Adversity

Today on Prime Time With God (PTWG) (a link is on my side bar), a perfect timing prayer is available with some great words on adversity. I felt this is perfect timing, as many of us are experiencing adversity as the enemy attacks strongly with the knowledge that many are giving themselves to Christ. He's trying to gain as many of us back. But we need to stand steadfast in our battles and rely on our Heavenly Father to get us through, bring back Keep Your Eyes on Jesus! Focus and Look Ahead. Through Him we can get through anything. Without Him, we are nothing. Here is today's message.

Today's Prayer Dear Lord

I pray that You will give me the insight as to how to use the tools You have given me--whether spiritual gifts, talents, skills, work place or other--as a ministry in daily life. I don't just want to work, take care of my self and my family, my dwelling place, and participate in church life, I want to actually have a mind of ministry to do Your will and impact lives for You. May You move and minister through my life to accomplish Your purpose. Thank You. In Jesus' name, amen.

The University of Adversity

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman

03-03-2009"

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

I've observed a principle: The pathway to leadership almost always takes us through the valley of adversity. We see this principle not only in the story of Joseph, who endured thirteen years of adversity, but also in the lives of many other leaders in both the Old and New Testament.

Moses was raised in the royal splendor of Pharaoh's household in Egypt, but he was forced to flee and spend 40 years in desert exile before God spoke from a burning bush and called him to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. Joshua spent the years of his youth as a slave in Egypt and his middle-aged years wandering in the desert at Moses' side. He was well acquainted with adversity when God called him to lead Israel's armies in the conquest of Canaan. The prophet Daniel was thrown into a den of hungry lions before he could reach a place of power and influence in the Babylonian courts. And we see this same pattern played out in the lives of David, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea and other Old Testament leaders.

Turning to the New Testament, we see that even Jesus had to face adversity in the desert, suffering hunger, thirst, temptation and opposition from Satan. Only then could He begin His public ministry. The Lord's disciples had to endure the loss of their Master, the failure of their own faith and character, and the dark days of despair between the cross and the empty tomb before they could become the founding leaders of the Lord's church.

It's hard to find anyone in Christian history who became a great leader without earning an advanced degree at the "University of Adversity."

Prayer

I want to share this prayer with you all as well. This too came from the same message at Prime Time With God. You can click on it on my side bar of sites I like to visit.

Dear Father in Heaven, I know that You have given me special gifts, talents, and abilities to use in Your service. Please stir up those gifts, talents, and abilities within me. Help me to see how and what I am to do for You. Work through me, through the power of Your Holy Spirit, to accomplish Your purpose and to draw people to Yourself. I know that all that is done through me is not of my own power, but of Your power, God. May You be glorified. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Ah yea, to recieve our gifts and to be led in the way He desires for us to take and use our gifts. Have you been stirred yet? Have you asked for guidance in how He wants you to use those gifts? Have you found out what your gifts are? There are sites to go to take your spiritual gifts test. I was shocked to see my results. I always thought my main gift would be helping, it turns out that pastoring/shepparding is my main one which scored much higher than the rest, but is typical for most women. Then my next one was healing. I took the test at two different sites to compare and they both told me the same thing. One was taken a long time ago, while the other was more recent. Healing. I never would have thought that.

But something happened today while at our Capital Womens Weekly group with Pastor Connie. We were talking about some of this along with generational curses and done a more praying as this is where God led her today. I had a feeling come over me like none before. On my way home, I was thinking about those special gifts that God has for us; which led me to ask once again for tongues. Of course He answered me before I finished asking the question, "no my chid, you aren't ready for it yet. You need to learn to pray more fervently first." I chuckled and said, "I knew you were going to say that, but I had to ask anyhow, and I understand, Daddy, you are right. I need to work on being a more devoted prayer."

