Walking on Water EVERY Day!

The Greatest Love Story Ever told

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Every one loves a great love story. You know, girl meets boy, fall madly in love and nothing keeps them apart. They trust each other, do everything for each other and live romantically in love for eternity. Movies like the new twilight series draw in young people with this romance that nothing can destroy. Others were the Titanic, sleepless in seattle, etc.

As youngsters we read cinderella, snow white. But life did not match the fantasy shows of love . Our parents fought, divorce is more common then marriage, and relationships last one night. Why?

We do not know what LOVE really is. We think it is how someone else makes us feel. THEY make US happy for ever. NOT! Love is not what others do for us, LOVE is what we do for others. If you study about Love according to God we find a far different description than what our world thinks is love.

God showed us perfect love when the Father sent His SON to earth to live as a human and die a painful death for all of humanity. Now there are some who would give their lives for someone they love. A parent for their child, a loved one for a another. But God died for those who hated Him. He died while we were yet sinners. He gave up life to show true unconditional love for all humans. That we may believe and trust and obey the ways of love and living a right life. He did not just command we love one another, He SHOWED us how to love one another.

He showed how even though He was King and GOD in the flesh, he would wash his disciples feet. Showing us that we must serve and learn to love others. Giving out to others the love that HE gives to us.

The other morning I woke up and thought, Love is what overcomes all anxiety, depression, anger. It is LOVE that overcomes all things, not the war fare against satan but LOVE. That morning after that thought I watched J. Meyers who was teaching on this same subject. Charles Stanley also. It is the LOVE, the Power of GOD"S Love that will enable us to overcome all things.

Are you afraid of getting too close to people? Never allowing yourself to be trust them so not to be hurt? What if you started giving love to all those around you. Trusting GOD with that love and giving freely? When you saw a need you could fill you just did it. When you put aside your own time to spend time with them in some need? I can tell you it will heal YOU. We were not meant to be a island. We were meant to share the Love of Christ!

If we love people we cannot be afraid of them. If we love our enemies, we cannot Hate them.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

We cannot Love God and Hate our neighbor. Or our spouse, or our children or the people at work or the angry person on the highway. But pray for all peoples. Remembering that every single person on earth belongs to God and they are HIS treasures. Many do not know their God yet but that is why we need to show LOVE , God's Love.

One last note, we cannot love others until we grow in knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The love must be solid and then we can ask of God to help us share HIS love with others. Our love is weak and physical. Today we watch tv and every night some person meets some one and they go "hook up" "have sex" . Let me tell you that is NOT Love. SEX is not LOVE like God wants to share. Love is so much more. Sex is a part of love between a man and woman but not LOVE in whole. Love is a way of Give NOT GET.

Here is a link to Mr Stanley's "from the heart" message. A excellent in depth of the love of God.

Also a suggested book to get over at Joyce Meyers, and CD for a offering of $25.00 0r more.

What have you done today to show LOVE to someone?

As the Storm raged outside, A storm was raging inside of me..

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Coast Guard Drills off Bastendorff Beach, Oregon

Here on the Oregon coast, it is not uncommon to have some fierce winter storms. High winds, lots of rain can do plenty of damage. Power outages, flooding, wind blowing shingles of roofs, tearing up trees and all that go with wind damage.

We were hit last week with such a storm, with winds clocked at Charleston @ 108PMH . At the same time this all started I had been home battling severe bronchitis . But I also suddenly came down with something on top of that. As I started getting chills so bad I could not put enough blankets on to keep warm, then fever raging. Back and forth it would go. I would put a heating pad on to warm up, but little helped. For three full days, I could not eat food except for cut up watermelon. My stomach hurt, fever and chills wiped out all energy. Then one of the worst days, the power went off all day. No stove to heat tea, or anything warm. I did have heat from our propane stove which keeps my house warm. I lost energy to do anything but walk to the bathroom and back. Coughing so bad I had to sleep upright. The only time I do not like being alone is when I am real sick. My husband was away on work. The online mayo clinic had a lists of symptoms that said I had pneumonia.

But this was more than a sickness. More than a storm outside. It was also the exact time of my baptism anniversary. Thirty four years! It is also a time of change for me and God is about to do some blessings in my life. Satan attacked with full force, as much as God would allow him. He came in constant bombardment into my mind to get me to doubt God. Satan always will attack you when you are weakest. When you exhausted, or hungary, or spiritual depleted from lack of study and prayer.

I am NOT against doctors and most of time all people should seek the help of your doctor when you get sick like this.

But this was a spiritual battle NOT a physical one for me. I knew, This battle was to be won by God. I knew, I was to have faith and day and night I keep my thoughts on God and His promises. I KNEW how to battle satan in my mind and every passing moment to counter his negative thoughts by God's promises. As the wind hit the house hard, and shingles were flying off everywhere, as limbs and debris covered the ground around my home I stayed in prayer. Huddled on the couch and in my bed. I trusted God. I know God and I know to trust HIM.

Finally on friday, the day my husband was to fly into town, the sickness started to lift. The sun came out for just a moment and I heard God speak to me so plainly, "It is done! You have done well, as his hand touched my forehead he also said, I have plans for you"

Oregon Coast

Slowly all fever left, the sun came out full for a couple hours which felt so good on my skin! I was weak but I knew through the power of the Spirit of God that dwells within me, I was being healed. I am still watching the miracles of God work out some important new things in my life as I prepare to receive the greatest blessings to come!

The reason I share this with you, is
#1 NEVER give up when the trials get hard KNOW that those trials are working a Great new thing in you.
#2 KNOW that God never forsakes His children. That we are to trust and wait and know the battle belongs to God.
#3. God never starts something that He does not finish and completely finishes it to perfection!
#4. God is never late, WAIT no matter how long and You shall reap great blessings every single time.

Oregon Lighthouse

There is more to radio waves than you think...

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:15:00 +0000

Walking in Faith Photo by B. Salzano

In the spiritual realm, (which is invisible to our eyes) a silent unseen broadcast is constantly going out. Did you know that? Remember when people found out that they can submit messages to people through tv adds, and music that was unknown to the general public until a few revealing shows brought it out into the open. Subliminal messages. Oh, I know there are many nay sayers but it is TRUE.

For those who know truth, you know there are demons. Spiritual beings that follow satan and are hell bent to destroy the plan of God. And the most important part of God's plan involved humanity. Just why did Christ come to be a human and die on the cross! We know why, to redeem, (buy back, take the penalty for) mankind. Why was Satan, Lucifer cast down to earth from heaven?
Isaiah 14:12
[ The Fall of Lucifer ] “ How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!
If you do not know go study and find out!! Your life and your quality of life depends on it!

Yes, the realm of spirit beings, against God and Gods way of LIFE have designed a war to destroy us! They work in attitudes and thoughts through the air like radio waves. You get Tv every day. You do not SEE the images coming to your tv set do you? but they are there. millions of tiny particles that put images and sound into your living room every day. It is the same with your mind. You are either accepting all the junk, evil thoughts, anger, hate, selfishness, greedy thoughts or you are consciously warring against those thoughts that come at us every single day.

