Needy?

Mark 2:17

When Jesus heard this, he told them, "Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners."

Do you remember when you were small and the trips to the doctor? I remember one in particular it was time for school to start and shots were on the agenda. The nurse walked in the room with 4 shots and this little girl took off running right out of that room…well I thought they were all for me.. Anyway, I needed those shots I just didn't realize it.

Much like the verse above the Pharisees didn't really realize what they needed, but the sinners did. How many times when you are well do you just stop by the Doctors office to say hello and how are you doing today? I loved one of the commentaries it stated that Jesus was directed to these people, that sinners need a Savior. Well who among us doesn't need a Savior?

The word "sick" here is defined in the original context as miserable. The word "healthy" means strong well ~ I see a lot of strong miserable people in the world today that need a Savior how about you?

Very needy,

Debbie

Are we willing?

Mark 1: 17 – 18

Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Immediately, I am struck with the words "at once." Not in a minute, not tomorrow, but immediately they left what they were doing and followed. I picture myself in the boat possibly with people that I love, thinking of things at home that I need to take care of first and wonder would my response have been well I can be ready by lunch tomorrow or would I jump right out and say Love you to family and friends and be on my way. What about you?

Have you ever watched the show Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel? It shows us that fishing is not always serene like the picture indicates today. Fishing is hard work and sometimes it is lean in money, hard on the families, and the fish aren't just jumping in the boat. Don't you think we might be like those fish?

The two paragraphs above are filled with lots of food for thought. How about a little bit more? One of the commentaries stated that children of the world are like fish. We are lost in the ocean of life wandering endlessly without much purpose. We are unprofitable just floating in the oceans of life until someone or something decides to fish us out of the ocean. Have you ever thought about the peril that some fisherman put themselves into to catch the fish?

Also, the commentary stated that Jesus liked the community shown in the fishing family and friends. In other words the love they showed each other. He knew the type of people he was calling to follow him.

Are we women willing to take a chance on another human being? Are we women willing to lose it all for another? Are we women willing to cast the net and come up empty, but yet we have a willing heart? Are we women willing to drop it all immediately and follow? What about it? Are we up for the task? Are we willing to cast a net?

Pondering,

Debbie

Light or Dark?

John 3:2

After dark one evening, he came to speak to Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you."

Sneaking around. What comes to your mind when you think about sneaking around? You are doing something you don't want others to see you do. So you go under the cover of darkness or you dart in and out in disguises. One is trying to stay disguised.

The scripture about Nicodemus bothers me. Why does it bother me? Because just like Nicodemus at times I think that we go in the dark to Jesus for fear of what others might think. We are presently in a society that at times we keep our mouths closed rather than speak up about our faith. We know just like Nicodemus did that God sent Jesus to teach us and yet we stay in the dark.

What does this say about us? What have we learned?

The scripture tells us that God is with Jesus and we all know this in our hearts, but yet we at times are hesitant to stay in the light with Jesus. Further down in verse 19 it states:

God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.

Which do we love more? People's acceptance or God's? What do we stand for good or evil? Which do we prefer light or dark? Who do we want to learn from Jesus or the world? Simple questions one would think, but are they really?

Finally choose the light! Learn and spend this lifetime and the next with Our Savior in the most fantastic relationship you will ever have!

Loving the Light,

Debbie

Come and see

John 1:39

"Come and see"

Are you someone that must figure things out for yourself? You want to check out the latest restaurant and see if it's the best in town? Or you want to see the latest movie and see if it is really awesome? You want to make the decision for yourself and so you go and make your own choice.

Well, the first disciples were with John when Jesus walked by and John stated to them there goes the Lamb of God! It tells us in the scripture that John declared it. So it would have been with much enthusiasm and they would have realized that this is the man that they had all been waiting on for a long time. So these two men immediately left and followed Jesus.

Jesus glanced around and saw them following. What do you want? They told him that they wanted to learn ~ how do I know because they called him Rabbi which means teacher, so they are acknowledging right up front they want to learn from him. Next they told him they wanted to check him out asking where are you staying.

