Prepare: The Storm is Coming

A storm is coming.

Literally, we are preparing for soon Hurricane Laura. Within the next 24 hours we will have possible category 3 or 4 strength winds, and a storm surge. Thankfully Marco did not become an event for us late last week. But let me tell you, 2 storm systems hitting area at one times screams "birth pains" to me - and many other fellow believers.

We have prepped as well as we can. We have supplies, we have brought the plants and toys into the garage. We have boards on the ready to put on the windows if we need to. And we have a plan on where to go if we lose power. 

Thanks to technology we knew the storm could be an issue as far back as August 16th - 9 days ago. That is amazing - we saw it form off the coast of Africa and have been able to keep an eye on it, take steps to be ready, and now here we are. 

In light of current world events and all that is going on I want to draw a parallel to another storm.One that will last 7 years. Friends, the Time of Jacob's trouble is soon. And all people, who have rejected Jesus, or not accepted Him fully will face a time unlike any other. I want us to consider Habakkuk 1:5 (NASB):

“Look among the nations! Observe!

Be astonished! Wonder!

Because I am doing something in your days—

You would not believe if you were told.

I have been blessed to study the Bible via the Precept Upon Precept style for a good 5 years now. Started off in the Book of Revelation, then moved onto the Kings and Prophet Series. That has included 1 & 2 Kings/Chronicles, and many of the minor prophets books. The past few weeks we have study the 3 chapter book of Habakkuk, 56 verses. And wow, what a book. I have enjoyed studying prophecy because many times there was a near application and a future application. Habakkuk is such a book. Habakkuk was disgusted with the wickedness in Judea, and called out to the Lord. These 56 verses are the conversation the prophet had with the LORD, the LORD's response and the warning for us all. What God told Habakkuk was to happen was so astonishing, that even being told, he, Habakkuk would not believe it. God used a pagan nation to bring about judgement on His people, to turn their hearts back to Him. And what a pagan nation it was. The Chaldeans, which were Babylonians. They were their own idol, boasted in their own strength, seemed to have supernatural abilities, 100% deplorable, cannibalism, and pure wickedness towards those who they overtook. 

So back to the storms....Because of modern technology we are not being caught unaware by Hurricane Laura. 120 years ago, the storm of 1900 hit Galveston, TX. 100 people died. It has been described as the worst storm in American History. Back then people didn't know they were in a hurricane until after it hit and destroyed their lives.

Whether you like weathermen or not, they do play an important role in our lives. One that I watch made an observation the other day that was enlightening. 

"For everyone complaining about changes in the forecast for Marco, keep in mind today’s 5-Day forecast is as accurate as a 1-Day forecast in 1980. Let that sink in. We’ve come a long way."

As time has gone on, our warnings have become more accurate, and more timely. We have more time to prepare.

Friends, God's word has done the same. The Bible is filled with the warnings of what will happen on and to the earth before the Tribulation. Jesus gave us a warning in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24

The Beginning of the Birth Pangs

Jesus left the Temple and went away. As he did so, his disciples came and pointed out the Temple buildings to him. 2 ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘and you see all these things? I’m telling you the truth: not one stone will be left standing upon another. All of them will be thrown down.’

3 As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, his disciples came to him privately.

‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that you are going to appear as king, and that the end of the age is upon us?’

4 ‘Watch out,’ replied Jesus. ‘Don’t let anyone deceive you. 5 You see, there will be several who will come along, using my name, telling you “I’m the Messiah!” They will fool lots of people. 6 You’re going to hear about wars, actual wars and rumoured ones; make sure you don’t get alarmed. This has got to happen, but it doesn’t mean the end is coming yet. 7 Nations will rise against one another, and kingdoms against each other. There will be famines and earthquakes here and there. 8 All this is just the start of the birthpangs.

9 ‘Then they will hand you over to be tortured, and they will kill you. You will be hated by all nations because of my name. 10 Then several will find the going too hard, and they will betray each other and hate each other. 11 Many false prophets will arise, and they will deceive plenty of people. 12 And because lawlessness will be on the increase, many will find their love growing cold. 13 But the one who lasts out to the end will be delivered. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom must be announced to the whole world, as a witness to all the nations. Then the end will come.’

