How great is our GOD! Wow I feel so much better. Thank you LORD I'm feeling much better. As one fellow blogger said relax, rely on GOD, and eat that elephant one bite at a time. Thank you for the encouragement!

I'm not doing a formal bible study right now. I think I'll have to search out a new one. Bible Study Fellowship doesn't start again till either August or September. That's too long to wait. I like it when I have a format and questions that need answers. They may not be the right answers but they're my answers. I think intimacy with GOD is based on the interaction and dialogue between you both. GOD WANTS A RELATIONSHIP WITH US. Deeper, passionate, more intimate then any other in our lives. WOW, that blows me away.

Feeling as if I'm living in a sea of boxes. Need help to unpack. Help I need somebody, not just anybody, please please help me. The words to the old Beatles song ring in my mind.
God please supply a great person or persons to help me unpack. Thank you, your daughter Susan

Today has come. It has felt so far away for so long, yet today is here. It is moving day. The truck is packed. It's so full we may not get everything on it. But so be it. There must be a lesson to learn. Too much stuff and not being willing to part with as much as I should have been able to part with in order to bring in the new sometimes we must get rid of the old.

So, the U-haul is full and parked at the end of the drive. We closed on the house in Charlotte. Today is moving day. I woke up at 2:30 am for I couldn't sleep. I went to do my bible study this morning but I had no table to read it for it was packed. But the computer is still on and running at least for a couple of more hours. We will have to disconnect it and reconnect it in Charlotte. It's unfortunate but we cannot keep our old e-mail address. I will keep you posted of the new one when we are up and running.

Please keep us all in your prayers today. I need GOD'S strength desparately, His love, His provision, His safekeeping, His grace, His everything, AND IN EXTRA MEASURE AT THAT!
HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP US GOD TODAY.

Today is the day for packing up the truck. Yesterday went so smoothly as far as signing all the papers were concerned. I'll have to remember if I ever buy property again that it's much easier when I'm there with my lawyer and husband minus the seller and the agents. It can all be done easily. Thank you Abba. I felt the prayers of the saints. Please continue to pray for us this week as we do our walk through today in Charlotte, pack up the truck, then drive it from Winston-Salem to Charlotte Wednesday morning and unpack. May GOD go before us and prepare our way.

I didn't really have any questions from my Bible study this morning. No scheduled reading so I read Ps 91 and Eph 6 (Putting on the Armor of GOD). Those two portions of Scripture I read each and everyday. I find them comforting.

Share with me your moving stories. I'd like to know the common denominator of the human experience.

Wow there was so much I discovered this morning as I was reading my overview from studying Acts 21 - 28. Paul was really mistreated, lied about, slandered, abused, neglected, imprisoned, beaten, almost died at sea yet he stayed calm and focused on GOD. How can that be? What does GOD want to teach me about handling crisis situations with peace, sincerity, and faith?

In Acts 21:27-39 Paul kept his serenity by knowing he was in Jerusalem by God's will. God had allowed an injustice to happen to Paul. He sought to bless while others sought to destroy. Paul went directly to God with his questions and said "God has a purpose for me in this trail." I asked God the same question about something that happened to me this week and He answered me. God says it is to teach me. Teach me obedience, humility, generosity, love, going that extra mile while someone else is taking a short cut. acceptance to name the first couple of things that pop into my mind. GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!

Paul's first thought in the midst of being mauled, beaten, and almost killed was how can I use this difficultly to serve GOD. Paul is definitely on a higher peak then I am. Do you think we can ever be spiritually in the same place?

Something else that struck me was when Jesus spoke to Paul about persecuting the Jews that he was in fact persecuting Jesus Himself. I asked myself today, am I persecuting anyone?

In Acts 26 13-18 All the injustices, waiting, confinement and seemingly the neglect, all worked together for Paul's highest good and blessing.

While on trail Paul's ministry had six aims. Those were to open the eyes of his audience, turn them from sin, convert them, deliver them from the power of Satan to the hand of GOD, receive forgiveness of sins, receive an inheritance, unite them will all who are sanctified in their faith.

It was all very deep today. My spirit was calmed, at peace, and I felt the presence of GOD even in the midst of the move. Thank you Abba.

As I was doing my morning devotions in the midst of struggling with an emotional problem (pride, unforgiveness and control) plus the upheaval of moving house GOD spoke to my spirit and gave me peace. It is amazing how He can take our troubles, our anxious thoughts, our strivings, and our shortcomings of character and exchange it for His PEACE. Praise GOD, prayer and God's Word works. Thank you Abba!

Several of my study questions for today's reading are listed below. Food for thought and a good plateform for study.

What do you think of the character of Felix and his response to God’s call?
Which particular phrase reminds you of Pilate in his treatment of Jesus?
Give six phrases from Acts 2616-18 that describe Paul’s aim when he gave the gospel to the gentiles.
In Acts 26, with what words did Agrippa reply to Paul?
What do you learn about sharing the gospel from Paul’s speeches before Felix and Agrippa?

