Marriage Bed undefiled vs Pre-Marriage Bed defiled

The scriptures of God say that marriage between a man and a woman , is God's design. He has a lot to say about fornication and adultery, which are major sins, disallowing you from inheriting the Kingdom of God. Revelation 21:8. Paul talks about these sins entering the church. People say we are living in a modern world and "times have changed" ! God and His Word have NOT changed. Do we really want to inherit the Kingdom of God? Do we really want to go to Heaven? Then we must live by God's laws and not question His decisions. His way is not a way to thwart us from a joyful life, but a way to keep us pure and undefiled and frankly...even to keep our physical bodies from getting Sexually Transmitted Diseases. I can understand the people of the world , who are not Born Again, doing as they please, because their minds and hearts have not been renewed by the Holy Spirit, but the Born Again Believer must live above his carnal desires, must live to please the Lord and not himself, and must live above reproach to those around them,who are watching, viewing them. But, as I was told, "He is so nice and he cares for me and is helping me!" So you throw away your relationship with Jesus, allowing an ungodly man to move in with you..."shacking up" ! That is idolatry as well, because you then have placed a man above Jesus! You say, "He has been a family friend all our life"! What other excuses do you have to excuse your sin? Will your excuses fly when you stand before the Lord? Will you have a white garment or a stained one? You may say that your sins have been washed away by Christ's blood. Paul said (by the Holy Spirit) "Shall we sin that Grace may abound? " God forbid ! My prayer is that you may come out of this delusion before it is too late!

The Day of the Lord

I just started reading Zephaniah in the Bible. It is a pretty strong book talking about the Day of the Lord and all the wrath of God that will be felt at that time. Usually, we hear about the Love of God and about the Mercy of God, or that the Lord wants to Bless you and give you a good life. Of course the Lord loves you. The Love of God is plainly and often stated in the Scriptures. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever Believeth on Him, will not perish, but have everlasting Life." Of course that is true! But, God has other attributes and one of them is that He is a God of wrath. Oh dear...wrath? Yes! The Bible says that God is angry at the wicked every day. EVERY DAY ! Does that mean that , that negates His Love? Absolutely not! He is perfect, and He is Holy. He is the One who created the world and the universe etc. He made the rules. We are the ones who broke His rules, so we need to be punished. But herein He also is the One who made a way out for us, so that we can escape from His anger on the Day of Wrath and everyday. In chapter 2 of Zephaniah, it says "Before it comes, Before the Day, Before the anger comes, Before the Day of the Lord's anger..." . What about the Before? Chapter 2:3..: "Seek ye the Lord". That is up to YOU. You can change your whole destiny by you choosing the Lord. It also says, Seek the Lord , all you MEEK". It requires meekness and humility to Seek the Lord. You have to acknowledge that you are a sinner and that you deserve the wrath of God on your life, because you have broken His rules. Your sin is standing in the way of His holiness. He cannot stand our sin and cannot allow us into heaven with sin. So what shall we do? God gave the solution by sending His Son, who is God Himself in flesh born of a woman, dying on the cross, rising from the dead and then sending His Spirit to live in us. yes, He did all that but, it's not an instant application on our life unless WE chose it! "He came that we may have Life" , yes but again I say You and I must chose to humble ourselves before the Lord. Does He look at you and see you covered with blood of Christ or does He only see your sin? Remember the story of Moses leading the people of Israel out of Egypt? Remember that last day when the Israelites killed a lamb and applied the blood of the lamb to the doorpost of the houses? That night the death Angel passed over Egypt. Whichever house did not have the blood applied on the doorpost, the firstborn son was killed by the angel. Why? It was a symbol of Christ, the lamb of God coming to die. And now we need to apply His blood to our lives. How? What does it say? First SEEK HIM ! If you don't set your heart to Seek the Lord, you will not find Him! Next, Peter in Acts 2 said "Repent". That means to acknowledge you are a sinner worthy of death. Then Peter said, "Be Baptized, everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the washing away of your sin." That is when the blood of Christ is applied on your life by God Himself. You won't see blood...but God sees it.. and will change your direction from death to Life. After that, you are ready to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit(evidence is speaking in tongues), and living a Holy life , with His help. You may not ever see the actual time that is called "The Day of the Lord", but you still have only this life to chose Him. He is Love but He is a God of anger. Come to Him . Seek Him! You will find that loving and serving the Lord Jesus, is the whole fulfillment of your life and heart, that you have been seeking.

Knowledge

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." That's in the book of Hosea. But what does that verse mean? It says also, that they reject knowledge. Well, we have lots of schools of higher education, and here in Chicago, we just had a big teacher's strike, so we have lots of opportunity to learn here in America. We can even take online courses in zillions of subjects. What kind of knowledge was Hosea talking about? Was it a head knowledge that you can learn by taking various courses? David in the book of Psalms said "Blessed is the man...whose delight is in the Law of the Lord." He also said the Law of the Lord is perfect converting the soul, and the testimonies of the Lord are sure making wise the simple. Psalm 19. So you are thinking that reading the book of the Law will do the trick! Reading and knowing are not the same. Reading is a definite start because you cannot know about God unless you first read His Word. When Jesus came along, He accused the Pharisees of many things...but they were keepers of the Law and teachers! He said they were like graves with a nice headstone on the outside ,perhaps, but still dead on the inside. They did have knowledge! Daniel said that in the end times, many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall increase. Look around you, and at yourself. We are so busy running everywhere to make money , to pay bills, to stay ahead of tax time in April ( which sounds like it will get tougher than ever for those with children), and knowledge is increasing. We have unmanned drones, and new types of cell phones every time you turn around, plus surgical equipment is far beyond 50 years ago. Are we better off? Are we more peaceful ? Are we happier? My people are destroyed for LACK of knowledge! Paul said "To know Christ and Him crucified" "and to know the Love of Christ, which passes knowledge that we may be filled with all the fullness of God." " But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness,which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith. That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death." Phil 3. Knowing Christ is the knowledge that you need. But reading about Christ in the scriptures, is good, but still not enough. Look back to what Paul said in Philippians. He called Jesus "My Lord!" There is a huge difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Him ! HUGE ! I can say that for myself. One time when I was much younger, the Lord spoke to me and said just that ! He said "You have known about me these past 17 yrs but now I want you to know Me" Repentance is first. If you can't recognize that you are a sinner and that Jesus is the only Savior to set you free, then just forget it! You are still proud. Repentance is the recognition of your sinfulness and the asking Jesus to forgive you and take over your life...going a brand new direction. Then Peter in Acts said to all the people that after repentance, you need to be Baptized in water in Jesus name. This is a fulfillment of Matthew 28. Jesus is the name with all power and so we MUST be Baptized in His name. Then, you pray to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit where the evidence is speaking in tongues, just like they spoke in tongues in the book of Acts. Now what? Remember the song " Take my life and let it be, always only all for thee" You have a new Lord...but this Lord loves you and wants the best for you. We get to know Him in prayer, and reading His Word and by learning to say "Yes, Lord". Pride can still try to overtake you, but come back to Him and yield to His direction daily, hourly. As time goes by and you feed your spiritual life with His Word, good Christian books and good Christian music etc, you will fall in love with Him more and more. There's another song, "To be like Jesus, to be like Jesus, I only ask to be like Him." It's a journey...but we have The Good Shepherd, who Loves His sheep.

