January 31, 2011

Yesterday, we got stuck on our way to church, we took the pickup, no shovel, I have problems making the new cell phone work, it doesn't want to turn on, but I finally got it going and called Steve Neilsen who lived about a mile to the west of us.  He came with two shovels, they shoveled and then he used a tow rope and they pulled, it took a few efforts, the rope wanted to break.  Carly came behind us and they were able to get through once we had broken the path,  we came home via #17.  It was a good service at church, so glad we could get there. Galen called while we were int he service, told us things were going great.  Julie sent greetings, Mark is having a good time.  We enjoyed the rest of the day in the comfort of home.  I wrote a few letters, took a nap, etc.  It got really cold, he has a heater going out by the back door.  It isn't very tight so that doesn't help.

There was a message from Ronna this morning on facebook

:Ronna NeidlingerJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:43am

Subject: Hi from Chicopee, MA

Just a quick note to say hi, and hope you are all well. Finally, got snow here, looks like winter. Finally got a chance to get on the computer, Brian always takes it with him everywhere he goes. Bought this laptop for him for his 17th BD. Always busy with my 3 older kids, keeping Steven out of jail, babysitting for Samantha, and cooking for Brain. You can see pics of the kids on Brian Phan facebook page. Need to get some sleep. Bye 4 now.

I replied and asked about the other children.   Joni wrote:

Taking Sin Seriously


"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great
compassion blot out my transgressions."

--Psalm 51:1

There are countless times when I get impatient with my husband, Ken, over little
 things. Like when he uses my good pair of scissors to trim his fishing line. Small
irritations like that build until I snap at Ken. I get mad at him, but I also get
mad at myself for failing to hold my tongue. Soon the spat is forgotten, and God,
I feel, has hardly entered into it.

We have a way of sweeping small sins under the carpet of our conscience without
ever considering how they affect God. A spat with a friend. A slip of the tongue
 in gossip. A white lie. An impatient response. An insincere word. A snide comment.

We almost ignore them, thinking that God is there only to handle the big offenses.
It's up to us and our self-control to handle the small sins, we think.

You might say that small offenses such as white lies or silly spats do not actually
offend God, that he is quite content to have you sweep little things under the carpet.
But not so. Perhaps half our problem is that we do not take sin seriously enough.
When we line up all of our offenses, major and minor, against a holy God, we are
 then able to say with the psalmist, "Against you, you only, have I sinned."

You, O God, are holy, and sin is a great offense to You. You hate sin because it
 cost You the life of Your precious Son. It has marred and stained Your beautiful
creation, including all of the human race. Today I refuse to sweep small sins out
of my conscience without bringing them before You in sincere confession. Help me
 to take sin... seriously.

January 30, 2011

Yesterday was a good day mostly at home.  I was able to spend time in Bible study,  later we went and had lunch in town and then I went to Cando for the FaHoCha annual meeting at the Christian Fellowship Church.  I felt these were good thoughts for each of us, including myself.  Jesus bless your day.

Grieving God's Heart


"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that
you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge."

--Psalm 51:4

A young friend of mine, who is usually mild-tempered, exploded in anger when her
 mother meddled in her relationship with her boyfriend. Afterward she shook her
head and said, "I don't know what came over me. I'm not like that at all. That's
 not me."

I looked directly at my friend and warned, "I'm afraid you're wrong. That is you.
You are like that." I could understand the look of surprise on her face, for we
both knew that she was not one usually given to outbursts of anger. I went on to
 explain. "All of us, at any moment, are capable of the most vicious sins against
others and against God. In fact, we could all say 'Yes, we are like that.'"

Jerry Bridges, in his book, The Pursuit of Holiness, says: "We are more concerned
about our own victory over sin than we are about the fact that our sins grieve the
heart of God. We cannot tolerate failure in our struggle with sin, chiefly because
we are success-oriented, not because we know it is offensive to God."

We will be less likely to sin once we realize that sinful behavior breaks God's
heart. Our sins hurt God more than they hurt others.

How many times have you said after a moment of disobedience, "I don't know that
came over me, I'm usually not like that at all." It's true. We like to think of
ourselves as above-average sinners, not quite as wretched as those who commit truly
ugly offenses against God. But every disobedience is ugly, no matter how great or
small. Our problem is that our attitude toward sin is more self-centered than God-centered.

My Lord, I realize that all of my sin grieves You. Thank You for helping me today
to live a life that pleases you and does not grieve Your heart.

deer friends

This is what we see, they are right out back of the house beside the room where we have the office.  Actually they are all over the yards and are trying very hard to find lunch .  You will also notice how high they are, that means it is really deep snow in the back yard.  We have herds of them nearby.

January 29,2011 b

I think I have a little issue of getting the wrong date on top.  Yesterday was Friday, and we were all ready to have a break.  DJ was sick so I had his band students, they wanted a study hall and after telling a couple of students it was study hall, they were wonderful.  Really did get a lot of work done.  The student I help just laid her head on the desk, made me wonder 'why don't you work like the other students'?  When she came later, she had as much of her math done as she usually does,  She isn't a very independent student, too depending on others.  But she had an open book test that wasn't finished.  Anyway it is done.  At the end of the day, I worked the math assignment for Monday.  If there is a problem I am not sure if I am doing it right, I have a student in study hall that I ask for help, it makes him feel special.    Her at home I was going to clean, but Dad doesn't like to hear the vacuum so only part of the house is done.  But I did some other projects,  I still am throwing fabric,  I hope to have everything cleaned out and gone.....

