Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Are Your Feathers Ruffled

How many times have you seen someone leave a church because they were offended by something or someone. Maybe the preacher didn't say hi to them once, (probably because he didn't even see them), or maybe they thought the music was not appropriate for church, (too much of that new stuff), or maybe they felt like the preacher was taking too many vacations, (worried about where their money was going). It happens all the time in churches. People get their feelings hurt over something silly and usually insignificant, and become easily offended and end up leaving the church. A lot of times these people won't even try to find another church, they just quit going all together. They think, I can worship at home and watch church on TV. That is not what TV evangelists are for. They are for the home bound who are not able to get out and physically go to church.

Mark 4 v 17....and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward; when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble......NKJV

You will find these scriptures in the parables of the sower. But this scripture is not just about those who fall away from sowing, it is also telling us, that we are not to be easily offended. We are not to be so shallow rooted in our church, that we let something like the examples above cause us to leave our church. When we leave the church, we are not just leaving a building, we are leaving the body of Christ, and we are causing the body to be broken, and it is all for selfish reasons. To be easily offended is to be self centered, and not focused on God and His word and His teachings through the Pastor He has given you.

When the Pastor preaches a word that offends you, it is the same as you saying God is offending you. If the Pastor is preaching from the word of God, and what he says lines up with the word of GOD, then who are you to be offended by God's message. Usually, when we get offended by the word, it is because we are guilty of not obeying the word in that particular area of our lives.

You see the devil will try to trip you up and make you think the Pastor is judging you, when in all reality if you are offended by the word, then you have judged yourself. The devil thinks if he can turn you against your Pastor and lead you away from the teachings of the word, then he can get a good foothold in the rest of your life. The devil will do whatever it takes to steal you away from God. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to stay in the will of GOD? Are you willing to give up that part of your life, that the word offends you about? Are you willing to fight the good fight, to stay in the race with GOD all the way to the finish line? Or will you be easily uprooted because of a silly offense?

As we go into a new year, take a good look at the areas in your life that cause you to be easily offended, and give them over to the LORD and not the devil. AMEN!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Here We Go Again

How many like me have said over and over again, that this year, I will lose weight, I will eat healthy, I will be smarter with my finances, I will seek the LORD in all things first? How many of us have fell short on some of those things?

Just the other day, I was saying how blessed I felt this year. God has really blessed Rob and I so many times this past year. I have to wonder how many of those blessings, did I take for granted. How many blessings have I already forgotten? That is why we celebrate New Years eve with re-calling our blessings from the past year, and we write down our prayers and petitions for the coming year, and then mark them off as they come to fruition.

As I was making my list, I was writing some pretty high end things down, like getting a house on the coast and having it paid for, and having my antique/tea shop business started and being very prosperous and overflowing with abundance. Then the devil tried to trip me up and make me re-think by telling me lies about the recession. I said, "Devil, you are the father of lies, and you or this world are not my provider, God is my provider and His word says I will have more than enough, and I will have my hearts desires. So, devil, you might as well leave this party, because no one is inviting you to stay." I continued to write down my petitions with joy.

You see, I could have listened to the devil, and then he would've began telling me lies about my other prayers, like prayers for my children's salvation, or prayers over mine and my husband's health. We have to kick the devil out before he gets two words out of his mouth. We have to stand strong on our faith and believe that God will provide, and not listen to what the world is saying, and not let those seeds get planted.

This morning when, I called about my start date at work, and got the same message, still waiting on more signatures, I began to get frustrated and angry, but then the Holy Spirit said, "who is your provider?" "Is it the VA, or is it GOD"? Right away, the frustration left, and I heard God say, make lemon-ade out of those lemons. Do what you want and enjoy this time off, I am blessing you with."

You see, when we get our focus back on the LORD, and off ourselves, we have joy surrounding us, instead of a pity party trying to move in. AMEN!

So when you get ready to make your new year wishes, don't just wish or make resolutions, go to the LORD in prayer with your petitions and make known to HIM your desires, and let Him bless you in 2009.

PS 20 v 4-5.....May He grant you according to your heart's desire, and fulfill all your purpose. We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our GOD we will set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions........

