Acts 2:17-18

"The Spirit of the Lord God is Upon Me"

2010-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

This verse below is what Jesus was all about...this is what we are all about...if you are walking in the Spirit of God and not in the spirit of the World! Btw, this is the first message Jesus brought to the temple (He quoted it in the Gospels).

What a mighty savior we have been given!!!!!!!!

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners; to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

(Do we see this? He brought Good news...to the afflicted...to the brokenhearted...to prisoners ...to those who mourn....to the fainting. Are we finding those ppl today? If not, ask God to send you to them and He WILL!) He will make you fishers of men....:)

Judgement Must Begin at the House of God

2010-06-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

For the time has come that judgement must begin at the House of God

1Pet.4:17

I get lots of emails and hear messages on the state of country; how we are no longer a Christian nation the emphasis is on “how terrible this is”. But let me ask the question; what is the state or condition of “church” in America? The Bible tells us that the “world and sinners will wax worse and worse” but what about us? I see affluent Christianity sitting by in her walled off church buildings and expensive homes living lives of luxury and pleasure, doing little or nothing with their lives for the cause of Christ.

Where is the love for Jesus? Where is the brokenness for the lost? Where is the compassion and mercy in our lives? Instead many Christians in their denominational molds, spend their time slamming each other’s beliefs, (so much for brotherly love). We not only don’t have time to win the lost to Christ but we don’t even have love for our brother, even though the Bible tells us to “BE our brothers keeper”.

I have been a Christian for 25 years now and I see American Christianity in her “lukewarm” state and I can see why the Bible says “He will spew her out of His mouth”. We are the ones who need to repent, “judgment must begin in the house of God”. We are the ones how are filled with lust for this world, for love of things, the pride of life, (for making a great name for ourselves all in the name of Christianity). We are the ones who take His name in vain and live our lives as hypocrites. We are the ones living in pleasure. Again, we are the one who need to repent! May the Lord open our eyes and wake us up to “OUR” condition!

2010-06-26T21:12:00.001-07:00

Paths to Ponder

We often think that if we have talent and money we can do a “work” for God. Sadly, it seems that many Christians (and ministries) are bogged down with their financial needs and miss the true work of ministry. Much of their time and effort are spent trying to make money to fuel the ministry that they say, “God, has called them to do”. If that were the case, and it was the Lord’s work, wouldn’t he supply the need?

George Mueller said, “God’s work done in God’s way shall never lack God’s supply”.

Also in the realm of talents, we often think we need to develop our talents. Nothing wrong with practicing and studying but I wonder if God could use us more if weren’t “so able”??? I really believe that God is able to make all grace abound in us, to reach this lost world. If our goal is truly to bring glory to him, (and not to use some ministry to elevate ourselves), then can we not trust him to provide all that we could ask or think? !!! As we step out and do the true work of ministry, which is evangelism, these things all seem to fall into place. 2Tim.4: 5 “But watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelists, make full proof of thy ministry”. Could it be that God is not waiting for our ability to generate money or talents but rather is He waiting for us to step out in faith and obedience; waiting on Him supply our every need to do His work?

Really, I wonder if it doesn’t boil down to our faith and obedience to him as we live our lives for the sake of the Gospel. Laying our lives down for him, even if it means poverty and reproach. After all, what do we have to lose if heaven is really our goal? Why should all these things matter so much?

In China, India and many other countries, we hear how the church is vibrant and alive with God’s presence and power. She lacks nothing in spiritual matters even though many would notice how financially poor she is and would even feel sorry for them; but I feel the opposite, as I hear the testimonies of God’s people. I envy what they have and wonder if we will ever have that here in America. We are so rich and because of it our hearts and minds are consumed with the things we want and the things we have. God help us!!!!

