Just "Do it"!

I remember many years ago when we were in a large church, our girls were young, still at home. We loved this church and it was the center of our lives; family, friends, and social activities included. We loved our pastor and the church; things were great. Then his sermons started becoming "weird". Each week they were judgmental and "fingerpointing". Full of condemnation and talk of God's punishment. Sunday morning in the sanctuary took on a dark, depressive and ominous vibe. It felt like the same sermon over and over, just in a new black package. "What's going on?" we all wondered, and in the meantime he started crumbling...

Fast forward 15 years...

Our older daughter started smoking when she went away to college. I know so many kids do. She started a habit she wasn't happy with, but enjoyed smoking. She knew God wanted her to stop but never actively pursued  the "doing it" part. She spoke to me about it several times and of course I encouraged her to stop. This was before my heart attacks and all of us knowing what kind of hereditary problems lay ahead. Week after week she'd mention it in her phone calls home. "What are you doing to stop?" I asked. "Nothing" she would say. Then one day she called me and said that each time she tried to pray or read her Bible that this stop smoking thing would come up again and she was tired of it. She wanted to speak to God about other matters, but there was a wall there in her prayer time, and she couldn't get past it.

God has been speaking to me for awhile about some of the vast number of medications that I've been taking. When you have cardiovascular disease then the doctors want to throw the whole medicine cabinet at you. Know what I'm saying? this and this, and oh yeah, better take this too. During the summer if you remember, I had to go on a lot more meds because of some sort of something that happened. Anyway, I found myself taking huge amounts of all kinds of stuff...hated it.

I've been better the last month or so and God has told me over and over, "Stop taking this". Then the fear factor set in. I wouldn't do it. I trusted God for my health, but still was hanging on. (These aren't the regular medications for my situation, but above and beyond with dosages that were scary.) Oh yeah, and have I mentioned that I have had some kind of full body rash going on that isn't contact dermatitis. yep, it was getting worse and worse.

OK, so then back in October we went to St. Louis for a long weekend. Well, guess what happened. I accidently left my medications at home. I made it fine, but then when I got home, started back on all the extras despite my knowing God was saying, "You don't need these anymore. Stop taking them." This is all that I was hearing. Each and every time I started to pray or read my Bible it was about these extra medications. I tried to dismiss it...didn't happen.

So then about 3 weeks ago I caught a cold and the rash stepped up into high gear. I got off  the extra medications because I knew I better start listening to what God was saying to me. Sometimes we forget that He sees the "big picture". He may be saying something needs to change because He sees down the road to what's coming. He wants what's best for us. He wants us to avoid something that might be coming if we don't listen. He gives us opportunity to let Him help us change. It's called "conviction". 

Why am I sharing all this? Because God has been insistent that I be transparent here in this blog. He wants me to share what's happening so that it might help someone else.

Is God speaking to you about something that needs to happen or change, and you've been dragging your feet? Has it gotten to the point that you feel the pressure of that decision constantly and either are afraid or reluctant? I'm telling you now that you will have to deal with it. Open up your heart and spirit and let God speak to you about what He's asking you to do. It may be a small thing, like giving up dessert, or maybe it's bigger, but whatever it is, let Him lead you into the change. He can do it, give Him control. He will walk you through whatever it is. He knows the future and the things He calls us to do are for a purpose.

The pastor in the first part of this post...? He was having an affair and God was asking him to stop and ask forgiveness. He didn't, and within a few horrible months the church was torn apart and He lost his ministry. His life went down in flames. We were not there to witness it, God had pulled us out.

My daughter finally gave God permission to help her stop smoking and she did. She and her husband no longer smoke. It wasn't particularly easy, but God gave them the grace and help they needed, to do it.

And  me? I had some blood tests taken last week, we'll see what's going on. I know that God knows. I'll keep you informed.


Ephesians 5:17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.


James 1:22-25New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²² But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.²³ For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his^[a]natural face in a mirror; ²⁴ for once he has looked at himself and gone away, ^[b]he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. ²⁵ But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but^[c]an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in ^[d]what he does.

       Love in Jesus,

the daily walk

I just love it when God blesses you while you're walking your daily path. It just let's you know you're in the right place and His right timing. It shows He's interested in what we're doing in our daily lives.

Yesterday afternoon, I was at my friend Debra's Fall Open House at Inspirational Home, taking photos for my blog when someone said "hello" to me. I didn't think I had met her, so I walked over and asked if we'd met before. She at first from a distance thought I was the other Debra who owned the store, but when we started talking she realized that I wasn't. She is new to our town, from California, and didn't know many people. I mentioned that I had a blog and she stopped me saying, that she read my blog and knew who I was. She continued telling me that she'd been reading this blog also, and that God had put me on her heart to pray for. Talk about a God moment! What a blessing! We chatted for quite awhile, exchanged cards with phone numbers and email, then we had to have a hug, because it was so evident that this had been a God "setup"!

I used to be so intense when it came to seeking God's will; wanting to know what lies ahead, how to plan, having the future laid out...know what I mean? This last several years I've just asked God to not let me make mistakes in His plan for my life and to make sure I'm doing and being in the place I need to be.

