What are our "rights"?????

Wednesday February 1 2012

Psalm 12:3) “May the Lord bring their flattery to an end and silence their proud tongues.”

Thank God, we know that one day the deception will end! We know this is true because we know one day Jesus will return to bring us unto himself and to our Heavenly home where there are no lying lips or deceit and so shall we ever be with the Lord! Amen.

Psalm 12:4) “They say We will lie to our hearts content.  Our lips are our own - who can stop us?” 

 Satan is using his evil servants to spread deceitfulness.  People, in general, are searching for fulfillment but many are not willing to research and seek the truth.  Jesus says, “ If you will seek me, I will be found by you.” and “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed.”  If we seek the truth, it will lead us to the Holy inspired word of God, which is the pure ultimate truth.  There have been countless men and women who have set out to disclaim the truth of the Bible only to discover the deception they  lived under was shattered and the truth was revealed as they studied and researched.

Today, many are looking for a “quick fix” and accept “spoofs” that sound inviting and provide a quick answer.  The result is, either disappointing or selling their souls to the evil one who lurks around like a roaring lion waiting to devour the innocent.

There is such an emphasis on the “rights” of people who claim that “nothing” will happen to them, it is their right to do and say whatever they want. Although God created human beings with freedom to choose, we, as Christians, are not our own, we have been bought with the price of Jesus, God’s own son, and we have a responsibility to search for the path that our Maker designed for us to travel on. Be encouraged to seek the Lord while he may be found, and start traveling on the road that leads to the peace and joy that is waiting for you to embrace.

Prayer for today: Precious Lord, Thank-you for providing the way to know what truth is by your inspired Word. May my words be a blessing to you and others, Lord.  Thank-you for meeting all our needs and always knowing exactly what we need and when we need it. Help me to stay on the path that you have chosen for me and to seek your face when I am confused. You paid the price for me to be able to choose salvation and spend eternity with you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Values, commitments and responsibility.......

Tuesday January 31 2012

Psalm 12: 2 ”Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and insincere hearts.”

During elections in Canada and the United States, there were many lying lips.  While listening to the politicians, it was evident that many were saying what they thought the voters wanted to hear with little intention of actually carrying through with the promises made.  At times, what was said was detrimental and only uttered with the purpose of destroying credibility in the opponent.

Unfortunately, not only in political life but in many walks of life there are people who are superficial hypocrites.

At times there is less and less evident commitment from people in many areas. Often jobs are not valued, relationships are not respected, children are brought into the world to fend for themselves or children are destroyed before they even have a chance to survive, which relates to an absence of the sanctity of life itself.  I think most people would have to agree with me when I say that the Bible is a very relevant book today?

Today I want to encourage you to return to Biblical principles and teach them to your children  by living daily as you ought. God does not expect us to be holy and righteous on our own strength.  He will provide the wisdom and strength we need to live as we should if we learn to trust Him and rely on Him and let Him help us.

Prayer for today: Precious Lord, Help me to always speak truth, never needing to stretch it into something to enhance it or make it more sensational.  I want to be an example for   the teachings of Jesus Christ and be a credible witness for you. Help me to be aware at all times that I am a spokesperson for you, oh Lord!  Thank-you for your truths and your Word that teaches me what I need to know. In Jesus name, Amen.

Are you a God follower?

Monday January 30 2012

Psalm 12:1  “Help, O Lord, for the Godly are fast disappearing!  The faithful have vanished from the earth.”

Does it seem like there are fewer and fewer  professing “God followers ”around anymore?  

To meet someone new and discover they are a Christian, is indeed, a very precious blessing because it is becoming a more rare experience as time passes. I remember several years ago when I was enrolled in a secular University where the absence of Christianity is increasingly evident,  there was another “mature” woman in the same classes who I was drawn to.  We became “coffee” friends and on one occasion, I remember her telling me she was a Christian. I felt so immensely blessed because I believed the Lord had sent her to me. We have remained close friends ever since.

