There are people who do extraordinary things in their lifetime. But they could not have known that such moments of bravery would happen. Captain Sully for example. He has been trained and prepared to fly a huge machine, an aircraft. But never had he been trained and did not expect to encounter a crash landing into the Hudson river. He could not have known that because of who he is and what he is capable of, all passengers and crew would be saved on this flight. Truly a miracle.
In history, there have been moments after moments, where people have been involved in the unimaginable, the unthinkable. But have shown skills and bravery, Have made courageous decision in helping and protecting others.
As I have been watching the movie about Captain Sully, I just pondered about the kind of courage it takes for a person to respond as he did. Without concern for his own life. Not just training but also a tremendous amount of compassion is needed to care for others in an emergency.
911 is a great testimony of the goodness and courage of people helping, even unto their own death.
I just wonder, how much am I capable to put my own life on the line? These kind of moments in life come unannounced and interrupt our (cozy) lives. And then I am reminded:
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 139:14I
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13
and I find the source of all my possibilities and abilities. It is Christ!
I am knitted together in my mother's womb by God before I am even born.
We are all able to be "Heros" and do the seemingly impossible, because the Word says so.
I am looking forward to what God wants to accomplish through me to help, teach, love and bless others. And that would be my prayer today, for all of us to come to the understanding that all things are possible with God. Lord teach us. AMEN
Farewell and good bye until next time.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Prayer....done by me and for me?
Here I go.... a bit different for me to address this subject but important.
Do you pray for yourself and if so, often? Yes, this is my subject for today.
I have noticed, by teaching through others, especially my pastor, that I am not praying enough for myself. Praying for others is not a problem for me at all and I believe that God answers those prayers. I often pray for others and it brings me fulfillment. Would it not be so, I would waste my time. But when it comes to my own needs and difficulties, I am not spending enough time in prayer. Not because I don't believe or expect God to answer, but more because I just forget.
This part of scripture is fantastic to see how God answered in a very difficult situation. These people where in sin against God but Solomon interceded:
Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.
When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 2 Chron. 6:40-42 and 7:1
And God answered in His Glory because of the prayer of one man. So, in our personal situation, surely God does hear us, I am one person. But He hears. David has mentioned that so many times in the Psalms on how God hears us.
Maybe we are so involved with tasks and people that we are not thinking of praying for ourselves. In my case, I believe it has also something to do with the cultural ways in which we as Germans are indoctrinated. Paul said: Renew your mind....and I had to do that often.
And it is not only that we pray for others and ourselves just to pray, but we are praying heaven down on earth by doing so. Prayer changes the atmosphere, changes our lives and connects us with the answers from heaven and of course God.
Then He (Jesus) commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew
14:19-21
Jesus looked up to heaven, knowing that His answer would come from there. Now this was an incredible miracle. Can we be confident to believe that our answers are coming from heaven. With a resounding YES. Jesus is our example as well as the disciples.
It is often that we pray in a crisis situation but I believe God is saying, that this is a time in which He wants to hear from His people more than ever. He wants to hear about the little and the big things in our live. He is not too busy to listen to us. Tell Him the good, bad and ugly. He can handle it!
My prayer today is: Father give us divine understanding in why we don't pray enough and then help us to change that. Jesus help us to follow your example when it comes to prayer. Holy Spirit thank you for Your power and teaching. Father, may we align our thinking (mind/will) with Yours to receive answers and blessings. AMEN
Be blessed and good bye until next time.
Do you pray for yourself and if so, often? Yes, this is my subject for today.
I have noticed, by teaching through others, especially my pastor, that I am not praying enough for myself. Praying for others is not a problem for me at all and I believe that God answers those prayers. I often pray for others and it brings me fulfillment. Would it not be so, I would waste my time. But when it comes to my own needs and difficulties, I am not spending enough time in prayer. Not because I don't believe or expect God to answer, but more because I just forget.
This part of scripture is fantastic to see how God answered in a very difficult situation. These people where in sin against God but Solomon interceded:
Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer made in this place.
“Now therefore,
Arise, O Lord God, to Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your strength.
Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation,
And let Your saints rejoice in goodness.
Arise, O Lord God, to Your resting place,
You and the ark of Your strength.
Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation,
And let Your saints rejoice in goodness.
“O Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your Anointed;
Remember the mercies of Your servant David.”[
Remember the mercies of Your servant David.”[
And God answered in His Glory because of the prayer of one man. So, in our personal situation, surely God does hear us, I am one person. But He hears. David has mentioned that so many times in the Psalms on how God hears us.
Maybe we are so involved with tasks and people that we are not thinking of praying for ourselves. In my case, I believe it has also something to do with the cultural ways in which we as Germans are indoctrinated. Paul said: Renew your mind....and I had to do that often.
And it is not only that we pray for others and ourselves just to pray, but we are praying heaven down on earth by doing so. Prayer changes the atmosphere, changes our lives and connects us with the answers from heaven and of course God.
Then He (Jesus) commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew
14:19-21
Jesus looked up to heaven, knowing that His answer would come from there. Now this was an incredible miracle. Can we be confident to believe that our answers are coming from heaven. With a resounding YES. Jesus is our example as well as the disciples.
It is often that we pray in a crisis situation but I believe God is saying, that this is a time in which He wants to hear from His people more than ever. He wants to hear about the little and the big things in our live. He is not too busy to listen to us. Tell Him the good, bad and ugly. He can handle it!