Most American Christians do not even have a clue how little spiritually we have compared to the other countries. Or will most even venture to compare the church today to her Biblical foundation as we read about it in the Book of Acts. Instead we often hear, “Oh, that was only for them in that day”. Think about it though, here were 120 folks who stayed together for what ended up being a 10 day prayer meeting, until they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Then those same folks God used to turn the world upside down. I wonder what would happen if we were humble enough to embark on such a task as seeking the Lord till we were filled with power from on high. Notice money was not what they were seeking but rather the King of kings and Lord of Lords. They knew He had what they needed and they were willing to seek and wait for it!!!! 2Chron. 7:14 “If my people who are called by name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. Notice it says, to turn from our wicked ways. Could our “love for money” be something we might want to consider as being in that category? As we read in 1 Tim. 6: 6-12. Verse 11-12 says, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold unto eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses”.

Time to reevaluate the path we are on…

We seem to have contentment for spiritual bareness but not for money.

We seem to be using all our time and strength to generate money for our so-called, overseers in our Christian institutions. We have become puppets for man-made ministries and are burdened down to the point where we can’t discern what is happening. Sadly, much talent remains hidden as all our time is being wasted on money-making tasks in this rat-race. It is no wonder that many of us have a sense of emptiness and even guilt over our Christian walk.

Also, another common activity which takes our time (and attention) away is the “party” mentality we have. There is a constant flow of invitations to this party or that, yet little effort is spent towards a real outreach for the lost world.

When I read about William Booth and how his mission was to go into every city and set up a tent or rent a building in the poorest part of town; then he would call for believers to come along side him to do a crusade type of a service which included singing, musicians and testimonies and prayer all seasoned with gospel message being proclaimed throughout the long services…I cannot possibly think of anything in the whole world I would rather do with my fellow believers then that. My heart longs for an invitation to be at that type of gathering. Just to even picture us…working side by side…doing what Jesus commissed us to do… “to preach the gospel”…

I am weeping and praying that God will get a hold of His Luke-warm Church and raise us up to do a work for him in each town and state in America, till we see His glory ruling over every ministry and Christian. Till the Holy Spirit reigns on our nation. Remember, God is not willing that anyone should perish! His heart is for His salvation to come into each and everyone who has breath. He died for this very reason!!!! May we make it our desire and our business to see this happen! Amen!!!! And amen!!!

Jayne Otterson

The Will of God

2009-02-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

"It is possible to evangelize the world in this generation, if the
Church will but do her duty. The trouble is not with the heathen. A
dead Church will prevent it, if it is prevented. Why should it not be
accomplished? God will have all men to be saved and come unto
the knowledge of the truth. The resources of the Church are
boundless. Let the will of the Church be brought into line with the
will of God, and nothing will be found to be impossible. May God
grant it!" - Griffith John

Our Desire

2006-12-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

Our desire is to lift up the name of Jesus and to encourage each other in the faith. We live in world of great darkness, where the multitudes mock Christianity and where the true believer is being tested on a daily basis. The enemy is working overtime to steal and destroy our faith in the Lord Jesus. The Bible says that in the last days there will be a great falling away, that even the elect will be deceived. So as we ponder these things we can see we have a great enemy to which we must war against. That is why we must fix our eyes on Jesus. He alone gives us hope for the future, both in this life and the next. This is why we are called to worship and to sing praises to our God. This is why we must shut out all of our cares of life and look to his Glory and power. We have no hope without it.
Our desire is to remain faithful even in the midst of trials and fear. In the midst of being mocked and reproached. And even as our eyes gaze upon this sin sick world we can say “He alone is worthy of all our praise; all our hope and blessing are found in Him. He is all-powerful and His loving kindness is ever present. No matter what, we can trust and rest in Him”. What peace we have in our great God and King, our father and friend, our redeemer!

The Bride of Christ

2006-09-08T21:33:00.000-07:00

Recently we attended a wedding where the bride was so radiant with joy and anticipation for this marriage that was about to take place. Oh the joyful bliss in her eyes...I just love to see that. Makes you think, wow this guy must really be something for her to be so happy. Anyway, the Lord seems to be reminding me of the need for “Joy” in every circumstance of my life, good times and bad time. As I have pondered these things it seems so obvious that this is the state of mind we should be in, as believers, especially before a lost world. We are the bride Christ and we too should be living with that same joy and anticipation for our groom to come and take us away. What a powerful testimony to others when our lives radiate that joy. Makes them wonder what we have and makes them want what we have. The Bible says, “ The Joy of the Lord is our strength”.