Monday, December 29, 2008

Have You Noticed

This story was sent to me by a friend, and it was worth sharing to my tid-bit readers. This story reminded me of my first year at Willis-Knighton, the hospital I worked for, and the men in the maintenance dept., took up a collection, and gave me and the boys some money for groceries to buy for Christmas dinner and a little extra to get the boys a present. I was a single mom at the time, and only made $4.25 an hour, it really touched my heart that these men took the time to notice others at Christmas time. I have never forgot it, and have many times thought of them at Christmas and all year long, when I myself try to help out others less fortunate. What a wonderful concept to this story of showing our children how much more Christmas is than just receiving gifts for ourselves. But not only at Christmas but all year long how we can be of help to others. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did, and pass it along to others.

A Story Worth Repeating

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.


It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.


After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, but now Pa was dragging me out in the cold and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what..


Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped by the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sides on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the shed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?


Yeah," I said, "Why?"


"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."


We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, some we could spare, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.


We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?" "Lucas Miles, Ma'am and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?"


Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.


"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started to run down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.


"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.


My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my soul. I'd given at Christmas many times, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.


I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."


In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma, me and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.


Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.


Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa and I was glad that I still had mine.


At the door Pa turned to Mrs. Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to have you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by for you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.


Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you. I know for certain that He will."


Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me got real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle. I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."


I understood and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa'd given me a lot more. He'd given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

Matt 25 v 45...."then He will answer them, saying, Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me."........

Friday, December 26, 2008

Spread the Good News

Just like the shepherds who the angels appeared to announcing the birth of Christ, we too, are to spread the good news. We are all vessels Christ uses to spread His word. First, you had the angel Gabriel come to Mary and share the good news of Christ, and also the fact that she would bring Him into this world. Then you had the angels appearing to the shepherds to tell them the good news of the birth of our Savior, then the shepherds went about shouting and rejoicing and telling all others wide and far of the good news of the birth.

We are to be like the shepherds, and go and tell the good news to others. Christmas is not here because of Santa Claus and his gift giving. Christmas is here because of Christ and the gift that God gave to us on this night. The gift of His only begotten Son. The gift that will be for all eternity. No batteries to be replaced, no wearing out of this gift. This if the perfect gift. The gift that keeps on giving.

During this holiday season, I have seen several specials on different shows about the gifts that keep on giving. Like buying certain name brand shoes, and everytime you do, they donate a pair of shoes to some children who would've never had shoes. There were lots of things like that this year, which is great. But the first gift like that, that keeps on giving, was Christ, God's Son.

Share that gift this season with others. You might just find, you'll save alot of shopping time, alot of money, alot of stress, and bring them and yourself more joy than you thought possible. AMEN!

I hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and were blessed and blessed others with the miracle of Christ's birth being shared along the way.

Luke 2 v 17-18....Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning the Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds......

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Could It Be The First Communion

This past week end we were able to visit our family, and have a Christmas get together with all of the family. There were alot of family members there and it was nice to be able to just sit around and visit with each other. That is what Christmas is all about. Being with family.

Afterwards, my brother in law asked me to speak at his church and so the LORD gave me a message on "The Real Christmas Story".

While reading and preparing the message I looked up the meaning of manger. We all know the story of the Christ Child being placed in the manger.

Luke 2 v 6-7....So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.......

The definition of manger is food trough, a stone or wooden box used to feed stable animals and also the wild animals in nature reserves. The word comes from the french word manger meaning "to eat" and from the latin word manducare meaning "to chew".

There just seem to be so much more to where I was trying to go with the word manger. God was trying to show me more. I could not quite put my finger on it, until after my message and my brother in law was getting the same thing from God. When we take communion, we partake of his body and blood that was sacrificed for us.

Can you see the significance of our Savior being placed in a food trough from the first moment He was born. Even then, He came to feed us through His body and blood. And then my brother in law brought up another point, that the manger is also used in the wild to feed the wild animals. So the next time you take communion, remember the first communion when Christ came to save the whole world, not just some of us. AMEN!

No matter where you are in your life, you too can be a part of the body of Christ through His forgiveness.

God Bless you all this Christmas. AMEN!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Where Is Mary During Christmas

How many of you think I am talking about the mother of our Savior? Well you would be wrong. I am talking about another Mary in the Bible. Martha's sister, Mary. You have read many times in the tid-bits about Mary and Martha. But yet, we still continue to act like Martha when we should be acting like Mary.

