I had recently been told there was recently a violent incident in San Francisco related in some way to Prop 8, but try as I might I could not find it on any news media, searching for San Francisco Prop 8 violence (the only information I had at the time). I have now been informed more about this incidence.
I am familiar with JHOP (Justice House of Prayer) in San Francisco and know they are a group of mostly young adults with a heart for God and sharing His love with others. They have been regularly meeting on a public sidewalk in the Castro district for months to worship and share God's love with others with no incident. However, their first meeting after the passing of Prop 8 turned violent.
I'm not going to repost it all here, but please take time to read the following post about the incident. Kingdoms in Conflict: Castro District Mob Assaults Christians. Here is another post which includes video of the testimony of one of the JHOP individuals who was there - Joel's Trumpet.
Apparently there was a little bit of news coverage but it was grossly in error and only interviewed individuals from one side of the story. My purpose for posting this though is not to necessarily point out the violence from the gay community in this particular incident. Unfortunately I have heard about violence on both sides of this debate and it saddens me on all counts.
Reading about this, watching the parts of the incident caught on tape and discussing this with others brought two thoughts to mind for me.
1. This is not the end of the violence against those who stand for God's Truth and this will not be the only issue that will draw that violence. God's Word is very clear what things will be like in the end. For those who stand for God's Truth and walk His path it will only get worse. We must start to prepare ourselves for that now.
2. Our response in all of this MUST be Love. God is calling us to persevere through what is to come in His Strength and our response is to show others (including and most importantly those attacking us) His LOVE. God has called us to be a reflection of the Light. That Light is Jesus Christ and His Love for all of humanity. That is the only thing that will soften hearts to the Lord, God's Love.
I pray that when/if I am ever in a similar situation that my reaction will be the same as those JHOP individuals who chose forgiveness and prayer instead of pressing charges which per our current law they had every right to do.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Poured into Vessels
I may have mentioned recently, but I'm on a Ted Dekker kick right now. God has given him an amazing talent to write books that are fast paced and keep your interest, but that also communicate a message. All of his stories are unique, but they all have the same underlying theme. The unconditional love of God and how we are to stand for God's Truth while showing this same love to others.
Here is an excerpt from the book I recently finished, Thunder of Heaven, which really spoke to me. The scene is in a mission in Venezula between a young woman and a priest.
I had never thought of it that way before. I tend to like to plan things out so this way of thinking requires a lot of giving up control (which I really don't have anyway!) and a lot of faith and trust on my part. This is something I'm going to think about and pray about in the coming days. I believe this is what God asks of us. The question is - am I willing? Are you?
Here is an excerpt from the book I recently finished, Thunder of Heaven, which really spoke to me. The scene is in a mission in Venezula between a young woman and a priest.
She shook her head. "I don't feel very spiritual, Father."
"And if you felt very spiritual, my dear, I might worry for you. It's not your duty to feel predisposed to any clear message. Think of yourself as a vessel. A cup. Don't try to guess what the Master will pour into you before he pours. Only pray it is the Master who pours. Then be willing to accept whatever message he wishes to fill you with. It's his to fill, Sherry. You only receive."
I had never thought of it that way before. I tend to like to plan things out so this way of thinking requires a lot of giving up control (which I really don't have anyway!) and a lot of faith and trust on my part. This is something I'm going to think about and pray about in the coming days. I believe this is what God asks of us. The question is - am I willing? Are you?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
7 Quick Takes - (Vol. 2)
You can visit Jennifer over at Conversion Diary to find other 7 Quick Take posters every Friday.
So, riddle me this? Why is it that I have so many little things that pop into my head all week long that would make an interesting Quick Take for you, my reader, but when I log on and go to start typing, they all fly right out the window. I guess I'm going to have to start journaling about these things throughout the week so I'll remember these on Thursday nights.
The same thing happens with longer posts too. I don't forget what I want to write about but I start thinking of how to write them out and have amazing ideas while I'm in the shower, doing my hair, driving to work, sitting in the bathroom at work (I know, TMI) and then it all goes right out of my head when I find a piece of paper and pen. I think I need to go dig up that little tape recorder I used to carry around and start using it.
I can just see it know - me making myself notes about some great Truth about God that has just hit me while I'm in the bathroom at work. People will think I'm even crazier than they think I am now!!
So, I'm a total nerd - specifically a homeschool nerd. This week I had a meeting with my daughter's supervising teacher through the charter school we are part of. We meet every 4 weeks and I have to provide a homework sample. This meeting I was to provide a Science sample. I have a Science book that is specific for 2nd graders in California. There are chapter reviews in the book but no tests. So I created a test for my daughter which included fill in the blank questions related to vocabulary, some multiple choice questions, a picture I drew by hand of a butterfly lifecycle for which she had to label the phases and instructions for a Venn Diagram.
My printer here at home it not hooked up to my laptop right now, so this entire test was done by me in pencil. I turned in my daughter's answers that had been graded by me and my test questions for her (she got 100% by the way!!!)
Our supervising teacher told me that she has a teacher's manual at home (her daugther is the same age as mine) and I could copy the tests out of there if I want in the future but I turned her down. She had a supervisor from the school observing her for this meeting. This observer looked up quickly and gave me a funny look. But our teacher (who is also part of my homeschool co-op and part of my church, so we know each other pretty well) just smiled at me - "You actually enjoy making up the tests, don't you?" she asked me.
So that is where the nerd part comes in because all I could do is smile and nod. I loved doing the test and my daughter loved that I had made it up for her!
There is no way I can get around mentioning this - gas prices! I paid $2.04 this week and my hubby just paid $2.01 today. I heard on the news that the average right now is $1.99 and they are expecting it to get down as low as $.175. It has not been that low since the spring of 2005.
It is so sad that I'm that excited about paying only just over $2/gallon. I remember just before I moved out here from Arizona the station down the road from us had gas for $0.98/gallon sometimes!
Have you heard about these Somalian pirates who have hijacked an oil tanker and are asking for millions of dollars to return it? Turns out they hijack boats quite often. I did not even realize there was a such thing as pirates anymore!
This article I found about them says they are even hiring caterers to prepare Western-style food for their hostages. What is really sad though is due to the poverty around where they operate they are being considered heros because they are the only "businesses" there.
Do you remember MacGyver, he could hotwire a car with a toothbrooth or break out of prison with just a piece of paper, a piece of yarn and some chewing gum. Well, this show has been off the television airwaves for quite a few years now, I don't even think I've seen any reruns for some years now. However, he has not been forgotten! He has been voted #1 on a recent tough guy poll - read more here.
In history we are learning about ancient civilizations such at Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece and Rome right now. One thing that keeps coming up is the gods they worshipped. Today while talking about temples in ancient Egypt my daughter very seriously stopped me and told me - "Mommy, the second commandment of the 10 is to not worship idols." That started a really good conversation between us about idols and how idols in our current world are not as easily identified. They are not necessarily images carved in stone or wood as they were back then.
Then tonight I was flipping through my journal from the past year and found an entry I had done from a teaching about a year ago. I found my notes to be very enlightening and a good reminder.
Idols = Objects of Affection
Idols are tied to desires, our affections. What things in our lives take our affections away from God, where do we go for comfort?
Important Points:
1. Choose to serve the Lord, it is not forced on us.
2. If we choose God we need to follow Him, our lives should show that we follow Him.
3. He wants ALL of us - if we follow Him it needs to be 100%
4. We can not sit on the fence - we must choose
5. God thinks we are beautiful and desires for us to love Him. He wants us to make the choice
Thought for the week:
Ephesians 1:4-6
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
God chose to redeem me (you) even before He created the world and He took pleasure in it - He did not chose to redeem me (you) out of duty - He did it because He love me (you) and found pleasure in it!