How wonderful to have confirmation in the little things, knowing that each day if I follow God, seeking Him, He makes sure I'm on the path...you just never know who'll you'll meet!

love in Jesus,

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

God Can Change Our Plan

Paul is giving his personal history to the Galatians once more. He's reminding them of what had happened to him on the road to Damascus, and what took place after that. Let's look at not only the details of that experience, but what happened shortly after to see how it positioned him to be used by God.

Galatians 1:16-24

16. to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17. nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. 18. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, (Peter) and stayed with him fifteen days. 19. But I did not see any other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. 20. (Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.) 21. Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22. And I was [still] unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23. but only, they kept hearing, "He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy." 24. And they were glorifying God because of me.

Let's take a good look at these words in bold print. After Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus he was "sent by God" into the city and waited there for God's instruction. To understand Galatians, we need to also look at the Book of Acts for the "backstory" of Paul. Let's read the following to get a clear view of what happened to "Saul" as he was nearing Damascus, intent on persecuting Christians there.


Acts 9: 3-9


3. And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4. and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5. And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And He [said], "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6. but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do." 7. And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. 8. And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

 My first thought here is that it was not only "Paul" who experienced this flash of light and hearing of the voice of God. It says that those traveling with him also experienced it and that they also heard God's voice. I imagine that it was necessary for the others in the entourage to hear God so that they would be able to assist him in getting to where God wanted him to go. A big change of plans and Paul would need the help and support of those with him. I wonder if the others experienced the same kind of radical salvation as Paul, or were they just terrified? How could you experience this sort of thing and not be changed?

Let's see what God has to say to Paul. He asks him a question. Paul, why are you persecuting me? So often God has a way of getting our attention, that comes in the form of a question. Is God asking something of you right now? Has your life been "interrupted" by God, with something you didn't foresee? Has He asked you to change your plans? Trading our agenda for God's is not always easy. We may not be "persecuting" the Gospel, but are we doing something for God that is part of His plan, and not our own?

Mighty Paul the persecutor of the church was reduced to a blind man, completely helpless and in need of assistance. God told him what to do and even though I'm sure it was difficult in the fact that he was out to get the Christians there, he obeyed the Lord's voice and did as he was told. Being vulnerable and without our own agenda is often times where God will call us to be. That's a place where He has our attention.


Don't you imagine that Paul was fearful of both sides? Jews because he had turned traitor, and Christians because he was now vulnerable? What would happen when the news got out? And out it would be. I'm sure many were wondering what had happened to this persecutor of the Church, was it for real or a hoax; a plot to lure them in by disclosing themselves to this murderer? I'm sure Paul himself had a million questions to ask God.

As Paul was waiting in Damascus blind and helpless, God was also speaking to a Christian in the same city. God was laying out a plan for him to follow also. Both parties were willing and available to hear God, and to be obedient. And isn't that what God asks of all of us? Availability and willingness, to not only hear God speak, but to then follow through even though it might make us feel vulnerable and require a change in our thinking.


Paul stayed in Damascus and in Syria for three years. It was a time of isolation and complete dependence on God. Three years that Paul listened to the voice of God, alone. No other outside influences, no apostles, no other agenda. By himself...alone with God. Sometimes that's where God calls us to be; alone with just Him. Paul had to be prepared for ministry, and even though it might have been the logical thing for him to go back to Jerusalem and be in the midst of the apostles, comforted and protected; he trusted God, listened to Him, studied under the Holy Spirit, and did things God's way.


This isolation is important to understand because Paul's ministry would come under fire from every direction. Who taught him? Who did he study under? Did the apostles approve and endorse him? Important questions that would be asked once Paul came on the scene. It was critical and of most value for Paul to remain in isolation so that it would be clear that he received his "revelation" not from any man, but from Jesus Himself. Paul was an apostle. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, and so now Paul would be with Jesus for three years. Interesting.


Is God preparing you for something? Let Him be the leader and director. He may ask you to be with Him more often, you may feel a calling and desire for more prayer and/or Bible Study. Follow the lead of the Lord, don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Trust Him, he will protect you. He may have a big plan in store.


love in Jesus,
Debra

Personal Revelation

We know God has laid out His plans for the Gospel and Eternity, but does He still speak to us, personally? Does He care about us as an individual who needs a personal "word" from the Holy Spirit? We're still looking at Saul/Paul's conversion and how he heard God speak to him.


Galatians 1: 11-17
11. For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but [I received it] through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13. For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure, and tried to destroy it; 14. and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15. But when He who had set me apart, [even] from my mother's womb, and called me through His grace, was pleased 16. to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17. nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.

In verse 11 there is a key phrase I want to look at. "received through a revelation of Jesus Christ". We know Paul aka "Saul" of Tarsus, was a zealous persecutor of Christians. He was a young rabbi taught under the tutelage of Gamaliel, a famous Jewish teacher in the first century. As I mentioned last week, Saul was fast making a name for himself that was causing him to rise up in the Jewish leadership. He was the "hands on" man for persecuting and killing Christians.
 
