Having a blast with the girls from Middleborough. Today, I went to see first town in America, Plymouth and I saw the rock, Plymouth rock. I also saw a replica of the Mayflower. The towns around here a precious, makes me want to move to small town USA. (Don't tell Scott.)
We met with the Lord tonight with a good and challenging word from Him. Experiencing worship without instruments just beautiful harmonizing voices. I said, "I bet Jesus loved seeing His girls worshiping tonight." He inhabits the praise of His people! We have three more sessions tomorrow then back to Charlotte and my wonderful family. God is so good!
Oh, I forgot to tell the BIGGEST news: Micca is cancer free!!!!!! The doctors removed some stuff and she will be home soon, recover, then ready to go out and preach the word. God is so good! Is the an echo out there?
Ya'll have a great weekend!
Oh, I forgot to tell the BIGGEST news: Micca is cancer free!!!!!! The doctors removed some stuff and she will be home soon, recover, then ready to go out and preach the word. God is so good! Is the an echo out there?
Ya'll have a great weekend!
36 Comments:
Yeah! Cancer Free!! I saw the news last night on Facebook where Melissa Taylor has posted it. That is just awesome!
Wendy so glad you are having a blessed time. Prayers for a spirit-filled day today.
GIGs, day 100! WOOHOO!! I really got alot out of the reading today.
Something old/new was how the people demanded a king and even after God gave them the warnings of what that meant, they wanted it anyway. God say, "ok have it your way." (I Samuel 8:18-22) I know He does that with us too. He gives us warnings in His Word, through others, sermons, songs, etc but we can still insist on having our way. Sometimes it takes Him letting us have it our way to really see that His way is best. Been there done that!
My To-Do came from 1 Samuel 7:3 and 7:6. I felt God asking me if I was serious about following Him. If I am I need to get rid of the idols, the things in my life I put ahead of Him. I noticed that the people fasted and confessed their sins. It can take a total humbling of self before God in fasting and prayer to really break down those idols and those strongholds. To completely give ourselves to Him. I am serious about following God. it is time I determine to obey only the Lord and get rid of my idols.
You all have a blessed weekend, it is going to be gorgeous here in TN and we are going to work on our garden!
PTL for no cancer and praying for you all that are going through struggles. You are being lifted up.
In Him,
Brandee
PS G&P I got a note from amazon they are still trying to locate a copy of VOL 1 OT commentary for me. I hope it gets here soon!
Aaah, on this beautiful Saturday morning, we have much to praise the LORD about! And, thank you Lord, for each other, as we continue to have many prayer requests, too.
Wendy, praying for you sweet sister! May blessings flow in Middleboro, MA...thinking about all those sisters (Michelle & Dawn) and their harmonizing voices. Praying for your family too!
PTL for sweet Micca! Jennifer Renee, your post yesterday, led me her way. Ya'll need to pop over there and read it. What a role-model she is to us!!! A true Proverbs 31 gal, that we can learn from.
Paula, PTL, that the ringing is not as bad as it was...I'm hoping he has a new area to sit at, at work too.
Morgen, good news from you, too! AMEN.
Jodie, glad to see God was busy restoring your family relationships, and am continuing to lift up your brother's MIL...I'm hoping her daughter arrived in time.
Nancy, praying for Lori's broken heart, and am praising that her body is perfectly intact.
Rhonda, I, too have been burdened to pray over our Pastors. What a load they carry, knowing Satan is lurking in their distance every minute, waiting to pounce!
Densie is in my prayers, too Michelle! Hey guess what, I used to teach special needs' students as well!! (learning disabilities.)
Praying Tina, for dear sweet Claire. May you know without a doubt that she was made, every little bone and every little part, by God himself. She is His beautiful little darling.
Praying for our unsaved husbands and children. Lots to praise the LORD about and lots to pray about! All, of us busy doing this will keep the enemy away! Amen!
Will say, good-bye, but will be right back to post the rest...Hugs, Lori
Oh, I don’t know about you all, but, when I read, “We want to be like the nations around us” my heart sank. (1 Sam. 8:20). Lord, help me not ever desire the glitz and glitter that surrounds me. It’s so artificial and short-term. Let me NEVER assume that I know what is best for my life. May You always guide me to pray to you for guidance? Never, do I ever, want to forget what Jesus said: Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Clearly, today we see peace comes (verse 14) from “really [being] serious about wanting to return to the LORD, [getting] rid of foreign gods and [our images]…obey[ing] the LORD I Sam 7:3,4).
But, peace leaves when we become greedy for money, accept bribes, and allow ourselves to be self-serving rather than serving God. It’s our choice, we make it every single morning before we get out of bed. We can accept the world’s counsel or the Word, to guide us.
Hmm…peace vs. disturbance?
Lord, You are my God, there is no other. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides me. Thank you for Jesus in my heart. Thank you for working in me. Thank you for everything.
