Friday, December 31, 2010

Brillant


The reading today was beyond words - at least my words! I will only write the words that I feel God leading me to write at the end of our yearly journey. We are at the close of another year, whether good or bad, it doesn't really matter other than the way we allow God to use either one!


Reading in Revelation this morning brillant colors, no pain, no suffering, God wiping our tears, precious stones for the foundation of heaven! The gates were made of a single pearl - imagine it! Picture it! God will light the heavens nothing else. The wall is made of jasper and inside the whole city is gold, clear as glass. Picture it folks! Radiant, Brillant, Beautiful, Glorious, but most amazing of all were these words - Look, God's home is now among his people. He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more dearth or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. Wow! Wow!

Starting a new year what will you do with these words? Look, in chapter 22: verse 12 Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. Blessed are those who washed their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates...Don't waste another moment washing in the blood of Christ and being cleaned!

Happy New Year!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Beautiful Side to Evil


Sadness overwhelmed me. I thought that I needed to type in the word "entice" to get the right photo for today and well let's say I was shown exactly what Revelation 17 is all about women being shown in provocative manners to confuse and mix up brains!

Revelation 17 is the focus of today's writing. The story of the harlot which the word used goes all the way back to the time of the Tower of Babel. The word "babel" means to mix up or confuse and this is what this woman represents in chapter 17. The devil will use in means to mix up and confuse our minds to make evil ways seem enticing, desired, things we want to be sure we get. Does that make sense? After all, if the devil himself stood on the corner of the main street town with a sign that said "follow me" I don't think many would follow, so he comes up with alluring, deceptive means. Ways that might speak to an appetite that we try to surpress and he wants to feed. Whether it is sexually, greed, food, lies, the list could go on and on in the ways that we know he works ALL people right now! He wants the ways of the world to seem almost okay. Think about it...shows that are on television that should not be on television, but you watch anyway...movies you go into and you should walk out of, but don't. He is tricky!

In Revelation 17:15 the Antichrist can stand it no longer. He no longer will hide behind these smokescreens, he will jump out front and everyone will realize what has been happening and who they have really been following. The devil is so jealous. He desired to be #1 in heaven, so that hasn't changed. He wants it all. He feeds all of us daily right now with think only of yourself, take care of yourself, you are number one and feelings for others are slowly going away just like they did with the devil.

Are you not sad? Do you not see some of this around you right now? It's scary, but then I got to verse 14 and I was reminded of this important fact - YES FACT and devil you just need to grab a firm hold of this fact - Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is the Lord of all lords and the King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him." Praise the LORD! Hallelujah!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Two


Amazing, Awesome reading from Revelation 11 about the two witnesses this morning. It fascinated me and filled me with wonder. Wonder is it literal or is it symbolic? Either way it's awesome!

Literally let's take a look at this chapter. Two men that sound a lot like Moses and Elijah. Look at a couple of things the plagues makes you think of Moses and the rain Elijah. Also, the way God breathed life into them and then called "Come up here". Remember the way both of these men left this earth the first time around. So, we all know that God can do anything so it could be Moses and Elijah or it could be symbolic.

Symbolic, olive trees were used when speaking about Israel and the lampposts were used discussing churches. A lot of the commentaries think this could mean two big groups of people because in verse 7 where it talks about the beast coming and killing them. If it were just two men it may not have been such strong talk about a wild beast needing to kill them is one thought.

I don't know which it is, but I know God knows and that's all that matters to me! I know He wins in the end and so do we!!!! In this chapter, we do have a definite given, a definite days and months given as to the length of time that evil will rule. 1260 days = 42 months of the antichrist rule all of God's people will suffer during this time! Absolute, it's a fact! BUT, look at verse 11
God breathed life into them, and they stood up! God will breathe life back into Christians!

I don't understand all of this and never will, but I have faith in Our Savior and believe all He tells us in His Word about eternal life and that Jesus died for my sins and yours, so I don't worry about all of this...it's in HIS MIGHTY HANDS and I will be okay!

In Beth Moore's study on Revelation she pointed out verse 7 where it says when they complete their testimony and stated that absolutely no one is taken from this earth until God's plan for them is complete. She believes this verse states this completely. She stated that 7 is the number that symbolizes completed, perfected and throughout Revelation it is used. This is verse 7 and she believes that it means once our testimony is perfected and completed then we might be taken, but not a moment before. Her words were "not one single true witness can go one second early before perfection - God's perfection". Pretty profound and awesome thought!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Worship Our Savior


Today, reading Revelation 7 I stopped to worship Our Savior! After reading Chapter 6 with all of the seals being broken and the stuff that will happen I needed chapter 7!

It was beautiful! In the first portion we are shown that God keeps His promises to Israel or this is my thinking, but then in verse 9 read it and be joyful in worship...After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. Do you catch it? Great numbers get it...

We have our mark! God knows who belongs to Him. Look in 2 Timothy 2:19 The Lord knows who are His...we wear His mark daily...

So, after the tribulation their are great numbers that are standing before God waving palm branches and praising God! The Lamb will be their shepherd and God will wipe away every tear! Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Monday, December 27, 2010

God Centered


Reading today was awesome! So, much information to share, but I feel God pointing me towards one main point ...God is at the center of everything! I will show you what I mean in a moment, but wow is all I can say after reading this morning.

Also, I listen to Beth Moore on Revelation and I study and pray about the message for me to grasp and ponder. So, during the next few days I may be later in the day posting...so much...to grasp...to pray about...to learn!!!

Look at Revelation 4, John is seeing a vision where a throne is in the center with a rainbow arched above it of emerald color with someone sitting on it. The someone is brilliant as jasper and carnelian...nothing more describing God.
Then we are told 24 thrones surround him and twenty four elders are sitted in them. Lots of thought on these 24, but most popular thinking is 12 heads of tribes and 12 disciples, but who knows until we get to heaven. In front of the throne were torches and in fron that that a shiny sea of glass, sparkling. The sea is like glass, calm no waves. Beth reminded us of Micah 7:19 where God shows compassion and throws our trials into the depths of the sea. She thinks this is where our trials are thrown and I love it...under his feet..he stomps on our troubles and gets rid of them forever and calm is all that is left! Ponder that a moment...HUGE!!!

Ladies, over and over, it comes to me throughout this chapter that God is at the center of ALL and yet today we reside in a world that it is all about me, me, me...Yet we have no peace because we are at the center! Yet in heaven God is at the center at peace is all around. We are in trouble. Society tells us daily grab what you want, take what you want, if we listen to society we will never find peace! God must be at the center! Read this chapter for yourself and see if you don't agree!

