Want “revival”? Then let it start with you

Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way. — Psalm 119:37 –

How many times have we as Christians ran to and fro, looking for revival, in hopes to touch the hem of His garment through mere man? A lot of us were taught this: ”We’re having a revival! Come to the revival! Let God revive you!” As if man could decide when and where God would show up and honor what is sometimes — if not most — a self-centered watered down program to bring in the masses to listen to a lukewarm gospel in the hopes of saving many.

This is not true revival.

Many times Christians desire to see their church do  a new thing, which actually is an old thing. They are living in the past of some movement of years ago, desiring to see the same thing. It must become very burdensome to the pastor to have someone who constantly is comparing the present with the past. The past is just that — the past. And a lot of times, what was done in the past was not a movement of God at all.

Then there is the Christian who say they desire revival so much, looking for it in others and yet there is absolutely nothing that is being revived in them, other than a type of self grandiosity. That is hypocrisy, my friends. I know. I used to be like that many years ago. I so much wanted revival that I thought just by carrying my Bible and Charles Finny books around about holiness, would surely start a revival. How stupid is that?! Oh, I could look good to the pastor, all right. After all, I had “passion and zeal” I was told. I also had a bunch of self-righteousness going on at the same time. Pointing my finger, thinking in my heart, if you people would just do this or that!

One Saturday, two other women and I went to church to pray. We had the sanctuary all to ourselves. We began praying for revival. I went off on some kind of tangent along the lines of this: ”Dear God, hear our cry, bring revival! Bring revival! There’s a stench in the camp! There’s a stench in the camp!” Oh, I knew I was sounding good, looking all spiritual and holy. Such pride. As I was praying, I began to smell something that stunk to high heaven. Still praying, I opened one eye and began to look around me. The stench was so close. Then I saw it. It was on the bottom of my shoe! I had tracked dog doo in the church. I became so embarrassed and stopped ranting. The women said, “What is that smell?” I sheepishly said, “It is me.” I could have died right there on the spot.

What I’m saying is, if you want revival, let it start with you. Sometimes, God does not begin a work in those around us, because we ourselves are walking in sin. It could be anything. Unforgiveness, hatred, self-righteousness, bitterness are a few things that come to my mind. Sometimes we can have our hands all over something and God will not touch it as long as we are the one trying to bring the change.

There has to be a time of brokeness before true revival comes.

I could be wrong, but I believe, true revival comes in the stillness of our soul after we have allowed God to show us our fault, our sin, our wrong doings –brokenness for how one has grieved God. Brokeness for how we have hurt others.

If true revival could be found in going to a church meeting, singing choruses, hooping and hollering and rolling around on the floor, don’t you think this nation would not be where it is today? What about in your own family? What about where you work? What about in your own neighborhood? What about in your own church/building? What about you?

True revival must begin with breaking up the fallow/hardened ground in one’s heart. We must have our hearts convicted by a Holy righteous God. There must be an awareness of sin that has seperated us from God, sin that grieves His heart, sin that hinders the true work of God that He has called for us in the first place.

O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded,
O God, do not forsake me,
Until I declare Your strength to this generation,
Your power to everyone who is to come.

Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high,
You who have done great things;
O God, who is like You?
You, who have shown me great and severe troubles,
Shall revive me again,
And bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
You shall increase my greatness,
And comfort me on every side. — Psalm 71:17-21 –

Has God shown you great and severe troubles, yet? The kind of troubles that only God can touch? The kind of troubles, so great and severe that it causes you to know you are but dust? That in and of yourself, you are nothing? That you are helpless in some events going on in your own personal life? That if it were not for the mercy of God, you would feel as if you are nothing more than a little grease spot?

If so, then you are a prime candidate for revival. More than likely, you have stopped running to and fro looking for that one thing to fix whatever it is that has caused you to be so low. You are in a good place. You are about to see the salvation of the Lord come to you in way you’ve not yet known.

Oh, I know, that does not go along with what we have been taught and with what most people seek. After all, revival is suppose to feel good. Would you believe me if I told you, true revival comes from within and not from without? True revival is something that can not be manipulated by man. True revival is always about the kingdom of God being built within you. Apart from man, apart from prying eyes, apart from outside influences that would manipulate you for fleeting feelings of what is called joy now days.

Do not look for revival to others to revive you. That is the Holy Spirit’s job. You will not find it if you are looking for others to begin it in you. You will only find it when you begin to pick up the Cross and die. LET the kingdom of God arise in you by allowing the Holy Spirit to convict you of all ungodliness — breaking up the hardened ground of your own heart. I can promise you when you begin to get to the other side, God will begin showing you great and mighty things. THEN, others will be revived. Why? Because they will see the darkness that once had you bound has been exposed by His marvelous light. Others will begin to see Jesus in you as you begin to move into His truth and life in a way that will cause others to think, “Where did this come from? It must be God.” They will then come to you and desire to know this God who has set you free.

That is the fruit of revival, precious Bride of Christ: one of causing others to desire to know our God. It is never about us or our works. But about Him who desires to see the lost being found, the blind being able to see.

How will they know unless we be first in being broken before the Lord? Let Him begin that wonderful work of breaking the fallow ground. It hurts but for a season, but the joy that follows is unspeakable!

If you truly want true revival, just make sure you deal with your own stench first. 

Things My Dogs Teach Me: Run to the Master

Above picture: Our little Beagle/King Charles Cavaliers in their daddys’ lap when they were just a few months old.

One day my husband had taken our dogs for their walk. He called me to tell me to come right away. Two big dogs were after our little girlies, and terrified, had gotten out from under their collars. I jumped in the car, my heart pounding and managed to find them not far from home. My husband had Dolly in his arms, but Dixie was loose. Two huge mongrel dogs that looked something out of a horror movie were running loose. One dog, barking and snapping, was jumping up on my husband trying to get to Dolly. The other dog was threatening our Dixie. I called for her and she came to me right away with bad dog following her. I picked her up and the dog started jumping on me, trying to bite us. A few people were standing around watching all the commotion. I yelled out to them, “Don’t just stand there, Help us!” A woman came over and grabbed that dog while I put Dixie in the car. As I was trying to get her in the car, the huge dog got lose and then tried getting into the car before I could even get the door shut! It was terrifying. Then the dog was trying to get in through a window and I had to manage to get back in and roll the window up with this hound from hell snapping at me the whole time. My husband still holding Dolly, with the other hound from hell, jumping up trying to attack him and little Dolly. I don’t know what emotion was greater — my fear or my anger. I got out of the car after rolling up the windows and went around to the other side to open the door for him so he could get in with Dolly. Both demon dogs after us both. I got the door opened and he got in as I was going around the other side to get in to drive away. I get in and see he had not been able to close the door because both dogs were still trying to get in the car! My husband was trying to shove them out with his leg. Oh, I got so mad. I picked up a magazine laying next to me, leaned over and smacked one of the dogs a good one telling him to “GET!” It was just enough to stun him long enough for my husband to pull his leg in and shut the door.

People stood by and did nothing. EMS happened to drive by during part of this and they too did absolutely NOTHING to help. Might not have been very Christian of me, but I told them all a thing or two before I drove off.

As I begin to start the car up, to move on, the dogs outside still would not move! I was blowing the horn and inching along and they still would not move! It was like an attack from hell. I have never seen anything like it in all my life. I was so angry, I actually wanted to run over them. But I didn’t. For the record: both our dogs were spayed when they were much younger, so this was not a case of male dogs going after female dogs.

I finally get us home, we take the dogs in and my husband says the leashes are still back where he lost them, so he goes back to get them. Meanwhile, I collapse in the chair with what was probably an angina attack. I did nothing but sit and cry, trying to breath, thanking God that none of us got mauled or bitten. Also praying that those dogs would not attack my husband when he went back to get their collars and leash.

That day, our dogs ran away out of fear. Before I had gotten there, they both ran in different directions. Dixie had planted herself under the front wheel of someone’s van. The woman not seeing her, almost began to drive forward, until my husband started shouting, “NO! NO!” The driver, not speaking English, did not know what he was saying, yet could hear an alarm in his voice that caused her to be still long enough for my husband to go and drag Dixie out from under her front wheel. Dolly on the other hand had ran down towards the main street where if she had gotten close enough, no doubt would have been hit by a car.

By the time I had gotten there, my husband had managed to get Dolly, yet Dixie had gotten loose. I had set myself up to be the Alpha dog with our dogs when they were just little babies. That makes me their master. I do not know how they would have behaved if I had been there. I’m guessing their behavior would have been no different as it is in their basic instint to either fight or flee from danger. Our little girlies, being timid little dogs, chose to flee. I can’t blame them.