Even though this Psalm was written more than two thousand years ago, it seems more relevant today than ever before. And there are those who say the Bible is not relevant today. If we just take the time to read God’s word, we will find it immensely relevant and the Holy Spirit will speak to our hearts and illuminate His word.

Prayer for today: Thank-you, Lord, for the numerous blessings that you provide each day.  You are such a merciful and generous God!  I am so grateful for Your Word and the people who have spent hours interpreting  it so I am able  to understand it.  Thank-you for loving me and providing the way to know that we have the promise of spending eternity with You and our loved ones who have gone before us.  Thank-you for placing people in my  path that know you and love you. I am so thankful for Christian friends.  Help me not to take them for granted. In Jesus name. Amen

Weekend Thought

Weekend Thought!

Sunday January 29 2012 

John 3:21  “Dear Friends,  If our conscience is clear, we can come to God with bold confidence.

I encourage you, friend, to pray for a special portion of boldness so that more and more people can come to know Christ by seeing the love of Christ in you.

 Remember we are the hands that God uses;

 We are the lips that bring encouragement and comfort

 We are the ears that listen to the discouraged and bereaved. 

God needs you today to display his wondrous love to someone.

Extra notes:

 I hope you are enjoying my attempt at dividing the Word of truth.

I realize at times my interpretation is somewhat  mundane and I really appreciate those of you who are slogging through these passages.

I also really appreciate your comments and feedback.  Feel free to join the site and know that your commitment is private and the only person who reads your feedback is me so don't be intimidated or shy.

Thank you so much for persevering with me, I really appreciate it.

Adena

We are allowed to enter the Holy of Holies!

Friday January 27 2012

Hebrews 4:16

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.  There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”

The writer tells us, our boldness is not confined to speaking to others about Christ, and it also includes the advantage of “boldly” coming to the “throne” of God where we receive His mercy and grace.

 In Old Testament times, only the High Priest was allowed into the “Holy of Holies” and now, since Jesus came to atone for our sins, and the curtain was “rent” in two, there are no restrictions.  All are invited to enter into the most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:19) Not only enter, but “boldly” enter Heaven’s most Holy place.  What a wonderful privilege this is........imagine.....you and I are allowed to enter the Holy of Holies where before only one privileged, appointed, anointed priest was allowed to go.  Hallelujah!

What a Saviour!

Prayer for today: I am so full of thanksgiving today because You, Lord, have made it possible for me to come to the throne of grace easily and often.  Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of your precious Son.  Now I can come before you, Lord, anytime without reservations and know that you love me and wait for me to spend time talking to you.  I am so privileged to be your child and know that my sins are forgiven. Praise be unto you, Blessed Redeemer! In Jesus name, Amen.

What would you like on your epitaph?

Thursday January 26 2012

Philippians 1:20

“For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past and that my life will always honour Christ whether I live or die.”

Paul tells us our boldness for Christ is not embarrassing or the cause of shame but rather, to NOT be bold for Christ would cause shame.  To speak out in defense and in truth keeps him (Paul) from experiencing shame.  In other words, Paul is saying; to honour Christ while we are alive is a high calling and one way to do this is to be bold and portray and expound upon the truth of Jesus Christ and our testimony, while we are alive, will also be remembered after our passing.

One day, I was encouraged to write down what I would like to have written on my epitaph. It did not take me long to know exactly what the “gist” of the thing would be.  The exact  wording was not that important but I knew I wanted to be known as a “Child of God who put Christ first in my life and was used by Him to show His love and encouragement to others.”  When I retired from teaching, our caretaker, who was a Christian, stood up voluntarily to say some parting words to and about me.  The comment that was most precious was that I was a testimony for Christ!  It meant more to me than all the other nice things that were said about me that evening or ever! 

What would you like on your epitaph?

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, Let me be an example for you and not be embarrassed to speak out for you.  Let my epitaph read that I was a soldier for you, Oh Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Boldness and Wisdom

Wednesday January 25 2012  

11 Corinthians 3:12

“ Since this new covenant gives us such confidence, we can be very bold.”

