No time like the present...

I want to share a little "thing" going on in my life that happened last week. It's about relationships, friendships, seasons, hearing God's voice...and change.

For the last several months I've been talking about knowing in my spirit; my gut, that things are changing. I'm walking into a new season even if I don't know exactly where that will be. I think we all can feel it when change is around the corner. God starts giving us nuances. They can be feelings, "intuition", emotions, changes in circumstances, etc. Many times it happens in others first, and we're the last to know. You know what I'm talking about. A situation that was good becomes overwhelming, boring, tiresome, too time consuming...as we say in "Christianspeak" the anointing comes off. Any number of emotions and feelings can accompany it. I've had this happen with many situations; God inspired situations, that unbeknownst to me, become out of God's plan or timing. Sort of reminds me of High School dating. One month you're infatuated with the guy sitting next to you in chemistry, the next month you can't get away from him fast enough. Nothing changed on the outside. He's still a great guy, but God leads you in another direction.

So, now to the case in point. First let me tell you that no one did anything "wrong"; it involves a friendship with a "business partner". We're not extremely close, but still good friends. We don't pick up the phone and call each other in the middle of the night to chit chat over a problem, but we enjoy the same design style and "get each other" in that area. We've known each other several years, can have a great laugh, share how God is working, and enjoy each other's company.

People come with all kinds of approaches to life. I'm one that likes to be forthright and upfront. I like to talk things through and know where everyone "is coming from". Pretty transparent. That's just me. I like that in friendships, and business relationships...any kind of "ship". I don't like surprises. I want all the cards on the table, so to speak. I like to know what others are thinking, especially when it has to do with a mutual situation or circumstance. I understand that not everyone is like me. (Actually this trait really annoys some people) Some people like to really get something totally thought out and concrete before it's made "public"...nothing wrong with that...it's just not who I am.

Now back to how God works in people and situations to accomplish His will.

I've known for a while that with having several blogs that my time is pretty much consumed with keeping them current. God led me into them. He set them up and put them together. But at the same time I didn't have time to do the same amount of Bible Study that I had done previously. I've been in a season of making connections through the web, and blogging; meeting wonderful people and having a forum for creativity and expression. Writing, photography (wow, I love this part; who knew???), visiting new places, making friendships etc. But at the same time my "God time" has diminished slightly. I've been in a season.

God doesn't always make things easy for us. Change can be uncomfortable. (Hey, didn't I just say that on my last post or two?) Sometimes He allows things that cause us to have to make decisions; difficult decisions, that require us to rethink priorities, be open to a new outlook, let go of some things. He shuts doors sometimes, and sometimes in those doors shutting our toes get stubbed and our noses get out of joint.

I won't go into detail here, because this situation involves a friend, like I said. We've talked through the outcome of this particular change and are still good friends. We still have a "business relationship", but God has some different things for each of us to do. The key here is that even though it had the potential to end our friendship, God gave us each grace to talk things out and realize that He indeed was calling each of us to do something different. Like I said, change can be devastating if you don't allow God to be in control of all aspects of it. Being led by the Spirit involves listening to Him, allowing Him to give us correct words, attitudes, and the freedom to lead us even when we are like stubborn little mules; angry, mouthy, stubborn little mules. I can be that at times.

So the result is even though I was pushed kicking and screaming through the door of God's plan, I did end up on the other side. He has reminded me that I'm not always right, other people have a say in a relationship, and that I can't always "fix" things. Sometimes things just need to change.

Getting to where God is leading us is not a destination, it's a process. Everyday being available to God. Doing what He asks, and realizing there's a bigger picture out there than what we might be able to see from our current vantage point. Ultimately it took following my own advice from last week. I had to ask God point blank, "is this a goal you want for me, or is this just something I want?" And guess what...He told me.

So, it wasn't the easiest weekend. But now I'm moving forward, one more step in the process to what's coming next.

love, in Jesus,
Debra

New Year, New Word

I guess I'm a few days late to be having a "New Year's" post. I've read about many blog individual's "word" for this new year,(joy, balance, freedom, etc.) and I can say that I've been feeling the word more than I've been thinking about one particular word. I don't think it's coincidence that as human beings we feel the need to start fresh in the new year. God has seasons and times, and even though His "nature" doesn't change, He does change things up for all of us that know Him.

