Always Be Prepared...

The World Wide Epidemic - It's Affecting You!

2011-08-22T15:20:00.000-04:00

Romans 5:14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.

Sin. We have no idea the true havoc that wreaks when sin enters in. We see it as a personal issue that we try to avoid - like overeating or going in the sun without sunscreen. But it isn't just a personal issue - it's a global problem that many ignore.

We all know what happened when Eve decided to sin - it didn't just affect her, it affected Adam as well. It didn't just affect Adam, it affected the rest of humanity. However, let's be realistic, if it wasn't Eve, it certainly would have been someone - we are drawn to sin naturally - so someone had to take the first bite.

That doesn't make it right to continue to let sin run a muck. We generally think that if we sin, we're only hurting ourselves - this couldn't be further from the truth. The wife that cheats on her husband doesn't just hurt herself. The husband is hurt, the person who she cheated on is hurt. The children of the marriage are hurt. The grandparents are hurt. The dynamic of the entire family is changed.

The mother who beats her children is not just affecting herself. The father is affected by this sin. The children, obviously, are affected. The walls that are built up and the anger that naturally results can get transferred onto their future spouses and even their children.

There is no wonder why each generation continues to suffer as each sin from the previous generation continues on and on. So how do we stop this world-wide epidemic? Kill all the cheating wives and abusive mothers? No, as seemingly simple as that might sound - one sin on another just continues the epidemic. The answer lies in God's Word - as it always does: John 8:11 talks of Jesus' answer to the adulterer - "Go and sin no more". Seems simple enough, doesn't it? If every one person would recognize sin and make the effort to avoid it, we might find some time to heal and move on. It has to start with us. If we make that decision to fight temptation, step away from sin, the result will always be good - because it's what Christ calls us to do.

Satan as Easy As The Pain in Your Back????

2011-07-14T22:24:00.000-04:00

According to the American Chiropractic Association, 70 to 85 percent of all people have back pain at some time in their life.
A few interesting facts regarding back pain: Low back pain is the fifth most common reason for all physician visits in the United States. Back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years old. Americans spend at least $50 Billion per year on back pain—and that’s just for the more easily identified costs.

When people catch a cold or even the flu, they may wait a few days or even longer to go see a doctor for treatment. Day One of back issues will get you to a physician. Why? Because it hurts!

A few weeks ago, I pulled my back out. I was completely incapacitated. I couldn't move without intense, sharp, jagged pain wreaking havoc on my body. Not a situation a mother of four with two part-time jobs wants to find herself in. Do I have a point to my seemingly self-absorbed pity party? Why yes, yes I do:

The very next morning after I pulled my back out, I attempted to crawl out of bed to use the restroom. I couldn't even stand once I had reached my destination. I called out to my husband who came in to help me stand up, which sent my back into excruciating muscle spasms. What happens next leads into my paralleled spiritual reference - so read on.

While my husband held me in his arms, blackness began to cover my eyes and the shallow breathing began. I warned my husband that I was passing out, in fact, I remember repeatedly saying, "I'm blacking out, I'm fainting, I'm blacking out". When I awoke, I was on the floor of the bathroom, sweating. My husband had placed me there and went to get the phone to call 911. Now what happens next is your typical 'ambulance shows up and takes you to the ER' scenario - but I'd like to focus on the actual act of 'passing out'.

What happened was this: The pain that my back was in was too much for me to handle. My body physically shut down to protect me from the pain.

What if we reacted to sin that way? What if when we come across temptation that normally causes us to sin, our body just passes out until the temptation goes away? Unfortunately, our natural instinct is to gravitate toward the sin, not shy away from it - we have to choose to step away from it. Easier said than done. However, we do still have that option to call 911: 1 Cor 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

When we are faced with temptation that seems impossible, God tells us that He will provide a way out - Asking Him for the strength to do this on a daily basis is essential in keeping our spiritual health in check.

As a fairly healthy individual, prescription strength ibuprofin, oxycodone, flexerel and six weeks of physical therapy promises to get me back to tip top shape. However, when we let temptation overcome us, we run the risk of not only taking ourselves down to a level that may seem impossible to crawl out of, but we tend to drag others right down with us. Praying for God's strength in my back and against Satan!

There's Too Many Shoes In Here!

2011-06-25T16:12:00.003-04:00

Philippians 4:6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I have read a few books, fiction, devotional, self-help, that mention the use of a 'prayer closet'. A private place to go to spend time alone with God in prayer. I have often thought how nice it would be to have one. One small room set aside to spend some alone time with God.

As a reminder, I have four children - extra space in the house is just not happening. There is not one place I can go in the house that my children aren't willing to follow me into. Even the bathroom is not a sacred domain. While they may not follow me in, they are more than willing to stand outside of the door making sure they are getting updates of what I am doing or when I'll be done.