Jesus immediately replied "Come and see"! The same thing we are told every day. Check me out for yourself. Come original word eurxomai (Greek) meaning follow or to come from one place to another and see which in original form was oyesqe which means to see with your eyes, to experience, to perceive. Don't you love it?

The Lamb of God says follow me from one place to another and see with your own eyes experience what I have to offer and make your own decisions! Wow, God is so good! So today make the choice Come and See about Jesus!

Following,

Debbie

Searching?

Luke 2:49

"But why did you need to search?" he asked. "Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"

Reading this scripture this morning, I was reminded of the time my sister, Pam decided to walk around the block without anyone knowing. She was only about 4 at the most 5 and I remember how desperate my mother searched for her. She was panicked. We were afraid. I remember everyone looking and finally someone yelling she is around the block and the speed in which my mom moved through the neighbor's yards to maneuver over to where Pam was located. The joy of finding her and the fear at the same moment of the danger that she didn't understand.

Imagine the parents of Jesus. Three long days had passed since they had seen their son and when they finally locate him ~ Jesus questioned his parents with ~ Why search? Didn't you know that I would be here in the church? I would be here debating and learning from other Teachers?

I imagine from a parents stand point on the one hand you are so proud and on the other you are relieved and on the other a little bit angry! First and foremost they were parents and they had lost their child, but not only their child, THE MESSIAH! Oops…

What a mixture of emotions these two people must have felt about Jesus, their son his entire life. Yesterday, we were told that the shepherds shared with Mary the story about the angels singing and praising God about the birth of Jesus. It goes on to tell us that Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought of them often. Today, we are told in verse 51 that his mother stored all these things in her heart.

Looking for deeper meanings to the words described in these verses. God showed me several things. First, he was giving Mary treasures to continually think about in the future. Second, I believe that God is asking us the question ~ Where do you seek me Debbie? Where do you look for me? The next question is Debbie you know where I am, so why don't you inquire and seek me in the places I've told you to look?

Wow, once again God showed up and asked me some important questions this morning! What about you? Where do you seek God? Where do you look for God? What things is God giving you to treasure and remember?

Remembering,

Debbie

Because you believe

Luke 1:45

"You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said."

Wow, only imagine an angel just appeared, you are a young girl of 14, told you that you will bear the Messiah, traveled to another relative for reassurance and her blessing to you is my own baby jumped with joy when the baby heard your greeting. Not only that the older woman shares the most beautiful words of encouragement ~ Mary, because you were happy and thought it to be true the Supreme Messiah fulfilled something in you! He picked you!

What about you? Would you have been happy facing the same situation? Would you have accepted all of this with the complete trust in the Lord?

Speaking for myself, sometimes I question small things and this was a huge thing to accept. Let's think about it together. Mary went to an older woman that she trusted and immediately God once again sent reassurance through Elizabeth. The peace that Mary once again, must have felt. What about you? Doesn't God send someone that you trust to reassure and give you His mighty words at times? I know it always amazes me when I haven't said a word and someone will give me almost the exact words of scripture that God continually gives to me through study, church, or someone else. God reminding through someone we know and trust of His plans for us.

Imagine, someone you love saying to you (put your own name) (Debbie) are blessed because (your name) (Debbie) believed that the Lord would do what he said. It is so true, be happy and blessed and believe that the Lord will fulfill His promises and do exactly what He tells us!!!

Trusting,

Debbie

Is it possible?

Luke 1:37

For nothing is impossible with God.

A simple statement of fact! Wow, isn't it true?

Then why is it so hard for us to take to heart?

When Gabriel tells Mary this fact that nothing is impossible with God, she would have remembered from her teaching that Sarah was told a very similar statement. In Genesis 18:14 it read, "Is anything to difficult for the Lord?" Mary would remember Isaac and it was considered a statement of fact ~ no room for doubt.

Imagine a young girl about 14 years old, betrothed to Joseph and knowing that this could mean her death, but she remembered and responded with

"I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

A huge statement of faith coming from anyone, much less a young girl of 14! She was certain of the one, true God and she welcomed his plan for her life. What about you? What about me?