When I was first saved I was so overwhelmed with this sense of “Joy” like nothing I ever had before. My heart was so filled with gladness that my feet didn't seem to be touching this earth. As time went on though, I began to notice that very few believers had this sense of “Joy” in their own lives, even though they were steady members of the church. I was confused by that and could not figure out why the long faces. They had no praise on their lips, no testimonies to share and little desire to reach the lost. Then a couple of years later the Lord led us to a church that was filled with this sense of “Joy” and I knew that they had what I had, in regards to salvation. It was not just in their heads, sort of thing, but went deep into the depths of their souls. Because of it, the worship service was truly that... a worship service like nothing I had ever experienced. It was powerful and God presence was really felt. It was a revival atmosphere and many souls were saved on a weekly basis.

Since then, I have heard Christians who say, "Oh that is just emotionalism and not of God." Well, granted I do agree that maybe this might be an issue for some but it is something that is very real to a sincere soul who understands the mercy and grace of God in their life and knowing how undeserving they are. I think of Mary who wept at the feet of Jesus. Did Jesus rebuke her for being too emotional while she wept at His feet?

Oh what a great God we are blessed to know! Can we even comprehend His goodness? I just am amazed at His kindness, His mercy and His grace. It is hard to fathom how He would save a wretch like me but praise God He did!

My prayer is that the Joy of the Lord overflow in our lives in such a way that it will even penetrate those we come in contact with; even to bring the harden sinners heart to repentance and to all who do not have this relationship with Him, may it cause them to seek the Lord in a new and fresh way till that glory comes down...like Mary who worshipped (wept) at the feet of Jesus who is worthy of all our love and praise and thanksgiving.

Blessings of His grace,

Jayne

Acts 2:17-18

2006-07-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Acts 2:17-18

"OTHERS MAY: You CANNOT"
-by G. D. Watson.

If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful, may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes, of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit forHis coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious He may let others get credit for the work which you have done, and thus make YOUR REWARD TEN TIMES GREATER WHEN JESUS COMES.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your time, which other Christians never feel distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an Infinitely Sovereign Being, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to be His love slave, He will wrap you up in Jealous Love, and bestow upon you many blessings which come only to those who are in the inner circle.

Settle it forever, then that you are to DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE HOLYSPIRIT, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to use with others. Now, when you are so possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this PECULIAR, PERSONAL, PRIVATE, JEALOUS GUARDIANSHIP AND MANAGEMENTOF THE HOLY SPIRIT OVER YOUR LIFE, then you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.
_________________________________
(~SOURCE: Faith, Prayer, & Tract League:Tract #76; Grand Rapids, MI 49504)

A Shimmering Shower of White Pearls

2006-03-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

Author: Sally Y. Ross, March 1, 2001

As I sit here by the window sipping a cup of herbal tea and contemplating my future, my eyes are drawn to the cool beauty of the large plum tree that dominates our backyard. The branches, which are covered with a multitude of fragrant white blooms, sway playfully in the breeze. I smile, hoping that the appearance of so many flowers on the tree is a sign that there will be plenty of sweet juicy plums this year. Each time the b reeze touches the branches, flower petals are released and they drift lazily to the ground. Something in the scene so moves me that I feel compelled to put down my cup and rush outside to stand beneath the tree.

As I stand there with face uplifted and arms raised to the heavens my senses seem so vibrantly alive, and I breathe in the fragrant Spring air, which is filled with the sound of birds singing in the trees all around. The gentle breeze caresses my skin and I am enveloped in a cloud of flower petals, which like a shimmering shower of white pearls, drift slowly to the ground. Suddenly my heart is filled with incredible joy, and I am so thankful to be alive at this time and in this place, so thankful that I am a much loved, much blessed child of God. As tears flow down my cheeks the words written at James 1:17 come to mind:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