I (you) am NOT a burden to God!
~ 1 ~
So, riddle me this? Why is it that I have so many little things that pop into my head all week long that would make an interesting Quick Take for you, my reader, but when I log on and go to start typing, they all fly right out the window. I guess I'm going to have to start journaling about these things throughout the week so I'll remember these on Thursday nights.
The same thing happens with longer posts too. I don't forget what I want to write about but I start thinking of how to write them out and have amazing ideas while I'm in the shower, doing my hair, driving to work, sitting in the bathroom at work (I know, TMI) and then it all goes right out of my head when I find a piece of paper and pen. I think I need to go dig up that little tape recorder I used to carry around and start using it.
I can just see it know - me making myself notes about some great Truth about God that has just hit me while I'm in the bathroom at work. People will think I'm even crazier than they think I am now!!
~ 2 ~
So, I'm a total nerd - specifically a homeschool nerd. This week I had a meeting with my daughter's supervising teacher through the charter school we are part of. We meet every 4 weeks and I have to provide a homework sample. This meeting I was to provide a Science sample. I have a Science book that is specific for 2nd graders in California. There are chapter reviews in the book but no tests. So I created a test for my daughter which included fill in the blank questions related to vocabulary, some multiple choice questions, a picture I drew by hand of a butterfly lifecycle for which she had to label the phases and instructions for a Venn Diagram.
My printer here at home it not hooked up to my laptop right now, so this entire test was done by me in pencil. I turned in my daughter's answers that had been graded by me and my test questions for her (she got 100% by the way!!!)
Our supervising teacher told me that she has a teacher's manual at home (her daugther is the same age as mine) and I could copy the tests out of there if I want in the future but I turned her down. She had a supervisor from the school observing her for this meeting. This observer looked up quickly and gave me a funny look. But our teacher (who is also part of my homeschool co-op and part of my church, so we know each other pretty well) just smiled at me - "You actually enjoy making up the tests, don't you?" she asked me.
So that is where the nerd part comes in because all I could do is smile and nod. I loved doing the test and my daughter loved that I had made it up for her!
~ 3 ~
There is no way I can get around mentioning this - gas prices! I paid $2.04 this week and my hubby just paid $2.01 today. I heard on the news that the average right now is $1.99 and they are expecting it to get down as low as $.175. It has not been that low since the spring of 2005.
It is so sad that I'm that excited about paying only just over $2/gallon. I remember just before I moved out here from Arizona the station down the road from us had gas for $0.98/gallon sometimes!
~ 4 ~
Have you heard about these Somalian pirates who have hijacked an oil tanker and are asking for millions of dollars to return it? Turns out they hijack boats quite often. I did not even realize there was a such thing as pirates anymore!
This article I found about them says they are even hiring caterers to prepare Western-style food for their hostages. What is really sad though is due to the poverty around where they operate they are being considered heros because they are the only "businesses" there.
~ 5 ~
Do you remember MacGyver, he could hotwire a car with a toothbrooth or break out of prison with just a piece of paper, a piece of yarn and some chewing gum. Well, this show has been off the television airwaves for quite a few years now, I don't even think I've seen any reruns for some years now. However, he has not been forgotten! He has been voted #1 on a recent tough guy poll - read more here.
~ 6 ~
In history we are learning about ancient civilizations such at Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece and Rome right now. One thing that keeps coming up is the gods they worshipped. Today while talking about temples in ancient Egypt my daughter very seriously stopped me and told me - "Mommy, the second commandment of the 10 is to not worship idols." That started a really good conversation between us about idols and how idols in our current world are not as easily identified. They are not necessarily images carved in stone or wood as they were back then.
Then tonight I was flipping through my journal from the past year and found an entry I had done from a teaching about a year ago. I found my notes to be very enlightening and a good reminder.
Idols = Objects of Affection
Idols are tied to desires, our affections. What things in our lives take our affections away from God, where do we go for comfort?
Important Points:
1. Choose to serve the Lord, it is not forced on us.
2. If we choose God we need to follow Him, our lives should show that we follow Him.
3. He wants ALL of us - if we follow Him it needs to be 100%
4. We can not sit on the fence - we must choose
5. God thinks we are beautiful and desires for us to love Him. He wants us to make the choice
~ 7 ~
Thought for the week:
Ephesians 1:4-6
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
God chose to redeem me (you) even before He created the world and He took pleasure in it - He did not chose to redeem me (you) out of duty - He did it because He love me (you) and found pleasure in it!
I (you) am NOT a burden to God!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Key to God's Heart - Prayer & Worship
I've been mulling this post over in my head for almost a week now. Trying to determine how best to approach the subject. In the past year I've been on a very serious pursuit to know the heart of the Lord. In the past it has all been about knowledge for me. Studying God's Word, disecting it, reading the interpretations of others. When it came to church I was totally into the Bible study part of fellowship - doing studies, having discussions. However, the prayer and worship part of fellowship was always lacking for me. I would pray in private a little each week and I would listen to Christian worship music, but I just did not "get" these two things and I honestly felt no desparate need to "get" them. I was often distracted during times of prayer and worship and could not wait to get into what I viewed as the "meat" of things.
However, I've realized now that I had things all wrong. I've recently heard a quote (not sure of it's source) that really hit home for me.
No matter how much I study God's Word, if He is not giving me His Wisdom, I will not get it. That is why so many individuals can read the Bible, study it in depth and still not Believe. God needs to touch our hearts first, He needs to illuminate our hearts so we can understand His thoughts. I've come to realize to fully understand God's Word I first need the key. What is the key to understanding God's Word? I believe it is understanding God's heart. This is done through prayer and worship.
Let me explain. If want to get to know someone, want to develop a relationship with someone, how do you do this? By reading about them? Doing research on their past, their present, their thoughts for the future? That may help you to gain a surface understanding of the person. But to really get to know them, to understand their heart, their desires, their dreams - you need to spend time with them face to face. You need to talk to them, reveal your heart to them and allow them to reveal their heart to you. God is the same way. He desires a relationship with us, He wants to reveal His Heart to us and wants us to do the same with Him. This means we need to spend time with Him face to face and talk to Him. This can't be done just by reading His Word. Prayer and worship is the key that unlocks our heart to what God truly wants to show us - His Unconditional Love for us!
God tells us that His ways and thoughts are above ours, that the Wisdom of God is foolishness to those who do not believe. Worship and prayer opens our hearts to see past the wisdom of man to the True Wisdom of God. It speaks to us at a level that involves not only our mind, but also our heart and soul. It allows God to speak to our innermost being and change us from the inside out. It allows Him to truly dwell within us and guide us in our walk with Him. Most of all it allows us to learn to focus on Him and His Kingdom no matter what we are going through in this world. It helps us to see past the flimsy reality of this world to the true reality of God's Kingdom.
In the past year God has used my reality here in this imperfect world to teach me about His perfect love for me. I prayed to better understand His heart and He answered that prayer by teaching me about prayer and worship, the importance of it in my life and in my understanding of His Word.
I recently heard Eddie Boasso speak here at RHOP regarding the importance of Day and Night Prayer. If you are able to listen to this podcast I highly recommend it. I found this message to be very convicting and highly encouraging.
In the end, I'm still in a learning process, probably always will be. I'm definitely not anywhere near being an expert on prayer or worship. But I do recognize the importance of these things in my life. I desire more and my prayer is that God continues to teach me and draw me closer to Him. That He continues to fan the flame He has lit inside me to pursue Him in a deeper relationship. To more fully understand the Love that transcends all and resulted in the Lord giving up everything to become human and give His life for me. A love that will allow me to spend eternity as Jesus' Bride, eternity in heaven worshiping my Creator.