Last week a blogging friend of mine seemingly called out of the blue. She said she was heading down my direction and would I be available to get together to meet over lunch and maybe do some shopping, aka junking, antiquing, digging, etc. I was thrilled to hear from her and immediately knew that there was more to this plan than either of us might know at the time. No hotels for her. She would stay here at my house.

We sat and talked for hours, first; About our lives, our past, our children, our marriages, and our relationship with God. The more we talked the more we found we had in common, and then God really started moving and we realized that there had been a reason for us to meet. God was giving each of us a word that our lives will be changing. New direction, new opportunities, new partnerships. Through prayer and listening for God's voice we received a mutual direction for our year, and that was that God was taking a calling that had been on our lives; to "take up the mantle", and "reactivate" it.

He has a separate path for us, (hmmm...I'm beginning to think twice about this statement. God may have some surprises up His sleeve!), but one very similar. We are close in age, have married children, are fiercely independent, and each in a place in our spiritual life that we trust God's heart and direction for our lives.

God brought us together to confirm a work He is about to set into place for each of us. If you've been reading this blog for awhile you know that God placed a"call" in me about ten or eleven years ago. I had embarked on His path when suddenly and without warning, I had three major heart attacks and surgery that have literally sidelined me. For years God has asked me to do other things, but that tug has never gone away. Back in October I wrote a post totally directed by God that acknowledged and identified that.

So, now to the nitty gritty. I feel like things are changing with this little Bible Study Blog. I'm not sure how exactly. I've felt a need to re-read and re-study some of the posts that I did last year. As I've read them they have seemed completely new to me. I've come away refreshed and with a new outlook and understanding. That's the great thing about God's Word; it's always new and enlightening. It's living water that refreshes our spirit.

So what I think I'm doing is reposting more of the lessons that God gave me last year. A year ago, God had me writing and posting every day...long in-depth posts. So I'm going to take some of that material and look at it again. I'll be adding some real time comments at the end. If you've been with me for awhile you might have missed some of these. But many of you are new, so join in and we'll take a fresh look. Be sure and comment as the Holy Spirit directs you. I'm still here. Just in a time of prayerful review; listening to what God says will be coming.

I heard a phrase in my spirit a few mornings ago.
 "the united state of prayer".
till next time...

love, in Jesus,
Debra

Just a little reminder for me, today...

In the early days of my marriage, I had occasion to be friends with older AND younger women. One in particular stands out. She was about mid forties at the time. I was in my early twenties. We worked in the same doctors office. She worked with filing insurance and as one of many receptionists. I was a doctor's assistant/x-ray tech. I had just had our first baby about a year ago, and wanted to work part time to pay for furnishing our new first home. She was a lady in every sense of the word. Gracious and kind, always ready to listen with an interested and patient ear. I found her soothing to be around and sought her out each morning to help get me in the mood for the workday. Her children and family were her main focus of her life. God was her sustainer. I enjoyed our conversations, her quick wit, and her kindness toward all people. I never heard a bad or negative word out of her mouth, no gossip, no making fun of anyone. She was, and I imagine still is this same lovely lady. I've thought of her often over the years, but don't know how to reach her, and honestly at this moment in time, I cannot even remember her name. Her face and her demeanor are clear in my mind. I guess that's what is most important, a lasting impression.

Now, I'm older than she was at that time, and I have heard God speak to me this morning and remind me about being a godly example to younger women. Do I complain too much? Does an "unwholesome" word sometimes come out of my mouth? Does my humor sometimes end up with someone or something being the "butt" of a joke...even in innocent fun? Who will think of me 25 or 30 years down the road and maybe not remember my name, but remember "me"? 

Version: NAS

Titus 2:3-5

3. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4. that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5. [to be] sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored.