Here are some thoughts from Joni:
Worry

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink;
 or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and
the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air. Are you not
much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his
life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow.
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What
 shall we wear?' But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these
 things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for
 tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
                                                             --Matthew 6:25-28,
 31, 33-34

Try this: Go back over these verses and count how many times the Lord uses the word
"worry." You'll discover in the span of these few short verses that the Lord Jesus
repeats six times, "Do not worry." Talk about driving home a point!

The Lord was wise in repeating His warning so many times. He knows the devastating
effects of worrying, how it can corrode your faith like acid. Worry robs you of
joy; it steals your hope.

What is worrying you today? A deadline or a diet? A car payment or a gloomy medical
report? Repeat one more time your reading of Matthew 6:25-34 and personalize it
by putting your name after each time the Lord commands (notice, it's not a suggestion):
"Do not worry."

Lord, I admit that I'm so prone to worrying about things that happen in my life.
 Help me today to trust You. Receive glory as I turn from my anxiety and turn to
 You. Thank You that Jesus has given me this solemn warning not to worry

January 29, 2011

Yesterday was another busy day at school, no confrontation with staff member, but every minute of my day was busy,  helping students who have a difficult time have at least as much success with us as we can make possible.  After school, and I was able to leave early, I went to Devils lake, it was a really nice day so was the day to do errands.  I got some groceries that they will need at school, and did some other errands.  I ended my time with Edna, she had been in my thoughts and it was a good time.

                                                     January 28, 2011


VERSE:
  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
   -- Ephesians 3:16
   

THOUGHT:
  What is one of the most important things we can do for those we
love in the Lord? We can pray for them. But more than that, we can
pray that God will strengthen them with power through his
indwelling Spirit. This same Holy Spirit raised Jesus from death
(Eph. 1:19). This same Holy Spirit is God's great gift for those
who ask (Luke 11:13). This same Holy Spirit reanimated a valley of
dry bones (Ezekiel 37). And this same Holy Spirit will strengthen
those we love in the Lord if we ask for him to!

PRAYER:
  Mighty and awesome God, I have several brothers and sisters in
Christ who need your grace, mercy, and power poured into their
lives by your Spirit. Some need to be convicted of their
sinfulness. Some need strength and courage for their difficult road
ahead. Some need power to overcome besetting sin in their lives.
Please strengthen them with your power in their inner being through
your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 16:13  Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong, Do everything in love.

Philipians 4:6,13 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Colossians 1:11  being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father,

Romans 7:22 For in my inter being I delight in God's law.

John 14:23 Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

Romans 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

Ephesians 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

What evidence in your life tells you that God is present?  How is he drawing you to him?  What does he want to say to you?  What does he want to do in your life?

Father, I pray that you would minister in my family this day in the power of your Holy Spirit, that they would see evidence of how much you care about them.  Guide those steps that they take today, help them to be drawn to you.  In Jesus Name. Amen

January 27, 2011

Yesterday was a busy day at school, no really quiet times, I am either helping a Special needs child succeed in their studies or preparing assignments for a child that can't get the material or can't focus.  Then  a person on the staff came to me upset because she didn't think I was telling her what was happening.  I have had a challenge with this person all year, but maybe yesterday was God taking care of it.  Here I am sitting and finishing something for a student and she comes and isn't happy with the way things are being done...I felt like it was God causing this situation to happen.  I am not a confrontational person, so I just bypass people who act like that, so God orchestrates this situation and I thank him for it.  I took some beads to someone who can use them, came home and we ate, and I sewed a bit.  It was a good day.

VERSE:
  But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this
all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
   -- 2 Corinthians 4:7
 

THOUGHT:
  While there are many talented and successful Christians in the
world today, they are merely vessels for God's message of grace,
hope, and power. Our focus should never be on the container for the
message. Instead, what is most important is the integrity of the
messenger no matter the situation, so that the message can be seen
without distraction. God's power, not our own, is what sustains us;
we are simply a vessel, a tool, in the hands of the Lord.

PRAYER:
  Almighty and all-powerful God, thank you for using me to
minister to others as your partner in the work of grace. May my
service help them more perfectly see the glory of your truth and
grace you gave us in your Son. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

That is what I feel about each one of you and your lives, that we could be servants of Christ for the benefit of those about us.  Jesus, bless your day.

January 26, 2011

Yesterday, we were back in school.  Each day brings new experiences, and new opportunities tohelp students.  We have some students doing an online class in home living.  since they are special needs students we have to help them more than the regular students.  I color coded the tests for them, then did it with one and was amazed at how well she did.  That was encouraging.  She will require a lot of help with this class, so we are looking at how make it the most effective.

VERSE:
  After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of
God boldly.
   -- Acts 4:31
     

THOUGHT:
  Prayer changes us. Prayer calls on God to change circumstances.
Prayer is powerful. Prayer brings revival. Prayer transforms God's
people and brings about salvation. Prayer makes us bold for the
Lord. So why do we find it so hard to find time to pray?

PRAYER:
  Majestic God, please raise up prayer warriors who will help
transform your church and who will battle Satan. Please fill your
Church with the Holy Spirit and with boldness. In Jesus' name I
pray. Amen.

This seemed like what I really needed to tell you.  We have a situation with a student who came to our school, but isn't going to be coming back, he ahs needs, and I am sure his mom feels helpless to deal with the situation, then I talk to Janet and she tells about Russ being on jury for a civil case of someone who has been left injuried for the rest of her life,  What will change these situations, only prayer, whether it changes them physically, and God can do that, or if it changes them emotionally, God can do that.  What does God want to do in our lives.

