"So the LORD will spell His message for them again, one line at a time, a little there. a little here, and a little there so they will stumble and fall."
My Take Aways
one line at a time, a little here and a little there.
Something New:
2 Kings 17:15
Something to Do:
Praise God for His grace and patience with me!
Today I might be here: a top Apollos Chariot
Isaiah 28:13a
My Take Aways
Something Old:
God is patient with us. (me)one line at a time, a little here and a little there.
Something New:
2 Kings 17:15
"They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves."
When I worship other gods I become as worthless as they are.
Something to Do:
Praise God for His grace and patience with me!
Today I might be here: a top Apollos Chariot
30 Comments:
Oh Wendy, bless you for your faithfulness to this group and for your moving message today! Brandee, bless you for your wilderness experience posted over the weekend. What a God moment that you and Wendy shared a similar timeline; giving yourselves to God as wee ones, but really accepting God as your Lord through wilderness experiences. You are both such inspiration!
Today was also chock full and I have a hard time focusing on only a few points! Since Wendy already covered “one line at a time; a little here, a little there” and the Corner Stone (Christ) so well, I will move on.
Isaiah 28:26-29 struck me. The LORD is promising retribution for our sins. “The Farmer know just what to do, for God has given him understanding.” The punishment is scaled to our ability to bear it and still produce good. He does not completely crush us. He does not respond with unwarranted harshness, because He wants to redeem us. He wants us to turn back to Him. He is a wonderful teacher!
2 Kings 17; also so full of wonder!
In verse 18 He is very angry:
18 Because the Lord was very angry with Israel, he swept them away from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land.
I thought I would show a link to a map of the exile of the Northern tribes:
http://www.biblemap.org/#Gozan
Click on the map points to see a description of the place at the time.
There is a lot of debate in the Christian community (and the secular community) on what this verse means. Where all 10 Northern tribes lost? I like to think not. He preserved a remnant (Levites fleeing to Judah 2 Chronicles 11, what happens in verses 27-28, and from my NIV study bible, it was an Assyrian custom that the elite of Israel were taken away, but people who worked the land remained in the land under the rule of the foreign oppressors).
God did not give up His people or His sovereignty. Even though He allowed foreign oppressors into the Promised Land, He demanded their loyalty to Him...(verse 25: 25 But since these foreign settlers did not worship the Lord when they first arrived, the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them). Then in verses 27 and 28, the King of Assyria sends back an exiled priest to teach the “new residents the religious customs of the God of the land.”
David Guzik:
b. They did not fear the Lord; therefore the Lord sent lions among them: This shows that there was not only something special about the kingdom of Israel, but also something special about the land of Israel. God demanded to be feared among the people of the land, even if they came from other nations.
ii. Zechariah 2:12 tells us that the land of Israel is the Holy Land. God regards it as something special, and will hold accountable those who live there and do not fear Him.
He has the long view. He is working everything according to His divine plan. He will with wisdom and grace deal with us to get us to turn back to Him and to resume our journey on His path.
Michelle, you brought up the attacks of Satan vs. God teaching you a lesson. I want to make a somewhat controversial statement that I think they are one and the same. God allows Satan to attack us in order to strengthen us, teach us lessons, and turn us back to Him. Satan can do nothing apart from the will of God. I know this is likely to spark a lot of discussion and may be a difficult concept to tackle, but I would also like to refer anyone who is interested to a book on this topic by John Piper, Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ. It is a small book, but packed with thought provoking insight. You can order it or download the pdf from his site if you are interested: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/OnlineBooks/ByTitle/3281_Spectacular_Sins_and_Their_Global_Purpose_in_the_Glory_of_Christ/
Dixie, I wanted you to know even in Switzerland, we prayed for the Gulf yesterday.
Be blessed today all,
Karen, Basel
Be back soon...but wanted to comment Amy to you about fasting today. It is totally up to you what you want to do. Since summer hit, I have had a couple of weeks where I was either not able to do it at all or was not able to have that prayer time. Last week was one of them because of taking Will to bug camp.
It is up to you :)
Be back....
Hi Everybody,
Bible Focus for today: 2 Kings 17:9-18
Karen...I agree 17 is so full of wonder??