Blogging this last year has allowed me to share who I am and to really be "me". I strive for that and want to be open, honest, and transparent. I'm sure just natural demeanor and personality had a lot to do with this woman's charisma. I tend to be loud mouthed, silly, and "out there" alot of the time. Maybe I saw a balance that I needed. Over the years I've needed to learn to think before I speak: to temper my words and actions.

Growing up in church, going to school, working for several years, and now even blogging, have all given me occasion to view and consider other women. The ones that continue to stand out are the ones that trust God and aren't afraid to say it. Their lives reflect Him consistently. I don't always do a good job of that, but I try.
 
Don't get me wrong, I love all the craziness that abounds here in blogdom. I'm one of them. A funny story, (believe me, I've heard some of the funniest here), discussions, upsets, family problems...all that we have to live through and contend with on a daily basis... all this makes for interest. Hey, I'm the one that gives all the dirt on myself. I think I just need to be seeking God daily to be the best "me" I can be. Not to be boring and uptight, because I don't think that's what God is asking us to be, but to put forth His Word and influence and at the same time be a godly woman. Above all, that His Word not be "dishonored".
 
I'll just make a quick comment on the part of being "subject" to our husbands. I'm not always right, my husband is not always right. If something comes up that we don't agree on, we do agree to take it to the Lord, and ask for His leading and guidance. We try to be open to the other's ideas and opinions. It hasn't always been this way, but over the last eleven or so years God has "gotten ahold" of both of us. Neither one of us has to have our way. But if it comes down to a certain matter, I let my husband make the decision. This has been a hard one for me, because by nature I'm on the bossy side and very opinionated. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband who loves and serves the Lord. I leave it between the two of them. Takes the pressure off of me.
 
And for the "working at home" part I will say this: God encourages each of us to be creative, and productive. Sometimes that means working outside the home. Sometimes we need to help out with finances. I just always enjoyed being home more than a "workplace". That's just me. Whatever we do, whether it's a job-job, a hobby, business at home; whatever you do, do it "as unto the Lord" and we can't forget to take care of our husbands, home and family. They come right after our personal relationship with Jesus. Submit all things to Him, He WILL give you the very best advice.
 
I think this was brought to my mind today, because of some of the TV and movie choices out there. Hey, I'm guilty of being a voyeur of some of what's on the tube. I don't want to get caught up in petty fights, bickering, grudges, infidelity, or greed. While it can all be entertaining, is this really the best for me to be participating in, even if not first hand but just by watching? I love what Joyce Meyer once said in so many words: If all you think about and talk about and listen to is talk about hot fudge sundaes, pretty soon you'll find yourself eating one.

And to me it is this today: Be respectful and honor God in all I do and say. Let His light shine through each area of my life. Live life in the here and now, enjoy it, but let Him control it. And oh yes, now I remember... her name is Ann.

Love, In Jesus,

Debra

"Constructing" the Body of Christ

Having raised two girls who are now 29 and 35, I have learned as many lessons as they have. I was a loving parent, but not always a "model" parent. I didn't always approach a situation or react to them in a Godly manner. I'm the first to admit it. Sometimes I was as big a child as they were. I have yet to meet the "Perfect Parent", and looking back on my parenting skills I'd have to say I could have improved in so many areas. I've had to apologize to my girls for my shortcomings during their growing up years. I wish I knew then what I know now. My hind sight might not be exactly "20-20" but it's much better than it was at the time. I refer to this time in my life, because I think back on handling matters with sometimes more negativity than positive ways of handling things. I'm no Dr. Phil, but thank you Lord, that I've learned a few constructive things along the way.


The author of Victory Over the Darkness recounts a conversation he had had with a pastor friend that was bemoaning the congregation of his church. "They are all a bunch of "losers". What can I do to get out of my church?" Dr. Anderson in turn, asked him. "I wonder if they are really losers or if they just see themselves as losers because that's how you see them?"