I’ve thought of that incident many times. I see myself in those dogs at times. Maybe some of you can too. Our behavior being no different than theirs. When there is danger, we sometimes get so spooked that the last thing we think of, is running to the Master. Tornado warnings have been something that has terrified me since childhood. I immediatedly panic. I am not quite as bad as I used to be. I think it has more to do with I just do not have the extra adreneline it takes to get all that upset. However, I do take it serious and can feel fear that almost borders along terror. I try to stay calm for the sake of those around me and even for my dogs. In that first stage of panic, the very first thing I think of is running for cover. I’m much too frightened to even ask God for help.

There have been times when someone has playfully come up behind me and smacked/poked/pinched me for whatever reason. My first instinct is to turn around and knock their head off. I do not like playful activities like that. Some people can play like that. I am not one of them. It seems I don’t have time to ask God to help me, it all happens so fast. Thankfully, I have yet to knock anyone’s head off, but have told them never to do that to me again or else.

Satan loves to use fear to keep us from running to the Master. He is very good at it. That old devil knows exactly how, when and where to strike.

But, if we consider ourselves a bond servant/slave to the Lord, should we not run to Him in any event, at all times? Many times, we automatically trust in our own resources we may have at the time. Once there was a time where I could head down the stairs in the event of a tornado warning and not think much of it. I was younger, able to go quickly, not concerned whether my feet would get me there or not. But now, it takes a little longer. I figure if I can get down without falling and breaking my neck, it is a good thing. I have to be more careful, more cautious as my legs do not have the strength or the speed as they once had. That is when I find myself calling out to God now. On my way down the steps. Whereas before, it was after I had gotten down the stairs and prepared myself. I believe the weaker we become or the more frail we see ourselves before an all mighty God, only then it is when we begin to fully trust in Him. We begin to see HE is the One keeping us and not ourselves.

It is easy to trust Him when all is well. Not so easy when things are not all that well.

What is the thing that may stop you from running to the Master? Has the enemy of your soul so blinded you with such horrible things to come (I speak as one who personally knows what that feels/thinks like) that somehow you find yourself running for cover, yet not calling out to His Name? Are you trusting in your own resources? What if those resources were taken away? Then what? Are you so angry (again I speak as one who knows what that feels/thinks like) with things you see or have had happened to you, that you have failed to run to the Master? What if those things get worse?

I believe that God is calling His people to a place of knowing Him in ways some of us have yet to know. If we don’t learn to run to the Master now, then how in the world will we be able to run to Him when things get worse? No doubt, there will be those who will never seek God, never run to him. At the same time, there will be those who will wait until things get worse — then, they will seek God, then they will run to Him. Do not wait. Run to him now.

Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the Lord,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon. — Isaiah 55:6,7 –

A question to the readers for now — please feel free to answer

I just had a discussion with my husband. He more or less told me I have become unfocused. That I had been writing and putting up some good things, but now, my focus has been changed.  I told him I wasn’t even aware of him reading anything I do on this blog. He rarely says anything and I hardly ever insist he read anything. But obviously, he is looking now.

Have I dear reader, become unfocused as he says?

First, please understand why I do the things I do. I put up things that interest me, I put up things to possibly warn, I put up things that hopefully God is showing me in my personal life and hoping it is a good thing, I share that with you. The last one, which allows me to be transparent before you, is the most dearest to me. For in doing so, I hope it is something that encourages and lifts you up.

When I began this blog 4 (?) years ago, it was to expose the false teachers in the apostate church. I have done that. Then it became mixed with my political rants. Not to say all the videos people were making about forced vaccines, Fema camps, martial law, etc. I spent all my time chasing phantoms and going down rabbit trails on the internet, thinking to myself I was doing a good thing by warning people of what I thought was coming at the time. So much so, that when my mother got sick, I could not see she was dying! I tell you that with a complete brokenness in my heart for that time. I told myself and the Lord I would never do it again. Lest I miss what it is He has set before me to live in.

However, I can not ignore what has happened the past week with the Texas explosion which I believe was a missle or drone. I can not ignore what happened in Boston. I see these events as dark, deceitful, staged. Does that make me just a paranoid kook? Or does it make me someone with their eyes open? Forget your political party in answering that question. Believe me, it would not matter to me who was in office, I still would have the same thoughts. If you can not answer without putting your political party aside, I believe you have no right to answer.

I am not a reporter — I am just a woman who tries to understand/discern what is going on in the world. I never just take anyone’s word on anything. I never just automatically believe everything told to me. I question everything. You should too. You even have the right, the responsibility to question me now. But before you do, please allow me to go on.

I believe a grand scale delusion is coming upon the whole earth. That delusion is already taking place within the church. It has for the past few decades with it’s many doctrines of demons. That delusion is taking place in the political realm. In the media. In all of society. When good is being called evil and evil being called good, know that judgment waits at the door. When a nation has child sacrifice, know that judgment waits at the door. When one does not love the truth, God will allow a delusion. I believe the whole world is being set up for a greater delusion. A delusion that will cause all, both great and small, both rich and poor, to pay homage to a man (I do not know who) as being a savior to all mankind. There will even be those within the church who will embrace this delusion. First there must come chaos and terror before this man/system/government can be set in place.

I also believe that I am not exempt from coming under a delusion. If there is anything in me, anything at all, that does not love the truth, then a delusion can come to me. I truly do not want to spend my time exposing what I think are delusions. I would much rather focus on the things of God, for that is where my heart truly is. Light, truth — such beautiful awesome words to me!

But I tell you, the things of the world sometimes do bother me. I hate this world. I find it hard to ignore some things. I’m not an ostrich with my head in the sand. It is hard for me to ignore any elephants in the room. So, please tell me….

Have I dear reader, become unfocused?

Before you answer my question, please let me ask one of you: If we can not discern now, how will we discern in the future? My question is a sincere one. It is not a trick question to get you not to answer my question. I do want you to feel free to answer.

As I try to discern the times, I need your help.

Please help me.

Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. — Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 –

Roaches in the Dark

 

I wrote this for an old friend who has family members who bombard her with questions about the Bible, only to mock and ridicule her. It is for anyone else who has to deal with the same things she finds herself trying to defend. The truth is on our side, no matter what the children of darkness want to think or believe.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. — 1 John 1-5 –

Do you have those in your life who ask Biblical questions, just to mock with words such as, “You really don’t believe that, do you?”  ”You can’t possibly believe that.” “Well, I don’t believe it.” Sometimes, this may happen from time to time. It reminds me of that old devil – the serpent — when he said to Eve, “Has God indeed said, ….”

The defintion of indeed: without any question : truly, undeniably —often used interjectionally to express irony or disbelief or surprise

When people do this, it is of the very same nature that approached Eve in the garden –bringing doubt and unbelief, changing God’s Word.  Satan was accusing God of the very thing he  — Satan — was doing, that of being a liar. It is an anti-christ spirit.

There is a simple reason why people do this. John tells us: And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. — John 3:19,20 –

People who mock the truth, are children of the dark. In my opinion, they have the same nature as a cock roach.

Look at the roach. They scurry to and fro, in the dark, dragging their filth everywhere their little feet touch. But go in and turn on the light and they scatter. Running off to find a place to hide.

Evil is like that. Evil/wicked people love to practice their dark deeds. They can not handle the light of truth exposing their deeds. They want us Christians to bow down before them and accept their wickedness and lies as a good thing. Demanding that we somehow sancitfy it by putting our seal of approval on it. We can not do it. In fact, we are to let them be. If I am understanding scripture correctly, this passage in the book of Daniel pretty much sums it up. God was telling Daniel what the last days would look like:

And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. — Daniel 12:9,10 –

God was letting Daniel know that there would be those who would allow God to convict and restore. Others would continue in their wickedness. Nothing has changed since then. There is great wickedness. Sometimes, we as believers become overwhelmed by what we see. The wicked — the mockers — will not understand why we believe the way we do. It is not their desire to understand. Or else they would be willing to come to the light and have their deeds exposed to the light of the truth of God.

So, if you have people in your lives who mock you, who ridicule you as they live like devils in the dark, do not be surprise: Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned … — 2 Timothy 12-14 –

Carry on. Do not let the roaches of the dark persuade you.

Gold Plummets, but God says…

Men and the powers that be in the world think that silver and gold belong to them. But God says, ‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. — Haggai 2:8 –

If we are trusting in anything other than God and God alone, we will not be able to stand in the days to come. If you hear nothing else I say, hear this: Everything, and I mean everything we have put our trust in is going to be tested. Only those things which are of God will stand. Man’s kingdoms are crumbling, but God’s Kingdom abides forever.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. — Psalm 118:8 –

… Jesus said…“How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” Mark 10:23 –

What riches is it that you cling to?  What are the idols that you are putting your trust in?  