The other day, I was downtown doing errands. For the past four weeks I have been battling a bad bronchitis. This has weakened my strength, and it seems my battle with angry thoughts. First some disagreeable news had come to me, then a extra thing had to be done I had not planned on doing. When I went to go do this extra chore that I did not want to do, I wanted to go home and rest. But when I got all the way to other town to go to the bank, I realized I had no debit card. I never leave my debit card but this day I had, and it was at home. I had to drive all the way home and back. I had to fight against ANGER. It was boiling up in me and I had to just stop, and speak out against it in Jesus Name ! I did not conquer it until I SPOKE out in JESUS CHRIST'S name before it lifted. It was strong and for know reason. What ! Going home and driving back was going to kill me? NO, it was a bad attitude and I needed to battle it!

If you find yourself filled with anger STOP and ponder first WHY are you angry? Then no matter what your mind tries to tell you is a good reason to be anger, cast it down. Sing praises to GOD for awhile, pray and wait till it is lifted before you speak or do anything else. We must be DILIGENT God told me. We must lift the sword of truth and battle back for the days ahead are not going to be easier, they are going to be much HARDER as satan sees his time is short!

Psalm 37:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ The wicked (satan inspired humans as well as demons themselves)

have drawn the sword
         And have bent their bow,
         To cast down the poor and needy,
         To slay those who are of upright conduct. (the children of God)

2 Corinthians 10:4-6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (physical) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, ⁵casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ⁶ and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

I urge you all today to read the book called, "Battle field of the Mind" I just finished it and agree with all the teachings. They match GOD"S WILL for us! Herbert W Armstrong first taught that to me years ago, the battle FOR our minds and how Satan broadcasts it. I studied to find if these things are true I STUDIED and STILL STUDY. DO YOU! You cannot take some persons word for it, you need to go read it with your own eyes. You will never truly BELIEVE until you study the bible yourself.

Then the truth shall indeed SET YOU FREE! Sing Praise to God!

Encouraging Life lessons from Pushing Cows

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:07:00 +0000

When I was small, we lived in eastern Oregon on a large ranch. Couple times a year we had a round up. In the spring after all the calfs were born, we did a "drive". This was done by rounding up all the cows and calfs, then a group of people on horse back would get behind them and push them for about 1 week to summer grazing pastures up in the hills. In the fall we went back to the hills and rounded up the cows and brought them home for winter. Where we had stored up hay and grain to feed them.

It is a slow process. I wore out a pair of cowboy boots on one drive. A lot of time the calves would be tired and slow. We would get leg cramps and get off the horses and walk slowly prodding the little ones along. Sometimes we would get one so tired and young we would lift it up and lay it across the saddle and carry him.

Day after day, directing, pushing them on. Stopping to night to rest, then on again in the morning. We would show the cows where water was, and good eating grounds. We protected them from preditors.

The two pictures below are actual photos from our drive back in about 1963. That is me on the white horse. There is a awesome spiritual lesson in this story of pushing the cows.

The lesson is that Christ does the same with us. He gathers us up and keeps prodding us along to greener pastures. He leads the way, He protects us on our journey. He finds us water to drink and food to eat. When we are too weak He never rushes us to go faster than we can. Sometimes He even picks us up and carries us along until we can walk again.

After all these years of walking with Christ, I can tell you that never has He yelled at me, or lost His temper with me. Always, His voice is gentle and full of love and forgiveness. He never leaves us alone. He is steady and sure. Leading us to the promises. His path is for our good, providing a hope and a purpose in our lives. The way is rocky and rough many times. But through it all, He is there.

Never give up, never quit hoping. Leave the past and keep your eyes on Jesus Christ. My life on the ranch taught me many things that have helped me to know God even better. That way of life is no more. The cows are not taken to the high country for lush grass. We put them in "stock pens" with no room, and feed them stuff no cow should have to eat. All to get them fat for us to eat. I am glad that organic farmers are still out there and they let their cows feed the grass God made for them to eat.

We must feed our children and those after us the spiritual food of the life of following our God who loves us. Not the food of the world, or the thoughts of man. We never fail unless we give up and quit.

Do we have the Faith of Mary?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

For most of us, the story of Joseph and Mary is well known. But let me re-tell it:

There was this young girl, a virgin (yes a virgin, she had not had sex outside of marriage and it was considered "HIP, COOL, Honorable" to NOT have sex before Marriage. She was engaged to a young hard working man named Joseph. People then were normally engaged for one year before marriage. This gave them time to make sure it was good for them both, and to prepare for marriage. And NO, they did not live together yet either.

Now, I am sure they were very excited. Joseph of course was held in honor to marry a virgin woman who he would be the only man for her. This was important to him and to his standing in the community.

But one day, a angel Named Gabriel, appears to Mary and says,(luke 1:26) " “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”^[a]

Now, lets think about this a moment. You are a young girl and out of no where

a Real angel appears and starts talking to you! Telling you that you are highly

Favored! How would you feel?

She answers:

But when she saw him,^[b] she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. ³⁰ Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

So, she is afraid! But the angel tells her to NOT be afraid for he has GOOD news:

"behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. ³² He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. ³³And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

and she answers (verse 34):

"Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

this means she is saying, that she is a virgin and has not had sex, how can she give birth without having sex with a man. To her this is NOT possible.

"³⁵ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. ³⁷ For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Now here is the answer of a faithful follower of God. She does not understand the Holy Spirit for as yet the people had not been taught about it. Nor could she understand how she would become pregnant by miraculous means! BUT, she answers in full faith:

“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.”

Here a lady of faith, is basically saying, "let your will be done, I accept this as the word from God. She is showing her humility before the God and ready for service! She knew how Joseph and the others would react. But in Faith she accepted this appointment by God. Putting all the consequences into God's hand forthwith. She BELIEVED! Everything about God is either you believe or you do not. There is no sitting in between. We accept believing in Him without understand every thing. We just believe in faith. And that is what she did.

What is of note too, is that prophecy spoke of this long before it happened, written in ancient manuscripts long ago:

Isaiah 7:14

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁴ Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.^[a]

Isaiah 9:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁶ For unto us a Child is born,
      Unto us a Son is given;
      And the government will be upon His shoulder.
      And His name will be called
      Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Micah 5:2

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Coming Messiah

    ² “ But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
      Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
      Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
      The One to be Ruler in Israel,
      Whose goings forth are from of old,
      From everlasting.”

After she goes home and meets up with Joseph to tell him, guess how he reacts? She is PG! He thinks, "Oh yeah, some angel said the Holy spirit did it?" I bet that went over like a dead balloon! You guessed it, he decided she was not the wife for him any more. That means that night, (and possibly 3 months she waited) Mary faced the circumstances that she would be having this baby out of wedlock. A disgrace to her family and would outcast her from others. I wonder how she prayed and acted. If the above is true of her faithfulness she would have been afraid, but she did not let that prevent her faithful response. She prayed and BELIEVED that somehow God would work this all out. What did she have to DO? We always want God to tell us something to DO, but all God wanted her to do was TRUST and Believe and WAIT. No doing , just wait and believe.

Then Joseph decides not to publicly renounce her but thinks he will secretly dissolve the engagement for he really cares about her, just does not BELIEVE her a whole lot!