My prayer today is: Father give us divine understanding in why we don't pray enough and then help us to change that. Jesus help us to follow your example when it comes to prayer. Holy Spirit thank you for Your power and teaching. Father, may we align our thinking (mind/will) with Yours to receive answers and blessings. AMEN
Be blessed and good bye until next time.
Friday, February 17, 2017
Invitation
There is an invitation, God cannot resist. An invitation to come to our house. Not the physical house but the spiritual house. Living inside of us in our heart and soul and spirit.
Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house. Luke 8:41
This invitation from a man named Jairus, he was an important man and had a high position. But his daughter was dying. Jesus was needed and Jairus invited him in desperation to come to his house.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. Luke 8:50
And so she was, she was made whole. Now there is singing and praising coming from Jairus' house. This is just one of the miracles, Jesus performed to show that He is the son of God. When we invite God to live in us, we see wonderful things, changes we never thought would be possible.
Letters from God:
The old memories people have left you in are fading away like a fog. My winds will blow them away.
Every evil word spoken over you will be broken. (when He is living in us).
I will clear out all the intruders who try to bring their trash and leave it at your door. There will be singing and praising coming to your house.
I know just how that looks like. God has blown away old memories and took out the trash in my life. I am no different that anyone else to God. What He does for me, He can and wants to do for you.
Why would this great God want to come to our house? In a nutshell: Because He loves us! Just think about that. Do you not like to spend time with someone you love. But s very different thing is that God loved us even in our sin. We don't like to spend time with thieves, liars, murderers etc. We stay away from such people. Not God though, He is ever near to them too. Trying to reach their hearts in order for them to be saved for eternity. Yes they have a price to pay on earth for their crimes but the ultimate crime would be: separation from God for eternity.
My prayer today: God, may we be willing partakers of spreading Your Love to those that are unworthy, because so are we. Remind us Holy Spirit to keep the doors and rooms in our house open for You. Let us never forget the invitation You have extended to us to be YOURS forever!
Take care and good bye until next time.
Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house. Luke 8:41
This invitation from a man named Jairus, he was an important man and had a high position. But his daughter was dying. Jesus was needed and Jairus invited him in desperation to come to his house.
But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. Luke 8:50
And so she was, she was made whole. Now there is singing and praising coming from Jairus' house. This is just one of the miracles, Jesus performed to show that He is the son of God. When we invite God to live in us, we see wonderful things, changes we never thought would be possible.
Letters from God:
The old memories people have left you in are fading away like a fog. My winds will blow them away.
Every evil word spoken over you will be broken. (when He is living in us).
I will clear out all the intruders who try to bring their trash and leave it at your door. There will be singing and praising coming to your house.
I know just how that looks like. God has blown away old memories and took out the trash in my life. I am no different that anyone else to God. What He does for me, He can and wants to do for you.
Why would this great God want to come to our house? In a nutshell: Because He loves us! Just think about that. Do you not like to spend time with someone you love. But s very different thing is that God loved us even in our sin. We don't like to spend time with thieves, liars, murderers etc. We stay away from such people. Not God though, He is ever near to them too. Trying to reach their hearts in order for them to be saved for eternity. Yes they have a price to pay on earth for their crimes but the ultimate crime would be: separation from God for eternity.
My prayer today: God, may we be willing partakers of spreading Your Love to those that are unworthy, because so are we. Remind us Holy Spirit to keep the doors and rooms in our house open for You. Let us never forget the invitation You have extended to us to be YOURS forever!
Take care and good bye until next time.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
This should be an easy one........
Thankful
This one is an easy one: "unthankful is the opposite. Sometimes, it is not easy to find the opposite word of something.
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephes. 5:20
This part of scripture refers to walking in wisdom. So it is wise, giving thanks. Especially in a biblical way.
"How a dose of Gratitude can keep you healthy longer. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice feeling thankful have a leg up when it comes to their health. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, has been a leading researcher in this growing field, termed “positive psychology.” His research has found that those who adopt an “attitude of gratitude” as a permanent state of mind experience many health benefits."
We have all encountered people who are not thankful for what we give them or do for them. But we do not need to worry about that.
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 6:31
It is meant for us to be responsible for ourselves and not for others. What they do or don't do really does not effect us as much as we think. Many times in earlier blogs, have I mentioned how God has our back and how He takes care of us. Especially when others hurt us or mistreat us. He is our source to not want
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
I do understand that many are under the impression to hold others responsible for evil doing and in the eyes of a court this is true. But we as individuals are not to hold the gavel over them. I must release this person to God and be free from bitterness and unforgiveness.
Back to thankfulness.
We all have come across those who are displaying thankfulness and it is always a delight to be in their presence. When we practice thankfulness......yes we have to practice it......we tend to see the nicer side of life and are focused on the good rather than the bad.
Thankfulness is not something that comes natural, it has to be practiced. One has to choose to be thankful.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Be thankful: it is an action word. It is a word that has to be displayed as a deed, manifested.
There is always something to be thankful for, even something small. We must decide to find something on a daily basis in order to make it a good habit. Often we hear, it takes 21 days to change bad habits or create a good habit. We have to start somewhere, so let's start at day one.
My prayer today: Lord help us, Holy Spirit empower us to change bad habits and create good habits of thankfulness. Father, You are a perfect giver of gifts to us and let us be thankful for that, daily.
Blessings and peace to you. Until next time, good bye and farewell.