One more point from today's reading and there is soooooooo much more....but these are the ones I felt God tugging at me to focus on...Revelation 5:8...look at take this in...Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people. Our prayers reach the feet of God like a fragrance and wait in a bowl at His feet until they are answered! Look at it! WE sent our prayers up they are like a fragrance and they are held in a Gold bowl waiting for God's timing! Gives a new meaning to prayers doesn't it? It does to me!
Wow, take your time today and ponder the beauty in these chapters because we were reminded that God's love is in present tense from yesterday's reading, we are reminded that God is at the center and the rainbow is a symbol of God's promise of faithfulness, Jesus the lamb that died for us and that we will have eternal life. John was given the beauty of the scenes, before some tough stuff that is going to happen one day. I believe God was reminding us that indeed He was, He is, He will be always and forever and that He keeps His promises! Even in tough stuff He reminds of His LOVE!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Unveiled


Do you need a fresh revelation?

Well, the next few days we will study Revelation, which meant and unveiling, uncovering doesn't have anything to do with good or bad it simply meant to discover something new.

A couple of things strike me look at chapter 1 in Revelation -
God gave this to Jesus Christ, Jesus gave it to "his angel", His angel gave it to John, John gave it to the 7 churches. Now ponder for a moment being John. Christ own angel comes and gives him these words from Jesus who got them from God. Just Imagine it! Just ponder it! Is that not awesome?

Next, look in verse 4...from the one who is, who was, and who is still to come. Now this is comfort food to take into your body...Always with us and always will be forever and ever...and then jump on down to verse 5 -
all glory to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by shedding his blood for us. Did you catch it? LOVES US - Present tense, not past - NOW, right at this very moment He loves us...the past tense is freed...He freed us from whatever we have in our journey that we cling to - a long time ago on the cross! Past tense a long time ago He took care of it let it go...

Wow, just starting Revelation and it is fabulous already...Imagine Christ own angel showing up and sharing Hey Debbie, I AM who I said I was a long time ago and I still am and I love you Debbie with all my heart and I am telling you to lay it down right now what ever it is you cling to so closely that you just can't get rid of -- LET IT GO I FREED YOU A LONG TIME AGO On that HILL on that Cross. You are freed and so loved and always will be because I AM with you!

Hallelujah!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Mission Completed!


Do you ever watch those old spy movies where they would say mission accomplished?

Are you one of those people like me that writes down your things to do list and feels so great when you mark through everything on your list?

I thought of these things today reading 1 John 4. Read it for yourself and see what you think. God showed us His love by sending Jesus to die for each of us, so that we could have eternal life. God chose us - not the other way around. Oh, we choose Him now, but in the beginning God chose us! Jesus was the fullest expression of God's love.

Look closely at verse 12 in 1 John 4...No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. God's goal is accomplished, completed through us. Do you get it? The original word for expression was completed and accomplished. God's plans are seen through and completed through us! If we love others because we know God loves us - we believe and God is able to accomplish His goals...WOW, ponder that a little while.

So, how does your expression of love look? We area all different, so I believe it looks different. Look at the little girl in the picture her love shows through her eyes and open arms...how about yours and mine? Let's ponder on this a little while today!

Merry Christmas and it is my prayer that you each have a fabulous day celebrating the birth of Jesus that was sent to show God's love for each of us,
Debbie

Friday, December 24, 2010

What do our actions really say?


1 John 3:18
Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

My eyes fell to this verse and I reflected back in my own journey. A journey that I thought for years I was truly loving others, but when my eyes were opened I didn't. I loved those that were easy to love. The ones I chose to love, but not the hard ones. Ponder your own journey a moment...
what about the homeless man that smells?
what about the woman that is dressed way to provocative?
what about that person you just don't like?
what about that annoying, loud child that pesters all the time?
Do you love them?
Do you ignore them?
Do you dare even glance their direction?

It's easier to love some than others, but the Word clearly says the truth shows by our actions. What does your action show even when no one is looking? Does it show love or something else?

When I was looking for the perfect picture I typed in actions showing love and this one came up. I fell in love with it, because it shows a mom allowing a baby to walk with her help and sometimes stepping on her toes. She loves anyway. We must do the same. We must help others walk even if they step on our toes, smell a mile away, annoy us beyond words, or you simply just don't like them. Perhaps, they just need to feel Christ love for their world to change! What if you are the one person placed in their path to show the love?

Let your actions show Christ's Love today and everyday!
Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Waiting patiently


Does your dog wait patiently for you to return home? The little one so happy their little tails wag, their tongues wag, and they jump happily around your feet? Do you realize that they love you so very much they would do anything they can for you?

Today, this picture caught my eye. The dog patiently waits for its master to return.

In our reading today from 2 Peter 3, we realize Our Savior waits patiently for our sake for us to get it together. The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. Think about it God could have come a long time ago, but He continues to give all of us a chance to choose Him and get it right. He doesn't want things to be destroyed - not things us! He wants each of us to be new in the new heaven and earth He promises. So, He waits patiently for us to return to Him.

Next time you enter your home and your little doggie greets you so happily think of Our Savior waiting patiently waiting to greet you with love and joy!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wow...moment


Every Wednesday morning I lead a Bible study at the rescue mission. It is an awesome experience and God showed up this morning with a message for all of us in that group!

Today, 1 Peter 2 - You can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Last week I shared with the ladies how God's light shines through them each week to me. One lady became very emotional and replied it is hard to imagine that at this dark place in our life you see the light...I replied I do every week. Today our lesson is on goodness has been since we started weeks ago and today this verse is given to me in study and the lesson is on goodness and last week darkness and light were shared...Indeed, a God moment! I can't wait to share with these women how God sees them and wants to use them again and again right where they are and the same is true for each of us!

Wherever you are right now, God will use it for His glory to shine through! Let Him shine through and you will have your own God moment! I can't wait to get with the ladies...

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Withering flowers


1 Peter 1: 24
"People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. the grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever." And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.

I was reminded of this past summer in Colorado, we rode down from our house to a field of wildflowers. It was beautiful. Went back a few days later and they were gone...withered and gone...the flowers were gone!

We always have God's Word and the Good News it will never leave us and neither does He! Isn't that a wonderful feeling! We always have Him through His Words. He speaks to us through this mighty gift He left each of us. Never do we have to worry about it withering and going away we keep it in our hearts and in our minds and never will it wither...

Peter, what a wonderful man for all of us to look to and he wrote such beautiful words in 1 Peter. Peter is like each of us and it gives us hope. Hope that we too will become strong and full of joy like him. He encourages us with these words - There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is far more precious than gold...You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him, and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. It is so true...we don't understand it all, but we have joy because of Jesus!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Monday, December 20, 2010

Leap of faith!


It takes faith!

Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen from Hebrews 11.

