Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Jesus said...Be still

Good morning my sisters-

How have you been this week?  I would love to hear from my sisters.  I have only heard from one and it is my desire to hear from more of you.  I want to pray with you, share with you and become a body of one through Jesus Christ.  If you're led, please reach out to me and I will pray for you.

My week has been full of many challenges.  A college coach called for my son, he's still making bad choices with a few days left of his senior year, my oldest son is looking for employment in a down market and my company is having many growing pains.  Wow!  That seems a lot for a week but then I think of the kids in Africa that are suffering from starvation or the women in Nigeria being beaten just because they are women and of course, I think about the many Muslims that are being told that Christians are evil and that our judgement will come.  When you put all that together, my week isn't much.

My mind wanders to many topics daily.  I know it's because God wants me to think on Him and rely on His provision.  Like many, my mind goes to the bad before it hits peace.  I hate that and I know it's not good for me or anyone else that allows their minds to wander on numerous topics.  Jesus called us to be still in Him.  And yet, we know that the human mind wants to say, "Your in control so you don't have to rely on God for this."  What a mistake we make when that's our thought life.  We must rely on God at all times.  Recently, I read a post on the destruction and rebuilding of Jerusalem.  It happened a lot.  Fortification of walls did not keep out the enemy nor did it provide confidence to Israel.  Even today, there are no walls high enough to keep their enemies out.  It's only by God's grace that Israel still has a sliver of this world.

It's important for all of us to realize that in our humanness we may rely on ourselves from time to time but God will break those walls down.  Why?  Because we can't build faith in Him with us believing we are more powerful or more in control of our lives than Him.  Like you, I struggle with this too.  I think we all do.  How many people think storing food for 10 years will help in a crisis or perhaps teaching their children to fend for themselves in a revolution?  These are just a couple of illustrations of what we as humans believe will help in a crisis.  The truth is only God can help when our fortresses are destroyed or when we are burying our dead.  Only He can comfort the sinners heart and give us peace beyond our wildest dreams.  He is the keeper of our today and tomorrow.  The only thing we truly have control of  is walking in His light, reading the word and being at peace because He has control of the situation.  If you're running scared, it's time to settle down, look toward Him, praise Him for everything He has done and go somewhere quiet.  Focusing on Him gives us the peace to build our fortresses.  Because at the end of the day, He's the only one that is in control.

Jesus said:

“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:25-27 NIV)

My prayer today:

O, Jesus, so many of us struggle with control.  We want to control our families, our success and our lives.  We are sinners but You are our Savior.  You came to earth so that we could live in a light amongst the dark.  Please lead us in the light.  We believe You are one with the Holy Father and that Your sacrifice allows us to know You and to have Your peace.  We need You Jesus today for our hearts get troubled and our minds go from here to there with no comfort.  Our problems outweigh our peace when it should be the opposite.  You are the King of Kings, The Lord of Lords, please comfort Your people.  Bring about a Spiritual revival where Your words penetrate the hearts of men and women all over the world. Lead them to You and give all of us that know You peace beyond our understanding.  Let us rest in You as the storms come and lift us up to be men and women that follow You always.  Our hearts cry out to You.  Please help our leaders be one with You and give them wisdom.  We need You Lord guiding our countries and sharing in the peace that has transcended thousands of years.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Jesus said...My God, My God

Good morning my sisters-

On Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Churches were filled with people glorifying God's name.  Although the US has all the freedoms, including those that are of a religious nature, people don't always hold by them.  They would rather play golf, spend time sleeping in or doing other fun activities.  There's also a huge movement to believe in nothing here, which is why the US is not doing well all around.

Religious freedom is a gift.  I can get on my computer and write a blog on Christ.  His name is not banned.  I have the opportunity to love people that are different than myself and still be bold enough to say Jesus is the only way to God.  I can wear a t-shirt that proclaims the resurrection, run in a race that benefits homeless children and take a Bible to the streets.  I'm free.  But there are millions of people who have to meet in alleys or secret places because their faith makes them persecuted, but they still worship and read and pray!  They are the ones that truly believe that Christ was here and that He rose again.  Those are the sheep that by faith they were saved and their salvation matters.  They are the dedicated men and women that reach out to the lost in a country that despises the name of Jesus Christ.  They are who I pray for!

