SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Yesterday was the most gorgeous day of the year, I think. We had lunch at our picnic table outside and I had my french doors open most of the day. It had to be in the 70's for sure. My outdoor thermometer said 83, but that was in the sun. The weatherman said it was 69. So, I'm guessing my backyard was somewhere in between that. It sure put a bug in me for summer to come! Today is not quite as nice, but hopefully it doesn't stay away too long! The kids are dreaming about swimsuits and sprinklers and I'm dreaming about flowers!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
MIRACLES CONT.
I've been kind of unsettled about my last post on miracles and wanted to add this to it...
I know many people who have prayed for a miracle in their life who still haven't or never did receive it, and this is NOT due to a lack of faith by any means. Some of these people have more faith than anyone I know! Beth's teaching that I summarized below did not cover this topic, but this is yet to come in a few weeks. God is God and doesn't always choose to perform a miracle, even if a person has more faith than all of us combined, and sometimes it's just His timing. I'm really looking forward to that section of her teaching, and will keep you posted on what I learn.
I've been kind of unsettled about my last post on miracles and wanted to add this to it...
I know many people who have prayed for a miracle in their life who still haven't or never did receive it, and this is NOT due to a lack of faith by any means. Some of these people have more faith than anyone I know! Beth's teaching that I summarized below did not cover this topic, but this is yet to come in a few weeks. God is God and doesn't always choose to perform a miracle, even if a person has more faith than all of us combined, and sometimes it's just His timing. I'm really looking forward to that section of her teaching, and will keep you posted on what I learn.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
MY NEW FAVORITE MUFFIN RECIPE!
My friend, Jen, gave me this recipe a couple days ago and she got it from Cooking Light magazine. I made them today and they are yummy and healthy! Thought I'd share the recipe...
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
1 2/3 cup quick oats
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup oil
2 tsp. lemon rind
2 eggs
2 cups blueberries
2 Tbsp four (if the berries are frozen)
2 Tbsp sugar
Place oats in food processor or chopper and grind up a bit. :) Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl and stir. Combine buttermilk, oil, lemon, and eggs in separate bowl. Stir well and add to flour mixture just until moist. If BB are frozen, toss with 2 Tbsp. flour. Fold in. Before baking, sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes. YUMMY!
My friend, Jen, gave me this recipe a couple days ago and she got it from Cooking Light magazine. I made them today and they are yummy and healthy! Thought I'd share the recipe...
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins
1 2/3 cup quick oats
2/3 cup flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup oil
2 tsp. lemon rind
2 eggs
2 cups blueberries
2 Tbsp four (if the berries are frozen)
2 Tbsp sugar
Place oats in food processor or chopper and grind up a bit. :) Combine dry ingredients in mixing bowl and stir. Combine buttermilk, oil, lemon, and eggs in separate bowl. Stir well and add to flour mixture just until moist. If BB are frozen, toss with 2 Tbsp. flour. Fold in. Before baking, sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes. YUMMY!
Monday, February 20, 2006
MIRACLES
This week, my Bible study is devoted to miracles. I just want to share a bit of what I got out of our study. We heard a teaching last night on miracles and our current religious culture. We studied the two extremes -- those who don't believe God performs miracles today, and those who's only focus is the performance of God. "Though it is our duty to love the body of Christ, we don't have to take up camp on either end of this spectrum" (Beth Moore).
WHAT DOES GOD'S WORD SAY ABOUT MIRACLES?
Those who say it's not possible, take a person's right to hope away. Those on the other end of the spectrum are "looking for the most high God rather than God the most high."
The following points hit me the most from Beth's teaching:
1) Mark 9:23 "Everything is possible for him who believes."
2) We believe little because we've seen little, and we see little because we believe little.
3) God often denies miracles on the external because He's focusing on the INTERNAL! So, if He says no to the external, He's saying the internal was more of a priority.
4) With the right heart we CAN request the fulfillment of any promise in the entire Word of God. We are greatly helped, however, by understanding that God has not obligated Himself to fulfill every promise from Genesis to Revelation to every believer throughout history.
5) If we abide in God's Word and seek Him, the no's will be the exception! (John 15)
6) Are we trying to live THE faith without faith????