The word "revelation" in the Greek is apokalypto which means to disclose, unveil, uncover. And has the sense of restoring or curing. We are familiar with the word, "apokalypse" which comes from this Greek word, referring in our culture today as end time events or something of cataclysmic change and importance.
 

Saul had been on a mission to kill Christians in the city of Damascus, Syria, which is north of Israel and Jerusalem. For an in depth personal account of his experience read Acts 9 :1-19. Paul makes it clear that he did not receive his revelation from any man; not from the Jews, and not from the Christians. The Jews were trying to wipe out the Christians, and the Christians were afraid of Saul so they had nothing to do with him. His revelation came from Jesus Christ himself.


And what is this "revelation" that Paul is talking about? Something that had been hidden, a "mystery" not understood or yet uncovered for the Jews to know. Plain and simple, the message of Jesus Christ; that salvation was not just for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles, (everyone else). That revelation rocked the world of the Jewish people and they did not, nor have they yet, received it. Throughout the Old Testament there are indicators and prophecies of the "Savior" who would be coming. But the Jews had a concept of who they wanted that savior to be, and he didn't look anything like Jesus of Nazareth.

Do we feel like "revelation" is just for the OT and the early New Testament times? Well, some denominations would believe and say so. But God is still God, and even though there might not be the same type of revelations, we all still need to have Jesus "reveal" Himself to us personally. Maybe we haven't led a life as counter-productive to the cause of Christ that Saul had lived, but we all need salvation and to know our Savior on a personal one-on-one way.


In verse 15 of Galatians, chapter 1, Paul talks about God setting him apart from birth, and calling him by His Grace. In Jeremiah 1: 5-10 the OT prophet Jeremiah recalls his own calling, evidently at a young age. Take time to read this passage sometime this week. You will be blessed by it and maybe feel a tug at your own heart.


I remember about 11 years ago, (not well read in the Bible, or having studied alot) I came across these words in Jeremiah 1:5, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." I remember it clearly because I was on a quest for personal revelation from God. I needed to hear from Him, personally. I was setting at the kitchen table, Bible on my lap. I read those words and an electric spark went through me. God was speaking. He was talking to me. insignificant me. Those words touched me so powerfully. I had heard them before...for many years. They had lived in a hidden place in my soul and spirit. A place that sometimes seems unreachable, yet we know it's there. A place where our spirit communicates with the Holy Spirit. Those words had been hidden there, until that moment when God "revealed" Himself to me personally for my own life.


There are many many people in the world today, that believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and Savior, yet they have not had a "personal revelation" of who He is. I'm encouraging you and me both, to seek personal revelation from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, the Bible. (they need to go hand in hand) He will send it to you. Do you have problems in your daily life?...children, spouse, health, relationships, finances, unsaved loved ones? God is waiting to personally reveal Himself to you in these areas. It's something I need to remember too; seeking Jesus for personal revelation of His will for my life. Trust Him. He's ready to communicate.

This is where I will strongly reiterate the need for daily Bible study. When we put ourselves before God; Bible open, He sees our willingness and availability to hear from Him. If you aren't reading your Bible it's harder to get to that place. Not impossible, because people find Jesus everyday that have never picked up a Bible. But to receive instruction and personal guidance from God we need to be in His Word.


Paul is a huge example of how "suddenly" God can step in and change our lives...and our destiny. Don't give up on the possibility of "suddenlies" in your spiritual life.


love in Jesus,
Debra

Who do we please?

What a mouthful Paul spoke when he asked the question "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?" How do we know if our motives are God-centered or man-centered? Knowing the difference can make a huge impact on our everyday life and the ultimate fulfillment of our purpose.

Version: NAS

Galatians 1:10
For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

One of the main concepts of this verse, other than who we are seeking approval from, is the idea of the term "bond-servant". This has more of the concept of a person who is "indebted" or "obliged" to someone else, and not so much as "ownership" by someone else. In Bible times people might have a debt of property that needed to be paid off and so they would contract themselves to another for a period of time to pay off that debt. In today's ideas many of us would be bond-servants of the mortgage company, Sears, and Macy's. (Just a little humor here!) But in those days, not only were you indebted, but it was a personal relationship and often one with gratitude and affinity attached.

So do we stop and examine our motive in situations and relationships?. Are we God-Pleasers or Man-Pleasers? How often do we take something on because we have a need for approval of other people? I know I've been guilty of this, as most of us have been at one time or another. I really care about other people's opinion of me, sometimes more than I should. As I've matured and gotten older I've learned the value of balancing this need. If we are always doing things for the approval of others we can soon find ourselves hurt and disappointed... and exhausted.

Taking things to God in prayer has really helped me sort out a lot of this. Knowing what God's will is and His plan can save us a lot of confusion. I've mentioned this before, but it's a key in my life. Don't do things on a whim; ask for God's approval and direction.

