Friday, November 29, 2013

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Grateful


"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: grateful

What does the word grateful mean to you?

Why is it so important to be grateful in our lives?

What are the good things in your life that you are grateful for?

How can we be grateful for the bad things in our lives?

What is the difference between being grateful for them, and enjoying them happening to us?


Ponder this (from one of my previous posts):


"Be thankful in ALL circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

ALL – a pesky word…

You know, on first reading, I was impressed with the fact that it is God's will for us to be thankful in all circumstances.  However, I read another possible meaning hidden in there.  We are to be thankful for all things BECAUSE those very things are God's will for us.

Nothing happens outside of His watch.  He is never surprised by anything that happens to us.  The good and the bad things are working toward His ultimate purposes.

How on earth can I find thanks for the bad things?

Because – it is these things that drive me to my knees.  It is these things that turn my face upward.  It is these things that make me understand…I am not in charge.  That is God's will for me.  To learn that He ordains every step of my way.  To learn that everything in my life arrives only after being filtered through His sovereignty and providence, through His love.  To learn that He is working out His purposes, through the good things and the bad.

To learn that I have nothing and no one else in life to depend on fully, except for Him.

And, at the end of the day, I'm so very grateful for that…



Let me know what you think!!


"But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the LORD.'" 
(Jonah 2:9, NIV)

"A psalm. For giving grateful praise:

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100, NIV)


"Sing to the Lord with grateful praise...the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." (Psalm 147:7, 11, NIV)

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe..." (Hebrews 12:8, ESV)

"I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry..." 
(1 Timothy 1:12, NET Bible)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


When we pray for God's grace we should never forget to sing His praises as well.  He is our only hope, our strength and our shield.  Even while we are waiting for Him to deliver us from our present dilemmas, we can praise Him for His faithfulness to us in the past.  Then our faith and trust in the mercy of God will be strengthened.  God is merciful!  How often [has] God stepped in and acted on our behalf?  The might of God works in our favor when we call on Him in faith, and then we give thanks to Him in song.


*I praise You because You heard my cry for mercy.


"Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."  

(Psalm 28:6-7, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave youFor God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Monday, November 25, 2013

TURKEY THOUGHTS - JUST FOR FUN!


From a turkey…

Ahem.

Today, just a few days from Thanksgiving, I thought it might be fun to write about the various *traditional* things that we eat on that special day.

Let the frivolity commence!


1)  Turkey

Wild turkeys have very powerful legs and can run at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.  Their top speed in flight is 55 miles per hour.  (I don’t want to mention the other guys who don't get away…)  Also, evidently they eventually get their revenge in the speed department – for, after eating turkey, we are usually rendered semi-conscious in a tryptophan stupor and can NOT move off the couch.  0 mph.


2)  Mashed potatoes

Did you know that potato plants are usually pollinated by insects such as bumblebees?  Me neither.

OK, this is a bit long, but I found this information from Wikipedia fascinating:

Antoine-Augustin Parmentier is remembered as a vocal promoter of the potato as a food source for humans in France and throughout Europe.  Thanks largely to his efforts, the Paris Faculty of Medicine declared potatoes edible in 1772. Still, resistance continued, and Parmentier therefore began a series of publicity stunts for which he remains notable today, often hosting dinners at which potato dishes featured prominently.  It is said that he ran a competition for various recipes using the potato. He then went on to win it apparently (cheeky fellow!) with his recipe for mashed potato.

Another tidbit: What song do these lyrics come from?  "I can mash-potato…And I can do the twist…"

Potato nicknames include: tater, spud, tuber.

