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Archive for January, 2011

How Are You Doing?

Posted in Knowing God, Love, The Father, The Righteous on January 28, 2011| Leave a Comment »

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11

Are you happy?  The other day I was watching Oprah and she had this question as her topic of the day.  Most people in the audience said they were happy.  A lot of the questions about happiness were based on people’s circumstance.  I think most people will say they are happy based on their circumstance.  They also talked about how happiness is both genetic and can be influenced by the environment.

Recent polls show that many people are not happy with the direction our country is going.  They also are not happy with the economy or how our government is running the country.  So there are many people out there who are not happy.

These past few years have been some of the most challenging times in my life and at times the most difficult but I can say with confidence that I am at my most happiest.  Why?  I have really discovered that true joy can only be experienced in God.  It has been through these challenges and difficulties that I have learned to just stay in the presence of God.  It is in His presence that we experience fullness of joy and pleasures forever.  In God’s presence you do not experience the heaviness and burdens of the world.  Whenever I feel stressed or discouraged I seek the Lord and just rest in His presence.  His joy is my strength.

Too often we have imagined an angry God, or God being aloof and not interested in what is going on in our life.  This simply is not true.  God knows everything about us and has a will and purpose for our life.  He has a hope and a future for us.  He does not wish us harm but wants to see us prosper in everything.  So if you are looking for happiness you will find it in God.  You may find it in other things or circumstances but those are just temporary things.  In the presence of God there is fullness of joy – it is complete.  It is an eternal joy that has no end.

The world needs to experience this joy.  They are hungry for it.  So let’s continue to abide in the presence of God so that the world may experience the fullness of joy.

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Clean Bill of Health

Posted in Healing, Jesus, The Father on January 27, 2011| Leave a Comment »

9“Pray, then, in this way:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10‘Your kingdom come
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

In the summer of 2009,  I was diagnosed with a rare tumor that had to be treated with chemotherapy.  I have been under the care of an oncologist since that time.  Finally, I received news from my oncologist that I had a clean bill of health and was being discharged.  I praise God for my healing.

I learned a lot during my sickness about healing and God.  I grew up believing that God did allow sickness in our life to either build our faith or correct us.  I now know that Healing is for today and God wants to heal us.  It is God’s will for us to be healed and walk in wholeness.

Sickness does not exist in heaven.  God does not give us what He does not have.  God did not cause my sickness.  Based on the disease I had (a growing tumor that could have killed me) I knew it was not from God.  I learned to pray God’s will as Jesus taught us to pray.  Once I understood that healing is God’s will I prayed that His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

We should never think that God does not want to heal.  It is His will to heal the sick.  So whenever we pray for healing either for ourselves or others we should know that God can heal and will heal. Remember God is moved by faith and not by need.

I completed my treatment at the end of the summer of 2009.  I was healed then, but continued being monitored by doctors to ensure the tumor did not return.  Every blood test and exam just confirmed what heaven had already declared – I was healed.

When we pray we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  So the next time you pray think about heaven and pray from heaven to earth; this is how Jesus taught us to pray.

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24 Hour Access

Posted in government, Grace, Jesus, Knowing God, Love, Salvation, The Father, The Righteous on January 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne.  He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. Psalm 11:4 (NIV)

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

If I wanted to call the President of the United States, I would probably get no further than the operator at the White House.  If I showed up unannounced I would probably get arrested.  The President does not know me and I do not know anyone who has access to the President.  I am of no importance to the President.  The same goes for any celebrity, government official, king, prince, etc.  You have to know someone to reach a person of significance like the President of the United States.  But that is not how it is with God.

I have access to the Father at all times.  He is seated on His heavenly throne observing everyone on earth.  Jesus who is our High Priest died for our sins and we have been given His righteousness.  All those that belong to Jesus have access to the throne of grace.  We have direct access to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.  I may not be able to call the President but I can call God at any time.  We are told to boldly approach the throne.

Think about it.  The one who created heaven and earth; who sets the seasons and time; the one that is the Alpha and Omega, is accessible 24 hours a day seven days a week.  No appointment needed, no operator to contact.  Our relationship with the Father has been restored by our relationship with Jesus.

Not only do we have access to the throne but God already knows everything about us.  He knows our history, our worse days and our best.  He even knows the number of hairs on our head.  He knows our rising up and lying down.  He has hemmed us in and out.  He even knitted us together in our mother’s womb.  So when we call on Him, He answers.  He is always there and will never leave nor forsake us.

The President may not know me and I may not be welcomed at the White House; but the Father, He knows me and welcomes me anytime to boldly approach His throne of grace.  What a mighty God we serve.

