What to Do in Seasons of Change Thursday, Jan 29 2009

After watching TV and hearing all the bad news many are provoked to consider their lives and what God has promised them.  Some look back with regret, some look back with faith.  My heart is to help Kingdom people look forward with faith and holding on to God’s promises.

Reread the story of our Saviors beginnings and consider the life and purpose of Mary.  Matthew 1:18 – 2:15 and Luke 1:26 – 2:20 details God’s design, leading, provision for Mary and her son, our Messiah.  Then think of all that it took to get Jesus to the place where He was the perfect sacrifice for our sin – His life of obedience, His will to do only what He saw the Father doing, His unwillingness to sell out, and finally the giving up of His life that we might live. 

 

It will help if we can think like this:

1. “I have a destiny.” God created you with a plan and purpose.  Ask God to show you the specific assignment and destiny He has sculpted you for.
2. “What am I supposed to be doing?” Do you know what the non-negotiable items are? Do you need a course correction?  Do you seek counsel regularly?
3. “I will war over God’s plan for me and my family and friends.” Your enemy has plans to defeat you. Opposition often proceeds or directly follows the pathway of birthing the miraculous. Be honest where your faith is – and increase it if need be!
4. “Lord, bring people into my life that will help me get there.” Pray that God will make His will clear to you using others. We must begin to work together to fulfill our Godly assignments. They may identify what is already in your hand.
5. “God is my provider – provision for the vision is on the way.” In every circumstance God’s provision was on the way when Bible heroes did not see it.  You need faith when you’re in need, otherwise it is sight – not faith.
6. “I will live in expectancy because God is good!”This is the time to believe in the goodness of God in the land of the living!!  Look for the opportunities, divine appointments, chance encounters, quick memories that motivate you.  Watch to see what your Heavenly Father is doing and do likewise. If you do, you will have the ministry Messiah did!
7. “I will receive at My Father’s hand all He has promised me.” No explanation needed.

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Why I Believe the Bible Is Really God’s Word Thursday, Jan 29 2009

 One day I was wondering about the Bible.  I had folks in my life that should know truth, but seemed to be very unsure regarding whether the Bible was truly the Word of God.  After all, men wrote it, didn’t they?  And aren’t all people sinners?  How could they write as God? 

 As I was musing along these lines the Lord spoke to my heart. 

If you’ve never heard the voice of God, you may not believe He speaks to mankind.  I didn’t believe it either, before it happened to me January 4, 1970.  There was something unquestionable about the love, the authority, the veracity of the voice and instantly I knew it was God.

What God said that day so long ago was this, “Tell your friend to stand up and shut her eyes.”  I did that and she obeyed, wondering what was going on, but trusting me even though I was unable to tell her why.

When she had stood up with eyes shut, the Lord spoke again and said, “Take her by the shoulders from behind her and lead her around the room.”  I told her what He said and we did that.  She trusted me not to run her into walls or furniture.

Upon finishing the walking about the Lord asked me, “Who walked?”  My answered was “We did.”  He next asked, “Who did all the leading?”  My answer was “I did.”  He then told me, “That’s the way I wrote the Bible.  Holy men of God trusted me to give the words and they wrote them.  Often they did not even realize what they wrote was My Words, but their hearts were aligned with Mine and My Words came forth.”

That made perfect sense to me – I had memories of my Daddy teaching me how to ride my bike, how to cast a line, how to cut up meat.  In the beginning it was all him, then us, then me – and so I had something that made sense to my uninitiated spiritual mind.

Then 2 years later I was in Bible College.  I chose the college because I had no need for a new vocation, nor did I want to play sports or go overseas as a missionary.  I simply wanted to know God’s opinion on every topic – I wanted a college that systematically and logically taught the Bible word for word.

One of the required classes was Manuscripts and Translations, a 5 hour a week class that examined minutely the sources of the Bible, Bible translations, transliterations and recorded accuracy of each. 

I already had memorized the following scripture verses;

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Peter 1:20-21 “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

Both these scriptures confirmed the way God told me He had inspired the Bible. I understood the book of 1 Corinthians, for example, was written by a man named Paul. After all, the very first verse bears his name as the author.”

