Hoping?
Zechariah 9:12 NIV
"Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you"
I have some questions for you:
What are you hoping for?
What are you expecting in life?
Are you looking for something good to happen?
Are you expecting to be disappointed?
How crooked is your path?
So many people are feeling hopeless these days. However, Jesus did not die for us to be hopeless. He died so that we could be full of hope.
The devil wants to steal your hope and he will lie to you. He'll tell you that nothing good can happen in your life or that the things you care about won't last. If you're struggling with a difficult situation, he'll tell you it will never end. But you have to stay full of hope and remember that the devil is a liar. God can change everything! In snap finger quick time Jesus can turn your whole world around and make your crooked path straight again.
Listen to these promises:
Isaiah 42:16 KJV
"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them".
Luke 3:5 KJV
"Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth ... "
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him"
The Bible is literally filled to the brim with messages of Hope. Here are just a few:
Psalm 119:114, Psalm 31:24, Psalm 39:7, Lamentations 3:24, Romans 8:25, Romans 15:4, Proverbs 13:12, Psalm 43:5, Psalm 71:14, Ephesians 1:18, Hebrews 3:6, Acts 24:15, Colossians 1:27, Romans 15:13, Psalm 146:5, Hebrews 10:23, Hebrews 6:19, Psalm 52:9, Ephesians 1:12, Ephesians 4:4, Psalm 27:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 6:11, 1 Peter 1:3, Isaiah 26:3, Micah 7:7 ...
And that! is just the tip of so, so many Passages that speak of Hope.
Our Father is good, and He has good plans for your life. If you will maintain your hope, especially in the midst of troubled and uncertain times, He has promised you "double for your trouble" (see: Isaiah 61:7) . So refuse to give up hope. Start expecting God to do something. And that "something" is going to be really, really awesome!
Repeat After Me:
Satan is a liar and we as the many membered body of Christ will not listen to him and lose hope. We fully expect the Lord Jesus to do great things in (and with) our lives. Of which we will rejoice and give thanks!
Dog Dementia
Lately; I have noticed that my dear precious Abby has been a little off of her game. Well; really, a lot off her game. She seems to wander around as if she is looking for something. In corners, under the bed, trying to squeeze under the coffee table- just odd things. All of her toys and bed is accounted for and yet still she is searching. Since we had hard wood floors installed I can hear her pacing all night long. Looking, looking, looking. Tap, tap, tap as her nails click across the floor.
I also noticed that she would bark to go outside; go to the toilet, come back in - only to repeat the cycle a few moments later. The problem being that once she went out for the second time she would simply sit and just stare off into space before barking to come back in.
I thought perhaps she might have a bladder infection since she has been wearing pull-ups now for almost 2 years.
Which is a whole 'nother story.
Dog diapers are insanely expensive. Forget the fact that they go through them hand over fist (constant dribbling being an issue) and unlike the Geico guy that rides around on his motor bike blowing money in the breeze as he passes by - I, myself am not made of money. And then there is the factor that dogs can get out of a diaper faster than Houdini could get out of handcuffs.... I came up with the plan of purchasing regular toddler pull-ups (for Abby I found that a 3T was the perfect fit) You simply put their back legs through the leg opening- pull them up until they come almost to their upper chest and wah lah! No escaping them babies. No sir indeed! They can wiggle and waddle and snap at them all they want and they stay right in place until you (Super Doggie Mum) remove them. Toddler pull-ups are about 1/3 the price of diapers sold expressly for dogs. Problem solved and money saved. I only mention that in passing should you ever find yourself the owner of a dog that requires wearing a diaper in their advanced age.
Anywho; back to the odd wandering ...
Thinking that perhaps Abby may have developed a bladder infection and "may" require some type of antibiotic- off to the Vet we went for a check-up. I explained the systems to the Vet who then did an urinalysis - which came up negative for anything. Thus he did some blood work- which also came back as nothing. He checked her heart, lungs, bones and zero. Nothing, nada.
Once again; explaining to the Vet (who we established in an earlier note is of the opinion that I am as twisted as tangled yarn) I labored to outline the specifics of her odd behavior. For weeks she could hardly get around on her back legs- often dragging one leg as if it was detached from her body. Which mysteriously disappeared over-night. Not the leg- the limp. I claimed that she had experienced a miraculous healing privately in my heart.
Then seemingly over night she no longer required the use of doggie diapers (she completely quit dribbling urine) and again I claimed a miraculous healing in my heart.
She quit eating for almost a week and then began to eat as if all the food in the world may very well disappear tomorrow and she better get her fair share now before it was too late.
But this odd wandering behavior persisted and she had developed being very shy when you tried to love on her (pick her up and pet her ect.) So he checked her eyes and said "Well, she is blind you know" as if that was a foregone conclusion and I was at least marginally retarded for not picking it up on my own without being told.
Well; yes, of course I had noticed that her sight was off but she is almost 14 years old and excuse me for stating the obvious but at my own advanced age my sight is off too and to my knowledge they don't make doggie corrective eye glasses (and you're a complete dickhead of a human Mr. Vet)
The bottom line is that Abby has what is called canine senile dementia. The old mind is slipping away.
Here in the deep South we know how to treat our human relatives that suffer with senile dementia. We give them a cocktail and sit them on the front porch in a cozy rocking chair - where they spend their afternoon waving at cars that pass by. If Uncle Bob comes out of the bedroom dressed in his late wife's dress - we let him wear it because honestly; what does it hurt if it makes him happy?
What we don't do is hurry right out and stuff them in a Nursing Home because all of the sudden they are just more trouble than they are worth. And (here is a shocker) We don't humanely euthanize them either. No prick of the needle for old Uncle Bob. We give them COCKTAILS and let them live it up before they go on to Glory.
But; what do you do with a dog?
