Monday, March 30, 2009

March 30, 2009

/Cleanse the Sanctuary
My people....have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out....broken cisterns, that can hold no water.  Jeremiah 2:13

I have commanded that you love Me with a whole heart, and that you serve Me with undivided loyalty.  You cannot serve two masters. Cleanse the sanctuary, and bring Me your sacrifices with pure hearts and clean hands.  I will not despise the sacrifices of contrite hearts.
Although you have strayed, I have not left you.  Wherever you turn to Me in love and confession, I am there in the midst of you.
/
We are all at different seasons of life, what is important at each season is different.  When I reflect on my life at your ages, I wasn't any different than each of you. There are things in life that we find important today, that in the years to come will be a lot less important to you.  God just wants all of us and he wants us to live a clean and holy life, purified by Jesus blood.  It isn't something we can do our selves, It takes a work of God's Holy Spirit to draw us to him, and give us a hunger for more of him and a desire to live for him.  Our physical body is that sanctuary.  God is very patiently waiting for us.  I wonder if we are that patient with our children?

Father, we thank you for your word, help it to light our path this day, draw us closer to your side, help us to be a sanctuary that welcomes your presence this day.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday, we had Sunday School and church.  I had six students, little Alana will is a new addition to our class, she is the youngest, I think I will probably have her sit on my lap some, she seemed to enjoy that.  It is a good time for them to share with each other.  After church and the usual pizza that Dad and I share, we had naps, I went to Devils Lake to hear the Jews for Jesus presentation and Jack was over at Frank and Dorothys.  Jews for Jesus is Jewish Christians ministering to other Jews.  He showed us and explained a passover celebration.  He was a very young man who has lived with his family for 16 years in Tell Aviv.  Afterwards there was a time for questions, there was a Jewish lady in the congregation, she had been brought by a family from Brinsmade.  I went over and talked to her afterwards and hope that I will get to met her sometime and visit with her.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

March 29, 2009

/Hesitation
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me  Philippians 4:13

I give you strength according to the task, but I give it as you do the work.  To hesitate is to become still more weak and timid, for it is a sense of inadequacy that causes you to draw back and fear to move, and this draws your attention to yourself; and because there is never sufficient power within yourself to do the Father's work, any focus on your own strength or ability will soon persuade you that the task is impossible.
/
When I read this all I could think is Peter stepping into the water.He had to take the first step.  When we hesitate we do become unsure of ourselves, we look around and see all the impossibility,  when he looked down he fell.  when we listen to these around us we feel defeated.  Keep your eyes on the one who is leading you and you will succeed.  No one around you can really know what God is telling you to do.  Each of us have things that God is speaking in side of ourselves to do, do it and you will be on the right track.


Father, we thank you that you have made us each as individuals and you have a plan for each of our lives,  help us Father, to listen when you speak to us, and then help us to step into the water where you have called us and do your desire.  We may not really have wet feet, but we may become bold and strong in you.  Thank you for guiding us on this pilgrim way.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, was a simple day of tasks that weren't extremely significant.  I am still working on quilt, cleaned church, that is about it.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

March 28, 2009

Do Not Lie Dormant

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31

My child, I need you. Without your active help, I am hampered in My work.  You cannot lie idle without hindering the ministry of the Church as a corporate body. Never be dormant.  Do not be slothful, neither let yourself fall asleep.  I am with you, and I will help you.  Do not become discouraged or weary or fainthearted, and you will reap My rewards.

What words of encouragement.  God really wants to use us and sometimes we need to wait for his timing.  likewise we are the vessels he uses to accomplish his purposes in this world, if we don't step forward and be available to be used, Gods work goes undone.  What is he asking you to do today that you have put off,  It maybe something that doesn't seem very spiritual and yet it is what God is telling you to do.  Listen and follow his instructions.   I also think it is easy to allow others to tell us what to do when really God is very capable of instructing us.

Father, we thank you for this day, and we give ourselves to you to be the vessel that you have called us to be this day.  Guide our steps, give us the grace and wisdom to listen for your voice and to follow your instructions.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday was a fun day, we went to Grand Forks, the Dr. says I may doing great and he gave me instructions for now.  We enjoyed being able to eat with Jacqui and Alicia.  We were able to get to Amazing Grains, and we made a stop at Walmart before coming home


Friday, March 27, 2009

March 27, 2009

/Household Salvation
When he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over...your houses  Exodus 12:23

I have blessed you out of the bounties of heaven and have not withheld from you what your heart has desired.  Yes, and I would do still more.  For have I not promised that you and your household should be saved?  Wasn't the blood applied to the lintel and the doorposts for the salvation of the entire family?
So renew your energies, and know that I am working with you.
/
Do you children remember that story? how the Israelite children were being persecuted with the ten plagues, and finally they were let go because God came and struck down the first born child of each family that had not applied the blood of the lamb on the door posts of their home.  That was their only protection.  What truly is our protection today?  It is the blood of Jesus Christ. As we see events happening in our country it is very obvious that our country is in a mess, mans ways don't seem to be very effective, only as we look to God, through Jesus Christ will we find answers.  This might seem hard for me to say, or for you to understand, but it is the greatest truth of all.  Only through Jesus and his shed blood is there forgiveness of sins, and protection from the enemy.

Father I pray that you would open our eyes to what you are doing in our lives and in our midst.  Holy Spirit come and speak to us, and draw us to you.  meet our needs this day and guide our steps.  Father, lead us into a closer relationship to you.  In Jesus Name.