This brings up such an important fact: How do we perceive others? How do our impressions of other people color our opinions and relationships with them and about them? I used to make snap judgements on people. I think we all have opinions, that is just human nature, but how long do we take to form them? Is it based on their appearance, way they speak, way they dress, job they may have? Are we looking at them through our own eyes or through God's eyes? Just as we talked about in the beginning of this study, we need to view people the same way God sees them; as a child of God, wholly loved and accepted by the Father. I have learned this over the years. I have asked God to show me beyond the surface, to see someone's heart, and to be able to relate to them as He sees them, not just view the outside and the obvious. I guess this is referred to as "putting ourselves in someone else's shoes".


So then, if we see someone as a "loser", and we treat them as such, will that be the image they also see of themselves? What if instead, we see our brothers and sisters in Christ as saints, redeemed, and totally loved in Jesus? Will they then see themselves in this same way and begin to reflect this understanding in their own attitudes, actions, and behaviors? This is where I could have improved as a parent. Speaking positive affirmation more than I did. Frustration with situations I didn't know how to handle, caused me to see the negative instead of seeking God for positive reinforcement with my words.


As stated by the author, "I believe the greatest determinant for how we treat people is how we perceive them. And how do we express our perceptions of people? Primarily by what we say to them... Studies have shown that in the average home, for every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative statements. It's only slightly better in the school environment; 7-1. It's no wonder so many children are growing up feeling that they are losers. Parents and teachers are conveying that perception every day in how they talk to their children...studies go on to say that it takes four positive statements to negate the effect of one negative statement...We affect others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say is significantly determined by how we perceive them."

Version: NAS

Ephesians 4:29
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such [a word] as is good for edification according to the need [of the moment], that it may give grace to those who hear. "

The word "edify" means to improve morally or intellectually, enlightenment, guidance in education, to improve information, and knowledge. In other words to be constructive and build someone up, not tear someone down. Our words affect others and bring change. It's better to be positive in our addressing of someone or a situation, rather than to be negative and to ultimately tear down someone; Constructive assessment, instead of negative. It's all in our attitude and perception of others.

Version: NAS

Ephesians 4:11-13
11. And He gave some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers, 12. for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13. until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.

This is the scripture passage that Jesus spoke to me back on June 16, 2001. He said, "This is your call". And it has been my driving force since then. To build up the body of Christ.

Yesterday's post on our salvation was an eventful one for me. Stepping out there to discuss a topic that is very controversial. We all have such varied ideas and thinking. Thank you for the opportunity to see brotherly love at work. I think we all said how we felt about the subject in love, and hopefully no one was offended or changed their minds about anyone. I really hope not. I have seen churches split over matters such as this, end time prophecy, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, just to name a few. Thank you, that we can all discuss and view what others have to say in respect and love. I could have skipped over this subject, but I chose to dive in instead.

If you would like to read the theology and doctrine with scripture references behind my position on this, please go to the Official Website of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and type in "Security of the Believer" for several articles on this. It's a broad reference to both theories on this topic. It's interesting and nonthreatening no matter what your viewpoint.

( Hope everyone still loves one another.)

Love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts taken from Victory Over the Darkness
by Neil Anderson)

Love is in the Eye of the Beholder

I'm going to take a little detour from the book today and add in something that God brought to my attention. It follows the lesson from yesterday about "Relationships". I have a strong personality and I readily admit I can come off as bossy. I don't mean to be, but I sometimes can appear to be. I'm a real "matter of fact" type person today after years of being wishy-washy, so I tend to say what I think.(in love, of course) I always try to preface anything I say by being upfront in describing myself as one who has been there and have the T-Shirt to prove it. I'll let you read this passage of scripture and then we'll talk.

Luke 6:41-42
41"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.


Luke 6:37-39
Judging Others
37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 39He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?


I was just minding my business, putting in my contact lenses this morning when wham, this verse hit me between the eyes.

In regard to relationships, how many of us, especially when it comes to our spouse's personalities or habits, have a laundry list of things that we'd like them to be working on? ...Hmmmm?... It's so easy to see fault in everyone else when for some reason we don't see fault in ourselves. I'm modeling my T-Shirt now...ya like it? 