Today is a beautiful day in sunny AZ...Ya'll enjoy His presence today and may we all anticipate Him.
Hugs, Lori
Morning GIGs,
Thats great news about Micca, Wendy thanks for keeping us updated. Prayers are lifted up for You and the Gals this weekend in Middleborough.
Bible verse for me today :1Samuel 8:3. But they were not like their father, for they were greedy for money. they accepted bribes and perverted justice.
Just let me to some wondering today...Samuel a righteous man...His sons....What happen? Why weren't they like their father... Train a child to the way they should go...Could this be Why a person dedicated to the Lord. ( a priest) should not marry? Eli his 2 sons the same thing. What is God telling us here? 1 Samuel 1:28, Now I am giving him to the LORD, and he will belong to the LORD his whole life. Are there hands full doing work for the Lord?....that there is not much time to train a child to the way they should go.
God Bless all of you...Praying for all....Jodie how did the night go?
Jennifer Renee...Keep in touch with us about your Dad. Praying for Ella and her project. You are one special Aunt.
Lots to think about...
Rhonda (46)
Brandee, Your post is encouraging me to share my journal, Lent experience. God warns us like you said, but, many times we want our own way. The immediate satisfaction of something, when we know in our heart, that we are not placing our focus where it should be. We listen to Satan’s bribes, and the enemy himself wins out. The verses today, hit home and spoke to me regarding my recent Lent experience, that I’m going to share…it’s long, so sorry about this, I will break it up so I can post it.
As you all were talking about giving something up, [Lent] I started thinking about this as well. What could I give up, that would cause me to focus on God. What I love about God is that He works so differently w/ each one of us. He takes us where we are and pushes us where he knows we may be willing to go. For me, my favorite soap was let go shortly after my first child was born…sometime after that went the tabloids…then about a decade later came the Daniel Steele books, ahhh…and sometime after that most T.V. Believe me, it was not me doing this, it was a desire in my heart, that came directly from the Spirit who guided me and equipped me to do it. Not, to judge anyone else - I know that “we” don’t do it, it’s a God timing thing, that naturally comes about. Well, I guess then in my 40’s God began working w/ my decorating and shopping! Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a girlie who loves clothes, and purses, and shoes…but, seriously, the bug to go to mall, just isn’t like it used to be! So, I see He’s working in this area too! But, getting back to my point, about Lent –I’m trying to stay focused here ladies, I really am, I was like, what do you want me to give up, LORD.
So, getting back to, Lord, what takes my mind off of you? Well. I knew where my focus is much of the time! FOOD. I’m a healthy nut, so I could easily rationalize and say, ahhh, what’s the point, Lord? But, I heard Him loud and clear. So, I began praying and felt guided to give up breads (there is a cereal that I have EVERY morning, all processed foods, and 100% sugar. I love frozen yogurt also, and really, seriously, could eat it everyday, every meal. I’ve never done anything as drastic as this. So, basically I ate, natural yogurt, & fruit for breakfast, salad & protein for lunch, salad & dressing, and more veggies and protein for dinner along with a cup of yogurt again. (not the good frozen yogurt!) And, anytime I was hungry I’d eat fruit. Believe me, I ate fruit! Sisters, denying myself of my wants and focusing on God during the length of time was eye-opening. I want to thank you all, because many of you led me to do this. I would not have had this experience if it were not many of you talking about “giving up” stuff prior to Easter.
to be continued...
This is what happened:
*I know longer focused on food. I ate very large amounts-no limits, and never felt hungry.
*Fruit became VERY desirable and pleasurable, like I’d never experienced before. I ate all kinds of fruit, where before I had my favorites that I’d eat every single day-without any variety.
*Vegetables are my thing. I like them, but I began cooking them and LOTS of them in a wok and doing a variety –all kinds…they began even tasting better!
*I felt MORE energetic!
*I slept about a half-hour less, I began getting up even earlier!
About half-way in, one weekend I was so obsessed with frozen yogurt, I could hardly stand it. I rationalized why it would be ok, since it was kinda like yogurt. Well, only by God’s grace did I make it through without getting any…as that may have been the beginning of the end! And, I would have missed out on what He was trying to show me. Smile!
*I know I became more Spirit-filled and closer to God. This was the bonus. I felt so good, so energetic, so wide-awake, that naturally I just was in the mood to pray and focus on God more. I was way more in the mood to praise him and thank him.
But, here’s the better part. I could not really put my finger on what was happening, but knew I liked eating like this way, because I just felt closer to God. I went to him with my plan, and I daily asked him for His power that I knew was inside me, to take over.