God knew we would ask such questions and provided an answer in 1 Corinthians 14:37 “The things I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.” Paul knew the source of his writings and understood that he was like a pen in the hand of Almighty God. So I understood these words weren’t just the word of Paul, Peter, or Jeremiah, but rather, the message God revealed through these men just as it is written in Jeremiah 1:9, “Then the Lord stretched out his hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, ‘behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”

The Bible writers were not like news reporters giving their personal interpretation of events they eye-witnessed, but were divinely guided the Lord showed Sandie and I and as 2 Peter 1:20-21 said.

Add to that the fact that I already had a living, loving, trusting relationship with the Lord.  He spoke to me daily and taught me how to think and how to respond to life’s difficulties and challenges. I was utterly confidant in my relationship with Him.  Still am.

Anyway in this class we reviewed other verses where God specifically said that He was the source of the words.  And we went much further examining papyrus manuscripts – like the Dead Sea Scrolls.  Most people have no idea that these scrolls which are accepted as authentic represent 1/3 of the Old Testament, a hefty amount of our Bible.  They are over 1000 years older than the remaining manuscripts we have of the New Testament.  More scrolls are found each year and they undergo scrupulous examination by scholars to determine accuracy and Biblical inspiration.

In this class I learned we also had numerous errors in the Bible version I was reading at that time, the King James Version.  I was shocked to learn men during King James time had added words, deleted words and changed entire doctrines with their handiwork.  It made me mad, especially in the areas of gender bias and the nature of God.  It was during this class I began to appreciate the Strong’s Concordance – Strong’s has a numerical code for each word.  The number 9999 means added word.  Some translations put added words in italics, but many do not.

The thing about the errors is this – even with intentional deletions and additions, and scribal errors the truth of the Word of God confirms itself!  The Lord says things repeatedly throughout the entire Word so the errors don’t cancel out the truths.  Then when His Spirit is upon you when you are reading and or studying there is a creative energy and understanding – He leads us to know Him and know His will!

Fortunately science, particularly archaeology also corroborates Biblical inspiration, but that is another topic.  I love creation and Biblical archaeology and the way it confirms it so beautifully.

The other thing we did in this extensive research class (we compared over 40 different translations) was take verse after verse, particularly controversial ones and see what the original Hebrew or Greek said.  (Yes I took both those language classes.)

When the year was over – I had enough “proof” to answer anyone and enough confirmation to truly appreciate the incredible love of God who wants His people to hear His voice.

Now 35 years later I have thousands upon thousands of verifications that God has inspired the words I read in my Bible.  I have been able to counsel hundreds of lives using Biblical principles and seen miracles or transformation that are life-changing. 

When people ask me about this topic I simply tell them, “Look at my life and the fruit of believing God speaks to us. If we are people you want to be like – it is simply because we have been following the Owners instruction manual and are in love with our Creator.”

I respect people who think, people who research, people who ask questions.  I have no problem answering their queries and pointing them to the Lord for their own answers.  God is not threatened by unbelievers and neither am I.  I rejoice in that God has made us all different and that He welcomes us with all our questions.

There is nothing better than the matchless love of God!

 

 

 

 

 

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Judas Asparagus Thursday, Jan 29 2009

Into every life a little laughter must come! Enjoy!  Laughter is the best medicine!

The Children’s Bible in a Nutshell
Through the eyes of a child.

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, ‘The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that.

Zachary William Binney - my great-nephew!

 

Anyway, God said, ‘Give me a light!’ and someone did. Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren’t embarrassed because mirrors hadn’t been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad Apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn’t have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh’s people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don’t lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor’s stuff.
Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses’ best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn’t sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.

There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don’t have to worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, ‘ Close the door! Were you born in a barn?’ It would be nice to say, ‘As a matter of fact, I was.’)

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable (so saith Howie!) after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount.

But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn’t stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, and then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution. 

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Covenant & the Power of the Blood of Jesus Tuesday, Jan 27 2009

 

Praying overlooking El Paso and Juarez.

Scott & I are temporarily living here in El Paso, TX in a wonderful high desert valley surrounded by gorgeous mountains.  It made me remember the Bible story of the Passover, when the blood of the Lamb was put on the door lintels for protection from the death angel.
(See Exodus 12 and Numbers 9.)