God knows what He is doing even if we don't.  There is so much we will never know.  We think we have all the intelligence but we don't.  Even the smartest among us is no match for our God.  I was reminded yesterday that God called the Israelites to stand still and in the same breath move forward.  That's what God told Moses.  How do we stand still and move forward?   I asked myself that same thing yesterday.  Standing still is a word picture that really means stand in my peace and know I'm near.  Moving forward is a direction.  It's hard for us to move forward when we are afraid.  Fear keeps us standing still but not in Jesus.  That kind of standing still is a feeling and it normally manifests itself with no action at all.  We stand still in fear and nothing gets accomplished.  Yet God told Moses to have His people stand still, raise His staff and move forward and He would do the rest.  Can you feel Moses quaking at that command?  Of course you can because it's easier for mankind to stand still  and do nothing than to cross the mighty waters of apprehension and move forward in faith.

My prayer on Sunday that was mankind would know that He had risen.  Christ sacrificed His life and had to stand still and move forward at the same time.  When His hour was near He told His disciples exactly what to expect.  And when the hour came, like all men, He cried out to His Father and asked, "Why have You forsaken me."  It didn't stop Him.  He fulfilled the prophesy as was written.  He never stopped.  He moved toward the goal, believing, trusting and following.  His goal wasn't to sleep in or even to question the Father.  His goal was to believe and to move forward.

I leave you with two Scriptures today.  I sent one to my son yesterday and this one I found just for you.  They both are reminders of God's great power and the fulfillment of His promises.  This life will continue to hold many pitfalls but through faith we can climb the mountains and watch our Father work!

About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ). When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. (Matthew 27:46-50 NIV)

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. (Exodus 14:13-16 NIV)

Did Elijah come?  Yes, He did.  He delivered Jesus to His rightful place and He delivered the Israelites from Egypt.  In both passages, people were scared and yet, they moved.  Jesus became our Savior and the Israelites were freed from slavery.  The promises were fulfilled and we are all better for it.  The stories remind us that being a Christian is not about going to church on Sunday; it's about living a life for God.

May you be blessed today as you meditate on these powerful words.  I pray these for all of us and will continue to stand firm that Jesus is our Savior.

Until tomorrow...



Jesus said..whoever has been forgiven little loves little


Good morning my sisters-

Much has happened this week.  The Bibles arrived in Nigeria.  Praise God!  He is the great provider, majestic and true.  I am so grateful that they made it and many women will be blessed by them.  My sister in Christ informed me and I almost wept.  She then wrote to me about a girl that was Muslim and now has come to the foot of Christ.  In Nigeria, she could be killed by her father for going against their faith.  He hates Christians and loves to see them die.  They are told from the time that they are little that we are evil.

I want us to realize that to be a Christian in some countries is very dangerous and yet, God is calling people from every nation to be with Him.  Her journey could be very dangerous and yet she told her father that she would not give up Christ.  Her financial needs are great and unfortunately it is not permitted to send money to this country, so please pray with me for her.  Please ask Christ to provide the money and the clothes that she needs but mostly, pray for her protection.  Just like the woman that washed Jesus' feet, she has been saved by faith.

Her story penetrates my heart because it's an illustration of courage and boldness.  She is just a young woman now disowned from the only family she knows.  Her life could be at risk and still she proclaims the name of Jesus.  So, if nothing else bring her to mind.  I will call her lady A and ask God to protect her and keep her as she draws closer to Him.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:44, 45, 47, 50 NIV)

My prayer today:

O, Lord please provide for lady A.  Her needs are great and only You can help protect her.  The school is costly and Americans are not permitted to send money to Nigeria.  Please give her strength to stay in Your arms and to be loved by You.  Her trust and faith in You is well placed and we must continue to pray with her for all her needs. Thank you for being faithful and for loving and forgiving us.  Please forgive our sins and lead us closer to You through stories like lady A's.  I believe that You will provide and I hold onto the faith that You are faithful.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, April 20, 2014

He is Risen!

