God’s transforming power in our lives truly is amazing.  I love, the phrase Love Change.  When first we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, God’s justification is instantaneous.  Thus begins our Love Change.  But, the true change comes through sanctification.  God progressively sets us apart in this life.  He conforms us to His likeness.  As we yield to His purpose and plan for our lives, the Holy Spirit guides us and helps us to become new creatures in Christ Jesus.  ”We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance (the glory of God-Exodus 34:29-35) was fading away…And (but) we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:13 & 18

Truely, this is A Love ~ Change

To abide in Him is to stick to Him like glue.  He wants us to be so close to Him that we cannot be pulled apart.  So hang tight to Him, no matter what is going on in your life.  When we stick close to God, our relationship with Him is strengthened ~ the bond is strengthened.

Abide In Him

You have a part to play in God’s plan to finish what He started in your life.  Day by day He reveals new things to you, and for you.  Read His word and listen for His guidance.  Trust Him.  He has a plan for you, and He will continue to work on it, and in your life.

His mercies are new every morning.  Lamentations 3:22-23  “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”  

I love The Word…It lifts us up…It lightens our heavy hearts…It encourages us to press on…It gives us courage to continue the work of the Lord~press forward the Kingdom of God…It transforms us into New Creatures~In Christ~2 Corinthians 5:17 and Romans 12:2. 

My prayers for us all today, is that we would have joyful hearts, bodys and minds~in the Spirit.  That we would remember who we are in Christ.  That we would not think highly of ourselves, but “give preference to one another, in honor” (Romans 12:10).   That we would remember that our purpose in life is to Glorify God~Relationship with Him, and that He does have a plan for each one of us~according to His will and His kingdom plan.  That the most important part of this day would be the time we spend LISTENING to what the Father has to say to us.  AMEN! 

“Find your self-esteem in the Lord, not in how great (or not so great) you (or anyone else thinks) think you are”  pam

“Step back into the will of the Lord, and what He has asked you to do for His Kingdom.  It’s all about Him, not you or me.”  pam 

“Be sensitive to the door He opens for you today, to live and speak The Gospel”  pam 

“Prepare yourself  for the doors He will open for you tomorrow, and the next day, and the next…”  pam 

“There has yet to be a book written titled, “Humility and how I achieved it”  Author Unknown

Is it life, or is it the Spirit?  Do you ever experience times in your life that you feel extremely sensitive to your surroundings?  Do you ever feel that daily events or normal happenings are teaching you something, illustrating a point?  I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.

For the past couple of weeks, I think I’ve had writers block…if there is such a thing.  It all started when I thought my blog had been ‘ha_k_d’…see I’m scared to type it out (insert a ”c” and an “e”).  Ever since, I have felt I have nothing to write about, or my self esteem issue kicked in high gear…or somthin’.  Bear with me while I reason this out…he he!  Now, all of a sudden I feel that sensitivity that I spoke of in paragraph 1.  Like I said, I shouldn’t be surprised because isn’t that the way the Holy Spirit gets our attention sometimes?  We settle down, or we take our focus off of where it should not be, and re-focus our attention on the “Things of God” ~ where it should be.  Anyone else ever experience this?

This morning, as I was driving to my office, I entered onto the highway from our country road.  I looked to my right, to see if another car was coming up over the hill, before I pulled out onto the highway.  I waited until I was sure a car would not top the hill.  Well, guess what?  The minute I pulled out onto the highway, another car did come up over the hill.  I had already pulled out on the highway, so I gave my car some extra gas.  I did pull out onto the highway safely, and the other car was not inconvenienced at all.  Probably 95% of the time, we pull out onto the highway and another car will come over the top of that hill…at the very moment we pull out.  The trick is, not to hesitate when we feel the time is right to enter onto the highway.

At that very moment when I pulled out and saw the other car come over the top of that hill, an illustration came to my mind.  Go figure!  How many times do we hesitate when we feel the Holy Spirit come over the top of the hill, moving toward us or moving us to action, in some way?  When that car was moving toward me, I didn’t want to hesitate for fear of getting hit.  When the Holy Spirit moves toward me, I don’t want to hesitate for fear of missing something.

Hey Lord, I’m Listenin’~I’m Focused

We are born of the Holy Spirit, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and we are moved by the Holy Spirit.  We are moved not only spiritually (growing in the likeness of Christ~growing up), but physically (from place to place~season to season).  The Holy Spirit can whisper to us, or he can pop up suddenly over the top of a hill~calling us to attention.  The trick is, not to hesitate when the Holy Spirit is moving toward us, teaching us, or moving us into action.  No matter how the Holy Spirit speaks to us, it is our OBEDIENCE to His call, the Word of God and the Love of Jesus Christ that matters.

Yesterday, my post was about “corruption in our midst”~”guard the purity of the gospel and our hearts”, by putting on the full armor of God.  Today, it’s “don’t hesitate”~”move out boldly, in obedience”. 