Father, help us to evaluate our lives and what is happening and what you want us to do to change what is happening, Give us a heart of compassion and caring for those about us.  In Jesus name. Amen.

January 25, 2011

Yesterday we were back to school, it was a busy day.  i went to Cando and cleaned the church and then came  home and fixed supper.    I have included two devotions this morning.  In each I have high lighted parts that are really significant.  We are living in a tough world but God is able.  The first makes me think of how we need to pray for those in dark places, places whether in US or other parts of the world, where living for Jesus is much more difficult that it is here.  I was reading about girls who are sold into slavery, it is happening all over and it is not good.  I think of the precious little girls in our lives and how we treasure them, and then to think of the way it is in other places.... It is even happening in US, possibly they have come here from other countries and being "used" here.  The other thought is about loving what is dark.......

Loving the Dark

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
— John 3:19


The Pharisees did not doubt Jesus because they merely disagreed with Him. They doubted Jesus because they were hardened against him.

Doubt is a matter of the mind. Even Christians have moments of doubt. We don't always understand what God is doing or why He is doing it. Unbelief, in contrast, is a matter of the will. It is a choice we make.

The Pharisees were full of unbelief. They did not reject Jesus for lack of evidence or because He was not consistent with what He said. The fact is that Jesus was the perfect example. Even Pontius Pilate, who had examined countless people, said, "I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4), and "I am innocent of the blood of this just Person" (Matthew 27:24). Judas Iscariot, who spent three, concentrated years with Jesus and even betrayed Him said, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood" (Matthew 27:4). So Jesus clearly was a model of everything that He said.

The Pharisees rejected Jesus because it interfered with the way they wanted to live. And that is why people reject Him today. Jesus said, "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed" (John 3:19–20).

People don't reject Jesus because they have carefully examined the evidence and have determined that it is not convincing enough. They don't reject Him because they have read through the Scriptures and have found some apparent contradiction. They don't reject Him because of the so-called hypocrisy of some in the church. They reject Him because He interferes with the way they want to live.

VERSE:
  For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust
suffering because he is conscious of God.
   -- 1 Peter 2:19
THOUGHT:
  Unjust suffering! Ouch, even the sound of those words sends a
chill up and down my spine. Such a thing doesn't seem fair or
appropriate -- and it isn't. Yet we have many brothers and sisters
bearing up under pain and unjust suffering because of their
commitment and loyalty to the only True God and to his Son, Jesus
Christ. Wouldn't it be incredible if those of us who are not
touched by terrible persecution or hardship would begin each day
praying for those in our spiritual family who do face hardship,
persecution, suffering, and mistreatment? As they display the grace
of Christ to honor God in the face of such difficulty, let's pray
that our Father will not only give them strength to endure, but
that he will also deliver them soon!

PRAYER:
  Holy and merciful Father, please bless your children today who
suffer pain and hardship while displaying the grace of Jesus.
Whether these problems are because of persecution or because of
life's difficulties, I pray that you strengthen my brothers and
sisters who are suffering. But Father, I know the only permanent
answer for this suffering is for Jesus' return, so please send him
soon. In the name of the Coming Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.

January 24, 2011

yesterday Sunday School and church, our usual naps, I got interested in organization of history and did another cleaning task, while we watched a bit of tv.  We hung a blanket over the dining room outside door, it looks different but hope it helps on draft.  These are thoughts from Joni, very good thoughts.  The world around is in a sad state, and only our relationship with God and our desire to be near to him really helps us face each day.  

Heavenly Citizenship
"Their destiny is destruction, their God is their stomach, and their glory is in
 their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.
 And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power
that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly
 bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

--Philippians 3:19-21

Christians who think the most of the next world are usually those who are doing
the most good in this present world. It is the person whose mind is only on earthly
things who, when it comes to earth, does little good. C.S. Lewis expands on this,
saying, "Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither."*

Our verse today highlights what happens when your heart and mind is set on things
above. Unlike the person whose mind is on earthly things, you begin to see yourself
as a sojourner, a pilgrim on earth. You begin to appreciate your citizenship in
heaven. You also begin to eagerly await the Lord's return, and you anticipate the
joy of having Him transform your body into one like His.

Those whose destiny is destruction may say that being so heavenly- minded does you
no earthly good. Not so! Those whose minds are on heaven do earth a world of good.

When you realize that your citizenship is in heaven, you begin to act as a responsible
citizen should. You begin to invest wisely in relationships. Your conversations,
 goals, and motives become more pure and honest, and all of this serves you well
 not only in heaven but on earth. Heavenly-minded people are for earth's highest
 good.

Help me to understand, Lord, what it truly means to have my citizenship in heaven.
And may I act as a heavenly citizen should while I temporarily reside here on earth.

January 23, 2011

I know Dad wants to use the computer so I will try to get away from it quickly,  Yesterday was a busy day.  I had two meetings in Devils Lake, and then after a few errands came home to  Hampden for coffee with the Sr.s   Dad had a couple of magazines for Frank so I drove over there.  Alice fixed supper and they picked up Jack and we were all at Frank and Dorothys.  Good day.  I read this and know it is right.  I am doing a study on Becoming Who You are .  We are made of three parts, body, soul and spirit, but we can choose to live in the spirit, or soul and of course we live in the body.   

 

Things Above
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above,
 where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things."

--Colossians 3:1-2

In this verse we are twice commanded. First, we are to  Set our hearts; then second,

set our minds on things above. In other words, things above are to capture our imaginations,
emotions, thoughts, feelings, ideas, and on and on.