Yesterday, I was here all day,  I have been studying about the Jewish people and then I did some cooking and baking and I decided to get out more fabric and cut it into pieces for another quilt, so that is what I am doing.  This quilt will be all pain fabrics of different colors.  It is interesting.  I guess most of all I don't want you children to deal with my messes, I want to get rid of things.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

March 26, 2009

Ask!
The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water  Isaiah 35:7

If there is dryness within your soul, you need not grieve or chide yourself for being empty.  Fill up the empty place with praise.  The King will enter and bring His glory.
For the promise of the Father is the gift of the indwelling presence of My Holy Spirit (see Acts 2:38-39)
It is written:  "How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him"  (Luke 11:13)! Ask, and you shall receive, and your joy shall be full.

Do we feel dry and empty?  God doesn't want it that way.  When I read this I thought of what we are experiencing in North Dakota, flooding and snow,  We aren't appreciating it one bit,  But God does want to flood our hearts with his presence and he does want to fill us with his joy,   He is waiting, and  desires to meet our every need.  Come to him with an open heart, one ready to receive all that he has for us.  As the author suggests, fill the empty place with praise, it might take some effort but God is waiting there for us.

Father, we give you this day, we thank you for your protection and care.  Guide our steps and direct our path, lead us into a closer relationship with you.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday was a day at home, sewing and studying were the order for the day.  It snowed some, otherwise it was a quiet day, we spent time watching the news and what is happening in other parts of the state.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

March 25, 2009

Union  of Spirit
I in them, and thou in me. John 17:23

There is a flow of divine life, and as you enter into it, you shall find victory.  If you long to see your own personal wishes subjugated to the will and purposes of God, let your heart be at rest. For this union of your spirit with My Spirit and of your will and My will shall come as simply and easily as rain falling, if you can learn this one secret, that is how to lose yourself in the flow of My life as I live within you.

We are like a fighting child, as long as they fight you, you can't really help them, as long as we fight what God wants to do in our lives, he can't really help us, when we quit fighting he is right there waiting to help.  Today, what are you and I fighting in our relationship with God?  What is it that he wants to do for us but we want to be in control and not let him take over?  I am thinking of the little story about the house with many rooms, which compares to our life, and there were rooms that we kept secret....What are we trying to keep secret/away from God?  He wants ever little corner of our lives.

Father in heaven who loves us more than we can comprehend, help us today to search our lives, what are we keeping from you?  What do you want us to give to you?  Father help us to be yielded and willing to give you all of us.  Thank you for the joy that comes in surrendering to you.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

*Yesterday was a day here at home.  The weather isn't so great, they eventually did not have school.  It doesn't sound any better for today.  I am wondering how it is for each of you where you are living. *

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

March 24, 2009

Total Relinquishment
We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities  Hebrews 4:15

As you ponder the sufferings of the Lord Jesus Christ, you shall gain insight into your own pain.  Only in prayer and meditation on the Holy Word can understanding come to your heart, and only thus can you be truly comforted in the spirit.
Nothing can remain of self-will if My full purpose is to be accomplished.  Slowly, unrelentingly, each soul moves to his own Gethsemane of total relinquishment of all his cherished personal hopes and on to his own barren Golgotha

It is so hard to let go and let God, and that is really what he wants in each of our lives.  It isn't about you or me or any member of our family, it is about God and his will and desire for us.  What is he speaking to you?  but then if we want to hear from him we have to position ourselves so he can speak to us, that positioning might be to  find a quite place alone, or to be by ourselves in the car, and I realize that when you have children that isn't so easy, but nothing is impossible.  Go in the bath room and close the door, give yourself time to be quiet and think about what God might desire to do in and through you.  Ask him, he isn't deaf, he is waiting for us to come to him and he will answer.

Father, I pray that you would speak to each of us out of your desire to know us and for us to know you.  Quiet our hearts so we can hear from you, help us to stop the roar around us and to listen to you.  Today we pray for the people in the state of North Dakota, for for protection and directions as they battle the elements of weather.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, I was busy with letter writing and then getting them in the mail, did some sewing and watched some tv with Dad.  He visited with Frank and Dorothy and Pastor Craig Wentzel came over there while Jack was there and so he got to see Pastor Craig's photos from India.  It was a good day.

Monday, March 23, 2009

March 23, 2009

/Responsibilities and Privileges
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath   Matthew 25:29

Responsibilities always increase in proportion to privileges.  He who is recipient of great spiritual riches, of him will I require much in the way of ministry.  Let the earthly life of the Lord Jesus be an example to you.  Day and night He toiled, praying by night and working by day.  So must you./

God wants us to use the gifts he has given us, otherwise he could take them away.  Don't tell me you don't have any gifts, God has given each of you gifts/abilities/talents, what ever you want to call them. I remember a time in my life when I would look at what someone else was doing and feel frustrated at my feeble efforts.  God would have to show me how he had made each of us unique, we are one of a kind, and to not want to be like someone else.  I am thinking of some of the things you have each been telling me,  God has gifted eacch of you and that is why he uses you as he does, sometimes you don't like the way it is at your job, but he made you with the kind of personality to be able to do the task put before you, maybe your are more mellow in conflict, or in times of crisis, maybe he has made you a take charge person, accept yourself and give yourself to do the best you can.