(Answer: "Do You Love Me?" by The Contours)


3)  Yam or Sweet Potato

What's the difference?  Found these interesting facts:  Although yams and sweet potatoes are both angiosperms (flowering plants), they are not related botanically.  Yams are closely related to lilies and grasses.  Sweet potatoes are members of the morning glory family.  And, unless you specifically search for yams, which are usually found in an international market, you are probably eating sweet potatoes!  Which might not really matter to you, but the "I Yam What I Yam Society" is up in arms over the confusion.  (Popeye is the unofficial spokesperson…)


4)  Green Bean Casserole

This seems to be a favorite at many Thanksgiving tables.  My family loves it – except "The Hub."  He is what I like to call "texturally challenged" – and anything that has soup involved is on his DO NOT EAT LIST.  He will not come near soup, even struggles with holding a ladle.  He'll do it, in an emergency, but only at arm's length.  As for the rest of the family – an extra can of French-fried onions is usually bought, just for random munching.


5)  Jello

A lot of people also have some sort of Jello salad at Thanksgiving.  However, this is also another of "The Hub's" DO NOT EAT foods.  He says it looks slimy and reminds him of the hospital.  I've always liked Jello, except my love for it has been compromised by recent pre-procedure prep diets.

Also, did you know that Jello should be more accurately termed gelatin?  Jello is in fact a brand name.  Other brand names that have come to mean the thing they represent:  Bandaid, Kleenex, Xerox, Jeep, Boogie Board, Levis, Frisbee, Jacuzzi, Q-Tip, Styrofoam, and Vaseline – just to name a few.  Bonus points if you can think of others.  And a huge Extra Credit if you know the *grammar* name for these.

(Answer: Eponyms)


6)  Corn

A fun corn fact?  Did you know corn has an incredibly long shelf life? Archeologists have been able to pop 1,000-year-old popcorn!  Orville Redenbacher, watch out!  Cleopatra might give you some competition in the crunchy corn snack department.  Sometimes my family also includes corn along with the Green Bean Casserole.  It's a nice alternative for "The Hub." However, creamed corn must NEVER come near – either for him OR for me. Major yuck.


7)  Stuffing/dressing

A favorite!!  I have been known to make an entire meal out of leftover stuffing.  Cold, reheated, I'm not particular.  I've even resorted to Stove-Top. It's all good.  Have you ever tried putting stuffing in between two slices of bread?  A stuffing sandwich?  I have – delish!  However, if you eat too much you just might end up feeling...wait for it...STUFFED.  (I hear a collective groan out there.  C'mon people, puns are good for you).


8)  Gravy

Again, gravy is not on "The Hub's" plate.  But, I have been known to put *boatloads* on mine.  (Get the pun – gravy boat-loads?)  A fun personal family fact.  One year my mom just got sick and tired of slaving over gravy made from scratch – only to have my dad complain about the lumps.  So, one year she swore me to secrecy, and got the gravy in bottles.  (The bottled evidence was quickly bussed directly into the trash cans outside).  She poured the bottled gravy into the saucepan, added some turkey drippings, and stirred and stirred and stirred.   That year, my dad RAVED about Mom's gravy.  I'll forgive her the deception.  She deserved the accolades after the "joys" of preparing a meal with my dad.  "The turkey's gonna dry out if everything else isn't ready on time!" (Repeat 50 times).  He was a mechanical engineer.  'Nuff said.


9)  Cranberry

Got these fun facts from the Ocean Spray website: The cranberry gets its name from Dutch and German settlers, who nicknamed it the "crane berry." When cranberry vines bloom in the late spring, the pale flowers resemble the head and bill of a crane.  The cranberry is one of only a handful of major fruits native to North America.  Others include the blueberry and Concord grape. Also, cranberries bounce!  (Oh great, I can see it now – cranberry-bouncing to accompany the roll-tossing that already occurs).


10)  Dinner Rolls

So yes, we have rolls at our Thanksgiving table.  As if we needed some more carbs.  And yes, one year the rolls did not get passed around the table – they got *passed* – as in quarterback – heaved to the proper receiver.  I am embarrassed to say that this did not happen years ago when my kids and their cousins were young.  Nope, this happened with six teenagers and 20-somethings who knew better.  And one 50-something, I'm embarrassed to say.  Though I did discover that I have a very good arm.  (Call me the Peyton Manning of the bread world).