This week, my Bible study is devoted to miracles. I just want to share a bit of what I got out of our study. We heard a teaching last night on miracles and our current religious culture. We studied the two extremes -- those who don't believe God performs miracles today, and those who's only focus is the performance of God. "Though it is our duty to love the body of Christ, we don't have to take up camp on either end of this spectrum" (Beth Moore).
WHAT DOES GOD'S WORD SAY ABOUT MIRACLES?
Those who say it's not possible, take a person's right to hope away. Those on the other end of the spectrum are "looking for the most high God rather than God the most high."
The following points hit me the most from Beth's teaching:
1) Mark 9:23 "Everything is possible for him who believes."
2) We believe little because we've seen little, and we see little because we believe little.
3) God often denies miracles on the external because He's focusing on the INTERNAL! So, if He says no to the external, He's saying the internal was more of a priority.
4) With the right heart we CAN request the fulfillment of any promise in the entire Word of God. We are greatly helped, however, by understanding that God has not obligated Himself to fulfill every promise from Genesis to Revelation to every believer throughout history.
5) If we abide in God's Word and seek Him, the no's will be the exception! (John 15)
6) Are we trying to live THE faith without faith????
Sunday, February 19, 2006
TIME ALONE...
Yep, Evan's been out of town this weekend. I never like it when he's gone, which really isn't very often, but I am slowly learning to make the best of it and accomplish things that I don't normally get around to.
There was one experience with him gone that was right after we moved in this house. We had been in Montana about 1-1/2 years, and had only been in this house about a week. We didn't know the neighborhood very well, and hadn't met any people on the street yet. Evan had a training for work, and I was home with the two kids at the time. (Kiana wasn't here yet!) CJ, our black lab, decided to attack the large front window at around 11pm at night. Now, CJ is getting up there in years, and for her to have a serious fit with the window that time of night just about gave me a heart attack! I was in bed reading at the time, and I remember slowly creeping to the window and peeking through the blinds terrified of what might be looking back at me! (I know...where was my faith??? But let's face it, I was not thinking about that at the moment!) I never did find out what it was that made her bark (probably one of 50 cats that roam the street here), but it was a turning point in my time home alone. I learned to trust in my Jesus! I love that verse in the Psalms, "I will lie down and sleep in peace because you O Lord will keep me safe!" And let me tell you, I quote it every night that I am alone, and once I do, I can turn over a fall asleep in peace knowing my big God is taking care of me! :)
Yep, Evan's been out of town this weekend. I never like it when he's gone, which really isn't very often, but I am slowly learning to make the best of it and accomplish things that I don't normally get around to.
There was one experience with him gone that was right after we moved in this house. We had been in Montana about 1-1/2 years, and had only been in this house about a week. We didn't know the neighborhood very well, and hadn't met any people on the street yet. Evan had a training for work, and I was home with the two kids at the time. (Kiana wasn't here yet!) CJ, our black lab, decided to attack the large front window at around 11pm at night. Now, CJ is getting up there in years, and for her to have a serious fit with the window that time of night just about gave me a heart attack! I was in bed reading at the time, and I remember slowly creeping to the window and peeking through the blinds terrified of what might be looking back at me! (I know...where was my faith??? But let's face it, I was not thinking about that at the moment!) I never did find out what it was that made her bark (probably one of 50 cats that roam the street here), but it was a turning point in my time home alone. I learned to trust in my Jesus! I love that verse in the Psalms, "I will lie down and sleep in peace because you O Lord will keep me safe!" And let me tell you, I quote it every night that I am alone, and once I do, I can turn over a fall asleep in peace knowing my big God is taking care of me! :)
MAGIC DIAPER CREAM
I know I have at least a few moms who check out my blog on occassion that have babies still in diapers. My sister-in-law gave me this recipe for diaper rash cream, and it works wonderfully! The trick seriously is in the Maalox (generic version of any liquid antacid works fine)! For months now, on and off, I've been fighting a rash with Kiana and I have been out of it. I bought some yesterday and it was pretty much cleared up this morning. If you don't want to actually make the cream, you can use a tube of Desitin and dip your finger in the Maalox. It works, too!
1 tube Desitin
1 tube Zinc Oxide
1 Cup Maalox
Mix in a container and keep tightly covered. The Maalox will sort of stay separate from the creams. It is what keeps them from screaming when it's applied! Give it a try!