In Paul's case, before his conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus to kill and imprison believers, he truly felt he was doing "God's will". Unfortunately he was wrong. What may appear as the right thing to do, our sincerity, and enthusiasm, aren't always good indicators of the will of God. Neither are they an indicator of God's approval. As a Jew, and a Pharisee, highly educated and wealthy, Paul was gung-ho on putting an end to all these traitors to the Jewish faith. It was his personal mission to get rid of and/or persecute as many of these "Christians" as he possibly could. Paul was gaining the approval of the Jewish councils and higher-ups. He was a young man on the rise and making a pretty big name for himself. You want to get rid of some pesky Christians? Who ya gonna call? Paul, known at that time, as Saul. He was at the stoning of Stephen and and in full approval of that dreadful decision. Acts 7:54-8:3

When God first called me, He had me "out-there" in the founding of a church start. It wasn't particularly easy being a woman in the landscape of ministry in the denomination I was in. Let's face it, it was like walking on eggshells of ego, the buddy system, and the "traditions of men". The dominant word here being "men". There was a phrase jokingly put, that coming to the alter to pray or confess, was the closest any woman would ever get to the pulpit. Sad but true.

They all liked what God was saying through me as long as it wasn't rocking their boat. I could keep my spot in the semi inner circle of this small church start, as long as I agreed with everything they said and did. In the natural I wanted to be accepted because I knew God was moving mightily in the midst of our congregation and He had some powerful things to do there. What initially had started out completely Spirit-led soon disintegrated into the man-made rule book way of doing things.

Well, I guess you can catch my drift. No matter how much I wanted to stay in good standing with the "group" there, God was asking me to stay true to Him; not any one person or denominational "handbook". I didn't last long there as I couldn't go along with it, so my husband and I excused ourselves.


Version: RSV

2 Corinthians 5:9-10
9. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.(God) 10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive good or evil, according to what he has done in the body.

God has a way of asking us to do things at times that goes against the grain of "mainstream" religion. He's not particularly worried about what others might think of us. I'm not talking about rudeness, or craziness, or "show-offy-ness". (my own word here). I'm talking about following the Holy Spirit in our words and actions. Being true to what God is asking and saying, and not bowing down to pressure...not following the crowd to gain the approval of others. Ultimately, on Judgement Day, we will have to give an account of what we have done here on Earth; good or bad, lasting or inconsequential, God directed or man directed.
God once showed me a little mental picture (a small vision, if you will) of the "reserved seating" pews that we find in many church sanctuaries. It's usually up close to the front, to one side, for visiting speakers or clergy. He said to me, "This is where they want me to sit."  They didn't want Him to be front and center; in charge of the service, but just to take His place to sit and not say anything until called upon. Just visiting.

I don't know about you, but I don't want Jesus to be in the "just visiting section" in my life. I want Him fully in charge, directing my life, and in control. And to get that I need to be a bond-servant. Grateful and indebted to Jesus for my salvation AND my life.

Seeking God's approval over man's. You'll never be able to please everyone, so better to just try and please God. He'll let you know if you just ask.

love, in Jesus,
Debra

My Life Verses; Romans 12:1-2

Maybe you haven't really considered any certain verse your "Life verse(s)", but I imagine you have one; one that you go back to over and over, one that brings you peace and comfort, one that energizes you, one that makes you know God loves you and that you can trust Him.


Romans 12:1-2


1.Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual act of service (worship).


2.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Have you ever just been reading along in the Bible when a certain verse, or word, or paragraph just jumps off the page and hits you in the head? It grabs ahold of you and you of it? I think that most of us can relate to that, and we know that it is the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He speaks to us in many ways, and this is one that we can rely on to be a guiding factor; speaking to us from the scriptures.

Many of us, me included, really desire the leading of God in our life. We want to hear from God and know His will for our life, yet unfortunately we don't spend enough time in the Word to allow the Holy Spirit to do that for us. Being in the place of readiness to listen with our hearts and minds open, is essential to our receiving the guidance we hope for.

                                   

Many, many years ago, (did I say many?) in a study I was participating in by Kay Arthur, these verses hit home. God spoke to me about being willing to let Him transform my life. And in order to transform my life, the transformation of my mind must come first. My thoughts and viewpoints needed to be taken out of the natural world and made to be like the thoughts and viewpoints of Jesus. Anyone can do things the way the world does it. We see it everyday in the news, on TV, in the movies, and in literature. But to do things Jesus' way takes Him being the leader and author of our lives. Not just giving Him a "nod", but truly submitting our lives to Christ.

Romans 12:1 talks about our "spiritual act of service". Have you ever wondered what that means? I did. I had read it my whole life and never really grasped the importance of that one little phrase. "Spiritual act of service." Being a citizen of our country we have certain "acts of service" that many of us have paid. Being a member of the military, the privilege of voting, community service, reverence to our flag, honoring our leadership, even if you don't agree, these are just to name a few.  These are all acts of service or "allegiance" to our country. And just like these in the natural world, we show service and honor to our Lord in the same way. We give Him our allegiance and part of that is by being available to Him for His thoughts, ideas, and guidance. Like any ruler, or king, or Father of a family, we give service to God as His child. We need to be willing to go to work for God. Serving God, in whatever way He call us is an act of  "worship".