11)  Pickles and Olives

No, this is not a traditional addition to the Thanksgiving table, unless you grew up in my personal family.  My boys and I LOVE sweet pickles and black olives to accompany our Thanksgiving meal.  The boys traditionally bring this as their participation in the meal.  Mostly because we eat almost all of them by ourselves.  And yes, adults still love putting olives on the tips of fingers, and wiggling them around before ingesting.  (That would be me!)


12)  Ham

Some people also have ham at Thanksgiving.  My family does not.  We have ham at Christmas.  And our favorite, hands down, is the honey-baked variety. With the champagne mustard.  But, I'm wondering something.  If potatoes are pollinated by bumblebees, do honey-baked hams come from bee-stung pigs?  Poor piggies – sort of a double whammie if you ask me.


13)  Pumpkin Pie

A long-standing tradition.  I'm not a big fan of pumpkin pie, though I have grown to like it better recently.  (Do I even need to tell you about "The Hub's" opinion on this?  He has NEVER taken a bite of ANY sort of pie in his ENTIRE life.  Like I said, texturally challenged).  I think I was initially put off by the appearance of pumpkin pie.  It's not a particularly pretty pie.  Neither is mincemeat, rhubarb, or pecan pie.  They all sorta remind me of fruitcake – which I think is icky-looking.  Not good, except for maybe using as a doorstop. (And I sincerely apologize to all of you out there who choose to disagree with me!)

Interesting trivia fact: The pie that made the Guinness Book of World Records weighed a whopping 3,699 pounds after it was baked by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in New Bremen, Ohio in 2010.  The unveiling of the monster pumpkin pie attracted a crowd of thousands. The finished pie spanned 20 feet.  The ingredients used to make it included 1,212 pounds of pumpkins, 109 gallons of evaporated milk, 7 pounds of salt, 233 dozen eggs, 525 pounds of sugar, and 14.5 pounds of cinnamon.  (I shudder at the thought of the winner of the "Biggest Fruitcake Contest").


14)  Other 

And, last but not least, two others from a list I looked up: Turducken – a concoction of a turkey stuffed with duck and chicken.  A proverbial favorite of John Madden – (former NFL football coach).  And, bread pudding – something that also makes "The Hub's" AND my DO NOT EAT LIST.  Even though I am a much-more omnivorous eater than my husband, some things remain texturally-unsound even for me.  Bread pudding is right up there with creamed corn…and Brussels sprouts…and lima beans.  Just sayin'...


So, just some FUN for Thanksgiving.

No message today, other than this…

May we all be conscious of the many, many things we have to be thankful for on this coming Thanksgiving Day.  And may we never forget that all that we have, and all that we are, comes from the Giver of All Blessings – our precious Lord.


The Bread of Life.

Our Provider.

The Source of Grace and Love and Salvation.


The One who nourishes us now, and will feed us forever from His Tree of Life.





On each side of the river grew a tree of life,
bearing twelve crops of fruit,
with a fresh crop each month.
No longer will anything be cursed.
For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there,
and his servants will worship him.
And they will see his face...



"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NLT)

"And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20, NLT)

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3:17, ESV)

"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1, NASB)




Two questions today:

What are you most grateful for this year?

Is there something on your Thanksgiving table that I haven't mentioned?
                                         

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS 
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Friday, November 22, 2013

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Refuge


"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: refuge

What does the word refuge mean to you?

What do you need/want refuge from?

How does God provide refuge for you?


Let me know what you think!!


"The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you..." (Deuteronomy 33:27, NLT)

"May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge." (Ruth 2:12, NIV)

"...you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O LORD, a tower of refuge to the needy in distress. You are a refuge from the storm and a shelter from the heat." (Isaiah 25:4, NLT)

"...let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy." (Psalm 5:11, NLT)

"The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7, NLT)


"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.  He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.  He is my refuge, my savior, the one who saves me..." 
(2 Samuel 22:2-3, NLT)

"So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us." (Hebrews  6:8, NLT)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


God will protect you because He will answer your cries of distress; He is bending down, compassionate and interested in your prayer.  Believe in your heart that God will use His power to protect you.  When you look to God with expectation, you receive the protection you so desperately seek...God is willing and able to protect you faithfully.  He is the only One who can truly shield and protect you, so lay your cares at His feet.