I find that if I want to have some alone time, I need to get up before everyone else and then when I get in the shower, I know that I'm alone. So, my 'prayer closet' is my shower. I have heard God speak to me when I take the time to get rid of everything else around me and just focus on my conversation with Him. While that time may be short, there has been nothing more meaningful than to hear what God has to tell me and the more times I spend having a conversation with Him, the more chances I give Him to offer me His wisdom. Where is your "prayer closet"?

Get Rich Quick!

2011-06-02T10:31:00.000-04:00

John 14:2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.

We're all familiar with the story of the nerdy guy in school who grows up to be a big wealthy entrepreneur and all the kids who used to make fun of him are now green with envy. So many movies have been made and remade with some variation of this plot line.

The child in school who is encouraged to study hard and find the importance in doing the best he can on his school work is often ridiculed by his peers. His parents continue to support and guide his study habits because of the hope that one day he will be a successful, well established member of society with little financial burdens. The portion of his life where he prepares and works for the promise of something more grand is accepted and praised in society by those who have seen the success of hard-working students before him.

So the question is, why is it so hard for society to accept a life preparing for the future that Jesus has promised? Does the life of the student not parallel the life of the true Christian?

Like the student, a Christian spends their life working towards the things that Jesus has said are important. Helping others, building healthy relationships, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, etc., many times being mocked by others for their willingness to be a servant. Being labeled as "weak" or "getting walked on" for trying to live a life according to what Christ has established. But there is Hope!

Unlike the student, there is no guarantee that he will grow up and make a six or seven figure income, there is no promise that he will find a spouse that will love him unconditionally, there is nothing written in stone that says he will have friends beyond measure. Jesus says - and it is written - that there is a place for us beyond this phase of life, there is a place of no more sorrow, there is a place where we will be with our Creator who does love us unconditionally. Wonder when Hollywood will release that film?

Exercise - the new 4-letter word... times 2.

2011-04-07T06:58:00.000-04:00

1Cr 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Being a part of the weight-loss industry, no one wants to be told they have to exercise. it's the 'Voldemort' of the corporation - the word that should never be spoken. We all know it exists, but pretend it's not there.

In January of this year, my oldest daughter decided she wanted to start doing the podrunner - 10 weeks to 5k together. Intervals of walking and jogging to a beat downloaded to your ipod. Needless to say I was reluctant to start this endeavor - I knew it would be a commitment and hard work. Be that as it may, I agreed to join in and am happy to report that, four months later, I am currently up to a steady 2 1/2 mile jog three times a week. This half hour of exercise is so much more than just the hope of thinner thighs. The realization that came to me in the midst of the hyperventilating went beyond just trying to burn calories.

God has called us for a purpose. To tell others about Him. What does that mean exactly? I think it means that no matter where you are, Always Be Prepared. If God tells you to share Jesus with an elderly person by painting their house, would you? If God told you to share Jesus by working with inner city youth in a sports league, would you do it? Could you do it? Would you be physically able to travel to a third world country and hike over dirt roads to deliver the gospel if God asked you to?

When soldiers enlist in the military, they are trained and required to maintain a certain level of physical fitness. Why? Because if they are called into battle - they better be able to complete the task they are called to do.

Of course the argument can be made that if God wants you to do something, can't He give you the power to do it or work around it? (Think Aaron and Moses) Yes, Absolutely. He is God after all. However, if there was a choice between the lackadaisical Christian who may offer up a prayer every once in a while and the Christian who has studied, made himself physically capable for most tasks and who's prayer life is constantly full of "God, Send Me" - who is God more likely to use?

In my recent prayer life, where I've been questioning why God hasn't chosen to use me in a big and magical way, He has reminded me that I'm in the middle of a task that He has already called me to - raising my four children under His guidance - which is big AND magical. And He said that's enough for me right now. But I will still train, I'll still be encouraged by the music I run to, I will still study because I know the war is coming - and hopefully my children and I will be ready for battle.

Stolen IPhone 4: Grand Theft (Part 1)

2011-03-07T16:27:00.007-05:00

1 Thess 5:2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night.

My husband's iphone 4 was stolen at Wal-Mart over the weekend. As inconveniences go, getting a cell phone stolen ranks right up there with stolen credit cards, wallets and photo identifications. Services were shut off, employer contacts were notified and police reports were filed. Were you aware that stealing a cell phone that had a purchase value of over $700 makes that act a 'Grand Theft' - which in actuality means nothing if you never catch the thief.

My husband, being the faithful facebook status updater that he is, received several condolence comments, but the most entertaining comments were the ones that told him what he 'should've' done to avoid this. For anyone wondering, NO - he had not downloaded the GPS app that helps you locate a lost or stolen iphone.

He had just finished texting me when he walked into the store and placed the phone and his wallet in the front of the cart. Before he got to the auto parts aisle, the phone was gone. One turn, one blink of an eye, one momentary look away and it was gone. all the contact names and numbers, all 1400 undownloaded pictures of vacations and family holidays, all drafted emails - gone.

Had we taken that one precaution of downloading the GPS app, the phone would've been discovered by now and this would all be an unpleasant memory. This was just a phone, that's all.

