"Again and again the LORD has sent you his servants, the prophet, but you have not listened or even paid attention."
Jeremiah 25:4
Jeremiah 25:4
My Take Aways
Something Old:
23 years is a long time to extend grace. God loves us so much He sends us messenger after messenger, grace after grace trying to help us change our ways.
Something New:
Sometimes you get bad news, sometimes you get good news. Wasn't God gracious to His children, even when telling them of their punishment, He followed it with the good news of hope for their future.
Something to Do:
I want to respond quickly to the "messengers" of warnings from the Lord.
40 Comments:
My old today: the message of what it means to know the Lord - Jer. 22:15-16. I know, and it has been repeated over and over again, but still I don't faithfully follow this set of instructions;
* be just and right(eous) in all my dealings
* give justice and help to the poor and needy (plead the cause of the afflicted and the needy - NASB)
and also in Jer. 22:3
*Do what is right
* Help those who have been robbed
* Deliver from oppression
* Stop doing evil
* Do not mistreat {foreigners, widows, orphan} those less fortunate or different from me.
My new: Jeremiah faced death for his prophesy; I knew this, but had forgotten or never really paid attention to how much his experience foreshadowed that of Christ. Compare Jeremiah 26:7-15 to Matthew 21:11 and 27:11-26. Even though Jeremiah answered the crowd and Jesus did not, the words, actions and warnings are almost exactly the same. Wow.
Bu Jeremiah had a witness; someone who interceded for him and persuaded the mob not to kill him. The name of this witness is preserved for all time; Ahikam son of Shaphan. Ahikam was also mentioned in 2 Kings 22 as one of the party that went to see the prophetess and heard the prophesy of Josiah's reign.
My to do: Stand up for what I know is right. Do not hesitate to speak out when I see injustice. Be confident that the Lord will strengthen me and will give me the words. I will never know beforehand, when it is through this intervention that the crowd will change their mind.
Have a blessed day,
Karen, Basel
Today, 8 words got my attention:
“Give them my entire message; include every word” (Jer. 26:2). Entire message: Whole Bible, that’s why we’re in this journey dear sisters! God wants us hearing His entire message…day by day, year by year, till the Day comes! Thank you, dear Lord for your precious Word. God's Word is alive and active in us, girls!
Prayer’s and love, Lori
Dixie, what did you find out on Monday?
Good Morning,
My heart goes out to Jeremiah because he was only obeying the Lord with His messages, but the people didn't want to hear the truth.
In Jer.25:5-6, he says,"Each time the message was this:'Turn from the evil road you are traveling and from the evil things you are doing. Only then will I let you live in this land that the Lord gave to you and your ancestors forever. Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols you made with your own hands. Then I will not harm your.' "
Of course, we know the outcome-rebellion, then Babylon captures Judah on Friday, but Daniel and 3 others stay faithful, we know.
When I read about Israel and Judah's rebellion, I want them to repent and turn from idol worship and back to God, for a different
ending, don't you? However, the story stays the same. (200 pages, 70 years, before Cyrus releases the Jews to rebuild the Temple.)
My rebellion is just as disgusting to God.I'm thankful for His discipline, for I'm His child that needs it. Yes, Lord, I'll turn it over to You and stop taking the reigns. In Your time and in Your way, as I surrender.
Please Lord bless Dixie and Linda and hold their right hands as they go through their valley. Please add my friend Nancy to your prayer list. She has uterine cancer and is waiting for surgery.
It's in the triple digits here, but stay cool ya'll.
Linda from Ark.
Sarah's response to Michelle's prayer that I fwd to her.
Please thank Michelle for that beautiful prayer. "When struggles or hurts assail me, I will receive new faith". I feel like the most well-loved Christian in the Kingdom with everyone who is praying for me. Love, Sarah
Sarah just called and the first step with the dye is complete and the cancer is near the chest wall. Father, guide the surgeon as he removes all cancer from her body. Thank You for being our great Physician.
Karen, I also latched on to the same scriptures from Jeremiah.
Jeremiah's obedience to say everything that God told him to say even though the people rejected them and wanted to kill him. And the "ringleaders" were the priests and prophets!
SAP for Linda, Dixie, and Nancy as they face this enemy "Cancer". Give them You peace and strength to hold tightly to You, Father God.
I Love each of you. Blessings,
Teeny
Morning friends!
Something New: Jer 22:2: "listen to this message from the Lord, you king of Judah sitting on David's throne".....it struck me how special it was to be sitting on the throne of David...the king after God's own heart; and the way Jeremiah adds that to his message tells me the king wasn't treating it like the special place that it was.