I wondered how it tied in with the incredible numbers of murders and the spirit of death over the border I saw in the spirit when we were up on Franklin Mountain.  On one side clouds covering a vast area of the border – on the other side Cristo del Rey Mountain.  A mountain we could not visit because of bandits.

 The Lord began to speak to me about living in “the pass” (El Paso means the pass) and He said, “You are living in the Pass, half-way to your future, half-way from your past.  This is a time of quiet, a time of listening, a strategic time of building, planning and getting ready as I have spoken to you before.  It is also a time when you will call forth the destinies of men and women I will place before you.  Many do not know who they are, or who they serve with any depth of understanding – it is up to you to show them covenant living and teach them the power of my blood – both to save and to restore.”

 

So with that in mind, plus the fact that our friends, Pastores Jorge and Omaira Leyton, of Las Cruces Casa Alabanza have dedicated this year to teaching on Covenant, I submit this short Bible study.

 

God wants each of us to understand this fundamental precept and truth so that bandits and murders will not steal, kill and destroy that which God has provided for His people.

 

Here is a listing of foundational verses, take time to look each one up and read them carefully.

 

Genesis 15:1-10, 17, 18; 17:1-7; 22:1-18; John 1:14; Luke 22:42-44; Ephesians 2:12 – 13; Romans 3: 20-25; 4:17-21; 5:8-11;
Galatians 3:13, 14, 16-18; 29; Revelation 12:11

 

The covenant God made with Abraham was for Abraham, Jesus, and Jewish people. But through the blood of Jesus, non-Jewish people were included in the Abrahamic covenant. By becoming a part of the blood covenant by saving faith in Jesus Christ death and resurrection you have access to all the covenant promises, you are empowered to overcome and defeat the enemy.

This covenant was to confirm that all His promises to His people would come to pass (Genesis 15:1-8). It takes God to give you hope – for without God, without His promises – without a relationship with Him – we are hopeless. (Ephesians 2:12.)

The covenant God made with Abraham was an everlasting covenant – but as God’s covenant child we have all the blessings mentioned in Deuteronomy Chapter 28.  It is an amazing array of promises!  Take time to read them and claim them as your own.

In a covenant what you ask of your covenant partner, you must be willing to do yourself – and then take it to the next level.  (Genesis 22:1-18.)  In this narrative God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, but Abraham prophesied by faith that God Himself would provide a lamb.  He proved by faith that he trusted God above all else because of his obedience in this matter. 

Because God did provide a suitable sacrifice, Abraham named the place, “the place where God provided” or Jehovah Jireh.  God’s provisions are for God’s covenant people.  These blessings released over Abraham because of obedience were blessing of God’s voice, fruitfulness in family and business, and multiplication of all the fruitfulness.

The blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus, was shed to destroy the curse and release these same incredible blessings on all who are God’s covenant partners by faith in His Son.  The very words of the covenant are showing us the birth of the son of God, and the sacrifice of that only son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus blood had to be shed so all could enter in – not just those with an Abrahamic bloodline.  Now all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior are redeemed from the curse and made part of God’s forever family right along with Abraham, and all other covenant partners.

You were once alienated from wealth that was common to Israel, but now, you’re no longer strangers-you’ve been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12, 13, 19).  If you’re in Christ, you’re Abraham’s seed and heirs according the promise God made to Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

The Key: You must believe in the blood of Jesus and receive Him as your Savior – thereby believing by faith in what His blood accomplished for you – freedom from sin and access to all of God’s promises.

Jesus said the reason He came was to destroy the works of the devil who only wants to kill, steal and destroy.  Jesus came to give us abundant life!  (John 10:10.)

Revelation 12:11 says we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony regarding what that blood has done for you.

The power of the Blood and the power of covenant is in your heart and in your mouth – you must give testimony to what Jesus has done for you verbally.  Living a good life and keeping quiet about it does little.  It may gender questions – but life and death is in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:10.)

You want covenant promises and covenant blessings?

Open up your mouth and begin sharing your faith,
a faith that will grow as you do.

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The Blessing of Covenant Relationship Thursday, Jan 22 2009

Jim Watt’s recent post on Psalm 112 got me thinking, praying and now I feel I need to make some comments – not about his post, but what we know is happening here on the border of Mexico/USA.

