Friday, July 11, 2008

Gifts of the Lord

Could think of anything smart to post. But I recently read Phillippians 4(amplified Bible). It's a good reminder of all that God provides us.

(4)Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

(5) Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon] .

(6) Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

(7) And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Marantha

135 comments:

campsmore said...

Yeah! I'm the first... they never happens..

have a great weekend

campsmore said...

My word, I have the first post and I got so excited (don't really know why) and I didn't type right. I should've said, "that never happens..." Oh well, you're all so loving and forgiving... thanks

campsmore said...

Alesia from the cave asked if Uncle Bob's book was print on demand, so I asked him. Here is his response.

Dear Lori,
No, it is not print on demand. There is a warehouse full of them at the publisher's. Evidently Amazon just got their first shipment and sold out the first day. I'm sure another shipment is already on the way. It is kind of exciting for a little boy from the mountains of NC.
By the way, anybody can always e-mail me with questions or comments. I don't mind at all.
Love, Uncle Bob

campsmore said...

I just got this other note from Uncle Bob.... I thought it was funny.


Dear Family,
Interestingly, the book started out at the very bottom of the
totem pole for Amazon.com, number 707,123. I just checked and it has
climbed to number 7,397 the first day. That still leaves a long way to
go, but I thought it was a pretty impressive jump. We jumped over almost
700,000 other books in sales already. God just might be involved.

Love, Dad (Bob)

Great Grany 5 said...

I am going to be gone for a few days and just want you all to know that I love you all so very much. My life has taken on a whole new meaning and I have enjoyed and become much richer in my relationship with God's family because of all of you. Thank you from the very center of my heart. There is nothing that we cannot do when God is in it and all of the nay saying won't change or alter what we have experienced in our relationships with Christ, the Holy Spirit and especially our Lord and Savior. The best is just beginning and I am beginning to be excited for the rest of the the story.

I am going to visit my daughters in Bella Vista, Arkansas and enjoy the love and fellowship with two of the most precious people in my life.

Everyone have a wonderful weekend and week. Keep the light on so the world can see in the darkness that is creeping ever so close.

Grany

Marge said...

Lori,
Good information. Thanks!

Grany,
Have a wonderful and restful vacation! No worries :)

Sharing 101: (smile)

I'm reading (almost thru, really) a book called,
Change Your Brain, Change Your Life,
by, Dr. Daniel G. Amen

It's VERY good, and if anyone is interested in learning more, you can go to Dr. Amen's website at:

www.amenclinic.com

God bless!
And keep your stick on the ice :)

campsmore said...

Wilma, have a wonderful time dolting on your girls!

Lord, please protect Wilma as she travels. Place opportunities before her where she can minister your word to others, in Jesus' name I pray, amen.

boatman909 said...

Marge,

You might also find this interesting...

Dr Caroline Leaf is a spirit-filled clinical pathologist and learning specialist from South Africa, who has dedicated her life to understanding the brain, and demonstrating how it's behavior matches up with the way the Bible speaks about it.

She shows how you can, literally, renew your mind, according to Romans 12:2.

Dr Caroline Leaf

She does special interactive presentations, and you can get one of these on a DVD from her web site, or, for a appetizer, watch a recent (28 June 2008) video from "Life Today" (the Robisons).

You could also do as one of the ladies in our church has done, get the special presentation set ($99) "Your Body, His Temple" from the Robisons' "Life Outreach International" website, including 8 DVDs(!!) and 3 books featuring Dr. Leaf, Dr. Janet Macarro, Marty Copeland, and Beth Moore.

This is an amazing set - it's a real inspirational set of teachings about maintaining your body's health, mentally, physically and spiritually.

John

Marge said...

John,
Thanks for the good information!

I have listened to Dr. Janet Maracco for many years, and I have bought several of her books. She is well respected, and has great knowledge. (as I'm sure the other women also have)

A side note on Dr. Amen. He is a graduate of ORU medicine, and he also mentions the wonderful singing at Calvary Chapel, in So. CA., where he has attended church. He says, singing is extremely benefical to the brain/body.

There is so much wonderful information available today! We are truly a blessed generation.

Marge said...

Hi!
Has everyone gone on vacation? (smile) I know, it's a busy, busy time of year for everyone.

Enjoy the summer, and God bless!

Love,
Marge

TexanForChrist said...

I'm still checking in Marge, Just not much time for posting.

Lots of interesting news on the news link at http://www.raptureready.com though.

Maranatha..soon

Mike

Marge said...

Mike,
Thanks. Rapture Ready is a great website.

I just finished reading, Destined To Reign, by Pastor Jospeh Prince. Wow! He preaches and explains a radical grace. It is an excellent book, and I would highly recommend it to anyone!

Gotta go to work :) God bless!

Jen said...

Hi all,
Got back safe-n-sound from our weekend trip. Much refreshed, for a few hours at least!
Favor to ask....
I'm dealing with a persistent JW and her trainee who keeps visiting every few weeks. During our last visit, we got on the subject of Israel in endtimes. JWs contend that Israel is finished in God's eyes because they refused to accept Christ (replacement theology) and any reference to Israel can mean a variety of people/groups, etc. I normally wouldn't have the guts to continue the discussion since I know how well JWs are trained in defending their views, but now that my insides are stuffed with the Spirit, I'm not finding it hard to continue to discussion and frankly, I feel like it might help the trainee to meet someone who feels just as strongly about a different view on the Scriptures as her mentor does about the JW position.
Anyway, today she dropped off a list of Scriptures that 'support' the view that God is done with the Jews. I'll list them below and would love to get your ideas on anything I could use in rebuttal. I hope to have time to dig up my own stuff but in case she comes back sooner than later, I want to have something to work with!

FSGTB,
Jen

Matt 21:43
Act 15:14
Romans 2: 28-29
Romans 9:6, 22-25
Romans 11:17-26
Gal 4:22
Heb 12:22-24
Hosea 2:23; 4:1-6
Jer. 31: 31-34

PS. Of course, she's using the JW translation of Scripture so I'm not ever sure we're comparing apples to apples when discussing these verses. I'm not aware of all the parts in which they've made changes to the Word although I know they are pervasive.

boatman909 said...

Jen, this may help...

Matthew 21:43-45 NOTE Jesus is addressing the Pharisees - whom He had already told were not of the House of Abraham - they were of the devil, and no longer, in God's eyes, part of the House of Israel, and therefore no longer eligible to receive the promises given to Abraham.
43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.
44 “And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.



Acts 15:14 NOTE The Tabernacle of David is a JEWISH Tabernacle, where only the Kohaniim - the Jewish priests who are descended from Aaron, could minister. This has yet to happen - although in the past week the first of the Kohaniim have been measured for their priestly garments for the first time in 2000 years!!.
15 “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written:
16 ‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’



Romans 2: 28-29 NOTE Until the Resurrection of Jesus, the ONLY way you could be justified was through faith in God - i.e. by believing and obeying God's Word - just as Abraham had. Therefore, this statement has ALWAYS been true.
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh;
29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.



Romans 9:6-13 NOTE Nowhere this passage does it say that God has done away with those Jews who continued "in faith" - remember it is "the just who shall live by faith" - this has been true since Abraham's day. The promise was given to Abraham, that through his seed Isaac he would become the father of many nations - in other words the Jewish nation is STILL central to the salvation plan of God for the whole world.
6 But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,
7 nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, “In Isaac your seed shall be called.”
8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.
9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.”
10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac
11 (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls),
12 it was said to her, “The older shall serve the younger.”
13As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.”



Romans 9:22-32 NOTE Notice that the Jews are still included here....
22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory,
24 even us whom He called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
25 As He says also in Hosea:

“I will call them My people, who were not My people,
And her beloved, who was not beloved.”
26“And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them,
‘You are not My people,’
There they shall be called sons of the living God.”

27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:

“Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea,
The remnant will be saved.
28For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.”

29 And as Isaiah said before:

“Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,
We would have become like Sodom,
And we would have been made like Gomorrah.”

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith;
31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
33 As it is written:

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense,
And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”


[emphasis added - you cannot take 1 or 2 verses out of context....]


Romans 11:17-33 NOTE Israel is still called the true natural olive tree - everyone else is called wild olive branches, who have to be grafted into the true olive tree that is represented by Israel - and Paul is quite emphatic - ALL Israel will be saved.
17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,
18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”
20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.
21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.
22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.
23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:

“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
27For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.”

28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience,
31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy.
32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!



Gal 4:22-29 NOTE See how God regards Isaac and his natural descendants as part of the true promise, representing the new Covenant that we now have through Jesus - meaning that all Jews who continue on in the same faith as Abraham will one day be saved (which is not the same as keeping the Law of Moses - as Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees)
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the freewoman through promise,
24 which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—
25 for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—
26but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27For it is written:

“Rejoice, O barren,
You who do not bear!
Break forth and shout,
You who are not in labor!
For the desolate has many more children
Than she who has a husband.”

28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise. 29But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now.



Hebrews 12:22-24 NOTE - this is the fulfillment of the promise given by God to Eve in the Garden - that through her seed there would come a deliverer for ALL people.
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
23 to the general assembly and church
(correctly this should just read "the called out ones") of the firstborn [Jesus] who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.



Hosea 2:23 NOTE Israel has been "sowed.. in the earth" so that the Gentiles could also receive of the promises of God. In a sense, they had to "die" so that we could receive life, and they WILL receive life back from God in the last days - see Jeremiah. 31: 31-34 below.
23 Then I will sow her for Myself in the earth,
And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy;
Then I will say to those who were not My people,
‘You are My people!’
And they shall say, ‘You are my God!’


Hosea 4:1-6 - NOTE: This is addressed to Israel, NOT the House of Judah. God has NEVER given the House of Judah a note of divorce, therefore God is still married to Judah. He has in no way cast her away.
1 Hear the word of the Lord,
You children of Israel,
For the Lord brings a charge against the inhabitants of the land:
“There is no truth or mercy
Or knowledge of God in the land.
2 By swearing and lying,
Killing and stealing and committing adultery,
They break all restraint,
With bloodshed upon bloodshed.
3 Therefore the land will mourn;
And everyone who dwells there will waste away
With the beasts of the field
And the birds of the air;
Even the fish of the sea will be taken away.
4 “Now let no man contend, or rebuke another;
For your people are like those who contend with the priest.
5 Therefore you shall stumble in the day;
The prophet also shall stumble with you in the night;
And I will destroy your mother.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.


Jeremiah. 31: 31-34 NOTE This passage SPECIFICALLY Promises that Israel and Judah WILL be restored at the end of days.
31 “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—
32 “not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord.
33 “But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
34 “No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”



In addition, the Book of Revelation clearly states (in Rev 7) that there will be 144,000 JEWISH evangelists set aside and sealed by God in order to finish the work of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world - Jesus refers to this in Matthew 24:14

Remember, and this is crucial - Jesus was an OLD TESTAMENT prophet when He came in the flesh - He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, and He came specifically, and only, to the House of Israel - His words... The 4 Gospels are, strictly speaking, the accounts of how Jesus fulfilled this mandate. Thus these are really part of the Old Testament/Covenant writings. It is only after the Resurrection that the Church as we know it came into existence - and remember that for a long time, this was a purely Jewish organization - Jesus was the Jewish Messiah, it was only after divine intervention by God (to Peter and Paul amongst others) that the Church even considered admitting Gentiles without first requiring them to convert to Judaism.

It is the death and resurrection of Jesus that instituted a New Covenant - which, as described in the Book of Hebrews, is a MUCH better covenant than that given to Moses, but nowhere in the New Testament writings does God ever declare that this New Covenant has replaced the old one - in fact it reaffirms the covenant that God made with Abraham in Genesis 15.

It is only since Jesus' resurrection that the Gospel has been offered to the Gentiles. That time - the "time of the Gentiles" is almost over. As Jesus said (as recorded in Matthew 24:32-34),
"32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.
33 “So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near —at the doors!
34 “Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.
"

This is a clear reference to the resurrection/re-establishment of the State of Israel, in preparation for the rebuilding of the 3rd temple, in Jerusalem, as promised to Daniel, which is required to be in existence for the Antichrist to profane it, and which is THE key prophetic sign that the end of all things will come within a generation (70 years?) of the founding of the State of Israel.

The "time of the Gentiles" is still not quite over - I believe that the Rapture will signal that.

The problem with Replacement Theology is that it forces you to discount ALL the promises of God towards Israel. If you do that, you actually have NO promises left for the Church!!

The Church CANNOT replace Israel, simply because God clearly makes a distinction between Gentile believers and all believing Jews. Paul is VERY clear in Romans 9-11 that Israel has been sidelined by God for a season, in order that we (that is EVERYONE ELSE) might get a chance to hear the Gospel. In the end, God HAS to fulfill His promises to Abraham and the Patriarchs, otherwise He is a liar. He HAS to restore Israel to its rightful place as the "wife of God, just as the Church is the "bride of Christ".

We are seeing the final stages of God's redemption plan coming to pass VERY quickly. All the final pieces of the prophetic puzzle are coming together, and the next most likely thing to happen (this autumn?) is a war between Israel and Hezbollah, aided by Hamas, under Iran's direction, and fully supported by Syria (the house of Ben-Hadad). The result will be the fulfillment of Isaiah 17 and Jeremiah 49:23-27, along with the destruction of all of southern Lebanon from the coast to the borders of Syria, and the total destruction of Damascus. The Gog-Magog alliance is almost completely in place, now that Libya has joined with Iran.

Just in the past few days, Israeli intelligence has determined that Hezbollah is planning to use chemical weapons in their next attack on Israel (kindly supplied by N. Korea, through Syria) - under the standard rules of engagement, if your enemy uses WMD's, you are permitted to reply in kind (not necessarily the same type - you can retaliate with any WMD at your disposal - Israel has nukes!!) Iran will not retaliate with nuclear weapons - at least not this time, because they know that would be the end for them. I suspect they will withdraw and regroup their forces, and starting pushing for Russia to help them avenge their defeat (or at least the defeat of their proxy armies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza). World opinion will be swayed against Israel for having defended themselves, and most of the world, the US included will basically turn their back on Israel.

I think that the Rapture (at least the first one) happens in the intervening period - very probably within the next 2 - 3 years!!

John

campsmore said...

Beth called. They are home again.

The good news: The blockage cleared itself........
The bad news: The tumors have grown since Geoff was in the hospital in Jan. and they cannot be removed.

The scriptural news: We will be like Joshua and Caleb and only act on God's news.

Beth's Prayer Request. She has asked our family for the following prayers in ascending order:

1) Pray for Geoff to be OK'd for Medicaid (they have no insurance).

2) Pray for Geoff to be OK'd for his VA pension (since his time in the service flying helicopters during Vietnam is the original cause of the problem.

3) Pray for help with her Father.

4) Pray for her sanity......she is on meds which are helping the tears.

5) And of course, pray for his complete healing.

She sends her love to all the prayer warriors who have come to the Lord on their behalf and with grateful thanks, asks you not to stop. I add mine to hers....God bless you.