It was by Abel brought the offering of sacrifice.
Enoch pleased God so he was taken up to heaven by faith.
Noah built an ark.
Abraham obeyed and left all he knew.
Sarah had a child.
Abraham offered Issac.
Issac promised blessings to his boys.
Jacob was able to bless Joseph's sons in old age.
Joseph proclaimed that one day the Israelite people would leave Egypt.
Moses was hid for 3 months when he was a baby.
Moses lead the people out of Egypt.
Rahab,Gideon,Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel...will your name find a spot because of your faith?

Keep our eyes on Jesus and indeed we will find a spot about our faith. Take our eyes off of Him and we will fall. Run the race...I love Hebrews 12:11
No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

It is good to be disciplined by God. We learn, We grow, We know we are loved and their will be a harvest from the training...Share your time you were disciplined with others and allow God to use it for His Glory!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Hold Tight


Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

I loved the picture!

We are like this little one grabbing his father's hand ~ we know to grab Our Savior's hand firmly to have hope! The only hope is Jesus and this we must proclaim!

It was so interesting to me the original meanings of words today - hold - "katecho" - keep secure
hope - "elpis" - the author of hope on foundation of eternal salvation, joyful and confident in expectatation of eternal salvation, without wavering meant firm...
So keep secure in the author of hopes gift of eternal salvation with joy and confidence and be firm in your belief! I like that!

Where do you find your hope? It is my prayer that you find it in Our Father in Heaven that sent His Son, Jesus to die for me and for you to have this gift of hope, of eternal life...Wow, share the gift with others! It is the season that we celebrate the gift of Jesus coming as a baby into this world dependent on humans like us to feed him, take care of him and Him to grow to die for us!

Hope, indeed we have hope!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Friday, December 17, 2010

Alive and well!


It saddens me, when I think of all the years it laid on a table catching dust. It saddens me when I am reminded of all the times I never bothered to pick it up! It hurts to know all those special moments that I missed all because I didn't open it up! It hurts to know that God was waiting to share with me and I never showed up! I missed an appointment with God!

Does any of this sound familiar to you or am I the only one? Have you always been in God's Word? Are you reading His Word now?

I read very early this morning and God spoke so loudly about His Word to me! Share what it difference it truly makes...say it, it's there choice if they listen. So, i encourage you to pick it up, open it up, and read it up!

I've shared many times about being in Bible study and reading what pertained to the lesson, but nothing more. I've shared how I would listen to a speaker and read the portion they encouraged, but never because of desiring a relationship with God. Well, I missed out - BIG TIME! I don't mean to dwell on this, but it is so true!

Early this morning reading from Hebrews 4: 12 - For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between the soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Did you catch it? Alive here means Zao which means "breathe" . God breathes into us, penetrates our being with His thoughts and desires for us! It also meant "among the living" and full of vigor! Full of vigor think about someone in your life full of vigor and that is God's Word! God breathes into us and penetrates us...this is scary for some! We are afraid of what He might say to us, but how are we afraid of the one that sent His son, so that we might have eternal life? How? Are we afraid of what He might ask us to do? Are we afraid of what it might expose? He already knows! We don't need to worry about that stuff -- He will be with us and He knows everything already, so take the book off the table, dust it off and open it up for a life full of zest and joy. Also, bearable in difficult times because you know God through His Word! He shows up, but do you?

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Preparing our souls



Today, I loved the things that God showed me in the reading! Not that I don't everyday, but I did again today...

2 Timothy 2:20-21 caught my eye. Read it carefully and see what you think...
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive ones are used for special occasions and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. I loved it that it is our choice to be a special utensil! We can be a like a good blender, or a good mixer, or a great cutting board...the list goes on and on and for women these things matter! Think about it! I did!

The first word that I had to look up the original meaning was utensil and in Greek it meant vessel. Vessel in greek is a metaphor for body. The next thing was for honorable use which meant preparing. I learned two interesting things here first the mind is being prepared to give the Messiah a fit reception and secure his blessing and the other is sometimes kings would send people ahead to prepare roads for him to pass. They would take the bumps out of the roads. Don't you love this? Our Messiah is trying to prepare our minds to take the bumps out of our roads! I love it!

We are being prepared! Allow Our Savior to use you! Become a special utensil for the kingdom! Help to take the bumps out of the road for others...

I have to say I love God's Word! Dig into it! Don't miss these special meanings!!!!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Run, Run

Running is it your thing?

Not mine. In fact, you mention exercise and I start sweating. Sad, but true. It is just not my thing. I've been dieting the last several months and exercise pretty much consisted of walking. (once my pool had to be closed for the season) I exercise my way across from here to there and back. Anyway, you get my drift...running not in my vocabulary or actions!

When I got to 1 Timothy 6 this morning it hit me though...so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Now this kind of run I do pretty good most of the time! We are told to run from ALL evil things. Not one or two, but all. I believe that something might be evil for me and not you. Let me explain, something that might trip me up may not be a problem for you, so you don't have to run from it. I believe anything that keeps you from putting God #1 could be considered evil. After all, He is first at all times. When we allow something else to take that #1 spot, we allow things to get out of balance. It may not truly be evil, but because we chose to make it #1 God isn't where He is suppose to be and evil begins to creep into the picture.

I loved the picture. I see light, I see what looks like a white wedding veil (at least in my imagination) I see her pursuing a Godly life...She is persevering towards faith, towards gentleness, towards love...she is pursuit of righteousness! Are you in pursuit? If so, what? Good or evil? Are you running away from something, perhaps evil towards good or is it the other way around? Ponder your running habits today!

Running towards the Light,
Debbie


Monday, December 13, 2010

In the fog


Time flies by!

It seems just yesterday was the first of 2010, not the end. Yet here we are in December, another year gone by.

When I read from James 4 this morning it grabbed me ~ Your life is like the morning fog-it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "if the LORD wants us to, we will live and do this or that."

Isn't it true?

The fog rolls in and out in a moment ~ it seems. Our life much the same. One moment we are in elementary school, the next college. The older you get the faster it goes. I remember older relatives telling me not to wish my life away that time will only get faster the older you get. Well, the older is here and it does seem that way.

Are you satisfied? If it were over today, would you be pleased with your life? 100%, 90%, 75%, 50%, 30%, 20%, 5%? Are you living it to please the LORD or others?

Speaking for myself, I know that once I began to ask the LORD what He wanted me to do my life changed. It changed for the better. If my life did end today, I would be more pleased because of the LORD. The LORD changed my focus from me to Him and it filled up all the empty holes inside of me. He alone is able to fill up those empty spots that we want to believe stuff or other people can fill and it just isn't so. I believe when we allow Him to fill them that is when His Light shines through those empty spots in our body and He shines through...

Yes, our time here is like a fog, but that is okay. The beauty of heaven spending everyday in eternity with Our Heavenly Father is so much more than this world we pass through like a fog...

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Fix your thoughts


Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Beautiful words that we should all practice!

For a moment ponder these words from Philippians 4 that Paul wrote. How were your thoughts yesterday? Last night? Perhaps the last hour? Few minutes? Were they true, pure,lovely?