However, I've realized now that I had things all wrong. I've recently heard a quote (not sure of it's source) that really hit home for me.
The Bible isn't a magic book . . . we don't open it and the Light shines up in our face. The Light is in us and shines down on the page and illuminates the written word.
No matter how much I study God's Word, if He is not giving me His Wisdom, I will not get it. That is why so many individuals can read the Bible, study it in depth and still not Believe. God needs to touch our hearts first, He needs to illuminate our hearts so we can understand His thoughts. I've come to realize to fully understand God's Word I first need the key. What is the key to understanding God's Word? I believe it is understanding God's heart. This is done through prayer and worship.
Let me explain. If want to get to know someone, want to develop a relationship with someone, how do you do this? By reading about them? Doing research on their past, their present, their thoughts for the future? That may help you to gain a surface understanding of the person. But to really get to know them, to understand their heart, their desires, their dreams - you need to spend time with them face to face. You need to talk to them, reveal your heart to them and allow them to reveal their heart to you. God is the same way. He desires a relationship with us, He wants to reveal His Heart to us and wants us to do the same with Him. This means we need to spend time with Him face to face and talk to Him. This can't be done just by reading His Word. Prayer and worship is the key that unlocks our heart to what God truly wants to show us - His Unconditional Love for us!
God tells us that His ways and thoughts are above ours, that the Wisdom of God is foolishness to those who do not believe. Worship and prayer opens our hearts to see past the wisdom of man to the True Wisdom of God. It speaks to us at a level that involves not only our mind, but also our heart and soul. It allows God to speak to our innermost being and change us from the inside out. It allows Him to truly dwell within us and guide us in our walk with Him. Most of all it allows us to learn to focus on Him and His Kingdom no matter what we are going through in this world. It helps us to see past the flimsy reality of this world to the true reality of God's Kingdom.
In the past year God has used my reality here in this imperfect world to teach me about His perfect love for me. I prayed to better understand His heart and He answered that prayer by teaching me about prayer and worship, the importance of it in my life and in my understanding of His Word.
I recently heard Eddie Boasso speak here at RHOP regarding the importance of Day and Night Prayer. If you are able to listen to this podcast I highly recommend it. I found this message to be very convicting and highly encouraging.
In the end, I'm still in a learning process, probably always will be. I'm definitely not anywhere near being an expert on prayer or worship. But I do recognize the importance of these things in my life. I desire more and my prayer is that God continues to teach me and draw me closer to Him. That He continues to fan the flame He has lit inside me to pursue Him in a deeper relationship. To more fully understand the Love that transcends all and resulted in the Lord giving up everything to become human and give His life for me. A love that will allow me to spend eternity as Jesus' Bride, eternity in heaven worshiping my Creator.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Nov 15 - Big day for protests against God and His Righteousness
Yesterday I had posted about the Great American God Out that is to be held in San Francisco today. I'm now beginning to think there is something about Nov 15th for those who are in darkness and trying to defy our God.
There are numerous pro-homosexual protests being held across the nation led by a group called Impact. This is to be a nationwide protest against Prop 8 which just passed here in California to make marriage between a man and a woman only.
Please join me in prayer regarding these protests. Pray for repentance and light of God's understanding and wisdom. Some are asking that if there is a protest going on near you that you go to the site AFTER the protest intercede for forgiveness and repentance of those who participated. Please remember:
I'm sitting here trying to put into words the heaviness and sadness I feel in my heart because of what I've been seeing in this nation the past few months. I don't even know how to express it. Please pray, I fear we are at a place where some hearts may be hardened to the point where they will not be able to see the Light of Truth. I'm beginning to agree with someone who recently told me that sides are being drawn up and there is no real "middle ground" anymore. People are either choosing to follow God our Creator or they are choosing to do things their way, the way of the Enemy. We all serve someone and that distinction is becoming more and more apparent. The chasm between the two camps is becoming wider and deeper and as this happens it will be become harder and harder for those in the dark to cross over to the Light.
This may sound a bit depressing, but please realize that part of me is very excited as well, because although I'm saddened for those who have chosen to not follow the Lord, I'm rejoicing for those who have. I see the Lord drawing those who follow Him into an even more intimate and powerful relationship with Him. I'm experiencing this first hand myself. I praise God for His wisdom and truth and pray that He reveal it more and more to those who choose Him. And for anyone who has not totally hardened their hearts to God, I pray that His Light will find those cracks and penetrate their hearts, minds and lives in an amazing way.
There are numerous pro-homosexual protests being held across the nation led by a group called Impact. This is to be a nationwide protest against Prop 8 which just passed here in California to make marriage between a man and a woman only.
Please join me in prayer regarding these protests. Pray for repentance and light of God's understanding and wisdom. Some are asking that if there is a protest going on near you that you go to the site AFTER the protest intercede for forgiveness and repentance of those who participated. Please remember:
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ~ Ephesians 6:12
I'm sitting here trying to put into words the heaviness and sadness I feel in my heart because of what I've been seeing in this nation the past few months. I don't even know how to express it. Please pray, I fear we are at a place where some hearts may be hardened to the point where they will not be able to see the Light of Truth. I'm beginning to agree with someone who recently told me that sides are being drawn up and there is no real "middle ground" anymore. People are either choosing to follow God our Creator or they are choosing to do things their way, the way of the Enemy. We all serve someone and that distinction is becoming more and more apparent. The chasm between the two camps is becoming wider and deeper and as this happens it will be become harder and harder for those in the dark to cross over to the Light.
This may sound a bit depressing, but please realize that part of me is very excited as well, because although I'm saddened for those who have chosen to not follow the Lord, I'm rejoicing for those who have. I see the Lord drawing those who follow Him into an even more intimate and powerful relationship with Him. I'm experiencing this first hand myself. I praise God for His wisdom and truth and pray that He reveal it more and more to those who choose Him. And for anyone who has not totally hardened their hearts to God, I pray that His Light will find those cracks and penetrate their hearts, minds and lives in an amazing way.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fight FOCA - Freedom of Choice Act
During the elections I had posted about the ramifications if the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) was to be signed into law. Click here for that post.
You may have noticed a new link and a new ad on my sidebar called Fight FOCA. This is a site dedicated to educating people regarding the truth about FOCA. It also includes a petition for those opposing FOCA to sign and an open letter to President-elect Obama regarding his promise to Planned Parenthood to sign this into law if he was elected.
If you are Pro-Life and believe in standing for the rights of unborn children who are innocent and have no voice of their own - please visit this site and consider signing the petition. FOCA would make ALL abortions legal on a federal level. This would eliminate restrictions that have already been placed on a state level in some places (partial birth abortion bans, parental notification laws to name a few). It would also ensure our taxpayer dollars are used to fund abortions and would require faith-based healthcare organizations to perform abortions.
Want more information - read here for an analysis of FOCA prepared by Denise M. Burke, Vice President of Legal Affairs for AUL (Americans United for Life)
You may have noticed a new link and a new ad on my sidebar called Fight FOCA. This is a site dedicated to educating people regarding the truth about FOCA. It also includes a petition for those opposing FOCA to sign and an open letter to President-elect Obama regarding his promise to Planned Parenthood to sign this into law if he was elected.
If you are Pro-Life and believe in standing for the rights of unborn children who are innocent and have no voice of their own - please visit this site and consider signing the petition. FOCA would make ALL abortions legal on a federal level. This would eliminate restrictions that have already been placed on a state level in some places (partial birth abortion bans, parental notification laws to name a few). It would also ensure our taxpayer dollars are used to fund abortions and would require faith-based healthcare organizations to perform abortions.