Old: Jer 22:8-9: "Why did the Lord destroy? because they worshipped other gods". Hello! do we think that the Lord God Almighty, the Maker of all things is going to idly sit by and not punish us? He can do anything He chooses...sometimes we look at Him as a mean God...but He is just. HE is worthy of all praise and recognition and yet....we let those "other gods" creep in.
Nugget: Jer 25:6: "Do not provoke my anger by worshiping idols"......show us Lord the idols we are worshiping today, and sweep our hearts clean from desiring anything but You to fulfill us. Amen.
Storm the Gates of Heaven in Prayer!
Morgen
Hi Everybody,
Wendy…THANKS!! Yesterday I took lots of notes. ((just sending you a hug)) today. Thanks always for your wonderful insight. Have to view today’s vlog yet….going there when done here. I know I will walk away with something….and will be reading and being blessed from all the comments.
Bible Verses:
Jeremiah 25:1-14,
I found this interesting from the footnote for these verses:
*25:1-14: The fourth year of Jehiakim: 605B.C. Officially, the first year of Nebuchadnezzar began the following year; but as early as his victory over Egypt at Carchemish in 605, Nebuchadnezzar was the dominant power in the Near East, in who Jeremiah now saw the fulfillment of his prophecy of the enemy to come from the north (cf Jer 1:13; 6:22ff). In vv 11f occurs for the first time the prophecy of the seventy years’ exile; cf Jer 29:10. This Jeremiah intends as a round number, to signify that the present generation must die out.
Jer 1:13: A second time the word of the LORD came to me with the question: What do you see? “I see a boiling cauldron,” I replied, “that appears from the north.”*
Footnote 1:13: Boiling couldron…the north: symbol of an invasion from the north; cf vv14f.
vv 14f: And from the north, said the LORD to me, evil will boil over upon all who dwell in the land.
6:22: Thus says the LORD; See, a people comes from the land of the north, a great nation, roused from the ends of the earth.
29:10: Thus says the LORD: Only after seventy years have elapsed for Babylon will I visit you and fulfill for you my promise to bring you back to this place.
Karen…Always, Always love your insight. Praying for your daughter to grow closer to the Lord…so her mama (you) can have more peace.
Bethany …Wanted to hop on the other day….the prayer you did from Jeremiah was awesome. Thank You.
Continued…..
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Teeny….Praying always for Sarah and your health, your sons Seth and Steven closeness. Baseball fan!! Answering your question. Brady does love to pitch when given the opportunity, played shortstop during his baseball season with some pitching. Last weekend on his travel team he played 3rd base. Has another tournament this weekend. Thanks Teeny!
Kate….Praying for Chuck. Welcome back from vacation.
Jennifer Renee…Hope you will consider the position your Spiritual counselor are encouraging you about. We all here say to go for it too. Jenn we hear so much Him telling us to trust in Him….not in our unbelief. That is something I needed and (still need )to work on… this summer he showed me. Jenn I /we believe you would be the most qualified for this position. (From yesterday: Zeph 3:12...they who trust in the Lord). Trust in Him no more unbelief. Believe!! Your always in my prayers.
Jacque….Talk to us. We are here through the good times and bad. I do find you to be a very cheerful person. Your heart is so generous . Like Michelle said yesterday, “ Don’t be to hard on yourself.” You have been dealing with a very heavy load. Keep unloading it. Thank You for your kindness you always show to this wonderful group.
Gaylene…Glad to hear your feeling better. Loved what you shared about your Dad’s going home. So special.
G & P…oooooH, You are just a God Send every day. You are a …oh what did they say the “Tech Queen.” I find you, along with so many others, so faithful to our group. Thanks for your special comment to Brady…Grace & Peace the holidays are a ways away yet…lots can happen between now and then. You showed us yesterday to hop right back on with taking a negative situation and preserving. Thank You G &P. I will definitely be praying for your Dad to be spending the holidays & your birthdays with you/family and your sister/family.
Kristin TX…. Prayers for Rebecca and her family….have them close to my heart. (((( warm hugs to all of them)))) Plenty of Why’s??? May the God of Peace come to this family.
Thank You!! Congratulations to your son Ty. That must have been a very memorable experience. NICE JOB Ty!! Last weekend Brady’s traveling team (they just get in tournaments in our area). They took first place in that tournament. Will be doing another this weekend. It really is a lot of traveling. Can I ask you a question? Does he plan on doing baseball in college? Out of the 3 Brady has qualified for he is looking to do the one in Az. Next Dec. (this December for this one you need to be 16 to 18 yrs of age (he is only 14 right now 15 in Nov) they put him on the differed list….this was the one that he wanted to do the most had a lot of what he was looking for. will be 16 than. He is looking for instruction on getting better at his game. Especially in pitching….Not much help from the coaches in our rural area….A lot of decision making???