Father, we lift this day to you, thank you for rest, sleep, the beginning of a new week, the opportunity to leave behind what was in the past and to step forward and make the best of this day.  Father,  we come to you and our desire is to be your vessel, help us to sense your presence in our daily activities, guide our steps and direct our path, draw us closer to your side through this day.  Help us to use those gifts and skills that you have given us.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, was Sunday School and church, I had 5 precious children for Sunday school, I read the story and they did some coloring and while they colored they communicated with each other, it was a good time together.  Brittney had come up from South Dakota to see her dad, Gary Price and it was good to have her with us.  Michael had a good message  He spoke on Acts 4:12  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.  People think there are so many ways to God, but that verse is clear that there is only one way.  We came home and had a nap and in the evening Jerry stopped by and I talked to Janet and Julie.  I am making another poster for my Jewish project.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

March 18, 2009

/Grow Up in Me
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance Galatians 5:22-23

Now that you are in Christ, you have My life abiding in you and you have become a new creature.  Grow up in Me now, so that you may develop to the measure of the fullness of Christ (see Ephesians 4:13)
My purpose was not simply to bring you into My family to remain as babies or children. I am concerned with your maturity and with the producing of the fruits of the Spirit in your life.
/
It is about a year ago since Addison was born into Gregg and Alicia's family,  we wouldn't want her to remain like she was when she arrived, rather we are excited with each step she takes to grow into a person, someone that we can have a real communicating relationship with.  So why would God want us to act like babies?  He doesn't, he wants someone that can talk to him, just like we want to be able to talk to Addison.  As we grow, he desires to see fruit in our lives.  We know that Addison will maybe act stubborn, selfish, and other characteristics, but as her parents demonstrate parenting in her life, they will be able to mold and shape her behavior/character.  This is what God is doing in our lives, it isn't always fun but as we yield to him, we will see changes in who we are and what we do.
This morning I was actually reading the scripture from Galatians before I opened this book, here are some verses that I had studied
Love - Song of Solomon 2:4  His banner over me is LOVE
Joy - Nehemiah 8:10b The joy of the Lord is your strength
Peace - Psalm 122:6  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem
Patience - Proverbs 19:11 A mans wisdom gives him patience
Kindness - 2 Peter 1:7 And to brotherly kindness Love
Goodness - 1Corinthians 10:24  No one should seek his own good, but the good of others
Faithfulness - Psalm 91:4  His faithfulness will be your shield
Gentleness - Philippians 4:5  Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Self-control - 2 Peter 1:6 to knowledge, self control, to self control perseverance.

Father, I pray that you would help us to be diligent about our relationship with you that we would desire to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, I organized my information for DAR meeting this morning, we to town to mail letters and visited with Lu Hermanson and Carla, and Tia Hermanson. After my nap, I spent time sewing bags for Nicaragua.  It was a good day.  There is a bit of spring in the air.

March 18, 2009

/Attitude Determines Outcome
I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision Acts 26:19

In every situation, you have a confrontation of duty.  You can, by total dedication of your own being, turn every experience into a spiritual victory. It is the attitude with which you approach any day that will determine its outcome.
You are not a helpless pawn on a board. You are a child of God with prerogatives for accomplishing His will, not your own.  Let  this help to bring you guidance when you are in doubt.
/
What is my attitude this day?  How do I feel about life?  What will change my attitude one way or another?  What do I want to happen today?  Am I willing to be God's vessel, and not my vessel?  Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew in me a right spirit....Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord my strength and my redeemer.

Father, I thank you for the word that you have spoken to me this day, help me to live it in the very mundane things that I experience this day.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, I rode with Julie Ann to Devils Lake, we visited Country Bank and I went to Emil and got our taxes, then a stop at the Bible Book Store and Joan at Singer, we got groceries and came home, I slept for the rest of the day til evening, when I did some bookwork and afterwards watched some TV.  I am preparing a talk for DAR on Saturday, so I have been doing some studying about Jewish people, and did watch a good program about the returning Jews to Israel.  The big praise is that we didn't have to pay taxes and the left over has been put toward next year.  I really 'rejoice' in that.

March 22, 2009

I Will Use but Not Destroy You

My word....shall not return unto me void.  Isaiah 55:11

O My child, do not let your energies be consumed by humdrum tasks.  What is needed must be done; but if you put the ministry of the Kingdom in first place.  My strength will be yours for other tasks, and time will be given to you for both.
Learn to discern when I would use you, and when I would have the other individual lean wholly upon Me. I will use you, but I will not destroy you in the using.

I think this is self explanatory. Are we involved in tasks that aren't really God's desire for us?  Are they taking our energies so that we don't have time and energy for Gods choice for us?  The emphasis here is that if we put God first, we will have time and strength for the rest.  I think we have to be careful to keep it in perspective,  It is easy to get involved in 'works' and that might not be what God really wants, He wants us to know him, and he wants to know us.  How does that happen?  By prayer and the word, then we will hear his voice and know what he wants us to do.  I like the part about 'Learn to discern when I would use you, and when I would have the other individual lean wholly upon Me.'  It is so easy for us to tell people what to do, but the author wants us to know that we need to pray for someone and then encourage them to follow the directions that God is giving them.  I have no way of knowing what God is telling you, I don't want to interfere in your lives.  I am and will pray for you.....

Father, we thank you for this day, help us to reflect on our lives, on the choices that we make and Father what is your choice for us? Draw us to your side and help us to listen to your voice when you speak to us.  In Jesus Name. Amen..

Yesterday was the day I was to give the talk at DAR, I had everything prepared and went to the meeting, the head lady in North Dakota was at our meeting.  I wondered what she would think of what I was going to do.  There was so much discussion that I wondered if they would have time, and it was getting late, but I started and they were very attentive and receptive.  So I am thankful that I could do that.  Edna Simon and I ate together and had some time to visit.  Then I came home and took at nap, I went over to see Frank and Dorothy for a while.  Doug Schonauer, Wayne Haugland and Dad went over to Aneta to see a fellow there.  I think he might have airplanes, old cars, etc.  This morning it sounds really windy,  must be the "March winds."