Notice the downward spiral — First it was “secret” sinning, keeping to the shadows. False worship sites set up to worship false Gods, false objects (pillars, Asherim), burning of incense.
Being warned by God’s prophets, they stubbornly resist, now openly despising the covenant relationship established between the Lord and their ancestors. Their desire now was to follow “the nations that were round about them” — desiring to “fit in” with their pagan neighbors.
The false gods begin to multiply — calves of metal, more Asherah’s, worshipping the stars (“host of heaven”) and Baal, the Canaanite storm-god. They began with hidden things of sin — and ended up being slaves (note the phrase “sold themselves to do evil” in verse 17).
And at the bottom? Judgment. God had to “remove them out of his sight),” leaving only the tribe of Judah.
….Do we struggle with idolatry today? I say Yes, even Christians are warned:
Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Colossians 3:5
….and being believers, we will be held to a higher standard:
See that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much more in our case if we turn away from the one who warns from heaven.
To Do: Am I really a “true” follower?
I need forgiveness….
Rhonda MI
OOps!! forgot bible verse: came from Hebrew 12:25
See that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much more in our case if we turn away from the one who warns from heaven.
Rhonda
Brandee, thanks for sharing about the fasting day. I think i'll move it to tomorrow for this week. :-)
Karen, I've heard it expressed before that God allows Satan to work to teach us things. I think that makes sense with what we know about Him - but it's really hard to fathom when the really bad things happen, like major car accidents or loss of children. For the most part, I've tried not to stress about the how and why and just ask what He wants me to do - those big things are so hard to handle!
Still no vlog - I see only a black box with nothing clickable, so I think I'm working only with comments for a while ... but, Wendy, it sure was awesome of you to prepare so well for us while also preparing for your trip! I don't know how you do it!
I liked the wise farmer part. I come from a farming family, and growing up I thought that my great-grandfather was one of the wisest people I knew. They knew something about everything, and yet nothing about all the modern stuff - it was as if they knew none of that had any lasting importance and so they didn't even go there; yet they understood things about the circle of life and the relationships that we form here on earth that were far from my understanding. I can't help but wonder how much of that they learned from their vast farming experience and how much came from their longevity. Lots of both, I'd imagine!
I thought today that our reading was summed up neatly in just over one verse right at the end: Is. 1:16-17 God asks us for only a few things, and for those to be done in love:
- Turn from evil
- Learn to do good.
- Seek justice.
- Help the oppressed.
- Defend the cause of the orphans.
- Fight for the rights of widows.
Looks easy like that! Yet it isn't.
Off to pack lunches for our picnic day! :-) Bible study/book club tonight - not sure when the cleaning is going to happen!
Good morning, GIG's,
Wendy, Karen and Rhonda (early bird today - smile) I agree that this reading is chock full, and I got a lot out of the vlog and the comments thus far. Thank you, Karen, for the book reference. Further pondering about God and satan has moved me towards just the point you made today. And I think it was Brandee who made the point recently that God will allow satan to go only so far against us.
I won't repeat the excellent points already made, but will comment on the "one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here a little there" with regards to our grown children whom we are praying for. We pray that they will, one step at a time, move along the path God would have them take. We pray that as their parents, we will be as patient with them as our Lord is with us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Teeny, good luck today with your lab work!
Dixie, your post yesterday brought a smile to my face. You bless us with your wisdom (and humor.)
Amy, another praise report from you! I'm so glad your dad's work situation is being resolved.
Jacque, I so wish you and I lived close to each other. I would swoop you away for an outing and we could talk, and cry, and laugh, and pray, and top it off by going to my favorite ice cream stand! Instead, let me offer you this prayer --
Almighty Father, thank You for being our refuge from the storm (Isaiah 25:4) This morning I lift up our sister, Jacque. Lord, continue to give her a steadfast heart and unlimited faith in You as she seeks to touch the lives of others with Your words. Let her not grow weary nor discouraged as she seeks daily to do Your will with her family and in her workplace. Lord, we pray that You would bring Your calm and peace to Jacque and her co-workers as they await Your plan to bring another godly doctor to their practice. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Have a blessed, 4:8 day all. I love you and appreciate each and every one of you!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Good morning all,
Amy here's the address for today's vlog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQqSN6seNWo&feature=player_embedded
Today is the day I get to go see my Spiritual mom and my two close friends for lunch. I can't wait. I'm going to enjoy every moment and come home with wonderful memories but I'll be sad when the visit is over. I will probably do the reading this evening when I get back.