And, then the homework lesson came and my eyes were opened. The sly, sneaky snake, the devil himself, got exposed. I could not believe the timing of the lesson and I knew without a doubt it was God enlightening me. I’ve always known that my body was the Temple of God. That He lived in me, that I was not my own…I take good care of my body, but there was still that slice of pure 100% that I was not giving to Him. I was missing out on free blessings, that He was waiting to shower upon me. I was missing out on REALLY abiding in Him. My thoughts were on food too much.
continued...
Read my notes taken from Beth Moore: “A Women’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place”
“A healthy, holy tabernacle provides the best environment in which a healthy, holy soul and spirit can thrive.”
“The tabernacle had to be maintained with such care because it enclosed the very glory of God-a motivation that must remain ours as well. This discussion is not about looks, size, or weight. It is about authority. Can you openly acknowledge God as Master over your entire being? We are dwellings through which Christ desires to tabernacle among His people-a gathering place where He may reveal His glory. After all, isn’t that our purpose: everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” Isa. 43:7? We have been chosen to reveal His glorious presence to this dark generation. He has entrusted it to us: “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you-guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (2 Tim. 1:14).
I Cor. 3:16
I Cor 6:19
2 Cor. 6:16
Eph 2:21-22
I Cor. 3:17: “God’s temple is sacred, and we are that temple.”
Psa 139: 13-18
So, today when I read in our daily reading: “If you are really serious about wanting to return to the LORD, get rid of your foreign gods and your images” 7:3, and “continually abandoned me and followed other gods” it hit me, loud and clear. Too many of us are losing blessings because we are focusing on “other idols.” FOOD. The enemy has had a hay-day with this, sisters! The fast food, the junk food, the sugar coated everything is drawing us away from God. Now, I’m no means a fanatic, like I said I never do things “all.” It’s about moderation. But, the bottom line is, IS GOD MY AUTHORITY? I know now, from experience, that even when I thought I was healthy, I was still not focusing on God. It’s different for all of us. I hope I’m not rubbing anyone wrong, I love you each to pieces. I just saw so clearly how Satan tried to work a number on me, and how sneaky he can be. He does not want us feeling our best! He wants us over-eating, tired and sluggish, and the more we sleep, the less time we have to give God the glory!
Peace leaves when we accept bribes, and allow ourselves to be self-serving rather than serving God. It’s our choice, we make it every single morning before we get out of bed. We can accept the enemy’s bribes or the Word, to guide us. Ladies, we have God’s power inside us. Lord, help me not waste this power, but put it to good use. Help me live for you 100%...I want you to have every slice of me today. Today, I’m living to know you more. Lord, You are my God, there is no other.
Just food for thought ~ Lori
Hi to all,
I Sam. 6:20 asks, "Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord,this holy God?" These were the Philistines asking after God killed 70 for looking into the Ark of the Covenant.
Only Jesus can stand in God's presence. He interceeds for us as we kneel. What an awesome Savior.
In Rev. 5, only Jesus, the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the Root of David, is worthy to break the seals on the Book.
How sad that Israel rejected God as their king when they wanted to be like other nations. Did they get a sorry king or what? Were they ever sorry for this sin? Saul was a keeper of donkeys, David was a keeper of sheep. What a contrast.
In chapter 12, Samuel says bye and warns the people to worship the Lord with all their heart and don't turn their back on Him. The Lord will not abandon His people because it would dishonor His great name. For it pleased the Lord to make you His very own people. (verse 22)
Thanks be to God, our God, my God, your God! Take my heart O Lord, make it ever pure and make me like You.
Love Ya Sisters,
Linda from Ark.
Hello on this beautiful Saturday morning
On my work days, I listen to Wendy as I get ready at 6am (reading the night before), and if I don’t crash by the end of the day, I read everyone’s comments. I appreciate it so much, because I can go to sleep uplifted! I just thank you all for being there-- even though I am exhausted, your words put life back into perspective! So now I will make up for lost time…… (sorry if it is long)
First, I am adding to my prayer list all the special intentions and concerns, including Jodie’s brother’s family, Lori and her family with their painful loss, Debbie’s hopes for her daughters, Jennifer Renee’s love for her niece Ella, as well as all of our ongoing needs, especially our husbands and children.
Thank you Rhonda for remembering Michael. We are in a waiting period for his case. After much prayer, we decided to help him seek legal counsel, and so we are putting it into God’s hands. Ah, the “due time” challenge. It is so hard. But it’s Michael’s very tender heart that I fear for the most, and my greatest prayer is that he is humbled and moved by this experience to renew his relationship with a God Who protected his life for a greater purpose.
Brandee, it was so touching that Will, at such an early age, recognizes the sacrificial love of Jesus! Bless his little heart, and his mother who is "training him...."
Lori, thank you for sharing your journal with us, and your insights about the "idols" in our lives. They are very sneaky, disguised to look like something good and noble, but like you said, they steal away our time and energy that should be used for doing God's work.