There are several examples in the Bible of Apostles who were bold for the Lord.  And now , Paul says, we are also given the confidence to practice this same boldness.  I admit, I often have trouble in this area.  I don’t believe God wants us to embarrass ourselves and He created us all uniquely so that each of us have different giftings.  My personality  inhibits me from preaching on the street corner up to this point in my life but that is exactly what Paul did.  Isn’t it wonderful that our Creator knows our shortcomings and fears and  still loves and understands us.

Even if we have confidence in these areas, we still need to exercise wisdom, which is gained by prayer.  Without the prompting of the Holy Spirit, it would not be beneficial for anyone to start preaching or teaching so we need to be in tune and sensitive to the guiding and leading of the Spirit. When we are in perfect alignment with God’s plan, as Paul was, then we will know when  the right time to be “bold” for Christ is. 

Perhaps, even today, God may put someone in your path who needs to be reminded or reassured that Jesus loves them and is willing to forgive them and promises eternal life with Him forever. Or perhaps there is someone in your life who just needs an encouraging word or a gesture that tells them someone cares.

For me, it is easier to show love by baking muffins or giving someone a card of encouragement or flowers or some type of like gesture, which is also an act of Christ’s love.  Often by beginning in this way, it leads to an opportunity to talk about our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Showing you care in this manner is never a waste of time and this can also be a “bold” step of faith.

Prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us your Word full of examples that we can learn from.  Help me to be more like Paul and grasp every opportunity to speak up for you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Proclaiming the Kingdom of God.......

Tuesday January 24 2012  

Acts 28:31.

“..........proclaiming the Kingdom of God with all boldness and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.  And no one tried to stop him.”

In this passage, Paul models boldness after he is sent to Rome to be tried.  He rents a place to live and uses it to proclaim the Kingdom of God with boldness and teach about Jesus.  He was given the freedom to do this for several reasons; one was that he was a respected Roman Citizen and deserved to be heard and also the Holy Spirit was upon him to enable him to use this time to proclaim the truth.

 My prayer is that I  might take a lesson from Paul and have the “boldness” to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Son of God who waits to take our sins away and free us from the bondage of a fearful life. I encourage you to make that  your prayer today as well.

Prayer for today: “Come, Holy Spirit, I need you.  Come Sweet Spirit, I pray. Come in thy strength and thy power, come in thine own gentle way.” Come and equip me to be a soldier for Jesus and have a new boldness as Paul did.  Keep me in the Holy Word so that I may study to be approved by God in order to proclaim truth and justice.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Being a Barnabas

Monday January 23 2012

 Acts 9:27. 

“Barnabas also told them how  he boldly preached in the name of Jesus in Damascus.”

Barnabas is one of my favorite people in the Bible.  Not only was he an encourager but, it seems, he was also a model for boldness.  While he was in Damascus he proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah.  This was an extremely bold thing to do because Damascus was an important center, ruled by Arabia under Aretus.  The Christians and Jews were open enemies here and it would be dangerous to proclaim the Majesty of Christ.

I have often asked myself,  “Could I openly talk about Jesus if the law of the land forbade it?”  I know I have often missed an opportunity to acknowledge my Heavenly Father because I thought people might not “like” me or receive what I said, positively. Even in a country where we have freedom of speech, I am still a coward many times when it comes to professing my faith. On the other hand, we need to wait for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us and give us the  wisdom and “boldness” to say the right things or even open our mouths to speak what the Lord desires us to say.

I encourage you, in the next few days, to pray for an opportunity to speak to someone about the love and saving grace of Jesus and then to act upon the opportunity.

Prayer for today: Today, Lord Jesus, help me see people from your viewpoint.  Help me to look beyond their outer appearance and look towards the heart. I pray for someone to come into my path today that I might encourage and bring hope by speaking about your forgiveness and promises. Thank you, Jesus, for seeing beyond my faults to my needs (as Dottie Rambo said in her song)  Help me not to miss the “diamonds” in the dust but to be patient with all those that come into my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

The worth of all!