There is something much bigger at stake. Jesus is coming, as stealth as that thief. With one turn of the head or one momentary look away, He will return and if we have not taken the one necessary precaution that is needed to ensure that we stay with our rightful Owner, all could be lost. Nothing to download, no contracts to fill out and it's completely free. Romans 6:23 says For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

IPhone 4: $700.00
Salvation: Priceless

Always Be Prepared....

Time Travel - Is it possible?

2011-02-04T03:51:00.003-05:00

I have to say - I like time-travel movies. I don't know if it's because it is a true break from reality, or just the imagination that it takes to make a time-travel movie seem. . . well, seamless. I've recently gone back and watched a few films from the early 80's and 90's: Timecop, Back to the Future, Peggy Sue Got Married, etc. Incidentally, apparently back a decade ago, no one could foresee the internet. Not one mention of Google in these early movies, and the silver jumpsuits never really caught on, maybe next year.

That being said, the main theme usually centers around changing the past so that a mistake that was made could be fixed. Somehow, by changing one or two instances, life would be so much better for the main character. Foregoing the obvious dangers of the time-space continuum and mass taking up the same space, having your future self warn you of mistakes that could change the rest of your life, seems to be a situation that draws in an audience. The allure of "what could have been" or "if I had only known".

Scientists spend long hours trying to develop this "future" experiment only to realize that the ripple effect could be catastrophic. It makes for good entertainment, but . . . 'what if?'

What if there was a way that our future self could go back and tell our past self - "Hey, that's not a good idea. When you lie about being sick to your boss and then in two weeks you really are sick and you take off and lose your job - just tell the truth" - there is a way, and it's something better....

God knows what the future holds. The answer to "what's the best decisions I can make so that my future self is right where it should be?" is simple - prayer. If we would stop and simply ask God to guide our decisions so that the choices we make are in line with what God wants - how could we want for anything more (“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8) Who knows us and wants the absolute best for us: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

He promises us in Isaiah that he will guide us - “The Lord will guide you continually …” (Isaiah 58:11)

The only thing is, we have to ask. We don't need an old DeLorean or a flux capacitor, we don't need a black hole, a wormhole or even a hot tub. All we need is Jesus.

Momma....

2010-08-31T22:41:00.002-04:00

I went to visit my mom this past weekend. She is such a wonderful mom. Always encouraging, always sweet, always mommy. It brought to light the true accomplishments of someone who has decided to raise up children under the leadership of God. The title of 'mommy' does not come easily and should not be taken lightly.

Were you aware that in America, only 12% of women within child bearing years are infertile? And that doesn't mean forever infertile - that's 12% of women who at one time or another struggled to have children or could not bring a child to term. While it is heartbreaking for those women who really want to have children of their own, there are billions of women who have conceived. Many of whom struggle with the choice of deciding whether or not they want to be a mom. The truth of the matter is, it doesn't take much to become a mother - but it takes a whole lot to become a "mom".

Sadly, many times we don't realize this until we become moms ourselves - only then do we truly appreciate our own mommys.

You see, to be a mother, it only takes 6-9 months - but to earn the title of 'mom' takes a lifetime. It takes staying up to rock a crying baby when you'd rather go to bed. It takes sacrificing your time to make sure your child makes it to band rehearsal or basketball practice. It takes stopping whatever it is your doing to see the dance that was just made up and hear the song that goes along with it. It takes giving up getting your nails done or hair done or a new outfit for yourself, so your child can get a new dress for that special night or tickets to that concert they've been dying to go to. It takes letting them make a mess in the kitchen because they've learned to be a helper - even if it isn't a help at all. It takes making them take their medicine when their sick even if they don't like you for it later. It takes punishing them even though they think you're the worst mom ever so they learn the right way to act later on in life. It takes going to church even though you've been there all week long because their excitement to be in church is more important than your tiredness. It takes responding calmly even when they're yelling because we know that scripture tells us not to provoke wrath in our children. Does being a 'mommy' come easy - absolutely not! We fail, we tire, we are human - but that is what makes the title so precious. A mom is one who has been charged by God to raise her children according to the example that Jesus gives us in the Bible.

Some of us have been blessed to be raised by Godly examples of moms - I am one of those women. I now have four children of my own and would be lost without the guidance from God and what I learned by example. So, thank you 'Momma' - I love you!

The Will of God

2010-04-28T06:30:00.000-04:00

I don't like to read. There. I've said it. I'm not a big reading fan. It's not that I'm uneducated and have trouble with the big words - it's not that I don't have a good imagination and can't picture a storyline. In fact, if I had to put my finger on why I don't enjoy reading - it would have to be that it takes too much time. If there is a book that I'd really like to read, I try to find it on audio and listen to it every time I'm in the car - then I can do two things at once, like everything else in my life I feel like I have to squeeze in.

However, that being said, I'm starting a new venture. My husband loves books. He doesn't have the time to read like he would like to, but he's been building his library for when it does happen. So, I mosied into his newly established library and found a book that caught my eye. It was a small book - so I thought I could tackle it. Simply entitled, 'The Will of God'.