Good morning my sisters-

Today, I leave you with my prayer for the Nations.  It's because we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus that I feel it necessary to pray to our Father for the lost, lonely and hurting.  There are still people groups that don't have access to Bibles and as we all know that won't stop Jesus!  With that, I wish you all an amazing Easter.

My prayer to the Nations:

O, Lord as I have sought you over the last weeks, You have brought me to Your words.  Not just anyones words but Yours.  You continue to remind me why You came and for whom and as I have read I know You are near. All over the world people are needing a Savior.   There are places where Bibles can not be bought.  There are languages Your words have not been translated in but at the end of the day, You alone can do miracles.  I know that they still exist today!  So on the anniversary of Your resurrection, thousands of years later, I pray for the wicked, the lost, the hurting and the insane.  I pray that You would come to them through man, by dreams or with Your words.  I pray that many of us would be faithful and call out Your name today asking for others to know the peace of Jesus.  You took our sins so that we could have eternal life, bring Your people forth in every nation and teach them to follow You all their days.  Bring hope to a fallen world and when You're ready bring Your kingdom here on earth as it is in Heaven.  We need You, not just today.  We are soles wandering and only though and by Your words will our paths become straight and our purpose clear.  Help me to be a woman that prays for Your people and who loves You more! I pray this prayer in Jesus name.  AMEN

Happy Easter may the light of the world be with You always.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Jesus said...Where I am going you can not follow now

Good morning my sisters-

Tomorrow we will celebrate the greatest event in History, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Once upon a time there was a man, who was really God.  He came to be because man was fragile and willful.  Lambs were no longer enough, these people needed a Savior and so God sent His Son so that we might all be saved.

The women went to prepare the body and to their surprise the tomb was empty but that's not all, an angel was waiting for them.  Upon their arrival, they were told Jesus had risen.  Days before, Christ had shared with His disciples what was to happen, I doubt many believed.  And yet, the story is written. Over the last days, Jews all over the world have been celebrating passover.  They have been making strange foods, singing prayers to God and eating only Kosher meals.  They practice the rituals of long ago.  But for those of us that know Jesus, we should be meditating on what Jesus said.  He left pearls of wisdom right up to the day He died.

Over the last several posts, I realized that Jesus was speaking straight into my heart.  His words were penetrating and my days of reflection have often fallen on those very same words.  Do not judge incorrectly, listen to the prophets but don't be like them, love one another with all your heart, these are the words that were left for us to reflect on this week.  Peter wanted to know if He could follow where Jesus was going.  He eventually did but only after his mission on earth was done.

A picture is better than a thousand words.  so lat night my sister-in-law went to a service where the priest was washing the feet of twelve men.  I have to say the picture brings back many words Jesus stated before His death.  He came to serve and that's exactly what He did and now we are left to carry the cross on His behalf.  Easter is a great time to remind all of us of His words and the power they leave behind.

Please join me in prayer and ask Jesus to bring the lost to church this Sunday.  By faith, they will be  saved!

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” (John 13:31-36 NIV)

Friday, April 18, 2014

Jesus said...judge correctly

Good morning all-

Well it's Good Friday and we are approaching Easter.  I will be continuing on with what Jesus said for at least a few more weeks.  I feel God is calling us to remember what was said, instead of living by interpretation.

It's my opinion that we forget what He said and why it was stated to begin with.  I found this Scripture under the one I put up yesterday.  It just reminded me that Jesus was condemned by man for healing, loving people and showing mercy on the Sabbath.  Religious leaders were scared of Him and could not see what was in front of them.  I don't want to be like that, do you?