Want more information - read here for an analysis of FOCA prepared by Denise M. Burke, Vice President of Legal Affairs for AUL (Americans United for Life)
Another reason to be on our Knees - Great American God-Out
I had never heard of this before but I checked it out and it is true. Tomorrow in San Francisco they will celebrate the Great Amercian God-Out. Last year on Nov. 15th this event was first held in New York - this will be the first year it will be held in San Francisco.
The Great American God-out
In the very words of the website here is what this is about...
Please be in prayer tomorrow regarding this event. We as creations of a Holy and Righteous God, we as a nation can only spit in God's face so many times before He will bring judgment on us (I personally believe it has already started).
I know God's Word tells us what things will end up being like before the end happens and events such as this point to those times. However, that does not mean that we need to sit by and just let it happen. Be on your knees in prayer, repentance and intercession. I pray God uses events like this to open the eyes of His Bride, the church to take a stand for Him and shake off her lethargic attitude.
The Great American God-out
In the very words of the website here is what this is about...
THE GREAT AMERICAN GOD-OUT! is a newly demarcated holiday wherein, like "The Great American Smokeout", individuals are encouraged to combine their supportive efforts to help prevent and cure disease. Even if just for one day--people will live as as if there is no god; people will live as if there only exists the goodness of self and others to sustain healthy living!
The purpose of the the Great American God-Out! (GAGO) is to encourage people to think about the possibility of morality existing independently of theology and to abide by humanistic principles–live as if there is no god–even if only for one day.
The purpose is also to lobby for genuine separation of church and
state and encourage people to acknowledge the proper role of religion in the
private sphere.
Please be in prayer tomorrow regarding this event. We as creations of a Holy and Righteous God, we as a nation can only spit in God's face so many times before He will bring judgment on us (I personally believe it has already started).
I know God's Word tells us what things will end up being like before the end happens and events such as this point to those times. However, that does not mean that we need to sit by and just let it happen. Be on your knees in prayer, repentance and intercession. I pray God uses events like this to open the eyes of His Bride, the church to take a stand for Him and shake off her lethargic attitude.
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the rest of the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
~Ephesians 4:17-19
Thursday, November 13, 2008
7 Quick Takes - (Vol. 1)
Jennifer over at Conversion Diary is starting a weekly 7 Quick Takes Mr Linky post - I love the idea of sharing 7 random things that I've thought about this week but either are not worthy of a full post or I have just not been able to post about yet. So here is volume 1 of the Ang4him 7 Quick Takes!
~ 1 ~
November is National Adoption Month. Someone at work sent out an email this week about this - I had never even heard of it before. It is also known as Orphan Awareness Month and Celebrate Adoption Month. I think this is wonderful!!
To find out ways you can celebrate adoption visit the National Adoption Awareness Month website. Some other good sites to visit to learn more about adoption include:
http://www.hopespromise.com/
http://www.adoptionfellowship.org/
http://www.voiceoftheorphan.org/
To find out ways you can celebrate adoption visit the National Adoption Awareness Month website. Some other good sites to visit to learn more about adoption include:
http://www.hopespromise.com/
http://www.adoptionfellowship.org/
http://www.voiceoftheorphan.org/
~ 2 ~
Along the same lines - I heard about this yesterday and thought it was pretty amazing.
This church has started a program to match up parents who are interested in adopting with parents who have extra embryos due to fertility treatments. I have mixed feelings regarding fertility treatments, so this warmed my heart to hear about it. From what I heard this is the first church to set up a ministry such as this and it is only the 4th organization to offer this type of service.
The have a page of requirements which I read over and I was encouraged to see that their program does not allow for embryo reduction. They sincerely believe that every embryo is a human life.
~ 3 ~
I know every year someone says something about this but I just have to ask - what is with the Christmas ads popping up the day after Halloween? And what is up with Christmas lights popping up on people's homes already? Seriously, I drove by a house this last Sunday that had their Christmas light and decorations out already and lit up!
~ 4 ~
This past couple couple weeks I've seen and experienced first hand how many indivduals who cry out the most about intolerance and hate are often the ones exhibiting more intolerance and hate than those they are protesting about. And many times they don't even see it! What is more - I realized if I'm honest, I've been in their shoes before.
~ 5 ~
Homeschooling is so fun and I have even learned a thing or two. Today we were doing our history lesson and I learned about how our ABCs where invented. In the beginning there were 22 letters. A was alpha and B was beta - so instead of saying they were learning their ABC's they would say they were learning their alpha beta which is where the word alphabet comes from. Amazing what you can learn when you go through 2nd grade again!
~ 6 ~
Today we also learned about the kings of the Jews. When we talked about Solomon and God coming to him in a dream and asking him what we wanted (wisdom being Solomon's choice) - my daughter told me what she would have asked for from God. She leaned over and whispered to me "I would have asked for a kitten and a baby sister." Wow - I think I need to push Shaun to go get tested to make sure the surgery he went through after Jesse was born worked!
~ 7 ~
So here it is - me introducing officially on this site a book that I'm reading now. It is prompted me to start my new blog - Thankful Heart. It is called Created to be His Helpmeet.
My aunt gave it to me to read and warned me that it had offended her in some parts. So I knew it would most definitely offend me - but I'm determined to be a wife that is honoring to my husband and my God - so I decided to read it.
I have a friend who decided to read it as well and we are planning to discuss it together. She told me to check out the comments left on Amazon - basically it seems people either love this book or hate it. They either think this books is a huge blessing to their marriage or they think it represses women.
So far I have nothing but good things to say about it. I can definitely see where some people may get offended by the book and believe it represses women though. If I had been given it to read even a year ago I probably would have said the same thing. No - I take that back - I KNOW I would have said the same thing!
Sometimes when I think my walk with God is a failure I just look back over the past year and I know that He's been here all along guiding me and helping me to grown. What an Amazing God we serve!
I have a friend who decided to read it as well and we are planning to discuss it together. She told me to check out the comments left on Amazon - basically it seems people either love this book or hate it. They either think this books is a huge blessing to their marriage or they think it represses women.
So far I have nothing but good things to say about it. I can definitely see where some people may get offended by the book and believe it represses women though. If I had been given it to read even a year ago I probably would have said the same thing. No - I take that back - I KNOW I would have said the same thing!
Sometimes when I think my walk with God is a failure I just look back over the past year and I know that He's been here all along guiding me and helping me to grown. What an Amazing God we serve!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Confusion - How to pray for our nation?
Lately I've read so many emails, blog posts and articles about how we should react to Obama now becoming our president (and I've posted some of my own!). There are so many differing opinions among those who did not vote for him.
On one hand I know God's Word tells me to pray for him. I know I should pray for him, his family and his administration. Pray that he will turn an ear to God and rely on Him for direction, wisdom and discernment when making decisions on behalf of our nation. Pray that he is surrounded by godly men who also rely on the Lord's wisdom instead of the wisdom of men.
However, another part of me truly believes he is in office because God has given this nation over to their evil desires. He is in office because Jesus' Bride, the Church, has grown lethargic and has chosen compromise over God's Truth. I look at Obama's stand on issues such as religious beliefs in politics, marriage and abortion (in his own words) and I believe our nation has been blinded. As I recently overheard - "we have voted for death".
So, if Obama is in office because God has given us (this nation) over to our evil desires, if in a way he is judgment from the Lord on an unfaithful nation, should I still be praying for blessing on him and this nation?
