Just Blind

Luke 4:1-7 "And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine."

I read that and it blowed my mind to think how blinded Satan was by his pride.

Satan is very aware who God is and the Trinity at that! He knew Jesus was God manifested in the flesh.

Really think about it. Satan once was the most esteemed angel, Lucifer. He was the one who stood behind God and covered Him with his wings. He knew who and what God was and is! Yet he stood in front of Jesus, the Son of God and showed Him riches of this world, hoping Jesus would fall for it.

It's the first time I actually see how self centered Satan really is. Someone who is self consumed and centered has no clue of reality nor of who is hurt by their actions.

When we are selfish, we are sooooo blinded from truth, we don't make rational judgements. It sounds a lot like Satan's situation.

We think of pride as a little o'l sin. A sin that everyone has, it's bad but just do the best you can to not have it; that's all you can do.

Wait a minute! Doesn't Proverbs 6:16-17 say that pride is one of seven things that are an abomination unto God? If it's something God hates so much, don't we think God would love to help us get rid of it completely, from our life? Don't get me wrong, we are all born in sin and will die sinners, but if we have been born again; born physically then born spiritually, the second done on purpose, by our own will, are we not new creatures? (2Corinthians 5:17). Isn't our past swiped away (Psalm 103:12)? Doesn't Philippians 4:13 say, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."? If we sincerely want to be used by God and not be a stumbling block to others, especially our younger brothers and sisters in Christ, don' you think Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." or Matthiew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." would come into play?

Jesus said if we ask in His name, in other words, ask for things that He would agree with or ask for. If we ask God, in Jesus' name, to free us from the pride we carry in our minds and our hearts; He will answer those prayers, the Bible says so in John 16:23.

What stops us from asking God to free us from our pride? We asked Him to free us from drinking, smoking, drugs, premarital sex, anger lying etc. Why not pride? Let's face it, pride feels better than all those thing I just mentioned, but fro a season. I think it's because we too wear the same shoes as Satan did that day when he dared to try to "trick" Jesus into desiring worldly riches but end up bowing before Satan in the end.

Can you imagine the look on Jesus' face? Something like, "You're kidding right?!" "HELLO Satan! Remember me? You know... J-E-S-U-S... God in the flesh?! I made those cities you're showing me. I gave power to those people in those kingdoms. If I wanted it I could get it by myself... thanks. Good try though!... *wink*"

That's where spiritual battle gets a little clearer for me. He doesn't just attack me, tempting me because he knows I'm weak and I'll fall to his devices. He just wants to be worshiped so badly! He is blinded by his desperation, his pride. He'll attack anyone who is weak at any moment. The only smart thing he did when he tried to tempt Jesus, is that he tried it when Jesus' flesh was weak since he hadn't eaten for 40 days while in the wilderness.

3 major things I learnt in this passage:

1. pride blinds us from reality and of your direction and directives to others


2. Satan will attack me because he wants worship and my fall


3. wilderness= hard times (trials). When it's walked without being in prayer and reading God's Word, it now means weak, in the wilderness. Be sure we'll be tempted

Keep strong, even if in the wilderness.

In our weakness

1 Corinthians 1:21"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe."


Over and over again, God uses what we would consider the less intelligent, the weaker and foolishness to show His awesomness, strength and wonder.


Something as simple as the grass growing, the rain falling, the young child's first steps shows us God's infinit wisdom in creation.


In the bible specifically, He used a group of fisherman THEN more educated people to spread the Gospel. He used a weak and posessed man, Legion, to glorify His name. He used people in bondage to sin and brought freedom and truth through His Son.


Why don't we accept what and who we are, that God may be able to use us?


I found this video. It is a man who is paralyzed in his right arm after a car accident with a pickup. He is playing "The Lord's prayer" which is a song I've been practicing to sing in church. He plays the piano with one hand.


Watch this and keep in mind that God can make beautiful music of our life if we just let Him guide us, and trust in His will, and love for us.

Anyone for Grill Pizza

Pizza is not very spiritual but I love that too.
I always wondered how to do pizza on the grill and found this video and it's really well done. Enjoy!