My daily devotions and maybe yours too……

Acts 24

Paul Appears before Felix
1Five days later Ananias, the high priest, arrived with some of the Jewish leaders and the lawyer[a] Tertullus, to press charges against Paul. 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus laid charges against Paul in the following address to the governor:
"Your Excellency, you have given peace to us Jews and have enacted reforms for us. 3And for all of this we are very grateful to you. 4But lest I bore you, kindly give me your attention for only a moment as I briefly outline our case against this man. 5For we have found him to be a troublemaker, a man who is constantly inciting the Jews throughout the world to riots and rebellions against the Roman government. He is a ringleader of the sect known as the Nazarenes. 6Moreover he was trying to defile the Temple when we arrested him.[b] 8You can find out the truth of our accusations by examining him yourself." 9Then the other Jews chimed in, declaring that everything Tertullus said was true.
10Now it was Paul's turn. The governor motioned for him to rise and speak. Paul said, "I know, sir, that you have been a judge of Jewish affairs for many years, and this gives me confidence as I make my defense. 11You can quickly discover that it was no more than twelve days ago that I arrived in Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. 12I didn't argue with anyone in the Temple, nor did I incite a riot in any synagogue or on the streets of the city. 13These men certainly cannot prove the things they accuse me of doing.
14"But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a sect. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the books of prophecy. 15I have hope in God, just as these men do, that he will raise both the righteous and the ungodly. 16Because of this, I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else.
17"After several years away, I returned to Jerusalem with money to aid my people and to offer sacrifices to God. 18My accusers saw me in the Temple as I was completing a purification ritual. There was no crowd around me and no rioting. 19But some Jews from the province of Asia were there--and they ought to be here to bring charges if they have anything against me! 20Ask these men here what wrongdoing the Jewish high council[c] found in me, 21except for one thing I said when I shouted out, `I am on trial before you today because I believe in the resurrection of the dead!' "
22Felix, who was quite familiar with the Way, adjourned the hearing and said, "Wait until Lysias, the garrison commander, arrives. Then I will decide the case." 23He ordered an officer to keep Paul in custody but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to visit him and take care of his needs.
24A few days later Felix came with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. 25As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified. "Go away for now," he replied. "When it is more convenient, I'll call for you again." 26He also hoped that Paul would bribe him, so he sent for him quite often and talked with him.
27Two years went by in this way; then Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And because Felix wanted to gain favor with the Jewish leaders, he left Paul in prison.

Acts 25

Paul Appears before Festus
1Three days after Festus arrived in Caesarea to take over his new responsibilities, he left for Jerusalem, 2where the leading priests and other Jewish leaders met with him and made their accusations against Paul. 3They asked Festus as a favor to transfer Paul to Jerusalem. (Their plan was to waylay and kill him.) 4But Festus replied that Paul was at Caesarea and he himself would be returning there soon. 5So he said, "Those of you in authority can return with me. If Paul has done anything wrong, you can make your accusations."
6Eight or ten days later he returned to Caesarea, and on the following day Paul's trial began. 7On Paul's arrival in court, the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem gathered around and made many serious accusations they couldn't prove. 8Paul denied the charges. "I am not guilty," he said. "I have committed no crime against the Jewish laws or the Temple or the Roman government."
9Then Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked him, "Are you willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there?"
10But Paul replied, "No! This is the official Roman court, so I ought to be tried right here. You know very well I am not guilty. 11If I have done something worthy of death, I don't refuse to die. But if I am innocent, neither you nor anyone else has a right to turn me over to these men to kill me. I appeal to Caesar!"
12Festus conferred with his advisers and then replied, "Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you shall go!"
13A few days later King Agrippa arrived with his sister, Bernice,[d] to pay their respects to Festus. 14During their stay of several days, Festus discussed Paul's case with the king. "There is a prisoner here," he told him, "whose case was left for me by Felix. 15When I was in Jerusalem, the leading priests and other Jewish leaders pressed charges against him and asked me to sentence him. 16Of course, I quickly pointed out to them that Roman law does not convict people without a trial. They are given an opportunity to defend themselves face to face with their accusers.
17"When they came here for the trial, I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. 18But the accusations made against him weren't at all what I expected. 19It was something about their religion and about someone called Jesus who died, but whom Paul insists is alive. 20I was perplexed as to how to conduct an investigation of this kind, and I asked him whether he would be willing to stand trial on these charges in Jerusalem. 21But Paul appealed to the emperor. So I ordered him back to jail until I could arrange to send him to Caesar."
22"I'd like to hear the man myself," Agrippa said.
And Festus replied, "You shall--tomorrow!"

Paul Speaks to Agrippa
23So the next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived at the auditorium with great pomp, accompanied by military officers and prominent men of the city. Festus ordered that Paul be brought in. 24Then Festus said, "King Agrippa and all present, this is the man whose death is demanded both by the local Jews and by those in Jerusalem. 25But in my opinion he has done nothing worthy of death. However, he appealed his case to the emperor, and I decided to send him. 26But what shall I write the emperor? For there is no real charge against him. So I have brought him before all of you, and especially you, King Agrippa, so that after we examine him, I might have something to write. 27For it doesn't seem reasonable to send a prisoner to the emperor without specifying the charges against him!"