As I stood there basking in the warmth of God's love, it occurred to me that my Heavenly Father is like a mighty tree whose presence dominates all else. I thought about how His many attributes, such of love, joy, peace, mercy, patience, kindness, graciousness, gentleness, forgiveness, comfort, healing, loyalty, justice, and strength, to name a few, are like branches extending out into the heavens. It came to me that the flowers on each branch are like blessings, or "good gifts" from above. The Tree watches over us, and at the times in our lives when the breezes of change rustle the branches, Good determines the type of blessing that we need. And like a shimmering shower of white pearls, His "good gifts" and "perfect presents" abundantly flow down from the heavens to enrich the lives of each one of us.It also occurred to me that there are periods when trials and tribulations rage through our lives like a fierce winter storm, disturbing our peace and creating havoc in our spirit. At times like these our problems may cause us to question our faith and doubt whether God loves us or even hears our prayers for help. We may even come to feel that we are being tried, but as James 1:13 brings out,

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:” James 1:13

Instead, we should view our tribulations in a far different light. God loves us and He not only hears, He also answers our prayers. But we cannot come to him with doubt in our hearts. We must BELIEVE that the Tree exists and that it is there for us in our times of distress. God allows tribulations to enter our lives not as punishment but to teach us lessons, and to refine our faith. We must BELIEVE that whenever a nd wherever and however we need the Tree, the Tree will lovingly spread its branches over us. Once we have endured our tribulations and the lessons have been learned by means of our faith, the fierce storm clouds of adversity will gradually subside. And as the darkness in our lives and in our hearts gives way to the glorious light, the Tree causes it's branches to rustle, and we are abundantly showered with blessings, flowing down from the heavens like soft shimmering pearls.And all of this came to me on a beautiful Spring day as I stood beneath the Tree.

“But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.” - Psalm 5:11

Sherry and Jim Heard
Inspirational In Jesus

Who Should We Honor?

2006-03-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

Webster defines honor as:“High regard or great respect given.”

I see a trend across America and that is a subtle disrespect for the older folks and replacing it with a lifting up of the youth. Yet the blessing for the youth can only come from the older generation. If we want to reach our youth let us reach our old folks by showing them honor and respect the way God has taught us in His word. The Bible says,

“Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…” Jer.6

Just the fact that old folks are old-fashioned is the very thing that the youth need to learn, not the ways of the world!!! Let the older generation be heard!! Let the rest rise up and show honor and humility to those who have been in this world much longer, to those who have walked with the Lord through thick and thin, in good times and bad. This is wisdom that this generation needs to hear!

Sadly as the youth are exalted, contemporary music is filling the sanctuaries and out goes all the old hymns and the Gospel music that were sung with conviction and power. How contrary this is to scripture. May God give us eyes to see what Satan is so slyly doing to the church, how he is deceiving the hearts of the simple. May we as God’s people take a humble look at the condition we are in and realize that we lack the power that the earlier Christians had--even just 50 years ago things were so different. May we admit our failure to show honor to those who are older, to those who have wisdom that only can come with age. They just might be able to tell us what we are doing wrong and what we can do to change things around. Maybe then our unsaved neighbors and relatives would come to know this glorious salvation and the Lord would pour out His spirit on our land in a way we have not witnessed yet in our generation. If we would but humble ourselves, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble,”(James 4:6)

It is the older generation, which deserves our honor. They are the ones that the church should be seeking to reach. I have been in many churches where there are few, if any, older folks there. The leadership instead consists of the young men who have no one to answer to that is older. The young men in the Church have no one to go to for direction they need to raise their families and to rule their homes. This is also true for the women. Titus 2 teaches us of the importance of the aged being there to teach the younger. Oh, how we need our old folk!!!
This touches me in a personal way right now as I just lost both parents in less than a year’s time. What a great void I now feel and am realizing how much I took for granted. Even if our parents were not what we thought they should have been, God still worked through them to help shape and mold our lives. No one can say that he or she does not need their parents and yet I see this lack of honor growing very strong, even in the conservative circles. The Bible clearly says we are to honor our mother and father and by doing that, He will greatly bless our lives, our churches and our world.

Worship

2006-03-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

I have been blessed and challenged by a book I am reading. Here are some of my notes.

Quotes from A. W. Tozer in his book

WORSHIP: THE MISSING JEWEL

What is the chief end of man? That we might be worshipers of the Most High God.