¹⁹ Then Joseph her husband (to be), being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. (matthew)

But then God acts:

while he (Joseph) thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”
²² So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,”^[d] which is translated, “God with us.”
²⁴ Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, ²⁵ and did not know her(have sex) till she had brought forth her firstborn Son.^[e] And he called His name JESUS.

Ahh, time to eat crow as my dad used to say. NOW Joseph gets to hear from a angel and KNOW she told the truth! some mighty lessons in this for all of us.

and this is just the beginning. My next post is going to be on the magi or magi, just who were these wise men from far away, and how could they know to travel so far to see a baby???

Must Watch Video today=Power thoughts to Overcoming

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Please if you really what to overcome and live the life for Jesus watch all four of Joyce Meyers latest series, "Power thinking". And NO this is NOT like "thinking your way to anything which is totally NOT of God, this is learning to control What you think and HOW you think to overcome wrong thinking that destroys the Work that GOD is doing in us. God wants us to KNOW and BELIEVE WHO we are and What we are in Jesus Christ!
This link is just part one:http://goo.gl/mpKjy

Every Day Miracles

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:22:00 +0000

(fall on Oregon Coast, flowers blooming under fall leaves)

Recently was listening and watching a video sermon by J.Meyer online. She was recounting the story of the Israelites coming out of Egypt. How over joyed they were to come out of bondage, but how quickly that joy turned to murmuring and complaints. I have heard and read the story many times but she mentioned something that God just turned on a little light bulb to me this morning. About how every day He provided these absolute Miracles! But they did not SEE them as good, they saw them as to hard to bare. They wanted the old ways. WHY? Because the old ways were comfortable, thats what they knew and were accustomed too!

They got up each morning and had the same old food, they knew it was there. It was not great but they knew it would be just as before. They trudged out and stomped in the mud to build bricks. They knew when to start and when to go home. They were whipped, and many died in the work but it was comfortable. Their days were the same day after day. They were so familiar with the hard work, little food that it was "safe" to them.

(photo taken in Seattle this fall while riding the ferry)
Like so many abused woman or children, the home even though abusive is "normal" to them. They stay because it is what they are used too. They complain, and fuss but most do not have courage to leave the situation they are in. They want to be saved from it, and yet they fight to go back to it once out.

Then here came God, who starting sending manna from heaven, but only 6 days out of the week did He feed them. They had to follow some RULES like on the 6th day they had to gather twice as much. For the 7th day would not be any manna to find.
And the water came when they needed it not whenever they wanted it. That was another contention to them. A huge miracle happens with water gushing from a rock but it was not in THEIR timing or WHEN they wanted it. A miracle happens and they dismiss it.
Their clothes do not wear out, but they get tired of the old clothes they prob. wanted NEW clothes so they murmured. Everything was not on their schedule the way they wanted so they blamed God and moses. Here were HUGE miracles every single day and yet they were complainers and gripers. Are we not doing the same thing today!

So what was so revealing to me?

It was the fact that every single day is a miracle. Maybe there are those without work right now, and yet somehow, every single day they eat. They drink fresh water. They still have a home a place to sleep in warmth and safety. It might not be the big home they once had, or even home, maybe it is temporary housing. But it is a spot to rest.
They wake up and can walk, and see and hear and feel. Every single day some new miracle happens in my life.
But do we have the eyes to SEE them? They are there!
The spiritual meat I gained today was that we don't want miracles we want "comfortable" and to have some sort of steady paycheck of life. Miracles are unseen, unknown, like walking on water. We just want to use a boat. How pathetic! Here God is offering us the chance to get out of the boat and walk on water but we are afraid. Afraid to put our complete trust in God alone to provide our every need. We get that chance when we loose a job, and don't get one for months and months, or we lose our health, or many other ways. Yet instead of giving thanks for the new opportunity to use Faith we complain and grumble.

It is not in the steady job where your faith is in that same old paycheck you get. It is not in those days when you are not sick but healthy and well. It is not in those days where you have a huge savings account and plenty in checking. It is not in those days when you have nothing to exercise faith in!
The miracles are most easy to see when you do NOT have a steady income where every day is a blessing from God. Where every day without money in reserve you eat a good meal, you have clothes to wear, water to drink. Miracles are there when even though you have been very sick you find energy one day to do the simplest things. It is when GOD and GOD alone is the only reason you can put your finger on why you have these things. When you finally come to appreciate that He gives EVERY good thing. Not from us, not from uncle Bank but God alone. The every day miracles.

There are miracles when you have a lot, but you will have a hard time seeing them when you are comfortable. God will take us out of our comfort zone to save us, to show us the miracles He does so that we will understand it is NOT by our doing we are saved but by His Great and Loving Hand! Many times we do not even know we NEED to be saved. We are so comfortable in living a burdened life we shut our eyes to the fact we need to come up and out! We complain and growl, but we should be praising God for showing us how to live a more joyful and full life.

(every day God feeds and cares for every single bird, will he not do so much more for His children?)

Today is the day to change your view on change. Even change that you see as bad can be for good. Maybe having no job can be seen as a day or week or month to walk in faith. And with praise and not the bread of anxiousness! Let us pray not for a new job or perfect health or for this or that but that we may walk in Full Faith and Obedience to the Path God has and will take us. That we will SEE and understand the miracles in our life every day!

What I am Thankful For this Thanksgiving Week!

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Little paper dolls I made as stickers for my granddaughter last year.

I am thank full for family, children all grown with good paying jobs. A granddaughter who is so sweet and huggable. She loves to say her prayers every night with her mom and dad. A family that stands up for each other, who really love each other and do not hate or rail against each other.

For extended family as well as birth right family. For Friends and coworkers. Here is a son, a granddaughter, a daughter in law, and me below with my own grown daughters.

My sister and my mother. I am so thankful they are still alive and I can call them any time or email. To talk to family when one is down or to share the success and joys of life!

My niece and her husband,

For best friends and for my own fabulous husband...................

And for distant friends who live far away and for friends I see every day.

I am thankful for all of these and more. The people I meet and know no more, the ones that stay and the ones that go for we are all family in God's eyes!
I am thankful for my home, a car to drive. I am thankful that God provides ALL my needs every day and every week, and every year. I am thankful for Good health, and all my pets through the years.

I am thank full for my eyes to see all His creation and walk on beaches filled with sand. To look at trees and mountains and seas. To be able to sing, and praise His name, to kneel and pray and feel His love.

I am thankful He made me and will complete His work in me, and that I can trust my family and friends to His great purpose and care. That tho all the world may end He never will and He never fails in any single thing He purposes to do.

I am thankful no matter what I WANT, God gives me what is BEST for me in spite of me.

I can trust in that. For in the end, I know when the full story is told, I will say, Blessed be God who is and was and will always be Perfect in All His ways. For He has done what is Perfect for all of us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE NEAR AND FAR! For the GOOD news is that GOD is Coming again and His plan is Great and Incredible for every living soul that Trusts in Him!!

Will it change the USA if we Pray, and Fast?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:07:00 +0000

note: Vintage Window with ornate wood on my sisters house located in oregon.