Love, Mom (Sharon)

Geoff was a pilot and was on a mission to recover bodies of a disaster that included chemical and/or radioactive products during 'nam.

Marge said...

Lori,
I'm in complete agreement with you, and Beth, in prayer. #1-#5, and all of the above.

Jen said...

Thanks, John. I will (hopefully) get time to chew through all this and more before they come again. In the process, I'm finding that I'm not as clear as I had thought about what Scripture says will happen to all Jews, in terms of their salvation...those of pre-Christ times, post-Christ and the post-rapture ones. I need to have my facts straight before I delve into that one. Like hubby said (he gets a bit upset that they keep coming back, even after learning that I'm a serious Christian), they'll figure out a weak spot or particular concern and then try to chip away at your beliefs through that subject. For me, they started off with "these are scary times we're living in, especially for families with young children." Now she knows of my view on Israel in endtimes, so that will be the next chisel she uses.

On another subjects....the Lord led us to a computer repair man who was able to get our system cleaned out (literally....a ton of dust was slowing down the cooling fan, which led to all the screen freezes) and a thorough update on security, etc. Things seem to be running fine now...for $125 as opposed to a new system for a thousand! God is good, all the time!

FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

Good God's Day everyone!

I probably won't be on line much today as daughter and I are going shopping til we drooping. I was going to post you all a note Monday but things got too busy and laughter is good for the soul.

Anyway, I gathered all of the prayer requests and I am praying for each one. During the day there are always lapse of activity and we also some very short spates of total quiet! I have to post the meaning of spate; it is my word of the day!
A sudden flood, rush, or outpouring; don't you just love it!

John, that post of yours is a great big mouthful and I really enjoyed reading it. You are such a blessing to all of us and you got me digging. Still digging. By the way, Dr. Bullinger's book is really, really getting interesting. I hope you have received your copy. There is a source of Dr. Bullinger's material on the net but I am not at my home computer and am using another here at my daughter's. I will see if I can find it as this man gives some very interesting comments and word studies.

Well, I have to get my shower so we can rush out to come back drooping.

Love you all,
Grany

Marge said...

Grany,
Good to hear from you! And I'm so happy that you are having such a great time with your daughter and family. YAH!

Loved your word for the day, too :)

Have a lot of fun, and thanks for checking in, too. Love you!
Looking forward to more teaching.

Marge said...

Jen,
How many times does a JW come back, or do you know? I was just wondering, if at sometime they wrote you off their list? Because it's been my experience that when they find out that you have your own belief, they pretty much "write you off."
But I haven't known too many JW, mostly Mormans where I live, in western WA. And they haven't said very much to me, either. They tend to, especially, leave a person alone, when you begin to invite them to your Church, and to watch Christian T.V. Something I've not yet gotten anyone of them to do :(
At least that I know of thus far.

But WA. State is the most unchurched state in the United States. And according to the last Poll, Pierce Co. (where I live) was the most unchurched Co. in the United States. Nothing to brag about, and that's for sure and certain.

Anyhow, just womdering.

God bless!

Jen said...

Hi Marge,
I really don't know the answer to that, but hubby kinda said the same thing....you'd think once they see that I'm a serious student of the Bible and Protestant Christian to the core, they'd move along to someone else with more potential. Perhaps she is being "brought back" as I have prayed for them in the Spirit, esp. her trainee who seems less indoctrinated. It's interesting that the elder lady told me she is Jewish by birth and never heard about Jesus until she was older. She also lived in Jerusalem for 7 years (she and her husband) so when I started talking favorably about Israel, it really hit a personal note with her. She probably doesn't encounter too many people who speak in a positive way about the Jews and certainly not so fervently about God still having a plan for them, so maybe that's why she comes back.
As I was praying about the situation a few months ago (when I was still feeling fear about continuing to welcome them and be open to digging in with them), I was praying along in the Spirit and then the words "I'm ready" popped out. I asked the Lord, ready for what? And I got the distinct impression that the next time they came to the door I was to spend time with them and let Him guide the conversation. So I let go of the fear and just allowed Him to speak through me. We ended up talking for about an hour and during that time I could tell that both ladies were a bit taken aback by how much "stuff" I knew and how many connections to current events I had already established in my mind. The younger girl actually asked me how I had come to learn so much about the Bible. Then the topic of Israel came up and that's where we left things (until yesterday when they stopped by, but I truly didn't have time to spend another hour with them.) I plan to continue researching the JW beliefs so I can see where they're coming from and then make sure I have my own ducks in a row, and of course, praying over the situation so that I can be as effective as possible and just scatter whatever seeds I am given to send out.
It's also been a witness to my own husband as he has already turned them away. And my mother-in-law hides when she sees them coming up the sidewalk. I just don't want to be found wanting when I face Jesus some day (any day now!)

I'll let you know how things go!
FSGTB,
Jen

campsmore said...

Here's the latest message from Beth via Sharon:


I am really struggling, once again, with wondering when Geoff's time is up. I hate feeling this way, and I know God has brought him through so many times, but I wonder when that will no longer happen. I feel that his time left on this earth is growing near and I don't want him to know that I feel like that. But, every time he ends up with a CT scan, it just comes back worse. I'm trying so hard to just forget about those pictures and just trust God for a complete healing, but so far all news has been bad and I hate it. Our lives just wouldn't be the same without him. I'm really tired of thinking about that. I have such a hard time just believing for a complete healing. He needs so much prayer and needs the biggest miracle ever. I know that fear isn't from God, but it sure is hard to get on top of that with the big C word. We were told that the tumors have really grown since Jan. and are pushing on his organs now and we could end up in the hospital a lot with these tumors cutting off different organs. I'm tired, angry, confused and just plain sad. I feel like he is a walking time bomb.
Please have Lori pull out all the stops for prayer warriors. If you reply to this email, please start a new one. Don't send this back with it as I don't want Geoff to know how I feel.
Love to all,
Beth

campsmore said...

Jen, I am so glad your computer was an easy fix instead of a replacement. God is good!

Marge said...

Lori,
I'm hoping that Beth can pray in her prayer language, as this is deffinitely a clear case for praying with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Father, may you bless Beth today, and give her your peace that passeth all understanding. And give her your wisdom, knowledge and understanding in her family's situation. Thank you. And Amen.

Jen,
Thanks for explaining the JW situation. It must be God. Because when I've told the JW people that have come here, that I'm a born again Christian, and a Penetostal one at that, they say thank you, and exit stage right. (or is it left?) But I always pray for their salvation, and for the Lord to speak the truth to their hearts.
God bless you for being so patient, and kind with them.

Well, I need to finish things around here, to go to work this evening.
God bless!

Grace said...

Agreeing in prayer with you Lori!

Jen, I really pray that God opens hearts and doors for you. Bless you for reaching out when others would have walked away.

Grace

Jen said...

Hi all,
First of all, Grany, I'm SOOOO glad to hear that you are still with us. What a testimony to the power of the name of Jesus! I'm sure that will make an impact on anyone who isn't sure what they believe about Jesus and the believer's relationship with Him.

Lori, I'm praying for Beth and Geoff and am anticipating good news on that front.
What do you guys think about people praying for you who don't agree with or don't understand the power of words spoken in prayer? I mean stuff like, "God willing" or "If the Lord wills" or "Lord, give us strength to accept Your plan", etc. I'm now beginning to see those as hedging your bets, so to speak. Am I doing more harm than good when I ask someone to pray for me who is going to already have one foot in the "accepting defeat" side of the issue? I haven't shared certain things with people lately because I know that's how they'll pray...hope for a good outcome, but ready to accept bad news if that's the Lord's plan. Has me wondering.

And Marge & Grace,
Thank you for the good words but I have to deflect them upward because I know there's nothing in me continuing to open that door to the JWs. Until I surrendered to the Spirit, I got so nervous about the whole thing that I was nearly sick. I really don't like confrontation and I knew I wasn't nearly as prepared to counter their arguments (and quite frankly, I wasn't interested in spending the time necessary to get to a prepared point either) but as I'm growing sensitive to the nudge of the Spirit, I could feel Him leading me to that conclusion. I still don't get excited when they ring the doorbell because they always show up during nap time and that's when I'm trying to get a million things done while the kids are asleep. Last time dinner was an hour late because I was talking with them instead of prepping in the kitchen and that, of course, had hubby in a state! Plus that means the kids go to bed later and then my whole routine is off. But I just asked the Lord to stretch out my hours so I could get everything done, including the necessary prep work to prepare for the next visit so that I have the answer for the hope I have in Jesus, which we are required as believers to share! I did find a very useful site for apologetics. It's http://www.carm.org/index.html (Christian Apologetics Research Ministry). It includes tons of info on various beliefs from different religions, cults, etc. and compares Christian doctrine against those. Then there are message boards where people debate specific topics within those religions/cults and that's very helpful to see how, for example, a JW views Jesus as not God because of some interpretations on Scripture. I was reading one thread last night between a JW and several ex-JWs and other Christians about the Scriptures dealing with giving glory to God and how JWs interpret those verses to show that Jesus and the Father don't receive the same glory, thereby showing that they are not One. I've always loved learning new things so I could literally get lost on this site. It's been a real blessing to see how others stand up for the faith since it seems like Christians all around are backing down these days.
So anyway, this committment to keep welcoming the JW ladies is definitely not from within myself. I can only say that Holy Spirit has work to do in their lives and I'm just agreeing to be used as His instrument.

Well, gotta run. Lots to get done today! BTW, Valerie is doing well and the girls are also making good progress. I've got 3 people started already helping her with another 15 on the list waiting for the babies to come home. I'm hosting a "meet-n-greet" for the whole crew on the 27th so Valerie/Steve can meet everyone who is going to be helping in their home. Then the first week of August should be when the babies come home which will make all this stuff now seem like a cake walk! Please do pray for Valerie/Steve and especially her mother, Kathleen. This woman (the mom) has major emotional/interpersonal issues that are causing so much damage in Valerie's life. I also learned that Valerie's dad had a stroke 15 years ago and is in a nursing home in another state, so there's another sad chapter in her life that she continues to deal with. So much has happened to her - big stuff - that I'm amazed that she's as stable as she is, especially without a strong relationship with Jesus. I'm really eager to bring her some of the love and care she's been missing. Makes me count my blessings all the more.

Check in later,
FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

Good God's morning everyone and if you are living in a different time zone (I am in CDT) have a very blessed one! I want to post my comment that I posted at the cave yesterday regarding a very serious episode that I experienced yesterday. I was going to post here but just didn't feel very good. I am still kinda funny feeling this morning.

Here is my post at the cave:
"Great Grany 5 said...

Hi everyone!

Sunny and warm in Bella Vista and I am enjoying the days here with my family. I read all of the comments and just wanted Lori to know that I am standing with you in prayer for Geoff and Beth. Lori you know what action to take in regard to those tumors and I am standing in agreement and authority with you regarding them.

To everyone: I refuse to let fear into the front, back, side or garage door of my being and there is nothing any worse to stop the flow of the Holy Spirit than fear and doubt. If you are sowing either of these two characters into others hearts, you are abetting the enemy of our souls. This is the time to understand and start using the authority of the believers. You are not the victims, you are the redeemed and enabled to stand in any battle. You might not like what I am telling you but it is time to quit being whimps and start living the life of Authorized Born Again Believers in Jesus Christ and all of the subsequent power of that relationship.

I just experienced a near death attack on my own body and if I hadn't stood my ground you would be hearing my daughter tell you of my death. I AM NOT KIDDING ANY OF YOU IN THE LEAST! I exhibited all of the classic symptoms of a massive heart attack while eating lunch with daughter and son-in-law. My throat froze up, couldn't swallow, breath and the pain was horrible. I felt like something was squeezing the life out of me and to breath was excuciatingly painful. My head hurt so bad that I thought it would explode and I didn't have anyway of speaking except "Jesus"! Did you know you can say that word gasping for breath or without breath? I felt the grip on my heart loosen, then I said "Jesus, HELP!" Another loosening and then I said, "I plead" and the fist let loose. I walked out of the restaurant on my own and even though I didn't feel too great and we came home, I know what was happening would have killed me if I had not spoken out.

It took all of my strength and will power to do it but God moved the tormenter out of my way so I could continue the fight for His kingdom. My heart rate was really crazy for a while. I know hospitals are great places for sick people but I am not ready to turn in my bowling shoes just yet.

Do what you want but don't forget, the choice is yours to choose blessings or cursing, life or death. I choose life and that I give totally to the Lord and His kingdom./

Love you all,
Grany"

That was at 4:46 Cave time yesterday and I really started going down hill from then on. I know that I know that death was just waiting for me to put down my hope and dependence on the Name of Jesus Christ and at the time the episode started, I was focused on the horrible pain and trying to overcome it on my own.

I felt the Holy Spirit coaxing me away from the table where we were eating, go to the lobby of T.J. Chang's and get away from unbelief. I got on a bench in the waiting area where I could seek the face of God. My precious son-in-law came out to check on me but it was after I had claimed my protector's presence. It was not something I could share with Becky because she doesn't really share the same beliefs that I do. She has come a long way from where she was before but not far enough to call on the Name of Jesus Christ for healing and deliverance from all that tries to deter or destroy life after salvation.

I truly do believe there was a reason that the gospels relate the story of Jesus putting the unbelievers out of the room when he prayed for the restoration of life in the presence of death. But for that matter, he never allowed unbelief to share the same arena he was ministering in. God's word said that when Jesus asked what the man wanted, the man replied if it be your will to heal me. Jesus answer "I Will". NO SECOND THOUGHT AND NO HESITATION WAS RECORDED ON JESUS' RESPONDING!

Jesus came as a minister of God's will and the only prayer that Jesus ever taught or spoke about God's will was the Lord's Prayer and that was a prayer of a completely different nature. Rightly dividing the word of God is a matter of life and death, blessing or cursing, light and darkness. Is it God's will to save every soul from the place He created for Satan? Of course it is and to think otherwise is just pure human reasoning. Don't ever let anyone try to convince you otherwise. "For God so loved the WORLD, that he gave his Only begotten son, that whomsoever believed in him would have everlasting life." I don't think he stuttered in that statement and to try to make something else of it is demonic.

I am slowly building back my reserve of strength but I would appreciate your prayers for my complete filling.

Love you all,
Grany

Marge said...

Jen,
The prayer of agreement (Matt. 18:19) is a powerful prayer. However, there has to be complete agreement. And sometimes it's better to get two or three believers agreeing with you, in prayer. Often believers aren't praying in faith/belief. Until they come to know the reality of 2 Cor. 1: 20, their prayers aren't in agreement with the Bible, IMHO.

2 Cor. 1:20 says, For all the promises of God in him are yea, and amen, unto the glory of God by us.

God bless! I've got to start the day. Lots to be done, etc.

I'll be back later, too :)

Anyone else have thoughts along these lines for Jen?

Marge said...

Grany,
I was writing my post when you posted :)

PRAISE GOD! And Thank you Jesus, for being with Wilma, and keeping her with us!