The book's copyright date was 1944 and it was written in the midst of World War II. Tragedy was at every corner and people looked at their circumstances as the will of God. The author tries to bring to light the true will of God.

Romans 12:2 reads - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

God's will does not include evil. It is good, pleasing and perfect. A tragic accident or a broken marriage is Not the will of God. That doesn't mean God can't use it for His glory, in spite of how we choose to perceive it. Do not stand idly by thinking this change in government or the decline of moral standard in the US and around the world is the will of God - it is not. We need to determine how God wants us to deal with these situations. Circumstantial will of God is next in Chapter 2.

No More Mister Nice Guy.

2010-03-03T22:54:00.002-05:00

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

I love superhero movies. Ironman, Spiderman, Superman, Batman. The idea of the strong fighting for the weak and winning against strong odds. There was one superhero movie that stuck out for me more with only one scene: The Incredible Hulk.

I wasn't a big fan of the first full feature film they did, but this last one in 2008 was really good. There's a scene in this one where Bruce Banner is in a foreign worn down factory that he's worked at for a while with very little pay along with other natives of that country. Well, when Bruce steps in a helps out a lady from these rough guys, they begin to beat him up. While they are scurrying to back him into a corner, while hitting him at the same time, Bruce warns them to stop - to not make him angry (the quotable Incredible Hulk favorite), they laugh and continue in their actions.

Why does Bruce warn these guys? Don't we all secretly want bad things to happen to bad people? Maybe, maybe not. Bruce knew that if they continued, he would turn into the hulk and not be able to control himself and may perhaps kill them. This stuck out for me because it was so parallel to the Bible.

Jesus hung on a cross being beaten and ridiculed and He knew the damage that could be done to those people if God decided to step in. Would they have deserved it? Sure. But Jesus in his infinite mercy and grace did not want that.

Did you know that we hold the same power? That when we choose to let Jesus lead our lives, that same power is within our grasp. The power that miraculously takes away cancer can fight the enemy. Could not God still send a thousand angels to flip over the car that just cut us off on the freeway and end that drivers life there and then? But would we want that? Does someone truly deserve to spend an eternity in Hell because we didn't take the time to say - "Jesus loves you"? In our own anger, we need to stop and say a prayer for those that are unkind to us - because 'with power, comes great responsibility'.

Happy Valentines Day

2010-02-05T19:58:00.003-05:00

1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It's easy to think about love in the month of February. Valentine's Day has long been celebrated with roses, chocolates, cards and conversation hearts. Hallmark saw an opportunity and we fell for it hook, line, and sinker. A desperate need for that sought after emotion called "love".

The above verse in the Bible discusses what true love should be, which seems so far from our ideas. First, love is patient. Patience has never been my virtue. But, God says that's what love is. I can't really argue with that. So, every time I bend down to pick up the socks that sit two feet from the hamper, I have to remember that there is a man who wears those socks that comes home every day from work, without fail, and provides for his family. Love is kind. It's easy to be kind when someone else is kind to you, but when someone says to you "why isn't dinner ready?" after you've taught the kids all day, did the laundry, kissed the boo boos, dropped off and picked up from practice, and did the grocery shopping - not to come back with an unkind word is the love that God talks about. It's the Holy Spirit that speaks to you and reminds you that he's been stuck in an office all day dealing with people that are probably not Christian and you've been blessed to be able to spend time with your kids - he's just wanting to know you've thought about him enough to expect his return.

Love doesn't envy, boast and isn't proud. Are you envious of anyone? While I know this is a struggle for some, there's really not anything that God hasn't provided for me that I need. Sure, a new dishwasher or a new kitchen might be nice, but I wouldn't want someone else to go without it so I could have it. Boasting and being prideful go hand in hand. I would like to get credit for a job well done, but not at the expense of belittling someone else who may feel they deserve the credit.

This is just the first part of the verses that discuss God's idea of what true love is. It's not simple, it's not easy, and it doesn't happen quickly. It's like a garden that you begin to grow. You plow the dirt, you plant the seeds, you water the ground. Sometimes the storms that come make it seem like it's going to all wash away and you feel like you may lose your garden. But, if you pay attention to it, keep protecting it, soon... you begin to enjoy the fruit that comes from all your hard work.

Christmas - Politically Correct vs. Correct

2009-12-13T21:06:00.000-05:00

At what point did we decide that we had to be politically correct about December 25th? And at what point did it become more important to be politically correct instead of just plain correct? Frankly, I don't care if you wish me a "Happy Holiday" or a festive "Seasons Greetings", but don't try to remove Jesus from the holiday or play down its importance.

Christmas became a government holiday in 1870. President Grant decided it should be observed by the country as a whole, and congress agreed. It was a time designated to celebrate the birth of Christ - we all know that an exact date is not available, so we picked one, December 25th. Yet, so many people have tried to disprove the validity of Christmas as a Christian holiday and come up with one excuse after another to get Jesus removed from it.

