tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51111638257283090132024-03-13T14:00:20.504-04:00CORAM DEOWe live before the Face of GodLouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.comBlogger435125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-71224828903023762462013-11-28T13:39:00.002-05:002013-11-28T13:39:40.984-05:00A New Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYALbrw3fmU/UpeNwuMw3kI/AAAAAAAABi0/4t0VlsNNqmQ/s1600/ch+give+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYALbrw3fmU/UpeNwuMw3kI/AAAAAAAABi0/4t0VlsNNqmQ/s1600/ch+give+thanks.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
"Those who call Thanksgiving "Turkey Day," I suppose, take some such view as this: Unless we have Someone to thank something to thank Him for, what's the point of using a name that calls up pictures of religious people in funny hats and Indians bringing corn and squash? Christians, I hope, focus on something other than a roasted bird. We do have Someone to thank and a long list of things to thank Him for, but sometimes we limit our thanksgiving merely to things that look good to us. As our faith in the character of God grows deeper we see that heavenly light is shed on everything - even on suffering - so that we are enabled to thank Him for things we would never have thought of before. The apostle Paul, for example, saw even suffering itself as a happiness (Colossians 1:24, NEB).<br /><br /> I have been thinking of something that stifles Thanksgiving. It is the spirit of greed - the greed of doing, being, and having.<br /><br /> When Satan came to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, his bait was intended to inspire the lust to do more than the Father meant for Him to do - to go farther, demonstrate more power, act more dramatically. So the enemy comes to us in these days of frantic <em>doing</em>. We are ceaselessly summoned to activities: social, political, educational, athletic, and - yes - spiritual. Our "self-image" (deplorable word!) is dependent not on the quiet and hidden "Do this for My sake," but on the list the world hands us of what is "important." It is a long list, and its both foolish and impossible. If we fall for it, we neglect the short list.<br /><br /> Only a few things are really important, and for those we have the promise of diving help: sitting in silence with the Master in order to hear His word and obey it in the ordinary line of <em>duty</em> - for example, in being a good husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, or <em>spiritual</em> father or mother to those nearby who need protection and care - humble work which is never on the world's list because it leads to nothing impressive on one's resume. As Washington Gladden wrote in 1879, <em>"O Master, let me walk with Thee/in lowly paths of service free ..."</em><br /><em></em><br /> Temptation comes also in the from of <em>being.</em> The snake in the garden struck at Eve with the promise of being something which had not been given. If she would eat the fruit forbidden to her, she could "upgrade her lifestyle" and become like God. She inferred that this was her right, and that God meant to cheat her of this. The way to get her rights was to disobey Him.<br /><br /> No new temptation ever comes to any of us. Satan needs no new tricks. The old ones have worked well ever since the Garden of Eden, although sometimes under different guises. When there is a deep restlessness for which we find no explanation, it may be due to the greed of<em> being</em> - what our loving Father never meant us to be. Peace lies in the trusting acceptant of His design, His gifts, His appointment of place, position, capacity. It was thus that the Son of Man came to earth - embracing all that the Father willed Him to be, usurping nothing - no work, not even a <em>word - </em>that the Father had not given Him.<br /><br /> Then there is the greed of having. When "a mixed company of strangers" joined the Israelites, the people began to be greedy for better things (Numbers 11:4, NEB). God had given them exactly what they needed in the wilderness: manna. It was always enough, always fresh, always good (sounds good to me, anyway, "like butter-cakes"). But the people lusted for variety. These strangers put ideas into their heads. "There's more to life than this stuff. Is <em>this</em> all you've got? You can have more. You gotta live a little!"<br /><br /> So the insistence to have it all took hold on God's people and they began to wail, "all of them in their families at the opening of their tents." There is no end to the spending, getting, having. We are insatiable consumers, dead set on competing, upgrading, showing off ("If you've got it, flaunt it"). We simply cannot bear to miss something others deem necessary. So the world ruins the peace and simplicity God would give us. Contentment with what He has chosen for us dissolves, along with godliness, while, instead of giving thanks, we lust and wail, teaching our children to lust and wail too. (Children of the jungle tribe I knew years ago did not complain <em><strong>because they had not been taught to</strong></em>.)<br /><br /> <em>Lord, we give You thanks for all that You in Your mercy have given to us to be and to do and to have. Deliver us, Lord, from all greed to be and to do and to have anything not in accord with Your holy purposes. Teach us to rest quietly in Your promise to supply, recognizing that if we don't have it we don't need it. Teach us to desire Your will--nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. For Jesus' sake. Amen."</em><br /><br /> ~by Elisabeth Elliot, from the book <em>Keep A Quiet Heart</em>, pages 124 - 126<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-44541264063276540002013-11-28T13:37:00.001-05:002013-11-28T13:37:13.072-05:00Psalm 100<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT91"><a href="http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/ctt?kn=6&ms=NDQ0NjY0MDUS1&r=NzIzNjEwNzY5MjkS1&b=0&j=MjE1NjkzMDk1S0&mt=1&rt=0" name="Psalm 100_1" style="font-size: 24px;" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-size: 24px;"><em><span style="color: #783f04;">Psalm
100</span></em></span></strong></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><em>Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.<br /> Worship the Lord with
gladness;<br /> come before him with joyful songs.<br />Know that the Lord is
God.<br /> It is he who made us, and we are his;<br /> we are his people, the
sheep of his pasture.<br /><br />Enter his gates with thanksgiving<br /> and his
courts with praise;<br /> give thanks to him and praise his name.<br />For the
Lord is good and his love endures forever;<br /> his faithfulness continues
through all generations.</em></span></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-5949723243424845022013-11-25T20:46:00.001-05:002013-11-25T20:46:51.938-05:00Monday night, Nov. 25, 2013Hello everyone, it's almost time for me to get myself to bed. I've been upstairs doing some things on the computer. I don't watch TV after 7pm, there is nothing on worth watching is the way I feel about it. Not much on the radio either. Although I do listen to John MacArthur, RC Sproul and then Alistair Begg in the morning. I would recommend them to you. They come on at 8am and go through to 9:30 on 1500 AM, WLQV. At night I listen to David Dorn from Inter City Baptist and he comes on at 9pm. If I have time, I try to catch Emory Moss at 6pm, he's quite the man if you have questions about the Bible. He knows it well!<br />