Psalm 112
Praise the LORD! How blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in His commandments.
His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever.
Light arises in the darkness for the upright;
He is  gracious and compassionate and righteous.
It is well with the man who is gracious and lends;
He will maintain his cause in judgment.
For he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be remembered forever.
He will not fear evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is upheld, he will not fear,
until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries.
He has given freely to the poor, his righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted in honor.
The wicked will see it and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and melt way; the desire of the wicked will perish.
NASU

USA/Mexico Border at El Paso/Juarez

What a wonderful psalm of promise and comfort for those who celebrate their covenant relationship with the Lord!  The 365 times the Bible says “fear not” we can claim as our own promises!  Whatever happens, we do not need to fear.  We can be generous on every occasion – taking care of the poor and needy, the widows and orphans.  We can rest assured of plenty in time of lack, and promise in time of need. We can know with surety God will deal with our adversaries. We can have peace!

But here on the border – it’s another story.  Even Christians are terribly afraid.  Even those who know HIM talk more of the murders than they do of the prayer meetings to combat the cartel wars.

I am finding great faith among the maids in our hotel, generous, loving, faithful women of God who struggle with English but not affection.  They love me and they make me cry.  They show me pictures of their brothers and uncles and sons who are without work, hopeless, and dependent upon them.  They show me pictures of adorable babes and children struggling in a 2 country world here.

They receive my prayer, my wisdom and my friendship.  We talk about the wonderful spices here that are new to me and where to find the best bargains (of course – in Juarez) and counsel me how to leave my jewelry at home, carry my purse and passport on my person, and go early in the day. They volunteer to take me so I will be safe or bring me what I need and give me scribbled maps of Mexican markets here. Tomorrow one is bringing me a mocajete from her own home just in case I can’t get down to the mercado central to get my own.  Amazing.

There is such a peace and such provision in covenant relationship.  I have talked long with them about the difference between religion (going to church, being a church member) and a living loving relationship with the Savior.  They understand totally and we pray together and hug one another.

They laugh with me, cry with me and check in on me several times a day to see if I need anything.  The provision of the Lord for a woman alone in a hotel in a town not her own…………… I am so loved.

Morning in El Paso

Do you know this love? Do you know this provision? Do you have favor?

Are you safe in the knowledge that angels are sent to safeguard your every footstep – and a heavenly light guides your path?

Is your relationship with the Almighty personal?

If it is not – read and reread the above Psalm.  If you want those blessings and provisions – if you want to know the Savior personally and intimately – contact me – I’ll put you in touch with Him – Christ, the King.And if you who read this blog happen to be like me, offended at wickedness that takes advantage of the poor, uses fear tactics to accomplish selfish goals, and kills innocents – pray, pray like you’ve never prayed before for Juarez/El Paso border areas.

I’m thinking that if the God of all mercy knows the ones who will and will not be redeemed – I’m thinking the ones who will not come into the kingdom – perhaps their lives should be terminated.  Harsh? Maybe.

Have you ever read what Paul the Apostle said about unpersuadable believers?

I Corinthians 5:4-5 1 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan , so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

1 Timothy 1:20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

The God who saves to the uttermost is perfectly capable of saving anyone.  I know.  I truly personally know.  I have experienced such a saving grace.

But I said “Yes” when confronted by him.  The ones who say, “No”, seal their own fate.

So I ask you now – will you join me in praying for the Almighty God who is rich in mercy, strong in grace, and everlastingly patient to save will manifest Himself those men and women who are doing these horrible things along our borders?

Will you pray that faithful witnesses will be raised up to share the love of God with them in ways that are convincing beyond the maddening mentality they now possess?

Sunrise on Christ the King Mountain

Will you agree with me for their salvation every day?  I pray every morning looking at the sunrise over the nearby mountains. Will you pray until you hear the news that not only El Paso is a fantastic place to live, safe and exciting – but that so is Juarez?

If you will – please let me know.  Please.  I want to believe believers care and will not simply just be terrified.  We have a victory in Jesus Christ that Satan fears – but we must apprehend it and together!

Photos from http://www.el-paso-lifestyle.com/photos-of-el-paso.html

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Nate Kamp’s awesome recipes & cooking website Wednesday, Jan 21 2009

WOW – if you want an excellent resource for a yummy pork roast and spicy corn salsa – check out Nate’s website http://www.nathanlivestoeat.com/

This lovely couple I have known all their lives and they are wonderful!  Can’t wait for more recipes – his whole family and extended family are great cooks. Can’t wait for more of their adventure.