*Protect me as the apple of Your eye - hide me in the shadow of Your wings.


"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.  Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.  Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings..."  

(Psalm 17:6-8, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Monday, November 18, 2013

SAY THAT AGAIN, LORD?


God speaks to me.

He does.

He did just the other day.

But, before I begin this post and tell you what He had to say, I'd like to say something about what it means when I say, "God spoke to me."

A lot of people are really thrown off by that phrase.

Skepticism abounds.

People look at you like you're crazy, naively foolish – or worse yet, arrogant.


I see three dangers when we talk about the Lord speaking to us.


One, we can be wrong.  We can shape our personal thoughts and feelings, molding them subconsciously into our own set of priorities, desires, motives, and wishes.  All of a sudden, God "speaks" to us, and we are pleased by what He says.  Because, after all, it lines up with what we want to hear.

The second danger is that the enemy can also speak to us.  Though as believers he cannot possess ushe can harass us.  He is also capable of planting thoughts in our heads.  Why else does the Bible call him the father of lies?  Why else does the Bible tells us to wear a helmet?  He can penetrate our thoughts, and we often listen.  Because, after all, what he says also lines up with what we want to hear. Or, his words are not what we want to hear because they are demeaning, distracting, depressing, or downright destructive.

But, the third danger is almost the worst of all.  If we're not careful, we can dismiss legitimate communication from the Holy Spirit.  Labeling His words as our *own* thoughts, or simply our subconscious speaking, or just wishful thinkingwe can lose a message that is correctly spoken.


Things can get tricky here.

How can we tell whether it's truly the Holy Spirit speaking?


There are three rules that I have found to be vital in discerning the Spirit:

1.  Does it line up with Scripture?  The Holy Spirit will NEVER say anything that does not agree with God's Word.  Line up what you think you're hearing with the indisputable words of the Bible.

2.  Is it self-serving?  The Holy Spirit will NOT say things to us that serve only to promote us.  His ONLY mission is to point us to the Truth, and His all-encompassing purpose is to bring glory to God.

3.  What do other trusted believers think?  The Holy Spirit often confirms His words to us through the confirmation of other believers.  Trusted counselors are integral to the discernment process.


OK, so let's move on to what it feels like for me to hear God speak.

It's really rather difficult to describe.  And I venture to say that everyone's experience is slightly different – because God is such a personal and intimate Communicator.

So, this is my subjective experience.

It's like a thought that bubbles up inside of me independently.  It's like I think it without thinking it.  Does that make sense?  It's an urge, or an impulse, or a perfectly new insight.  Sometimes it's a word of comfort, or a directive to take faithful action.  Sometimes it's something that echoes the words of Scripture.

It's definitely a voice – not an audible voice – but an inner voice.

A voice that feels like it comes from somewhere inside me, but somewhere separate from my mind.

A Spirit talking with a spirit.

And, after all, isn’t that what the Bible tells us it will be like?

A still, small voice.  A gentle whisper.  

Yeah, sometimes God sounds a little stronger, a little sterner.  But when He speaks like that, I pretty much know it's Him.  How?  Because I do NOT usually hear what I want to hear!


So, the other day I had a minor emotional meltdown.  (Will someone please explain to me why I am STILL having PMS symptoms years after "The Change"?)

Looked it up in Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary:  

P retty
M uch
S enseless


Sigh.

I digress.


OK, picture me sitting on a boulder in the backyard, freezing cold in shorts and a thin sweatshirt.  The sun is setting over the valley, the giant granite mountain above me is turning pink, the wind is blowing gently.  It's a picture-postcard Kodak moment.

And I am crying.

I talk to the Lord, desperate to hear from Him.

"Lord, what is wrong with me?  I really and truly want to love living up here. It's beautiful.  It's everything I've ever dreamed of.  Why can't I embrace all of this?"

And then, the independent Voice, the still, small whisper spoke…

"Because you STILL don't understand why I brought you here."

(Insert confused pause…)

"I brought you here to rest."


