Rejoice

Another great word from Kim:

"Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again: REJOICE!" Philippians 4: 4

Let us REJOICE!!! Let us CELEBRATE!!! Let us PARTY together in the Lord!! Now these are words to pick us up today! In the midst of our pain, hurts, problems and sufferings let us Celebrate in the Lord!!! What Joy and Peace He offers us!
What Love He unconditionally pours over us!
What HOPE He gives us that things WILL get better!

"Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD,,
I will BE JOYFUL in God my Savior." Habakkuk 3: 17-18

"Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" James 1:2

"But REJOICE that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be OVERJOYED when His Glory is revealed." 1 Peter 4: 13

Thankfully, we do not have to live for this world, a life filled with disappointment and struggles, but we have a GLORIOUS FUTURE up ahead!! Thank You Father for that PROMISE!!!

Our Stronghold, we are so weak and the sufferings this side of the clouds are so Overwhelming! Thankfully, we have Someone who is stronger than this world and all it can throw at us! You have conquered it all!! Alright then, with Your Strength...
... help us to continue in this walk set before us!
... help us to be Your light in a dark world!
... help us to swim in the fishbowl that everyone is watching,
... help us to heal and mend relationships, not tear them a part,
... to be Your Witness,
... help us to grow in Your Word,
... to be a servant of Yours and Your children,
... to learn to Love as You do,
... help us to be ready for Your return!

Father, this life can be so difficult, so physically and emotionally draining, we cannot be an effective light with our own energy. Please REPLENISH us with Your Energy, Your Enthusiasm, and Your Spirit!

God Is Response-able!

Great reminder from Kim!

"The Lord Himself goes BEFORE you and will be with you...." Deuteronomy 31: 8a

God is already there!!!!! Whew!!!! ALLELUIA!!!! He has already been through it! He has already worked it all out!!!! THANK YOU Lord that we are not in charge!!!
...not in charge of the future,
... not in charge of how our friends and family members respond to us,
... not in charge of finding a new job (when we've already done what we can),
... not in charge of how things will turn out after we've prayed and left in God's hands!

What a relief knowing I am not responsible for those around me! I can be concerned, I may even get hurt, but I am not in charge of anyone else's choices and free will! Whew!!

Abba Father, THANK YOU for being the One who will always be there to pick up the pieces of our life!! We make such a mess of them at times and it is such a relief to know that IF WE LET YOU, You will work all things out for good- one way or another!

You go BEFORE us, You know what is coming, You will be there to hold us up!
Thank You!

Withdraw From Every Disorderly Brother

Thanks to Kelly for the post!!!

from Rick Renner Ministries | PO Box 702040 | Tulsa | OK | 74170

Withdraw From Every Disorderly BrotherNow we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Many years ago Denise and I worked with a young man who was very skilled in music and who had a stage presence that was simply electrifying. However, in his personal life, things were completely out of order. Not only did he make a constant string of unwise decisions for himself, but those horrendous decisions were detrimentally affecting many people's lives.

As pastors, we saw what this man did; we heard about the effect his behavior was having on other people; and we counseled people who had been abused by him. But because he was so talented and had such a strong stage presence, people ignored his chronic bad behavior, overlooking it as if it were just a minor flaw in his life and revering him as someone "great."

After many months of prayer, I had a strong "knowing" from the Holy Spirit that this young man was headed for serious trouble. I met with him to discuss his future, but he ignored my advice and pressed onward with his destructive behavior. I was left with no choice but to call my young leadership team together and tell them, "I know that you love this man. But because he lives such a rebellious life, refuses to listen to anyone in authority, and keeps making such bad choices in his life, I am asking that you withdraw from him and stop investing your time and energy in that friendship."

What my young team didn't know was that this young man had gone so far off track, he had begun committing criminal actions. As a pastor, I couldn't divulge everything I knew, so I asked my leadership team to trust me and submit to me in this matter by withdrawing from any further fellowship with him. As difficult as it may have been for them to obey me, I was ordering them to break off their relationship with this young man who was belligerently headed for a major catastrophe. I was sure that if they stayed close to him, he would try to drag them into the crisis with him.

