Man oh man! I am in awe of the Lord's unmerited favor (blessings). He blows my sometimes legalistic mindset....in His good pleasure! :-) I just wanted to share something that just happened that really flabberghasted me!

  Ok, so some of you know that my computer is super old. I mean, I think it was made long before high speed internet came into being! lol I have Windows 98, and run into a lot of issues with different programs and different things I try to do on the computer. Also, I have a digital camera I got for Christmas, and this computer is so old, it doesn't recognize digital cameras. This last batch of pictures I took, it took 3 months to gain access to them because it costs a lot to go to Walmart and burn them, 120 at a time, on a CD. Soooooooooooo.......(takes a deep breath) the point is-----

  I had been praying every once in a while for a newer used computer. When I say newer, I just meant a step up from what I have. All I wanted was XP with access to my digital pictures. Nothing fancy with fringes beyond the basics of what I currently have. I had others of you praying the same for me. The thing is, like the above top verse, I wasn't sure it was God's will for me to have, what is not really a need, but a want; a convenience, really; a luxury. I am not a name-it-claim-it, although I do believe in the power of confession and our words. So anyways, here was my "faith-filled" (NOT!) prayer. It went something like this: "God, you know that I don't really need a newer computer, but that it would make my life a whole lot easier. You know that I go through a lot of hassle to just get some of my photos, and how many of my programs don't work properly on my old computer. But I know it isn't a need, Lord, but Your word says we don't have cuz we don't ask, so I am asking, and if it's Your will, You will give it to me, and if not I am cool with that. I hope it's not wrong to ask you for a want, instead of a need, but I am leaving it up to You." Yeah, I have a hard time asking God for wants; needs, no prob--wants? Big prob.

  So Sunday we had driven our neighbor to pick up some dead turkeys, and I said something out of the blue about my monitor going. Next thing ya know, he tells me he has a nice newer one that was given to him, but he doesn't even own a computer yet, so he doesn't need it. So he gives me this nice newer monitor!

  Now Saturday I had visited very dear-to-me friends that I hardly get to see anymore. We were talking and I told my friend about the computer thing, and asked her to pray that I could get one where I could access my pictures with XP on it (because Vista is a nightmare for me). She told me how computers come through the Harvest House (it's a street-level outreach) quite a bit and sometimes even really nice ones, like hers that I was using at that time to get my pictures. I couldn't believe she'd gotten such a nice computer through donations! But she had two set up, because everyone from the centre would come to her house to use the internet, like an internet cafe. She had been very pleased to get that computer.

  So she messages me via Facebook yesterday, to tell me she has a surprise for me, and I was like, ""Wow! You got a computer for me already?" Well, I just needed the I think it's called, motherboard. She wouldn't say, but I knew.

  Last night, Mike, my hubby came home late, and I went out to check out the computer. I didn't immediately recognize it, but was overwhelmed at how nice it was! A Dell! And DVD and CD and all sorts of stuff! And best of all, access to my pics with XP! Then there was a note with it. I ripped it open, and recognized my friend's handwriting. Here is some of what she wrote: "I will NOT take no for an answer and considering I'm handwriting this you know I mean it. A couple of weeks ago God started probing me about what I would do if he told me to give away my computer. I wasn't happy about this question but, when God speaks you listen. You've been on my heart for quite a while now and now i know why. You might think in your own mind its selfish to want a better PC but, God also has a plan. I saw on God TV last night a story about a pastor's mom who's calling was writing notes, that's all she did but, the lives that were impacted by her were amazing. Your online ministry is much more important than you realize. You are a blessing to many and now God wants to bless you..."

  Ok, here's the thing: First of all, I didn't tell you, what a wretched rotten carnal person I was yesterday! I think I drove my mother bonkers! I know I hated myself pretty bad yesterday; my carnal self, that is. See, for many of you who know me, I can be pretty hard on myself, and get caught up in a by-works mentality. There are times when I could say that God blessed me because I "prayed faithfully" or because I "blessed someone with money or something else" or I was "extra good today!" Well, God wanted to teach me something: He wants to bless me because He loves me, and nothing more. He loves me when I am a wretched jerk like yesterday and He loves me when I am sowing out goodness. His love really is unconditional. See, I am not the type that would deliberately take advantage of God's grace; I am on the opposite end of the spectrum; I am super critical of my sin. So God went and blew my legalistic mind by blessing me beyond what I could ever hope for in a computer, at a time when I believe I least "deserved" it, and He did it on purpose.

  Secondly, the person who blessed me with the computer, is on a fixed income. She and her husband have "disabilities" (she's 94% blind and he's 100% blind), and pretty much all they have is given to them. She can't afford to just go out and buy a new one. So here's something I would love for ya'll to do: Believe with me in prayer for an even nicer computer to be given to her, and also they are in desperate need of a boxspring and mattress because their's is bowed and in bad shape. So I know God will bless her obedience for sure, and I just want ya all to say "Amen" that He will bless her and her hubby abundantly beyond what she could ever imagine!