Apparently according to the Vet (who we have established is a total douche bag) the humane thing to do is to simply put them down. Let them go. Or you could possibly try a round of Parkinson's Disease medication to see if that doesn't clear up a little bit of her confusion (to the tune of $148.00 per month)
What a load of shite.
Parkinson's drugs when you don't have Parkinson's disease? I think not.
Put her to sleep because she is starting to slip a little in the brain firing?
Are you insane?
Listen; folks. Here is the deal.
The reason that dogs get canine senile dementia is because they get better vet care than dogs did in the past. We take them in for checkup more often than we as human beings go in for checkups. Thus they are living longer. In days past- when we really didn't make it a point to run off to the Vet's office whenever we felt something was amiss - dogs (and cats) died because their body's simply gave out. They got sick, they died and that was that. Now with all of the Vet care that dogs (and cats) get they live longer with healthier bodies and thus we see their minds begin to slip away.
Personally; I find this to be a good thing. Kind of like good old Uncle Bob spending his days sipping cocktails and waving at cars while wearing a floral dress that once belonged to his late wife. I would rather have a live dog that is as looney toons as a rat running around a shite house that a dead one that I won't ever see again this side of Heaven.
There are alternative medications that you can give a dog (or cat) that's mind is slipping. Western medicine is always a good standby. Ground Ginko and a touch of Hawthorn roots sprinkled in their food may stimulate brain cells.
If all else fells you can always give them a cocktail. Abby is rather fond of the occasional sip of a Bloody Mary (she won't turn her nose up at a Sunday brunch Mimosa either) I have also been known to give her a pinch off the old Valium or Xanax when acting especially anxious or fearful. But; that's just me. You may feel different.
For those that are wondering - here are the signs and systems of canine senile dementia (which is not all inclusive but will give you a starting point to watch for:
1. Any system of a disease that is ongoing for a while and then suddenly stops without any type of treatment (urinary dribbling, arthritis, partial paralysis - especially in the hind quarters etc..
2. Aimless wandering.
3. Not responding to name
4. Fearful - nervous shaking
5. Inspecting corners of a wall frequently (will attempt to lay down in the corner for a bit and then get up to inspect another area)
6. Seemingly unable to locate their bed, food & water bowl
7. Distant behavior - formerly a loving dog (or cat) that no longer wants you to pet them or cuddle with them.
8. Frequent crying out, whining, whimpering in their sleep - almost every time they are asleep (not just occasionally)
9. Almost seizure like behavior in their sleep (shaking as if cold or afraid)
10. Does not immediately wake up if petted or moved.
For those that already know that their dog (or cat) is suffering from the onset of dementia and wish to explore an alternative treatment than to simply "put them down" I highly endorse Chinese herbs. This is the vender that I use which you may also find helpful:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/Kingdomofbasil
Look for "Heart & Brain Support" $15.00 for a whole lot of herbs.
In the end; I will let Abby go when I think that she is suffering. Which at this stage of the game I do not believe in my heart that she is. Until then ... we will press on ... ever awaiting that Glorious Appearing of our Lord!
The Words of Thy Mouth ...
Words are powerful when released out of your mouth because they carry spiritual forces.
Jesus said it this way:
"…the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life".
John 6:63
I think sometimes we miss what He said. “There is spirit life in the words that I speak.” That’s why it is important for us to agree with God, and to say what God says.
When we talk about “confession”, that is actually what we are talking about: agreeing with God. When we mention confession, most people think we are referring to confessing our sins. If we sin, we should confess our sins to God. But here we are talking about agreeing with God. That is the confession of God’s Word.
Words carry spiritual forces. Words transmit fear; words transmit supernatural power, words transmit faith. Words transmit your image to others. God’s Word transmits God’s image – the devil’s word transmits the devil’s image.
For example;
If I wanted to give someone an image of my car, I would start describing it. Every word I speak would transmit a clearer image of that car. Inside of me right now I can see that car mentally. I can walk around it. That is a mental image. I can describe it in such detail that you could recognize it when you see it, even though you have never seen it with your natural eye. My words produce an image of that car inside you. I transmit to you the image I have with words.
Yes indeed! Words are powerful transmitters.
Remember Paul said in Romans 10:17:
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Today you can have an image inside of you. You may even have the Word of God for it. The Spirit of God may be moving concerning the very thing you have an image of, but until you release that image through faith-filled words, very little will happen to bring that into being. You must speak that image. You must give voice to it. You give substance to that image by releasing your faith in words.
Confess abundance in the face of apparent lack.
Text taken from Mark 11:23. (read it and read it often)
The Word of the Lord came unto me and spoke one of the most profound statements I have ever heard. It was simple, but then Jesus never made anything hard to understand. It is so simple that it makes me feel almost foolish, but it has changed my life. It will change yours if you receive it as I did.
Let’s put it in the context of which He spoke.
Mark 11:23, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.”
As I was reading from this text, Jesus spoke to my heart and said to me, “I have told my people they can have WHAT THEY SAY, and they are SAYING WHAT THEY HAVE.”
That is a very simple truth, but oh how profound and far reaching. For as long as you say what you have, you will have what you say, then you, again say what you have, and it will produce no more than what you say. You can see that you have set a spiritual law in motion that will confine you to the very position or circumstance you are in when you set that law in motion. It is an age old problem of not looking beyond what you can see with the physical eye.
A correct application of this spiritual law will change even the most impossible situation. But, to incorrectly apply these laws will hold you in bondage, and cause the circumstance to grow worse.
Every faith principle, and every spiritual law that God set forth in His Word was for your benefit. It was designed to put you over in life.