Quote from Recent Article Online:
"Here's the difficult truth Christians must face: The spiritual revival you desire isn't going to happen because tens of thousands of people gather for a public day of prayer and fasting. It's not going to happen by consolidating political power through the electoral process.

This spiritual restoration won't be found in returning to the "faith of the Founding Fathers" or in promoting an ecumenical movement. A God-centered revival is going to take a lot more personal examination than making a public stand against abortion or homosexuality.

What would a biblical, God-centered, Christian revival really look like in your life—a life-changing spiritual renewal, not based on a politically tailored media event, but a personal connection between you and your Creator?

A real, biblical, God-centered revival involves a radical change in your thinking and actions. It requires a radical change in your life. It is even going to take a radical change in how you define Christianity!" Link to complete article here

****************************************************************

The above quote is the bare TRUTH! No amount of praying and fasting will change the direction of any country or government in and by itself! Until we can change how we believe and behave in every day life, in all situations nothing is going to change the downward spiral in depravity.

Until we realize it is up to every single human being in the world to come to a right belief in who and what God is, and then Believe, before we can ever see complete change in humanity.

Until all those churches who proclaim they love and follow Jesus really start acting like they do, and put aside all the petty differences, will change come. Judgment STARTS at the house of God. Thats all the people who speak out that they follow Jesus! Change begins with each one of us. We have a long way to go.

But that is also the GOOD NEWS! For every single person that DOES believe and they DO change by the power of the Holy Spirit through CHrist Jesus our LORD, we are changing a tiny bit in the world. This produces tiny changes in our home life, our children's lives, our community and our world. Will this change the whole world's governments, societies etc? NO, not until all people change. Not until the Return of the rightful God and King of all, will the perfect world of peace and joy and abundance be ushered in.

I do not pray, "God bring Peace to our USA" but rather I pray for the salvation of all peoples, and nations. One Nation under God who believe and follow the life of Jesus Christ and the Father. The GOOD NEWS is, it WILL COME. It is happening now, one by one, until soon, after Christ returns and the kingdom of God is set up.

11-11-11 What does the numbers mean?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Do they mean anything? Or are they just numbers and life will go on just as it always has? If you believe in a Perfect God who does all things in perfect order and created things in perfection of land, plant life, animal life, with every atom and every cell in perfect order then YES the numbers do mean something! What exactly we do not know, for we are tiny little physical beings that only use a itty bitty section of the brain we have. We are like a tiny baby compared to God in knowledge and understanding.

Some interesting reads and notes today. First is one email I received from a faithful christian:

Eleven

And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:26)

The number eleven is the number of disorder, imperfection and incompleteness. Eleven signifies a state not yet full. After Judas betrayed Jesus, he committed suicide. One might ask why replace Judas since Jesus had been crucified. Since the twelve disciples represented the twelve tribes of Israel, Judas’ replacement was necessary to bring the number back to the governmental number of twelve. Having only eleven disciples speaks of incompleteness.

Eleven also represents disorder. The parable about the workers coming to work in the eleventh hour is in contrast to what we believe to be right in order and arrangement (Matthew 20:6,9). Disorder arose when the earlier workers found out the eleventh hour workers got paid just as much as those who had worked all day.

The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness should have taken only eleven days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It turned into a 40 years journey because of disorder, disorganization, imperfection, and disintegration.

The number eleven can be traced throughout Jacob’s life illustrating incompleteness. According to Genesis 32:22, Jacob took his two wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven sons, and headed back home to confront his estranged brother Esau. At the time Jacob had only eleven sons because Benjamin had not yet been born. Benjamin’s birth brought the total of Jacob’s sons to twelve. But then Joseph (the eleventh son) was sold into slavery, and Jacob thought Joseph was dead. This took the total back to eleven. During that period, much disorder and confusion characterized Jacob’s household. Joseph spent eleven years in Potiphar’s household where disorder caused by Potiphar’s wife resulted in Joseph going to prison.

****************************************************

and also I found this:

Additional commentary on the Biblical Meaning of 11 *

The number 11 signifies disorder and judgment and is used 24 times in the Bible. The designation "11th" is used 19 times in scripture. Coming after 10 (law and responsibility), 11 represents the opposite — the irresponsibility of breaking the Law, which brings disorder and judgment.

In Genesis 11, men rebelled against God and built the tower of Babel. God judged them by confusing their language, resulting in chaos. In the 11th year of Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, God executed His final judgment against Judah with the complete destruction of Jerusalem and the temple and the exile of the remaining Jews to Babylon.

The apostle John saw 11 things in connection with the final judgment (Revelation 20:12-14)."

from this link< http://goo.gl/kzPx4>

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For me, It another warning blast from God that man has been irresponsible and broke all the laws of right living and has NOT believed or followed His God in Heaven. That the time of blessing upon the nations of God is in judgement. A time of change. Sad but a time of trail and tribulations like never before. This will not happen overnight, but we are in the 11th hour toward the coming of Jesus Christ. Do NOT be dismayed or be in panic! IF you are and have been a faithful follower of Jesus Christ He promises to always take care of you. If you have not beware! Your days as you know it are numbered. These are not my words these are God's words!!

We have no rights except by the grace of God. God gave us in the USA, the right to be here because of a promise He made long ago. But it was conditional to our promise to Him. We as a nation have forsaken His great love and His ways. We do not Keep His way of right living. Do we think, knowing how God has dwelt with nations in the past history of the Bible that we will not pay a penalty for our disobedience? That God will let His children go on in sin , destroying their lives and others lives? Or will a loving God/ Parent of all mankind correct and do whatever is necessary to bring them back to correct obedience?

Do we? "In God we Trust"

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:21:00 +0000

Recently my son sent me a article from a major newspaper that the author said we should ( I am summarizing here) that it is a tragity that we still put "In God we Trust" on our money. That we need to put away old wives tales, fairy tales and realize it is by our own effort and intelligent minds that American is great.

I don't know about you, but that is the most Unintelligent man I have heard in a long time. However the real truth comes out in this same authors post when he comments that IF God was real we would not have wars, diseases, etc etc. Here is a man who WANTS to believe, but through a unbelieving heart he can not. We expect God to be a genie in a bottle, where we can act any way we want too and he will just keep all things comfortable and nice for us. What we do not understand is that God has a huge plan for mankind, but mankind must first learn that their ways do NOT work.

Isaiah 59

Warnings against Sin

¹ Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you,
      nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.
² It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.
      Because of your sins, he has turned away
      and will not listen anymore.
³ Your hands are the hands of murderers,
      and your fingers are filthy with sin.
   Your lips are full of lies,
      and your mouth spews corruption.

⁴ No one cares about being fair and honest.
      The people’s lawsuits are based on lies.
   They conceive evil deeds
      and then give birth to sin.
⁵ They hatch deadly snakes
      and weave spiders’ webs.
   Whoever falls into their webs will die,
      and there’s danger even in getting near them.
⁶ Their webs can’t be made into clothing,
      and nothing they do is productive.
   All their activity is filled with sin,
      and violence is their trademark.
⁷ Their feet run to do evil,
      and they rush to commit murder.
   They think only about sinning.
      Misery and destruction always follow them.
⁸ They don’t know where to find peace
      or what it means to be just and good.
   They have mapped out crooked roads,
      and no one who follows them knows a moment’s peace.