<br />
I was able to go grocery shopping with Fred this morning. And, as usual, we forgot some things so he'll go back tomorrow morning. I do that to him ya know. <br />
<br />
Well, I'm going to go and get my shower and then listen to Pastor Dorn and then it's off to sleep-land.<br />
Have a blessed night everyone!<br />
<br />
Good nite!!<br />
Louise<br />
<br />
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-48465343921788564022013-11-24T21:05:00.001-05:002013-11-24T21:05:31.395-05:00Another forgotten post ... Sept. 4, 2009<div align="justify">
So very hot and humid in this part of the world today. Way too hot and humid for me to be outside. It feels like something heavy is sitting on my chest when I venture out in weather like this. Not a good feeling at all.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
I'm still dealing with pain and depression and just a feeling of worthlessness. I know the cause ... it's all the health issues I deal with ... asthma, bronchiectasis, fibromyalgia, essential thrombocythemia, IBS, housebound-ness and my often froggy vocal cords tops the list. I've debated seeing the doctor and I know she'll most likely want to prescribe an anti-depressant; however, all those I've read about can cause interference with other med's I'm on and the last thing I need is to feel worse than I already do. The med's I take for the platelet issue make me jittery and my heart races like mad within an hour of taking it. The med's for asthma do much the same thing ... I find myself wondering just how much my heart can handle. Then I realize I can handle more than I think I can.</div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
Some days are just harder than others. And I know that I should be giving thanks, but that's hard to do too. I feel like I could run away, but to where? No 'place' can give me the answer I need; it's found only in a Person and perhaps that's something I need to learn in all this. I must run to Him and trust Him explicitly with every problem I face. </div>
<br />
<div align="justify">
I don't mean to sound like such a downer, but this is simply where I am just now. I've asked God to make me real and I think this is part of the process. This is really where I am and I don't like it. Life is often harder than we'd like to admit. Thankfully this won't last forever.</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-12746922702248762942013-11-24T21:01:00.001-05:002013-11-24T21:01:27.379-05:00Uncle Buzz ...May, 2010, Two months before I had the stroke<div>
Some posts I forgot I had:<br />
<br />
<br />
As some of you know, I made a trip with my Mom that ended up taking us into places we had no idea we would have to travel. Spiritually, mentally and physically it has been very difficult.</div>
<br />
<div>
We left here the afternoon of May 18, travelled as far as I could safely go and stopped for the night, fully expecting to go on the next morning to Columbia, TN where my uncle was hospitalized. We received the call late that night that he had died. I had to look at my Mom and tell her that her best friend and only whole brother had passed from this life to the next. It wasn't easy.</div>
<br />
<div>
We then had to plan what to do next and how to do it best. We decided that rather than go on into TN from KY we would have his body prepared and then picked up for a funeral in Indiana. After many phone calls we went to bed. But did we sleep that night? I don't remember.</div>
<br />
<div>
The next morning we loaded the car and turned around to head north west rather than continue south as we had planned. We had breakfast ( I did make sure we had nourishing food ), then went to buy my uncle's burial clothing. Nothing fancy. He wasn't that type of man. We bought Levi jeans, a white t-shirt with a blue long-sleeved shirt to go over it. He left here as he lived here ... simple with no fuss.</div>
<br />
<div>
We arrived about 6 hours later at the tiny town in Indiana where his mother and step-father and two half-brothers are buried. Mom was so nervous she wouldn't enter the funeral home until I finished a phone call from my brother. She didn't want to go in alone and I understood that. The funeral directors know Mom because of other family burials and were kind and gracious to us. They had everything waiting for us to choose what type of coffin; the crypt, flowers, songs, and took all the information for the obituary. </div>
<br />
<div>
We left and then went to the motel that has housed various members of this family for years as they journeyed to their small town to bury a family member. A nice place considering the reason you're there. Very kind people who want to help in times of need. Did we sleep that night? I think so but wouldn't swear to it.</div>
<br />
<div>
The next day we drove 50 miles round trip so Mom could buy flowers for the graves of her other family members. Remember, I said this is a small town. To drive that far to reach a WalMart proved it. It would have been a lovely drive under other circumstances. Death, unexpected as this one was, seems to mar things. At least for me. I concentrated on the road, not the scenery. I was so tired.</div>
<br />
<div>
Thankfully later that day my sister Kay and my brother George arrived to be with us. I was so very grateful to see them. They gave strength as they gave hugs and I appreciated their coming early just to be with us.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-68421571778191072312013-11-24T14:11:00.001-05:002013-11-24T14:11:18.942-05:00Endeavor ... <div style="text-align: center;">
"We should all endeavor and labor for a calmer spirit,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that we may the better serve God in praying to Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and praising Him; and serve one another in love, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that we may be fitted to do and receive good; that</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we may make our passage to heaven more easy and</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
cheerful, without drooping and hanging the wing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So much as we are quiet and cheerful upon good</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ground, so much we live, and are, as it were, in heaven."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~Richard Sibbes~</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-18639100341258858802013-11-24T14:04:00.003-05:002013-11-24T14:04:32.912-05:00Psalm 93<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZbJCu4UFu4/UpJNZNQT6-I/AAAAAAAABig/E0N4xTUqxjw/s1600/clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZbJCu4UFu4/UpJNZNQT6-I/AAAAAAAABig/E0N4xTUqxjw/s320/clouds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The <em>LORD</em> reigns, He is clothed with majesty;</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id93" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The <em>LORD</em> has clothed and girded Himself with strength;</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id94" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id95" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Your throne is established from of old;</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id96" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">You are from everlasting.