Thursday, November 30, 2006

Being a Woman of Influence Part IV -


Being a Woman of Influence Part IV -
No Named Women of the Bible
They made a mark in History!
They touched a life!!

Redeeming the time .....because the days are evil.

"Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposely and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time (buying up each and every opportunity), because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible)

Nameless Bible Women - are you a nameless Woman?

There are so many important women in the Bible without a name - there does not seem to be a clear reason as to why.

Many women in the Bible left their impact upon history and played an important role in events; they were in influence and touched a life if not a nation.

Noah's Wife -
What a position she was in. To encourage her husband, keep her sons and daughters in-law motivated to build an ark during a time when they had never seen rain.

Wow no rain ever....what would we think if God asked us to build an ark or to support someone who is to build it because of the rain coming. Rain that wasn't even here yet or ever seen by any of us. Would we?

Noah's wife must have been a strong woman when you think how many years her husband was called to build this ark, never seeing rain and being surrounded by people that thought he was crazy and having to keep her man going to get the job done.

Job's Wife:
Unlike Noah's wife...Jobs wife, who in their traumatic times -told her husband to curse God, turn away and from him to kill himself. She allowed Satan to take over her will to continue. She stopped relying God.

Peters Wife:
From Paul we learn that Peter's wife accompanied her husband on some missionary journeys; caring for his many needs.

Peter is said to be an impulsive man, and had a tendency to quit when things went against him. Possibility coming home in a mood she would need to encourage him, caution him to go slowly, and to strive to rise above trials and disappointments.

In the end she was killed before her husband for what they stood for. and her husbands last words to her were.....Remember the Lord.

Is rain coming in your life, our homes our churches our nation, that we don't understand or have never seem before? Is God calling you to build an ark?

When times are going crazy...do you want to turn your back on God and curse him? Or thank him for what is doing in your life.

If the Lord called us to accompany our husband on a journey would we willingly go? If and when the time came for us to go face to face with our enemy and our faith...would we cry out "Remember the Lord"?

Is God calling to you to be a no-named woman of influence? Could you be the no-named woman who could lead a new way and be an influence for God?

"So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants." (Ephesians 5:15-16 from the Message)

Lynn W

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Being a Woman of Influence Part III -

Being a Woman of Influence Part III -

Deuteronomy 10:12 (New International Version)
"... to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul..."

We have looked at 2 women so far that have been leaders both in very different ways. Both were chosen to do a particular task for the Lord and both had very different gifts to use. In the end they were both a very big influence to many lives.

We all have different roles and gifts given to us. Let us look at two wonderful ladies whose family was very special to the Lord.

Mary and Martha -

There home was a place where the Lord would come when he needed rest and friendship. Oh what a place to be in, to have my home a place that the Lord would want to come when he needed something. They were known in their community to be in good standing, their family was said to be a pillar.

I remember reading a track when I was younger; I think it was called "If Jesus came to your House". It was referring to what he would find there etc... If the door bell rang and the Lord was there, could you invite him in immediately or would you need to ask Him to wait until you move a few things around? Or could you welcome Jesus into your home as these two ladies did.

Are you a Mary or a Martha? Looking at both of these ladies, they both had certain gifts told to us in scripture. Mary preferred to sit before Jesus for spiritual instruction and Martha was usually busy supervising the hospitality of the home.

Martha was hospitable - the bible says "she received Jesus into her house"
Mary - the bible says "she was found at the feet of Jesus"

Romans 12:13 (New International Version - UK)
"Share with God's people who are in need."
Now these are both very important things that need to be done. We need a time of spiritual refreshment ( time with just me and the Lord), and we also need a practical time of getting our homes organized and set for the hospitality ministry that the Lord will bring to us.

Both sat before the Lord, but while Mary thought that listening was better Martha felt that feeding Jesus was as necessary as waiting upon His word.

So where am I going with all this...Some say Martha was too busy (yet she was serving in a more practical way) and some say Mary was sitting and learning for too long.

We can do both and need to do both....but remember not to be too busy and forget to sit at His feet and then again once you have sat at his feet and have been refreshed get up and start serving.
Psalm 37:5 (King James Version)
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
Ok ladies today sit before the Lord and ask him to help you be a "Women of Influence" and then get up and serve for Him today.
Lynn W

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Being a Woman of Influence Part II -

Being a Woman of Influence Part II -

Judges 4 & 5... Deborah

Here are some questions for you to start with...

1. What are you excited about?
2. What is your purpose?
3. Do you make a difference in a life?
4. What is one thing that you have done in your life that will be remembered in eternity?
5. Are you leaving a legacy and if so about what?

Deborah was a true heroine for the Lord who can show many of us just how to answer the Lord's call on our lives. Careful attention to her story may challenge our assumptions about what and who we can be as women.

