How annoying am I?

Yikes! Did I step on someone's toe????
It just struck me funny, that in chapter 11 of Luke, the very God who not only gave life to the priests, pharisees, scribes etc, and He was The one who create and gave them their "office". He saw these people of that office (standing/authority) and the same of many generations past, killing the prophets that He sent to guide them and speak wisdom to them, and yet they stood before Him boastful and arrogant, trying to trip Him up in His words.
Imagine this. He is all knowing! He stood before them, knowing their thoughts now and many generations ago. The history of their hypocrisy, pride and godlessness. Knowing that He will be soon a volunteer to their acts of violence and cruelty. It must of angered Him. God allowed them their standing and authority among their people and they abused it, thinking they were hiding their motives from the Son of God Himself.
When we look at our kids and they get sossy with us, prideful and arrogant, does it not boil up inside of us? We can quickly get angry at them but how much more merciful was and is God.
Reading Luke 11:37-54, at first I can hear the frustration in His voice but as I continued to listen to Him give the historical accounts of the prophets, I could hear the pain in His heart for those who loved, served and obeyed Him, yet who were killed by those who were sinning wickedly but that God was trying to reach out to because of His love for them. (not their sin)
Can you see this?
God over top, watching those who love Him desiring to serve Him so they risk and some loose their life by reaching out to those whom God is trying to gain back to Him.
God gave me an "office", a responsibility for young children whom He has lent me for a season and those of others while in Sunday School and by example of my life. I know that in my everyday tasks, although I have not killed anyone... yet... LOL (just kidding), I get swelled up with pride.
God is over top, watching me, who has been given an office over "our" children. Do I have the same compassion for them as they learn or even disobey, as God has with me? Does my heart feel the pain of the consequence of their unwise decisions? Does my heart desire to reach out to them even in their moments of frustration or rebellion? I can be so filled with pride at times, that compassion is far from me.
Oh how I want to have compassion for the loss and the wicked, even if it meant my life, but am I willing or just too proud?
Let's keep searching to be like HIM.

To be... or not to be...

I arrived from a women's conference a couple of weeks ago. It was such an encouragement! Since then, certain things that the Lord showed me has been a learning curve for me. One thing I prayed before I left was that He would not let me forget what He had shown me.

I wanted to share with you one of the things He has allowed me to remember because it has given me a new freedom.

Do you ever feel anoyed by all the things you have to do? Clean the house, make meals, wash the clothes, fold then iron them (my kids put them away), clean the house again, make your bed, vaccum, clean the house again, another meal etc. It seems like it never ends. Sometimes when I get consumed with those things, I get bitter that I'm the only one doing it, even if it is my "job". This thing that God has shown me, through the preacher who preached on the last evening. He said, that we should not be bitter with all that we do; we should consider what we do, a blessing to others.

Have you ever read a passage of scripture or heard the preacher say something over but THIS one time, something about it rings true. The Holy Spirit taught me something, I can do what I do to be a blessing instead of it being a burden.

The past few days have been extremely hot and humid. I've also been trying to do the things that I can't get to when we homeschool, so I've been really busy and it's been a burden at times! God is so good because He would, as soon as bitterness entered my heart, remind me of what Bro. Osteen said. I quickly told myself, do this (whatever it was) to be a blessing. Instantly my heart changed. Folding the clothes so my husband wouldn't have to search in the basket became a blessing I could give him. Washing the floor, again, was a blessing for my family, to be able to enjoy a clean floor. Washing the egg residue on the siding of our house (kids in the neighbourhood threw them on our house), a blessing for those walking behind our house to go to the city park. Picking up some toys from the livingroom floor to bless my kids who aren't old enough to endure such heat and were in the sprinkler.

I love doing things for others, like cooking a meal, making a dessert, sending a card or buying something special but somehow, doing my househod duties to BLESS my family, never crossed my mind. Funny enough, in return, I have been blessed. I have not had bitterness in my heart and I've even seen my love for my family has grown even more.

I encourage you, when you are discouraged and feeling the burden of our responsibilities, remember you have the opportunity to bless that person who will be touched or exposed by you doing that such thing. How would or did you feel if that person did it for you. Remember that blessing you would have, and give it to them instead. You will also get the blessing. The more you bless others with your giving of time and work, the more blessings you will receive.

