Monday, February 28, 2011

Preparation Day 284

Joshua 3:5 Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

Is it that we are struck in our yesterday`s, prohibiting advancement into the dedication of the purpose of God`s tomorrow. I heard God`s voice, "Linda step aside, get out of your way, I`ve got it under control."

Seven months ago, I listened to God and my body, as I chose to leave my Little Debbie job. Leaving behind the security of a weekly pay check. My priority became the desire to please and serve God, rather than serving fleshly desires, feed by the mighty dollar.

Yes, we have made changes in our lifestyle, but for the better. Thank you, God! For the first time in our 23 years together, Rick and I are living within our means. For years, we were held captive to credit cards and increasing debts. Finally as a couple, Rick and I have both made the commitments, necessary to live within our one income. We were slaves to our fleshly desires, the more we made the more we spent!

God has humbled our minds and arrogant spending, requiring us to examine our true needs and desires. For the first time, I see an excitement in Rick, as he is led to develop a new financial plan for our spending. He delights in the new game of NO credits cards. Stress and constant worry have been replaced with peace and joy!

Isaiah 43:18 -19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and stream in the wasteland.

Yes, we are a working in progress, but God continues to refresh and renew our thinking! Is God inviting each and everyone of us to examine our true needs and desires. New homes, cars, big-boy toys, clothing, latest gadgets and frivolous stuff, can not fill that God-shaped hole in our hearts.

We live in a nation of great wealth, is God requiring us to sacrifice a lavish lifestyle, to call our attention to the needs those those less fortunate. Is He "demanding" that we focus on the injustice around the world???????

Luke 16:11-13 So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someones else`s property, who will give you property of your own? "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

I pray that as a GREAT NATION we listen to GOD! "IN GOD WITH TRUST"
Amen!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Fear-Not Day 283

Today must be the day of important phone calls, I called by friend Alison. She has been out of work for weeks because of health issues. As we chatted, I recognized that menacing voice of total burn-out.

Just as I had done with my Little Debbie job, Alison had reached the place of fear and total hopelessness. Fear and anxiousness have taken control of her thoughts, depleting her self-confidence; leaving her struggling in a state of depression, to get through each day.

Weeks before her leave of absence, I recall receiving messages and texts requesting prayer on her behalf. How is it that we recognize our downward spiral, but we are unable to divert the devastating effects. Been there done that, so sick of it!

Deuteronomy 9:3 But be assured today the the LORD your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the LORD has promised.

Is it our deepest secrets, wounds, lies and fears that erupt from within, causing havoc that we just can`t handle. I shared with Alison that I had recently attended a healing session, with my dear friend, Miss Jackie, in Kent Island.

Sozo is a unique tool, lead by prayer, that they use in their healing ministry. Sozo`s ministry goal is to help people receive the package of salvation, deliverance and healing. Their goal is love people, and provide information so that healing of past wounds can break strongholds; lies can be replaced with truth and "doors" can be closed to the enemy.

Matthew 9:4-8 Knowing their thought, Jesus said, "Why do you entertain evil thoughts in your hearts? Which is easier; to say, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up and walk"? But so that you may know that of Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...." Then he said to the paralytic, "Get up, take your mat and go home." And the man got up and went home. When the crowd saw this, they were filled with awe; and they praised God, who had given such authority to men.

I told Alison, that during my two hour Sozo session, I had cried buckets of tears, releasing pain and lies that had taken residency in the deepest chambers of my soul. I left the room feeling free and hundreds of pounds lighter. Thank you, God.

Alison, is meeting me at 5:45 Sunday night, so that we can travel to Kent Island. While attending their healing worship service, I hope to introduce her to my God-sent friend and mentor, Miss Jackie.

I thank God for Miss Jackie and her devoted team and their Healing Ministry;
what a blessing, as they respond in obedience to the Lord Our GOD!