I was stopped in my tracks.  Astounded.  Greatly moved.  Convicted and comforted all at the same time.

To rest?

My Word for 2013 is DIRECTION.  And all year long, I've been (frantically) searching for what direction God wants me to go.  What is the purpose for me being here – specifically here, in the mountains?

DO, DO, DO…What does He want me to DO??

And, this word from God has stopped me.

I can't tell you the joy that began to wash over my soul as I pondered what He said.

He wants me to rest.


I have always loved the mountains, always felt like they were my *soul place*.  And here I am – in the place that has always felt like *home* to me.

But, as you all know, I've been struggling.

However, now it is becoming so much clearer to me.  I have been struggling because I've been focusing on what I've LOST not on what I've GAINED – by moving here.

I have been looking back(I'm surprised I haven't turned into a pillar of salt yet) – instead of looking around.

I have agonized over the GOP – Grand Old Purpose – that I thought God was making happen in my life "down the hill."  Only to lose it all when my life came to a screeching halt up here.

But now I am pondering.

What I have defined as "stopping" – God has really been trying to tell me is *resting*.


Yes, the other day God spoke to me and gave me permission to rest.

I have been contemplating the many seasons we go through in life.

Seasons of blessing and abundance – seasons of dryness and depletion.  Seasons of great ministry opportunities, and seasons of waiting.

But I don't think that I have ever really considered the idea that resting has a purpose.

Resting sounds like laziness, inactivity, complacency.

It sounds like a cop-out.

But I am beginning to realize that a season of rest has a purpose all its owna God-ordained purpose.

IF we stop and recognize it.


God wants me to rest.

I feel a weight lifted off of my shoulders – I feel like I have been given permission to let go of striving.

I feel an invitation to go outside to explore His creation.  I feel an invitation to dig into His Word for no other reason than just to bask in His love.  I feel an invitation to speak to Him, to listen to Him strictly for the intimacy of communion.

I feel an invitation to meet Him in the relaxation of my spirit.

Oh Lord, thank You.

It took almost the whole year for me to finally hear what HE meant by the word *direction*.

It meant to do what He was directing me to do.  Not an end result, not a tangible path, not an action to take.  Not direction like where to gobut direction like an actor receivesthe management or guidance of someone.  

Yeah, direction like that.

God has been directing me to rest...

And I am so grateful.

Grateful that He is graciously providing me with the time to process life.  To filter and understand the many emotions that have hit me in the last year and a half.  To ponder Him and His creation.

To take a spiritual deep breath – to inhale His Spirit – and to be content with only that.

To serve Him in stillness.


Rest.

Blessed rest.

And now I get it – because God spoke to me – and I listened.


An unexpected message…that bubbled up inside…that spoke to my heart…

…and I have finally heard Him.





My Yoke Is Easy 



"'Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.'" (Matthew 11:28-30, NASB)

"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3, NASB)

"And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.'" (Mark 6:31, NASB)

"...'I see that the LORD is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope.'" (Acts 2:25-26, NLT)

"For we who have believed enter that rest..." (Hebrews 4:3, ESV)



What has God been trying to say to you this year?



(Note: I'll still be blogging, as I feel led to continue that - but in other areas of my life, I'll give myself permission to just enjoy my surroundings!)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Laura at PLAYDATES WITH GOD
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAYS
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Nannette at WISDOM WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Bonnie at FAITH BARISTA JAM
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Sandy at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Friday, November 15, 2013

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Warfare


"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: warfare

What does the word warfare mean to you?

What do you think is the toughest aspect of spiritual warfare?  Why?

How do you prepare yourself for warfare against the enemy?

What promises of God do you hold on to in the midst of spiritual warfare?


Let me know what you think!!