A heart like David's

Psalm 26:2 "Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart."
A scary prayer!
VS. 3 "For thy lovingkindness [is] before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth."
David had confidence in his prayer of judgement because he knew that his relationship with God was pure, honest, and his steps ordered by Him. He knew he was right with God and understood that by guarding his life, keeping it pure, the outcome would be praises to God.
Psalm 26:7, "That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works."
David loved being in that place in his life where he was near to God, when he had fellowship with Him. He did so to the point that he later pleads God to not allow him to be at the wrong place with the wrong people. (Psalm 26:9 "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:")
David understood that he was in THIS good place or standing, at THAT particular time in life, because of God's mercy on him.
Someone could think he was bragging about his own self righteousness but he wasn't. Listen to him. He praised God for the opportunity to be on even ground; a plateau, smooth sailing.
Oh how the world would be different if we loved being with and like God, more than ourselves, to the point we would beg God to not allow us to follow the lust of our flesh.

He always rises to the top

Have you ever noticed that if you place an object, like a straw, in a glass of water, it will float to the top. How about those oil filled balls that you put in your bath... press them down but they will bop back to the surface?
Here is what "Spikes World Science" says, "The truth is that objects float in water because the water pushes up against them. I guess it isn't an invisible holder or pusher-upper. There are several things to do that let us feel the push of a liquid. That push is called buoyancy (pronounced "BOY-ann-see")."
In the world, since God created it, recognizes God's holiness and mightiness therefore automatically "pushes" (magnifies) God. He rises to the top.
In Exodus 7, God is talking to Moses and telling him what to expect when commanding Pharoh to let "His" people go. It says,"
But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, [and] my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them."
The world will mimic the things of God, but God will dominate when given the glory.
Moses must have wondered ho could the Egyptians know that God was God when the magicians could copy evey miracle God did when it came to the plags, but God always showed himself more powerful.
EXAMPLES:
When Moses threw his rod to the ground in front of Pharoh, it became a snake. The magicians threw theirs and it did also. Moses' rod which was now a snake ate the magicians snakes...
When Moses smote the water with the rod, all water was turned to blood. The magicians did the same but now there was no water which they could drink of and their body, which God created, was thirsty. Imagine, it was seven days before they got drinkable water.
Again with the frogs, the magicians copied the infestation but could then only rely on God to get rid of them. The bible says in Exodus 8:14, "And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank."

HELLO!?! Was it worth it being able to copy God in miracle making?

God rose to the top when He showed that He was the CREATOR of all things and not the copier of all things when He could reverse the miracle, the magicians had to beg and plead for God to reverse it.
Sometimes, we recognize that life is bigger than us but we forget that God is bigger than life. Let Him rise to the top, let us give Him the glory He deserves in our lives. Let's let Him have freedom to work in our lives and be "pressed up" by the copiers in our lives that He may be exalted among all men.
Proverbs 3:5-7, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

Funny Friday

What could He of thought?

I was reading Psalm 22 the other night. It reminded me that although Jesus was all God, He was also all flesh.
You are probably aware that in MANY places in the Old Testament, are prophecies of the birth, life, death and resurection of Jesus. In this passage, it is a prophecy of His moments surrounded His death on the cross. Here is a glimpse on the thoughts He had.
Psalm 22 "(vs 1.) My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? (vs. 6-8) But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.(vs.13) They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion. (vs. 16-18)
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
When I read those passages, I could help but hear Jesus' human heart.
We often are afraid to speak up for the sake of Jesus Christ; afraid of the rejection. These passages put this one into context. Hebrew 4:15 "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
He knows what feeling rejected is like, but He went all the way. I want to serve Him all the more when I know what sacrifice He did for me. Why can't we sacrifice even just a little.
Remember yesterday? What your heart meditates on? His sacrifice for you, would be a good thing to meditate on.
Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Mother's day is coming up...

This morning, I read what I wrote yesterday, and I was so convicted! I love God's word, He just cleaned me all up.
You see, I woke up early to go to the gym and I REALLY didn't want to go but I missed yesterday and the day before so... I went. It was a good workout but I got home grouchy. I prayed that God would soften my heart, and their you go, He did.
Anyway.
I also read a thought from a homeschooling newsletter I get weekly, and thought I would share it with you as mother's day is coming. I always set myself up for a fall on that day so it really spoke to me. Hope it's an encouragement to you.