What Can We Learn From Sorrow

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM SORROW? There was a knock at my door, so I hurried to open it. When I looked through the window of the door, I saw who it was. I quickly locked the door, and secured it with a bolt. I even got hold of some furniture and pushed it in front of the door! My fears at seeing who was at the door somewhat subsided, but only somewhat…because Sorrow then started speaking to me from the other side of the door. Why won’t you let me come in? You will learn so much from me and from experiencing me in your life and in those around you. I will teach you many things, if you will let me! I can teach you Mercy, Compassion, Patience, Love, Kindness and Forgiveness. You cannot learn these things any other way. Are you sure you want to keep the door locked?” Mercy, Compassion, Patience, Love, Kindness, and Forgiveness, were standing in back of Sorrow. I could see them out there on my front sidewalk. There was something keeping them from getting past Sorrow. Something! And yet, they didn’t even want to get past Sorrow. So, I pondered and waited and wondered and prayed. “Yes, Lord, I want all you have for me, and if this is the only way for me to learn those wonderful things, then I will open the door.” I pulled away the furniture, unlocked the bolt, unlocked the door, and opened it. Sorrow flooded over me, and unseen with her, was Grief and Pain! I cried, “Lord, is this the only way? Are You sure? Are You with me? I cannot bear this alone, Lord! Please help me!” Then His Peace came and I felt His Everlasting Wings underneath me. The Sorrow, Grief and Pain were still there, but also Assurance of His Love, I said, Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou, Lord” As I yielded to Jesus, in this way for me, I started seeing that Mercy, Compassion, Patience, Love, Kindness, and Forgiveness were coming through my front door. I embraced then All…All! For I knew that I would not learn the last things without the first. Then I remembered what the Lord said…Sorrow, Tears, Death, Crying and Pain will someday pass away. (Rev 21:4) Thankyou, Lord!

Hannah...A Great Woman of God

I got distracted while reading Ezekiel today, and looked up a reference in 1 Samuel 2. Then I got further distracted, and just had to read about this great woman...Hannah. How absolutely incredible she was ! First she has to endure the tauntings of the other wife...year after year ! Hannah had no children, but the other wife did! The other wife was also jealous because Elkanah, the husband , loved Hannah better than her. So, at the yearly trip to the temple, Hannah makes a vow. "If you will give me a baby boy, Lord, I will give him back to you." Wow! Could I do that? It definitely would be hard. So, she gets pregnant, gives birth to a baby boy. The child gets weaned and then Hannah takes the boy (probably at age 5), back to the temple to live with the priest. What a heart break most women would feel to do such a thing. And besides that, Eli's house was not really holy. It says that his sons were sons of Belial or the devil. So, the boy grows up in an unholy household. Hannah comes each year with a new coat for her son. Then Eli prays a blessing on her and she has 3 more sons and 2 daughters. She was blessed for her obedience to the Lord. Who is the son? Samuel ! He becomes one of the greatest prophets that ever lived ! Who knows what will happen when you and I trust the Lord God completely ...and do not lean on our own understanding! Who knows what great things will happen in the kingdom of God. It's high time ladies, that we stop living in our fears, and throw ourselves into the arms of our Saviour and say, "Here I am Lord ! Take me and do with me YOUR will, and help me trust you always."

If Jesus Came to your House (poem)

If Jesus Came to Your House by Red Sovine If Jesus came to your house, I wonder what you'd do. Yes, if Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two, If He came unexpected, just dropped in on you. I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest, And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best. And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there, That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare. But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door With arms outstretched in welcome to your heavenly visitor? Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard? And wish you hadn't uttered that last loud hasty word? And would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus just walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder if the Savior spend a day or two with you, Would you go right on doing the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does from day to day? And would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace? And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace? Would you sing the songs you always sing, and read the books you read, And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed? And would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go? Or maybe would you change your plans for just a day or so? Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends, Or hope that they would stay away until His visit ends? And would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone? Oh, it might be interesting to know the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person to spend some time with you.

Don't Fudge it

In the old days, we would say, "You gonna fudge it?". That meant " Are you going to try to get around the issue, or are you going to change the homework or your timecard or your recipe, so that you can get away with something. Some things can be "fudged". You can buy honey with added water that's a cheap price and then make it through life. You can buy storebought fruit and veggies instead of garden organic grown, and still make it through life and have a happy life. You can buy cheap windows that look good and sound good when sold to you by that dealer, and then later have some draft coming in , or pay a higher price for heating than if you had bought a more expensive brand of window. Still you can make it through life and have a happy life. You can do some "Fudging" on some things in life and still go through life fairly happy. BUT.........you CANNOT "Fudge" on eternity. You cannot change the BOOK (meaning the Bible) and write your own plan ! God has set it up His Way for our own good. He has not set up His plan of salvation (as in Acts 2:38) to damage us or control us or to kill our life and make us unhappy! He has done it for our own good because He loves us. You cannot change His Word and make it to heaven. You cannot wash away your sin with any other plan but His! And if you think He is selfish and controlling, think again. "Can the vessel tell the potter how to shape the vessel?" . I hear things these days that are astounding to me! "I am good enough". "I am going to be all right!" You are not going to be all right without Jesus! You cannot get around it, "fudge it" and get to heaven your way. You may be all, right for now! It may seem like you got it together, but honey, Jesus said "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life. NO man come to the Father but by Me" (and NO woman either). People have so much pride! And all the time, there is a Heavenly Father who loves you so very much and is waiting to shower you with His love and His blessings and make you a child Of God and a joint-heir with Christ. He wants to make you like a first-born who inherits all that the Father has!

Don't "fudge it" with your soul and your eternity. Please give your life to Jesus, now. You won't regret it!

Prescription for O.S. (over-sensitivity)

Definition: touchy, self-defensive
1. You must acknowledge that you are O.S. You cannot be in denial.
2. You must acknowledge that God is a God of Love, and that He loves you.
3.You must look in the mirror, and say, "Since God loves me, I chose to love me!"
4.You must ask the Lord to open up your eyes and heart to recognize when you are becoming O.S.
5.When the O.S. comes on, stop and ask God to give you strength in your weakness.
6.Thank the Lord, and then Thank Him some more.

Active ingredients: Praise and worship
Directions: Adults and children apply prescription daily
Results: Overcoming O.S. through the name of Jesus

The Babysitter (poem)

If I had all the time in the world
I would become a Babysitter .
I would take all the homeless,
the poor and the maimed,
the lost and the lonely,
and those who've been shamed
I would shoulder the crying,
the fearful who doubt
that life has been worthwhile
not worth finding out!
I would cover the dying,
and hear their last prayer
and comfort the old
who have no one who cares.
But...
I can't and
I don't
have all the time!
Only our Savior does
He is the Great Babysitter!

Depression

What a topic! I hate this topic, because I have been there, done that! Many women have! Of course we hate it, but we must talk about it.
First I want to describe it. It's like a deep , dark cave, or a long dark tunnel or another description I find perfect, is that depression is like those deep dark, crevices that some mountain climbers or mountain skiers fall into. I remember watching a documentary of a young man who had experienced such a fall. His partner couldn't find him up top, and couldn't get a reply from any crevice, so he left! How alone the young man felt! The young man thought and thought of what he was to do, and then finally just used all his strength and the tools he had, to go slowly one step at a time , up the steep ice.
Sometimes when we are down, no one knows what to do with us...so they simply leave us alone. They feel they can't help, or maybe they don't want to help because they don't want to bother. So, we feel so alone.
One thing that is important in the beginning of our slow fall into depression, is to recognize what is happening to us. The Bible says to Give Thanks Always. When I am falling into depression, the last thing I want to do is give thanks. That's my carnal self, wanting to wallow in self pity, because , after all, I deserve some show of pity from others, but they won't give it so I have to pity me, myself and I.
Right at the beginning, Give Thanks. Quote or read some Thanks verses...until you drive the devil crazy and until you are really thankful.
Sing !! But you don't feel like singing! Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Sing a hymn. Hymns have such deep meaning, often. Most of those old hymns talk about the goodness of God, Jesus shed blood, and His great power. Sing...until you feel thankful.
Go talk to someone..even in the grocery store...about the goodness of God. But you say, " How can I talk about the goodness of God when I don't feel that He is being good to me right now?" Talking about God's goodness will change your attitude.
I do not have all the answers...but the Lord and His Word do....and guess what ?...He was touched with the feelings of our infirmaties!! That means that He knows what it is like to be depressed...because He bore all our sins when He was nailed to the cross. Praise the Lord! And do you know what else? Someday we who know Christ, will put off this body with its sins and shortcomings, and corruption , and put on a new self with no corruption! Christ will do that for us.