I've been to Williamsburg and Bush Gardens which is where she might be by the names of the rides she gave us.
Good Morning & Happy Monday,
If it is not too late I would love to put my kids on the prayer list;
Claudine 38
Vinny 27 soon to be his bride Candace 24
Meghan 25
Thanks :)
Praying for all of you, your husbands, the needs & wants in each of your lives. May our Lord in great wisdom grant peace of mind, joy in learn of His word, & a greater walk with Him! Amen
Enjoy this day the Lord has made!
Blessings & Peace, Mary
Happy Day ~ Everyone!
Just finishing up posts from yesterday and this morning already! Dixie, you are one funny-bunny! Smile! I had to share your post with my mother who is 75; she is very, very distraught over putting her dog down last week. It helped cheer her!
Amy, I see Brandee answered your question re: fasting…we have had to be ‘flexible’ with the days this summer - God knows our heart’s desire. To Him the days I do not think matter. What matter’s is our heart and desire and time that we give Him as we pray over our unsaved husbands.
Sweet Wendy, I loved hearing how verses in the O.T. became part of your very own story. That is something I’ve enjoyed on this blog – watching the O.T. scriptures come alive as they apply to our very own life. Thinking about you on those roller-coaster’s!
Jen Ren – have fun today, we’re waiting for a report…smile!
So far ya’ll have touched on and opened up more scriptures to me! Bless you~
“Listen to the LORD…Listen to the law of our God, people” (Isaiah 1:10). Point blank, God is telling us to read our Bibles and obey what the verses say. He provides His written Word, and the Holy Spirit in us guides us. It’s not good enough to just read it, but, we have to listen when we hear that little voice say: “Will you just_____?” And, just like Wendy said, He is so good to us, only whispering a little at a time, not to overwhelm us and scare us away. He transforms us bit-by-bit, and He does it with each one of us differently and at differently times…that is why we are NOT to judge those around us.
I pictured the act of “taking the Lord’s Table together,” in 1:18 “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Our Father is so forgiving, the wonderful promise made by the Lord through Isaiah for all of us sinners. He is trying to get our attention to return to Him – to live in obedience to His precious Word. (18-20)
This whole chapter today is directed to Judiah – a sinful nation (1:4). He is calling them to repent (1:18). Today, He is calling us too. We are a sinful nation. Clearly, history is repeating itself
Lord, open up your precious Word to each one of us today. Apart from your Holy Bible, no one can even begin to know what Your will is for our day. We are devoted to You - we long to know You more. Expose the sin on our heart so that we can repent. Lead each one of us today; may our steps be in obedience to You. We love you Lord with all of our hearts’. We thank you for placing us together on this blog to worship, study, and adore You. In Jesus precious name I pray, Amen.
Anticipate His presence – He won’t let you down. Choosing to be joyful in all things, Lori PS It’s never too late to add kids to the list! Later today will post a “list so far.”
Lori - I just had to pop on to leave a comment for your mother. I have volunteered with small dog rescue so unfortunately have had lots of experience with having a pet put down as well as my own. Have you ever heard of The Rainbow Bridge Poem? I just googled it and came up with many different sites - some even have memorial pages for our own notes. I hope you can find one to share with your mother......If God numbers even the sparrows, then we can be assured that he knows our beloved pets and companions by name too!
Hugs of comfort to your Mom...
Dixie in Florida
BLOG CHILDREN
Since many of us our fasting and praying today wanted to get the list out to you all. I’m sure there are errors…just point them out, so I can correct them on the ‘list.’ I feel like we are complete now – knowing the little gems, specific names, to lift up. I was surprised to see that there are not too many repeat’s in names! Hugs, Lori
“I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the LORD.” (Hosea 2:20). - (thanks Amy).
Let’s put up the prayer hedge around them. - (Thanks Brandee).