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Marriage of the Lamb

Posted in God's Glory, Jesus, The Body, The Righteous on January 23, 2011| Leave a Comment »

7“Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”

8It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb ‘” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19: 7-9

There are those that argue marriage is just a piece of paper having no real significance.  Marriage is actually a picture of Jesus Christ (the bridegroom) and the Church (the bride).  The church is actually those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We know that Jesus will return for His bride and as Revelation states there will be a wedding feast.

As I think about the marriage supper of the Lamb I think of my own wedding.  Before I got married I had my father’s last name.  On my wedding day, I dressed in a beautiful white gown and wore a veil.  As I walked down the aisle I knew my life was forever going to change.  The groom and I exchanged vows and we were announced as husband and wife.  I turned to the crowd and I no longer had my father’s name but took  my husband’s name.  I was a new person, a wife and had a new name; I and my husband were now one.

The same thing happens to us when we join Jesus Christ.  The day will come when He will come for His bride and there will be a great wedding feast.  The bride and groom will finally meet.  On that day we will take His name.  We will be presented as belonging to Jesus.  He will be ours and we will be His forever more.  Nothing separating us, not even death.  I look forward to that day.  Don’t you?  Aren’t you glad your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

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One Year Later

Posted in God's Glory, Healing, Prayer, Prophesy, The Righteous on January 12, 2011| 2 Comments »

4Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins,
 They will raise up the former devastations;
 And they will repair the ruined cities,
 The desolations of many generations.
5Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks,
 And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers.
6But you will be called the priests of the LORD;
 You will be spoken of as ministers of our God
 You will eat the wealth of nations,
 And in their riches you will boast.
7Instead of your shame you will have a double portion,
 And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion
 Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
 Everlasting joy will be theirs.  Isaiah 61:4-7

It was one year ago a terrible earthquake hit Haiti.  Today there are still many places that are lying in ruin.  Many are frustrated with the rebuilding process that is taking so long.  The news reports that still about one million Haitians are still living in tents.  Billions of dollars in aid have been pledged but many wonder where the money is.  Not much has been said in the media about Haiti for the last several months.  Many of us in the world have gone on with our lives not thinking much about Haiti or the tragedy that still exists today.  But the pain, tragedy, and memory of one year ago still resonate with the people of Haiti and their families.

This past year shows that man will not rebuild Haiti.  No amount of money can rebuild this nation, only God can.  There is great comfort in the above scriptures because it is a promise from God that I believe is a promise for Haiti.  There are Haitians that fear God and have been calling on His name.  God has heard Haiti’s cry and He will rebuild this nation.  Isaiah 61:4-7 is God’s promise to Haiti.

God will be glorified in all that has happened in Haiti.  The nations will know it was only God that brought this nation back from ruin.  Haitians will testify all that God has done for them.  So don’t lose hope Haiti because the people have forgotten you.  God has not forgotten.  He will rebuild, He will restore, and everlasting Joy will be yours.

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Tragedy in Tuscon

Posted in Love, The Righteous on January 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

This past weekend a man started shooting at a shopping center where Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was meeting her constituents.  The man killed six people and wounded 14 including the congresswoman.  It is a tragedy and many are questioning the political rhetoric that has been taking place in the media and during the political campaigns.  This past year we have heard a lot of negative speech.  Some of the rhetoric has been full of hate.  So many are questioning if this type of speech led to this man’s shooting spree and targeting Congresswoman Giffords?  We may never know.

The bible says that a harsh word stirs up anger.  So we have to take responsibility that what we say does effect others.  Our words have consequences and can affect others.  So politicians and the media have to realize their negative speech is taken to heart by many and can stir up anger in people.

Since the shooting many in politics and the media have said that the political rhetoric needs to be toned down.  It is time to really watch what is said and know that it can cause others to do crazy things like go on a shooting spree.

We can disagree but we do not need to use negative words or hate to attack one another or tear each other down.  A gentle answer can also have a profound effect on a person; a gentle word can actually cause a person to turn away from their anger.  As Christians we should always look to have a gentle answer for someone, even an angry person.

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To Be Watchful…

Posted in Jesus, Salvation, The Holy Spirit on January 6, 2011| 2 Comments »

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8

It is a New Year and usually there are groups claiming that this is the year Jesus will return and rapture the church.  They warn people to watch and pray because Jesus can return any day.

In 2000, I was very involved with the end time theories and actually did believe then we were living in the last days and thought there would only be a few years left of the world.  In 2000 I didn’t imagine us being in 2011.  I was so consumed by the end times teaching that I found it difficult to really focus on anything else and found myself in angry debates, attacking anyone who disagreed with me.

Because I was so fixated on the rapture and the day Jesus would return I found it very difficult to hear from God and His plan for my life.  Eventually, I came upon this scripture and realized that it was not for me to know the day and hour of Jesus’ return, but I was responsible for being a witness for Jesus.  So I prayed for God’s will in my life and for the past ten years God has continued to guide me and direct my steps.