As time passed, our young leaders became exceedingly grateful that I had ordered them to break off their relationship with the young man. Eventually he violated international trade laws and got into such a dangerous situation with the Russian mafia that he went into hiding to keep himself from being murdered. But although he tried to hide, members of the mafia found him, kidnapped him, and held him until they were confident he had the funds to pay the debt he owed them. When he was finally released, he was black and blue from the multiple beatings he had suffered at their hands.

You would think that after experiencing such brutality, this young man would have learned to change his ways. But instead, he persisted in his rebellion to authority and continued to commit grossly wrong actions in his life.

Although this young man was a brother in the Lord, he had never learned to submit to authority and refused to listen to those who could help him. Apparently, the apostle Paul was also aware of people who were unruly and insubordinate in the city of Thessalonica. It is evident that he was disturbed by this problem, for when he wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians, he gave them a stern order: "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (2 Thessalonians 3:6).

Notice that Paul says, "Now we command you." The word "command" is so strong in the Greek that it leaves no room for misunderstanding. It is the Greek word parangello, which means to order, to charge, or to give a command. All of Paul's readers would have understood that this was not a suggestion - it was a direct command.

Paul went on to tell them, "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly." The word "withdraw" is the Greek word stello, which means to gather up, to pull together, to move oneself, or to withdraw.

In some ancient texts, it meant to shorten the sails or to pull in all the loose, flapping sails that would hindera ship from moving forward at maximum speed. In other places, the word stello was used to picture a runner pulling up the long, dangling ends of his robe so the loose ends wouldn't hinder him in a foot race.

When Paul used the word stello, the Thessalonians would have immediately understood that he was ordering them to make an inward resolution. He was ordering them to pull themselves together and get rid of all the loose ends that could hinder their spiritual walk, which would include withdrawing from any rebellious Christians who refused to get things right with the Lord. There is no doubt that Paul was explicitly ordering the Thessalonian believers to remove themselves from all such relationships that could adversely affect their own progress with the Lord.

In the next statement, Paul identified the exact group of rebellious believers he was talking about. He told them (and us), "Withdraw from every brother that walketh disorderly"

The words "walketh" is the Greek word peripateo. The word peripateo is very significant in this verse, for it means to walk about or to walk around, giving the impression of one who habitually live and functions in a certain way. By employing the use of this word, Paul indicated that he wasn't writing about a believer who makes an occasional mistake in his life; rather, he was categorically referring to those believers who habitually live in a "disorderly" manner.

The word "disorderly" is taken from the Greek word atakeo. The word atakeo was a military term that described a soldier who was out of rank or a soldier who was out of order. It carries the idea of one who is insubordinate or one who is disrespectful of those who have been placed in authority over him.

The word atakeo was also used in Greek society to portray individuals who refused to work and who lived off the goodwill of others. Apparently some of the rebellious people in Thessalonica refused to listen to the church leadership's command to get a job. Instead, they took advantage of the goodwill of Christians, "sponging off them" whenever they needed some money.

This scenario is very clear as you continue to read Second Thessalonians 3. The word atakeowas also used to depict people who meddled in other people's affairs. As in the case of the Thessalonians, these loafers had no jobs and therefore had lots of time to interfere in other people's business. Paul was so against this behavior that he ordered the believers of Thessalonica to withdraw from these habitual loafers.
Paul finished this verse by reminding them that such a chronic loafer was not living "after the tradition which he received of us." In the Greek text, the word "tradition" is the word paradidomi, a Greek word that means to personally deliver or to personally transmit something to someone. Paul had personally delivered instruction to the Thessalonians about living responsible lives. No one in Thessalonica could claim ignorance, for Paul had personally taught them. Those who continued to live in this fashion were simply ignoring his instructions. And rather than tolerate their behavior, Paul told them, "Enough is enough!"