G&P, your words about not allowing our kids to take the most important role in our family (Eli’s sons) is so true! Our culture and this generation are quite caught up in giving children evermore worldly goods and freedom. I really have to tread carefully giving advice as a grandparent, not wanting the little ones to grow up with a sense of entitlement. Love is more important than things, and discipline is an essential gift to our children.
Michelle in New E, thank you for bringing up that Hannah prayed for herself! Yes, as caretakers we tend to focus on others, and that would include our prayer life. We pray for everyone else except ourselves! I need to put myself on my own list!!!!
To be continued...
Jacque
Hi again, part 2
It was quite nostalgic, thinking about who influenced me in my early years, and I loved the memories that were stirred up! My wonderful Grandma Toohey was such a rock of faith in our lives! She was up for 5:45 mass every morning, and despite her own heartaches, lived her days to serve others in utter faith and joy! At noon the church bells would ring, and she would stop serving us lunch and break into a little prayer called the “Angelus.” Prayer always came first. What a wonderful role model she was. And here I am with 6 grandkids I can model to. Wow, what a responsibility.
On behalf of all my family, Linda, thank you for your commitment this weekend on your walk for cancer! My mother survived ovarian cancer, but I have lost two younger cousins to breast cancer and a little sister to ovarian cancer. They are our heroes, because they confirmed a genetic link (BRCA2) that will be saving so many lives in our huge family tribe. (I have over 80 cousins on my Mom’s side, all with children/grandchildren, and 11 remaining siblings with over 70 children/grandchildren— and many have tested positive.) In the end, my sister Maureen’s only living purpose was to promote testing and education for our family and for all women, and her story continues to touch lives through an endowment. When I heard Wendy’s words about Micca, tears welled and terror filled my heart, because we have lived out a similar story with Maureen. I am so thankful for Micca’s good news!!! Thank you Linda, for walking and for caring!
Wendy, I heard sniffles on Friday morning ;) so take care of yourself and stay rested. Being on the road can take a toll. Thank you for all your wonderful words!
Blessings to all,
Jacque
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!
My old - as you know, the OT is almost all new to me.
My new -Sam. 7 3. Then Samuel said to all the people of Israel, "If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your foreign gods and your images of Ashtoreth. Determine to obey only the Lord; then he will rescue you from the Philistines."
My nugget - I was verbally challenged about my beliefs this week. See below.
To do - Keep proclaiming out loud that I believe in God and not repeat the words of the Apostle's Creed by rote.
On Tuesday, I did the Easter service at assisted living as I promised. One of the ladies (Bertie from Kentucky who had called herself a simple woman) was quiet all through and then looking straight into my eyes said, "Do you believe in God?" I quickly thought of repeating the creed in church so many times but such a direct question that required such a direct answer! "Yes", I replied, "Do you?" And there followed a good discussion, songs of praise led loudly by Delores who remembered all the words to all songs (remember Delores the piano teacher who only remembers her name and her birthday?) I made a comment about not knowing what an octave was and she patiently explained it to me, encouraged, I am sure, by your prayers I had read to all of them for each one of them. She also answered the question G&P about your son and his piano. Just keep practicing she said and listen to GOOD music. Kind of goes with my Keep on, keeping on.......and push for the outer limits.
This is Dixie in Florida blasting off..............
Dear Dixie
What a blessing you are to these special people! God's work in action! May you also be blessed.
Jacque
Hi everyone,
Sad news to report today. My brother's MIL passed away early in the evening last night...unfortunately before her other daughter was able to get home. Many thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. Waiting to hear about funeral details...
Jodie
Dixie, your words are such an encouragement. I feel so defeated today and needed to "hear" encouragement. I am in the long process of changing careers, in school once again at being midway to 100 and every job I want to apply for requires experience. For what I want, I do not know how to get experience until I am hired in that discipline. The journey is long, not without pain. I feel like the whining Israelites. Right now I am lifting my focus where it should be: on following Christ- He started me on this journey and He will see me to where He wants me to go.I just need to keep on keeping on.
PTL for His answered prayers and for His continued faithfulness in keeping us in the palm of His hand!
His,
Gaylene
I am so happy for Micca. I found out yesterday about how things went and I was so happy I wanted to bust.
Tomorrow I don't think I'll be going to church. My dad might stop by on his way home from Annapolis Maryland if he isn't too tired.
Rhonda and Amy, thanks for your love. Thanks to you all for the love.
Here's a song I'd like to share. The other day someone mentioned the prayer of Jabez, I believe. This song is called Bless Me (Prayer of Jabez).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp5smhDBGH4
I haven't read today's lesson yet...I've been cleaning like a mad rabbit. Working all week my cleaning has to hold until Saturday...now we have to go help my inlaws with some chores and then clean out a storage shed too....ahhhh the work never ends..
I did capture some good nuggets from you already though and I am excited for today's reading.