The Bible introduces Deborah as prophetess. None of the other judges bore such a title. The word proclaims that not only did Deborah hear the Lord as Judge but as Prophet too. We see in scripture that she was in the beginning a homemaker, then became a judge, a prophet and then a leader and finally song writer.

At first we see that Israel was in real trouble, and had been for twenty years. A leader was needed to inspire them to fight the enemy. There are interpretations in some commentaries that say God only used a woman because no one else was available. I find it difficult to believe that God could not rise up a single man capable of doing the job in twenty years time. He chose Deborah a woman!

Deborah saw the oppression of the Canaanites and the idolatry of Israel. Deborah became a leader once she was stirred up enough and lead the way for men to fight. She became a military dictator, directing the battle against King Jabin and winning it.

She acted when the Lord called; her authority came from the Lord. It does not mention that she sought her husband's permission first which can show us that we as an individual have a mission or a job to do based on our gifts that God has given us. Some insist that women must leave their ministries that they are in upon marriage but we can see that is not what the Lord instructed Deborah to do.

When they went to fight the enemy it was on the land near the river. The enemy went forward to fight the battle but did not look around at their surrounding first. The ground had been flooded prior and the enemy's wheels got stuck in the mud and the battle was WON! In the end Israel rejoiced at the victory.

(What an example for us.....have we looked at all that is around us before we make our move so our wheels don't get stuck in the mud and we loose the victory)

Above all of Deborah's remarkable gifts was her trust in God, which is ever the source of any woman's highest adornment.
Psalm 37:5 (King James Version)
"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Ladies I bring to you this story of a strong Godly woman who made her mark in history for us to realize that as women we have a very important role. Is God calling you to take the lead? Are you a leader who needs to step up to the plate and start using your gifts and abilities for the Lord?
The Communists intend to promote chaos, confusion and conflict. They play upon the conflict of classes, races and of creeds. They seek to produce degeneracy and corruption until the people are ready for a change, regardless of what that change is. Any activity of the Communists which promotes the revolution is called a peaceful activity. Any activity of the free nations in resisting Communism is called a warlike activity. It is the Communist belief that if they can promote their program, a nation like America can fall like a ripe plum to Communism without warfare.
(Women who made Bible History - Harold J Ockenga pub 1964)

4 entries found for degeneracy.
de�gen�er�a�cy ( P ) Pronunciation Key (d-jnr--s)
n. pl. de�gen�er�a�cies
1. The process of degenerating.
2. The state of being degenerate.
3. Corrupt, vulgar, vicious behavior, especially sexual perversion.
4. Genetics. The presence in the genetic code of multiple condones for the same amino acid.
Times are changing and our Nation which is "free" is now under attack. We are being attacked by the enemy in more ways than one. As we read the quote above some attack by corrupt, vulgar, vicious behavior and sexual perversion. Our Nation is addicted to some of this - we don't even need their help in destroying us. We are doing this job all on our own.
We need "Women of God", we need to stand strong and firm and realize that we can attack our enemy. We can be women leaders in today's world and we can save our Nation.
Deborah was a great example to us all. Get moving and remember that our enemy is on the land and their wheels can easily get stuck in the mud. Ask God for the flood that is needed to make the difference. Get EXCITED, GET MOVING, TAKE LEADERSHIP, GET INTO SOMEONE'S LIFE, STAND FOR WHAT IS RIGHT and ask God to use you to change a life, a family and NATION.

Lynn W

Monday, November 27, 2006

Being a Woman of Influence Part I -

Being a Woman of Influence Part I -

I have been teaching at retreats and women's groups over the past 2 years on "Being a Woman of Influence". Recently I did a retreat on this subject and we reviewed some women of the Bible and the influence they had on history. For this week let us look together at women that God used in different ways and see what we can learn from them...I hope you enjoy!

Esther - a woman who saved a Nation!

Esther to me is truly a fascinating woman and was a chosen woman by the Lord.

A few quick notes about her life.

1. She was adopted by a foster father (her cousin).

2. She had a gift of beauty.

3. She was recognized by the King and he chose her as his new wife.

4. She took her place as Queen even though it was not her choice.

5. She was not ashamed of her own race - in the end she needed to stand up and admit who she was and where she came from. This helped her save her Nation.

6. She was a great leader and when decisions were needed to be made she was ready to do it.

Esther was placed at a very key time in history when her nation needed to be helped. Now we know that the Lord does not need our help to do anything but He chooses to use us and it is up to us to respond to his calling.
Esther 4:14 (New International Version)
"... And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
Many times we talk about the phrase 'for such a time as this". God called Esther and this was her time. I am intrigued by this phrase. To think that God has called each one of us to make a mark in History. God created each of us for His purpose and to help complete his work. How exciting to think that God wants to use me in a special way. WOW!
Ladies it only took this one woman to save a nation. It only took one woman to take prayer out of school. It takes only one woman to save or change a life.
We are in uncertain times as we all know. The Lord's return can come at any moment. Has and is God calling you to this point in time to save a life, a family, a NATION? Can you be the one to put pray back in school?
Remember it only took one woman!!! For such a time as this....Is this your time?
Lynn W.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Top of the Table Dealings...