Learn to Release Your Faith in Words
You can have what you say if you learn to release faith from the heart in your words. Jesus said, “… "as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee.” (Matthew 8:13)
He didn’t say it would only work if you believed right. Whether you believe right, or wrong, it is still the law. “… God is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7)
The spiritual law is based on the same basic principle of seed-time harvest. The words you speak are seeds that produce aſter their kind. Just as sure as they are planted, you can be equally sure a harvest will follow. Faith talks. When faith talks, it talks faith, not fear and unbelief.
The Treasures of the Heart Cannot be Hidden, But are Manifest Through Words
Learn to take the Words of Jesus personally. In Mark 11:23, Jesus tells you that you can have what you say if what you say comes from faith in your heart.
What would happen if Jesus walked down the aisles of your church, laid His hands on the people, and said, “It will come to pass that aſter I have laid my hands on each one of you, everything you say will happen just as you say it”?
Half the congregation would jump up and say, “Whoo Hoo Hoo! Alrighty then!" and the other half would say "Well crap"
The "well, crap" crowd has allowed the enemy to program their minds until instead of resisting him, they have sort of buddied up with him, and begun to talk his language. They know that years of speaking negative words will surely effect the outcome.
While the "whoo hoo hoo" crowd has become accustomed to speaking God's Word.
Train Yourself to Speak God’s Word
Let us train ourselves to speak God’s Word. Ephesians 5:1 tells us,
“be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children….”
The word, “followers” in Greek means to imitate. We are to imitate God as a child does his father. If a child imitates his father, he will walk like him, talk like him; and patterns his every move aſter him. We should do no less aſter our Father, God.
WHOSE WORDS WILL YOU ESTABLISH ON EARTH?
When you study the life of Jesus you find several important facts that caused Him to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. I will list a few.
1. He spent much time in prayer, but He never prayed the problem; He prayed the answer. What God said is the answer.
2. He spoke accurately, never crooked speech. His conversation always consisted of what God said.
3. He always spoke the end results, not the problem. Never did He confess present circumstances. He spoke the desired results.
4. He used the written Word to defeat Satan.
THE WORD OF GOD CONCEIVED IN THE HEART, FORMED BY THE TONGUE, AND SPOKEN OUT OF THE MOUTH IS POWER!
Christianity is called the great confession, but most Christians who are defeated in life are defeated because they believe and confess the wrong things. They have spoken the words of the enemy. And those words hold them in bondage.
Proverbs 6:2 says,
“... Thou art snared with the words of thy mouth.”
Faith filled words will put you over. Fear filled words will defeat you. Words are the most powerful thing in the universe.
Man is a spirit being, very capable of operating on the same level of faith as God.
We read in Mark 9:23,
“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Matthew 17: 20 says,
“And Jesus said unto them, ... for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
Mark 11:23 says, “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”
Spiritual Law
This is not theory. It is fact. It is a spiritual law. It works every time it is applied correctly. This is a SPIRITUAL LAW. God never does anything without saying it first. God is a faith God. God released His faith in Words.
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God .” (Mark 11:22)
A more literal translation of the above verse says “Have the God kind of faith, or faith of God.”
Ephesians 5:1 literally tells us to be imitators of God as children imitate their parents. To imitate God, you must talk like Him and act like Him. He would not ask you to do something you are not capable of doing.
Jesus operated in the faith principles of Mark 11:23 and Matthew 17:20 while He was on earth. He spoke to the wind and sea. He spoke to demons. He spoke to the fig tree. He even spoke to dead men. The wind, sea, tree, demons, and even the dead were obedient to what He said. He operated in the God kind of faith.
God is a faith God. God released His faith in Words. Jesus was imitating His Father and getting the same results as His Father.
In John 14:12 Jesus said, “…He that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also; and greater… .”
These principles of faith are based on spiritual laws. They work for whosoever will apply these laws. You set them in motion by the words of your mouth.
Do you really want all the negative things you have been confessing to come to pass?
Are you believing for those things?
If Jesus came to you personally and said, “from this day forward it will come to pass, that everything you say will happen exactly as you say it;” would that change your vocabulary? I believe it would.
Binding and Loosing
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus said, “I give you the keys of the kingdom, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (NKJV)
Psalm 119:89 tells us, “For ever O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.”
Now, it is up to you. What are you going to say about it?
God will not alter what He has said. “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” (Psalm 89:34)
Whose words will you establish on earth?
The power of binding and loosing is on earth.
Spoken Words
“I have told my people they can have WHAT THEY SAY, and they are SAYING WHAT THEY HAVE”. saith the Lord.
Spoken words program your spirit (heart) either to success or defeat. Words are containers. They carry faith, or fear, and they produce after their kind.
“So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God .” (Romans 10:17)
Faith comes more quickly when you hear yourself quoting, speaking, and saying the things God said. You will more readily receive God’s Word into your spirit by hearing yourself say it than if you hear someone else say it.
Live in the Authority of the Word
The Spirit of God spoke to me concerning confessing the Word of God aloud; where you can hear yourself saying it. And it works, thank God.
“My Word is not void of power. My people are void of speech.”
The body of Christ must begin to live in the authority of the Word. For God’s Word is power. That Power is produced by the heart, formed by the tongue, and released out of the mouth in word form.
The Word of the Lord came unto me saying:
“If men would believe me, long prayers are not necessary. Just speaking the Word will bring what you desire. My power is given to man in Word form. I have ceased for a time from my work and have given man the book of MY POWER . That power is STILL IN MY WORD.
For it to be effective, man must speak it in faith. Jesus spoke it when He was on earth and as it worked then so shall it work now. But it must be spoken by the physical body. Man must rise up and have dominion over the power of evil by my Words.
It is my greatest desire that my people create a better life by the spoken Word. For my Word has not lost its power just because it has been spoken once. It is still equally as powerful today as when I said, ‘Let there be light.’
But for my Word to be effective, men must speak it, and that power will come forth performing that which is spoken in faith.