Acts 26

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak in your defense."
So Paul, with a gesture of his hand, started his defense: 2"I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that you are the one hearing my defense against all these accusations made by the Jewish leaders, 3for I know you are an expert on Jewish customs and controversies. Now please listen to me patiently!
4"As the Jewish leaders are well aware, I was given a thorough Jewish training from my earliest childhood among my own people and in Jerusalem. 5If they would admit it, they know that I have been a member of the Pharisees, the strictest sect of our religion. 6Now I am on trial because I am looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promise made to our ancestors. 7In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of Israel worship God night and day, and they share the same hope I have. Yet, O king, they say it is wrong for me to have this hope! 8Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?
9"I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the followers of Jesus of Nazareth.[e] 10Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many of the believers in Jerusalem to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11Many times I had them whipped in the synagogues to try to get them to curse Christ. I was so violently opposed to them that I even hounded them in distant cities of foreign lands.
12"One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13About noon, Your Majesty, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[f] `Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to fight against my will.[g]'
15" `Who are you, sir?' I asked.
"And the Lord replied, `I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16Now stand up! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you. 17And I will protect you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am going to send you to the Gentiles, 18to open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God's people, who are set apart by faith in me.'
19"And so, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to that vision from heaven. 20I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must turn from their sins and turn to God--and prove they have changed by the good things they do. 21Some Jews arrested me in the Temple for preaching this, and they tried to kill me. 22But God protected me so that I am still alive today to tell these facts to everyone, from the least to the greatest. I teach nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- 23that the Messiah would suffer and be the first to rise from the dead as a light to Jews and Gentiles alike."
24Suddenly, Festus shouted, "Paul, you are insane. Too much study has made you crazy!"
25But Paul replied, "I am not insane, Most Excellent Festus. I am speaking the sober truth. 26And King Agrippa knows about these things. I speak frankly, for I am sure these events are all familiar to him, for they were not done in a corner! 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do--"
28Agrippa interrupted him. "Do you think you can make me a Christian so quickly?"[h]
29Paul replied, "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."
30Then the king, the governor, Bernice, and all the others stood and left. 31As they talked it over they agreed, "This man hasn't done anything worthy of death or imprisonment." 32And Agrippa said to Festus, "He could be set free if he hadn't appealed to Caesar!"

We are almost at the finishing line as we complete our packing for our move next week to Charlotte. I feel at peace right now, thank you LORD. I never realized how much “stuff” we have. When we moved here from London having sorted through two houses, we came with the contents of a 40’ container. Now I feel that 15 years later I have had an encounter with the blob. Do you remember that film in the 60’s or 70’s. It was an ooze that kept on coming. Well I feel that the “stuff” has spread its wings over everything. The question is why do I want to hold on to any of the “stuff”? Why can’t I let some of these memories go freely? What is holding me down? I’ll give you an example. Stuff was in our unheated third garage; some of it had mildew on it. Why can’t I throw away an old hairpiece of my mother’s? What does it represent? Why am I still emotionally involved with the stuff, 10 years later? HELP ME LORD TO LET GO EASILY FROM ANY EARTHLY STUFF THAT SEEMS TO HOLD ME.

My daily devotions and maybe yours too….

Acts 23

1 Gazing intently at the high council,[a] Paul began: "Brothers, I have always lived before God in all good conscience!"
2Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3But Paul said to him, "God will slap you, you whitewashed wall! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?"
4Those standing near Paul said to him, "Is that the way to talk to God's high priest?"
5"I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize he was the high priest," Paul replied, "for the Scriptures say, `Do not speak evil of anyone who rules over you.'[b] "
6Paul realized that some members of the high council were Sadducees and some were Pharisees, so he shouted, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were all my ancestors! And I am on trial because my hope is in the resurrection of the dead!"
7This divided the council--the Pharisees against the Sadducees-- 8for the Sadducees say there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, but the Pharisees believe in all of these. 9So a great clamor arose. Some of the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees jumped up to argue that Paul was all right. "We see nothing wrong with him," they shouted. "Perhaps a spirit or an angel spoke to him." 10The shouting grew louder and louder, and the men were tugging at Paul from both sides, pulling him this way and that. Finally, the commander, fearing they would tear him apart, ordered his soldiers to take him away from them and bring him back to the fortress.
11That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome."

The Plan to Kill Paul
12The next morning a group of Jews got together and bound themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty of them. 14They went to the leading priests and other leaders and told them what they had done. "We have bound ourselves under oath to neither eat nor drink until we have killed Paul. 15You and the high council should tell the commander to bring Paul back to the council again," they requested. "Pretend you want to examine his case more fully. We will kill him on the way."
16But Paul's nephew heard of their plan and went to the fortress and told Paul. 17Paul called one of the officers and said, "Take this young man to the commander. He has something important to tell him."
18So the officer did, explaining, "Paul, the prisoner, called me over and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you."
19The commander took him by the arm, led him aside, and asked, "What is it you want to tell me?"
20Paul's nephew told him, "Some Jews are going to ask you to bring Paul before the Jewish high council tomorrow, pretending they want to get some more information. 21But don't do it! There are more than forty men hiding along the way ready to jump him and kill him. They have vowed not to eat or drink until they kill him. They are ready, expecting you to agree to their request."
22"Don't let a soul know you told me this," the commander warned the young man as he sent him away.

Paul Is Sent to Caesarea
23Then the commander called two of his officers and ordered, "Get two hundred soldiers ready to leave for Caesarea at nine o'clock tonight. Also take two hundred spearmen and seventy horsemen. 24Provide horses for Paul to ride, and get him safely to Governor Felix." 25Then he wrote this letter to the governor:

26"From Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency, Governor Felix. Greetings! 27This man was seized by some Jews, and they were about to kill him when I arrived with the troops. When I learned that he was a Roman citizen, I removed him to safety. 28Then I took him to their high council to try to find out what he had done. 29I soon discovered it was something regarding their religious law--certainly nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. 30But when I was informed of a plot to kill him, I immediately sent him on to you. I have told his accusers to bring their charges before you."
31So that night, as ordered, the soldiers took Paul as far as Antipatris. 32They returned to the fortress the next morning, while the horsemen took him on to Caesarea. 33When they arrived in Caesarea, they presented Paul and the letter to Governor Felix. 34He read it and then asked Paul what province he was from. "Cilicia," Paul answered.
35"I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive," the governor told him. Then the governor ordered him kept in the prison at Herod's headquarters.