Most of us consider this command to be not as necessary as other mandates in Scripture.
But it is! When you consider that the first and greatest commandment is to love
the Lord with all your heart and mind, it follows naturally that we should set our
hearts on things above "where Christ is seated at the right hand of God."

C.H. Spurgeon once said, "Some of you, right now, could not be happy if you were
 allowed to enter heaven. Shall I tell you why? It is because heaven is a land of
the spirit and you have neglected your spirit."

It is the spiritual person who can most readily set his heart and mind on heaven.
So live in the Spirit, walk in the Spirit, abide by the Spirit, pray in the Spirit,
and you can't help but glean a real and deep longing for heavenly glories above.

What enriches your spirit? Filling your heart and mind with whatever is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely, admirable, or anything excellent or praiseworthy. What enriches
your spirit? Accessing the means of grace through prayer, worship, the reading of
God's Word, and fellowship. What enriches your spirit? Trusting and obeying your
 Lord.

I want to be a truly spiritual person, Lord, so help me to keep in step with Your
Spirit today. May my flesh diminish and my spirit increase as I set my heart and
 mind on things above.

January 22, 2011

Yesterday was Friday, and I think everyone was ready for a couple of days at home.  I know I am going to enjoy a different scene for these two days.  Actually I woke up this morning thinking it was Sunday and I didn't have my Sunday School lesson prepared, but then I realized it is Saturday.  It is cold.

VERSE:
  [Jesus said] "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and
authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or
what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time
what you should say."
   -- Luke 12:11-12
    

THOUGHT:
  When we need help most, Jesus promises he will be there and will
send his Spirit to give us the words we need. Throughout the
centuries, this promise has sustained those facing persecution and
ridicule. It helped them realize that they were not alone and that
they didn't need to worry about having the perfect answer to
everything as they were going in to face a hostile audience. This
same promise sustains Christians today whether they are under
governmental persecution or facing the hostility of unbelievers in
the workplace, at school, or at home. When facing the hostility of
unbelievers, we know we are not alone; our Savior goes with us.

PRAYER:
  Loving God, I need your strength and the Holy Spirit's help as I
speak with those who are opposed to your message of salvation. I
want your words, not mine, to be what others hear in that crucial
moment . Please give me wisdom to know when to speak, what to say,
and when to remain silent. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

January 21, 2011

Yesterday was a cold day, but it wasn't stormy or anything  that was good.  No special items of interest I was tired and came home and took a nap... Did some more sewing etc.

                                            


VERSE:
  He [Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they
were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat
reached the shore where they were heading.
   -- John 6:20-21

THOUGHT:
  Jesus comes to his disciples to comfort them in one of their
worst nightmares -- a storm on the sea. He literally tells them, "I
Am; do not be afraid." Two key things are here for us to notice:
First, Jesus uses a name ("I Am") that identifies himself with God
who delivered Moses and the Israelites from Egypt. Second, he uses
a surprisingly frequent command found throughout the Bible: "Don't
be afraid." When we are willing to invite Jesus into our lives
during the middle of our storms and messes, he not only says, "I
Am; don't be afraid!" but he also helps us find our way to our most
important destination, ultimate deliverance.

PRAYER:
  O God, the great I Am, you redeemed Israel from Egypt, you won
great victories for David, and you raised Jesus from the dead. I
know you can deliver me from what may come my way. Please forgive
me when I don't act with the boldness that is called for by this
kind of faith and strengthen me to confidently trust in your
presence. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

John 3:14  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up...

John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

John 6:53-56 Jesus said to them, I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.  For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.  Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.

Father, I pray that we would keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, that we would look to him for directions in our life.  In Jesus Name. Amen

January 20, 2011

Yesterday was a good school day.  I have enjoyed conversations with Laura who is filling in at school in the kitchen.  I have helped her and we have cleaned everything in the kitchen and it is ready for the new cook....  After school I helped a student for a while and then went to Cando and cleaned the church, did a bit of visiting and went to Bible Study.  This is a good reading, maybe a bit heavy but good...

How Much Will It Cost?


"And anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever
finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

--Matthew 10:38-39

Jesus, with eyes full of love and compassion, extends His hand and offers us life
abundant and joyful, here and for eternity. "But how much will it cost?" You ask.
The answer is short, simple, and painful. "It will cost you everything," the Lord
replies.

Ouch. That's what the rich young ruler must have said when he asked Jesus how he
 could have eternal life. The Lord commanded the young man to sell everything he
 had, give the money to the poor, and follow Him as Lord. The man couldn't bear
the cost, and he walked away the loser.

Is it worth taking up your cross, losing your life, and following the Lord? Jesus
wraps his loving arms around us, reminding us, "Everyone who has left houses or
brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive
a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life" (Matthew 19:29).

What was true for the rich young ruler is true for us. God seems to always be pointing
to one more areas of our life that needs to come under His domain. "Ouch," we reply,
"Lord, haven't you asked enough of me?" You can be sure that at whatever point you
resist, God will persevere.

Lord, what area of my life still needs to come under Your rule? Please show it to
me, and then help me to place it under Your domain. May I look to the apostle Paul,
who counted everything a loss in order to know Jesus. Please help me to understand
that I have everything to gain when I lose my life for Your sake.

Father what are you calling each of us to do this day, what haven't I given to you, what is keeping me from being yielded to you?  Speak to my heart about it in Jesus Name.  Amen

January 19, 2011

Happy Birthday Alicia, Jesus bless your day.

Yesterday we were back in school and nothing real exciting, we continue to clean in the kitchen getting it ready for a new cook.  I went to visit Frank and Dorothy after school. Alice and Gabe were there and we had a good visit.

