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The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you." Jeremiah 31:3
One version of the scripture, the ESV says "the Lord appeared to him1 from far away." Oh it can be so true in my life. I am easily discouraged if I don't sense God's breath right beside me. But my God is like a good earthly father. An earthly father gradually allows the child to strike out further and further...to implement all the father has taught. Like a good coach that practices and rehearse the team and then sits back to allow them to figure out their errors in the game.
I know my Abba loves me with an everlasting love. Even when I mess up he loves me. It is through my trial and error that I realize his love is always there drawing me back to him.
I think this is one of the major life lessons God is teaching me now. Be still and know that I'm God. I have your back. Even though you think I'm afar, I love you dearly and am right there beside you. I have an everlasting love for you, and for others.
Father, you know how difficult last week was...thank you for the wise counsel we received. Thank you for the peace that surpasses all I can imagine. Thank you for past lessons that have taught us stewardship and ownership...it is all yours...to give and to take away...yet we will say, "Blessed be the name of the Lord" for your love is everlasting!
Bless Kelsey especially today with your spirit. Give he soon a glimpse into her vocational future. Bring couple friends into their lives Lord.
Amen
Children caring for children
Abba... Heavenly Father to the fatherless
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Day 45: Like a Jack Hammer
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"Is not My word like a fire?" says the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29
Kroll:
"The Bible tells us that sin hardens the heart (Eph. 4:17-19). The longer a person rebels against God, the harder his heart becomes. But we must never underestimate the power of God's Word. Sometimes it touches our lives gently and brings comfort and healing. At other times it comes down like a sledgehammer with a blow that breaks our hearts into pieces. The more we choose to harden our hearts against God and His will, the more devastating the blow.
Ask God to reveal if your heart has become hardened toward Him. And if you sense it has, allow Him to use His Word to shatter any hardness you might find.
Better a shattered heart than a hardened heart."
There have been times when God's word just crashed through my heart like a wrecking ball. Taking me to my knees. Mainly when my heart was hardened towards his will. I'm a stubborn girl (don't I know it my husband would say) and there are times I just want it my way. If God is leading in a different way he has to break my will into pieces. But there is a sweetness after the breaking. There is a tenderness, a healing, a sense of his grace. There is a peace within me knowing that I'm in his will. Thank you God for those journeys.
Yesterday was a tough day with the NL home. I kept saying to myself, "Lord, you are the owner we are the caretakers. This is your home tell us what to do. This is not new to you. You have a plan no matter what the situation. You can make all things work for your glory. All we can do is trust you to work through this. We are asking that our focus be on you...that we reflect you in our action and deeds."
The verse, "Test me and know my anxious thoughts" kept coming to me. I am glad that you, Lord, have been working me in this area. I could see some improvement in my anxiety level. I am still a work in progress but Lord there was improvement. At the beginning of the day we don't know what is ahead, but you oh Father know it. I stand continually amazed at the fact that too often in our QT times you have begun to prepare us for the obsticals this world will sling at us. I am so thankful for my time with you.
Be with us this day. May our thoughts and behavior honor you. I ask that my children will lean in close to you. Thank you for their lives. Help us to continue to point them in your direction.
Yesterday morning our couples devotion included a story about losing $50 and then a week later finding $50 in the middle of the parking lot. Well, yesterday Lonnie was in the parking lot outside of the bank and there at his feet by the car was a $100 bill. Wow! Well, we hadn't lost the money but someone had. Lonnie took it back into the bank. Lord, may the owner of that money get it back. I'm married to a truly honorable man!
You are the giver of peace in the midst of the storm. Praise be to you!
Amen
"Is not My word like a fire?" says the Lord, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" Jeremiah 23:29
Kroll:
"The Bible tells us that sin hardens the heart (Eph. 4:17-19). The longer a person rebels against God, the harder his heart becomes. But we must never underestimate the power of God's Word. Sometimes it touches our lives gently and brings comfort and healing. At other times it comes down like a sledgehammer with a blow that breaks our hearts into pieces. The more we choose to harden our hearts against God and His will, the more devastating the blow.