God bless you, Wilma, and bless your heart! And keep teaching the Word of God!

Just goes to prove that the Bible is the Word of God, and it works, when we believe and act upon it, amen? Amen!

Love to all, and praise the Lord!

Marge said...

Grany,
In agreement with you, for God to restore every bit of your strength, and health, to the glory of God!

Jen said...

Hi everyone,
Posted a quick prayer request at the prayer site for little Jacob, the 4-year old boy I've mentioned at the cave. New info and prayers needed for him.
FSGTB,
Jen

campsmore said...

Jen, I think I agree with you on this point. I asked "others" to pray for Beth and Geoff and got a lot of "if it's His will" talk.

My bible says, "It's my will for you to prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers."

I know His will, you know I know, because He told me, that's how.

So, we know what to pray for, and how to pray for it... in Jesus' name.

I understand why you left the room, Wilma. Getting away from doubt and unbelief fast helped save your life. You kept trusting in our savior who provided healing thru his stripes he took on his body.

My husband's favorite verse applies here, it's in Hebrews:

"Hold fast the profession of your faith without waivering, for He is faithful that promised."

TexanForChrist said...

I'll third or fourth that Granny, don't know what we'd do without you, but thank the Lord we don't have to.

Talk about a testemony to the power of our Lord Jesus Christ!..

We will keep you in our prayers for the building of your strenght (that should happen by morning) and praises of Praises for keep you here with us as HE knows you want to see the sky roll back like a scroll. What a sight that will be.

Blessing to all

Maranatha soon.. Mike

Jen said...

Yes, Lori,
I didn't want to point it out bluntly (here or at the cave), but once I saw all the hedging pop up over there, it got me thinking about whether half-cup-full prayers can actually do harm. I'm guilty of them myself until recently, so I don't want to sound like I'm on a high horse about it. But if our words have power behind them (and I'm coming to see that more and more as I study and pray), then negative or half-hearted prayers might also have negative, undoing power behind them as well, no? That's why I decided to NOT post my prayer request for Jacob over yonder, after I saw the replies for Beth/Geoff.

So much more to understand. All I want is 100% of God's Truth and to walk as closely as I can with Him.

Having dinner out with hubby so gotta go put on my false eyelashes ;-)

FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

Jen, this is what the Bible has to say about not being sure of what we are asking or believing:

James 1: 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

This from Hebrews 10: 34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul."

We don't draw back because the Holy Spirit in fullness living in us emboldens all of us to believe GOD'S WORD IN FULLNESS OF MEASURE TOWARD THOSE WHO DO BELIEVE AND STRIVE FOR THE PRIZE OF THEIR CALLING.

If I wanted to limit what God's word can do in my life I could and wonder why I could never achieve the victories I am provided with in His Word. But instead I took to heart and believed that I could be filled with the Holy Spirit in fullness of measure and receive the things which I asked in faith, believing.

I don't really mean to be hard nosed about this but I agree with John that things will probably get really stinko very shortly and unless we stay close and tight with the Holy Spirit we could be diverted from God's best for us. I know we are all of one accord in our Spiritual walk with the Lord and no matter what is being delivered to our doors, we don't have to accept the delivery.

I rebuke and speak to those tumors that are inflicting Geoff. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I command them to leave in mass and bind them off of the whole family. I loosen healthy tissues, glands, and all organs to overtake the ones who were injured. The name of Jesus Christ is above every name above the earth, on the earth and under the earth. Every knee has to bend and submit to the Name of Jesus and their tongues are bound to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Love you all very, very much and I knew that someone of you was praying for me yesterday. I could feel it and even though you might not have known it, the Holy Spirit brought you to it. The time was about 3:30 P.M. CDT.

Grany

Marge said...

Just a few thoughts about the authority of the believer. Okay, I'm playing devil's advocate here, but that's okay, isn't it? We are here to learn, and discuss the ways of the Holy Spirit, amen?

Also, a side note, before I begin. I failed to pray in the name of Jesus, in my prayer for Beth. However, I still believe God heard, as He's so gracious to all, amen? (smile)

Another little side note, as what I'll be writing has come from teaching from Kenneth E. Hagin, along with answers to prayer that I've (along with my family) received over the years.

Okay, I said all that, to say this. Please don't throw the baby out with the bathwater :) Everyone has to start somewhere in their faith walk, and we all stumble when we learn to walk. (growth in the spirit, is along the same lines of physical growth, and can be compared as such) I've seen healing come when people prayed, "if" it be God's will. Oh, yeah. God meets us all where we are in Him.
As some of you have taught children, would you expect the first grader to aswer H.S. questions? Absolutely not. Anyhow, I don't know about you, but I'll take all the prayer I can get :)

Okay, moving on to the authority of the believer. We all can take authority over ourselves, and our households. However, remember, God doesn't violate anyone's free will. It's up to them if they want to receive healing. And they need to give us authority over them, if we are to bind the work of the devil in their life. (I'm assuming Geoff has released that authority, as I don't know all the details about the family) However, after reading his wife's comments, I do believe that she needs the comfort and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He can show her how to pray, and how to receive. I know this to be true, in my own life.

Anyway, please forgive me, if I'm sounding agrumentative. Because I don't mean to be that, at all. I just know that the Holy Spirit uses many methods of healing. And it's up to us, to pray thru and find the answer. If one type of prayer always worked, we'd not need to walk by faith, amen? We need to be open to the Holy Spirit, walk by faith, and receive in faith, as well. Because that is why our other brethren pray, "if" it be God's will, IMHO. They know that it's up to the Holy Spirit. And it's up to us to receive the answer.
As Kenneth Hagin once said, if your radio wasn't receiving the local radio station, you wouldn't call up that radio station and say it's their fault. No you'd get your radio fixed, so you could receive the signal.
God always has the answer. It's up to us to recieve it. Because we walk by faith, and not by sight.

Much love. And I'm learning along with everyone else.

Again, praise the Lord for Wilma's healing, and renewed strength!
We're all in this together, amen?

campsmore said...

Marge,

First of all, I want to apologize if my comments came off as self-righteous and condemning. That was not the intent.

I posted in the cave because I knew that there is a bunch of God fearing, Jesus loving people that would pray.

When my son was three, I was suffering from one of the most horrific migraines I ever had. He asked if he could pray for me. Of course, I couldn't resist. He prayed, "Dear God, thank you for mommy's headache, in Jesus name' amen." Well, the words were all wrong, but God knew what he meant. In an instant the migraine was gone... really gone!

When my own mom was battling cancer, I was convinced that no one on earth wanted to get well more than her. She fought physically, emotionally and spiritually. She still died. I was devasted to the point that I was having weird dreams of me being responsible for her death. I knew this was a lie of course. I had done what I thought was everything to help her live.

In the end, she left this earth at a very young 54. I know she is with God.

Was her faith not "big" enough? Were my prayers insufficent?

I don't think so. I don't have the answers. But I do know one thing. When someone prayed with her for "God to heal her if it was His will" her faith took a giant leap backwards.

Thru those words, doubt and unbelief can creep into the mind of the person engaged in a one-on-one battle with the enemy.

If they begin to entertain the idea that it might not be God's will, they might stop fighting, submitting to physical death.

I know my mom and so many loved ones from this blog, and the cave, are with the Lord in a place of rest. Thank God we have that reassurance.

I do think we have to take God's word at face value. If it says it's his will that we be in health and prosper" or that "by Jesus' stripes we are healed," we should not mutter a single word to the contrary.

Would I rather that one not pray at all then, God forbid. A prayer said on behalf of a brother or sister in need is honored by our father.

I just think we should be a little more careful to make sure that our words line up with His.

I love you. This was not meant to be hurtful and again I apologize.

I would love to stay on and talk, but I have to get to bed, and up by 5am.

lori

Jen said...

Hello friends,
I hope, like Lori and Marge, not to stir things up on this subject and I agree with Marge that we're all at a different stage of learning and understanding these topics. I look at where I was just 6 months ago and the difference is truly unbelievable. I find myself looking back at decisions we made over the last few years and wonder would I have made them if I had been where I am now spiritually. Alot of the "we see now darkly" has been lifted and things make so much more sense, but there are still just as many questions to seek Truth about because new questions open up when our understandings of Scripture develop. That was the basis for my asking the question about "hedging" prayers. The thought hadn't crossed my mind before because I really didn't examine Scriptures on prayer and belief until now.
And the old understanding is always there, waiting to draw me back. I said something to hubby a few weeks ago about simply asking the Lord for good weather for traveling and knowing that we'd have a perfectly fine trip. He looked at me crossly and said, "That sounds like new age stuff to me." I felt the doubts circle around as I wondered, am I really sure I can pray that way and expect God to arrange weather patterns for us? What if we run into heavy rain? What do I believe then? Those kinds of thoughts were very eager to enter my mind and kick out the confidence I had been feeling up til then. I can see how it's a constant battle just to stay on the side of belief, but having you all here to share with and encourage each other definitely makes the battle less lonely and exhasuting! I praise God for each of you in my life!

Lori, that's interesting about your son's prayer. It speaks about the faith of a child, which Jesus himself talked about. It also speaks about the intent of the heart and the belief of our hearts. And aren't we to give thanks in all things? I always find that hard to do and to understand. Perhaps it's giving thanks because we know that the trouble is already overcome and victory has already been secured rather than giving thanks for the actual problem? I need to dig into that verse and see what the words are actually saying.

So much to do, so much stuff that keeps us from doing it! Wouldn't it be great it we could spend as much time in the day as we wanted to in study and prayer? My mom has a plaque next to her prayer chair that reads: "Busy day...not enough time to do it all...eliminate prayer, Satan"
So true!

Gotta sign off for the night.
Love to all,
FSGTB,
Jen

Marge said...

Lori,
No worries. I took no offense, whatsoever. And I believe we all love one another, so what we say, is in love. And it's okay to ask honest questions, right?

I also believe that we need to have what we think-say-act line up.
Even successful people in the business world are saying that now.
And I also believe that the prayer "if" it's God's will could (and can) lead to unbelief. And has probably gotten a lot of believers to heaven years ahead of their time. I suppose the point I meant to make was that of understanding where some people are in their walk of faith. I fully remember when I thought that people that prayed in tongues were decieved at best, and/or much worse. But when I received the infilling of the Holy Spirit, in 1975, I saw God's truth about His wonderful gift to believers, after the cross.

Also, there are different types of prayer, that I believe you are aware of, and use. Remember that Jesus spoke the Word only, and people were healed. Other times He acted as the Holy Spirit gave direction. But He usually asked them, what they expected, and what they wanted to received.

Anyway, I certainly don't have all the answers, either :) Even Kenneth Hagin didn't say he understood everything about prayer. But we're learning, and as long as I draw breath on this earth, I want to continue to learn the ways of the Holy Spirit. And I know that we all do, amen?

God is full of grace, and I know He doesn't mind sincere questions. And just because we all don't agree on something, doesn't mean that we are mad, or upset with anyone, too. We all need balance in our lives, and that's what being a part of the body of Christ is all about, right? I believe that God placed us all together, to love one another, and get ready for that great day (sometime soon) when "We Shall Behold Him!"

God bless, and keep looking up! It (the rapture) could be tonight :)

TexanForChrist said...

Prayer warriors.. Battle cry..

John, My friend and partner of 15 years got "the call" today and is on his way to the transplant center for a new lung.

Please pray the that Lord guide the hands of his doctors. And successfully transplant the new lung with as few incessions as possible.


Maranatha SOON!!

Mike

Marge said...

Mike,
May all go well. And be as you said.

Agreeing and believing for a completely successful lung transplant.

God bless you, John, John's family, and everyone involved with today's transplant.

Great Grany 5 said...

Mike, joining in with all of the others in praying for John.

Marge, Lori, and Jen; I sure didn't mean to start a riot with my remarks but I do agree with Marge on baby Christians' prayers and that God is big enough, wise enough and perfectly capable of keeping the baby safe when it comes to our prayers. My intent is to tell you that believing God's word for all of our life's needs are sure and faithful ways that He has provided to the believer. If I had prayed for my Mother and brother any different than I did, would they have lived longer? No! God is sovereign and he knows the beginning from the end of each life as it comes into being. He knows he has the final say in my life but I do take his word very seriously. The other side of the coin is, I love adding defeat to the enemy of our souls every opportunity the Lord gives me. I am still waiting for the joy of walking into any hospital and know that the anointing is so strong that the patients are healed along our path through the facility.

I anticipate the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus made to us that we would do all that he has done and more besides. Oh, Yes! Then I can depart planet earth and look at the pearls on our gates. Then I want to do a slow shoe shuffle with Jesus on the streets of gold, bare footed.

Love you all and it feels good being here with you,
Grany

TexanForChrist said...

Wilma,

I pray that the Lord has you bouncing off the walls today..

Mike

Marge said...

Grany,
It sure feels good to see you back, and feeling better :)

No riot, intended :) Just a little discussion about growth, and different types of prayer. I had wanted to get a discussion started. However maybe when you are feeling better, and back home, we can keep that in mind, okay?

The prayer of faith
The prayer of consecration (one time deal)
The prayer of worship
United prayer
Praying with tongues
The prayer of intercession
The prayer of agreement
(one of my favorites, as everyone should know by now, LOL)
And of course, praying in the name of Jesus.

Anyhow, I thought it would make a good discussion. Maybe not the right time, though?

Praise God for Wilma, and Wilma's healing! Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord! Amen!

Marge said...

Oops, I came back On Line, as I forgot to add:

The prayer of binding and losing

Which pretty much falls, under the authority of the believer.

This is what Wilma did when she rebuked the heart attack. She came against the enemy in Jesus name, and now she's releasing healing in the name of Jesus.

I'm excited about prayer, and whenever anyone wants to join in a discussion of the different types of prayer, let's do it, okay?

Love to all.
I'm close to going to work for now, though. Go ahead and start without me :)

TexanForChrist said...

John Update #2

Lung was received from the Waco, TX area, and arrived in San Antonio about noon. They had John scheduled for surgery at 1pm which in hospital speak meant 2:30pm. As of now (4:30pm) the transplant team had finished and he was being “closed up” before being moved to ICU.

Surgical team stated that things went as well as could be expected given his condition (he was down to 120 lbs). Seems the lung that was being replaced was so big (because it couldn’t deflate) that they had to cut holes in it to get it out of his body. After that all went well and the new lung went in. I haven’t heard if it inflated yet (I’m told a deflated lung is like a deflated water bed it sticks together). He will stay in a drug induced coma for at least 24 hours.

I’ll provide updates as I receive them..

Thank you for your prayers..

Mike

Jen said...

Great news, Mike! Continuing to pray for John.
Let's also keep the family of the donor in prayer. They will certainly need comfort and support in the coming days as well.