I would now argue that watching and praying involves hearing from God and doing what He says.  Every Christian has been given the mandate to take the gospel to the world.  It does not mean everyone has to become a missionary but we should be witnesses for Jesus wherever we are; including our schools, jobs, homes, families, etc.

When the disciples received Jesus’ last instruction before His ascension they believed they would see Jesus return in their lifetime.  They spent their days and lives spreading the gospel and doing the things they saw Jesus doing.  After the Holy Spirit came and empowered them they were able to go out and preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, plant churches and make more disciples.  The Kingdom of God spread as anticipated the Lord’s return.

This is our same mandate.  As we wait for Jesus’ return, we are to be doing the same things Jesus did.  We have been given charge to spread the Kingdom while we are here on earth.  It really is not about looking out for ourselves and making sure we will be raptured when Jesus comes; all believers have that promise.  Instead we are to be witnesses for those that do not know Jesus.  The Kingdom of God is not about mere talk but of power.  Jesus told the disciples that the Holy Spirit would come and empower them and the Holy Spirit is present now to empower us to preach the gospel and make disciples in the entire world.

We do not know the exact day Jesus will return but when He does my prayer is that He will find us doing the work He left us to do; that we will be able to testify that we took the gospel to the ends of the world.  Let us have the same compassion Jesus had for the people, and in these last days be true witness of Jesus and His love for the world.  Let us remember it is God’s desire that none should perish but all should come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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Power of the Cross

Posted in Crucified, government, Jesus, Love, Salvation, Sin, The Righteous on January 5, 2011| Leave a Comment »

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

On January 4, 2011, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in San Diego was declared unconstitutional by a federal appeals court because of the 43 foot cross on top of the memorial.  The court ruled that the cross violated the constitutional ban on government sponsored religion.  This court case has been brewing since the 1980s.  More and more courts are finding public places that display the cross, bible or ten commandments as government sponsored religion.  I find this interesting because I thought the constitution protected religious freedom.

There has been a cross at Mount Soledad since 1913.  The cross was replaced in the 1920s and in 1954.  So this cross has been a symbol at Mount Soledad for almost 100 years, but today it was declared unconstitutional (“California Memorial Cross Found Unconstitutional” by Steve Gorman Reuters, January 4, 2011). 

Many are offended by the cross.  It is a Christian symbol and to us Christians it is a symbol and reminder that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we might live.  Those who do not know Jesus see the cross as foolishness.  According to the courts, our government should not endorse nor display the cross anywhere on public property.  We know the cross represents the power of God.

We will probably see more and more cases being brought to the federal courts and even the Supreme Court regarding the use of religious symbols on public property.  It may seem as we are losing our religious freedoms but remember that the cross represents the power of God.

The court did not rule if the cross at Mount Soledad has to be removed, but even if it does come down the power of the cross is not diminished.  Nothing can nullify what happened on the cross.  It is because of the cross that we have been reconciled to God.  It is a symbol and reminder of God’s love for the world when He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins.  Let’s pray that one day everyone will understand the true power behind the cross.

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What Are You Meditating On?

Posted in The Word on January 3, 2011| Leave a Comment »

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  Joshua 1:8

This scripture encourages us to meditate on the word of God every day.  In today’s society it is especially important.  2011 has just begun and most people do not have a good outlook for the year.  I have been reading stories about how the economy will continue to falter, prices are going up, people are without jobs, more people will lose their homes and things will continue to get worse.  Where is the hope?  The News can be quite depressing.

There is a lot of hope in the bible.  So I encourage you to focus on what God is saying and not the people of the world.  Bless someone with a positive word and make their day.  We do not have to participate in a doom and gloom forecast of life.  We don’t have to meditate on the things that destroy but instead we focus on the Word and we build ourselves and others up.

I am always encouraged when I read the bible.  Just one word from God will change my outlook on my day.  When I begin to feel stress and not sure what to do, I turn to the Word and I have always found a word to change my mood for the better.

I hope this word encourages you today.  Meditate on what God is saying and make sure you do what His word says and you will be successful in all that you do.

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New Year and New Decade

Posted in God's Glory on January 1, 2011| Leave a Comment »

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  2 Corinthians 5:17

It is a New Year and a New Decade.  I love the beginning of the year because the year holds such promise and expectation.  Many of us make resolutions for the New Year only to find that most of the resolutions we make do not come to pass.

However, I am determined to make a new resolution and see that the Lord makes it come to pass.  My New Year resolution is to write.  The Lord is always speaking something to me or showing me something new in His word.  I also have very vivid dreams but have been lazy in not writing them down.  So my plan is to write more.

Last night I asked the Lord how I can step into my destiny and He told me “to write it down.”  So intend to write more and watch what the Lord will do.  So I encourage you to step into your destiny and resolve to do whatever you need to do to fulfill your God given destiny.

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