When you take all these Greek word meanings into account, Second Thessalonians 3:6 could be interpreted to mean:

"Brothers, we give you this command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Distance yourselves from every brother who routinely lives his life out of order - breaking ranks, violating authority, living the life of a maverick, and perpetually refusing to submit to anyone's authority. If you're already entangled with a brother like this, do whatever you must to get free of that relationship. It's time to tie up all the loose ends with this brother and to inwardly resolve that you are not going to spend time with him any longer. Although he's a brother, his actions are not in agreement with the teachings you learned from us."

Paul's command is very clear: Even though such brothers or sisters are related to us in Christ, we are not to have close fellowship with those who show disrespect for authority and who routinely live their lives out of order. When a believer lives in defiance of God's Word and God-established authority, we must inwardly resolve to back away so we don't put our stamp of approval on them by affiliating ourselves with them. Yes, we must continue to love them; nevertheless, there comes a time when we must disassociate from unrepentant, erring believers. As we do, we will help them realize they are wrong and protect our own testimony from being negatively affected.

In light of Paul's message in Second Thessalonians 3:6, what is God saying to you about your current friendships? Do you closely associate with any individuals who have no regard for the Word of God or respect for God-established authority? If so, do you have a good reason why you maintain an intimate relationship with them? Are these the kind of close friends you need? Could it be that you need to back away from the people in your life who are living in rebellion? Is it time to invest yourself in someone else who loves God's Word, who is submitted to authority, and who has a heart to prosper under the blessing of the local church?

My Prayer for Today
Lord, I ask You to help me truthfully examine my relationships to determine which of them are helping me and which are hindering me. If any of my relationships are with people who are disorderly or rebellious and unwilling to change, please give me the courage to follow the instructions of Your Word. Holy Spirit, I am depending on You to lead and guide me and to help me do exactly what Jesus wants me to do. I pray this in Jesus' name!

My Confession for Today
I confess that I carefully guard my life by closely affiliating with people who love God's Word, respect God-established authority, and act as positive influences in my life. I do not allow myself to be dragged into relationships with people who refuse to seriously walk with God. Those who could negatively influence me are not the people I choose to be my closest friends. Nothing in the world is more important than my walk with God. Since those who are close to me have a tremendous influence on my life, I choose friends who, like me, make their walk with God their greatest priority. I declare this by faith in Jesus' name!

Questions for You to Consider
1.Have you ever maintained close relationships with people who you knew were not good for your spiritual life? Were you negatively affected by this close affiliation as a result?
2. Can you think of someone in your life who is associating too closely with people who have the potential of negatively influencing his or her life? Have you expressed your heartfelt concerns to this person?
3.Have you spent time in prayer, asking God to resolve this situation? If not, why don't you take a few minutes right now to ask the Lord to work in this situation as He protects your friend or relative from the potential harm you foresee?

Overflow or Outward Show???

Great note from Kim...

"When the men were returning home after David had killed the Phillistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with tambourines and lutes. As they danced, they sang:
'Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.'
Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. 'They have credited David with tens of thousands,' he thought, 'but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?' And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David." 1Samuel 18: 6-9

Saul wanted the credit and praise! How dare they sing David's name alongside his own- he was King! He wanted the women singing to acknowledge him and him alone or at least to admit he was the more powerful one!! What would people think? Would they want David as their king?

Why do we do what we do? Do we want the credit and praise?
Why do we give to the church? Do we want everyone to know how giving we are?
Why do we feed the hungry or clothe the poor? Do we want to look good to others?
Why do we give to fundraisers? Or send cards to people? To make sure everyone likes
us?
Are we concerned that we be seen as better than the next person?
Are we envious of others who seem more gifted than ourselves?

Whew- it can be exhausting when we are so concerned about what others think about us! It is so draining!!! Will others talk about us? Probably, but we can't control what others will say or do. And it takes up too much energy to try! We also don't want to become someone we aren't just so others will think well of us. It will become increasingly more and more difficult to keep all those balls in the air, giving everyone what they want! What a relief to put all the balls down and just be what God intended for you! We aren't the best in everyone's eyes but we are the apple of His Eye!! You are His Royal Child!!!