The beautiful lady in the picture just looked like this scripture to me. She is smiling from ear to ear and the light is shining! She is laying in a bed of lavender it looks like and perhaps she is living the Word of God! Have you thought about days that you do exactly what this scripture says? You probably glow like this beautiful lady! When we walk the talk we are pure, lovely, admirable...

One of the commentaries stated make a habit of these things. Habits are easy to form when things are bad for us, so what about when they are good? Are you ready to form a new habit of pure, pleasing, right, lovely thoughts? Are you ready to dwell on them?

It sounds fabulous to me! I want to have that peace this lady is living in this picture, how about you? Keep putting it into practice and it will become a way of life! In verse 9, we are told that then the God of peace will be with you. When we walk the talk, we know this is so true! We have that peace that passes all understanding! It is when we revert back to our way and not God's way that our thoughts and actions all go backwards towards darkness rather than light! So, let's make some new habits of pure, pleasing, happy, lovely thoughts with our eyes lifted to Christ and this is will only be thoughts from the Light of Christ!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Friday, December 10, 2010

Attitude


Don't you love her?

Are you able to feel her attitude?
Don't you hear her parent saying show us some attitude, but she can't help but have a little smile on her lips and in her eyes?

I love her!

Today, the verse that caught my eye was from Philippians 2:5 ~
you must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

We aren't told perhaps or maybe - nope we are told we must!
We must be loving, forgiving, patient, kind, humble, wise, ....well,
how do you fit in that description? Also, keep in mind it's not some of the time!

Oops, I messed up again!
Christ was all about doing the will of God all the time...How are you with that one? Are you like me and perhaps falling short?

Father, forgive me and it is my prayer that indeed I will achieve the attitude of Christ! It is a must and it is my prayer that I will and only with You will I ever achieve it! Amen

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sharing Secrets


Who do you tell your innermost secrets? Someone you trust and love is the answer, if it is your secret. Don't you love the picture? The little girl is making all attempts to only share with her special friend.

In today's reading from Colossians we find that the secret was Christ lives in you and me! We need to share this with ALL of our special friends and everybody else as well....

The reading today was so full of special verses to share with our friends and family...
Paul wanted all of us to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love...with complete confidence that we understand God's mysterious plan, which is Christ! All treasures of wisdom and knowledge are tied to Christ, so we must share this special secret with others...

Debt paid in full. Do you love to hear those words when you pay off a long term bill you have had? Such as college loans, babies, houses, cars, the list could go on and on...well Jesus paid our biggest debt that we could never pay...He paid it on the cross and we are made anew!

Folks, share this special secret with someone today! Christ lives in us and His light shines through us and He paid our debt for us!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Oh, what to wear?!?!


Choices on what to wear, sometimes make the day begin a lot slower. Whether this will be warm enough, this is the right color, oh I don't like this fabric feel, this itches badly, these shoes hurt my feet...on and on it goes. We girls sometimes have a hard time even getting our day going just picking our clothes!

Today, when I got to Ephesians 6 about putting on the armor of God it hit me! We worry more about what we are actually wearing than being prepared to fight the evil that will come against us. In Ephesians 6, we are told we will come against evil rulers and authorities of the evil world. Scary and yet we don't focus on that too much, do we? We would rather sweep that under a rug and just not go there very much.

We are told to put on every piece of armor, so that we will be able to resist. If we aren't putting on every piece of armor, how are we resisting? Are we resisting?

First, be sure to put on the belt of truth. Honesty, well are we all putting this one on? Along with the belt of truth we are to put on the body armor of God's righteousness. Okay, i won't even go there. Next, for shoes we put on peace that comes from the Good News so that we are fully prepared. Are you prepared with the Word? Are you reading the Word?

It's getting pretty personal, isn't it? Wearing the armor of God isn't always easy is it? Well, let's see what's next...Our Shield of Faith to stop the arrows of the devil, not just arrows fiery arrows. These are coming from every direction aren't they? Encouragement to do wrong, to tell a little white lie, fiery arrows that we must dodge moment to moment...definitely need our shield to remain strong in our faith! Next, we have our helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

God gives us everything we need to wear, but do we put the items on? Do we go to the closet and get our helmet and sword, do we get our shield, the belt of truth....? Do you grab something else instead some days? How does that work for you?

Today, when you are dressing for the day be sure and grab your armor to fight evil! We need to be prepared to fight with all God provides the darkness that faces each of us as we open the door to the world. Let the Light shine through our coat of armor with each battle that we face.

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Too Great Too Grasp


I love the Grand Canyon! I wish I had made a picture like this when I climbed out of it...or when I climbed down into it...either one would work! When I think of God's love it is deeper and wider than the Grand Canyon, deeper than the ocean, higher than the tallest mountain...

Seriously, when I read the verse this morning from Ephesians 3:17-19...And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. Frankie, actually commented on these portion yesterday and I wrote about it last year..(I think) Do we get it? The only way to even think about it is by looking at the cross.

The cross where Jesus died for me and you. God had His only son die for us. To perhaps get a glimpse of this love think about the person you love most in the world and place them on the cross. God loves us more than that...so much more!

The reading today went on in chapter 4 to remind us to be humble and gentle. Patient with each other, making allowances for each other's faults because of your love. -- Now this is a hard one sometimes. Especially in this season of hustle and bustle and then God had Paul mention patience and making allowances...sometimes He just steps on toes, doesn't he? At least, he steps on mine...

Christ saves us!
One of my favorite verses from today is from Ephesians 4: 8-10
"When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people." Notice that it says "he ascended." This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

God is so BIG!


We serve a huge God that loves even bigger!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Monday, December 6, 2010

God's Masterpiece


Do you feel like a masterpiece?

Not only are we a masterpiece we are God's masterpiece!
Wow!

Lately, I've been going to a place called "Painting with a Twist" and I enjoy the drawing and painting...it's relaxing! Do I create Masterpieces? Well, not exactly...but I do create a one of a kind original!

We are all a one of a kind original with God! We are each unique and molded together with His love and grace!

We are told in Ephesians that we are saved by God's grace paid for by the blood of Christ. We don't get a reward for work that we do or will do...it has absolutely nothing to do with us! We are created a new by Christ and we are His masterpiece!

We are His daughters and sons who are his rich and glorious inheritance! We are His masterpieces and we need to let His Light flood our life, so that they are shown to be the works of art He created us each to be...Have you thought of yourself as a work of art? Do you believe the magazine articles you read about remaking yourself or do you accept the gift you have been given? Do we realize that these are just a tent for now a shell for the time being? Still, they are a masterpiece...a masterpiece better than a Rembrandt or Michelangelo anytime! Do you realize just how special you are? Today, keep in mind that you are God's Masterpiece!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

P.S. Hopefully, the font will show typed in red today...another reminder that we are paid for with the blood of Christ...