I was actually reading the description of Deborah qualities as a leader. She was a big picture person, always willing to deligate. When asked to raise to the occassion, she did without hesitation.
Deborah describes the distressed state of Israel under the tyranny of Jabin, that their salvation might appear more gracious. She shows what brought this misery upon them. It was their idolatry. They chose new gods, with new names. But under all these images, Satan was worshipped. Deborah was a mother to Israel, by diligently promoting the salvation of their souls. She calls on those who shared the advantages of this great salvation, to offer up thanks to God for it. Let such as are restored, not only to their liberty as other Israelites, but to their rank, speak God's praises. This is the Lord's doing. In these acts of his, justice was executed on his enemies. In times of persecution, God's ordinances, the walls of salvation, whence the waters of life are drawn, are resorted to at the hazard of the lives of those who attend them. At all times Satan will endeavour to hinder the believer from drawing near to the throne of grace. Notice God's kindness to his trembling people. It is the glory of God to protect those who are most exposed, and to help the weakest. Let us notice the benefit we have from the public peace, the inhabitants of villages especially, and give God the praise.

I was reading Mumjones' new blog, check it out http://tallskinnykiwi.typepad.com/mumjones/.
Debbie is a kind of "earth mother" that is a true treasure to the Christian world. Always ready to take a baby christian under her wing. She is blogging her story as a mother, wife, and fellow woman of faith. Great pictures are posted from tribe in uppermost portion of the UK.

Mighty women of old teach us how to be God's blessed and fruitful vine. I was reading in Judges today about Debroah, the third period Judge of Israel.

I’m listening to Gary Shelton’s music this morning. He’s incredible, really worshipful. When I was in Harrisburg, PA. He led the praise music. What an experience we had. God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are Holy, Holy. The universe declares your majesty. You are Holy, Holy. Precious LORD reveal Your heart tonight. Father hold me, Father hold me, Father hold me. LORD of heaven and earth. I wish I knew how to add a music clip I’d love you to share in my experience right now and I’m sure Gary would love you to do so too.

My daily devotions and maybe yours too….

1 Peter 4: 7 -11

7The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.

10God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. 11Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

The passages highlighted spoke to my spirit this morning. First be earnest and disciplined in your prayer. I received several messages lately from various people and from God Himself, not to be weary in prayer. I wanted to look up the word earnest for it appears several times in the Bible, be earnest in prayer. So what does that really mean? God please tell my spirit what You mean by that. Does it have to do with honesty, diligence, perserverance, or something else. Maybe a combination of all those things and more? I looked up the definition in the dictionary:
a serious and intent mental state . INTERESTING!

The second thought that touched my spirit was using my spiritual gifts in a way that glorifies GOD. Do I always use my gifts with that end in sight? No, probably not, if I was honest. LORD help me to keep glorifying you at the top of my list and consciousness.

Today is James' birthday. Happy 24th birthday James. On Tuesday it's Alexandra's birthday. They were born one year and 32 hours apart. It was the closest thing to having twins. It's Sunday morning at 5:22 a.m. I was up at 3:30 a.m. It seems I'm getting up earlier and earlier. Maybe when we move to Charlotte, (God willing) my time clock will change a bit. Calm my anxious thoughts dear LORD. I think I may have low level anxiety about this move, sometimes I have high level anxiety, and at other times I have peace. Let me have more peaceful times Abba.

I was reading verses on peace this morning and I felt better. While in my devotions my spirit locked on to the concepts expounded in verses 8 and 9 for all Christians. It's hard returning a blessing when someone has hurt you. I'm in the middle of practicing that today. It's returning the blessing of prayer when someone has said unkind things about you. So, I said to the LORD what shall I pray for this person? He said the same thing you would want her to pray for you. That was very illuminating. Just shows you we are all the same, with all our warts, molds, imperfections, and cracks. God will bless us if we do it His way. AMEN!


1 Peter 3: 8 - 22

All Christians

8Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 9Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it.

10For the Scriptures say,
"If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies.
11 Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others.
12 The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."[a]
Suffering for Doing Good 13Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don't be afraid and don't worry. 15Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 16But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 17Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!
18Christ also suffered when he died for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners that he might bring us safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.[b]
19So he went and preached to the spirits in prison-- 20those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood.[c] 21And this is a picture of baptism, which now saves you by the power of Jesus Christ's resurrection. Baptism is not a removal of dirt from your body; it is an appeal to God from[d] a clean conscience.
22Now Christ has gone to heaven. He is seated in the place of honor next to God, and all the angels and authorities and powers are bowing before him.

This is the copy of the document my friend sent me. I hope you can read it. View it in Photo Editor and change the size to 100% then you can read it. Good luck it's worth the effort.