I know I have at least a few moms who check out my blog on occassion that have babies still in diapers. My sister-in-law gave me this recipe for diaper rash cream, and it works wonderfully! The trick seriously is in the Maalox (generic version of any liquid antacid works fine)! For months now, on and off, I've been fighting a rash with Kiana and I have been out of it. I bought some yesterday and it was pretty much cleared up this morning. If you don't want to actually make the cream, you can use a tube of Desitin and dip your finger in the Maalox. It works, too!
1 tube Desitin
1 tube Zinc Oxide
1 Cup Maalox
Mix in a container and keep tightly covered. The Maalox will sort of stay separate from the creams. It is what keeps them from screaming when it's applied! Give it a try!
Friday, February 17, 2006
WHAT I'M READING NOW
This book is awesome! It's a book with many different stories of Christians who stood up for Jesus in amazing ways which impacted many people for Christ. Many of them were facing persecution and death. Evan and I have both picked up this book this past week on our own time, and have both been enjoying it. Thanks to my friend, Heidi, who gave this to us as a gift!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
LIGHT AND FLUFFY OR SINFUL AND YUMMY?
I have to bring a dessert to a friend's house on Friday night, and I was torn between these two recipes. The first one we use to eat a lot growing up and tastes wonderful and the second one is loaded with calories and "bad for you" stuff, but truly does fit it's name. Since I'm on a health kick right now, the first one would have been better, but the sales at the grocery store made the decision for me....Sinful and Yummy! I'll make the light and fluffy one next time (as I truly do love this recipe, too!), but I couldn't pass up saving some money. Thought I'd share both recipes with you.
Pick-N-Cake
(Light and fluffy)
Yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
11 oz. can mandarin oranges with juice
Bake at 350 in 9X13 for 30 minutes
Frosting:
lg. can crushed pineapple in juice
3 oz. instant vanilla pudding
9 oz. cool whip
Better Than Anything Cake
(Sinful and Yummy)
1 German Chocolate cake mix, baked according to package in 9X13.
Using a wooden spoon handle, poke holes all over cake. Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk over top and then either caramel or chocolate ice cream topping and cover with cool whip. Can also add crunched up heath bars on top.
I have to bring a dessert to a friend's house on Friday night, and I was torn between these two recipes. The first one we use to eat a lot growing up and tastes wonderful and the second one is loaded with calories and "bad for you" stuff, but truly does fit it's name. Since I'm on a health kick right now, the first one would have been better, but the sales at the grocery store made the decision for me....Sinful and Yummy! I'll make the light and fluffy one next time (as I truly do love this recipe, too!), but I couldn't pass up saving some money. Thought I'd share both recipes with you.
Pick-N-Cake
(Light and fluffy)
Yellow cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup oil
11 oz. can mandarin oranges with juice
Bake at 350 in 9X13 for 30 minutes
Frosting:
lg. can crushed pineapple in juice
3 oz. instant vanilla pudding
9 oz. cool whip
Better Than Anything Cake
(Sinful and Yummy)
1 German Chocolate cake mix, baked according to package in 9X13.
Using a wooden spoon handle, poke holes all over cake. Pour 1 can sweetened condensed milk over top and then either caramel or chocolate ice cream topping and cover with cool whip. Can also add crunched up heath bars on top.
A TRIBUTE TO MY HUSBAND
I am so thankful I don't have to face this world without my husband every day. Whenever I hear the song, "Every good and perfect gift comes from You..." I thank God for his gift of Evan to me. God knew I couldn't face this world without him. He's a wonderful husband, a wonderful father and a my very best friend in this world. No one on earth knows me even remotely as well as he does. As Evan always said, "We are a match made in heaven!" and I couldn't agree more!
"GODSTOPS"
Part of my Bible study right now requires me to to think about my day before I go to bed. They're called "Godstops" and it's a time of journaling simply meant to recall things throughout the day where I observed God's presence. It's based on Psalm 63:6, "On my bed I remember you." This has been a wonderful way to really think about all the areas where God seems to go out of His way to make Himself known to me. Examples for me have been MANY answered prayers, wisdom at just the right moment, special moments with my family as well as beauty in God's creation. It's amazing how often God reveals Himself, and how often I fail at noticing it as being God and give Him the glory for it. This has been a wonderful assignment for me!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
VALENTINE'S DAY
This "love" holiday at our house is always a special time. We usually bake cookies and try to do little things that might mean a lot to someone else in the family. We try to use every opportunity to turn a normal day into an extraordinary day, and holidays like Valentine's day make that a little easier.