During Christmas, it seems everybody becomes a Martha. Lord, I gotta get all this food cooked, I gotta keep the floors mopped, I gotta make sure the bathroom looks just perfect. Lord, do I have enough food fixed, do I need to get more drinks, are all my decorations just right? We are so busy flitting around trying to make everything perfect, for our guests. Well, think about this. How many times do we invite Jesus to come to the party? How many of us have had a Christmas party this year to celebrate Jesus' birthday, only to forget to invite the guest of honor, Himself? In other words, during your Christmas party, did you do anything or say anything to acknowledge the guest of honor? Or better yet, was the guest of Honor even present at your party?

So while we are running around like Martha, or more like a chicken with our heads cut off trying to get everything perfect, let's remember Who we are trying to impress. Is it our guests, or the guest of Honor, Himself?

Luke 10 v 41....and Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."......


This Christmas, let's try to be more like Mary and just sit at the feet of the guest of Honor, Jesus, and enjoy His presence, instead of the presents from our guests. AMEN!

Where Is Mary During Christmas

How many of you think I am talking about the mother of our Savior? Well you would be wrong. I am talking about another Mary in the Bible. Martha's sister, Mary. You have read many times in the tid-bits about Mary and Martha. But yet, we still continue to act like Martha when we should be acting like Mary.

During Christmas, it seems everybody becomes a Martha. Lord, I gotta get all this food cooked, I gotta keep the floors mopped, I gotta make sure the bathroom looks just perfect. Lord, do I have enough food fixed, do I need to get more drinks, are all my decorations just right? We are so busy flitting around trying to make everything perfect, for our guests. Well, think about this. How many times do we invite Jesus to come to the party? How many of us have had a Christmas party this year to celebrate Jesus' birthday, only to forget to invite the guest of honor, Himself? In other words, during your Christmas party, did you do anything or say anything to acknowledge the guest of honor? Or better yet, was the guest of Honor even present at your party?

So while we are running around like Martha, or more like a chicken with our heads cut off trying to get everything perfect, let's remember Who we are trying to impress. Is it our guests, or the guest of Honor, Himself?

Luke 10 v 41....and Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."......

Friday, December 19, 2008

Seek And Find Him

At Christmas time we all sometimes feel a little melancholy, missing those who have gone on to be with the LORD, and thinking back over all the things the LORD has blessed us with the past year, and also sometimes thinking back over past mistakes, things we could have done differently. But if we will stay focused on HIM and stay in His word, we can have a joyous Christmas and look forward to a more prosperous New Year. Remember He knows your every need and He will provide. He knows your every hurt and pain, so give it to Him and let Him heal you. Trust in Him with all your heart and mind and soul and you can't go wrong this Christmas season.

Jer. 29 v 11-13.....For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.....

This verse tells you just how simple it is to have the best Christmas ever. Worry free, and peace is yours when you first seek Him. AMEN!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Promise in Malachi 3 v 10-12

The old ship drove steadily though the choppy waves of the Chesapeake Bay as the sailors clambered across the deck and through the rigging. Landfall was imminent and all were eager to end the trans-Atlantic crossing and set foot on solid ground. Soon, all was secure and the sea-weary passengers emerged from below decks, blinking in the early morning sunlight. Staggering and unsteady, the small family made its way to the railing and watched the crowded harbor unfold before them. The New World – America – lay vast and green around the bustling port of Baltimore. Buildings soared up the low hills and signs of both prosperity and poverty were evident in the stores, warehouses and homes jumbled together around the waterfront.

Twelve-year-old William watched with bright, alert eyes at the activities as his father, Robert, lead them ashore on the shore. Soon their meager belongings, one small case of hastily rescued clothing, was piled with the other luggage and Robert and his son picked it up between them. A line of wagons for hire waited at the end of the dock, but Robert walked past them and turned toward the town’s interior.

His wife walked slightly behind, watching the entire sum of their earthly possessions suspended between father and son. Tears threatened to stream freely down her wane face. Only her thankfulness to God for seeing them safely through the horrific events of the past few months allowed her to set one foot in front of another. Her faith in the infinite wisdom of a living God strengthened her with each step she took on new and unfamiliar land as she followed her husband and son further from England and the political menace that had taken all of their land and forced them to flee—without land or money—for their lives.

Robert was a diligent and intelligent man and the faithful family soon found themselves settled and starting over on a small farm in Hartford Coounty, Md.