And have we really contemplated the word "sacrifice"? Not really a word that we want to think about. It brings up all kinds of uncomfortable notions. The Oxford dictionary says, "a voluntary giving up of something valued", surrendering a position, an offering, yielding. To me this speaks of letting go of my "headship" of my own life, letting God take over, yielding to Him in all things and offering myself up to Him for His purposes.

We may not always understand God's "will" for our lives, but if we trust Him, we can know that His will is acceptable, pleasing and perfect.

Is this an easy process? Not really. That was over twenty years ago and He's still working on me. Some things were harder for me to release than others. I guess this is just another term for "sanctification"...that long walk we have with Jesus. The walk where He speaks to us and leads us, changes our hearts, and holds us close no matter where we are walking. That Life-Long walk. You know, like the Potter and the Clay.

These two scriptures have been my "life scriptures". I have many that speak to me, but these two are the ones that God grabbed me with. They have not only changed my thinking...but my life.

Today I'm linking with Cindy from I Owe it All to Him. Please go visit the others who are sharing their favorite scripture verses. Join in if you like. We'd all love to hear your verses.

    

                                       

love in Jesus,

Debra

Finding Significance and Fulfillment

Well, it's been a week or so, and I've had good intentions to do this post, but every day something seemed to have me busy. Poor excuse, so here it is, the company has left, and I'm finally setting down with some peace and quiet. I want to cover the other seven areas of our "Personal Guidelines and Belief System" from the book study on Victory Over the Darkness. I discussed "Success" last post and talked about how my thinking on "success" has changed throughout my life. This post let's take look at significance and fulfillment in God's eyes.

2. Significance. Key Concept: Time


"Significance is a Time issue. What is forgotten in time is of little significance. What is remembered for eternity is of great significance."


Version: NAS
1 Corinthians 3:10-14


10. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man be careful how he builds upon it. 11. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13. each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is [to be] revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14. If any man's work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward.

How many of us are wives, moms, and grandmothers? Dads and husbands? Do we take care of our homes and families? Do we work outside the home? Do we get up everyday and hop on the hamster wheel and seemingly rarely get off? How many of us feel pretty insignificant in the "grand scheme of things"?  I know this concept of significance is similar to the previous one of success, but that is really the point. Taking the time to ponder our significance in life will eventually cause us to ask the age old question. "Am I a success?" and then, "Am I leading a successful and significant life?"


We've all heard the thought about lying on our deathbed and remembering the times with our family and children, and not the amount of money we made or the material "things" in life. When it all comes down to it, material things don't cut it; success and significance in our life have to come from inside our spirit. Our heart, mind and soul are the determining factors. The old saying of "whoever dies with the most toys wins" is a real joke.

The author, Neil Anderson, recalls a conversation he had with a young pastor who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. He had only been given a few months to live. The young man was greatly concerned about his "significance" in God's eyes and spoke of the fact that he had only led a few hundred people to the Lord. Neil reminded him that each of those people now have an eternity with Jesus. And that each one of those people were influencing others and so on and so on. What we may think of as insignificant, if it is done for God, then has lasting and eternal glory attached.

Version: NAS

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Success and significance are not measured in earthly terms. They are measured in spiritual. Fame is not equivalent to success or significance. How many people out there are famous for their lifestyle, fortune, or No 1. hits at the box office? How many people think they are living the dream when in reality when their time comes to meet Jesus face to face, they too late, will realize all their worldly fame and fortune cannot buy them the most important thing in eternity... the knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.


3. Fulfillment. Key Concept: Role Preference
 Fulfillment in life comes when we realize that God has a specific plan and calling for us; that He has a place where He desires each of us to be for a specific time and purpose. Then as we understand that purpose, fulfillment will come. If we understand our "significance" in life, then we can realize "fulfillment" in our life. And submitting our "goals" to God, will ultimately be the test of our success or failure. I believe the scripture that says "with Christ all things are possible". The key phrase just has to be "with Christ". Are your life plans and goals, "with Christ"? And are they in His proper timing?


1 Peter 4:10
As each one has received a [special] gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Seeking God for our giftings and plans and goals will make our life make more sense. I've learned that if I'm struggling with something, be it a project or desire or plan, I need to be sure that I've received direction and approval from God concerning it. That doesn't mean it will always be easy or a "piece of cake", but it will mean that you know deep in your heart that God is walking ahead of you through it.

God has a unique place and plan for each of us. Seeking Him for His plan for our life ensures that we will be successful and find the significance we are looking for. And we know that each of us is most precious in God's eyes. He loves us like His own Son. We're the apple of our Daddy's eye.

Love in Jesus,
Debra

God's Guidelines for our Walk of Faith: God's View of Success

I want to go back in the book-study today with Victory Over the Darkness. Remember the 8 areas of our life we talked about a few weeks ago? Success, Significance, Fulfillment, Satisfaction, Happiness, Fun, Security, and Peace. These eight areas are how we determine our core values. Let's think about how these can be lived out in our lives when we allow the Word of God to be applied to them.

I don't want this to feel like "Psychology 101", but I DO know how much taking these concepts apart and really thinking and praying about them has changed my whole life. If you'll let God speak to you about these areas, you may be surprised at what He might be trying to say and show to you about living your daily life.