I then went back to thinking about healing. Then it hit me. Healing doesn't necessarily mean healing like a doctor does. Healing doesn't necessarily mean physical healing. Healing can be done through words, through motions, through feeling. A person can recieve healing just from a hug, a show of kindness, from kind words, from letters, from blogs. Wow! Now I understand my message that Jenn recieved for me. I was to keep doing what I am doing, that I need to keep following what the Lord has planned for me, that I'm going to reach out to many.

It's funny in a sense, but actually amazing how gracious he is at opening doors and windows for us. All we have to do is ASK! How many times have I written on this very subject? Many, and I sitll have yet to do this myself at times.

This brings me to another subject. Why is it that some of us have a hard time asking for something for ourselves. I always felt it just wasnt right. That we should be thinking of others not ourselves. But...if we don't ask for healing in ourselves, how can we help others? How can we be allow the Lord in if we are blocked with hurt, pain, confusion, frustration, or perhaps anger and what not? Ahhhh, so we do need to ask for our own needs as well. The way to do it is put ourselves last when seeking help.

I love learning. I am with some wonderful women in this group. We are working on connecting the young with the old and the old with the young. It's been a great walk/experience already. I love how we help one another grow each and every day. I love how us older folks can learn from the younger, and the younger ones can learn from us. Through Gods eyes, love, heart, plans, time, and designs. It's a beautiful walk no matter what we go through.

May God continue to bless each and everyone of you. Make a ripple and watch it grow and grow and grow. Reach out to someone and show them the Love. This is a subject I will be discussing in another post. Awww the lessons learned today! Can't wait to share them.

Obey His Commands

I have to share this one with you all. I was reading Prime Time With God on a message titled: "Strange Instructions." What a great message this is.

First off, how many of you would respond to God telling you to do something entirely out of the ordinary. For instance, if you were instructed to get up and leave your house in the middle of the night immediately, would you listen? Or as Pastor Connie had done for the women of our church. She had a chance to attend the National Prayer Breakfast today, but instead obeyed and stayed behind to lead our group. That my friends is true obedience. We all know what a sacrifice that was for her and felt very blessed.

Do you have enough faith and trust in the Lord to listen to, and to follow His commands? I have to admit, there may be circumstances that would make me wonder. But after reading this message today, I realize how important--not that I ever doubted Him--it is to listen to EVERY command He delivers to us.

The story was of "A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras." In the middle of the night, the Father called to him and told him to get up and leave at once. Chellappa thought it was a rather odd command, but being a faithful man, done as he was told. He came to an open field with a tree. He stopped under the tree for a moment when he heard God speak to him all of a sudden. He was told to stay under the tree and begin preaching. He thought why would I stay here and preach to an empty open field, but done as he was told. When he came to asking of the listeners to give their lives to Jesus, he heard a voice come from the top of the tree. The man crying, gave his life to Jesus. Chellappa asked the man what he was doing up in the tree out in the middle of a field. He admitted that he was about to hang himself.

Wow!!! Is that powerful or what? What a great message. We must always listen to our Heavenly Father, no matter how strange the directions may be. Obey, believe, follow, stand in faith, be strong in the Lord. He never gives us more than we can handle. He never leaves us. He never tells us to do something that is going to put us in harms way. Trust in Him!

Our Time On Earth

Today's Prime Time with God talks of Revelations and the end of time. I thought this paragraph had a very good message.

"We are all moving toward a day in which we will be judged: "The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books" (Rev 20:12-13). Ultimately, we will all reign with Christ in a new heaven and earth (Rev 21). How you live your life now will determine your role in the new heaven and earth.

Your life on earth is a mere blink on the scale of time. Whatever hardships you've faced on earth will pale in comparison to the glory that is to be revealed when the marriage of the Bride of Christ takes place on that final day.

Be faithful. Stand firm. And see the glory of the Lord. Amen."

I've been thinking about that often. I try really hard to pay attention to my attitude and actions. Because we will be judged. I don't know about you, but I want to be accepted into the kingdom of heaven with our Father. I want to meet Jesus. I want to be reunited with family. I want to meet hubby's mother for the first time.