Life on a farm is hard work at any time and this was certainly true in 1804. Cash money was always scarce and the livestock and crops demanded constant care. Young William shared the hard work with his family, but he was always on the lookout for ways to make a chore more efficient and easier if possible. The more efficient he could complete one task; the faster he could move on to something else and usually find a way to achieve a better result. But no matter how efficient he was or how hard he worked, the family never recovered financially.

It was late summer and the last of the feed corn had been safely stored in the corn crib for the winter. William and his father leaned against the split rail fence that surrounded the pig’s pen. A bristly gray momma pig wiggled her snout and flapped her big perky ears as she watched the two tired men.

“Son, that was the best harvest we have had in a while and it still isn’t going to be enough.” Robert was saying, “We are going to have to sell off all but one milch cow and I don’t see how we can feed the pigs and the plow team both.”

“Well, Dad, you have to have the horses.” pointed out William, “Without the team, you can not plow next spring or get back and forth from town.”

Both men gazed at the blue dusky hills across the valley.

“You know, I have been thinking and praying about this for a while, Dad. I know you need my help here on this farm, but I think I can do better in the city.”

His father wanted to protest, but he knew his son was right. William continued, “I should probably go soon, before winter. That way you will have enough food from this harvest to see you through until next year. I can send money back to help out also. And you won’t have to worry about clothes or extras for me either.”

“Son, are you sure about this?”

“I’ll miss you all, but yes, I suppose it is something I have to do sooner or later anyway. Like you said, right now even our best isn’t enough. Will you help me tell Mother?”

Robert smiled then and slapped his son affectionately on the shoulder. “That’s going to be the hard part. But I am proud of you.”

Later that evening, the small family listened quietly as Robert read their daily Bible verse. He led them in a brief discussion and prayer and then turned to his wife. “William has something he wants to say.”

His mother was saddened by her son’s announcement, but echoed her husband’s thoughts when she remarked. “I’ve always known that someday you would leave home to find your own way, especially since we came to this exciting country.”

She asked her husband to hand her the Bible. “I would love it if things were otherwise and you did not have to leave at such a young age, but I must insist you memorize this verse. She opened the Scriptures to Malachi 3:10 and handed the book to her son. “Read this to verse 12 out loud for us, please.

William read the ancient and powerful promise: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the LORD Almighty,’ and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

“Please remember these words, wherever you go, whatever you do, William.” His mother spoke through her tears as she embraced her baby boy for the last time. “I love you.”

The trip from the Harford County, Maryland to New York City in 1804 was long and complicated. Young William arrived in the city tired, hungry and if anything, more broke than when he started. But the country boy’s basic intelligence and determination were fortified with his faith and his family’s prayers and he soon learned his way around the teeming metropolis.

It did not take him long to find work as an apprentice to a soap boiler. In the early 1800’s most women produced their own soap at home. A soap-maker would probably have been a dead-end career for a less astute and industrious young man.

William not only applied himself to learning all he could about every process, but he envisioned how to mass-produce the products cost effectively and even how to convince the homemaker of the day to purchase his product. By 1809, William owned his own manufacturing plant and was well on his way to becoming an extremely wealthy man.

From the very first dollar that he earned, William Colgate tithed faithfully. He held fast to the commands and the promises of the Lord God and gave at least 10% of everything he ever earned. He actually opened a bank account for the Lord and instructed his bookkeeper to deposit one tenth of all his income.

As his business prospered almost supernaturally, he increased his tithe. Soon he was giving two tenths of his earnings; and then three tenths, four tenths; and finally, one-half. It seemed as if his sales increased in exact proportion to his generosity. God prospered his hard work in return for his faithfulness to his Maker. Soon his make of soap became a household word throughout the world.

William Colgate was faithful to provide for his aged parents. He purchased a pleasant home on a farm in a neighboring county and provided for them the rest of their lives. And no matter how rich he became, God came first. He set out to prove God’s promise in Malachi and God did indeed pour out the blessings of heaven.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

One At A Time

I was listening to David Jeremiah on the TV the other day and he was talking about when the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus. The holy family was in a stall, so the door was just big enough for them to enter one at a time. He said there is now a church built on the spot that the shepherds visited in Bethlehem called the Church of the Nativity, and just like then, the door is made so that only one may enter at a time.

Luke Chapter 2 v 4-7....Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house of lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.....

That is how we come to Christ. One at a time. We can't come with our best friend or with our parents, or our spouses. No we have to come to Him one at a time with our hearts open to receive Him for our self. He accepts us one at a time also. When we come to Him, He gives us one on one time with Him, and lets us pour out our hearts, and ask for His forgiveness, and He receives us into His arms.