This one is an easy one: "unthankful is the opposite. Sometimes, it is not easy to find the opposite word of something.
giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephes. 5:20
This part of scripture refers to walking in wisdom. So it is wise, giving thanks. Especially in a biblical way.
"How a dose of Gratitude can keep you healthy longer. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice feeling thankful have a leg up when it comes to their health. Robert Emmons, a psychology professor at the University of California at Davis, has been a leading researcher in this growing field, termed “positive psychology.” His research has found that those who adopt an “attitude of gratitude” as a permanent state of mind experience many health benefits."
We have all encountered people who are not thankful for what we give them or do for them. But we do not need to worry about that.
And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 6:31
It is meant for us to be responsible for ourselves and not for others. What they do or don't do really does not effect us as much as we think. Many times in earlier blogs, have I mentioned how God has our back and how He takes care of us. Especially when others hurt us or mistreat us. He is our source to not want
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
I do understand that many are under the impression to hold others responsible for evil doing and in the eyes of a court this is true. But we as individuals are not to hold the gavel over them. I must release this person to God and be free from bitterness and unforgiveness.
Back to thankfulness.
We all have come across those who are displaying thankfulness and it is always a delight to be in their presence. When we practice thankfulness......yes we have to practice it......we tend to see the nicer side of life and are focused on the good rather than the bad.
Thankfulness is not something that comes natural, it has to be practiced. One has to choose to be thankful.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15
Be thankful: it is an action word. It is a word that has to be displayed as a deed, manifested.
There is always something to be thankful for, even something small. We must decide to find something on a daily basis in order to make it a good habit. Often we hear, it takes 21 days to change bad habits or create a good habit. We have to start somewhere, so let's start at day one.
My prayer today: Lord help us, Holy Spirit empower us to change bad habits and create good habits of thankfulness. Father, You are a perfect giver of gifts to us and let us be thankful for that, daily.
Blessings and peace to you. Until next time, good bye and farewell.
Monday, February 13, 2017
God's Truth is true.....forevermore.
Truth....what exactly is that?
According to Bible Dictionary:
In Scripture, truth is characterized by both qualitative and quantitative aspects. In the historical narratives of the Old Testament, truth is identified with personal veracity and historical factuality. Truth is also a quality used to describe utterances that are from the Lord .The Psalter (the biblical book of Psalms) describes truth as a fundamental characteristic of God, a characteristic that the psalmist desires to share. The wicked do not speak truth whereas the blameless one speaks truth from the heart.
In other words: Truth comes from God. And if that is so, then we can bank on God's true statements to us and about us. When He says something, it is true.
This morning, I picked up one of my favorites books again (Letters from God) and would like to share an excerpt.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8
"I will keep you wherever you go. Safety is My name. I will be your Bodyguard, your soul's Guardian; and your spirit's Protector. .....I am your compass and your map.....I am your watchman and you are always My welcomed guest. I NEVER forget your face, your voice or your name. I have them engraved on my heart, and there they will stay forever."
Is this not an amazing statement? I for one, have never heard a man telling me such fabulous things. Have you?
So then, if God is truth and He is, then take this and scripture, apply it to you. Believe it. He will be the best and only self esteem teacher we ever need to listen to. Not only that but also, how does it boost our trust and faith in this God who speaks the truth.
My prayer today: Father, help us to believe You. Holy Spirit help us, we need you to see all truth. We need to be able to let Your truth sink in our hearts and mind. AMEN
Good bye and farewell until next time.
According to Bible Dictionary:
In Scripture, truth is characterized by both qualitative and quantitative aspects. In the historical narratives of the Old Testament, truth is identified with personal veracity and historical factuality. Truth is also a quality used to describe utterances that are from the Lord .The Psalter (the biblical book of Psalms) describes truth as a fundamental characteristic of God, a characteristic that the psalmist desires to share. The wicked do not speak truth whereas the blameless one speaks truth from the heart.
In other words: Truth comes from God. And if that is so, then we can bank on God's true statements to us and about us. When He says something, it is true.
This morning, I picked up one of my favorites books again (Letters from God) and would like to share an excerpt.
The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:7-8
"I will keep you wherever you go. Safety is My name. I will be your Bodyguard, your soul's Guardian; and your spirit's Protector. .....I am your compass and your map.....I am your watchman and you are always My welcomed guest. I NEVER forget your face, your voice or your name. I have them engraved on my heart, and there they will stay forever."
Is this not an amazing statement? I for one, have never heard a man telling me such fabulous things. Have you?
So then, if God is truth and He is, then take this and scripture, apply it to you. Believe it. He will be the best and only self esteem teacher we ever need to listen to. Not only that but also, how does it boost our trust and faith in this God who speaks the truth.
My prayer today: Father, help us to believe You. Holy Spirit help us, we need you to see all truth. We need to be able to let Your truth sink in our hearts and mind. AMEN
Good bye and farewell until next time.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Compassion is what moved the heart of Jesus
Today, I was watching: Call the midwife,
a TV show.
The midwife and nurse went to her filthy home, treated and bathed a filthy hurting woman with
such tenderness and care. She had been in agony on the street for
many years. She was scum in the eyes of the people. Nobody cared for
her at all,
God shared His heart with me,
how He does this with us when we are filthy with sin. Oh
so tender, with care does He clean us up and provide for us what we need.
It broke my heart. I had so many
emotions running through me. How great His love is for us and much we
need to be compassionate especially toward the hurting and
downtrodden. I cried so much, knowing how many are in such pain and agony because of sin.