Friday, March 20, 2009

March 20, 2009

/The Headship of Christ
Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end. 1 Peter 1:13

Many are looking to you for deliverance and for salvation.  Be aware of every possible moment of opportunity.  The eternal destiny of lives is at stake.  A frivolous spirit or a careless indulgence in levity may rob both yourself and the other person of a priceless experience in the creative power of the Spirit.  Don't take such a precarious path.  Stay in the Spirit, and keep your mind in captivity to the mind and the thoughts of Christ.  Be satisfied with nothing less.
/
First I noted the word, levity and this is the definition:  feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness.You all know that I have said that I wasn't around when God handed out a sense of humor.  Sorry, that is just the way I am.  I can laugh if something is clean and funny but I don't like inappropriate jokes, etc.

You and I have opportunities to blessing someone,  how many times are we so focused on ourselves and our desires that we miss those opportunities?  I believe the author  is saying that we need to be careful that we don't get caught up in the frivolous and miss what God really wants in our lives.  Life is serious, and granted that a Merry Heart Doeth Good, but there is a time and a seasons for everything.  I see to many serious things about me that call me to be serious and not frivolous.

Father, we thank you for this day,  Give us wisdom and discernment concerning the things about us,  Help us to see those about us just as you see them.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, I was here all day. Julie came over and vacuumed in the afternoon, that was really great.  Otherwise, I focused on sewing and reading and studying.  It was a good day.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

March 19, 2009

Eternity and Time
A wheel in the middle of a wheel.  Ezekiel 1:16

Do not let the sound of war and discords deafen your ears to My message; for I would speak to you a word of encouragement and hope.
Do not focus on the problems of the word; but look up.
My ageless purposes are set in Eternity. Time is like a little wheel set within the big wheel of Eternity.  The little wheel turns swiftly and shall one day cease.  The big wheel turns not, but goes straightforward.  Time is your responsibility--Eternity is Mine!

First I went to Ezekiel to find that verse, really it is a part of much more.  But if I were to think of my life as a little wheel that is moving within a big wheel that isn't moving, My life is moving on very quickly and the big wheel is eternity, that is there for a long time and it is waiting for me.    I have been reading about the Jewish people, they don't believe in a life after death.  There are many stories told of people who have death experiences(and did come back) and realize that there is a life after we die, so that and God's word prepares me for that time.  Recently the Father to one of my favorite campers died, very quickly and unexpectedly,  I think of how a dynamic life was cut off instantly, it challenges me to live my life like that might happen to me.  As that wheel of my life moves, I have the opportunity to make choices about what I want to do with it.

Father, we thank you for this day, we thank you for giving us life and a desire to live and serve you, Today we pray for your directions in the choices we make with our day, Help us to live it with eternity in mind.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, I went to Bible Study with Julie Ann at Zoar Church in Hampden, it was a good time together, then we drove to Devils Lake so she could do the rest of her banking.  I came home for my daily nap and later Dad and I went to Cando where I got the church bulletin printed and the church ready for Sunday.  We were at Bible Study in Cando.  We always have a good time there.  I have been studying about the Jewish people and got a book on the subject that I am reading.  Trusting that you each had a great day.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

March 17, 2009

Relinquish Your Will
And God sent me before you...to save your lives by a great deliverance  Genesis 45:7

My heart is grieved by your independence.  how would Joseph have felt if his father and family had remained at home, starving in the famine, when he had invited them to share the bountiful stores he had at his disposal?
I seek not to interfere with your happiness, but I do require that you relinquish your will; for I cannot bless you as I desire to do until your will is yielded up and you accept Mine in exchange./

Wow!  I read this and think, Oh Father you must get so frustrated with me, I want my life to be about my desires, when they may be very far from your desires.  What do you desire in my life?  I think I have probably always struggled with works,  I know I don't get to heaven by works, but after having a relationship with God through Christ, it is so easy to get caught up on the idea of helping, helping or what ever that may translate into.  God really is looking at my relationship with him.  That I love him and love him some more, that I desire to sit at his feet and be in his presence, and worship him.  All else will fall in place.

Father, we give you this day, we invite you to be a part of what we do, We worship you and we LOVE you. Help us to be focused on our relationship with you because then you will be in whatever else we are doing.  Bless my family and the choices they make.  Close doors and open doors in their lives, and draw them to your side.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday I was home by myself, spent some time reading, studying and preparing talk about Jewish people in our county.  Today we are honored for being Irish, and since I have some Irish blood, you each have some, too.

Monday, March 16, 2009

March 16, 2009

/Give Yourself to Prayer and the Word
But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  Acts 6:4

Give yourself to a life of prayer and much careful study of the Word.
Dispose of nonessentials. Concentrate your thoughts and intentions upon Jesus Christ, and in Him seek your wisdom and comfort. I will open avenues to aid you, for this is My will for you, and you can know that I will always make a way for the performance of My will in your life once you have set your goal to be obedient to My commands./

