Focus on God for a great beginning

Women of Faith wanted to know–How do you start your day? How's that working for you?

I start my day with a cup of home-brewed Starbucks and my devotions. I use several different devotional books to help get me on the right track. I found that after awhile I get into a "devotional rut" and have started to add a little variation. 

I use a journal to record notable events and prayers for those who are in my heart but I also now pray in color on occasion. This is a wonderful way to be creative while focusing on God and praying for the needs of others. I've included a picture from my praying in color journal. 

It's really easy for me to get sidetracked while I'm praying and reading scripture so I keep a piece of scrap paper handy to write down the things that pop into my head so I can remember them and deal with them later. 

When my dog starts snoring as she lays on the floor by my chair I often break into a song of praise. My singing isn't the greatest and that usually wakes her up. God doesn't mind that my voice is creaky–He's listening to my heart.

Before I open my Bible I ask God's Spirit to show me something new, teach me what I need to learn and I often have to ask for forgiveness for messing up the day before. Often as I pray, I will hear the Spirit direct me to send someone a card or give something to someone. 

There have been days when I had to be out the door early and didn't take time for devotions, but I know that God understands. He wants my undivided attention and usually I can give Him at least a half hour of uninterrupted time. It's the best part of my day!

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

As we prepare to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our hearts are turned toward a hill on calvary where He laid down His life for the sins of the world. 

Jesus came into the world as a man for one specific purpose. He came to bridge the gap between sinful man and a righteous, holy God. Without Him and His precious blood we would all be lost for eternity, but praise be to God, Jesus came, He walked among us and showed us the great love God has for each one of us. The New Testament is full of eye-witness accounts about His earthly ministry.

As Jesus prepared for His crucifixion, He spent His last hours in prayer in the Mount of Olives. 

"Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." John 17:1-5

It is hard to imagine the anguish that Jesus went through as He realized that His earthly ministry was over. We cannot fathom the amazing love for mankind which held Him to the cross. His physical body was inflicted with pain just as any human body would be, yet He endured. He could have called upon 10,000 angels to come to His rescue, but He didn't. Why? Why would He willingly die for us? It's all about love. A love which is beyond our comprehension, a love that is timeless. 

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the JOY set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grown weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3

Jesus experienced joy for what He accomplished. His work on earth was complete as He hung on the cross and took on the sins of the world. He reconciled mankind to God the Father for all eternity. In spite of the pain, in spite of the scorn, in spite of what looked like complete failure; He knew that what He was doing was for the benefit of all mankind. All those who believe in Him and seek God will reap eternal rewards. His love for us is that great!

But the story doesn't end with Jesus death. The power of Almighty God was displayed further when He brought Jesus back from the grave. His tomb is empty! Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ not only saved mankind through His blood, but he also defeated the enemy by overcoming death. All those who accept Jesus as their Savior are over comers. We will all spend eternity in the presence of God because of His immense love for us.

All I can say is "Thank You, Father! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, Holy Spirit!"

Abandoned by not forgotten

                                         Do you ever feel abandoned? How do you deal with that emotion?

Years ago my husband and I were having marriage problems. We had just moved 100 miles from our families and our hometown with his new job and were hoping to get a fresh start on our marriage. 

We moved to a wonderful neighborhood with other families who had young children and things were looking up for us. We had made some new friends, were meeting our new neighbors and had a bright future.

Shortly after the move, however, my husband had a difficult time letting go of the past and some ties he had to our former hometown. He often picked a fight with me on the weekend which gave him an excuse to head back home leaving the children and myself to fend for ourselves. At that point in time, I didn't even have a car and I felt totally helpless.

Being abandoned by my husband, living in a new town and trying to keep things as normal as possible for my children created much fear within me. Although I had faith, I felt like the man who asked Jesus to help him in his unbelief. I cried out to God and to everyone who would listen asking for help. Many of my new neighbors did what they could to help and my family listened to my cries long distance. I know many prayers were offered for my children and myself.

Going through that period of abandonment was a new experience for me. My life had been relatively trouble-free up to that time. I learned through the experience that although God is always with us providing for our needs, He often surrounds us with people who will help us. The key is for us to ask Him for the wisdom to know where to go for help and who we can trust to help us. We often need to rely on the kindness of strangers and God is the one who puts them in our pathway.

God has restored my marriage and the abandonment is just a memory, but when I see other people in need, I am more compassionate with them because of my own experience. 

