December 6, 2010

Yesterday we honored our pastor at church with pastor appreciation.  North Prairie came, too and we ate together, otherwise we were here.  i talked to Brenna, and I am putting together a book for her with some sewing helps.  This is a devotion by Greg Laurie.

A Spiritual Checkup

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
— 2 Corinthians 13:5


I don't look forward to getting my physical. They do a lot of tests, and they always check my blood pressure. The last time I went, they told me, "You know, your blood pressure is a little high." I told them it was high because I knew they were going to take it.

So I told my doctor, "You walk into the room, and my blood pressure goes up. It is your fault. You need to sneak up sometime when I am not looking and then take it. I bet it will be lower." We kind of joke back and forth a little. But we know it is an exam. I fill out a questionnaire, and he asks a lot of questions: Are there any lumps? Are there any growths? Are there any things out of the ordinary? It is an exam to determine my physical state.

There is a spiritual exam as well. The Bible says, "Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). In other words, are you really a Christian? Or are you just pretending? You are really a Christian when you have put your faith in Jesus Christ and Christ alone to save you, and you are trusting in Him and walking with Him. It will show itself in the way that you live.

Sometimes when people go through hardship, they say that event or tragedy has shaken their life; it has shaken their faith. In fact, they say they have lost their faith. But the faith that can't be shaken is the faith that has been shaken. If it is genuine faith, then it will stand up to the test.

I got to thinking about the concept of examine yourself, what kind of a self check list should I use in my own life?

1 Corinthians 11:28  A  man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

Romans 8:10  But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet our spirit is alive because of righteousness.

later in that passage it say in verse 17  Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

It helps us to see that we are brothers and sisters of Christ, we are intimately a part of his family.  Do you ever feel really close to someone who isn't a sibling, but rather because they are a part of the family of God?  I think he is speaking of that close relationship that we have, in Christ.

Father bless this  day in Jesus Name. Amen.  

December 5, 2010

Yesterday, I went to Devils Lake and did a lot of errands, though I think I still have more to do.  The weather was beautiful so it was pleasant to be out and about.  I met Jerry and his family on my way home, they had been up to the farm cleaning out everything.

VERSE:
  Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate
for the sheep. ... whoever enters through me will be saved. He will
come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have
it the full."
   -- John 10:7,9-10
    
THOUGHT:
  Jesus came to the world to give us life. He didn't come to bring
us rules, or judgement, or fear, or work. Jesus came to give us
life in its fullest form. While we know that this is promised to us
when we go to be with him for all eternity, John wants us to
clearly hear that Jesus' promise to give us life begins right now!
Not JUST life later, but also life NOW!

PRAYER:
  Almighty God, I confess that sometimes I play life too
carefully, not risking failure and loss and not reaching for your
opportunities and your concerns. Give me a heart that yearns to
live life in all its fullness by seeking after your will, Jesus'
example and the Holy Spirit's leading in my decisions today, and
always. Through the name of Jesus I ask this to your glory. Amen

John 3:17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

I read more scriptures and they told of how the various people groups condemned Jesus, and what he did.  There is no other way to God except through Jesus.  Many people will believe there is a God but accepting Jesus and allowing him to be that bridge to God is another thing.

This passage has talked about him being the gate to the sheep.  what a wonderful feeling to know that we are safely in his presence since we have walked through the gate and invited him into our lives.

Jesus I pray for each one in my family that today you would draw them a little closer to you.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

December 4, 2010

Yesterday was the end of the week and I think everyone welcomed a day at home and the privilege of sleeping in late.  After school I visited with Frank and Dorothy, we had snow, a new batch but it isn't blowing, thankfully.  I am sharing Greg Laurie's thoughts with you because I feel so strongly about wearing the armour of God.  I think I have told you about praying that for each of you.  but we need to be re reminded....

How to Win the Spiritual Battle

Like it or not, the moment you commit your life to Jesus Christ you are engaged in a spiritual battle. The believer may be known by his inward warfare as well as by his inward peace.

This battle is not with flesh and blood, but with a very real opponent called the devil.

We have looked at the various pieces of armor we are to wear as we face our opponent, including the utility belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and, of course, the gospel shoes.

