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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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