Abhir (Mighty One-Gen 49:24)
Branch (The Branch-Zech 3:8)
Kadosh (Holy One-Psa 71:22)
Shaphat (Judge-Gen 18:25)
El-Roi (God of Seeing-Gen 16:13)
Kanna (Jealous-Exodus 20:5)
Palet (Deliverer-Psalm 18:2)
Gaol (Redeemer-Job 19:25)
Magen (Shield-Psalm 3:3)

Just a little Thursday Potpourri I thought you could use. Maybe we'll do New Testament names next time. Thanks for tuning in today.

WEDNESDAY WISDOM (#12)

DID GOD CALL YOU TO FAST? USE WISDOM

Has God called you to fast? Why do we fast? How can you know if He has called you to fast? Do you think fasting is a Christian requirement? Is there more than one way to fast? Can fasting make you a better Christian or cause God to hear you clearer? These are a few of many questions asked concerning fasting or that we need to ask ourselves if we've thought about this act of cleansing, consecration, meditation, and focus.

Some of these answers should be personal, like the first two, but some we need to be educated on and we need to exercise wisdom and gain a great knowledge and understanding about. Fasting is an old practice, practiced as far back as Bible days. Even Jesus fasted. That fact alone says that it can't be wrong, but there is a time, place, and way to do everything, and there should be a sure leading into doing it.

There are some amazing reasons out there for why people fast and some are not Biblical. Some people fast for weight loss reasons, some people fast because they've been told or convinced that they are not real Christians if they don't, some people fast to appear more spiritual, and some people fast because it's something to do-why not?

On the flip side of the above, there are amazing results and blessings for people who have fasted when, how, and why God said to do so. If God lead or prompted a fast, you can be sure that it's not only the right thing to do, but that He will give you the wisdom, strength, sustenance through prayer and His Word, and He will be glorified. Whether you have a mountain-top experience after a fast or feel no really big changes at all, you can be sure that you and the circumstances are not the same. Obedience to God's prompting alone glorifies Him and strengthens your faith in Him. That is change good enough.

Like in everything that means anything in life, we should get understanding about fasting. Recently, I read an article by Dr. Bill Bright (The founder of Campus Crusade for Christ) that gave a clear picture of fasting, a practical way to go into a fast, what to expect through one, his experiences with fasts, and how to come out of one. It was very interesting, insightful, and practical. I recommend anyone who is curious about fasting or feel they've heard from the Lord to go into one read this article. I have certainly benefited from his insight, wisdom, and experience, and have saved the article so that I can refer back to it when or if necessary. The link to the article is http://www.billbright.com/howtofast/index.html.

There are hundreds of articles on the Internet about fasting, but reader beware!! There are some with really wild benefits to fasting and really false non or un-Biblical reasons. Does every fast need to be spiritual or Biblically based? That's up to you. Fasting has such benefits that it should never be taken flippantly or lightly though. There may be times for a type of fast just for internal body cleansing or to let your body have a rest from certain foods, or perhaps to kill a chronic craving for sweets, etc. by denying your body that certain thing for so long that you don't crave it anymore, or as much. This is certainly a different take on the type of fasting I'm referring to in my post, and I don't see these fasts as "wrong." You can certainly do what you choose to do as right or healthy for your body or lifestyle, but for the type we're talking about in this post, God's leading needs to be your only reason for fasting and He will be clear in letting you know. He will make everything about the ordeal clear.

Bill Bright suggests consulting a physician or not doing a fast altogether (for those with severe or chronic health problems that would make fasting dangerous or fatal). He does mention though, that for the healthy, fasting is rewarding.

I thought I'd write this post today because for Christians, we're living in a time where things are "heavy," to say the least, and/or God is calling us to a deeper relationship and fellowship with Him. He may or may not be calling you to fast to make something happen. Sometimes that "something" is just for you to re-focus your affections and attentions on Him, and guys, that's good enough reason all by itself! Our goal in fasting, meditating, or worship is to turn our total attention and affections toward Christ. We need no other reason or need not look for anything else. But, there are times, as mentioned in Mark 9:29 and Matthew 17:21, where God has chosen fasting and praying, by us, to be His method or conduit by which He causes great change from serious issues.

Wouldn't it be a privilege if He chose you? Wouldn't you love to be obedient to the call of fasting because God was getting ready to do something? Wouldn't you just love to deepen your relationship and just be silent before Him because the lack or denial of something (fasting) has given you the freedom to get there? If God has not called you to fast, DON'T. If He has, get ready for a tough and totally rewarding experience that will change your life and perhaps somebody else's. When God is involved, THINGS CHANGE!

I encourage you to read the article by Bill Bright and other reputable Christian authors with fasting experience, look for great books in the book stores and online that talk about it, and talk to others who have had great experience with obedience to fasting. When or if God calls you, you'll be ready and would have gained great understanding into this wonderful privilege of God.

Sorry this article is posted late, but as I've said before, family and priorities first. I'm just glad that I got to think on and post this article at all today. It's been full and busy around here. I hope this post has blessed you. Have a wise Wednesday!