The Remnant Women

HIS POWER!

2011-10-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

As I pulled into the gas station to move the gas gauge from E to F, I felt that sick "there goes another $75.00 up in fumes" feeling. I can barely make it one week on a tank of gas, and I am facing the empty tank syndrome again. As I stood filling my car, I thought about how God's divine resources never run dry. Praise God.

In the New Testament Peter tells us that:

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3

His divine power is given to us in a continual ongoing flow. This powerful, perpetual presence is always available to be poured into our spirit as we cry out to be filled. We need never to run on empty.

Are you finding that your strength is failing in some area of your life? Maybe it's a relationship that is crumbling, or a temptation that continues to taunt you?

Do you feel empty or totally drained today from the challenges of life? The cross has provided us the strength to stand "full" of His divine power.

Before I came to know the Lord Jesus as Savior I had a terrible drug addiction, actually I had several terrible addictions. But Praise God Jesus delivered me from them all.

After I was born again and set free, two conflicting scenarios ensured. First, I found that as I pressed into God I had greater and greater victory over past strongholds. However as I grew stronger in the Lord, I could feel the devil coming against me with thoughts of future failures and fears of backsliding. Then the Lord showed me this verse in 2 Peter. It was as if the lights went on throughout my whole body. Like a lightening bolt came this revelation of the God who I was now serving. A God who is alive and full of the power I needed for every trial or temptation. I did not need to fear that His power would fail me.

The Father had provided for me something He EXPECTED me to use! His Power.

God's glorious power in the blood of His Son and His written Word, has given us everything we need for life and godliness. We can do nothing by our own strength.

The answer to everything we need in life is: God's Power ! The answer to godliness worked out in my character is: God's Power ! It never runs low or runs dry.

......... through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3

Over the years as I have walked with the Lord I have seen my Father rescue me time and time again. His loving arm has reached down and pulled me up from places that seemed to deep to recover from. Knowing Him more and more, even in the places of weakness and pain, confirms to me His calling of me by His own glory and goodness.

God has called you! Do you believe that? By His own glory and goodness Jesus has called you by name, He wants you to KNOW who He is, and to be filled with His divine power ........." so that through them (powerful promises) you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" 2 Peter 1:4

Do not look to man's wisdom, or the strength of flesh and blood. Do not focus on your failures and weaknesses. Keep your eye's fixed on Jesus. (Heb 12:1-2)

Our Father has given us this power, take hold of it now. Start thanking God for all that He has provided for you to be strong and victorious. Walk in His Power!

Jude 1:25
...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen

In this journey together.
Love,
Robin LeClair
Seattle, Washington

Stop Pulling The "Not Under The Law" Card

2011-09-27T06:57:00.000-07:00

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom.” Galatians 5:13-14 – The Message Bible

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the misuse of our freedom in Christ and how some Christians will use the "not under the law" verse to justify something that we want to do, that may technically be legal, permissible (allowable and lawful) for us; but may not be spiritually appropriate or helpful (good for us to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). (1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23-24)

So often times the Christian will say as a means of justification for something that they want to do, that may not be the best thing for them or others around them, “We are free. We are not under the law we are under grace”, instead of truly praying and seeking God about whether it is HIS WILL for them to do whatever it is that they are contemplating, even if it is technically legal.

"[Many things] are not specifically condemned by the Scriptures, and thus we must apply other criteria. For example, would these matters cause us to sin, or harm our bodies, or cause a brother to stumble, or tempt us to fall into a pattern we could not control? Clearly if those things occurred, then it would be wrong for us to do them. If not, then we have the liberty to enjoy these activities" - Curtis C. Thomas

I love how The Message Bible translates 1 Corinthians 6:12,

“If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.”

Our freedom in Christ is not a means of justification for us to do whatever it is we think we want to do, especially those things that are just us trying to fit into to our culture or us wanting to fulfill a selfish or even sinful desire. We are called to live in freedom, but our freedom is meant to serve God by living in the Spirit and by serving one another in love, not for us to live without restraint. (Romans 7:6, Galatians 5:13-14)

It is dangerous to claim freedom in Christ as a means of indulging the flesh. Some claim, "I'm free. I'm free" only to find that their 'freedom' has led them into shame, regret, isolation, and bondage because their freedom was not freedom at all. It was a false sense of liberty that led to a lack of self-control, self-discipline, and discernment. Some have been so deceived in their 'freedom' that they justify old behavior, thoughts, attitudes, and self-expression causing themselves to slip back into their old ways of living. Some have even allowed themselves to become so 'free' that they've harden their hearts and will not allow themselves to receive loving correction and exhortation accusing the concerned brother or sister in Christ of being judgemental or legalistic. (1 Peter 1:14, Ephesians 5:21-24, Proverbs 3:11-12, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Proverbs 27:5) I like what Sam Storm has to say about this:

"The Christian is not free to do what the Bible forbids. Christian freedom does not entail the right to fornicate or to steal or to lie or to persist in an unforgiving attitude or to do anything else the Scriptures explicitly prohibit. And a person who lovingly points this out to you is not a legalist for having done so!" - Sam Storms

For the record let us get it right, Christians are free from the law but not lawless. Often time people will quote Romans 6:14 saying, “We are not under law but under grace”, well we really need to know what that whole verse says in order to really understand what Paul meant. Here is Romans 6:14 out of the NLT Bible:

“Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.”

Paul is showing us that since we have died with Christ we are not under that old way of being right with God, which was by trying to do what the law tells us to do without the power to do it. That way, made us slaves to sin. It was SIN that took advantage of God’s good commands and deceived us. The problem has never been with God’s law. The problem is sin in us that incites us to do what the law prohibits. The law is spiritual and good. (Romans 7:12, 14) However,

“The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.”-Romans 8:3-4

Because we have received Jesus Christ as Lord we now live under the freedom of God’s grace that empowers us by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to serve and obey God and love and serve our neighbors and also to walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4) Christ’s liberty is truly about loving service to God and man. I read a quote that said,

“Love’s slaves are the true freemen.”

Living under the freedom of God’s grace does not mean that we do not have to follow God’s commands or are free to live a life without self-discipline. (John 14:15) It means that now sin is not our master anymore and that we are now able to please God by living by the Spirit’s power, by faith, not by trying to obey the Law of Moses.

“Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.” – Romans 3:31

I read another quote by A.T. Pierson which says:

“True Freedom is found only in obedience to proper restraint. A river finds liberty to flow, only between banks: without these it would only spread out into a slimy, stagnant pool. Planets, uncontrolled by law, would only bring wreck to themselves and to the universe. The same law which fences us in, fences others out; the restraints which regulate our liberty also insure and protect it. It is not control, but the right kind of control, and a cheerful obedience which make the free man.”

My goal with this post is to encourage those who like to pull the "not under the law" card (as a means of justification for their actions) to STOP IT. Even if something is technically legal, the message is for you to really pray and seek God in His Word as to whether or not He truly wants for you to do whatever it is your thinking or planning. Allow God to help you check your heart and motives. Be sure you are not slipping into your old ways. Be sure it is the Holy Spirit leading you and not your flesh. Also may we all beware of the deceiving spirit that will have us think that our freedom in Christ is a license to sin, or to live to satisfy our own desires and whims. Let us follow the instructions given to us in Romans 12:2, let God transform us into a new people by changing the way we think. Then we will learn to know God’s will for us and we can do what He would have to do in every situation.

I pray that through the verses shared throughout this post we all see that we are free in Christ, given power to live a life of righteousness, love, and service to God and others. May our lives bring Him glory and may we hear our Master say one day,

“Well done good and faithful servant”

Written By:
Lisa Colon
Consecrated to Him Blog
We Used to Be You Website

Who (or What) Has Your Attention?

2011-08-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

In a home full of teenagers I often step away from the action and watch from the sidelines... just to get a new perspective. One corner of our home echoes with loud bursts of gunfire from the 'black Babylonian box of death' that pierce through the walls. Another glance finds tiny black headphones crammed in one son's ears with shrilling and even possibly deafening sounds. Still, one more glance spies a cell phone plastered to a pure and innocent ear as the voice on the other end continues to gab and yak. For a split second, my attention focuses on one teen fixated and glaring at a computer screen.... speakers blaring.

Is your house consumed with other 'voices' demanding your family's attention too?
Or am I the only one?
Who (or what?) has YOUR attention?

Every year at Thanksgiving, our small hometown hosts a Thanksgiving Parade that slowly meanders by our historic Victorian home. My eyes always pan to find the meticulously dressed soldiers that march by in a uniform, perfect step constantly keeping their attention on the commander. The voice of that commander is extremely important. As soon as he shouts "ATTENTION" they immediately focus on the voice demanding that attention. They conform to that voice and it's instructions and commands.

Who (or what?) has your attention?

Our oldest son recently obtained his driver's license. He gives a lot of 'attention' to the gas pedal. To his defense, I have come to the conclusion that most teenage boys do. It's something about the speed, skill, conquering and mastering that thing with four wheels. The warrior in them rises up to fight and defend. However, there are times I just want to nicely say to this charming and servant-hearted 17 year old driver..."It's obvious you are well acquainted with the gas pedal...NOW please make friends with (give attention to) the brake!!"

For. crying. out. loud.
So, have I gotten your attention yet?

Please stay with me for just a moment. The Lord has given us ears to hear. Our devotion, time spent, spotlight should be on the Lord and His ways. The ears that He has given us to hear should be tuned in to that still small voice. But why, or why does every other voice and everything else seem to distract our attention from the One True Voice?

Proverbs 4 declares:
Dear friend, listen well to my (emphasis mine) words;
   tune your ears to my voice.
Keep my message in plain view at all times.
   Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
Those who discover these words live, really live;
   body and soul, they're bursting with health.

Attention:  care, aid, tending,regard, spotlight

Who (or what?) has my attention? Who (or what?) has your attention?

What has caught the spotlight, the care, the attention of each of us?

I love the Truths in Proverbs 19:20 'Take good counsel and accept correction— that's the way to live wisely and well.'

WOW! did you just get that too?

Attentively focused to that voice?

My desire for myself and those I hold dear is to possess and to develop an awareness of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives. That still. That small. That non-demanding voice. The only way that we can know His voice is by knowing His Word...the two always agree. Oh, to know him more! More intimately, more passionately.To be acquainted with the only One who's got me covered and Who has His attention focused on me. And on you.

His favorite ones!

A voice crying out in the wilderness of my life for my life! To truly seek first the kingdom of God. May the voices (WHO?) of others and the voices of other things (WHAT?) that try to distort, delay, distract,deter, defeat the TRUE Voice be silenced in Jesus' Name.

He is the only True Voice. Amen?

That is the cry of my heart today for myself, my husband, my three 'treasures', my family and friends.

I am determined to ignore the sideshow distractions. How about you?

Keep your eyes straight ahead;
   ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
   and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
   leave evil in the dust.Proverbs 4:27

ATTENTION!

By: Angela Wilkinson
http://timesofrefreshing3.blogspot.com/

Let There Be Peace!

2011-08-16T11:05:00.000-07:00

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Ephesians 2:14

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility

Have you been full of anxiety, fear or worry over the overwhelming challenges of life? Have you been feeling like you are carrying burdens that weigh you down? Do you feel like just getting away, to have a few moments of peace in your life? Peace is there waiting right now, and trust me you don't have to go far!