Monday, February 13, 2006
THE WHY'S AND HOW'S FOR OUR FAITH
(Continuation of Believing God below...)
Motivations for present-active-participle believing God:
1) Incomparable power is available to us (Eph. 1:19)
2) It pleases God (Heb. 11:6a)
3) There are rewards for us when we walk in this kind of belief (Heb. 11:6b)
4) God will often act according to our faith (Mt. 9:29)
5) Believing God is credited to us as righteousness (Rom. 4:22-24)
How to get this kind of faith:
1) Yield to the Holy Spirit and faith will come out as fruit (Gal. 5:22)
2) Study God's Word for more faith in every avenue available (teachings, studies, etc.), but most importantly one on one time with the Word open! (Rom. 10:17)
3) Ask God to increase my faith (Luke 17:1-6)
4) Confess my unbelief and ask for help to overcome it (Mark 9:14-24)
5) Continue to practice faith and feed on God's faithfulness daily (Ps. 37:3)
(Continuation of Believing God below...)
Motivations for present-active-participle believing God:
1) Incomparable power is available to us (Eph. 1:19)
2) It pleases God (Heb. 11:6a)
3) There are rewards for us when we walk in this kind of belief (Heb. 11:6b)
4) God will often act according to our faith (Mt. 9:29)
5) Believing God is credited to us as righteousness (Rom. 4:22-24)
How to get this kind of faith:
1) Yield to the Holy Spirit and faith will come out as fruit (Gal. 5:22)
2) Study God's Word for more faith in every avenue available (teachings, studies, etc.), but most importantly one on one time with the Word open! (Rom. 10:17)
3) Ask God to increase my faith (Luke 17:1-6)
4) Confess my unbelief and ask for help to overcome it (Mark 9:14-24)
5) Continue to practice faith and feed on God's faithfulness daily (Ps. 37:3)
Saturday, February 11, 2006
MY SWEET JOEL
The other night, I woke up in the middle of the night with our 11 month old and couldn't get back to sleep after she was back down. I ended up being awake for 3 hours broken-hearted for my 3 year old son. Joel has had a speech delay and we've done quite a bit to help him along. In the past few months, however, we have sort of let things slide a bit in that realm. He's come so far, and yet still has so far to go. I think it was God just "waking me up" to do more for him. I think part of it is that I also have to take him in for an eye exam later this month. I just was feeling overwhelmed for him. He's such a wonderful kid and has had to go through so much in his first 3 years of life. I know we can count our blessings; there are so many children who have more difficult struggles than him, but even little things can seem big to a mom who wants a perfect life for her child. I spent time praying and crying for him that night...
...and then there's God! What a blessing He is!
The next morning, as I was peeling my eyes open for the day, I started the morning in God's Word. Of course, He had such wonderful promises for me!
This is paraphrased from Exodus 23:
Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and bring you into the place which I have prepared...if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For my Angel will go BEFORE you...so you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and water. And I will take the sickness AWAY from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
God did send an angel before me that day. I was able to get in with a new therapist (all of which I had been told had waiting lists...) and with the one and only pediatric eye doctor (whom I was told had a 3 month wait!) within 2 weeks. God, you are so good!
Also, this promise from Psalm 30
O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me....weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning!
...Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord be my helper! You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...
As I spent some time praising God that morning for His peace and His answers while worshipping Him, Kiana came and laid her head at my feet like she so often does when she wants to be picked up. She wanted in on the worship, because as soon as she was in my arms, her arms were lifted up to Jesus and there was a big smile on her face...and mine. My mourning had been turned into dancing, and she didn't want to just sit back and watch -- she wanted to participate as well!