Ask God to reveal if your heart has become hardened toward Him. And if you sense it has, allow Him to use His Word to shatter any hardness you might find.
Better a shattered heart than a hardened heart."
There have been times when God's word just crashed through my heart like a wrecking ball. Taking me to my knees. Mainly when my heart was hardened towards his will. I'm a stubborn girl (don't I know it my husband would say) and there are times I just want it my way. If God is leading in a different way he has to break my will into pieces. But there is a sweetness after the breaking. There is a tenderness, a healing, a sense of his grace. There is a peace within me knowing that I'm in his will. Thank you God for those journeys.
Yesterday was a tough day with the NL home. I kept saying to myself, "Lord, you are the owner we are the caretakers. This is your home tell us what to do. This is not new to you. You have a plan no matter what the situation. You can make all things work for your glory. All we can do is trust you to work through this. We are asking that our focus be on you...that we reflect you in our action and deeds."
The verse, "Test me and know my anxious thoughts" kept coming to me. I am glad that you, Lord, have been working me in this area. I could see some improvement in my anxiety level. I am still a work in progress but Lord there was improvement. At the beginning of the day we don't know what is ahead, but you oh Father know it. I stand continually amazed at the fact that too often in our QT times you have begun to prepare us for the obsticals this world will sling at us. I am so thankful for my time with you.
Be with us this day. May our thoughts and behavior honor you. I ask that my children will lean in close to you. Thank you for their lives. Help us to continue to point them in your direction.
Yesterday morning our couples devotion included a story about losing $50 and then a week later finding $50 in the middle of the parking lot. Well, yesterday Lonnie was in the parking lot outside of the bank and there at his feet by the car was a $100 bill. Wow! Well, we hadn't lost the money but someone had. Lonnie took it back into the bank. Lord, may the owner of that money get it back. I'm married to a truly honorable man!
You are the giver of peace in the midst of the storm. Praise be to you!
Amen
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Day 44: Choices
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"Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death."'" Jeremiah 21:8
Life is full of choices...get gas now and be a minute late or hope I have enough to keep going and be on time! Dinner in or dinner out? Jeans or dress pants? Sweater or coat? The list is endless!
Most choices are not life changing or impacting.
But, one choice is life impacting...in fact, eternity impacting. I am glad I chose the way of life. But what about those that I encounter? Am I concerned enough about them to step outside of my comfort and "set before you the way of life and the way of death" so that they can choose. Lord, help me to be concerned...the fire inside to make sure they know.
There are choices that don't seem like huge ones but indeed they are choosing the way of life over death...I'm thinking specifically about emotions, reactions, or thoughts. Satan would have us to not look for the way of life and forget that he comes to rob and steal us of our joy. When God is at work in our lives the Deceiver will take action to so distract us that we don't see our Lord blessing us...even in our emotions.
I've blogged about my anxious thoughts before. Holy Spirit continues to remind me "Test me and know my anxious thoughts" It is those thoughts that depress me, make my stomach churn, heart race faster. My Jesus does not wish for me to be like that...death of peace. He wishes for life of joy. What ever is good, true, noble...think on these.
Lord, you are molding me and helping me to life a life of peace. Thank you! It is hurtful though to go through the testing but I am so thankful to hear Holy Spirits whisper of scripture and peace...life.
Bless the socks off my husband today. Bring calm back into his life. I beg that NL repairs will be completed smoothly and quickly. Thank you that our house guests are recovering and strong enough to return to their home. It has been a blessing for me to see the tender side of him. We know you had a purpose in this time together.
Keep our children close to you...Holy Spirit draw them close to you.
Continue to move us in your direction! Oh, and thanks for that income tax refund coming into our account just in the nick of time!
I love you, Father!
Amen
"Now you shall say to this people, 'Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death."'" Jeremiah 21:8
Life is full of choices...get gas now and be a minute late or hope I have enough to keep going and be on time! Dinner in or dinner out? Jeans or dress pants? Sweater or coat? The list is endless!