It is really cold but we are o.k. here at home.

VERSE:
  We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of
those who believe and are saved.
   -- Hebrews 10:39
THOUGHT:
  I love this description of God's people that precedes "the faith
Hall of Fame" (Hebrews 11). When you look at God's people over the
centuries, they are not a bunch of wimps, crybabies, and cowards.
Yes, they do have their bad moments. But all in all, they are not
those who quit on their quest. They are those whose faith has
endured and found God's great victory of salvation. This verse
excites me because the Holy Spirit does not say "we CAN be those
who don't shrink back." Instead, he is confident in us, our
endurance and our faithfulness and says we ARE not "shrinkers," but
we ARE believers who will be saved!

PRAYER:
  Thank you, Mighty God, for your confidence in me. With your
help, I won't be a "shrinker." I will stand for your truth, your
character, and your will even if those around me do not. I believe
you have great things ahead for your people, so I refuse to shrink
back. Please empower me with your Spirit so that I fully serve you
with confidence and integrity. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

January 18,2011

Yesterday I didn't ahve school.  So I was home all day.  I did book work and have the records ready for income tax preparer.  For me that is a good feeling.  I am sewing a quilt out of scraps, and Dad did blow some snow, we have this little tunnel up to our house, with the slightest blow it gets filled.  We are o.k.

All the devotions that I read were really good, but I think this will bless you, red to the end....

It was from Joni and was taken from Guideposts.

Jeremy


"'Do you hear what these children are saying?' they asked him. 'Yes,' replied Jesus,
'have you never read, "From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise"?'"

--Matthew 21:16

Miss Miller had taught many students at the Christian school, but none so exasperating
as Jeremy. He was twelve years old, slightly retarded, and had not progressed beyond
the second grade. Miss Miller had repeatedly tried to place Jeremy in a special
class, but the boy's parents wanted him to stay with his classmates. This frustrated
her, as she had eighteen other youngsters to supervise.

After teaching about the Resurrection one day, Miss Miller gave the class an assignment.
Each child was given a large plastic egg and told to bring it back the next day
with something inside that showed new life. All the kids were enthusiastic except
for Jeremy. Miss Miller wasn't certain the boy understood.

The next morning the children arrived in class with their eggs, laughing and discussing
their surprises inside. In one egg a child had placed a flower. In another, a plastic
butterfly. One concealed a rock with moss. When Miss Miller opened Jeremy's egg,
 it was empty. She reasoned that he must not have understood the instructions. Because
she did not want to embarrass the disabled boy, she quietly set the egg aside.

"Miss Miller," Jeremy spoke up, "aren't you going to talk about my egg?" The teacher
replied that it was empty. "Yes, but the tomb of Jesus was empty, too."

While the other children ran out to the schoolyard, Miss Miller stayed behind, wiping
her tears. Here she had thought it was a waste of time trying to teach Jeremy, but
all the while, he had cultivated a wisdom far beyond that of his classmates. Three
months later, Jeremy died. And those who paid their respects at the funeral home
 were surprised to see nineteen eggs on top of his casket. All of them, empty.*

Father, give us a child like heart that loves and accepts you as a child.  In Jesus Name. Amen

January 17,2011

Yesterday we went to Sunday School and Church, I had 4 students which is pretty good, for such nasty weather the attendance was quite good. We got some groceries and came.  The roads are terrible, so you put it in 4 wheel drive and head straight ahead and hope that you don't get off the path.  I am enjoying these days at home, no school today.  Took a long nap and stayed up late, did some reading, etc.

I enjoyed all the devotions I read, but this one reminds us that where ever we are at he is there and he is waiting to help us, so I am believing that for each of you this day.

VERSE:
  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side
of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand
will hold me fast.
   -- Psalm 139:9-10
THOUGHT:
  I guess for those who find themselves in places they shouldn't
be, the abiding presence of God might be a bit terrifying. But I
find great comfort in knowing that no matter where I go, from the
moment of my conception to the day of my death, God is always
there. He is there to guide me and sustain me. Even when I'm in
places I am not supposed to be, doing things I am not supposed to
do, he is still there. I can turn to him in repentance and receive
his grace. I can turn to him in need and receive his strength. I
can turn to him and know I am not alone.

PRAYER:
  Thank you, Father for loving me and personally knowing me. Thank
you for the assurance that I won't have to face a day without you.
Thank you for the comfort of knowing that I will never face my
sorrows alone. Thank you for being the strength that sustains me
when I don't have the strength to go on. Thank you that when
tomorrow dawns, I will be with you no matter what happens during
the night. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

January 16, 2011

It wa a nice day at home, this is the time of the year to clean out, I can't believe how many fabric scraps, I got a sense of direction so I threw a lot(you children will be glad) and then sorted the rest, I am sewing a quilt that will probably be for a baby.  

Dad has a cold, but I think he is better, he stayed in all day, I was in town for lunch with the other seniors and got the mail.  It was a good day.

VERSE:
  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
   -- Philippians 4:13
  

THOUGHT:
  What's the basis of our happiness? If it's our outward
circumstances, we're all in trouble because sooner or later, these
aren't going to be too good. Paul said he had learned the secret to
living above life's circumstances. That secret was Jesus Christ.
Jesus was his assurance that no matter how things were here, he was
not alone. No matter how difficult things might be, these problems
were not permanent. No matter how hard life was at the time, Jesus
would give him the strength to overcome the difficulties. Paul was
just as sure that Jesus will do this for you and me!