Mercy Every Minute
Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor

I am going to rebel and talk about the un-importance of mothers. Surely you are saying, "How awful!" But before you dismiss me, let me clarify.

I do believe the function of motherhood is important. If it weren't for mothers we wouldn't be here (of course). So, it's not so much the importance of being a mother, but it is the value of what we do and Who we represent that matters for eternity. God will not say, "Well done - you were a mother." But He may say, "Well done, you were a good and faithful servant and made my Son known to those I gave you."

Whenever we place too much importance on ourselves, our office as mothers, or our sacrificial tasks, the danger is that our focus becomes skewed and our emotions entangled. We begin to feel we deserve to be treated well, rather than the right focus of treating others well. We feel we deserve recognition for our sacrifices, rather than laying down our lives in response to the One Who was made of no reputation and laid down His life for us. We feel we deserve celebration rather than pointing heavenward and saying that all glory must belong to Him, for there is no one good, not even one.

If we make it through one day in our own strength, we feel the right to shout, "Bravo!" But more often than not, our strength fails and we come to the end of our resources before we come to the end of the day. But if His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses and the excellence of His power has filled our earthen vessels so that we can not only make it through a day, but come out victorious, we can shout "Hallelujah!" (Being interpreted: Hail to Jehovah!)

So what is the danger of just one day of focusing on ourselves? For one thing, if all of these earthly "rights" of celebration are not met satisfactorily, we are disappointed and sometimes even angry with those we are called to love and serve. However, if all is done for Him and through Him and with Him, then any day is worthy of celebration because it is He Whom we celebrate.

I propose that we not merely lift up mothers on Mother's Day, but truly give honor to the Maker of all mothers. For in so doing, we can avoid all the trappings of anger and disappointment when we are not celebrated as we think we ought, and all the glory which rightly belongs to Him is rightly given Him.

Does heaven applaud mothers? Yes, when mothers applaud Heaven.

~Deborah

What's acceptable?

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Let me ask you a few questions.

Have you ever gotten caught up in your routine of the day, and of the next, and of the next, to the point you feel like you're just going through the motions?

What do you consider acceptable when it comes to your children's behaviour?

What do you consider acceptable in your behaviour?

It just puzzled me, what does God consider acceptable?

We know what He likes; obedience, who is loves; the world (John 3:16), what He hates; sin but what does He find acceptable?

Romans 12:1, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

What is acceptable unto God?

A couple of definitions I found in the dictionary for acceptable:

-pleasing to the receiver, satisfactory, agreeable.

-adequate for the purpose.

Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." So, I guess we could say that diligently seeking God shows Him our faint in Him. Our faith in God and believing He is who He says he is, pleases Him; it is acceptable.

"adequate for the purpose"

What is our purpose in life if we don't have Christ as our Saviour and Lord?... Nothing.

What is our purpose as saved, new creatures, children of God" Maybe if I phrase it this way.... Why did God leave us here after He saved us" There's a purpose, and that purpose is acceptable; bringing others to salvation in Christ Jesus. What sort of things can we say, that would benefit to that purpose? How about in the routine, mundane chores of the day?

Hint...the words of our mouth...

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,", Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

"How can that work for the purpose of Christ?" you ask.

John 12:32 says, " And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

The meditation of our heart...

Jeremiah 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

There are so many more scriptures on why we should guard our heart. It's clearer to me that God cares about what I say and what my heart ponders on. He wants to be #1 in my life; I am in His, and so are you. It's difficult to understand but that's why He's God, He loves like no other can, and that's why He deserves our worship through our life.

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

I want to please Him and fulfill my purpose.

A Poem to share

Thirst
by Vicki Porter

The farmer struggled in the field-

His throat was hot and dry.

"Oh, for an easing of my thirst!"

He whispered with a sigh.

A few feet from the farmer

There was a deep, cold well-

Why he didn't draw from it,

Who could ever tell?

The Christian struggled in the world-

He spoke with great despair:

"Oh, if there was only hope-

Someone to help somewhere!"

A few feet from the Christian-

A Bible near at hand-

Why he didn't reach for it,

Who could understand?