The other night, I woke up in the middle of the night with our 11 month old and couldn't get back to sleep after she was back down. I ended up being awake for 3 hours broken-hearted for my 3 year old son. Joel has had a speech delay and we've done quite a bit to help him along. In the past few months, however, we have sort of let things slide a bit in that realm. He's come so far, and yet still has so far to go. I think it was God just "waking me up" to do more for him. I think part of it is that I also have to take him in for an eye exam later this month. I just was feeling overwhelmed for him. He's such a wonderful kid and has had to go through so much in his first 3 years of life. I know we can count our blessings; there are so many children who have more difficult struggles than him, but even little things can seem big to a mom who wants a perfect life for her child. I spent time praying and crying for him that night...
...and then there's God! What a blessing He is!
The next morning, as I was peeling my eyes open for the day, I started the morning in God's Word. Of course, He had such wonderful promises for me!
This is paraphrased from Exodus 23:
Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and bring you into the place which I have prepared...if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For my Angel will go BEFORE you...so you shall serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and water. And I will take the sickness AWAY from the midst of you. No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.
God did send an angel before me that day. I was able to get in with a new therapist (all of which I had been told had waiting lists...) and with the one and only pediatric eye doctor (whom I was told had a 3 month wait!) within 2 weeks. God, you are so good!
Also, this promise from Psalm 30
O Lord my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me....weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning!
...Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord be my helper! You have turned for me my mourning into dancing...
As I spent some time praising God that morning for His peace and His answers while worshipping Him, Kiana came and laid her head at my feet like she so often does when she wants to be picked up. She wanted in on the worship, because as soon as she was in my arms, her arms were lifted up to Jesus and there was a big smile on her face...and mine. My mourning had been turned into dancing, and she didn't want to just sit back and watch -- she wanted to participate as well!
Friday, February 10, 2006
THE TEFLON ISSUE
I recently packed up my teflon skillet and have switched to using my cast iron one. Studies are showing how dangerous teflon really is. This is one article that discusses the impact that teflon is having on unborn babies. If you're still using teflon, I would recommend switching to either stainless or cast iron. Just an FYI!
I recently packed up my teflon skillet and have switched to using my cast iron one. Studies are showing how dangerous teflon really is. This is one article that discusses the impact that teflon is having on unborn babies. If you're still using teflon, I would recommend switching to either stainless or cast iron. Just an FYI!
VACCINES
Okay, so I'm really struggling with this whole vaccine issue. Do we vaccinate or not? Myah and Joel have been fully vaccinated, and Kiana only has one more round to go. So why am I so uneasy about all of this? I research on-line and find horror stories, which the doctors tell you are very rare. Is it doing harm to our kids that we aren't even aware of? Is this where ADD and ADHD and Autism and all those awful things are stemming from? Doctors certainly don't give enough information out, in my opinion. They just say you need them. Is anyone else struggling with this? I'd love to hear some opinions and decisions you've made for your families on this issue. I'm really having a hard time with this one.
Okay, so I'm really struggling with this whole vaccine issue. Do we vaccinate or not? Myah and Joel have been fully vaccinated, and Kiana only has one more round to go. So why am I so uneasy about all of this? I research on-line and find horror stories, which the doctors tell you are very rare. Is it doing harm to our kids that we aren't even aware of? Is this where ADD and ADHD and Autism and all those awful things are stemming from? Doctors certainly don't give enough information out, in my opinion. They just say you need them. Is anyone else struggling with this? I'd love to hear some opinions and decisions you've made for your families on this issue. I'm really having a hard time with this one.
A HEART FOR JESUS
(By Juanita Bynum)
My kids recently received this children's book for Christmas from their Grandma and Grandpa. I wanted to post this. Be blessed!
On Sunday, Mom said she gave her heart to Jesus. I'm not sure what that means. I heard her heart beating when she gave me a hug just then.
On Monday, Mom smiled and made me oatmeal for breakfast. When I spilled the milk, I felt so bad. Mom didn't even get upset. She said it was OK. She cleaned up the milk and poured me a new glass. She gave me a hug, and I could hear her heart beating.
I heard it again when she read me a story. She picked me up and kissed my knee when I fell. And there was that heart beating...thumpa thump thump.
I could hear it thumpa thump when she rocked me to sleep. "Mom, you still have a heart. Did you really give it to Jesus?