The Desolating Sacrilege

15 ‘So when you see “the sacrilege that desolates”, as Daniel the prophet put it, “standing in the holy place” (the reader should understand), 16 then those who are in Judaea should take to their heels and run to the mountains. 17 If you’re up on your roof, don’t go down into the house to get things out. 18 If you’re in the fields, don’t go back to pick up your cloak. 19 It’s going to be terrible for pregnant and nursing women during those days. 20 Pray that it won’t be winter when you have to run away, or for that matter a sabbath. 21 Yes: there’s going to be such great suffering then as has never been since the start of the world until now – no, and won’t ever be again. 22 And if those days had not been shortened, nobody at all would have been rescued. But for the sake of God’s chosen ones those days will be shortened.

23 ‘Then if anyone says to you, “Look! Here is the Messiah!” or “Look! There he is!”, don’t believe them. 24 False messiahs will arise, you see, and false prophets too. They will provide great signs and portents, so as to deceive even God’s chosen ones, if that were possible. 25 Remember, I’m telling you this beforehand!

26 ‘So if someone says to you, “Look! He’s out in the wilderness”, don’t go out. If they say, “Look, he’s in the inner room”, don’t believe them. 27 You see, the royal appearing of the son of man will be like the lightning that comes from the East and flashes across to the West. 28 Where the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.’

The Coming of the Son of Man

29 ‘Straight away,’ Jesus continued, ‘after the suffering that those days will bring,

The sun will turn to darkness,

and the moon won’t give its light;

the stars will fall from heaven,

and the powers of heaven will shake.

30 ‘And then the sign of the son of man will appear in heaven; then all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see “the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven” with power and great glory. 31 He will send off his messengers with a great trumpet-blast, and they will collect his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 ‘Learn the hidden meaning from the fig tree. When its branch begins to sprout, and to push out its leaves, then you know that summer is nearly there. 33 So with you: when you see all these things, you will know that it is near, at the very gates. 34 I’m telling you the truth: this generation won’t be gone before all these things happen. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never, ever disappear.’

The Unexpected Coming

36 ‘Nobody knows what day or time this will happen,’ Jesus went on. ‘The angels in heaven don’t know it, and nor does the son; only the father knows. 37 You see, the royal appearing of the son of man will be like the days of Noah.

38 ‘What does that mean? Well, in those days, before the flood, they were eating and drinking, they were getting married and giving children in marriage, right up to the day when Noah went into the ark. 39 They didn’t know about it until the flood came and swept them all away. That’s what it’ll be like at the royal appearing of the son of man.

40 ‘On that day there will be two people working in the field. One will be taken, the other will be left. 41 There will be two women grinding corn in the mill. One will be taken, the other will be left.

42 ‘So keep alert! You don’t know what day your master will come. 43 But bear this in mind: if the householder had known what time of night the burglar was going to come, he would have stayed awake and wouldn’t have let his house get broken into. 44 So you too must be ready! The son of man is coming at a time you don’t expect.’

The Wise and Wicked Slaves

45 ‘So,’ Jesus went on, ‘who then is the trustworthy and sensible slave, the one the master will set over his household, so that he will give them their meals at the right time? 46 Blessings on the servant whom the master, when he comes, finds doing just that. 47 I’m telling you the truth: he’ll promote him to be over all his belongings. 48 But if the wicked slave says in his heart, “My master’s taking his time”, 49 and starts to beat the other slaves, and to feast and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day he doesn’t expect, and at a time he doesn’t know. 51 He will cut him in two, and put him along with the hypocrites, where people will weep and grind their teeth.’

I will finish by saying, we are running out of time to prepare for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. What are you doing to ensure that as many can will be caught up from the wrath to come? Let the urgency you have prepared your home be mimicked in your kingdom work. As you reached out to the elderly you know to see if they needed supplies, or boards put on their windows - seek them out and ask them if they have a personal relationship with Jesus.

We know, roughly, when the storm will hit us tomorrow. None of know when Jesus will return. We have signs, and we need to be ready. Stay safe friends. Be secure in Jesus.

God and Government Authority

I heard an amazing sermon last week on God and Government Authority.

Pastor Nathan Cothen is the Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX - just a short one hour drive from where I live. I listen to him most afternoons on my way home, local station 100.7 FM. He preaches God's word, and in unapologetic about it.  He is one of my favorite pastors to listen to these days.

Their Day in Court - Sermon Audio

If you are able, please listen to the sermon. Below are my notes that I took when I had a chance to re-listen. 

Their Day in Court

Acts 4:13-22

Trouble: Government says "No" and we say "Yes" to GOD

What are believers to do when the laws of the state are in conflict with the laws of God?

Acts 4:13-22 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Threat and Release

13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. 

14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 

15 But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, 

16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 

17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” 

18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 

19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 

20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 

21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; 

22 for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

Guilty - Peter and John

• healing a cripple (a miracle)
• speaking truth

Charges not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

Jesus to Pilate, night before crucifixion - "You would have no authority over me if it were not given to you from above."