Lyn TX….Just know Dylan is in my thoughts and prayers everyday.
Michelle….Enjoy that vacation…Thank You for the comment to Brady and your sweet blessing you give to everyone.
Lori….Your comment yesterday/everyday….THANK YOU…that was put together so well. Lot of pondering went into after reading it. Thank You for all you do. Brady is thinking AZ next Dec.
Kelly…Great Praise Report.
Jeanne…Praying for Laura and baby Will.
Franny….Combining wheat….Those golden fields…. a very special place to be with God. Never under estimate all what you are doing. You are feeding the hungry. You are using your talents. Dylan is in my prayers.
Elizabeth CA….Praying and thinking lots about you….How you doing?
Praying for All,
Rhonda
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Good morning FIGs,
Something Old: The Israelites continue not to listen. I was so struck by how many times in today's reading that phrase appears "you did not listen", "if you will not listen". Mercy, I know how frustrated I get when I repeat myself over and over to my children for not listening, yet our merciful and loving and long-suffering God shows His amazing love by continuing to deal with and tell His children they haven't listened, what will happen as the consequence and still gives opportunity to repent.
I am just amazed by His love and patience that through Jeremiah he spoke to the people with the same message for 23 years.
Something new: The Lord calls the king of Babylon his "appointed deputy" in Jer 25:9. Just, wow on that. He uses all things, even those who are evil, in His divine plans. Yet we also know that this evil king will get his due punishment for causing the suffering of God's chosen people. (Jer 25:14).
My nugget: What am I not listening to God about? This was a real step-on-my-toes day of reading. I know there are areas of my life that I haven't been listening to him about. God has been dealing with me about them and I have been trying to ignore His nudging. It's time to listen, and do what I know is right because that is what it means to know Him (as the Lord so beautifully said in Jer 22:16).
Thank you Father God for your patience, mercy, grace and unfailing love for me, such an imperfect and at times rebellious child. Thank you for loving me still. Forgive me for not listening to you. Help me do what is right so that I may know You more.
Amen
Have a wonderful day dear friends!
Jodi
Jodi...I caught that too...about King Neb...Go works through anyone.
Linda...SAP for Nancy
Praying for Sarah as well and all those in need...wondering how Elizabeth is doing...
I camped out on Jer 22:15 - 16...but I am not as eloquent as Karen. Loved what it says at the the end of 16 "Isn't that what it means to know me?" We do what is right and just...serving those in need...all kinds of need...Amen...
Have a wonderful day!!
God Bless, Sue
Kristen, it is so sad to hear about Rebecca’s family. I pray that they are finding peace in the midst of the pain and uncertainty, that they feel God’s hands holding them.
How are you doing Stephanie? Prayers for you and little Kaitlyn.
Thinking about Allie and son Ryan.
Some of our sisters who are on my mind—Mary, Ruth, Angela, Loice, Kris, Nancy, Betty, AB in IN, Emily, Jill, Mary from SW Ohio, Jules, Mary Ann, Mrs. Missy, Michele and others. As I pray for you I wonder how you are doing.
G&P, your notes yesterday were powerful. Praying for your dad and all of your family.
Thank you for the song, Lori—beautiful words about waiting.
Jodi, I can hear your faith and commitment in what the Lord will bring to you! Yes!
Linda and Teeny’s Sarah, SAP for you especially today.
I have been cleaning out a room for Michael (remnants of many years of several children’s HS and college stuff that needed to be cleaned out anyway-- it was rather nostalgic!), so he can put his own things in there. Tomorrow we are traveling to his graduation from the treatment center. He has invited us to be there, and I know there will be many tears as the residents and staff share their comments about him. He has seen others graduate, and so he is prepared.
We have contacted a counselor here who can follow through with after-care. He suggested we stop in to touch base as soon as we get to town. Michael will also need to contact his sponsor and start his meetings right away.
Friday is a planned trip to see my mom, and dental appointments with my brother. My sister Liz (the best dental hygienist in the world) has offered to clean his teeth—a corporal work of mercy! Bless you Lizzy! Hope Michael can also spend time with a cousin who is struggling in recovery. This will be a good chance for him to face the family and acknowledge his new journey. He would like to be a support to other young people in our family who may be struggling with dependence, to bring the issue into the light and start talking about it, so others can also benefit.