I believe the answer is yes, God still wants us to pray for Obama and our nation. But we need to do much more than pray for favor and blessing though - we must pray for mercy and grace and nationwide repentance. We must go down on our knees in intercession for this nation and it's leaders (Obama included).
I'm praying that through all that is to come, God's Bride, the Church, will wake from her slumber and rise up to stand beside her Bridegroom in Truth. That we will clearly see God's Truth and have the strength and courage to boldly strive for that Truth. That we will unashamedly proclaim that Truth in love.
On one hand I know God's Word tells me to pray for him. I know I should pray for him, his family and his administration. Pray that he will turn an ear to God and rely on Him for direction, wisdom and discernment when making decisions on behalf of our nation. Pray that he is surrounded by godly men who also rely on the Lord's wisdom instead of the wisdom of men.
However, another part of me truly believes he is in office because God has given this nation over to their evil desires. He is in office because Jesus' Bride, the Church, has grown lethargic and has chosen compromise over God's Truth. I look at Obama's stand on issues such as religious beliefs in politics, marriage and abortion (in his own words) and I believe our nation has been blinded. As I recently overheard - "we have voted for death".
So, if Obama is in office because God has given us (this nation) over to our evil desires, if in a way he is judgment from the Lord on an unfaithful nation, should I still be praying for blessing on him and this nation?
I believe the answer is yes, God still wants us to pray for Obama and our nation. But we need to do much more than pray for favor and blessing though - we must pray for mercy and grace and nationwide repentance. We must go down on our knees in intercession for this nation and it's leaders (Obama included).
I'm praying that through all that is to come, God's Bride, the Church, will wake from her slumber and rise up to stand beside her Bridegroom in Truth. That we will clearly see God's Truth and have the strength and courage to boldly strive for that Truth. That we will unashamedly proclaim that Truth in love.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
77 Days of Prayer for our New President - Day 5
I received this via email today and wanted to share:
77 Days of Prayer for our New President
Day Five: November 9, 2008
72 days, 16 hours and 59 minutes left until inauguration day.
For Appropriate Submission to Authority
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
—Romans 13:1
Loving Lord God, in Your grace and goodness, You have given us the gift of free will and have mingled it with Your sovereign will and authority. We thank You today for this powerful gift. We open our hearts to trust completely in You—to look to You in every part of our national life, accepting Your will as wise and good.
As we pray for our newly elected President, we ask for grace to see Your hand at work. May we willingly acknowledge that You are the one who establishes all authority, and that those who are lifted up to serve do so at Your good pleasure. We ask You to unite us in that understanding, Lord, that our nation may move forward in Your will. In Your holy name, amen.
77 Days of Prayer for our New President
Day Five: November 9, 2008
72 days, 16 hours and 59 minutes left until inauguration day.
For Appropriate Submission to Authority
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
—Romans 13:1
Loving Lord God, in Your grace and goodness, You have given us the gift of free will and have mingled it with Your sovereign will and authority. We thank You today for this powerful gift. We open our hearts to trust completely in You—to look to You in every part of our national life, accepting Your will as wise and good.
As we pray for our newly elected President, we ask for grace to see Your hand at work. May we willingly acknowledge that You are the one who establishes all authority, and that those who are lifted up to serve do so at Your good pleasure. We ask You to unite us in that understanding, Lord, that our nation may move forward in Your will. In Your holy name, amen.
Give Me Your Eyes
I keep hearing this song on the radio and it speaks to me. God has been speaking to me lately about seeing and praying for those who I would normally not give a thought to or who I would normally show anger or bitterness towards. You know, those people you come in contact with who have wronged you in some way and now if you are honest you don't see them as a person any longer. You just see them as someone to hold a grudge against. I know this song is more about those who we usually just don't "see" as we walk by them in daily life, but I think we can just as well apply it to those we do see, but through eyes of contempt.
In two particular situations this past week God has shown me the humanity of someone I would normally not see as a "real" person.
One was our president-elect. I did not vote for him and I have some major issues with his policy. This makes it very easy to forget that he is a person just like me. In the past it would have been easy to do to him what many do to President Bush now because he stands for so many things in direct opposition to what I hold dear. But I committed to pray for him and through that God has been showing me the humanity of Obama. I may not agree with him on certain things, but he is still a human being. He is a father and a husband - just like my own wonderful husband. God has shown me the importance of not losing sight of this.
The other(s) were the individuals which I wrote about yesterday. Normally I would see them only as hateful individuals who have attacked me. People to loathe and despise. But as I mentioned yesterday God started to revel to me that they are just lost individuals filled with hate and bitterness. Very much the way I was at one time.
It is so easy when someone hurts us or makes us angry or does not agree with us to dismiss their humanity. It is easy to see the humanity in those who agree with us, but to deomonize those who we do not see eye to eye with. God does not want us to do this. He sees us clearly through all our sin and still loves us. He wants us to see others the way He sees them - through his eyes of love. But we can only do this through His power and strength.
In two particular situations this past week God has shown me the humanity of someone I would normally not see as a "real" person.
One was our president-elect. I did not vote for him and I have some major issues with his policy. This makes it very easy to forget that he is a person just like me. In the past it would have been easy to do to him what many do to President Bush now because he stands for so many things in direct opposition to what I hold dear. But I committed to pray for him and through that God has been showing me the humanity of Obama. I may not agree with him on certain things, but he is still a human being. He is a father and a husband - just like my own wonderful husband. God has shown me the importance of not losing sight of this.
The other(s) were the individuals which I wrote about yesterday. Normally I would see them only as hateful individuals who have attacked me. People to loathe and despise. But as I mentioned yesterday God started to revel to me that they are just lost individuals filled with hate and bitterness. Very much the way I was at one time.
It is so easy when someone hurts us or makes us angry or does not agree with us to dismiss their humanity. It is easy to see the humanity in those who agree with us, but to deomonize those who we do not see eye to eye with. God does not want us to do this. He sees us clearly through all our sin and still loves us. He wants us to see others the way He sees them - through his eyes of love. But we can only do this through His power and strength.
Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes lyricsLooked down from a broken sky
Traced out by the city lights
My world from a mile high
Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black top
Hold on for the sudden stop
Breath in the familiar shock
Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere,
Why have I never cared?
Chorus:
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see
Yeah
Yeah
Step out on a busy street
See a girl and our eyes meet
Does her best to smile at me
To hide what's underneath
There's a man just to her right
Black suit and a bright red tie
Too ashamed to tell his wife
He's out of work
He's buying time
All those people going somewhere
Why have I never cared?
Chorus
I've Been there a million times
A couple of million eyes
Just moving past me by
I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well I want a second glance
So give me a second chance
To see the way you see the people all along
Chorus (x2)
Lyrics Brandon Heath - Give Me Your Eyes lyrics
Friday, November 07, 2008
Hatred & Bitterness
It is amazing the things God uses to transform us into His image, things He uses to bring Himself Glory.
Yesterday, one of my posts from a couple weeks back was stumbled upon by someone who took great offense to it. This person posted a comment on a forum linking to my post which resulted in increasing my blog traffic over the past two days from approx. 20 unique hits a day to over 150 a day. This also resulted in what has probably been the most comments on any single post for me. Unfortunately these posts not only disagreed with me - they were quite nasty and hateful about it.
One cool thing about the internet and blogs is all the tools you can use, including one that can tell you where visitors are coming from when they visit your blog. In this way I was able to find the post that was directing all this traffic to me and I read the comments that had been left in response to that posting (7 pages at that time).
My first reaction was to be angry (the comments on my blog were bad, but these were appalling and many involved my daughter) however as I read the Lord impressed something on my heart. I began to feel compassion on these individuals because as I read further I began to see the hatred and bitterness behind the comments. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want anyone to think I'm something I'm not - I was still filled with anger of my own because of the attacks on myself, my family and my beliefs - but I started to see past those feelings.
