Just visited Kim's blog at Homesteaders Heart where she has posted a challenge for reading. Like her, I have tons of books to read. I'll start them, but never finish them. I never make the time to read, but love to read, so why am I not reading them.
Any hoo, this challenge was stolen by her from Lisa, who stole it from another person--yes, brain farting here again--who stole it from another and who knows how far it goes back. ;) So I'm stealing it from Kim and am encouraging all of you to go ahead and steal this idea from me and keep it going! All you have to do is read one book a month.
Kim is doing a theme reading, 3 of one type, 3 of another of four different categories, which is one idea. You can do it how ever you like. Just asking that you comment to say you are accepting the challenge and post about what you plan on reading. Mine will all be devotionals since that is the main collection of books that we have. So here is my list for a year of reading!
For two of the books, I need to finish (am going to start from the begining so as not to miss anything)
1. Breaking Intimidation and
2. Honor's Reward by John Bevere.
3. How to Listen to God and
4. So You Want to be Like Christ? by Charles Stanley.
5. The Power of a Praying Woman and
6. Praying God's Will for Your Life by Stormie Omartian.
7. Trusting in the Names of God by Catherine Martin.
8. The Battle Belongs to the Lord by Joyce Meyers.
9. It's Not About Me by Max Lucado.
10. God's Power to Change Your Life by Rick Warren.
Happy reading everyone, and don't forget to comment and let us know that you are accepting the challenge and will keep this going!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
He's Moving!!!
God was in the House, oh yes He was! We are having Sacred Assembly or Solemn Assembly this weekend. It started last night. The presence of God is strong. He's moving volumes. The anointing is strong. I love having these encounters.
Psalm 80:1-19
1 "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel. You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength, and come and save us!
3 Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tea, and given them tears to drink in great measure.
6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors , and your enemies laugh among themselves.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it.
9 You prepared room for it and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and the mighty cedars with its boughs.
11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, and her branches to the River.
12 Why have You broken down her hedges, so that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
13 The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.
14 Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine
15 and the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18 Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
19 Restore us O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!"
Sing, sing a song, sing along, God of Heaven come down, Heaven come on down...
Don't know if that's the exact words.
This song came to me tonight while we were praying and asking for God to rain down. Third Day...Cry out to Jesus.
Cry out to Jesus! Ask Him to come down, bring heaven down to earth. Be blessed everyone and know that He loves you!
Psalm 80:1-19
1 "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel. You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength, and come and save us!
3 Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tea, and given them tears to drink in great measure.
6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors , and your enemies laugh among themselves.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it.
9 You prepared room for it and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and the mighty cedars with its boughs.
11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, and her branches to the River.
12 Why have You broken down her hedges, so that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
13 The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.
14 Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine
15 and the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18 Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
19 Restore us O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!"
Sing, sing a song, sing along, God of Heaven come down, Heaven come on down...
Don't know if that's the exact words.
This song came to me tonight while we were praying and asking for God to rain down. Third Day...Cry out to Jesus.
Cry out to Jesus! Ask Him to come down, bring heaven down to earth. Be blessed everyone and know that He loves you!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Revelation
Tonight while watching the news, there was report of a seven year old boy who was kept behind a false wall by his grandmother and mother. Turns out the news report was different than the one on-line, so not sure what the whole story is. I was instantly upset, as mistreatment of kids just makes my blood boil. Then I started thinking of the family that lives behind us. That's all I'll say, as anything else would be just accusations. I have only sound to go on. My point is, there are so many children that are abused, be if physical, verbal, and/or sexual. I don't understand it at all.
We were eating at the time we heard the report. I sat there thinking of how I wish I could go all over the nation/world and check on all children and remove those that are being abused and place them in safe homes. Children's advocates are so overwhelmed that many cases are being swept under the rug. Yes, I know this for a fact. My litter sister while going after custody of her grand daughters was told so by the agency. So sad. So very sad.