Gartman on Gold: We’ve Never Ever Seen Anything Like It: http://www.cnbc.com/id/100640665

Reach out of the Darkness

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. — Colossians 1:13,14 –

The following video is one of those old songs I liked as a teenager. But, I have to be honest about something. It confused me as the title is called Reach OUT of the darkness, yet it is sung Reach out IN the darkness. To actually reach out IN the darkness appears that one would be asking for the things in the dark. The words, “reach out in the darkness and you may find a friend,” bothered me for years. After coming out of the Occult, my interpretaion was of that friend, would be a demon.

I always especially like the lyrics that say, “I knew a man who I did not care for. Then one day, that man became a friend of mine.” That spoke volumes to me as a teenager. Over the years, I have learned I can have friends from all walks of life. Not to be confused with a sister or brother in the Lord. But friend. A friend who I know would mean me no harm and who knows I mean them no harm.

I guess it is how one wants to see it. As for me, from where I sit and in my personal life, I now see a meaning in this song as reaching out into the darkness to pull those who are in the dark into Jesus’ marvelous light of truth. Of course you can not force anyone and I dare not try. That is manipulation. And if one can be manipulated to follow God, one can be manipulated to not follow God. On the other hand, I would be lying if I did not say this blog is meant to lead others into the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Of course it is and if that is not seen, then I am doing something terribly wrong.

There are those all across the world who are trying to reach out of the darkness that torments them. Others are perfectly content being there and have absolutely no desire to come out. Of those, I would say let them stay there. God is perfectly capable of reaching them. You can pray for them, of course. And if God Himself has not called you to go there, then do not do it. Focus your attention on where God wants you.

Jesus said: “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” – John 3:18 -20 –

Jesus became not only my Redeemer, my Savior, my Lord, my King, but my Friend. He actually reached into the darkness of my soul and brought me into His Kingdom of light.

As children of the light, we are to reach out to others and bring them into His marvelous light. You never know, who will end up being your friend in the process, thus becoming your sister or brother.

Even now, if you are reading this blog entry — knowing that it’s main objective is to lead others to Jesus Christ and the truth — know it or not, you have come here, not in the name of Redeemed Hippie, but in the name of Jesus Christ.

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” — Matthew 18:20 — Jesus

Oh, and I do happen to think it is groovy that the Remnant of God, wherever she is, is coming together in pockets all over the earth in one way or the other. Peace!

Carleen Sabin:

What are you Feasting on?

Yesterday was my husband’s and my anniversary. Married for 25 years – I wanted to do something somewhat special for my husband. So I chose a particular restaurant. After we began eating, I remembered the last time we ate there and I had said, “Never again will I come back here,” as the food was just not all that good the first time and neither was it last night. Huge disappointment. I told him I was sorry for choosing this place while biting my tongue as not to ruin our anniversary by complaining about the food. As usual, dear husband was very gracious towards me.

I left feeling grateful that at least I had food to eat. Plus, I didn’t have to cook, but still would have rathered stayed home and eaten a simple sandwich or frozen pizza. It would have given me the same results — one of having eaten something.

As a diabetic, I have learned I have to eat whether I want to or not. If not, I become weak, shakey, confused, disoriented and even crabby. There have been times when I have just grabbed whatever was around me, shoved it in my mouth and swallow just so I could begin feeling somewhat normal/better. But that isn’t enough. I had to learn what it is I am to eat. Grabbing a cookie here or there just to make the hunger  go away so I could continue on with what I was doing, is not the same thing as a healthy diet. I have had to literally learn to stop what I was doing and go fix something somewhat nutritional.

Sometimes, we all feast on things that fill us up, so to speak. But they aren’t always nutritional. The food last night was bland, the salad fixins, being especially bland, probably due to being hybrid veggies. Yech. The meat had a taste of not being freshly cooked. The shrimp? I don’t even know what that was suppose to be or where it came from. The Brownie surely would taste good, I thought. Uh, but no. If I had known it was not going to taste like one of my own, I would not have wasted my time. The only thing that tasted good was the one strawberry dipped in chocolate, but I very well could not make a meal out of that, now, could I?

This has not been an easy lesson for me to learn — to eat correctly. It takes self-control and an ability to focus. Two things that have never been what I would call any virtues on my part. Still not anything great on my part, but God will continue that good work of not only teaching me, but helping me in learning to take care of this temple in which He dwells.

The things we feast on, are the things we become.  If I feast on things that have hurt me, I will become unforgiving and bitter. If I feast on those things that I find confusing, I will become paranoid and suspicious. If I feast on those things which bring fear, then I become paralyzed. If I feast on the things which I hate, then I will become hate.  If I feast on that which makes me angry, I will become rage.

Ah, but, if we feast on… “… whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. – Philippians 4:8 –

…if we feast on these things, then the Kingdom of God is being built within us. The world around us is going to hell in a hand basket, but we as sons and daughters of the living God, are not of this world. His Spirit lives in us to do His work — however He sees fit, whenever He sees fit. It is His doing, not ours.

The feast we are to feast on, is not the things of this world. But His Word. We are to be so full of His Word that His anointing to do good, to speak truth would be so like getting up from a table feeling completely full that we could not but help shout the things of God! Doesn’t that excite you, Church!? It does me!

We do not have to partake of the garbage of this world. We don’t have to go scrounging around in garbage dumps to find that which God wants to feed us. He has given us His Word. The Bible — a living entity. The only thing on this earth that can change a heart from darkness to true light. The only thing that can impart grace to the hearers. The only thing that can renew our minds in the way God desires. The only thing on this earth that is … living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12 –

Why? Because Jesus is the Word! …and His name is called The Word of God. — Revelation 19:13 –

That WORD is alive, He lives!

Christian, you do not have to settle for less. You have the living God in you and He desires to feed you from His table. One of a complete feast. Do not eat just anything. Do not let yourself go hungry! Feast on that which is alive!

Is there ever a time of too much seed?

The Parable of the Sower

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” — Matthew 13:3-9 –

The Parable of the Sower Explained

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”                                     — Matthew 13:18-23 –

I purchased a grow light, and loving turnips, some turnip seeds. When I received the seeds, I could not believe how tiny they are. I thought to myself surely nothing is going to grow from that. I was disappointed. But, I went on and set them up under the grow light. After just one day, they began to change!  After three days, they were sprouting! So I have me some cute little baby turnip seeds growing in my basement.

I made a mistake in putting them in the little pods. Thinking that nothing could grow from even one tiny seed, I put more than one seed in some of the pods, hoping at least one would grow. Well, most of them are growing and guess what? The pods I filled with extra seed are growing all clumped up together. As of now it would take tweezers to seperate them. But if I should try, I suppose I would kill them. So I will leave them alone and see what happens.

It made me wonder if we Christians can ever sow too much seed (The Word of God) in one place. I had my niece over a couple weeks ago helping me clean house and she began asking me many questions about the things of God and the Bible. I got excited because I could see God was setting eternity in her heart. I love talking about the things of God to anyone who is interested and here she was, full of questions, truly wanting to know. I began sharing with her, and to the best of my abilities answered her questions. I thought to myself dear God, am I giving her too much at one time? Help her to contain all of this. To remember Your Word.

Paul said: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.   — 1 Corinthains 3:6-8 —

Paul was speaking about how he and Apollos had given out the (seed) Word of God. He gave God the glory by saying that those who plant and water are not anything. One plants and another comes along and waters that which has been planted. Just like my turnip seeds — I planted and watered, but it is God who is making them grow.

So in answer to my own question, is there ever a time when we can plant too much seed in one place? I don’t think so. If my little plants grow into a jumbled little mess, God is perfectly capable of sorting it out. I may mess it up, but God is still the One who gives the increase.

However, the ground has to be broken up, tilled before we plant seed in an actual garden. Pray that God break the fallow ground of the heart, so that the seeds you plant will take root. No matter where the seed falls, remember , it is still eternal seed. Even if you ever feel like you have messed up in not planting correctly, remember it is God who is giving the increase.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. — Isaiah 55:10,11 –

To Soar like an Eagle

Have you ever tried to make yourself fly? As a child, did you ever jump off a high place, open your arms and flap about, hoping the wind would take you away? I did. I never gave it much thought until one morning I had a dream I could fly. I went out before day break, stood on top of the picnic table and jumped. I thought for sure I was going to take off. But, I didn’t. It really surprised me when I hit the ground.

I love the following passage:

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. — Isaiah 40:30,31 –

I’ve heard a few sermons over my life from the above. My favorite one was by Leonard Ravenhill, but I’ve lost it over the years. If any of you know where I can find it, I sure would appreciate it.