During this same time period, Grant also declared January 1st a holiday. New Years Day. Yet no one ever tries to doubt the validity or meaning of January 1st. No one tells the government that we've misread the stars or the alignment of the solar system and the actual first day of the new rotation of the earth is not really January 1st. The existence of January 1 being established as a holiday to celebrate the New Year has never been questioned.

As well as January 1 being established as a holiday, July 4th was also determined to be an American government holiday by Grant in 1870. A day to honor our independence as a country after the long Revolutionary War was finished. If people with British heritage were to begin an argument with the government saying that their great great grandfathers died at the hands of Americans so they are offended that we would celebrate that victory - would our government declare July 4th should no longer be established because they didn't want to offend those citizens? Absolutely not.

What about Veteran's Day? November 11th. In 2006, an estimated 37.5 million immigrants were now citizens of our country. What if they said, "we fought for the service in our previous country, we're offended that we are not recognized as veterans" - would we change Veteran's Day to include anyone who's ever served in any military any where? No - that would be ridiculous. The service men and women have worked hard to protect our rights and freedoms here in America.

But people will walk on eggshells around those who might get upset if you say Jesus should remain in Christmas. It's okay to offend Christians, those who appreciate the eternal freedom from a Savior who gave His life.

So, as an American Christian - I will continue to celebrate New Years Day - I will toot my paper horn with the excitement of what may come and a remembrance of the year gone by. I will continue to celebrate July 4th. I will fly my flag high and appreciate those men and women who fought in the American Revolution and founded our country and their sacrifice so that we can be a free nation. I will continue to honor Veteran's Day. I will thank my American soldiers for their efforts in the service even when I may not agree with what the government has done, I will uphold our Veteran's holiday. And finally, I will celebrate Christmas in the manner in which it was established - a day to thank God for the gift of His son Jesus. I will display a manger scene and a Christmas tree. I will say Merry Christmas and thank those who wish me a 'Happy Holiday". I will continue to teach my children the reason why we celebrate Christmas and continue to feel sorry for and pray for those who are offended by it.

http://zee-em-sea.blogspot.com/2009/12/live-out-loud.html - My daughter's film project, enjoy.

The Witch of Endor - It Wasn't Me, I Swear.

2009-10-21T07:34:00.006-04:00

1 Samuel 28:9-10 But the woman said to him, "Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?" Saul swore to her by the LORD, "As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this."

Why is it when you ask a little kid if they've done something wrong, they immediately tell you they haven't? Even though you already know they did. My youngest daughter will deny everything the first time. But when I look her in the eye, ask her again with that serious tone - she comes clean. I guess it's our human nature to avoid a disaster that we perceive may happen if we give an honest answer. However, God requires it. I think, if we look at this realistically, I would rather suffer the consequences of telling the truth - than the strain on my relationship with God from not telling the truth.

Since the woman of Endor had no relationship with God, lying was not a big issue for her. She was lying to save her life. She was in hiding and knew that if someone turned her in - she would be killed. She had to be careful. Here's the irony: Saul promised her "by the Lord" that he wouldn't have her killed. By the Lord???? It's like hearing an atheist say "I swear to God" - really? How can you seek out the things the devil has lured you to and in the same breath use God to justify it?

It's the bar-hopping, unfaithful co-worker that tells you they love Jesus. How can you seek out the things of satan and still claim to have a relationship with God. We all back-slide, but the importance of having a relationship with God is seeing our error and avoiding that temptation. Saul got caught up in this and the example he could've been for the witch of Endor was lost.

The Witch of Endor - Is it a Masquerade?

2009-10-18T21:58:00.004-04:00

1 Samuel 28:8 So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. "Consult a spirit for me," he said, "and bring up for me the one I name."

Have you ever heard the saying, "nothing good ever happens after midnight"? I suppose in the dark of the night, when very few others are around - people tend to do things they probably shouldn't do because they think no one is watching. . . Someone is always watching.

All the mediums and spiritists in the land would not welcome Saul into their home, because they knew he would punish them if he found out they were still practicing. Saul knew this and so he waited until evening - dressed up like someone other than himself - grabbed a couple of buddies - headed to Endor and asked the witch to do her 'magic'.

Something I tell my kids is that "if you can't do it in front of me or your dad, then you probably shouldn't be doing it". As adults, the question we should ask is "if you don't want God to see you doing it, then you shouldn't be doing it" - the hard truth is - God does see you doing it. No matter what it is - are you embarrassed? ashamed? It doesn't matter if no one else is around, or if you're behind a computer screen where no one knows your identity - God knows who you are and what you're doing. Don't let satan make you think that living outside the authority of God is ever an option.

The Witch of Endor - It's October....

2009-10-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

1 Samuel 28:3-7 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in his own town of Ramah. Saul had expelled the mediums and spiritists from the land. The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all the Israelites and set up camp at Gilboa. When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, "Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her." "There is one in Endor," they said.