Jesus Christ the son of God is our PEACE. God our loving Father guards our hearts and minds with peace in Christ Jesus. A guard is a watchman that protects something precious and valuable. Your mind and heart are very precious to God. This is why the enemy attacks these two area's so aggressively. Satan will attack your mind with thoughts of fear, fear of the past, the present or the future. He will also attempt to get you to lose heart, to feel that you have tried to serve God but you just are too weak or that your circumstances are beyond his ability to deliver. The TRUTH is, through Jesus Christ, you have a guard to surround your thoughts and set your mind and heart at rest. HIS PEACE!

If you are troubled with thoughts and feelings such as these, realize this is the enemy coming against you.

I am so thankful that despite all the turmoil and conflict going on in the world today that when I approach my Father's throne, perfect peace permeates his presence. It is always readily available for me to draw upon.
So how do we experience this peace when it seems that everything in our life is so unstable? This is the key, the word LET. I believe this next verse is what causes us to walk in this peace or suffer that lack of it.

Colosians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I attached the above photo because it is a perfect picture of this verse in Colosians. The quiet refreshing waters of peace are always available to us as God's children. It never evaporates or expires. The key to walking in perfect peace, is that we must participate. Notice the hands must reach into the water to draw up the refreshment. So we must come to Jesus reaching out our dry and empty hands and say "YES Lord, I will take up the peace you have promised me. I will allow the peace of Christ to RULE and GUARD my heart and mind! " And to the end of this verse which says, And be thankful, we say, "YES, Lord I will choose thankfulness." When you are tempted to grumble against the circumstances in your life, and become unsettled, STOP! Speak the truth of God's word over your life. This is another way to dip our hands down to draw from the peaceful waters.. I used to tell people," I am a realist, so I always look at the realness of my life and act accordingly." But the problem with that is God's reality (far above ours) is all that matters, not what I see, or feel. As God has been growing me in this area, I find that as I keep my mind focused on HIS reality, through the Word of God, I experience his perfect peace.

Reach down into the still waters and be filled with the peace that passes all understanding. It is there for the taking!!

"LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE.......you were called to peace. And be thankful"

My love and prayers

Robin LeClair

The Paradox of Love

2011-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Love. We celebrate it one day as it humbly rides in our gates -shouting its praises, every song a Hosanna, waving our palms and laying down our cloaks in front of it. Then comes the day we deny love, we cause it to suffer, we humiliate it with our palms slapped across its face, we shout curses, we strip it of its cloak for all to see its shame. And Love, battered and bruised outside our gates... Forgives us, for we don't know what we are doing.

We call that fateful day of punishment Good because we were able to rise up and keep our way of life intact, our sense of self in tact, our traditions intact, our beliefs intact, our religion intact, our government intact. We beat back the subversive threat against all that we hold dear. Our friends and neighbors are there to congratulate us on our victory against 'our enemy'.

Then reality hits. We are no longer able to ignore the truth of what we've done to ourselves. We beat ourselves up with guilt and shame. We search in the darkness for anything to fill this void, satisfy the hunger within. We find nothing. When we decide to give up, Love is there cooking the very thing we need, feeding us, reviving us, healing us. See, how I have loved you! And we finally understand.

It would be simple if this was a one time event. But it's not. It's played out everyday in our lives. We accept Love, we embrace Love, we celebrate Love when it promises to finally make everything right in our lives.

But when Love becomes a threat to our world, when it asks us to lay down - what we thought was important - to receive and live out what is really worthwhile, we become afraid. We see our inadequacy and blame Love for not meeting our expectations. We crucify Love and go right back to eat the pig slop offered to us by the world, our religion, our politics, our social circles. Eventually, if we allow ourselves to come to the place of admitting truth and everything else is stripped away, there we find Love.

My friend Stephanie: "Jesus mentioned many times that this way is not popular..; ) albeit absolutely necessary...love one another..."

It's not popular because it involves pain and suffering. Instead of promoting us, it demotes us in the eyes of everyone else. Losing our pride doesn't make sense. You find yourself becoming 'poor' and it doesn't 'feel' normal. You begin to understand that the power of resurrection is actually a fellowship of suffering.

And on that narrow path that is not well trodden, the aloneness and despair can be overwhelming sometimes. But when you understand that it is not about what you see or what you feel you find the resource inside to keep going... despite the odds against you to keep Loving. Even if it means death, you know that it will be worth it.

There is nothing more that will be revealed that we are not willing to see now. Look around you. If you can't see God in any and everything, even in the places of suffering (the crosses of this life) how do you intend to see him in the places of glory imagined by other people? The places of suffering are the places of glory.

That is the mystery and paradox of love. We want the king of Glory riding in triumphantly on the white horse. All we get is the peasant on the donkey.

"Save us, O king! Hosanna! Finally, we get the One who is going to save us from all this tragedy, this hurt, this oppression of external government, this enslavement by religious authority, everything that is wrong with man. Finally, we get to reign in this kingdom. Enemies, watch out! God is about to avenge us!"

"What the hell happened, O King?! (said in a sneer dripping with bitterness and anger). What are you doing on that cross? You're not who you say you are, are you? If you were you would get down from that cross, that place of suffering. Show us. Show the world how much more great and powerful you are. Love is supposed to win. What are you doing in Golgotha? You're just like all the rest... A big disappointment."

"Give us, Barabbas. We know who he is. Yes, he will rob us and abuse us but at least we won't get our hopes up and expect anything better."

So you think that Love should win? You think that Love should be glorious? You think Love should set things right? Then... You Love. Love one another. See those people over there? Take a look! Do you see them wanting and needing love? You love them. How about your brother? Your sister? Do you think that God should take care of them? You feed them.

So Love died for you? It died for everyone else, too. They're all disappointed just like you are. How about you resurrect Love? You want to see glory? You want to get to that place of where tears will be wiped away and everything will be set right? Resurrect Love.

Show others your wounds that killed you. Show others the hole in your side that allowed the stuff of the ego to drain out and left you empty. Know that you have nothing left to lose. Become the healer you wanted love to be. Become the giver of hope. Become the one who shed light in dark places. And as you walk, know that I AM will be with you always.

By: Alison Defreitas
facebook.com/alisondefreitas

Broken

2011-04-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Broken

definition: ‘make whole into pieces’

This fallen world never stops shattering and we all break apart a bit more every day

Falling and breaking apart over:

The house is a wreck, the boys bicker, research paper deadlines closing in, dog gets out of fence, dinner is not planned,trash is overflowing and we get THAT phone call…

Feeling a bit ‘broken’ last week.We received a phone call no parent wants to ever receive. Our daughter who is in college was in an automobile accident and taken by ambulance to hospital

An even in the lanquish, God whispers: Give thanks anyways — do this in' remembrance 'of Me.

(remembrance: something that serves to bring to mind or keep in mind someplace, person, event, etc.; memento.)

Why in the world give thanks? Everything is not going my way…just got news that wasn’t expected or prepared for… I can’t even get my breath to utter a sound...

"Just Breathe...." Kent positions himself as the natural born leader he is. Just breathe. With each exhale, all I could whisper was "Jesus." "Jesus" "Jesus"

IT is because when we remember how He blesses, loves us, when we recollect His goodnesses to us — our broken places re-collect. We remember. We heal. Broken pieces brought together. A beautiful mosaic Hayley and I made years ago.

Breathe....Exhale..."Jesus" "Jesus" "Jesus" a little louder this time

It is in the remembering to give thanks, to remember who we are in Christ and WHO He is that our broken places are recollected — they are made whole.

To remember the promise in the Word... “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that he pleases” – Psalm 115:3

… and may we please Him by giving thanks for His work alone, nothing at all to do with us,….

BUT US DECREASING THAT HE ALONE INCREASE, ALL OUR LIVES MAGNIFYING THE GIVER OF ALL, GOOD AND PERFECT…

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

giving thanks to Him who let Himself be broken to make us whole.

Breathe...exhale.."Jesus." Even Louder...Peace begins to settle in.

Our Pastors call and proclaim His Word...His Truth..His Goodness..His Promises. Segmented Body of Christ coming together.

²⁶During the meal, Jesus took and blessed the bread, broke it, and gave it to his disciples: Take, eat. This is my body. Matt 26:26 MSG

¹⁷AND HE HIMSELF EXISTED BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST (COHERE, ARE HELD TOGETHER) COLOSSIANS 1:17

Breathe...exhale..."Jesus"..holding ALL things together...all things.

Jesus was broken to make ME whole. The broken, segmented, fragmented pieces of the Body of Christ were re-collected, came together, assembled to interecede for our daughter. He held our family together by the petitions and prayers of our friends, family and even strangers on behalf of Hayley. Jesus was broken to make us whole. The Body of Christ…a love body…held us together through the storm we walked through last week…in gentle strength. He loves us, he re-collected His goodness to us…our broken places…he remembered our family…He went before her (EMT/nurse/CFNI alum) and was her rear guard. He was broken..... FOR Hayley to be made whole!

Breathe...exhale..."Jesus" "Jesus" "Jesus"

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, maypitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 2 Corinthians 12:9 Amp

A moment can be a miracle. Right where we are. We must dare to live FULLY. Before we are broken, we must be made whole in HIM. Made whole by His Word. Made whole by Who HE says we are through Him. He is before ALL things and in HIM all things hold together.

My prayer is that Jesus takesthe little I have to give…that HE blesses it and breaks me for others. Available to Him to minister to His body. Breathing, exhaling, "JESUS!"

Giving thanks right where I am in remembrance of Jesus whose body was broken for me. For you. For Hayley.

BREATHE...EXHALE...."JESUS" JESUS" "JESUS" SHOUTED WITH A MIGHTY ROAR THIS TIME!

*One week after the head on collision, Hayley returned to CFNI classes and is continuing to walk in her healing. Jesus. There's just something about THAT Name....

Stay on Watch

2011-03-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

I recently attended my nieces wedding. It was enchanting to see the bride and groom whether the tempestuous rain and cool breeze as they said their vows on the coastal shores of an Island. As I watched the happy couple from under the canopy of my umbrella, I was taken by the thought that no weather conditions could keep me from watching their love burst in to bloom on that special day. I would have not missed it for the world.

I was reading this morning in Luke Chapter 12:35-40 where Jesus is speaking to a crowd of many thousands, first to his disciples and then to the multitudes.

Luke 12:35-40

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

The word watching, kept jumping out at me from this passage. Maybe it is because I just finished a book entitled “Watchmen Prayer” so my mind has been occupied with this concept. Whatever the reason I will start with verse

Luke 12: 37 ″It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes….

The word "watch" in the dictionary opened up more to this than I thought, here are some of the definitions: alertness, attention, awareness, duty, eagle eye, eyesentinel, sentry, supervision, surveillance, vigil, vigilance, watchfulness, weather eye.

Weather Eye! Now I was really excited when I looked up the definition of this word. An ability to recognize quickly signs of changes in the weather.Idiom: keep a/one’s weather eye open To keep watch; stay alert.