Weekend reading: January 22 2012

The Dream:

by Adena Paget

One night I dreamed I was walking along a dusty path beside a barbed wire fence, it seemed the dirt was useless,  not good for growing anything.  It appeared wind blown and extremely dry.  It looked like sifted dust mixed with gravel.  As I walked along, I scuffed the useless dirt with the toe of my shoe and saw something bright and shiny.  I kicked away the dirt and there, to my amazement, I saw two beautiful little diamond rings.  As I stood and admired this treasure, I realized how often I had skimmed over treasures that were not evident at first glance.

 As mere human beings we often miss the potential of treasures along life’s journey. Many times, as a teacher, I spent less time with a student that I thought was not capable of becoming a scholar or doing well with curriculum and at times I neglected to see the potential of the giftings that God had blessed these children with.  I believe God was showing me that if we take the time to look underneath the surface, we will find what is really important and what really counts and that’s what He sees in us.  It is not our outward accomplishments he desires, but the true beauty of a heart that is uncontaminated, pure and innocent. Sometimes we need to take the time to look closer to those God puts in our path, until we can see past the exterior shell, to the “heart”.

Prayer for today. Please forgive me Lord for being hasty with some you have put in my path.  I know I often judge others by first appearances or at least too quickly.  Help me to see that person as you see them.  Help me to see beneath the surface to the very “heart”  of the person and learn to love them like you do, Jesus.  I realize there is good in everyone but Lord, sometimes I have trouble seeing it.  Give me a heart that’s filled with  love and understanding, in Jesus name, Amen.

Dealing with a Problem Early, Friday Jan.20

Friday January 20 2012

Proverbs 10:10  “People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.”

Does this verse conjure up visions of our tolerant and permissive society today? We are being conditioned to be “politically correct” and therefore, we  often become hesitant to stand up for Godly foundations and Biblical teachings.

Parents are afraid to discipline their children and when they do, it seems as if the consequences are often inappropriate or non-existent. 

Our judicial system falls into the same category.  Prisoners are given leniency and treated like victims instead of perpetrators.  Prison facilities are often more luxurious and better equipped than private homes.

Many people are afraid to stand up for their democratic rights for fear of being accused of being “intolerant”. 

The Bible says we are allowed to be bold and in fact, Solomon says, “A bold reproof promotes peace.” This always proves to be true.

As a young Mother, I often looked the other way when my children did something wrong which wasn’t too serious.  I discovered, if I didn’t put a stop to the misbehavior early, the “deed” became more severe as time progressed.  Soon the whole “act” got out of hand and someone would end up getting injured or something would get broken and then........I would lose my cool and reprimand more severely then was necessary.  Things would have been much easier if I had disciplined early and I could have saved myself much stress and anguish. It took me a long time to learn not to “turn the other way” or “wink” at the wrong that was being done but I should have dealt with the matter as quickly as possible.

As a teacher, I learned to attack a problem as soon as I detected it:  whether it was behavioral or academic, the sooner I could act and resolve it, the easier my job was.  By acting early and appropriately, the child learned not to repeat the “thing” and the classroom became a better learning environment for all concerned.

There are many circumstances in life where we can apply this verse.  It is a good one to put to memory, to use when the situation arises where we need to be “honest” and forthright.

Prayer for today: Heavenly father, Thank you for your Word, Your “blueprint” for my life.  Help me to adhere to the teachings that bring honour to your Holy name. May I have the capability to speak up for what is righteous and true and not be ashamed or timid in Biblical truths. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bold as a Lion: Jan.19

Thursday January 19 2012

Boldness    :  “fearless before danger, self assured, prominent:”

Proverbs 28:1 “The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the Godly are bold as lions.”