God is Good Psalm 145

Here in Psalm 145 , it says that God is Good; God is Great; God is Gracious ; God is Merciful ; God is slow to anger ; God is abounding in Steadfast Love ; The Lord is Faithful; The Lord is Good to all ; The Lord is Righteous; The Lord's Greatness is Unsearchable !!
God is All these things and More...no matter what I feel today; no matter what atrocities people do to each other today; no matter what unkind things people do to me today; no matter if I am sick or if I am feeling well; no matter if tornadoes or hurricanes or earthguakes come and take away all I have; no matter if a loved one of mine, or a family member is taken away into eternity today; no matter even when there is famine and starvation in the world; no matter even when the antichrist comes to create havoc in the world ! God is always in control! God NEVER allows anything to happen except that He ALLOWS it or has deliberately caused it to happen. God cannot do evil. He has no evil in Him. He is not a ying-yang God. God IS totally and completely Good. God IS Good.
Help us Oh Lord to remember this Truth, today, and all our tomorrows.

Hide and Seek

"I have gone astray like a lost sheep, SEEK your servant." " All we like sheep have gone astray" " SEEK ye the Lord while He may be found" " Today, if you will hear My voice, harden not your heart". There is this thing in the Bible about you SEEKING and also about the Lord SEEKING you. There is also a time period that the Bible infers, that you will hear God's voice, and after that time period , you will not hear it. SEEKING is a gift from God. That you are allowed to SEEK Him, is a gift from Him. He SEEKS you and SEEKS you, for a certain time. You do not know how much time God has given you. You waste that time and waste that time, thinking you have forever. But God is simply being gracious to you, in even allowing you to SEEK Him. " Do not harden your heart". "The foolish say that there is no God" The Bible talks about Today..not tomorrow. How do you know you will have a tomorrow. Tmorrow He may hide Himself from you. "SEEK Himwhile He may be found."

Fences

Recently, a new friend was sharing some funny memories with me about her childhood. I had told her that we really would like to move to a farmette someday, so she said, "Let me tell you about farm life!". She said, " One day all the cows got out and wandered off! Well, that's what happened when Dad forgot to fix the fence!" "And then there was the time the neighbour's bull got loose! He was so ornery, that it took 5 guys a whole week to catch him!" I said that we would like to have some goats. " You got to watch goats because they will wander off if there is no fence, " she said! It won't be sweet dreams only, if we get that farmette! Yet, my friend's stories reminded me about God. How, in the world would fences and animal stories remind someone about God? Well, God puts fences in our lives too. He has written commandments and instructions in the Bible, but we don't like them! We want to do our own thing...have our own way! We don't want anyone telling us what to do! The Bible says "All we, like sheep, have gone astray". We have all wandered off beyond the fence of God! But, there is no pleasure in that. Why? Because God makes fences so that we can be safe, secure and feel loved by our heavenly Father. He does it because He loves us! And then , because He loves us , He already has sent His Son to die so we can be free from our sins. So, here we are, the wanderers, and God has done everything to make us internally satisfied. He had the book written for us called, the Bible. He sent His Son to buy redemption for us. And He even sent His Spirit so that He can live in us. God's fences are not to inhibit us. When you submit to God's fences, done His way, it brings Joy unspeakable and Life Everlasting. Praise God for fences!

My Commitment (poem)

Why should I give up that which I gained?
Long, long ago when new life on me rained
Why should I give in to earth's deadly lure?
After heaven poured down my spiritual cure?
Satan's defeated. His end's drawing near
Jesus comes quickly...no more sorrow or tear.

Abandonment to Thankfulness

What if we were thankful in everything? How could we do that..you ask? But, truly, what if we practised thankfulness? An abandonment to thankfulness! What if when things went wrong...car blew a tire..kids are sick...our son hit a baseball through the neighbour's front window...our spouse yelled at us...the frost ruined our garden...a friend gossiped about us , telling lies about us to another , etc. I know we all have feelings. I didn't say, "what if we never cried or were sad"! But , what if we had , through our sorrows, an attitude that I will give thanks to God "in" and "during" and "in spite of" what is happening to me, even though I still have tears! There is a verse in the Bible along that line. "In everything give thanks". So, it says "IN". In the bad times...during the bad times. Exactly at that time. "EVERYTHING". So, we are to give thanks in everything, all things...no exception! Next word..."GIVE". So, we are to give, to bestow upon someone something. To give to another something that belongs to us and that we want them to have. Give what? "Thanks" ! So, I am not expected to give a million dollars! I am only expected to give thanks! That doesn't sound so hard! Until the bad times come! Then, it becomes hard! But, is there not a heavenly Father who will help us? Alone, without the Father's help, I gurantee that you will utterly fail. So, I ask...Is there not a helper in time of need? If we believe that the Bible is true, then we need to say that "In everything give thanks" is true and that "I, ME, and MYSELF" need to practise this verse...with the Father's help! I chose to Abandon myself to Thankfulness...by God's grace.

Why should I give up? (poem)

Why should I give up that which I gained?
Long, long ago, when NEW life on me rained?
Why should I give in to earth's deadly lure
After heaven poured down my spiritual cure?
Satan's defeated, His end's drawing near
Jesus comes quickly, No more sorrow or tear!

God is a Curiousity

Strange word...curiousity. I have always been curious to find out things...but God is a curiousity! Notice how John says" As the living Father sent me". LIVING ! Why would he refer to the Father as LIVING? Remember that every word of scripture has importance.
Jesus said," I am..the Life" John 14. Jesus is LIFE, the LIFE. He said " I am come to bring you abundant LIFE" So He has come to bring us Himself - the LIFE! Yet, He said "the Living Father". Well, it's because Jesus is the Father! What? That's blasphemy! How dare I say that? Look at Isaiah 9:6. It says that the child is "the Father".
Back to LIVING..Jesus said " I am the firstborn from the dead". He is LIVING. How can He say that when Lazarus was raised from the dead before Jesus was ? Jesus said " before Abraham was , I AM ". He said He is the "I AM". Also it says He was slain before the foundation of the world.
Then Jesus said ,"whoever feeds on me will live forever". John 6
You and I can live forever! Feeding and drinking Jesus would mean the He lives inside us, because we have taken Him inside us, or allowed Him inside us, in our spirit.
He is the Bread of Life and the Water of Life.
He is LIFE. He is the Living Father. This Life can live in us by His Spirit.
God is a Great mystery and definitely a Curiousity!

My Typical day

How many times have women asked me to write about my typical day!. so, today I looked over a few typical day things I had written over the years, and realized that some of the things would now be an embarrassment to my children. My old lists were very full, and some of them only went to 2pm...laundry already hung up, cinnamon rolls already in the oven and homeschool done for the day, with the kids now having their nap! Some of my married years, I did not have a car until my husband would get home from work. I always then, wished for a car...if only I had a car! During the last many years I have had a vehicle, but now that has added to the list of my typical day. Football practise, football games, sewing projects needing items, things broken that need to be returned, Awana, youth group, picking up items for my husband's business which often makes for a long drive. The Lord has been so good to us in all our typical days. Sometimes we wonder how we did all we did, plus keeping up with prayer time and Bible reading and church. Keeping up with our spiritual walk with Jesus has been # 1 on our list. But its not just an item on the list..its part of our life style which flows into the rest of our day, affecting how we act, what we teach in homeschool, where we shop, where we go to church. Sometimes our typical day invlves asking forgiveness of others and of God. We as humans make lots of mistakes and sin, so that must be cleared up so bitterness does not set in and so you can have an effective christian walk with Jesus. Right now my typical day in 2010, involves...picking up items for our remodeling job (major addition ), homeschooling, making lunches for the workers, running errands for Jon (his car was finally fixed today)buying more and more epsom salts for Craig to soak his big cut on his leg)and now a determination to finish typing all my posts to this blog!! Soon the kids and I will start recording hymns..after Kurt helps me buy a microphone. We should add baking to our list because its December..oh and do Christmas cards!! How is your day going? Tell me what you do!

Who is the Church? (poem)

Who is the Church? Who is the Bride?
Who someday sits at Jesus side?
Is it the ones who go to church
Day in day out and never search?
To help the Poor The orphaned ones
The Widows, maimed Forgotten Sons?
Forgotten Daughters of our Lord
For Whom He died and will reward?
Who, tell me Who! Who is the Church?