I want to share what little — and trust me, it is very little, what I know about the Eagle. Maybe some of you can add your knowledge.

First off, did you know the Eagle is much different than other birds?

An Eagle has great eye sight. He can see his prey a few miles from the earth. It is said he does not eat the dead things. He goes after that which is alive.

An Eagle will not let their offspring hang around forever. They actully push their young out of the nest to teach them to fly. They will push them out and the little eagle can become beaten and cut up from the thorny nest.

Other birds hide when there is a storm brewing. But not the Eagle. Why, he comes out of his nest and flies right into the eye of the storm and lets the wind take him for one heck of a ride!

I have tried to make myself fly over the years. I would wake up and tell myself, “I’m not going to let anything get me down. I’m gonna soar like an eagle today.” After all, those who write books have made it sound so easy. But, I could not. I tried the “positive confession” thingy many years ago. That didn’t work either. All it did was make me feel worse when I could not live up to the latest teaching.

Man’s ways are works of the flesh and are not to be confused with the things of God.

If you notice it says, those who wait upon the Lord, are the ones who will mount up with wings like eagles. Sometimes what we call waiting, is nothing more than being in a passive state. God never calls us to be passive. Nor can we say we are waiting on the Lord while we are still doing our own thing. Sometimes God has to remove us from a situation, change our surroundings, put us in a place dreadfully alone where we can do nothing but fearfully watch all that surrounds us. The last thing we want is to be pushed out of the nest and be thrown in that mess!

We may even become used to the place God has set us. When that happens, all we can do is peek our little Eagle head up every now and then, look over the nest to below, and squawk about the conditions we see. Then we go back to sleep taking a little eagle nap, waiting for something to come along and drop a morsel in our mouth.

But one day without you realizing it…

You learn you are flying! It is not something you did. It is not something you can boast about. You may not even be able to pin point when you got thrown out of the nest. You are able to see the scratches and wounds you received when parent eagle had thrown you out, but the scratches and wounds do not matter. They will heal. You are content to be flying.  You come to realize you have been set free to go after that which is alive!

You see things differently. Those things you once had your eyes on? You still see them, but they no longer cause you to want to take little eagle naps. No longer are you squawking, instead you are having the time of your life, looking at it all in astonishment, knowing that the One who pushed you out of the nest, is right there flying along with you! Your eyesight is much greater now. Your desire is to be free. You desire to fly above the storm. You find it is only things of the Spirit that matter now. Why eat dead things when God is life!

You find you are not trying to hide from the storms. But you are somehow flying right into it! Oh what does it mean!? It means you are seeing the whole picture, not just the things that had you hiding in the nest. You are able to see the majesty of all creation, made by the hands of a Creator who told us some things must come to past. You are no longer surprised, bitter, angry, afraid or anxious of what is to come. You have spread your wings and the Lord is showing you His hand on everything.

Bride of Christ, believe it or not, our strength is being built up for the real battles to come. God desires us to soar. To fly high above all the dead things, seeing that which is alive. HE will bring it to pass.

The things of this world will pass away, but His Word endures forver and ever.

WAIT UPON THE LORD

faiwsu:

Things my Dogs teach me: Spending time with the Master

I’ve never been much of a morning person. Just ask my family, or an old roomate or my husband. Over the years they would have more than likely said, ”Leave her alone in the morning.” “Don’t even ask her to pass the salt.” “She might bite your head off.” They would be correct. Being a night owl at one time, I found mornings the least favorite time of the day.

However, that was then, some years ago. I don’t know if it has something to do with my body aging or not, but I find, all in all I don’t need as much sleep as I once did. I now find myself waking before the break of dawn. I suppose it may be a selfish thing, but I still like to be left pretty much alone until I actually wake up.

I notice the very first thing Dixie and Dolly do when they wake up, is come to me. They know I stop what I am doing to give them their morning lovings. Not only that, but I get morning lovings from them. When I bend down to pet them, they usually go into an instant submissive stance, rolling over, showing me their little bellies, waiting to be rubbed.  All that matters to the three of us, is that moment.

I think God wants us to be like that towards Him — that we desire Him first and above all. The very first thing we are to think of when we wake up is not the cares of the world, but Him. We are to automatically let Him be in our thoughts, desiring to run to Him, loving Him, receiving His love and yes, even rolling over in an act of submission to Him.

Could there be anything wrong with taking time to worship God in the morning? In the stillness of the morning, before the day begins, should not our first words be, “Not my will, but Yours, Oh God?”

During the activities of my day, my dogs will come to me for affection, attention, etc. I don’t always stop what I am doing, but God is always ready to listen, to spend time with us, to make our path straight, if we acknowledge Him.

Be still, and know that I am God;… Psalm 46:10 –

Please, if anyone finds any leaven in the following, please fell free to tell me.

Kekskruemel14:

Is our forgiveness of others sometimes a selfish act?

But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. — 1 John 2:11 –

Without going into detail, I can tell you I know what it feels like to hate. To hate in such a manner where if that loved one (note: I said loved one) died and went to hell, would have left me apathetic and uncaring. I can say honestly, and God knows, I had never in my life hated so much and so deeply. I did not think it was even possible until certain circumstances began to develop in my private life a few years back. To even think on where I once was, brings not only a chill to my soul, but deep remourse.

I had been wronged, misunderstood. Barely had I time to deal with one attack, when another would come. I became angry, wanting to defend myself, wanting to show my accusers where they were wrong, desiring to fight back. I became more hardened than I ever have in my whole life. It is to my shame that I confess, I reached a point where I just shut down.  Shutting down everything in me that would have allowed me to care for my loved ones. Shutting down any concerns I may have had previously for them. Everything good was shut out and everything bad, was shut in. I had no mercy, I had nothing but disdain and a desire to see them get what they deserved.

The following words, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. — Matthew 6:14,15 –  put a terrible dread in me. I knew I had trespassed against God’s Word in allowing myself, in choosing to defy His Word. But I did not know how to forgive. Worse than that, I did not want to.

I took a sense of pride over the years that I was the eldest. As if that position alone made me any more special than my siblings. I had not seen this pride as sin until all hell began to break lose in my soul. I had tried to the best of my abilities to walk in peace but that peace began to become unglued when our mother died. I made it worse by not responding appropriately towards certain events. Being the Christian who is suppose to know how to act during such times and did not, I take full blame and responsibility for things getting out of control. I should have known better. I should have been the one who should have been able to see Satan at work in our midst trying to destroy our family. But I did not. I came to the conclusion, most of the damage and the breach was being caused by me! By not forgiving, by not caring, by shutting down, by holding grudges in ways in hopes that would bring them to repentence. Not able to see that I needed to repent.

How foolish was I! Many times the words of Peter came to me over and over, “But Lord what about this one?” Jesus more or less told him to mind his own buisness when He said to him, “…what is it to you? You follow Me.”

I really did not know what that looked like. Did it mean that I just passively submit to everything being done? Did it mean I shut my mouth for the sake of a fake peace? The kind of peace that would have led others to believe all is well, when it is not? A peace to me that would have been compromise.

I had been taught over the years that our forgiveness of others was to “make us feel better.” I never bought that. If God is completely UNselfish, then if we Christians who have HIS Spirit in us, should we not too be just as UNselfish? Somehow me forgiving others just to make myself feel better, did not make sense to me. Isn’t it selfish to do anything in hopes of getting something in return? I think so. It is just as selfish to forgive in hopes that it will make us feel better.

A few times over the course of the past couple years when I realized my soul was in prison and I wanted out, I cried out selfishly, “God help me forgive!” But, it never happened. When that didn’t work, I wanted to know WHY I should forgive in the first place. Was it just because God laid some kind of passive condition upon His people? Something that was suppose to make us look good, somehow better than others? If that was the case, I didn’t want it. I didn’t find forgiveness worth my while if it meant it was just to make me feel better. I saw it as selfish and a type of passivity. Not only that, what about when the feel-good feelings for myself ran out, then what? I would have to go around the same old mountain trying to forgive just so I could feel good again! I may as well be a little hamster in one of those little running wheels hoping to reach my destination!

vlanico:

When I began to get my eyes off those who hurt me, it was then that I saw, that I too had wronged others. I was not without blame. For the longest time, I tried to justify it within myself: I had reasons not to forgive, I told myself. God You are suppose to be my defender, where were You? You didn’t defend me, so I had to do it myself. What more can You expect? You expect me to roll over and play dead? Uh uh, ain’t happening, Lord.

One thing I know about God is, you can be real with Him. He knows anyway, so you may as well just be open and honest with Him about everything.