Most choices are not life changing or impacting.
But, one choice is life impacting...in fact, eternity impacting. I am glad I chose the way of life. But what about those that I encounter? Am I concerned enough about them to step outside of my comfort and "set before you the way of life and the way of death" so that they can choose. Lord, help me to be concerned...the fire inside to make sure they know.
There are choices that don't seem like huge ones but indeed they are choosing the way of life over death...I'm thinking specifically about emotions, reactions, or thoughts. Satan would have us to not look for the way of life and forget that he comes to rob and steal us of our joy. When God is at work in our lives the Deceiver will take action to so distract us that we don't see our Lord blessing us...even in our emotions.
I've blogged about my anxious thoughts before. Holy Spirit continues to remind me "Test me and know my anxious thoughts" It is those thoughts that depress me, make my stomach churn, heart race faster. My Jesus does not wish for me to be like that...death of peace. He wishes for life of joy. What ever is good, true, noble...think on these.
Lord, you are molding me and helping me to life a life of peace. Thank you! It is hurtful though to go through the testing but I am so thankful to hear Holy Spirits whisper of scripture and peace...life.
Bless the socks off my husband today. Bring calm back into his life. I beg that NL repairs will be completed smoothly and quickly. Thank you that our house guests are recovering and strong enough to return to their home. It has been a blessing for me to see the tender side of him. We know you had a purpose in this time together.
Keep our children close to you...Holy Spirit draw them close to you.
Continue to move us in your direction! Oh, and thanks for that income tax refund coming into our account just in the nick of time!
I love you, Father!
Amen
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Day 43: Fire
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Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. Jeremiah 20:9
Wow, and I a scaredy cat. I know I should always be ready and eager to tell people about the Lord. But, I hang out with Christians most of the time...and those that are not know I'm a minister and I do talk about the Lord. But what about strangers? Am I so eager to walk next door and invite folks to Coastal? not so much. Father, forgive me! I want to have the fire burning in me to share about you. But I listen to the lies of Satan and don't do it. I pray you will help me discover ways to share about you that are based on who I am...taking bagels next door for example. Inviting the new neighbors over for dinner...having a block party. Help me to begin relationship evangelism. Remove my fear or help me break through it.
2 Timothy 4
There is an urgency in this chapter for Timothy to come and bring what Paul needs. There is a sadness for me in verse 16.
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
No one came to stand with him before his accusers. Here is a man that sacrificed everything for the Lord's service and the Lord sent no one to stand with him. I don't get it. I would be mad and yet he says, "May it not be counted against them!" He testifies to God's goodness and continues to plan how he will tell others of Christ's sacrifice.
Paul goes on to say,
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. v. 17
Father,
Again I whine and moan about my life and challenges. I become upset with challenges and attacks. I'm not Paul...but I desire a part of his heart for you. I'm honestly afraid to pray for his entire passion...that scares me! But Lord in baby steps can you use me to reach and touch people that need your love. Their eternity is at stake. It would be a privilege to share you with someone today...through word or deep.
Help me in my weakness,
Amen
Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. Jeremiah 20:9
Wow, and I a scaredy cat. I know I should always be ready and eager to tell people about the Lord. But, I hang out with Christians most of the time...and those that are not know I'm a minister and I do talk about the Lord. But what about strangers? Am I so eager to walk next door and invite folks to Coastal? not so much. Father, forgive me! I want to have the fire burning in me to share about you. But I listen to the lies of Satan and don't do it. I pray you will help me discover ways to share about you that are based on who I am...taking bagels next door for example. Inviting the new neighbors over for dinner...having a block party. Help me to begin relationship evangelism. Remove my fear or help me break through it.
2 Timothy 4
There is an urgency in this chapter for Timothy to come and bring what Paul needs. There is a sadness for me in verse 16.
At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
No one came to stand with him before his accusers. Here is a man that sacrificed everything for the Lord's service and the Lord sent no one to stand with him. I don't get it. I would be mad and yet he says, "May it not be counted against them!" He testifies to God's goodness and continues to plan how he will tell others of Christ's sacrifice.