They hear the world and speak as the world speaks. By observing circumstances they have lost sight of my Word. They even speak that which the enemy says, and they destroy their own inheritance by corrupt communication of fear and unbelief. No Word of Mine is void of power, only powerless when it is unspoken.
As there is power in my Spoken Word, so is there evil power present in the words of the enemy to affect and oppress everyone that speaks them. Be not conformed, but be transformed into the body of faith, knowing that my Words are alive ever more. Believe, speak, and obtain that your joy may be full and you shall be complete in Me.”
These truths changed my life. I will never be the same. And neither will you; if you have but an ounce of Faith.
Ohh Great Pumpkin
Did you know that the pumpkin is a fruit and not a vegetable? And that 80 percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October? This article explores some interesting facts about the common pumpkin and provides useful websites where you can find pumpkin recipes, original pumpkin carving ideas and school activities to keep kids busy during Halloween and Thanksgiving.
Pumpkin Facts
The name pumpkin originated from the Greek "pepon" which means "large melon." The pumpkin is a member of the cucurbitacae family which includes cucumbers and melons. Pumpkins were unknown to Europe until after Christopher Columbus sailed to America. They are grown around the world with the biggest productions being in China, India, United States and Mexico. Out of all the continents only Antarctica is unable to produce pumpkins. The Native American name for pumpkin is "isqoutm squash." Around 90-95 percent of the processed pumpkins in the United States are grown in Illinois.
Pumpkins are 90 percent water and contain vitamin A and potassium. 100 grams (3.5 oz) of pumpkin contain 0.01 grams of polyunsaturated fat, 1.0 grams of protein and 3100 pg of beta-carotene, an antioxidant. The seeds which are usually roasted are a popular treat and a good source of protein, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and other vitamins. Studies and research show that beta-carotene is linked with cancer protection.
Cooking with Pumpkins
Most parts of the pumpkin are edible. The seeds can be dried and eaten as a nutritious snack. The flowers, leaves and shell are also comestible. The first pumpkin pies were made when colonists sliced off pumpkin tops and removed the seeds, then they filled the pumpkins with honey, milk and spices and baked them in hot ashes.
Pumpkins are said to have originated in the Americas and Native Americans had multiple uses for them. They roasted and ate the seeds, dried pieces of pumpkin in flour, they ate the blossoms and made strips from pumpkins which they flattened and wove into mats. They also used pumpkin seeds for medicinal purposes. Today pumpkins have become a North American tradition and a staple especially during Halloween and Thanksgiving. Pumpkin is used for cooking in a number of recipes from muffins and bread to pies and custards. It is also used in soups, to make pudding and cakes. Pumpkin can be bought whole fresh or canned for a longer shelf life
In other parts of the world pumpkins are used for cooking in a variety of ways. In Italy pumpkins have different regional cooking uses, they are used as a savory stuffing for ravioli, sliced in small pieces and then fried or they are cut in pieces and then candied. In the Middle East pumpkin is used in desserts. In Thailand small pumpkins are served as desserts with custard inside. In India pumpkin is cooked with sugar, spices and butter to produce a dish called kadu ka halwa. In China pumpkin leaves are cooked and eaten alone or in soups.
Other Pumpkin Uses
Pumpkin seeds produce oil that is used for cooking, as salad dressing or mixed with other oils. The oil is a good source of essential fatty acids that help maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels.
Veterinarians recommend canned pumpkin as a dietary supplement for cats and dogs with digestive problems. Pumpkins are also used as animal feed.
In 2007 in a research on type-1 diabetes conducted by East China Normal University it was suggested that chemical compounds found in pumpkin extract are very good for pre-diabetic people and for those who already have diabetes.
The Pumpkin and Halloween
Many centuries ago the Celts used to celebrate the end of the Celtic year from October 31 at sundown until November 1st by remembering their loved ones who had passed away. To honor them on this magical night they set on their porches and window sills glowing jack-o-lanterns carved from turnips and gourds. The original Jack-o-lantern was an old drunkard who played tricks on anyone who went his way, so says the legend of Stingy Jack. When the old man died neither heaven nor hell wanted him because he had been mean and cruel during his life. Afraid that he would have to keep wandering in a never ending darkness Jack turned to the devil to help him his way through the darkness, the devil tossed an ember from the flames of hell to help Jack find his way. Jack kept the ember in a hollowed out turnip and since then Jack is said to have roamed the universe with his lit Jack-o-lantern.
When European settlers, especially the Irish, arrived in North America they discovered the pumpkin which lent itself to carving the Jack-o-lantern and they thought it was easier to carve because of the larger size. Halloween, however, didn't catch on until the late 19th century. Since then pumpkin carving at Halloween has become a North American tradition and a fun activity for children and adults alike. In the United States, long before its association with Halloween, the pumpkin was associated with harvesting, hence Thanksgiving.
How to Select a Pumpkin for Cooking or Baking
The best selection for a pumpkin to cook or bake is a pie pumpkin or sweet pumpkin. Pie or sweet pumpkins are smaller than the type of pumpkins used to carve jack-o-lanterns and the flesh is sweeter and not as watery. When selecting a pumpkin, look for a stem that is one to two inches. When the stem of a pumpkin is cut too low, the pumpkin will quickly decay or may already be decaying at time of purchase. Pumpkins should be heavy, and pumpkins that are blemished or have soft spots should be avoided. A pound of raw pumpkin usually constitutes one cup finished pumpkin puree.
Other Pumpkin Facts
•The size of pumpkins range from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds, with the largest pumpkin ever grown weighing 1,689 pounds.
•In 2006 the total U.S. pumpkin production was 1 billion pounds. Top states in pumpkin production are: California, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
A Different Kind of Halloween Tale
In the year 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony, a baby boy was born to a poor coal miner. As he grew up and observed the poverty of his father, this boy, named Martin, chose to pursue a different vocation.