2 Peter 1:3-10

3. seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in [your] moral excellence, knowledge; 6. and in [your] knowledge, self-control, and in [your] self-control, perseverance, and in [your] perseverance, godliness; 7. and in [your] godliness, brotherly kindness, and in [your] brotherly kindness, love. 8. For if these [qualities] are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9. For he who lacks these [qualities] is blind [or] short-sighted, having forgotten [his] purification from his former sins. 10. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble;
 
 
1. Success. Key concept: Goals

This has been a huge one for me, so I'll spend some time here with this one.

I never really had a lot of major life "goals" until about ten years ago. At that time, I had a radical season of God flooding my life. Baptised in the Holy Spirit. However you want to put it, my life drastically changed. He became the all consuming focus of my life. Ministry opportunities came about, miracles were happening, my life took on a whole new dimension in the Spiritual realm. I felt a huge tug and calling on my life and it looked like a personal "ministry" was developing. THEN...the dreaded heart attacks came along, and my life changed once more. After just a few weeks, I got back on my spiritual "feet" again, but because of my fragile health the momentum was lost. God's power was still in my life, I just wasn't out there "doing" things for Him in the same way I had been.

Some people said the devil had a victory in my life, or that I was somehow to blame for what happened with my health. That really hurt emotionally, because I had never been closer to God than I was at that specific time. I was not prideful or walking out of God's parameters. Life just "happened". God knew all along that this was waiting for me around the corner. Did He plan it? No, it just happened. God doesn't bring sickness or disease on His children, any more than WE would put sickness or disease on our OWN children. Is He with us as we walk through it? You KNOW it! He's right there with us.

For several years after I really was miserable. Praying and still wanting things to be the way they were before, but they weren't. I felt like I was literally banging my head on the floor in prayer. Why, oh why, had this happened? I had let God down, I was missing out on my life calling, etc. etc....

Then several years ago, I gradually came to the understanding that I needed to be grateful for my life, however it was that I was living it. I wasn't a failure in God's eyes and I shouldn't consider myself one in my own eyes. I was alive, I have my family, God is providing...I'm still walking in faith. Maybe it's not what I "envisioned", but it's where I am right now. God had given me a "watchman's anointing" to see what is coming. It hasn't changed. But in my personal life I can now get up everyday, be thankful, and ask to be doing God's will, whatever that may entail.

We might never be "famous", rich, or powerful. We might never get to Paris. We may not be riding the wave, so to speak, but if we look to God and let Him lead us EVERYDAY, then we will be doing what God is asking of us. And when you get down to it, isn't that what it's all about anyway? A personal relationship with Jesus Christ that honors Him in our daily life. Then He can use us. Use us in ways we never imagined...but we have to be willing to set aside our personal agenda, and live our lives as God truly has called us. everyday. amen.

I'm asking for your prayers for health, healing, and peace for Debbie and Danny York. We all know them as "Trash" and "Cat Daddy". Debbie reads this blog faithfully and I consider her a dear friend, soulmate, and Christian Sis. I've never met her, but I know her. CD has been in the hospital since Sunday with a staph infection. Please be in agreement with all of us that he will be well soon and that they will find peace and rest in God's hands.

Update on the prayer request: Cat Daddy is out of the hospital and doing well.
God stepped in and sounds like Danny's getting back to his ornery self!!
Thank you everyone for your prayers!

love,

Debra

What's "Faith" Got to do with it?

Tina Turner might ask the musical question "What's love got to do with it?" but Biblically speaking, Faith seems to be another aspect of the equation. What does "Faith" have to do with our life, walking in the Spirit, and most important, living a life that is responsive to God's will?

Version: NAS

Hebrews 11:1-3
1. Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2. For by it the men of old gained approval. 3. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is essential for our understanding about what "faith" really is. It chronicles many of the "heroes of faith" from the Old Testament. Take a few minutes and read it for yourself to get the full impact of this thing called faith.

In the beginning of this post I knew there were many things to be said about "having faith", "walking by faith", and "living by faith". This is a huge subject and we may be studying and talking about "faith" for the next week or so.

I want to start out by saying that faith is not a "four letter word" like so many people have unfortunately made it out to be. Once we start talking about "faith", it's possible that some people can get "riled up" and rightly so. The concept of faith has been bandied about by the best of them. Talking about faith can lead us down some pathways that I think are important for us to explore. So let's start out with what Faith is NOT:

Faith is not the "willing" of something to be so, nor is it "wishing" for something. Faith cannot be equated with the idea and concept of "wishing", nor using our "will" to get something accomplished. Do not get "faith" and these two confused. Wishing for something is not Biblically grounded and is something out of our head, not our spirit. Do not fall for the line that says "if you believe it you will receive it", unless it is truly something that God has placed in your spirit. Believing to win Publisher's Clearing House Mega Sweepstakes might be a great "idea", but God probably hasn't placed that thought and concept in your heart and spirit. Chances are, that comes from our "head".

Now, I'm not contradicting scripture here, but trying to give further explanation.

Matthew 21:22
"And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive."