Jen Renee...would your niece like a postcard from Minnesota? Or is her project done already?
Lori....you rock sister. Thank you for being a good leader and cheerleader and coach on this blog.
Prayers of thanksgiving, of mercy, of compassion for all.
Praising Him!
Morgen
Morgen,that would be great. Email me at
JenniferReneeRodd@gmail.com
I'll email you the address and information.
Lori, I enjoyed your comments.
Praying for all.
Back again.....
I was outside reading on the patio and then started thinking about my last mail. I forgot to tell you one of the most important details. I was talking evidentally, loftily about the kingdom of God in Heaven, when the same Delores said, "Oh, but He and it are on earth too." PTL someone taught her well as a child. Despite the tangles in her brain, God has remained!
Gaylene - Gaylene was one of my nicknames at one time! So I think I was meant to tell you this. I went back to school at the age of 50 to become a respiratory therapist. The studying came easily but the clinical was difficult. They thought with my white jacket I was a Dr. instead of a student. I totally freaked out when I had my first encounter with people on ventilators. Forgive me, but I called it a chamber of horrors. So bad that I took a leave of absence from school. The Dean told me not to - you will never come back and you are still responsible for your student loan. I earned my CNA and did some work in that field. Then someone insisted they needed people of my compassion in respiratory therapy and that there were many areas of that field that did not include ventilators, or arterial blood gas sticks which I detested! So back I went, was elected class President and graduated 3 months later than my original plan. You know most of the rest. Worked mostly in home care and nursing homes, the first licensed pediatric nursing home in the state of Florida (terminal children on ventilators) and now volunteer.
Don't be discouraged. WE (right GGs) will pray for you. Maybe an alternative form of your original plan. Also remember that a year from now you are going to be a year older with or without pursuing what you want to do!
Blessings to you!!!!!! And Tina thank you for thinking about me.
Cyber hugs to all.
Dixie in Florida
Praise God about Micca!!
Still need to do my readings...
Good evening, friends and Happy 100th Day of this wonderful study of His word, and fellowship,
I am simultaneously filled up and drained by my day at Central Baptist Church 45 minutes from my home, where Wendy was the speaker. The women there were so welcoming and had done an incredibly good job planning the conference. Every detail was praiseworthy! The music was magnificent,as was the food,and meeting our on-line Sista Dawna was delightful!
Before I go on, would you all please take a moment to send up a prayer for one of the attendees, Sally, who had a bad fall on a stone staircase while leaving the session. An ambulance had to be called. I was two people behind her, and saw the pain and fear on her face as she lay on the steps unable to get up. Please dear God, surround Sally with your protective comfort and heal her thoroughly from any injuries she suffered. Amen.
I know you all enjoy ten minutes of Wendy's teaching every day. Can you imagine how wonderful a whole day of Wendy's teaching is? I was wishing I could have attended the first session on Friday night, as well, but I'm feeling very blessed that I got to spend today listening to her. (By the way, she is even prettier in person!! :)
We are all in for a treat in September when we get to the Book of Nehemiah, which Wendy preached on today. As Nehemiah headed up the efforts to rebuild the broken and burned walls of Jerusalem, he relied on PRAYER and perseverance. Wendy gave us an acronym --S.A.P.-- meaning Stop And Pray, which she almost didn't use until she looked up the definition of sap, and one definition was "health and energy; vitality"!! That made me think of our little on-line group, and how we all seek to pray for each other's needs. I truly think this gives our fellowship a lot of it's energy and vitality! We care about each other, and we pray for each other, which makes us feel cared FOR.
"Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 NIV
We've seen continuing evidence of prayers being answered among our small band here. I know I, for one, have become convinced of the power of prayer. S.A.P. it is for me!
Goodnight, all!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in Blooming New England
Hi everyone
still a bit behind with my reading but catching up hopefully soon.
my take away was in samuel chapter 2:
30 “Therefore, the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I promised that your branch of the tribe of Levi[r] would always be my priests. But I will honor those who honor me, and I will despise those who think lightly of me. 31 The time is coming when I will put an end to your family, so it will no longer serve as my priests. All the members of your family will die before their time. None will reach old age. 32 You will watch with envy as I pour out prosperity on the people of Israel. But no members of your family will ever live out their days. 33 Those who survive will live in sadness and grief, and their children will die a violent death.[s] 34 And to prove that what I have said will come true, I will cause your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, to die on the same day!
Also chapter 3
13 I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God[u] and he hasn’t disciplined them.
Its important for us to watch what our children are doing. our sins or their sins have great repercussions for generations to come.
Father help us as parents to guide our children in ways of righteousness so that holiness will follow in generations to come.
In Jesus name
men
Hey GIGs! It's almost bedtime, and I am worn slap out! Long few days! Michelle, I will be praying for the precious lady who fell leaving the session. The other requests are being prayed for as well.