Heavenly King, we are so selfish, we want the world to revolve around us! Please forgive our arrogance! May we learn from Your Example and become servants! May everything we do be out of love, not for others to see!

What Happened With our Election??!!

A GREAT message from Dutch Sheets:

Greetings!

November 6, 2008

I feel certain that many in my stream of the Church want a statement from me concerning Tuesday's presidential election. I will be frank in my remarks but I do not, however, intend to vent anger or attack anyone. I have read several statements from friends and colleagues I respect very much.
Their thoughts are well stated and, for the most part, insightful. None of them, however, seem to want to say some things that I believe need to be said. I do not claim infallibility or to have the final word, but my convictions run deep and I believe I bear a God-given responsibility to share them.

Was This God's Will?

Was what happened Tuesday God's will? I am quite confident it was not. America was offered a very clear choice between moving further toward protecting the unborn or further away; between a Supreme Court that would move toward honoring God, life and morality or away from it. The stakes couldn't have been higher nor the cost greater. As a nation we put on blinders concerning Barak Obama's background, associations, beliefs and practices, and set these causes back years, possibly decades.
And in doing so we took another step away from God and His plans for America, and another step toward judgment.

Judgment Will Increase

This is not a fire and brimstone warning from an angry, legalistic preacher. In fact, I feel more sadness and grief than anything else.
Perhaps I feel what Jesus felt as He wept for Jerusalem while announcing its judgment. I am not hoping for judgment; I am saying it is inevitable. I don't know where the unbiblical belief comes from that says a nation can live any way it pleases, can reject God and His ways-even mock Him-and not receive His judgments. Nor do I know when the belief came that it is always mean-spirited or judgmental to warn of these things. To the contrary, I believe it is our responsibility.

In warning of judgment, I am not suggesting that God is going to intentially and directly hurt people. Much judgment is simply the absence of God's protection and provision, caused by a rejection of His laws and ways. We have been experiencing some forms of judgment in America for years, but God in His incredible patience and mercy has kept us from the level we've deserved. I believe this will change to a degree and judgment will now
increase:
For those in the Church who aligned themselves with pro-abortion forces, I believe judgment will result.
For leaders in the Body of Christ who refused to take a stand for fear of losing people, money, and tax-exempt status-I believe there will be a degree of judgment.
For those, both within the Church and without, who voted money over morality-a potential raise or better health insurance over the life of a baby-there will be judgment. (The irony is that this decision to base one's vote on the hopes of a better economy won't produce the hoped for result anyway. The scriptures teach that it is righteousness which exalts a nation and that the nation is blessed whose God is the Lord.)
I have heard the argument that God cares as much about social justice issues (such as poverty and racism) as He does abortion, making a vote for Obama OK. I certainly believe God puts a very high priority on caring for the poor and I, too, have wanted to see equality demonstrated through a "minority" president. But to equate having a better income or the desire for a first black president, regardless of his positions on abortion and morality, to the issue of killing 50 million babies is not justice-it is a gross distortion of justice and great deception. I fear that we have been desensitized to this issue of abortion. I believe it kills babies and takes innocent life. I also believe it is blood sacrifice that empowers demons. Let's not forget this in our noble attempts to be kind and conciliatory.
For African Americans I can easily see how it could bring healing to have a first black president, just as it would be for Native Americans to achieve this or for women if a woman were elected president. Again, I have wanted to see justice in this way. I am only saddened that the price for this healing ended up being Barak Obama, a man that will set the cause of life and, most-likely, our God-given destiny as a nation back so drastically. (I also realize there are some who interpret any criticism of Obama as racism. Racism is so NOT what I am about nor what I live, that I will not even dignify any such accusations with a response.)

What Can We Expect?

What are some of the judgments we can expect on our nation from this election?