Karen -- my adult children are Samantha and Maija (my-ya)and I have been modeling a suggestion on this blog (sorry, I forget whose it was) to pray for one positive step in their lives daily; just one step on the right road, just one God thought or decision that reflect his will... I am sure "the most powerful person in the universe" can take it from there... :)
Michelle -- Lauren (new marriage) (Chuck teaching job)
Amy --Andi (fall, Kdg.) & younger bro Luke
Grace & Peace -- Carlo (to attend church while at college) & Paulo
Susan -- Austin & Jacob
Rhonda -- Dillon & Brady (into sports)
Brandee -- Will
Teeny -- Sarah, Susan, Seth,(the one who is spoiling her in VA) Steven/ families - 12 grandchildren / three greatgrands
Kate -- Ginnie, 7 Ellie, 4
Lori -- Colton (18) for his major to be clear & Connor (16) to grow intimate with his Father while playing basketball
Susie -- Ryan, Kate (26) Eric (25) Kelly (17)
Jacque -- Mary is 34, nurse practitioner and instructor, husb Andy, kids are Maddie 9, twins Ben and Jack 3 1/2, and Will 2
Laura is 31, ESL teacher, husb TJ, kids are Gabriel 4 and Emilia 2
Andrew is 29, anesthesiology resident, engaged
Stephen is 27, in radio and music
Michael is 24, finding his way.
Franny -- Dylan
to be continued...
Debbie -- Ashley (17)
Allie – Ryan (12)
Kris -- Emily (28), Joshua (26) and Caleb (20). Em and Josh both have spouses and Caleb will be a Junior in college. All have a relationship with Jesus!
Betty -- They are Lisa and Howard and I also have 5 grandchildren. It was my grandfather who always reminded us that God blesses us with children and by passing on our love for the Lord we are thanking Him. He went on to say - remember to pray not only for your children but for 3 generations; our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren (even if they have not been born yet).
AB in IN -- Kristen - a teenager and is trying hard to be true to her faith.
Rhonda -- in New York Sate:
Mom of three children and 2 grandchildren.
Denise (my daughter age 24)and Bryan(age 25):married on 12/15/07
Little Bryan: Born 12/14/08
Little Miss Hannah: Born 12/13/09
(see a pattern there?!)
Danielle (age 26 in July). She is
single and lives at home. She is the most precious angel and has the
heart of a servant. She is going through the "Do you have a boyfriend yet?" stage, mostly from secular relatives and such. Stressful. That she would be filled with peace as a single young lady.
My married daughter Denise could use prayer as stay-at-home mom of 2 babies, in a fairly small apartment. They are very frugal and saving for their first home.
They are debt-free - so off to a good start - Praise God.
AND, last, but not least,
My son Jimmy who will be 12 in Sept.
Loice -- Wangui
Stephanie -- unborn Kailyn, due in Aug.
Amber -- toddler, Emmi and unborn Baby Boy-Nov.
Linda, WA – Peter & Paul
Dixie -- 2 adult children Laurie (42) a Lt. and Navy social worker. And yes, unmarried with a boyfriend half the world away.
Brett, just turned 38, in Arizona and separated from his wife.
to be continued...
Kristin in Texas -- Ty (18 in August) is a 2-sport Varsity athlete, and will be applying to colleges in the fall. & Shannon (16 in September) also an Athlete but also struggles with consequences surrounding her remarried father and step-mother.
Gaylene -- two adult children
daughter -Sarah, husband Keith, and four of the best children, Caleb, Zavier, Katerina, and Caralena
Son- David.
Mary -- Claudine 38
Vinny 27 soon to be his bride Candace 24
Meghan 25
to be continued smile...
Andi
Andrew
Austin
Ashley
Baby boy *Nov.
Brady
Brett
Caleb
Carlo
Chuck
Claudine
Colton
Connor
Danielle
David
Denise
Dillon
Dylan
Ellie
Emily
Emmi
Eric
Ginnie
Howard
Jacob
Jimmy
Joshua
Kailyn *August
Kate
Kelly
Kristen
Laura
Laurie
Lauren
Lisa
Luke
Maija
Mary
Meghan
Michael
Paul
Paulo
Peter
Ryan
Ryan
Samantha
Sarah
Sarah
Seth
Shannon
Stephen
steven
susan
Ty
Vinny
Wangui
Will
There ya go beautiful sister's...
the lovely children of our blog!