At the end of the movie the
woman had new clothes and was medically treated and did not look the
same, she was happy and had a good life again, well taken care of by
social services.
This is how God does it for us. He is
our social service network putting the church together to help.
Than last night He gave me 1
Corinthians 10:23+24
All to the Glory of God
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. 1Corinthians 10:23-24
Just because the law allows us some things and something is available, does not mean its good for us. We should not be too much concerned about "me" but more about "you"
In this movie the nuns where the
midwifes and they totally devoted their lives to God. And when we are
totally submitted and surrenders to God we can be used healing hearts and souls in the most marvelous ways. And it will not be us but Him in us and through us.
Which in turn is a light joke because the burden is His.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. Matthew 11:30T
It is the heart of God to care for the widows, orphans and to love God and our neighbors. We need to partake in this love that comes from God. When He sent His own son to die for us, He demonstrated the ultimate act of love. My prayer today: May we have our heart broken only with the burden of God and pick up His yoke only, which is easy. AMEN
Good bye and farewell until next time.
Contentment vs. Expectation?
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[we can carry nothing out. 1 Tim. 6:6-7
Contentment is such a big word. What does it really mean?
Contentment in the Bible:
- a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom. 5:2).
I know these are a many scriptures to read but I am so glad we can find in a dictionary the biblical explanation of contentment.
In my life, I have moved a lot. For different reason. Often we have never lived more than 6-12 month in one place. I have stopped counting, but well pass 20 times. And it became somewhat normal to be "on the move " so to speak. Yes, inside of me, somewhere, I always wanted to settle down and have the "white picket fence". Then along the way, I recognized that I am really a bit of a traveler at heart. Always open for a new adventure. Having children will bring this to a screeching halt. And so I did settle at least around one town for more than 10 year, which enables my children to finish school.
Having this inner longing to constantly move is not something to desire. A lot had to do with the trauma in my childhood. I cannot remember even understanding what contentment was.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, God heals us and sets us free in layers, meaning: He takes one issue to deal with at the time. And most issues in our life are connected. After shedding layers and layers, I started learning what real contentment is all about. Is it definitely is the absence of fear and pride. Our contentment comes from knowing God. Knowing that we can trust Him in all areas of our lives. Knowing that He has the very best on His mind for us. Then we can take a deep breath every day and let Him be the captain of our ships.....sailing into the sunset and being in awe of Him.
A state of contentment does not mean that one should not have any expectations. Expectations are the fuel by which faith can be propelled to achieve the desires God puts into our heart, before we have even been born. Expectations are necessary to have a vision and motivation. The problems arise when expectations are on our terms, propelling our will instead the will of God for us.
After the fall of Adam and Eve, humans are able to display good and evil. I can only imagine how content they must have been before rebelling toward God. How much peace and joy they have lost, only to believe the lies of satan.
At this time, my life is giving me a glimpse of eternal contentment. Every day, when I spend time with my Father, I walk away feeling content, joyful and peaceful. These are the treasures we are to look for in our daily life. It is the law of attraction that says: If I am a well rounded being, I become attractive to others.....and in return they want what I have. JESUS!
My prayer today is for all of us to find contentment in Christ. Father, grant us the desires of our heart, the ones You have planted. Help us to be content, peaceful and joyful in Your son's name. AMEN
Ade and farewell until next time.
I know these are a many scriptures to read but I am so glad we can find in a dictionary the biblical explanation of contentment.
In my life, I have moved a lot. For different reason. Often we have never lived more than 6-12 month in one place. I have stopped counting, but well pass 20 times. And it became somewhat normal to be "on the move " so to speak. Yes, inside of me, somewhere, I always wanted to settle down and have the "white picket fence". Then along the way, I recognized that I am really a bit of a traveler at heart. Always open for a new adventure. Having children will bring this to a screeching halt. And so I did settle at least around one town for more than 10 year, which enables my children to finish school.
Having this inner longing to constantly move is not something to desire. A lot had to do with the trauma in my childhood. I cannot remember even understanding what contentment was.
As I mentioned in previous blogs, God heals us and sets us free in layers, meaning: He takes one issue to deal with at the time. And most issues in our life are connected. After shedding layers and layers, I started learning what real contentment is all about. Is it definitely is the absence of fear and pride. Our contentment comes from knowing God. Knowing that we can trust Him in all areas of our lives. Knowing that He has the very best on His mind for us. Then we can take a deep breath every day and let Him be the captain of our ships.....sailing into the sunset and being in awe of Him.
A state of contentment does not mean that one should not have any expectations. Expectations are the fuel by which faith can be propelled to achieve the desires God puts into our heart, before we have even been born. Expectations are necessary to have a vision and motivation. The problems arise when expectations are on our terms, propelling our will instead the will of God for us.
After the fall of Adam and Eve, humans are able to display good and evil. I can only imagine how content they must have been before rebelling toward God. How much peace and joy they have lost, only to believe the lies of satan.
At this time, my life is giving me a glimpse of eternal contentment. Every day, when I spend time with my Father, I walk away feeling content, joyful and peaceful. These are the treasures we are to look for in our daily life. It is the law of attraction that says: If I am a well rounded being, I become attractive to others.....and in return they want what I have. JESUS!
My prayer today is for all of us to find contentment in Christ. Father, grant us the desires of our heart, the ones You have planted. Help us to be content, peaceful and joyful in Your son's name. AMEN
Ade and farewell until next time.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
The lies will keep us down.........No more!