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Warnings! Danger Ahead! Do we not get it?


Did you see yourself at all today in the reading from Acts 27? Wow, I saw myself!

My mind went to places in my journey that people warned me, the Word warned me, but I just went on with my way...MY WAY...remember the old song...I did it my way? Well, it doesn't always work so well!

Paul warned the officers that trouble was ahead. Did they listen? Nope. It tells us that they listened more to the captain and owner, so they disregarded Paul's words. So, he called them together after a typhoon came upon them, they threw cargo overboard, told them that they would be shipwrecked, but they would be okay!

How did Paul know they would be okay? An Angel of God told him to not be afraid! Who do we listen to? Do we listen to the angels that are placed in our path? God may have sent an angel to encourage each of us that things will be okay, but to listen to the warning.

I place myself in that ship with Paul and his words would have so encouraged me, because I know he was glowing with each word spoken. Those men had to see the light of God in him...the commanding officer saved Paul's life when some of the soldiers wanted the prisoners killed. I believe that man knew Paul was special from the example he had set by the words he shared and the manner he shared them. We should warn, but trust that God will take care of the rest. Paul wasn't constantly baggering or talking, he stated his words and waited trusting in God. Again, an example for us to learn from Paul.

Sweet blessings,

Debbie


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Not in a corner!


Today, reading when Paul stated in Acts 25:26 ~ I speak boldly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! I got to thinking about corners.
Corners of the rooms when we were young sometimes we were placed in the corner for timeout, corners of a boxing match and the coach yelling get out of the corner, or the referee telling each fighter to go to their corners..Corner.
Have you ever felt cornered? You see someone headed towards you and you don't have an answer to the question, they have been asking? Or you do have the answer you just don't want to give it?
What did Paul mean? I think he meant that he wasn't hiding in a corner reading to make a run for it - no he was out in public. He was speaking very boldly "words of truth". Think about it. When someone wants to make a quick get away or maybe they don't feel good about what they are boldly speaking they aren't out in a temple speaking for all to hear. No, perhaps they are in a corner of the room quietly speaking with not a lot of witnesses.
The boxing corners really got me thinking. Neutral ground, retreat...Paul believed with all his heart everything he was preaching and he wasn't going to retreat to a corner or even lessen his stance. He believed and he was going to shout it boldly with all his might! No dancing around the ring or in the corner for Paul, not he walked boldly to the temple and professed all that Jesus did! Do you walk boldly or shrink into the corner, when you share your faith?
Evangelism isn't easy, but we are called to share His Word and His Love with others! I believe our walk everyday should be part of sharing with others. Our actions speak a lot louder than words at times, so let them speak boldly as well!
Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Friday, December 3, 2010

Love or something like it...


I sat and listened. I wondered is this really what young people think? Read a book, get the way its done and it will work?

I ask, what's the book about and she replied love. Going further she explained I want a marriage that works and this book will help me. I thought about all the young people I knew that read books like this thinking it had some magical formula to make a marriage work and thought you need a book alright, but not the one you are reading. Why is it that we always reach for a book other than the Bible? The Bible teaches us all about love and how to make it work. All types of love are explained in the Bible and yet no one to take this wisdom from the Bible. It is easier to pick up a book by the latest love guru and believe it will happen.

Sad...sad...sad...

She went on how long have you been married? I replied since 1983 and how did it work? Lots of give and take...lots of turning the other cheek...lots of loving the other person in spite...She told me this book said you have to love yourself first and she agreed. I pondered a moment and replied "well I think our society does pretty well with loving ourselves first." What do you mean, she probbed...well look around you. Listen to the television isn't it all about what do you want? What do you need? How to get it and it is always about be sure you are getting everything that is rightfully yours. We have the me part down, it's the loving the other we don't have down very good. It's truly sad, what we older folks are leading our young people to believe.

The picture shows an older couple watching the sunset. It made me think I wonder how many times they picked up a book, rather than turn the other cheek...or say I know honey I love you...how many times they prayed Lord help us...Lord, forgive me and help me to turn the other cheek...

Indeed, love is turn the cheek and love in spite...Love is always saying you are sorry and asking forgiveness. After all, don't we all need forgiveness? I am reminded of Love Story and that famous line of love means never having to say your sorry...I disagree strongly. After all, dont' we ask Our Savior forgiveness? Shouldn't we ask the one we love forgiveness as well? After all, isn't this another way they know we care? We care if we want them to forgive us, right?

Anyway, pondering thoughts on love after discussions with a young girl....

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Be encouraged!




Turning the page today, we found Paul sharing his testimony with the people, with the leaders, with anyone who would listen. Of course, not all listened and the crowds were still shouting and growing violent. At night alone, we are told the LORD appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged." Imagine! Paul probably was feeling pretty alone after the day he had and suddenly the Lord appeared to encourage him.

Have you had a time like that recently? I know quite a few people around me that have been feeling pretty beat up. Not physically by a person, but health wise or mentally indeed! It is my prayer that they were encouraged by a nudge from the Spirit that indeed they were not alone!

I was encouraged when I turned the page today and across it from last year I had written Kenny very sick, but I feel the LORD encouraging me here. It's been a year and he is getting better everyday and the LORD is still encouraging me. Yesterday, we got news that a great friend after four months in the hospital is coming home! Two days ago, we got word that another friend after a year battle with a diabetic wound it is finally healing. Another friend is finally feeling better after battling sinus issues for a year...We are encouraged! The Great Physician is at work!

It is my prayer that you are receiving the encouragement that you needed to hear this morning that the LORD is working and healing! He is with you each step you take and will never leave you! Be encouraged and give Him praise!

Did you notice the picture? When I typed in encouragment this came up with steps to paradise and I thought someone needs to be encouraged to take steps toward paradise...so take the steps!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Bound, but willing


Over and over today the reading stated Paul knew that jail and suffering were ahead. The Spirit warned him, the people warned him, but yet he was willing. Willing to proceed to Jerusalem.

I kept asking myself would I proceed? Would I keep taking boat after boat to suffering? It wasn't an exotic vacation, waiting but...it was eternal life! He was upset by the tears and crying, telling the people you are breaking my heart. Would it break your heart that people cared? They cared about Paul, but were forgetting the big picture. Do we forget the big picture? The picture of doing whatever for the sake of the LORD?

Paul was praising God. Paul was preaching. Paul wasn't hiding, he immediately met with believers and went to the temple. He was letting his light shine in public doing what God called him to do...Are we doing what God calls us to do?

I was reading Kay Warren's new book ~ Say Yes To God and it is fabulous! The point was to say are we willing to surrender to whatever God calls us to? Are we willing to die? Are we willing to let others call us Jesus crazies? Are we willing to be alone? Are we willing to suffer?