"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, NASB)

"This charge I entrust to you...[that] you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience..." (1 Timothy 1:18-19, ESV)

"...God is against the men of pride, but he gives grace to those who make themselves low before him.  For this cause be ruled by God; but make war on the Evil One and he will be put to flight before you." (James 4:6-7, BBE)

"Take up God's instruments of war, so that you may be able to keep your position against all the deceits of the Evil One." (Ephesians 6:11, BBE)

"When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God...will be with you." (Deuteronomy 20:1, NIV)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


What a misconception many people have of the Christian life!  The average church member today does not seem to know anything about conflict...It is just at this point in today's Christianity that one may find its greatest defect. There is little or nothing of the soldier element in it.  The discipline, self-denial, spirit of hardship and determination so prominent in and belonging to the military life, are lacking.  Yet the Christian life is warfare.  We need to fight the good fight and endure hardships as good soldiers of Christ.


*Please strengthen me to endure hardships of many kinds.


"Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."  

(2 Timothy 2:3, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Monday, November 11, 2013

I'M A (SPIRITUAL) WAR VET


Today is Veteran's Day.

As I was thinking about this day, I recalled a very famous quote by General William Tecumseh Sherman:

"War is hell."

Yes, it is.  But I might add to that phrase a bit -

"War is FROM hell."

The history of America is peppered with stories of war.  And though war often brings moments of glory and honor, at its core, war is really a reflection of the evil that lives in the human heart.  It reflects the unending urge for power, and the inner drive to rule.

And human war had its beginnings in that other battle – the epic battle between good and evil.

Once, a long time ago, an angel with evil in his heart also desired power, and wanted to rule everything – he wanted to be like God.

It didn't quite work out – he was cast out from Heaven for his rebellion – and he became Satan, the Adversary, the Accuser.

And since that time, Satan has used every available strategy to continue waging war against God.  He even used humanity to injure the very heart of God.  And we were complicit in the injury.

That epic battle is still being fought – every day.  And though ultimate victory for God and His children is assured, the battle still rages on.  We are an integral part of that battle, we are soldiers in the war.

How to be effective warriors for God?

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm wearing armor!

"Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground…" (Ephesians 6:13-14, NLT)


Here's what we've got:


The Belt of Truth the only way to defeat the enemy's lies

The Breastplate, the Body Armor, of Righteousness – God's righteousness is the only thing that protects our hearts and ensures His approval through Christ

The Footgear, the Shoes, of the Peace that comes from the Good News – the motivation to proclaim the true peace that is available in God

The Shield of Faith – protection against the fiery arrows of the devil

The Helmet of Salvation – protecting our minds from doubting God's saving work done for us by Jesus, and the assurance that ultimate victory is ours

The Sword – the Word of God, the Bible, our Scriptures – the only weapon of offense in this list – we must use the Word of God as a weapon against lies, and deceptions, and temptations



So yes, today let us remember the spiritual warthe one that Satan brought, the one that we are engaged in.

But let's also take today to remember the earthly wars being waged by courageous and self-sacrificing men and women.

Let us remember all those who have served all those who were injured, or captured, or torturedall those who are missingall those who have died.

And all those who are serving now.

We have so much to be grateful for…

FREEDOM.

We do so many things that would not be possible if someone hadn't fought for this country – for my country – for your country.

We have the glorious freedom to worship our Lord – freely and publicly. We are not in danger of being thrown in jail, or tortured, or killed.  And our veterans have sacrificed so much in order for us to have that freedom.

Today it doesn't matter whether we agree or don't agree with political policy. 

Today we simply focus on people real, live people who served our country, or are serving now – who did this for our sakes because they believed in freedom.

Thank you.

May we take today to remember what they have fought for – what they have sacrificed for – what they have believed in…

One nation…under GOD.


If you know someone who has served, or is serving, this country in the armed forces, I would encourage you to reach out to them today.  Tell them how much you appreciate them.  Tell them we will always remember them.  Tell them…

Thank you.

Remind them that God sees – He upholds them – He will never forget what they have done – in the name of…

FREEDOM.

Remind them that we are praying for them.

Remind them that they do not fight alone - for in one way or the other, we are all participants in the Great War of the Heavens - the war that lurks behind every human power struggle on earth.  

We are all spiritual war vets.