The Bride of Christ

The book of Esther is more than a love story. As Christians, we can get a better understanding of our own lives as we read about her life.

After Queen Vashti insulted her husband, King Xerxes, he began a search for a new queen. The Bible is full of types and shadows. Stories which have double meanings and are a reflection of things to come. 

Reading about the dethroning of Queen Vashti reminded me of the Jewish people and their disregard for Jesus as the Messiah. They rejected Him as their king and He called others (Gentiles) into His kingdom. He is the King of Kings and is searching for a suitable replacement to be His bride. 

The "church" is referred to as the bride of Christ over and over again in the New Testament. Jesus is coming back someday to take His bride to heaven with Him. Even now He is preparing a place for us. But before that day comes, the "church" must undergo beauty treatments.

Esther was selected as a candidate for queen from among many others but before these women met face to face with the king, they had to complete 12 months of beauty treatments. 

"Before a girl's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete 12 months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. And this is how she would go to the king: Anything she wanted was given her to take with her from the harem to the king's palace. In the evening she would go there and in the morning return to another part of the harem to the care of Shaashgaz, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name." Esther 2:12-14

The "church" has been established by Christ Jesus as His bride. We are in the process right now of beauty treatments. Not necessarily the same type of treatments that Esther had to endure, but more of a purification process. Our hearts and minds are going through a cleansing and we are becoming more Christ-like in our thoughts and deeds. The oil of the Holy Spirit is being applied to us daily, preparing us to stand before King Jesus. 

"Now the king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made he queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther's banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality." Esther 2:17-18

Revelation 19:7-9 puts it this way; "Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints). Then the angel said unto me, 'Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God."

The "church" has been selected as the bride of Christ but we are still in preparation for that glorious wedding day.  

For Queen Esther her responsibility increased once she became queen. She was asked to go before the king to plead for the lives of the Jewish people. Her adopted father, Mordecai, explained it like this: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:13-14

What a responsibility we have as the bride of Christ. He is expecting us to share the gospel message and save people from eternal damnation. The world needs Jesus more than ever before and maybe, just maybe we have been called "for such a time as this."

A note about this post: I have been asked if this means that the "church" replaces Israel as God's chosen people and the answer is "No!" Although the "church" has become the bride of Christ, the Jewish people have not been rejected by God. He still loves Israel and we (the Gentiles) have been included in His grace and mercy through the blood of Jesus.

Be Prepared for Spiritual Warfare

You Have The Power

There is a spiritual battle taking place in the heavenly realms today that defies description. If we had the spiritual eyes to see the battle, we would be overcome with terror. Since the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the enemy has been trying to take back control of the earth and he means to steal from, kill and destroy all the followers of Christ. 

When Jesus appointed 72 of His followers to go before Him and prepare hearts to receive Him, He knew they would meet opposition. They were amazed that demons submitted to them when they used the name of Jesus against them. He told His followers, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." Luke 10:18-19

As Christians, we are burdened when we hear about injustice and hatred in the world around us. Because of the magnitude of the turmoil in the world, it seems we are powerless to do anything. But there is good news for those who are willing to put on the full armor of God and fight the battle.

Paul told the church in Corinth, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Jesus is expecting His "Church" to be engaged in this spiritual battle for lost souls in the world. God's Holy Spirit resides in believers and all the power that accompanies the Spirit is ours to use in this battle. The same Spirit that had the power to raise Christ Jesus from the grave is within all believers. But we often fail to plug into this power and use it for God's glory. 

God commissioned Jeremiah the prophet with these words, "You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." Jeremiah 1:7-10

That commission can apply to each believer today. God has set you apart for kingdom work and is expecting you to take a stand against the enemy. When God calls us to a task, He makes sure that we are equipped for that task. He equipped David in his battle with Goliath, He equipped Daniel when he was taken into exile, He equipped Joseph when he became a slave and He equipped Moses as he led the Israelites from captivity. He will equip you too!

The Bible tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. You are the righteous, your prayers are powerful and effective against the enemy. But you have to pray.

Paul used the imagery of a fully-armed soldier as he described those who are prepared to battle the enemy. We must wear the belt of truth–which enables us to recognize the lies of Satan. We must wear the breastplate of righteousness–which protects our hearts from the enemy's accusations. We must wear the right shoes–which will motivate us to share the good news with others. Always carry the shield of faith–our faith will help us ward off Satan's attacks against us. The helmet of salvation–protects our minds from doubts about God's love for us. 