Are we ready and do we answer with ~ I am the Lord's servant I am ready.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Healing

Malachi 4: 2

But for you who fear my name, the Sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.

I never cease to be amazed when God speaks or really wants us to focus on something how he continually gives you the scripture. Over the past few weeks this scripture has been given to me in several different books, etc. Now I believe it is to share what He taught me about this scripture, so that we can all learn and grow.

Did you know that the word wings translated here from the Hebrew word is "kanaf"? Did you know that it means corners? Do you remember back in Numbers where God described how they were to attach tassels to their garments in the corners? The tassels were to represent God's goodness and loving-kindness and to remind us of His commands. Well, Jesus was a teacher ~ rabbi and probably would have worn a robe like described with tassels.

Tomorrow, we begin the New Testament with stories of Our Lord. One of my favorites represents this scripture so well. Remember the story of the woman with the issue of blood for over 12 years? Remember this meant she was unclean. She had to stay by herself for 12 years. She was shunned, she was alone, and she was desperate for healing. What did she do? She followed through the crowd and when she was just close enough she touched the corner of Jesus robe. Why she knew that the corners represented healing to her! Wow the faith she showed ~ put yourself in her shoes. I am so alone. I have to be healed. I've heard this teacher has performed many miracles and I know He will heal me. All I have to do is reach and touch the edge of His robe and I will be healed! Imagine it! Would you reach out and just touch ~ confident that you would be healed?

God is so amazing. The two books that I've read lately that both shared details that we Americans miss not knowing about the culture were Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus and Rewriting Your Emotional Script…both books are very good and I recommend reading them. The first really explains the culture and the other is a good book about our personal journey.

What is God pointing out to you? Have you taken the time to notice when He gives you the same scripture over a couple of weeks? What is He sharing with you? What does He want you to do with it? Don't miss out on this amazing relationship with your Savior when He is hugging you and saying Deb, I've got something special for you today!!!

Loving the Lord that puts band aids on my wounds,

Debbie

God’s love

Malachi 1:2

"I have always loved you," says the LORD

According to a commentary it states that the version used here means to dearly love or shows love. It amazes me how God shows us all the time just how much He does love us!

I found the following story that says it all about God's love for us…

A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday evening on "The Love of God." As the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the altar, the monk lit a candle and carried it to the crucifix. First of all, he illumined the crown of thorns, next, the two wounded hands, then the marks of the spear wound. In the hush that fell, he blew out the candle and left the chancel. There was nothing else to say.

Source Unknown.

Knowing God's love,

Debbie

 

 

Guard duty

1 Chronicles 9

The gatekeepers who returned… These men served as gatekeepers,

In all, there were 212 gatekeepers in those days….These gatekeepers and their descendants, by their divisions, were responsible for guarding the entrance to the house of the Lord…, The four chief gatekeepers…Some of the gatekeepers were assigned to care for various articles used in worship…

The gatekeepers had important roles. One of the commentaries stated that their office (job) was to open the doors of God's house in the morning and shut it at night

Next they were to keep off the unclean and hinder those forbidden by the law from entering. I thought it sounded funny to keep them off…I think it meant away from or out…

Their third role was to direct and introduce them where and what to do, so that they would not receive punishment from not doing things correctly.

Reading today was a listing of ancestors, which I realize that God believes this is very important, because it is done so much throughout the Bible. I also, realized that the role of the gatekeeper was important! It was the only thing that really jumped out at me today. It was like God was saying do you realize Debbie how important the role is that I call each and every person to perform? Do you realize there is a reason for each and every role? The gatekeeper…or we not all a gatekeeper?

I know that I should be my own gatekeeper. I should open the door to God each and every day first thing for His mighty plans for me! I should definitely keep the unclean things away from me and definitely hinder the progress of these things in the world. Thirdly, I should study the bible so that I might help direct my own path according to God's law. So, what about you? Are you a gatekeeper at least for yourself?

Watching the gate,

Debbie

Neglect???

Nehemiah 10:39

"We promise together not to neglect the Temple of our God."