Yes Lord I am willing, but that doesn't mean I don't say that with a little bit of hesitancy and concern...but all I know is that I want to pursue God with all my heart so that means I will respond with YES LORD - will you???

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Asleep?



Today, my eyes captured the scriptures from Acts 20:7-12...I am going to ask you to place yourself in the story...It was the beginning of a busy week, but tonight you are going to gather with other believers to share the LORD'S supper and say good bye to Paul. You arrive to a room that is lit with flickering candles, perhaps share fellowship, a meal and you sit towards the back of the room to listen to Paul speak before he leaves town. You are tired. You had a lot to catch up on, since the week was starting over and yet you couldn't miss this time together.

You settle in the back next to the windowsill to catch a breath of fresh air as you listen. You listen and you feel totally at peace. You are among other believers, you are with those you love, you feel peace in your heart, you give into the worn out body from work and the darkness of the room lulls you to sleep. Suddenly, you have fallen out of the room into the air landing 3 floors below.

I must pause here a moment and ask us to look at ourselves before we make any judgment about this happening. Take Sunday morning you've had a long week, but you get up and head to church. You walk in grab your usual seat and speak to a few people in passing and wait for the message. The whole time with thoughts of all the things you need to do going through your head. You begin to make mental notes of the things and marking things off the list, when suddenly you look at your watch and the preacher is over by 10 minutes, 15 minutes and you are boiling...you aren't sleeping you are mad...What does he mean going over time? We give him a certain amount of time and he thinks he can go over? Okay, maybe you aren't that bad, but have you had similar thoughts??? Be honest at least with yourself. First, off you've missed the whole sermon with your to do list going on...you've just sat in your seat making an appearance..you want credit for showing up is all you did and yet you are angry. You don't know what he even said, but he's over...

I find the story from Acts different. Yes, he fell asleep, but he had other factors...It was dark and only lit by candles. It was after the evening meal, a long day of work and it tells us it was after midnight...not a few minutes talk - a long talk. Perhaps others were feeling the same way and this was God's way of getting everyone's attention...He fell 3 stories and Paul went bent over him, said a few words and brought him back to them. We are told they returned shared the Lord's Supper, and Paul spoke until after dawn and then he left. I think this woke them up to hear more powerful words from Paul before he left. What a visual to finish off the sermon with the impact to make a difference for the Kingdom!

God is so amazing! He wanted these people on fire for Him and He wanted to get their attention! What does He have to do to get our attention?

I feel the excitement in that room and know these people were ready to speak to others about Him! Do you? Are you ready? Why is it hard to speak to others about Our Savior? He is amazing, so why don't we want to share this amazing story along with others? God isn't ho hum -- oh no He is all out! Doesn't He amaze you with the way He shows up? The Word from a friend that you know God placed that word in their mouth to share with you? The Word from the pulpit that hits you right between the eyes and without a doubt God sent to you? What about the amazing way He shows up in His Words?

Don't get caught up in you to do list that you miss His words for you...I think about all the times I have sat in the pew and missed my words because I wasn't listening. Not only could God not amaze somebody with me falling out of a window, but my heart and ears weren't open to even let the light shine through...Don't be the one just showing up and grabbing your seat without feeling the love, the peace that passes all understanding flowing around you to just pass the time and get credit for showing up...Don't miss God's amazing love being passed through someone around you!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Gift too wonderful!!!



A gift too wonderful for words! Have you ever received a gift like this? Yes, whether you realize it or not...

Little babies come into this world totally dependent on human parents to tend their every need. Food, health, total well-being placed in the hands of two people. Imagine, Our Savior entered the world the same way. Totally dependent on two human parents to see after His every need. Jesus could have come into this world with all of His power and might, but instead He entered like us.

When I happened upon 2 Corinthians 9:15 this morning ~ Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! I love God's timing...I used this scripture last night teaching at the Rescue Mission Shelter with the women to remember the best gift we ever received. It wasn't a random gift. It wasn't a deserved gift, instead it was definitely a gift we will never deserve, we can never earn, it is one received only because of God's grace...The Gift of Jesus! Imagine, being Mary or Joseph for a moment knowing they are rocking the Messiah, the Savior of all. Imagine, feeding baby Jesus. It definitely brings to mind the video Mary Did You know...

During this holiday season definitely remember to give thanks for the greatest gift you ever received that is way too wonderful for spoken or written words! Thank you LORD!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Monday, November 29, 2010

A written letter



I still love to go to the mailbox and find a handwritten note from a friend or loved one. Absolutely, nothing like a handwritten note to let you know that someone cares about you. Especially in the world today! After all, who takes the time to write a note, find the address, spend .44, and drop it in the mail? You know you matter when you get a note like this in your mailbox!

Today, when I read 2 Corinthians 2:3 ~ Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This "letter" is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. It hit me...are we? Are we a letter from Christ to that hurting woman that reminds her that He sees her? Are we that encouraging word from Christ that is will be okay? Are we that note that says you matter to that child that is hurting? Are we that long awaited word that they are never ever alone that Christ is always with them? Are we that letter that the world needs so badly? Are we the letter that our friend needs to hear from?

I was feeling pretty good in some situations and failure in others after all I am human and I came to 2 Corinthians 4:7 and was reminded of something very important...

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves...We are fragile, but we can be the light to another. We can write the letter or provide the hug with the reminder that Christ indeed loves each of us!

Run to receive your letter and let your light shine! Write someone that God places on your heart a note today and remind them that God loves them and so do you!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Friday, November 26, 2010

Beautiful?


Romans 10:15 ..."How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!

This scripture got me to thinking about feet. Feet are not my favorite part of another person's body...When I read this scripture today...it hit me! Without another person's feet walking, running, or just moving towards another to share God's Word where would we be?

LOST!

It takes a lot sometimes to share God's Word with another. We have to trust God and step out of our comfort zones and that's not always easy. At least, the stepping out of our comfort zone is hard. What if we don't? What if it is our job to share God's Word with another and we don't take our opportunity? What if we are the person placed in someone's path and we take a pass?

I decided that I love the feet of the brave people that indeed share the good news! We need feet of brave people to get the word out about OUR SAVIOR and that indeed makes their feet beautiful!

So get your feet moving, so that they may be called beautiful by Our LORD!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Giving up control...



Anybody else have control issues? I know I do, but I listen to other people's conversations and they don't realize they do...I'm like did I just hear that right?

Today's reading was great from Romans. I was particularly drawn to Romans 8 and how letting the Spirit control our thoughts leads to life and if we control our thoughts it allows our sinful nature to come through...think about your last control issue, isn't that true? Not my prettiest image, but it's true...

If we allow our control issues that lead to our sinful nature then we will never please God! OOPS!

I loved the picture that I selected today for peace...Sit back, let go and read this scripture...But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Do you need a little peace? Do you want to enjoy peace shown in this picture then step back and let the Spirit control your journey!