But while thinking of this--I love how He talks to us--He told me, "I am here to take care of the children, but it's on my time." I realized that when it hit me that the boy was found and rescued, and how so many other children are found and rescued. So instead of worrying, being upset and angry (which is what God doesn't want us to do), I realized that it's important to pray even harder and more often. Then hubby told me to read:
Revelation 21:4 (CSB)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.
They may not be saved while on earth. They may be taken early, which none of us want to see, but I do know one thing, if their suffering is not going to end here, then take them young so they won't have to suffer any more. I also realize now that God will take care of those that harm children, in His time.
Pray for all the children out there that are treated in a wrong way, that they may find peace. Pray for the parents or whom ever may be doing the damage will be reprimanded and hopefully brought to the Lord to be saved. People can change. I've heard so many times, that person is so rotten to the bone, he/she will never change. Never say never, as with Him all things are possible. Remember a previous post on love they enemy. I pray for release of all harm on children that they no longer are abused.
We were eating at the time we heard the report. I sat there thinking of how I wish I could go all over the nation/world and check on all children and remove those that are being abused and place them in safe homes. Children's advocates are so overwhelmed that many cases are being swept under the rug. Yes, I know this for a fact. My litter sister while going after custody of her grand daughters was told so by the agency. So sad. So very sad.
But while thinking of this--I love how He talks to us--He told me, "I am here to take care of the children, but it's on my time." I realized that when it hit me that the boy was found and rescued, and how so many other children are found and rescued. So instead of worrying, being upset and angry (which is what God doesn't want us to do), I realized that it's important to pray even harder and more often. Then hubby told me to read:
Revelation 21:4 (CSB)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.
They may not be saved while on earth. They may be taken early, which none of us want to see, but I do know one thing, if their suffering is not going to end here, then take them young so they won't have to suffer any more. I also realize now that God will take care of those that harm children, in His time.
Pray for all the children out there that are treated in a wrong way, that they may find peace. Pray for the parents or whom ever may be doing the damage will be reprimanded and hopefully brought to the Lord to be saved. People can change. I've heard so many times, that person is so rotten to the bone, he/she will never change. Never say never, as with Him all things are possible. Remember a previous post on love they enemy. I pray for release of all harm on children that they no longer are abused.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Comment Problems
This is just to let you all know that for some reason I am not able to comment most of the time. I do read, but can not comment. I have a hard time responding to those that comment on mine. I'm not ignoring any of you, just have no control. Hope to be able to work on cleaning up and fixing my computer tonight and this weekend. Hope to be back in business here soon. Love and Blessings to you all!
Praying for the Lost & Unsaved
God is so good! My heart hurts for those that do not know our Savior. I pray that someday soon they will come to know Him and realize how empty life is without Him. Those that know me know that I deal with chronic pain and illnesses at times (often). But you also know that I'm not going to give in to it, for I know there is a reason and God is taking care of me.
Talking with a beautiful woman from CCC; she offered a great testimony of this very thing. She had suffered from chronic pain and illness for years and had prayed, had others praying for and over her. She was in bad shape at times to where she could not even make it to church. She was battling with something out of her control and it had to be broken. Through faith and never giving up, she was finally released. For our God never gives up on us.
He also allows us to go through our trials and tribulations for good reason; to teach us and bring us closer to Him. I have family members that are struggling greatly--yes, we have a generational curse to be broken--and can not understand and tell me that they believe but can't help but wonder why they are allowed to endure so much. I keep reminding them that He never gives us more than we can handle and God is not the one that brings the pain of sin to us, we do that, with help of our ancestors. This all goes back to the very beginning of time with the creation of Adam and Eve, where sin first began. I wish I had the knowledge and the right words to comfort them more, but encourage them to read the Bible. Without the knowledge and reading of the Bible, they won't understand.