Paul goes on to say,
But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. v. 17
Father,
Again I whine and moan about my life and challenges. I become upset with challenges and attacks. I'm not Paul...but I desire a part of his heart for you. I'm honestly afraid to pray for his entire passion...that scares me! But Lord in baby steps can you use me to reach and touch people that need your love. Their eternity is at stake. It would be a privilege to share you with someone today...through word or deep.
Help me in my weakness,
Amen
Monday, February 15, 2010
Day 42: Potter's Hands
It was a busy weekend but I didn't forget my time with the Lord...now blogging is another matter. I forgot my sign-in and had to figure that out. Age I guess. Lonnie and I are having our devotions together each morning before getting out of bed. That time with him is priceless.
Back to the Bible
The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:1-4
Kroll: The God who made us also can remake us.
I love the Potter analogies in the scriptures! God's hand molding me...remolding me when I mess up...gently working the bumps off the outside and shaping the inside. I once had an opportunity to work at a potters wheel. It was something I always wanted to do. My teacher was patient and I soon realized how hard it is to take a lump of clay and fashion it into something functional and beautiful. Oh I could make a pot that would hold water but how beautiful it might be is up to the beholder...for me it wasn't so pretty. For my teacher...it was a great effort that I should be proud of.
I think God must look at my attempts to please him and be fashioned in his likeness like that sometimes. Even though I don't like the outcome I still hear him whisper...it's ok..you'll get it...keep going...I like what you are becoming.
As the potter I am sure relieved that he can scoop up the heap I've become and refashion me into something not only purposeful but beautiful in his eyes.
2 Timothy 3
What persecutions I endured! yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. vv 11b, 12
It is a challenge when you have to endure persecution from life and difficult people. When you wonder what is up and what is down? When you just want it all to be over. But Paul endure so much more than I can imagine. My trials can't even compare to his! And, I whine. So I guess the Potter rubs gently on that blemish and continues molding me into what he desires.
Father,
I don't want a whining spirit. I want a spirit that praises you and trusts you even through the horrible life circumstances that seem to plague each of us. As we strive to make choices that honor you help us to do our best to please you first and foremost.
Be with us this week as we continue the repair on NL house. I pray specifically for the tenant and her family. I ask that you be with the K family in their renting trials. Be with MF in her illness. She has endured so much and is spiritually defeated. Holy Spirit bring comfort and understanding in the midst of hurt and pain.
Thank you for a wonderful, compassionate husband that keeps me going. Help me to be the best instructor I can be. Encourage our children today.
Amen
Back to the Bible
The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:1-4
Kroll: The God who made us also can remake us.
I love the Potter analogies in the scriptures! God's hand molding me...remolding me when I mess up...gently working the bumps off the outside and shaping the inside. I once had an opportunity to work at a potters wheel. It was something I always wanted to do. My teacher was patient and I soon realized how hard it is to take a lump of clay and fashion it into something functional and beautiful. Oh I could make a pot that would hold water but how beautiful it might be is up to the beholder...for me it wasn't so pretty. For my teacher...it was a great effort that I should be proud of.
I think God must look at my attempts to please him and be fashioned in his likeness like that sometimes. Even though I don't like the outcome I still hear him whisper...it's ok..you'll get it...keep going...I like what you are becoming.
As the potter I am sure relieved that he can scoop up the heap I've become and refashion me into something not only purposeful but beautiful in his eyes.
2 Timothy 3
What persecutions I endured! yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. vv 11b, 12
It is a challenge when you have to endure persecution from life and difficult people. When you wonder what is up and what is down? When you just want it all to be over. But Paul endure so much more than I can imagine. My trials can't even compare to his! And, I whine. So I guess the Potter rubs gently on that blemish and continues molding me into what he desires.
Father,
I don't want a whining spirit. I want a spirit that praises you and trusts you even through the horrible life circumstances that seem to plague each of us. As we strive to make choices that honor you help us to do our best to please you first and foremost.