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Do I matter? Friday, Jan 16 2009

Today I was watching the “Miracle on the Hudson” news report of the US Airways Flight 1549 plane that had to ditch in the river. An absolutely mesmerizing report. NY’s finest did their jobs quickly to rescue people from the cold weather and water.

Hudson River Miracle

 

 

People Prayed! One young man said he wondered if he’d die without mattering. Valerie Collins, flight attendant said, ”We were just very fortunate. Very blessed.” Not one person lost. WOW! That is cause for praise!

Did you ever wonder if your life matters?  Is what you do effective? 

Of course everyone has moments when they doubt themselves (we do have an adversary and the battlefield is the mind.) But if you take an honest evaluation – is the way you live something others would want to emulate? Do you know you need a change?

We know that whatever is not of faith is sin. We know that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Romans 14:23 & Hebrews 11:1.)

We know too, that God does not judge by outward appearances, but the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7.)

To make sure we’re all on the same page – a Christian is one who believes His doctrine, rests on His work at Calvary (His sacrifice), is absorbed by His Holy Spirit, imitates His every example and is in constant communion with the Lord.

Here are a few questions you can ask yourself that will help you know how effective you are, how powerful your witness is, and what kind of fruit you have.

1.      Am I genuinely seeking the Kingdom of God first and foremost in my life?

2.      Is Jesus really my first love?

3.      Do I seek to promote His plans and purposes for my life, my family?

4.      Do I have a “me and mine” vision or a world vision?

5.      Do others want to be around me because of my faith, the love I show?

6.      Do others seek me out because I bless and edify them?

7.      Are others convicted by my life in a way that leads them to Jesus for forgiveness?

8.      Does my family like me? Do my children want to live with me?

9.      Are my business associates pleased to work with me?

10. Do I have a good reputation in my neighborhood, my city, my state, my nation?

11. Am I prospering in my body, my soul, my spirit, and my finances?

12. Am I a parent who will leave an inheritance both physical and spiritual to my heirs?

13. Am I known to be a person who is generous to the poor, the widows, the orphans? 

14. Am I generous in support both in prayer and finances of those I consider my spiritual leadership and mentors?

15. How long has it been since I have won a soul to the Lord, mentored a new convert, led a Bible study, witnessed to a stranger or prayed with hands on for a sick person?

16. Do I actively seek the Lord for His plans and purposes and move when He speaks?

This list is to convict and lead you to a new place of seeking the Lord.  He is the life-changer!  There is nothing so difficult or so hard He cannot change if we submit to His moving in our lives. 

When we find we have missed the mark (that’s the main meaning of the word “sin”) we simply need to take more accurate aim.

If we don’t even know where the target is – we have a teacher who loves us and gave His life for us.  He will put His loving arms around us and help us to aim correctly.

When we miss – He will say with eyes of love, “do it again.”  He forgives everyone who comes to Him confessing their sin and energizes us with hope and faith that we can become accurate marksmen – good witnesses of the Good News.

And the best news ever – there is never anyone too old to serve the Lord with authority, power, wisdom and grace.  Many my age and older are people I want to be like “when I grow up.” At 62 I reach more souls now, establish more disciples now, and am known as a woman of God.  I am one people turn to for answers.

Amazing Grace!

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A deafening roar from space; is it the Lion of Judah? Tuesday, Jan 13 2009

 

I got 2 emails today – both saying the same thing from unrelated sources.  One spiritual, one scientific – but they corroborated one another. I love it when science backs up the Bible! 

Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 

God’s incorruptible seed awaits its destiny.

 

 And further – because we are created in His image and likeness the same can hold true for us – Matthew 12:36-37  “But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” 

 

Without the mercy of God we would all be condemned just for our words.

 

I believe in these days God is speaking to us more and more. 

 

Because He doesn’t stutter, but He repeats for emphasis, we need to pay particular attention to reoccurring themes. 

 

Themes like (1) get your marriages in order (2) get out of debt (3) serve someone other than yourself and (4) know why you  believe what you believe – junk anything that is not truth – even if you believed it all your life.