He decided to become a lawyer and, in 1501, entered the University of Erfurt, where he excelled in his studies. As he came to the end of his schooling in 1504, an event took place which changed his life. While he was walking the campus grounds, a storm broke so forcefully that Martin fell on his face in fear. The thunder was deafening and lightning struck all around him.
Instinctively, he cried out to the patron saint of coal miners, whose name he had heard invoked during his childhood, "Saint Anne! Save me from the lightning. If you save me I will become a monk." Shortly thereafter the storm stopped. Being a man of his word, Martin withdrew from law school and entered an Augustinian monastery where he applied himself so diligently that he obtained a Doctorate of Theology within a few years. But the more he studied, the more troubled his heart became; for although he was becoming an expert in theology, he lacked peace personally.
The question he repeatedly wrote in his diary was: "How can a man find favor with God?" In search of such peace, Martin devoted himself to an exceedingly pious life-style. He would fast for ten to fifteen days at a time. When temperatures dropped below freezing, he slept outside without a blanket. Between his studies, he beat his body until it was black and blue and bleeding - hoping that somehow by punishing his flesh, he could rid himself of the thoughts and motives that he knew were not right (these were typical practices of the medieval church). He went to confession so many times a day that finally the abbot said, "Martin, either go out and commit a sin worth confessing or stop coming here so often!"
Martin was so introspective and continually plagued by what he knew of his own depravity and sinfulness that once, while sitting at his desk writing theology, he felt the presence of Satan so tangibly that he grabbed a bottle of ink and hurled it across the room to where he thought the devil was standing. The bottle crashed against the wall and left a mark that can still be seen today.
Finally, in 1509, Martin decided to make a pilgrimage to Rome in hope of finding the elusive peace for which he longed. He set out on foot and crossed the Alps. On his descent, he almost died of a high fever before making his way to a monastery at the foot of the mountains. There the Brothers nursed him back to health.
While there, a wise monk approached him and said, "You need to read the Book of Habakkuk." And so Martin did just that. He read Habakkuk. It was a good suggestion. Habakkuk was a struggler just like Martin, and like us today: If God is good, why does He allow suffering? If there really is a devil, why doesn't God just obliterate him? (When we throw out questions, we then plunge into our personal pursuits-and wonder why we don't get answers.)
One verse captured Martin's imagination: Habakkuk 2:4. "The just shall live by faith." He couldn't get it out of his mind. Having recovered sufficiently to continue his journey to Rome, he went to the Church of St. John's Lateran, a typical cathedral of that day.
There is a staircase there that is said to be from Pilate's judgment hall. The existing stairs are four parts: the special inner two are said to have been transported there miraculously from Jerusalem. The outer two are ordinary. The inner steps are not walked on. Here pilgrims mount painfully on their knees, a step at a time, saying prayers as they go. The pope had promised an indulgence to all who would undergo this rite.
As Martin repeated his prayers on the Lateran staircase, Habakkuk 2:4 suddenly came into his mind: "the just shall live by faith." He ceased his prayers, returned to the University of Wittenberg, and went on to explore the revolutionary idea of "justification by faith." And with great deliberation, on October 31, 1517, Martin drove a stake into the heart of the prevailing pagan concepts by nailing his famous 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and started the movement known today as the Reformation - the single most important event in modern history.
Appropriately, he did this on Halloween. His name, of course, was Martin Luther. The church leadership didn't like the implications of his views and ultimately, at the Diet (council) of Worms (a town) they excommunicated him as a heretic.
He went on to write commentaries that are classics today; hymns like, "A Mighty Fortress is our God"; and translated the entire Bible into German, a classic which remains the literary masterpiece in the Germanic tongue.
Now; you know the rest of the story ... and how you came to have your Protostant roots.
What Does the Holy Word Say?
Bible Word Study
Your Blessings Are So Many, Lord!
Your blessings are so many, Lord,
To count them one by one
Would take much longer than a day
That has just now only begun!
You fill each day with miracles
From dawn to setting sun.
Each night You hear a million prayers
When Your day's work is done.
You keep this old world spinning
As seasons come and go,
And each one is a masterpiece
That sets our hearts aglow.
You fill the earth with beauty, Lord,
With flowers, shrubs and trees,
And we marvel at Your rainbows
And butterflies and bees.
Your words still give us comfort
For Your promises are true.
Your blessings are so many, Lord,
In everything we do!
Is There A Little .....
Have you ever believed that God was there for you, even when it didn't seem like it? Then there's a little Moses in you.
Have you ever helped a friend be brave? Then there's a little Deborah in you.
Have you ever helped somebody even when nobody else wanted to help them? Then there's a little Good Samaitan in you.
Is there a little Thomas in you? Think you would've believed without proof? Hmmm.
Have you ever:
1. Wondered, even for a second, if God was really there?
2. Wished God would come to you in person so you'd be sure?
It's human to have doubts and want proof. But there are even better blessings in store when we believe without having to "see him in person." Bible Reference: John 20:24–29
Is there a little Noah in you?
People probably thought Noah was weird for being obedient.
Have you ever:
1. Given Respected to someone that looked less than respectable?
2. Befriended someone that was "different" while everybody else ignored them?
3. Been original when everyone else was mainstream?
Yes? Then you have confidence in God's instructions, just like Noah. Bible Reference: Genesis 8
Is there a little Judge in you? Think you don't judge people?
Have you ever thought:
1. You were better than somebody else because you are a Christian?
2. Thought someone wasn't really a Christian because they didn't practice their belief like you do?
We judge when we criticize people, even silently . . . especially when we're talking about God. Paul reminds us to leave the differences to God and just love each other. Bible Reference: Romans 14:10–13
Is there a little Titus in you? Have you ever advised somebody to "just say no" to any of these?