After a few years of me hanging on to my trying to justify myself, God in His mercy began to get through to me. I’m almost certain it would not normally have taken Him years, IF I had been willing. Before I could begin to forgive, He showed me I needed forgiveness from Him for the way I had handled things. I had brought reproach to His truth, to His love, to His kindness, to His mercy. There was no way to get around it. The words of my Lord came to me and said, “If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen the Father.” All I knew, is compared to Jesus, I looked and acted nothing like Him. There is no way He would have acted the way I did.

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. — 1 John 2:12 –

Forgiveness is NOT about us forgiving so we can feel better. Just as we have been forgiven for His name’s sake, we are to forgive others for the very same reason.

My question is, do we love Jesus enough, that we do what we do for nothing more than for His sake? Is He alone not worthy? Does He not deserve to have that which He suffered for? If He could die a horrible gruesome death and rise from the dead for the likes of one such as I, how much more is He worthy to have the very lives of those who He has put into my life? Who am I not to to extend forgiveness to others when He has forgiven me of so much? Forgiveness is an act of reconciliation between God and man. He desires the souls of man to know that forgiveness through His Son. Let us not be a stumbling block to that by not allowing His forgiveness to flow through us freely.

Things my dogs teach me: Let the Master Touch You

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
— Matthew 8:2,3 –

When our blue-tic Beagle, Jethro, began to get eye infections, I had to put ointment in his eyes. I dreaded it because this dog did not let you touch him if he thought you were checking something out on his body that needed care. He never bit me, but he would try if I somehow didn’t trick him into letting me. When it came time to put ointment in his eyes, I had to think of a way to make it “fun” for him in order to get him to submit to my care. I began by muzzling him. Or at least try. He was not going to have it. But when I grabbed a little can of sausages and let him see me go through the little ritual of opening the can — making sure he got a good wiff — laying the little sausages out, cutting them into pieces, he watched and waited as his slobber drooled on my kitchen floor.

I began to train him with the bits of sausages. Making it a game. He got muzzled, let me put ointment in his eyes and after we were done, he knew he was going to be rewarded. It did not take long for him to not even need the muzzle. He was perfectly content to come to me and let me do what needed to be done. Knowing he had little sausages waiting for him.

I guess in a way you could say, he had his eyes set on the prize before him.

Dolly, my smallest dog sometimes wakes up with an infection in her eyes. The first time it happened, it alarmed me. I didn’t want to have to muzzle this sweet little timid dog. It would confuse her, making her more timid. I never want my little girlies afraid of me.

I decided I would not muzzle her and just see what would happen. As I got the ointment, the dogs being curious little creatures, were under foot, hoping it was to be a treat for them. I got my reading glasses to use as I can’t see up close without them. The whole time speaking in a low soothing voice telling them what good girls they were.

They went to their bed where they followed me, and laid down. Instantly rolling over. Perfect sign of submission. Dolly let me put the ointment in her eye without trying to bite or wiggling out from under me! Dixie on the other hand, seeing what I was doing to/for her little sister, hid the upper part of her body under the bed. As if the master couldn’t see her rear end sticking out!

Aren’t we like this sometimes? We either allow the Master to touch us or we don’t.

We all hurt at some time or another. Either through sicknesses, circumstances or things that have been said or done to us. We have done things to hurt others (intentionally or not) that may may end up being the very thing to come back and bite us. Our human nature — our flesh, tends to go off somewhere and nurse our wounds. We may try to find ways to bring healing to ourselves through things that lead to types of death — physical or/and spirtual. We may go here or there looking for that one thing – one person that can “fix” it. Yet, on the other hand, we may reach the point of not wanting anything or anybody touching us. Eventually we come to a place where we realize there is nothing that can. We even stop running to others, even to other Christians. It is then, we more or less throw in the towel, giving up, perhaps feeling a sense of hopelessness. We find we are not running anymore in seeking that perfect “fix.”

You wonder if you will ever see the light of day, if there is anything good under the sun at all. We realize all our running to – and -fro has done nothing but wear us out. Friend, would you believe me if I told you that is a great place to be!? His desire for you is to bring you into the place He wanted you from the beginning of the moment He began to create you in HIS image. His desire is to make you whole, to heal, to bring restoration, to REDEEM. The Master desires to touch you!

Perhaps you have said “no” in your heart, thinking, “I’m too rotten. I’m unclean, vile before the eyes of a holy God.” I would have to agree with you. Yes, you are. You are rotten and unclean. God already knows. Just as He knows it about me and every other human being on the earth.

There is only One who makes clean. Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice.

Or perhaps you have thought, “But you don’t know the things done against me.” You would be right. I do not. But God knows. Isn’t it enough that He knows?

He sees us trying to hide. I think we probably look ridiculous to Him when we do that. Just as goofy as Dixie with her butt stuck out from under the bed. I, as Dixie’s master, did not come up behind her and kick her. Nor did I reprimand her harshly, trying to force her out from under the bed. For one thing, she was not the one who needed the ointment. If she had, I would have found a tender way to deal with her. I don’t want my girlies hiding from me when I aim to do them good.

God does not want you trying to hide from Him, either. You can’t. So you may as well come out in the open with Him anyway and admit you need HIS touch. Not those whom you may have been running to. Not that one special prayer that Christians sometimes look for in their time of need. Not that one person who we have run to on occassion. Not that one new book which you hope has all the answers. Not that one revival meeting. Not that one conference some may say you need to attend.

God is jealous over you. Not in a bad way that some people like to portray, but in a good way. He wants you to know HE is the one who heals, HE is the repairer of the breach, HE is the one who redeems. Not because He is some selfish God who needs us to know these things for His sake. But because of who He is. A loving God, a merciful God, a kind God. He knows the only way you can be safe in your soul, is if you submit every hurt, pain and suffering to Him. To trust in anything else is idolatry. That is sin.

Whatever you are facing, whatever your circumstance, take it to the Cross. Be willing to die. You are not alone. He will show you how as He is right there with you. He is willing to touch you in spite of any foul and festering wounds. Let the Master touch you.

Counting it all Rubbish

Sometimes I believe the American church think we are somehow more special than those around the world. We trust more in our politics to change the world than we do the Gospel. While our politics do affect the whole world, what about our brand of gospel? That too has affected the whole world. I think just about every false teaching, every abomination, every lie, every deception was birthed out of America. Which if even remotely true –and I think so — would make us nothing but garbage.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. — Mark 13:31 –

I’ve come to see that everything I have put my focus on over the past few years, is garbage – dung, if you will. The things of this world will pass away and as much as I would like, there is not one thing I can do to hold back the abomnible filth and lies I see invading every aspect of our culture, politics, government and even within what is called The Church. I have come to an end of myself and have no other recourse but to focus on that which is eternal. I’m certain this will bore some people and will cause them to move on, and yet, with others it is something of great relief.

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. — Phillipians 3:7-11 – 

Those within the world who speak great swelling words who appeal to man’s pride, his abilities, his accomplishments are nothing more than noise to me anymore. Man’s opinions and agendas, grow less and less important to me each passing day. Men are building their kingdoms here on this earth. Both within and outside of the church.

If you are familiar with this blog, it is no big secret how I have had such hatred and rage in me about the things that has had my attention. If Jesus Himself would have told me 10 years ago it would come upon me, I would have thought it impossible. But, He did tell me and I did not take heed:

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.                 — Matthew 24:12,13 –

That word “love” is not some touchy feely watered down sugary definition of love. It is Agape love. It is God love. I have not had it. Even now, I can only say:

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. — Phillipians 7-14 –

When I found the video below, not able to understand the language, I was reminded of how America is NOT somehow God’s chosen or special nation. America is NOT somehow His favorite nation. The church of America is certainly not his favorite! God has His children spread throughout the world. Most of them whom I am not worthy to loosen their boot straps!

Do you sense a tugging somewhere deep within you? Is there a sense you need to do let go of some things? Oh, Bride of Christ, can you hear the Kingdom of God calling you to come out of the kingdoms of man?

That is the same Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, – Romans 8:14 – 16 –

“My kingdom is not of this world.” — Jesus

faiwsu:

Things my dogs teach me: how to receive the blessings of God

Note: This is not about us doing this or that to receive the blessings of God. There are plenty of people who will tell you they have the perfect little wrapped up package of merchandise that will tell you how — you just have to buy it. No, this has nothing to do with that. So if that is what you are looking for, you will be disappointed.

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We got Dixie and Dolly when they were barely 8 weeks old. Dixie weighed 2 and a half pounds and Dolly — the runt of the litter – weighed 1 and a half pounds.

After having Jethro, our blue-tick beagle, who was rambunctious and a mind of his own, I decided early that I would try to train the new pups in ways I had not with Jethro.