</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id97" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The floods have lifted up, <em>O LORD</em>,</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id98" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The floods have lifted up their voice,</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id99" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The floods lift up their pounding waves.</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id100" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">More than the sounds of many waters,</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id101" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Than the mighty breakers of the sea,</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id102" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">The <em>LORD</em> on high is mighty.</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id103" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Your testimonies are fully confirmed;</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id104" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">Holiness befits Your house,</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id105" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><em>O LORD</em>, forevermore.</span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id106" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br sb_id="ms__id107" /></span></div>
<div sb_id="ms__id108" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">(Psalm 93)</span></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-79634748097942844762013-11-23T20:09:00.000-05:002013-11-23T20:09:00.576-05:00Call to Him ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBv2RDvLHxU/UpFRRvaxcpI/AAAAAAAABiQ/r_642iu86cM/s1600/calltohim-psalms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBv2RDvLHxU/UpFRRvaxcpI/AAAAAAAABiQ/r_642iu86cM/s400/calltohim-psalms.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help ...</strong></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.</strong></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong></strong></span></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong>Psalm 34:17-18 NLT</strong></span></em></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-83881672026551349852013-11-23T20:06:00.005-05:002013-11-23T20:06:50.448-05:00Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013Good evening dear ones. It has been a cold day here in Michigan and I am thankful I've been able to stay in the house. I have changed sheets & done some laundry; baked Mini Apple Pies (very good by the way IF you remember to grease the pans!); heated up leftovers and made cornbread to go with said leftovers for dinner; folded three loads of clothes and sterilized my nebulizer equipment. No wonder I'm tired.<br />
<br />
I will leave you with this:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The 10 Marks of the Holy Spirit in a Believer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>1.</strong></span> The Spirit awakens a person’s heart.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>2.</strong></span> The Spirit teaches a person’s mind.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>3.</strong></span> The Spirit leads to the Word.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>4.</strong></span> The Spirit convinces of sin.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>5.</strong></span> The Spirit draws to Christ.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>6.</strong></span> The Spirit sanctifies.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>7.</strong></span> The Spirit makes a person spiritually minded.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>8.</strong></span> The Spirit produces inward conflict.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>9.</strong></span> The Spirit makes a person love the brethren.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: maroon;"><strong>10.</strong></span> The Spirit teaches a person to pray.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
These are the great marks of the Holy Spirit’s presence.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
Put the question to <em>your</em> conscience and ask: </div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
Has the Spirit done anything of this kind for <em>your</em> soul?</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<strong>~ J.C. Ryle~</strong></div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: left;">
May your night be blessed,</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: left;">
and may you worship with other believers tomorrow.</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: left;">
<em>Louise</em></div>
<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="left" class="entry-content" style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-11777152174085211892013-11-22T15:12:00.003-05:002013-11-22T15:12:48.898-05:00Nov. 22, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQe0DLMAp00/Uo-5ag5c4SI/AAAAAAAABh8/C8maCNeoeYc/s1600/kennedy-assassination-car-by-mr-history.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQe0DLMAp00/Uo-5ag5c4SI/AAAAAAAABh8/C8maCNeoeYc/s320/kennedy-assassination-car-by-mr-history.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I remember this day 50 years ago ... I was in high school when we learned President Kennedy had been shot. They sent us home early and I walked all the way from Lincoln Park High School to our home on Merrill Street. It was a bright and sunny day and I remember thinking "They've somehow made a mistake ... I'll find out for sure when I get home". I got home to find Mom crying. It was real. He was dead. Who did this sort of thing?<br />
<br />
Today we live with terrorism and nothing seems unreal. That is very, very sad.<br />
<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-75539275882564537422013-11-22T15:08:00.002-05:002013-11-22T15:08:50.696-05:00Friday, Nov. 22, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dboYDQ5edSg/Uo-5vcp6ojI/AAAAAAAABiA/a2Ve7wBE9TY/s1600/amazing+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dboYDQ5edSg/Uo-5vcp6ojI/AAAAAAAABiA/a2Ve7wBE9TY/s1600/amazing+grace.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<em><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;">How's everyone doing??? I am well, thank the good Lord! Having some pain, but that's nothing new. I did make it to JoAnn Fabric's this morning and the store was packed. I did get in line to buy fabric and one other thing, but even then it took SO long that I got out of line, put my items back and left. If these stores are going to have sales, they should have enough "Team Members" to accommodate the customers. And, as my Fred said, the people who are purchasing fabric should at least have a clue as to how much they need. He stood there watching women say "Hmmm...well, I'm not really sure ... what do you think??" I agree. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;">In case you haven't noticed, it's raining and it's chilly and it's going to get chillier as the day goes on. We are in Michigan folks!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;">Our granddaughter Erica is supposed to come up after school and we're going to do some sewing, so I'd best get off here and rest my bones a while beforehand. Oh, to have her energy. I would be dangerous to myself and to others.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;">Love to all!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #20124d;">Louise</span></em>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-12360454432120895932013-11-21T20:06:00.004-05:002013-11-21T20:06:58.370-05:00Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013Good Thursday evening to you folks. It's been an uneventful day for me and I am so thankful for that. I was going to go to JoAnn Fabric this morning, but decided to stay indoors. So, I crocheted and did a small load of laundry. Oh, I also baked corn bread for dinner. Clyde had made chuck roast with potatoes, carrots & onions & I made the bread. Can't beat a deal like that.<br />