1. Fighting/Argueing
2. Gossiping
3. Cheating
If you go beyond "just say no" and help friends stay away from the un-Godly things, Titus has nothing on you. Bible Reference: Titus 2:12
YOU Getting To Know YOU !
The object of this is to get to know yourself better based on Scripture. Read each question and select an answer of either A, B, or C. (Be completely honest and no peeking at the Scriptures until you have selected your answer.)
Then read the Scripture based on the selection you have made. You'll be surprised at what you learn about yourself.
Ready? Then let's go!
1. I have to admit, when I make a promise I sometimes:
A. Make it before I know I can keep it.
Go to Proverbs 20:25.
B. Put off carrying it out.
Go to Deuteronomy 23: 21 and 23.
C. Try to get out of keeping it.
Go to Mark 7:9–13.
2. What do you want most in a friend? Somebody who:
A. Will stick up for you?
Go to Proverbs 17:17.
B. Can make you feel better?
Go to Job 2:11–13.
C. Will say, "You can do it!"?
Go to 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
3. When I meet a new person, I tell other people:
A. The good stuff I saw in her/him.
Go to Proverbs 11:27.
B. The not-so-good-stuff I saw in her.
Go to Proverbs 6:16–19.
C. Exactly what happened when I met her.
Go to Proverbs 12:17–19.
4. The consequences of my actions have been:
A. Natural, like a burn from touching the curling iron.
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:6.
B. From another person, like a fellow Christian.
Go to Hebrews 12:11.
C. From God,
Go to 2 Corinthians 9:7–8.
5. When something comes up between you and a friend, do you:
A. Just leave it alone
Go to Matthew 10:13–14.
B. Go off on the person?
Go to Matthew 18:15–16.
C. Send an email/card/letter to try to work it out?
Go to 1 Corinthians 1:10.
6. It would be hardest for me to:
A. Give up money I saved.
Go to Luke 19:1–9.
B. Serve homeless people at a shelter.
Go to Matthew 25:34–40.
C. Let somebody else do what I so much wanted to do.
Go to Matthew 20:20–28.
7. When I realize I've hurt someone, I:
A. Just Hate myself for it.
Go to Colossians 3:13.
B. Apologize.
Go to Matthew 5:23–24.
C. Try to make up for it.
Go to James 2:14–18.
8. When you think God isn't answering your prayer, do you:
A. Figure He's saying no and give up on it?
Go to Hebrews 10:35–39.
B. Keep waiting and hoping?
Go to Hebrews 6:13–15.
C. Pray some more?
Go to Luke 18:1–8.
Dear God,
Why do I make so many mistakes/mess up when I want to do right?
Like everyone, you have a gap between what you know is right and what you do. It's there because you're human, but you can ask God to help you make your gap smaller. Tell Him about the times where your actions were way different from your beliefs. Then imagine the gap being pushed together by God's power, bringing you closer to Him.
Between You... and Me...
Compassion means you feel so badly for someone you want to help him or her. Have you ever NOT had compassion for someone when you probably should have? What can you do to change so that it never happens again?
Answer: _________________________________________________
Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?
You have to be obedient to the Word of God. When you find out about what the Bible says about tithing, you need to be honest enough and courageous enough to obey the Word. It may not be comfortable at times but God is big enough to take care of all your needs and desires.
WORD STUDY
Substance (Latin substantia):
1. That which has mass and occupies space; matter.
2. That which is solid and practical in character, quality, or importance.
3. Material possessions; goods; wealth:
Firstfruits (Latin fûrstfrts):
1. The first gathered fruits of a harvest, offered to God in gratitude.
2. The first results of an undertaking.
Increase (Latin n-krs):
1. To become greater or larger.
2. To multiply; reproduce.
3. To increase in size, area, volume, or bulk.
Matthew 23:23
What did Jesus say about tithing?
Hebrews 11:6
How does tithing demonstrate your faith and trust in God?
Genesis 14:18-20; Genesis 28:20-22
What was the practice of the men of the Old Testament?
Thought to Ponder
Does God only just want cash money returned to Him?
Consider in the Old Testament: When it was decreed that 10% was an acceptable amount to return to God there was no actual cash money. No coins to drop in the collection plate on Sunday morning. The people relied on barter and trade system of crops and live-stock. During this period the tithed was the First Fruit of all that God had given to you. Do you think the times have changed in what God expects?
1. Your children:
What Book of the Bible discuss God asking a certain someone for the sacrifice of his child?
Quite naturally God would not ask us to "sacrifice" our first child to Him but He certainly expects us to raise all of our children up in His ways.
2. Your crops and live-stock:
What Book of the Bible reveals God's anger when people try to bring to Him blind sheep and half rotted crops as "first-fruits"?
Quite naturally today finds not too many women out working in the fields to bring the harvest in or tending a herd of sheep but He expects you to give Him the best of what ever it is that you do.
If you are a home-maker and your house is for the most part a wreck; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?
If you are working in the public and you only do what is required and not very well, show up late for work and leave early etc.; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?
If you are a wife and argue constantly with your husband, find continuous fault in the things he does; is this an acceptable tithe to the Lord?
3. Tithing can come in many forms and often it isn't money that the Lord asks of us. Sometimes something as simple as being able to sew or paint well and you give away one and keep the other of what you made- is going far beyond a 10% tithe that God required of His people. In fact since you only had two things and gave one away then that would actually equal out to a 50% tithe.
But if the idea of not actually giving God cash money has you to feeling a little guilty then consider that if you were asked for a dollar from someone in desperate need and you gave them all the change you had in your coin purse- you actually just gave 100% of what you had to give- even if it was only thirty cents.