Mark 11:22-24
22. And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God." 23. "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it shall be [granted] him. 24. "Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be [granted] you.

If you'll read these two verses carefully you will see there is a common word and phrase used in both, and that is "asking and believing in prayer". If God has put something in your heart to believe in, you will feel confident and comfortable asking for it in prayer. God will give you the "release" and conviction that it is right and permitted to pray for. Here is where we need to be being led by the Spirit. If it's something not from God, then ask Him to remove it from your prayers and mind. Let the Holy Spirit direct you in your prayer life.

An example from my own life has been in the area of buying and selling our homes. God would always start preparing me for a house move, often times months in advance. I have totally given over to Him the concept of where we live. There was a period of time that I really wanted to build a house. We looked for plans, decided on one, even had the lot on which to build, but it never materialized. In hindsight I know that it was a "dream" out of my head, but not something that God had placed in my heart and spirit. No matter how much I wanted it, it never happened. I couldn't will it or wish it into existence. I released it to God, with difficultly I might add, and after that, He was able to take us where He truly wanted us to be.

So in these next posts, we'll be talking and learning about many of the aspects of "faith". I'd love to hear some of your own experiences about this. Leave a comment if you feel the "nudge" of the Holy Spirit. We'd all love to hear them.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

3 Types of Man: the Natural Man

Monday we looked at some scripture that speaks about the Holy Spirit, who He is, and why He came. Living a life void of God's presence, represented by the Holy Spirit, will result in a life without power for change. Walking in the Spirit is marked by the fruit of the Spirit. A life in touch with God and directed by Him.

Paul talks about 3 types of people in the following scripture passage: the natural man, the spiritual man, and the "fleshly" man. Let's look at the three types of men and how they relate to the Holy Spirit. We will see the critical differences pertaining to spiritual life which exist between these three kinds of individuals.


1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3
14. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15. But he who is (a) spiritual (man) appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1Cor 3:1. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ. 2. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able [to receive it]. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3. for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?

Let's take a look at this diagram to get a little better understanding of what the Natural Man is like.

(click to enlarge)

Version: NAS

Ephesians 2:1-3
1. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2. in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

This is a pretty concise description of a person before salvation. They are spiritually dead and living a life apart from God. This person sins as a matter of fact. He has a soul of course in that he can think, have emotions and choose. His mind, will, and emotions are not directed by God, but by his own flesh, his "old man".

The Natural Man's spirit is dead, living apart from Jesus. He cannot fulfill the purpose for which God has placed him here on earth.

This person is independent of God, and if affects his will. This independence from God gives sin the opportunity to dwell in this person's body and mind. He may try to find purpose in life apart from God, but it will be futile and temporary. He may wander from "place to place" physically and emotionally without ever finding happiness and satisfaction in life. He makes wrong choices and decisions out of habit. He cannot get off the cycle of sin.

Toxic emotions take over this person, envy, bitterness, anxiety. Obsessive thoughts and fantasy life, strife, anger, immorality; anything that rules your life and controls your thinking. Inability to forgive, love, or have sympathy. These are all attributes of a person that does not know God. As believers we still have some of these traits, but hopefully they do not dominate our lives.

He has a body that because it is not directed by God can be completely dominated by illness and disease. Now I want to give my own opinion here out of experience. I've had to adjust my thinking and ideas about "health" and healing, from this book. I have some physical ailments, yet I walk by the Holy Spirit. Do they influence me, yes they do at times, but the difference is that they do not "dominate" me. You and I may have some physical issues but the key is to not let them "define" who you are. Now, I still believe in healing, but I am not healed yet. A controversy? No. Not for me.

There are many hard line Christians who say if you're sick, well then something is definitely wrong with your spiritual life. Sin can of course affect our physical life. It's in our attitude and trust in God. I may not be completely healed, but I'm believing that God is in control, and I'm moving forward. I'm not living in fear or dread or unbelief. I believe that God wants me well and that when His timing is perfect I will be walking in it. It's not black or white. "The Healing Doctrine" can be simple, yet at times it is multi-layered and personal.

It is clear that living a lifestyle that is controlled by stress, abuse, and neglect, a person can easily become ill and then later disease ridden. "Possessing peace of mind and the calm assurance of God's presence in our lives positively affects our physical health".

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.

If you are affected by illness or physical disease, do what I do; seek God for His healing touch and thank Him in advance, everyday, that you are getting better and better.

Next time we'll look at the "Spiritual Man"; how we relate to God, after being born again. Remember, if you have questions or comments we would all love to hear them. Just say "Hey!" and let us know you're here. Hope you're having a great week.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts and quotations taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)

Weekend Comments and a little more on the subject...

Hey Everyone!

Hope all of you have someone sweet to celebrate

Valentine's Day with,

even if it's your favorite pooch or kitty!

The main thing to remember is that Our Heavenly Father

has promised us all His love and affection,

so if you are without "human" affection

 with a spouse or loved one,

just know you are not alone, God is there!