I ask you for prayers as we start this new chapter. He needs to stay lifted up from the temptation of depression, to see the goodness in his life and to know there is hope for every circumstance! He needs to find good friends who will support him. He needs to find a job and activities that will give him self-worth, to help him feel he is a contribution to the world. It’s a lot to ask from our God, but look at His marvelous work so far! I believe as Michael sees God's working in his life, he will begin to recognize his dependence on Him. It will still require baby steps. Thank you friends!
I forgot to say, we’ve had a new puppy in our house for over a week now. Had been thinking about it for months, but with this situation it just seemed the right timing. Pet therapy is an amazing antidepressant! How can one not be cheerful, Rhonda, around a wildly wagging tail?!!! LOL!
Thank you Wendy for your inspiration, and to all of you friends-- my prayers continue for your special intentions.
Blessings,
Jacque
Good morning, GIGs,
Praising our Lord for the glorious summer he is giving us in New England, right Mary, Dawna and Jodi? I can't even remember a longer stretch of warmth, sunny skies and breezes. Thank you, Lord.
Jodi, I've been thinking about your church issues. Considering that a lot of us here in Wendy Land consider THIS our church - complete with His Holy Word, a preacher (that's you, Wendy girl), fellowship and prayer groups, I wonder if you might be able to find something similar on line for children? Or if not on line, maybe through videos. Perhaps the homeschooling organizations could direct you to some childrens' material, if your 5-year-old just isn't getting anything out of going to church (not unusual). As I've shared with you, I did require my two children to do the whole go to Mass and Sunday School routine, but neither of them are walking with the Lord right now as young adults, so maybe I should have done something differently when they were kids. (sigh)
Wendy, maybe someone at Proverbs 31 could do for children what you do for us!
I offer this prayer today for George and Nancy, for Sarah, Dixie and Linda, for Rebecca, for Denise, for Mikey, for Julia and her mom, for Ryan and for all the others whose needs for healing have been shared here---
Oh heavenly Father, You are the strength of the weak and the comfort of sufferers. Mercifully accept our earnest prayers and grant to all these people the help of Your power, that they may be returned to health and our sorrow to joy, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen!
Morgen, your post from yesterday really moved me. Thank you.
Jeanne, thank you for the information about your children and grandchildren.
Kelly, PRAISE THE LORD about your diagnosis. I join you in claiming complete healing for you, dear sister!
Have a blessed, 4:8 day all.
Praising Him all day long today!!!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
Michelle
Thank you and Amen!!!
Jacque
Jacque, you getting a puppy for your household is the best news!!!! You are an awesome mom (but we knew that already) to take on the added work of a dog. Speaking as a 20-year dog owner, we have all benefited from loving our two canines, but none more than my son. When our first dog died when Chuck was 13, he said two days later "The house seems hollow without a dog." We had another within two weeks :) We felt that was a real tribute to the dog we had lost, that we couldn't live without what a dog brings to the household. Good luck, and what did you name the puppy?
Michelle in New England
Hi everyone,
I am in here just real quick. I am on my way out of town to go to a job interview 4 hours away from where I live. I will be back home this Friday afternoon. I appreciate prayer for this job. It is a care giving position. If I get the job, I will be moving to that area.
I am praying for your needs too.
Blessings, Elizabeth CA
Michelle, his name is Chip (Michael got his 30-day chip last week from AA). Half lhaso, half cocker, 10 wks old, looks like chunky choc chip ice cream, mild mild temperament, loving, snuggles, already knows his manners. Our last dog was a shi-tzu and she brought out the best in our boys-- the loving tenderness that wouldn't have been "manly" to show otherwise-- such a blessing to our family. We had her for 13 yrs, gone 4 years now. Your son is right, it has been "hollow" around here without that little energy. We think he's already added a lot of positive energy-- very "Chipper"!!! Another bonus-- we are suddenly more popular, getting extra visits from our kids-- they want to play w/the pup! I know Michael will bond with him in a special way. Thanks for asking :)
Jacque
Hi, everyone.
I have not posted for awhile, and for the past week had a hard time even to keep up with the reading. Finally, I just stopped until the good things occurring in my life slowed down.
My oldest, my daughter who was married this March in Costa Rica had a wedding reception for those who could not make the Costa Rica trip.
This was rather overwhelming with my mom's identical twin, her husband and my cousin coming in town from San Diego.
And, my daughter was marrying someone whose parents were born and raised in India. I had been concerned would not be Christian.