I promised like a lot of people do on the first day of the year to do something about my weight. Well, it is now September 20 and I still haven't done anything about my weight other than watch it stay pretty close to where it was on the first day of the year. I watch it go down one to three pounds or up the other side the same amount. I seem to be good at keeping it right there in that area. I entered the weight watcher class 3 times before I was just too busy for that and I know it works…it did for me a couple of years ago. I just hate sitting in those classes and listening …..Rather than taking it as encouragement…I feel like I am wasting time….

When I was reading this morning and knowing that God lives in us this scripture just jumped out at me…I am neglecting the Temple of God. My body is the temple of God and I'm not taking care of the Temple! When you look at the scripture and are reminded like this ~ will it help me? I don't know…I seem honestly to be doing okay with other things that have set me back before and it is the food issue that I'm failing at right now. I know that my head tells me I need to do better and now maybe my heart will too!

Forgive me Father when I fail you!

What are you neglecting? Is it your family? Your faith? Yourself? Your friends? The picture is a beautiful example of neglect with the door open to the opportunity of God and nature right outside the neglect ~ so let's focus on God and neglect will be less likely to happen.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Celebrating God’s Word

Nehemiah 8:12

Celebrate with great joy because they have heard God's words and understood them.

 

The image today is from a celebration of women walking and running for a cure for breast cancer. Our local group is hosting a big walk/run today to raise money for the cure. What a great day that will be when a cure is finally found!

The verse from reading today also got my mind to thinking ~ what a great day it will be when we all hear God's words and understand. The celebrating that will be taking place and the absolute joy that we finally get it…Isn't it a great image?

We (the hard headed know it all generations in the world today – I'm not leaving anybody out we are all pretty guilty of this one…just turn on the TV) think we know and understand it all, but …..Do we?

We have been given the best gift in The Bible ~ the Word of God and how often do we pick it up and read it? I must be honest…I have been guilty of as long as I stay in Bible study I read the bible…until this year. Yes, I am 49 years old and I am presently reading the Chronological Bible daily. It has been the most amazing experience I've ever had. I intend to read it again next year the exact same way. It is still so relevant. God speaks to me almost daily through the Word. He speaks to exactly what I might be going through and He never seizes to amaze me ~ how it falls on just the day that speaks to that need!!!!!

I challenge each of you to pick up a Chronological bible and read this coming year. The version that I've done and was encouraged to read was the New Living because it was easy reading and it was easier to understand. I promise you that you will not regret taking the challenge! Start with me again January 1 and celebrate with joy that you have heard God's word and that you understand.

 

Understanding more and still learning,

Debbie

Singing while you work

Nehemiah 4:15

When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall.

 

I love that God frustrates our enemies! I looked up the definition of frustrated and it means thwarted or disappointed. I love the fact that these men were working so hard to rebuild their wall and that they knew God was disappointing or thwarting their enemies. It is bad enough for another person to frustrate us, but God??

I can't even imagine how they must have felt they were running into a brick wall. After all, you may has well be running into a brick wall, if God is messing with you!!!

Don't you know they were singing and celebrating as they worked on the wall? They were able to complete the wall in 52 days. It tells us they worked with great determination. When God is on our side we are able to do anything, but when He isn't well we are disappointed and thwarted!!! So how have you been feeling? Things falling into place or does it feel like a brick wall???

The picture today was called picture of frustration…little girls and frustration isn't it adorable?

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Hope

Ezra 10: 2

But in spite of this there is hope..

 

I love this verse. In spite, of ourselves we always have hope!

 

Hope is defined in to feel something may happen or to believe desire or trust it will happen. Hope is something we all desire ~ definitely, believe ~ we all want to, trust ~ we try!

 

Show me a person that doesn't desire to have hope in their life and you will find a sad person. Sadness sets in when we lose the desire for something more. When we lose sight of what we believe in or have the trust that it will happen.

 

After all the Israelites had done they still had hope!

I love the Emily Dickinson quote ~

 

 

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
and never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson
US poet (1830 - 1886)

 

Trusting in always having hope,

Debbie

The Hand

Ezra 7: 6

…because the gracious hand of the LORD his God was on him.