Jethro would never come when called. Instead, he would look at you and then run off barking that obnoxious hound dog bark. Even though he was a house dog — twice, we received letters from some secret disgruntled neighbor complaining about his barking.

Not wanting to go through that again, I began teaching the pups at a very early age to come to me when called.

Another thing I wanted to teach them, was not allowing them to run ahead of me. Especially when it came to stairs. I had already had my fill of that with Jethro. It was clear he was alpha in the household and one of the ways he showed it, would be just about knocking me down a flight of stairs as we both were using them.

I wanted to train the new puppies to either walk beside me or behind me. Especially on steps.

They have learned well. They even watch my foot steps, turning their little heads, looking to see when their master moves, and will wait for me to take a step before they do. They rarely overstep their bounds.

However…

When I walk up the steps with treats in my hand, Dixie, the biggest one will walk right beside me. Never in front, never behind, but right beside me, like the little lady she is. Dolly, the little one however, runs excitedly ahead of me waiting for me at the top of the stairs. It is the only time she runs ahead of me. I don’t discipline her for it. She is excited and I can not take that away from her. She knows I have something good to give her. She can not wait for me to get to the top of the stairs. But, she still has to wait for me to get there before she gets the cookie.

One night I saw something – this is sometimes how we have received the blessings of God. There are times when we have walked right along beside Him. Step – by – step, patiently, keeping the very same pace as our Master.

Other times, we may try and and run on ahead at our pace. I don’t know if it is disobediant or not. I guess it depends upon what one does when they get to the place where they think God is going. In Dolly’s case, there is nothing more for her to do, but wait for me, tail wagging, full of expectation.

It’s too bad sometimes, that I am not a dog when it comes to receiving the Master’s blessings. Because unlike Dolly, who will run on ahead and wait, I sometimes decide to run on ahead and bless myself any way I see fit. Some examples of that over the years has been grabbing an alcoholic drink after working hours in the yard. After all, I deserve it.

No longer able to physically work hours in the yard like ten, twenty years ago — I do good to go at it for 15 – 20 minutes at a time — I come in and collapse in a chair. My reward now is simply being able to tell the Lord, “Thank you, God, for helping me get that done and not letting me drop dead out there.”

Other examples of blessing myself have been getting a chore done and then mindlessly veg out in front of the TV. All the while telling myself, After all, I deserve it. Why anyone feels they deserve hours of some TV marathon while there are things to be done, is beyond me.

One particular way I blessed myself, was get all my work done and then sit down and work a jigsaw puzzle.  After all, I deserve it. I would not do anything else until that puzzle was done. No cleaning, no ironing, no doing laundry, no dish washing, nothing. You have any idea how long it takes to put together a puzzle of 500, 1000 pieces? Long enough where everything around you starts piling up and the place starts to look like you have pigs living with you.

One of the worst ways I blessed myself some years back, was playing a computer game. I finally came to realize it had actually began a process of re-wiring my brain! I dared not even say it outloud back then because at the time it was much too embarrassing. Who would even believe such a thing, but I tell you it is true.

Having our brains re-wired for anything but the Word of God, just will not do, my friends.

The Word of God says to be transformed — changed — by the renewing of our minds.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. — Romans 12:2 –

I was not blessing myself, instead I was allowing myself to come under the influence of something that ended up cursing me.

I know we are to be like Jesus in all things and God knows my heart when I say this: If I could be more like my dogs in receiving the blessings of God, that would still be an improvement over where my impulsives have led me over the years.

Impulsives, for the most part are sin. If something is not under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, then it is sin. I didn’t have that right to bless myself. Not only is it self-centered and selfish, it made me a robber, a thief. I stole that from My Father who wanted to be THE ONE to bless me, however, whenever He saw best.

Are you using ways to bless yourself in ways that God has not desired? Please know, they ultimately lead to bondage. You become addicted to the very thing you run to to bless yourself. Some people end up being alcoholics and drug addicts for rewarding themselves. Others go in debt because they spend, spend, spend, trying to bless themselves. Some, like I, end up having our brains re-wired. It is a curse we bring on ourselves. It is sin.

If you too have stolen from God, you must know, you are a thief. It is God who desires to bless you. It is not your place. Your way will lead to bondage and death. His blessings lead to freedom and life.

Help me not to forget, Oh God!

A couple or so weeks ago, my husband called me as he was leaving work to tell me he was on his way to Immediate Care center. “Now, don’t be alarmed, I’m ok.” I don’t know what it is about those particular words, but they never work. I thought my heart was going to stop. I tried to stay calm. I invisioned him on the side of the road, car turned over, bloody and all broken up, waiting for the ambulance.

He went on to say he had felt some discomfort in his chest and he was going to have it checked out. After hanging up, I prayed and continued to wait by the phone. I could not think, focus or move from room to room without a terrible dread. After seeing him clutch his chest a few nights before, I wondered if we were about to go through one big trial.

Had it not been for that previous incident, I may not have felt such awful dread. He ended up in the hospital, stayed one night, had some tests ran and tests came back good. However, they did attribute his discomfort as possible angina and sent him home with nitroglycerian. We both are very grateful that it was nothing worse.

While my husband was gone, I experienced such lonliness. My sadness was so great that no human being could touch it. Lonliness I have gotten used to, but not the kind I had that night. My very best earthly friend was not with me. The one who I have shared almost every single thought, desire, hope, heart break and disappointment for almost 25 years. A man who is able to listen, who understands me better than anyone on the earth, who can somehow find it within himself to put up with me, who has never abused me in any way, always kind, patient, never once raised his voice to me, a man who is such a complete opposite of me that it balances us both in a way that is both beautiful and practical for the two of us.

I love this man who God led me to. We are growing old together. He still compliments my looks, even when I am at my worse — He grins when I tell him he needs to get new glasses. He will eat some of the most awful slop I manage to create in the kitchen, when I will not touch it. He tells me it is good and I tell him he only says so because he’s too cheap to throw the stuff out. He is honest with me and will tell me I’m a little kooky at times, helping me to see I really am kooky. He likes to tell people his “wife is an artist.” Though I would differ on that. He’s not easily intimidated by me, like most men I’ve known. He knows my bark is much worse than my bite. Though he will take great pleasure in telling his friends I am his little bull dog. He unashamedly will tell other men, “she’s the mechanic in the family.”

Through him, I have been able to see that yes, gentleness is true strength. He is the one good with numbers and paying the bills, when my attention span is that of a gnat. He has been dedicated to the Lord since day one of our marraige, always faithful to rise early and spend time with Him in the Word. He’s calm, practical, logical, reserved, quiet, when for the most part I am none of those. He is as stable as a rock. People who know us both, know my husband is a wonderful man and they see how well matched we are in spite of being so different from one another.

I was lost the night my husband was gone. I went to bed that night without him by my side. Wondering if he would be with me soon or if the coming days would bring us stays in the hospital. Or if he would even come home at all. Our marriage from day one had been spent dealing with sick and aged loved ones. Starting with my father who had surgery after surgery, sometimes year after year. Then there were other family members. Some with Altzimers. Then his mother, then my mother. It had been an ongoing thing. Barely a reprieve until the next crisis would develop. My mother was the last. It has been about four years now that we have not had to deal with any such major events.

Laying in bed that night, I began to question my strength, my abilities, my stamina, my resources should we have to begin dealing with another what has always been to me, a life-stopping event. Already weak in many areas, I felt I was about to be pounded in the ground. Not able to rise above what might be needed if my husband were not well. I began to remember things that I would fuss about with him. ”Don’t set that there, put it in the sink.” ” “What do you think this is, a barn? Shut the door.” “Hey, you got the ketchup out. How about putting it up?” “Whatta ya think I am, your maid? Pick up after yourself.” “You want to live in a pig sty? Fine!”

The one thing that I was remembering though was the constant kicking, jerking he does in his sleep. I looked over at his pillow and thought, “Oh dear God. Please bring him home to me. I won’t ever again kick him back.” I meant it — for the time, anyway.

Something within me cried out, “Help me not to forget, oh God, what this feels like!” As painful as it was, as lonely as it was … I did not want to forget. In the past, I would run to and fro doing my best to forget the pain and suffering that was in my midst. Yet, as hard as I would try, I could never escape it. It was always there reminding me of how miserable life was at the time. My trying to forget even made things worse. And there I was, asking, begging God to let me not forget this lonliness, this pain? Somehow it did not make sense to me.

Dear husband is home with me now and life has continued peacefully without any incidences. I’ve given it a lot of thought as to exactly what I was asking of God. I’ve not forgotten that particlar affliction of lonliness and pain. I’ve not tried to run from it. I guess in some strange unexplainable way, I have embraced it.