1 Peter 1:2 Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be your in abundance. Amen!

Miss Shirley Day 282

I thank you God for introducing me to Shirley Price, what a blessing to call her my friend. She is most assuredly one of my favorite God-sent-friends. Shirley is a 70ish year old black lady, that drips with faith and the Holy Spirit; her presences oozes the joy of the Lord.

I first met Shirley when we served on team for the Walk to Emmaus. There was an immediate bond of Christ-like love between our souls. I delight and yearn to hear her voice, rejoicing in her presence.

As I heard her voice on the phone, my body was warmed with excitement, knowing the joy this conversation would bring. Hebrews 1:9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.

Let me ooze in oily joy from the LORD! Shirley called for encouragement, for a talk that she is preparing for the Emmaus weekend. Like myself, Shirley is decades behind the computer generations. Maybe she`s even several decades behind me, I don`t think she even has a computer.

Wonder if she bangs out her talk on an antique of a typewriter, perhaps she even writes it out the old-fashioned longhand way, hum! A 20 minute talk, that`s a lot of writing! No doubt, Shirley will do whatever is required of her to get the job done.

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit`s power, so that your faith might not rest on men`s wisdom(or computers) but on God`s power.

Shirley and I reminisced about the times that we have shared in prayer and praising the Lord. After praying with Shirley, my prayer life was taken to new depths. The presence of the Holy Spirit literally drained the strength from my body, my legs and knees buckled, as we ended our time in shared prayer. SHIRLEY PRAYS TO THE LORD WITH CONVICTION AND AUTHORITY; leading me to immediately wants what she possess`.

Matthew 21:21-22 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, "Go throw yourself into the sea," and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

I am blessed that Shirley called out to me for encouragement, thank you, Jesus! Of course, we ended our conversation in prayer to the LORD. Amen!

Confidence Day 281

Proverbs 3:25-26 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

Several times this week, friends have inquired about my job interview at Rock Hall. Maybe, I should send out a link to the blog! However, I still enjoy the old time way of communication, one on one in person, or by telephone!

I have adjusted to the new technology of communication, but I must admit, that I fear for the communication skill of future generations. Alright, not my job to worry, let go and let God!

Even though I didn`t get the job, God certainly used this interview as a means of building my confidence in Him. Five years ago, I would not have applied for such a churchy position; assuring me that He is indeed answering prayers! Thank you, God, for the confidence that keeps me from being entrapped or entangled in lies of deception.

Job 42:2 I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.

Psalms 144:13-16 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lift up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all, look to you, for you give them their food at the proper time.

God loves endures from generation to generation, He keeps his promises, we are made in his image. He "holds" us up when we reach for him. He feeds our soul in His time. If we stand firm on His words and commands how can we fail?

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generation for ever and ever! Amen.

How awesome is that, we can not even "IMAGINE," what God can do! I constantly remind myself, HE IS GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Faith Day 280

Faith what is it, how do you receive it, how do you know you have it? Webster defines it as, confidence or trust in a person or thing, a belief in God, a system of religious belief and a loyalty or fidelity.

It`s safe to assume that I`m focusing on faith in God! My faith in God has certainly taken a lifetime to acquire; I thank God that He never gave up on me! Surely, I received bit and pieces of faith throughout my life. However, the majority of my faith came into being, when God was teaching me some of the most difficult lessons of my life.

Psalms 38:1-2 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come upon me.

Just as earthly parents must teach and discipline their children, so must our Heavenly Father discipline each of us. How we chose to respond to His discipline is a determining factor in our walk of faith. For decades, I chose to receive very little, mistaking believing that I was in control. Why did I reject??

Psalm 117: 5-8 In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust man.

Hello Linda, the LORD is your helper, why did I fail to believe this for so many years? Father God, forgive my ignorance! I just didn`t know how must you truly desired me and how much you LOVED me!