Has this ever happened to you. Someone, who was close to you, did something to harm you and you find out. The anger, the feeling of wanting to retaliate? With people it is not the right thing to do, retaliation belongs to God.
But let's look at a different setting. The feeling of being beat up, loosing important moments in our life, loosing things, friends. Maybe not even starting something because we feel so bad, depressed and beat up, hopeless.
This is how satan makes us often feel, with the help of people.
I want to share this with you today: As a child, I had many demons to battle. Not knowing though. I, as many children in my situation, using cooping mechanisms. One of mine was to sometimes violently rock back and forth in my bed. A way to release tension and I felt safe in my bed. Many people who have had personal, amazing encounters with the living God/The Holy Spirit and Jesus, have been trough some trauma. Not to say that God will not show Himself to those who had a good upbringing. Not at all, He does.
But there is a process of deliverance from past trauma that can be intense and often God moves in a supernatural way not be known to the ones that lives without or less trauma.
Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
Today, I had a moment of despair. Didn't really know why. I had no obvious reason. I turned in prayer to God. There I have seen an image in my mind, it was a picture of me rocking back and forth in my bed. But then I saw an image of the enemy looking at me, laughing. The enemy was happy that I suffered and that I was in agony.
This made me angry and all I could think is: "How can satan be so happy to hurt a young child?" Then I switched my brain - made a decision to stand up and no longer tolerate the feeling of despair and defeat. I made a decision!
You see,
..casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2Chor. 10:5
is the very thing we must do! We need to make a decision to no longer tolerate the lies of the enemy. This child is now a grown up and the power is in me:
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he (satan) who is in the world 1John 4:4
But this wisdom did not come from me. It took the revelation of the Holy Spirit to point this truth out to me. Just as Jesus spoke to Peter. He asked Peter, who am I? And Peter replied. You are the Christ. Jesus told Peter: "He made me see the how ugly the enemy is fighting us. I was able to withstand the familiar feeling, because I could see it was a lie. Today, I had no reason, God had delivered me from many different kind to trauma. I am free and free indeed.
Let's claim our freedom in Christ and exercise the truth of the word and no longer tolerate the lies of the enemy. Let's declare God's word over us, boldly. As I had to turn in prayer to God because of the awful feeling I had, I am asking you to do the same. Allow God to speak to your mind and be free from lies.
Father, I pray for all reading this, to have the courage to pursue Freedom in Christ and to live a life of adventure with you. Jesus, deliver, heal and set free. In Your name AMEN
Good bye until next time.
But let's look at a different setting. The feeling of being beat up, loosing important moments in our life, loosing things, friends. Maybe not even starting something because we feel so bad, depressed and beat up, hopeless.
This is how satan makes us often feel, with the help of people.
I want to share this with you today: As a child, I had many demons to battle. Not knowing though. I, as many children in my situation, using cooping mechanisms. One of mine was to sometimes violently rock back and forth in my bed. A way to release tension and I felt safe in my bed. Many people who have had personal, amazing encounters with the living God/The Holy Spirit and Jesus, have been trough some trauma. Not to say that God will not show Himself to those who had a good upbringing. Not at all, He does.
But there is a process of deliverance from past trauma that can be intense and often God moves in a supernatural way not be known to the ones that lives without or less trauma.
Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Works of Deliverance. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 107:1
Today, I had a moment of despair. Didn't really know why. I had no obvious reason. I turned in prayer to God. There I have seen an image in my mind, it was a picture of me rocking back and forth in my bed. But then I saw an image of the enemy looking at me, laughing. The enemy was happy that I suffered and that I was in agony.
This made me angry and all I could think is: "How can satan be so happy to hurt a young child?" Then I switched my brain - made a decision to stand up and no longer tolerate the feeling of despair and defeat. I made a decision!
You see,
..casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2Chor. 10:5
is the very thing we must do! We need to make a decision to no longer tolerate the lies of the enemy. This child is now a grown up and the power is in me:
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he (satan) who is in the world 1John 4:4
But this wisdom did not come from me. It took the revelation of the Holy Spirit to point this truth out to me. Just as Jesus spoke to Peter. He asked Peter, who am I? And Peter replied. You are the Christ. Jesus told Peter: "He made me see the how ugly the enemy is fighting us. I was able to withstand the familiar feeling, because I could see it was a lie. Today, I had no reason, God had delivered me from many different kind to trauma. I am free and free indeed.
Let's claim our freedom in Christ and exercise the truth of the word and no longer tolerate the lies of the enemy. Let's declare God's word over us, boldly. As I had to turn in prayer to God because of the awful feeling I had, I am asking you to do the same. Allow God to speak to your mind and be free from lies.
Father, I pray for all reading this, to have the courage to pursue Freedom in Christ and to live a life of adventure with you. Jesus, deliver, heal and set free. In Your name AMEN
Good bye until next time.
Monday, February 6, 2017
Who Lord will you send?
Did you know there is such a thing as "Battle Rap and now also Christian Battle Rap"
Battle Rap originated on the streets during the early Hip Hop movement as Battle Rap. I have been listening to some of the Christian Battle Rap and I must say, I am totally seeing God's heart in this. I believe, He showed me the pockets of people and the underdogs He is using to save people's souls. The hopeless, who most people never come in touch with. What better way to touch the downtrodden, the ones who feel forgotten and left but through their own, who have been saved.