Today's reading had so much to take to heart...as y'all have already said. The one thing that I thought was strange was that the Philistines made golden tumors! Mercy!It's mind boggling some of the things that people did back in the OT! But, as I look at some of the odd things we have in the 21st century, maybe golden tumors aren't so strange!
Y'all have a good night's sleep!!
Hugs!
Susan
(I figured out what was going on with my computer!! Whoohoo!)
Happy 100th Day, GIGs!
Praise God for Micca's news. What a relief!
Jodie, I'm so sorry about your brother's MIL. May God give them comfort in this time of difficulty.
Lorie, thank you for sharing your experience. It certainly gave me some food for thought (no pun intended).
Dixie, how sweet of Delores to give my son her piano pointers. She's right. Keep on keeping on!
Michelle, thanks for sharing your experience with Wendy. Maybe she'll post photos with you and Dawna. Praying for the lady who fell. I pray what she learned today will sustain her. May she be surrounded by love, love, love.
Runner Mom, you would be more perplexed because according to Chuck Missler, tumors were translated as "emerods" in KJV which actually means hemorrhoids! Seriously! Chuck Missler asked who volunteered to be the model? My son couldn't stop laughing when we listened to that lecture. It also seemed veru telling that their god Dagon fell before the ark, not once but twice.
What saddened me though was that Samuel's sons ended up the same way as Eli's sons. I remember reading in Courson's commentary that it was because Samuel spent so much time from one place to another that he was never home. So this was the opposite of what Eli did who indulged his sons. Samuel was an absentee Dad. We have to be careful that we are not neglecting our families when we do God's work because our primary ministry is our family.
Good night everyone!
I forgot to add. Dh & I spent the afternoon together. My sister took DS2 to the zoo. DH had dim sum, then walked around the mall. Then we went to the Christian bookstore where he got his very own bible! I bought 1 for him before but he didn't read it. This time he picked (large print). I was making suggestions re getting a study bible but he said "Let me read it just like it is first." He's right. I was convicted & happy at the same time. :D
Dear all,
Happy Sabbath! I have been reading, watching the vlogs and reading your comments (admittedly a day or two late because of our trip to Chicago over Easter weekend).
Jodie, I am sorry for your family's loss. Dixie shared this verse when my SIL was in her last hours and they were a comfort to me and my family:
Isaiah 57:1b-2
1b the righteous are taken away
to be spared from evil.
2 Those who walk uprightly
enter into peace;
they find rest as they lie in death.
May these words bring comfort to you and your family too.
Wendy, Michelle, and Dawna, Praises and Prayers for you all as you worship together!
G&P; studylight.org also defined tumors as hemorrhoids. Here is the definition I found there (go figure):
1. hill, mound, fort, stronghold, Ophel
2. tumour, hemorrhoid
Rhonda and G&P, you asked about Samuel's sons. I don't personally think that the way the sons walked had anything to do with Samuel's shortcomings. Matthew Henry had this to say:
(1.) Many that have been well educated, and have conducted themselves well while they were under their parents’ eye, when they have gone abroad into the world and set up for themselves have proved bad. Let none therefore be secure either of themselves or theirs, but depend on divine grace.
I agree with this. God has a plan and it is perfect. It was time for Israel to have a king to further God's purpose. His grace did not leave Samuel and He did not will Samuel's sons to be judges. His will was for Saul to be an imperfect King as a foil to the Israelites for the King that God is and was. He said to Samuel "Do everything they say to you,” the Lord replied, “for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer. 8 Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually abandoned me and followed other gods. And now they are giving you the same treatment. 9 Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about the way a king will reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7-9)
I also noticed Friday, Saturday and today that more names of God are revealed.
* the Lord of Heaven's Armies (1 Sam. 1:3, 11)
* God of Israel (1 Sam 1:17, 2:30)
* Rock (1 Sam 2:2)
Also revealed, names of Jesus:
* his king (1 Sam 2:10)
* his anointed one (1 Sam 2:10)
* faithful priest (1 Sam. 2:35)
Stones made an appearance again;
The large rock at Beth-shemesh, where they set the Ark of the Lord, still stands in the field of Joshua as a witness to what happened there. (1 Sam 6:18). Is this the same stone in Joshua 24:27?
27 "See!" he said to all the people. "This stone will be a witness against us. It has heard all the words the LORD has said to us. It will be a witness against you if you are untrue to your God."
Samuel also takes a large stone and commemorates the victory of Israel over the Philistines. He names it Ebenezer; the stone of help.
Okay this is really long. Two quick points on Sunday's reading:
Saul protests that he is the least from the least tribe (Benjamin that had been reduced to 600 in Judges). Sounds like Gideon.