It is not a bad thing.

Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
For I believe Your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
But now I keep Your word.
You are good, and do good;
Teach me Your statutes. — Psalm 119:66-68 –

You see, I had gone astray in my heart towards my husband. No, it wasn’t like I was committing adultery going out being with other men.  Nothing like that at all. It was the cares of the world, the darkness that has taken over the whole world had taken over me. I could not enjoy one minute with my dear husband because I was much too busy focusing on all the bad things. Yet, it was a type of adultery. So I will call it what it is — sin.

If a sinful woman can feel this kind of thing pertaining to just one night of being alone without her husband, should not the Bride of Christ feel so much more towards her Groom?

Are you apart from the Bridegroom doing your own thing? Have you let other things come between you and your Husband? If so, He wants you to know He still desires to have you back. His love for His Bride is forever.

The Stench of Man verses the Fragrance of God

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. — 2 Corinthians 2:15,16 –

The things of man are like a rotting corpse. Ever been to a funeral and watched as people pass by the dead body and say things like, “She/He looks good”? I suppose it is the polite thing to do. I am certainly not judging anyone during a time of grief. I just find it odd that we pay so much attention to something that is dead, something that had to be prepared for viewing, usually new clothes had to be bought. People stand, grieving, looking down at their loved one in hopes they look similar to what they remember. Almost like hoping, the dead body will give some kind of comfort. But it never will. It lays there — dead. It can not rise up and give you one last kiss or embrace. There is nothing comforting about a dead body no matter how much outward work is put into it.

Too many times what man calls pleasing, what man esteems, what man lifts up — much like a rotting corpse – is nothing more than a stench to the nostrils of a holy God. Today, there are many dead things trying to exalt themselves over that which is alive. I’ve heard them on TV. I hear them on radio, I have seen it in the pulpits. I’ve even seen it and smelled it in Christian bookstores over the years.

I’ve come to the point where it is grating to my ears and it sounds like noise. Irritating, grinding, useless, vain empty chatter. It means very little, if anything to me.

Too many times I have touched and clung to, that which is unclean, rotting, dead. All the while still, hoping in that passage of He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it. But, if we allow ourselves to take on a dead thing, then that dead thing will take us on. We have to let go of the dead things and embrace that which brings life, if we want to be alive in Jesus. There is no other way.

The stench of man, no matter how great the fire that kindles it, no matter how long it has been rotting, will never win over the fragrance of God. No, not ever.

The stench of man always points back to self. Self is the one to be adored, worshipped, trusted and esteemed. Stench camps all over the place. Don’t believe me? Look at government, look at those in politics, look at some of the ministries you may support, look in your own church! Look and see what kingdoms they try to build here on earth. Look and see how they wish to enslave you, making you subserviant not to the One True God, but to them, causing you to cling to the dead things!

Are the things you cling to releasing the fragrance of God in your life, or is there a stench? I know. I know what that stench smells like because I have had it all over me! It is even within this blog! I know from where it came! It came from clinging to dead things. Hoping somehow they could rise up and embrace me and make me feel better, lead me to a sense of safety. That in and of itself is idolatry! But I did not know, I did not know. Still, it made me guilty! Guilty of trusting in worthless idols!

God over and over has told me to stop doing this or that, but no, I, in my rebellion –  in sin, have done the other! We know we should do what God tell us, but we say in our hearts: ”I will not. I am justified for feeling the way I feel.” Ok. But be ready to accept the consequences of such an act. It brings death. You can try and dress it up, you can try and get around it, you can even try to make up for it (as if we can) by thinking we can somehow fake God off by doing some good work. The fact remains — you are dead. Completely dead and your works, your trying is nothing but a stench before the nostrils of God.

So how is the fragrance of God realeased? I think it begins when you find yourself getting sick of the stench around you. When you finally notice that you have picked up the stench and it resides on you, that too is probably a good indication, that it is about time to have the fragrance of God released in your life.

If you are one who has become sick of the stench of the world, run to Him! Do not wait, lest the dead things continue to defile you. If you already have the stench of the dead upon you, do not be embarrased or afraid to run to the Father. He already knows you stink and He is probably more than likely the only One who has been able to put up with your foul smell.

Let the sweet smelling aroma of a perfect holy living sacrifice arise in you!

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. — Ephesians 5:1,2 –

Are we called to forgive ourselves?

When modern psyhchology began entering the church, I knew right off it would lead to greater deception. Enabling the church to become more self-absorbed with  having a touchy/feely experience, rather than picking up our cross, and die.

So many times over the past few decades I have heard/read/seen those who tell us, “You need to forgive yourself.”

Really? I need to ask where in the Word of God does it say that? It doesn’t.

Jesus upon the cross said, “It is finished.” He did not say, “Now go and forgive yourselves.”

The thief comes to steal. Is it not theft to claim for ourselves what is meant for God? Is it not theft to rob God of the act of forgiveness, when we take it upon ourselves to “forgive” ourselves? I think so. But, if we listen to the modern day pop psychologists who have managed to infilitrate the church and teach their brand of Humanism/Secularism, they would have us to believe we can actually add to the Words that were spoken out of the mouth of the Perfect Sacrifice.

Too many times, I have seen hurting individuals spend their time “trying to forgive myself” when all they needed to do was to accept the forgiveness of God. “Oh, but I have,” they have told me. “No, you haven’t.” “Yes, I have.” “No, you haven’t, because if you have, it would be enough.”

Many times people like to stay in that place of looking how to forgive themselves as it somehow feels good to them. What feels good about it, you may ask? Well, it certainly may appear to feel better than picking up your cross and actually dying. In the meantime, a person is getting by with singing the same ol’ song of woe is me, woe is me, when all along they can either accept the total forgiveness of God or not.

Once again, Jesus said, “It is finished.”  

If the enemy of our soul can get us so wrapped up in what we have done, he can keep us from truly repenting, and accepting the forgiveness of God. Self is ugly. I do not care how well we try and present it, how well we try to clean it up — self is ugly. God is not impressed by how well you forgive yourself. He is only impressed with His Son. For the church who say they trust in God, to refuse His forgiveness in search of their own methods, not only brings reproach to the truth, but is robbing God of what is rightly His. HE is the One who died on a cross for us. HE is the One who rose from the dead. HIS blood is the perfect sacrifice.

To think an act of some form of self-forgiveness is on the level of God’s forgiveness is not only ridiculous and deceptive, but blasphemeous. It is one of making the truth of no effect. You may as well say, “God, your forgiveness is not enough, so I’m gonna go and try to find my own.”

What if you had a child who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He tells you he is sorry. You tell him, “ok, all is forgiven, we can move on now.” What if the child told you, “But I can’t. I just feel awful about taking that cookie. I’ve got to find a way to forgive myself.” Would it not be a slap in the face to you? Would you not want that child to move on? How much more to God when we refuse to accept His total forgiveness with His authority?

If you are running yourself ragged trying to do what God never intended for you to do in the first place, stop it. “It is finished.” 

Giving away the blessings prematurely

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. — 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 –

We had a peach tree and an apple tree in our backyard when I was little. Dad tried his best to get fruit from those trees, but they barely put out. But, one year they did. We had peaches galore. Some neighbors lived behind us who were friends with my parents. One day, after the fruit had begun falling from the tree, I picked some up and went to the back fence and began giving them the peaches. They stood at the fence while I kept running back and forth with handfull of peaches. When I ran out of those on the ground, I began picking them from the tree and ran back to the fence to give them another hand load.  Oh, I was so excited. I was making them smile! It felt good to give.

Then I heard my mother call me from the back door. I ran to her and she asked me, “What on earth are you doing?”

“Giving them peaches!” I happily exclaimed.

“Well, save some for us. I was going to make a peach cobbler. Don’t be giving them anymore.”

I didn’t much care for peach cobbler, but I obeyed anyway. That was not my reason for giving them away. To this day, I can still see the smiles of my neighbor. As a child, I thought that was a good thing. But, looking back, I think they were taking advantage of a small girl. Not once did they ask, “Is it ok with your mother? You better go ask her.”

Deep down, I thought my mother was being selfish. But, she wasn’t. Being a child, I had not known all the care and work my father had put in that tree to get the crop he got that year. And there I was, giving it all away!

The peaches were not mine to give away. But, because they were in my backyard, at the moment I was giving them over, I thought they were mine. But they were not.

I’m sure if I had gone to my parents first and asked if I could have given some away, they would not have only said yes, but they would have told me how many, as we were not raised to be selfish children.

For some reason, I’ve been thinking about that incident lately. It reminds me of other times in my life when I have given here or there. Not tooting a horn here — but, one of the gifts God has given me is the gift of giving. I love to give. Oh how I love to give.