About lungs... one of the things that is given to preemie babies is surfactant (not sure of the spelling) which is like a powderish medication that helps the lining of the lungs to unstick so the baby can inhale. Typically, the lungs don't need to inflate until the very end of pregnancy when the baby should be born, so getting lungs to work is one of the biggest hurdles to cross for preemies. I actually read of one experimental therapy in which a type of liquid similar to amniotic fluid is pumped into micro-preemie lungs so they can continue developing in a similar state to that of the uterus. Amazing stuff the Lord lets us understand about His creation!

FSGTB,
Jen

TexanForChrist said...

Did the rapture happen and I missed it?

Talked to John's nurse and he is sitting up and watching TV. They hope to move him out of ICU today!

Praise God for watching over by brother.

Wilma, are you up and running!..

Mike

Grace said...

My thought exactly Mike!!

Thank you Lord for what You did for John!

Wilma, I have been praying at every thought of you this weekend. How are you?

Grace

Jen said...

Hey Mike,
What great news! I had prayed for John this morning and was going to ask if there was an update...so glad to get this happy report.
Now, Grany...how are you feeling?

FSGTB,
Jen

TexanForChrist said...

Revelation 10:2-4 (Amplified Bible)


2 He had a little book (scroll) open in his hand. He set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,

3 And he shouted with a loud voice like the roaring of a lion; and when he had shouted, the seven thunders gave voice and uttered their message in distinct words.

4 And when the seven thunders had spoken (sounded), I was going to write [it down], but I heard a voice from heaven saying, Seal up what the seven thunders have said! Do not write it down!


Given that a lot of revelation is referenced from the old testement, has anyone ever found a clue as to what the seven thunders may be?

Maranatha soon!!

Mike

Great Grany 5 said...

I am up and running! I love all of you people so much and I just can't tell you how much you all mean to me. I love you guys here and at the Cave too! But for that matter, I find it is far more joyful to spend my time loving each and everyone that God places in my life than anything in life.

I got home Saturday afternoon, hubby was gone and I just laid back, put my feet up and considered God! What a time I had in doing that! Have you ever just thought about all the aspects of who, what and why God? Oh, what a time I had. Jim came home about 8 p.m. and I really surprised him. He thought I was going to pull in on Sunday but you know women! We change our minds alot.

I am praying for John and that his health, joy, blessings and complete life be stronger, richer and closer to our Abba Father than ever before. But for that matter, I am praying for all of us the same way.

I have really felt your prayers my brothers and sisters and I really mean that. I have no pain at all in my chest and we are going to the clinic in just a few minutes for Jim's appointment with the Internist. I still haven't told him about my episode on Wednesday as I didn't want to worry him. I know I am healed and it is not going to happen again.

I have a lot of testifying to get done on the riches of God and his wonderful provisions for all of us. One of the most wonderful and thrilling things about our Heavenly Father is the fact that he does not hold one person in a higher esteem than others. He loves and cherishes our communion with him and when we fellowship one on one, he responds big time. He desires that from each and every one of us. I couldn't sin big enough to cause him not to forgive me and that is what just breaks the heart of the soul that is lost and undone.

We have to get the word out, first to the Jews and then to the gentiles, that God really and truly does love and needs our fellowship and worship. I have had time to really contemplate all that means recently and it just keeps getting bigger and better.

See you all later but I will get back with the chitter chatter after we get home.

Love and best blessings to all of you,
Grany

Marge said...

Grany,
Praise God that you're back home and feeling better! VERY GOOD NEWS!

Paul preached a radical grace, too :)

I've so enjoyed the ministry of Joseph Prince the last few monthes, since I "discovered" him on Daystar T.V. He's a minister from Singapore, and does he EVER have a good message on grace, faith, and Christian living. His book, Destined to Reign" is excellent, too.

Love to all, and looking forward to hearing more from Grany, too :)

Great Grany 5 said...

Whew! Hot in Okieland today and of course, we had to go to Ft. Smith where it was even hotter. Doctor's visit was beneficial for Jim because he has been really worried about his health for quite some time now and the doctor was very optimistic and encouraging. Jim has a lot of trouble with his feet and legs but the doctor told him it could be taken care of with support hose.

Only trouble is they want him to wear the type that go to the thigh and Jim is really not a very ready patient in that regard. I told him I would buy him some support pantyhose to wear if the thigh high ones don't fit. He really laughed at that one as we both remember Joe Namath doing a commercial in pantyhose back in the early 70's. Life sure does get interesting in old age.

I am going to make this short tonight and call it a day. Heat really used to be a wonderful thing and I enjoyed all of the summer goodies but my wrinkles got a touch too much of the sun today and I am going to look like a zebra tomorrow.

Love you all,
Grany

Great Grany 5 said...

Zebra reporting in from sunny Okieland! Wow, it is really going to be hot again today and I think I will just cook outside on the driveway. Steaks anyone?

Not much going on in my part of the land but we all need to be praying for the people in the path of the Hurricane that is approaching Brownsville, TX. Something about that are just really makes nasty storms very easily. A lot of oil refineries are in the general area and Texas oil production is a related commodity to our market price for the golden stuff we pump into our cars and other vehicles.

I will check back in later but I have to get my work done before it reaches 100+ today.

Love you all,
Grany

Blood Bought said...

Grany,

You are a real hoot! And to top it off, you are a beautiful spirit!

I would love to just sit in a back porch swing and visit with you at length.

I'm very thankful to our Father for touching your body and restoring your health. Do watch the heat as it can be a real bother to us as we 'get more mature.'

Blessings wonderful lady! (Mary)

Blood Bought said...

Oops, I'm sorry. I've been playing around with my blog site and didn't realize I was changing my name from Blood Bought. I must look at that again.

Blessings! (Mary)

Great Grany 5 said...

Do any of you have problems with staying awake in the middle of the afternoon? Would any of you like to borrow my kitty kat? She can take that sleepy time desire right out of you.

Anyway, I took my nap, Jim's nap and several others and I guess she just got bored with my snore. A well placed swat from her darling little claws can really do the trick.

Nana and Nane, the feeling is mutual my friend! Wouldn't it be great if we could all just join hands and praise our Abba while we are here on earth. Oh, I so look forward to the meeting at the Cafe and the sooner the better. I have been doing some surfing trying to find out some more on a topic that Dr. Bullinger opened up in his book, Commentary on Revelation and the digging is really getting interesting.

If any of you have not been searching the net for truth based commentary, you don't know what you are missing. There are so many libraries of famous men, women and era understanding out there that it would take 3 life times to read all of it. Just be careful in what you allow to influence your judgment.

I have to tell you that Mac posted a great link at the Cave and I started my research from there. The discussion was on Matthew 24 and whether it is related to the rapture or the second coming. You all know that I am of the firm belief that Mt. 24 is related to the 2nd Advent of Jesus coming to the Jews at the time tribulation is already in progress and the church has been removed. I am also of the firm belief that it is the Church who restrains the Evil one who is the Anti-Christ.

I didn't get to this belief through other men's interpretation or teaching. In fact, for many years I was really put down because of my belief and standing on the subject. I have heard all of the arguments about it and it hasn't changed my opinion one bit. Why? Because I studied the word in the manner it is supposed to be studied and that was taught by a whole slew of old time preachers. Yeah, they preached fire and brimstone because that is what the unsaved world is facing but they were inspired by God to separate the word correctly. They didn't believe that the church had usurped the Jews or Israel. They didn't believe it was right to kill babies before they were born and they sure didn't hold back on condemning the homosexual element in their midst. They stood for the Holy Bible and Holy living and having relationships with God, Son and Holy Spirit. They were radical but they were not sold out to society and wealth. Most of them were hard working men and women who lived, breathed and ate the word of God.

Foundations built on a social gospel will be burned in the fires of judgment but truth built on the word of God will only become more pure and durable as time goes on.

I didn't mean to get carried away but I really think the Holy Spirit is trying to get us out of our sleep and lazy attitudes toward the Word of God. He desires us to excel in KNOWING HIM in Spirit and in Truth.

Just something for you all to chew on for a while.

By the way Mike, my daughter Becky is in your area right now (Beaumont, TX) and she said it was even hotter than Okieland. Can that be true?

Love you all,
Grany

TexanForChrist said...

Hi all,

Yes Grany, when I got in the car last night it said it was 109. But as I drove it quickly dropped to a cool 103. I hope we get a little of the rain dolly is producing here in San Antonio, my yard is look more like the desert than the green green grass of home (anyone remember that song).

Glad to see the Lord has restored your health. Wish I could give you all a big hug.. Thanks for the prayers for John. He looks so much better now that he can breath they still have tubes all over him. But his ashen color is gone and doctors are optimistic.

Maranatha soon!!!

Mike

Marge said...

Mike,
Great news about John! Praise the Lord! May God continue to heal him.

Yes, I remember the song, The Green Green Grass of Home. A good song!

Wow! You guys are having some HOT weather! Today it's overcast, and about 70 degrees :) Same as yesterday. A good day to wash the vechicles. So, since I have today off, I went over and washed 3 of one of my son's trucks. (he wasts to sell them this weekend, but he's still got a half dozen more!)
I thought I'd take a break before I went out and washed our cars. Then grocery shop. And finish emptying the shed, because tomorrow morning our shed and carport are going to be torn down. (before they fall down :)

Good to see Mary and Grany posting! Where's Jen, Lori and John? A busy summer schedule, I know.

Love to all, and God bless!

campsmore said...

The last two times I tried posting, I received a message stating that the site was unavailable.

I hope this message goes thru.

Marge said...

Lori,
So good to see you post! I hope you're not too busy with your new job, family, and summertime activities.

And where's Grace? (smile) It's time to check in with us, okay?

I invited Kinderquilt to come join us today, too. That would be awesome!

Stay cool, and enjoy the great weather of summer! And God bless!

Great Grany 5 said...

Hi ya all! From Okieland where the weather is hot, the green is REALLY GREEN and the grass needs mowing. Thank God for Jim! He fits really good on the tractor and looks handsome while doing so.

I found something on the web just a minute ago and I want to post it here. I know that it will travel well beyond our domain and that is great because there is a message in this poem/psalm.

HERE IT IS:
Love and Hate

The universe is not about right versus wrong,
nor even good and evil.

The meaning of the universe,
the purpose of the whole creation,
is Love.
And the assault of its opposition: Hate.

Love and hate are not feelings. Not philosophies.
Love and hate
are two spiritual beings in the universe.
They are actually God, Who is LOVE;
and Satan, who is Hate.

Hate came into Eden and suggested that LOVE did not love.
And those pure two who lived within the caress of LOVE,
began to lose--through Hate--LOVE's covering.
And they were made naked and ashamed.

They entered Hate by
receiving its thoughts
of contempt for LOVE.

Now the lowly clay is born knowing how to Hate the Potter,
just because He is the Potter.
From childhood wounds, by adult disappointments,
bitterness with God festers and multiplies
by streams of Hate's unforgiving thoughts until
the flood rises and the soul is
drowned under hatred of God. . .

Then amazingly, the hate-filled-person rises
to "serve" Him, whom he hates!
"Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him."
Psalm 81:15

The person who becomes entangled with jezebel-evil
is a person who harbors in secret. . .
an underlying and excessive hatred for God.
And . . . the motive to murder Him.

Jezebel-captives are God-haters who want to control
what God failed to manage,
to pay back what He would not avenge.
And whose fury at the world is sure evidence
of rage with God for personal wrongs and pains.

Sinners did not kill God on the cross.
It was the religious sons of hell,
the God-haters, who devised it.
Liars who forgot they hate God.
Impostors who kill Him while hailing His name.

Whether the religion is atheism or Christianity,
or all in between,
jezebel-servers run as religious zealots
to the places where they can best get at God,
to wreck and ravage His sheep.
And that is usually right in the middle of
the church.

The prime target of jezebel-killers are the succulent lambs who love LOVE. . . "

A world of Love and Hate! Life and death; blessings or cursings! But in the end, it is hate that kills Love! Love overcame the world but the world would not receive Him who Love sent. Without Love we cannot survive and be the New Creation that God intends for us to be.

I love all of you and you are my lifeline to our Abba!

Grany

Great Grany 5 said...

Hey Mike, I will gladly give you some of my green grass but you have to take the chiggers with it! LOL

I am so very thankful for John's progress with his new Lung and his renewed vigor. Give him our love and tell him we are still praying for his complete recovery and renewed strength.

Where is our other John? Do you suppose he is out close to the falls enjoying playing in the mist?

Anyway, I haven't caught up on the comments yet but I will and I did see that Marge and Lori have checked in today. Girls, you should see the beautiful home grown tomatoes that our neighbor brought us just a couple minutes ago. Oh, I can hardly wait to sink my teeth into those just picked beauties and sprinkle a little salt (not much) and let the juices run down my chin. That would be the first and second chins Marge! The third chin is kinda sagging today.

Love you all,
Grany

Grace said...

Good morning!

I see your note there Marge and am checking in!

Wilma, is there anything better than tomatoes right from the vine?

We planted a little garden this year and are getting a little bit of a harvest so we ate our first tomato last night. Soooo good.

Amazing poem.

When you do not know the Lord, you think that it is just what you do that separates you from having a relationship with Him. The longer you walk with Him you see the wedge is in the loyalty of your heart, to it's depths, that He is looking for. You and Him. No hypocrisy.


Much love,

Grace

Marge said...

Grace and Wilma,
Good to see you posting!

The tomatoes sound good! The best tomatoes I've had lately were grown in British Columbia, Canada.
Tomatoes are healthy for us too :)

A good point, Grace, about walking in grace. (no pun intended) It's grace, and not the law, that draws us closer to God. It's not works that make us righteous, but the finished work of Jesus Christ. When the Father looks at us, He sees us as righteous, because we stand redeemed in Jesus Christ. A great word for today, or any day.

Jen,
Busy with the babies, I'm thinking :)

Lori,
It's almost the weekend :)

Mary,
How are you doing?

Mike and John,
We have to hear from you, too!

God bless, and keep looking up!

campsmore said...

I'm already home and have my jammies on and feet in the air.

The stool helps but it still feels good to have them elevated after work. But I'm not feeling as crippled as before.

I just got an email from a member of our church. It seems another member of our church is visiting her family in Thailand and has come down ill. They think she is suffering from malaria... her name is Vicki.

I sent out an email about Jim to many. Jim is a missionary who recently had a stroke. He's been in a hospital that's straight out of the turn of the century... and not the last one!

He's being flown to Vienna tomorrow. Thanks for your prayers for his safe travel, the manifestation of God's healing and the wisdom of the doctor's in Austria.

Jen said...

Hi guys,
Still here, but VERY busy as Marge suggested.
Just got a prayer request from a church friend. Mary's friend Chrissy has 7 children and their home is being auctioned at sherrif's sale next month. I don't have any other details except that Chrissy is in a terrible state. Please join me in prayer for this family and the many needs that they will have in the months ahead.