<br />
<span class="userContent">A quote that speaks volumes is this one:</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><em>"Sicknesses, losses, crosses, anxieties and disappointments seem absolutely needful to keep us humble, watchful and spiritual–minded. They are as needful as the pruning knife to the vine and the refiner’s furnace to the gold." ~ J.C. Ryle</em></span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent">Another is this:</span><br />
<span class="userContent"></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><em>I might preach to you forever. I might borrow the eloquence of Demosthenes or of Cicero, but you will not come unto Christ. I might beg of you on my knees, with tears in my eyes, and show you the horrors of hell and the joys of heaven, the sufficiency of Christ, and your own lost condition, but you would none of you come unto Christ of yourselves unless the Spirit that rested on Christ should draw you. It is true of all men in their natural condition that they will not come unto Christ. </em></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><em>- C.H. Spurgeon</em></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><em></em></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">And the topper is this article I found on Facebook tonight:</span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><em></em></span></span><br />
<span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"><em>"The </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%204:34-5:14&version=ESV"><em>story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5</em></a><em> lets us know that despite the explosion of growth in the early church, they had moments of weakness, even gross sin. I believe that their deaths serve as a warning to the Church today, and that God has a lot to teach us—if we are willing to hear:</em><br />
<br />
<b><em>1. In the church, there are two kinds of people, and it’s nearly impossible to distinguish them from the outside.<span id="more-9009"></span></em></b><br />
<em>On the outside, Ananias and Sapphira look just like another church member named Barnabas (introduced in </em><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts%204:32-37&version=ESV"><em>Acts 4</em></a><em>). Barnabas had just sold his property and brought the money to the apostles, and to the casual observer, Ananias and Sapphira were doing the same thing.</em><br />
<em>But deep in their heart lingered a love of money and a desire for people’s praise. So they conspired together to present a portion of their money while passing it off as the entire amount. This is worlds apart from the attitude of Barnabas, but <b>looks </b>very similar.</em><br />
<em>We may be able to get away with this sort of duplicity for a while, but if someone looks closely, the lies are there, threatening to undo everything. And even if they don’t . . .</em><br />
<br />
<b><em>2. We cannot hide from God.</em></b><br />
<em>It may be difficult for us to distinguish between a truly repentant heart and a seasoned faker, but nothing is hidden from God. The Holy Spirit knows our thoughts as if they were being played through a loudspeaker or being displayed on a screen.</em><br />
<br />
<em>That is why despite fooling everyone else, Ananias and Sapphira were still found out. <b>There are no locked doors or hidden closets for the Holy Spirit.</b></em><br />
<br />
<em>A day will come when every secret will be proclaimed from the housetops (Matt 10:27). Do we really believe this? Are we ready for it? Ananias and Sapphira had known this . . . but they forgot it. They became so consumed with the praise of others that they forgot the only One whose praise really matters.</em><br />
<em>I can’t see inside of your heart to discern whether you’re a Barnabas or an Ananias. But the secrets of your heart are not secrets to God. When you proclaim with your lips that “Jesus is Lord” and live as if his law doesn’t matter, don’t deceive yourselves into thinking that you’ve successfully tricked God.</em><br />
<br />
<b><em>3. The closer we are to grace, the greater the offense of sin.</em></b><br />
<em>Not everyone who lies gets struck down immediately for their sin. So why did Ananias and Sapphira? A couple of reasons:</em><br />
<em><b>First</b>, their deaths—like much in Acts—serve as a sign. God takes something that is true in the kingdom of God and puts it on physical display. We see this most often through the </em><a href="http://wp.me/pYxiW-2gR"><em>healing miracles,</em></a><em> but it is equally true of this judgment.</em><br />
<br />
<em>God doesn’t do this with everyone who lies to the Holy Spirit today. <b>But that should not cover up the fact that this death is a picture of how God feels about it. </b>It is a glimpse of the future judgment for all who share in the heart of Ananias and Sapphira.</em><br />
<em><b>Second</b>, Ananias and Sapphira had seen the activity of the Holy Spirit so closely that the seriousness of the sin increased. Think of it like the temple: the closer you are to the holy place, the more significant is every blemish.</em><a href="http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2013/11/5-things-god-teaches-us-in-the-tragic-deaths-of-ananias-sapphira.html#_ftn1" title=""><em>[1]</em></a><br />
<br />
<em>These people had seen the mercy of God firsthand. Ananias’ name, in fact, means, “God is merciful.” They had likely been witness to the death of Christ itself! And yet despite being recipients of such great grace, they spurned it for the praise of men. <b>Do not take holy things lightly!</b></em><br />
<br />
<b><em>4. Fear is a part of worship.</em></b><br />
<em>Unsurprisingly, these dramatic deaths caused a great deal of fear (Acts 5:5, 11). But we may be shocked to see that even in light of this, “more and more people believed in the Lord” (Acts 5:14). Fear is an integral part of worship.</em><br />
<em>For those of us familiar with the idea of an infinitely loving God, this is a jarring realization. But God’s love only makes sense when we know the magnificence of his glory and the might of his power. That is why John Newton wrote, “Tis <b>grace</b> that taught my heart to fear.” As the fear of God increases, so does the sense of his love, because we understand more fully what we have been saved from.</em><br />
<br />
<em>My favorite definition of the fear of God is <b>awe mixed with intimacy.</b> We are invited into the closest possible relationship with God, but this intimacy must never overshadow the majesty of who God is.</em><br />
<br />
<b><em>5. Sin is a deadly serious matter to God.</em></b><br />