When I go to get a manicure I always think about all the hands that these folks look at every day. Do they wonder what each hand does for a living each day? Do they ever wonder do these hands perform good deeds? Do these hands serve the Lord? Do these hands help save a life in surgery or do they help to clean a sick child's little face?

Our hands tell a lot about us. Do our hands show the hard work they have performed? Do they tell about the pain that is beginning to build from aging?

I love the verse above. The hand of the Lord was on Ezra. Ezra's walk was so obvious with the Lord that people knew God's hand was on him. We should all desire that God's hand in our life ~ would show so obviously! Who could ask for more?

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Tossing and Turning

Esther 6: 1

That night the king had trouble sleeping….

Isn't it always amazing how God works? Last night, I had trouble sleeping and every time I woke up it was to lift my friend in prayer. I know my friend is suffering in the loss of her mom and I know that she needs to feel God's love right now. So, the only thing I can do as a friend is pray ~ Lord let her feel you're loving arms of comfort!

When I wrote saying the only thing that I could do is pray it is not a bad thing ~ it is probably one of the most important that we are all quite capable of doing. Talking to our Savior about someone we love isn't a hard job, is it? It's quite easy to pour our hearts out and share our hearts with the Lord!

God woke the King up or at least I think it was God. I believe that He wanted to remind the King about all that Mordecai had done for the king. The same is true of us at times. We have a night we toss and we turn, well maybe it is because God is reminding us of something an action He wants us to take, or a time He wants to spend with us, whatever the reason welcome the time you are allowed to spend with Our Savior. Relish the request and go on bended knee to the place that only Our Savior knows our needs and hearts and that He alone wants to put the healing balm of His mighty touch on our wounds!

Sweet blessings,

Debbie

Two Extremes

Esther 1: 11

…He wanted the nobles and all other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.

Esther 4: 14

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

 

Two extremes. One queen requested to appear nude before a banquet of many men for the king to show off the beauty of the queen and the other being requested to go before the king without being called. Two women that had to make difficult decisions about this King's demands.

I only imagine the humiliation of Queen Vashti, when she is told your husband request your presents in the banquet hall only wearing your crown and the fear that went through Esther knowing that she might pay for her appearance in death. Would you have been able to be the brave women that either of these women were?

Today a lot of women survive everyday in similar situations. The husband demands that they meet their needs whether it demeans the woman or not. Whether it holds the wife in a place of honor or not…some women feel fear of approaching their husband with a bill or a request for fear of how he might respond to request. Well, it may be part of God's plan and the answer may be similar to what Mordecai stated to Esther ~ "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

Well, who knows ladies what perhaps God had in mind for you, but maybe it was a time such as this to stand up for what is right, or perhaps to help a friend that is not able to stand on her own two feet because of fear…Maybe the time is now for us to act!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

Remember

Zechariah 13:1

"On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and impurity."

What an image! We step into a fountain with all the nasty things that we each have and step out on the other side clean as a whistle!

It's true! We do exactly that because we have been washed with the blood of Jesus!

Jesus took our nasty sins and we become clean….

It doesn't matter how we try to clean up the cross it's not a pretty picture exactly what Jesus did for each of us! The only way for us to be clean was exactly what Jesus did..

Recently, I was reading a book by Brennan Manning and he described how we all try to clean up the cross. We all have beautiful crosses in our homes, but that we try to forget what actually happened on the cross. (Debbie paraphrase) Well, for us to be truly clean we can't forget….

Remembering,

Debbie

Return home

Zechariah 1:3

Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD

WOW! After all we do, The Lord says, return to me and I will return to you! We make choices that are wrong, we suffer along the way, we are in pain, and The LORD whispers in our ear…Come Home Debbie. Choose me Debbie. I am waiting to take you in my arms and remind you that I love you!

After all, Israel had done the LORD tells them ~ Return to me! The same is true for us!

Where are you? Are you alone and in pain? Return to the Lord and feel the Love that only a Father feels for a lost returning child!

Returning home,

Debbie

Blocked answers?

Daniel 10:12-13

Don't be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way.