When I read this all I could think was AMEN or I agree.  I can't say what God is doing in any of your lives, but I know he wants me to get rid of the clutter in my life.  I believe if we ask him, he will show us what is clutter in our live.  For each of us it may be something different.  For me right now it is fabric, photos, information, things I no longer use.  But it needs to be what he shows me.Not what someone else suggests, because God is talking to each one of us as individuals.  We need to listen to his voice.I can think of a multitude of things God could be talking to us about.  I feel a need to clean out in the kitchen, sometimes we buy things and don't use them, so now I feel that I am to focus on using what is here rather than buying, and then be more careful about purchases.  Another area is in the bathroom, the excess of lotions, etc.  use them don't get any more til these are gone.  clothes, are there things that I need to get rid of because I no longer use them?    books are, there books we don't read that could be removed?  I think of the cupboards in the utility room, there is a lot for me to use/get rid of....it is happening.  Now this may not seem spiritual, but everything that surrounds us weighs us down and keeps us from being focused on Jesus and our relationship with God.
When I am sewing, I have to say that it is a time for me to pray, I don't have to do a lot of focusing to do it, so I pray.  Is there something that you do that is a "no brainer" when you could devote that time to prayer/

Father, We thank you for this day, we thank you for rest and for the life you have given us.  Help us to listen to your voice when you speak to us, and then help us to apply your word to our lives.  Help us to seek you and your will for us.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday Church and Sunday School.  They gave a report on the Nicaragua trip for our people, Art Sorum and several of his children were there.  There were comments on Art and his many trips to Nicaragua.  After the morning worship Michael adn Colleen showed us how they eat.  They gave a food demonstration on how they juice carrots, applies and actually make their salads into a drink.  We all had samples, and then Colleen had a salad for  us to taste.  Jerry came over and put in a skype for us and this morning I think it should be operational.


Sunday, March 15, 2009

March 15, 2009

Return Unto Me
Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind Romans 12"2

Return to Me; for I have sought after you. but you have continued on in pursuit of your own ways.  I have called to you, but you have disregarded Me. I have placed obstacles in your path, but you have obstinately and determinedly forged on ahead.
Have you learned no wisdom? Have past lessons fled your mind?  Put down your anxieties,  and trust Me for everything. You need nothing but what I am fully able to supply, with no effort on your part.

I don't know if this is something you can identify with but I can.  There are lessons that God has worked in my life, and he wants to work them again.  Fighting what God desires, only makes me miserable.  He wants me to let go and let God.  Sometimes there are things that I would like to do, and they aren't bad things, but in my life God is calling me in obedience to him, that is what is important.  So these seemingly good things still are not for me.  I have been called by God to be his vessel and that is really all that is important.

Father, help me to hear from you today, help me to listen to your voice and to follow your will for me.  Help me to not look to the right or the left, but straight ahead, with my eyes on my Savior and Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen.

Yesterday was a beautiful day, a reminder that spring is just around the corner.  Thank you Lord.  In the afternoon, Dad and I drove over to Cando, we picked up Mark and Julie at the airport and went to the NRN meeting at the church. We saw the videos Julie had made and enjoyed the fellowship together.  At the end of the meeting we took them back to the airport so they could fly to Bismarck.  It was a good day.

-- 

Saturday, March 14, 2009

March 14, 2009

A Devouring Fire
When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.  Isaiah 59:19

Darkness is ever moving against My church. It moves against you as a believer, but I have promised to deliver, and he who walks in prayer shields his soul from the enemy.
Hold forth the word of truth, both receiving it and giving it, for it is a devouring fire as it goes forth against evil.  You shall be able to scatter much darkness and combat the power of evil as you speak MY Word in faith.

I am reminded of one thing, PRAYER  it is the only thing that will keep us. It will cause us to hunger for more of God, and that is what will keep us strong in our faith.  More of thee, More of thee, Nothing is really important except our relationship with God,  It happens as we read God's word and pray.  I am thinking about an e-mail I just read, these people had been to a funeral of someone who was not a believer, and their sadness,  they minister to children, so they see the need to really focus on reaching children for Jesus before their hearts become hardened.

Father, draw us nearer, nearer to your blessed side, give us a hunger and desire to know you better.  Today I pray for each one in my family that you would minister to their needs this day and draw them to you.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday we were here at home, dad did go get some fruit and also went to see Frank and Dorothy.  Julie and boys were over in the afternoon.

Friday, March 13, 2009

March 13, 2009

This is the Glory Life

The cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night.  Exodus 40:38

Behold, I say unto thee, This is the way, walk ye in it.
         neither turn to the right hand nor to the left.
For I shall make the path for thy feet a plain path,
            and light shall be there,
            and there shall be the shining of My glory.
It shall not be the glory of man. It shall be the glory of God.

I have just finished reading the book about the children who were a part of Azusa Street, when the Holy Spirit was poured out at the turn of the century, or about 100 years ago.  It is an encouraging story, about children who were there.  How God moved in their lives and used them to be the vessels used by God to minister to people, there was much healing.  I am interested in the path that God has for us, and how he is leading and guiding us.   How he protected and guided the Israelites, the people at Azusa Street, and countless others throught the years who have been obedient to God.

Father, we give you this day, help us to recognize your place in our lives this day.  To see your hand guiding us and directing us, then help us to give you honor and thanks for that direction.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Yesterday, Dad and I left about 5 a.m.  I checked in at 7:15, and we were on our way home about 1:30.  I remember praying before I went for God's guidance.  The first lady that I saw, commented on my purse, and that brought forth a conversation.  She suggested that I read the book _Three Cups of Tea._  Howard Skaar had just given me that book, we also talked about mission trips and someone in her life also goes to Nicaragua.  Before I left the hospital, Deb Reardon, who graduated from Starkweather gave me a ride in a wheel chair to the car.  Good conversation with her.  As they were preparing me a med student from Devils Lake was one of the people that talked to me, I think she wanted to learn more about what was a problem for me, a real sweet girl.  Dad and I will be fine,  I slept for quite a while after I got home and after we ate we watched some t v .  We have been listening to some speakers, the ones last night were really good.  You have a great day



Wednesday, March 11, 2009

March 12, 2009

/A Way of Triumph
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.  1 Corinthians 2:9

Never be led by human reasoning.  The day is coming when you would have faltered but for the understanding I am giving you now.
It is a way to triumph when it leads to fuller enlightenment.  When My presence is with you, you can know there is a blessing in store.  It shall open to you as you trust Me. It shall be beautiful beyond your highest dreams.
/
We can not begin to know and comprehend God's love and grace for us.  He is just waiting there to give it to us.