So, let's keep up the good fight, and stand against our enemy with the Holy Spirit's power. We are enlisted soldiers in God's army, and we have joined the forces of the Lord's Kingdom.


Always faithful, may we fight on.





Sacrifices Never Forgotten



"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, NIV)

"'The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.  He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD’s favor has come'" (Luke 4:18, NLT)

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV)


What freedom are you most thankful for today?



***A BLESSED VETERAN'S DAY TO ALL***


(Above photo is of The Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall)


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Jen at UNITE
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Rosalind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Jacqueline at ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Nannette at WISDOM WEDNESDAY
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandra at STILL SATURDAY
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Friday, November 8, 2013

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Ready


"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: ready

What does the word ready mean to you?

How can we make ourselves ready to face the enemy?

What must we do to be ready for the Lord's coming?

Why is it so important to be ready for all circumstances in the Christian walk of faith?


Let me know what you think!!


"Stay alert!  [Be ready!]  Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." 
(1 Peter 5:8, NLT)


"And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see." 
(1 Peter 1:5, NLT)

"You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected." (Matthew 24:44, NLT)

"They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good." (Titus 3:1, NLT)

"...you must worship Christ as Lord of your life.  And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)

"Then Paul answered, 'Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die...for the name of the Lord Jesus.'" (Acts 21:13, NIV)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


Many people brood over the unknown.  In their uncertainty they fall prey to anxiety and tension.  For the Christian believer there is a glorious truth...We know that [Jesus] is with us right now, leading us through life.  He also went to prepare a place for us in God's heavenly Kingdom...We will be with the Lord forever...hold on to the promises of Jesus...


*Through faith I know that You live and that I too will live eternally with you.


"For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the living and the dead."  (Romans 14:9, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Monday, November 4, 2013

A DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER


OK, this is a great story – with a good lesson.

Ready?


My sons went on a business trip a few weeks ago.  Stayed in a hotel for a few days.  And, if you happen to be two young men with big appetites, staying in a hotel is a good thing.

Can you say…?

Free breakfast buffet.

Son #2 (the early bird) got up bright and early the first morning and decided to go get something to eat.  He graciously invited Son #1 to accompany him.  Son #1 (the night owl) mumbled something incoherent that sounded something like "Not now…sleepy..."

So, Son #2 dressed up in his slacks, his dress shoes - no socks - and an undershirt (I would have given money to see that get-up!) and headed down the elevator.

When the doors opened, the first thing he saw was a large and scary man dressed in camouflage clothes pointing a very large weapon directly at his heart.

Yes.

AT. HIS. HEART.

He told me the only thing he had time to think was, "I'm dead."

Scary camouflage-man quickly whispered to him, "Are you going to breakfast?"

"Uh yeah," my son answered.

With a quick move, the large and scary man shifted to the first floor hallway, took up a defensive position, and motioned with the weapon toward the lobby.

My son left.

When he arrived in the lobby, he encountered another very large and scary man.  Assuming this was the commander (his brain now moving past "I'm dead" to "Huh, must be a SWAT situation"), he stopped.  Well, he was commanded to stop – and questioned – and ID'd.

The commander informed Son #2 that there was a fugitive situation in the hotel on the first floor.

And, in no uncertain terms, there would be NO breakfast.

At which time, my youngest retraced his steps back, where he was once again weapon-motioned toward the elevator.

No one got breakfast that morning.

When it was time for the sons to go to their meeting, they had to call down first, quickly leave the elevator, meet and greet Mr. Commanderand be questioned and ID'd again – before they could leave the hotel.

Well, I'm happy to say the situation was resolved peacefully.

But, the joke of the day was Son #2's reaction to having a weapon pointed at him.

Did he close the elevator doors and go back up to his room?

Oh no…not that son.

He KEPT ON GOING to breakfast.

When he told me this story (long after they had arrived home from their trip, thank goodness!), I asked him about this.

"Why did you keep going to the lobby?  What were you thinking??"

His answer?

"I was hungry."

Yup, just like that.  Matter-of-fact and to-the-point.


That's the great story.

Here's the good lesson.