  I get a paranoia of those who read the note I posted as "look at me! I'm so good!" Actually, I get pretty floored when I find out that I am making any difference. I am kinda stuck at home with no vehicle, and want so badly to minister to in -the -person, flesh. So for God to encourage me through her, was much needed.

  My conclusion? Just serve God to the best of your ability, and know that His love for you is unconditional. Also, that you may think that those seemingly "small" things you do for the Kingdom are insignificant. Well, God is telling you through me today that "they do make a difference; far beyond what you can see!" Every seed you sow makes a difference, so keep sowing! And if you have need of anything? Just ask the Lord. He isn't stingy and He wants to bless you!

 

 

The justification: “I don’t have to submit to my husband because he doesn’t deserve my respect & he doesn’t live up to his end of “loving his wife” as Christ loved the church.”

The truth: “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won over by the conduct of their wives.” –1 Peter 3:1

“…let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” -Ephesians 5:33

The justification: “ I have mood swings because I am bipolar/manic depressive OR I am PMSing.”

The truth: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” -Proverbs 25:28

“You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” –Isaiah 26:3

The justification: “ I have a violent temper and do these wrong things because I have ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder).”

The truth: “…let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” -James 1:20&21

“Now the works of the flesh are evident…hatred…outbursts of wrath...dissensions…” –Galatians 5:20&21

The justification: “I was born homosexual therefore my behavior is ok.”

The truth: “For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which is due.” -Romans 1:26-27

“If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.” -Leviticus 20:13

The justification: “I’m extremely obese because it’s genetic, and I can’t help it.” (Note: I know there are people with medical reasons for such like a thyroid problem, but I am speaking of those who overeat and won’t exercise, then use this as an excuse).

The truth: “…put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive foods.” -Proverbs 23:2&3

“The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing…” -Proverbs 13:4

The justification: “It’s ok I don’t pay all my taxes, because the government are crooks anyways!”

The truth: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God…For because of this you also pay taxes…Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due…” –Romans 13:1, 6 & 7

“…Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” –Matt 22:21

   I tell ya, we are living in a time of ear tickling and doctrines of demons like never before. I won’t tickle your ears. Here’s the thing: If we keep making excuses for our actions and not confessing them as sin, then we will NOT stop sinning. We need to accept responsibility, instead of using a label we have had spoken over us or using the blame game as an excuse to continue on in our sinful behaviors. I am not denying the reality of certain conditions, but I AM saying that God is NOT a liar and I believe His word, and that there is NEVER an excuse for sin. Do you think it’s going to hold water on judgment day when you come before Almighty God and tell Him you couldn’t help being nasty to people due to PMS? Pshaw! Get real! God is bigger than PMS, bipolar/manic depression, ADHD/ADD, generational curses and so on. The sooner we stop making excuses and start to take responsibility for our actions, the sooner we will be set free in that area of struggle in our life.

   I could make up a million excuses for my anger/temper, but what would that profit me? The Bible has lots to say about people who are quick to anger. I choose to say, “Ya know what? It doesn’t matter if I have this due to generational curses or things from my past, or my stressful situations; No more excuses. Lord, I confess that I have sinned and blew it again when I flew off the handle and poured out my wrath. Please forgive me and cleanse me and bring victory in my life over this. In Jesus’ name.”

   Stop justifying your sin and start confessing it, so that you can be set free! If we make excuses and continue to look just like the world, do you think we are being lights in a dark place? Accept responsibility and get accountable and watch what the Lord will do in your life! Labels, medical conditions, generational curses be darned! Greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world!   Walk in the Spirit and you will NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh. But fruit has to first have the seed be planted then fertilized and watered before it appears. So it is with the fruit of the Spirit manifesting in its fullness in our lives. Don’t grow discouraged when it doesn’t happen overnight, just keep watering, fertilizing, confessing, and keep getting back up when you fall! If you want the victory, it’s yours through Jesus Christ! Sin is sin, period.

 

 

  God's really been speaking to me, regarding this, lately.  Like really.  Just this morning I was looking up Matthew 10:39 (above) in various versions, and lo and behold, I log into this site and that's the daily Scripture!  Then a friend makes a comment (after I gripe) about how our life is not our own anymore.  Oh yes, God wants me to blog this NOW.  I've been meaning to for a bit now.

  When Jesus said that those who lose their lives for His sake would find life, He wasn't just speaking of eternal life, after we die.  I mean, yes, He meant that as well, but I believe that He was speaking in terms of the here and now.  When Jesus says that we will find life when we lose our own, I believe He's speaking of the abundant life He mentions in John 10:10 (I've come to give them life, and give it more abundant). 