Money Money Money

Let's get rich! Oh, is that what a Christians aim in life should be? Shall we teach a health and wealth doctrine? I Timothy 6:5 men who suppose that gain is godliness: from such men withdraw yourself. Verse 9 They that want to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts. verse 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after, they have left the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Jesus didn't say money is evil , but the LOVE of money. What is your aim? What is your heart coveting after? Jesus said...Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.

The Witch's Brew!

I am stirring up a recipe. I will tell you the name of it later! Now, here are the ingredients!
First, into my recipe, I'll put in GOSSIP! There, into the big black kettle. Next, I'll put in ENVY!. How about a bit of PRIDE Oh, and we've got to have 6 cups of UNFORGIVENESS That's a major ingredient! Then, we have a pinch of BACKBITING Woa, that pinch will go far, to give my recipe spice!!! Oh yes, we must have DIRTY JOKES! Yes, yes, I almost forgot JEALOUSY !! Never could I forget that one in my recipe. Oh, yes, and ARGUING OVER NOTHING!! That aught to do the trick. And last of all FINGER-POINTING. After all..it wasn't MY fault. I didn't do it. Oh, I see it bubbling as I keep stirring it all around. Its bubbling so wonderfully! Ha ha ha ha ha !! The name of the recipe? It's called "STRIFE". STRIFE ha ha ha ha ha and its a perfect recipe to ruin your family or your church and to ruin YOU !! ha ha ha ha ha. What is that sound I hear? (JESUS JESUS) What are they yelling? (JESUS JESUS) NO NO NO...I HATE that name! (JESUS JESUS)Stop yelling that name! I can't stand that NAME! I can't stick around when you call that NAME! My recipe is failing................nnoooooooooooooooo! I am DOOMED! Goodbyeeeee! AHHHHHHH
written after reading I Timothy 6: 3- 5.

Give that back...it's MINE!!!

How often we hear such a statement in a household where there are children! et, we as adults often act the same way!
God says, " My glory will I not give to another!". He says " What's mine is mine." Yet , He has a right to say that. In fact, He can claim to anything we see or even the unknown because He made it all. All things belong to Him!
We say, " My talent is thus and thus or " I own a...". My gift of the Spirit is... All we have , in ourselves, in our families, and all our belongings, are the Lord's. He's only loaning them to us, to see how we'll use them.
We might say that...so and so..worked hard, that's why he is a millionare! Yes. he worked hard, but who gave him the strength, the brains, the contact persons? He could have so easily been born mentally handicapped. By God's mercy, he was not!
So, the Bible even says, "Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory"! Whose? The Lord's! But, we as church people, even try to take away the kingdom and the power and the glory...from God! We act like usurpers and try to sit on God's throne!
Pride does not belong in the church members and it definitely does not belong in the church leaders. Whatever part you play, in your church, small group, etc, was given you by God. Do you have an anointing? You need it to serve in leadership, but it is Jesus Christ who gave you that anointing! You did not earn it, nor do you have a right to it! God gave it to you as a trust and now expects humility on your part.
All we have belongs to the Lord. All we see, will disappear one day. Our souls will go to stand before the righteous God of all the earth. His name is Jesus, and He is truly wonderful...and very precious...yet He will Judge in righteousness and fairness.

Was Vashti right?

What would you do if your living room was filled with men, who had been drinking for 7 days, and your husband, who is one of them, calls for you to spruce yourself up and come into the living room to show the men how beautiful you are? I would climb out my bedroom window and escape!
So, what if you are the type who WOULD go and show yourself off -- prance in, do a little hip-swaying, and a little eye-winking! What do you think would happen after the show? I would say that you have a heart problem...a lust- seeking heart.
Vashti, in the book of Esther,, was the Queen! Her husband was King over all the land from India to Ethiopia. Look on a map. Yhat's huge! Can you imagine the perfumes, the clothes, the jewelery, the furniture you would have as a Queen? Plus all the servants to do your hair, manicures, pedicures...even taking care of your children's diaper changes!
Esther 1:10 says " on the 7th day, when the heart of the King was merry with wine...he commanded..to bring Vashti the Queen before the King with the Royal crown, to show the people and the Princes her beauty, for she was fair to look upon." But, the Queen refused!
I don't think this chapter is a mere chapter about submission. I think it's also on doing what is right in a tough situation.
Vashti had alot to lose by doing what is right, and she did lose her royalty. "Let the King give her royal estate to another who is better than she."
Are you willing to do what's right, no matter what it costs you? God has given us a Book, the Bible, to show us what's right. right, isn't always easy, but there are blessings in it!

The Rare Thing

They came from far
They came from near
to bow at Nebuchadnezzar feet

They said they're wise
They've no disguise
They're pure, Authentic, knowing all

Just tell us King
What is that thing
You. dreaming, dreamed a dreamy dream

Ha, now I know
The King bellowed
You're all a farce, a lie, deceit

You've come to stand
Make a demand
And tell me anything at all

Oh, wait cried one
There's Daniel-Son
He knows a God who knows the truth

Bring him now
BRING him NOW
Or I shall all these men destroy

And so they brought
Whom God had taught
In all books, visions, and wisdom

This Daniel told
And made unfold
The King's whole dream and what it meant

And so it was
Revealed because
Only the God of heaven knows all

He is the One
Who's gone and done
What no one else could ever do

What others can't
He surely can
He is the God of the Rare Thing

Acts: the beginning of the Church

Wow, am I ever learning new things in the Bible. First of all, my neighbour asked me a few Q's which got me to thinking about the setup of the Bible. Specifically, she said that the book of Acts is just history, Right? It is history, bur somewhere, the dividing line came when the church began. So, where did it begin and what were the big changes or differences from the old way. I think all churches of Jesus Christ, would believe that the Big change came after Jesus died and rose and went to heaven. Then He said to wait for the Promise. So they waited and poof...the Baptism of the Spirit came mightily and new churches were born...small groups...the new believers were filled with all this power to speak with boldness, and certain ones went out and started new groups of believers in heathen countries. All these new believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and all were Baptized in water in Jesus name, as Peter commanded them to do...in fulfillment of Matthew 28...the name. So, here my neighbour asked me.."So you are saying that I can't find the full pattern of salvation in the epistles and must look to the book of Acts". I said"YES". That was the start of the church. The epistles were written to the already started churches. THAT was also what excited me. When I examined Acts, I found all the names of the epistle churches. ALL, and not only once. When you read each epistle...Romans , Corinthians, Ephesians, etc., you will see at their start, that they are written..to the church that is in.. to the saints...to my beloved brethren in Christ Jesus...to my son in the faith ! ALL were written to the EXISTING churches. All were already Repented, Baptized in water in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Spirit speaking in tongues. Many epistles repeat things about those 3 steps, but don't we all repeat things to our children? And don't we all repeat things in our churches? We are like sheep...we need continual reminders of things...BUT...when we don't put the horse in front of the cart, so to speak, we get churches that don't tell us the whole truth. We get imbalanced churches. Jesus never wanted imbalanced churches. He gave us the Bible so we could know the truth and be set free. Take another look at the Book of Acts! Pray ! Ask the Lord if what I am saying to you is the truth or whether I am a liar. Ask Him with an open heart to hear His voice and to learn. May the Lord bless you and keep you on this journey.

Life and Eternity

Life is short
It's slipping by
More moments lost
than moments gained
The things I wanted
where are they?
The things I dreamed
all fled away?
Life is short
twill soon be gone
Fast flys the night
soon comes the Dawn.

"Until the Daybreak, and the Shadows flee away.." Song of solomon 2"17
"Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself; for the Lord shall be thy everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended." Isaiah 60:20
"And (His servants) shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:4,5

Cutting Down the Beauty

I was thinking today of the various forests that have been cut down in the world. Some say they have cut them down for industrial purposes...to make money, give jobs to people and to make way for economical growth. In the Amazon much of the beauty has been cut away.
We, as individuals, can also CUT down beauty. We can cut it down in our marriages, when we argue with one another and don't deal with our issues in love. We can cut down beauty in other relationships with our friends and relatives. We can have such big disagreements that they are never mended, because we are so stubborn.
Its very important to take care of our earth, but let's value people..even those we don't know so well. Let's build beauty around us by using encouraging words, by apologizing when we hurt others, and by valuing people the way Jesus would.