The battle is for the mind. I slipped yesterday spiritually and fell flat on my face. While I was laying in bed trying to find rest for my weary body and mind. God's voice kept reminding me that I had to apologize to Jan. Have you ever had an emotional melt down. I finally did and we made up. Moving can be very stressful.
Today one unknown saint sent me a letter of encouragement with Scriptures attached calling the passages necessary for mental health. I wish I could scan those passages into my computer and give them to you. I might be able to, let me see what I can do.
It's a journey LORD, please help me to keep my mind on You today. Let me rest in Your peaceful spirit. Love your little girl, Susan

What are your thoughts on moving? I never thought I was a hoarder or that I held on to possessions but when it comes to sorting out my stuff, I feel immobilized. I want someone else to make the decisions. I want someone who is not emotionally involved with it all, for I really do not want to part with any of the memories. What do you save and what do you throw out? In my mind I feel calm most of the time but then anxiety starts creeping up and I get scared. It feels like a tug of war sometimes and the battlefield is my GI system as well as my mind. Then I pray again and get centered, feeling relaxed and able to cope at least for that moment.

Jude, reminds me of the Beatles song Hey Jude! Remain faithful, preserve, show mercy, love on one another and pray. Those words ring out in my spirit as I read the verses below.

My devotions and maybe yours too….

Jude 1: 17 - 25

A Call to Remain Faithful

17But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ told you, 18that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to enjoy themselves in every evil way imaginable. 19Now they are here, and they are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They live by natural instinct because they do not have God's Spirit living in them.
20But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.[a] 21Live in such a way that God's love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren't contaminated by their sins.[b]

A Prayer of Praise
24And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.

Good morning everyone, I feel so much better this morning. Thank God that I slept till 4: am. Yesterday was better emotionally as well. I finally sorted out the finances with the bank, which is an answer to prayer. Lisa got a hold of me yesterday; she’s a student from Piedmont Baptist College. She will help me pack and generally get ready for the move. We’re blessed twice over for the funds we give will go towards missions from the move. I pray that many will be ministered to and many souls would come into the Kingdom this summer when the go to the Caribbean.

This morning as I was doing my devotions one of the questions asked, are people grumblers and complainers, doing whatever evil they feel like today? Are they are loudmouthed braggarts, and they flatter others to get favors in return today? Then I had a spirit check. Am I doing any of those things today? These admonitions are like a spiritual plumb line. I’m either on the right side or the wrong side. But at least I know now what side I need and want to be on. What are your thoughts from this passage?

My devotions and maybe yours too.....

Jude 1: 1-16

Greetings from Jude

1This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
I am writing to all who are called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ.
2May you receive more and more of God's mercy, peace, and love.

The Danger of False Teachers
3Dearly loved friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the truth of the Good News.[a] God gave this unchanging truth once for all time to his holy people. 4I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in among you, saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives. The fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
5I must remind you--and you know it well--that even though the Lord[b] rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed every one of those who did not remain faithful. 6And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgment. 7And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with sexual immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil.
8Yet these false teachers, who claim authority from their dreams, live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at the power of the glorious ones.[c] 9But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you." (This took place when Michael was arguing with Satan about Moses' body.) 10But these people mock and curse the things they do not understand. Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and they bring about their own destruction. 11How terrible it will be for them! For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother. Like Balaam, they will do anything for money. And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion.
12When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.[d] They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing. They are like trees without fruit at harvest time. They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots. 13They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the dirty foam of their shameful deeds. They are wandering stars, heading for everlasting gloom and darkness.
14Now Enoch, who lived seven generations after Adam, prophesied about these people. He said,
"Look, the Lord is coming with thousands of his holy ones.
15 He will bring the people of the world to judgment. He will convict the ungodly of all the evil things they have done in rebellion and of all the insults that godless sinners have spoken against him."[e]
16These people are grumblers and complainers, doing whatever evil they feel like. They are loudmouthed braggarts, and they flatter others to get favors in return.

Good morning to you all. I was up at 1:30 this morning and couldn’t get back to bed. Tossing and turning for an hour, then deciding to get up and do my devotions, which usually settle my spirit. I might not be able to return to my bed but my spirit is calm at any rate. May 10, 2005 so many dates are before me, first of off it’s my cousin Ann’s birthday. Happy birthday to Ann on May 12th, which is two days away. Then on the 15th my son’s birthday arrives followed 32 hours later by my daughter’s birthday. In-between all these wonderful celebrations of birth I’m packing up the house. At times I drift between levels of joy and anxiety. God help me please!

Today’s question that appealed to me was “What should we be doing as Christians to prepare for Christ’s return.” That sounded very deep. I know we are a day closer to meeting Him either in heaven or when He returns. Another question was “Why is Peter writing this letter? Do Christians today need to be reminded of anything?” What do you think?

My devotions and maybe yours too……

2 Peter 3

1BELOVED, I am now writing you this second letter. In [both of] them I have stirred up your unsullied (sincere) mind by way of remembrance,
2That you should recall the predictions of the holy (consecrated, dedicated) prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior [given] through your apostles (His special messengers).
3To begin with, you must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires
4And say, where is the promise of His coming? For since the forefathers fell asleep, all things have continued exactly as they did from the beginning of creation.
5For they willfully overlook and forget this [fact], that the heavens [came into] existence long ago by the word of God, and the earth also which was formed out of water and by means of water,
6Through which the world that then [existed] was deluged with water and perished.(A)
7But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been stored up (reserved) for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly people.
8Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.(B)
9The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.
10But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the [[a]material] elements [of the universe] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.
11Since all these things are thus [b]in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought [each of] you to be [in the meanwhile] in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities,
12While you wait and earnestly long for (expect and hasten) the coming of the day of God by reason of which the flaming heavens will be dissolved, and the [[c]material] elements [of the universe] will flare and melt with fire?(C)
13But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide.(D)
14So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, [d]free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
15And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord [[e]His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world] is salvation ([f]that which is conducive to the soul's safety), even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him,
16Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist and misconstrue to their own [g]utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures.
17Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind].
18But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and [h]recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!