Sound easy? Well, it isn't, because of the devil...The devil works to enter through the smallest crack and begin sinful thoughts entering our peaceful minds, but we can stop him cold...just call on Jesus and The Spirit to lead you right at that moment. The moment that you feel that nasty, evil thought coming through or peeking through say Jesus help me! Spirit take control over my mind.....

Today, allow the Spirit to control your mind so that it will lead you to life and peace or a peaceful life...Not always easy, but a Spirit of it's well with my soul!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Monday, November 22, 2010

Play with all you got!!!!



Today's reading from 1 Corinthians 14:7-8 grasp my attention right off -- Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn't sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? How many times have you gone to church and heard a message and thought what did that mean? Did you feel like you were on another planet perhaps? Did you feel like it was in a different language?

I loved the photo today...this little girl is playing with all she's got...She's putting everything she's got into that instrument...at least in the photo!

The original word for lifeless was the Greek word 'aayuxou, without soul! How often do you hear a speaker speak about God in a monotone, no light showing and you wonder how can you speak about the Savior of the world without life or without their very soul being a part of the talk? I thought the words Paul used today spoke so well to this topic...if we sit down to play an instrument and we play it perfectly, but without order,harmony, or tone and we just make sounds is that making music? or when the bugler calls the soldiers to fight and he plays a new song that isn't calling them to fight...how will they know????

If we are speaking to new or perhaps unbelievers without soul how will they understand? or if we are speaking in words that make no sense to anybody but the "in crowd of Christians" (so to speak) how will that work? It turns others away... When will we get it that we need to speak or walk the life like this little girl playing the piano with all we have got????!!!!!

Go out today and use your soul! Play it with all you've got!!!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Saturday, November 20, 2010

For the Glory of God...





God's glory! I share these pictures with you that I took in October at our cabin in the mountains of Colorado. Every morning I wake up and hurry to see what splendor God has in store for me and all who look at the mountains and see HIM everywhere! During the span of ten days we went from the golden aspens to the snow in the mountains and the view is of the same view from the porch...God is so awesome.

I remember standing how can I explain to my friends this beauty, so I ran and got my camera to share God's glory...Where do you see God's glory are you sharing it? Are you telling your friends and family?

Have you witnessed a miracle? Have you witnessed a healing? Have you witnessed an answer to prayer? Have you told anyone? Today from 1 Corinthians 10:31, we are told whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. So, today whatever you do - do it for the glory of God!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Worthy of His Call!



In the reading today from 1 Thessalonians 1:11-12 it just jumped at me... we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. WOW! Are we ever worthy? Only through HIM are we made worthy!

Today,the lesson at the mission was on love. It was so moving the women talked about why they felt unworthy of love. Why they felt less than for someone to love...the list goes on and on. It was so sad and yet God very much moved in that room reminding them of HIS LOVE and that through His love they were indeed worthy! I love the way God shows up through one on them, His Word, an activity, but He always shows up during this special time together. I believe the women felt HIS love today! They were emotional and touched in only a way God touches!

God gives us everything we need to serve HIM and to accomplish good things and honor HIM through the way we walk. It made me thing and hang my head in shame about the times that I don't honor Him with my walk. The times I get angry and I say something I should never utter or perhaps the times I allow unforgiveness to hurt HIM by my actions...My actions could hurt HIS KINGDOM and I hang my head in shame, but this doesn't honor Him either. I need to admit the errors in my actions and let HIS Glory shine through my errors! He uses it all while HE supplies grace, grace, grace!

Accept the gift of salvation and allow him to continue to supply all the grace and goodness after all it is His gift to us, so that we might help others, so that all of us might honor HIM!

I loved the picture today! Stand out and look different like the picture for HIM...

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Healing, do you need it?



Today, I felt the Lord leading me to share this post with everyone and get off the chronological reading to encourage others. I want to share a blog with you all that you might read and comment on - http://thewritelife2.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/a-good-attitude-is-a-terrible-thing-to-waste/#comment-1387 . Nikole was one of the women that was kind enough to share my book with her blogging friends and yesterday she wrote about healing. She is a powerful writer that makes you think!

I read her post last night and was reminded of my own journey and it was a powerful moment. A moment to remember that my desires are not always the path or plan that God desires for our journey. I want to pose a question for you...If you think back over your life and the path you take how much of it would you change really? After all, the path is your life. I struggled last night posing the question to myself would you change things or leave things alone, if you could have the child you desired. I couldn't sleep and I sit here this morning telling you I would leave things the way they are in my life. I know that it was God's plan and through acceptance that His ways are not my ways my life changed because He is number one.

Now don't get me wrong. I still long for that unborn child at times, but I longed for Jesus, so much more in this time. I didn't realize it was God that I was longing for, but it was! I don't accept my circumstances always in fact a lot, but it is well with my soul. I don't have to like my circumstances! I miss loved ones that are gone and I don't understand, but we all must face the times that are coming. We all know we are all born and we all must face separation with our loved ones.I sit and cry as I write this, because I know how much I will grieve and life will forever change, but I know I will not walk it alone! My Savior will carry me or my loved ones through, so I know for healing to take place that we must all reach for Jesus! Keep your eyes focused on Him and Him alone and know in your heart that we don't have to like our circumstance, but we must keep the faith in HIM!

True healing only comes from the LORD! Keep in mind that healing may not be the way we see it, but true divine healing from the LORD will happen just reach for HIM!

It is my prayer that healing comes and in the way each of you pray for, but if it is like in my situation HIS Way was much better than mine! Difficult yes, Hard yes, Lonely yes, but contentment and peace in a way that only HE provides with His healing! So, please take His Hand and allow Him to Heal you with His Divine Touch!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Friday, November 12, 2010

I love the sunlight! I need the sunlight!



I feel a lot like the poppy in the picture...Beaming in the sunlight. I need sunshine and when I hear friends say they love winter it's like how? Don't you need the sun? Don't you need the light? I just feel sad without light in my life and this picture speaks to my soul...

In Acts 13 we find the story of Paul and Barnabas visiting the home of a man that wanted to hear the word of God, but a man close to him was evil and had attached himself to the man seeking. Isn't that the way evil does and is? Just always wanting to step between us and God's goodness? Paul knew and he looked him in the eye and told him to stop perverting God's ways and that he was going to be struck blind, not to see sunlight for a long time. Punishment indeed...

Immediately this man believed for he was astonished at the teaching about the LORD. He may have been astonished about the teaching, but image the scene that happened right before his own eyes. He saw and he knew God. Just this week at the mission a woman shared with me that she never looked in a mirror to see her own eyes because her eyes could not lie to herself. She could not look into her own eyes, because she knew the evil choices that she was making. I ask could she look at others and she said yes that she could lie to them, but not herself...so she knew in her own eyes the evil choices. Eyes that were filled with darkness either in the Word or in this woman were evil choices that were made. Darkness was filling the life of both of these people until they made a choice to let the light in...