You know, we so often walk through our days without thinking.  Normal routines, normal activities, normal places.  We don't often think we're going to face danger.

But, as believers, we are in danger all the time.

There's a devouring lion on the prowl.  He lies in wait, he hunts us down. He's always ready to pounce with unexpected attacks.

And once in a while, we might just find ourselves with one of his weapons pointed directly at our hearts.

Yes.

AT. OUR. HEARTS.

But this is the crucial moment.  The moment of decision.

In the face of his onslaught, his assault, his ambush – what should we do?

I'm afraid that I would not follow Son #2's example.

I'm afraid that I'd be inclined to back up into that elevator, push the button, and retreat to the confines of my room.

I'd cower.

And even though I would have preferred that my son had done the same in his real-life SWAT situation  – in some ways, I admire him.

He went about his business.  He walked on undeterred.

Why?

Because he was hungry.

He had a mission – and he just kept going.


This is the lesson I'm taking away.

There are going to be times when unanticipated danger is going to come our way.  For we have a dangerous enemy.

But we must not let him back us down or send us running.  We must not allow him to force us to hide.

Let the SWAT team take care of the danger.  (Sharon's Acrostic Dictionary defines SWAT this way):

S avior
W ins
A ll the
T ime

Us?

We should just keep going about our godly business, walking on undeterred.

For we have a mission!

Carry on, my friends…carry on!






These shoes are made for walkin',
and that's just what they'll do. 



"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NLT)

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." (Philippians 3:12, NIV)


What does the enemy use to deter, detain, or distract you from God's mission?


Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY
Michelle at HEAR IT ON SUNDAY, USE IT ON MONDAY
Hazel at TELL ME A TRUE STORY
Jen at UNITE
Darlene at TITUS 2SDAY
Salina at HEART REFLECTED
Nannette at WISDOM WEDNESDAY
Rachel at WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAY
Rosilind at A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAY
Jenifer at WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY
Tracy at WINSOME WEDNESDAY
Judith at WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY
Wanda at THE FRIDAY FIVE
Laura at FAITH FILLED FRIDAY
Leslie at FAITHFUL FRIDAY
Mel at ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS
Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS
Sandra at STILL SATURDAY
Barbie at WEEKEND BREW
Janis at SUNDAY STILLNESS


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

Friday, November 1, 2013

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Witness


"Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a question (or few)…just a little something to
"fan the flame" of your creativity!

And, to further fan those faith-filled flames (try saying that 10 times in a row!) – I'm adding my favorite devotional from the week!


Today's word: witness

What does the word witness mean to you?

How can we be a witness to unbelievers?

Do you think we can also be a witness to other believers?  If yes, in what ways?

What are the obstacles in your life that hamper your ability to be an effective witness?

If you had a chance to witness to someone about the Lord, what is the one aspect of His character that you would talk about?


Let me know what you think!!


"To everyone, then, who gives witness to me before men, I will give witness before my Father in heaven."  (Matthew 10:32, BBE)

"And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning." (John 15:27, NIV)

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations..." (Matthew 24:14, KJV)

"And they went out, preaching everywhere, the Lord working with them, and giving witness to the word..." (Mark 16:20, BBE)

"But I put no value on my life, if only at the end of it I may see the work complete which was given to me by the Lord Jesus, to be a witness of the good news of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24, BBE)




DEVOTIONAL OF THE WEEK:


God has many traits that make Him worthy of our praise and worship; His majesty; His glory; His mighty acts; His greatness; His goodness and His righteousness; His lovingkindness; His faithful love and His grace and compassion...We should tell every generation of God's mighty deeds and acts. Take a few minutes to consider the glory of God...Then make a point of telling someone else about the wonderful things that God has done for you.


*Help me to tell others of Your love and grace.


"One generation will commend Your works to another; they will tell of Your mighty acts.  They will speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty." 
(Psalm 145:4-5, NIV)


(Devotional from: "Grace for Each Moment" Compiled by Kylie Munger from devotionals by Solly Ozrovech, c. 2008, Christian Art Gifts, RSA)


"This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:6-7)


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"