Woke up today having had a very special mother's day and feeling loved. Thank you Lord!
Alexandra's birthday is next week and I'm busy trying to buy her a digital camera for her 23rd birthday. The Nikon 5600 series looks like a winner. www.nikondigital.com It's a very cool site with tons of educational information and links. Check it out even if you're not a nikon user. I was very impressed with 24/7 customer support.

As I did my devotions this morning, Peter was talking about false teachers. One of my bible study questions asked how do we recognize false teachers today? It is an interesting question. From my viewpoint one needs to be well grounded in the WORD, I have several prayer partners who if I don't understand something or if I am having trouble in a certain area ie greed, lust, or pride for instance, I can either pray with them or at least have some accoutability. The Spirit tells me usually if I'm on the right road or if I'm making a side trip on the wrong path. THANK GOD FOR HIS SPIRIT.



My devotions and maybe yours too....

2 Peter 2

1BUT ALSO [in those days] there arose false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among yourselves, who will subtly and stealthily introduce heretical doctrines (destructive heresies), even denying and disowning the Master Who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
2And many will follow their immoral ways and lascivious doings; because of them the true Way will be maligned and defamed.
3And in their covetousness (lust, greed) they will exploit you with false (cunning) arguments. From of old the sentence [of condemnation] for them has not been idle; their destruction (eternal misery) has not been asleep.
4For God did not [even] spare angels that sinned, but cast them into hell, delivering them to be kept there in pits of gloom till the judgment and their doom.
5And He spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven other persons, when He brought a flood upon the world of ungodly [people].(A)
6And He condemned to ruin and extinction the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes [and thus] set them forth as an example to those who would be ungodly;(B)
7And He rescued righteous Lot, greatly worn out and distressed by the wanton ways of the ungodly and lawless--(C)
8For that just man, living [there] among them, tortured his righteous soul every day with what he saw and heard of [their] unlawful and wicked deeds--
9Now if [all these things are true, then be sure] the Lord knows how to rescue the godly out of temptations and trials, and how to keep the ungodly under chastisement until the day of judgment and doom,
10And particularly those who walk after the flesh and indulge in the lust of polluting passion and scorn and despise authority. Presumptuous [and] daring [self-willed and self-loving creatures]! They scoff at and revile dignitaries (glorious ones) without trembling,
11Whereas [even] angels, though superior in might and power, do not bring a defaming charge against them before the Lord.
12But these [people]! Like unreasoning beasts, mere creatures of instinct, born [only] to be captured and destroyed, railing at things of which they are ignorant, they shall utterly perish in their [own] corruption [in their destroying they shall surely be destroyed],
13Being destined to receive [punishment as] the reward of [their] unrighteousness [suffering wrong as the hire for their wrongdoing]. They count it a delight to revel in the daytime [living luxuriously and delicately]. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their [a]deceptions and carousing together [even] as they feast with you.
14They have eyes full of harlotry, insatiable for sin. They beguile and bait and lure away unstable souls. Their hearts are trained in covetousness (lust, greed), [they are] children of a curse [[b]exposed to cursing]!
15Forsaking the straight road they have gone astray; they have followed the way of Balaam [the son] of Beor, who loved the reward of wickedness.(D)
16But he was rebuked for his own transgression when a dumb beast of burden spoke with human voice and checked the prophet's madness.(E)
17These are springs without water and mists driven along before a tempest, for whom is reserved forever the gloom of darkness.
18For uttering loud boasts of folly, they beguile and lure with lustful desires of the flesh those who are barely escaping from them who are wrongdoers.
19They promise them liberty, when they themselves are the slaves of depravity and defilement--for by whatever anyone is made inferior or worse or is overcome, to that [person or thing] he is enslaved.
20For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through [the full, personal] knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they again become entangled in them and are overcome, their last condition is worse [for them] than the first.
21For never to have obtained a [full, personal] knowledge of the way of righteousness would have been better for them than, having obtained [such knowledge], to turn back from the holy commandment which was [verbally] delivered to them.
22There has befallen them the thing spoken of in the true proverb, The dog turns back to his own vomit, and, The sow is washed only to wallow again in the mire.(F

Today is Mother’s Day. Happy Mother’s Day to every mother who reads my blog, today is your very special day and you deserve much honor and praise. It is with bittersweet emotions that I celebrate Mother’s Day today. Having lost my mother in 94’ some days remind me of that loss and I get sad. So, up in heaven Mom I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. May you be celebrating today with all those you love. We are one day closer to celebrating together for eternity. You never know how great a mother is until you lose them.
2 Peter 1
My devotions and maybe yours too……