It isn't What type of thing you give that matters most to God; it's what's in your heart when you do give. Amen?!
Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE HOLY WORD SAY?
3 John 2- "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Improving our health and our prosperity level requires commitment, discipline and the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God to reveal to you the areas that are not in top shape for His service. Accept the answer and develop a plan for improvement.
WORD STUDY
Prosper (Latin prosperre):
1. To be fortunate or successful.
2. Thrive
3. The condition of being prosperous.
Health (Greek kailo):
1. The overall condition at a given time.
2. Soundness, especially of body or mind.
3. A condition of optimal well-being:
Soul (Greek s'wol ):
1. The animating and vital principle in humans.
2. The spiritual nature of humans, The vital core.
3. immortal, separable from the body at death.
1 Corinthians 6:19
How are we able to be wise in the care of our physical bodies?
Acts 8:26-39
Why was it important that Philip was physically ready for the plans God had for him?
Romans 14:17
In what does this verse tell us to put our focus?
Look up the following verses to discover God's promises regarding prosperity:
Scriptures
Duet. 29:9 -
Ps. 37:3 -
Ps. 37:25 -
Ps. 84:11 -
Prov. 13:22 -
Eccl. 11:1 -
Isa. 45:3 -
Luke 6:38 -
Luke 12:28 -
Luke 12:31 -
Luke 12:32 -
John 16:24 -
Phil. 4:19 -
3 John 2 -
Philippians 4:19- "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
(according to His riches, not ours!)
My ~Aha~ Moment
Conversation with the Lord
Today I thought I would share with you a conversation that I had recently with a ~new to Christ~ young lady in which she ask "What was the one thing that made me realize beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord actually sees us and hears our individual prayers".
I honestly had to think long and hard about that as throughout my Christian life the Lord has done so many things that I ask of Him; some of those things feel so trivial to me now that I am frankly much too embarrassed to mention. Yet; answer those prayers He did as well, trivial or not.
But; what was the One thing that was my defining ~Aha~ moment?
And then I knew what it was. Those of you that are pet lovers will completely understand this story while those that are ... not so much ... probably won't get the full impact of the significance of my ~moment~ but I hope you do.
Years ago I had a miniature schnauzer named Buddy. I know ... not very original but it so suited him perfectly because he was absolutely my "buddy", my "pal", my "laugh a moment fuzzy ball of pure joy". If it is any consolation his name was suppose to be "Winston" which is a very dignified and proper name for a schnauzer but Buddy just seemed to describe his personality so much better.
From the moment we brought him home as a tiny little puppy it seemed as if he had always been there and knew the routine of toilet activity. Listen; I have my share of potty training puppy stories and puppies that will eat the finish off the walls if you leave them alone for even a second but Buddy seem to come pre-wired with the do's and don't's of what is acceptable behavior. All of the Lysol wipes, potty pads, carpet cleaner etc. etc. that I purchased prior to bringing him home went unused and stashed under the sink.
Soon we settled into a routine of day to day life. If I got up to get something Buddy followed me. If I went outside for fresh air Buddy went to. When I went to bed Buddy went to bed and when I got up in the morning Buddy got up in the morning. He even insisted that I leave the bathroom door cracked so he could lie on the rug while I took a shower. Secretly; I believe that his favorite time of the day was when I curled up on my chaise lounge to read or watch TV- in which case he also curled up on the chaise and took a nap.
Not so secretly my favorite time of the day was when I gave him his dog bone chew and instead of eating it he walked around with it hanging out of the side of his mouth and I promise you it looked as if he was smoking a cigar. Why I found that so hilarious I have no idea but every time he did it; it just cracked me up. He looked like Humphrey Bogart. So I started calling his dog bone a Bogart. I would say to him "Go get your Bogart ... Humphrey" and off he'd run and come back with it hanging out the side of his mouth and I would laugh every single time.
So; yes. I was completely "gone" over this dog. Completely "over the moon gone" for him. Every day he would make me laugh about something and it feels so very good to laugh just for the pure joy of laughing; doesn't it?
A little before Buddy's third birthday I got up with the alarm and went to make coffee and of course Buddy followed me in the kitchen. While I was waiting on the coffee to perk I said "Humphrey; where is your Bogart this morning"? and off he ran to get it. He came back into the kitchen with it hanging out of the side of his mouth just like he always did- promptly dropped the bone on the floor in front of me and then fell over onto his side. I thought he was just goofing off but just that quickly Buddy had died. No fuss, no muss, no nothing - he just simply died.
Well; it's 5 o'clock in the morning and the Vet's office doesn't open up until 7 am so I just sat on the floor in the kitchen and held him in my lap and cried until I could take him to the Vet. Not of course because I thought there was anything to be done. What can you do with death but just deal with it? But; if I had to deal with it then I demand to know why! Why was this wonderful creature that had brought me so much joy gone at such a young age? How could this happen? How could this be? I wanted answers and the Vet came to the conclusion that Buddy appeared to have suffered a massive heart attack.
How? What? Why? Had I not kept up with every conceivable test, inoculation, exam known to veterinary medicine? Had I not fed him the veterinary recommended nutritious diet? Stayed away from giving him "people food"? Given him daily bouts of exercise and free play time? Had him regularly bathed and groom right there at the veterinary office? So; how is it that my beloved dog is dead? The best the Vet could say was that he simply must have had some undetectable heart problem which resulted in a heart attack and that's just that.
Anywho; my dear sweet Buddy was dead and my heart hurt in ways that simply defy explanation. I cried every time he crossed my mind or those unexpected times when it just skips your mind that they are no longer there. You expect them to be lying on the rug when you step out of the shower and when you pull back the curtain and they are not you are reminded all over again that they are gone and they aren't ever coming back.