As I think back to the blustery day of the wedding where nothing would have moved my feet from watching that glorious union, I am reminded of the steadfastness Jesus is calling me to in waiting and watching for him. This is one of the great mandates of scripture, "watch for me he say’s, I am coming!" Duty, guard, supervision, vigilance are each an element of a victorious and joyous Christian life. Throughout the years as I have followed the Lord, I have experienced times of great drowsiness. I have never left my post, but there have been times I have grown complacent and failed to keep my weather eye’s open. During these times I experienced a lack of spiritual hunger and discontentment filled my life.

No matter what the conditions around us, no matter how torrential things get in the spiritual realm, we are not to turn away from his command to watch for him. When we keep our eye’s open and attentive to weather changes and conditions we also adjust our behaviors, attitudes and activities. The spiritual climate of this country is nothing short of a chilling hailstorm of apathy and indifference and if not careful we can be susceptible to the allurements of complacency, becoming a sleeping sentinel. As Christians waiting and watching for the bridegroom to return, we need to take ACTION within ourselves to rise up, wake up, and stay alert!

We are his remnant, his bride, those waiting in Zion for the return of their King. Jesus is waking the church, he is rousing us with the gentle hand of the Holy Spirit. Now is the time, today is the day to wake one another to ready ourselves to receive the bridegroom!

What does God’s Word say about how can I develop a weather eye and a watchful spirit?

Posted by - Robin LeClair
Seattle Washington

He Has Not Abandoned You!

2011-02-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

“O Jacob, how can you say the LORD does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” – Isaiah 40:27-28

This is a word that I have on my heart for my brothers and sisters that have been faithfully serving our Lord and His people. To those of you who have been diligently pressing forward in your faith in the face of persecution, trials, and testings. For those of you who are going through difficult times and are crying out to God with a broken heart or contrite spirit. I feel lead to tell you,

“Our Lord has NOT abandoned you!!!”

He knows you are tired and weak. He knows you are hurt and angry at your oppressors. He knows that you are grieving your loss. He sees the struggle with your loved ones. He sees you and He IS with you in your trouble. You are not alone in the storm.

Although you are weary you must not give up! If you do you will not reap the harvest that you have been praying for. Don’t give up just yet. Your breakthrough WILL come! You just have to keep believing. Keep walking by faith and not by sight. Reject your emotions. Reject the anger and bitterness that will come against you. They will only hinder your progress. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. That is where your strength will come from. You will not win this battle in your own strength and with your own might but by His Spirit. This battle belongs to our Lord. You just need to keep praising and worshipping Him. Your faith in His Word will sustain you. Don’t reject the ones who love you and come to you in His name bringing you words of encouragement, admonishment, knowledge, and wisdom. (Galatians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Hebrews 12:1-3, Galatians 5:13-26, Zechariah 4:6, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Matthew 7:24-26)

Let His Word dominate your mind. Take those negative thoughts captive that contradict the Truth that you know our Lord has spoken to your heart. He is not liar! He is always true to His Word. His Word will reap a harvest in your life if you don’t allow the enemy to steal the seed from your heart. (Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Samuel 15:29, Matthew 13:18-23, Isaiah 55:8-11)

Stop trying to figure things out in the natural. Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? Truly our Lord works in mysterious ways! (Romans 11:33-36, Isaiah 45:15)

We were given the mind of Christ so that we could understand His counsel, not so that we could teach Him. He knows what He is doing. He has a plan and purpose for everything that happens in our lives and we know that He can and will take what the enemy means to destroy us and turn it around for our good and His glory. Has He ever failed us before? (1 Corinthians 2:16, Jeremiah 29:11, Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28)

So do not throw away your confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35-36)

In closing, I leave you with the remainder of Isaiah chapter 40. Really receive it in your spirit. Speak it out loud!

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD WILL find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31

He has NOT abandoned you!!!

Lisa Colon

Consecrated to Him

We Used to Be You

Perseverance

2010-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

“Because you have kept my commandment to persevere...” (Revelation 3:10)

One of my favorite scenes from the movie Facing the Giants is the death crawl. Do you remember that scene in the movie where the coach blindfolds Brock and makes him crawl across the entire football field with his teammate on his back? There were many times that Brock wanted to quit and give up; it was straining and he felt like he had nothing left. But, his coach kept encouraging him to keep going and persevere until the end.When Brock finally made it to the end and realized he had crossed the entire field without quitting, his belief in himself, his team and his coach completely changed. He conquered something he thought was impossible and came out stronger. He persevered.

Perseverance is more than just endurance- it’s more than holding on with everything you’ve got until the end. It’s endurance combined with the absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for and fighting for will happen. Perseverance is defined in Webster’s dictionary as, “the steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, in spite of difficulties, trials and obstacles.” Despite difficulties, we persevere. Despite trials, we persevere. Despite obstacles, we persevere. We persevere toward our calling. We persevere to the voice of God.We persevere to the end.

Here’s a cool analogy I heard a couple of years ago about perseverance . Our life is in God’s hands like a bow and arrow in the hand’s of an archer. The archer is aiming at something the arrow cannot see, but the archer continues to stretch and strain- aiming at the target, while the arrow says, “I can’t take it anymore!” The archer pays no attention; he goes on stretching until his eye is on the target and his purpose for the arrow is in sight. Then, he lets the arrow fly; aiming at the target.

We have to be like a bow and arrow in the hand’s of the Lord; entrusting ourself to God. Even when it’s dark and we can’t see the light and He’s stretching and straining us. Trust Him. Persevere! He has His eye on the prize. He can see the target ahead, even when we can’t. Keep going! The prize is ahead! If we could just grasp that, how much easier would it be to trust God in every situation and continue to persevere.

“Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

James explains that perseverance is the product of faith being tested. While nobody enjoys being tested and stretched in their faith, James says, “Consider it pure joy”, for perseverance makes the soul, “mature and complete.” But, we must finish. We have to complete the task ahead of us.

Is there something in your life right now where you need perseverance? We need to proclaim in confidence like Job did, “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.” (Job 13:15) There is a call to spiritual perseverance. A call not to hang on and do nothing, but to work steadfastly, knowing with certainty He will never be defeated and we will come out stronger.It’s going to take everything you’ve got to persevere, but know with perfect assurance that He has his eye on the prize and He aiming you towards it.

Perseverance is strong and confident, built on the knowledge that God is perfect love. Even though we can’t physically see Him right now and don’t understand what He’s doing, we know Him. We trust Him. It’s throwing yourself completely abandoned into the arms of Christ knowing that He is who He says He is. “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10)

-Hayley Wilkinson (Radiance Ministries)
http://radianceministries.blogspot.com/

A Letter From The Holy Spirit...

2010-12-10T10:09:00.000-08:00

BE WILLING to go out on a limb with Me. If that is where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to Me is at odds with your attempts to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in your journey. In order to follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your tendency to play it safe.

Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid. Eventually, you will learn to relax and enjoy the adventure of our journey together. As long as you stay close to me, My sovereign Presence protects you wherever you go.

Sarah Young - Author

Biblical references: Psalms 23:4; Psalms9:10; John 12:26

Prayer of a Desperate Wife

2010-11-07T19:14:00.000-08:00

This letter came to me from a Remnant Woman who is praying and believing for her husband to come back home. There are so many men (and women) who are just leaving their families, giving up, and bailing out of their obligations as a parent. My heart breaks for Tiffany and for the many others who are desperately seeking the Lord for the salvation of their family. My encouragement today is to never give up hope... keep praying... keep reading... keep worshipping... keep believing. And always remember, love never fails (1 Corinthians 13). Please join me today in praying for Scott (Tiffany's husband). Pray that he comes to repentance and a renewed awareness of God, his wife, and his children. - Deborah Ross

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good afternoon to my wonderful Prayer Warriors!

The Lord has led me today to ask each of you to continue to pray for my husband, Scott, for our marriage and for our children. For those of you who have reached out to Scott through emails or phone calls, please prayerfully consider continuing that outreach on a regular basis (1 Peter 3:12). He needs God now more than he ever has. He has suppressed his communication with me and his children greatly over the past several weeks and is only staying with his parents maybe 3 or 4 days a week.

I believe a spirit of fear, pride and selfishness has taken over Scott. Fear can take over any man and cause his life to be wasted. It can keep him from all that God has for him (Luke 8:37). Scott is not seeing the end result that his fleshly decisions will have in the future. He is living based on “feeling”. He is tired, he is worn down, he weak. This is what I feel the Lord has laid on my heart concerning Scott. He does not feel worthy. I put pressure on him, the kids put pressure on him, his job and I believe he feels he has let everyone down so “why keep trying?”. But we know God has called him to be MORE than he can imagine.

Through prayer, fasting and the Word, God has instilled in me to NOT GIVE UP on my husband or our marriage (Philippians 1:6). So please join me in fighting the enemy for the preservation of the sanctity of marriage (not just mine). I am ready to “stomp the devils brains out” (as I believe my wonderful Pastor said yesterday). I am mad at Satan, not my husband. Satan is not going to have my husband or my marriage. I stand firm on the foundation of God’s Word and promises (Psalms 37:4). Day to day I may not see results, I may even cry more tears…..BUT through it ALL, God is strengthening me to be a better wife, mother and warrior for His kingdom.

My Pastor’s sermons for the past several weeks and the timing of our Church’s Wednesday night “Family Matters” training is (I believe) God reaching out to each of us independently and as a body of Christ to stop Satan dead in his tracks. Satan “thinks” he has the stronghold on our families and marriages, BUT “GOD is greater than he who is in the world.”

Prayerfully lift up all families and marriages today and every day. Satan is out to destroy the “integrity of Gods covenant” for marriages and families. Join me in this fight and ask God to show you how to use YOU in this fight for the Family. It’s more serious than I even imagined (not just my own circumstance). That is why I feel the Lord lead me to communicate to each of you.

Your prayers, support and faithfulness to the Lord and to my family has been overwhelming. God bless each of you and Praise to our awesome God. (Romans 8:28).

Tiffany

2010-09-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

The Rising of the Sun and The Risen Son

The Lord's creation continues to amaze and awaken me. The way He speaks to His people through creation generation after generation gloriously unfolds His love for us. So many times our busyness steals away His beauty and gifts he wants to display in our lives.

The children and I spent a few days at my parents home this week. On one of the mornings, my dad and I sat and visited as the beautiful sunlight streamed through the large glass windows. The sun's warmth and it's cascading light settled in and captivated us. My dad said how much he loves the sunlight..how it refreshes and revives him and makes him come alive. He is so right. This beautiful light the Lord created on the first day of creation when he proclaimed in Genesis 1:3, "Let there be light."

The sun gives us so much...so frequently. For me, each new day greeted by the beautiful sunrise reminds me that God is still in control. And yes. He does care about each and every need, care, pain, and uncertainity I will face that day. Just as He cares about yours. He is a big God.

Then it hit me. Just as the Lord gives us a beautiful rising sun each day, more importantly He gave each of us an ultimate gift of His risen Son. Jesus. The Name above every name. It saddens me that the world can't see the Risen Son as they see the risen sun. Not yet. A heaviness loomed in my spirit as the Lord began putting names and faces of people I knew who haven't come to know God's Son. However, I pray their veiled faces will be unveiled and illuminated soon.

A time will come when everyone will turn their eyes on God's Risen Son. It's a promise from the Lord.