PRAYER:
  God of glory and might, thank you for the stories in the Bible
of your great power. They give me courage and hope when I face my
problems. I believe Jesus can deliver me, sustain me, and uphold me
through my difficulties today and every day to follow. Please
forgive me for those times when I didn't turn to you and honestly
talk to you about my struggles. O LORD, I need the strength, the
comfort, and the presence of Christ today. In the name of my Savior
Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Father, I pray that you would be close to us, draw us to your side and help us to realize how much you care about what is happening in our lives.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

January 15, 2011

Yesterday was Jeanette Stinkeoways funeral.  Most of our school attended, it was packed.  high school choir sang.  We got a lot of snow, so after dinner students were dismissed.  Some had gone with their parents after the funeral.  I went to Cando and cleaned the church, got the NRN items ready for Galen and came home.  I don't have school now til Tuesday so we have a few days at home.  I think that sounds o.k.

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

--1 Peter 5:7

That verse kept echoing in my mind as I powered my wheelchair through the group
of disabled residents in a home for people with cerebral palsy. I clunked wheels
 with a boy in a bulky, oversized chair while trying to listen to a mentally handicapped
girl explain her testimony. Another patient was leaning against the wall, whining
to go back to his room.

A nurse wanted me to come and talk to a quadriplegic who was confined to his dormitory.
I smiled, nodding at the nurse, and tried to keep my focus on the girl's testimony.
It was useless. The nagging whine of the man against the wall shattered what little
concentration I had left.

I was far from home and slightly irritated that my sponsors had overloaded my schedule.
I had been up all day touring and talking at a rehab center, leading a disability
workshop with pastors, and now I was bone-tired. I wanted to scrap the evening,
head out the door, and get back to the hotel before they closed the restaurant.

I had to stop. I had to remember that Jesus was with me, moving ahead of my wheelchair,
and delighting in the smiles of the faces of each disabled resident. In the midst
of the clamor, I discovered His voice, whispering, "Come to me, Joni, you are weary
and burdened. Let me give you rest." I paused and prayed silently, asking God to
 give me His rest. First Peter 5:7 was all the reminder I needed.

When weariness or anxiety threatens to overtake you, place your cares in the arms
of Jesus. First Peter 5:7 was a simple prescription for weariness penned almost
twenty centuries ago, and no one has improved on it since!

Thank You, Lord, for carrying my cares today!

January 14b, 2011

I think I got my days mixed up.  I don't pay much attention to the calendar.  Yesterday was another day of school and I was there til nearly 5 helping a student.  I stopped at the Catholic church to see Jeanette's family.  then came home and cooked and sewed.

"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years,
to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or
not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then
feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you
that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth
of the Lord."

--Deuteronomy 8:2-3

Humans get hungry, and not just for food but for a whole range of desires and dreams.
Hunger to have hopes fulfilled and longings answered seems to be built into us.

Sometimes our hunger gets us into trouble, and we wish we could curb our appetites.
But in Deuteronomy 8:2, you'll be surprised to learn who gives us these longings.
The Lord is the one who causes us to hunger. He is the one who has put within us
 our desires and yearnings. At first, this seems odd. Doesn't God know that the
"hungries" often get us into trouble?

God has good reasons for giving us such large appetites. He has placed within us
 desires and dreams in order to test us and humble us, to see what is in our heart,
to see whether or not we would follow Him. He causes us to hunger so that we might
learn to feed on the Bread of Heaven, to live on every word that comes from the
mouth of the Lord.

To hunger is to be human, but to hunger for God is to feed on Him. Hunger and thirst
after His righteousness and feed on Him in your heart. Taste and see that the Lord
is good; it is He who will fill you to satisfaction.

I am prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. I'm prone to leave the God I love. Here's
 my heart, please take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.

I really appreciated Joni's thoughts and went back to read the chapter in Deuteronomy.  

Father, draw us closer to them and meet the needs we have today.  In Jesus Name. Amen

January 14, 2011

Yesterday at school, it was another day of the usual, choir is practicing so they can sing at Jeanette's funeral.  We are cleaning the kitchen in preparation for the new cook.  I visited with Frank and Dorothy for a while after school and I sewed in the evening.  I will send with them to Nicaragua all I get made now and make more for another year.  I can't believe how much fabric is there and it needs to go.

I have chosen this devotion because it soo speaks of a life experience that is significant to me.  I had a time in life when I didn't listen to God, and it happened a few times, it took a while for me to get the message/picture that I was to listen to God.  Some hard things have happened to me because of this.  I read this whole passage and all about Balaam, the importance of listening to God, and he did after the donkey episode.

 Numbers 22:22

(22) Then God's anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of theLORD took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 
New King James Version   Change Bible versions

God was angry because Balaam went when He had specifically told him, "Don't go unless they come to you and ask you." Nothing in God's Word says that they did. Instead, it says that Balaam got up in the morning and saddled his donkey, and off he went.

God gave conditional permission. The condition was only if he was asked again, but he was not asked again yet went anyway. Balaam was one of those people who, if you give him an inch, he takes a mile. If he was not specifically told, "You shall not go," then he thought that meant he could go ahead and leave.

In like manner, there are those who think, "Well, because the Bible does not say 'Thus saith the Lord,' it is okay!" We can see many things in Balaam's character that are similar to what many people today mimic due to the fact that they are not listening to God either. God was very specific with Balaam, but all he heard was, "Go ahead!" He tuned out the part that began with if.

This is why God was angry with him. He was so angry that He came out against him, to stand in his way. Maybe the most intriguing detail here is that the wordadversary is, in Hebrew, satan, which means generally "adversary, enemy, foe." God came out against Balaam the same way that Satan comes out against us, when God allows him to do so. God set Himself up as Balaam's enemy.