Okay, now we know that a lot is happening between us saying a prayer and us receiving answers. I never thought about evil spirits getting in the way and blocking answers to my prayers. 21 days went by a lot happens in 21 days…but notice how Daniel prayed …with understanding and he humbled himself before God! We are told that God heard Daniel's request, why because he humbled himself. The way Daniel talked to God ~ on his knees...

I never thought that the reason God might not have answered a prayer was that the answer might be blocked by evil ones keeping the answer from us. Did you? The spirit realm the fights between good and evil are definitely real even in the answers to our prayers! The war is on for us. The longer the evil blocks the way, we get impatient and decide to take matters into our own hands, because God must be busy with more important matters (we think) I'll just plunge right on in here and handle this one…Ooops..Not good…

In verse 19...my favorite part ~"for you are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!

So next time you pray for understanding remember let's humble ourselves before God and remember that there is a whole lot going on that we don't know about…in spite of we think we know everything… (Or at least I do) The way may be blocked, but God thinks we are precious and He will answer our prayers when we humble ourselves before Him!

Sweet Blessings,

Debbie

What’s your foundation built with?

Ezra 3: 11

…Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the LORD because the foundation of the Lord's Temple had been laid.

The reading this morning was so uplifting that after many years the people were back in Israel and rebuilding the temple. I imagine the trumpets blowing, the cymbals clashing, the people all shouting for joy ~ they were finally home. The work of rebuilding was in progress. The joy that must have passed through each person's heart to realize in their hearts the beginning of verse 11 ~ He is good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!

Many shed tears because they had seen the first temple, others were so happy they were shouting for joy for the new…whatever the reason they were praising God for being faithful! He is so faithful!

All of this brought back an old hymn to my mind ~ How Firm a Foundation! I wouldn't put it on my top 10 hymns, but it made an impression on my heart, because it came to mind with this story. Here are a few stanzas…

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
you, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
in poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
as thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

When I looked up this old hymn that touched my heart years ago with the meaning of the words, I found that President Teddy Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson loved this hymn as well. They wanted it at their funerals. Also, General Robert E. Lee requested it at his funeral. Perhaps even more touching was a time at war on Christmas Eve when all the troops began to sing this song together. All the troops were familiar enough to sing this hymn together.

So, how firm is our foundation? We must ask ourselves that question because it isn't about an actual building that we worship at or a group of people that we worship with is it? It is about our faith foundation with Our Savior is it built of good lasting stuff?

Working on the foundation,

Debbie

 

Scratched or not?

Daniel 6:21

My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight.

I can only imagine! The words really do ring true with this image of Daniel placed in a hole with a bunch of lions and the door shut! Do you think Daniel felt any panic as the door was closed or do you think he felt peace knowing his relationship with God?

What would you feel? Would you be brave or trembling so hard you could not stand up? Do you question your walk at times or are you so sure of how you would handle yourself in such times?

The peace that Daniel must have felt knowing in his heart the trust he had in the LORD! Not a scratch was found on Daniel, for he trusted in his God. What about us? Would a scratch be found? Ponder that question today as you face the lions in your life! Will you tremble or be brave because you know the Who that is in charge of your life!

Trusting one step at a time,

Debbie

The Writing on the Wall

MENE, MENE, TEKEL, and PARSIN

Have you ever heard the expression "the writing is on the wall"? Well, this is probably where that expression came from ~ Daniel 5! Imagine sitting at the king's table and glancing over across the room to the vision of a hand with fingers writing on the wall. The fear that must have moved around that room as one by one they saw what was happening!

No one understood, but they were all afraid. So, they once again call for Daniel. Daniel told them that Mene meant God had numbered the days of this King's reign that Tekel meant weighted. God weighed on the balances this King's reign and he had not measured up. Oops. Parsin means "divided". Kingdom will be divided. The king probably didn't rest very well that evening and then he died the same night.