 

Something I am convicted about is my mouth.  I swear or say “God!” from time to time.  My dear husband has been actively correcting me (with great love) and I’m shocked at how much garbage comes out of my mouth.  I cannot justify it.  I am asking God to purify me in every arena and this one is particularly troublesome. 

 

So it is with great thankfulness I read these two posts this a.m.  I am going to the Lord while we are here in El Paso, seeking Him for the root of the problem. 

 

Where there’s a bad fruit there is a bad root.  The reason you see me writing Bible studies on the mouth is because I want to be one of those who bridles their tongue not just for my sake, but for others.  Actually – especially for others.

 

I do pray much in tongues – knowing that it is the one way I can edify myself.  I’m thinking edified people won’t use carnal or banal language to express themselves.

 

Here’s the science article – tell me what you think after you read it.

 

 Mystery Roar from Faraway Space Detected
By Andrea Thompson
Senior Writer
posted: 07 January 2009
04:43 pm ET

LONG BEACH, Calif. — Space is typically thought of as a very quiet place. But one team of astronomers has found a strange cosmic noise that booms six times louder than expected.

The roar is from the distant cosmos. Nobody knows what causes it.

Of course, sound waves can’t travel in a vacuum (which is what most of space is), or at least they  can’t very efficiently. But radio waves can.

Radio waves are not sound waves, but they are still electromagnetic waves, situated on the low-frequency end of the light spectrum.

Many objects in the universe, including stars and quasars, emit radio waves. Even our home galaxy, the Milky Way, emits a static hiss (first detected in 1931 by physicist Karl Jansky). Other galaxies also send out a background radio hiss.

But the newly detected signal, described here today at the 213th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, is far louder than astronomers expected.

There is “something new and interesting going on in the universe,” said Alan Kogut of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

A team led by Kogut detected the signal with a balloon-borne instrument named ARCADE (Absolute Radiometer for Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Diffuse Emission).

In July 2006, the instrument was launched from NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas, and reached an altitude of about 120,000 feet (36,500 meters), where the atmosphere thins into the vacuum of space.

ARCADE’s mission was to search the sky for faint signs of heat from the first generation of stars, but instead they heard a roar from the distant reaches of the universe.

“The universe really threw us a curve,” Kogut said. “Instead of the faint signal we hoped to find, here was this booming noise six times louder than anyone had predicted.”

Detailed analysis of the signal ruled out primordial stars or any known radio sources, including gas in the outermost halo of our own galaxy.

Other radio galaxies also can’t account for the noise – there just aren’t enough of them.

“You’d have to pack them into the universe like sardines,” said study team member Dale Fixsen of the University of Maryland. “There wouldn’t be any space left between one galaxy and the next.”

The signal is measured to be six times brighter than the combined emission of all known radio sources in the universe.

For now, the origin of the signal remains a mystery.

“We really don’t know what it is,”said team member Michael Seiffert of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

And not only has it presented astronomers with a new puzzle, it is obscuring the sought-for signal from the earliest stars. But the cosmic static may itself provide important clues to the development of galaxies when the universe was much younger, less than half its present age. Because the radio waves come from far away, traveling at the speed of light, they therefore represent an earlier time in the universe.

“This is what makes science so exciting,” Seiffert said. “You start out on a path to measure something – in this case, the heat from the very first stars – but run into something else entirely, some unexplained.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How do you know God is with you? Friday, Jan 9 2009

I got a bit sidetracked today in my OT reading – moving from David’s life back to Moses. Our Southglen Homeowners Association puts out a monthly magazine and an awesome author, Michelle Wallace, submits articles I simply love! This month the article was “The Promise of His Presence.”

I saw something I ‘d seen before – but was struck by how very plain the verses were, and humbled by His presence.

The eternal question is “How do I know God is with me?”

The answer was found in Exodus 33:11-23.

It’s by His presence upon you.

In those passages it talks about Moses amazing relationship with the LORD and His amazing promise to Moses.  That in itself is enough to give my heart wonder-filled thoughts for days!

Read it for yourself – Exodus 33:11-23 (I read it in several versions, this one is the New Living Translation.)

Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Afterward Moses would return to the camp, but the young man who assisted him, Joshua son of Nun, stayed behind in the Tent of Meeting.