Father, thank you so much for the love you are showing to us, sometimes we aren't listening or watching for your loving kindness, forgive us for being so unobservant, and help us to be conscious of your love and presence.  In Jesus Name. Amen


It has been a good day, started late, but went well, we will be leaving for Grand Forks very early in the morning, so I am sending this to you tonight.  I have the laptop set up in the dining room, so I can keep in touch with all of you.  We love you Mom



March 11, 2009

/The Coward Seeks Release
And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them  Daniel 3:27

Hold fast. My child, for in the hour of anguish, then shall you walk in victory.  Do not pray to be brought out of the fire until after you have found Me real in the midst of it.  The coward seeks release from pressure.  The courageous pray for strength to overcome.
/
We tend to want to avoid the trials of life, but that isn't God's plan, he wants us to learn from them, he wants us to walk through them and he desires to be with us in the midst of them.  What do we learn by avoiding something?  Nothing  Do we learn God's grace, or his provision? No.  I don't like them any more than you do, but I know that God is with us and he desires to help us, he desires us to be drawn closer to his side.

Father, we commit this day into your hands, and those experiences that it holds, we pray for grace to walk through the disappointments and hurts, and peace in the midst of the conflicts, and love for those that don't understand us.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday was STORMY  no other word for it.  Our road to the east is really bad, so I took the boys with me and we went west, well they did let school out a bit early, but by then visibility was very limited, so we drove home going by Highway 17 and coming up the Hampden road, then around by Werners and home.  It was a good evening.  I took a nap had an enjoyable evening.  Jack got home from Bismarck in the afternoon.


Tuesday, March 10, 2009

March 10, 2009

In the Fiery Furnace
I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:25

Modern man has so protected himself from discomfort that his body and his soul are in a dangerously weakened condition.  Where shall he draw courage in the day of affliction?
Always you need My guidance.
Look for Me in the midst of every fiery furnace and you will be influenced by My Spirit rather than by your own natural impulses (2 Corinthians 11:16-33; 2 Timothy 2:3)
/
How do we handle the hardships of life?  What do we learn from them?  Do we spend a lot of time complaining about them?  How will we understand or have compassion for someone else, if we haven't walked in their foot steps?  Could what we are experiencing be for the purpose of helping us to understand what others are experiencing?  What is a fiery furnace?   I leave you with those questions to ponder this day.

Father in heaven, we thank you that as you look down into our lives you do care about every thing that is happening to us, and you desire the very best for us.  Thank you for being soo patient with us as we walk through each fiery furnace experience.  Father help us to keep our eyes focused on you even in the midst of the trial, as your redemption draw neigh. Father, today, my prayer for each one is that we would look for you and find you in each situation, that we would ask you why and you would give us a reason.  Thank you for the answers.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, they had a pep rally in the afternoon, so I left school then and went to Cando, I cleaned church and then took food to Gladys Neidlingers apartment. so we could eat supper together.  She will be 94 this week and does very well, but I know that eating alone is not fun for her.  When I came home the road coming in from the east, was really bad,  It had drifted a lot yesterday.

Monday, March 9, 2009

March 9, 2009

/Set Your Course By My Promises
The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil  2 Thessalonian 3:3

Be not afraid. Because of My faithfulness to you, even your enemies will recognize My power. Hold to My promises.  They are given to you as a chart is given to a ship, and a compass to the hunter.  You may set your course and find your way by My promises.  They will lead you and guide you in places where there is no trodden path.
Study My Word. It abounds with nuggets of courage.  It will strengthen you and help you.
/
As I draw close to Jesus, he draws close to me, and he guides my steps.  We sometimes like to make everything about life complicated.  The gospel was meant to be simple.  We were sinners, when we came to Jesus and truly confessed that we were sinners, he came into our hearts and lives and forgave us and then he is guiding us.  Granted we have allowed a lot of baggage in our lives, some from before and some since, but God wants to deal with that.  Sometimes we have allowed things to hibernate and then they come back rather than killing the past.  Jesus wants to set us free: If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed.

Father, we thank you for this day, we thank you for rest, and your promise of being with us.  We ask for your guidance in the choices we make today.  Father, that you would keep your hand upon us and draw us closer to your side.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, Dad and I drove separately to church, he ate a roll with the people and then left for Bismarck for the airplane symposium. We had a new family come to church, they are missionaries and have been in Ukraine and Camaroon.  They bought a house in Cando.  After church I drove to Devils Lake to do some errands, and spent some time with Frank and Dorothy.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

March 8, 2009

A Garden of fountains
The Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought....thou shalt be like a watered garden  Isaiah 58:11

My hand is upon you to bless you and to accomplish all My good purpose. I will not let you fail.
Only relinquish all things into My hands; for I can work freely only as you release Me by complete committal--both of yourself and others. As was written of old: "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:5)

We like to hold on to things, to people, to situations and what we feel, may not be Gods desire at all.  Or we pray and let go of something only to take it back and hold on to it again.  How do we know what God really wants?  What in our mind might seem so right, or Gods will might be way off in his scheme of things.  Only as we pray and then let go, can God really work.  I hear so many people talking about the situation in our country right now, but can I change anything about that?  No really, I can only change what I do, and this where God is working,  But I can pray for our country and for what is happening.