<em>If we’re honest, many of us find God’s actions here offensive—but that merely reveals our ignorance of our sin and God’s holiness. We shouldn’t ask the question, “Why did they die?” Instead we should wonder, “Why do we remain alive?” </em><br />
<em>Yes, God is patient with us and slow to anger. But as R.C. Sproul says, we forget that God’s patience is designed to lead us to repentance, not to become bolder in our sin. If Jesus really went through the tormenting hell of the cross to redeem us, and we neglect that in pursuit of our sin, what will it be like to stand before God? <b>“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?” </b>(Hebrews 2:3)</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em>For more, be sure to listen to the entire sermon </em><a href="http://www.summitrdu.com/messages/?enmse=1&enmse_mid=333"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em><br />
<div>
<em>Pastor J.D. Greear</em><br />
<em><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
</em><div>
<a href="http://www.jdgreear.com/my_weblog/2013/11/5-things-god-teaches-us-in-the-tragic-deaths-of-ananias-sapphira.html#_ftnref1" title=""><em>[1]</em></a><em> N. T. Wright, Acts for Everyone: Part 1, 79.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
With that, I'll say Good nite! And may the Lord bless you.</div>
</div>
<div class="sharedaddy sd-sharing-enabled">
<div class="robots-nocontent sd-block sd-social sd-social-icon-text sd-sharing">
<h3 class="sd-title">
</h3>
</div>
</div>
</span> </span>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-52748563057807098752013-11-20T20:20:00.002-05:002013-11-20T20:20:45.902-05:00Something to think about ...You Cannot Sneak into Heaven without a Cross <br />
<div class="post-header">
<div class="post-header-line-1">
</div>
</div>
<blockquote class="post-body entry-content">
<span style="color: #660000;">Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="James 1.2–4" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/James%201.2%E2%80%934" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366cc;">James 1:2–4</span></a>)</span></blockquote>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EF_AO36M23E/UjnBXZAJssI/AAAAAAAAIcc/xkkQ0UtaRmg/s1600/samuel+rutherford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EF_AO36M23E/UjnBXZAJssI/AAAAAAAAIcc/xkkQ0UtaRmg/s200/samuel+rutherford.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.monergism.com/directory/link_category/Puritans/Samuel-Rutherford/"><span style="color: #3366cc;">Samuel Rutherford</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for he will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering. The softest pillow will be placed under your head though you must set your bare feet among thorns. Do not be afraid at suffering for Christ, for he has a sweet peace for a sufferer. God has called you to Christ's side, and if the wind is now in his face, you cannot expect to rest on the sheltered side of the hill. You cannot be above your Master who received many an innocent stroke.<br /><br /> The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You can't sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into his image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord do anything to perfect your image in us and make us fit for glory.<br /><br /> We need winnowing before we enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the weight of eternal glory.<br /><br /> As we look back to our pains and sufferings, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us. Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let him bear all. He can, he does, and he will bear you. Whether God comes with a rod or a crown, he comes with himself. 'Have courage, I am your salvation!' Welcome, welcome Jesus!<br /><br />– Samuel Rutherford, <i>The Loveliness of Christ</i></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content">
(<abbr title="circa">c.</abbr><span style="white-space: nowrap;"> 1600</span> – 30 March 1661) was a Scottish Presbyterian pastor, theologian and author, and one of the Scottish Commissioners to the Westminster Assembly.</div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-44546491869603612762013-11-19T20:12:00.001-05:002013-11-19T20:12:05.090-05:00Note to self<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Note to self:</span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><em><span style="font-size: large;">“<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beware of the Bareness of Busyness”</span></span></em></span></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-60582980705489152202013-11-19T20:10:00.004-05:002013-11-19T20:10:51.483-05:00Grace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPicN8cvEiU/UowL51dSS3I/AAAAAAAABho/zuTPzsRmehU/s1600/Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPicN8cvEiU/UowL51dSS3I/AAAAAAAABho/zuTPzsRmehU/s320/Grace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16pt;"></span>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-22843796529279083532013-11-19T20:02:00.003-05:002013-11-19T20:02:47.998-05:00Nov. 19, 2013<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMEt0ZbMw9Y/UowKH9_tnzI/AAAAAAAABhg/YZhFq0kNv84/s1600/1006141_328485657292780_1574054353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pMEt0ZbMw9Y/UowKH9_tnzI/AAAAAAAABhg/YZhFq0kNv84/s320/1006141_328485657292780_1574054353_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
I just read the post from September and find myself thinking, I can't believe it's November! November 19 to be exact. One day after our 46th wedding anniversary. Perhaps I'll tell you about that.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was supposed to be about US, my Fred and I. After <em>we</em> went grocery shopping, <em>we </em>were going to go out and spend the day together. Doing whatever struck our fancy. But the day didn't turn out like that. And it was all my doing.<br />
<br />
I had a severe coughing spasm in the morning and that left me feeling so drained and so very sore, that I didn't get out of the house. My Fred did the grocery shopping and then put things away once he was home. I was like a lump on a log for most of the day. He offered to take me out for dinner. Ha! There was no way that was going to happen. So we ordered food and he went to pick it up. Our 46th was spent as many of our other anniversaries have been ... confining. But comfortable I guess.<br />
<br />
Today I feel better and it's almost time for me to get my body ready for bed. I read my friend Jeanette's blog tonight, about her daughter Coral, and it prompted me to write this. It seems we are all having a cross to bear. My husband's cross looks a lot like ME I'm afraid. What does mine look like? <br />
<br />
Thank you Jeanette for getting me to do this again. I've missed it. And I'll get back to regular postings, even if they're just a quick Hi and Hello, I'm here! <br />
<br />
I heard this just this morning on Alistair Begg's radio message:<br />
<br />
"Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do" and it has stuck with me all day.<br />
<br />
I'll leave you with that thought. <br />
<br />
Good night & may God bless.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-84540653767165276542013-11-19T19:51:00.001-05:002013-11-19T19:51:33.165-05:00Oma's GoneI cannot believe that it is September 10. 9:21 pm in fact. Of course the saying, 'time waits for no man' surely means just what it says and it also includes women. I could go back and tell you all that's happened thus far this year, but I will spare you that. Suffice it to say, it's been a challenging and interesting and the Lord has been with me through it all.<br />