More economic woes
More violence in an already violent nation
Disease and death (satan, who is responsible for these things will have greater inroads to our nation.)
Natural disasters (weather-tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, drought; fires; earthquakes; etc.)
Terrorism (they will fear us much less now)
War, perhaps on our own soil
Judgments relating to the Court. The stacking of the Supreme Court against the sanctity of life and God's influence on America will occur, which will in turn cause the shedding of more innocent blood, more rejection of God's laws and the stealing from us of our godly heritage-all of which will perpetuate a cycle of even more judgment.

How Did This Happen?

I've been asked if this could have been averted had there been more prayer. I'm not sure. I believe there was a remnant of Christians fervently praying over these elections-I don't think there was anything more they could have done. Others, obviously, should have done more. The complacency and lack of discernment concerning our real condition in America-especially by the Church-is both appalling and horrifying. America is in serious trouble and it seems no one wants to say it. Fewer still are willing to do anything to change it.

Though I understand our reasons, we must be careful in our attempts to placate our feelings and calm our fears through religious phrases like "God is still on the throne" or "God has a plan". He was on His throne 35 years and 50 million babies ago. And He had a plan back then. The problem is, it was us. I understand our reasons for waving high the banner of God's sovereignty at times like these-it gives us hope. I will wave it, as well.
But please be careful with this. Too much emphasis on God's sovereignty and we're worthless; too little and we're hopeless. Maybe we should say, "we lost a critical battle but God will give us strategy to win the war." Then find the strategy.

But still yet, since God is usually willing to work through a remnant, I thought we had enough prayer. Obviously, God decided otherwise. There comes a time when He will not forgive or bless the majority based on the prayers or actions of only a few. America rejected God and asked for a king; I believe we now have our Saul (see 1 Samuel 8:5-7)-a man who does not have God's heart for America but his own. Like Israel in scripture, our nation believes it can turn from God and still be blessed. In His mercy and justice He will show us otherwise.

Like many, believing I had many promises and confirmations that God would "grace" us with a pro-life president in this election, I failed to consider strongly enough that all promises-even scripture-are conditional 99.9% of the time. Though I never prophesied or made guarantees that McCain-Palin would win, failing to factor this principle in strongly enough no doubt caused me to share my optimism with others inappropriately. If this caused any harm or confusion, I apologize.

Has the fact that my prayers weren't answered shaken my faith? No. I'm a little confused and discouraged. I'm also somewhat angry at the nation in general and much of the Church. Mostly I'm grieving over the nation and what this will cost us. I am not, however, angry with God and do not question His justice. And it is not true that we wasted our time, energy and money in our efforts anymore than it is a waste when we share the gospel with people who don't get saved. We must keep in the forefront of our thinking the fact that ultimately we are doing this for Him and that He will reward us for our faithfulness. And who knows, perhaps He will store up all those prayers for the next battle (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-5).

A friend and fellow warrior said it well,

"We did 'give it our all.' I know the Lord was pleased with that. A coach wants to know one thing at the end of a heartbreaking sports loss: 'Did you leave it all on the field?' (your passion, your commitment, your strength, your courage, etc.) I know that we 'left it all on the field.' We didn't hold anything back until the game ended. Tragically, it ended in defeat. We will rise for another day because Jesus is worthy."



Where Do We Go from Here?

Does this election outcome shake my faith that we can see a great awakening and ultimately reformation in America? Absolutely not (and it strengthens my resolve). We will simply get there through greater pain and loss. Even my passion to see the Supreme Court shift is not from a presupposition that there can be no spiritual awakening without it. It is simply due to my deep conviction that their decisions bring so much death, destruction, curses and judgment to America; and because our full destiny as a nation is unquestionably linked to their decisions. So, yes, we will get an awakening and reformation; but the reality is that this reformation of the nation will reform the Supreme Court (and government, in general), not vice-versa. My faith has never been in people or a political party; my faith is in the God who works through them.

I've been asked if my feelings about Sarah Palin have changed. They have not. I believe she is an Esther, a Deborah, with a huge mantle from God for reformation. God has a great destiny for her related to this nation if she chooses to continue down this path.

So, in conclusion, we must re-group as an apostolic, praying church and advance. We must maintain an immovable faith in God, His plans for America and His mercy. And we must move beyond simply asking God for a spiritual awakening and ask Him for strategy to produce reformation, as well. I, for one, am just getting started!