Tozer describes real worship “to feel in the heart”. A person who merely goes through the form and doesn’t feel anything is not worshiping. Worship means to “express in some appropriate manner what you feel... And what will be expressed? “ A humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder.” It is delightful to worship God, but it is a humbling thing and the man who has not been humbled in the presence of God will never be a worshiper of God at all. He may be a church member who keeps the rules and obeys the discipline, and who tithes and goes to conference, but he’ll never be a worshiper unless he is deeply humbled. A humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe. There’s awesomeness about God, which is missing in our day altogether; there’s little sense of admiring awe in the Church of Christ these days.

God meant that a convert should learn to be a worshiper, and after that he can be a worker. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel.” Peter wanted to go at once but Christ said, “Don’t go yet. Wait till you be endued with power.” Power for service? Yes, but that is only half of it. The other nine-tenths are that the Holy Ghost may restore to us again the spirit of worship. Out of enraptured, admiring, adoring, worshipping souls, then God does His work. The work done by a worshiper will have eternity in it.

Is it possible to have religious experience and not be a worshipper? Yes, look at Cain. He had a religious experience, but God did not accept him. To worship acceptably, I repeat, is to be born anew by the Holy Ghost through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and have the Holy Spirit of Christ teach is to worship and enable us to worship.

The Picture of Love

2006-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Last night we saw a movie called "The Railway Children", (a DVD from the Menomonie library). We were very skeptical as to what kind of a movie this was as we seldom watch movies but we were very blessed by this one and wanted to share some thoughts with you.

The story is about a rich family who have 3 children. Two girls and then a boy, (so cute and innocent). The Dad somehow is framed for something he did not do and was taken to jail, then to prison. This left the family desolate and they end up selling and moving to a faraway home in another town. It is a big old country home with no maids and things that they were used to and the house even had rats. Anyway, the children never know what actually happened to their father until much later in the movie as the mother did not want to disgrace the father to them. She is a very loving wife and mother and her older daughter, who is very perceptive, can tell her mother is a broken women. So she has to be very strong and mature for her young age. (I really liked her part). Anyway, the children are always busy looking for adventure which they find as the needs of their home unfold. The challenges of trying to get coal to heat the house, then the mom gets very sick and needs the doctor which puts them in charge totally of not only each other but even of taking care of their sick mother. Well necessity is the mother of invention and they put their cute adorable heads together and find amazing ways to conquer all the problems that challenge their very existence. All through the show, this sort of thing occurs and it is so heartwarming to watch the many ways that they work together in their mission called survival. They even were involved with other situations where strangers were in need and they were able to rescue and help them as well. They always had a "mission" it seemed. But the main thing on their hearts was their father. Would he return? Would he remember them? The mother was even concerned about the children, would they forget their father. Anyway, deep in each of their hearts was the fathers return. That was their desire, their precious hope in life. In the meantime their hearts were knit together in their love and the mission that always lay before them.

Without giving any more details, I think you get the picture of what I am gleaning from this movie; of how this applies to us as Christians and the things we can learn from this story. The mother and children, each had one main love which united them to a sense of duty and a real mission in life. They were very dedicated to each other because of it. They were not fighting with each other, pointing out the others faults or shortcomings. There was no pride or ego to be nurtured but instead there was great love, compassion and humility amongst them, even when they dealt with outsiders who were not favorable to them and what they were doing. Instead, they end up winning the hearts of many people. All the while, the children were watchful of their mother and of each other, always caring for each other. Even when they happened upon someone who was in need, they all rallied around that person and rescued him out of all his troubles as it wasn't just themselves they were concerned with. Then in the end, because of their united front, were able to get their father out of prison and the show ends with his return. It was really a tear jerker for me. :-) Yet it wasn't till this morning that I could put this together in my mind as to why it touched my heart so. The longing that I have had in my heart for the unity and the love among believers has been a consuming passion since I first became a Christian. This same sense of commitment to the Lord, and to His body.

Growing in Grace

2006-02-22T05:49:00.000-08:00

From Charles Spurgeon

He who grows in grace remembers that he is but dust, and he therefore does not expect his fellow Christians to be anything more. He overlooks ten thousands of their faults because he knows his God overlooks twenty thousand in his own case. He does not expect perfection in the creature, and, therefore he is not dissapionted when he does not find it.