Top of the Table Dealings...

Not a phrase I had ever heard before. Have you? Basically it's the reverse of a phrase we have all probably heard; "under the table." Let me be totally transparent, in the past, B.C., I have accepted payment for work without having paid taxes on it, let alone tithe, what was that? In my mind and in many minds the government got enough money in taxes. Everyone does it, if they don't they are the fools. That was my attitude. It was a wrong and sinful attitude to have and I was the fool. I have often been foolish with money and have literally paid the consequences.
As I said since I have come to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ, I am learning to look at things in the light of His perspective. And now I have become well, let's say a little gun shy. I have a certain amount of money I am responsible to invest for my son's future. I have been tight fisted with it and fearful of investing and loosing it all. So what am I going to do with it? For a time I figuratively speaking, buried it in a hole for safe keeping and it made no interest. (Matthew 25:25, And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.) Then being the wildly wise investment guru that I am I put it in a savings account earning about a 1/2 percent interest. A short time after I had heard of something called I - Bonds and I invested it in that which offers a higher interest rate and short term lock down of the money. Do I sound like I know what I'm talking about? I don't. This is my child's money, it's not a lot and even if it gained a high amount of interest it's still by no means a fortune. But it is what his father and I are able to set aside for him and it should be invested wisely. I'd like all that I invest plus a good amount of interest to be there when I want to cash out. I don't want to invest one cent in anything like tobacco companies etc..., or to have a big tax burden on the end.
In my sluggish search for a good investment opportunity I was reading about one firm's principals and vision. The title of this devotional comes out of their literature and it is that kind of commitment to integrity that makes me feel a little more comfortable with investing.
Top of the table dealings for money I am entrusted with, that sounds like something God will bless. In fact, His word says that if we can be trusted with little we will be entrusted with much. I haven't always been able to be trusted with little and in turn had been given little. As it says in God's word, so it is; (Matthew 25:29 For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.) The Lord is teaching me His financial ways, I don't always get it right, but I want to get it right more often than not. How about you? How do you handle money?
Do you know what God's financial ways are? Do you want to know? Here is a place to start, Read: Matthew 25:14-29, Matthew 6:1-4 and 25-34, Proverbs 31:10-31.


Dina

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Pride. Humph.

Pride. Humph.
Ever get the feeling God's trying to tell you something?
In September, Dr. Dan Skogan spoke at our monthly Families For Christ ministry for married colony Couples. His topic was Pride and Humility. I wasn't in the room 15 minutes before I knew God was speaking to me.
Dr. Dan quickly got to a list of 12 manifestations of pride. I had 14 of them!!
Let me share these with you for your personal pondering:

Manifestations of Pride:
1. Complaining against or passing judgment on God (Rom 9:20)
2. A lack of gratitude (Matt 20:1-16)
3. Anger (Mark 14:4-5)
4. Seeing yourself as better than others (Luke 7:36-50)
5. Having an inflated view of your importance, gifts, and abilities (1 Cor 4:7)
6. Being focused on the lace of your gifts and abilities (1 Cor 12:14-25)
7. Perfectionism
8. Talking too much (Prov 10:19)
9. Talking too much about yourself (Prov 27:2)
10. Seeking independence or control (1 Cor 1:10-13)
11. Being consumed with what other people think (Gal 1:10)
12. Being devastated or angered by criticism (Prov 13:1)

Proud? Who me? Yes, me!

Dr. Skogan gave much food for thought and I will be using more of his materials, with permission, next month.