Have you ever watched a lion attack it’s prey?  It is, first of all, cautious as it sneaks up to it’s victim; and then it pounces, tenaciously, without mercy: only the goal is considered! It fights until the death of its prey.  That is exactly how bold we, as Christians, are allowed to be.  The model is in Jesus who is called The Lion of Judah.  Lions were far more widespread in biblical times, reaching as far as Greece, as well as in Asia Minor, Iran, Iraq and Syria and Turkey.  Lions are also associated with God’s protection (Judges 14:6, 1 Samuel 17:34-37)  they are also associated with God’s judgment. 

Throughout scripture the lion is used as a symbol of might. I encourage you to take this verse of scripture today and claim it as your own. We have nothing to hide or fear when we are walking in the light of our God.  I encourage you to pray for God to keep His mighty hand upon you.  As long as we are  sheltered under his hand, no harm can befall us because we will be safe and  able to be bold as a lion. We, as Christians, can claim this verse to give us confidence and keep us from fear. 

(1Peter 5:8,)  At the same time we are reminded that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  He waits for us to drift away from under the shelter of the mighty hand of God and only then does he have the power to devour. The answer is simple, isn’t it? Let us continue to stay sheltered under the mighty hand of God!

Prayer for today: I am so thankful for the shelter of your mighty hand upon me, Lord. I pray, today, that you will give me a new boldness for you, Lord Jesus.  I pray that I will be equipped to know what to say at the right time. May the power of your Holy Spirit give me the actions and words that help to bring someone to your precious side, Jesus, so that your promise can be embraced by a hurting soul.  Help me to be able to show your love and forgiveness each day in return for your love and sacrifice for me. In Jesus name, Amen.

Praise Him, even if.........Wed. January 18

Wednesday January 18 2012

Ephesians 1:13 “And now you also have heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you,   And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.  14) The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us everything he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. This is just one more reason to praise our glorious God.” 

Is that not reason enough to praise our Glorious God?  And does that convey the wondrous love our Heavenly Father has for us?

We all know, it isn’t always easy to praise our Father, especially in the midst of a storm but in obedience, we need to do it anyway.  Usually the clouds lift and the sadness slips away when we lift our eyes to God and start to praise Him. If your day isn’t going “great” I encourage you to start being thankful for the good things and soon the difficulties will shrink and actually become blessings.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, my days aren’t always what I consider, good, but I thank you for being with me all the time. Help me to keep my eyes on you and not on my troubles. I am so glad you love me and always do what’s best for me. I love you , Lord, and long to be close to you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

We are joint heirs with God......January 17

Tuesday January 17 2012

Ephesians 1:11) “Furthermore, because of Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for He chose us from the beginning and all things happen just as he decided long ago.”

When my husband and I come to the end of our lives here on earth, all of our children will receive the exact same share, of what we leave, and that is how God considers us.  We truly are legal heirs because we receive an inheritance from God.  Not because of our good deeds or “holy” efforts, but because God chose us long ago and he decided that we are legal heirs.  All of our children will receive what is rightfully theirs as well, not because they have been “good” to us or have done favors for us, but because we love them all equally no matter what happens in our relationship. They are legally our children and each one of them are entitled to an equal portion. (Whatever that may be.)

I have discovered, in order to help me understand my relationship with my Heavenly Father, I often compare it to the relationships we have here on earth and it helps me understand the deep love my heavenly Father has for me and you.

Prayer for today: Father, Thank you for your grace, for it is by grace, we are saved through faith and it is only by your grace that I have been forgiven and adopted into the family of God.  There is nothing I can do to earn or buy a place in Heaven.  I am not deserving of your mercy and favor but by the sacrifice of your precious Son, I can be your child and my inheritance includes a home in Heaven. Thank you, Lord for choosing me to be your child.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Joy of Adoption January 16 2012

 Monday January 16 2012  

The Joy of Adoption:

Ephesians 1:4,5. “Before we were even born, or before He made the world, God loved us  and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.  His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ.  And this gave Him great pleasure.”