Samuel tells Saul “Go ahead and eat it,” Samuel said. “I was saving it for you even before I invited these others!” (1 Sam 9:24). Sounds like Jesus in Matthew 22:1-14. Particularly as in verse 8-9:, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.'
Have a blessed day everyone!
Karen, Basel
Happy Sunday morning, all!
I'm sure I'll be remembering and sharing nuggets from my day with Wendy as they surface in my (now rested) mind.
Jacque and many others who have commented on wayward offspring in our readings this week, Wendy said "You can't inherit the Spirit, and you can't pass it on. Each person has to come to it on their own." The best we can do, like your Grandma Tooley, Jacque, and several who have passed on from my extended family, is to model correct behavior to others, and let them see His light shine in our lives.
Paola --I am so glad your husband is feeling better. Stepped up prayers for him as he does his final preparations for the exam - and just think, two weeks from now it will be OVER! God bless his loving wife, too :)
Morgen -- how did your son's cardio appt. go?
Hey, Lori, no way you worked in Special Needs like me! The twin-ness continues! Any words of advice on how to deal with conflicting advice from the experts (psychologist, special ed director, etc.) on how to deal with uncooperative first graders who are becoming behavior problems?
Jodie -- prayers for you and your brother's family-to-be as they mourn their mother. May He bless them with the strength and peace they will need to deal with their sorrow, but not let it rob them of the joy of the wedding.
Gaylene - I have added you to my prayer list as you strive to further your education and begin a new career. My hat is off to you - I'm over 50, also, and don't know how I could accomplish what you are accomplishing. God bless!
Dixie -- I want to be you when I grow up :)
Jennifer Renee - I have prayed this morning that your dad will have energy enough to stop in for a visit, and that it is a blessed time for you both.
G&P -- Wow, so Agent G bought himself a Bible. How awesome is our God??
Karen -- Welcome back. I missed you.
I'm off to do the reading now, and later I will be visiting Denise in the hospital. They have ruled out heart issues, and will begin tests on her lungs. She had a double lung transplant 7 years ago, after which her kidneys failed. After years of dialysis, she received a new kidney 4 years ago. Scleroderma is such a destructive disease. Thank you all for continued prayers for Denise.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Rich Sunday Blessing....
Wendy....Michelle is on fire this weekend? I wonder why??
**Blooming in New England (Michelle)...S.A.P Love this..Thanks for stopping in and filling us up more. Prayers for your sister will always continue.
**Lori...Your lent experience...YOU CROSSED THE JORDAN GIRL...What an Awesome feeling!!! ...I'm right along side you. You put it well... Thanks so much for your encouragement. Great Testimony. "Record this as a chapter in your bible story." Praise him....Giving Him All of the Glory.
**Jacque...Your part of my bible verse for today...Thoughts of you and your son Michael came rushing in. 1Samuel 10:9,...As saul turned and started to leave, GOD GAVE HIM A NEW HEART, and all samuel's signs were fulfilled that day. The words all capitolized...You and your son Michael were brought to my mind and a prayer was sent up.
**Jodie...can I just give you a nice ((((Warm Hugs)))).
**Gaylene...Hang on in your journey. Dixie put it so well. Thanks Dixie.
**Jennifer Renee...More love sent to you...Keep singing and listening to the (Posative Music). Your Special!!
**Morgen...You crack me a smile always...Did the mad rabbit finish cleaning?? I agree always work to be done.
**Grace & Peace ....happy you hopped back on to tell us the Awesome News...So Much better than the (Media News)....also for sharing about Samuel and Eli's sons. Really interesting.
**Precious Karen...WELCOME BACK...Missed you...Hope all is going okay. Had your family in prayer. Thanks you for sharing...and putting a little more light on samuels sons.
**Loice...Praying with you sister for our children.
**To ALL ...Thanks!! Today S.A.P!!
Rhonda
Hi Everybody Just me again...
Our Sunday bulletins....
Brought Me to thinking about All of you.....Enjoy:
Grace may move swiftly where the hand of God is at work…
The apostles healed those brought to them. People knew something big was going on and turned to Christ’s followers in hope. Do we expect visions and signs today? God still works in ways we don’t understand. Grace may move swiftly where the hand of God is at work. It may also take a longer, painstaking route.
A good friend of mine, a premed student, worked in an emergency room. One July 4th, after he spent a long night with burned children who had been playing with fireworks, we prayed together for his young patients. He told me, I wish God would just give me the gift of healing, so I could touch these children, so they wouldn’t be in pain.
Years later…after medical school, after residency, after long training to harvest organs for transplants, after he became a specialist in pediatric surgery who saved two young lives with one liver, after gaining enough clout to influence decisions on how resources were used, and after one of his trips to Central America where he did free surgical work for poor children…I had coffee with him. I asked him if he remembered our prayer and conversation that grim night, years before. I told him I believed God had given him the gift he asked for.