But I have come to the conclusion that I have to grow up in that area. The gifts of God, if not used correctly, if not used under His timing and service, are indeed vain. I’ve come to realize that everytime I wanted to bless, God was not always in it.

I’ve had to take a good look at why I have given over the years. Was it so I would be accepted? Was it to be loved? Or was it to because I truly wanted God to bless others? The way to test it? If the later, then you have set no conditions upon your giving and you are free to not give it another thought. But, if the first reasons, then you will find yourself thinking about it time to time wondering why you still don’t feel accepted or loved.

If we believe: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights… James 1:17 –

then shouldn’t we believe if we have what we think is a good gift to begin with, then it did not come from us? Just like those peaches I gave away did not belong to me. They belonged to my father. He was the one who cared for the tree, not I. The same is with God.

Everything we have that can and does bless others, is not from our own hand. It is from God. Who are we to haphazardly give away what God has entrusted us with? Or better yet, who are we to give away what is not ours? Those peaches were not mine.

I am learning not to be led by emotions or being manipulated into giving where God either says, “wait,” or “no.” His reasons, I do not question. Sometimes we are too willing to let our giving be a source of salvation to someone else when God wants them to know HE is their source of salvation in a circumstance. They can not know that if we, who are led by emotion too many times, are too quick to jump to their aid. Do not get me wrong: I am not saying we are never to help another. I simply say we are to be led by God. His leading is pure. It will never point back to self. Nor will it enable others to be lazy, not doing for themselves. It will always point to the goodness of God and the recepient will know.

I’ve learned to not only turn to God when I see a need arise, but to also trust my husband’s judgement. My husband and I are different as man and woman, as are most couples. Yet, we balance one another. I know this is going to sound like a sexist statement, and perhaps it is, but we women tend to be led by emotion more so than a man. A woman is very blessed indeed if she has a husband who not only can hear her heart, but able to help her discern the full picture. I have such a husband. For that I am very grateful.

Yes, God loves a cheerful giver. This is not to be confused with being led by emotion or led by the manipulation of others. That little girl running back and forth from the peach tree to the fence was being led by both.But it does not have to be that way. If you see yourself giving only for reasons of emotion and manipulation, it is sin. You are looking to man for something that should only come from God. What an awful yoke you have put on yourself. You will never the know the true freedom of giving as God intends.

My mother did not punish me that day. She could have, I suppose, but she did not and she never said another word about the situation. How much greater is God? Man always wants you to prove something to him. Sometimes by how much you give to his ministry, his programs, his service. In fact, in a lot of churches if you aren’t giving the way the preacher or the man wants you, then they have no use for it. You can work yourself ragged trying to gain their approval. But with God, you do not. He already knows what is in your heart. If you are one who loves to give, He sees that. Just make sure it is what He wants, and not you. You might find yourself running back and forth between the peace tree and the fence until all the resources have been used up on something other than what God intended.

Things my dogs teach me: adoration

I suppose the title sounds a little hokey. But dog owners all through the world will tell you the very same thing: They adore us.

I had a terrible fear of dogs. My mother told me it started at an early age. I don’t remember, but she told me a big black dog used to come around and I would love all over him. But one day, for some reason, that dog snapped at me and then the fear set in.

After that all I remember is being afraid of them.

A new girl moved in down the street from me. One day, seeing the neighborhood girls playing, I went down to join them. I was extremely shy back then. I liked playing with other kids and was flexible on what we played. That particular day, when I went to join them, they mocked me and ridiculed me. For what, I do not remember. Kids can sometimes be cruel for no apparent reasons. Especially girls. So as I stood out in the street merely watching them have fun together, she sicked her dogs on me. They began running after me, barking, teeth showing. I ran home as fast as I could as the girls laughed.

Years later as I was walking home from work, a Doberman came up to me and bit me on the leg. I tried to stay calm and managed to get myself to a nearby firehouse where the firemen came out and shooed him away.

I was leary of any and all dogs, until…

My husband and I got our first dog — a bluetick Beagle – Jethro — who lived almost 15 years. He was a faithful old dog. I like to say he was the dog for our youth, when we were younger, as he took lots of energy and stamina. After he died the grief was so terrible, we both said we would never get another dog. But…

We got Dixie and Dolly four years ago. These little dogs — part Beagle and part King Charles Cavalier are the perfect breed for us at this stage in our life. They are such sweet timid little creatures. Not an aggressive bone in them. My dogs and I spend a lot of time together. It does not matter to them what we do, just as long as we are together.

They follow me wherever I go. If I lay down through the day, they too go lay down in their little bed next to ours. If I go sit in the living room or the TV room, they come and sit with me. When I am in my writing room, they lay on a little bed I have made for them. If I am eating, they are right there. Waiting to get their after dinner “cookie.”

It does not matter to them if I have been out in the yard working like a horse coming in smelling like a pig. They are as excited as I just to sit with me when I finally give my body a rest. They do not care if my hair is combed or if I have on no make-up. They do not care if I am dressed like a slob sitting in front of the computer. Simply put — they love me.

Why, I will never know. I’m not some exciting master who is able to entertain them or take them on long walks. Their daddy (my husband) does that for them. I don’t play fetch with them as neither of them have learned to bring me back the ball. They want me to chase them and I’m not going to run all around the backyard chasing something with four legs who can run much faster!

So why do they love me? I suppose it is because I’m the one who feeds them. I give them fresh water and the treats. Not to say, they are stuck with me as I hardly ever leave the house.

I’ve heard it said that the closest thing to God’s love on earth, is a mother. I disagree. No insult to my mother or any mothers out there, but I disagree. Please do not get this mixed up with some kind of Pantheism, but I think when God created dogs, He put something of His nature in them. They are our friend no matter what. They adore us and just as they adore us, can we not adore the Master even greater? My little dogs have put me to shame when I compare their adoration of me to how I adore the One True God — Jesus.

Adore: to worship or honor as a deity or as divine, to regard with loving admiration and devotion, to be very fond of

The cares of this world can easily sweep me away. In so doing, I fail to adore, worship, to be very fond of the One who loves me. The One who for the most part just desires me to know He is there in the midst of everything. Still on the throne, still in control, still not forsaken me, still will feed me and give me drink. Who desires greater than anything, that I acknowledge His presence in my life desiring we spend time together.

The picture above was taken when Dixie — the biggest, and Dolly — the little one, were just a couple months or so old. They were driving me crazy, chasing me around the house nipping at my feet, chewing on the legs of the dining room table, all the while me trying to potty train them. I put them outside for a while hoping they would like to play. But I was wrong. They remained at the door whimpering wanting back in. I happen to see them in this cute little pose, ran and grabbed my camera, hoping they had not changed position, and they had not. I snapped the picture and then let them back in.

If you have shut God out of your life somehow, if somehow the cares of the world have caused you to forget to adore Him, you don’t have to be afraid of Him. This is what Jesus says:  ”Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” — Revelation 3:20 –

Crumbs from the Master’s Table

But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table… — Luke 16:20,21 –

I’ve been out of Church = building now for a few years. My reasons are many and for the most part, those reasons can be seen elsewhere all through this blog. So, I will not go in full detail right now. I am addressing the accusation that many of us hear when we are told:  ”You are forsaking the assembly” by not going to church = building.

I suppose my greatest issue of “church” has been when a Christian finds something amiss and begins to sound a warning, they are dismissed. We walk away only to be accused we are forsaking the assembly, when in truth it has been the leaders who have forsaken us with their apathetic attitude of what one was trying to bring to the table.

That being said, we move on. We learn to feed ourselves, trusting not in man, but in the God who is meeting us in our time of aloneness . God is faithful and He still supplies our needs.

We find a crumb here, a crumb there and to our amazement we find it not only delicious, but it full fills something very deep within us for the time! Sometimes a crumb can even be better than a whole feast. Think about it. A feast will leave you feeling stuffed, bloated and sleepy. But a small portion at the right time will energize just enough to get you up and going.

I’ve partaken of many “crumbs” over the past few years, and have to admit, I would much rather feast on a crumb here or there than to have a whole feast set before me.

Below are some of my favorite sites for some choice crumbs = morsels that have fed me over the years. May you be fed also.

http://mkayla.wordpress.com/

http://ianvincent.wordpress.com/

http://thenface2face.wordpress.com/

http://thewordonthewordoffaithinfoblog.com/

http://seekinggod1st.blogspot.com/

http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/

http://www.ravenhill.org/

http://www.suspiciousberean.blogspot.com/

http://www.goodnewsarticles.com/default.htm

http://www.wickedshepherds.com/