At the wedding, there were 2 Catholic priests from India! This entire family is from the tip of India were the disciple turned apostle Thomas went to instruct after the resurrection of Jesus. This portion of India is a form of the Catholic Church which follows the Pope.
I was so very thankful that this most wonderful, kind, caring young man was also a Christian.
I have so much to be thankful for.
I go to bed reading my readings for the day. And wake up to start my day listening to Wendy and viewing everyone's take on the days readings.
I can be so lost. Many times I do not find any nuggets or something new in the readings. I am just following the history and feeling rather sad for our God who loved his people so very much yet his people kept straying.
I pray that I can find nuggets, something new, something old, and a take away in each days readings.
I am so very thankful that I am a part of this group. I hear so much listen to Wendy, I read so many nuggets and take always in comments from our group.
It is after viewing the video, and reading everyone's comments that I can finally understand what is being given out to us. It is afterward that I can find these pearls of wisdom from God.
I am sending prayers of healing, God's guidance to the surgeons, and physicians who provide care for our GIG's who are in need.
I have been in these shoes, I had to just fall back into the arms of God to get me through those times with my daughter. I had to ask for the peace of Jesus and the understanding for what God's will is.
With love and hope,
Susie
Wisconsin
Late in posting - I knew I was forgetting something today. That's what I get for staying up til midnight reading "The Help."
Rhonda, you're right. The holidays are still months away. Who knows what God will do? Thank you all for your prayers for my Dad. It means a lot to me and my sister especially.
Jacque, 30 days already? Father, as Michael finishes his rehab, the hard work is about to begin. He needs you now more than ever as he integrates back to a new normal. Please send godly spirit-filled Christians along his path to guide him. Keep him away from falling into old habits and bad influences. We ask that You never let go of him, Father. Keep him in the palm of Your hand.
Teeny,
Praying for Sarah. I know how we worry when our kids are suffering. Father, we lift up Sarah to You. You formed her before she was born. You have a purpose for her life. She is going through these trials with Your permission. We do not know the end from the beginning but we know You do. We thank you, Father for hearing us all the time.
Elizabeth, praying for favor during the job interview. If this is where God wants you to be, I pray for open doors for you.
I forgot to add something to yesterday's reading when Josiah died.
2 Chron 35:24 So they lifted Josiah out of his chariot and placed him in another chariot. Then they brought him back to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried there in the royal cemetery. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. 25 The prophet Jeremiah composed funeral songs for Josiah, and to this day choirs still sing these sad songs about his death. These songs of sorrow have become a tradition and are recorded in The Book of Laments.
I was listening to my KI lesson in Zechariah and in Zechariah 12:11 it says In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
Chuck Missler said that "the historical calamity referred to was Pharaoh Neco's slaying of the godly Josiah, the last ray of hope of the nation between Hezekiah and the fall of the Jewish nation. This sorrow must have been great indeed to become a point of comparison."
It brought me back again to what a heart fully surrendered to God can accomplish. Look at his influence in the nation, the kind of impact he made that the kind of mourning they did when he died became the standard upon which the others are measured.
I know I found something good from today's readings too but my brain is slow starting today!
Ya’ll, after vacation I wrote out my testimony. This is something I’ve been wanting to do for some time and as hard as I tried, I did not feel like I had something that I could share that was worthwhile.... Never, did I expect God to open up scriptures and enlighten me while on vacation. This was nothing I had planned out. But. God. Doesn’t he continue to awe us dear girls, with HIS ways?! Surely, they are nothing we ever expect. I was only going to share this with a few of my closest friends, but when sweet Wendy ask us if we’d we willing to “let her know” this story that was saved in my computer came to my mind. I ignored it, cuz there are a million of other things I need to be doing…but, God kept saying, post it. So, I am sending it to wendy, but will share it with you all, too. You all are so special to me. If it were not for you guys, I’d never have a life verse, or never – ever would have become aware of the power of what praying can do! Once, again, with tears in my eyes (God, cuz normally I’m just not the crying type) I want to say thank you, for teaching me every day. Like many of you have mentioned, it’s just like going to church, only we can do it daily! Through you, I am learning so much. All my love and prayers coming your way, Lori
A Day to Remember – A God Moment
I woke up, contemplating my quiet time with the Lord and anticipating Him on my morning beach walk; what did He offer me - Himself!