Diane

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

No Big Deal

No Big Deal

I recently watched the film "Time Changer" and I haven't been able to stop thinking about its message. God's Word is Truth and we can't cut corners, or make compromises with the Word, or think that what is in the Word is old fashioned and out of date.
Why.... if God were to write a few more chapters today, He would have more knowledge of what "science" has discovered since the Bible was written or just been more update in His thinking. Divorce is okay not just in the case of adultery but...for mistakes, a change of mind or if times get too hard. Homosexuality isn't a sin; it's something you're born with, just another lifestyle. Addiction...what does God know about that? It's a disease, a genetic disorder. We evolved from apes. It's ignorant to think we began in the garden with Adam and Eve.
As a society we have bought into those lies and so many others. We have become friendly with the world. We have come to think that it's no big deal to compromise here or there. We never meant to stray this far from the Truth of the Bible, but we did. James 4:4 says "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Any one who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God." Adulterous people. When we compromise His Holy Word or think we can be satisfied by something other than God, we are cheating on God...in other words adulterers.
That is very serious. We are no different from the people of Israel before the exile, who began to slowly compromise their faith. Look how far they strayed. I'm sure they never thought they would have gone that far in sin and disobedience when they made their first compromise. James was warning the first century church that they were becoming a bit too friendly with the world. He called them adulterers too.
2 Peter 1:20-21 says, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had is origin in the will of man but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Do we believe His Holy Word? If we do then we know that everything we find in Scripture is God's Truth and nothing has caught Him by surprise. Not addiction, nor homosexuality nor any other lies of the world.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to be a friend of the world and in so doing become an enemy of God. It is a big deal when we compromise. We have the Truth, we needn't look to the world. We have all we need for living a victorious life and all we need to do is go to the source ...His Holy Scripture.

Mary Ann

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

I AM

It all started in Exodus when Moses asked the One in the burning bush, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.'" Exodus 3:13-14

Fast forward to the New Testament, when the I AM walked among us....

These are statements of who Jesus says He is...
I am the bread of life. John 6:48; I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." John 6:51

Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM." John 8:58

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:5

Then Jesus said to them again, "Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7; I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10:9

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. John 10:14

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. John 11:25

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29

TODAY: Worship the Great I AM.

Diane

Friday, November 17, 2006

CHRIST CONFIRMS

In recent devotionals I have shared what I have learned about recognizing God's voice. I believe most people hear various "voices" or "thoughts in their heads. Sometimes we hear good, helpful voices. Other times the voices or thoughts are very discouraging and demeaning. I have found we are so strongly influenced by the negative voices that we begin to believe the worst thoughts about ourselves.
Before I wrote the book, I'm Listening, Lord, I asked God to give me thoughts that would help me teach others how to know the difference between God's voice and Satan's voice. Almost immediately I began to write down the thoughts I have been sharing with you. I have already elaborated on Christ Convicts/Satan Condemns; Christ Clarifies/Satan Confuses. Today I want to share the concept Christ Confirms/Satan Contradicts.

Christ confirms our ideas generally through Scripture. When my husband and I were considering joining Campus Crusade for Christ, Glen needed to know that God would take care of those who received Christ through the Four Spiritual Laws, Campus Crusade's evangelistic tract. As Glen was searching the Scripture for confirmation, God showed him John 15:16, Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and your fruit should remain.

Glen could have made the decision to join staff just because I was nagging him, but instead he waited until he had received scriptural confirmation from God.

We have become so influenced by our societal standards that we forget to check and confirm our actions with Scripture. The Bible is very clear on its stance regarding marriage, divorce, fidelity, homosexuality, modesty, and most issues we are faced with today. Satan is the one who rearranges and tries to rewrite Scripture. He has been contradicting scripture since Eve. Read Genesis 3 to see how Satan managed to contradict God's word. To be able to check God's word before taking any action, it is, of course, best if we have become students of God's Word. However, a lack of knowledge of Scripture should never be an acceptable excuse. We can always check a good concordance or topical Bible to get God's perspective on the decisions we make.

Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed by his word by the signs that accompanied it (Mark 16:20).

CHRIST CONFIRMS/SATAN CONTRADICTS

Marilyn Heavilinsubscription, reply to victorycall-unsubscribe@lists.americaskeswick.org

Thursday, November 16, 2006

We confessed our unbelief;

I have to smile. I have been hoping that God would give me ideas and experiences that would be appropriate to share in Victory Calls. And He did. God doesn't waste anything and doesn't seem to be interested in fluff. I have on occasion prayed and asked God to change me and use me that I may share life truths with other women on this journey. That's a nice way of saying I have been willing to be a guinea pig, a living example of God's hand at work. Of course, by God taking me up on that, I have experienced things that remind me that I am weak and that I am a sinner, and I have not arrived.
God had been working in my life for a few weeks, challenging me to pray in faith not in fear. I wasn't sure exactly what that looked like. I really wanted to pray in faith but I had nagging fears that captured my attentions and hindered me, sometimes. Perhaps it would make more sense if I explained it this way... There were times I would be praying about a situation but what I was picturing in my mind was not victory but defeat. I would finish my prayers having done what a 'good Christian' should do but none-the-less felt defeated. I could just sense God trying to reveal the unbelief in such prayers.
I was reading a book From Fear to Freedom by Rose Marie Miller when I was stopped in my tracks. Miller wrote: "We confessed our unbelief; that is, that we had been praying for Barbara with a negative image of her future, without praising God for Christ's power to change her. We confessed that our minds had been clouded with doubts." That's what I had been doing! Praying with unbelief! What could be more discouraging that to pray, not believing for victorious results? I was praying fearing the wiles of the enemy, rather than praying believing the surpassing power of God to transform and to grant victory.
Father, forgive me for my unbelief. Teach me to pray, believing.