2 Peter 1

1SIMON PETER, a servant and apostle (special messenger) of Jesus Christ, to those who have received (obtained an equal privilege of) like precious faith with ourselves in and through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:
2May grace (God's favor) and peace (which is [a]perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and [b]freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, [c]precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
3For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [[d]full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).
4By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.
5For this very reason, [e]adding your diligence [to the divine promises], employ every effort in [f]exercising your faith to develop virtue (excellence, resolution, Christian energy), and in [exercising] virtue [develop] knowledge (intelligence),
6And in [exercising] knowledge [develop] self-control, and in [exercising] self-control [develop] steadfastness (patience, endurance), and in [exercising] steadfastness [develop] godliness (piety),
7And in [exercising] godliness [develop] brotherly affection, and in [exercising] brotherly affection [develop] Christian love.
8For as these qualities are yours and increasingly abound in you, they will keep [you] from being idle or unfruitful unto the [[g]full personal] knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [[h]spiritually] shortsighted, [i]seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins.
10Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall.
11Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
12So I intend always to remind you about these things, although indeed you know them and are firm in the truth that [you] now [hold].
13I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle (tent, body), to stir you up by way of remembrance,
14Since I know that the laying aside of this body of mine will come speedily, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me.
15Moreover, I will diligently endeavor [to see to it] that [even] after my departure (decease) you may be able at all times to call these things to mind.
16For we were not following cleverly devised stories when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty (grandeur, authority of sovereign power).
17For when He was invested with honor and glory from God the Father and a voice was borne to Him by the [splendid] Majestic Glory [in the bright cloud that overshadowed Him, saying], This is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased and delight,
18We [actually] heard this voice borne out of heaven, for we were together with Him on the holy mountain.
19And we have the prophetic word [made] firmer still. You will do well to pay close attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dismal (squalid and dark) place, until the day breaks through [the gloom] and the Morning Star rises ([j]comes into being) in your hearts.
20[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving).
21For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so--it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit.

Develop self control and patient endurance are the two concepts that leaped out to my spirit and caught my eye this morning while doing my daily devotions. I keep hearing the Spirit say these words over and over again to me. I might add gentleness to the equation as well. I’m in process, that’s all I can say right now. I’m not what I should be but I’m not what I once was. I definitely have come a long way. PRIASE THE LORD!

Have you ever wanted to know the meaning of debauchery? Well here it is, interesting isn't it.

Debauchery Function: noun
Text: 1 immoral conduct or practices harmful or offensive to society -- see VICE 12 a sinking to a state of low moral standards and behavior -- see CORRUPTION

I think I’m going to blog first. As I was reading from my Bible study this morning I was struck from a passage in 1 Peter 4. Peter was talking about our sinful life in the past giving six vices and then referring to our calling to live for God now, giving the ways Christians must live now. I was struck in my spirit by his words. Sometimes I wish someone would have told me many years ago “Susan don’t do this, it’s not the right way, but do this, it is the right way to walk. It would have saved me many years of trying to figure it out by myself and winding up on my behind so many times. In hope that these admonitions can help someone else, for God’s Word does not return void He says.
Peter is saying do not be involved with debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. Those people who are involved with partying will think it strange that you, who believe in Christ and in doing it His Way, refuse to join with them in their revelry. More than this, they will abuse you or make fun of you or just drop you. Believers should remember that their accusers would themselves have to answer before the Judge of the living and the dead at the last day.
Then Peter tells us what we should be doing and how we can live as Christ. “Be clear minded and self controlled, love each other deeply, offer hospitality, and if anyone speaks, do it as one speaking the very words of God.” Thinking! Loving! Serving! Speaking! Four important ingredients of the Christian life, each to be done so that others are helped and God is glorified. WOW!
My daily devotions and maybe yours too…..
1 Peter 4
1SO, SINCE Christ suffered in the flesh [a]for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and [b]purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having [c]the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],
2So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills.
3For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do--living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries.
4They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, and they abuse [you].
5But they will have to give an account to Him Who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead.
6For this is why the good news (the Gospel) was preached [[d]in their lifetime] even to the dead, that though judged in fleshly bodies as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer.
8Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [e]disregards the offenses of others].(A)
9Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).
10As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the [f]extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
11Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes [g]abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).

Just had a thought, how will be feel when GOD gives us a gold crown? 

My devotions and maybe yours too…….

1 Peter 4

1SO, SINCE Christ suffered in the flesh [a]for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and [b]purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]. For whoever has suffered in the flesh [having [c]the mind of Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [has stopped pleasing himself and the world, and pleases God],
2So that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living by [his] human appetites and desires, but [he lives] for what God wills.
3For the time that is past already suffices for doing what the Gentiles like to do--living [as you have done] in shameless, insolent wantonness, in lustful desires, drunkenness, reveling, drinking bouts and abominable, lawless idolatries.
4They are astonished and think it very queer that you do not now run hand in hand with them in the same excesses of dissipation, and they abuse [you].
5But they will have to give an account to Him Who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead.
6For this is why the good news (the Gospel) was preached [[d]in their lifetime] even to the dead, that though judged in fleshly bodies as men are, they might live in the spirit as God does.
7But the end and culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded and self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer.
8Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and [e]disregards the offenses of others].(A)
9Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ's body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).
10As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the [f]extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].
11Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes [g]abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).
12Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.
13But insofar as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, rejoice, so that when His glory [full of radiance and splendor] is revealed, you may also rejoice with triumph [exultantly].
14If you are censured and suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you--happy, fortunate, [h]to be envied, [i]with life-joy, and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.(B)
15But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or any sort of criminal, or as a mischief-maker (a meddler) in the affairs of others [infringing on their rights].
16But if [one is ill-treated and suffers] as a Christian [which he is contemptuously called], let him not be ashamed, but give glory to God that he is [deemed worthy to suffer] in this name.
17For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?
18And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the godless and wicked?(C)
19Therefore, those who are ill-treated and suffer in accordance with God's will must do right and commit their souls [in charge as a deposit] to the One Who created [them] and will never fail [them].
Spiritual gifts touched my spirit this morning. In my Life Application Bible it gave reference to several passages that mention spiritual gifts. Rm 12: 6-8 Lists the gifts as:
Prophesy – speak out when God is speaking through you
Serving – serve others well
Teaching – do a good job at teaching
Encouragement – do it!
Money (generousity) – share it!
Leadership – take responsibility seriously
Gift of showing kindness – do it gladly
In 1 Cor. 12 8 –11 other gifts are mentioned.
The Spirit gives us the ability to give wise counsel
Special knowledge
Special faith
Power to heal the sick
Perform miracles
Ability to prophecy, which is predicting the future and preaching the Word of God with power
Discernment of spirits (if they are from God or not)
Speaking in tongues
Interpretation of those tongues (so that all can understand)
Eph. 4 –11 Paul lists even more spiritual gifts.
Apostles (sent ones, messengers)
Prophets (interpreter of the times and of people’s hearts. One who issues an oracle or Word from God.
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son. So, that we will be mature and full grown in our LORD, measuring up to the full stature of Christ. Use your gifts to strengthen and encourage the church and the body. If you know your gifts look for opportunities to serve. If you don’t know, ask God to show you, perhaps with the help of your minister, Christian friends, or a spiritual inventory you might discover what your gifts might be.
Speaking for God and serving others seem very high on God's list of gifts. I think of that Niki commercial "JUST DO IT"!