Paul in the Bible, was not immediately accepted by the church leaders. In fact, Paul considered himself the ‘apostle’ to the Gentiles, primarily because his doctrine (called ‘that way’, Acts 19:9, 23) was rejected by Jewish Christians and the Asian churches alike; and he was forced to seek converts who knew nothing of Yahudim (Jewish) customs and the Law. Paul’s doctrine was adverse to the teachings of Yahoshua; and he was often in conflict with James, Peter, and John.
So Paul rejected, has been the most effective Evangelist of all times, I would say.
During my walk with God, very often ,I come across people who have lost all, who are at their end and don't know how to continue with life.
This I would like to share with you:
When I still lived in Pittsburgh, PA many years ago. On a rainy Saturday, I clearly heard God speak to me: "Go downtown, to this corner and stand there, wait there for Me"
I need to explain. I was terrified at first. Knowing that this particular street corner was the very one, I had seen different street preachers yelling the Gospel at people. It had always been a fear to be asked to do the very same thing. But after obeying and standing at the corner, nothing.
Nothing happened. No lighting bolts, no further instruction, nothing.
I started questioning if I had heard correctly. So I stood there for a long while.
Then, I noticed this man walking on the sidewalk coming toward me. He was wearing a nice suit, held a briefcase in his hand. I caught myself following him with my eyes and thinking: "What a nice looking man, I guess he is a businessman, and how nice he is dressed."
As the man passed me, I spotted a homeless man on the other side of the street. Funny, I did not notice him before. And as I looked at him, it hit me.
God's voice spoke: I never want you to prefer one man to another, in My kingdom they are the same. Do not treat one better because one appears to look better. Don't judge a man on his outward appearance."
I wanted to get on my knees and repent. My heart broke.
Then, I crossed the street and started speaking with the homeless guy sitting on the sidewalk. As if this previous experience wasn't enough to be humbled, the next one caught me even more of guard. I asked the guy how he was doing and if I could pray with him. He immediately said yes. He was very nice and told me about his relationship with Jesus. He told me he knows God and he trusted God.
WHAM, another blow. In my expectation, surely he could not know God, living in the way he did, it hit me a second time. After praying with this man, I bought him some groceries in the nearby market.
This day had put an understanding in my heart like nothing ever before in regards to people. I made a choice to treat people equally not based on their appearance and to never give up on anyone. Which does not mean that I would never distance myself from people, only to allow God to deal with the person. Which also does not mean that I am always able to do that. I am just a human and make mistakes. But God is a forgiving God.
There are a few stories in the Bible, where Jesus interacted with people who were not accepted by the Establishment. It made them furious that Jesus met with the outcast. But Jesus came to heal the sick and set the prisoners free. Sick not just in body but also in mind, emotions. Prisoned not just in jail, but in their mind also.
Today, I have 2 questions:
1)Are you sick, are you imprisoned in any way?
Let the Healer and Deliverer, his name is Jesus, touch you and make you whole. Believe that He is and that He rewards the ones who diligently seek Him. Believe that He can and wants to make you whole. AMEN
2)
Do you know and believe that Jesus is the Healer and Deliverer?
Are you sharing this knowledge with others?
Let Him use you and lead you to these divine moments in time, which bless us sometimes more than the one receiving. Allow Him to show the riches of Heaven through you, for those who are suffering and are downtrodden.
Once again, farewell until next time.
Battle Rap originated on the streets during the early Hip Hop movement as Battle Rap. I have been listening to some of the Christian Battle Rap and I must say, I am totally seeing God's heart in this. I believe, He showed me the pockets of people and the underdogs He is using to save people's souls. The hopeless, who most people never come in touch with. What better way to touch the downtrodden, the ones who feel forgotten and left but through their own, who have been saved.
Paul in the Bible, was not immediately accepted by the church leaders. In fact, Paul considered himself the ‘apostle’ to the Gentiles, primarily because his doctrine (called ‘that way’, Acts 19:9, 23) was rejected by Jewish Christians and the Asian churches alike; and he was forced to seek converts who knew nothing of Yahudim (Jewish) customs and the Law. Paul’s doctrine was adverse to the teachings of Yahoshua; and he was often in conflict with James, Peter, and John.
So Paul rejected, has been the most effective Evangelist of all times, I would say.
During my walk with God, very often ,I come across people who have lost all, who are at their end and don't know how to continue with life.
This I would like to share with you:
When I still lived in Pittsburgh, PA many years ago. On a rainy Saturday, I clearly heard God speak to me: "Go downtown, to this corner and stand there, wait there for Me"
I need to explain. I was terrified at first. Knowing that this particular street corner was the very one, I had seen different street preachers yelling the Gospel at people. It had always been a fear to be asked to do the very same thing. But after obeying and standing at the corner, nothing.
Nothing happened. No lighting bolts, no further instruction, nothing.
I started questioning if I had heard correctly. So I stood there for a long while.
Then, I noticed this man walking on the sidewalk coming toward me. He was wearing a nice suit, held a briefcase in his hand. I caught myself following him with my eyes and thinking: "What a nice looking man, I guess he is a businessman, and how nice he is dressed."
As the man passed me, I spotted a homeless man on the other side of the street. Funny, I did not notice him before. And as I looked at him, it hit me.
God's voice spoke: I never want you to prefer one man to another, in My kingdom they are the same. Do not treat one better because one appears to look better. Don't judge a man on his outward appearance."