Natural Revelation - everyone deep in their heart knows there is a God (Romans 1).

Nobody who thinks he is a god wants to hear about sin.

Verdict - The Sanhedrin wanted to kill Peter and John but too many were watching. So for the time, told them to shut up.

PROBLEM - Sanhedrin told them to stop preaching about Jesus, and Jesus told them to preach Jesus no matter what!

Romans 13:1-7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Be Subject to Government

13 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 

2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.

3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;

4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 

6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 

7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

How do we deal with when God says one thing and man says another?

• Does God put in place irreligious governments? Yes. He uses even those who do not bow to Him, as agents of restraint and unregenerate men to keep some semblance of order in the world.

God & Government Authority

What ranks what place? Is the state above authority? No. GOD is!

3 Categories:

1.Agreement
        When everyone agrees.

        Even in non-Christian societies, have some general guidelines (Hindu, Communist, etc) they all say on "paper" - 

            - murder is wrong

            - rape is bad

            - lying is an offense (sworn in at court)

Remember - all truth is God's truth.

John 14:6 - "Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."

On the BIG stuff, there is generally agreement, no problem, all on the same page.

2. Aggravation

        Not Morally or Biblically wrong, just irritate you.

            - IRS - take your money and do not ask you waht should be done with it.

                     - we may disagree with them and their policies - it is not immoral or Biblically wrong - so                         we all pay our taxes

            - Motor Cycle vs. Car

                    - in a motor cycle

                        no helmet

                        no doors

                        no seat belt

                    Perfectly Legal

                    - in a car - roughly 6,000 pounds can get a ticket for not wearing a seat-belt

3. Abomination

• God says one thing and government says another. 
• 2 sub types
• Gov. says "yes" & we (Christians) say "No"
• i.e. 1973 ROE v. Wade
• Prior to this God and Gov. said no to abortion.
• If there is any good news, when evil people are allowed to do evil things, and we says no, they cannot flog us, put us in jail, or kill us.

Where we run into trouble is when...

• Gov says "no" and we say "yes to God.
• God said to do it, not only did He say to do it, but we are under compulsion to do it.

What then?

3 answers

1. Obey God - Don't even need to pray it. When the two are in conflict, we are going to obey God.
2. Accept what comes (man up!) (don't organize an army)
1. Peter was in jail twice.
1. 1 time freed
2. 2nd time crucified

Why was it God's will to miraculously free him one time, an angel escorting him out of the city and next time he goes in, its God's will for him to be crucified?

What do both of these have in common?

Glorifying God

• Enhance the reputation of Jesus Christ
• and we as believers in Jesus Christ signed on the dotted line that we no longer live but die to ourselves and live for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Cothen -

"I don't mind dying for Christ, its the flogging. Dying for Christ is relatively easy, being in prison for heat speech, which is three (3) things away from happening in this country. Me being in prison, for hate crimes ir right around the corner. Hate speech . If you have any grit, you too."

Do what the original disciples did - we suffer.

    3. Watch

            Do you know what did Saul in? Holy Spirit was bringing a number of things against him. But, at the end of Chapter 7 of Acts, "stoning Stephen, to death, in total innocence, they laid their clothing at the feet of the man named Saul, who had told them to do it.

You know what breaks people inside? Watching innocent people suffer, unless you are a total mental case, it will break you watching innocent people suffer, because of your corruption. It is what turned the Roman Empires into the Christian world order. He'll do it again, but He has to have people ready to man up, and do what He says, which is obey Him and accept whatever comes and watch because what God chooses to do with it - that is His business.

Romans 8:28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

When we follow "obey, accept, watch & know" we may be delivered on this side or in heaven. His will, will be accomplished and we will hear....

Matthew 25:23 New King James Version (NKJV)

23 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

And that is what it means to be a Christian.

Sermons To Watch Concerning Pentacost

Dear friends,

I hope you will take the time to watch these 3 videos. Brother Chad reveals some connections in scripture that I find very enlightening.

And in light of what the world is going through currently, I found tremendous peace as his outlined the scritpures. Please read his disclaimer before watching.

J.S.

Disclaimer: I am not saying the rapture of the Church will occur this year in 2020 ( it very well could), and I am not saying the rapture of the Church must occur on the Feast of Pentecost. This is simply a study. However out of all 7 feasts of the Lord...I believe Pentecost without a doubt paints one of the most beautiful pictures of the pre tribulation rapture of the Church. This year on the Gregorian Calendar Pentecost falls on Sunday, May 31, 2020. Other calendars have it in late May- early June time frame.