Proud People vs. Broken People

2005-10-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

Recording of Nancy Leigh DeMoss in 1995 – Campass Crusade:

Proud people focus on the failures of others, but broken people are overwhelmed with a sense of their own spiritual need.

Proud people are self-righteous. They have a critical, faultfinding spirit. They look at everyone else’s faults with a microscope, but their own with a telescope and they look down on others. But broken people are compassionate; they can forgive much because they know how much they’ve been forgiven. They think the best of others, and they esteem all others better than themselves.
Proud people have an independent, self-sufficient spirit, but broken people have a dependent spirit and recognize their need for others.

Proud people have to prove that they’re right, but broken people are willing to yield their right to be right.

Proud people claim rights and have a dependent spirit, but broken people yield their rights and have a meek spirit.

Proud people are self-protective of their time, their rights, and their reputation, but broken people are self-denying.

Proud people desire to be served, but broken people are motivated to serve others.

Proud people desire to be a success….

The Joy of the Lord (for wives)

2005-10-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

The Joy of the Lord is our strength. We have much grace and power in God when we maintain a joyful mood. The psalms tell us over and over again, to praise the Lord, to sing praise to God. The Bible speaks about the sacrifice of praise. What does that mean? I am amazed at the times when I am tempted to be discouraged and I instead resist those feelings and begin to sing, the peace and joy that slowly infills my heart is incredible. The fears and doubts slowly fall away and faith and hope are once again filling me with the Joy of the Lord.

Why is Joy so important? It is truly the key attitude that we as wives must do our best to maintain because our spirit affects so many lives. When a wife is joyful it makes her husband free and happy in his role as husband. Often we take on burdens and problems (that are not for us to carry) and we lose our joy. I really am finding that as I make it my "business" to be joyful, (in times of trouble) that the problems are always taken care of, somehow and some way. When we are joyful, we show the world around us that God really works but when we are sad and grumpy, we show them the opposite. If we were not happy in God, why would our children be? What hope will they have for their lives? This is so vital to our husbands and our children.

Sometimes we see some flaws that we think our husbands may have and we think it is our job to straighten them out. That is how we will most certainly lose our joy. Ann Ortland says, "It is not our job to make our husbands holy, but it is our job to make them happy." Wow, what a ministry we have! Life gets so busy with the babies and children and we lose sight of this sense of purpose and responsibility towards our husband. We often forget that scripture teaches us that we were created for the Man’s sake. It is when we forget that and lose sight of that, that we lose our joy. Why? Because we can not serve 2 masters!

Satan has many distractions for women (and we are the weaker vessel) so we must always evaluate who is in charge on a day to day basis. Is it our husbands, or maybe it is the children, or maybe the in-laws? Or maybe it is our church or religious system that we are following that has first place in our hearts. It could be even our friends. No matter who it is, there is no way that God can bless us if we are rebellious to our husbands, even if it is in a subtle way. The Bible says that our hearts are desperately wicked: we so easily deceive ourselves into thinking that our hearts are right towards our husbands, when in reality we may very well be rebelling against their authority. Let us be ever on our guard.

Where is the Church?

2005-10-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

"Where is there a Church?" For many years we have been pondering that question even though we were attending a church at the time. We had a deep sense that there was something amiss as we sat in a cozy church pew week after week as we realized that the many of those who were "in" the Church had no real heart for the Lord and His word. A "lukewarm" condition was how the church functioned. It was very grievous to see the strong influence it had on the body of Christ.

Well, for the next several years we began our pursuit to find the "real" church. After attending many we have found that the answer to the question in not really "where" but "who". You see the Church, as we read in the book of Acts, was not a "building" where people met but it was true believers who met together because of their deep love and dedication to Christ. It was not a religious system that they erected to ease their conscience but it was filled with "power" and life in the spirit. Jesus was Lord and it as was in His name that they met, not their own. The answer is that is was a "people’ who were called out from a life of sin to serve the living true God. A people who were not interested in doing their own thing but who were completely sold out to Jesus.