If you have not come to Him yet, go now, through the door of your heart, and have your one on one time with Him. Have a real reason to celebrate Christmas this year. Rejoice in your LORD and Savior. AMEN.


(Sorry, I have missed writing, I left my power cord to my laptop in the Hotel while we were out of town.)

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Breaking Down IS. 55

After reading the tid-bits to Rob last night, I was sharing with him how God was showing me how to break parts of this scripture down.

When He says, come buy food and drink with no money, He is telling you, He is your bread and your water, you will not thirst or hunger when you seek Him.

When He says, why do you waste your money on what is not bread and your wages on what does not satisfy. He is saying do not be a spend thrift, and buy what you have no need of, or should not be indulging in. He is telling you here to have wisdom over your finances. Don't throw your wages away on foolish things. And most importantly don't try to buy your way into salvation, because you can not. Your money is no good when it comes to your salvation.

Let your soul delight itself in abundance. Be happy where you are and with what you have, then the LORD can give you more. If you are not satisfied with what you have, you will never be satisfied with more.

The same as He gave David as a leader, He will give us a leader that will bring other nations running to us. The world of Christians will be OK, because we do not seek this world, but the one we will have with our Father in heaven. The economy can not touch His world or His people.

Seek the LORD while He is near, He is telling you to repent and come to Him now and follow Him while you have the chance, because once you are done in this world, you will not be able to seek Him if you have not already done so.

He tells us that He will send rain down from heaven to water the earth to provide our seeds, and we will be filled with His joy and peace. His word shall not return to Him void, as sure as the rain can't flow upwards, it can only fall down, so will be His word about you being prosperous.

The thorns shall not come up, the same is true with the Father, if we are obedient to His word, He will not let the devourer (the enemy) take our seed. We will have plenty. AMEN!

Read IS 55 again, and see the blessings the LORD has for you, and how you can live an abundant life, without worry, with peace and joy, and give Him all the PRAISE. AMEN!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

An Invitation To An Abundant Life

The word says this so much better than I can.

IS. 55......."Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you... The sure mercies of David. Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander for the people. Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, and nations who do not know you shall run to you, because of the LORD your God, and the Holy One of Israel; for He has glorified you." Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways, My ways," says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the Myrtle tree; and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."...........

God is showing you here, where when you think you do not have enough money to buy food and drink, come to Him the source of your food and drink. He is telling you here, that He will not let you down, that when He says in His word, that His desire is for you to prosper and have an abundance, that is exactly what He means. And He is not a man that He should lie, His word will come to pass. You will have your every need met when you follow Him and are obedient to His teachings.

So no matter how bad the economy gets, as an obedient child of God, you will not do without your needs. AMEN!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Economy & The Christian

We as Christians should not be worrying over the economy. We should not worry about where our next meal will come from or whether or not we will be able to pay the mortgage. God promised us that He would supply and provide for all our needs. Now, this does not mean that we should live carelessly with no concern over our spending. He also gives us wisdom over these things when we seek Him. It is up to us to choose how to use that wisdom. Common sense says that if things are getting tight, you should not splurge what you have. In other words, if you knew that the water barrel you were drawing water from was about to run dry because of drought conditions, then you would not continuously wash your car and waste water that you will later need for yourself.

God tells us that we are to be good stewards over what we have.

Luke 16 v 10....He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much....

If you can not handle the little that you are left with, then why would God give you more? God says He will not give us more than what we can handle. We think of this verse only when we are going through trials like heartache, sickness, or deaths. But this is also true in our finances. God will not deliberately set you up for failure. His plans are for you to prosper according to His riches and glory. Failure comes when we trust ourselves and our money instead of God.

You see when God told Abraham to take Issac to the mountain top and sacrifice him, Abraham knew that God would come through for him, because of the promise that God had made him. He knew that God would provide the lamb for sacrifice.

Gen. 22 v 8....And Abraham said, "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering." So the two of them went together.....

Now I am not saying that Issac wasn't probably a little scared that things were not going quite right. He didn't see any lamb around, and then when his dad bound him and placed the wood around him, and raised the knife over his head, well let's just say that even though he could see no way out, his dad knew that God would provide.