Father, we lift our lives to you this day, help us to focus on what we can change, on being a yielded vessel, Father speak to our hearts and guide our steps, In Jesus Name Amen.

Yesterday, was a day at home, I just did somethings around the house and spent time with the Senior citizens for lunch.

Friday, March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

Obedience, the Fabric of happiness
Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein.  Leviticus 18:4

Look to Me, My child, and all your needs will be met by My abundant provision. I will not suffer the enemy to overthrow him who puts his confidence in Me. I am faithful to My Word, and I have promised never to fail nor to forsake. Obedience is the fabric of happiness. To rebel is to seek sorrow.  Only a yielded heart can find rest in Me; and to know contentment there must be resignation of personal rights in favor of My will.

/Obedience for each person is individual, it may be different for each of us.  What is God calling us to be obedient to?  If we are married it is probably the relationship with our spouse, if we work it is the relationship with employer and other employees, if we are a child it is the relationship with our parents.  I like that thought "Only a yielded heart can find rest in Me"  Only as we yield to God *will* we find rest and contentment.

Father, show us our hearts and our motives for why we do what we do.  Help us to yield to your will for our lives.  Give us peace in the midst of the storms of life and help us to be sensitive to your voice and prompting.  In Jesus Name. Amen
/
Yesterday school started 2 hours late because we had very icy everything.  So it was an easy day.  I had something that was a blessing.  We have a new student who has special needs, and he is artistic, his former art teacher is someone I know and I kept thinking about her in the morning, so when I went to school I asked DJ about this student and here she the art teacher had called DJ that morning concerning the student.  That was exciting, I know that God wants to help us help him.  After school I went to the museum in Devils Lake to get more information about the jewish people living in this area.  Then I met Paula and we talked about camp and food for this summer.


Thursday, March 5, 2009

March 5,2009

Your Life Is as a Weaving

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts  Colossians 3:15

Your life is as a weaving.  From the fabrics of lovely silk and from cords of rougher materials.  I fashion what pleases Me.  You may never know why certain experiences come.  it is enough that My hands brings them all.
My grace is not limited by sorrow and difficulty.  Indeed, it shines like a strand of gold mixed in with the black of grief.  My hand moves with infinite love, and I am creating a pattern of intricate beauty.
Never be dismayed.  For you are My workmanship created in Christ.
/
There is no one else like you, you are one of a kind,  God has made you, so neatly and intrically put together.  He is weaving into your life, experiences that form and shape your character.  When I was weaving, I had a card with a poem on it,  it went something like this:  My life is but a weaving between the Lord and I, he sees the upper side, but I the under......(when I find it I will post it)  Think about fabric, sometimes the underside isn't very pretty, and that is how we feel about some of our life experiences, but then go to the right or outer side.  How does that look?  It is beautiful, that is what our lives are like,  God is working to make us into what he wants us to be.

Father, help me to yield to you, to allow you to work in my life the experiences that will shape me into your vessel the way you want me to be.  Thank you for giving me life, and for giving me the hope that I have in you.  Guide my steps and direct my path this day. Help me to be mindful of your presence.  In Jesus Name.
/
Yesterday, another usual day, after school I went to Cando and cleaned at the church , afterwards we were at Dicks for Bible study.
-- 

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

March 4, 2009

Fear, A Sin
Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb.....because that he wholly followed the Lord   Joshua 14:14

Be not faint of heart. Fear will rob you of your possession as quickly as any other sin; for truly fear is a sin and it opens the door for many other sins to follow.
Guard your heart from doubt and every negative attitude.  You cannot afford to take the risk of entertaining any such thoughts at so critical time.  Only the strong in faith shall prevail.   Only those with a "Caleb" spirit shall take the walled cities and crush our the enemies.

When I read/ wrote this I thought "what is a Caleb Spirit?"  It is one who wholly trusts in the Lord.  Then I see where the author talks about fear and when we allow it to settle in our hearts it opens us up to other sins.  We are challenged to guard our heart against negative thoughts and attitude.  Let us think about it, what are we being negative about?  what negative thoughts are we entertaining?  I know that I am attacked just like each of you,  I need to be reminded of who I am in Christ, and what he wants me to do and think.  He is calling us to commit our lives to be his vessels and to walk in faith as he guides our steps.

Father, we come to you this day, and we thank you for your word, we ask you Heavenly Father to guide us and direct us, give us a Caleb spirit, one who follows wholly after God.  For the challenges this day we ask for your directions and a sense of your presence in our midst.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

Yesterday, just a regular  day, after school I showed Mary Werner the quilts before I take them to the church, because she is the one who gave me the pattern.  I am cutting old jeans into strips for Janet, she plans to make a rug for them.  I am really glad to get rid of them.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

March 3, 2009

You shall move swiftly

Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer....let your requests be made know unto God   Philippians 4:6

I will make My will known to you, and you will no longer move haltingly, you shall move swiftly and surely.
With your hand in Mine, we will move together.  My Spirit will be apparent by your life and testimony, and you will be empowered by My might and power.
Be anxious for nothing, but in all situations in prayer and in fasting, bring each emergency case to Me. for I am the Great Physician.

What an encouragement.  Are we ready to yield to God so that may happen in our lives?  As we yield to God in prayer and reading his word and seeking him, we grow in confidence that he is guiding us and that he is there to meet our needs, well really our faith grows.Do we desire to have that kind of life, one where our confidence is in his hand?