So last night I chose to shut down my computer and pray for these individuals. God tells us to pray for our enemies, so I chose obedience. I'm not saying it was easy or that I was all that happy about it, but I figured obedience whether I feel it or not was the first step. I prayed for them and asked the Lord to soften my heart as well. He did start to do this -but He did even more.
As I started to pray for them He started to reveal to me that it was not all that long ago that I was filled with hate and bitterness. I was filled with pride - considering that I was correct in all of my beliefs no matter what - so much so that I was not even willing to accept discipline and correction from the Lord. At this point I began to weep and repent for this past sin.
But the Lord was not done. As I began to admit to Him these things from my past, He began to show me that although I don't live a life necessarily filled with hatred and bitterness any longer - I do still have deep dark places in my heart that harbor these feelings. They are buried deep and don't show themselves all the time, but they are still there. And He showed me two people in particular where I have allowed these feelings rule my heart and mind. And in some cases my tongue. I've justified these because these people have hurt me, they have offended me, they have tread on my rights.
But in the Kingdom of God these things do not matter. If God held these things against us, He never would have offered His gift of Love to us. What these individuals have done to me is nothing compared to the offenses I have committed against my Lord. Yet He has forgiven me and asks me to forgive others as He has forgiven me. He has loved me regardless of what I've done and asks me to do the same to others.
This started out as individuals who disagreed with my stand for God's Truth attacking me, but ended with God using it to reveal to me some ugliness in my own life. As much as I hate to see that within myself, I have chosen to follow Jesus and that means He will continue to guide me and show me areas in my life that I need to address in order to become more like Him. Therefore, today I praise Him for His mercy and grace. I praise Him because He loves me just the way I am, yet He wants to transform me into something even better if I am willing. I praise Him because He has turned what others meant for evil into something wonderful and good that will bring Him glory.
Yesterday, one of my posts from a couple weeks back was stumbled upon by someone who took great offense to it. This person posted a comment on a forum linking to my post which resulted in increasing my blog traffic over the past two days from approx. 20 unique hits a day to over 150 a day. This also resulted in what has probably been the most comments on any single post for me. Unfortunately these posts not only disagreed with me - they were quite nasty and hateful about it.
One cool thing about the internet and blogs is all the tools you can use, including one that can tell you where visitors are coming from when they visit your blog. In this way I was able to find the post that was directing all this traffic to me and I read the comments that had been left in response to that posting (7 pages at that time).
My first reaction was to be angry (the comments on my blog were bad, but these were appalling and many involved my daughter) however as I read the Lord impressed something on my heart. I began to feel compassion on these individuals because as I read further I began to see the hatred and bitterness behind the comments. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want anyone to think I'm something I'm not - I was still filled with anger of my own because of the attacks on myself, my family and my beliefs - but I started to see past those feelings.
So last night I chose to shut down my computer and pray for these individuals. God tells us to pray for our enemies, so I chose obedience. I'm not saying it was easy or that I was all that happy about it, but I figured obedience whether I feel it or not was the first step. I prayed for them and asked the Lord to soften my heart as well. He did start to do this -but He did even more.
As I started to pray for them He started to reveal to me that it was not all that long ago that I was filled with hate and bitterness. I was filled with pride - considering that I was correct in all of my beliefs no matter what - so much so that I was not even willing to accept discipline and correction from the Lord. At this point I began to weep and repent for this past sin.
But the Lord was not done. As I began to admit to Him these things from my past, He began to show me that although I don't live a life necessarily filled with hatred and bitterness any longer - I do still have deep dark places in my heart that harbor these feelings. They are buried deep and don't show themselves all the time, but they are still there. And He showed me two people in particular where I have allowed these feelings rule my heart and mind. And in some cases my tongue. I've justified these because these people have hurt me, they have offended me, they have tread on my rights.
But in the Kingdom of God these things do not matter. If God held these things against us, He never would have offered His gift of Love to us. What these individuals have done to me is nothing compared to the offenses I have committed against my Lord. Yet He has forgiven me and asks me to forgive others as He has forgiven me. He has loved me regardless of what I've done and asks me to do the same to others.
This started out as individuals who disagreed with my stand for God's Truth attacking me, but ended with God using it to reveal to me some ugliness in my own life. As much as I hate to see that within myself, I have chosen to follow Jesus and that means He will continue to guide me and show me areas in my life that I need to address in order to become more like Him. Therefore, today I praise Him for His mercy and grace. I praise Him because He loves me just the way I am, yet He wants to transform me into something even better if I am willing. I praise Him because He has turned what others meant for evil into something wonderful and good that will bring Him glory.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Encouraging Post-Election Posts
I've been surfing the web a bit tonight to see what is out there after last night's election results. Here are some of the more noteworthy posts I've come across:
Laced With Grace: Winning and Losing
Great post about Winning and Losing as compared to the Kingdom of God
BlogMommas: Call to Prayer
Eternal Perspectives: It’s Over; but It’s not Over (one Day it will be)
Spiritually Unequal Marriage: Thankful Thursday - A Win for Marriage
The Preacher's Wife: It's What We Do With Disappointment
Laced With Grace: Winning and Losing
Great post about Winning and Losing as compared to the Kingdom of God
BlogMommas: Call to Prayer
Eternal Perspectives: It’s Over; but It’s not Over (one Day it will be)
Spiritually Unequal Marriage: Thankful Thursday - A Win for Marriage
The Preacher's Wife: It's What We Do With Disappointment
10 Ways to pray for Barack Obama
This article from Fire in My Bones was shared with me today and I thought it was great - I encourage you to read it regardless of who you cast your vote for yesterday. God's Word tells us to pray for our leaders - this is a good starting point.
J. Lee Grady, editor of Charisma
Whether you are happy about this week’s election results or not, all Christians must unite in prayer for our new president. Please don’t forsake this responsibility.
It’s over. We’ve reached the end of the longest, angriest and most nerve-wracking presidential campaign in American history. Finally the “I approved this message” ads have ceased. The endless robot phone calls have stopped ringing. The debates, and the annoying post-debate comments from “experts,” are history—until the next election cycle.
More than half the nation is celebrating today while others are mourning. We are a
divided nation, split into unhappy fragments by abortion, gay marriage, global warming, a failed economy and an unpopular war. Those who voted for Barack Obama have claimed a historic victory; some on McCain’s side are already looking for scapegoats. Politics is politics.
But when I got up this morning, I turned all my attention to the fact that Jesus Christ is still on the throne. His government is what is most important. Regardless of who sits in the Oval Office, the Bible says “the nations are like a drop from a bucket” to God (Is. 40:15, NASB). That includes the United States. We may boast about being “the greatest nation on earth,” but He who sits in heaven has a different perspective. Let’s take a big sigh of relief now and remember that God is sovereign.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
My Prayer for Obama as our next President
I must say I was disappointed but not altogether surprised as I watched the election coverage tonight and saw that Obama will be our next president. I believe America is going to be in for a rude awakening and I believe Obama is a very smooth talker who many have unfortunately chosen to put their hope in.
However, that being said - I'm even more confident in the fact that my Lord is still in control. I may not understand it, but He knows what He is doing, He is never wrong and He IS in control! My hope is in Him and Him alone.
In the past couple weeks there have been a couple discussions I've been involved in or been privy to that I believe sum up how I'm feeling today. I'm going to share them with you now.