This one particular morning I spent walking along the beach, God opened up His universe to me. The stillness created a soothing blanket of peace around me. I felt the quietness in the air; the sun had yet to come up. The lack of light and inactivity allowed me to focus on Him. I could see the motion of the waves, the movement, the strong current that bounced up towards the sky. Below, I felt the sand in between the toes; my thoughts centered around each single tiny grain – all counted by God. Only a very big God could know how many small particles of sand there are. “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalms 147:5). It was certainly, beyond my comprehension, as to how this could be possible. Smack dab in front of me- heaven met earth and God’s glory encompassed my whole being. The strong feeling took ahold of me as I felt His presence. Without a doubt, I knew at that moment in time, - that my God is bigger. My God is stronger. My god is taller! I was overwhelmed at His magnitude; I wanted to hold on to this picture in my mind forever. Never to lose this feeling that over came me, just like the waves right in front of my eyes. No matter what comes my way: My God is bigger than any problem, higher than any trial, taller than any worry. As I walked and looked ahead I knew my God was LORD of Heaven’s Armies! Controller of any situation. Sovereign. The God Most High - El Elyon – sovereign ruler of all the universe. All. He showed me the meaning of Holy, Holy, Holy. He was. He is. And, He is to come! Strength. Glory. POWER. Dear Lord, with all I am, I adore You.
To see Him in His glory all around me, to see the beautiful creation in front of my eyes, like I had never noticed before, to see through His eyes is a marvelous mystery. I was (to be cont.)
left awestruck. A wonder I could not grasp or make out. Beyond all doubt, plainly, my heart was filled with His joy, His presence, and His love.
My testimony was revealed before my eyes! His glory is what satisfies us dear friends! His Holy Word came alive to me: “for I have made [you] for my glory” (Isaiah 43:7 – July 23). This, sisters is why He created us – to give Him the glory. He created us for a specific purpose in life and that is how we are satisfied! If we would live our days to give Him the glory – we would be satisfied! What a GOD MOMENT! It’s not the stuff, the things, it’s Him. I can’t tell you how many years I lived my life doing my own thing. God in His mercy allowed me to be satisfied for many years. Ever so slowly, He began His pursuance. Bit by bit. He gave me everything. I had no wants -He allowed me to have everything, to show me that even when you have it all, you’re not fulfilled. Guilt came over me because there was no worldly reason that I should feel this void, but, I did. I’d shop, I’d decorate, I’d volunteer, I’d pour myself into serving me family. I attended church weekly. But, the emptiness surrounded me and I began to feel like I did not have a purpose. Not long after this, the weekly church sermons began coming alive to me. Next, a girlfriend invited me to take a Beth Moore Bible Study with her; while during this time, - the Holy Spirit was drawing me in. I began longing for a purpose in life. Wanting to be content, but, not knowing what I was missing. What I did not know was that I was not intimately walking with my Father. I thought I was a good Christian. I thought I was doing everything right, but, I was so far from the truth.
And, at about that very same time, God in His loving and kind way - brought me to His Word, through a special blog in 2009: Walking with Women Through the WORD with Wendy Pope. The year I turned 50, He opened His Word up to me through this special southern gal, and --- He became alive inside of me, in a new and living way. His love captivated my heart. I became head-over-heals in love with Him. After half of a century, He answered my mother’s prayers, and drew me to His Word, through sweet and dear Wendy Pope. I became His close daughter; a daughter that loves His precious Word. Who loves to walk with Him. Who still is searching to know Him more each day. Humbly, I’m honored to be apart of a journey through His Word, daily, with thousands of other ladies and gentlemen from all over the World! May I never stray from His Word. His Word keeps me on His path. His Word shows me His will for my life. His Word sanctifies me closer and closer and closer to Him. Investigate me Lord, transform me Lord. I want to be just like You - created in Your very own image. May the love you have poured inside me, fill me up and come out of my mouth and actions, to draw those around me to you. May I live to anticipate and share the glorious victories that You provide me with. May I wake up each morning, with a desire to Know You more! May I seek to further Your kingdom by being Your hands and feet and reaching to those that are still looking for happiness.
Yes, I’m feeling blessed at the moment, – extremely blessed. Delighted. Happy. Glad. It’s nice to be home. To know my purpose, and to not have a shadow of a doubt as to why I am living today. My satisfaction in life comes from his surrounding glory – it’s EVERYWHERE, we’ve just got to look and anticipate it around us! Wide-eyed! God (to be cont.)
moments all around us – reasons to offer up praises and thanks to Him. Thank you dear Lord for opening up my eyes and drawing me to You. Thank you for your precious Word. Thank you for Jesus in our heart. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit that guides me and counsels me. “In the LORD all the generations will [we] boast (Isaiah 45:25). “There is no other god-there never has been, and there never will be” (43:10).