One day I went to a movie and when I got out of my car I noticed written on the wall the word shown above in the picture. I knew that God was giving me a message one that He is constantly reminding me of in my journey. I tend to want to handle things myself, so I just jump right in and I believe that God is teaching me to wait more patiently and to trust in Him. At times, I wait and trust and others I jump right ahead and things don't turn out quite like it is desired. Why? Because I got in the way!

We must remember that God knows the plans and "the writing is on the wall", but we must allow Him to write the instructions. So, look for the writing on the wall today!

Looking for the writing,

Debbie

Home Sweet Home!

I wanted to share a few images from our fabulous trip to Alaska! It was super and the family that we visited and stayed at their home were awesome!

You can only imagine the beautiful view waking up every morning and going to bed in the evening...God definitely created the most fantastic setting for this family to call home...Thank you Howell's!

But Home...oh sweet home...Thank you God for a fabulous trip and for my home!

Sweet Blessings,

Imagine

Ezekiel 43:2

Suddenly, the glory of the God of Israel appeared from the east. The sound of his coming was like the roar of rushing waters, and the whole landscape shone with his glory.

Imagine the most beautiful setting you have ever seen. The mountains, the sunrise over the ocean, the birth of a baby, the valley between the mountains, the waterfall, children at play..The list goes on and on, but imagines the glory of God appearing.

Close your eyes imagine the sound of the rushing water and the most illuminated light you have ever seen and we would never be able to imagine God's glory! It gives me chills to think about the vision that Ezekiel viewed and was allowed to view. Nothing we have seen would be like the amazing beauty of God's glory!

So, next time you view one of the settings above give praise to God and remember that one day we will be in God's glory and hear the rushing water and the brightest light ever…Praise be to God!

Praising God,

Debbie

Mirror, Mirror

Daniel 4:30

 

…By own mighty power, I have built…..words of King Nebuchadnezzar

 

Very powerful words for someone that had a dream reminding him about how important he was going to be earlier in the same chapter that he would live like an animal for 7 years…he was warned to stop sinning and yet….

I remember in the old fairy tales about Mirror, Mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all? Remember?

None of us are the fairest, the best and yet that is what society seems to be about today. Do you ever watch television and the most often used word is "I" or "me"? I call the world we reside in the "ME Society". Most of society looks at something and decides what's in it for me, before they make a choice.

Well, old King Nebby should have looked at his dream and learned a mighty lesson. He didn't build anything did he? Do we? Do we learn a lesson any better, when we ask ourselves the same question?

I place myself lying in that field long enough for my hair to become like eagles' feathers and my nails like birds' claws and even in imaging this I am so disappointed in myself for the times that I fail to remember it is God! Remember today, it isn't about you or me it is all about God or at least it should be!

Remembering,

Debbie

Sound the Alarm

Ezekiel 33: 3-4, 6

When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people. Then if those who hear the alarm refuse to take action, it is their fault if they die….

But if the watchman sees the enemy coming and doesn't sound the alarm to warn the people, he is responsible for their captivity.

 

When you think back about your growing up and you remember a time that someone warned you not to do something, but you did it anyway…how did it turn out? I remember one time in particular that Pam and I wanted to go to the mall. We had to go that night our parents didn't really want us to go, but they did not forbid us to go. They warned us. We made it to the mall, shopped, laughed and were headed back home. When a woman ran a red light and hit us. We were okay, but as we were waiting on the police for a report the lady was slightly angry and was verbally attacking us. We were physically afraid at this point. She was very threatening to us. In fact, a man that was in a vehicle behind her that witnessed the accident got out and came over to be sure we were protected. It was not good! We had been warned, but we ignored the advice.

In our faith journey, think about the people that cross your path daily. What if you are the person to warn someone of something about what they might be doing? What if you are the person that is supposed to share The Lord with them and you don't? It always bothers me that I am going to miss someone that is counting on me! What if we are there only hope? Odds are the Lord isn't just counting on us, but He might. We don't really know, so don't take the chance on that person or yourself.

It's not always easy to share your honest opinion or to take the really bold step and ask do you know the Lord, but it is part of the plan…or at least I believe it is according to our reading from Ezekiel today. After all, the Word is still very relevant and meaningful to us today!!!!

Sharing,

Debbie