I am not entirely sure when the idea rooted in my mind to find out definitively that animals go to Heaven and that one day I would see Buddy again. Frankly; I just always assumed that they did. But now I had to know for certain. I was like a mad woman possessed. I Had To Know! I read every Scripture that I could dig up. I spent hours on the Internet reading the arguments of those that were "for" and those that were "against" animals going to Heaven. The decision was so split that it only caused me more anxiety. The more anxious I became the more sadder I became. The more sadder I became the more I cried. It was a vicious circle and more than a few times I seriously considered getting professional help. Surely it is not normal to grieve this much over the loss of a dog?!
But of course, as is often the way, we underestimate the ways in which the Lord will reveal Himself to us and His love for us; don't we?
Left with no where left to turn to discover beyond a shadow of a doubt that our beloved pets go to Heaven; I went to sit out on the back patio and just pray. I cried out to the Lord that I had to know. I told Him of every avenue- including the Bible - that I had looked for the answer and came up confused and unsure. I cried and I poured my heart out to Him. Finally I said "Please Lord please. Tell me that Buddy is in Heaven and one day I will see him again. Please. I have to know".
Sitting out there on the patio there wasn't so much as a hint of a breeze. It had been that way for weeks. Just hot, muggy and still. It was the subject of most every conversation around here.
While I waited sad and quiet for the Lord to speak to my heart; to answer my prayer, all of the sudden a wind blew up. More than a breeze but far from a gale; just a soft warm wind came blowing up out of no where and then there rolling like a tumble weed across the patio was a large tuft of Buddy's hair! and it stopped at my foot and then the wind stopped blowing. There it was so shiny and silvery and I leaned down and picked it up and then I smelled it. It had that same lovely vanilla scented shampoo smell that Buddy had whenever he went to be groomed. But; Buddy had been dead for months and schnauzers do not shed their hair! Nonetheless; there it was. A big tuft of Buddy's bright shiny silver hair smelling like fresh vanilla shampoo and then all I could do was fall on my knees and Praise God right there on the patio!
Jesus; in all of His wondrous Glory and infinite love had heard my prayers and had answered it in a way that left me knowing so many wonderful things. Yes; Jesus hears our individual prayers. Yes; what matters to us matters to Him. Yes; what grieves us also grieves Him. And Yes! Buddy is in Heaven and one day I will see him again. Jesus is taking care of him; just like He'll take care of me when I die. Just as He takes care of me while I am alive. And you too.
There is nothing that escapes the attention of the Lord. Everything about our lives He is completely in tune to. Our hurts, our fears, our joys- all of it. If it effects you then it effects Him. You are not small. You are not insignificant. Jesus loves you so much that He is willing to do anything to win you over to accept the love He has for you.
Why do you resist that love? Why can't you just accept the love that is offered to you so freely?
It isn't weakness when you bend your knee to the Master. It's strength. It takes courage to admit that you aren't doing so well on your own and need help.
If you believe my story - and I hope you will - and you can clearly see in the telling of it the lengths in which Jesus was willing to go to the answer my prayer over a little dog; ask yourself what would He be willing to do for me to accept His Grace and Mercy?
My defining ~Aha~ moment. What will yours be?
In His Service,
~Lazzy~
“Let your beauty be found in “the hidden person of the heart,
with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is very precious in the sight of God.”
1 Peter 3:4
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Please place in your purse or wallet
When -
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip, phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are causing anxiety, phone Mark 10:17-31
You are depressed or sad, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
People seem unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
You want Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
You need clarity with big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
It's difficult to get along with other people, phone Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For help dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18
Information!
All of these numbers may be dialed directly.
Operators are standing by.
All direct lines to HEAVEN are available 24 hours a day; 7 days a week.
Bible Word Study
WHAT DOES THE WORD SAY?
1 Peter 1:15-16
"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, Be holy, for I am holy".
Holiness and sanctification is both instant, the moment we are born-again, and progressive from that moment onward. We grow in Jesus through the Word, and are made more Christ-like every day. Anyone who truly loves God wants to be holy.
WORD STUDY
Study on the following words
Called
1. To give the command for
2. To order or request to undertake a particular activity or work
3. To cause to come to the mind or to attention
Holy
1. Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred
2. Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct
3. Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly
Written
1. To communicate by correspondence
2. To set down in writing; as in to form (letters or words)
3. To ordain or prophesy
1 Thessalonians 5:23
According to the Word, in what ways are we sanctified?
Hebrews 12:14
Why is holiness a prerequisite for "seeing the Lord"?
Ephesians 4:24
How is Christ's righteousness, holiness and sanctification different from other religions?
THOUGHTS TO PONDER ON
1. Righteousness vs. Holiness
Righteousness is the right-standing with God you gained when you were born again. The only thing you did to be made righteous was to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life.
Holiness is another matter. You are not made holy. Holiness is the result of your choices. It's what you do with your time and your actions. It's your conduct. It comes when you make a decision of your will to live according to the precepts of the Lord. In short, holiness is doing those things that please the Father.
2. Sanctification
Sanctified means "set apart." Set apart from what? From the world! God wants us to be so caught up in spiritual things that we lose interest in carnal activities and pursue Him with all our heart. Sanctification is the process God uses to impart His nature and ability to us, so we are separated from sin and the world and set apart for pure and consecrated living. We love God and therefore we yield to His influence rather than the influence of our flesh.
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the One Who makes us holy. The Father willed it, the Son paid for it, and the Holy Spirit does it. We become the sanctuary of God because of the presence of the Holy One in us. The Holy Spirit is the agent in the process of sanctification that accomplishes what needs to be wrought in us. The Holy Spirit must be allowed to be in charge. We cannot change the things in our life that need to be changed, but the Holy Spirit can. We must choose to yield to His power flowing through us and not just try to be holy on our own.