In reality, by leaving without fulfilling the conditions, Balaam chose to join Satan's side. God, then, visibly to the donkey but invisibly to Balaam, set Himself up as the adversary to Balaam.

Balaam showed God that he would do what Balak wanted him to do. In counterpoint, God will do something to try to get Balaam to change, to turn. God does not come out against Balaam as a normal enemy would—to do him harm—but to turn him around and give him a chance to repent. But Balaam would have nothing to do with that. He had set himself up as an enemy of God, and he never turns himself around.

Father, I pray that you would give us listening hearts, hearts that help us to listen to you and your will for our lives.  In Jesus Name.

January 12,2011

Yesterday back to school after a day trip to Grand Forks.  It is the beginning of a new semester, I have some study hall changes, some different locations for study hall.  We are cleaning in the kitchen in preparation for a new cook.  I helped a student after school so I didn't leave the school til 5.  I am sewing some clothes for Julie to take to Nicaragua.

I feel so strongly about the value of scripture:

When Scripture Hurts
"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,
it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
 thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

--Hebrews 4:12

Have you ever read a verse scores of times and then suddenly, on the sixty-fifth
 reading-zap!-the verse nails you squarely between your soul and spirit? Verses
such as "Follow me" or "Flee youthful lusts" sharply rebuke you for that lustful
 fantasizing you've been wallowing in lately. Any other time you would have skimmed
right over those verses. But now, it hurts.

That's what happens when the Word of God slices through that thin line between your
soul and spirit. Your soul, clouded by emotions and excuses, is not prone to conviction.
Your spirit, however, bears witness with the Spirit of God as His truth, painfully
revealing, hits home.

Often you may reread the verse, double-checking to make certain you heard God right,
but if you are honest, the verse still pierces and stings your conscience. You have
been wounded by the Word of God.

Andrew Murray has put it this way: "Jesus has no tenderness toward anything that
 is ultimately going to ruin a man in service to Him. If God brings to your mind
 a verse which hurts you, you may be sure that there is something He wants to hurt."

We must not view our disobedience as a vague generality, as when we say, "God, forgive
me, a sinner." What sins? Specifically, how have you disobeyed? Try to make a list
of at least ten specifics. Having trouble? Then ask God to wound you with His Word.

You, Lord, are the judge of my thoughts and my heart. Place the sword of Your Word
between my soul and spirit and reveal to me today things in my life that displease
You.


Blessings,

Joni and Friends

I really value the word of God and we can not get too much in our spiritual diet.  

January 11, 2011

Yesterday Dad and I were in Grand Forks for food dr. appointment.  He wants me to continue as is, and I am thankful that my feet feel so much better.  Ate with Jacqui did a bit of shopping, stopped at Jerry's with mail and came home.  

Of all the things we could do, this is what matters with our relationship with God....

VERSE:
  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has
any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself
through love.
   -- Galatians 5:6
    

THOUGHT:
  What matters most? Priorities must be valued disciplines in our
everyday lives if we are to be successful and productive. This is
equally true in our discipleship. We should want to concentrate on
what is key, essential, and most important. Paul reminds us what is
essential: Faith showing itself in loving actions. Faith that does
not show itself in loving and helpful action is dead (James 2).
Jesus wants our faith to express itself in vibrant and loving
service.

PRAYER:
  Almighty God, please forgive me for the times I have lost sight
of what is essential and focused on what is peripheral. Please
forgive me for the times when my own interests and concerns were
more important to me than loving service to others. Please give me
eyes to see the people you would have me serve today, and each day,
so that others may know of Jesus' love through my actions and
words. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

I am encouraged by this devotion, I feel that it helps me to understand my life and what God is speaking to me,  the verses below were also a part of this devotion and they are so encouraging and helpful  

John 8:35  Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.

John 8: 32-36 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free, So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Romans 8:15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but your received the Spirit of  son ship. and by him we cry, Abba Father

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Galations 2:4 This matter arose, because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have n Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

Galations 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.

January 10,2011

Yesterday, we had Sunday School and church, it was a good service.  Jarretts were in charge of music and they didn't use piano, they used a auto harp type of instrument and two guitars, and chose some old hymns to sing, it was well received.  

Pastor Michael spoke about prayer and unanswered prayer.

1. Don't give up to soon  (Luke 181-8) 

     God is not always on time he is in time

2. Wait for God's response.

3. Content with God's answer

4. Allow God to take complete control.

Pray to be sustained.

unanswered prayer doesn't mean God isn't listening.

Father, as we go about our day, help us to be conscious of your presence in our lives, that you desire for us to communicate with you, to keep the lines open.  Then help us to be sensitive to your voice, and respond.  In Jesus Name. Amen

January 10, 2011

January 9, 2011

Yesterday we were at home except for the coffee hour in Hampden.  That is a time to learn the news of what is happening in the community.  They bring really good food, too.  I have been trying to clean and sort and put away and get rid of.  But there is still a lot left.  I don't want anything left for you children to deal with.

Seated With Christ


"And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms
in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable
 riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus."

--Ephesians 2:6-7

In your mind's eye, where is your place before God when you pray? Do you see yourself
coming to Him with cap in hand to beg? When you pray, do you feel a little out of
place in the divine throne room? Perhaps you picture yourself at a distance from
 God-timid, shy, and imploring the Lord to do something.