We need to stay in the word of our Father, and trust that what He says is truth, and that He will provide our every need. AMEN!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Whose Book Are You Reading

While waiting for the LORD to give me the words to send out in the tid-bits, I had already read my devotionals, and was contemplating on what to say about what I had read. Then God said, in a soft voice, you read his books, when are you going to read Mine? You see as great as devotionals are to help encourage us, and uplift us when needed, we still need the word of God, we need to make sure we do not devote all of our time we have set aside for the LORD this day, in reading what others wrote and not His Word. He has alot to say to us through His word, and His has the best and most uplifting devotional ever written. It is still a best seller today. So go get your bible and see what the LORD has to say to you today.

Sometimes like Mary and Martha, we have to know when to stop preparing for others and sit and be quiet and listen to what the LORD has to say to us. I am so a Martha, always wanting to have everything just right when someone is coming over, but sometimes we need to be a Mary, and just spend some quality time with the LORD worshiping at His feet first.

Don't quit reading your devotionals, just make sure you put the LORD first in His time and then the others are just extra tid-bits. AMEN!

Luke 10 v 39-42....And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.".....

You see, we with our daily devotionals we are servers, but we do not have the main course. The word of God is the main course to be served, and you must sit at His feet, and receive for yourselves your part. Jesus told Martha, that one thing was needed, and Mary was getting her portion at His feet and her portion would not be taken away from her. So when you have a need, go to His word, drop to His feet, and get what you need from His book, not from someone elses tid-bits that they have already chewed on. Go for the main course, not just the sides. AMEN!

No Seed Too Small

We have all heard the saying as small as a mustard seed. How small is a mustard seed, almost too small to see. Yet when planted, that seed can become a great tree.

Luke 13 v 19.....It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.....

That one little seed dropped on purpose or by accident caused a great tree to grow, and a safe haven for the birds to nest and raise their families. Do you see that it wasn't the size of the seed sown, it was the benefits of what followed with the sprouting and the growth of that tree. It was a safe haven and a resting place for all the birds that came along that way.

You may be planting a seed accidentally, unaware just by your actions today, and that seed may grow and lead others to Christ one day, and then one day someone who was later influenced by that seed, may start a church and grow into thousands of members, and then those members go out into the mission fields and highways and byways of America, and lead more people to the kingdom of Christ all around the world lives being changed because of that one tiny seed you dropped into someone's spirit without even knowing it.

I read a Chinese proverb the other day that said, "No shade?, do not blame the sun if you did not plant a tree." (something like that) Anyway, the meaning is you can not blame the sun if you are hot and you never planted a tree to give you shade. The same with the mustard seed of faith, you can not blame the lost for staying lost if you never planted a seed in their lives. AMEN!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Your Seed Is Your Seed

Have you ever had someone give you some money and then tell you, "I have already tithed on that money, so there is no need for you to tithe." Even though they mean well, and are trying to give you all the money, what they say is not true. Your seed is your seed, you are responsible for tithing on that seed. No one else can tithe for you. God tells us that we are to tithe ten percent of our first fruits and of all our increase. Your increase is anything that you did not have to start with.

Prov. 3 v 9...Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase....

You see you reap what you sow, not what someone else sows. God is looking for the cheerful giver, one who can trust Him with the little they have so that He may increase them to have an abundance overflowing, because then He knows He can trust them with more.

Prov. 3 v 10......So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine...

You say you trust the LORD with your salvation. You believe that when you die you will go to heaven to live eternity with Him. If you trust Him with something as big as that, how can you not trust Him with something as simple as managing your money?

Gen. 28 v 22......And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God's house, and of all that You give me, I will surely give a tenth to You.....

From the very beginning the word teaches us on tithing a tenth of what is already God's back to God.

You can trust God in this, He wants you to be blessed and have more than enough. He even tells you to test Him with this.

Mal. 3 v 10....."Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. And try Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.....

Sow your seed, have faith in God to do what He says He will do with your seed, and receive your blessings. No one can do this for you. Remember you have to sow the seed to reap the benefits.