A little history for this - Samuel was a man of God, respected and sought after. Because the act of seeking out the dead was something God said not to do, all spiritists and mediums were sent out of the land. Now - Samuel has died and Saul is left with an army, the Philistine army, gearing up to attack.

Saul was in a predicament, so he called out to God. This makes me think of those movies where the main character comes into a situation that seems hopeless and he starts making deals with God. "If you get me out of this, I'll go to church every week" or "If you bring my son back, I'll start tithing" - when he hasn't uttered a word to God the entire movie. Now in the movies, they usually have the good ending where everything works out just fine - but for Saul, there was no light that suddenly got brighter, no voice speaking to him from out of nowhere, no dreams from the past or future - Saul got nothing. God remained silent.

This is where Saul made his mistake. If you are crying out to God and don't feel like you're getting a response - be assured, it's not because He's not there or doesn't hear you. This is the time where you need to look at your life and find out what is hindering the relationship between you and God. If you truly can't figure out what it is, ask God to show you what you need to work on. This is not what Saul did. Saul didn't have the time or patience to respect and appreciate a relationship with God - so he tries the other angle - the witch of Endor.

Our communication with God is vital to a strong walk in the Christian faith. When we are not getting the answers we want from God, are we seeking Him out, or are we searching for other solutions? It may not be as ghastly as reading horoscopes or playing with a ouija board. It can be as simple as taking the advice of a non-believing co-worker instead of waiting on God. It can be turning to food for comfort instead of waiting for comfort from God. It can be allowing our own wants to override what God wants for us. This is a good scripture on the importance of having a continual striving for a relationship with God.

Jabez - Are you a Cookie Monster for God?

2009-10-04T22:23:00.003-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:10d - And God granted his request.

This is the last part of the prayer of Jabez. It is the outcome of the prayer of Jabez. It's not very climactic. In fact, it's completely 'matter of fact'. It's as simple as 2 + 2 = 4 ; Man of faith asked = God of all granted. So why did he have to ask in the first place?

As I studied the prayer of Jabez, how he asked for things and God simply gave them to him - and pondered whether it was a one time occurrence and only meant for Jabez, an analogy came to mind. Many times, I will go to the store and while buying groceries, I will pick up something for the kids. Maybe some cookies or snack cakes, I might even get them some special drink and put it in the refrigerator - simply because I love them. Now when I get home, and put all the groceries away and then get busy doing everything else, I will probably completely forget that I even bought those items for the kids. However, if one of the children comes up to me and says, "Hey Mom, Can I have a couple of cookies" - I will then say - "Yes, I got those for you".

Now God doesn't forget, but I do think He has things for us and He's just waiting for us to ask Him for it. Does that mean whatever we ask for it will be given to us, since God has it waiting? Even though I have cookies for the kids, if they ask me to eat them a half an hour before dinner, I'm going to say "no". But that doesn't mean 'no' forever, it just means they'll have to ask later when it's not going to hinder them by spoiling their appetite. However, like the cartoon, when we start to go after things ourselves that God has said 'no' to, disaster can strike.

God loves His children. Jabez was a faithful and honorable man, one who knew the power of the Almighty. One who wanted to serve God and have a personal relationship with Him. His prayer is truly an example of God's unconditional love for us.

Jabez - Freedom

2009-09-01T07:28:00.002-04:00

1Chronicles 4:10c "and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

A couple of years ago, I threw my back out. I wasn't even doing anything strenuous. I was holding a baby - I put the baby down and stood up, and there it went. I'm not one who might be considered an "old" person - I don't have other health issues that would have brought this on - why in the world would my back go out? The pain was intense. I have never felt pain like that before - I was immobilized. It took about two weeks before I could get back up and actually walk around normally - but even then, I was cautious for fear of re-injuring my back.

Jabez asks God to keep him from harm and free from pain. Obviously, physical pain can be such that you are not useful - that you become a burden to those around you - no one wants that. However, I think Jabez was asking for more than just that.

During a time in my life when I was not walking with Christ, sin had gotten a stronghold and I found myself in a very dark place, alone and defeated. This type of 'harm' caused, not only an immobility in daily life - just getting through the day - it also stopped and hurt any work the Lord could've wanted me to do during that time.

Jabez is praying for those things - protection from physical harm and spiritual harm - because the pain that both cause can be debilitating. God wants us to be free from pain, all we have to do is ask - Jabez figured that out.

Jabez - Take off the Cloak of Invisibility

2009-08-27T22:31:00.005-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:10b Let your hand be with me.

I hated school. Hated going to the bus stop. Hated walking into the building. Hated finding my classes. I hated leaving my mom. I knew my mom still loved me when I was at school, I knew it wouldn't matter what I did or what I got on a test, my mom would be waiting for me at home, always happy to see me. But if I had a choice, I would've had her hold my hand all day long - from the time I got onto the bus until the walk home.