The way you should live your life is in constant expectation as if today could be the day Jesus comes for His Church...but at the same time occupying if it's years from now ( I believe Jesus is at the door ). Keep watching with me. Keep looking up! Jesus is coming soon!

Video #1

Video #2

Video #3

2019: It's about Relationships

February is already coming to an end. Hard to believe that the first two months of the year are done. I remember as a child, it seemed like every day took forever. Now as an adult, I blink and the day is done.

For many, January first is a day of resolutions, new starts, new chapters. I get it, it is an almost tangible to start something new. But what I am reminded of in God's word is this:

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB)

22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.

23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.

New every morning! Everyday is a gift from God. So, I am not big on resolutions on January first. I strive to better myself, and draw closer to God through out the year. If I feeling my heart come August I need to pray more, or read more, or fast more, I do it then. I don't wait.

Now, what I do on January first is this. I review the past year. It is a good pivot point to reflect on the past and future. I look back to thank the LORD for what He guided is through in the past 365 days. Then I pray about the direction He will take us in the next 365 days (should we be given that many). At the start of the year I do have friends who pick a verse or a word to guide their year ahead. These concepts I understand, and I like them. For 2019, the Holy Spirit laid on my heart two words to be my guiding principals in life.

trust

intentional

Both of these are relational in how I need to apply them to my life.  I love how trust is defined:

trust.
.
[trəst]
NOUN
1.firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.
"relations have to be built on trust" ·
synonyms:
confidence · belief · faith · freedom from suspicion/doubt · sureness ·
safe keeping · keeping · protection · charge · care · custody ·

VERB
1.believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of.
synonyms:
have faith in · put/place one's trust in · have (every) confidence in ·

For 2019, my relationship with God is to be guided by me trusting Him. I am to trust Him in everything I do and with everything I am and have. The hardships of the past few years have brought me to a point in my walk where I will take one of two paths. I will either trust God completely and follow Him, or I will not trust Him. It is as simple as that. Just because I follow Him, because I trust Him - it does not mean things will be easy, pleasant or enjoyable. Walking with Him, is doing it no matter what circumstances I am in.

John 16:33  (NASB)

33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

We must remember who it is we are following. God loves us. He created us to bring glory to Him. So while we may not understand why are going though what we are going through, we can trust that in the end it is for His glory.

I am studying Psalm 23 in my connection group. We are doing the study by Jennifer Rothschild. It is soo amazing! Six verses of scripture, but so complex. If you have time/opportunity to do her study on Psalm 23, do it! But until then, read Psalm 23, read it a few times, slowly:

 

Psalm 23  (NASB)

The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.

A Psalm of David.

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

2
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

3
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.

6
Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Our Shepherd loves us, has laid His life down for us, He wants what is best for us. We can TRUST Him friend.

The other word to guide my 2019 is intentional, and this is in regard to my earthly relationships: family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, everyone.

in·ten·tion·al.
.
[inˈten(t)SH(ə)n(ə)l]
ADJECTIVE
done on purpose; deliberate.
synonyms:
deliberate · calculated · conscious · done on purpose · intended · planned · meant · considered · studied · knowing · willful · wanton · purposeful · purposive · purposed ·

When it comes to my interactions with those I am around, I want to be deliberate, focused, purposeful. By being intentional I want people to know I care. I am making eye contact when talking to someone. I am saying their name when I say hello, so they know I see/recognize them. I am putting my phone away so they know they have my attention. I feel these need to be done even more so with my husband and children, but not just them. They are my priority mission field in my obedience, but I need to take these steps of action in the work place, in public settings, and in my everyday interactions.

Technology is wonderful, but it is isolating. By being purposeful and intentional, I am hoping to strengthen the relationships I already have, and hopefully cultivate some new ones.

1 Corinthians 10:31  (NASB)

31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Fifty Shades of Red

Confession: As a tween I was introduced to romance novels. I am talking about Julia Garwood, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts and the like. Books very similar to the daytime soap operas on the standard channels. No where near appropriate for a 10-13 year old to read. I was a ferocious reader (still am to a degree) and could read 3 to 4 a week.

Now, romance novels were not the only books I read, I read Little Women, Jane Eyre, Edgar Allen Poe, and many others. So a varied assortment, but should I have read the romance novels? As an adult, looking back, the answer is absolutely no. The books I read very easily effected my perspective on romance, sex, and relationships. The books, with their fictional story lines, some highly improbable, with unrealistic outcomes changed how I viewed life. Will I allow my daughter to read such books while she is in my house? No, not at all. 