My life is His and although we must understand the commandments and try to live by them, Jesus was grace personified.  Thank you Jesus!  I need grace as much as the next person.  I fell into gossip for a moment yesterday and had to ask for forgiveness this morning. O, how I hate the flesh.  But that's the point, right?  Jesus came for the Jew, the Gentile and all sinners.  He knew what man was capable of and of course, we bowed to the flesh and crucified an innocent man.  Jesus died for us and that's what today represents all over the world.  He took the condemnation of man to grant grace to the sinner.  He was judged unfairly by man and died on a cross to prove to mankind His worth.  And today, people hate Christians because of our Savior.  Pray with me today that the darkness would be lifted from the pious and that the educated will see the validity in Jesus.  He washed our sins and gave His life for us.  Let's give Him ours. Be well my sisters and know that I am praying for a revival!

Jesus said to them, “I did one miracle, and you are all amazed. Yet, because Moses gave you circumcision (though actually it did not come from Moses, but from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. Now if a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, why are you angry with me for healing a man’s whole body on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:21-24 NIV)

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Jesus said...My teaching is not my own

Good morning my sisters-

I am praying that the Bibles for Nigeria will arrive safe and that the women of Nigeria will be able to teach the words of Jesus.  We are so blessed to pick up a phone or a computer and read the word. We are even more blessed that we can buy as many Bibles as we wish.  But more importantly, we can read the Word, speak the Word and worship anywhere we want!  We are blessed.

Tomorrow is Good Friday.  It is the day that our Lord was persecuted for our sins. We must place that close to our hearts as we move forward in our everyday tasks.  I am trying to teach my sons to believe, to trust and to be good men.  I want them to hold His sacrifice close to their hearts and live lives that glorify Him.  He is God's own son, come to earth as man!  Why?  Because we needed a  lamb that could intercede on our behalf and so Jesus was born to a virgin.

I have faith that Jesus is stirring the hearts of mankind.  I believe that doors are being opened in every corner of the world.  I know that His teachings were true and it's man that makes a mess of them.  But even with that Jesus can right our wrongs and make sinners kneel at the cross.  Confess today that the words of Jesus are true.  Be wise and bow to the Son for He is light unto a darkened world.  Pray that men and women from every nation will see the mighty hand of God.  Listen to the words of Jesus for they are true.  Be well my sisters and know that wherever you are, I'm praying!

Not until halfway through the festival did Jesus go up to the temple courts and begin to teach. The Jews there were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having been taught?” Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” (John 7:14-19 NIV)

Monday, April 14, 2014

Jesus said...I do Not testify about myself

Good morning my sisters-

I woke up to snow on the ground today.  All I could think about was the mighty hand of Jesus.  Do I know where life and death come from?  Do I believe in the spring that Christ lives with His Father as one and He decided to take the temperatures from 90 to 30? I do believe all of it because brave men sat down and wrote the word that is now being translated in every language.  Jesus stands firm.  The liberal professors and those that don't believe will cast doubt but our Lord and Savior did exist.  He was flesh sent back to Heaven and at the appropriate hour, He was resurrected!

History is history.   We can choose to say things didn't happen but they did.  Throughout time men have chose to believe and others have chosen to walk away.  Jesus doesn't need our glory, He needs our trust and our love.  Many can say,"Jesus was just a prophet."  If that's the case then why did He die loving people, healing them and talking to the outcast?  That's the question we must ask ourselves everyday or we will be tempted to stray from truth.

Our world is evil.  People don't treasure life.  We must stand in prayer and ask our Savior to intercede and bring more soldiers into His fold.  We need Him!  May You be blessed as you pray for many to come to know Him this Easter.  There's no greater time to confess Jesus is who He says He is.

“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. “I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God ? “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” (John 5:31-47 NIV)

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Jesus said...I am the gate

Good morning my sisters-

I had the pleasure of going over to take pictures with my youngest son.  It brought back so many memories of getting senior pictures done for my oldest son.  One day you wake up and your little men are men and you are in awe of what God has done.

At the park, which is referred to as "Hobo park," I saw a man with a sleeping blanket.  It was really hot and really windy.  I spotted him along with a wedding party, young girls going to prom and my son.  We were all looking for the perfect spot to take pictures.  Often, I see things that are transparent to others. I have asked Christ to give me a heart like His with eyes to see what He sees.