Hugs, Lori
Oh my goodness, sweet Dixie, thank you so much! I will google and share!
Love you!
Blessings, Lori
Good Monday Morning,
I am having a hard time grasping Isaiah, so am grateful for Wendy and all my GIG's to aid my understanding.
I am heading to Dollar General today to purchase a notebook, as I have been negligent in writing my thoughts down as I read, which should help me immensely in commenting!
I do recall the word "hate" used a couple times in our readings - a pretty strong word. I can certainly imagine how bad it was to stir God's wrath to that point, as I see it today's society.
I wonder if the prophets (Isaiah, Micah, Amos, Hosea) were partly raised up to encourage the few that were STILL following God. How difficult it must have been for the Godly ones, much like it is for us (Christians) in these modern times. Also, for many who were riding the fence, you know one foot on each side. The ones that were/are "almost" there.
It seems like the majority had such hardened hearts, that it was simply hopeless. Hosea explained it well. It reminds me when you see a convicted murderer on the news, and they have absolutely no remorse - there is just nothing there. Not even a tear.
I guess what I am trying to say as that even though we sometimes feel in the minority - we need to hang in there! We have our cornerstone - Jesus the Messiah.
It is a blessing to connect with Sisters in Christ over the internet. Sometimes in your geographic area, it is just very limited.
Karen: That gives me something to think about re: Satan
I would have a difficult time thinking of them at "one", although I know God allows Satan to tempt us, yet we have free choice. Interesting....
I know if I am not reading and praying DAILY, it doesn't take a whole lot for Satan to get to me, usually in teeny, tiny little jabs that I may not pick up on.
Lori: God Bless you for putting all the children on the prayer list. It just brings a tear to my eye when I read the names of all those precious children.
Wendy - hope you are having a wonderful time, and LeAnn - I love "She Cooks" - how aweseome.
We almost named my oldest daughter LeAnn, but somehow ended up with Danielle instead!
Goodness - I rambled on this morning!
Rhonda in New York State
Oh my goodness, Lori, what an awesome job on the kid's list. I had been keeping one, too, and it looks to me like you didn't miss anyone (except don't we still need the name of MN Rhonda's married daughter? But maybe I'm confused.)
For myself, I have decided to do a Mon-Wed-Fri prayer session for the children, and started today. After an oil change, I stopped at a favorite spot on a lake next to the church where I was married, and really enjoyed praying "together with my sister {insert mother's name} for a mantle of peace and protection" over each individual, and that "they would walk the path He has designed for them", whether they "know" Him or not!!
Tomorrow my husband and I leave for three days of a peaceful, lakeside get-a-way in New Hampshire, but my lodgings have WiFi (I made sure) so I'll be keeping up with Wendy Land.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Rhonda in NY, I'm with you on "hanging in there" no matter what we see around us in society. Let's just do what we can in our own little corner. Let's hear it for "the remnant!" We are in good company. Thank you, Lord, for the internet!!
Michelle in New England
Karen, re 10 lost tribes. I found this reference from one of the TA's at Koinonia Institute:
"When encountering the tribal designations, it is important to distinguish between the territories allocated to the tribes and the people themselves:the “tribe of Judah” is often used generically for the Southern Kingdom (2 Kgs 17:18, 1 Kgs 11:13,32, et al.).
Our Lord is said to have offered Himself to the nation, “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Mt 10:5-6; 15:24). Other tribes than Judah are mentioned specifically as being represented in the land (Mt 4:13,15; Lk 2:36; Acts 4:36; Phil 3:5; “the twelve tribes” Acts 26:7; James 1:1)."
K-House 1&2 Chronicles Commentary
In addition, all the tribes are mentioned in Rev. 7. We may not know where they are, but God does.
Lori,
Awesome list. I should have posted earlier to catch your list but I will just copy and paste to Evernote.
Michelle,
Have a wonderful time and I love your prayer guide. I am going to borrow that.
Today's reading brought me to the farmer and how God gave him the intuition and knowledge on how to deal with the cummins, etc. My application on that is how we deal with people. Some we need to use a sledgehammer, on others, a light touch. The only way to figure it out is to ask God for discernment.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Lori,
You rock! Thank you so much for the list! I have it saved now.