Be with us this week as we continue the repair on NL house. I pray specifically for the tenant and her family. I ask that you be with the K family in their renting trials. Be with MF in her illness. She has endured so much and is spiritually defeated. Holy Spirit bring comfort and understanding in the midst of hurt and pain.
Thank you for a wonderful, compassionate husband that keeps me going. Help me to be the best instructor I can be. Encourage our children today.
Amen
Friday, February 12, 2010
Day 41: Powerful Word
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Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
Mr. Kroll writes, "Every Christian bears Christ's name; live as an honor to His name."
Lord, the time we spend studying your words helps us to live in honor to you. Thank you that your word is alive and touches our lives in a real way. Yesterday was a tough day and I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if I hadn't spent time talking with you. Jeremiah had it far worse than we do and he could say it was your word that gave his heart delight. Only your word...not the circumstances...but you. Your presence is our lives helps us to adjust, endure, have confidence that you are walking with us. We are called by your name so may our lives glorify you! I praise you for that!
A message from Krugersdorf. Things are progressing...but at a slow pace. Renovations are already taking place. "My three sons" stop by to check it out everyday. They are addicted to glue. Lord, there are others that need to be off the street before they become addicted. Move your hand to provide the written documentation they need to get the safe house going.
I received an email from my sister in Christ yesterday that you had her praying for us at 3:30 in the morning! God, you for knew it was going to be a tough day. Here is here message to us -
Well, the lord also woke me this morning(around 3;30). I was praying for you as well. The lord had me journal what he was asking of you so that I should pray. The verse in Malachi 3:10 was the verse. (read the verses after as well) The people were being asked to bring their full offering in a time of gov. corruption and a season of drought. The Persian gov. levied heavy taxes and the drought made any agricultural livelihood sparse.To bring an unblemished sacrifice was a scary thing. God asked them for their cash crops- the full portion. He asked them to leap. It meant total surrender when all you could see was no future.Yet he said..." test me in this" That meant you walk in faith but know the possibility exists that I just maybe wrong about this whole God thing. Yet, we must walk in faith. he is our only option.
Here is a quote form the book I was reading... Restless Faith." For me, faith has often equaled some form of unflinching assurance.To have faith is to know , and to know, in my sense, is to have siphoned away every uncertainly. Faith, essentially is the absence of mystery. As I now see it, faith and doubt are bedfellows-strange ones, indeed, but partners all the same. Faith requires, to at least some degree, some possibility that I could be wrong." oh well, all that to say I am praying for you guys... cause God is asking a BIG ASK. I know you will walk with him.... and I will pray. YOUR FRIEND
It is a big ask, Lord, but you created our hearts, you have shaped them to desire this in our lives. It is scary and we don't know how it will all work. Maybe my fleeces take away the "faith" part...stepping forward when you could fail. But God, you know my heart and so I'm still asking that you demonstrate your perfect timing by addressing the fleeces...I don't want SA to just be a great adventure...I want it to be your calling!
2 Timothy 2
v. 1 You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
We should keep moving and working hard for God's kingdom. Just as soldiers, farmers, athletes, we must train, exercise, be disciplined. We do not question, we work and train hard moving towards the goal the Lord has set before us. Realizing there will be pain and discomfort.
v23-26 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
God we are tempted to be angry and quarrelsome. It is so hard not to be when people "push your button" or are just unreasonable. Show us how to be strong, truthful, and diligent while still honoring you. We are not meant to be tramped on, we are meant to serve you with dignity and fighting for truth.
Amen
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
Mr. Kroll writes, "Every Christian bears Christ's name; live as an honor to His name."
Lord, the time we spend studying your words helps us to live in honor to you. Thank you that your word is alive and touches our lives in a real way. Yesterday was a tough day and I don't even want to imagine what it would be like if I hadn't spent time talking with you. Jeremiah had it far worse than we do and he could say it was your word that gave his heart delight. Only your word...not the circumstances...but you. Your presence is our lives helps us to adjust, endure, have confidence that you are walking with us. We are called by your name so may our lives glorify you! I praise you for that!