God IS !!!

God IS !! God IS what? God IS alot of things in scripture. Let's find some of
them.
First off, we will remember that Jesus is God, so , whenever it says Jesus IS or God IS, the scripture is talking about ONE and the same!
I John 4:8 God IS love
I John 3:7 God IS righteous
I John 3:3 God IS pure
John 14:6 Jesus IS the Way
Jesus Is the Truth
Jesus IS the Life
Revelation 1:8 Jesus IS the Alpha
Jesus IS the Omega
Jesus IS the Almighty
Revelation 1:17 Jesus IS the First
Jesus IS the Last
Jesus IS the Living One
Jesus IS the Resurrection
John 6:48 Jesus IS the Bread of Life
I John 1:5 God IS Light
John 4:24 God IS Spirit
John 11:25 Jesus IS the Resurrection
Jesus IS the Life
John 11: 26 has a good question..."Do YOU believe this?"
You see...God IS the total totality of these things, not just half or three quarter, but 100% of each of these, plus many more attributes than those listed.
God IS !! He IS the totality of the verb "IS" and He IS the totality of these nouns. THAT boggles my mind and stirs m heart to say "Praise the Lord ! Thankyou Jesus!!!"

What's YOUR price?

For how much will you sell the Savior?? What is your price? If you already know Him, is there something someone can offer you so that you would sell the Savior like Judas did? Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew! Now, I have a great recipe for Lentil Stew, that I just really love..but would I give up all my rights in a family and my rights to inherit from my parents, for a bowl of lentil stew? Now, that's just food. How about your soul. For how much would you sell your soul? For quick momentary pleasure that lasts a night. Would you sell the Savior or your soul to keep a friend you just can't give up? Would you sell your soul for money or for prestige...even prestige in a church. Would you sell it for glory or power? Would you sell it to gain the honor of others so that YOUR name is up in lights and so YOUR name is revered and talked about? I am talking mostly to Christians right now!! You see, the LORD is not going to allow His place to be precidented by any other. People TRY to be great, but they are nothing. I am nothing without Jesus. You are nothing without Jesus. And if you are a pastor or pastor's wife, still, you are nothing without Jesus. And yet, with Him , He is everything in us, and we are mighty through Him! So, why don't we honor Him more and let Him be Lord of ALL! You can gain the whole world, but lose your own soul.

Susan's Testimony

My favorite comic strip has always been "Peanuts" and my favorite character while growing up was Peppermint Patty. Why? Because she would say, " My daddy always calls me his Special Gem"! Well, my own father never called me his special gem . He never called me his favorite anything. My father left our home when I was 6 years old. as I grew into teenage-hood, I longed for a Daddy figure. I repented of my sin at age 15. Mom taught me to pray, simply by her lifestyle of daily prayer.I would time myself for 30 minutes to make sure how long I prayed. Sometimes I would just cry out to the Lord and ask Him to come into my room and just hold me. I longed so badly to sit on His lap and have His arms around me like a Daddy. When I learned about the Baptism of the Spirit, my prayers to receive this got more intense, but nothing happened. I would be loud or quiet, wait on the Lord in silence, kneel, arms upraised, arms down, but nothing happened. There was no Pentecostal church or meeting or anything, in my home town in Canada at that time.I had read about the Baptism of the Spirit, in a biography, and heard about it from Jimmy Swaggert on T.V.. Finally, I laid it all in God's hands, and continued with life, Bible School, missions, choir tours, and singing in various churches. At age 24, I came home from Germany, having been there with the Janz Team. My girlfriend told me she had received the Baptism of the Spirit, and would I please come with her to a meeting in a room above the ice skating rink. That's where I received the Baptism of the Spirit and spoke in tongues. Since my start following Jesus, at age 15, I have come to know that...He is Faithful, He will never leave me, nor forsake me...and...that He is my Daddy and I am HIS SPECIAL GEM!!!

Unbelief

There is a spirit of unbelief in our world today. People don't believe in God like they used to. People don't believe in a creator, or in God sending His Son to die on a cross for our sins. We think of sin in the form of murder or rape or robbery or maybe we don't believe in "SIN". Sin is the wrong we do against mankind and God. Unbelief is sin. How can we believe in the truth of the Bible? Or in God? We must ask the Lord to take away the blindness of our heart that keeps us from believing. We must "Seek the Lord while He may be found and Call upon Him while He may be near". If you harden your heart against God, you will never believe. Faith is a Gift. Faith is given by God. You may be so far from Him that you call yourself an atheist. Are you happy? Deep down inside where no one can see? Only faith in God, who came to earth as Jesus Christ, can fill that empty part of yourself. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to prove Himself to you, that He is REAL! Ask Him! He will do it! That is your BEGINNING of Faith!

Don't Bow Down to Idols

What?! I don't bow down to idols! I am not Hindu or Bhuddist (maybe you are). I worship one God - maybe you do too - so we bow down to one God not to many. I bow down to one God. Don't accuse me of having idols. I don't worship Mary or any of the saints. How dare anyone say to me that there may be even a slightest chance that I bow down to anyone or anything but God!
As the main character says in Fiddler on the Roof, "On the other hand." What is really important in my life? Important to the point that, I can't live without it or that, or him/her? What could God take away from you and you would still praise Him - you would still serve Him? Can He strip you of everything like He did to Job in the Bible, in the book of Job, and would you still say, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." ~Job 1:21~
Job was very, very rich. Mega rich. And it all got destroyed. He had many children. Most of them were killed. He had many servants. Most were killed. Much cattle. All were killed. Then of all things Job got boils all over his body - puss, oozing, and stinking. So his friends mostly also stayed away. His wife said, "Curse God and die." Ouch! What a woman - yuck! Do you know what Job said then? " Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
This man was stripped of much that he had worked for, relied on, and loved, but still God was number one. Who or what is number one to you? God wants no one, not even your spouse, your children, your pastor/priest, to be more important to you than he is.
Was it easy for Job? No! Will it be easy for you or me? No! But when we ask the Lord Jesus to help us and when we allow Him to help us, we can daily grow in this area. We can ask the Lord to take the blinders off our "eyes" (our heart).He will! And you know ... He does it in a gentle way, like a very loving Father, because He cares and loves us so very much.

bits of inspiration: Are You my Mother?

bits of inspiration: Are You my Mother?

My Brother : Ken

I was thinking of how much my brother Ken has influenced my walk with the Lord Jesus , and I wanted to put it on my blog. He has been a witness to me of how important it is to share the Lord with others. He has been a witness to me of faithfulness to the Lord , no matter what comes. He has been an example to me of forgiving others when they do you wrong. He faithfully prays and longs for the Lord's blessing on others. He takes time to spend with those who do not believe as he does, and shows Christ's love through him to them. He shows sympathy to those in need. This is my brother...Ken.

Are You my Mother?

I'm searching for my Mother
And I'm hoping you can help
I'm feeling kind of desparate
I just may start to yelp!

There's people all around me
Giving clues, giving advice
And I've got to have an answer
One that's true, not full of vice.

Could she be goddess Diana?
Could she be the mother Earth?
Do you think it's Mother Mary
Queen of heaven, who gave me birth?

By the way, I'm also desparate
To know who is my Dad
Father Paul or Father Peter
Molech, Baal or Sinnabad?

Such a world full of variety
Instant this and instant that
Brings to us too many choices
Father, Mother, where are you at?

Who is my Mom, Who is my Dad
What god or goddess shall I name
Looking everywhere for answers
I'm at fault, I am to blame

For, right there upon my cabinet
Lies the Book that holds the key
It's the Book that has the answer
It's the Book that sets me Free

God Almighty is my Father
Jesus Christ my Lord and King
Creator, Author, Holy Spirit
He's the One, He's Everything

As for Mom, her name is Sarah
She's my Mother, gave me birth
She's a human, flesh and blood
Living on the planet Earth!!