For those that believe that as long as you have accepted Christ into your heart then you are guaranteed a spot in heaven, perhaps you should go back and read the Bible again. There are certian rules to follow. Any way, check out the message.

Avoiding Conflict

In today's Prime Time with God, it said: "Many people hate conflict to the point they will never confront a wrong. Taking this path will only lead to later hardship. Such was the case for Absalom and his father King David." You can read the rest of the message by clicking the link to PTWG on the side bar.

This is a very good subject. I am very guilty of this one. Today's message was meant for people like myself. It's amazing how we can read things and not see the whole message clearly. Today's message has me doing some serious thinking.

For instance, there has been a wedge between my sister next in age for years. I have avoided the subject with here to avoid conflict. I've thought of the possibility of clearing the air with her. Now I realize this is something that should have been done a long time ago. It eats me up inside. All it does is cause more and more tension.

I've learned a lot from hubby's small group "letters from dad." I've come to realize how important it is to write and give to those that we hold dear in our hearts. Perhaps this is a route that can break that ever looming cloud that hangs between us. I know the Lord will lead the way and break that barrier between us.

Oh how I love His teachings, His timimg, His word.

Prime Time with God

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt 5:43-46).

This is so true. To read the full message about this scripture, simply click on the Prime Time with God link on the side bar. I did finally add this site to the bar. ;)

Prime Time with God

Today's Prime Time talks about how we are to go to the cross, but yet we often come down from it. Being of the flesh makes it easy at times to come off the cross. We are easily persuaded by Satan at times.

We need to strengthen ourselves in the Lord and avoid coming off our cross. He is the begining of the message. You can click on the link on the side bar to read the rest.

" ... come down from the cross and save yourself!" (Mark 15:30).

"God calls each of us to the cross in order for all the things that are alive in our flesh to die. Daily we are invited by the enemy of our souls to love ourselves and come away from the cross.

What are the signs that you have come off the cross? When you are overly concerned with appearance, you have come off the cross. When the words of others cause you to react and defend, you have come off the cross. When you strive to have your world in perfect order, you have come off the cross. When you complain about circumstances, you have come off the cross.

Is this good or what? Very powerful message.

Blessings

The way of the cross means letting go and letting God have His way in every matter, every relationship, every outcome."

Prime Time with God

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38).

"Have you ever had a boss come to you and give you an assignment which had rules never before used? Not only were the rules different, he was asking you to agree to them not knowing the outcome or impact it would have on your life. That must have been the way Mary, the mother of Jesus felt. "

Is this enough of a preview to want to read the rest? Of course we know the story, but it is always intriguing and love reading and watching the story again and again. You know the routine.

Have a beautiful day!

Excerpts From Various Sites

I had to share this quote by Chuck Swindoll. So true!

"As I reflect on the uncertianty of our times...nothing is more needed in 2009 than proclaiming His Word....And God will do this through you."

Hmmm, makes you think huh?

This next one is good. I have a very good friend who is very spirit filled with a big heart that works in an office of people that are not any where near to be Christians. She's talked about the feelings there at times, but she keeps planting the seed, and it's helped. If anyone can bring people to the Lord, she can. What a great gift to have!

Any way, the next one comes from Prime Time With God: Word Rewards.

"There is a belief held by many in the body of Christ that says "If I'm not doing something that has an inherent spiritual value, then it has no value at all." This sacred/secular dichotomy impacts believers everyday as they go into their secular workplace. They believe what their secular work is simply a means of supporting the real ministry carried out by local churches, ministers, missionaries, and vocational ministries. "

Click on the site name on the side bar and check out the rest of the reading. Very good.

I love this next one from Insight Today: Hope by Chuck Swindoll.