I walk around with guilt alot of the time, over one thing or something else. I try to be diligent and do everything "well". Just know that I feel bad by not responding to each of you like I had in the past.  Each and every comment from you is so very important. Not just for me, but for everyone else out there. So just because I'm not personally responding on the comment form, please know that I read and pray over each one of you, thanking God that you are there, reading and responding to His gentle nudges. Please don't ever think your comment is not important, because it is.

I have to admit, that posting every day has been a little of a challenge for me. I know that you all don't get a chance to read every post. If it were up to me, which it isn't, I'd be posting a few times a week and giving you time to digest what is being said. As I said, I am not in charge here, God is. I know this is an exercise in commitment and study, not just for me, but for some of you as well. I know there are people out there that are reading this that need a life line, just like I do. So for some of you that are here, but never comment, I want you to understand that God is doing this for you just a much as for those that leave a comment regularly. I'd love to hear from some of you. I'd love to have that personal connection with you.

For those of you that read my other blog, Common Ground, you may have read where I will be moving into a larger flea market shop space next month. I had gotten to the place that I was "neutral" in this matter. I could let it all go if God so desired. But He saw fit to bless me with a "desire of my heart" and that is to stay involved in this junk business that I love, just a little longer. This has been part of my time "consumer" as of late. I know alot of you "professional junkers" spend way way more time involved in this than I could at this time. I've been home alot this last year, and now God is moving me "out" a little more. Just wanted to share some personal "stuff" here.

I love you all so much. Last week I was really feeling down, and you helped me realize there is a bigger purpose in this than to just sit down and write for an hour or so. I think there is a book or two in me and God is training me to be disciplined in the area of writing.

OK, enough of me. This last post was a little hard for me to put out there, because I know a few of you are personally dealing with some trying issues. Please don't think I'm being trite and condescending to your very real and difficult situations. You all are in my prayers. I know God is working in your lives.

* I removed a comment that I had made concerning Smith Wigglesworth as I realized this was written before I "checked the facts". I had written something that I heard someone else speak about. Good lesson here. I need to verify something before I write about it. I apologize to all of you, I will be aware of this in the future and not make a statement unless I have better researched a biography.

love,

Debra

Chapter 2, Forever Different

As Christians, many of us feel like the "first" Adam, camped outside the Garden of Eden with a sign around our neck that says "Failure". We know we have blown it and forfeited paradise. And like Adam, we repeat his mistakes over and over. Instead, we should see ourselves like the "last" Adam, Jesus Christ. We are not locked outside of God's presence, but are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.

Version: NAS

Ephesians 2:6
"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places],  in Christ Jesus..."

The difference between these two Adams in our history is profound. We need to make sure we are identifying with the right one. Jesus came as the "last Adam" to pay for our sins. The first Adam sinned and left the Garden to die spiritually. His "Zoe" life had been severed with God. Jesus' death on the cross made a bridge that united us with Father God once more. Our "zoe" life could be regained through Jesus Christ. The chasm that had been created relationally because of Adam's sin was bridged by Jesus.

Jesus Depended on God the Father

The first thing we notice about Jesus is that He was totally dependent upon Father God. Adam was dependent at first, but later decided to believe the lie of the enemy. Jesus spent His entire life and ministry totally trusting in and depending on His Father.

John 5:30
"I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 6:57
"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats (takes communion) Me, he also shall live because of Me.


John 8:42
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.

John 14:10
"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

Even after Jesus had been in the desert for 40 days and Satan came to Him to tempt Him to turn the stones into bread, Jesus said:

Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"

Basically Jesus was saying, "I may be hungry, and I have the power to do this, but I will put aside my physical desires and wants, and I will seek Father God for what He has to say in this matter. What God thinks is more important that what I might physically want or desire."

And as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and crucifixion, He placed His life and ministry in God's hands.

John 17:7-8
"Now they know that everything You have given me comes from You. For I gave them the words You gave me, and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You and they believed that You sent me."

Luke 22:42
saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."

Jesus modeled for us what it was like to totally depend on God the Father at all times. Even at times of great distress and grief, even when Jesus was clarifying God's will for the crucifixion, He put God the Father first. He depended on God for everything.

Jesus had an Uninterrupted Spiritual Life

Jesus was born physically and spiritually alive. His "Zoe" life had been there from His conception by the Holy Spirit. Even as a child, when Jesus went to Jerusalem with His parents for Passover, He knew His purpose.
 
Luke 2:46-49
46. And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48. And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49. And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's [house?]"

Unlike Adam, Jesus lived a sinless life. He did not forfeit like Adam through sin. Jesus was the only human to have been born without sin, and He lived His entire life, even to the cross without sin.

Luke 23:46
And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last.


Hebrews 4:14-16

 14. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin. 16. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

It's vitally important that we know the difference between Adam and Jesus. We strive to live a life like Jesus and conform to His image. No longer do we have to feel like an outsider or to live trapped in a life of mistakes and defeat. We need to realize that through Jesus death on the cross He has made new our ability to have "Zoe" life once more. Jesus has bridged the gap that sin had created.

Daily trusting in Jesus and seeking

that "zoe" spiritual life and awareness...,

Debra

(concepts taken from Chapter 2, "Forever Different")
 Victory Over the Darkness