May I continue to slow down and gaze upon the beauty of His holiness. The beauty of His creation. The sunlight of the morning and the Sonlight of a Saviour. Jesus is truly the light of the world.

The Lord gave me this analogy in January 2009. Little did I know in 3 short months to follow my dad would meet his Savior face to face gazing upon the beauty of His holiness as he entered his eternal and true home. Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? My prayer is that you would open your heart to the Risen Son.....before the next sun rises.

Photography Credit: Captured by Hayley Wilkinson

Written by: Angela Wilkinson

"PLEASE GOD, HELP ME!"

2010-07-16T17:11:00.000-07:00

Lisa's Story...

I want to share with you a short story. It takes place a little over 14 years ago, when I was at one of the darkest places in my life. I was strung out on drugs, homeless, crashing at my aunt’s house, and in violation of my probation. My first daughter had just turned a year old. I sent her to live with father’s parents. I was so depressed and sick. I didn’t know what else to do. I believed that Jesus was real, and that He would help me if I prayed and cried out to Him. So I did.

I will never forget that night and the series of events that happened from then on. I was lying on the top bunk of my cousin’s bed crying, “Please God, help me! I am tired of all of this. I need your help! I want my daughter back. I want my family back. Please God, help me!” I cried myself to sleep that night. The next morning I went ahead living my dysfunctional life. I went off to work, and on my lunch break I got high and ended up committing a crime. I was arrested for not only that charge but for violation of probation. I knew that I was facing a prison sentence. I was scared, but I also had a sense of relief. No more running. No more hiding. Finally!! All of sudden, I remembered my prayer from the previous night. “God, this is your idea of answering my prayer? OK??”

Our Lord, in His mercy and grace, gave me favor once again with the judge. After three months in jail I was sentenced to a drug rehabilitation center as an alternative to prison. If I completed this six month program, my probation would be reinstated and I could move on with my life. But I was still so full of rebellion. I ended breaking the rules and violating my stay. Back to jail I went to await sentencing. This would be the third time that I would violate, and the judge promised me that if I messed up again, I would be sentenced to prison for sure. That’s exactly what happened. I was sentenced to five years in Florida State Prison.

By the grace of God, my five year sentence ended up being eighteen months instead. During those eighteen months, the Holy Spirit taught me the Word of God and filled me to overflowing with His Spirit. One day, I received a card from my Sonia with my name and the meaning of it. Lisa comes from Elizabeth, which means “consecrated to God.” Consecrated means set aside, or to declare or set apart as sacred. All of a sudden, I realized that the Lord allowed me to be sent to prison not only to save me from my destructive path, but so that I could be set apart for Him and His purpose. Without the rest of the world and drama in my ear I could finally hear from God.

My life has not been the same since. Everything that I lost and that the enemy took from me, God has restored to me plentifully. The years of pain, loneliness, and sadness have been replaced with joy, peace, and hope. Today I am surrounded by people who love me. I have undeservedly been rewarded with the blessing of several children. Our God has been faithful to build me up in Christ Jesus. I am no longer a victim of life’s circumstances. I am an overcomer in Christ Jesus!

I wanted to share this with you because I believe that there is someone who has been crying out to God, “Help me God! Please help me!” and it may seem that your situation is getting worse, but it isn’t. God may not answer your prayers the way that you think He should, but you cannot rely on your own understanding. His ways are so much higher than ours. His ways are so much better. You may not see it right now, but God is working in the midst of everything. Learn to walk by faith and not by sight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I don’t know what your situation is, but as I’ve shared, I had created such a mess of my life that even though He saved me the moment I believed and cried out to Him, He still needed to do some major reconstruction to my entire life from the inside out. In my rebelliousness, I planted some bad seeds, and I still needed to reap what I had sown and face the consequences of my actions. I could have gotten angry at God, but it wasn’t His fault that I ended up in prison. It was mine. It was my foolishness and rebelliousness that got me there. It was our Lord, in His mercy and grace, by the power of His Holy Spirit, Who gave me the strength, courage, and perseverance to endure through it all without becoming angry and bitter.

Proverbs 19:3 says, “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD.” There are people who get made at God when they are overwhelmed with debt, but they mismanage their money and are tightfisted, scared to give their tithes and offerings. Others get mad at Him because they don’t see a breakthrough in their families, but instead of speaking words of faith in their home, they are speaking words of unbelief, doubt, and defeat. They are tearing apart their own homes by the words of their mouths. There comes a time where we have to accept responsibility for our disobedience, repent, and ask God to help us back onto the narrow road. We have to learn to desire God’s will more than our own.

When God is restructuring our lives, we cannot get angry with Him. We must remember that God is the Master Potter. He is working at His wheel. We are the jars of clay that He had a very specific plan and divine purpose for from the time that we were in our mother’s wombs. However, because of our desire to have our own way, and all the resistance we gave Him, we messed the jar up some. So he has to start over, remolding and shaping us. But this is a good thing, because when God is working with a willing vessel, they become one of His vessels honor which He uses to make the riches of His glory shine through. (Jeremiah 18:1-7, Romans 9:21-23)

I want to encourage you to let go of your own plans and your own will. Become a willing vessel and trust the Lord through the remolding process. Allow Him to continue the good work that He has started. He knows what He is doing. We can trust Him with our lives. We can be sure that the end results and reward will be better than the beginning.

Hold on to the verses in Isaiah 43:18-19:
“But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

Lisa Colon
Founder of WeUsedToBeYou Ministries
http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/

This Article is a Cross-Post from the WeUsedToBeYou Web-site

Wait? - Why Can't I Just Go and Pick It Up?

2010-07-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

BY: JOYCE BAILEY

Sometimes when we pray, the Lord answers “YES, but not right now.” Those can be some of the toughest answers to handle, because they involve waiting, and it is during those waiting periods, that many people find themselves tempted to move ahead of God, especially when they think the "answer" that He’s shown them - in many cases - will get away.

We have several Biblical characters who, when it looked like the Lord wouldn't deliver on His promises, moved ahead of His timing; Sarah and Abraham, for sure, but for now, let’s look at someone else, namely, King Saul.

Saul had just been anointed as Israel's first king, and afterwards, the prophet Samuel gave him EXPLICIT instructions to follow, which are spelled out here in I Samuel 10:8:

"Go down ahead of me to Gilgal. I will surely come down to you to sacrifice burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, but you must wait seven days until I come to you and tell you what you are to do."- NIV

Later, over in I Samuel 13:8, we read the following:

8 He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. 9 So he said, "Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering."

Now, Samuel had instructed Saul to "Wait seven days", but when the seventh day arrived, and Samuel was nowhere in sight, Saul decided to take matters into his own hands and sacrificed the burnt offerings and fellowship offerings without Samuel being present! Mind you, he didn’t even know what he was supposed to do (see I Sam. 10:8)! It is too bad that he couldn’t wait a tidbit longer, because the Bible says that just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul - probably sure and proud of what he’d done on his own - went out to Greet him. I can almost hear him saying, “SAMUEL!, You made it! Let me show you what I did.”; who knows? One thing for sure, Samuel wasn’t having any of it and wasn’t happy to find that Saul had acted independently of God’s word. Whatever he said, then, really didn’t impress Samuel, which is evident by his response:

11-12 “What have you done?... and in the remainder of those two verses, we find Saul trying to justify his actions, giving reasons for having taken matters into his own hands. It was of little use, though, because he had disobeyed God’s orders, which had been given through His prophet and now, the consequences were upon him, spelled out in the following passage:

13-14 "That was a fool thing to do," Samuel said to Saul. "If you had kept the appointment that your GOD commanded, by now GOD would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. GOD is out looking for your replacement right now. This time He'll do the choosing. When He finds him, He'll appoint him leader of His people. And all because you didn't keep your appointment with GOD!"

Wow! Saul, fearing the circumstances around him, decided that it was just too risky to wait any longer and moved ahead of Samuel; when he did, it ended up costing him his kingship. The same thing can happen to us, that is, any of us whom the Lord has said, “YES, but not right now.” If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves fearing the circumstances - the time, the scanty opportunities, etc. - and foolishly move ahead of God’s timing, impatient to wait for Him to deliver what He’s promised. When we do, like Saul, we’re bound to lose everything He had planned for us, or at a minimum, end up with a MESS; something - or someone - quite substandard to what He had purposed.

Friends, “IF” God has promised us anything, in addition to the MAGNIFICENT things He’s already done for us, though the vision tarries, WAIT ON IT! At the appointed time, He will deliver. You know, it took years to get here, but I consider myself to be pretty patient. Still, as lessons go, every now and then, there is a pop-quiz, just to make sure we’re retaining what we’ve learned. Such was the case, a few short months ago, when I found myself having to “wait for the appointed time!”

It was a Friday afternoon, and I had ordered something for a special project, which I needed by the next Friday.Since I wouldn’t be home to meet the FedEx truck, I opted to have the package delivered to “my FedEx”, that is, the one nearest me. That way, I could grab it on the way to work. According to the vendor, it would reach “my FedEx” on the following Wednesday morning.

Well, when Monday rolled around, I decided to TRACK the package, you know, just to see if it was still on schedule, and when I did, here is what I found: "Package DELIVERED to FedEx - Monday 6a.m." Of course, I was so glad, because I knew I would be able to get my project done much earlier than expected, so I called “my FedEx” and after getting a live person on the telephone, and asking her to confirm its arrival, she said:

"Yes, Ms. Bailey it has been delivered, but actually, it's at our other location. It will be at ‘your FedEx’ on Wednesday morning, just as scheduled.

Well, with the “other location” being a mere two streets over, I quickly responded, “You mean I have to wait until Wednesday?” - Why can’t I just go and pick it up?”

"Oh, I’m sorry”, she said, “but it’s not ready for delivery; it has to be further processed!”

Well, so much for my plan to get things done quicker; it had quickly been shot to pieces. In looking back on that incident, though, I can see a lesson in that for many of us, especially when the Lord has answered, “Yes, but not right now!”

When He has said “YES”, but seems to be “delaying the delivery”, could it be that we, ourselves, need to undergo “further PROCESSING” before He can trust us to receive it? See, by Him being the Omniscient One, He is fully aware of what's in our hearts and how we will act once He gives us what we want, you know, whether we’d give Him thanks and the glory, whether we'd squander it, whether we’d - like a lots of children do - soon toss it aside, only to ask for something else and even, whether we’d forget him period! Oh yes, He knows all these things and since He does:

Shouldn’t we be able to CONFIDENTLY wait for Him to bring things about at His appointed time?

He expects us to, but remember, friends, He doesn’t expect us to do it on our own. As I said in a much earlier article, He gives us Strength While We’re Waiting, and that’s more than enough.

It is also enough for this edition of Love Notes, with July’s coming in just about two weeks. First, though, here’s a closing question regarding “your prayer”:

Has the Lord answered, “YES, but not right now”, with delivery still pending?

If so, learn from King Saul’s mistake; don’t get impatient, moving on without Him. Again, though the vision tarries, wait on it!

Thank you so much for your precious time and patience! I’m praying for my readers, and I hope you will continue to pray for me. God willing see you soon.

Love in Christ,
Joyce Bailey
http://www.twilyministries.org/
Cross Post from - Twily Ministries Love Notes - June 2010

Living High But Sinking Low!