All of these things are defensive, but we only have one offensive weapon at our disposal. God has given us the sword of the Spirit–it is the Word of God and nothing is more powerful. Jesus used the Word of God against Satan when He was tempted in the wilderness. It stopped the enemy dead in his tracks.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18

When you feel overcome by the evil in the world, there is something you can do about it. You have authority given by Jesus himself to call upon the Living God and ask Him to stop the enemy. You have all the armor you need to stand up against the enemy. And by the power given to you through the Holy Spirit and God's word, the enemy has to flee. 

Join in the spiritual battle by praying for God to intervene in the lives of people around the world. Your prayers are heard and they are powerful and effective!

Preparing for Passover

What were Jesus and His disciples doing before He was crucified? We know that His crucifixion took place during Passover but do you know the connection between the Jewish Passover and Christ's death on the cross?

The Passover was ordained by God while the Jewish people were living in exile in Egypt. Moses was instructed by God to plead with pharaoh for the release of the Jewish people from captivity. Pharaoh's heart remained hardened and he refused to let the Jewish people go regardless of the plagues God brought upon the people of Egypt.

In the final plague, God said he would kill the first born of every household in Egypt. The Jewish people were instructed to slaughter a year-old male goat or lamb at twilight and apply the blood on the doorposts of their homes. They were to eat the meat roasted over a fire along with bitter herbs and bread made without yeast.

"This is how you are to eat it: with your cloak tucked into your belt, your sandals on your feet and your staff in your hand. Eat it in haste, it is the Lord's Passover." Exodus 12:11

That night the Lord struck down the first born in the land of Egypt, but the Lord passed over those who had the blood on their doorposts. Pharaoh released the Jewish people from their bondage that night and they left the land of Egypt in haste. The Jewish people continue to celebrate Passover each year during the first full moon in the spring to commemorate God's promise to free them from captivity.

Jews from all over Israel made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Passover in the Holy City. Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. As the people made the journey up the hills leading to Jerusalem, they sang "Pilgrim Psalms" or "Songs of Ascent." These songs can be read in the book of Psalms, beginning with Psalm 120 and ending with Psalm 134.

The Psalms were used as a time to reflect on sins committed and prepare hearts to be in an attitude of repentance before the sacrifice was made at the temple on Passover.

We can use these Psalms during Lent to prepare our hearts and repent of sin before we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter. 

"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins." Psalm 130

Jesus fulfilled this scripture when he willingly died on the cross for the sins of the world. His body was placed on the cross and his sinless blood covered the crosspieces to make atonement for sin. He is the sacrificial lamb, slaughtered at twilight to save all those who believe in him from eternal damnation. Thanks be to God!

What the Bible says about wild weather

The Bible tells us that the earth began suffering from the time Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. God told Adam, "Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Genesis 3:17-19

Paul alluded to this reference when he told the church in Rome; "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subject to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:18-23

When Jesus was asked by His disciples for a sign of His coming and what to expect at the end of the age, He told them that there would be wars, famines and earthquakes but that these were the beginnings of birth pangs. Matthew 24:7

The earth is in labor awaiting the return of Christ. It has been in a state of decay and no technology in the world can prevent the inevitable from happening. Labor pains start out small and are spaced far apart. But as the time of delivery approaches, the pains gain in intensity and length until the baby is born. The earth is approaching its delivery from decay and we can expect to see more wild weather as the day of the Lord nears.

Jesus had a foreknowledge of what was to take place on the earth before He came a second time to set up His eternal kingdom, but warned that know one knows the day or the hour of His return. Yet He gave His disciples signs to watch for so they could stand firm to the end.

Paul also warned the believers in Thessalonica. "Now brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'Peace and safety,' destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4

Jesus explained to his followers that the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations before the end will come. Matthew 24:14

He also quoted from the prophet Joel who had predicted that the sun will turn to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. But Joel also added a message of hope. "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the survivors whom the Lord calls." Joel 2:31-32

Jesus gave many signs of what was to come before the end of the age. "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in aguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." Luke 21:25-28

Instead of being worried and fearful, as Christians we should instead praise God that we are living at this time in history. The world needs Christ as never before and the harvest for the kingdom of God is plentiful but the workers are few. Share the hope that you have because of Jesus with those who are living in fear. 

The final scripture in Revelation sums it all up, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." Revelation 22:20-21