  So what does He mean by us losing our lives?  

   Do you feel confidant in the fact that you spend most of your free time (after work) doing church things, outreach and so on?  Well, sorry, but just because you do all of these things, doesn't mean you've "lost your life."  Likely, most of those things you enjoy anyways!  

  I pointed out to God how I do this and that for His kingdom, but you see, I want and like to do that stuff.  They're righteous and fruitful things, but that's still not enough.  He wants us to go deeper.  He wants me to truly lose my life, so that I will find it.

  So what do I mean???

 

   "Lord, why should I have to do that for my spouse when I don't feel like it?"

  "I don't feel like going outside so my kid can aimlessly walk around.  It's boring!"

 

  Basically, losing our lives is literally regarding "us" as dead and Christ in us as alive.  So this is killing the flesh.  Doing those things God asks us to do that we don't feel like doing.  Yes, that can be very hard to do at first, but the thing is, it gets easier.  As we learn to do His will and not ours more often, we will hae more peace and joy and yes, love too!  Like that old hymn goes, "Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus."  

   I think we're afraid that if we give God full control, we won't be able to do any of the fun activities we enjoy anymore, but that's a lie.  Literally, our "food", our hunger will be to do His will.  And I know, due to past experience, that the Lord will give us our own time to be refreshed.  It's like He maximizes our time as we give our time over to Him.  Place those things, those activities that mean so much to you (golf, internet, books, sewing, shopping,even church stuff) into His hands and tell Him to have HIS way.

  When Abraham showed God he was willing to give up his beloved son, Isaac, the Lord gave Isaac back to him and then blessed him a million times over, as I like to say, cuz we are blessed through him.

   We need to not be afraid to die--to die to self, that is, and to allow Christ to live in us, so that we WILL do God's will and we WILL have abundant life. If you wonder why you aren't walking in that, this is likely why.

  David refused to give God a sacrifice that cost him nothing, and so should we.  Yet, what we give up, the Lord will always give us something much better.

   Short term pain, long term gain.

  So the next time God asks us to do something and we lament and belly ache and our flesh screams "NO!", we should say yes.  Every time you say, "Yes, Lord", you're one step closer to the abundant life.

  More of Him and less of me.  Yes, this is what He's speaking to me now.

  Let's die together!  :-) 

 

 

 

"....For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  -1 Samuel 16:7b

 

 

 

 

  A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I picked up an antique desk, curbside (spring clean-up).  I couldn't believe anyone would throw such a thing out!  There's that saying, "Someone's trash is another's treasure."  There's also another saying more fitting for this object lesson God showed me:  "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."  

   I'm no antique expert, but I'm guessing the desk is 80-100 years old.  It's solid wood, with a large pull-out drawer with pigeon holes, as well as several smaller drawers on the other side, plus a neat slide out thingy that resembles a cutting board!  The desk is massive!  The top is in desperate need of a good cleaning, sanding down, then refinishing.  The pigeon hole slide-out needs repair, and a new heavy duty drawer pull, added.  The entire thing could use refinishing.  And yet, the dents and dings and scratches give it....character.

  The person who threw this out, obviously thought it trash; useless; common.  Oh, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder!  When my husband first saw the desk, then when I saw it, we saw beyond the rickety appearance.  We saw something with character.  Something unique.  Something useful and beautiful.  We saw, not what it was, but what it could be.

  I'm sure ya'll know what I'm getting at now, eh?  Yes, that's how God sees us.  We may be pretty rough on the outside. Perhaps we are still given to certain bad habits. Perhaps we still have a temper and/or swear at times.  Perhaps we still fall into gossip or under pressure, tell a lie.  Perhaps, we just can't seem to get ahead in our walk, or so we think. 

  Well, ain't it great to know that God sees beyond the dings, dents and the flaws.  He sees, not what we are, but what we will be.  And yes, to get us there, He must clean us off, sand us down (get rid of the rough edges--ouch!) and give us a fresh coat of paint.  

   I've been feeling discouraged due to still fighting an ugly temper with some bad words to accompany it, sometimes, and I end up feeling condemned.  God had to remind me that He doesn't fixate on all of my flaws and ugliness like I do.  He's seeing me as the finished product.

  All we can do is allow God to keep working on us, sanding and refinishing.  When we fall, we need to ask for forgiveness/repent, get back up and not dwell on it.

   I needed a reminder that I'm already beautiful in God's eyes.  yes, beauty really is in the Eye of the Beholder.  

  Thank You, Lord, for the reminder, because I fixate too much on everything I'm doing wrong.  Thank You that You don't!

 

 

  Be encouraged, all:  You're a masterpiece already in the Master's eyes!