2010-04-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

"If you want to get high try the Lord!

When I was young I thought that it was a great thing to go out and "party" and drink alcoholic beverages. Too many times I woke up feeling sick with a headache and wondering what I had said or done the night before. I was trying to fill the emptiness inside of my soul that ONLY God could fill. You see the world said everywhere I turned that this was the answer. TV, magazines, people, music etc. all proclaimed this was "the good life." I bought into the lie that this was indeed the way to go.

Oh, and let me say I was going to church when I was doing this stuff. I was a COUNTERFEIT Christian who had NEVER experienced the gift of grace from Jesus. I walked a nice walk and talked a nice talk but I was bound straight for hell. You see, Satan had me right where He wanted me. Pretending to be one thing and living another. I had EVERYBODY FOOLED. I quit drinking and got married and was still living the "good girl" act. The operative word was “ACT!”

Well, let me tell you something. I was sitting in church one Sunday morning and God got a hold of my heart. It was the first time the message of grace had ever gone past my head and touched my heart. A war broke out inside of me and the devil was fighting to keep me in his grips tooth and nail. He pounded me with thoughts like these: "You have been a Sunday School teacher, a GA leader, and Acteen leader, Choir member, etc. What are these people going to say about you if you go up there now?" The other voice won out because it was the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. He simply said: "COME!"

I got up out of my pew and I went to the front and received the gift of grace from God. The Holy Spirit came into my heart and I HAVE NEVER BEEN THE SAME! That Sunday morning the old Tammy died and was washed clean. The former sins were forgiven and cast as far as the east is from the west never to be remembered by God again. You see, the blood of His Precious Son washes away EVERY sin and stain.

On that day I was born into the Kingdom of God and began my life as a babe in Christ. Just like a baby I began to grow and develop as a Christian. I can tell you that Jesus filled every part of my heart and there was no longer any emptiness in my soul. I continue to grow and will not be complete until I reach my eternal home in heaven.

The years have passed and many things have happened in my life. I have been through many valleys and stood on many mountain tops but I can tell you this that God is ALWAYS FAITHFUL at ALL times!!! I have seen miracles, healing, death, rebirth and many other things through the years and God has taught me so much in this journey.

I am not proud of some of the stuff I did before I was saved but I cling to this verse: Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It is the verse of my life. God has used some of the darkest times in my life before I was a Christian to minister to others walking the same pathway that I was on.

I look at some of my friends from the past and see the remarkable things that God has done in their lives and I proclaim that GOD IS SO GOOD TO US ALL! God is using the ashes of our past to change lives in those who are searching for answers today. I am so grateful for friends like Jeff Cloud, Daryl Oliver and many, many more who have allowed God to use them to touch others through their testimonies.

I am here today to tell you that ONLY GOD can fill that empty place in your soul that He created to for Himself. Don’t buy into Satan’s lie about living the “good life.” It is a road to destruction and heartache. Turn to the Lover of your soul and accept His FREE gift of grace today.

Love in Christ,

Tammy Brewer Parker

WHAT IS GOD BIRTHING IN YOU?

2010-04-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

'Heart' in the Greek, reads 'womb'. "Out of his womb shall flow rivers of living water." A womb is a place where something is conceived and nourished, then birthed. Each of us has a spiritual womb from which we are called to birth something unique. It constitutes the story God wants to write with each of our lives.

For Hannah ~ God, in His sovereignty gave her a story of infertility, frustration, and humiliation in order to birth the prophet Samuel. If she had been able to conceive a child easily, like all else around her, she would not have been brought to the end of herself, ended up in the temple distraught, and promised to give God her child. God brought forth a Samuel after 500 lean years of silence.

For Joseph ~ God, in His sovereignty gave him a foundation of fatherly favor, but then mistreatment by his brothers and a life of slavery in Egypt, so that he could be ushered into His destiny; a high ruler in Egypt, used by God to save his people. If there had been no Egypt in his story, there would not have been an exodus for a race of people called Hebrews.

For the Samaritan women ~ God, in His sovereignty, touched her story of rejection and adultery with His grace so that she could know the reality of drinking from a well where she would never again be dependent on others to get her needs met.

My womb of my heart is also living out a story. I must stop fighting with God over the elements of pain in my life and see that God is sovereign over all of it. He allowed my story to be my story so that something unique could be birthed out of the travail. Sometimes God wants to birth a prophet, other times a ruler, or a woman who can showcase Jesus through the uniqueness of her story to those around her. As her experience with Jesus flows out of her gut, effortlessly, with power, others stand in the flow and are either repelled or thirsty. For those who thirst, I become like the Samaritan woman who leads others to the well to drink. After meeting Jesus, she didn't take the time to write out a sermon. She ran into town, spilled her gut (womb), and living water came out like a gushing spring.

If I open my mouth to speak and nothing comes out, perhaps my storyline has tripped me up. God's sovereignty is in question. Perhaps I'm in a time the 'wilderness' period of my story and I've lost my way, lost my vision of a coming redemption. Never am I in a more critical place. I run to the Redeemer, pour out my heart about my tenuous faith, and tenaciously review the stories of my spiritual ancestors. I allow their spiritual grit to inspire me. I follow their footsteps to the temple, pour out my heart, cry for deliverance, and put all my hope in a sovereign God. There is nothing, if I am seeking Him and living in His truth, that will prevent me from Canaan. Today, I fight the giants of unbelief.

(To READ MORE on Destiny - CLICK HERE)

Teresa Pannell
Development Associate
Pregnancy Resource Center of Charlotte
1505 East 4th Street
Charlotte, Nc 28204
Tel 704.372.5981
Fax 704.372.8059
teresa@prccharlotte.com

Whose Report Shall You Believe?

2010-03-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me oh Lord, and i shall be healed. save me and I shall be saved, for thou art my praise. Psalm 30:2 Oh Lord, my God, I cried unto thee and thou has healed me. God will heal me!

Cross Post from Caring Bridge - Wednesday, February 10, 2010 9:45 PM, EST

It's a NEW day! Thank you Lord Jesus for your grace and love today as Mark and I went to Duke Medical Center for a 2nd opinion from a CLL specialist and research scientist. Thank you Lord that I ONLY HAVE CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA! Thank you Lord that I do not have SLL non-hodgkins lymphnomia and it is NOT AGGRESSIVE!!!Thank you Lord that my doctor spent 2.5 hours with Mark and I in his office answering all 27 questions! In detail! I am missing chromosome 13 (i think it's in the really messy closet in the hall), and my doctor is a CLL specialist and TRISOMY 12 research scientist (i have a duplicate trisomy 12). My doctor asked me to give more blood so he could do a clinical trial on CLL and trisomy 12 to help other people.

Thank you Lord that my doctor is trying to help other people with this and similar diseases.Thank you Lord that i am at stage 1 of 5 stages. I don't go back to Duke for ONE YEAR!!! I do visit my local doc in 6 weeks and just get blood checked.CLL is chronic (slow growing) lymphocytic (in the lymphnodes) leukemia (in the blood). I only watch and wait for certain symptoms. Thank You Lord that my bone marrow is fine, my platelets are normal, my spleen and liver are unaffected! Thank you Lord, that I get seasonal flu shots/pneumonia shots each year because my immune system is not as strong.Thank you Lord that people are trained to study this information and analyze data to determine how to help people.

Thank you Lord, that you helped me through this 3 week valley and showed me how to live in the NOW! Thank you Lord that you are showing me how to walk by faith because I know that faith is now and it is impossible to please God without faith. Thank you Lord that you are showing me that the devil is a liar and wants me to be depressed, wants me to fail and live in the past. Thank you Lord that you are a God of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. chances and you love me enough to let me go through this trial. Thank you Lord, that you helped me to NOT see the glass as half empty/trials but to see the glass as half full/opportunities!!!Thank you Lord that you said that I can ask you repeatedly to heal me and give me comfort. And, though you haven't healed me yet, you have given me time and knowledge, and helped me to get through this opportunity.

There is a man in my doctor's office that has had CLL for 40 years and he is now 80 and he has had to do NOTHING! And there is a patient that needed treatment right away. I pray Lord, that you will let me be on the "don't need treatment for decades" if it is your will!Thank you Lord that I can seek you diligently with any circumstance and listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd and I will be relentless in my prayers and asking of healing and strength and you will hear and answer my prayers. Thank you Lord that you answer my prayers in the way that honors and glorifies you, and I will grow each day to love, and have faith in you and seek what you want me to learn.

What have I learned Lord? I have learned that I love you and trust and have faith that you will not give me more than I can handle, and you give me opportunities to help me grow to be like you. I have learned that I love my husband, Mark, unconditionally, through the good and bad. I have learned that I have 3 wonderful, loving, precious children that are gifts from God. I have learned that I have family that love me unconditionally, forgive me for my faults, that I am not perfect and they still love me anyhow. I have learned that I have friends that give me Godly advice and love and care even when it hurts. I have learned that I have neighbors and co-workers that care, show they care, pray, and deeply give from their hearts. And, I have learned that there are distant friends of family that I have not heard from in a long time that sent healing gifts from the heart that touched my soul and warmed my heart beyond anything imaginable. And, I have learned that there are people out there that I do not even know, who called, sent cards, sent emails and from the love of their hearts gave.

Thank you Lord that you are a rewarder of those who diligently seek you even if it is not what I wanted, but what you wanted. Lord, I want you to be glorified in my opportunity. I want to rejoice with you and let everyone know that you are the giver of life and you can take it away. I know time and life are valuable, more valuable today that ever. I know that cancer is not a death threat. And, I know that whatever trial I'm going through to give it to God and let him turn it into an opportunity to glorify him.

Today I am thankful. Today I am faithful. I thank you Lord that "I will not miss one miracle that is headed my way. I am searching for faith filled words that will cause me to seek God's best and to repel what is NEGATIVE AND COUNTERPRODUCTIVE to the Kingdom of God."

Today I know that I am blessed and I will see the glass as half full of opportunity. Thank you for showing me how to be positive, upbeat and happy even when I was like David in the cave hiding from Saul who wanted him dead. Thank you Lord, that when I did have the down times and the half empty glass times, that my friends, family, neighbors, co-workers sent me prayers to comfort and encouraged me to climb out of the pit and rejoice and seek God's will.

What are you seeking for? What are your trials? How are you hiding from Saul in the cave? Are you rejoicing? Seeking God's face for encouragement?My trial is not over, and God has made it so much better with the good news from Duke. I may never have to have any treatment, and I may have to get treatment in x months. Only the Lord knows that. Until then, I will carry my part, do what I am instructed, and give it to the Lord to handle.Than you Lord, for saving me and loving me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Cindy Hattrich
Caring Bridge

SPIRITUAL GIFTS & THE HOLY SPIRIT

2010-03-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

Lisa Colon, of We Used To Be You Ministries, addresses a question that was sent into her web-site on the gift of the Holy Spirit and Tongues.

This is a cross post from Lisa dated January 28, 2010.