Karen
Lori,
Thanks much for the list. Great Job!! Those are the one's I have all taken note of. Just one missing Jodi's little Elliot. Your a blessing.
Michelle...I only have 2 sons. No married daughter. Enjoy your 3 day get away. Aaaawh!! After the wedding. Put your feet up.
Jacque sending a 3 minute retreat your way for you today...visit:
http://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer.htm
....When this pg. comes up click onto 3-minute retreats-Daily online prayer-Loyola Press.
Awesome 3 minute get away!! Everyday....Today's is "Don't worry" Enjoy!!
Rhonda
Lori....My spirit just reminded me of our precious Leader Wendy's children: Griffin and Blaire.
Rhonda
Lori, thank you for posting that list. I printed it off today to pray over and keep in my notebook. Will and I went swimming and when we got back he was so good for me to watch a movie in his room so I could have some prayer time with the Lord. My heart is drawn very close to Him today. Wendy's message was right on for me today after the reading over the weekend and seeing some of my own story in the words of Hosea. I have noticed exactly what she said that He asks us to surrender a little at a time. Lay down things one at a time and we are drawn closer. It is through the renewing of my mind and replacing all the lies with truth that my life truly changed.
On my knees today sisters...God is at work!
Hi ya'll,
Taking the time to jump in and introduce myself. My name is Missy and I'm a princess because my father is the King of kings.
I've been reading along for awhile now. I started shortly after Wendy came to our church in Beaumont, Texas to speak with us. I bought the Bible, caught up and am reading along and loving it. I've thought about posting for awhile, just haven't but couldn't miss the opportunity to get my kids on the prayer list.
Jeremy is 18 and just graduated from school. Last year at camp he dedicated his life to the ministry at summer camp and has stood firm on his decision. He's not sure how he's going to use it but he's walking with God.
Rusty is 16 and it has been a rough year. Things are good now, but we take it day by day. He is walking right along with his brother.
Next week is youth camp and we are praying for amazing things. We have full confidence that the God is going to work in amazing ways because the devil is already active in trying to bring it down, not going to happen cause it's covered in prayer.
Thanks for all your praying and sharing.
Blessings,
Missy from Tx
Welcome,Missy!
I'm so glad that our prayer list for the children "hooked" you in to posting. Won't you stay with us? We'd love to hear what God is doing in your life. I'm impressed that you caught up with our reading (smile)! You go, girl! I've put you on my GIG prayer list as well, and will join you in praying that youth camp is covered by Him.
Jen Ren, how was the ladies' (plus dad) luncheon today?
Have a blessed evening, all.
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
In looking ahead, there are 70 years of captivity for Is. and Judah.
There were 3 groups of Jews who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, the city, and the nation. Others chose to remain in Assyrian rule. Samaritans were a mixed group of Jews and pagans, OT and NT.
Returnees #1: Under Zerubbabael's leadership, over 40,000 Jews went to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple
Returnees #2: After 57 yrs., Ezra led a group of less than 2,000 Jews to renew worship in Temple
Returnees #3: After 12 yrs. Nehemiah led an unknown number of Jews to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem for protection.
I taught Ezra, Esther, and Nehemiah in SS classes. It has really helped my understanding to read these previous scriptures.
I hope this info helps put things in perspective as we read through
these years of captivity.
Unfortunately, I can be as stubborn as the Jews in repenting and returning to the Lord. I have wasted many years living my way. It was the "me-itis". I was hard headed like the children of Israel. It took a devastating
event to knock me to my knees.
Now it's all about Jesus, living His way.
Is.28:12 says that God provided a place of quiet rest for the weary, but they would not listen. I am enjoying His rest for me after 15 yrs. of teaching :0)
Have a wonderful vacation, Wendy.
Linda from Ark.
Lori
please add the names of my kids in the prayer list:
Mwangi-23 years-not yet settled in what he wants to do in life
Wangari-year 11 and searching for the Lord
Wangui-Year 7 and struggling with settling in her high school.
Thanks , The prayers of the righteous accomplish much.
Lord we lift all the kids represented in this church in your hands. As their parents we say thank you for granting us the opportunity to partner with you in bringing them up. we thank you that the plans you have for them are for good, plans with a hope and a future build on our solid rock Jesus Christ. as we watch them develop, give us wisdom to say the right words at the right time. give us a spirit of discernment to know when to remain silent.