Keep being a blessing.

Like mother like centurion... (?)

We, as mom's, think that other than the everyday chores, raising kids, meals and wife related responsibilities, we are not important. We could never be so wrong!

I read Luke chapter 7 and couldn't help but see the similarities between the centurion and us.

Definition (Wikipedia www.wikipedia.org ) of centurion: a professional officer of the Roman army. In comparison to a modern military organization, centurions covered a whole range of ranks. Ordinary century commanders would be equivalent to a modern army lieutenants or captains. The senior centurions leading cohorts would be equivalent to lieutenant colonels. Centurions often suffered heavy casualties in battle, generally fighting alongside the legionaries they commanded. They usually led from the front, occupying a position at the front right of the century formation. They led and inspired their men by example. They also sought to display the skill and courage that got them to their rank in the first place. It is for these reasons that they often suffered a disproportionate number of casualties.

In Luke 7:2-8 "And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]. When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick."

This centurion had power and the respect of those around him. These elders thought highly of him for his generosity even though he was not "one of them". He also had the respect of his servants for they also met Jesus on His way there but they delivered the message that the centurion did not consider himself to be worthy of Jesus being under his roof.

As highly regarded as he was, as respected as he was, he still recognized that Jesus was above him and that his dear servant could not be spared unless Jesus did something. This centurion had so much faith in Jesus that he asked Him to just speak a word and he knew his servant would be healed. Just like in the beginning, God spoke everything into existence.

How is this comparable to us as moms?

1.He also had someone in authority over him and was an authority over many

2.He also cared for those he was responsible

3.We are on the front line for our children having experienced life, in prayer, informing ourselves of an environment before leaving them in it.

4. We lead our children and inspire them to do right or evil, by our example.

5. We show them why we are who we are and that age alone makes us adults, but wisdom, discernment, humbleness and a hope in Christ is what makes you a respectable adult.

We need to recognized that we have a difficult task, one that we can't do on our own. We need to humble ourselves before God and offer our children to Him in prayer and our lives in sacrifice. Our relationship with God must be pure, sincere, honest and growing so He may heal them, preparing them for the tasks He has for each individual child we have.

Being a mom is a larger responsibility than we thought before we had our children, is it not? It is one that is life changing for both mother and child. We have the "power" to draw our children to Christ or away from Him. Oh how much I want my children to love and serve God with all their heart because of who God is. It seems too simple of a concept, to live our life in a way that pleases God, but it will ultimately lead others to Him, more importantly, our children.

Keep praying, leading, fighting the battle and caring for those you have authority over.

Really!!?

I was listening to a preacher who was talking about Lot, the nephew of Abram (Abraham). I was listening when something caught my attention. Have a look at this. Genesis 13:12 "Abram dewelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his ten TOWARD Sodom."
I don't know why but I always had the impression Lot had pitched his tent IN Sodom. It is clear that he started by looking in that direction and being impressed with the riches of that land. (see Gen. 13:10) Then he took the first step that would change his family's life for ever; he pitched his tent toward Sodom. Slowly, he worked his way INTO Sodom.
Every morning he woke up, open the door to his tent and looked out there and desired that life in those 5 cities including Sodom and Gomorrah. The hustle and bustle of business, prosperity, self confidence and happiness. That's what he saw anyway.
I knew, from reading God's word, that Sodom, Gomorrah (& 3 other cities which I didn't realize) where destroyed for homosexuality and immoral sexual activity, but I thought that was it. Having that ignorance took away the importance of the state of my city's sin. I knew that the city and surrounding cities where sinful but not as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. Right?!
Here's what Ezekiel 16:49 and 50 say, "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread(eating in abundance), and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw [good]."
In Ezekiel 15:49 and 50, God tells us more in detail what was happening in that city. That put into a better light, how God sees the wickedness of our society.
Although God was displeased with Lot for being there, He gave him a chance to escape. Some of his family members laughed and mocked him, his wife turned back to see what she had left behind. The bible says she turned into a pillar of salt. I didn't know this but just on the edge of where Sodom was, is "Just opposite the site of Zoar, on the south-west coast of the Dead Sea, is a range of low hills, forming a mass of mineral salt called Jebel Usdum, "the hill of Sodom."" (http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/ebd/ebd347.htm) I found that interesting.
God was displeased with Lot but gave him a chance, at his repentance but God was always pleased with Abraham. Hebrews 11:10 "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God."
I know there's a lot of work to do in our society, to bring them back to God but we must make the first step; not to pitch our tents, our sights, towards Sodom, towards the glorification of wickedness. We must do like Abraham, set our sights on the jobs, ministries, actions, and lifestyle which has a "foundation, whose builder and maker is God." Then one by one we will be able to draw men unto God.
Keep focused on godliness.