Anonymous writes,
Lately I’ve been wondering about spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit. In church the pastor has been talking about being baptized with the holy spirit and with my understanding being baptized with the Holy Spirit is when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. So does everyone receive a spiritual gift when they have been baptized with the Holy Spirit? I'm confused regarding this topic. I’ve received the Lord but im guessing I need to activate the Holy Spirit within me.
Thanks and Happy Holidays
___________________

Trophy of Grace (Lisa Colon) replies…
What you believe is correct. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.” When we received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior we were baptized into the body of Christ. However the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate encounter with the Holy Spirit.

John 20:21-23 tells about Jesus appearing to His disciples after His resurrection. It says, “Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

The disciples received the Holy Spirit here, but it was not until Pentecost that they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit which Jesus told them would fill them with power from heaven. In fact he actually commanded them to stay in the city until they received the power of the Holy Spirit.

See Luke 24:49 & Acts 1:4-5

This infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit is a different experience than receiving the Holy Spirit upon salvation. When we receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit we will receive power and boldness to be Christ witnesses, to tell people about Him everywhere. With this experience comes a desire to draw closer to God seeking His will in our lives, to be used by Him to help others come to Christ for salvation, and to edify and build up the church. (Acts 1:8, 4:31)

Regarding your question about spiritual gifts, yes each of us has a spiritual gift given to us by the Holy Spirit so that we can help one another.

Here is what 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. 5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. 9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. 10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said. 11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”

Then there is also Romans 12:6-8
“6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Ask God to help you see what your spiritual gifts are. Then start using them to help others and build up the Kingdom of God. You can fan into flames your spiritual gift God gave you by using them often. The more you walk in your calling it seems to me the stronger the anointing and power. Jesus needs true servants who want to be used by Him and when those people step up He empowers them for their calling.

I hope this helped you sister.

Sincerely,
Trophy of Grace
Lisa Colon

http://www.weusedtobeyou.com/
http://www.consecratedtohim.blogspot.com/

Taking Up My Cross...

2010-01-23T07:07:00.001-08:00

Amen, and again I say, amen!

Deborah, I have also received a Rhema word along those very lines. Commitment to Christ does not afford one to stay in their "comfort zone," whether it be in traditions, previously learned doctrines, or even relational ties.

We must be in constant growth in the Lord; in prayer, praise, hearing and reading the Word, service, fellowship with the body, and utilizing the Gifts of the Spirit with the discernment of the Holy Spirit.

We have an able God! Willing to teach and guide us into Truth. Able to wean us from drinking the "the milk of babes" and usher us into new levels of maturity in Christ! The question remains to all of us Christians, “how willing and able are we?” It is my belief that too often we DISable ourselves from our walk with God with distractions and even complacency.

I believe that even if one's new stretch (of faith) starts out with beginning a bible study, fellowshipping with other believers, seeking the Lord through His Word, watching Christian educational programming, or worshipping the Lord in song, then they have just supernaturally opened the door to receive what God has been waiting to give them. This leap of faith may just be the one that brings them their “peace which goes beyond understanding,” or the one that leads them to the Rhema word they have been seeking. But let’s not stop there… the next day we must be diligent in giving thanks for the day, praising Him, and taking another leap, no matter how small, lest we get distracted or fall back into complacency.

So, I join with you Deborah in taking up my cross. I would say to your readers, “Don't give up sweet people... don't let the enemy have a victory today! Say no, not today devil! Today, I am going to walk with my King and serve him with all of my abilities! For as long as I am able!”

I'm not sure who needs to hear this today, but the Holy Spirit is leading me to write this to you who are struggling with the challenges of recent changes in your life:

I know things are stressful for you, DO NOT LOSE HOPE, FOR YOUR HOPE RESTS ON HIM WHO PAID THE PRICE. YOUR JOY IS IN HIM ALONE. WHAT CAN BEFALL YOU THAT CANNOT BE RESTORED BY THE ONE THAT CAN RESTORE HIS OWN LIFE? HE LOVES YOU AND HAS NOT LET YOU GO. HE IS WATCHING YOUR LIFE AND LOVINGLY WAITING FOR YOU TO COME TO HIM.

Blessings be upon you and your ministry, Deborah. As we keep surrendering ourselves to Him, He will keep His hand upon us and guide us with His wisdom.

In Christ,
Angela Archer

Remnant Woman / Covenant Partner

T-I-M-E

2010-01-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Know God / Hear God

I’ve never blogged before but it seems like a cool thing to do. And I’d much rather type out my thoughts than write them out … it’s just faster. And that’s the kind of world we live in today, isn’t it? Stay busy, do this, do that, run here, run there, work, run errands, do chores. I’m trying to change that busyness this year in my own personal life and be sure to carve out T-I-M-E each day to spend with the Lord. I’ve already failed a few times, which is really sad. It shouldn’t be that difficult to stop and spend time with the One who died for me and who loves me unconditionally. That’s probably why the Holy Spirit has been beating me up and telling me that the only way to HEAR from God is to study His word EVERY day, memorize scripture, and pray. I do my devotions, I’m in a bible study, but we still need to spend that uninterrupted time on our knees every day crying out to the Lord, praising Him, glorifying Him, and opening ourselves up to Him.

I’ve learned so much over the past several months. I read Deborah’s New Year’s Challenge blog and I must admit I’ve been guilty of doing major things because I thought it was totally of God … it seemed so perfect that it could be from no one else, so I didn’t even pray about it; I didn’t SEEK Him about it; I just assumed. I’m here to tell you that no matter what opportunity comes your way, no matter how perfect (or of God) it may seem, you better PRAY about it first! I’ve learned the hard way that God does allow things to come your way in order to see if we will come to Him first, pray, have faith, and not move until He answers --- and be willing to accept His answer of either Yes, No, or Wait.

I’m also learning to ask God to change ME … not the “other person”. That’s hard too! Lots of times I don’t think it’s ME who needs to change, but when I’ve prayed that and asked that, the Lord has laid on my heart that I need to focus on ME and what I might need to be doing instead of what the other person ought to be doing. What an eye-opener.

There are a lot of different types of things going on in my family that’s probably going to bring about a lot of drastic change this year. Again, I’m learning through all this … God is revealing so much to me through the circumstances that are occurring in my life already in 2010. He is testing my faith, He is testing my devotion, He is testing my ability to be able to turn the other cheek like He did so many times, He is teaching me to pray for those who might gossip about my situation(s) – and I am seeing so clearly that the only way to overcome and sustain all this is to grow in my walk and relationship with Him through STUDYING His word, lots and lots of prayer, and continuing to surround myself with other believers.

The Lord has turned many things around in my life for which I am so thankful … He has literally brought me full circle! He has placed and is continuing to place women in my life who support me, who mentor me, who pray for and with me, and who love me. God is so good! Even through this blog, right this moment, He is speaking to my heart and I am committing to Him right now that I will give Him all of me, I will spend uninterrupted quality time with Him every day, I will trust Him with everything, I will become more receptive to Him speaking to me, and I will be open to the opportunities He will put in my path to tell people about Him, His love, and His awesome gift of salvation.

My favorite scripture verse is Proverbs 3:4-5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding but acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight. I know that I will need to recall this verse many times this year and I’m thankful that God’s word is alive, infallible, and so applicable!

Growing in Him,
Donna Lawing

Remnant Woman

Newsletter from Crystal Coleman

2010-01-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of our family and friends! How fast time passes and once again I cannot believe that another year has ended. Let me start by apologizing for not sending out our annual Christmas letter last year. I have heard from a few of you who have openly expressed your disappointment. I must say, it seemed nice to know I was missed, and I will try not to ever let the "hustle & bustle" keep me from this special part of Christmas anymore. With that said...

Olivia (our oldest) turned 11 in August and started Middle School. It seems so hard to believe how fast she is growing up. She made the cheerleading squad this year and I'm not sure who I enjoy watching cheer the most - Olivia or her daddy. He loves to embarrass her and when she cheers, whether at home or at the game, he loves to join in. (I'm sure your mental visualization of this is as funny as the real thing!) Another "first" for Olivia this year is piano lessons. She loves to sing and hopes that she will be able to sit at the piano and play and sing together. She still loves to dance, do arts and crafts and these days, texting and the Internet have become popular past times. A highlight of 2009 for Olivia was a trip to New York City with her grandmother and myself. Among all the shopping and sight-seeing, we had lunch at "The American Girl Place" and saw Mary Poppins on Broadway. I told her daddy, "If you thought she had the stars in her eyes before, you should have seen her after the Broadway Show!" I think she danced and sang "Supercalifragilistic..." until 2am! We are so proud of the young lady that she is becoming and can't wait to see how God molds her in the years to come!

In October, Donnie (our middle child) turned 10 and celebrated with a camp-out by the river with his friends, his dad and his Papa Sonny. He is a true "outdoorsman." He lives to hunt, fish, and see what he can catch in his trap. We've caught Possum's, Raccoon's and the neighbor's cat! We have spent almost every weekend this year with Donnie playing travel baseball. That was a huge commitment but I must say it was lots of fun! As Donnie matures he has developed quite a sense of humor. I'm not sure where his quick wit comes from but he keeps us cracked up all the time. His newest past time is "MAGIC". He is constantly in your face with a deck of cards or a coin or a rope. When his homework is done you will find him on the Internet studying magic tricks. I hear, "Mom, pick a card" so much that I think I pick cards in my sleep! With all the jokes and tricks that he pulls on us, I must tell you about the good one I pulled on him a couple of weeks ago. As we were sitting at lunch one day, I pulled a small notebook out of my purse to write something down and Donnie starts giggling. He proceeds to tell me that he found that notebook last year in my purse and he and his sister read it and knew everything they were getting for Christmas. Well, of course my heart was broken, but what could I do a year later? Then he said, "Don't worry mom, I'll find it again this year, too." I said, "You won't find this book young man, I'll make sure of it!" Well, that night lying in bed I was thinking of the conversation and thought to myself, "I'll show him." I took the notebook and wrote a list of things that I had bought him that I knew he wouldn't want or could care less about. The list included 2 books: A Cookbook for Boys and How to Learn to Enjoy Reading, a new bathmat for his bathroom, a 500 piece puzzle, etc. (Nothing he wanted!) The list went right back in my purse where I knew eventually his little nosy self would find it! Days later, I was lying on the couch and Donnie walks in and starts pacing around with his hands running through his hair. He had the strangest look on his face and I wasn't for what was going on until he said, "Mom, a cookbook for boys?" I thought to myself, "OK Crystal, you've got to control yourself." As he continued to recite the list I couldn't help but burst out laughing. Instantly, he fell to the floor and started beating his hands on the carpet. He had been "Punked" by who... his Mama! We are still laughing about it! Donnie also took a special trip this year. In October his dad and Papa Danny took him to Boston to see the Red Sox play. They seemed to have a great trip! Boston is full of History so Donnie's not sure its the "perfect" place to travel with his dad unless you like to read every single historical plaque that you pass. We are proud of this young man God has blessed us with and love him dearly!