Let's look at that first scripture that talks about the sawdust that we are trying to remove from our "brother's" eye. The comparison is amazing. A piece of sawdust verses a piece of lumber. How can we even see clearly to help someone else when we have a monstrous obstruction in our own life. This goes back to the concept of getting our relationship right with God first, before we start trying to work on relationships with others.

Finger pointing and accusations can start flying in a relationship so easily. I have found that really the Lord is interested in working on me, then He promises to do the same for everyone else. I can allow God and the Holy Spirit to show me the route to change, then get busy following it. Then I can pray for my husband, friend, relative, child or business partner. I can talk with them, pray with them, encourage them, even study the Word with them, but I don't need to "judge them". That's up to God.

Judging, condemnation, and unforgiveness; those three things can wreck any marriage or relationship. Then it says "give, and it will be given back to you". I always thought of that in terms of money. But what about "time, energy, love, companionship, help, encouragement, kindness, compassion, etc.? Today, I'm thinking that if I give my love, I will get love spilling over. If I give my time and energy to someone, someone else will give their time and energy to me when I need it. See what I mean? If we could take the criticism and complaints, turn them over to God, then be ready to "give" how much better would our relationships be?

Let's look on the inside, let God have control of our hearts, submit ourselves unto God, then let Him show us the best way to be "in relationship".

I guess this is a pretty timely message for Valentine's Day, whadaya think?

LOVE,

Debra

  

Don't worry, be happy...

Sounds easy enough.

My husband has a pretty dry sense of humor, but he can be extremely funny in an annoying sort of way at times. When the girls were growing up he used to sing funny songs to them. It irritated them and made them laugh at the same time. It would help them forget their problems. His favorite tune was "Well, it's a good day from morning to night..." Anyone remember that little diddy? It is forever burned in my memory!

In the course of our lives we worry and fret. We worry over our children, our families, our spouses, our finances (especially now), our health, our relationships. The list can go on and on. We are worriers, especially us gals. We're moms "in charge of the family" and because of that we get in a place of misunderstanding concern and care for our children, loved ones, and circumstances with "worry". I know. I've been one of those people.


Version: NAS

Matthew 6:25-33

25. "For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, [as to] what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, [as to] what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? 26. "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and [yet] your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27. "And which of you by being anxious can add a [single] cubit to his life's span? 28. "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29. yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. 30. "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is [alive] today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much more [do so for] you, O men of little faith? 31. "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' 32. "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
 
 
This last verse is the key here. Seek God first and then He can give us the things we need.
 
 
Version: NAS
Philippians 4:4-7

4. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5. Let your forbearing [spirit] be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
 
The following is our foundation scripture.

NAS version
John 15:9-17

9. "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and [that] your joy may be made full. 12. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14. "You are My friends, if you do what I command you. 15. "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. 17. "This I command you, that you love one another.
 
Wonderful scriptures, but how many of us are still worrying? We look at the scripture and read it and say. Well yes, that SOUNDS good, but how do we actually do it?
 
Version: NAS

1 Peter 5:7
7."...casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you."
 
Here's where the answer lies.  Let's see what the dictionary says about the word "cast".
 
"to throw, deliberately and forcefully, toss, pitch, fling and hurl."
 
Remember when Jesus met the disciples they were fishing. They used nets back then to gather the fish, I guess much like today. But they did it by hand. Now we all know that if you are going to throw out a net, that you better have some force behind it otherwise it won't get where it needs to go. Use this visual. Take all your worries and anxieties and literally "throw" them to Jesus. He will catch them for you.
 
I once heard the analogy of "worry" to the thought of having car problems. You can have a car problem all day, but it won't get fixed until you take it to the mechanic. Get the correlation? As long as we are hanging onto our problems and clutching our worries, frustrations and fears, they will never get into Jesus capable hands. After all He promises to take care of our needs.
 
This following scripture is for me today. Anyone else need it?
 
Version: NAS

Matthew 4:23-25

23. And [Jesus] was going about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. 24. And the news about Him went out into all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, taken with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. 25. And great multitudes followed Him from Galilee and Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and [from] beyond the Jordan.
 