Neta

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Better To Give Than To Receive

Who came up with that saying? While it is true that you do want to give to others, it is also true that God wants to give to you. Sometimes we have a hard time accepting a gift from someone. Like when someone says, "let me pay for your lunch today." We often times say, no, no, you do not have to do that, I will pay for my lunch, when in reality, we may have just stopped their blessing. God may have instructed them to pay for someone's lunch that day. He may have been teaching them on giving. One day last week, I bought breakfast for me and my boss while we were working on a Saturday, and then the next week, she tried to give me back the money. I wouldn't accept it, because number one she did not ask me to buy her breakfast, and number two, I did not do it so she would pay me back. Later, when I got home, I saw she had stuck some money in my purse. At first this hurt my feelings, and I thought I will stick this back in her purse Monday. But then at church Sunday, they were taking up a collection for the Gideons, and I thought, I wish I had some cash on me. And then I remembered the money in my purse. So I dropped it in the plate for the Gideons. You see, God will always provide a seed for those who give with a cheerful heart.

One lesson here is, that although it is better to give than to receive, it is also a blessing for others when they are trying to give to you, so graciously accept their gift and do not try to rob them of their blessings. And the other lesson is don't go to church without your checkbook or some cash because you never know when there will be an opportunity for you to give and to be blessed. AMEN!

By the way, the answer to the first question at the beginning, is JESUS.

In Acts 20 v 35......I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the LORD JESUS, that He said, " It is more blessed to give than to receive."........

Neta

Monday, December 1, 2008

Watch Your Seed Explode and Grow

How many of you like me have at times said something like this, "Lord, I just do not know how to witness to others, I just do not have the right words, when I get to heaven, I will have to say I am sorry for not speaking when I should have? Well, not all of us are going to be the ones who go around witnessing to people one on one, but we can still sow God's seed into the lives of others, and watch as that seed explodes and grows.

Each time we sow our tithes and offerings into our church, and the pastor prays over that seed, and asks the LORD to bless that seed, and then sends that seed out in many directions, like missions, youth camps, building new facilities for church growth, etc. etc. Then every time one of those missionaries leads someone to Christ because of money that you sowed into that mission field, it is the same as you being there with them, praying right along with that missionary. So if this is you, and you have been faithful to sow into God's kingdom through your local church and through missions around the world, then rest assured when you get to heaven and think you have not helped with the harvest of God's kingdom, He will say, wait just a minute, look at this, and show you all the lives that have been touched through the missions you helped support, through the youth programs you helped sponsor, through the facilities that housed more and more people coming to hear the word, and you will be amazed at how many souls you have actually brought to the harvest. You see none of this work can be done without your obedience to the Holy Spirit calling you to obey the word of God.

God showed me this verse last night as we were reading our bibles, and this particular verse jumped off the page at me. Now, I know this verse is talking about God providing the seed, but I also saw this message in this verse.

2 Cor. 9 v 10......Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness....

The message God gave me through this, is that your pastor when he brings the word to you each week, a message he receives from God to give to you, it is the same as the LORD feeding you His bread. The bread of life. Your pastor is giving you the seed God gave him to bring to you, Then you in response to that seed that has been planted in your life, respond back to God by sowing a seed into others lives, this would be your giving your tithes and offerings. Then the pastor prays over that seed along with you asking God to multiply and increase the fruits of your righteousness, (your faith, your obedience). Then the pastor takes your seed sows it into others lives, like missions, youth groups, building funds wherever God leads him to sow it. And then the seed explodes and multiplies so many times that you could not contain all the harvest that comes from that one seed.

WOW!!! I don't know about you, but if that doesn't make you want to give more and more into the kingdom, then you must have fell asleep somewhere in the part above where I showed you how many souls are harvested because of your being obedient. AMEN!

This is so exciting, although you should pray and ask God to help you to have the right words at the right times to witness to others, sometimes your actions are enough. So remember if you can't go yourself into the missions fields, or you are not able to be a youth leader at your church, or you do not have the capability of building the buildings to house the people God sends to your church, then know this, you can still play an important role from the background, sow that seed with faith in what the Lord says He will do with your seed and watch as the harvest explodes right under your nose.

Let me show you how the message bible reads in these verses.

2 Cor 9 v 8-11.....God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you are ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmists puts it, He throws caution into the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right living, right giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full formed lives, robust in GOD, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.......

Can you see what God wants to do with your seed? Can you see now how important it is to listen to the message God gives your pastor to bring to you each week? Your pastor is not just speaking to you to hear himself talk. He has a message from God, a message telling you how much He wants to bless you and multiply your gifts. When you go to church this week, pray that the LORD will remove everything else from your sight and your hearing except His presence in the word He has given your pastor to bring to you, and ask Him to open your hearts to be receptive, and your ears to hear what He is speaking to you through your pastor. AMEN!

Neta