In 1970 my husband and I adopted our youngest daughter, our baby. We actually “chose” her to be our daughter.  We cared for babies of unwed mothers in our home until Social Services could place them into adoptive homes.  

This special little girl was in our home for eighteen months before she was eligible for adoption. After this length of time we had grown to love her so much, we could not bear the thought of letting her go. Instead of allowing social services to place her with another family, we applied to legally  adopt her.   It was a very exciting day when she actually became “ours”. Our daughter is very special to us and has given us blessings our other four children could not.  She has brought another dimension into our family  because her genetic makeup is different from her siblings.  She has also grown  to be a beautiful bright and confident young woman and  she holds a very special place in our hearts. 

I liken this to my adoption into the Kingdom of God.  It makes me feel very special and privileged to be a child of God and know He has adopted me into His family. What a blessing to know He chose me! 

He  also gave me a choice and for many years I chose not to enter into the blessings He wanted me to enjoy. During those years of rejection, my life was empty of the deep peace and joy and love that comes from a relationship with the Heavenly Father.  When I returned to my rightful heritage, as a child of God, I knew I was in the right place.  Through Jesus Christ, I was welcomed into His family with open arms.  He is my Father just as my husband is our daughter’s father.  She also had a choice when she came of age to reject us or to embrace us because she always knew the truth about her adoption.  I am so glad she also made the choice to continue to be an important part of our family.

When we adopted our daughter, we weren’t required to sacrifice anything in order for her to be legally ours.  Her birth mother had done all the hard work and we only enjoyed the benefits and blessings of her “labor”. The same holds true in the family of God. God allowed his Son to give up His own life so you and I can be accepted into the wonderful family of God.  Jesus purchased our freedom through His blood.  That is how very much God loves us and wants us to accept Him.  I can’t imagine giving up any of my children for others to enjoy the benefits but our daughter’s biological Mother actually gave up her little girl so we could love and enjoy her.  I will be eternally grateful to her for her sacrifice just as I am to our glorious Father in heaven who has adopted me into His family so I can reap the wondrous blessings which He gives to me daily.

Prayer for today: I am so thankful for the love you have for me, Lord, to adopt me as your own child.  Thank you for sacrificing your only Son for my salvation.   Help me to bring praise and glory to your name in all that I do and may my life be a blessing to You, Father.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Weekend Read: Saturday- Sunday January 14 2012

Our son, Drew was killed in a single car accident October 1998.  He was learning how to be a Christian Father to his two children after receiving the Lord a few months previous.  It was a devastating time for our family and the days were very dark.  As a Mother I felt the loss even though the Lord sustained me.  One day after enduring a rain-drenched week with tears and sadness, I cried out to Jesus to help me see the world as a joyous place once again.  As I was driving west, a beautiful vivid rainbow appeared before me. God had answered my prayer and I felt his promise of hope was evident. He also gave me these words, which I have sung to many others as an encouragement for  feeling depressed.  I began to realize as I turned my eyes toward Jesus and not on myself, life could be filled with the joy of the Lord even though I had suffered a great loss.

There’s A Rainbow in the Sky:

By Adena Paget.

Yesterday, was full of clouds and rain,

Yesterday, my mind was on my pain,

Then I looked on by, and I saw His lovely face,

And now there’s a rainbow in the sky.

There’s a rainbow in the sky,

All the clouds just slipped away,

There’s a rainbow in the sky,

And the night has turned to day,

There’s a rainbow in the sky,

When our eyes are lifted up,

There’s a rainbow in the sky,

And His sunshine fills us up.

Yesterday, I was taking all the blame,

Yesterday, I was filled with guilt and shame,

Then Jesus came and He took away the pain,

And now there’s a rainbow in my heart.

There’s a rainbow in my heart,

Since the “Son” came shining through,

Jesus came and took the pain,

And He made me new again,

There’s a rainbow in my heart,

For He takes away my sin,

There’s a rainbow in my heart,

If I keep my eyes on Him.

For He takes away the sadness

And He fills my heart with gladness

And now there’s a rainbow in the sky.