Do I ever get frustrated? Sure at times, but stop and remind myself that the frustration isn't going to help. I need to hold to faith and trust in Him to walk me through it. If it is a curse, then I'm going to fight it, rebuke it, and "never" give up. As my friend from church has proven, prosperity will prevail. My dear friends, never give up on Him. He will never forsake us. He loves us and wants us to be with Him. I encourage those that question Him, and/or don't believe in Him to give Him a chance. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Despite the trials, I for one have never been happier. I'm not a true show of how great He is, as I still wander way too much, that's when you see me going through some strange stuff. That's because I'm living the worldly ways and not God's way. Learn from my mistakes please those that know me and have not accepted Him that without Him, that's when live seems dreary.
This brings me to:
The only way you can fully get to know God is to read the Bible. It's the book of His instructions. When you start living by His word, you will experience something so beautiful. Ask Him to come into your hearts now. Get on your knees and pray and ask Him to come into your hearts! For there is no greater strength than to be on ones knees. GOD LOVES YOU! Never doubt it. Believe Him, Trust Him, Follow Him and you will never be disappointed. When your trials come, accept them, knowing that He is growing you and molding you into what He needs you to be to complete His great plan for us all!
For all you beautiful people that do believe, please take a stand with me and pray for the prodigals that He will go and find them and return them to His flock, and for those that are unsaved that they will come to know Him and believe in Him. Pray for Salvation over all our brothers and sisters so that we can all unite and rejoice in His great Name. Thank You Father for never giving up on us; for if you had, I for one would be living in misery. Since coming to you, there has been no greater peace, joy, and harmony. I thank you Father for leading hubby and I to you, for we have become a unit, we have become one in you. Our marriage was once falling apart, and now it is so strong all because of YOU! All the glory is YOURS! Jesus Saves! Believe it! Just ask anyone that has been saved. May the Lord Bless You!
Talking with a beautiful woman from CCC; she offered a great testimony of this very thing. She had suffered from chronic pain and illness for years and had prayed, had others praying for and over her. She was in bad shape at times to where she could not even make it to church. She was battling with something out of her control and it had to be broken. Through faith and never giving up, she was finally released. For our God never gives up on us.
He also allows us to go through our trials and tribulations for good reason; to teach us and bring us closer to Him. I have family members that are struggling greatly--yes, we have a generational curse to be broken--and can not understand and tell me that they believe but can't help but wonder why they are allowed to endure so much. I keep reminding them that He never gives us more than we can handle and God is not the one that brings the pain of sin to us, we do that, with help of our ancestors. This all goes back to the very beginning of time with the creation of Adam and Eve, where sin first began. I wish I had the knowledge and the right words to comfort them more, but encourage them to read the Bible. Without the knowledge and reading of the Bible, they won't understand.
Do I ever get frustrated? Sure at times, but stop and remind myself that the frustration isn't going to help. I need to hold to faith and trust in Him to walk me through it. If it is a curse, then I'm going to fight it, rebuke it, and "never" give up. As my friend from church has proven, prosperity will prevail. My dear friends, never give up on Him. He will never forsake us. He loves us and wants us to be with Him. I encourage those that question Him, and/or don't believe in Him to give Him a chance. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Despite the trials, I for one have never been happier. I'm not a true show of how great He is, as I still wander way too much, that's when you see me going through some strange stuff. That's because I'm living the worldly ways and not God's way. Learn from my mistakes please those that know me and have not accepted Him that without Him, that's when live seems dreary.
This brings me to:
His words are so beautiful! Finally can not get enough of His great word.James 1:2-6 and James 1: 12-15 (CSB)
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you
experience various trials,3 knowing that the testing of your
faith produces endurance.4 But endurance must do it's complete
work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.12 Bless is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.