Jesus is willing and waiting. He's right there asking you to let Him take your burdens. Remember, He loves you and He's your best friend. He wants you to cast your troubles on Him. He's ready. How about you?
 

Ready...set...GO!

 

Debra

I have an update and it concerns Melanie and Andrew, found on the side bar. Many of you have read and prayed for them and kept track of Andrew and his illness. I just read today in Melanie's latest post that he is now with Jesus. My heart is breaking for them as I have communicated with Melanie many times via email. I am deeply grieving over this, but I am still trusting God, as is Melanie.

I know God had me post my last post, without this knowledge. But now in light of this situation I want to say that it is not meant to be light or without great love for those who are suffering right now. My love and prayers are with Melanie for her and her family.

...just a little help from our friends

You wouldn't know it from my blog, but I'm really sort of a loner. Not lonely, but a "loner". I'm the kind of person that is happy to be by myself. I enjoy a good book, working on a project, staying home. If I need to shop, generally I'm on my own. Oh, I love shopping with my daughters when they are around, and I love a good flea market adventure. I have friends and I so enjoy their company, but I'm not a person that needs to be constantly busy with other people. I love going out to lunch and finding common interests with others but it's not a daily "have to" sort of thing. I'm comfortable with who I am. I'm content.

I have discussed this with several of my bloggy gal pals recently. I think blogging helps us to communicate and share our hearts. Face it, if you have 50 friends calling you every day, begging for you to go shopping, needing your decor advice, needing a lunch partner, you probably aren't one of us who finds great satisfaction in blogging. Can you relate?

When I started my other blog, Common Ground, I was amazed with the number of Christian women I was coming in contact with. There were so many of us out there, and I sensed, like in myself, many were not currently in a "fellowship" of any kind. OK, many were in "church", but didn't have a place where they could be around like minded women (and men for that matter). I've been in church many times where I felt totally and completely "alone".

In starting this Bible Study blog I wanted a place where we could come together and talk, study God's Word, share our hearts, maybe have a laugh along the way, ask for prayer, and generally know it was a safe place to communicate. And thanks to all of you who leave a comment, I feel we are getting there. So I DO encourage everyone that reads this, to just leave a comment, say what's on your heart, throw out an idea or to just let us know you are there. Just leave a comment that says "Hey, I'm here and I'm reading with you." That would be awesome. If each one of you just raised your hand and said "Here"!

We need you. If you read the comments you will find great testimonies, communication, questions, answers, but above all you will find "fellowship"; you will find others who may be going through the same things you are going through. You will hear God speak to you through other people and you will find huge blessings just waiting to be enjoyed. I know I do.

Having said all this brings me to this point, we cannot be "alone" in our faith. We need other people around us. We need friends who will be there for us to lift us up in prayer and to run thoughts and ideas by. How many times recently have I been in the middle of a conversation when "kaboom" God hits me with a totally new thought. He does things like that. We need to be happy and content with ourselves and Jesus, but wow, sometimes we need a friend or friends to see us through.

Moses, Aaron and Hur watching the battle.

Version: NAS

Exodus 17:10-13

10. And Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 12. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. 13. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Let's link arms and hold each other up. Let's listen to one another, talk to one another, bless one another. Let's above all pray for one another, and then let's be vulnerable with one another.  Let's be "friends" in God's true sense of the word. Let's find "victory" in the battle, with our friends.

Below is the scripture that I want to use as a foundation for what is coming next. Jesus calls us His "friends". What kind of wonderful news is that?!!

Foundational Scripture
Version: NAS

John 15:9-17

9. "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. 10. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love. 11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and [that] your joy may be made full. 12. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. 14. "You are My friends, if you do what I command you. 15. "No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16. "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you. 17. "This I command you, that you love one another".

 I'll leave you with that for now. Verse 12 says it all; that we would love one another, just as Jesus loves us.

I'm so thankful that when I call you friend, when we call each other "friends", there is more to it than just being acquaintances. I'm looking for "friends in Jesus", how about you?

Love in Jesus,

Debra