“…prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-15

“In and through Jesus Christ, we may approach God with freedom and confidence (boldness).”  Ephesians 3:12

I am always amazed by the illustrations (pictures) our everyday lives can impart to us.  My ‘Hubby’ and I spent the weekend at a very popular music (Bluegrass) festival, here in the Ozarks (Southwest Missouri).  If you know anything about Bluegrass Music, you will know that it is has a rich history here in the Missouri Ozarks.  It is pure, pre-Country Music.  You may have heard of Rhonda Vincent (the reigning queen of bluegrass music).  She is a Missouri native credited with working tirelessly to popularize bluegrass and acoustic music.  The most typical instruments used are guitar, dog-house bass (a large bass fiddle), fiddle (you will offend a bluegrass player if you call the fiddle a violin), mandolin, banjo, and sometimes a dulcimer and a dobro guitar.  You will not see these musicians with sheet music (this is not to say they can’t read music), as their musical talents truly are gifts.

In the evenings after the main show has ended, many of the folks who came to listen to the bluegrass music will gather outside someones camper (home away from home) to “jam”.  Jam is a term used to describe several musicians sitting in a relaxed atmosphere playing their musical instruments and singing together.  It really is quite amazing to sit and listen to them.  Ed (my ‘hubby’) and I had no choice but to sit and listen to the ‘jam’ session, as it was outside, underneath our camper awning.  I might add, we were up until 2:00 a.m. observing and listening.  I’m taking my mandolin the next time. 

You’re probably thinking, “what does this have to do with~corruption in the midst of us”?  Well, I’m about to get into that.  First of all, I want to give you a definition of ‘corruption’.  “Corruption: impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle; a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct.  And, Archaic: an agency or influence that corrupts”  Definitions from Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Present in our  ’jam’ session were 3 guitar players, 1 bass fiddle player, 1 banjo player, 1 fiddle/mandolin player and a ‘want to be’ mandolin player.  These folks are always happy to let beginners play with them.  It’s amazing how one person will begin to play and sing, and the rest join in to complete and compliment the song. 

Our little group was very content and the atmosphere was most pleasant…UNTIL the ‘Archaic’ arrived.  Around 12:30 a.m., a stranger broke into our midst.  He was a young man, maybe around 30 years of age. He had no musical instrument, only his trusty cell phone (which by the way, no one in our little group played with or answered a cell phone while we were together that night).  The young man listened for a while, but as soon as the moment was right (for him), he interrupted with a request for a Meryl H. country western song so that he might show off his talent.  I believe his words were, ‘pretty good singing voice’.  Right then, you could feel the atmosphere change.  The young man was persistent until one of the guitar players obliged him.  He requested one song after another, using his cell phone to find all the words to the songs (all Meryl H. songs…he he).    The guitar man continued to play the music for him, about 35 minutes, and then nicely said, “I don’t know anymore of those songs”. The guitar man was also drawn in, to looking at immoral junk on the young man’s cell phone.  Just so you’ll know, everyone else had quit playing their instruments, while the 1 guitar man played and the young man sang.  And, it was not to hear his great rendition of  “Okie From Muskogee”, but in protest for the interruption. The young man left when his guitar player quit playing, and stopped paying attention to the cell phone immorality.

I watched very intently as all of this went on.  I also spent some additional time during the weekend observing this young man.  It was like everywhere I was, he was busy networking with people and trying to sell himself, in some way.  I could guess at what his angle was, but that’s not important.  It’s safe to say, he was searching for something, for his own gain.

Back to the ‘jam’ session.  This young man worked his way into a place where he really was not fitted for.  And, because one person (the guitar player) allowed him access, he corrupted the atmosphere.  It was such a quick move, that most did not know what happened, until after it happened.  After this young man left, the music, the atmosphere, nor the conversation was the same.  His presence and his influence created a ‘departure from what was pure’.  Those present did not know how to handle the situation as it happened, or after it happened.

What does this have to do with me, and you?  It is an illustration of how easily an ‘archaic’, can move in to our lives and corrupt what is pure and good.  I’m talking about the righteousness of the Lord, the standards of God.  What could have been said, or done, to stop the corruption in the above situation?  Probably, just to say, “that is not the kind of music we are playing here“.  You do whatever is necessary to dis-allow the corruption.  Be prepared always.  The enemy is always lurking, always waiting for that one moment when we are not prepared to say, “that is not the kind of music we play here“. 

How can we prepare ourselves to be bold enough to stop the intruder (the powers of a dark world and spiritual forces of evil’ in the heavenly realms)?  Read Ephesians 6:10-18  “…be strong in the Lord and His power.  Put on the full armor of God…Stand firm…be alert…”

And, always be prepared to say, “That Is Not The Kind Of Music (insert your own word) We Play Here”!

How often do we hear about someone finding some hidden code in the Word of God?  Or, someone writes a book or makes a movie about some person or group of persons supposed to protect some secret code (a set of numbers, or letters, or somethin’ that adds up to nothin’ ~ definition by me) or object that makes our God look, and feel, mysterious.

I want to share a passage of scripture with you, that in a sense, contains a code.  The passage contains a “system of principles or rules-a moral code (definition from Merriam-Webster online dictionary)”.  The great thing about “this code” is, that it is not a secret or mysterious.  It is understood, by us, ”through our knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”. 