13 No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being
tempted by God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone.14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and
enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
The only way you can fully get to know God is to read the Bible. It's the book of His instructions. When you start living by His word, you will experience something so beautiful. Ask Him to come into your hearts now. Get on your knees and pray and ask Him to come into your hearts! For there is no greater strength than to be on ones knees. GOD LOVES YOU! Never doubt it. Believe Him, Trust Him, Follow Him and you will never be disappointed. When your trials come, accept them, knowing that He is growing you and molding you into what He needs you to be to complete His great plan for us all!
For all you beautiful people that do believe, please take a stand with me and pray for the prodigals that He will go and find them and return them to His flock, and for those that are unsaved that they will come to know Him and believe in Him. Pray for Salvation over all our brothers and sisters so that we can all unite and rejoice in His great Name. Thank You Father for never giving up on us; for if you had, I for one would be living in misery. Since coming to you, there has been no greater peace, joy, and harmony. I thank you Father for leading hubby and I to you, for we have become a unit, we have become one in you. Our marriage was once falling apart, and now it is so strong all because of YOU! All the glory is YOURS! Jesus Saves! Believe it! Just ask anyone that has been saved. May the Lord Bless You!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Loosed by Faith
First off, let me point out that I do not feel I'm a saint, perfect, or above anyone; far from it. I'm praying that this will help others find their way that have been through the same experiences. With that out of the way, please read on.
Ever since 5th grade, I've been overly insecure, living with low self-esteem until finding my way back to the Lord. I still suffer, but not nearly as bad. Although there are times when it kicks back in. What brought this up? I signed up for Forbes online messages. I want to learn and understand more. When reading responses written to others that had commented, I was reminded of how cruel and uptight people can be. I was reminded of how judging one another is a sin.
Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a long in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces."
This comes from the mouth of Jesus, and yet many of us still judge, ridicule, look down our noses, call others all sorts of names, etc. Why? Why is there so much coldness towards others so often? What good comes of it? Not one thing, yet we continue to hurt our brothers and sisters.
I grew up with hearing I would not amount to anything, I was stupid, a string bean, toothpick, wore falsies and stuffed, ugly, worthless, stupid, (yes, I repeated that for a reason), as so many use that term so loosely. We are not suppose to let words hurt us, yet they do. They can and do cause damage. Especially to those that live without the Lord for so long. Those hurtful acts of wickedness leave deep scars when left there to fester. I know, I've lived it and still continue to experience it.
I used to want to get revenge of all the so called, "popular" kids from school and their parents. Now, I pray that they have found the way and their hearts have been softened. Do the words, the looks of disapproval still affect me? Yes, but not nearly as much. Unfortunately the ones that do still cause hurt are the ones from church. I'm slow, I'll admit it. I'm not the brightest bulb in the bunch, but I give it my all. God created me to be who I am. I try to do the best I can by Him. If you don't like who He created, take it up with Him. But please, those of us that don't meet "your standards," stop snubbing us, stop turning up your noses, stop whispering and making snotty remarks, because it does still hurt.
I watch my oldest grand daughter going through the same thing. At age 5 she was already worrying about her hair not being just right. She was already worrying about how she dressed. The clothing she had picked out when we went school clothes shopping; half of them she didn't wear after one time, because she was made fun of. How sad is that??? I keep trying to build her confidence and teach her that what they say and think doesn't matter as the only one she has to answer to is our creator. Does that stop her from worrying? Does that stop her from hurting? NO, it doesn't. My heart breaks for her, as I know just how she feels. This year due to her parents moving, she started in a new school. She's cried going to school and doesn't want to go. She used to love school. Thank you to all those that have taught your children to look down their noses and make fun of others. I do seriously believe that we are a product of our environment.