Do you let the light in? Let the light shine whether it is the light of a match or a floodlight let it shine for the LORD! Let it shine!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Blurred vision or do you see clearly now?



Today, in Acts 10 and 11 Peter's eyes were opened! What about ours?

Do you have ever have a moment in your life that you have thoughts that perhaps you are someone's favorite? Or perhaps that you might be a little bit better than someone else? Not good thoughts, but have you inside your mind ever thought something like this?

Today's reading was a fabulous reading for all of us to keep in mind! Peter was given a vision about foods that he had considered unclean to eat and a voice told him to eat them three times. Peter responded that he couldn't do that that according to the law they were unclean. Then a voice from heaven replied do not consider anything unclean that God has made clean! Wow, God indeed shows no favoritism! We are all the same in God's eyes ~ His Children! The original word was dexomai meaning acceptable to Christ and Christ will and can save all!

Do we get it? Imagine, the indignation of the other Jewish leaders when they realized what Peter had done by entering the home of a man that was unclean before this vision was given to him. Peter didn't care what they thought, he cared what God thought and what He told him to do...he followed through with God's instructions. I love his words...But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. So I came without objection...How often do you find God speaking to you and you say But God have you thought about....or Let me explain God maybe you got the wrong person...how often have you simply followed His instructions with no excuses? Are your eyes clear?

Wow, I love the way Peter listened and responded! Lord, let me be more like Peter and let my vision become clear with your instructions for me!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Monday, November 8, 2010

Oh to be bold!


Are you bold? When I typed in bold to find a picture it brought up skydivers, rock climbers, bungee jumpers, divers, firefighters, policeman, the list went on and on...I've thought about some of these for a moment from time to time, but not a long time. I decided what does bold truly mean? Well, it means not hesitant or fearful in the face of actual danger! Does this sound like you?

In Acts 4 today we are told that the members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see they were ordinary men with no training in the Scriptures. Ordinary did you catch it? Peter did you catch that? The man that denied Jesus 3 times was now being bold and standing firm and proud preaching about Jesus! Wow!

It takes a boldness to talk about Jesus, doesn't it? At least some people view it that way. I was one that was fearful, but now I love Him so much that I just can't keep quiet...I want everybody to share Him, know Him, love Him, so if that's bold it's okay with me! Never before would I have used the word bold to describe me, but hey I kinda of like it...what about you? Are you bold talking about Jesus? Do you want to be? Then just share HIM and the difference He makes in your life everyday! Just share the light and be bold...bold like a rock climber, bold like a bull fighter, bold like PETER!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie

Sunday, November 7, 2010

All the While Praising God



Acts 2 is beautiful we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit, Peter stands and preaches so beautifully and believers came together to praise God and enjoy the goodwill of the people with the LORD adding new people each day. Wow!

So many things touched me in the reading that I will touch on a few of them today. First, the Holy Spirit came like a roaring of a mighty wind some were amazed by what happened and others were ridiculing, does this sound familiar? Which group do you want to fall in, amazed or ridicule? Food for thought...

Peter stepped forward. Yes, Peter denied 3 times, but when the time came for Him to step forward HE DID in a Mighty way! He stood out and shouted No, they are not drunk, they are living what was said in JOEL remember??? Peter's words pierced their hearts, the original word meant that the felt no excuse worthy to his words. Wow, those people always were offering excuses so he was speaking with power, the power of the Holy Spirit! He was strongly urging for a long time and 3000 were added that day all over the city.

Another thing that spoke to my heart was a deep sense of awe came over them all. I looked this up and it meant they felt fear and a reverence about everything. They were filled with remorse about what had happened with Jesus and they were in awe of the things happening around them and they were changed! ALL THE WHILE THEY WERE PRAISING GOD...Let's do this ...let's all the while praise GOD and this world will be a better place!

Oh for our hearts to be filled with a deep sense of awe and remorse at what we know about Jesus and to be forever changed for all of us to come together in praise and worship of HIM! YES, LORD!

Sweet Blessings,
Debbie

Friday, November 5, 2010

Graduation



Emotional journey this week through the Word and life! Jesus has been crucified in our reading and it was difficult for me reading this again. I think how alone He was hit me this time so strongly. His disciples vanished, He cried out "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? -- My God, My God, why have you abandoned me? Never had God left Him except during this difficult time and don't you know that God was broken hearted and weeping in pain watching, keeping silent for us?

Emotion in life because so many friends and family around me are walking through difficult times at this moment. Yes, we are all at the point where this is just the point in life we are, but everybody at the same time is almost tooooo much at times. My heart breaks, but then I get a nudge that we all must walk the path that we are called to walk. We are not promised a life without trouble, in fact we are told the opposite. It is just so hard to watch the ones we love suffer -- much easier for us to suffer alone in our hearts than watch those we love suffer, isn't it?

Last night I was rewarded though. Many of you know that I work with some wonderful women at the Rescue Mission. Once a week I teach a class in their discipleship program for women and I've been with one group for 24 weeks...yes 24 weeks and they graduated! It was so emotional! We started with I think 14 and 6 made it through the 9 month program. Tears were shared, laughs were shared and Jesus most of all! Each woman stood and proudly shared how Jesus had taken their life in this 9 month program from anger to love and you could see JESUS! The Light was so brightly shining in each of these special women. I thank the Lord for the joy that I am allowed to share each week with these special women of the LORD!

I received a new group this week and it saddened me when I walked in (at first) our relationship is just starting and I missed the usual banter until God showed up! We are studying the fruits of the spirit this time around and to get to know them better I ask them to draw a fruit that represented them and tell me why...it slowly went around the room and each woman shared a little more as we moved...we came to this beautiful African american woman that had drawn a beautiful pineapple. A pineapple and she began with sometimes I appear prickly and hard on the outside until I know how others are and then I allow the sweetness to flow that truly is inside me...another was a fruit salad because sometimes she is sweet, layered, bitter, and until it is all peeled away not herself...I'm telling you I was in tears by the time we made it around the room. It is my prayer that all 15 of these women will make graduation! Please Lord help them make it to the end where your Light shines brightly through each of them...Lord help me to be what You want me to be to help and be their sister.

So emotions are okay, it is definitely part of this walk of life! A Hard walk that each of us make, but even at that our walks are nothing when we look at the walk JESUS took for each of us! A walk to die on the cross for me and for you, so that we may have eternal life...now that is what should make each of us emotional! After all, we know that joy does come because in today's reading from Matthew 28, we are reminded the women were filled with great joy, and they rushed to tell the disciples the angel's message and Jesus met them and greeted them! YES indeed such joy!

Sweet blessings,
Debbie