---this was written after reading a book by Erwin Lutzer on the New age. I realized how the devil is trying to use any trick, any ploy, to keep you from the one and only name by which man must be saved : JESUS !!

The Whole Truth about Salvation (a short bible study)

1. We are sinners : Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23
2.Jesus came to save us: John 3:16,17
3.We must believe in His name: John 1:12, John 3:18
4.We must Repent: Acts 2:38
5.We must be Baptized in water in His name: Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:19, Acts 10:47,48
note: the name of the Father , Son and Holy Ghost is Jesus - One Name. Read
Isaiah 9:6 ,Acts 4:12, Acts 19; 1 - 5
6.We will receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues: Joel 2: 28,29 Acts 2:4, Acts 2 : 38,39 , Acts 10: 44 - 46 , Acts 19 : 6

Please study these scriptures carefully with prayer and an open heart to what G.od wants to show you. and Please feel free to email me at sumalennox@aol.com

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Wash the Cup

The Word of God says, "Be ye holy, even as I am Holy". God is Holy! Above all and foremost, He is Holy! God has many attributes - great ones for us to follow, like Be merciful , Blessed are the meek, Blessed are the pure in heart, Blessed are the peacemakers (Mt.5), and then there are the Fruits of the spirit, which are love , joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5) These all relate to Holiness- an inside type of Holiness, which we are to copy. Things which people cannot actually physically touch, but that they can feel. Others are affected in a positive way when Christians act out god's Holiness - when we try to clean up our lives inside.
Outward Holiness, which shows immediately, to others, is also great. It's good..its important! The Word talks about christians being an example to the believers and about being separate, not conforming to the world, not encouraging the lust of the eye in others by our clothing, or lack of clothing, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice (Romans 12) holy, acceptable unto God. We are to be set apart. We are to look different on the outside, than unbelievers. Holiness, must show on the outside. Holiness must affect what we buy , which others will view on our bodies. Holiness must say ," I will cover up my nakedness in public". God covered Adam and Eve, to cover their shame. Shame should exist in a Christian concerning outward modesty.
Actually, outward modesty isn't that hard. If it is hard to you, there's something much harder - it's inward Holiness - it's yielding to the abiding presence of the Holy spirit, so that the fruits of the Spirit can manifest themselves. It's a daily or hourly learning to know who God is and what He doesn't like that is presently inside of you. We read in the word of God examples of what God doesn't like..even HATES...envy, jealousy, gossip, maliciousness, slander, hatred, pride, haughtiness "I,m better than thou", greed, not caring to help the widows, the orphans, or the poor, lusting for your neighbour's things or lusting after their spouse, a pornographical spirit, arguing, debating to make contentions, etc. There's much we can read in the Bible which shows us the right thing to do. Then, the Spirit can bring it to our attention, daily, hourly.
As we get to know God - whose name is Jesus - and abide in the Spirit - which is the Spirit of God - we will be more sensitive to what is Holy and what is not Holy inside of us. We must be careful not to quench the Spirit as then soon, the sensitivity will grow dull.
Holiness - Be Ye holy, even as I am Holy - Both an inward and an outward concept. God wants us to be Holy, demands it of us, commands us to be Holy. Why? Because He really does love us and because we are to be an example of true Christianity.
Jesus is coming - Be Holy - It'll be worth it all in the end!

Depression

I wanted to share an article I found on depression, but it's written by someone else, so it would be plagerism to copy her article. So, I will tell you where I found it and you can look it up. Then I did make up a questionarre for you to use to evaluate your life. "Women and Depression" is written by Lisa James and was published in ENERGY TIMES magazine in April 2004.

Your Personal Questionarre
These are questions to personally know yourself first, to eliminate possible reasons for anxiety, unhappiness and depression.

1. What things make you happy?

2. What would it take to make you happy?

3. What things have you waited for, for a long time?

4.Have you had any recent catastrophies?
In the last year?
In the last 2 years?
In the last 5 years?

5. Are you on any medicines?
If so, what are the side effects?

6.Do you have a major sickness or illness?

7.Are there members of your family who have been or are very ill?
If so, are you taking care of them?

8.Do you have financial problems?

9.Are you taking herbs or vitamins?
For what reason are they?

10.Do you believe in Jesus or are you of a different faith?

11.How old are you?

12. Do you have children?

13.What is your job?

14.Are you going through menopause or do you have menstrual disorder?

15.How is your relationship with your husband, your parents, your children?

16.Do you sleep late?

17.What is the pattern of your daily activity?

18.Has the Lord ever told you to do something, that you have not done, but have avoided or dismissed?

19.Was there a career or educational opportunity that you feel you missed out on?

20.Have you been abused by anyone,physically, sexually or mentally?

21.Are you satisfied with the church where you go?

22.Are you at odds with any believer?

23.Are you submissive to your husband? And is he basically loving to you?

24.When was the last time you went on vacation?

25.When was the last time you went on a date? ( with your husband if married or with a guy if you're single) and...Did the date go well?
If you as a woman are dating another woman, then according to the word of God, this practise needs to stop. God loves you and sent His son to die on the cross for you, but if you want to follow Christ, then Homosexual relationships must stop.

26.Are you having a good night's sleep?

27.Do you have a balanced diet, and is it appropriate for your age?

28.Do you have a close friend with whom you can share?

29.Do you have a hobby?

30.How do you feel about your appearance?

31.Do you feel that you are ready to face eternity when you die?


That's all I wrote, except for a page I tore out from my children's school. The young man says, "I want real joy in my life. How do I have it?" The answer is J= Jesus , O= others, Y= you.
Jesus... Do you belong to Him? Is He Lord of your life? Others... serving them and meeting their needs, which sometimes is only a listening ear. You...is last, but not left out. You must take care of your body, soul, mind and spirit.

False (Women) Teachers

I have been on the internet alot lately, looking up sites of various teachers of religion. Not only Pentecostal, which I am, but others of other denominations. Fascinating - absolutely fascinating to see, and hear, the variety of speakers.... and thats only the women speakers out there! So many .... and so many views... views about scripture...views about the word of God!
Now, I am not the Judge of those speakers. I am not perfect! I am not the one to say "This one's right' "That one is not right"! BUT, I do have a Father who has given us His Word by which we can base what we hear!
All those speakers would say "I am a Christian"! I'm not saying that they are not, or that they never had an experience with Jesus... BUT, sometimes as we follow along, we hear the beck and call of other voices and at first, we don't listen - No Way! Yet, those voices are subtle.. "Just listen to this interpretation! Not bad is it?" And you think "No, that sounds pretty good!" Whose voice is speaking to you?
I am not a speaker - yet! I am an internet voice, but I am one trying to influence women! So, I must be careful! We must all take what is said to us , back to the Word of God. " Rightly dividing the Word of Truth." You've heard it said - Speak the truth and nothing but the truth. The Bible is that truth. God does not contain Truth. GOD IS TRUTH! HE IS!!! Daily we miss out on perfection. Daily we must come to God to confess - but, are the speakers you're listening to, coming before the throne of grace, and finding Grace and Forgiveness in the time of need? How about Humility? Do they show a humble spirit?
Now, I could say to you, that Billy Graham is a great, humble man to listen to. Of course he is not a woman, so lets talk about his wife Ruth! Humble - not haughty. Are you listening to haughty teachers?
How are they spending the money sent to them? What kind of a house do they live in ? Are they helping the poor?
I was laying awake a few nights ago, being bothered by this theme! Ladies, ladies, Satan wants us to rise up and be women of this world... women who don't have to listen to their husbands.. women who will step on others' toes to get what they want...because after all.."I deserve it!!" What was that song -"I AM WOMAN!" So what! You are a woman because God and DNA made you a woman! Presto! You have no rights, but what God allows in His Word! The best definition of God's type of woman is in Proverbs 31...read it all! and other places talk about a meek, humble woman!
Are you thinking that God means woman to be trampled on? No way! God has plenty to say about man! God loves YOU! God loves woman and created her! Let me interject a word here... Do people say you're ugly? God doesn't say that! He says you're beautiful and He loves you so much. He wants to spend eternity with you in heaven!
Are the women you're listening to - in meetings, on T.V., on cable, on the Web, or at church - are they trying to be the Proverbs 31 lady? Are they preaching truth or are they slowly, slowly leading you away from the God who is Truth, the One whose name is Jesus!
Beware of the voices you follow! You are too precious to lose to deception! Eternity is up ahead...just around the corner!
Let's go Back to the Bible..Back to Prayer!Jesus said "I came to bring you Life, and that more abundantly".