I wanted to get on my knees and repent. My heart broke.
Then, I crossed the street and started speaking with the homeless guy sitting on the sidewalk. As if this previous experience wasn't enough to be humbled, the next one caught me even more of guard. I asked the guy how he was doing and if I could pray with him. He immediately said yes. He was very nice and told me about his relationship with Jesus. He told me he knows God and he trusted God.
WHAM, another blow. In my expectation, surely he could not know God, living in the way he did, it hit me a second time. After praying with this man, I bought him some groceries in the nearby market.
This day had put an understanding in my heart like nothing ever before in regards to people. I made a choice to treat people equally not based on their appearance and to never give up on anyone. Which does not mean that I would never distance myself from people, only to allow God to deal with the person. Which also does not mean that I am always able to do that. I am just a human and make mistakes. But God is a forgiving God.
There are a few stories in the Bible, where Jesus interacted with people who were not accepted by the Establishment. It made them furious that Jesus met with the outcast. But Jesus came to heal the sick and set the prisoners free. Sick not just in body but also in mind, emotions. Prisoned not just in jail, but in their mind also.
Today, I have 2 questions:
1)Are you sick, are you imprisoned in any way?
Let the Healer and Deliverer, his name is Jesus, touch you and make you whole. Believe that He is and that He rewards the ones who diligently seek Him. Believe that He can and wants to make you whole. AMEN
2)
Do you know and believe that Jesus is the Healer and Deliverer?
Are you sharing this knowledge with others?
Let Him use you and lead you to these divine moments in time, which bless us sometimes more than the one receiving. Allow Him to show the riches of Heaven through you, for those who are suffering and are downtrodden.
Once again, farewell until next time.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Who does it belong to? My gift.
The day that we say: "Yes Lord, Your will not mine" is the day that our
gift (s) do not belong to us anymore!
What is it that we are good at? Compassionate toward and can't imagine our life without? What are our gifts and talents. Well that is for you to know and for you to find out, really.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 1Cor. 14:12
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy........3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1Cor. 14:1+3
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1Cor. 12:4-7
I am listing a lot of scripture today but I want us to be aware on how much we need to use our gift for the good of others. Yes God is giving us talents to perform in our jobs, sports and hobbies. But there are Spiritual gifts also, which need to be exercised and used toward others.
The Bible Gateway Dictionary, where I get a lot of my bible info from says this in regard to 1Corinthians 12; Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
Unity can happen, even when we are gifted in many different areas. Unity is important, so that God can move corporately.
Back to gifts and talents. I fear that many have no clue exactly what they are gifted with and why. It is in marriage as well as in other areas of life. We need to serve each other, especially with our gifts. When something is meant for us from birth to excel, in, it makes it easier to perform the action. Because a spiritual gift is something we are already possess. So our desires often lines up with our gifts. That is why I asked the questions above on what makes you move and want to engage in.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Peter 4:10
It is so important to clean house first. Meaning: laying down all the malice that we have toward someone, extending forgiveness toward others/ourselves, negative thoughts we have toward ourselves and God, before we are able to use our gifts in greater measure. But as we go along through the process of laying that down, He can use us and our gifts to the extend that we are healed and delivered. The Bible calls it: that we may prosper in our soul first and then prosper everywhere else. And it is also called sanctification.
There are several spiritual test that can help you to find your gifts. Your pastor or elder may be able to lead you to a test.
Here a few links:
http://www.christianet.com/bible/spiritualgiftstest.htm
https://mypersonality.info/spiritual-gifts/
https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/analysis/index.php
I am not affiliated with any of these links/ministries. And please be cautious on which test on the internet you use. Pray and ask God first.
As we belong to God now, we also are not in charge whether we use our gifts or not. It is not an option. We are created to help each other, after loving God first. So that the church can prosper, grow and flourish. If the arm tells the leg: "I am not feeling like helping to keep balance when you walk" the whole physical body is out of wack. So is the church, if its members are not taking their place and are not walking in their gifts.
I hope to have given you today an appetite for using your gifts in fullness.
My prayer is: Lord help us to find the special gifts and talents You have place inside of us. Give us the courage and zest to pursue wisdom on how, when and where to use those gifts. AMEN
That'll be all for today. Farewell and good bye until next time.
gift (s) do not belong to us anymore!
What is it that we are good at? Compassionate toward and can't imagine our life without? What are our gifts and talents. Well that is for you to know and for you to find out, really.
Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 1Cor. 14:12
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy........3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 1Cor. 14:1+3
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 1Cor. 12:4-7
I am listing a lot of scripture today but I want us to be aware on how much we need to use our gift for the good of others. Yes God is giving us talents to perform in our jobs, sports and hobbies. But there are Spiritual gifts also, which need to be exercised and used toward others.
The Bible Gateway Dictionary, where I get a lot of my bible info from says this in regard to 1Corinthians 12; Spiritual Gifts: Unity in Diversity
Unity can happen, even when we are gifted in many different areas. Unity is important, so that God can move corporately.
Back to gifts and talents. I fear that many have no clue exactly what they are gifted with and why. It is in marriage as well as in other areas of life. We need to serve each other, especially with our gifts. When something is meant for us from birth to excel, in, it makes it easier to perform the action. Because a spiritual gift is something we are already possess. So our desires often lines up with our gifts. That is why I asked the questions above on what makes you move and want to engage in.