How are your prayers?

Diane

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Delight in the Lord (Part Two)

Delight in the Lord (Part Two)

Earlier the same night that my husband was reading to me, I'd been to a meeting. The meeting opened with a song I'd only heard, in part, on the radio. (It's this song I'd listened to over and over again on the way to work that caused my heart to dance).

That night, as the song began to play my heart began to well up within me. Unlike David my worship took the form of tears, free flowing tears! The song wasn't even a little bit sad. However, something in the words struck a deep part of me, so much so that my soul responded. Just being in the room at that time was the culmination of something that only God Himself knew. He alone knows and knew how my heart longed to express and how I hadn't for such a very long time. The words were simple and yet powerful to me.

All Things Are Possible
(Australia Hillsongs)

"Almighty God
I lift You up
My hiding place
My safe refuge
No other name like Jesus
No power can stand against you.

My feet are planted on this rock
And I will not be shaken
My hope it comes from you alone
My Lord
And my salvation!

Your praise is always on my lips!
Your Word is living in my heart
And I will praise you with a new song
My soul will bless you, Lord

You fill my life with greater joy
Yes I delight myself in You
And I will praise You with a new song
My soul will bless You, Lord.

When I am weak You make me strong
When I am poor, You make me rich
For in the power of Your name
All things are possible!
All things are possible!
All things are possible!"

CCLI #1301252

I wish that I could share that song with all of you in person and we could have our own dance of worship, celebrating the God of our salvation, who has led us from victory to victory.

The songs tempo was happy, upbeat and so encouraging to my spirit that I asked to borrow it and that's how I wound up with it in my car, playing it over, over, over, over and over again. I couldn't help myself!! I wanted to experience the joy expressed in the song and each time I heard it was a delight!

My friends, today, whether it's in a recorded song or some other thing, find something to praise God for and then rejoice; worship with all that is presently in you.

Stephanie

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Delight in the Lord (Part One)

Delight in the Lord (Part One)

A couple of nights ago my husband was reading to me from a daily devotional book by D.A. Carson, titled For the Love of God. The reading was for September 11th. In the devotion the author described David as "an intense man, exuberant in his pleasure, crushed in his discouragement, powerful in his leadership, unrestrained in his worship."

It was that last part which most captured my attention - "unrestrained in his worship". What does; what could that possibly look like? II Samuel 6:14 gives us a clear, unmistakable example of David's intense worship before the Lord. Verse 14a says, "and David danced before the Lord with all of his might. The verse finishes by saying, "David was wearing a linen ephod. An ephod? Now, I have to be honest and tell you, my first thought was one of David in his underwear. The image came from watching "David", the Hollywood produced movie wherein he is portrayed dancing through the streets in what looks look a loin cloth...in other words, underwear.

Anyway, being ignorant of the word, I though it best that I at least look it up. Guess what, it isn't what I thought. The short definition - it's an apron, but not just your mama's old apron. This apron, according to Webster is "a richly embroidered apron-like vestment having two shoulder straps and ornamental attachments for securing the breastplate." When I looked it up on the internet I was impressed by how ornate it actually was. So, needless to say, David was dressed for the occasion and after closer investigation in scripture I believe he was more than appropriately dressed. He was after all celebrating God. (Sort of puts how we choose to dress for Sunday morning worship in a different light.)

So we know from this that not only did David dance with all his might, he did so in priestly garments. What is the chance that David was concerned about how he looked? To dance with all your might has to look a little bit crazy, but David didn't care one iota what any single, solitary, individual person thought of him. His love for God was huge, so huge that not even funny looks or potential murmurings of men deterred him from worshipping His God. At that moment worship was the only thing on his mind.
In David's mind and heart God was big and people were small. D.A. Carson pens it like this, "...he is so God-centered he cares very little about his persona."

I think it's safe to say that I am not like David. I tried to be the other day and I couldn't do it. I was too conscious of where I was and the fact that I might be seen.
All the way to work that day I was singing and praising God in my car. (Since I was driving I obviously was not able to dance.) But oh how I wanted to. I so much wanted to get out of my car and dance before the Lord. I thought to myself, "why don'tcha?" So, I decided I would do exactly that just as soon as I arrived at work. I drove on the grounds, clocked in, parked and got out intending to do just as I'd planned. The song was still playing and both my mind, heart and body were ready to go...but I didn't do it. I was after all here at work, and dancing isn't allowed, and someone might see me, blah, blah, blah. I chickened out! Nonetheless, my joy was still intact and I praised God in a different way.