⁹ So there is no justice among us,
      and we know nothing about right living.
   We look for light but find only darkness.
      We look for bright skies but walk in gloom.
¹⁰ We grope like the blind along a wall,
      feeling our way like people without eyes.
   Even at brightest noontime,
      we stumble as though it were dark.
   Among the living,
      we are like the dead.
¹¹ We growl like hungry bears;
      we moan like mournful doves.
   We look for justice, but it never comes.
      We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.
¹² For our sins are piled up before God
      and testify against us.
      Yes, we know what sinners we are.
¹³ We know we have rebelled and have denied the Lord.
      We have turned our backs on our God.
   We know how unfair and oppressive we have been,
      carefully planning our deceitful lies.
¹⁴ Our courts oppose the righteous,
      and justice is nowhere to be found.
   Truth stumbles in the streets,
      and honesty has been outlawed.
¹⁵ Yes, truth is gone,
      and anyone who renounces evil is attacked.

I chose to Believe years ago, I STAND on that belief.

Sign Post for Today

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:31:00 +0000

Print out or make as your desk top for the week! Think about it, and Believe all that God is.

Have a blessed and rewarding week toward all those you meet.

Are we the Enemy in our lives?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:27:00 +0000

This photo shows a wasp attacking a butterfly over and over. Look at the poor butterflies wings!

Are we the enemy in our lives? Sometimes we are.
We have three evil S's. SELF, SATAN, SOCIETY to overcome.

I used to sit in church and hear these great sermons that made me think, "if only my husband heard this". At the time he did not go to church or even believe in God. I was not thinking this as a point of view that my husband needed God, but that my husband needed to learn how to treat me better.

Like most people today, In the church as well as out of the church, we think ME me ME me ME me Me.
We are number one in our thoughts. Look at many of our words. SELF reliance, SELF control, SELF discipline. (not that we should not improve but I say we need Spiritual control, Spiritual discipline)
I really believe our greatest god is our selves. This is our biggest hurtle to overcome. To put anything in front of self should be our aim. Food, giving, time, etc.

One of those days while I sat in church, God came to my thoughts and said, "Your husband is not here, I have YOU here". This was a light bulb moment! God did not have my husband sitting here, hearing all these teachings on serving, being pleasant to others no matter how they act. Learning how to give to those who do not deserve to be given too, how to surrender self to God. No, God had ME there to learn.

For those who are taught, (christians) it is our responsibility to show by our actions, and deeds what is the right way to act and speak in a world of darkness and lost souls.

If we are black in a black world how does this light a way to God?

But if you are a beacon pointing to the God of heaven, it will be like a White color spot on a large black wall. Your eye cannot help but go to the white spot!

We need to stand out like a white spot. Not blend in with the black. And in a good (white) way. Our behavior has got to CHANGE! We should not be the ones raising our fists and yelling at other drivers in road rage, or beeping our horns because some one turned too quick or took too long to get on or off the road in front of us. We should NOT be the ones who gossip and talk in negative ways about others. We should NOT be the ones who give the least of what we have been given but we should be the ones who give the most! That may be a small amount if you have little. But it will be the best of what we can give!

And do not give only if you KNOW where the money or gift is going. Once something leaves your hands let God decide the rest. For instance. I heard someone many years ago say, "well I am not giving to that organization, I hear they the money is not spent right". The point of giving is for your benefit, your spiritual benefit in the Lord. This is YOUR growth God is concerned about. God does not need your help in any place upon the earth that He could not rise up stones to take care if He decided to do so.

But YOU and I need to learn to give and give some more until the day we die. We do not give to GET. We do not give so as to be seen of men, (getting thanks and public praise) but we give to reap a reward in our character. THAT is why we give. Yes God does reward those who give and behave according His will, but we should not be doing it for the sake of getting! We do it because we want to be like GOD. To act in ways of Love like God does. Imitating our Father in Heaven , our Lord Jesus Christ.

Joyce Meyers said this in a online sermon, "The one who knows the most has to DO the RIGHT thing the First!" Which is from the bible, the greatest responsibility is on those who know to do right and wether they do! God holds you responsible for all the knowledge that has come to you. He is not judging the ones who do not know Him yet. But is judging us that do know!

We overcome by surrender to Him. It is by HIS Power and grace we shall be free of self. Trust Him and lay yourself down to Him today.

And see Fruits of what you Reap for Good.

Renew your walk in Christ and start today!

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Now rather than later! Every day is a new beginning in your walk in faith. The other day, I took a break and headed down to my fav coffee spot for a bran muffin and mocha coffee. There I was taking a look at where I need to improve this coming year, and how to do that. Questions I asked myself were like:

1. What areas can I show the love of God more right where I am. Like in my own town, in my own groups, in my own blogs, internet groups.

2. In what ways, without preaching at or coming across as "holier than tho" can I encourage and inspire others.

3. How can I improve in my actions and thoughts at home ? Our thoughts are just the beginning of actions later. We need to bring to control, what we think about, even what we think about ourselves! Those little thoughts that come in and we hear ourselves say, "you stupid woman". I do that some times, I have to cast those away and put in, "thats ok, you can do better next time", or "oops, forgive me God, I am NOT stupid, I am your daughter in Christ Jesus, and I will overcome this too"

How we talk or think about our kids, our mates, our family, friends all have impact on our mental health! We MUST not allow satan and his demons to rule our thoughts in negativity!

If we do we will start being bitter, & angry, with feelings of despair, depression and anxiety.

One little thing I do, is when God gives me a message of hope, I write it down and put it where I will read it over and over awhile. Like this photo above is a encouragement verse God gave me while praying and seeking His will at the beach the other day. I leave it on my dashboard to read every day.

It will lift you up and keep you focused.

I also, in my battle for focus and determination to stay on track, have started listening to one hour of video sermons off the internet every morning. Many times these speakers will make me laugh so hard as they hit the nose on what we need to over come. I can just see the reaction of my neighbors who may hear this loud belly laugh at 6:30am!

God bless and keep you in these hours of need. Every day is one day closer to the return of Jesus Christ. One day closer for every man and woman on this earth.

Be ready now for whenever God may call you home.

To Judge or Not to Judge, What Does the bible Really Say?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Matthew 7

Do Not Judge

¹ “Judge not, that you be not judged.

Everyone loves to quote this verse. Esp, if they are doing something wrong and do not want you interfering in "their" business. So how do we know when to apply the teaching of Jesus Christ in lives? And what about this verse?

1 Corinthians 6:2-5

New King James Version (NKJV)

² Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? ⁴ If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the church to judge? ⁵ I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?

We are not to Judge the people of world according to the word of God, BUT we are to JUDGE among the Believers,(in the church) (church being a body of believers) being accountable to each other according to His Word. There is one ultimate Judge and that is God alone.