<br />
As many of you know, my mother-in-law Oma, died on August 24. She was 86 and had fallen 6 days prior. That fall led to a surgery and time in ICU. They were expecting to move her the day after she died, she was doing so well. But God had other plans and she died with my husband in the room, getting her a drink of water.<br />
<br />
We've spent the days since doing the things she wanted done. We knew her wishes for her funeral, and carried them out. After a one day viewing here, she was taken back to Kentucky to be buried beside her husband in the country she loved so very much. I couldn't make the trip with my husband and son, so I began the task of clearing out her closets while they were gone. <br />
<br />
One thing I can say for her, she <em>LOVED</em> clothes. Very much. I boxed 4 good-sized boxes (do they come in bad sizes?) for donation to the Salvation Army. This organization has rightly earned its name more than once during this process. They have saved us more times than I can count by taking things no one else could use. One person asked "why don't you have a yard sale"? No thank you. I've done that and once was enough for me. I'd rather donate.<br />
<br />
Once my husband and son got home, we resumed the job of finding folks who could use some of her things, helped them load their vehicles and we finished this past Sunday. We vacuumed the apartment, turned off all the lights, locked the doors, and left. For the very last time, we left. And we knew that she was really gone.<br />
<br />
Companies have been called and death certificates given to those needing them. We still have some of her things at our home; things that need to be carefully gone through, sorted and a decision made as to where they should go. We can do that at our leisure though and for that I am thankful. <br />
<br />
Today has been spent inside because it's difficult for me to breathe in this hot, humid weather. I've been making out the cards to send to those who visited the funeral home. I remember doing them when my father-in-law died 14 years ago. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-35673345069207144962013-01-25T20:12:00.001-05:002013-01-25T20:12:43.846-05:00It's Friday...<div style="text-align: center;">
Some say "Thank God it's Friday"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say, "Thank God we've had another day."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somewhere in this world, people died.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today was their last day on this earth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But we are too busy with our own lives,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with what is going on HERE, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be concerned about THERE.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That shouldn't be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In me, that shouldn't be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Change me Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Forgive me my sins,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for they are many.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You for today</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it's pain and it's simplicity.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I go home tonight, I will praise You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I have one more day to live,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will praise You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are my everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You Jesus,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You Holy Spirit,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank You Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-15657616451873914602013-01-24T20:04:00.007-05:002013-01-24T20:04:53.698-05:00Keep on ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Nwd97A7u0/UQHZ-Y77jXI/AAAAAAAABc0/yGiDMLt7-zE/s1600/a+keep+standing..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" oea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Nwd97A7u0/UQHZ-Y77jXI/AAAAAAAABc0/yGiDMLt7-zE/s320/a+keep+standing..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And sooner than we think!</span></div>
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-35982768010873810242012-03-31T12:22:00.000-04:002012-03-31T12:22:21.611-04:00Hello!Hi Everyone!!<br />
<br />
This is me making a quick appearance. I have been having an interesting time of it as of late, but I've learned that Jesus is Lord of my life regardless of what goes on!<br />
<br />
Just wanted you to know that I am having the stent procedure done, Lord willing, on Tuesday, April 3.<br />
<br />
I met with two dr's yesterday...my hematologist and the vascular surgeon and since my platelets are normal, we decided to go ahead with the procedure.<br />
<br />
Would you please pray for me, that things go well, with no complications? I would deeply appreciate that. Pray for my Fred too. He's in this with me and has gone through each thing that I have.<br />
<br />
I love you all and am thankful you're my friends.<br />
<br />
Blessings!<br />
LouiseLouisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-29189002273926663172012-02-27T19:06:00.001-05:002012-02-27T19:06:56.334-05:00Thinking....It's been a while since I've written about what is going on in my life. Not sure why, maybe I didn't want to bother anyone. Maybe it's wanting to keep things quiet. Or perhaps, it's wishful thinking. Thinking that if I don't admit what's going on, it really isn't happening.<br />
<br />
That doesn't work ya know. Whether we admit it or not, life is happening and it often happens not as we had planned, or purposed.<br />
<br />
My days have been filled with doctor's appointments. Checking for this and for that, but never coming to any conclusion as my husband said just the other day.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, Feb. 18, I was in two emergency rooms. After having a nose bleed that they couldn't stop or bring under some sort of control, the first doctor had me go to a larger hospital downtown. There, a very nice dr., an ENT specialist, was able to stem the flood of blood, and after seven hours of bleeding and 9 hours in hospital emergency rooms, my husband was able to bring me home.<br />
<br />
Whew! We were both bone tired. Neither of us had eaten a thing all day. And, my blood pressure was up most likely due to the stress of the day and because I hadn't taken any medication.<br />
<br />
I have been on blood thinners since early November. Seems there's a blood clot in the right Iliac artery and it could be serious. The vascular dr. wanted me on blood thinners in hopes it would decrease the clot. Not so. The follow-up visit in January showed the clot is right where it's been since August of 2011. So the decision was made to put me on blood thinners.<br />
<br />
Since I already take a full aspirin each day, the addition of blood thinners make life .... ummm...<br />