Poem: Today Mom Died

Today ... She died
This friend of mine
This dearest lady
To me , Divine

And with her, too
The cups of tea
The late night chats
From one to three
The phone calls from
So far away
The car drives on
A summer day
The peaceful rocking
Of two chairs
As side by side
So free from cares
Your sweet, sweet smile
forever gone
To other realms
You now belong

Where are you mother
Oh, yes, I know
To Jesus, Mom
You now must go
But someday soon
I'll see you there
Where is no sorrow
Nor tears to bare!

Dedicated to Ruth Graham and her family and all who have lost a Mother. And to my own Mom who passed away 10 years ago... Sarah Giesbrecht!!!

Poem: The Rend

The rend was made upon the cloth
Ruined, they said, by a tiny moth
Who ate his way between the thread
Not knowing it would bring me dread

I went to take it off its hook
And after I took one swift look
Behold the rend in my dear dress
It brought a tear, I must confess.

And now what shall be done with this
Once perfect dress, but now amiss
It can't be worn, it can't be shown
Since from the heavens, a moth has flown.

I'll cut it up, I'll shape it new
I'll tint it to a royal blue
My favorite color that once was
A cheery plan, Great good me does.

In this same way, I'll try to live
To take the rends life does me give
And look at them a different way
In faith to shape a bright new Day!

Poem: Time

Time is passing
Without our asking
Soon it will be...
Tomorrow

Tomorrow has come
And what have we done
For soon it again will be...
Tomorrow

Today, I've been given
To use while I'm livin'
To waste or to use until...
Tomorrow!

Prayer for Marriage: by Donna Marcialli

September 6 , 2006 Marriage retreat

Lord Jesus, God I thank you for your unique and complex way of thinking that is so much higher than ours. Lord, I thank you for the potential that is in this room today. I thank you for the legacies that are in the womb in this room today, for the potential you have placed in the hearts and minds of these people. Lord, I thank you. Lord, I feel such a strong sense in the spirit , Lord that we are bringing about a moment of peace, where we look at each other in the eye, knowing that we are partners for a reason. We have something to offer to one another. Lord Jesus I pray that we would begin to hear the music. I pray God that we would hear the music, the music we first heard when we met and we were willing to give up our Saturdays, and it made us want to give up our free time, made us want to be with someone, because there was something , there was a missing piece in our heart that they filled. I pray , God , let us forget about our diversity. Let us lay our diversity down. Lord, let us pick up the hand of our partner, and let us hear the music and start to dance. I pray, oh God for your love to flow. I pray for that perfect love , that you said,"I will go to the cross, so that they may live. I lay down my life so that they may have life". Lord Jesus you gave us your Spirit, so that we could emulate that in our homes. You want to bless us. You don't want to curse us. You want us to inherit your blessings. Lord your blessings come where there is unity, where there is harmony. Lord, there is a cinergistic partnership that happens when we're unified in our diversity. I pray, in Jesus name for a blessing upon them. I pray, open their hearts and minds to one another. Lord, I pray against these relationships that are outside our marriages that are pulling at us. Men , telling their friends what they ought to do to their wives, and women telling their friends what they ought to do to their husbands. In these destructive kinds of relationships that are in our lives, I pray that you would sever that from us today. I pray, oh God, let us move close together in commitment one to each other. Lord Jesus, I pray, forgive us of our emotional cheating, the kinds of betrayals, that if our wives or husbands knew what we said behind their backs, that they would be devastated. I pray, Dear God that you would forgive us. Let us move together in that beautiful dance, because we have children that depend upon us, but most of all because we have eternity ahead of us, and you Oh, Lord are looking down at your crowning creation, our marriage. It's more important than the President of the United States. It's more important than the Senate. It's more important than the nation or the King. It's more important than any authority in the world. Marriage was your crowning creation. And it is what you said you were like. You were like the Bridegroom and the church is like the Bride, because the Bride and the Bridegroom are your greatest and most important crowning creation. We are beautiful in your sight, today. We submit to one another, as unto the Lord, because you are looking down on us. We're not just doing what we want to do today, but we are submitted to you today, oh God. I pray blessings will flow, that the doors of heaven will be opened, that windows will be open, when we get in line with the divine order of the family , and the family of God, looking into your face, knowing that you are blessing our marriage. In Jesus name, in Jesus name, AMEN.
Lord, I commit today to listen more. I commit oh, Lord to care more. I commit Lord to be a better me, because my years are slipping by. My eyesight is growing dim. My mind don't think like it used to. God, I don't have a lot of time left. When I look at my past, Lord, I want to be a better me. I want to face you with everything that you really dreamed that I could be. Lord, you are looking at my marriage, and you've got so many great plans for us. Lord Jesus, I pray God I want to be a better me from this day forward. I commit to you. I commit to my spouse today. I want to be a better me. I know you are looking at me. You're looking at my marriage. It's not hidden from you. I pray you will bless them indeed. Lord, let something be born that's been planted in their hearts even in the last few minutes. God, I look forward to seeing the fruit of the womb that's been planted today. In the name of Jesus.

The Gift of God

" For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one mat boast." Ephesians 2:8,9 NES
The gift of God - salvation, freedom from sin through Christ's death and resurrection, joy, peace, a new spiritual family, a reason to live, a home in heaven! All these are a gift of God! and yet, how hard we "work" to get them! We often act as though, we are the ones giving ourselves salvation....by the works we are doing!
Let me be a little blunt! We often talk negatively about other groups and say "they are trying to work their way to heaven." Or we critisize one group or another for what they do! What do we do in our own lives in our own churches, adding to Christ's death and resurrection? What do I do in my own life , adding to the cross of Christ?
Did He not say, "It is finished"? I'm sure that those three words mean so much more than I understand...but when someone says, "It's done" "I'm done" or "It is finished", it means its complete! All that God was moving humanity forward to through history, was completed in Christ's death on the cross. His plan was not just for you to have a good life, but to be whole, complete in Him.
I do love traditions! At Christmas, we have ham, brussel sprouts, cooked baby carrots and mashed potatoes. On Birthdays we sing "Happy Birthday". In church, we do things a certain way! That's how we have always done it and so that's how we will do it!Christ taught us wonderful things like... give to the poor, visit the sick, visit the prisoners, help others, fast and pray... But, All in All, we are not saved by these things! We are saved by Jesus Christ! Again I say: by Jesus christ!
Ephesians 2: 10 goes on to say that we were created in Christ Jesus FOR good works, but before that it says we are not saved BY them!! Big difference!
We are sinners saved by grace, through faith, in the finished work of Christ!
That's hard to swallow!
Even me, just realizing this, in the inner most recesses of my spirit, will have to think about this for awhile.
This is phenominal - but it is True!!
Going back to Ephesians 2:4 it says," But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us.."
Jesus went to the cross, BECAUSE HE LOVES US! He endured everything " for the joy that was set before Him". That joy is when you and I accept His free salvation - His Gift - the gift of God - and become his child.
The gift of God - not as a result of works, so that no one may boast!

Poem: Lord, Help me to feel

Lord, fill me with compassion
The kind that You would show
That draws all men to Jesus
With desire Him to know

Lord, help me be just like You
To meet the daily need
When others share their burdens
That to Your Word I'll lead

Lord, help me draw all people
To look upon your Face
Instead of on their problems
Which hinder in the race

Lord, we are Salt and Light here
Amid a cruel world
The only Hope is Jesus
On Him our lives are hurled

Poem: Praise - When?