As I said at the very beginning; I'm not perfect, I do sin--although I try very hard not to--I do judge at times--but am very quick now to stop and pull that log out of my own eye. Boy does that hurt too. I put myself in their situation and ask myself what right do I have to judge them? I don't know the whole picture. I've also learned that those that are rude are nine times out of ten, insecure with themselves, so they use others to make themselves feel better. Others, well, they are just--I'll let the Lord decide. :)
Ever since I can remember--thank you mom & dad for teaching me to think of others--I look for the good in everyone. I honestly believe that there is good in everyone, it's just deeply buried in some and you have to really look hard and pray that the good in them is brought to the surface and they are saved and come to know Jesus, the one who gave it all for us. Are there some completely consumed by the enemy. I hate to say it, but believe it is true, but still pray that they are released and rebuke the enemies strong hold on them so that they may be saved. For to be consumed by the enemy is a sad, sad, ordeal. Believe me, I have had light experiences of being held strongly by the enemy, and it's not a pretty picture.
So I'm asking for you all to take a stand with me and pray, pray, pray, for those lacking the heart and soul of the Lord, for they are hurting, and need Him more than ever. Do I hate my enemies? No, I don't. Instead, I hurt for them. For being without Him, you are a hollow shell living a life of misery, even though you don't realize it. This brings me to:
Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (as I'm typing this out, I can hear His voice saying these very words!) 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
I'm realizing more and more just how important it is to be in the word every day! I'm realizing just how wonderful and awesome the word is, the great lessons to be learned, and the beautiful feeling you get when you do. I pray for release for so many from the enemy and to come to know Christ; for there is no greater release than to be in His presence. Hold fast to the One Who gave it all for us. You will be blessed and find truth and release in His word.
Father, thank You for the words you give us, for direction in our lives. Thank You for saving us from the enemy that wants nothing more than for people to hurt. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son to save us all. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice. There are not enough words to show the gratitude for all that You have and continue to do for Your children. All the glory is Yours Father. We lift up our praises to You. We worship You with gladness. Father, we stand here together today to ask for a song to be placed in the hearts of the lost, for them to be bonded to You and rebuke the enemy that has a hold of them. We ask that you place a kind heart in those that are so quick to judge and hurt others. We ask for release of the hurt brought to those who have been struck by those that are lost and cold. Father, please place a hedge of protection around your children. Watch over them and go after those that have wandered. Pick them up and swaddle them to be returned to the flock, so that they will no longer be lost. Thank You Almighty Father, God and Creator of all! You are mighty and wonderful. We lift up our praises to You. Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, They Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever and ever. Amen!
I know the "Our Father" prayer is different than the one in the Bible, but instead, I recited what I remember reciting everyday as a child when I did have faith before losing it for so many years. Well, I never lost the faith, but strayed from Him for so many years. So many precious years lost. I pray that many are saved from that treacherous path of worldly destruction.
Ever since 5th grade, I've been overly insecure, living with low self-esteem until finding my way back to the Lord. I still suffer, but not nearly as bad. Although there are times when it kicks back in. What brought this up? I signed up for Forbes online messages. I want to learn and understand more. When reading responses written to others that had commented, I was reminded of how cruel and uptight people can be. I was reminded of how judging one another is a sin.
Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a long in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces."
This comes from the mouth of Jesus, and yet many of us still judge, ridicule, look down our noses, call others all sorts of names, etc. Why? Why is there so much coldness towards others so often? What good comes of it? Not one thing, yet we continue to hurt our brothers and sisters.
I grew up with hearing I would not amount to anything, I was stupid, a string bean, toothpick, wore falsies and stuffed, ugly, worthless, stupid, (yes, I repeated that for a reason), as so many use that term so loosely. We are not suppose to let words hurt us, yet they do. They can and do cause damage. Especially to those that live without the Lord for so long. Those hurtful acts of wickedness leave deep scars when left there to fester. I know, I've lived it and still continue to experience it.