For God and this great nation,
Dutch Sheets

True Fulfillment

Great study from Kim!

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God." Ecclesiastes 3: 12-13

The key to happiness is finding CONTENTMENT in where you are and what you are doing! Our contentment comes from knowing God has a PURPOSE for each of our lives! There is a time for everything!!

As the Study Bible notes suggest, "...God's people find meaning in life when they cheerfully accept it from the hand of God."

We will never be content, have enough, or be satisfied if it were up to this world!! We will always long for MORE! We will always think....
... one more bite of chocolate will be enough,
... the next paycheck will bring us contentment,
...the next shopping spree will bring us satisfaction,
...the next night out, the next job, the next friend, .......

"Meaningless! Meaningless! says the teacher. Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." Ecclesiastes 1: 2

Everything we do in this world is meaningless and we will never be content
UNLESS we have a PURPOSE and MEANING for what we do!!

God gives us, His Children, that purpose!
God has SO MUCH PLANNED for us!
God's Plans have an ENORMOUS amount of Meaning!
We find our FULFILLMENT through Christ!!!

Abba Father, we THANK You for giving our life meaning and incredible purpose!!!! Please use us as Your Vessels Father, so others may come to know You and Your Love!!

Please also be with us, Father, as we live in this self-centered world! We need Your Presence and Love in our every day lives to keep us focused and centered on what truly brings meaning into our lives! The sweet purpose of giving!!!!! Taking the focus OFF OURSELVES and ONTO OTHERS brings us more fulfillment than anything else! Thank You for being the ULTIMATE EXAMPLE of GIVING!!!

Give Thanks!

Great study from Kim!

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3: 17

No matter what we do, no matter what happens to us, we are to GIVE THANKS to God our Father!! He makes everything bearable!! He turns everything into good for those who love Him!! (Rms. 8: 28)

Let us give thanks for....
...the abundance we have,
... the family and friends placed in our lives,
... the food and water we have daily,
... the roof over our head,
... the promise of the sun rising again tomorrow and new beginnings,
and let us, also, give thanks for....
... the muscles and joints that ache, it reminds us that we have a body that still functions,
... for loss of work, it gives us the opportunity to volunteer our time, let others help us
and to TURN to God and TRUST HIM in all things,
... our new President-elect (whether we voted for him or not) he needs our prayers!,
... the health issues we come up against and the limitations they bring which
cause us to fall to our knees,
... the loss of family members, it reminds us of what is waiting for
us, Paradise, and reunion with them!

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and AWE!" Hebrews 12: 28

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the VICTORY through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Corinthians 15: 57

Our Heavenly King, so often we come to You ASKING for something, may we learn to BE THANKFUL first for ALL You have Blessed us with! To have a THANKFUL heart!

To look at the positive instead of the negative!

To be appreciative of all the LOVE You pour out on us each day!

To be Thankful for the HOPE You give us!!

To BOW DOWN before You for the VICTORY You have given us over Satan and death!

HELP US NOT TO LET THIS WORLD GET TO US Father!!! It is only this side of the clouds, we have SO MUCH MORE to LOOK FORWARD TO!!!!! THANK YOU!

Pray for a Move of God!

Great Reminder from Gabe:

I can't believe that I'm writing this and although yesterdays outcome was not what I had anticipated it is now our job as Christians to stand up and support our next president. We must honor him in our speech and pray for him. Dom said it best, but just think what would happen if God got a grip on his life but so many of us have dismissed that from our mind. Remember that we have seen many times like this in our country's history and we can prevail with the power of prayer!

This is our time and we must pray for a move of God on this country like never before and pray for the power of God to accompany this movement! John Bevere was talking to us on Sunday night at Dom's and he said that every major move of God was in times that mirror what could happen in the next 4 years!

It is now our time to change this country and world! You will not hear me speak against our leader again because God places all leaders in authority. If you do then please call me out on the carpet!