"One of the greatest benefits to be gleaned from the Bible is perspective. When we get discouraged, we temporarily lose our perspective. Little things become mammoth. A slight irritation, such as a pebble in a shoe, seems huge. Motivation is drained away and, worst of all, hope departs. "

This has been happening lately. Motivation hasn't been lost, but hope has at times, and those little irritations have been known to become mountains. The only way to remove these problems is to go to the Lord; Get in the Word; pray; take a deep breath and listen for His instructions. Letting things get out of control is not healthy.

Crosswalks Loving Action talks about husbands and wifes.

"Honoring Your Husband...

"As a wife, you need to understand these differences between men and women: By nature, a woman tends to relate to others on a more personal level, while a man tends to be more challenge-and-conquer oriented....A woman finds much of her identity through her relationships, while a man usually finds his identity through his accomplishments....A woman is usually much more in touch with her emotions, but a man is primarily concerned with the 'facts.'...The average woman speaks nearly 25,000 words a day, while the average man speaks only around 12,500!"

Wow! Do we reallky speak that much??? That's more than double what a man says.

Crosswalks Encouragement Today: from Proverbs 31 Ministries talked about Joy.

How many of you lose a lot of your joy at Christmas time? Such as they talked about the long lines at stores/malls, heavy traffic, kids demands/wants, all the hoopla that often comes with the holidays; parties, extra grocery shopping, cooking, baking, presents to wrap, shopping, shopping, shopping--had to throw that one in there--and we just get stressed and wonder where all the joy is in Christmas.

Hmmm, not once was the One that Christmas is all about mentioned in all that. Does He often get pushed aside, not time for worship, no time for prayer, no time for reading the Word? EFT said it good:

"We can't manufacture joy, or create eternal pleasures, though we try so hard to. Oh, we might get glimpses of joy--but we won't experience the fullness of joy unless we immerse ourselves in God's presence.

You might be thinking, How can I do that? You haven't seen my 'to do' list! "

Check out the message that explains what you can do to bring joy back into the spirit of Christmas.

So I shall end my list for now. I'm trying to catch up on some reading in my e-mail box and share what needs sharing.

May God Bless You Always and Always P.U.S.H.

Hypocrisy

In today's Prime Time With God it talks about being a hypocrite. How we often believe in things that aren't real. The title of the message is, "Being the Real Thing." The title alone makes you stop and think.



A scripture used is: Matthew 15:7-9 when Jesus was prophesying. "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."



Ah, the world rules. Are they the rules of the Lord? Some follow Him, but not all. Now this is not saying go out and break the law. No, there are laws for a reason; but this means do not fall before the Lord. Obey His rules to the best of your ability. Avoid living in the flesh of the worldly ways. But rather follow Christs path. He will lead us to righteousness.

Prime Time with God

Without fail, PTG has another great article. This time it is on perseverance.

Webster's Description: Perseverance: act of perservering. Persevere: continue doing in spite of obstacles.

The article talks about what we will run into in our life times. Some experience hardships much more than others. No two of us will have an identical life. Yet some of us will experience related problems.

An idea of some of the walls we will meet up with:

"The path ahead of you is strewn with obstacles. People will oppose you. There will be financial setbacks, time pressures, illnesses and misfortunes. Some of the biggest obstacles will be inside of you: self-doubt, insecurity, procrastination, and worry. You must give yourself permission to succeed. " PTG 12/07/08 article.

What do we do when illnesses hit, our economical future becomes questionable, and finances are stretched to almost beyond their means, not to mention the personal struggles?

We persevere, which means we keep going. Never give up. Giving up opens ourselves to allowing the enemy in. The enemy will only compound the problems, often times without us seeing it happen until it is too late. It is important to believe, stay positive, and keep pressing foward. After all, we have been provided for all this time, why should it all of a sudden be taken away from us? It won't be.

So remind yourself of this word when you meet up with another struggle in live; "Persevere!" Keep the faith. I am living proof that life becomes much better when we don't cave to all the pressures. I've been on both sides. The side where we cave, become depressed, give up; and then on the side of believing and having faith. Life has been so much better, even through the hard times!