Also, this is really silly, but would you also pray for our caterpillar eggs? We lost a batch of little caterpillars today to wasps. I haven't told the kids yet and they were so excited to watch them grow and turn into butterflies. We have another batch of eggs that should hatch soon. I need to get some sort of protection around the fennel plant so another "tragedy" doesn't happen again. I was able to save one tiny guy that the wasps overlooked. I'm praying that he'll make it through and we'll be able to enjoy his transformation soon!

I'll try to sit down and write soon. I'm at the "feast" part of the feast-famine cycle in terms of stuff that needs my attention right now. But I'm reading everything daily.

FSGTB,
Jen

Marge said...

Wishing everyone a blessed Sunday!

Marge said...

Urgent Prayer Request:

A friend of mine, that works in the same store, needs prayer for her entire family. Her sister (middle aged) has only a few more days to live. I don't know if any of the family are saved. They come from a Catholic background, where they attended the services in Latin.
Mary's (my friend) sister (Kathy) was a Nurse, tht worked in the radiation lab, of a local hospital. And all that staff developed the same kind of cancer, and Kathy is the only one (I believe) that remains alive. She has a brain tumor that is growing rapidly, and will soon end her life. So, please pray that Kathy gets saved, along with her entire family.

Many thanks for your prayers, and God's richest blessings.

campsmore said...

Marge, are you close enough that you can go pray with this dying woman?

Marge said...

Lori,
Not really. Kathy is at a hospital, in Seattle. She's giving her organs to donors, and they want her right there, for them to be harvested upon her demise. (the way I understand it, now) Also, it's only family members that can see her, and only for short visits. She's mostly sleeping now. However, from all reports, this woman has found Jesus as her Savior. (I'm not 100% sure, I must admit) I'm not sure that the same can be said, about the rest of her family.

As far as healing? Kathy wants to go on to heaven, from what Mary said. So there would be no agreement with her, for praying for the Lord to restore her health.

I'm going to be leaving shortly to give Mary, the book, Within Heavens gates, by Rebecca Springer.
It's a book about a woman that during a severe illness went to heaven. (or had a vision) It's excellent. Plus, I also believe from my conversation with Mary last night, that Kathy may even be having the same kinds of things happening to her right now. She mentioned seeing Dave (Mary's husband that passed on a few years ago) again.
This book has brought comfort to many, many people, and I've given away about a dozen copies over the years.

This is the importance of praying in tongues. Because there are times (actually many times) when we have to be led to pray thru the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as He knows what the needs are in the circumstances.

Thanks for praying, and I'll give updates as I receive them, too.

God's best and richest blessings upon everyone.

Great Grany 5 said...

Hi everyone! I have been goofing off but I have to tell you, I attended SS and Church services today and no pain! Marge and Lori have been praying and agreeing that the pain in my lower back, right hip and pelvic area would be healed. It is now 6:33 p.m. CDT and I am still pain free, YIPPPEEEEEE!

Now, added to that Jim attended church with me today and it was great. We had communion sunday but Jim does not partake of the sacraments. He read the admonition of the Lord about taking it unworthily and said that he cannot do so at this time.

Marge, I am praying for Kathy's family and also that her exit into the abode of heaven will be glorious and glorifying to Abba Father. There is something about seeing heaven that negates the desire to stay here in the physical body any longer. My mother experienced it and it was glorious. Someday, I am going to write a book about it and I just pray that the retelling is a wonderful as her telling all us the details at the time it happened. Mother had her dream of heaven about 6 weeks before she entered those pearl gates.

I am going to check out the "Meet the Press" repeat of Tom Brokaw vs Obama on Flip yoo flop on NBC and I will check back in later.

Love you all and continuing to pray Jen for your needs also.

Grany

Blood Bought said...

Amen and Amen to your prayer, Denise!

Marge, thanks for thinking of me. I am doing fine, but will be glad when school starts and things can 'sort of' settle down around my house. Hubby and I are off to Chattanooga, TN (Aquarium) in the morning with three grandchildren in tow (2 eleven year olds and a 4 year old)! Fun-Fun! So I'll be away from my computer for a few days!

The Lord bless you and keep you all!

Blessings! (Mary)

Marge said...

Grany,
How was Meet the Press? (smile)

Praise the Lord! To God be the glory for the things He has done, amen? A good report! God hasn't changed, and He's still in the healing business. Bless His Holy name!

Mary,
Enjoy your time away from home, and come back and join us when you return. It's always a pleasure to "see" you here.

Everyone,
Have a wonderful week, and remember to "keep praising the Lord!"

campsmore said...

Marge, it's good to know she's a believer. Now if someone would just show her the scriptures regarding God's promises for our families....

Wilma is painfree and loving it.... Dance, dance, dance... yeah!

Mary, I had a Chattanooga joke all lined up and poof! gone Have a wonderful trip.

I found Uncle Bob's book at CBD.com and it's selling under publication price.... How do these people do this? Anyway, it still doesn't ship from there until Sept.

I'm half way thru and it's amazing.

Warning: He does expose the flaws of some of today's churches of not preaching the gospel.

But what he has to say has got to be heard by the masses.

I heard an interview with Uncle Bob on International Gospel Radio show on Friday. It was very good.

I have a feeling that he's going to be a busy man in the next few months...

Well, I'm off to work. And speaking of that; they've asked the chefs to cut their hours. All but one is very upset and needs the work. Please pray for Rudy (most amazing 22 year old chef on the planet) and Chauncy (thirty something with a JW wife, he doesn't agree with).

Marge said...

Lori,
I am already giving Scriptural encouragement to Kathy's sister, Mary. Mary is the one that the Lord placed in my path for me to counsel. Unfortunately, I've never had the pleasure of meeting her sister, Kathy. (in this life :) We bloom where we're planted. And there is no distance in prayer. (Kathy is only awake a few min. at a time now)

Agreeing with Jen, and Lori's prayer requests.

Enjoy the day! As my Pastor (retired now) always used to say, it's the only one we're given. Because yesterday is gone, and tomorrow isn't here yet :)

campsmore said...

Note from Angie, neice to missionary in Vienna recovering from stroke.

To my friends-Thank you for your prayers for my family that I love so much. We spent a great Vacation recently in Denver with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jim. He was always awesome caring for our family. This is just to fill you in on where we are at with this. No response necessary as of yet. Thanks again for being my friends. Your thoughts and prayers are really appreciated. Love, Angie

campsmore said...

Urgent prayer needed for a family in Afghanistan (she is a friend of my sister-in-law):


Dear Friends,

I am writing this email with great sorrow and fear. This is hard to believe even for me, my family and the rest of my people. We have lost many dear friends and relatives within a month. We have recieved dead bodies of our relatives and friends . We have seen so many orphans crying for food, begging on the streets
of Kabul. Those who lost whatever they had in Behsud, those who were forced to leave their motherland. Those who will never see their beloved parents again.


The Kuchies (Pashtun nomads) along with the Taliban while having the support of government have attacked Behsud (a city near Bamian and are killing the HAZARAS, burning down schools, people's houses, their farms and livestock. The Hazara minority in general and the HAZARAS in Behsud in particular are amongst the
poorest and most marginalised minority groups in Afghanistan. They live in remote villages, having no access to basic living facilities and no roads connecting them to other main cities. The only health center which was build by some charity organisations was burned down by the Kuchies last week. Pashtun nomads armed by the government and some terrorist groups (the Taliban) are forcing the Hazaras to leave their motherland. By now, over 7000 people have displaced, hundreds of children, women and men are killed while the government shows no interest/intention to stop the violence, yet supporting the
perpetrators.

There is no media coverage on the issue and ethnice cleansing is ongoing. If the situation continues like this, a real Darfor will happen in Afghanistan. The
situation is really terrible and we are fearful that the violence against the Hazaras spreads to Bamian (my motherland), Kabul and other provinces with the Hazara population.


Please pray for my people at this difficult time. We can only pray for justice-
We have no support from anybody. We have lost hope. I am ready to die for my people, ready to do anything for the innocent kids died in their schools, for
the women and men who are getting killed only because they are the Hazaras but I alone can do nothing.

Please pray for us all and support us by spreading the news.


Kobra

campsmore said...

FYI: Kobra's message was from July 21st.

campsmore said...

I still do news links daily, although it's time consuming to post them on a blog... If anyone wants to receive them via email, shoot me off an email expressing this to: campsmore@gmail.com

thanks
love ya all!

Jen said...

Lori,
Spending time in prayer for Kobra and her loved ones, as well as all those affected. This is wrenching to delve into because of the magnitude and depth of the suffering so it's more groaning than speaking but I know that Heavenly Father will understand it all.
Praying that the harvest wraps up soon, too. I can't begin to imagine what anguish God endures daily.

FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

I was reading a new PDF written by Dr. Charles C. Price who was a great preacher (layman I think) and my, what a faith man he was. I don't thing Jim G. at the cave would mind my posting the link that he shared with us at the cave. Anyway, it just blessed me so much to read his words and he went home to be with the Lord in the late 40's. Just think, what he wrote then is still just as powerful today as it was then. His words are beautiful and inspiring but the main thing is the fact that he shared his heart about and of God with his fellowman. Isn't that what this blog is all about too? We can share and then others can be strengthened and encouraged in their walk with the Lord.

I could do a double watoosie right about now just breathing in the atmosphere of praise.

Here is the link: Copy and paste into your address bar.

www.enterhisrest.org/history/the_real_faith.pdf

All of you precious people, have a great day and stay cool!

Grany

Marge said...

Wilma,
I believe that this blog IS about sharing, too. So here's a little Christian T.V. 101 sharing from this week. (all of 3 programs)

1. Mannafest (Perry Stone) Don't miss it this week, as Perry Stone explains how God had everything set up for His people to enter into the promised land, if they'd obeyed. A GOOD word!

2. It's Supernatural, with Sid Roth.
He had Grace Williams on today. She writes Holy Spirit inspired songs. Her CD is entitled, Fire Fall. It's Sid Roth's favorite "soaking" music.
Also this woman has a fantastic testimony.

3. Joseph Prince Ministries
He preached from Gal. 3:6-10. Wow!
He explained how Abraham's faith was faith in the righteousness that God provides. And how God had Abraham count the stars in the sky. From the Virgin (Jesus) to the Lion. (also Jesus) And how Jesus would come thru Abraham's seed.

Anyhow, these few programs lifted my spirit today!

Love to all and God bless!

Jen said...

Hi everyone,
I'm going to be out of town from Wed. to late Sun....family reunion in my old hometown.
I'd appreciate your prayers for safe travels and safety at the various events we'll be attending. I'm driving the kids there tomorrow, so stopping for potty breaks will be interesting! Bob is driving out Fri. after work. We'll have the kids at the County Fair which is a huge gathering and I'm a bit concerned about how to best keep them "tethered" to us...don't want to scare them but also don't want them to run off thinking that's safe. And the family reunion is at a lake so keeping track of them there will also be a full-time project. Anyway, I'll be in touch when I get back and can hopefully get back in a groove.
Oh - butterfly update. Our monarch hatched this morning and we're releasing her tomorrow. The black swallowtail eggs also hatched today so hopefully this batch will survive the nasty wasps...I'm going to build a net around the fennel plant to keep them safe. I got some cool pix that I'll post at my blog next week....what an amazing testament to our Creator's imagination!

Have a blessed week and weekend,
FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

Good nite all, and keep the porch lite on. I am tired tonight and think I will turn in early. Besides, my fingers keep creeping to the wrong keys and that is a sure sign of something.

Love you all, and Marge, Yes it is about sharing on this blog especially. Wouldn't have it any other way.

Grany

campsmore said...

Olmert announced his resignation effective as of September 17th.

Marge said...

Hi!
I hope that everyone is having a wonderful summertime! It's hard to believe it's already August. The time seems to fly on by, doesn't it?

Anyhow, since there's no discussion going on at the time, I'll wish you all a restful and great weekend.

God bless!

Marge said...

Has anyone read any good books lately, that they'd like to share?

Read any good article?

Anything? (smile)

Love to all, and God bless!

campsmore said...

Marge, I'll share what happened to me on Friday.

At work between breakfast and lunch service, a co-worker was playing music very loudly. It was not pleasant, and I found it very offensive, especially the language and the way the singer was yelling.

I have asked this c0-worker not to play the offensive music in the past and got a cold response.

This time though, an employee who works in the same bldg for the corporation we service, came to the gate and asked to speak to me. She asked what the deal was on the music. I told her I didn't like it either, to which she told me she was going to go complain to a certain person. This "person" already goes out of their way to make our lives miserable, they want the entire kitchen staff replaced.

I asked the girl if she would just go tell my supervisor instead, she said okay.

The music continued, the boss did nothing.

I pulled my co-worker aside and told them that the music was going to end up getting all of us in trouble.... He didn't give me a chance to explain what had just transpired.

He fussed at me and then fussed at my boss. He was loud and biligerent. My boss left for his office and I went on break...I started crying so much I couldn't eat.

That's not like me, I enjoy my food!

Well, I didn't know what else to do so I found a quiet spot in the desserted dining area and prayed in the Holy Spirit. I even stopped and said aloud, "okay, I'm praying in the Holy Ghost, now comfort me."

15 minutes went by and then I saw my co-worker looking for me.

He came up to me and asked if we could talk, of course I said, "yes."

He asked me to stand up first and when I did he gave me a big hug and told me he was sorry and that I was like a mother to him.

I started crying again....

It was a touching moment. It was at this time that I told him what had happened. His eyes got really wide!

God is faithful, the Holy Spirit comforts and comes thru.

Jen said...

Hi everyone,
Got back from our trip tonight...will share lots of praise about that soon, but wanted to pass along a prayer request that I got on email tonight....
A friend of mine asked for prayer for her brother/SIL and their new baby Elizabeth Grace who was born yesterday with some major heart defects. The family knew about these problems from week 20 when the ultrasound showed them and have been asking for prayers for the baby ever since. She was born yesterday and immediately taken to the NICU. She's breathing on her own, but may need surgery later in the week if the situation is deemed serious enough. Would you join me in praying for healing and restoration and also for wisdom/skill for her doctors and strength/endurance for the new parents, Gary & Kristen?
Thanks a bunch!
Have a good start to the week tomorrow and I'll try to get a note out soon....so busy lately!

FSGTB,
Jen

Grace said...

Lori,

Thank you for sharing that!!! Life in the work world can bring ya to tears! That was so awesome! What a blessing and an open door to minister to that kid.

I love that you said: "Well, I didn't know what else to do so I found a quiet spot in the desserted dining area and prayed in the Holy Spirit. I even stopped and said aloud, "okay, I'm praying in the Holy Ghost, now comfort me."

And He did! Sometimes in the pressure of the work world God seems so invisible and unavailable. I do not always have the faith that He will "comfort" me so I do not exercize the faith to ask Him to deliver on His promises. You operated in faith and stood your ground.

That was so encouraging!

A girl that works on my retail team that I only see quarterly is a real stinker. I feel icky inside every time I am around her.

We had 2 days of meeting this week and I was just beside myself at the end of them. She does things constantly just to intimidate me.