Not too much has changed. I still don't like to do new things alone - it's always nice to have someone next to you, supporting you, loving you. Doesn't go over too well to have mommy sitting next to you during your job interview though. It's socially unacceptable to have your best friend come to your business meeting while you're speaking. I think Jabez had these same feelings.

Jabez prays for God to be with him. I don't think he's actually asking God to be with him, because we know that He is always with us - I think Jabez is asking God to let him feel His presence. We all have the knowledge of understanding that God is omnipresent, but emotionally feeling Him beside us is another thing all together. Jabez wanted to feel God there with him.

This is what having a relationship with God is all about. God knows we need a friend - He wants to be our friend. He wants to be the One that goes with us on that job interview, that first college class, that doctors visit - but if we don't ask Him to let us know He's there, we're putting Him in the corner. I want to know God is standing right there beside me and I want Him to know that I want Him to be there. It all happens through prayer.

Jabez - Can I get fries with that?

2009-08-25T08:29:00.005-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:10a Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!

My two daughters were in the bathtub. They were probably 2 and 4 at the time. We had lots of fun splashing and washing hair and playing with bubbles. When I told them it was time to get out - they were fine with that. I had forgotten the towels. In the moment that I had said "sit still", to the time I had gone to the closet for the towels - there was a 'thud'. Then tears. I quickly checked what was going on because they were both crying (when one cried, it spurred the other) - my two year old seemed to be fine - my four year old had somehow punctured herself and had a bloody hole at the top of her nose in-between her eyes. I cried out for my husband, we quickly dressed the girls and gathered the rest of the children and headed to the emergency room.

What reminds me of this story is not the cute little scar that was left on my daughters' face, but the feeling of helplessness. The need to call out for someone (my husband) to come to the rescue.

I don't know what was going on with Jabez at that exact moment - but it says he "cried out to God". The Bible doesn't tell us his situation - we only know that he was a righteous man and something in his life had caused him to seek the immediate help of God. The odd thing is what he was asking of God. Bless me. Bring me happiness. Bring me pleasure. He wasn't dying of an illness and asking to be spared his life, his wife wasn't leaving him and he was going to be alone, his company wasn't being downsized and he was out of a job - his cry was for God to make him happy. THEN, he asked for more responsibility. Asking for enlarged territory was not a cry for more acreage to build his in-ground pool - it was for leadership over a larger group of people, and in essence - more power.

If Jabez can cry out to God for power and happiness and be heard - why are we so hesitant to talk to Him on a daily basis, won't He meet our needs as well?

Jabez- What's in a Name?

2009-08-22T21:44:00.005-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:9b His mother had named him Jabez, saying, "I gave birth to him in pain."

There is nothing more painstaking in a mothers' life than to choose the name of the child. It is the first decision we make for our children that will directly affect them the rest of their lives. Should their name be one of the most common names of the day like Jacob or Emma (registered as most popular in 2008) or should you go with a family name like Grace or Charles? Could a nickname be derived from their name that might cause teasing or ridicule? What name might look good on a resume for a doctor or lawyer - certainly Patricia or Jonathan would look better than Breasia or Damontae on that diploma.

I was never thrilled with my name. Not that I didn't like it, I just wasn't thrilled with it. It was old-fashioned and no one else in my school had my name. I was named after my grandmother - whom I loved - but it was her generation that frequently bore the name "Dorothy". The meaning of my name is another matter indeed. Dorothy means - "Gift of God". It certainly does give weight to the feelings my mom held about having a little girl. I was certainly her gift from God. She loved me to pieces, and still does - I can't imagine a childhood in which one does not feel the unconditional love of their parents. I also realize, I am blessed.

Jabez grew up with a different interpretation to his name. The constant reminder of the sacrifice his mom had to make in order for him to be alive. The reminder that everyone with whom he was introduced would know the suffering his mom went through to give birth. Why would someone put that type of a burden on their child? Isn't it nice to know that we have a Father who has called us His own and who does not dwell on the past, but only offers us a better future? That the only reminder we need is that He loves us so much He sent His son to die on a cross - so that we could be with Him forever. No wonder they call Him - Saviour.

Jabez - Honor Roll.

2009-08-20T08:37:00.004-04:00

1 Chronicles 4:9a Jabez was more honorable than his brothers.

If you could choose one word to describe yourself - what would it be? If you could choose one word to compare yourself against other people - what would it be? Sounds like those awful job interview questions, doesn't it?

The first time Jabez is ever mentioned in the Bible - and let us take note that to even be mentioned in the Bible means we should 'take note' - he is described as "honorable". And not just plain 'honorable', comparatively MORE honorable than his brothers.

I did my Webster search to find out just exactly what this word entails, here it is: characterized by integrity : guided by a high sense of honor and duty.

Today begins my look at Jabez and why God would give such high praise to Jabez - a man who is only shortly mentioned in an obscure area of the Bible amidst the tedious geneology verses.

Final question, if God could choose one word to describe you, what would it be?

John the Baptist - It's a Boy!