Blessings to you all!

P.U.S.H.

Prime Time with God

Today's Prime Time with God discusses a subject that is debated somewhere every day. Does God exist?

For me, I've always wondered how people can even ask that question. There are so many things and happenings in life that there has to be. But, like my husband used to say, well I believe there is some superior being somewhere, but how do you prove their is a God?

For one, the Bible explains it all. Some will argue that the Bible is something that a few people came up with, that it's just another book.

For another, when we pray, and our prayers are answered, how can people deny that? But some say it's Karma.

I had taken a Philosophy class through my college courses--I was lucky and had a wonderful professor with much knowledge--and was amazed at the different ways of thinking about how our world was created. The one I thought the funniest was the "Big Bang Theory." For my final, I had done a PPP on "Is there a God?" I had to prove why I thought there was and disprove other theories. For me, that was very easy.

There were a few people that just could not be convinced through our discussions. Which you know, everyone has their rights to their own beliefs. I just pray for them that someday they will be saved.

The following scripture is what was used in today's article:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Rom 1:19-20).

I so agree with this scripture. But, there are others that see creation in a whole different perspective.

I had also taken a World Religions class--once again lucky to have had a very knowledgeable professor--and was amazed by all the different religions/beliefs. It was an eye opener. If you ever get the chance to study the different religions, do so. It gives one a better understanding of what others believe and gives us a better chance of doing the Lords work at leading people to Him. I believe the Lord placed me in those classes for the purpose of better understanding and to be able to be armed with facts.

Ever since taking those two classes, my desire to further my studies in theology is so strong. Unfortunately it will have to happen by self study, but that's okay. Researching is fun. There is so much out there that is offered to us, the biggest thing--this is a warning--we have to be careful with what we follow and read, as there are those out there that seem authentic, but are actually the enemy posing as a real Christian, when in all actualality is doing the devils work. We have to use discernment.

I guess I got a bit off track here. This is a subject very dear to my heart. Is there a God? Yes indeed. If one really takes the time to research, learn, and open their ears, eyes, and soul to the possibility, one will see that there is no denying, there is a God. One God, our Creator of Heaven and Earth. Not just coincidences, but actual planned happenings. Do we write/make our own faith? No, absolutely not. Our lives are planned out. Can we change our direction planned for us in life? Yes, by allowing the enemy to take control. That is our choice. I choose to follow the plan that was in place way before I was even born.

Would love to hear any of your perspectives on this subject. Please share any happenings you have had that says there is a God.

God Bless all of you.

P.U.S.H. Always!

Prime Time with God

Today's Prime Time with God is another great one. A good lesson involving the work place. It starts with the Two Pillars that were placed at the entrance of the Temple, one on the south named he named Jankin meaning; "it establishes," the other on the north is named Boaz meaning; "in its strength."

You can read more about the Pillars and find references to the story of the pillars by clicking on Prime Time above. The following is a piece on what is being done in today's world.

"Kings and Priests are joining together to bring the presence of God into the
place that has been forbidden territory - the workplace. It is only when this
partnership cooperates in unity, mutual respect, and affirmation that we see
God's power released. Alone, we cannot do it. Together, we can bring the
presence of God into all spheres of society to transform workplaces, cities and
nations."

Imagine if people of the work place were all righteous people working there. Imgine the impact on the people that do business with that business. For instance, my husband prays every moring and through out the day about keeping his tongue in control and shining with the light of the Lord so that people realize. Since doing so, his boss has started to change! Now he doesn't go in there praying and pressing the issue upon everyone, he just works on being a builder of faith. Its actually quite simple when we believe. Let's all be builders of the Lord, let people see we are happy with who our Father is and share the light with others when approached. May you all go in Faith and be Blessed in Jesus name, Amen.