First, in my daughter’s homeschool co-op they are learning about Daniel. The elections came up because they have been praying about the elections and the US. One of the questions was “What if Obama does win?” One child had an amazing answer for someone her age (maybe even for someone our age!). She replied (my paraphrase, but you get the point) – “Well, God is always in control even when we don’t see it ourselves. In Daniel it says that God chose Nebuchadnezzar and used him to do His will even though Nebuchadnezzar did not know God. So if Obama wins maybe this is the same thing. We just have to trust God.” Amazing insight!!
This has also come up as a topic on the Christan email distribution group at work. One question that came up was if Obama does win, how will you react? Especially considering God’s Word tells us to pray for our leaders and to submit to them.
Here is the answer I sent in reply:
So - with that being said I lift up our future president in prayer:
Dear Lord,
I put my trust in you 100% even when I don't understand what is happening around me. I lift up to you all our current leaders and all new leaders who have been elected this day, including our president-elect, Barrack Obama. I pray you give them wisdom and discernment in leading this country and pour your blessings upon them.
I pray that you will whisper to them in your quiet still voice and draw their hearts to you, that they will learn to rely on you in all their decisions. I pray Lord, no matter what is in store for this country, that it be within your Will and that many will come to know you more through the circumstances that arise.
I acknowledge your sovereignty Lord and ask that you lead us to walk with you, I pray for repentance and healing for this country and I'm willing to accept that through whatever means you choose to use. Please change my heart where it is not in alignment with your Will. Please give me the grace to look past my biases and see your hand at work around me.
I praise your holy name, Jesus
~Amen~
However, that being said - I'm even more confident in the fact that my Lord is still in control. I may not understand it, but He knows what He is doing, He is never wrong and He IS in control! My hope is in Him and Him alone.
In the past couple weeks there have been a couple discussions I've been involved in or been privy to that I believe sum up how I'm feeling today. I'm going to share them with you now.
First, in my daughter’s homeschool co-op they are learning about Daniel. The elections came up because they have been praying about the elections and the US. One of the questions was “What if Obama does win?” One child had an amazing answer for someone her age (maybe even for someone our age!). She replied (my paraphrase, but you get the point) – “Well, God is always in control even when we don’t see it ourselves. In Daniel it says that God chose Nebuchadnezzar and used him to do His will even though Nebuchadnezzar did not know God. So if Obama wins maybe this is the same thing. We just have to trust God.” Amazing insight!!
This has also come up as a topic on the Christan email distribution group at work. One question that came up was if Obama does win, how will you react? Especially considering God’s Word tells us to pray for our leaders and to submit to them.
Here is the answer I sent in reply:
Even if Obama wins I will submit to his leadership and pray for him and all our leaders - however I do add one exception, I will not follow any "rules" under Obama (or any president or other leader) if they are in direct opposition to God's Word. I don't plan to be "in your face" about these things if it comes to that point, I will do it in God's Love, but I will only submit so far as it does not make me walk off the path God has put me on.
In a way I live this same way at home. I have a husband I love dearly however, he is not a Believer. God's Word tells me that I should submit to my husband, and so in many matters I do. I've learned to pray and "pick my battles" with him and then to "fight" those battles in a respectful and loving way. In this way I honor him and in doing so honor my Lord (and hopefully in the process show my husband the love of Jesus for him).
Regardless of who becomes president I will handle things the same way. I will pray for the leaders and honor them as long as honoring them will not quench the Light of God that He has asked me to shine on this world. I will probably mess up along the way as I tend to become very passionate about certain things, but the Lord is slowly teaching me in my own home how to stand for His Truth in a way that draws others to Him instead of repelling them.
So - with that being said I lift up our future president in prayer:
Dear Lord,
I put my trust in you 100% even when I don't understand what is happening around me. I lift up to you all our current leaders and all new leaders who have been elected this day, including our president-elect, Barrack Obama. I pray you give them wisdom and discernment in leading this country and pour your blessings upon them.
I pray that you will whisper to them in your quiet still voice and draw their hearts to you, that they will learn to rely on you in all their decisions. I pray Lord, no matter what is in store for this country, that it be within your Will and that many will come to know you more through the circumstances that arise.
I acknowledge your sovereignty Lord and ask that you lead us to walk with you, I pray for repentance and healing for this country and I'm willing to accept that through whatever means you choose to use. Please change my heart where it is not in alignment with your Will. Please give me the grace to look past my biases and see your hand at work around me.
I praise your holy name, Jesus
~Amen~
New Blog - Thankful Heart
I've started a new blog which I've added to my sidebar - below is my opening post, please consider joining me as I begin this new journey . . .
At the time that I'm starting this blog, I am part of an unequally yoked marriage. In the past I have used this as an excuse for playing the part of the "poor me" wife with a husband who does not understand me or love me the way that he should. I was wrong!
I had expectations for my poor husband that could not even have been lived up to by a man fully committed to following Christ, let alone one who does not have a relationship with Christ. I was focused on who my husband was not instead of focusing on all the wonderful things that he is. Even worse, I was putting myself up as a sort of martyr. It never crossed my mind that I might be failing him as much as I believed he was failing me.
This past year has been really rough on our marriage, but through all of this the Lord has started to show me what love is really all about. He has begun to instill deep within my heart true unconditional love. Along with that He has shown me some pretty ugly things about myself. I'm realizing that while I may have some very good reasons to be offended by my husband and his behavior at times, insisting on standing by these "rights" of mine will only lead to the destruction of my marriage.
For one, I'm not really any better and in some cases I'm worse. I've given my dear husband many reasons to be offended by me. And my hateful attitude towards him because of his behavior (regardless of how much I may be deserving to be upset) will not draw him closer to me or to the Lord.
My prayer in starting this blog is to begin to nuture a thankful heart within myself. I want to be a beautiful "young" bride for my husband who makes him feel respected, admired and loved unconditionally. I want to be lovely in his eyes again. I'm realizing by doing this not only will I win my husband's devotion and love, but I will be honoring the Lord as well.
It seems like everything I have been led to this year has pointed to one thing only, everything is about Love and Relationships -that is all that matters in the end. If we can figure this out, everything else will fall into place. So this blog is my journey to begin to live this out in my life and in my marriage.
At the time that I'm starting this blog, I am part of an unequally yoked marriage. In the past I have used this as an excuse for playing the part of the "poor me" wife with a husband who does not understand me or love me the way that he should. I was wrong!
I had expectations for my poor husband that could not even have been lived up to by a man fully committed to following Christ, let alone one who does not have a relationship with Christ. I was focused on who my husband was not instead of focusing on all the wonderful things that he is. Even worse, I was putting myself up as a sort of martyr. It never crossed my mind that I might be failing him as much as I believed he was failing me.
This past year has been really rough on our marriage, but through all of this the Lord has started to show me what love is really all about. He has begun to instill deep within my heart true unconditional love. Along with that He has shown me some pretty ugly things about myself. I'm realizing that while I may have some very good reasons to be offended by my husband and his behavior at times, insisting on standing by these "rights" of mine will only lead to the destruction of my marriage.
For one, I'm not really any better and in some cases I'm worse. I've given my dear husband many reasons to be offended by me. And my hateful attitude towards him because of his behavior (regardless of how much I may be deserving to be upset) will not draw him closer to me or to the Lord.
My prayer in starting this blog is to begin to nuture a thankful heart within myself. I want to be a beautiful "young" bride for my husband who makes him feel respected, admired and loved unconditionally. I want to be lovely in his eyes again. I'm realizing by doing this not only will I win my husband's devotion and love, but I will be honoring the Lord as well.