What is the point of all this? My point, my hope is to encourage us to long for, and seek after God in such a way that we, like David can just as passionately abandon ourselves and worship God with all our might. No excuses.
Our worship may not look like David's and dear ones, that's 100% okay. Whatever it looks like will be and is as individual as we all are. Whatever it is; whatever the measure or intensity of your worship, do it!

Indwelling each of us is the Spirit of the same God that David's heart was after. Dare we be bold enough to take God at His Word and enter into worshipping Him, without a care of who sees or hears; without any concern over how we'll be judged or criticized?

Stephanie

Monday, November 13, 2006

What are you thinking?

What are you thinking?

Penny for your thoughts....Just think....I have been thinking...did you ever think about...what are you thinking about...what were you thinking?

We have a lot of ways of expressing the word thinking. Today I found myself in the middle of a few situations. Home had some things I needed to attend to. At the present I am at work with many things needing attention and I also had a few things that needed to be addressed with family and church. Not that anything was wrong, there was just a lot going on and somehow it all needed to be worked out. I needed to think.

In one of my favorite videos, a young British boy says... "I need to have me a bit of a think". This phrase described my day.

The web dictionary (www.dictionary.com) says the following about the word "think", along with much more.

think1
1.
to have a conscious mind, to some extent of reasoning, remembering experiences, making rational decisions, etc.
2.
to employ one's mind rationally and objectively in evaluating or dealing with a given situation: Think carefully before you begin.




As I was having a bit of a think, I looked up and over my desk, and the following verses are in a picture frame and they helped me rethink how I needed to think.
Philippians 4:8-9 (New International Version)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you".
Philippians 4:8-9 (Amplified Bible)
"For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
The dictionary can give us a definition but the Word of God gives us instruction. So the next time you stop to have a bit of a think...read over these verses.
These verses tell us to think on these things, fix our minds on them. What are we to think on or fix our minds on? Things that are truth, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. What is this describing? The Lord is true, right, pure and praiseworthy. If our mind is fixed on Him first the rest of our thoughts can be filled by Him.
When you need to just think about things, remember to think of Him first and then ask Him to direct your thoughts.
Lynn W

Friday, November 10, 2006

Asphalt to Gold...

Asphalt to Gold...

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
"In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps."
Proverbs 20:24 (New International Version)
"A man's steps are directed by the LORD..."

We just had one of our staff members pass on to his new home in HEAVEN. He was walking from one building at Keswick to another on the pavement of asphalt and before he hit the ground the next step he took was on the streets of gold. I wish I could have seen his face when he took that next step if for only a moment....just think in Glory in just one step.

Our staff is heavy-hearted at the loss but rejoicing for him. It is a hard day today coming to work feeling unable to focus, no one wants to really work and we feel displaced.

I decided to get up and walk over to the conference meeting that we were having today and get a little encouragement from there. It was perfect timing....they were singing "It is my Father's world". I sang as loud as I could and held on to the words and the voices around me.

As I left the building and walked down the pathway, I pictured that this was the same pathway that Dave probably took for his last step before stepping into glory. When I returned to my office his belongings that were left here at work were left in my office before they were to be returned home to his wife. I felt the need to touch them just for a moment and thank the Lord that Dave is home now.

I write this Victory Call in memory and Honor of a GREAT man. Dave was a true gentleman, kind, loving, caring and always willing to serve his God!

We write these Victory Calls to encourage each of you daily. Let me take this moment and ask you to follow me down the pathway from the Activity Center to Dave's office on the asphalt. If we were to walk together today and just like Dave did...one step at a time and with the next step we took it was our time, would your next step be on gold or on hot coals of fire? Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you trusted Him and asked Him to be part of your life? Do you know that you will spend eternity in Heaven with the King of Kings? A saying I have heard lately is "Hell is a long time to be wrong".

I trust these verses will encourage you to be thankful for your salvation or tug at your heart to accept Jesus as your Savoir. Please let us know if you did ask Jesus in your heart today. I do not want to write these Victory Calls and assume that you all know Jesus as your Savior. He is real and He is alive and wants to be part of your life.

John 14:1-3 (King James Version)
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
Lynn W

Thursday, November 09, 2006

How do you have time for devotions and Bible study?