What has happened to God’s bride?
For she is dressed in her pride.
She once was pure white,
So loving and bright.

But she fell for another,
Now the world is her lover.
Her pleasures and play
Makes her too busy to pray.

She has riches to hold
In measures untold.
Oh, what a great sin
She has committed with-in.

What is True Salvation?

2005-10-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be "saved'? I've been pondering that question a lot lately especially after listening to Ray Comfort's message, "Hells Best Kept Secret". So many Christians seem to have the notion that they can somehow live the Christian life by making some "commitment" to God. A "commitment" to "now" live a more righteous life. If we could accomplish Christianity by our own strength then Christ has become of none effect. In our flesh dwells NO GOOD thing. True salvation occurs when a sinner comes to the place of realizing that he/she has NO hope at all to save himself, that Jesus is the only way for any hope of salvation/ righteousness etc..

Is "lukewarm" Christianity coming from this type of conversion? Dave Hunt addresses this issue also. He says that it is not a matter of commitment but rather of "surrender". I can't see how anyone can be saved if they have not come to a place of total abandonment of themselves....realizing how wicked they are...and knowing that Jesus is their only hope. This is the state of mind that the Lord wrought in my heart. The 1st time I prayed I was desperate!! I knew I was really lost and needed help!!! I wanted to be saved and I clung to Jesus in prayer, weeping tears like I have never wept before. I was very broken and contrite!! My prayer was not a short little "sinners prayer" that I see in so many tracts, but it came from a broken vessel who knew only one thing, "that God was my only hope on salvation"!!! The presence of God came to me that night and flooded my heart with peace and joy and love like I've never known. It was life-changing experience and I was not the same person the next day.

Why do I say all this? It is because so many who claimed to be saved and yet, it is if they think they can live the Christian life on their own merits.... If they just put "character first" or "confess" all their sins to everyone they can think of,...or maybe wear this or not do that,...it will somehow be enough and they will be right with God. My heart is weeping for this! The cross has become of none effect. God help us to see that we have NO HOPE without His shed blood. We need it everyday. Our faith can only be in that and that alone. Just think what a worship service would be like if every member had this revelation?!!! How I long for that!!!!

Religious vs.Revivalist

2005-10-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

A religious person is confident in his abilities and works but a revivalist has no confidence in himself as he is broken and contrite.
A religious person has no heart for prayer but a revivalist lives for prayer.
A religious person seeks to control his own life and that of the church but the revivalist desires the Holy Spirit to take control.
A religious person does not care to win souls but that is the constant passion in the heart of the revivalist.
The religious person does not concern himself with the needs of others but the revivalist will give himself and his life for the sake of helping others.
A religious person wants you to know about what he has done but a revivalist wants to talk about what God has done.
A religious person wants you to know what you need to do but a revivalist wants you to know what God ‘can’ do.
A religious person wants to look at the outward but the revivalist is much more concerned with the inner-man where Jesus is Lord of everything.
A religious person has no heart for worship but a revivalist is often found weeping at the feet of Jesus, washing them with their tears.
A religious person sings without passion, with his lips but a revivalist sings with great joy and often with tears, which flow from his heart.
A religious person is content to have church only a couple hours a week but a revivalist longs for the fellowship and the communion of the saints…to be in one accord, with one purpose.
A religious person cares little for the brethren but the revivalist will wash his brothers feet, longing that Christ be formed in each heart.
A religious person cares about his earthly home but the revivalist takes no thought for this life, what he will wear and what he will eat…because he know his home is in heaven.
The religious person covets the things of the world but the revivalist covets the gift of the Holy Ghost, so as to better equip his life for service for his great God and King.
A religious person reads the word of God with a deaf ear but a revivalist trembles at the word of God and therefore finds hidden treasures of truths in which he longs to make known to all.
A religious person is not interested in the historical accounts of revival, he is happy with the way things are but a revivalist heart leaps at the stories of revival and he is inspired and challenged by it.
A religious person is often considered wise and prudent but a revivalist is often mocked because some will say he is too radical, emotional or weak.
A religious person pretends but the revivalist is real.