2 Peter 1:3-10  NIV

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.  For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.  Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The first part of the code involves our faith.  We are told to make every effort to add to our faith, seven very important attributes, which will make us effective and productive in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Faith + Goodness + Knowledge + Self-Control + Perseverance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Love

The Result Is

 Effectiveness and Productivity in Our Spiritual Life and in Our Understanding of Jesus

The Word says, “If we possess these qualities in increasing measure (continue to grow), we Will be effective and productive…we WILL never fall, and we Will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom“.  And, if you think all of this is humanly unattainable…you are correct.  It is by His divine power, that we are able to possess these spiritual qualities.  I don’t know about you, but that takes a lot of pressure off of me.  I can’t ~ He can.  I believe “this code” is perfectly clear.  Don’t you?  No secrets and no mysteries (period).

“Everyday is a blessing from God, no matter what it holds…because no matter what it holds, He is always beside us to bless us!”  Quote by ME! 

It’s crazy where I heard this, but I’m going to tell you anyway.  It is a quote by an actor (who played a Doctor) in a movie.  Doesn’t matter which movie (a very old movie).  I thought it was quite the statement when I heard it.  What made me think of it today, is conversations I’ve had with several people over the last few days~who are experiencing stress.  How many of us can relate to that?  Who hasn’t had stress from ‘a lot on you plate’?  I hesitate to say, ‘too much on your plate’, because sometimes it just can’t be helped.

So how does the above statement enter in to the subject of stress?  First of all, the definition of stress is: “an emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension (which may be a factor in disease)”.  The definition of tension is: “inner striving, unrest, or imbalance often with physiological indication of emotion“.  Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Stress causes tension, which is inner unrest, which together can cause physical, emotional and mental stress and tension!  Whew!  I’d say that could cause ’something’ exhaustive, including an inner struggle or confusion (I added that last word~been there done that).

Stress Relievers ~ For Your Consideration 

#1  Learn to say NO!  It’s okay to say, “I’m sorry, I can’t do that or go there because I already have a commitment”.  It’s better to do one thing well, than to do a lot of things not well.  My “Hubby” taught me to not take on more than I can handle by saying to me, “What are you going to give up, if you do this?”.  He hasn’t felt the need to say that to me in a long time.  I’ve learned to say it to myself.

#2  What, and who, are your priorities in life?  No one, or any thing, is worth leading you away from your relationship with the Lord or your family.  Here’s a worksheet I use in my Bible study “God Has A Plan And A Purpose For Your Life”.  It will help you to assess your priorities. I call it “Extensions of Your Heart”.  In the middle is a red heart which represents your #1 relationship with God.  You will find 7 hearts around the red middle heart.  Here is where you will place your relationships, commitments, your duties and/or responsibilities.  For example:  If you are married, the relationship with your husband will go into the 1st heart surrounding the red heart in the middle.  The next heart area would be your children and grand-children.  The next heart area might be your extended family…the next your friends.  Think about your relationships, about the amount of time you put into them.  Not enough in some, too much in others?   After you have entered your relationships you will move on to responsibilities such as a job….go on to church responsibilities and/or other places where you volunteer your time.  Think about the amount of time you are putting into these also.  The point is to get a handle on your life.  You may find that you are doing “just fine”, or you may find that you are ”over extended”  The farther away you move from the inner circle of your heart (the more people, places and things you try to pack in), the less time you will spend there.  It’s okay, if you give some things up.  The world will understand, and your family will love you for it.

 #3  Purge some of the ’stuff’ in your life.  The ’stuff’ we have, has to be taken care of.  Too much ’stuff’ can overwhelm us, just like too much to do.  And, learn to organize the ’stuff’ you feel you need.  I need to get better at this one. I just read a really helpful article in “June Good Housekeeping” about organizing and purging your ’stuff’.  Spring is a great time to do this. 

#4  Watch those lists, that we all make.  I had a cartoon, at one time, that said, “Okay, I’ve made my A, B, and C lists.  Now what do I do with them?  It’s okay to make lists.  But, if you have to make a list to organize your lists, you have too many lists.  I know someone who puts so many of those sticky notes up, they forget about them because they become part of the home decor!  Been there, done that one too!

#5  This is the most important thing for you to remember.  Here’s what Jesus says on ‘Stress Management’.  It is a very effective technique to get a handle on your life.  Jesus says, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find much rest for your souls.  For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Thought to Ponder:  Stress and life go hand in hand.  There’s no getting around it.  We all experience lots of stress in life.  Why would we want to add to the unavoidable stresses of life, by adding the avoidable?  Today, ask the Lord to help you in becoming ‘more skillful’ at saying No, assessing your Priorities, Purging your ’stuff’, Organizing and making ‘To Do Lists’.  He will give you the rest you seek for your soul, and peace in your daily life.  Amen!

Show me favor Lord, by giving me your direction.  Be my compass, my guide, in everything I do!  AMEN!

“The Teacher” will continue Monday.  Until then~~~Enjoy the Weekend!