Philippians 3:14-16 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Jesus Christ. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Faith, I got it and I desire all that you have for me; Father God, fill me to overflowing, so that I can share this gift of faith and your grace with the world.

Psalms 57:2-3 I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me; God sends his love and his faithfulness.

Father God, I thank you for removing the scales from my eyes and the rejection from my heart. I LOVE YOU, FATHER GOD, AMEN!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

1825 Days of Sobriety Day 279

Five years ago, on February 20th 2006, "I" decided that "I" was going to quit drinking for 40 days. I reasoned, that if Jesus could pray and fast for 40 days, "I" could certainly fast from alcohol for 40 days!

I am BLESSED to share with you that "my plans" and "God`s plans" where a little out of alignment! Today with great joy and excitement, I celebrate FIVE YEARS of sobriety, thank you God, thank you, God thank you, God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 Peter 2:19 They promised them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

Just as many generations before and after me, I was an alcoholic. I considered myself a high-functioning alcoholic, but the truth was that I drank "something"
everyday! Sometimes a little, sometimes much more that I intended!

For many years, I witnessed the effects of alcohol on my life, just as I had witnessed it`s effects on my father`s life. I wanted to stop, but just didn`t know how. I know, that sounds ridiculous, if you`re not the addictive type of person, but it`s true.

Romans 7:14-17 We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.

This journey of sobriety has been long and sometimes difficult. I thank God for His love and many gifts that have empowered me to live the life that He has planned for His beloved daughter. All praise and glory to God the Father for my walk of sobriety.

The hope and peace of my own sobriety is contagious, if only you trust God and have the faith, you too can walk in His glory. Pray, to be released from the bondage of the sin, that dwells from within.

Trust me, God loves you and will meet you, right where you are! To quote my dear friend Jim Mullen, "WE HAVE A LOVING FORGIVING GOD." Six words that changed my life, thank you Jim, may you rest in eternal peace.

I am a new person and I love the life that God has planned for me. AMEN!

Second Interview Day 278

Saturday morning at 9:30, I was welcomed, introduced and prayed for. Soon the second interview began, for the visitation position, needed for the three churches in their charge. Rock Hall is a small beautiful waterfront traditional community, of faithful God-loving good country folks.

Even though, I felt the covering of many prayers, I must admit that it was somewhat intimidating to be sitting in the hot seat, in this group interview. Ten people had gathered, this glorious morning, to interview 4 candidates for the open position.

Knowing that all eyes where focused on me, and that every word that came out of my mouth would be appraised, added a sense of uneasy discomfort. Before, presenting my own introduction, I silently prayed to God, for peace and His comforting presence. Soon, the unfamiliar faces around table, glowed with smiles of acceptance, thank you, God!

Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry before him, into his ears.

It is wonderful to know that, God is never too busy, to listen to the cries of our hearts!

After 35 minutes of questions and inquires and closing prayer, I left the small chapel, feeling confident that I had shared my God-given gifts and talents that might fill their needs. As I departed, I saw and felt a room filled with compassion, smiles and the light of Jesus!

Now, more waiting, the phone call would come as soon as the Holy Spirit led this group in their job of discernment. Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you...........

If I am chosen to fill this position, it would require me to attended worship in Rock Hall; leaving my home church at Jacob`s Well in Chesapeake City.

Sadly I share, that I didn`t get the job, they chose and life-time resident in their community of faith to fill the position. I received from this experience, a gift of God`s love and confidence, I am His precious daughter, with whom He is well pleased.

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Today in church, as we sang the closing song, I believe the name of the song is "In The City," tears gently flowed down my cheeks. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled the sanctuary. As I glanced around the room, God gently whispered to my heart, "you didn`t get the job in Rock Hall because you are not ready to leave this church family." With overwhelming relief and joy I made my way to Pastor Amy`s open arms of love and comfort. Tears of love, inner peace and the joy of the Lord filled my soul!

Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.

Thank you Father God for your constant love and directions!