When things go right
And the way is easy
Praising the Lord
Sure comes easy

When things go wrong
We pout and frown
We sure let others
Know we're down

Is this the route
That God has planned
Our moods always changing
Like the shifting sand

His Word gives advice
Along another line
To give thanks in everything
And in His Presence dine

Poem: Praise the lord

When all your days look black and blue
Look up to see the sky's bright hue
Just praise the Lord, each day anew
He'll never change, He's always True

Look all around you, then you'll see
The many Blessings bestowed on thee
And ne'er forget who set you free
Who holds to death and life the Key

The Lord above, beneath , around
Is waiting to be sought and found
So, bend your heart, tune in the sound
Of Him in whom love does abound

Poem: Friendship

Friendship is a treasure
That money cannot buy
An inner strong devotion
Unseen by mortal Eye
You feel it with your spirit
This closeness between two
A freshness like the Springtime
As pure as morning Dew

Poem:The Future

The future is a place unknown
Untrodden by Men's feet
A time, we all will face someday
On Vict'ry or defeat

We look at things around us
The world and all its Woes
Temptations come at every turn
And plenty are our Foes

But, is there not a power there
With which to conquer trials
Is there some help? Is there some Hope?
A Signpost along Life's miles?

Oh, Yes! Praise God! Rejoice, Be glad!
In Christ, you can be Free
Through Death, He conquered all the pow'r
Of death, our enemy

Oh, death, wherein is now thy Sting
And Grave, thy Victory?

Poem: God Knows

Wind
getting stronger
Clouds
overhead
getting darker
Nightfall
before it is evening
Heat
everywhere
Suffocating
What's that?
That movement up there?
In the sky?
Wind
louder, louder
faster, faster
Trees, fences
flying around
Houses, barns
flying through the air
Ripped, broken
people...
dead

Lord, you see all this
You know what's happening, Lord

We shall still
Trust and Obey
Amid
Storms
And Tornadoes
Of our Physical
And Spiritual
Lives!

Poem: Life's Goal

Living to Love Jesus
Living to praise His name
Striving to serve Him better
To follow in His way

Leaning on my Savior
Abiding in His love
From His arms receiving
Blessings from above

Yes, this is what my Goal is
That Christ shall have my All
Yet, not through my own Power
But, in His strength to stay

Poem: Burden- Free

When the world seems set against you
Talk to God, He'll listen
When your troubles grow into Mountains
Think of others who have needs
When self-pity overtakes every corner
of your mind
Praise the Blessed name of Jesus
Go and help a lonely Brother

Every problem seems to grow
Completely out of shape and proportion
If you dwell on it continually
Thinking you suffer more than others
Didn't Christ bear shame and misery?
Didn't God, His father forsake Him?

Look to Jesus , the example
Place your cares in His right Hand
Now, leave them there and go on living
Walk along His Holy way
Seeking not that God would Bless you
Instead that Others are Blessed
through YOU!

Poem: Thorn in the flesh (on being shy)

Silence can be a virtue
But , you must remember
For everything there is
a season
Being shy, or rather, quiet
can be a curse
Communication between
two strangers
can bring them into
a close relationship
Those that I most want
for friends
Find me unapproachable
because of
The silence barrier
Oh, to cross that Bridge
Why, fight your way over
If I could only get over it
with eaze!

Poem: Hope Beyond Despair

Will I ever be the same
As I was yesterday
So carefree, full of fun andlove
for Life wherever it leads?

Will I once again pursue
A goal which is in sight
Or gain a pleasure just to sit
And talk to friends I meet?

Will my spirit gain new heights
that will be fun to climb
Or will I allow my soul to drag
Beneath the dust and mud?

There's Hope that's dawning over there
A peace that's mine to have
A new assurance that God's best
Is working itself in me.

For all the gloomy days ahead
God has a plan in store
To chasten me and help me grow
Maturity to reach.

I may not get to be perfect
in this flesh here below
But, someday soon He will be back
And receive me up to His Home.

Bible Study with me.

If you would like to do a personal or group Bible study with me or me and my husband, we can either do it over the internet if you live far from Roselle Illinois, or You can phone me and get it set up to do it over the phone since I have free long distance, or I (we) can come to your house. starbucks is also a great place to have coffee and short Bible studies. If you are already a believer and have not received the Baptism of the Spirit, I would love to share with you from God's Word what is his next gift for you. contact me at sumalennox@aol.com

Golden Retriever Puppies

I do intend to get a separate website for this, but just to let you know - I breed Golden Retriever Puppies. Purebred, AKC, registered. Right now I have none!!! I just sold 9 puppies , but hope to have a litter in fall! t contact me then write sumalennox@aol.com

Prayer for Loneliness

Dear Lord, I feel all alone. It seems like no one cares about me. Who can I talk to ? who will really listen to me without going and gossiping about what I have said? Who can I trust? Can I trust You? Will you help me if I ask? I know that your Word says that you care. Maybe I should read in the book of Psalms. David had alot of troubles. It says, " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside the still waters, He restores my soul, he leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, You anoint my head with oil, My cup runs over, surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever." That is how you feel about me. your love must be very great. Thankyou for listening and Loving me!!

Modesty

The best teachings on modesty that I have heard are by Nancy Lee Demoss at reviveourhearts.com and some books written by United Pentecostal ladies which would be available at Pentecostal Publishing House. They have done a great job so I will not touch the subject at this time.

Chocolate chip cookies

Why not add a variation to your favorite Chocolate Chip cookie recipe, by adding a variety of chips instead of just chocolate. . . like butterscotch, milk chocolate, peanut butter or white chocolate chips.

Great Fudge

The easiest fudge I have ever made was from a recipe on a jar of marshmallow creme bought at Aldi. Everyone gives me compliments for it.

A prayer to Receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit

Dear Lord , I have read in your Word that people receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I know that people in my city have received this. Since others have, then I want this to happen to me. I am asking you to give me the Baptism of the Spirit and I know that I will speak in a language you will give me, so I give you my tongue so I can praise you the way you want me to. In Jesus name. (some people have received this infilling of the Spirit when they are alone, but most often it was when they were with a group of believers who were also worshipping and praising the Lord. I would encourage you to find a Spirit filled friend to help you or find an apostolic church which preaches holiness, the Baptism of the Spirit and Baptism in water in Jesus Name, or Email me. I will help you all I can My email is sumalennox@aol.com)

A Prayer of repentence

Dear Lord, I come to you to ask you to forgive my sins. You died on the cross for me so I could have my sins forgiven. I thank you for that and I thank you for forgiving me. I want you to be my Lord. In Jesus name amen

A Prayer of Praise

dear Lord, I just want to praise you for all your goodness and how good you have been to me. My life has not been perfect Lord but yet there are so many things to be thankful Lord. I am not always feeling good, but I thank you for the good times when I can truly enjoy life to its fulness. I thank you for taking me safely through the hard times. I thank you for your love which is always there and that you exist and you never change. In Jesus name Amen

A Prayer for Depression

Dear Lord, Today is just not my day. I am not happy and I can't pretend to be. Everybody expects me to be a certain way and I can't perform today. I want to hide from people today Lord. Can you help me? Do you really love me? Today I feel like nobody loves me! Yet I know it says in the Bible that God so loved the world - that would include me. Help me believe it and please give me joy today. Thankyou Lord!

poem: Triumph

Deep inside a storm is raging
Threatening some evil gusts
Of doubt , despair and painful anguish
Floods of raw deceiving lies.

Get back, you liars of darkness
Spirits of the awful deep
You have no right, No claim upon me
I shall not your temple be.

Christ the Lord has fought the battle
"It is Finished" were His words
when on the cross He hung and suffered
Bearing all my misery.

Hope arises deep within me
Glimpsing in Jesus the ray of light
To guide me safely out of darkness
Out of the storm and out of the night.

poem: His Handiwork

The stars in the Heavens
shine forth in the Night
They're part of creation
twinkling clear and bright

I love to behold them
Each night 'fore I sleep
And think about Jesus
Whose Love we shall Keep

God sure is creative
in His imaginative way
He knew what we needed
By His side we shall stay

He loves this His handiwork
The world he has made
But, He loves us His people
And for our sins has paid.