As I watched my beautiful son, I could hardly stop thinking about this man.  How does a young, vibrant young man become homeless? I felt so sad.  It's proven that many of the homeless suffer from mental illness and drug addiction but even at that, my head couldn't stop thinking about him.  Once upon a time he was someones little boy.  Is this how Christ feels when He looks down?

What will save them Lord? That was the thought that kept running through my mind.  And my answer, "Only I can."  Isn't that the truth.  While we sleep our Father is working, loving them and calling them to hear the message.  Christ didn't come to save the learned.  He came to save the helpless sinner from themselves.   Pride only makes you fall, while vulnerability allows Christ to meet you right where you are.  That's my prayer for the man in the park.  Meet him Lord and heal him.

As we continue on the path of what Jesus said, I want to remind you that He sacrificed His life for everyone that hears the call.  He didn't distinguish between those that have much and those that have nothing.  He looks for those that have a heart open to a Savior.  Please pray that this series will bring the unbeliever to Him.  May God bless you as you seek Him.

 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” (John 10:7, 9-18 NIV)



Saturday, April 12, 2014

Jesus said...Your faith has saved you

Good morning my sisters-

I always love to write that in the morning.  I didn't have a sister growing up so knowing that people are my sisters is such a wonderful feeling.  So thank you for being my Godly sisters!

It's been a whirlwind this week.  I have gone through a range of emotions from defeat to victory.  My sword was the word and the pictures that Jesus left for us.  By faith we are saved!  Yes that's so true but how do we get there?  We get there by meditating on what Jesus said.  Today I picked a scripture of a woman that was saved by faith alone.  Crazy!  She didn't have to serve a 1000 people or give every dime away to be chosen, all she had to do was believe.

Stand still and believe was the words that came through my mind time after time this week.  I was at a conference and almost lost confidence in myself.  I could feel myself drowning.  So what did I do?  I bought a coffee, walked outside and went on a walk.  The place we were staying was beautiful.  I was very impressed by the nature.  I saw squirrels and tons of birds.  Nature has always calmed me down.  Whenever I feel out of control, I look for a bird and I'm reminded that if God is willing to take care of them, then how must He feel about us?  The answer is clear, He loves us.

As I walked, I meditated on those birds.  They were singing with joy.  That joy and music began to minister to my mind and as I focused on them, I began to pray for a renewal of my mind.  I went from drowning in self-pity to having the confidence only a vessel of God can have.  Peace washed over me and God became my focus.  Can we all say AMEN?  I did.  Once I found my center again, I went into the conference and began to have conversations with confidence and joy.  That night I thanked Jesus for reminding me that He takes care of us.  My faith helped me right what was about to be a disaster.  Thank You Jesus!

Faith can move mountains and Scripture can renew the mind.  Matthew speaks of the birds and that's what came to my mind.  Decision one was to use Scripture as my sword.  Decision two was to thank Jesus for everything He has done and decision three was to stand in faith.  The final outcome was confidence in Him.  Be bold today my sisters and remember what Jesus said instead of listening to the world.  His Word is power and our prayers are His shelter.  May God bless You and keep You all Your days!

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 NIV)

My prayer today:

O, Jesus, Son of God, come to us today and renew our minds and hearts.  Lord, I am praying for a revival throughout the world.  My prayer is that men will be called to lead the nations toward You and that women will seek You all their days.  I pray that as we spend time in the word, reading and meditating on Your words, we will begin to know Your peace beyond our understanding.  The world needs a Savior, our leaders need wisdom and our hearts need You.  I am coming to You today in thankfulness for all that You are and asking that Your mighty hand will be on us as we seek Your words.  In Jesus name, Amen

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Jesus said...Beware of the teachers of law

Good morning my sisters in Christ-

Good morning and may this day be blessed with the wonder of Jesus.  Yesterday, I watched my son play basketball and I saw how much fun he had.  I am so worried that if he doesn't play he will regret it.  I can tell him what to do but that doesn't mean it's the plan God has for Him.  Sometimes I think we believe we know best.  We have the experience and the age to direct the young and yet, how do we know their path?  I think about all of us like that.  We were told to teach the word of God but many interpret what God said and often misinterpret it.  So I want to be careful that I always ask God to direct my tongue and guidance to His will.  Knowing the laws are good, teaching the truth is good but at the end of all our wisdom and knowledge, we are just humans.  Jesus is the divine teacher and His words are truth in the fullest sense of the word.