Hebrews 10:30

New King James Version (NKJV)

around us. Study

³⁰ For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,”^[a]says the Lord.^[b] And again, “The LORD will judge His people.”^[c]

^{Many believers have family members and close friends that do not believe or follow any of the ways of God. So what are they to do? Cut them off, think they are so full of sin that we cannot associate with them? NO! You, as a called out follower of Christ are the ones that should be showing Godly Love and compassion to them. How can they learn the love of God except you show them. I say SHOW not PREACH to them. We are all broken humans upon this earth. Hurts and burdens that for the most part only God can completely heal. In His Timing not ours.}

Until God decides to heal, we are to show compassion and love to all those

not yet called. But inside the church, we can go to the leaders and call to account if one of our brothers in Christ sins against us.

The rule is to first try to work out the problem just between them and you. If that does not work, take a elder or witness and try to work it out. See Matthew 18:15-20

Let me also say this, IF you have a family member that is clearly violent, or abusing drugs etc, and this action hurts you or temps you to sin, you must distance yourself from this person until they have changed their behavior for good. You will not know this for many months or even years.

You must not put your own salvation at risk. RUN from anything that prevents you from growing in Godly character.

Sometimes we mistakenly think that we must "show Love" to all sinners even when these same sinners are destroying us.

For example, a woman who's a believer and is being beaten by her husband. She is NOT expected to remain with that husband.

Or a son / daughter that constantly takes drugs and gets violent or steals from the family. These are cases where tough love must intervene and they must be
sent away from the family for as long as it takes.

Judge wisely. Study this week on the examples of the apostles and Jesus. We are here to learn, and to show love to others but with wisdom.

God bless and Care for you as you walk in faith believing and trusting in the Only ONE who can .

What steals your Joy every day?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Romans 8:28

For me it the everyday problems that MAY come up. The bills that we don't yet have money to pay, the family problems, the needs we think we need or maybe we do need, and on it goes. Every person has anxiety and fears in every day life. To battle these and receive the joy and faith to TRUST in God we need to fight with TRUTH.

I have three speakers that I listen too, as well as studying my bible daily. Praying and spending time with God. Learning to Battle the battle of my mind.

Joyce Meyer Ministeries , Charles Stanley, and T.D.Jakes are my faith enrichment speakers. Joyce is hard hitting and to the Point. Love what God speaks through her. Charles Stanley is foundational, always calm and faithful, a wealth of wisdom for any follower of Christ. T.D.Jakes approaches the truth in a way to surely open up your mind for deeper understanding!

Here is a link to watch today. Part one of "Moving beyond worry and Anxiety" with Joyce Meyer.

also a link here to her magazine which is downloadable as pdf.

for part two you will see the next video on the same page. You are going to love what she shares with us.

God of Wonders - A video review

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:01:00 +0000

This is so uplifting, so TRUE! You simply cannot watch this, without any doubt that our God is master and Creator of all things. Many of these guys talking are scientists. All are believers! This would be a perfect video to keep at home to watch on the sabbath with your children. Teach them the incredible potential they each have as a gift for the God in heaven who created us all.

You can buy it on Amazon , here is link.

Get on the Bus and take notes!

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:56:00 +0000

THREE times this morning God brought the following message to me to write down. Two times is serious, but THREE times is COMMANDMENT. I also woke with this message:

Get on the bus and take notes!
some time ago, God gave me a dream where I was on this large bus, that had a unseen driver, taking me where I did not know where. This turned out to be a prophetic course in my life (with God as the driver)which I call today my wilderness walk with God. It was a time of great anguish but even greater closeness and learning from God. Now again, God is showing me a journey, if you read you must take to heart what God lays upon you to understand:

James 3

The Untamable Tongue

¹ My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. ² For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. ³Indeed,^[a] we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. ⁴ Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. ⁸ But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. ¹¹Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.^[b]

Note from NKJV study bible: A uncontrolled tongue defiles the whole person. "course of nature verse 6" means "wheel of life" or course of life. 3:13 The solution for the problem for controlling our tongue is to seek divine wisdom. The person who possesses godly wisdom will meekly show it with works, not just words. 3:17 The main characteristic of godly wisdom is that it is PURE meaning, "free from defilement" bitterness, envy, and selfish behavior thoroughly corrupt a person. Godly wisdom is peaceable, describing a spirit of tranquillity and calmness, . It does not suggest compromising truth just for the sake of peace which would promote falsehood. In addition godly wisdom is undivided without favoritism unwavering and consistent without hypocrisy.

James 3:13-15

New King James Version (NKJV)

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 4:Do Not Judge a Brother

¹¹ Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. ¹² There is one Lawgiver,^[d] who is able to save and to destroy. Who^[e] are you to judge another?^[f

^{Notes from study bible:}

^{The conflict within us is between our sinful desires for pleasures and the desire for God's will, an attitude the Holy Spirit has placed within us. There is one lawgiver, the NT teaches us not to judge others, yet the scripture also also exhorts the church (called out children of God, believers) to exercise judgment over its members. (cor 6:2-5) This type of judgment is corporate discipline exercised in accordance with Biblical truths and the pattern in Matt 18:15-20.}

ATONEMENT and Why Fast?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

The above verse means tons to me. It is exactly how I feel ever since the Lord Called my name and set me on the path I tread today. It is something no one can understand until you have been called and placed there too. The world see's this as something weird, crazy, brain washed, lax, extreme, etc. But to the ones who answer the Call of God, it is fulfillment like no other.

We were people who lived to ourselves serving our own purposes, our own ideas of right and wrong. WE decided everything. But then we changed, to the world we became strange. Why? Because we would not follow them any more. We stood against the tide of humanity and saw through different eyes.

Isaiah 55:8
“ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

God started molding our character, we started to think about others and how we effect them more. We know longer thought we had all the answers. We found the pursuits of world were without true meaning in the scope of His plans. Even, as many of the trials, God set before them were like being in a fire, it purified them to His higher purpose and not just for them, but for the kingdom of God to come.

The daily devotional of "Streams in the Desert" has one chapter that deeply touches my soul after all these years of walking with God. It is chapter October 17th. Of which I am writing about above. I hope you will read that one today. A Quote, "Now at last their opportunity had come. Earlier they had only heard of the mystery, but now they felt it."

Fasting

One of the ways, I draw near to God, near enough to really hear Him, is by fasting. On those occasions when I was feeling overwhelmed or seeking truth in any matter, I would fast. Fasting is taking a day and setting it aside to commune with God. You put away food, and water. Some just food, depending on your health. It should always be done after much planning if possible. Preparing your mind, and body.

I found that it was better to start in the late afternoon, and go 24 hours. I would make sure my "to do" list was only what could not be eliminated for the day. Then I would spend a rotation of prayer, study of God's word, and meditation alone. Like the photo of my son above, it was a time away from the distraction of the world. Away from the tv, radio, noise, phones, and be able to HEAR GOD.

Atonement or At One with GOD (at one ment) is a day God set aside to be kept annually. This Holy Day Represents the perfecting of the called out saints of God. Jesus Christ became our "Atonement" to be at one with the Father! A study on atonement would be good if you have never heard the term before.

I now fast at any time. However, I admit, I need to do it more often. As the world becomes more of a distraction, and humanity becomes more depraved, I need to keep my focus on Christ more intently.