I kinda gave up on the Lord intervening in the situation. Wrong! I need to pray through for this girl. Take the high road and entrust myself to the Lord. She cannot do anything to harm me, I have the Lord my Redeemer protecting me.

Anyway, I was just spent friday night and lo and behold I get a phone call from her because she wanted to chat about some of the features of the new wifi computers we will be taking on our calls......talking to me like a friend!

Love you all!!

And yes, Marge it was beautiful here this weekend!

Grace

Great Grany 5 said...

Wow Lori, what a great testimony! You got all that precious time with the Lord and he topped it off with a hug of apology. He's Good, isn't He!

Marge, I have been reading and trying to get the courage to go to the post office. It is supposed to get to 106 degrees today and it is humid to boot. It isn't even noon yet and we are well over the projected time/temp estimate. Can I come up and wiggle my toes in your grass for a few seconds.

As I was typing this I have to tell you that all of a sudden I felt that urge to depart this ole world. I was speaking of your grass Marge and then all of a sudden I could see the heavenly clouds below and the glory of the Lord above. I know it is going to be soon and there will be lots and lots of people going with me in that cloud. Oh, so great a cloud of witnesses to the Glory of God..

Marge asked me if I felt that the taking away of the saints was going to be soon than a lot of well educated and known people believe. I have given that question a great deal of really deep thinking and I have to say "Sooner than later" there are things in the dialogue that are being placed in the wrong sequence. God is the architect and developer of this whole picture so we are to just live it out day by day and in plain sight of the unsaved world. Also, along these same lines, I keep getting this unction from the Holy Spirit: Be you an encourager of the brethren (believers) building up their faith in the ways of God. Don't be despisers of the truth but in all things, give glory and honor to God and God only. All good things come from Him and his goodness endures forever.

I really believe with all of my heart that we need to let people know that God's grace and salvation do not hinge on how man tries to limit the concept. It is HIS FREE GIFT TO ALL OF US and He is able to keep us because he knows the plans he has for us and is faithful to complete them in us. Being saved and a born again Christian is not the same thing as being a Democrat or Republican. It isn't a matter of conservative or liberal belief. It is "Thus Saith The Lord....." and all!

Some of the discussions on a lot of the other blogs get the promises of God so muddled up that any one who is searching for the way is only going to go away more confused and lost.

There is a discussion on whether we are with Christ ever interceding or with Satan as an accuser of the brothers and sister in Christ. Good debate but the more people have commented the more muddied the waters are getting.

Anyway, thanks for everyone's comments. And Jen, great seeing you back and anxious for the good reports I know you have coming our way.

Love and best blessings,
Grany

TexanForChrist said...

Hi everyone.

Sorry I've been so lax of late. Work has kept me very busy.

I still think Rosh Hashanah looks like a great time for the rapture. I think it's 29 Sept this year, and given that no one knows the date or hour of Rosh Hashanah as the new moon must be seen by two witnesses and then reported it falls in line with scripture. Plus there are suppose to be a lot of lunar/solar eclipses (4) in the 2014/15 Jewish year with most of them falling on or near feast days. And that would put the December 21st 2012 (my birthday and the supposed end of the Mayan(sp) calendar) right in the middle of the tribulation. So 29 Sept 2008 to 14 Sept in 2015 (there is suppose to be a full eclipse the day before Rosh Hashanah in 2015)

This is my vote as WE get to go home sooner and this Rosh Hashanah starts the beginning of a new 7 Year Sabbatical(?sp) cycle.

Jack Van Impe has a series out that say's that December 21st 2012 would be when the rapture happens. His premises is that 52 years (a generation) from the 1967 acquisition of Jerusalem would be 2019 minus 7 years for the Tribulation gives 2012 and the 3 1/2 year mark would again include the solar/lunar eclipses of 2014/15.

I also think given Mathew 25 that we need to both be prepared and looking for the return of our Lord, lest we miss the first boat outa here!! I for one want to be on the first boat out..

Another Mathew 25 (?) news piece I saw on WND Are feds stockpiling survival food?.


Maranatha Soon!!!

Mike

campsmore said...

Mike, On September 29th at 12:45 EST, people around the world are going to be blowing shofars and shouting different names for Jesus/God to tell Him we're ready.

I forgot the website of the organizer, if I can find it, I'll post it.

campsmore said...

Okay, got it.... El Shaddai Ministries

Marge said...

Lori,
A great story! Thanks for sharing it with us. God is good, and good all the time!

Grace is absoltuely right, about the work place being a place of frustration from time to time. Thanks be to God, we have inside information and access to the power of God!

Grany,
You can come and cool off at my place anytime you want! And please, please stay indoors and out of the extreme heat, okay? In fact, I'm in "hot pursuit" (smile) of some health/nutritional information today. In fact, other than to check my e-mail earlier, it's the only reason I'm back on the computer right now. So, I thought I'd check in, and see if anyone had checked in. Very cool! (pun intended, LOL!) Anyhow, when I get some answers to a few questions about this (unique) type of brown sea weed, I'll get back to everyone. This is from a recent study at the U of W, and it's sounding HUGE! However, my local sources are coming up dry, and haven't heard a peep about it as yet :( Drat! It may take awhile, but I'm looking into it, and I won't stop until I find out some answers, either :) If it's the straight goods, it's worth looking into for many health benefits. (if you haven't noticed I tend to be a bit stubborn, LOL!) Hey, God's not thru with any of us yet, amen?

Keep smiling and God bless!

campsmore said...

Marge, what kind of seaweed are you looking for? My sister in law is Japanese and very familiar with seaweeds. I can call or email her for answers.

lori

Marge said...

Lori,
This is a brown seaweed, called, ecklonia cava. It was recently researched at the U of W, in Seattle. It's received some very good reviews for many health conditions! (from my one source)

I did find a few other studies, but I'm primarily interested in the results of this one study.

And if it's being produced in a supplement. If so,
1. what brand
2. the name of the product.

Seaweeds are great products, and there's many types. God has provided many sources of nutrition for us. And the ones from the sea are extremely interesting.

Anyhow, many thanks. No worres. I know the information is out there, it's a matter of nailing it down :)

Thanks again!
Love,
Marge
I'm jumping Off Line now, to make dinner for my hungry husband :)
I'll be back later, though.

Jen said...

Evening, all,
Still trying to get caught up around here, but wanted to share that the baby's heart condition which I asked prayer for has moved in a good direction. The PDA (small hole most infants are born with but closes itself within hours) did in fact close and if her oxygen rates stay up, she might be able to go home with her parents in a day or two. Not sure about the other aspects of heart defect, but I felt this was indeed the beginning of her healing and wanted to let you all know. If I hear more, I'll pass it along.
Also, Valerie's daughter Willow came home today from the hospital and the other 2 sisters should be home in a day or two. I got to hold Willow tonight and it was pure bliss! The volunteers are starting to help tomorrow...I have 20 on the list! Please continue to pray for that family as well as they get ready to take over the
24 hour care of the babies. The next few months will be full of many challenges! But everyone is healthy and on track so it's a praise fest all around :-)

Hope to spend some more time blogging soon....
Nighty night!
FSGTB,
Jen

Marge said...

Jen,
Good to hear from you!
God is good, and good all the time!

Lori,
I found out thru Wilma, that the key word I was looking for is: seanol. Without that word I was getting no place fast :)
Thanks for offering your assistance. I appreciate it a lot!

If anyone is interested, do a word search on: seanol. And you'll find some really exciting health news abot this supplement.

Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Love,
Marge

Jen said...

Hi everyone,
Finally got a few minutes to myself on the computer. Life has become so busy lately that I can't even begin to keep on top of it all. I left several praise and prayer requests at the other pages. I hope to add your prayer requests to my list in the next few days as well.

Boy, lots of stuff going on in the ME this last week....Lori's links are great! It's like puzzle pieces dropping into place.
Who was it at the cave who said something about the AC's birth being supernatural? Joyce? Alesia? I think they were quoting Fruct? That stuck with me because all this mystery about Obama's birth certificate gives me the willies, not sure why. I also saw tshirts advertised for sale in Germany when he gave his speech there that said "Obama for the world" and "The world needs Obama." And finally, when the text of the note he put in the Wall was released, I got another creepy feeling....anyone else? It starts, “Lord — Protect my family and me..." I don't know...too much conspiracy theory movie watching maybe, but the whole "Lord" thing didn't sit right. Matthew 7:21 came to mind almost immediately.
I'm not placing any bets on anyone but I have to wonder if there won't be signs given ahead of time, just as we are called to be watching for the Lord's return.

Mike's thoughts on the Sep. dates are interesting as I see so many other issues falling into place as well...the elections, the building conflagration around Israel, the downward spiral of our economy and culture... did you see the report about Iraq having an estimated 80billion surplus now, due to oil exports? That's another headline right out of Joel's Epicenter. I imagine he'll have a post on that soon, along with his call on the "dead heat" poll numbers for the election from his latest novel. Ever wonder if he gets his book ideas from Someone in the know ;-)
Well, I'd better stop now. I've had all these thoughts swirling in my brain for the last 2 weeks or so...sorry there wasn't much coherence tonight! Have a good night and I'll see you in the morning!

FSGTB,
Jen

PS. WHERE IS JOHN?

boatman909 said...

John's here (I read everyone's posts) - been rather busy - started a new job....driving around (at 12mph - 20kph!!) taking GPS readings and pictures every 15ft of all the streets in all the towns in my area, so that they can be used to create a virtual (PC) world where you can walk down a street and see all the houses and stuff...

I did see a program clip recently on Fox News, where a Republican strategist and former WH aide called Obama the "Messiah of Babylon"!!!

John

Great Grany 5 said...

Ah, there's John! You mean you gave up quality time with us here just to take up employment? I just don't know what this world is coming to!

How about that Obama thing! Jen was speaking my heart and I didn't have the courage or release to say anything. But when BHO was speaking to the German people I had this very strong impression by our precious Spirit that his position seeking is far more than President of the USA. Then hubby said, "Obama is running for President of the World" within a matter of seconds after that thought. I remember I laughed and said, I think you got it right. I didn't really think anymore about it until I heard the same remark being made by one of Fox News Channel saying basically the same thing.

But here is something even more freaky, IMHO. Monday night, as I was reading my book about the Apostle Paul, out of the clear blue sky hubby said "what is the Anti-Christ?" I about fell out of my chair as he has adamantly refused to listen to anyone's talking about End Times, Rapture or AC. Been very vocal about it in fact. Now he was asking me to tell him what I knew about it. I took him to the scriptures and set the stage for the unfolding of the AC according to God's word. We started in the book of Genesis and worked our way slowly up to the revelation of Christ. Just as I was getting ready to explain why the AC had to be in the first place, all of a sudden "SUDDENLY" HAPPENED! In my inner most being I heard the Holy Spirit say "quicker". Now when I read anything about the Church being taken out of the way "quicker" jumps into my mind. Something else happened just a few minutes ago. I was typing this and immediately the parable of the 10 Virgins came to mind and I know that I am supposed to search it out for the real message.

I don't know how many of you do this but I am a skimmer by nature. I skim anything that I read the first time just to get a feeling for the scene and mood. Then I go back and read it again to learn more depth and to gather more details. But skimming can get to be a easy way to get into trouble with the scriptures. You know just enough to be dangerous and not enough to do anyone any good. So, "QUICKER" is my motto to live the duration of our time out here on this earth. But "QUICKER" is my revelation of how much time we have according to the HS.

By the way, that is great news on the babies Jen and I am still praying for the whole family and yours too.

Love you all,
Grany

boatman909 said...

I have some thoughts on the parable of the 10 Virgins....

I do not have time right now - have to go to Prayer & Healing Cafe in 50 minutes (and I think I need a shower after today's adventures!!).

Basically, there is a connection between (i) the Letters to the 7 Churches in Revelation, (ii) being filled with Holy Spirit (with the manifestations of tongues) and more importantly (iii) walking in the Spirit, along with (iv) the absolute imperative that EVERYTHING we do MUST be by and through faith...

Will get back to you as soon as a I can - what I have to say may rock a few people's worlds...

John

Great Grany 5 said...

John, you rock and I'll hum that way we can be a team. Anyone else want to join in.

I am anxious to hear what yu have gleaned in your studies. I just feel the Holy Spirit tugging me in getting into the whole parable in a deeper manner than my usual skim. Everytime I bring this up I have the inner witness that the 10 virgins are related to 10 different concepts of beliefs about the rapture of the bride. Five wise who operate and have their being in the fullness of the Holy Spirit's infilling and five groups of doctrine who believe it is a one time event and never worry about refreshing. I am not quite sure if that is what I really want to express it as but more or less my unlearned explanation now.

If I could liken it to this it might make it easier to understand. There is a similar reference to the Holy Spirit as being an ongoing, always refilling of the Presence of the Lord in the believers inner most being. The oil represents one form of symbol and the lamp represents the Word. The bridesmaid is a member of the wedding party and is used in the going out to meet the groom with their lamps lit. Without the oil (Holy Spirit refilling) there is no flame to light the way. The wise five keep their lamps trimmed (getting rid of the stubble and hay theology), keep their oil fresh and full, and always ready to depart this world when the call is made that the groom is coming to take his bride away. The Wise Five are ready, waiting and not allowing anything or any other theology to interfere or remove them from their appointed service. They have light and are accepted by the Christ to lead the procession out of the world when the call comes.

Now this is a classification of women servants because the name is Brides Maids and according to Hebrew customs, they are virgins in the service of the Lord. Now that is where I am digging the hardest. Does Maidens in this instance refer to virgins in serving Only God and the scriptures or is it something else entirely?

You realize John, that I am letting the Holy Spirit have a free hand in developing what I have just written but I don't feel I have presented it in the exact way I need to. I will do some more digging but I am expectantly awaiting your counsel...

But I do know that there is something there that is causing me to have an itch to digggggg big time.

Love you all and thank you for your enduring friendships,
Grany

Jen said...

Hi guys,
Can't write much at the moment, but I have to get these few thoughts down...
I don't know if the AC will be able to be identified for those watching and searching Scripture, so I don't want to get too excited (or sick to my stomach) about any one person. I was on a Solana kick for awhile but he's kinda off the scene, or at least under the radar. Now lots of stuff seems to be lining up with BHO but that could also fizzle out. But with time running out, someone has to be getting closer to taking on the role.
Wilma, I'm with you when it comes to skimming. In elementary school I had to be placed in remedial reading for that very reason! I read so fast and wanted to get to the end of the story that I picked up very little in between. I was a good reader, but too impatient to process it all. I'm still that way today and I know it's a flaw, esp. with Scripture study.
Now here's another freaky thing...all day today I've been nearly obsessed with the story of the 10 virgins and I'm somewhat relieved to see that Holy Spirit has been pressing that same story on others as well. It dawned on me that the virgins were brides-to-be not just virgins. I had always assumed that the 5 taken were Christians and the others were unbelievers so they were left. Now I'm itching to dig into that further and see what the parable really teaches. If they're all brides, then that relates to the bride of Christ, so they're all Christians. Only the watching ones are taken...see where my mind has been all day?
OK...gotta run. Need to get the kids to bed. Hope we can continue this further and soon!