interesting. I don't dare get cut and I have to be careful with bruising and bleeding. Hence the fear when the nose bleed started. I will see another ENT specialist tomorrow and depending on his diagnosis, I may have the stent procedure that was originally scheduled for Thurs., Feb. 23. The vascular dr. determined that a stent was the best thing for me.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I was taken off Coumadin, and put on Lovenox injections. Two per day. They hurt. And they leave very bad bruising. And nodules within the bruises. That all makes for one very sore stomach, which is the place the injections have to go.<br />
<br />
Oh, I've forgotten to mention that I spent the week of Thanksgiving, 2011, in the hospital also! But that was 8 days that proved a bit successful. The doctors finally determined was is wrong with my feet. I have thought for years that it was neuropathy and the pain that comes with that. Turns out, it is a condition called Erythomalalgia, which is secondary to the Myeloproliferative Blood Disorder that I have. After years, there is finally a name. And it took the determination of one lady doctor, a very pretty Muslim doctor, to find out what that name is. Bless her Lord!<br />
<br />
She told me, along with confirmation from other doctors, that I will always have pain. There is nothing that can be done except to lessen that pain with the help of plain old aspirin! It took a weight off of me just knowing what is really wrong with me.<br />
<br />
So, here I am. Feeling once again as though I'm in limbo. Waiting for a procedure that will help the clot and get me off these injections. Waiting for the okay from the ENT that there is nothing seriously wrong so that procedure can be done.<br />
<br />
And, in the meantime, I've learned not to panic when I cough up blood. That is normal for me because I also have Bronchiectasis and that condition affects my lungs and that makes me at times, cough up blood. <br />
<br />
Oh friends! Don't take your health for granted. I have come to understand that one or more of these conditions will help me transfer from this life to the next and I have no idea when that might be. The way I feel some days, it could be very close. But then, I rally a bit and things are okay again. Or as okay as they can be.<br />
<br />
I've come to realize that a new normal is something I've heard about, but never given much thought to. Until it happened to me. I am now living in the new normal of my life. At times I will grieve because of the things I can no longer do, things I no longer have a desire to do. But that's part of this process. Saying good-bye to things that I once held dear.<br />
<br />
I'm learning to grasp with both hands the things that do matter! My Jesus! What a blessed thing it is to know that my Jesus loves ME. That I not only know Him, but that He knows me.<br />
<br />
As each day closes, I tell Him how much I love Him and I praise Him for He alone is worthy to be praised. And I give Him my life, my soul as I go to sleep each night. May I bring glory to Him, either by living or by dying. Amen. So be it.<br />
<br />
I thank you for reading this. There is much more I could write, but this is enough for now.<br />
<br />
May our Lord Jesus Christ be ALL to you!<br />
<br />
Blessings my dear friends.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-1912138466749736802012-02-25T11:23:00.000-05:002012-02-25T11:23:44.469-05:00Asking Jesus Into Your Hearts<div class="post-title"><h1><span style="font-size: small;">I just read this on Reformed Thoughts and wanted to share with my friends...your comments are welcomed.</span></h1><h1> </h1><h1>Ask Jesus Into Your Heart. Huh?</h1></div><div class="post-date"><div class="left">December 4th, 2007 </div><div class="clearer"> </div></div><div class="post-body">The music weeps, the preacher pleads, “Give your heart to Jesus. You have a God shaped hole in your heart and only Jesus can fill it.” Dozens, hundreds or thousands of people who want to get their spiritual life on track make their way to the altar. They ask Jesus into their heart. Cut to three months later. Nobody has seen our new convert in church. The follow up committee calls him and encourages him to attend a Bible study, but to no avail. We label him a backslider and get ready for the next outreach event.<br />
<br />
Our beloved child lies in her snuggly warm bed and says, “Yes, Daddy. I want to ask Jesus into my heart.” You lead her in “the prayer” and hope that it sticks. You spend the next ten years questioning if she really, really meant it. Puberty hits and the answer reveals itself. She backslides. We spend the next ten years praying that she will come to her senses.<br />
<br />
<span id="more-81"></span>Telling someone to ask Jesus into their hearts has a very typical result, backsliding. The Bible says that a person who is soundly saved puts his hand to the plow and does not look back because he is fit for service. In other words, a true convert cannot backslide. If a person backslides, he never slid forward in the first place. If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. (2nd Corinthians 5) No backsliding there.<br />
<br />
Brace yourself for this one: with very few if any exceptions, anyone who asked Jesus into their hearts to be saved…is not. If you asked Jesus into your heart because you were told that is what you have to do to become a Christian, you were misinformed. If you have ever told someone to ask Jesus into their heart, you have more than likely produced a false convert. Here is why:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>10 Reasons Not To “Ask Jesus Into Your Heart”</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>1. It is not in the Bible.</strong><br />
There is not a single verse that even hints we should say a prayer inviting Jesus into our hearts. Some use Revelations 3:20 to tell us that Jesus is standing at the door of our hearts begging to come in, ”Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” There are two reasons that interpretation is wrong. The context tells us that the door Jesus is knocking on is the door of the church, not the human heart. Jesus is not knocking to enter someone’s heart but to have fellowship with His church. Even if the context didn’t tell us this, we would be forcing a meaning into the text. How do we know it is our heart he is knocking at? Why not our car door? How do we know he isn’t knocking on our foot? To suggest that he is knocking on the door of our heart is superimposing a meaning on the text that simply does not exist. The Bible does not instruct us to ask Jesus into our heart. This alone should resolve the issue, nevertheless, here are nine more reasons.<br />
<br />
<strong>2. Asking Jesus into your heart is a saying that makes no sense.</strong><br />
What does it mean to ask Jesus into your heart? If I say the right incantation will He somehow enter my heart? Is it literal? Does He reside in the upper or lower ventricle? Is this a metaphysical experience? Is it figurative? If it is, what exactly does it mean? While I am certain that most adults cannot articulate its meaning, I am certain that no child can explain it. Pastor Dennis Rokser reminds us that little children think literally and can easily be confused (or frightened) at the prospect of asking Jesus into their heart.<br />
<br />
<strong>3. In order to be saved, a man must repent. (Acts 2:38)</strong><br />
Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of repentance.<br />
<br />
<strong>4. In order to be saved, a man must trust in Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:31)</strong><br />