Those are all primarily defensive weapons. In other words, you don't attack your enemy with your sandal, breastplate, or helmet. You need another weapon for that.

Paul calls the one piece of offensive weaponry that God has given us "the sword of the Spirit," or the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Many believers have all their armor in place, but they never use their sword. They leave it in the sheath. They talk about it, and brag about how sharp it is, but they never actually utilize the sword in spiritual battle.

The devil knows all too well the power and authority of the Bible and he will try to keep you from it at all costs.

Keep this in mind: Whether we know the value of our sword or not, Satan does. He will do everything he can to see that we keep our swords sheathed or that we don't put them on in the first place.

The enemy will certainly try to keep you from memorizing the Word of God.

Why? Because the Psalmist says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11). The devil has felt its sting and authority.

It's good to carry a Bible in your briefcase or purse, but the best place to carry the Word of God is in your heart.

I ask you now, what shape is your sword in?

Is it polished from daily use as you study the Scripture on a regular basis, and sharpened on the anvil of experience as you have applied and obeyed its truth in your life? Or is it rusty from lack of preparation or dulled by disobedience?

It's been said, "A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't."

If we neglect the study of the Scripture, our spiritual life will ultimately unravel because everything we need to know about God is taught in the Bible. And if it can't be found in the pages of Scripture, you don't need it.

You can win in this spiritual battle. Not by running away, but rather by putting on the whole armor of God and unsheathing your sword, which is the Word of God, and using it.

I encourage you to do that today.

I have added these verses from my time of study...

2 Samuel 10:12 Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God.  The Lord will do what is good in his sight.

Psalm 27:14  Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.

Haggai 2:4  But now be strong,......Be strong, all you people of the land,.....and work1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong...Do everything in love

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Romans 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

December 3, 2010

Yesterday, another day of school and I have a student that I am helping a lot, it challenges me because one of the thing i do is help her with math, I usually work all the problems that she does, and if it is a paper that she hasn't handed in then I mark the ones she doesn't have correct and when she comes to me we can correct those problems so we don't have so many corrections to make.  We work on other projects, too so it is a busy time.  Last night was the first session about estate planning, it was good and we are talking, we don't see a direction at this point, but a start.

No Other Foundation

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
— 1 Corinthians 3:11


What have you built your life on? Some people build their spiritual foundation on another person's relationship with God. Maybe their relationship with God hinges on their spouse's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a parent's relationship with God. Maybe it hinges on a friend's relationship with God. But here is the problem: What if something happens and that person is no longer there? What will happen to you? Did you build your foundation on a person or on Jesus Christ?

Some people build their foundation on the church itself. It is all about their church. But what happens one day when something occurs in the church that they don't like? Maybe a pastor or other church leader will disappoint them. A foundation should not be built on spiritual leaders, because they are human. They will eventually disappoint. Everyone falls short in some way, shape, or form.

If we build our foundations on people, on churches, on relationships, or on fluctuating emotions, then our foundation will be flawed, because these things shift like sand. It is like the people who always want the shortcut. They want the blessings of God, but they don't want God. They want happiness, but they don't want holiness.

Yet whether we like it or not, storms will come into our lives. The floods will hit. Sometimes it will be tidal waves of temptation. At other times, it will be the slow, eroding effect of more subtle methods. And storms can come hard and fast with a tragedy that alters your life overnight, and they will test your faith.

How will you fare in that day? If you build your spiritual life on anyone or anything else, you simply won't make it. So build your life on Jesus Christ. He will sustain you when the storms come.

This devotion is from Greg Laurie.  realizing from what he came I appreciate what he writes.  I can not express enough, how much we need a close relationship with God, it isn't about any one else it is just about what happens between me and God.  I must choose who I will serve this day.  We could say as for me and my house we will serve the Lord, but each one in my house has to make their own choice.  I am praying for each of you that you will choose God, by a personal relationship with Jesus, but It truly is my choice with what I do with Jesus.

Jesus bless and guide and draw each one to you.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

December 2, 2010

Yesterday, school, it was a good day.  I have a student that I help and if I am not with her she isn't getting her things done.but she is going to have to take some initiative herself.  After school went to Cando, visited Matt and Mavis on my way to the church to clean,  then visited with Gladys on my way to Bible study.  Good evening, and today is a new day. 