2011, the year that the first book of the Fifty Shades trilogy came out. My husband and I were married. I remember the book came out while I was in the midst of a ladies bible study group at church. The book came up after our main session while we were split into small groups. Amongst my group of varied ladies (backgrounds, education, age, stage of life) not a single one of us wanted to read the book, and in fact many of us were appalled. 

Were we being prudes? Maybe. But what had us appalled was the number of God fearing women we knew who were fanning over the book. Mothers, Bible study leaders, women we respected -  were excited about this book trilogy. A trilogy based on debased sexual perversions, that glorifies sexual/mental abuse, and highlights an ungodly/immoral relationship.

Many of us asked amongst our selves, and to the ladies who were excited about the books this question: what is the difference between the trilogy and porn? To those we asked, many thought we were being overly dramatic, that there was no connection. Porn they said was degrading to women, and nasty men watched it. They got very defensive and deflective. But there is no difference. Both porn and that trilogy degrade women, make light of the foundation God implemented for sex, and changes how the individual partaking in its message views romance/sex/life.

As with our culture, if a book goes against God, glorifies an "alternative lifestyle" and is successful monetarily, movies are made! Just recently the third movie was released and has been a roaring success according to the media news outlets. It has had a $33 million launch and is a box office success. 

What does this say about our society? That fact that these books and movies are so successful does not speak well about the moral temperature of our culture and society. 

Ladies if you have read this trilogy and seen these movies, I HOPE and PRAY that the Holy Spirit convicts you and you become Fifty Shades of RED! Be embarrassed. God created sex, He knows what is best and how it works best: within a marriage, built on the foundation of faith. God knows how love works, He created it and defined it!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails

And also remember this, God's plan for marriage:
Ephesians 5: 22-33 (Marriage Like Christ and the Church)

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.


25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

Ladies, we are the moral lighthouse of our homes. We have a heavy influence on our children and their upbringing. Our children see what we do, and what we do is what they will do. Let that sink in on every level - how you dress, how you eat, how you serve, how you spend your leisure time. Women with daughters, I feel this is even more so relevant to us. Our daughters want to be us (at least my 5 year old does a this point). She wants to dress like me, do her hair like me, she asks to wear my lip stain - she wants to be my mini me. How I act in front of her, what activities I partake in, she is soaking in like a sponge. Our sons are influenced by us also, but their father will be the bigger influence in their actions and ambitions. Women usually are the glue that holds their families together, or tears it apart. 

Proverbs 14:1 The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands

Let us all be the wise woman.

Lifestyle: A Prayer Led Life

If God gave you everything you had prayed for/about in the last 7 days, what would you have?

I posed this question a little over a week ago on my blog's Facebook page. I was hoping for a dialogue but instead was met with silence. And I believe that is indicative to the prayer life of many believers. If God came to us and said I am going to answer everything you have prayed about, in the way you want, in the last 7 days - I have a feeling most of us would be disappointed in what we would receive.


Image Sitation

When I heard the question posed in a sermon, it really made me think. I know I pray some, but I am guilty too of neglecting my prayer life when I am tried. I string prayers along throughout my day, I pray during the times we are called to during service, and there are mornings when I do offer up detailed prayers. But I am not consistent. This is not a judgement sisters, this is a reminder that we have access to throne room of Heaven.


We do not have to go to preacher/priest/pastor to have our prayers heard. We can offer them directly to God. And even more glorious, we have the Holy Spirit as an intercessor. He makes sure our prayers get to God in the right manner, in accordance to His will.

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)

26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

What a beautiful verse. I have heard the story of the child who was saying her evening prayers. Her father listened in and heard her saying, "ABCDEF..." all the way to Z. Her father asked her what she was doing. To which she replied, "I don't know the words to pray, so I am giving up the letters." When we don't know what to pray, what a beautiful concept. Sing your alphabet and ask the Holy Spirit to make the right words.

Image Sitation

I know myself well enough to know this, if someone asks me to pray for them, I must do it right then, because I will forget and I don't want to make a false promise. I do have a list of people/collectives to pray for, and I try to attend to it. If I see a need in a post, or if a news story catches my eye - I do pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We are told to pray without ceasing. Sisters, we need to discipline ourselves to pray all day, throughout the day. We are called by Jesus to do it. Next Monday, I will report back with my list of prayers, the people and situations that I have sent up to God to cover their lives and situations. Will you join me?