I used to want to get revenge of all the so called, "popular" kids from school and their parents. Now, I pray that they have found the way and their hearts have been softened. Do the words, the looks of disapproval still affect me? Yes, but not nearly as much. Unfortunately the ones that do still cause hurt are the ones from church. I'm slow, I'll admit it. I'm not the brightest bulb in the bunch, but I give it my all. God created me to be who I am. I try to do the best I can by Him. If you don't like who He created, take it up with Him. But please, those of us that don't meet "your standards," stop snubbing us, stop turning up your noses, stop whispering and making snotty remarks, because it does still hurt.
I watch my oldest grand daughter going through the same thing. At age 5 she was already worrying about her hair not being just right. She was already worrying about how she dressed. The clothing she had picked out when we went school clothes shopping; half of them she didn't wear after one time, because she was made fun of. How sad is that??? I keep trying to build her confidence and teach her that what they say and think doesn't matter as the only one she has to answer to is our creator. Does that stop her from worrying? Does that stop her from hurting? NO, it doesn't. My heart breaks for her, as I know just how she feels. This year due to her parents moving, she started in a new school. She's cried going to school and doesn't want to go. She used to love school. Thank you to all those that have taught your children to look down their noses and make fun of others. I do seriously believe that we are a product of our environment.
As I said at the very beginning; I'm not perfect, I do sin--although I try very hard not to--I do judge at times--but am very quick now to stop and pull that log out of my own eye. Boy does that hurt too. I put myself in their situation and ask myself what right do I have to judge them? I don't know the whole picture. I've also learned that those that are rude are nine times out of ten, insecure with themselves, so they use others to make themselves feel better. Others, well, they are just--I'll let the Lord decide. :)
Ever since I can remember--thank you mom & dad for teaching me to think of others--I look for the good in everyone. I honestly believe that there is good in everyone, it's just deeply buried in some and you have to really look hard and pray that the good in them is brought to the surface and they are saved and come to know Jesus, the one who gave it all for us. Are there some completely consumed by the enemy. I hate to say it, but believe it is true, but still pray that they are released and rebuke the enemies strong hold on them so that they may be saved. For to be consumed by the enemy is a sad, sad, ordeal. Believe me, I have had light experiences of being held strongly by the enemy, and it's not a pretty picture.
So I'm asking for you all to take a stand with me and pray, pray, pray, for those lacking the heart and soul of the Lord, for they are hurting, and need Him more than ever. Do I hate my enemies? No, I don't. Instead, I hurt for them. For being without Him, you are a hollow shell living a life of misery, even though you don't realize it. This brings me to:
Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (as I'm typing this out, I can hear His voice saying these very words!) 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
I'm realizing more and more just how important it is to be in the word every day! I'm realizing just how wonderful and awesome the word is, the great lessons to be learned, and the beautiful feeling you get when you do. I pray for release for so many from the enemy and to come to know Christ; for there is no greater release than to be in His presence. Hold fast to the One Who gave it all for us. You will be blessed and find truth and release in His word.
Father, thank You for the words you give us, for direction in our lives. Thank You for saving us from the enemy that wants nothing more than for people to hurt. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son to save us all. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice. There are not enough words to show the gratitude for all that You have and continue to do for Your children. All the glory is Yours Father. We lift up our praises to You. We worship You with gladness. Father, we stand here together today to ask for a song to be placed in the hearts of the lost, for them to be bonded to You and rebuke the enemy that has a hold of them. We ask that you place a kind heart in those that are so quick to judge and hurt others. We ask for release of the hurt brought to those who have been struck by those that are lost and cold. Father, please place a hedge of protection around your children. Watch over them and go after those that have wandered. Pick them up and swaddle them to be returned to the flock, so that they will no longer be lost. Thank You Almighty Father, God and Creator of all! You are mighty and wonderful. We lift up our praises to You. Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, They Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever and ever. Amen!
I know the "Our Father" prayer is different than the one in the Bible, but instead, I recited what I remember reciting everyday as a child when I did have faith before losing it for so many years. Well, I never lost the faith, but strayed from Him for so many years. So many precious years lost. I pray that many are saved from that treacherous path of worldly destruction.
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