Are You Lonely and Empty?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Todays video at IN TOUCH was very uplifting. Charles Stanley always provides clear understanding of God's word. You will enjoy taking a few moments today to watch. We can be rich or poor, but nothing fills a lonely or rejected heart. At least nothing in this world can, but Here Charles Stanley will show you how Jesus Christ can!

You can sign up for their free monthly devotional at the bottom of the page too!

Halloween, Trick or Treat?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:28:00 +0000

The Stores are full of black and yellow candy, the racks are stuffed with ghouls, and witch costumes, hats and sabers, etc. Young and Old are planning what to wear to Halloween parties, and where to gather.

I remember, as a young girl going to visit my cousins in a different town. They asked my parents if I could go trick or treating. I am assuming they said yes, as I do not remember anything except I was with them as we went door to door. At one house, no one answered the door. A small little house with a fenced yard. Nice little lawn. Since no one answered the knock (it was dark inside, they were most likely gone) it was decided by the other kids to throw rocks on the lawn to Trick them for NOT GIving us candy!

I remember feeling very guilty for doing this. I was taught at home never to be mean to others, or ruin other peoples things. I most def. was taught it was SELFISH to demand something from others, if they freely give that was one thing but to Demand something was wrong! I was not allowed to go trick or treating when I was at home. For one, my dad did not feel it was safe to be out on a night like this. Being young I did not know why it might be dangerous to go out on that night. As a senior person now, I know FULL WELL why it is not a night to be out.

It really does not matter to me all the why and where for's of this evening called Halloween. That it is a PAGAN holiday or that is "JUST FUN". What every parent and every adult must decide is Does GOD like it? Does the activity fit into all the moral attributes of what is good, beautiful and harmonious to the Heart of God?

Does Halloween teach kids to Give to others or Get?
Does Halloween, bring about peace and treating others with kindness on this night?
Does the night that Halloween is celebrated, have more crime or less crime than other nights?
Does it bring out the best in people or the worst?
What life lessons does this holiday of man teach your children? What example do you give to those around you IF you as a adult celebrate it? If you celebrate it you are saying you approve of it.

Romans 6:16-17

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leadingto righteousness?

1st Corinthians 14:33
"for God is not a God of confusion but of Peace"

Galatians 5:22-25

New Life Version (NLV)

²² But the fruit that comes from having the Holy Spirit in our lives is: love, joy, peace, not giving up, being kind, being good, having faith, ²³ being gentle, and being the boss over our own desires. The Law is not against these things. ²⁴ Those of us who belong to Christ have nailed our sinful old selves on His cross. Our sinful desires are now dead.
²⁵ If the Holy Spirit is living in us, let us be led by Him in all things.

Philippians 4:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

Meditate on These Things

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever thingsare of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

What is the foundation of right behavior?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 15:10:00 +0000

How does one know what is "good" behavior and what is "wrong" behavior? From what set of rules do we follow? Do we decide what is acceptable or not, or do we look to our parents example? Maybe we look to society for how to act, or maybe whatever rules are set in our government as what is right or wrong.

Maybe you follow whatever is acceptable by your group, gang of friends, or maybe you just do whatever the rest of the people you are around do at the time, and change as often as the wind.

If you really want to follow a path that is right and good. Not only for your best interest but for the rest of your family, you will want to act according to what the one who made you, KNOWS is best for you.

"You must be HOLY because I, the Lord your GOD, am Holy." leviticus 19:2 living bible

Here are some very basic rules of life found in Leviticus:

*Respect and honor mothers and fathers
*Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
*Do not worship anything but your Lord Jesus Christ
*Do not keep all your harvest for yourself but give to others (money today)
*Do not Steal (taking anything that does not belong to you is stealing)
*Do not lie (deceiving others is lying. Businesses lie on what a item cost, big signs say get this item for only this amount, but when you go to buy it there really is a lot more money to pay. This is deception and lies) ( people lie on taxes) There is no such thing as a little lie, or little white lie, a lie is a lie!
verse 12 or leviticus 19 says, "you must not swear to a falsehood, thus bringing reproach upon the name of your God." How many people lie every day in court? "I swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help me God" and then they lie through their teeth.

Leviticus 19:12-13

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹² “Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord.

¹³ “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.

“Do not make your hired workers wait until the next day to receive their pay.

Just a few more but you should read all of the laws that God told the children in the old testament.

like:

*Do not gossip about others

*Dont HATE your brother, *dont seek revenge for a wrong, *do not do engage in witch craft ceremonies or use fortune telling * Do not take advantage of foreigners in your land and wrong them * Use accurate measurements, lengths, weights and volumes, and give full measure (be HONEST)

There are many many more examples of right and wrong behavior to study.

But be sure and add a study on WHY God would give these rules. For unless you understand WHY, you will not follow them at all. You only have to understand why Jesus Christ Died for us to get the answer, and the depth of that answer can only come to you IF God opens your mind to understand and that comes when you surrender your will and your way of living to Him.

(like a tiny plant growing in sand, so we can grow with God's Love"

He will not deny you the answers to truth when you give up to self and trust in the one who loves you more than any other on earth or heaven loves you.

Following the right path brings the greatest rewards ever known. How will you know if you have never tasted of the truth?

This is just the beginning of unrest!

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:03:00 +0000

(photo by S.Gillette in downtown Portland today during the "take back wall street Protest. About 3-5,000 are there. Estimated)

This past year I have Been wondering why I did not see the protests that I know must come from frustrated labor people around our country here in the USA. Esp the youth, college grads. We have been watching it in Europe and the Middle east but not here, Until NOW!

It was just a matter of time for the oppressed peoples to rise up against their government when nothing they do seems to work out . They get less and less wages and more and more expenses as they watch those in authority over them get more.

In history nothing has changed. Government rise and slowly oppress the people to the point they rebel and new people take over and do the same. Every time it is really a spiritual problem but it is repeated over and over. However , never before in all history has it started to come together all the needed elements of prophecy toward the coming of Christ!

Quote from article I read this morning" <http://www.emergencyemail.org/newsemergency/anmviewer.asp?a=1522&z=34>

"Anti-Wall Street protestors were joined Wednesday by labor unions and community organizers demonstrating in New York against what they see as economic injustice.

The "Occupy Wall Street" protesters, who have camped out in New York's financial district since mid-September, were joined Wednesday by members of organized labor and community groups.

"They said they needed to rescue Wall Street and the Big Three automakers to stimulate the economy and that meant jobs. Three years later, there is still no jobs," said one speaker.

The rally included truck drivers, teachers, nurses and transit workers, among others, protesting unemployment, corporate money's influence in politics, and the 2008 bail-outs to big Wall Street banks. Bruce Hamilton is president of Local 1700 of the Amalgamated Transit Workers:

"We want to have a decent life. We want to save our planet. We want to have the right to decent transportation and clean air and water and a decent standard of living. That is being taken away from us by Wall Street, that is why we are here," he said.

Protestors say that the United States is becoming a land ruled by a tiny financial elite - while 99 percent of Americans are finding it difficult to get jobs or pay the rent. Sandra Falwell is an organizer with the nurses' union. She says people are increasingly unable to afford medical care. "We are nurses who come here from around the country who come here to support Occupy Wall Street. As you have probably heard from our movement, we are now saying that Wall Street has sold us out. In other words, Wall Street got bailed out, we got sold out," she said.