Morning after morning, I wake up anticipating the Lord’s presence with me. I enjoy my quiet time, and log into Wendy’s blog. The Spirit of God flows out of her mouth and into my heart. She fills me up with her wisdom for the Lord as her golden nuggets (scriptures) come alive by her teaching: Something Old, Something New, and Something To Do. Together, across the miles, we are living out my life verse: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as [we] see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
Thank you, sweet Jesus, for bringing me to this blog, and for opening up yourself to me, even more, while I was on vacation this past summer. Your continue to answer my daily prayer: to awe me, to keep me zealous and seeking to know you more.
Jacque,
Please check Chip carefully on his back, right up near the shoulders, on the right and on the left. Yep, I thought so.....wings!!!! Amen!
Michelle in New England
Lori, twin, we once again posted together. Your testimony was BEAUTIFUL!!!
Michelle in New England
P.S. I tried FIVE times to have the word beautiful come out in bold using G&P's instructions, but apparently I'm missing something :-/
Hi!
I have had some trying days in deciding which doctor to do surgery. So it is settled now - surgery next Monday morning and until Wednesday the waiting to find out about lymph node involvement. His will be done. My daughter, Lt. Laurie will be flown to Japan Aug. 17th to find out more about her abnormal pap smear.
There are so many to include in prayers - for Teeny's daughter Sarah, for Elizabeth in Ca. for finding a job, for Michael in overcoming (dog, great idea for therapy (I have 6 ) for Jenn-Ren to find her answers right next door, for G& P for her father) and for all the others - I am praying in the spirit.
In church on Sunday I was able to sit with one of my "friends" from Special Populations and his sister. Kevin doesn't talk much - couple words repeated here and there - but every five minutes he turned to me with the biggest smile. I have never done so much smiling in church before! He clapped his hands - so could I do otherwise? And we even high fived together. What a blessed time for me, reminding me once again of unconditional love.
I continue to read along and out of Jon Courson's books. Every day I could find something to comment on. G&P does such a wonderful job - Remember me - the one who had never read thru the Bible before? I was a wobbly Christian to say the least. I still wobble from time to time - but "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down." For those of you who don't remember the children's toy - they were round weighted plastic figures. You could push them around but never would they tip over and stay that way. My faith now is keeping me from tipping over and keeping me there!
Hugs to all of you everywhere....
Dixie in Florida
Thank you for your prayers for Sarah. The surgeon also removed one lymph node (precautionary). She is now at her home. Praise God for His goodness and mercy. He hears our heart cries.
Lori, You should write a book. Your testimony is sooooo inspiring!
Thank you for sharing it with us.
Jacque, Chip is a perfect name...are you sure he doesn't have wings?? Michelle, you really can hit the nail on the head.
Visitors just came in so will stop for now.
Love all of you,
Teeny
Teeny, are we allowed to have life verses that aren't from the Bible. If so, I high hosey "Weebles wobble but they don't fall down," ha ha ha. I heart you, Sister!!
Michelle in New England
Dixie,
You have a full plate. Praying for your daughter, Lt. Laurie as she deals with the abnormal pap. I had that scare a couple of years back but I'm fine now. If they catch hers early, she should be fine, too. Will pray for you esp next week during the surgery and the waiting for the results.
Lori, I love your testimony, sister! Smiling the whole time I was reading it. God is awesome!
Teeny, we had that toy when we were young! We called it "Rolly Polly" though.
Michelle, I think I finally figured out how to make the codes visible - I need to put spaces and separate them (duh!)
To begin the code for bold:
Press <
Press b
Press >
then type type type your text.
To close the code:
Press <
Press /
Press b
Press >
To italicize, it's the same keys except you type "i" instead of "b." You always need the beginning and closing codes. And do not put spaces in between the symbols and the letter code that was just for illustration purposes. Now, you try!
Lori, beautiful testimony!
Dixie, I SAP for you and LT Laurie and will continue to pray for you both. My daughter had the weebles, but I so love your example of using them for faith.
Wendy, I also was struck by 23 years, again and again God patiently tries to get the people to return to Him. Yet, they refuse. Oh, if we but will listen.
Praying for the many needs and giving praise for the blessings (love Chip).
Gaylene
Thank you G&P. You are a patient teacher!
Michelle
Michelle,
Yay, it worked! :)
I just finished listening to Dr. Charles Stanley on "The Powerful Practice of Fasting part 1." He said it's main purpose is preparing our hearts to hear from God. Fasting is about letting God cleanse our life from sin, bad habits, etc so He can show us the truth from His Divine point of view.