There may be times when it's appropriate to go to God as a beggar. Times when you
need to seriously mourn over some terrible transgression. But even in those times
of sorrow, God wants you to understand your glorious position in prayer. For when
you come before God to praise and intercede, it is your privilege and pleasure to
join with Christ where He is seated at God's right hand. In that sacred spot even
a beggar becomes a child of the king.

God has raised you up to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. It's a place
not only of privilege but of serious responsibility, for as you pray, you do so
alongside your Lord and from an exalted position. You are a partner with Jesus Christ
in spiritual warfare. Because Christ lives to intercede, you live to intercede,
as well.

When you pray, seated next to your Lord in the heavenlies, remember that your most
feeble and faint prayer shakes the hearts of the people for whom you intercede.
It's a privilege. It's a responsibility.

You, Lord, live to intercede. Thank You for giving me life so that I might intercede
alongside you in the heavenlies.

January 8, 2011

Happy Birthday Julie

We are at home, yesterday was a busy day at school. I hope to be able to do some more cleaning here at home.

Do we know that God loves us, do we sense it in our lives.....

VERSE:
  The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the
Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He
did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the
hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the
LORD your God.
   -- Joshua 4:24
      

THOUGHT:
  God demonstrates his love to us because he is loving. God
demonstrates his love to us because he knows we would be lost
without it. God demonstrates his love to us because he wants to
show his power to the peoples of the world. God demonstrates his
love for us because he wants us to know his awesome might to save.
God demonstrates his love for us so we will deeply respect, honor,
and revere him.

PRAYER:
  Holy and Almighty God, I praise you for your majesty and might.
I praise you for your love and your grace. I praise you with my
heart full of thanks. I praise you with my head bowed low in
reverence, to honor and glorify you, the only true and living God.
May honor and glory and praise be yours in my heart and in my life
as long as I live on this earth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

January 7, 2011

Yesterday was a busy day at school and then at home, can't remember what I did must not have been very significant.

VERSE:
  O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is
unfailing love and with him is full redemption.
   -- Psalm 130:7

THOUGHT:
  What do we have in this life that is unfailing and
inexhaustible? Nothing except God's unfailing love. Even when we
disappoint, hurt, offend, or rebel against him, he still loves us.
While we were sinners he sent Jesus to redeem us from sin and
death. Why trust anything or anyone else with our future? Let's
lean on God's unfailing love!

PRAYER:
  Abba Father, loving God, I place my hopes, dreams, and future in
your hands. I trust that you are at work for my eternal good. I
believe that you alone offer freedom from all that enslaves me.
Thank you for your forgiveness of my sins and your promise of life
forever with you. But most of all, dear Father, thank you for your
unfailing love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

January 6,2011

Yesterday was school, there were teachers there from other schools and they were interviewing us and then a time when they shared what were the results.  After school I went to Cando and cleaned the church and briefly visited with matt and mavis.  After supper I was tired and went to bed early.

                                                     January  6, 2011


VERSE:
  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
   -- 2 Corinthians 4:18
 

THOUGHT:
  What do you see most clearly today? Is it what is seen or what
is unseen? No matter our belief system, we ultimately have to trust
what we can't see. Even the most atheistic scientists trust
gravity, breathe air, and depend upon principles they cannot see
until these realities produce results in the tangible world of
human perception. But as Christians, we don't believe the seen
world is any more real as the unseen world. In fact, most of the
seen world is subject to death, disease, disaster, decay, disorder,
and death. I don't know about you, but if it isn't any more
permanent than that, it's not going to be very real for any of us
for very long. I want to hang on to something that allows me to
look past the seen and to find my Father who is unseen. He is the
one who guarantees the unseen!

PRAYER:
  Eternal Father and God of all peoples, help me see more clearly
the spiritual, eternal, and real world of the unseen. I am not
seeking novelty, nor am I on some quest for the bizarre. I only
want to know you, your truth, and your character so I may more
appropriately display them to others and help them come find you in
the world of the unseen. Please grant me greater success at
reaching others, to your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and flal;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Colossians 3:10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 13:14  Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart. though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Ephesians 4:23  To be made new in the attitude of your minds; 

January 6,2011

Yesterday was school, there were teachers there from other schools and they were interviewing us and then a time when they shared what were the results.  After school I went to Cando and cleaned the church and briefly visited with matt and mavis.  After supper I was tired and went to bed early.

                                                     January  6, 2011


VERSE:
  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
   -- 2 Corinthians 4:18
 

THOUGHT:
  What do you see most clearly today? Is it what is seen or what
is unseen? No matter our belief system, we ultimately have to trust
what we can't see. Even the most atheistic scientists trust
gravity, breathe air, and depend upon principles they cannot see
until these realities produce results in the tangible world of
human perception. But as Christians, we don't believe the seen
world is any more real as the unseen world. In fact, most of the
seen world is subject to death, disease, disaster, decay, disorder,
and death. I don't know about you, but if it isn't any more
permanent than that, it's not going to be very real for any of us
for very long. I want to hang on to something that allows me to
look past the seen and to find my Father who is unseen. He is the
one who guarantees the unseen!

PRAYER:
  Eternal Father and God of all peoples, help me see more clearly
the spiritual, eternal, and real world of the unseen. I am not
seeking novelty, nor am I on some quest for the bizarre. I only
want to know you, your truth, and your character so I may more
appropriately display them to others and help them come find you in
the world of the unseen. Please grant me greater success at
reaching others, to your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and flal;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Colossians 3:10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator

Romans 6:4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 13:14  Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2 Corinthians 4:16  Therefore we do not lose heart. though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

Ephesians 4:23  To be made new in the attitude of your minds;