Father we pray even for those that appear to have wandered away from you, may you hold them back by the hand and bring them home. we confess their sins on their behalf, Lord forgive them for not following and trusting in you. Forgive them for worshiping other Gods besides you, Forgive them Lord and may you remove the blinds in their eyes that they may see you, high and lifted up. Father we thank you for hearing our prayers. We love you Jesus. You are our saviour, our friend, our God and in you alone we entrust the today and the future of our children.
Todays readings: these are the verses that popped out at me:
2Kings 17:
13 Again and again the Lord had sent his prophets and seers to warn both Israel and Judah: “Turn from all your evil ways. Obey my commands and decrees—the entire law that I commanded your ancestors to obey, and that I gave you through my servants the prophets.”
The Lord is doing the same thing today, asking us to turn from our wicked ways and follow Him alone.
Lord may you help us to listen and become a voice of reason in this wicked generation. May we not melt or merge into the systems that are being established every day in our nations. help us to stand up and be counted, help us to be willing to raise our voices when these evil laws are being put in place.
14 But the Israelites would not listen. They were as stubborn as their ancestors who had refused to believe in the Lord their God. 15 They rejected his decrees and the covenant he had made with their ancestors, and they despised all his warnings. They worshiped worthless idols, so they became worthless themselves. They followed the example of the nations around them, disobeying the Lord’s command not to imitate them.
what are our idols today????
have we elevated money and power above our God??
Are we peddling the word of God for money???
Lord Forgive us and help us to put our trust and hope in you alone. May we worship you and you alone. may you be our all in all all. even if we are poor, let us not exchange you for riches.
Provide for all our sisters that are looking for jobs today, may you come through for Jacque in a miraculous way. provide direction in this practice and may you calm the tide.
In Jesus name
Amen
Well ladies it is 10:09PM CT and I have just finished reading your comments and watching the vlog. I do my reading in the morning before heading to work. God poked me in the heart and made me realize that I was putting the Today show before him and since them the TV stays off in the morning.
The readings the past few days have just rang with grace for me. They have also reminded me of two books that I would highly recommend. Both are fiction but both will speak to your heart. Francine Rivers "Reedeming Love" and "Israel My Beloved". I will have to look up the author of "Israel My Beloved" for you.
Karen---Thank you for "the punishment is scaled to our ability to bear it and still produce good"
Amy--Thank you for the list of the few things that God asks from us.
I didn't post over the weekend so I am going to go back to yesterday's reading.
Hosea 13:5-6 jumped out at me. We love God until we no longer have a need and then we are done. Just like a child cries for Mommy when they are hurt,scared, etc and as soon as Mommy shows up and fixes everything the child is moving on.
That same thought came to me when reading Hosea 10:1-4. Do I pray just because I have a need or because I really enjoy talking with my Abba????
I do not want to be a "going through the motions" girl crying out only when I need something.
Thank you to those that lifted me up in prayer last week. I still have a financial need but I was reminded yesterday that God answers in His own way and His own time. I teach the first and second graders in Sunday School and this month we have been learning about prayer. Before prayer yesterday, I was saying to the children that I have a need that I have been praying about for several weeks but it just seems like God is not answering. Little Sam replied "Miss Jessica you know better. God has a lot of prayers to answer and He will answer yours when the time is right". Oh the wisdom of a child.
I hope everyone had a blessed day.
Jessica B.
PS: What is GIG?
Thank you Wendy so much, for sharing your testimony. I have a shopping addiction, also. I know exactly what you are saying. When I get stressed out, I just want to go to the store. TV was another one.
In April 2006, we cancelled our cable. We have no reception, just tapes. It was the HARDEST thing I ever lived through - whew! The rest of my family was totally unaffected by it. You would have thought I lost my right arm. It took several months to get past it.
Now, I don't miss it at all.
When I go shopping now, I NEED to pray before I enter the store. If not, Satan works me over good. He knows it is my weak area and always will be.
My son has the throw-ups today - started at 7 AM. He is asleep on the couch for two hours, so am keeping my fingers crossed he is done! Hopefully, I can have some Scripture thoughts tomorrow.
Rhonda in New York State
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