If you have a chance, listen to it. It's about 24 minutes long.
http://ht.ly/2jpCm
Have a blessed day everyone.
Good afternoon all. I know it is later than I usually post a comment but I could not get up this morning. I have been so exhausted and don't know why.
I came across something new. I never knew or never realized that the King of Egypt, Neco, took Jehoahaz to Egypt as a prisoner and that his brother became the king. I never realized that Jehoiakim's name was actually Eliakim.
2 kings 23:34; 2 Chron. 36:4
It's my understanding that Babylon is modern day Iraq. In Jeremiah 25:12 the Lord says He will make the country of the Babylonians a wasteland forever. Does this not speak clearly of that country's civil unrest? I sometimes wonder why it seems God doesn't speak more clearly to us, but when I see something like this, how much more clearly do we need it?
Dixie,
Oops, that "weebles wobble" as my life verse lame joke was for you! But, you and Teeny know that I love you both!!! Praying for your needs!
Michelle in New England
Wendy, it's day 216
Wendy your something new brought a memory to me. When I first started a job back in 2001 and for several years anytime I did something wrong or forgot to do something, like give her a message, my boss would get a little upset with me and correct me which made me cry every time but she would always follow it up with a positive comment like telling me that I was doing a good job. I was always very hard on myself when I messed up so the reassurance that I was doing a good job helped. Unfortunately the positive remarks stopped and negative attitudes and remarks were constantly being thrown at me.
Elizabeth, sending prayers toward Heaven for your job interview. If I remember correctly you said you'd have to b out of your house at the end of the month? God's timing is always perfect!!!
Dixie, you make me smile. I had weeble wobbles when I was a kid.
Lori, wonderful testamony!! So when does the book come out??? SMILE.
Jacque, you and others make me want to get a dog. for a while I've been thinking about getting a seeing eye dog. Of course I'm not a fan of going out in the cold and rain to walk it. I would love a little puppy. For a year now my spiritual mom has been telling me I should get a guide dog. She used to work at the school for the blind in Va. She said a dog would bring so much more to my life than just helping me get around.
Sending you all big hugs.
Sue, SAPing frequently for you as you head to your interview, for travel mercies, and for His peace to surround you and glow in your face as you interview.
Jen Ren, years ago I read a fictional but based on real life book about a woman who lived alone and got a seeing eye dog. It was a wonderful, positive change in her life. My, you have a lot to pray about for your future direction with all these ideas popping into your head. I pray, in Jesus' name, that the Holy Spirit brings you much spiritual wisdom and discernment as to what our Almighty Father's will is for your life. Amen. Have a wonderful evening, Jen Ren.
A praise report! We just found out that my husband's nephew happens to be arriving tonight from Arizona for a 10-day visit to New England, so if my MIL has any health crisis while we are on vacation, her grandson will be here to handle it. Isn't God awesome! He takes care of all the details, and His timing is indeed perfect!
Peace and Gratitude,
Michelle in New England
GIGs,
If anyone is here, could you say a little prayer for me? In a few minutes, I'm going to visit a dear friend who had a baby yesterday (His name is Jedidiah meaning "Beloved by God" and I'm going to be his godmother). My problem is it's in the same hospital where my Mom died. I haven't been back there in almost 6 years. I know in the big scheme of things it shouldn't be a big deal but I'm feeling very weepy right now. Thank you.
Father, in Jesus'name I pray that you would provide for our sister, G&P, as she visits the hospital, so that she will have a calm mind, a happy heart, and Your peace as she visits for the first time with her godmother!
oops, godson!!
Dear G&P, my heart goes out to you, and the memories of your mother. Six years doesn't matter, it is a chance to revisit your feelings of love for your mom. Wasn't it on this site that I learned that behind every emotion-- fear, anger, etc. is LOVE. You are feeling fear because you loved your mother and you miss that love. Embrace the good in it. Dear Lord, open Grace's heart to feel the love that transcends time and space, and allow her to feel Your comforting presence as she faces this challenging opportunity to reflect on her mother's love today. Amen.
Jen Ren, what an idea! If you do some research and talk to people you will be better able to see if this something that would be good for you. God's Spirit puts ideas into our heads, and puts signs in our lives, and so you need to explore this and be open, to help you discern. It took us months to make this decision, but it was so easy to make when all the pieces fell into place! We knew it was right. And so you need to take time to learn more and examine your heart. For us, dogs have brought so much joy and companionship. They take some dedicated time, but it is a happy busy! I will pray for your inspiration, sweetie! Baby steps for now.
Jacque
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