A frequently asked question by busy parents is "How do you have time for devotions and Bible study?" They continue by saying, "We are so busy raising our children, we seldom have time for Bible study." My response, "What you are doing is so important, you can't afford NOT to take time for Bible study. Raising your children is so important; the results will matter in eternity."
Parents today are being attacked by the world in such an overwhelming way that not being filled with God's Word will result in spiritual suicide and the demise of the American Christian family.
I was preparing for the birth of my third child before I was willing to commit to the Lord that I would spend time in God's Word every day. I saw that my time with God made a difference in how I related to my family. My kids benefited from the fact their mom had spent time with Jesus.
Spending time with God may mean you have to set your alarm for one-half hour earlier than your family gets up. Or you may need to spend time with God while the kids are taking a nap or on your break at work.
Purchase a good, practical devotional. I found Streams In the Desert to be my favorite. Go to a Christian bookstore and see what is available today. I also started using different versions of the One Year Bible. With this Bible, the portion of Scripture I read each day is already decided for me. I also like to write out a prayer each day. I call my daily writing A Letter to Jesus. I sign off my letter by saying, "I love You, Jesus." Then I listen as I hear Jesus say, "I love you, too, Marilyn." What a way to start the day!
Find a special spot to use each day for your time with God. Turn off the TV and let the answering machine take phone messages. Place a note pad next to you to write extraneous thoughts but things you need to remember later, such as Call Mary, pick up the cleaning, take cookies to school.
As a couple, you can determine to protect each other's time with God. You can agree to work with the children while your spouse has his or her devotions. Glen and I now live in a 35' motor home and private space is limited. I am generally the first one up. I get dressed, fix my coffee, and do my Bible reading. Glen has agreed not to get up until I am finished with my daily routine. Talk to your mate. Help each other find time with God.

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation" (Psalm 5:1-3, NIV).

Marilyn Heavilin

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Well and With Great Love

Well and With Great Love

Today I received an email forward. You know, one of those with a message at the end telling you to send it to 9, 10, and 11 etc., more people...or else. This particular one was about the patron saint of something that I almost didn't bother to read. But, since it was from my sister, I decided to give a quick read and embedded within, was the following nugget about saint whoever:

"She believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love."

What came to mind instantly were the number of times I've thought, said or heard statements that are focused on the big things of life. In fact, sometimes there is a sense or feeling of discouragement because you can't do or be something as well as another person can or does. Praise God that there are people born with or gifted with a boldness and a bigness in doing things. In fact, some of them couldn't do small if they tried. The job that they are given to do is all a part of the Masters plan and so are all the small parts!
God doesn't waste anything! Remember the parable of the talents? (You can read it in Matthew 25:14-28)

Anyway, if you ever find yourself minimizing some aspect of your life and ministry I want to encourage you to STOP IT! Take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. Period. Whatever your area of influence or ministry is, do it well and with great love. And lest we forget, let me remind you. We have a very real enemy who delights in hearing us waste God's time on such trivial thinking. Such thinking is self-serving and full of pride and it's also an opportunity for praising God for His Presence in our lives. For without Him we couldn't do even the little things.

So, what this sister of yours gleaned from the forwarded email was this. With great love, energy, enthusiasm and joy, I purpose, I vow to do everything; all those little things that make up my day, in a way that is well pleasing to the Lord.

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

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ."
Colossians 3:23-24

Bottom line: Let's refuse to repeat the enemy's negative report and chose to be all we can be and are in Christ. We are after all made in His image and He didn't make a mistake when He gave us His work to accomplish for His glory...the big things and the small things.

This prayer was attached to the email I received. I share it with you for your own heart's sake.
"May today, there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the endless possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle in your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love."

Monday, November 06, 2006

That was easy.....

That was easy.....
Most of the commercials on TV today are just as bad as the content of the programs they sponsor. But there are some I really enjoy and they make me laugh each time I see them. I really like the Staples commercials with the Easy Button. I'm sure most of you have seen them. All you have to do is press that Easy button and poof your needs are met! Well, now wouldn't it be nice to be able to have one of those?
As a counselor, bible teacher and mother there are many times when someone says that it's just too hard to hang in there, persevere, change, study and well, anything else that you can think of because the list is long. I know I've said it too, "Isn't there an easier way?"
There isn't one of us who hasn't gone through trials; it's just part of life. In John 16, Jesus is speaking with His disciples and they are finally beginning to understand His teachings. Jesus wants them to understand, as disciples, their lives will not be a rose garden. John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!" Did you see the "will" have trouble? I'm sure you wish that that 3 letter word could be replaced with a 2 letter word "if". But the good news is, Jesus didn't leave His disciples hanging out there all on their own or for that matter, you and me either.
In that same verse He says that we need not sink into depression because trouble will come. Jesus tells us to take heart, rejoice, He already has the answer to our hardships and He promises that if we are in Him we will have peace even in the midst of trouble. I know that gives me great peace. I've had trials in the past and I know (because Jesus said so) there will be more in my future, but my Jesus is with me and He gives me His peace.
Well, I just had to buy one of those Easy Buttons. I've tried it. I press it and it says "that was easy". Well, it was "easy" to press the button, but none of my problems disappeared. And as I think about it.... it was easy for me to push the button, but for how many other countless people even pushing the Easy Button isn't easy because of arthritis, some other pain or even missing limbs?
Rev. 2:3 - You have persevered and endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Heb. 10:36 - You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will received what He has promised.
The Word calls us to endurance and perseverance in trials but also has a wonderful promise if we do.
James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
What a promise!
I'm sticking with the way of the Lord. But if you think you might like to try that Easy button, feel free to stop by and press that Easy Button!
MaryAnn