A message from Krugersdorf. Things are progressing...but at a slow pace. Renovations are already taking place. "My three sons" stop by to check it out everyday. They are addicted to glue. Lord, there are others that need to be off the street before they become addicted. Move your hand to provide the written documentation they need to get the safe house going.
I received an email from my sister in Christ yesterday that you had her praying for us at 3:30 in the morning! God, you for knew it was going to be a tough day. Here is here message to us -
Well, the lord also woke me this morning(around 3;30). I was praying for you as well. The lord had me journal what he was asking of you so that I should pray. The verse in Malachi 3:10 was the verse. (read the verses after as well) The people were being asked to bring their full offering in a time of gov. corruption and a season of drought. The Persian gov. levied heavy taxes and the drought made any agricultural livelihood sparse.To bring an unblemished sacrifice was a scary thing. God asked them for their cash crops- the full portion. He asked them to leap. It meant total surrender when all you could see was no future.Yet he said..." test me in this" That meant you walk in faith but know the possibility exists that I just maybe wrong about this whole God thing. Yet, we must walk in faith. he is our only option.
Here is a quote form the book I was reading... Restless Faith." For me, faith has often equaled some form of unflinching assurance.To have faith is to know , and to know, in my sense, is to have siphoned away every uncertainly. Faith, essentially is the absence of mystery. As I now see it, faith and doubt are bedfellows-strange ones, indeed, but partners all the same. Faith requires, to at least some degree, some possibility that I could be wrong." oh well, all that to say I am praying for you guys... cause God is asking a BIG ASK. I know you will walk with him.... and I will pray. YOUR FRIEND
It is a big ask, Lord, but you created our hearts, you have shaped them to desire this in our lives. It is scary and we don't know how it will all work. Maybe my fleeces take away the "faith" part...stepping forward when you could fail. But God, you know my heart and so I'm still asking that you demonstrate your perfect timing by addressing the fleeces...I don't want SA to just be a great adventure...I want it to be your calling!
2 Timothy 2
v. 1 You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
We should keep moving and working hard for God's kingdom. Just as soldiers, farmers, athletes, we must train, exercise, be disciplined. We do not question, we work and train hard moving towards the goal the Lord has set before us. Realizing there will be pain and discomfort.
v23-26 Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with truth, and that they may escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
God we are tempted to be angry and quarrelsome. It is so hard not to be when people "push your button" or are just unreasonable. Show us how to be strong, truthful, and diligent while still honoring you. We are not meant to be tramped on, we are meant to serve you with dignity and fighting for truth.
Amen
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Day 40: Rekindled
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And the Lord said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart." Jeremiah 14:14
2 Timothy 1
For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is with you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self discipline. (vv. 6-7)
Going to my knees for one hour...will be back.
The hour went by quickly. Began praying through ACTS -Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. Prayed using the Lord's prayer as a guide. Lonnie called to say he was going to NL house...so glad I had been praying. I had 15 minutes more to pray.
Being silent I sensed the Lord say three things to me:
I will see NL home ...in my time,
my grace is sufficient, it is all you need
be ready next summer for my calling to be realized.
Tearfully I meditated on the words..."I am sufficient" Oh Lord, you are teaching us about your sufficiency in three areas:
Financially you are sufficient - $3000 for Lonnie to lead Africa trip this summer, Tax refund for me to go to Africa, Becca's support coming in at 1/2 point right now and out taxes to be sure we can finish her out., Liberty offering me the opportunity to teach 2 classes (which is unusual for a first time DLP professor), Liberty changing one of my classes so that I will become a specialist in a leadership course meaning I will have that course almost every term...Faithful load, Lonnie not hearing from 7-ll for start of part-time work. Your timing is perfect...maybe he doesn't need to do that but prepare our lives to transition by finishing the details of our home. Paid to coach Carol by NABA for a year.