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Peter 4:10
It is so important to clean house first. Meaning: laying down all the malice that we have toward someone, extending forgiveness toward others/ourselves, negative thoughts we have toward ourselves and God, before we are able to use our gifts in greater measure. But as we go along through the process of laying that down, He can use us and our gifts to the extend that we are healed and delivered. The Bible calls it: that we may prosper in our soul first and then prosper everywhere else. And it is also called sanctification.
There are several spiritual test that can help you to find your gifts. Your pastor or elder may be able to lead you to a test.
Here a few links:
http://www.christianet.com/bible/spiritualgiftstest.htm
https://mypersonality.info/spiritual-gifts/
https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/analysis/index.php
I am not affiliated with any of these links/ministries. And please be cautious on which test on the internet you use. Pray and ask God first.
As we belong to God now, we also are not in charge whether we use our gifts or not. It is not an option. We are created to help each other, after loving God first. So that the church can prosper, grow and flourish. If the arm tells the leg: "I am not feeling like helping to keep balance when you walk" the whole physical body is out of wack. So is the church, if its members are not taking their place and are not walking in their gifts.
I hope to have given you today an appetite for using your gifts in fullness.
My prayer is: Lord help us to find the special gifts and talents You have place inside of us. Give us the courage and zest to pursue wisdom on how, when and where to use those gifts. AMEN
That'll be all for today. Farewell and good bye until next time.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Lord use me.....even in my dark moments
Sometimes, you know those days when you get up in the morning and the whole universe seems to be against you.....do you have those moments?
I had one of those mornings yesterday.
I felt so discouraged and could not shake it. My internet and phone cable was literally ripped of the pole by a Garbage Truck and I could not continue with my work. Of course, it upset me. I should have known better that God was up to something. You see, when these moments in time happen, it is often because God wants to show off, flex His power muscle.
So He did for me yesterday: After running several errants, I ended up at the local library, feeling sorry for myself, as I came across 2 gentlemen. They were engaged in a loud conversation and it was obvious that one of them had been in emotional distress. Couldn't help to overhear some concerning statements and immediately shifted gear in my brain/spirit asking if all was ok, asking if I could help.
Both seemed open and I went for it. I just said: I also had a very bad morning and I felt bad, but let's do the only thing we can do. Go to God in prayer and ask Him for His help. Now, I had never seen these you young men and their response was: "yes let's pray."
I prayed honestly from the heart and it took a while. Afterward, the young man who had been emotionally distressed started to calm down and agreed with having to look to God for help. The other young man then made a profound statement: "I know you are not here by accident, I have just given myself to Christ again a few month ago and I am so happy that you have been here praying with us today. I know prayer works." At the end of the conversation, I referred them both to a local church and we went our ways.
I also felt completely peaceful again and was so happy to have had this ordained moment in time by God. This is how the church works. This is how the church is called to respond.
Out of my on darkness, He brought not only me to light again but these 2 strangers. What a wonderful day it had been.
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38
Then , I ran into another German friend and she invited me for lunch, paying for my scrumptious lunch. What a blessed day. Later on in the day, I had also been able to find solutions for some of the problems that I faced as well as the cable had been fixed.
God is so good and He is so clever and knows exactly what we need, when we need it. He is never early, He is never late, He is always on time.
My prayer today is: Father use us even in our dark times to bring Living Water of Christ to others and we in turn are refreshed also. Thank You for just being You, showing up in our lives in Power and Strength when we don't have any. May Your Grace abound in us, make us overflow with Your Love.
Farewell and good bye until next time.
I had one of those mornings yesterday.
I felt so discouraged and could not shake it. My internet and phone cable was literally ripped of the pole by a Garbage Truck and I could not continue with my work. Of course, it upset me. I should have known better that God was up to something. You see, when these moments in time happen, it is often because God wants to show off, flex His power muscle.
So He did for me yesterday: After running several errants, I ended up at the local library, feeling sorry for myself, as I came across 2 gentlemen. They were engaged in a loud conversation and it was obvious that one of them had been in emotional distress. Couldn't help to overhear some concerning statements and immediately shifted gear in my brain/spirit asking if all was ok, asking if I could help.
Both seemed open and I went for it. I just said: I also had a very bad morning and I felt bad, but let's do the only thing we can do. Go to God in prayer and ask Him for His help. Now, I had never seen these you young men and their response was: "yes let's pray."
I prayed honestly from the heart and it took a while. Afterward, the young man who had been emotionally distressed started to calm down and agreed with having to look to God for help. The other young man then made a profound statement: "I know you are not here by accident, I have just given myself to Christ again a few month ago and I am so happy that you have been here praying with us today. I know prayer works." At the end of the conversation, I referred them both to a local church and we went our ways.
I also felt completely peaceful again and was so happy to have had this ordained moment in time by God. This is how the church works. This is how the church is called to respond.
Out of my on darkness, He brought not only me to light again but these 2 strangers. What a wonderful day it had been.
Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. John 7:38
Then , I ran into another German friend and she invited me for lunch, paying for my scrumptious lunch. What a blessed day. Later on in the day, I had also been able to find solutions for some of the problems that I faced as well as the cable had been fixed.
God is so good and He is so clever and knows exactly what we need, when we need it. He is never early, He is never late, He is always on time.
My prayer today is: Father use us even in our dark times to bring Living Water of Christ to others and we in turn are refreshed also. Thank You for just being You, showing up in our lives in Power and Strength when we don't have any. May Your Grace abound in us, make us overflow with Your Love.
Farewell and good bye until next time.
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