Brotherly Love

2005-10-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

"In this the children of God are made manifest, and the children of the Devil: whosoever doeth righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another". 1 John 3:10-11

We are called to love our brother as ourselves, to lay down our lives for the brethren, to esteem others better then ourselves. Yet how few Christians do? I see instead many that would look with disdain at those that may not share the same standards. Even to go so far as to shun them and all the while feeling very pious, as if God was so pleased with their lofty views. How my heart breaks for this! I know how much damage it does to souls and to churches. I know how God hates the discord that this causes. Many instead, isolate themselves from the needy and will not associate with them. Would to God that we could see how we are called to such a time as this…to build up those who are lacking in their faith (or whatever their need may be). The Apostle Paul himself was consumed with this burden. He had a great desire to strengthen and to build those things that were wanting in the Church. He longed for that even in his bowels and he said he wished himself to be accursed instead of someone else. What kind of love is that? And tell me, what could be more holy than that?

We hear so much about living a holy life yet do we even begin to understand what God's definition of "holiness" is? Are we willing to lay our lives down for others and to minister to all that are in need? Or do we just think holiness consists of our outward appearance?

It seems few Christians are concerned for the lost or even the Christian brethren that are in their midst. Instead, most are consumed with living a successful life with all the luxuries, vacations and the pleasures that the world is striving for,... maybe even more so. I too, have fallen under the spell and been guilty of that, somewhat. I have earnestly prayed for God to forgive me and set me free from the love of the world. And for Him to pour out his spirit on me afresh and I am once again experiencing that awesome love of God being shed abroad in my heart… thus enabling me to love even the unlovable. Now that is liberty and the abundant life that only God can give us.

Corrie ten Boom gives us a great example when she reached out her hand to the man who was responsible for her family’s death. Yet as she willing reached out to him, God poured out blessing upon her. Now just think what we miss when we refuse to reach out and love those around us who are not what we want them to be. Jesus was a friend to publicans and sinners and what better proof can I give but that?

The greatest among you will be the servant of ALL. May God open our self-righteous eyes to see how we have failed Him and cause us to repent of our selfish lives? And may we truly lay down our lives for others and then we will see souls saved and redeemed and walking uprightly with God.... Then the Church will truly be …the body of Christ!

Can we see how much of this lack of concern is derived from our pride? How most of the things we are doing are only for our own benefit? Some have said that soul winning (or any ministry to the needy) is only for the select few, evangelists and etc. but the Bible says that when the Holy Ghost is come upon you , you shall be a witness… Acts 1:8….(hummm maybe we need to ask God to fill us with His Spirit then?! After all, with out Him we can do nothing) And, remember that "God resists the proud but gives grace to the Humble".

Anyway, I hope I never forget how my perspective changed the day I stood in the ashes of where my Dad was burned. The agonizing thoughts of why I didn’t I do more for him? Why had I lived so selfishly? I hope that I will never forget crying out to God in utter brokenness for all I wished I had done. I want that burden to continue to impact my life. May it continue to drive me deeper in the Lord and in my surrender to Him; to truly live a sacrificial life so that others will come to the Savior. I want it to fill me with zeal so that I will not get so caught up with religion and the cares of this life, which will choke out God’s Word in my life. I want to feel that overwhelming sense of love for the lost that God puts in the hearts of those who are truly His children and then to experience, once again the brokeness that comes and cause us to pray and intercede for their salvation. I think with all my heart that that is what the purpose of our Christian life here is all about. Isaiah 60 says it well…The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;….and we who have his spirit know this is our calling.

May God help us to see our great calling and our ministry in this life that he has graciously given us. Hey, if we did, there might even be another great revival of God’s Spirit that would sweep our sin-sick nation. After all…God is LOVE and if we love others God dwells in us. (Read more on that in 1John 4:7-20) Makes me wonder just how much we are missing out when we refuse to love and instead pick up stones and throw them at those who we think are less holy then us…Who do we think we are anyway? Even Jesus said, "He that is without sin can throw the first stone".

Just a few thoughts that were on my heart and thank you for taking time to read this. Feel free to share your thoughts as well.
~Jayne