Where is God working though us? It may take people in medicine, in business, in law, in management, in transportation. It takes donors. It takes caregivers. It takes not looking away. It takes relatives who go out of their way. It may take years of work and patience to care and to heal. Those we help may never even meet us or know we helped. They may not know who brought them hope.
Yet we are the hands God uses for the work of mercy.
DAN FINUCANE
sundaybulletins@liguori.org
Our hands of God
Rhonda
Rhonda,
What a beautiful reminder that was from the Sunday bulletin. WE are reminded that what we do, and say have consequences that we may never know or see on this earth. Thank you for sharing.
Gaylene
Good reading today! I underlined alot. One thing I am thankful for was after reading 1 Samuel 12:19 where the people asked Samuel to pray to God FOR them - I noted in my margin: "now we can pray directly to God ourselves, amen!"
Jen Renee - I sent you an email.
Michelle - Son's appt went great! He doesn't have to have a check up for 2 years now! Praise God!
Rhonda - cleaning is never done...but I accomplished ALOT yesterday! Thanks for asking.
Heading to Sunday school....more Praising to be done!
Morgen
Friends, we have had a lot of sad news lately, so please share with me the good news I received from my daughter just a while ago. She and her fiance (high school sweethearts) are in Memphis this weekend, where he will soon begin a 4-year Residency in Neurology. Their offer to purchase a home in Germantown was accepted, praise God!! Pending a home inspection, they will pass papers on May 18, three weeks before the wedding. Our God is an awesome God who does answer prayers,and take care of the details.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
I haven't read my reading today, but I want to ask a question...we have been talking about getting rid of our idols. Last night while listening to Southern Gospel, this young group...don't even know the name of it...sang a song about "If it weren't for the cross." While i believe that the cross is important, this song, didn't really mention WHAT was done on the cross, it was just glorifying the cross. It hit me that there was nothing about Christ, really, in the song. Is it possible to make the "cross" an idol, and forget what redemptive work was done on the cross BY JESUS? It has really bothered me. I hate to see churches "dress" up the cross at Easter, when there was nothing pretty about the cross. It was a horrible, gruesome, violent way for anyone to die, and especially our loving Lord and Savior, and he was so abused before He even got to the cross. Am I being too sensitive about this? Am I making something out of nothing???
Jan TN
Jan, I don't think you are being too sensitive about this. For instance, I personally think that wearing the cross as jewelry can, by certain people, be a shallow sort of "status" thing, wore by those who don't really understand what is behind it all. In that case it kind of is an idol. In other cases, such as a friend of mine who is a mighty prayer warrior, and a long-time believer who pulled me out of a pit several years ago and showed me the Light, wearing the cross is very meaningful and it is a TRUE sign of this person's heart. Like most things, we have to look beyond the surface to get at the real truth. Perhaps you could find out more about this particular singing group and then decide.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
I just wanted to let you know that I am having computer issues, but keeping up with my reading and following along on the vlog / comments when possible...I am hoping to get the thing fixed soon.
Jodi, Praying for your family
PTL that Micca is cancer free...God is so good!!!
Oh, Grace and Peace! Yucky!! I have a visual that is NOT pleasant...but it will truly make me think twice about ANY idols again! Mercy!!
Jan, I agree with you that the cross should NOT be taken lightly.From songs to jewelry, we need to remember what the cross represents to Christians: the beautiful sacrifice of One who loved us so very much!
Still need to read my verses for today and see what nuggets I can find. Y'all enjoy the rest of your Sunday. See you tomorrow with Wendy!
Hugs!
Susan
Wendy, This is my first blog writing, so bear with me on this. I want to thank you for emptying the junk out of my mind and filling it with the Word of God and the love of Jesus Christ this weekend. Our worship team also completely filled me too as they always do on Sundays. While there was so much I took away from the two days, I left there with such a special gift on Saturday. At first, I thought the gift was only from you as I shared my thoughts at the table with my other sisters. But later on that evening, I realized the gift was from God too! So what was that gift you ask? Welllllll, somewhere in your message on the last section of your work with us you made a statement to the effect that you were in the presence of believers, that we were all believers. While you may have been addressing all of us, the way you said it was convicting and without doubt. It became surprisingly personal to me, caught me off guard and brought on some tears of joy for me. First, I thought, that is the first time anyone had ever verbally acknowledged to me that I was a believer. But after I went home, I realized that God spoke through you to tell me that He knows I am a believer. Wow, that really knocked my socks off!!! What an unexpected and beautiful way God showed me that He knows me! I am wrapping that moment/thought in a little box and tucking away in my heart forever. I am so grateful that you came to Middleboro this past weekend and I am glad you can rejoice with your family back at home too! I am going to do my best to follow along with your website and blog. May not be every day, but I know I have another source of inspiration to tune into. Have a wonderful week, God Bless You!!! Maureen
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