"Yes, child. But I didn't give Him the heart that beats in my chest. I gave Jesus my feelings, my thoughts, my ideas, and my wishes. Now when I feel sad or afraid, Jesus understands and makes me feel better. When I get tired of being kind to others, I ask Jesus to give me strength. When there is something very special that I want or need, I can ask Jesus for it. He never runs out of joy...courage...patience...or strength."
"Sometimes I feel sad inside. Sometimes I feel afraid. I want to have a new heart from Jesus, too!"
"You can. All you have to do is ask."
"Tell us, how do we give our hearts to Jesus?"
"You don't give the heart that beats in your body to Jesus.
You give Him your feelings....He feels with you.
You give Him your thoughts...He thinks with you.
You give Him your ideas and wishes...
He helps you make those wishes come true."
"How do I give Jesus all those things?"
"Yeah, I can't see them or touch them."
"Just talk to Jesus in prayer. He can hear you wherever you are. He cares about your feelings...your thoughts...your wishes... Jesus wants to be part of your life. When you tell Him about the things that worry you and ask for His help, it is like giving those things to Him to take care of."
Jesus, I believe You love me. The Bible says You love me so much that You died to take away my sins. Please forgive me for the wrong things that I have done. Make my heart clean and new. Fill me with Your love and joy and courage. Be with me every day. Help me live and love others the way You do. I ask in Your name. Amen.
(By Juanita Bynum)
My kids recently received this children's book for Christmas from their Grandma and Grandpa. I wanted to post this. Be blessed!
On Sunday, Mom said she gave her heart to Jesus. I'm not sure what that means. I heard her heart beating when she gave me a hug just then.
On Monday, Mom smiled and made me oatmeal for breakfast. When I spilled the milk, I felt so bad. Mom didn't even get upset. She said it was OK. She cleaned up the milk and poured me a new glass. She gave me a hug, and I could hear her heart beating.
I heard it again when she read me a story. She picked me up and kissed my knee when I fell. And there was that heart beating...thumpa thump thump.
I could hear it thumpa thump when she rocked me to sleep. "Mom, you still have a heart. Did you really give it to Jesus?
"Yes, child. But I didn't give Him the heart that beats in my chest. I gave Jesus my feelings, my thoughts, my ideas, and my wishes. Now when I feel sad or afraid, Jesus understands and makes me feel better. When I get tired of being kind to others, I ask Jesus to give me strength. When there is something very special that I want or need, I can ask Jesus for it. He never runs out of joy...courage...patience...or strength."
"Sometimes I feel sad inside. Sometimes I feel afraid. I want to have a new heart from Jesus, too!"
"You can. All you have to do is ask."
"Tell us, how do we give our hearts to Jesus?"
"You don't give the heart that beats in your body to Jesus.
You give Him your feelings....He feels with you.
You give Him your thoughts...He thinks with you.
You give Him your ideas and wishes...
He helps you make those wishes come true."
"How do I give Jesus all those things?"
"Yeah, I can't see them or touch them."
"Just talk to Jesus in prayer. He can hear you wherever you are. He cares about your feelings...your thoughts...your wishes... Jesus wants to be part of your life. When you tell Him about the things that worry you and ask for His help, it is like giving those things to Him to take care of."
Jesus, I believe You love me. The Bible says You love me so much that You died to take away my sins. Please forgive me for the wrong things that I have done. Make my heart clean and new. Fill me with Your love and joy and courage. Be with me every day. Help me live and love others the way You do. I ask in Your name. Amen.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
CONTINUALLY BELIEVING GOD
Monday night was the first night of our new Beth Moore Bible study. This one is called, "Believing God". God is really speaking to me in so many ways that I can't even begin to write everything down, but sorting through my thoughts will be helpful for me and hopefully beneficial for anyone who reads this as well. This is only the beginning...!
Starting in Eph. 1:11-23, we read that there is power for those who believe -- the same power that God used to raise Christ from the dead is available to us!
In verses 13 and 19, (see below), there are two tenses of the verb "believe". Quoting Beth, "verse 13 speaks of Christians having believed. This faith-action refers to the exercise of belief that leads to salvation. Every Christian heard the gospel message at some point and chose to believe and receive it. Because we exercise this faith-action, we immediately became Christ's. We were given His Holy Spirit and marked with a seal. This faith-action was exercised in the past with obviously radical results" (page 10).