The Occupy Wall Street protesters, mostly people in their 20s, marched uptown to join the labor-dominated rally near New York City Hall. A brass-band played celebratory music in the park as they arrived.

As the protests continue and spread to other U.S. cities, several Democratic members of Congress issued statements of support. And college students around the country staged walk-outs in support."****************************************************************************************************************

(photo by john salzano in Europe)

No one knows the hour of His Return, but Christ told us to Watch! and to be ready!

How do you be ready? You must grow in the grace and knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ. Become more diligent in your daily studies, your trust and know Him more faithfully and personally.

Allow God to let you go through hard times so that you can be ready to face the tougher times later in your life! This is the whole message in Jeremiah 12! Where Jeremiah was complaining to God:

¹ Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead with You;
      Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments.
      Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
      Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?
       ² You have planted them, yes, they have taken root;
      They grow, yes, they bear fruit.
      You are near in their mouth
      But far from their mind.
       ³ But You, O LORD, know me;
      You have seen me,
      And You have tested my heart toward You.
      Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter,
      And prepare them for the day of slaughter.

In other words Jeremiah is saying the same things we are today. WHY do the rich get so blessed even when they are evil! Why do you allow them to continue, why Dont you get rid of them or bring them low God?

But this is how God answers Jeremiah His servant:

Jeremiah 12:5

New King James Version (NKJV)

The LORD Answers Jeremiah

    ⁵ “ If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you,
      Then how can you contend with horses?
      And if in the land of peace,
      In which you trusted, they wearied you,
      Then how will you do in the floodplain^[a] of the Jordan?

Do you understand what God is telling Jeremiah? What He is telling us?

That He is preparing us for harder times. Every life will go through a period of plenty and those times of having less. (average person) But we must let God train us, through the hard times as well as the good times. For it is really only beneficial to us when we willingly and with full trust in God , go through the hard times.

Not complaining, but knowing that GOD has allowed it, and that GOD will take us through. We cannot trust in MAN. Or OURSELVES! It is only when we fully surrender to God's plan for us, that we will find the peace and fulfillment we need.

(photo by brenda salzano in Depoe Bay, Oregon)

Times are changing, and unrest is coming. How long until Christ Returns we do not know, but I do know things will not be as easy as they were in our past. I do know God will be with and take care of those who put their trust, COMPLETE trust in HIM!

Be sure and read todays devotional on INTOUCH for inspiration and encouragment.

Also this is a MUST READ, take 30 minutes of your life and read this article by Steve Jobs on what he has learned in Life. I found it very inspirational to life in general: LInk Here

Self Examination when we think we are Doing Fine

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:47:00 +0000

(Photo taken by B.Salzano in Bandon Oregon)

When the days come (and we all have them) when we feel satisfied with our spiritual growth. We think we are doing just fine and have grown lax in our studies and prayer. It is time then to re-read these simple sayings From Jesus Christ and see how we measure up:

Murder Begins in the Heart ( all from matthew 5)

²¹ “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,^[a]and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ ²² But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause^[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. ²³ Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, ²⁴ leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. ²⁵ Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. ²⁶ Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

Adultery in the Heart

²⁷ “You have heard that it was said to those of old,^[c] ‘You shall not commit adultery.’^[d] ²⁸ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹ If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. ³⁰ And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

Marriage Is Sacred and Binding

³¹ “Furthermore it has been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ ³² But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality^[e] causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery.

Jesus Forbids Oaths

³³ “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ ³⁴ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; ³⁵ nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Go the Second Mile

³⁸ “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’^[f] ³⁹ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ⁴⁰ If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹ And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. ⁴² Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor^[g] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,^[h] ⁴⁵ that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. ⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet your brethren^[i] only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors^[j] do so? ⁴⁸ Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Ahh, if like me, you find your self, less than perfect, we know that we cannot afford to let even a little time go by without staying in the word of God and Praying for protection of our minds. Join me in this prayer:

Almighty God, Our father in Heaven. I praise and worship Your with all my being, with all my heart and soul. I am weak but you are strong. Where I fail you will overcome. You are my breath, my life, my Joy.

Forgive me of all my wrongs and renew me day by day. Lift me up past my sins and set me firm on my feet in growth and diligence. Show me your ways, your path and not my own. Protect my minds and the minds of all your peoples from sin. Do not let us be deceived but show us truth. Let us not be mislead but keep the truth of God before us in every situation. For the great deceiver is out and hungary like a lion, going here and there to deceive us and lead us astray.

We cannot trust ourselves to truth, we only can trust YOU. Deliver us to your truth and your paths of what is right.

In the name and the power of our Lord Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

All photos are my own.

Does God place a higher value on Man than Woman?

noreply@blogger.com (brenda Salzano) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 14:28:00 +0000

(Photo of my dad and mother in the 1950's) Genesis 2
And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. ²² Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.
²³ And Adam said:
      “This is now bone of my bones
      And flesh of my flesh;
      She shall be called Woman,
      Because she was taken out of Man.”

To the question of wether God places a higher value on man more than woman:

God is no respecter of persons. I mean that one person is no higher than any other because of race, or gender. Does a loving mother or father love his son more than the daughter? Even if a person did, God would never do that. For He Is Perfect Love, He loves all His children!
John 1:11-13
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 He came to His own,[a] and His own[b] did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
God made Humans. Some are male, some are female . All are born with a spirit that makes up who they are. This spirit of Man (human) is not female or male. It is the secret coding in each one of that make us a unique individual. Your likes, your gifts (music, art, math wiz etc) Like a snowflake that is your own design elements.
God places no higher respect for male or female but on one thing. If they Believe or do not believe. Everything boils down to belief or non belief. For those who believe and receive Him the right is given to be Children of God!
Galatians 3:27-29 (New International Version)
27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
To be born of God means that then the very spirit of God is placed within the human and joins with the human spirit to seal the person as a child of God of which nothing can snatch away. Given the promise of the inheritance of life as a spirit being in the coming Kingdom of God upon the return of Jesus Christ.
To be a spirit in the future means there will be no more “male” or “female” but just the spirit born children of God.
Luke 20:27-39
27 Some Sadducees, who deny that there’s a resurrection, came to Jesus and asked, 28 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies leaving a widow but no children, the brother must marry the widow and raise up children for his brother.^[a^] 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first man married a woman and then died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third brother married her. Eventually all seven married her, and they all died without leaving any children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 In the resurrection, whose wife will she be? All seven were married to her.”
34 Jesus said to them, “People who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy to participate in that age, that is, in the age of the resurrection from the dead, won’t marry nor will they be given in marriage. 36 They can no longer die, because they are like angels and are God’s children since they share in the resurrection.

God has planned a purpose for every human. You, everyone on earth has the POTENTIAL to become children of God and spirit born beings in the World Tomorrow. Wether we accept this or not, is up to us. Many will not, in this age, accept the changes needed.

It is a incredible opportunity that we only see partly right now, but is so magnificent if we did know the extent of it we would leave everything we know and follow him.