Ps 5:11-12
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O LORD; you surround them with your shield of love.

Eternity In Our Hearts

A great Bible study from Kim:

Please know that what has been shared through this small and easy to read book called the "Epic" by John Eldredge - there is so much more. I encourage you to read it! You will be blessed!

"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared of you since the creation of the world.'" Matthew 25: 34

God has set eternity in our hearts!!

"Even if you do manage to find a little taste of Eden in this life, even if you are one of the fortunate souls who finds some love and happiness in the world, you cannot hang on to it. You know this. Your health cannot hold out forever. Age will conquer you. One by one your friends and loved ones will slip from your hand. Your work will remain unfinished. Your time on this stage will come to an end. Like every other person gone before you, you will breathe your last breath. .............................
The final enemy is death. It will come. Is there no way out? Do we have a future?
Our Enemy is a thief, and of all the precious things he has stolen from our hearts, his worst act of treachery has been to steal our future from us."

"Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth." Isaiah 65: 17

"He who is seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!" Revelation 21: 5a

Paradise has been regained!!!
We have HOPE of BETTER things to come!!!!
Gold Streets will return!!!!
There is a Happy Ending to our story!!
Our Future is SECURE!!!
Eden has been restored!!!!!
ALLELUIA!!!!
The thief has not won!! He has not stolen our future!
The Wedding Banquet awaits!!!

Abba Father, Thank You for providing a way for us to be together with You FOREVER! Wow, what HOPE that brings us!! You have set before us life and death...we choose Life!!!! (Deuteronomy 30: 19) Life as it was always meant to be! You will restore Eden for us, in all of its beauty!!! It will be even better this time because we can never lose it again!!! Alleluia!!!! Praise to You, O' King!!!

"Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." Matthew 25: 34

THANK YOU Father for all the preparations You have made for us, Your Children! We look forward to life eternally with You! True Life!!! Life without pain and disappointment and lies!

Please continue to be with us as we live this side of the clouds Father! We need Your insight and wisdom as we make decisions today!!
May we be a vessel worth using Father!
In the Loving and Nourishing Name of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.

Keep on praying!!!

From a friend today:

This quote was emailed to me today and I thought how it reminded me of how Dutch Sheets explained the power of prayer....

"When nothing seems to help, I look at a stonecutter
hammering away at his rock, perhaps 100 times without as
much as a crack showing in it. Yet, at the 101st blow it
will split in two, and I know it was not that last blow
that did it, but all that had gone before."
-Jacob A. Riis

This is a great analogy to think of when it seems prayers are not being answered...

Undivided Heart

Great Bible study from Kim...

"Their hearts are always going astray." Hebrews 3: 10

With the heart God has blessed us with, He gives us the free will to reject Him!

"Good grief, why? He knows what free-willed creatures can do. He has already suffered one massive betrayal in the rebellion of the angels. He knows how we will use our freedom, what misery and suffering, what hell will be unleashed on earth because of our choices. WHY? Is He out of His mind?" (from the "Epic" written by John Eldredge)

God knows that without free will LOVE means NOTHING!!! How could it? If we don't have the freedom to choose, how can we love or hate? Having a choice means it is real!!!

So, God gives us the free will to love Him and others! He also gives us the free will not to love Him, to turn our back on Him!

We have the choice to turn TO God or turn AWAY from Him!!! What will your heart do?
Will your heart turn away from the only ONE who truly, unconditionally loves you?
Will your heart be given to someone other than Jesus?
Will it turn to the ways of the world?
Will it turn towards your selfish desires?
Or....
Will it turn to God and His Ways?
Will it turn to others and seek their needs?
Will your heart be available for whatever is needed?
Will your heart be open and ready to be used by our King?

Our Heavenly King, You have gifted us with a heart!!! A beautiful heart that is able to LOVE, to GIVE, and to NOURISH others!! Help us please Father not to let this heart go astray! Help us to keep it clean, right with You and focused on what is good and pure! May our hearts always be open to be used to bring more into Your Kingdom! Please watch over our hearts Father and use them to let others SEE YOU!!