Isaac (our youngest). WOW! Where do I start? He will turn 4 in January and I must say it's got to be better than 3! This child, whom we love to pieces, needs the Super Nanny! If he would have been born first, then this letter would be really short because we'd only have to tell you about him! No really, his behavior has gotten much better so I am hoping turning 4 will help. With that said, he absolutely adores his Big Brother. So much so, that he tells everyone "his" name is Donnie Dash. When he visited my mom's church this summer for Bible School, he told his teacher that his name was Donnie and that's what the roll book and his name tag said when he got home! It was so funny! He thinks he is the same age as Donnie and wants to be with him every minute of the day. This really wears on Donnie's patience. (We have to remind him daily to exercise the Fruit of the Spirit when it comes to Isaac's shadowing.) We have never had a child that plays with his toys like Isaac. He is obsessed with dirt bikes and four wheelers and I bet he pushes them a hundred miles a day. As a matter of fact, if there is no dirt bike around, the remote control becomes a substitute or the stapler at the office. His lips vibrate constantly making the sounds. So much so, I think they must go numb. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't become a motocross racer one day. If Isaac gets the opportunity to dress himself, (which happens a lot because I pick my battles) he picks camouflage every time. Dirty from the day before? Doesn't matter to him! He truly can be just as sweet as he can a little devil. He tells me every night that he loves me all the way to the moon. This week he told me that he loved me all the way to the Donkey Way! (The Milky Way I assume!) We do love him and I'm hoping those eyes and that smile will help him get out of most of his trouble!

Well, our family, like many others, felt the effects of the economy this year. In June, Don lost his job with Brickworks. This came as a huge shock to our family. We are optimistic, however, and believe that when one door closes another one opens. On a wing and a prayer, we have recently opened our own building supply company in Wingate (Coleman Masonry Supply), and so far the Lord has blessed us. My husband is one of the strongest men I know. I admire him for his hard work ethics, loyalty to his friends and customers and a real life example of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I watch him really go the extra mile to make things happen and I pray God's blessings on him because of that. Hebrews 11:1 says, "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." (NLT) This is the verse that keeps me going. Maybe you can plug it into your situation. As I close, I want each of you to know how important you are to our family and we pray God's Blessings upon you this Christmastime and New Year!

With love & warm wishes,

Crystal Coleman

WATCHING GOD PROVIDE...

2009-12-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

...Andi Raymond...
Being missionary children, both Mark and I have experienced God's provisions our entire lives. One story, in particular, sticks out in my mind.

When Mark's parents were in Language School, THREE DAYS BEFORE PAYDAY, they had absolutely not a dime to their name. The pantry was COMPLETELY bare... I mean... NOTHING. His dad told Mark and his sister, Kandi, to set the table for dinner. Mark said, "Daddy, we don't have anything to eat. Why do you want us to set the table?" His Dad said, "I trust the Lord to provide for our EVERY need." You guessed it... they sat down at the table, bowed their heads and, "Ding Dong." At the door were people from the church down the street with enough groceries for THREE days! GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME and ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!!!

Blessings to all,

Andi Raymond

Remnant Woman

Reckless Road... Not Listening to God

2009-10-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Ladies:

A Remnant Woman named Lisa Blewitt sent this email to me recently. Ironically, her studies are from an exact passage that I have been studying over the last few months. I plan to write a complete Bible study on this passage for DRM in the upcoming weeks, but thought you'd enjoy Lisa's reflective thoughts in the meantime.

God is so amazing!

Deborah Ross

______________________

From Lisa...

Once we are in God’s sanctuary, under his protection,nothing can harm us.

Numbers 22:5 Balak said: "A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of theland and have settled next to me. 6. Now come and put a curse on these people,because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them anddrive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, andthose you curse are cursed."

Balaam seeks God’s response to Balak’s request…”12. But God said to Balaam,"Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." Balak persists in his request for a curse to be placed on Israel.

Balaam’s response, (vs. 18.)... But Balaam answered them, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. " Balaam should have turned on his heels and walked away from Balak and listened to God by saying “NO!” to the curse.

But, Balaam did seek the Lord again. (He was letting the earthly voice temporarily override the King of the Universe. ) vs 20.

That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you." Balaam was wrapped in his own thoughts and doing things his way (probably fear of Balak instead of fear of God.)

Balaam did not see the angel. Had it not been for God’s power manifested through the donkey, Balaam would not have seen the angel. Balaam was on a reckless road. All of us can be influenced by this world. But with God’s grace and mercy He reveals himself. God can do anything it takes to protect His people.

Lisa Blewitt

Remnant Woman

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."HEBREWS 11:1 KJV

Counting Your Blessings!

2009-07-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

- Acts 20:24 -

ABOUT AMY: Remnant Woman, Amy Line, is a single working mom of one son named Anderson. She struggles with normal everyday challenges like the rest of us.

ABOUT ANDERSON: Anderson is a 7 year old child with Microcephaly,(small brain- a form of mental retardation), Autism, and numerous genetic anomalies.

BELOW IS AN EMAIL THAT AMY SENT OUT TO HER FRIENDS LAST WEEK...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey everyone! My little guy started camp yesterday. He had so much fun! He came home with muddy shoes and mud up his back. We stripped him down and threw him in the shower. He did music, art, pool time, and fishing.
Ms. Karen looked exhausted! : )

I asked him how many fish he caught and he said "one". I asked was it big or small. His response was classic! He said BIG and held his hands out farther than his shoulders. It was so typical. His first "big fish story".

Last night his tube came undone while I was on the phone. He clapped and said "I did it!" Yay -- so I stripped the bed and threw them in the hallway to deal with this morning.

It was a typical morning-- up and down the stairs, and I threw the bedding over the balcony from last night. He didn't want to get up. He didn't want to walk. So, needless to say I was running late for the 8 AM school today that he is going to.

I threw him in the car-pump and all, ran back in for my purse, grabbed his lunch and left the house.

My watch and earrings. Are still at home and the laundry is still laying in the floor--- I was late and NOT happy about it.

As I'm riding down the road I look back and he's just sitting there watching his pump and waiting for it to beep so HE can turn it off. We go down a hill and he let's out a big
WHHEEEEEEE

Around the traffic circle he let's out a few
WHEEEEEE. WHEEEEEEE. WHEEEEE 's

I just thought -- well, today when I get behind or aggravated maybe I should just let out a big WHEEEEE and get over it. Its just not that big of a deal. He's just as happy as he can be without a care in the world. He enjoys the little things we take for granted!

So- today, let out a big WHEEE EE. I promise you will laugh about it. Have a good day!

P. S. I think I put the garage down ???
WHEEEEEEE

http://www.andersonupdate.homestead.com/

Please join us in prayer for Amy and Anderson. Pray for Anderson to continue to improve as God gets all the glory for his astonishing growth and accomplishments. Pray for Amy to have strength, faith, hope, and peace as she continues to grow in Christ as a single mom who is determined to "enjoy" every minute of life, no matter how difficult the challenge.

Psalm 103:3 -

"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases"

Matthew 19:26 -

"But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Habakkuk 3:18 -

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation."

Dating and Marriage

2009-07-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

BEFORE YOU SAY "I DO"...

What do you do when you have a "boyfriend" that hits on you and pushes you around?

RUN!

This sounds like a co-dependent relationship that needs to be broken off… and the sooner the better. No man should ever hit or push a woman, for any reason.

The scary thing about dating someone with bad character is that we might end up marrying them. Then, once we are married, it is a lot more difficult to deal with such behavior problems than while we are dating. Marriage does NOT make things better. You CANNOT fix this man. In fact, once you marry him, his guard will come down and his “real” character flaws will be revealed. How do you think he’ll treat you once you are married?

The Bible says that we are not to be unequally yoked in marriage. Obviously, this guy is not Christ-like because he does not exemplify self-control. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” If you are a Christian, the Bible is very clear about seeking only to marry (or date) someone who is also a born-again believer. God did not call us to date “ministry projects”. Don’t let the devil convince you that you need to date this guy in order to bring him to Christ. Even if you are not a Christian, you would still be wise to stay out of abusive relationships (whether verbal or physical) while dating.

I would also like to challenge you to take a sincere look at yourself. Are you provoking this guy to anger with your mouth? I have found that many women are prone to nagging - and men hate it! If you are guilty of losing control with your tongue, ask God to help you change your ways for the sake of future relationships. A woman is to be her husband’s “help mate”. This means, she is to encourage him and not to tear him down. Wives should constantly seek the Lord, asking for help in having pleasant tones and kind words toward their husband… even during times of disagreement. Now, even if you are guilty of nagging or spewing poisonous words toward your boyfriend, this still does not give him the right to hit you. He is responsible for his actions, just as you are responsible for yours. Sadly, since he has already crossed the line of respect in this relationship by forcefully pushing you around and hitting on you, it is unlikely that he will be able to break this pattern… even if you work to clean up your tongue.

Dating someone who does not cherish you - but instead, beats you - will only lead to heart ache and pain. There is no future in this type of relationship. Seek the Lord with all of your heart and let Him be your boyfriend until He shows you someone like Himself who will love you, cherish you, and even lay his life down for you. This is God’s plan for male and female relationships. As we love one another - like Jesus loves the church and gave His life for it - we are in agreement with God’s plan for dating and marriage.

In Christ,

Deborah Ross

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

I'm Feeling Left Out...

2009-07-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Ladies:

I am a contributing writer for another on-line ministry called We Used To Be You. The question and answer below if from their web-site. I hope this ministers to some of you on The Remnant, as well.

Anonymous writes…
I’m struggling with feeling left out from my sisters. There are 3 of us and I am the only one who is in the business world. They are both teachers. I know it sounds silly but it is really dividing and I often feel left out, mostly because they have more time. I have been increasingly feeling more left out as I’ve gotten older and I know that Satan is really capitalizing on my insecurity. I don’t want to feel this way towards my sisters, but I feel powerless. I am trying to find scripture that I can recite to stop having these feelings.
Thanks for your listening ear.

Deborah Ross replies…

I guess my question to you is: Are you struggling because you wish you had more time to spend with your family; or, are you struggling because you are jealous of the relationship that your sisters have with each other because of their common interest?

I am going to take a big leap of faith in digging deep into the issues of your heart in hopes of shedding some light on your concern.

If you feel you are in bondage because you spend so much time at work while your sisters have time to do things for their families, perhaps it is not Satan but God who is speaking to you. Could it be that the Lord is allowing you to be unsatisfied with your job situation because He has something better for you that will bring inner peace? I am reminded of the scripture that the Lord brought to my attention when He was pruning me of corporate America.

Matthew 16:26 "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

Your soul is your mind, your will, and your emotions. In this passage we are taught that following after fleshly ambitions will only lead to sorrow in the end. No amount of money, success, or accolades should ever be worth the trade-off of living outside the will of God. God’s ways are peaceful. This doesn’t mean everything is easy when we are walking in God’s will, but it does mean that we will have an inner peace knowing that He is for us and that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing.

Satan is so crafty. He can actually make us believe that what we are doing, is what we really want to do. He is also a master at creating reasons “why” we must continue to do what we are doing. On the other hand, if the Lord is pulling at your heart about changing gears to follow after His plan for your life… He is more than able to take care of all of the “what if’s” that threaten your intellectual thinking.