FSGTB,
Jen

Jen said...

Hi Grany,
We just crossed paths and your thoughts are much more developed. I'll defer from here out on the subject unless I'm given a word to share. But I think it's crucial that we continue digging since we've all been given this focus...anyone else?

FSGTB,
Jen

Marge said...

The parable of the Ten Virgins is quite interesting. If anyone has a Dake's Bible, it says, that the lamp oil was not the Holy Spirit, but lamp oil. And the point being was to remain watchful. And if you go to page 60, (in Dake's Bible) you can see where 12 false doctrines have been come about from the parable.

That being said, I believe that the 5 foolish virgins weren't in right relationship with God. What they once had, (light) had been allowed to go out. It's a matter of choice, and relationship.

According to Bible (and Prophecy Teacher) Hilton Sutton, (also Charles Capps) there is much confusion with the church being the bride of Christ. Because believers are the body of Christ in identity, and only the bride in relationship. They both actually teach that the Holy city is the bride of Christ. And in Dake's notes it agrees, (page 49) All Christians will be in the bride of Christ, which is the New Jerusalem, and not the church.

It's an interesting parable, but let's not try to give it a spin out of context, IMO. Because Matt. 25:13 seems to be the point to the parable. To be found ready, watching and in right relationship with Jesus.

My thoughts, and study, is all.

Hey, I bought and read, The Shack, by William P. Young. And while it is a bit odd, in regards to the description of God? It is fiction. Remember the key word here is fiction. And the last half of the book is by far the best part, also IMO.

Well, on with the discussion, and I'm always ready to have my world rocked, John :) We may not always agree on everything, but we can disagree agreeably, amen? Amen.

Love to all, and God's richest blessing, too.

boatman909 said...

Here are some thoughts to get you going..

The 7 Churches in Revelation refer to both the actual churches in existence when John received the Revelation, but they also refer to the various "denominations" of churches (Orthodox or Protestant) that have developed up until today.

One in particular that Jesus bluntly says He hates are those that follow the teachings of the Nicolaitans - I believe that this refers to the denominations that make a distinction between clergy and laity, and basically the clergy are put in a place above the laity, and the laity are, for all intents and purposes, treated like ignorant and wayward sheep. They certainly are not being trained up for "the work of the ministry"!

If you look around you will see all 7 types of church represented today amongst the mainstream Christian churches and denominations (and some of the independents).

Note how, with the exception of the Philadelphian church (the church of "love" - the "faithful" - or "full of faith" church), all the others are told that they face judgment if they do not put things right.

We see evidences today of the loveless church (where there is no outward manifestation of even basic compassion and sharing, and certainly no real love for God),

the compromising (of the whole gospel message) church,

the corrupt church (where the misuse of or love of money, sexual sins and other wrong behavior is tolerated and even accepted),

the dead church, where the basic gospel is not even preached, and in some cases even basic core doctrine is rejected (virgin birth, resurrection, new life, etc),

the lukewarm church (which to my mind includes even those that have some acceptance of the basic gospel, even to preaching the need to be born again, but reject anything supernatural, and even deliberately suppress such things, saying they are of the devil)

the persecuted church - which we see in Muslim countries and virtually all communistic or socialistic regimes - note that Jesus puts a time limit on the tribulation they will face, but face it they will...

As Jen is rightly dividing the Word, the 10 virgins are all Christians - by that I mean "born again".

Some (the 5 without oil) have even received the gift of Holy Spirit, but have done nothing with it, and have not "stirred up" the gift of Holy Spirit in themselves - they may have spoken in tongues once or twice, when they first received the infilling of Holy Spirit with power, but have never gone on to understand anything more.

The 5 virgins who have oil are those who have made a continuous effort to walk, or better live, in the Spirit, and have learned how to overcome their old natures, having renewed their minds, and learned how to live by faith (literally "have the God kind of faith" operating in their lives). They have overcome the devil and the world by the word of their testimony (their walk of faith, and their faith filled confessions) and the blood of the Lamb.

These are the ones God is looking to become the Bride of Christ, spotless and without blemish, who have understood their authority as believers, and have fully grasped that they are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

They are the ones ready and waiting, looking with expectation for the coming of the Bridegroom. They are the ones who have learned to be "overcomers" - a statement that Jesus reiterates is necessary at the end of all the letters to the 7 churches in revelation - it is a requirement in order to receive the promised rewards:

to eat from the Tree of Life;

to not be hurt by the second death;

to receive some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name;
to receive power over the nations - i.e. rule and reign with Jesus;

to be clothed in white garments (righteousness) and have their names not blotted out of the Book of Life, and have Jesus confess you before the Father and His angels;

to be made a pillar in the temple of God, having the name of God and the name of the city of God written on them, and also Jesus' new name;

to be granted the right to sit with Jesus on His throne

Looking around today, it seems that there are very few, relatively speaking, who fall into this latter category.

However, I am expecting a HUGE outpouring of the Holy Spirit (in fact I think it has already started) that will bring in many, many believers who at present are in lukewarm or cold churches, or who have never experienced the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

On the other hand I believe there will be many "born again" believers who reject all the supernatural things of Holy Spirit, going so far as to declare that this is a deception of the enemy, and not of God. I have already seen this happening in the past few months...

Finally, putting this all together, I think it is ONLY those who are in the group represented by the 5 virgins whose lamps are full and ready that will get taken in the first Rapture. The rest will get left behind, and have to wait for the second rapture - the one that John records in Revelation 6:9-17, meaning that they will go through a time of judgment and fire, having to live through the most evil time the earth will ever experience.

I guess you would VERY quickly learn how to live by faith, and walk in the Spirit, when your very next breath depends on it, not to mention food, clothing and shelter.

My thoughts,
John

Jen said...

Hi John,
2 quick questions....
Do you think there's any significance in the fact that half the virgins were taken and half were left? When relating that ratio to present Christians, do you think those numbers will remain the same? I mean that half the present Christians are considered ready? I'm guessing you think the number will be smaller, not 50/50?
And to clarify a previous point, you feel Scripture shows that children fall under the umbrella of grace for the rapture, yes?
These are hard subjects to tackle and even dwell on. I don't want to think of loved ones, esp. children, having to go through anything worse than what this world is today, but I also want nothing more than to be in Truth and order my life in a way that serves and glorifies God.

One praiseworthy note...my agnostic grandfather is showing some early signs of a softening. He told my mom that he loved her the other day....he has never once said that to her and she was left speechless. Also, a really amazing thing happened at my cousin's wedding last weekend. My grandma (we called her Mia) passed away last summer. She loved rainbows and had them all through the house. The day of her funeral, we were getting ready to leave for the service and a sudden rainstorm came through. Immediately after we saw the most beautiful double rainbow with one of its ends right in the backyard of my parents' house. We took pictures and you can see it coming up from the grass. (The photo on my blogger ID is that same rainbow.) We took that as a sign that all was well and Mia wanted to let us know (or God let us know) that she was alive and kicking. Fast forward to last weekend. My cousin had her wedding at a beach resort in Mexico. Just as she was reciting her vows, a huge rainbow appeared out on the horizon. Apparently, my side of the family began to cry and the pastor had to stop the service to see what was wrong. When they explained it to him, he said that he had performed hundreds of ceremonies at that very spot and had never seen a rainbow. Again, we understood it as a sign that Mia was stopping by to say hello. It really affected Grandpa when he was told and I'm hoping it will lead to an opportunity for my mom to talk further with him about life after death and what choices he's made in that regard. As Lori said, God's word doesn't return void and I'm seeing proof of that!

OK - gotta get to sleep. Nighty night all :)
FSGTB,
Jen

Great Grany 5 said...

It is still morning in OKIEland, so God's Good Morning and day to all of you! Shalom!

Oh, I like the Ten Virgins Discussion already! Jen I am also a speed reader and even took training in it during the late 50's and early 60's. I once did a lot of preview reading for some technical companies and I really enjoyed it. Then it got to be a bad habit and I couldn't seem to brake down my cruising speed. Along came a choice opportunity to be a proof reader for a publisher and I HAD TO SLOW DOWN! I came to the firm conviction real fast that sometimes it isn't a wise thing to tinker with natural processes that God built into us.

I still use the skimming thing to preview a book or a study and then go back and digest slowly and thoroughly. My hubby said I look like I am building a blockade around me when I get into the digging mode. He never has to ask me what I am doing; all he does is check out the chief topic and then he knows. It used to be a very good business venture for us and it is probably one of the reasons I am having the right eye problem now.

One thing I know, and Marge hit on it too. There are a lot of different ideas out there about the 10 virgins; some good and some not so good. I think this is where we all need to be praying and seeking the leading by the Holy Spirit. I know he wants to lead us because he has already started the garden in at least 4 of us. Each one of us (more than 4) has a part to add in gaining the full or rest of the story.

John, I have always considered all 10 to be believers but to what degree are they believing? Just as we are all at different places in our relationships with Christ and in our understanding of the scriptures, somewhere in the back of my mind I have the impression that the wise virgins are all out for all of Christ. The 5 unwise ones are those who have experienced salvation, maybe received a one time experience or even been overcome by the Holy Spirit but they didn't pursue or attend to the attaining part of their salvation.

Marge's comments about the church are basically what I have heard over the years and I agree somewhat but I am still working on it. The scriptures tell us that Christ died for the church and the establishment of the church was paramount to the apostles. Repeatedly stated by Paul. But, I really need to study it more with the Holy Spirit doing the inputting and me doing the submitting.

This is where I love to use my Hebrew/Greek study bibles and dictionary. Also, I think it would be of great value to learn what the Jewish bridal/wedding customs and traditions are in this regard. Then asking myself the question: "Why did Jesus use the betrothal/preparation for the bride/wedding procession and then ceremony as an example?"

Me working on it!

Grany

Marge said...

Hi Grany,
Me working on things too :)

Everyone,
However, Paul tells us, in his letters to the Church, we are the body of Christ, right? We are to put on armour, fight the good fight of faith, etc. Doesn't sound like a Bride to me, does it?
(bride-relationship. versus the, body of Christ. being the identity of the Blood Bought Church, once again, a huge difference in dividing the Word accurately)

Also what Bride has the authority to use her husband's name? If we (identity) are the bride of Christ, then how would we have the authority to use the name of Jesus?

Now I'm not a scholar, but I gotta say, it's either one or the other, right? And as some of you know, I have a rather odd sense of humor, at times, as well. So can you picture a Bride wearing armour out fighting the good fight of faith? It doesn't make common sense. And we know that Paul wrote to the Church. And the parable of the 10 virgins is recorded in Matt. 25. Who was Jesus speaking too? The Jews. I beleive we take the parable out of context to apply it to the church. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that this parable is for the nation of Israel. But I could be wrong :) As Paul encouraged us, to study the Word, a workman that wouldn' be aahamed at Christ's coming, etc.

Also check out Rev. 21:2, and see who John (the apostle) saw as the bride of Christ. (realtionship only, also IMHO)

Anyhow, this is a great discussion! Who's next?

Love to all, and God bless!

Great Grany 5 said...

Well, we got one going and it will be interesting I know. I see what Marge is saying and I tend to agree with her because all of the symbols used are Jewish. Remember though that God said he was the husband of the Jews. I tend to not use the word Israel in speaking of the Jewish people in this time we are now living in. The reason is that Israel is the home of many other races of people and not all are Jews. (Just to keep me straight in my thinking).

Also, considering that this discussion is a further point in the previous dialogue Jesus had with his disciples regarding the end of the age for them. But like I said, I have just really began my digging and I have a long way to go before I am going to be convinced of anything. I am like Marge in that I don't have a desire to put a spin on this parable that is out of balance because I would be held responsible for any thing I shared with everyone else and that carries a very serious warning with it.

I have done some searching on the Internet and you would not believe the many, many theories that already exist. I don't want to add to them, just to be able to rightly divide the word of God according to his design and purpose.

But Marge, I could just picture that bridal outfit you drew for us. Long flowing skirts and veil setting all of us up for a fall! LOL

Grany

Marge said...

Grany,
I understand why you want to keep your thinking clear, about using the term Jew, and not Israel, at this point in time. However, the term Jew (from what I've heard, that is) only refers to the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Soooo, where are the other ten tribes hiding out at? LOL! Okay, this opens another can of worms. Even Perry Stone gets into this one, so we're in good company. That's on the reliable end of the question, though.
On the other end (VERY UN-reliable!) was Herbert W. Armstrong and "The World Tomorrow" radio broadcast. Taken over by his son, etc., etc. I remember when the radio broadcast came on, my Mother would run (not walk, LOL!) to her radio, and promptly not only turn it off, but call the program a bunch of baloney, to put it mildly :)

Any takers on this discussion? I've read a few things about it, and it has as many views, (no doubt) as the parable of the ten virgins. However, it's always peeked my interest, and I gotta say, it does make a person get on their "thinking cap," if such a thing actually exists. (I'm still looking for one, so if anyone finds a good thinking cap, be sure to let me know, okay? LOL!)

Question: Where are the ten lost tribes, OR were they ever lost???

Have a good day! And God bless!

campsmore said...

The last plane load of Ethiopian Jews landed in Israel this week, in total... 120,000

boatman909 said...

The Parable of the 10 Virgins is interesting, because it is recorded immediately after the descriptions in Matthew 24, concerning the Great Tribulation which is addressed to the believing Jews (the Elect), as one of a series of parables concerning the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The instructions in Matthew 24:44 give a command that we are to be ready for the coming of the Son of Man - a title specifically used by Jesus to relate to the Jews.

However, He introduces a whole new set of symbols when He introduces the parable of the 10 Virgins.

From the OT, it is clear that Judah is the wife of Jehovah, whereas in the NT the Church (specifically the "overcomers") are going to be the Bride of Christ - we are presently only "betrothed" to Christ - we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus [2 Corinthians 5:21]. In Paul's letters, the term "virgin" is used to refer to an (young) unmarried woman - a potential bride.

The reference to virgins in the parable therefore must refer to a group of people who have the potential to become a bride.

The introduction of the term "bridegroom" is significant. This term is used by Jesus to refer to Himself [Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19, Luke 5:34], and by John the Baptist in referring to Jesus [John 3:28].

Thus, the implication is that the expected bridegroom is in fact Jesus Himself, coming for His bride (who is to be a righteous virgin - or as Paul puts it in Ephesians 5:25-27, in the context of comparing human marriage with Jesus' relationship to the Church "Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."

The nation of Israel (Judah and Israel) are never referred to as Christ's Bride - they are already married to the Father!

So the conclusion is that the Kingdom of Heaven has (amongst other things) Jesus with His Bride.

Now, according to Revelation, Jesus says that we must be "overcomers" if we are to receive all the inheritance and blessings and fullness of being His Bride. To be an overcomer requires that we are not only "born again" (a necessity to be eligible to be part of the Bride), but we must also learn to walk in the Spirit, thus overcoming "the lust of the flesh" [Galatians 5:16].