Verse 13: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...
Verse 18-19: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his imcomparably great power for us who believe.
The Greek verb in verse 19 is a present active participle, which means it is applied "to those who are presently, actively, and, yes, continually believing God" (page 10). It goes beyond just having believed.
I'll finish with this quote, for now at least, which gives some wise words to chew on. "Our glorious faith walk began with an act of faith that brought us into relationship with Jesus Christ as our Savior, but it doesn't end there! Having believed in Him, we are called to continue believing all He came to do and say! Tragically, some who have believed in Christ have believed little of Him since. He who began a work in us wants to accomplish far more! God is calling us to leave the passive life bred by a past-tense view of faith and to participate in present-active participle believing!" (page11).
5 Statements to Cling to:
1) God is who He says He is.
2) God can do what He says He can do.
3) I am who God says I am.
4) I can do all things through Christ.
5) God's Word is active and alive in me.
I'm believing God!
Monday night was the first night of our new Beth Moore Bible study. This one is called, "Believing God". God is really speaking to me in so many ways that I can't even begin to write everything down, but sorting through my thoughts will be helpful for me and hopefully beneficial for anyone who reads this as well. This is only the beginning...!
Starting in Eph. 1:11-23, we read that there is power for those who believe -- the same power that God used to raise Christ from the dead is available to us!
In verses 13 and 19, (see below), there are two tenses of the verb "believe". Quoting Beth, "verse 13 speaks of Christians having believed. This faith-action refers to the exercise of belief that leads to salvation. Every Christian heard the gospel message at some point and chose to believe and receive it. Because we exercise this faith-action, we immediately became Christ's. We were given His Holy Spirit and marked with a seal. This faith-action was exercised in the past with obviously radical results" (page 10).
Verse 13: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...
Verse 18-19: I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his imcomparably great power for us who believe.
The Greek verb in verse 19 is a present active participle, which means it is applied "to those who are presently, actively, and, yes, continually believing God" (page 10). It goes beyond just having believed.
I'll finish with this quote, for now at least, which gives some wise words to chew on. "Our glorious faith walk began with an act of faith that brought us into relationship with Jesus Christ as our Savior, but it doesn't end there! Having believed in Him, we are called to continue believing all He came to do and say! Tragically, some who have believed in Christ have believed little of Him since. He who began a work in us wants to accomplish far more! God is calling us to leave the passive life bred by a past-tense view of faith and to participate in present-active participle believing!" (page11).
5 Statements to Cling to:
1) God is who He says He is.
2) God can do what He says He can do.
3) I am who God says I am.
4) I can do all things through Christ.
5) God's Word is active and alive in me.
I'm believing God!
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
THE KEYS TO GODLY PASSION
I recently found a notecard stuffed in my Bible that I wrote comments on during my Bible study last fall, "Jesus the One and Only" by Beth Moore. This what it said: (and it's quoting that study).
The Keys to Godly Passion are:
1) Talking with Him
2) Opening the Scriptures
"Your heart means far more to Christ than anything. That your heart is utterly taken with Christ is far more important than any amount of service or rules you could keep. All other efforts to fan the flame of our spiritual passion for Christ are in vain without prayer and Bible study rubbed together to ignite the fire!"
A prayer from that study:
"Bring me to a place of TRUE prayer, not just mindless, half-hearted petitions. Please dig the well deep inside of me so you can fill it with your faith enough to move mountains in your name, sweet Jesus!"
Teach me to PRAY, dear Jesus!
I recently found a notecard stuffed in my Bible that I wrote comments on during my Bible study last fall, "Jesus the One and Only" by Beth Moore. This what it said: (and it's quoting that study).
The Keys to Godly Passion are:
1) Talking with Him
2) Opening the Scriptures
"Your heart means far more to Christ than anything. That your heart is utterly taken with Christ is far more important than any amount of service or rules you could keep. All other efforts to fan the flame of our spiritual passion for Christ are in vain without prayer and Bible study rubbed together to ignite the fire!"
A prayer from that study:
"Bring me to a place of TRUE prayer, not just mindless, half-hearted petitions. Please dig the well deep inside of me so you can fill it with your faith enough to move mountains in your name, sweet Jesus!"
Teach me to PRAY, dear Jesus!
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