So as I have told you, we will look at another passage of what Jesus said to His disciples and the crowds around Him.  He spent His last days teaching them and sharing so much more than the law.  He taught them grace, humility and love.  Often, when we rebuke someone it's with a prideful heart.  Judgement comes easy to those that believe they know better than someone else.  That wasn't Jesus.  He spent time talking in love so that we would understand the true meaning of His love.  Many passages are spoken in parable, this one is not.  It is a straight warning to be careful of men that speak the law but do not fulfill it with love.  As you read it, hear His words to all of us.  The Pharisees were not the only ones that have fought against selfishness, power and glory for themselves.  We will all fight it.  It's in Jesus that we will have victory so as you read the words, remember them and teach grace, offer love and protect the weak.

While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” (Luke 20:45-47 NIV)

My prayer today:

O, Lord, speak to us as You did to the disciples through these words.  Help us to understand love over judgement.  Give us the ability to teach in love and to be one with You.  Our lives depend on Your love and we want others to know Your gentle Spirit and Your humbling guidance.  We want to be women that pray prayers that will stand on Your words.  We want to love and not be selfish.  We pray that the women all over the world will unite against judgement and find You in the hearts of women everywhere.  We wait upon You in these next couple of weeks to penetrate our hearts with Your words.  May the women that read this blog grow closer to You as they draw near.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Jesus said...you will not know the day or the hour

Good morning my sisters-

How have you been?  I have been very busy at work and home this week.  Many things are beginning to happen in the life of the Rogers, including a very stressful week at work.  I was really tested to trust in our Lord this week as I worked with clients, had lunch with my son and prayed that my oldest would find a job this May.  Time once again has gotten away from me but thank goodness for my sister-in-law who sent me God's beautiful word every day and boy did I need it!

I promised that I would do a series of Jesus said this week and so I am.  We are nearing Easter and many are remembering why they came to Christ in the first place.  Every year, I find myself thinking back on the day I said, "Jesus I believe You are who You say You are!"  That was the best day of my life.  Before that moment, I was drowning in sorrow, wrapped up in my selfishness and trying to find myself in places that I should never have been.  And then like a thief, Jesus stole my heart and convinced me that I was precious to Him.  There has been no greater moment in my life than that day.  He has been my lover, my Father and my best friend ever since.  Of course, I still fall from time to time and I am tested but I always come back to the one that saved me.

Jesus said many things to His disciples that are now on display for the world to read.  Just like the temples, the statues and the old haunts of ancient times, we have a History book in front of us full of pages and pages of truth.  Some may not like what they hear.  It's hard to hear that you are a sinner and yet, every single one of us is.  There is no one on earth that hasn't sinned so therefore, we all are one.  I pride myself in knowing that I'm a sinner.  It keeps me in check when I'm trying to think higher of myself than I am.  God is good because we are reminded that we need Him above all things.

That leads me to the parable of the virgins.  It always strikes me funny when I see someone predicting the end of this world.  Christ was clear.  He would come as a thief and we need to be ready.  No one has magic powers or knows the future events of this world from God's perspective, even the prophets of old or His disciples.  They were told to watch, wait and be ready and so are we.  With this I leave you with a passage of what Jesus said.  He is our God, One God in a Holy Trinity.  Be well my sisters and know that He is real, He is truth and we are blessed to proclaim His name.

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13 NIV)

Which are you my sisters?  Ask yourself that question and ask our Lord to show you where you fit in this parable.