Strongholds

All too often, we are willing to hide from our problems; run from them; or what ever the case may be. Is this the right thing for us to do? No, it is not. Prime Time with God talks on this very issue. It is a very good article talking of how David was running from Saul. David was joined by many who were also having a hard time. But it is not wise to stay in the stronghold of safety; and God will find a way to let us know that we need to move away and learn. The following is a passage that was used:

"Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah...1Samuel 22:5

TGIF Daily Devotional

Retirement or a New Assignment?

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by OS Hillman

10-29-2008

For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill... (Eccl 2:21).
He didn't begin this job until he was sixty-nine years old. He had already had a successful Hollywood movie career and decided to try his hand at politics. He would be known by one job more than any other. He would also be known as one of the United State's greatest statesmen. He had a faith that was genuine but not intruding or very public, but you knew where he stood. He always treated people, even his detractors with grace. He was known for his extraordinary love he had for his wife.

His name was Ronald Reagan, and he did not begin his greatest work until he was sixty-nine years old. By this season of life, most are thinking of retirement in Florida. Ronald Reagan decided to run for President of the United States and successfully served two terms as our 40th President.

It was Reagan's faith that led him to see the Soviet Union as an "evil empire." He'll be remembered as the President who brought down communism in the Soviet Union. And it was his Christian faith that gave him the quiet confidence and self-certainty that made him a great leader and earned him the title "the great communicator."

Where did he get his spiritual values? There were a number of influences. First and foremost was his mother, Nelle Reagan. I'm confident that had Nelle Reagan died in the winter of 1918-19 - a near-victim of the devastating influenza epidemic that killed millions of healthy, middle-aged mothers around the world - Ronald Reagan very likely would not have become President. It was Nelle who insisted her boy go to church-a request he happily obliged-and it was in church that Reagan picked up not only those core beliefs and values, but also the intangibles so vital to his success: his confidence, his eternal optimism (which he called a "God-given optimism"), and even his ability to speak. Indeed, history has also overlooked the fact that the Great Communicator found his first audiences in a church. He learned to speak in a church.*

Consider this: Your greatest work may yet be ahead of you. Don't let age keep you from being used by God.

Permission is granted and encouraged to forward this email in its entirety to others without making any changes or deletions.
The above piece has not been altered in any way. It is shown in it’s entirety.

Reference

Hillman, O.S. 29 October, 2008. Prime Time with God: TGIF Daily Devotional’s. Today

God is First. V 2.

http://msg1svc.net/servlet/Pv?c=703d63676926733d3738313236266d3d3132392

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Today's Prayer

The following prayer comes from Prime Time With God. It is an excellant prayer for all.

Dear God, Today I feel led to pray for Christians to stand up for their beliefs when confronted with moral issues. I pray that we will know when, where, and what to say and do to let our voices be heard. I pray that we will be involved in our communities, schools, governments as possible. I
pray that we will have the courage and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to do what is right, what is biblical, and what honors you. Thank you for the guidelines you have given us through the Holy Bible. Thank you for the leaders you have provided to inspire, teach, and guide us. Thank you for all of your provisions and blessings. With love and appreciation I come to you, Father. In the name of Jesus, amen.

Today's Prayer

This prayer is very good. All too often we do come across as being an ordinary, uncaring question/greeting. Why do we do this? It wouldn't hurt to take more time to really show you care. We're all family after all. :) The prayer came from Prime Time With God.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, People are always asking me "How are you?" Most of the time, it is
just a greeting. They really don't want to know how I am. I admit that in a
rush, I'll pass by someone and greet him or her with a "Hi. How are you doing?"
Even though I care, I don't really expect to spend a long time in conversation
to get all the details of how that person really is doing. That's sad. Please
help me to be willing to sacrifice a little of my time and to take a few moments
to offer a sincere and caring response. Maybe I should just say, "Fine...and how
can I help you today?" or "Been a little under the weather, but doing great
today. May I help you... or May I pray for you..." or whatever you lay upon my
heart to say and do. I want to give a more personal touch...to be a blessing to
others and show your love in my response. In Jesus' name I thank you.