My daily devotions and maybe yours too……

1 Peter 3: 8-11

All Christians

8Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).
9Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].
10For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good--whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit).
11Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]
12For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), and His ears are attentive to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who practice evil [to oppose them, to frustrate, and defeat them].(A)

Well I just highlighted the entire text; it all spoke to my spirit. In reading my commentary, which is part of the Life Application Bible, verse 8 expands on the thoughts Peter is talking about.
“Peter lists five key elements that should characterize any group of believers: 1) One mind – pursuing the same goals. 2) Sympathy – being responsive to others needs. 3) Love seeing and treating each other as brothers and sisters. 4) Tenderness – being affectionately sensitive and caring. 5) Humility – being willing to encourage one another and rejoice in each other’s success. These five qualities go a long way toward helping believers serve GOD effectively.”
Live in peace, go after it, and pursue it eagerly. Two thoughts keep sprouting in my spirit almost daily during my bible reading, patience and gentleness. I think God is trying to say something to me.

My daily devotions and maybe yours too…..

James 5: 7-20

7 So be patient, brethren, [as you wait] till the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits expectantly for the precious harvest from the land. [See how] he keeps up his patient [vigil] over it until it receives the early and late rains.
8So you also must be patient. Establish your hearts [strengthen and confirm them in the final certainty], for the coming of the Lord is very near.
9Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you [yourselves] may not be judged. Look! The Judge is [already] standing at the very door.
10[As] an example of suffering and ill-treatment together with patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord [as His messengers].
11You know how we call those blessed (happy) who were steadfast [who endured]. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the Lord's [purpose and how He richly blessed him in the] end, inasmuch as the Lord is full of pity and compassion and tenderness and mercy.(A)
12But above all [things], my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath; but let your yes be [a simple] yes, and your no be [a simple] no, so that you may not sin and fall under condemnation.
13Is anyone among you afflicted (ill-treated, suffering evil)? He should pray. Is anyone glad at heart? He should sing praise [to God].
14Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord's name.
15And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
16Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].
17Elijah was a human being with a nature such as we have [with feelings, affections, and a constitution like ours]; and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and no rain fell on the earth for three years and six months. [I Kings 17:1.]
18And [then] he prayed again and the heavens supplied rain and the land produced its crops [as usual]. [I Kings 18:42-45.]
19[My] brethren, if anyone among you strays from the Truth and falls into error and another [person] brings him back [to God],
20Let the [latter] one be sure that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one's] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins [[a]procure the pardon of the many sins committed by the convert].

These verses are so rich. The word that strikes my spirit is patience. Patience is my shortest suit. I am actively trying to develope my patience which can only be perfected through trails, tribulations and suffering. A sort of death to flesh! What is patience exactly? I once looked up the definition.
Here is the defination from the dictionary: patience, function: nounText: the capacity to endure what is difficult or disagreeable without complaining Synonyms forbearance, long-suffering, sufferance, tolerance Related Words acquiescence, resignation; passiveness, passivity; amenability, compliance, conformism, docility, obedience, subordination, tractability, willingness; discipline, self-control; submission, submissiveness.
Do any of these words speak to your spirit? I guess we might follow God's instructions. If you want something pray for it and have faith. For GOD will give it to you.
LORD I pray that we can have patience, obedience, be self-controlled by Your Spirit, submissive to your will. Disciplined in our servanthood to you. Willing for You to take complete control of our lives. I ask this in Your Son's Name, Jesus Christ AMEN!

Wow I'm back from the mountaintop! What a spiritual experience I had at the Randy Clark conference at the Life Center in Harrisburg, PA. Never have I experienced such abandoned worship of the LORD! Words were imparted to me and to many by the mouths of prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and the body at large. It was so powerful. Have you ever experienced the POWER of GOD? It puts you on your face. It bends the knee. It fills your heart and your spirit. It burns off the dross. It refines the heart and the mind. If you ever get a chance to visit the Life Center in Harrisburg, PA. Go to the soaking room where prayer is available 24/7. Just soak in GOD'S presence. I hope to bring back the concept of a soaking room to my church. It's manna for the spirit.