Father,  we thank you for your word and how it speaks to us, we thank you for the hope that we have in you.  We thank you for the plans that you have for our lives.  Help us this day to look for you, to seek you and then to follow you.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Yesterday, school, dealing with issues with exchange student and a couple of girls,  I finished hemming the quilts, that is good, now I can focus on other things.

Monday, March 2, 2009

March 2, 2009

Devotion and Warfare
For the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.  Nehemiah 4:18

Presume not to labor to build with the right hand without holding the sword in the left (Nehemiah 4:18).  It is vigilance combined with prayer that spells victory. Devotion must be coupled with warfare to be fruitful. Holy ecstasy must be mixed with holy boldness, and love must be blended with courage.  Only to pray is not enough. Prayer must rise from the battlefield of spiritual conquest.

They were in battle and it was necessary for them to have their sward right there, because the enemy was right there, too.  Our enemies are right beside us, and sometimes I wonder if we are aware of the warfare that is going on.  Are we really prepared for battle?  What would happen if we really were prepared?  What would be the results? I challenge you/myself to be prepared.  It is God's word which is the sword,   As we read his word, and pray we prepare ourselves for battle.   We need to be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ as we go into battle each day.  You might not visually see the war, it may come in many forms, by words spoken to us, by thoughts, by evils expressing itself to us in many ways.  Think about the effect of computer and television.  Is it building you up or tearing you down?  Does your faith grow from it or does it take away your faith?

Father in Heaven, we come to you today in the name of Jesus, and we ask for your protection for us this day, that the blood of Jesus Christ would cover our very being, our steps and  actions.  May we be drawn to you, to be your vessels, This we ask in Jesus name. Amen.

Yesterday we had Sunday School and Church.  Morris Conklins were our speakers, they are missionaries to Portugal.  It was a good service and a good message.  After a long nap, Jack and I were at the Senior Center for supper with the other seniors.  Some work on puzzles and some play pool.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Recipe

Texas Caviar

1 can gold and white corn
1 can black eyed peas
1 can pinto beans
1/2 c onion, chopped
1 c celery, diced
1/2 can jalapeno peppers(be careful!)
1 small jar pimento

rinses all canned items, put in bowl

Bring to boil" 1 c sugar
1 c apple cider vinegar

pour over vegetables - put in fridge overnite

I could not find black eyed peas, I am not sure if she means black eyed beans, I will ask her.

March 1, 2009

Outer Blessing and Inner Strength
Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land Numbers 14:24

Ponder for a moment what great crises would face you if tomorrow all your prayers were answered!  Could you bear the new joy--the added responsibility?  Therefore, when you pray, ask not only for the desired results, but also that your heart will be strengthened to receive, and that added wisdom be given to meet the new problems.
You have watched some succeed only to fail.  This occurs when outer blessings are sought and inner strength neglected.

What are we praying for?  What do we really desire?  Yesterday Julie Ann and I heard Shampa, she is an Indian from India,  she spoke about the most important thing LOVE  it is what we ought to be praying for, a heart of love and compassion.  When our focus is on external things, we miss what God really wants.  I don't know about you, but I know there needs to be more love in my heart, God wants more of that in me..............

Father, we thank you for this day, we thank you that you are here with us, and you desire to meet our needs,  Help us to get our priorities straight, help us to see life like you see it.  We pray for a heart of compassion for the people in our midst, the people you have called us to love.  Help us be sensitive to what you are saying to us.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Yesterday, Julie Ann and I drove to Crookston the hear Shampa speak, it was good and worth spending our day there.  We stopped in Grand Forks for a while, but when I called Jacqui we didn't get an answer, so we missed seeing them.  When I got home, Jack was there having returned from the men's retreat at Bismarck.


February 28, 2009

/Deliverance Has Come
and when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against (their enemies)/  2 Chronicles 20:22
I have set ambushments against your enemies, and I will smite him that causes you to dwell in fear.  I will not suffer your foot to be moved but will cause you to walk in the way I have designed for you and no man shall hinder.  For I have set My battle in array, and I the Lord your God will fight for you and you shall hold your peace.
Rejoice, for your deliverance has already come!
/
This is an interesting passage and thought.  I have been thinking a lot about standing in the gap for a variety of things and situations.  Remember Moses and how while he kept his hands raised to God (which is praise) that the people were victorious in battle, but when his hands grew tired and he put them down, they were lossing, so two men held his hands up.  That is what I feel, that we need to hold people up in prayer,   We can see a lot of terrible things around us, but we can't change that, we can only lift the situations to God in prayer,  Is there something in your life that seems impossible.......Nothing is impossible with God.  I encourage you to lift it to God, however God may want you to do that.  It might be in praise and worship, it might be a simple "help me" prayer.  God is the same God for how ever we come to him, he has promised that he will never leave us or forsake us.  What encouragement that is for us this day.


Dear Father, loving Father, caring Father, Father of *all* creation, thank you for giving us life, thank you for giving us hope, thank you for meeting our needs this day.  Draw us closer to thee we pray, In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Yesterday, was a short day, and actually I forgot to check out at school.  We left at 1:30 and drove over to Munich for a pep rally to send the boys to the tournament at Langdon.  I drove by myself because I wasn't going back to the school.  I stopped to see Frank and Dorothy, he had been running a fever so they had to get medicine for him, she said he had just been sweating and that they felt that his fever went down then.  The nurse came to care for his needs.  Jack is in Bismarck at the men's retreat, so the cat and I had the run of the house.  It was an evening of cleaning and sewing.  two of the quilts are ready for Nicaragua.