It seems like everything I have been led to this year has pointed to one thing only, everything is about Love and Relationships -that is all that matters in the end. If we can figure this out, everything else will fall into place. So this blog is my journey to begin to live this out in my life and in my marriage.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
CA Governor's Prayer Team - 40 Days to Pray the Vote - Day 40
The California Governor's Prayer Team has called many to pray and fast for 40 days regarding the upcoming elections. Today is Day 40 of this call, below is today's email.
40 Days to Pray the Vote
November 2, 20081 days, 13 hours and 8 minutes left until election day.
For a President Whose Heart is Tender Toward God; Who Will Listen to Him and Sow Seeds of Justice Throughout His or Her Tenure.
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.--Proverbs 21:1-3
Heavenly Father, You have laid out the oceans and rivers, the mountains and valleys; You set the planets on their paths and You know the name of every star in our vast universe.
Please, Lord, give to us a president whose heart is attuned to You—who hungers to serve You and do Your will above all else. Protect us, God from trusting in our own ways, and keep our hearts attuned to You so that we will be acceptable to You in all things and in all our ways. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.Prayer for the National and Local Election
Father, in Jesus' name, I give thanks for the United States and its government. I hold up in prayer before You those people who are seeking a position of authority in political office. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord rests upon them.
I believe that skillful and godly wisdom has entered into the heart of everyone whom you have appointed to lead us and that knowledge is pleasant to them. Discretion watches over them; understanding keeps them and delivers them from the way of evil and from evil men.
Father, I ask that You surround everyone in authority with men and women who are attentive to godly counsel and do that which is right in Your sight. We pray that our leaders will be people of integrity who are obedient concerning us that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I pray that only the upright shall be elected to govern over us...that only a person who is blameless and complete in Your sight, Father, shall obtain these positions of leadership. In the name of Jesus we pull down the wicked from this election and the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. I also pray that the media who proclaims any news about this election, will clearly speak and write truth that prevails, and their influence will be for good and not evil.
It is written in Your Word that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, and you turn it whichever way You desire. I believe the hearts of our leaders are in Your hand and that their decisions are divinely directed by You, Lord.
I give thanks unto You that the good news of the gospel is proclaimed and published in our land. The Word of the Lord prevails and grows mightily in the hearts and lives of the people. I give thanks for this land and the leaders You will give to us, in Jesus' name.
~California Governor's Prayer Team
* * * * * * *
For a President Whose Heart is Tender Toward God; Who Will Listen to Him and Sow Seeds of Justice Throughout His or Her Tenure.
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.--Proverbs 21:1-3
Heavenly Father, You have laid out the oceans and rivers, the mountains and valleys; You set the planets on their paths and You know the name of every star in our vast universe.
Please, Lord, give to us a president whose heart is attuned to You—who hungers to serve You and do Your will above all else. Protect us, God from trusting in our own ways, and keep our hearts attuned to You so that we will be acceptable to You in all things and in all our ways. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Father, in Jesus' name, I give thanks for the United States and its government. I hold up in prayer before You those people who are seeking a position of authority in political office. I pray that the Spirit of the Lord rests upon them.
I believe that skillful and godly wisdom has entered into the heart of everyone whom you have appointed to lead us and that knowledge is pleasant to them. Discretion watches over them; understanding keeps them and delivers them from the way of evil and from evil men.
Father, I ask that You surround everyone in authority with men and women who are attentive to godly counsel and do that which is right in Your sight. We pray that our leaders will be people of integrity who are obedient concerning us that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. I pray that only the upright shall be elected to govern over us...that only a person who is blameless and complete in Your sight, Father, shall obtain these positions of leadership. In the name of Jesus we pull down the wicked from this election and the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. I also pray that the media who proclaims any news about this election, will clearly speak and write truth that prevails, and their influence will be for good and not evil.
Your Word declares that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord (Ps. 33:12). I receive Your blessing, Father, for my country. You are our refuge and stronghold in times of trouble (high cost, destitution, depression and desperation). So I declare with my mouth that Your people shall dwell safely in this land, and we prosper abundantly. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus!
It is written in Your Word that the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, and you turn it whichever way You desire. I believe the hearts of our leaders are in Your hand and that their decisions are divinely directed by You, Lord.
I give thanks unto You that the good news of the gospel is proclaimed and published in our land. The Word of the Lord prevails and grows mightily in the hearts and lives of the people. I give thanks for this land and the leaders You will give to us, in Jesus' name.
Deuteronomy 23:5 (NIV)
Deuteronomy 28:10, 11 (NIV)
Psalm 9:9 (NIV)
Proverbs 2:10 - 12, 21, 22 (NIV)
Proverbs 9:9 (NIV)
Proverbs 11:14 (NIV)
Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)
Acts 12:24 (NIV)
Romans 8:37 (NIV)
Revelation 3:18 (NIV)
Prayers.org
"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality." Martin Luther King, Jr.
"All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
~California Governor's Prayer Team
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Must Read Post - Future of Abortion under Obama
I read this post today on Randy Alcorn's blog. Please take the time to read it and to watch the video - although, I will warn you it is extremely graphic (it warns you prior to showing these images as well.) It is long (the post and the video) but it is very worth the time and gives some really good information regarding Obama's stance on abortion.
Pre-Election Final
I only was able to watch about half and then had to stop watching until towards the end when the graphic images stopped because I was sobbing and was so sick to my stomach and sick in my heart.
My daughter had sat down next to me as I started watching the video, but when the warning came on I asked her to go get ready for bed before I watched that part of the video (she is only 7). She understands the basics of what abortion is but she is too young to be exposed to these types of images in my opinion. When she came back in she asked me why I would watch a video that would make me cry. I told her that sometitmes we need to watch something that will make us cry so our heart will become more involved. If we don't see what is really going on and involve our hearts in it, it is too easy to ignore the problem and not work to change it.
I am still sooo amazed that anyone can call abortion a choice and not see it as the taking of an innocent life. However, I also realize when I was a teenager, I would have given the standard pro-choice line if anyone had asked me about abortion (in fact I think I did just that a few times). At that age I had no idea nor had put any thought into what it really was. I don't understand how anyone could really think this through and watch a video such as this and still casually dimiss the killing of innocent, defenseless babies as a "Choice".
The actor in the video (popular Mexican actor and producer Eduardo Verastegui) makes a point at the end that really struck me. He says - "if a President is not willing to defend the most innocent of his own country, which are the baby's in their mother's wombs, then my question is, who is he willing to defend?"
Pre-Election Final
I only was able to watch about half and then had to stop watching until towards the end when the graphic images stopped because I was sobbing and was so sick to my stomach and sick in my heart.
My daughter had sat down next to me as I started watching the video, but when the warning came on I asked her to go get ready for bed before I watched that part of the video (she is only 7). She understands the basics of what abortion is but she is too young to be exposed to these types of images in my opinion. When she came back in she asked me why I would watch a video that would make me cry. I told her that sometitmes we need to watch something that will make us cry so our heart will become more involved. If we don't see what is really going on and involve our hearts in it, it is too easy to ignore the problem and not work to change it.
I am still sooo amazed that anyone can call abortion a choice and not see it as the taking of an innocent life. However, I also realize when I was a teenager, I would have given the standard pro-choice line if anyone had asked me about abortion (in fact I think I did just that a few times). At that age I had no idea nor had put any thought into what it really was. I don't understand how anyone could really think this through and watch a video such as this and still casually dimiss the killing of innocent, defenseless babies as a "Choice".
The actor in the video (popular Mexican actor and producer Eduardo Verastegui) makes a point at the end that really struck me. He says - "if a President is not willing to defend the most innocent of his own country, which are the baby's in their mother's wombs, then my question is, who is he willing to defend?"
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