Moses said to the LORD, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you. Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don’t forget that this nation is your very own people.”

And the LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest — everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. If you don’t go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you?

How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?” And the LORD replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend.”

Then Moses had one more request. “Please let me see your glorious presence,” he said. The LORD replied, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, ‘the LORD,’ to you. I will show kindness to anyone I choose, and I will show mercy to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.”  The LORD continued, “Stand here on this rock beside me. As my glorious presence passes by, I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed.

And now – I’m still caught.  I’ve found it impossible to do anything I had planned this a.m. – but rather want nothing more to bask in His presence, enjoy loving Him.  Secondly – I’m praying that all of you may know His presence in your lives and His plans for you.  It’s a wonderful life!  His plans for us are wonderful – He wants to prosper us, and not to harm us. His plans give us a hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

The truth is that in His presence – none of that matters – His presence is enough!

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$$$$ – PUTTING YOUR TITHE ON A CLEAN ALTAR Tuesday, Jan 6 2009

Many years ago I got a book called, “Purifying the Altar” by Al Houghton. It opened my eyes to something that had been thumping at the corners of my conscience. Read the following scripture to get why I had questions.

Matthew 23:17-20 Which is more important, the gold or the temple that sanctified the gold? And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering? NASU

 

In many churches and in all of Christendom we are taught to give our tithes, unquestioned. The word tithe means “the tenth”, but what most do not know is that there was much more required.

 

The tithe was never the standard of Old Testament generosity, and it isn’t the standard of Christian generosity today. Tithing is a guide when we try to develop a lifestyle of generosity, but it was and is possible to tithe faithfully while neglecting true, biblical charity as Jesus told the Pharisees; see Matthew 23:23.

 

The 10% tithe was never all that was required because there were three tithes (two every year, one every three years) and many other offerings and gifts that were also part of normal life. (If you question this – please do a comprehensive study yourself.)

God usually requires far more from us that we have been taught.

 

Giving in the New Testament was somewhat based upon one’s ability, Acts 11:29. I say somewhat because Jesus also said, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” referring to taxes due in Matthew 22:21. We are not the ones who determine how much tax we pay – why should we be upset how much money God wants from us? Is God not greater than the government?

 

Jesus as a Jew paid tithes. He came to fulfill the law not do away with it.

 

Another important factor is the scripture, 2 Corinthians 9:10, which says, “Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

 

There is a huge difference between seed and food. Many Christians have erred in giving away their food. Because it is individual interpretation how much food we need this can also be a problem. Let’s just say we are all frugal, eating properly to maintain optimum health and wise.

 

God intends that we have both food money and money to sow. And He supplies it! Our job is to be so Kingdom minded we know which is which – and that means we take time to seek God’s will for our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11) (Of course it is okay to give away your food if you are led to do so and fast, but not emotionally, do it by the anointing.)

 

Okay so back to “the altar that sanctifies the offering.”

 

How do mere mortals discern whether an altar is purified or not? It was easy back in Biblical times when hundreds of gallons of blood and animal body parts were found on it. Not so today. (I am eternally grateful I am alive now.)

 

This is where Al Houghton’s book cleared things up for me. He brought out that Jesus made it clear that it wasn’t your tithe and offering that makes the covenant work. But it’s the union of God’s purpose, and individual’s generous and obedient heart with purity in the altar where they give their tithe. Purity completes the covenant and guaranteed fulfillment of promise.

 

So when you put your tithe, offering, seed or alms on an impure altar – it is rejected by God and you lose your covenant promise for God’s multiplication and increase. Joshua 6. Wow, what a hard saying!

 

But it began to answer questions I had like, “If we’re tithing faithfully, why aren’t we seeing the promises fulfilled in our lives? Why do our pockets still have holes in them? Why are we still in debt? If we are giving and generous, why it is like we are stealing from ourselves?”

 

I finally had answers. We were giving legalistically, incorrectly, skimping whenever possible and putting it on impure altars. I thank God for His grace in leading us to search out the scriptures to know the truth and to be set free.

 

We made some family decisions that have led to blessing – even in hard times, even when we lived abroad, and we have proved it over and over. It is very difficult to say no when you want/need something but don’t have money for it – but it is character building!