2009-07-30T11:02:00.002-04:00

Luke 1:57-58 When it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.

The terms "Crime of Passion", "Hate Crime", "Jealous Rage" - are all very familiar to us today. These words litter police reports, news headlines and court proceedings. We live in a world where our actions are controlled by our envy. A society that has led us to believe that we can not be successful until we match the Jones' and once we've accomplished that, the Johnsons' and so on and so on. What if we went back to the way Elizabeth's friends responded to her joy.

When Elizabeth finally had her baby - there was no backtalk about how old she was, there was no comment under the breath about the struggled marriage with a mute man, no one questioned why God had chosen to speak to her about the birth of John.

It says that her neighbors and relatives 'shared her joy'. When was the last time you were happy simply because someone you knew had experienced a joyous moment. Whether it was a promotion or bonus, a gift or a new relationship - without the undertone of wishing it were you. I wonder what our headlines would read today if we all had neighbors like Elizabeth...

John the Baptist - Because I Said So.

2009-07-21T07:43:00.005-04:00

Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"

Raising kids is a difficult task. Ask any parent (or grandparent) who has accepted the responsibility of teaching their child right from wrong. It's a long tedious process of discipline and reward that never seems to end. No loving parent enjoys discipline, but the long-term reward that it produces is beyond measure. And when your child actually comes to you for advice and follows it, the bond that is formed in that moment - one of love and respect, builds that relationship. I think the same is true of God and His children - if we choose to listen and learn, the reward is beyond measure.

When Elizabeth was told that she, a barren woman, would conceive - she could have spent that time doubting and worrying and fussing over what was to happen. When she actually did conceive, she could've spent the next nine months afraid of miscarriage, wondering if what God had promised would actually be fulfilled. But that's not what Elizabeth did - she praised God when she got news she would be pregnant - when she actually conceived, she spent months thanking God alone (wonder how Zechariah felt about this) and when she meets up with Mary she has a realization:

God had blessed them both because they heard and they believed and they never doubted.

Often times I second-guess the choices I make or the ones I'm about to make - but I truly believe it's because I didn't spend enough time in prayer before making it. When we make decisions after we've gone to the Lord and waited for His answer, those are the times to be confident - not only will you be blessed because God's answer will always have a better outcome, but you are blessed because you've been able to grow in your relationship with Him.

John the Baptist - Do A Little Dance. . .

2009-06-23T07:45:00.005-04:00

Luke 1:39-44 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Never has a verse been used more by anti-abortionists to support the fact that life begins at conception. That John could hear and feel Jesus - a fetus - in Mary's voice through his own mothers ear canal. The way we are biologically formed to live as an undeveloped baby fully relying on our mothers for literal survival, is a miracle.

I could list statistics on people who were almost aborted and now have great testimonies. I could tell stories from mother's who live a life of grief because they chose to kill their child and still struggle to get through life. However, there is something different I'd like to pull from these verses.

John knew that he was in the presence of his Savior and he let his mother know by doing the only thing he could - wiggle. Elizabeth didn't pass off John's actions by saying it was indigestion or the baby was just moving around. John let her know she was in the presence of God and she acknowledged it! If we seek God and come into His presence - we need to let people know He's there. Whether it's wiggling or stating that the only way you got through your struggle was because God gave you peace and patience to get through it - we need to let others know God is here. And if it's someone else doing the wiggling - don't excuse it away. Realize that God is in our presence and it's something to be jumping about, just like John did over 2000 years ago.

John The Baptist - It's a Miracle!

2009-06-02T13:16:00.006-04:00

Luke 1:23-25 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

I must say, that while driving on the road, there is one thing that irritates me to no end: the lack of the appreciative hand wave. If I have taken the time to slow down to let someone in, or moved over to another lane to allow room to merge - is it so much to ask for a simple hand gesture of thanks? A wave of the hand to acknowledge the fact that I had done something nice? Not a parade in my honor, not a rolled down window and shout of thanks, not even a gracious horn honk - just a wave in my general direction. And yet, I rarely get it. It certainly makes me think twice whenever I decide to show generosity on the pavement - yet I still do.

In these verses, we are told that Elizabeth up and disappears for the first 5 months of her pregnancy. Now this is not exactly the right way to understand it. As soon as Zechariah was 'with' her, and she found out she was pregnant -she didn't run away - she secluded herself to spend these days in prayer to God. She was thanking Him for the awesome miracle that He had blessed her with. A woman in these days had a lot of weight placed on the fact that they could give their husbands a child. Not only did God bless Elizabeth with a baby, but this baby would be great in the sight of the Lord. She took the next five months to spend time with the Lord giving Him all the thanks for this miracle.

Today, thank yous seem so far and few between with one another, I can't imagine how few 'thank you's actually make it to God. Our Biblical examples show that not only was the length of the thank you inspiring - but the immediacy as well. Elizabeth didn't wait until John was born - she began praising God and thanking Him as soon as she found out she was pregnant. Is there anything - simple or miraculous - that we should be thanking God for right now?