We'd say that farmer's foolish

To suffer needlessly

When his help so nearby

Surely he can see!

But aren't we just as foolish

To suffer fear and doubt

When we can draw from God's

Word In what seems spirit-drought?

Updates

I have been updating my blog in the morning and this is not quite working so, I will be updating at lunch.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Cynthia

Remember me

I was reading Psalm 12 last night and again, the Lord pierced my heart with His two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).
Psalm 12:1,2 " Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak."
It's so easy to read that passage and think of others we know who are slacking off in God's work. Last night, as I read that, my heart hardened, and I thought of how sad it is that some who are saved, are falling by the wayside and some are just not doing the work of God. Then the Lord asked me to read verses 1 and 2 again but to put "I" everywhere I see "they".
OUCH!!!! You try that exercise and see if you're still on top of things.
I repented, for I remembered that I had been sharp with the kids during the day and that even though I had spent time with God in the morning, I had a double heart.
James 2:8 says, "A double minded man is unstable in all his ways".
When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, in my case, it's that I'm double minded and the bible guarantees that it will happen. I might be doing the right things but what are my motives?
This does not mean I stop doing right, it means I change my motive.
This morning, I want my heart to be changed, clean and pure. I want my motive to be inspired to please God, and Him only. I want to do His work for Him; raising my kids and loving my kids, teaching my kids and inspiring them. Guiding them to know God and being an example of someone who loves God. Being a good wife so my husband will be drawn closer to God.
All these things seem so hard to do, even impossible, and they are when it's motivated by our desire and/or our flesh. When we are motivated by our love for Christ's sacrifice of Himself; to die in our place, and the Father; giving His only Son to reconcile us to Him.
When we look back at the Garden of Gethsemane, remembering the loneliness He felt and the anguish, when we recognize the pain He suffered even before the cross as they tortured their own creator, the one who gave them breath. The walk to Calvary's hill and the embarrassment of hanging there naked or almost naked (I'm not sure of that particular detail).
When we think on these things, (Philippians 4:8), God changes our heart and our motive becomes pure.
Let us remember Him, so we might remember what we are not.

Consequences

A couple of days ago, our oldest son and daughter went for a little bike ride, although I had no clue about it. I stepped outside to ask our youngest son where they were. He pointed in the direction they went in, saying that they went to see if their friends were home. He wasn't quite finished saying that when I saw our son on his way home.
I leaned back on the railing of the stairs and crossed my arms. He stopped in front of me and said, "What?" "That's what I was wondering." I said. He instantly knew he was in trouble. I proceeded to say, "Did you leave your sister by herself?", "uhhhhhhh...." just then, you could see her coming from behind the trees on her bicycle. Needless to say, our son looked relieved.
I had to discipline them, but what method was I going to use. These children are 9 and 7, they knew the rule of not leaving the yard without asking.
Since the carrot that was dangled in front of them was their "friends", I decided to not allow them to play with their friends that day, and they could not leave the yard for the rest of the week.
School had just gotten out and the children were starting to show up in the neighbourhood.
The city has a public park in the back of our yard so the children usually congregate there and today was no exception.
Our youngest son and daughter asked to go to the park and I let them, the two older children just stood at the wired fence watching their friends play with their younger siblings. It was pitiful to watch. Our daughter leaned on the fence with her fingers clinched in the diamond shape design the wires made, and our son just stood with his bike, looking over at the park. They looked so sad.
I watched from the back door, tempted to let them go play with their friends and siblings when, the Lord reminded me that children need to understand that there are consequences to sin. This is the reason society is in the state it is in today. People are not accountable to God anymore.
I pulled back from the door and went back to my housework when our oldest son came in all discouraged. He said, "Man, I wish I wouldn't of disobeyed." I praised God for helping him understand the consequence of sin.
My kids did not become perfect after that, they've been disciplined since but I praise God that they have a better chance of growing up to respect the law of "sin and consequence". I pray daily that God will give them discernment and sensitivity to the paths that lead to destruction.
I often tell the children that adults are not exempt from consequences and neither will they when they grow up.
Other than the bible for clear instruction of child rearing, "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp, it is also excellent, I highly recommend them both.