Friday, November 03, 2006

Locked In A Box

Often as Christians we have a picture of God as the rigid and mean disciplinarian, the unrelenting judge, or the parent who is always punishing, but seldom loving. Let me help you change that picture today. As we quickly glance through Scripture, we read words such as Advocate, Anointed One, Author of Life, Counselor, Defender, Faithful and True, Father of Compassion, Lord Who Heals, or Shepherd. Christ loves us. He wants us to return His love just as a parent wants the love of their children. It is Satan who wants us to have negative and foreboding images of God.

Not so long ago, I had a very difficult week. I had spoken many times over the weekend. I came home to see a pile of work on my desk. I didn't feel like praying; I felt like giving up. I wanted to quit traveling and speaking. I managed to convince myself that my speaking wasn't doing any good anyway. I was sure no one loved me and no one would notice if I quit. I felt locked in a box of performance with little compensation or encouragement. I tried to pray, but all I could do was cry. I did manage however to let God know that I needed some love, attention, and encouragement.

I returned to my house after a brief shopping trip to find someone had left a beautiful little miniature rosebush at my door. The card simply said, "We love you." Later several people called saying they were just "checking in," and wanted me to know they loved me. When I finally got to my scripture reading for the day, the verse said, "Will ye also go away?" John 6:67. I felt as though Christ was saying to me personally, "Marilyn, are you going to leave Me, too?" I wept as I realized Christ loved me enough to prompt someone to leave a little rose bush at my door. He loved me enough to have friends call just to say they loved me. Then Christ arranged my devotions so that on the very day I needed to be reminded that I mattered to Christ, He would so sweetly ask me, "Are you going to leave Me, too?"

Satan had constricted me and put me in a box of self pity and self-condemnation. But Christ's love had constrained me, unlocked the box and set me free to bask in His love.

Marilyn Heavilin

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Make Every Minute Count

Make Every Minute Count

"These are evil times, so make every minute count. Don't be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do."
Ephesians 5:16 NIV

"Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It's a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep. Climb out of your coffins. Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!"
Ephesians 5:11-16 The Message

The Message paraphrase is almost a devotion in itself, isn't it?

Dear ones, it only takes the pressing of your thumb on the television remote for even the dull of mind to see that we live in desperate times. The news is full of war and rumors of war. Families are being torn apart by so many external and internal forces.

May I encourage you in one thing? Draw near to God! Much of what we see and hear is outside the realm of our human control. But what happens within the walls of our homes after dark...all of that is ours to control.

Is there anyone under your roof who is perishing? Have they turned from faith in Christ, in an effort to find their own way, on their own terms? Has the enemy of your soul and theirs told you that there is nothing you can do about it?

Guess what? He is a liar! And there is something you and I can do about it! We can begin with confession and repentance and leap face first into a position of fervent prayer. Ask God to show up and show us how we may be wasting our own time on useless busywork and empty, vain pursuits. Ask Him to rip the covers off any deeds of darkness that exist under our roof.

Then with full authority as given to you by the Lord, kick the enemy to the curb like the mangy dog he is. No more whining and crying in the corner! No more sniveling and woe is me! Stop listening to yourself!

WAKE UP!
STOP IT!
TAKE OFF THOSE DEAD MANS CLOTHES!!
THE CHRIST OF CALVARY IS ALIVE IN YOU!!
HE IS NOT DEAD!
DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!
TRUST GOD TO BE GOD!
PUT ON THE OIL OF GLADNESS!
REJOICE IN THE LORD AND LET YOUR COUNTENANCE REFLECT THE JESUS IN YOU!

Dear sisters, we are all in this together and we all, every one of us needs the other! Let's leave the work of changing those loved ones in the Lord's capable Hands. Let's continue or begin, to speak and more importantly live The Truth that we believe and know.

Selah...

Stephanie

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

You love God no more than you love the person you like the least

I was listening to Christian radio on my way home from work a while back when the speaker made the following statement: "You love God no more than you love the person you like the least."

Read that again.

Let it sink in; it took me a moment to grasp the gravity of the statement. "I love God no more that I love the person I like least."
I think we all have individuals in our lives that test our patience, kindness and nerves. Now think about whom that person or those people might be in your life. Picture them right now in your minds eye.
Ask yourself the question - "How much or how well do I love them?" Now, consider that your love for God is no greater than that.
It's hard to get our minds around, isn't it? Surely, it's not true.

I am reminded of a few scriptures:
Matthew 25:40 "'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"
1 John 4:20 "If someone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?"

It is true!!

Are you as challenged by this thought as I am?

Diane