Asking Jesus into your heart leaves out the requirement of faith.<br />
<br />
<strong>5. The person who wrongly believes they are saved will have a false sense of security.</strong><br />
Millions of people who sincerely, but wrongly, asked Jesus into their hearts think they are saved but struggle to feel secure. They live in doubt and fear because they do not have the Holy Spirit giving them assurance of salvation.<br />
<br />
<strong>6. The person who asks Jesus into his heart will likely end up inoculated, bitter and backslidden.</strong><br />
Because he did not get saved by reciting a formulaic prayer, he will grow disillusioned with Jesus, the Bible, church and fellow believers. His latter end will be worse than the first.<br />
<br />
<strong>7. It presents God as a beggar just hoping you will let Him into your busy life.</strong><br />
This presentation of God robs Him of His sovereignty.<br />
<br />
<strong>8. The cause of Christ is ridiculed.</strong><br />
Visit an atheist web-site and read the pagans who scoff, “How dare those Christians tell us how to live when they get divorced more than we do? Who are they to say homosexuals shouldn’t adopt kids when tens of thousands of orphans don’t get adopted by Christians?” Born again believers adopt kids and don’t get divorced. People who ask Jesus into their hearts do. Jesus gets mocked when false converts give Him a bad name.<br />
<br />
<strong>9. The cause of evangelism is hindered.</strong><br />
While it is certainly easier to get church members by telling them to ask Jesus into their hearts, try pleading with someone to make today the day of their salvation. Get ready for a painful response. “Why should I become a Christian when I have seen so called Christians act worse than a pagan?” People who ask Jesus into their hearts give pagans an excuse for not repenting.<br />
<br />
<strong>10. Here is the scary one.</strong><br />
People who have asked Jesus into their hearts, but never repented and put their trust in Christ, will perish on the Day of Judgment. How tragic that millions of people think they are right with God when they are not. How many people who will cry out, “Lord, Lord” on judgment day will be “Christians” who asked Jesus into their hearts?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>So, what must one do to be saved? </strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong>Repent and trust. (Hebrews 6:1)</strong><br />
The Bible makes it clear that all men must repent and place their trust in Jesus Christ. Every man does have a “God shaped hole in their heart”,but that hole is not contentment, fulfillment and peace. Every man’s heart problem is righteousness. Instead of preaching that Jesus fulfills, we must preach that God judges and Jesus satisfies God’s judgment. If a man will repent and place his trust in Him.<br />
If you are reading this and you asked Jesus into your heart, but never repented and put your trust in Christ, chances are good you had a spiritual buzz for a while, but now you struggle to read your Bible, tithe, attend church and pray. Perhaps you were told you would have contentment, purpose and a better life if you just ask Jesus into your heart. I am sorry, that was a lie. <a href="http://www.twowaystolive.com/" target="_blank">Please take a moment to understand the true Gospel of Jesus Christ</a>.<br />
<br />
If you have been preaching that people should ask Jesus into their hearts, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">I beg you to stop immediately</span>. You will give an account for all the souls you have led astray.</div>Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-81854936765376575252012-01-06T15:54:00.000-05:002012-01-06T15:54:47.852-05:00Prayer needs...Seems as though when troubles come, they often come in waves. I have more prayer needs today:<br />
<br />
Karla, a wife and mother to two small girls. Her husband beat her so badly she was in a coma for 5 days and he was put in jail. He has sworn to kill her and take the girls once he's out. On top of all that, she is looking at losing her home.<br />
<br />
<br />
Karla is the granddaughter of my Mom's friend, Essie.<br />
<br />
<br />
Essie's twin sister Bessie lives in Kentucky and has had a massive heart attack. These sisters look so much alike, I can't tell them apart and they are so very close. Essie has said that if she could, she would bring her to MI to take care of her. But with advancing age, that is not an option.<br />
<br />
Finally, a couple that goes to my Mother-in-law's church was involved in a car accident yesterday. They are both in their early 80's. His name is Grover and was kept in the hospital; the wife is Wanda and they let her go home. The man who hit them left the scene of the accident.Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-84636733822622295932012-01-04T11:25:00.001-05:002012-01-04T11:39:00.117-05:00Prayer needsIt's been a long while since I've written anything. But today I'm asking that you please pray for these needs:<br />
<br />
Linda, whose 2 year old granddaughter died during the Christmas holidays. Linda is a Christian.<br />
<br />
Anne: She's a lady about my Mom's age (82) and her three sons: Michael, Donald & David - all three have health issues and Anne is losing her sight to Macular Degeneration.<br />
<br />
Anne's sister Mary: Mary lives in Ohio and her youngest son was killed New Year's Eve in a car accident.<br />
<br />
I will do my best to post more often!<br />
Blessings!Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111163825728309013.post-30773826616588099632011-08-14T16:07:00.000-04:002011-08-14T16:07:45.973-04:00Something to ponder...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOTaLSkjT8/Tkgq1doA0BI/AAAAAAAABcs/RABReh_5JnU/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PLOTaLSkjT8/Tkgq1doA0BI/AAAAAAAABcs/RABReh_5JnU/s320/crown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"The King is in the Audience"</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The scene is a theatre in England . The audience, chatting amiably, drifts to their seats. The orchestra, in starched shirts and tuxedos, is tuning its instruments. Stagehands scurry behind huge and heavy curtains, checking props and ropes, making last minute adjustments. Finally, the lights lower. At the top of the director’s baton the orchestra swings softly into a familiar overture. Suddenly, the orchestra is interrupted awkwardly in the middle of a musical phrase. A deathly silence follows as music sheets are quietly switched. Then comes the swelling strains of the national anthem. In the wings, the stage manager and the director run from actor to actor whispering excitedly, “Give it all you’ve got tonight! Play as you’ve never played before!” “Why?” the anxious question is asked. “Because,” comes the reply, “King George has just come in. The King is in the audience!” <br />
<br />
The King of Kings and the Lord or Lords is always in the audience of our lives, and with us as we meet in congregations, whether that be two or twenty, on a Sunday or a Wednesday. Because of this we must live life with all we’ve got; the best we’ve got. We must “play as we’ve never played before.”<br />
<br />
Taken from:<br />
<br />
"Daily Vitamins for Spiritual Growth – Fr. Anthony Coniaris"<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Louisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14610453652729003797noreply@blogger.com0