Emotionally you are sufficient - Test me and know my anxious thoughts. You are teaching me that this is a weakness of mine. I am a worry wart and that will only harm me physically and emotionally. It is my area of weakness where I am open to the Deceivers lies and I allow Him to rob me of my joy in realizing your sufficiency. Emotionally you are allowing hurts from the past to be healed in my heart as we care for Nanny and Papa in our home. I pray he sees the man of God his son is. I don't know what the future holds but I sense there presence here is part of your emotional sufficiency for us...and for them. We will all have memories of caring. You will walk with me emotionally as I separate from family and friends here in the states.
Spiritual sufficiency - I didn't know 40 postings ago why I needed to do this blog. I only realized I needed, Oh my Abba, to draw closer to your heart. I didn't know what we were going to face, but you did and you knew I needed a spiritual rekindling. You knew I would need to recognize the tenderness of your heart towards us, your compassion and desire to be with us as Satan attacks and desires to rob of all the joy by focusing on the problem rather than what you are doing and how you are blessing. I needed oh so desperately to be close to you heart...so close I could hear your whisper, "Debbie, get on your knees for 1 hour...right now." Thank you for meeting me right here in our home...."Our missionary home" where I thought I would only use it to host missionaries and interns....I had no idea our Missionary home was the place you God would equip us to be your missionaries.
I praise you for the privilege to have drawn close to your heart this day.
Amen
And the Lord said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart." Jeremiah 14:14
2 Timothy 1
For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is with you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self discipline. (vv. 6-7)
Going to my knees for one hour...will be back.
The hour went by quickly. Began praying through ACTS -Adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. Prayed using the Lord's prayer as a guide. Lonnie called to say he was going to NL house...so glad I had been praying. I had 15 minutes more to pray.
Being silent I sensed the Lord say three things to me:
I will see NL home ...in my time,
my grace is sufficient, it is all you need
be ready next summer for my calling to be realized.
Tearfully I meditated on the words..."I am sufficient" Oh Lord, you are teaching us about your sufficiency in three areas:
Financially you are sufficient - $3000 for Lonnie to lead Africa trip this summer, Tax refund for me to go to Africa, Becca's support coming in at 1/2 point right now and out taxes to be sure we can finish her out., Liberty offering me the opportunity to teach 2 classes (which is unusual for a first time DLP professor), Liberty changing one of my classes so that I will become a specialist in a leadership course meaning I will have that course almost every term...Faithful load, Lonnie not hearing from 7-ll for start of part-time work. Your timing is perfect...maybe he doesn't need to do that but prepare our lives to transition by finishing the details of our home. Paid to coach Carol by NABA for a year.
Emotionally you are sufficient - Test me and know my anxious thoughts. You are teaching me that this is a weakness of mine. I am a worry wart and that will only harm me physically and emotionally. It is my area of weakness where I am open to the Deceivers lies and I allow Him to rob me of my joy in realizing your sufficiency. Emotionally you are allowing hurts from the past to be healed in my heart as we care for Nanny and Papa in our home. I pray he sees the man of God his son is. I don't know what the future holds but I sense there presence here is part of your emotional sufficiency for us...and for them. We will all have memories of caring. You will walk with me emotionally as I separate from family and friends here in the states.
Spiritual sufficiency - I didn't know 40 postings ago why I needed to do this blog. I only realized I needed, Oh my Abba, to draw closer to your heart. I didn't know what we were going to face, but you did and you knew I needed a spiritual rekindling. You knew I would need to recognize the tenderness of your heart towards us, your compassion and desire to be with us as Satan attacks and desires to rob of all the joy by focusing on the problem rather than what you are doing and how you are blessing. I needed oh so desperately to be close to you heart...so close I could hear your whisper, "Debbie, get on your knees for 1 hour...right now." Thank you for meeting me right here in our home...."Our missionary home" where I thought I would only use it to host missionaries and interns....I had no idea our Missionary home was the place you God would equip us to be your missionaries.
I praise you for the privilege to have drawn close to your heart this day.
Amen
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