His love for us

I don't know if you mind me putting videos. I know I am very visual and this is a video that I can't help show you. You might of already seen it.
It's a man who's dream is to do a triathlon. The only problem is that he is severely handicaped where he must be in constant care. He lives with his family; a dad who loves him very much, so much that he trained to be able to do a triathlon in his son's stead. His son gets all the credit for the race, his father does all the work because of his love for him.
The video is to compare the love of a father for his son to the love of our Father in heaven for us.
I want to cry at the thought of that comparison. Think about it. Jesus Christ was beaten, tortured just so that we can enjoy the peace, love and presence of God in heaven. A free gift because of His love for us.
We don't have to do a thing, He's done it all already. He did all the work, He ran the course, He suffered the pain, He paid the price. We just have to accept the payment. The Father knew what was the price but He still did the sacrifice. Why?
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Get yourself some tissues, because when you see what this man did for his son, you will be touched by what God did for us. Think of the cross.

Introducing....

Well, it's been a week and I have busy, too busy to write something this week. I can't believe how quickly the week has gone by.

We homeschool and we finished two weeks ago tomorrow, and I've been getting caught up in housework (spring cleaning).

For fear of not being able to post something tomorrow, I came across this video and I got chills. I want to share it with you and hope you will be blessed by it as I was.

Enjoy!

Who are you waiting for?

Luke 5:1-11, "And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing [their] nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto [their] partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw [it], he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him."
Are you sitting waiting for someone to step up, then you'll get up and follow?
What is it that you're cheating God out of, for your pride and selfishness?
That's what the Lord spoke to me about when I read this passage.
Back in verse 3, Jesus spoke to a discouraged, frustrated man. He had a family (a wife and mother in law, we don't know about children) to provide for. He possibly had to pay to have his boat "parked" where it was and he had to pay his men.
On this particular day, they caught no fish. Do you think maybe God had something to do with that? Hummmmmm.... So picture if you will, here is a discouraged man with no hope, who is approached by a stranger, who He, is being followed by a large group of people (vs.1). This stranger asks Simon to bring his boat out a bit, then He sits down. Peter must of thought it was so weird and he was probably curious, therefore decided to do as he was asked.
He listened to Jesus teach and preach. He was obviously moved and amazed by Jesus' commonness and down to earth presence yet, such a scholar who knew not only the bible but wanted to teach others God's word. He must of been impressed by Jesus' compassion because when Jesus was done, He asked Simon (Peter) to go further into the deep waters. Peter hesitated while he explained of their failure the previous night, but he obeyed through faith in this man, Jesus.
Look at the impact he had. His men where with him, they heard Jesus teaching and preaching. (These are our fellow church people.) They didn't step up to the plate to encourage Simon, they followed him once he obeyed.
Verse 7 says that when the work was too much for them, they, Peter and his men, called out to their partners for help. They came, and were part of the miracle of God's provision.
At the end, they ALL surrendered to Jesus' call to "fish" for men.
What an influence Peter was on all those men!
Now who will be the Peter in my church and in yours?
Will we be the one that follows and is just a part of God's miracles of healing, restoring and saving grace or will we be the one who gets up and leads in service to influence others for Christ's sake?
Will we be the one, the Peter, whom God knows He can count on to obey and get the job done? Who will God be able to use?
I don't know about you but I want to be used by God, to draw people to Him. It might take a lot more faith but I want to be a part of His work.
Keep UP... the work, His work.