VERSE:    In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.     -- Hebrews 1:1-2 THOUGHT:    God is a speaking God. He loves us and has chosen to get his message to us in words. First there were the patriarchs and great prophets. Then there was the written record in the Scriptures. But God's greatest message, his most powerful words, were not really words at all, but a person named Jesus of Nazareth, who is Christ and Lord of all. For us, his Church, to be what he wants us to be, we must not just look at Scripture, we must also look at him. He is the key to understanding what Scripture means and how it is to be lived.  PRAYER:    Holy Father, help me to see Jesus and his work and purpose more clearly as I open your Book and seek to understand your will. Fill me with your Spirit, so that I may greet each decision awakened to the answer to "What would Jesus do?" In the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior I pray. Amen. 

God's word is the key to our lives.  Many people will accept "God"  but to accept Jesus that is different.  We had discussion about places like Teen Challenge where our relationship to God is the key to  our lives.  But there are places who would like to help like Teen Challenge but they want to leave Jesus out of the picture, it won't work, because Jesus is the one who sets us free.  We need more of Jesus in our lives.

Father, draw us closer to you and help our relationship to Jesus to be strengthened.  In Jesus Name. Amen

December 1, 2010b

This is so good I have to share it with you, too.  For some of you I have talked to you about the importance of God's word, that Jesus is the word,  it is only as we yield to God, that we will know God's will and we find that will as we immerse ourselves in his word....

VERSE:
  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. ... The Word
became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his
glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father,
full of grace and truth.
   -- John 1:1-2 and 14
      http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=John+1:1-2+and+14

THOUGHT:
  All true ministry is "incarnational" - it involves people to
people contact, human touch, and genuine physical care. While
Heartlight is an Internet ministry, it will never live in
cyberspace. It must be carried into the daily life of believers who
are committed to share the grace of Jesus with their FRANs
(Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors). Just as God
purposely sent Jesus at the right time to the right place, he did
so with us. We are here to bless others, "not just in word, but in
deed and truth!"

PRAYER:
  Glorious Father, thank you for putting me where I am. I know I
am here to do your work and carry on Jesus' ministry. Help me seize
the opportunities you give me today to bless others in the name of
Jesus. In that mighty name of my Lord I pray. Amen.

At different times I have spoke to each of you about God's word, the importance of it in our lives.

Isiah 55:11So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Revelations 19:13  He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

December 1, 2010

Yesterday I got a call that school started 1 hour late,  up here the roads aren't so great and going in the dark isn't either.  Some were absent, either sick or didn't get back from vacation, so I did a variety of task but the day went o.k.  It was a good day, and each child is special.  

I am always blest by Joni's thoughts  and trust that they will help you to remember that you are significant in God's world, he wants to use you and me.

Christ in You


"There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.
 Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought,
'I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up.' When
the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush,
'Moses, Moses!' and Moses said, 'Here I am.'"
             --Exodus 3:2-4

A blazing bush that glows in a halo of fire... and yet doesn't burn up? Now that
 was a strange sight. As Moses drew closer, perhaps he thought it was a remarkable
new kind of foliage unlike the rest of the desert scrub brush. Then, what a shock
to hear the voice of God Almighty speak from the bush.

Weeks later, long after the prophet moved on, I wonder what happened to that bush.
I don't think Moses broke off the branches to enshrine them in a little box on an
altar. He didn't uproot the bush to memorialize it. No. As Major Ian Thomas has
said, "Any old bush would have done. A scruffy, scraggly looking thing or a beautiful
looking bush so shapely and fine. The bush is not important-only that God was in
 the bush!"*

The burning bush is an Old Testament example of a New Testament truth: Christ in
 you, the hope of glory.  God can set any life ablaze with Spirit-inspired power.
A lowly outcast, or an honored aristocrat. An unskilled individual with lackluster
gifts, or a talented person who is beautiful and bright. The "you" doesn't matter.
What does matter is Christ in you.

"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of
this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

Let me burn for You, Lord. Let me shine.