Unless we do this, we cannot be part of a spotless, wrinkle-free and without blemish Bride. We therefore would not qualify to be a part of the Bride of Christ.

Jesus makes this clear in the parable, by speaking of "oil". Oil refers to the Holy Spirit. He is saying you not only have to be born again, but you must have the oil of the Spirit ready to operate in your life - in other words you must be continually "filled with the Spirit" [Ephesians 5:16].

We have the Holy Spirit (actually the Spirit of Christ) dwelling on the inside of us. This is a deep well of spiritual power in our heart that contains the wisdom and power of God [Proverbs 20:5] that we need to learn to tap into in order to be an overcomer.

In other words, God has placed His own life-force (the God kind of life (gr. zoe)) inside of us. This has the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the "abundant life" that Jesus promised us - a life free of any negative force or situation, an overcoming life, a life of wholeness, peace, prosperity, joy, love..., free of any kind of lack.

As an aside, God "breathed" (i.e "spoke") the stars and the heavens into existence [Psalm 33:6], the earth is the work of His Hands, as are we, but it took the power of His right arm to raise Jesus from the dead. God had to exert an incredible amount of spiritual force to raise Jesus out of Hell - it is this measure of power that He has placed inside of us!!

Therefore we have, inside of us, once we have been "born-again", EVERYTHING that we need that pertains to life and godliness [2 Peter 1:3]; in other words we have all the resources (wisdom, prosperity, health, etc) for our life here on earth available to us NOW. All we need to do is learn to use them.

We do that by listening to the Holy Spirit - our Counselor. Since He lives on the inside of us, we need to learn to hear His voice - become "God inside" conscious all the time.

So, back to the parable - the virgins are potential members of the Bride, but only those who are ready, and properly equipped through the indwelling power of Holy Spirit will be able to go with the Bridegroom when He comes.

This event will happen so fast, that there will not be enough time for anyone who has not already equipped themselves, and learned to operate in the Spirit to find out how to do so, and so they will be left behind. They will get a second chance [Revelation 6:9-17] but whether they will be eligible to be part of the true Bride, I am really not sure. They may just have to be content with being citizens of Heaven for eternity.

Another message is that you cannot depend on someone else's anointing or walk in the Spirit to get you through - you need to have learned how to operate in the Spirit yourself - there are no second-hand virgins in the Bride!!

Finally, Jesus says that we will not know the day nor the hour of His coming - but we can certainly make sure we are ready, and pay attention to the signs of the times - in fact we are commanded to, and as Paul says, the day of Christ will not come upon those of us who are ready like a thief in the night [1 Thessalonians 5:4]. I take this to mean (as others here have expressed) that we should have a very good idea of approximately (the year??) when Jesus will return - it is VERY, VERY near now!

John

Marge said...

John,
I believe we have a spirtual role reverseal going on here :) Although nothing that affects our salvation. I respect you as the bride of Christ, and meanwhile I'm praying to beome the "perfect man" of Ephesians 4: 11-13. Anyhow, my maiden name used to be: Mann :) No kidding!

Everyone,
Anyway, I beleive that the Church is the body, (identity) and when the reference is made to being the bride of Christ, it is in regards to relationship.

There is a question of gender, but it goes back to "language."

These are a a few quotes from some rsearch:

1. numphe: tramslated bride is never used for both male and female. It is only used in scripture to describe female gender.

2. huios: is translated children of the bridechamber in Matt. 9: 15 is translated for both genders.
This Greek word translated "children" includes male and female. This fits the intent of the parable of the ten virgins, in which the five wise virgins represent the body of Christ. (the Church)

3. parthenos: Greek word traslated virgin is used for both male and female.

conclusion: If the Church is identified as a bride, then the word itself would exclude the male gender from the body. And we know that the Church is composed of both male and female.

As I said, we don't always agree, John, but I love you, in our Lord Jesus Christ. (I love all of you!)

Anyway, if Jesus is described as the head of the Church, how does that make us the bride? For the sake of scriptural identity the body must be of the same gender.

And you must know by now, I'm not a Greek scholar :)

However, I am celebrating the fact that we can have a lively (I'm hoping, that is :) discussion, disagree and remain agreeable!

Anyone else care to comment? Oh, come on. The water is fine :)

Since the question of the 10 lost tribes went over so big, (LOL!) how about another question? And again, for everyone, okay?

Question: How do you perceive God?
Really. How do you really picture God?

I have a story I'd like to share, (if anyone is interested) about a day vision I had a looong time ago. The fact is I seldom have dreams. But I've had several day visions, I beleive yod'd call them.

Have wonderful weekend! And God's richest blessings upon all!

Marge said...

please forgive the typo's :)

Marge said...

P.S.
My research was done in regards to the church (not the Jews) in the parable of the ten virgins.
As Wilma pointed out, there are loads of theories about the parable of the ten virgins :)

Great Grany 5 said...

Marge, I would love to hear of your day vision and you know it!

Your comments about the Bride and the Body encourages me because a long time ago, I asked a very wonderful preacher about the new Jerusalem coming down adorned like a new bride and asked him to please enlighten me as to the meaning of it. He didn't have a clue! I then asked him how we could be a bride of Christ and still the Body of Christ. Like you said, Brides are female; always have been and always will be. So did that mean that only the women would be involved? He didn't know that one either. Now by this time, I was getting a little concerned about this man's training. So I asked him how we can all be the body (different members of the same vessel). Now that he did have a answer for. It meant the different denominations of believers who were all believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that he came to save us from our sins and provide a way to our Heavenly Father.

So, let's get on with the story because I really have this unction that the story of the virgins is related to the whole thingy.

But then, it is late, I am tired and I need to go to bed. Think more about it tomorrow and that will be after I get home from SS and Church.

Love you,
Grany

Marge said...

Grany,
Well, since you asked :)

It isn't all that spectacular, but it was supernatural. It was in the late 70's, and I was a stay at home Mom, with my youngest son, David. My other sons were in school. I was sitting on the couch, and all of a sudden, I saw into a part of heaven. It was a library/office space, and God (the Father) was sitting behind an absolutely beautiful desk. And I was sitting, in a chair in front while He was finishing some work, of some sort. So, I was nervous, and thinking, what will I say? Why am I here, and why isn't God sitting on a throne? Without looking up, He said, you know, there's no reason to worry what you are going to say to me, because I knew you before you were ever born. And I have other things to attend to, and I do many things in heaven. (besides sitting on my throne) He went on to say, I understand you have a problem with me, as a father figure, as your father was taken from you at an early age. (I was just 4 years old, and my dad was in a fatal airplane crash) It wasn't my perfect will for that accident to have happened, but you need to know I'm always here for you, and I'll never leave you or forsake you.
At that time I had tears in my eyes, and I said, you're not at all like I had imagined. And He laughed, and said, no I'm not!
And then He began to lift His head, and I saw a bright light, and felt such great love coming from the Father, I bowed my head and cried. That was the end of my day vision, but that sense of being truly loved by God, and knowing that He'd always be with me, lasted (in great strength!) for days and days! Anyhow, I must have needed it, because I never had any problem with accepting Jesus, or the Holy Spirit into my life. But the Father, had seemed remote, and (I felt) He was always ready to club me over the head with any mistakes I made. Since that experience, I've been able to accept the Father as loving, and kind, also. End of vision :)

There was another day vision, but it involved Kenneth E. Hagin, and I'll save it for another time :)

Much love, and God bless!

Great Grany 5 said...

Yes, Marge, that would instill a great deal of comfort knowing that God took your worries and gave you his promise of continued keeping and loving. WOW~ :)

Like you, I lost my biological father when I was 2 and it had always been very difficult for me to relate to a "Father" image. My wonderful Grandfather's (both maternal and paternal) were great sources of love and encouragement but nothing takes the place of your "Daddy". That is one of the reasons I use the term "my Abba Daddy" a lot.

You can say that and it has extra special meaning to you. I loved it!

Grany

campsmore said...

I cannot believe my eyes. Marge and Wilma mentioning our Abba Daddy. Uncle Bob's book goes into detail about the origin of the word Abba and it's literal meaning.

This blew me away and I had just read about it on Friday.

Background; My biological father was never a real daddy to me. He was militant and kidnapped my sisters, brother and I when I was seven. He didn't want us, but used us as pawns to "get to" my mother.

When my mother finally got us back, 6 mos had passed. Once we were back with my mom, we didn't have contact with my father until I was 34 years old, after my mom had passed away. He really never wanted anything to do with us. He didn't show at graduations, birthdays, any holiday or wedding. He never sent a card, gift or letter...ever.

So, I never had warm fuzzy feelings about my father and never called him "Daddy." And my step father was physically, sexually and emotionally abusive.

I dreamt of having a dad where I could climb into his lap and he'd stroke my hair, and do it because he loved me, not because he wanted a "feel."

I grew up literally afraid of God. I thought he was just looking for an opportunity to snuff me out.

After I read the segment in Uncle Bob's book, I realized what I had missed out on. I think he wants to be my daddy, not just a militant father figure.

I was so blessed by this revelation. I was sharing with a friend (Heather) yesterday who was visiting my home. She had a very strict hands off kind of dad.

Now, she also is seeing and trusting God as her Daddy.

Fast forward to today, I see Marge's comment and then Wilma's about our Abba (Daddy) God.

Lord, I get the message. You love us and want to have a warm loving relationship with us. Thank you for being our Daddy.

Jen said...

Evening, all...
Just wanted to share the latest at my family blog (3 Peas). I posted our recent adventures in caterpillar/butterfly tending with a video of the grand send-off we had for our Monarch friend. I picked the song "I'll Fly Away" to accompany it, for obvious butterfly reasons, but also because I'm getting my final gown alterations done for the really big flight we'll be taking soon!

FSGTB,
Jen

Jen said...

Didn't include the link...just go to my profile and click on my blog from there.

Grace said...

Marge, Lori and Grany,

I so enjoyed reading your latest posts.

I too grew up with a dad who was not available to me. He was a compulsive gambler and womanizer and I was left with whoever would take care of me. My mom left me with him and my grandparents when I was just an infant and I did not meet her until I was 16.

The Lord has done amazing things however, and my dad and I have a good relationship now. I love him greatly.

I am 54 years old and I cannot tell you how I still cry out to the Lord...daily... to please heal me of the wounded view I have of Him. I so want to confidently crawl in His lap and rest my head and feel safe that He won't change His mind about me.

I have often thought that when I see Jesus that I will see Him as He is and this will be healed. I will cling to Him with such gratitude and relief!

I still at this point in my life read scriptures that make me think that maybe I won't make it. That maybe I will not be holy enough or committed enough and I struggle with it daily.

I have been round and round enough that I am in a place where I can truly say, like the song says, with all sincerity, that "Your blood speaks a better word, speaks righteousness for me, stands in my defense, Jesus it's Your blood. What can wash away my sin, what can make me whole again, nothing but the blood, nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Marge, I too had a "day vision" if you will. I was in my early 20's and single and had been involved in a relationship that I should not have been involved in. Well, God orchestrated things so it was all brought out in the open.

I remember the morning that I really bowed my heart and mind to the Lord sitting in my livingroom. I remember thinking that I had such a history of promiscuity and that I was so trapped and would never be able to please God.

At that moment I felt the warmest presence and a feeling of being absolutely, drenched in acceptance and love.

Then came these words: "You are the pure, wholesome girl I made you to be the day you were born again. Now my child you have merely been acting out of character." The words were so beautiful but they were just the icing on the cake of the emotional safety and acceptance that I felt.

I still repeat those words to myself and find such peace. I have shared them with my girls. He has truly transformed my life in that way. I have a faithful husband and great family and that history in my life is a very distant memory.


Thank you all for sharing and allowing me to do the same. You are all SO DEAR to me and I often think about seeing you someday and yes, maybe very soon.

Jen, you are a marvelous mom. It warms my heart to see your beautiful commitment to loving your children.

I do have a request that is way off of this topic. I have been struggling with a very difficult job for the past few years and an opportunity for a different job has come up with my local school district. I would love a different job but do not want to run from God if He wants me to stay put. Would you pray with me for God's direction?

Much love to all of you tonite!

Grace

Grace said...

PS:

Lori, is your uncle's book available to buy right now? I would really like to read it.

Thanks,

Grace

Grace said...

PS:

Lori, is your uncle's book available to buy right now? I would really like to read it.

Thanks,

Grace

campsmore said...

Such moving testimonies in this place!

Grace, Uncle Bob's book is on Amazon.com, CBD.com- cheapest(Christian Book Distributors), Books-a-Million just ordered their stock and Barnes & Nobles are showing great interest. Unlocking God's Secrets; past, present and future

Marge said...

I agree, Lori.
What a wonderful place to share.

Everyone,
Which kinda goes back to the question: How does one percieve God, doesn't it?

Grace,
I'm in agreement with you, that God will give you His wisdom about your new job opportunity.

Having worked for a school district for over 15 years, (Food Service, granted, but this prevailed thru out the district) I will say there were quite a bit of politics involved. However, even though I didn't "know anyone" I received advancement, because I had favor with God. And you do too! (have favor with God!) Just something to consider, is all.

Have a wonderful week in the Lord, and God's richest blessings, too!

Great Grany 5 said...

Oh, this is so gooddd! Abba is hugging us all today and you know what, He has never stopped loving and hugging us one second.

Grace, if Jesus sacrifice on the cross isn't enough to keep you, what is? He loves you and cherishes you as a precious jewel and if you wander away, he'll be there wooing you back no matter how many times you wander. Your heart is what he knows you by and it is your heart that contains him. Get all of that other junk out and just bath in God's presence. How do we get in God's presence? He inhabits the praise of His people and we build up our faith in the word of God. Hearing, saying and thinking! Think on these things and there won't be any room for the dark past. You have new fields to plow and you can't know where you are going if you keep looking backward. The rows won't be straight.

I have been there, done that and the crop was disasterous. Got me a new auto pilot and set it on the Lord and the crop is wonderful now.

Love you all,
Grany

Marge said...

Grace, and everyone,
The message of Grace (no pun intended) is taught in such depth, by Joseph Prince, that I beleive anyone that listens will be blessed. Even though, I've heard the message of grace for years, he has such a heavy annointng on his teaching, it goes right into your spirit. (deep calleth to deep)

Also he has a book out, along the lines,I believe of Lori's Uncle Bob. It's called, Destined To Reign. I read it, and have already passed it along. It's one of the best books I've read in a long, long time.

In fact, part of Jospeh Prince's calling, is unique. (similar to God calling Kenneth E. Hagin, to go and teach Faith) Joseph Prince said, that God told him to go and teach His people grace. And that without God's people knowing about His radical grace? Their lives would never be radically changed."

I was totally blessed by this book, and I'm always blessed by hearing him teach the Word of God.

TexanForChrist said...

There is new post. I have to admit I've been out of the loop a lot so if this has already been beaten to death let me know..

Mike

Marge said...

Testing....