You didn’t say if you had a husband or children, so I can only speculate that if you do, you are yearning for more time to do the Lord’s work as a wife and mom. You also did not say if you were a single mom or not, so I am addressing your question as if you are not. Please write back if this letter does not speak to your situation. Whatever your status, there is one thing I am certain of and that is, “God wants to give you the desires of your heart” …

Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

My advice for you is that you begin to ask the Lord “why” you are having these feelings toward your sisters. As He reveals your true motives, begin to ask Him what steps you need to take in order to draw closer to His plan for your life. If your thoughts are stemming from a deep desire to follow after a destiny that may seem unattainable, outrageous, or even crazy, just remember: there is nothing that is too hard for God. He has created you for a specific purpose that only you can do. If He is calling you to step out in faith to explore a new season of life, He will certainly make a way for all of the details to fall into place.

Even if you think your struggles with your sisters is simply a matter of jealousy, I challenge you to ask God to show you the “root” of your strife. You may be surprised to find out that your feelings of being left out and division may actually be the symptom of a deeper issue within your own heart.

Finally remember that as time passes and your sisters continue to develop their relationship, you are allowing more space to come between you simply because of your absence. If you desire to be a part of your sisters friendship, make yourself available for some of their activities. My grandmother always said, “If there is a will, there is a way.” You can find a way to make time to be with your sisters periodically, if you really want to (providing you live in the same geographical area). Step out of your box, change your routine, create a new schedule, trust God, and become a part of your sisters’ worlds. Just do it!

Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother."

Yours in Christ,

Deborah

http://www.deborahrossministries.org/

The "Professional Woman"

2009-06-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Every start of my day is the same. I hit the snooze button 15 times, shower, get dressed and run out the door, pushing a rolling briefcase with one hand, holding a coffee mug in my other hand, my purse on my shoulder, a piece of toast clasped in my mouth, blackberry against my ear held up by my shoulder, listening to the voicemails from the two calls I just missed. As I pull out of the driveway, I normally see my neighbor Cheryl, who is a stay at home mom, walking their new puppy. I also see two other neighbor girlfriends starting their power walks, waving wildly as I drive by.

This past week was the last week of school and the wrap up to the year my six year old has been waiting for…the dance recital! The rehearsal was Friday afternoon at 4pm and the big show was on Saturday afternoon. Since school was out, I decided to take my two youngest girls, Jessica and Gigi to work with me on Friday so we could take Gigi to her big rehearsal. That morning, add to the paragraph above, two costume changes in hand. Friday also turned out to be one of the most stressful days at the office, starting with a client pushing up a magazine ad deadline to that day so we had until close of business to design, approve and submit it and our graphic artists were starting with a blank screen. I spent the day on the couch in our creative department’s office with my laptop trying hard not to bite every acrylic nail tip off. My head was spinning in circles and finally at 3:45, I realized that I had 15 minutes to get my little girl to rehearsal. I ran out of the office, Gigi in tow with her costumes and by the time we got there, we were 15 minutes late and I was in complete panic mode. When I walked through the doors of the recital hall, I froze and you would have thought I had just had a brain lapse. Have you ever been to a dance recital? More appropriately, have you ever had a child in a dance recital? If you have, need I say more about rehearsal day? I am a smart, successful woman. I am a professional, a multi-tasker, I juggle 10 balls a day. I lead a staff and make formal presentations to CEO’s and speak in public all the time. For a moment I felt like my confidence went through the window. I’ll tell you who the REAL professionals in there were. The “Cheryl’s” of the world. The beautiful mommies in their jeweled flip-flops, cosmetic cases in hand, powdering, puffing, spraying, lip gloss-applying mamas getting their little dolls ready to rehearse. Well, there I was with two measly hangers in one hand, my blackberry in the other and I couldn’t even remember my name. I was the most unprepared, lost woman you could imagine. In many ways, I felt like I had let Gigi down because I didn’t have it together like the other moms, nor was I as prepared as I should have been. When the lady with the clipboard asked me what dances she was in, I stared at her, lost, and finally replied, “Ma’am, I’m sorry, I have no clue what the name is, all I know is that her classes are at 3 and 3:45 on Thursdays.” That was all I could remember. I called out to Gigi and she knew what her dances were. How embarrassing! I felt like those women thought I was a complete loser! They directed me to go down a staircase and into the dressing room to get her dressed. In the midst of beating myself up, I tried hard not to tear up as I watched my little girls’ excitement because she was finally about to put her coveted costumes on. As I took a deep breath to clear my heavy throat, I looked down and my eyes fixed on four bobby pins on the floor. There they were, all I needed to pull myself together. I picked them up and looked at my little girl and she jumped up and down in excitement, I kicked my heels off, threw my purse on the floor and pulled my hair back in a ponytail. I looked her in the eyes and said “We’ve GOT this baby!” I got my groove back! What did I have to worry about? My black patent leather purse has more beauty supplies in it on a DAILY basis than most anyone’s! I dug through it like I was digging for gold! I moistened my fingertips with my tongue, slicked her hair back quickly, put it up in a bun with my four bobby pins, dug through my makeup quickly, and fixed her up like a china doll!!! I borrowed hairspray from a sweet lady next to me and we were all set!

That weekend, I gleamed in excitement at the tutus, the glitter, the bored siblings and dozing daddy’s as we sat through through the big show. I also remembered the real heroes, the mommies in the world, working and stay at home moms. I remembered that no matter what I look like, what I do for a living, I am only as bright as the woman one who shines in my little girls eyes and no matter how many balls we juggle in life, if we are operating in God’s will, He will supply all our needs! Just when we feel we are not worthy, there will always be bobby pins on the floor!

Rescued

2009-05-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

This word has echoed throughout our home the past several weeks. Our daughter became passionate

about participating in "The Rescue" a worldwide mission to bring attention to the abduction of

the innocent boys and girls under the brutal leadership

of Joseph Kony. He is the notorious leader of Uganda's rebel guerrillas, the Lord's Resistance Army. They are called invisible children for many people seem to have forgotten them.

I plan to have my daughter to do a guest blog post on this story very soon.

“He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!” Psalm 22:8

I am so thankful to the Lord Jesus for eternally rescuing me at the age of 14. It didn't take me long to soon realize that He is ready, able AND willing to rescue me daily. Minute by minute. A rescue from busyness, guilt, shame, procrastination, selfish ambition, complacency........the list goes on and on.
And on.

Rescue: to set free from confinement, danger or evil.
to deliver. to redeem. to ransom. to reclaim. to save!

Are you like me and need rescued? Maybe you have never made Jesus your Lord and Savior. I promise you it will be the best decision you will ever make. Jesus wants to rescue each of us from the pit and give us a life of freedom in Him.Or maybe it's that repeated occurring sin that you just can't shake? It could even be a rebellious teenager or a marriage that is on the verge of collapsing. Jesus wants to rescue you from that too.

To redeem you and deliver you. He is no respector of persons

and desires for all of us to live a victorious and full life in Him.
I need Jesus to come to my rescue continuously and so thankful that He is a faithful friend...One who never leaves me alone, but leaves me His Word to stand on.

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help."
Proverbs 24:11

STILL? IS THAT A WORD?

2009-04-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

Setting:

Music - Getting Stronger (from Rocky)

There I stood, overlooking the field. The grass was green and slightly damp with the morning dew. My mind completely focused on the task at hand. This would be a day of victory. I thought back to all of the days and hours I had put into this, the practices, the mental trials and tribulations of the rigorous training schedules. The sweat and perseverance, all led to this day, this moment. I adjusted my ponytail, lowered my sunglasses and prepared for the hour was upon me…….

(Fade to present from describing the past week!)

The task - how was I going to haul three chairs, two coolers, a sports bag and a grouchy six year old to the middle of the soccer fields without having to make two trips!!! This past weekend I endured 5 regularly scheduled soccer games and 4 make up ones from prior rained out weekends. Just another day in paradise!!

(End Music)

Who Am I?

I am the wife of Jason Guffey and mother to 5 children. Yes, 5. I am also the queen of juggling 10 things at a time, 2007 "Keepin It Real" Woman of The Year winner :):) and Marketer Extraordinaire! However, the title I am the most proud of is Monica Guffey - Remnant Woman.

Webster’s definition of remnant: (adjective) :still remaining. My definition of remnant – a beat up, most imperfect, remaining fighter of a woman who made it only through God’s amazing grace, tender mercies and obedient Christian women who unmasked me! That’s me.

Although I can’t live a day without my “downtown brown” lipstick, accessories and Diet Coke, the course of the past two years forced me to come back to my roots, not by a slight nudge, rather a whack to the back of my head. Today, I see things through a very different perspective.

God did not give me more than I can handle. (Yes, I have to tell myself that everyday, ok sometimes hourly.) Is it exhausting? Of course! Do I randomly fall asleep at the dance studio lobby still in heels, a pant-suit with a folded laptop in my lap and then awaken only to wipe a little drool and see that I’m surrounded by 100 stay at home moms with strollers and toddlers talking about the triple coupon weekend at Harris Teeter? Absolutely! But this is my life. I’ve learned to make changes the hard way. I’ve accepted that I have to make better choices the hard way and pretty much learned most things the hard way. Through it all, God was faithful and He still is!

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might ..." (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Faith in God is like that. No matter my position at work, how many children I have, how many books I read and how much research I do on any given subject, the reality is that I don't have all the answers and I don't understand everything. At times, I often tell people to explain things to me like I’m an 8 year old with ADD. I like it simple and God gives it simple. I have faith in God as much as I have faith that while the dawn is still dark, the sun will rise at precisely the right time. God provides all the answers, gives me strength to get through my day and responsibilities and always shows up at the most critical times. Do you know why? Because the Lord never left me. I just had to learn to be still enough to listen to Him. That seems impossible at times with our hectic lives but it’s simply up to us to slow down long enough to ask Him. He might even bless you with 10 minutes for a nap. (Even if it's in the middle of chaos - beggars can't be choosers!) Today - be still long enough to hear Him speak.

“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13-14)

Monica

The Remnant Women

HIS POWER!

Stop Pulling The "Not Under The Law" Card

Who (or What) Has Your Attention?

Let There Be Peace!

The Paradox of Love

Broken

BUT US DECREASING THAT HE ALONE INCREASE, ALL OUR LIVES MAGNIFYING THE GIVER OF ALL, GOOD AND PERFECT…

17AND HE HIMSELF EXISTED BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST (COHERE, ARE HELD TOGETHER) COLOSSIANS 1:17

BREATHE...EXHALE...."JESUS" JESUS" "JESUS" SHOUTED WITH A MIGHTY ROAR THIS TIME!

Stay on Watch

He Has Not Abandoned You!

Perseverance

A Letter From The Holy Spirit...

Prayer of a Desperate Wife

The Rising of the Sun and The Risen Son

"PLEASE GOD, HELP ME!"

Wait? - Why Can't I Just Go and Pick It Up?

Living High But Sinking Low!

WHAT IS GOD BIRTHING IN YOU?

Whose Report Shall You Believe?

SPIRITUAL GIFTS & THE HOLY SPIRIT

Taking Up My Cross...

T-I-M-E

Newsletter from Crystal Coleman

WATCHING GOD PROVIDE...

Reckless Road... Not Listening to God

Counting Your Blessings!

Dating and Marriage

I'm Feeling Left Out...

The "Professional Woman"

Rescued

STILL? IS THAT A WORD?

¹⁷AND HE HIMSELF EXISTED BEFORE ALL THINGS, AND IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST (COHERE, ARE HELD TOGETHER) COLOSSIANS 1:17