 

Now it’s up to you. You must have a pure heart in this. You cannot do it out of anger, disappointment, or rebellion. If you do –you have the greater problem, for your church leadership will be judged for what they do – but so will you. You may not only not get answers, you may be asked to leave – plus God will deal with you for your attitudes.

 

If you do not see a record of your giving – if your fellowship/church does not tell you where your money goes – ask questions.

 

It is up to you to discern the purity of the altar based upon whether or not the money is used for God’s Kingdom purposes or building an individual’s kingdom and maintaining a structure with staff that does nothing to truly change lives into Jesus image. No trust-worthy steward will object to an honest question regarding stewardship of their tithes and offerings.

 

When you do see the giving records – see if the monies are all going to the Pastor/leader’s upkeep, conferences, mission trips, and without the benefit of a full body ministry and the emergence of other gift ministers. If it is not God’s Kingdom vision – but an individual’s or a family’s – you must question why this is acceptable? It is not wrong to expect Biblical accountability.

 

We’ve been taught all along to bring the tithes into the storehouse and the local church is of course the storehouse, right? No, not necessarily. If the local church is not a covenant keeping, Kingdom building, generously sowing, 5-fold ministry church – it may not be where to give your tithe. You will need to first question the leader, and then perhaps the deacon or eldership board. Keep a sweet attitude though or you will not be heard by anyone. And be prepared to consider moving to another fellowship or Body that is more Kingdom minded and where the altar is pure.

 

We can’t simply give it because someone we visit once a week for an hour or two says to do so. We must be honest before the Lord and diligent to be Biblical in everything we do. You are responsible before the Lord for everything you are given and particularly that which is holy unto the Lord.

 

Take a look at the 4 Types of Giving

 

1. Tithing – 23.3% of income – off the top, commanded, to the 5 fold-ministers and their ministry. It requires obedience and it has a benefit of Malachi 3:10-12 an open heaven and rebuking of devourer. Galatians 6: 6-10. 1 Corinthians 9: 14. Matthew 10: 10. Luke 10: 7; 9: 7.
2. 1st Fruit offering – the first new money from any enterprise, commanded, given to ministry/priest/ whoever is speaking into your life, requires obedience and it has a benefit of Proverbs 3:9-10 full barns, full vats, increase .
3. Alms - any amount, not commanded, sympathy and compassion as motivation, to needy, benefits. Proverbs 19:17 getting back from the Lord what you give, especially believers. Galatians 2:10; 6:10. 1 John 3:17.1 Corinthians 16: 1-3. Romans 15: 25-27.

4) Seed sowing – optional, any amount you choose, motivation is faith and generosity, has the benefit of 2 Corinthians 9:6-11. Sow generously – reap generously, sow sparingly – reap sparingly. Used for evangelism, church planting and upkeep. Romans 10:15; Matthew 28: 18-20; Acts 1: 8; Luke 24: 47. Mark 16: 5-16; Titus 1:5.

 

To some Christians this will be a hard saying. Some will consider me an Old Testament legalist, some will consider me out of touch with reality, and some will write me off. Caution: before you do so – read each scripture, and then see how you can implement the truths into your own life for a season.

 

Some will realize they are giving to a place they have no personal accountability and no real relationship other than listening to edifying music and an edifying message (or not.) These people will need to go to the Lord and ask – why am I here, is the altar pure, and why am I tithing to these people I have no relationship with?

 

Some will say, “I can’t pay my bills now.” Believe me I feel for you. We began our marriage 18 years ago with a huge debt. We worked 2 jobs, ate tons of beans and rice or fasted, and had no entertainment, gift or clothes budget for a very long time. But we did it – and we made it out of that deep hole.

 

I wish I could tell you we were faithful in our giving. We were not. And that is when we experienced greater debt at faster rates than we knew possible. That is when we learned our lesson. When we were faithful we were prospered and were given money from unexpected sources, we were blessed. Believe me the blessing of God is wonderful!!!

 

Again, it’s up to you. Your choice if you give, how much you give, when and where you give. God will not disown you if you do it wrong.

You simply will not take part in the promised blessings

and His hand will be shortened toward you.

 

Scriptures to give you fuel to make the right decisions:

 

Philippians 2:14-16 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life

 

1 Peter 2:5-6 You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

 

Romans 12:1-2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

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