There is power in our thoughts and words. The Lord has been speaking to me about Romans 10:9-10 this morning. “That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
Now, if believing and confessing is powerful enough to save our souls from eternal damnation then what else could it do?
From where I am sitting I can see the sunlight shining through a large spider web that was made sometime in the night. The Lord has been speaking to me about the ploys of the enemy as well. What if he can get us to believe and confess something that isn’t true? We must guard our hearts and our minds. Just like the web is revealed by the light of the sun…so the enemy’s webs are being revealed by the light of the Son.
That’s the negative aspect but what is the positive side of this whole argument? What if God has given us the power to change the lives of those around us by believing (having faith) and confessing that God will move on their behalf?
I believe he has given us this gift and responsibility. God shows us the needs for the purpose of prayer...to exercise this gift he's given us.
For some time now I’ve been praying for vision, passion for the vision and focus for our children and for us. This morning I believe and confess that God will give an answer to my prayers. That he will give us a vision and passion for what it is he has prepared in advance for us to do.
I’m not going to spend time believing, agreeing with and confessing the lies of the enemy…I will take those thoughts captive before they ever reach my mouth. I will believe and confess that I am in complete agreement with God and his plans and purposes!!
If I am saved in this manner then by this manner other things will be established! I am challenged today once again to ignore the circumstances of life and believe and confess what is in the heart of God.
Restoration, regeneration, revelation, vision, passion, equipping of the Saints, and preparation all for the furtherance of the Kingdom…this is the heart of God!
And God said….and it was so! Amen! I agree!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Anointing Oil and Incense
It’s been a long time since I last wrote. Life seems to get in the way, cluttering up time with God, squeezing devotion to him into a small compartment. Every morning the kids and I take time to sit down and read the scriptures together and pray. It’s part of their home school program and a good start to the day.
God is so gracious to us by using the time we give to him to speak in very direct ways causing each person’s handpicked scripture to link together forming one thought or progression of thoughts. The other morning during my time alone before children got up led me to study Exodus 30. I was very interested as I researched the different combinations of spices alluded to in this chapter and I would love to share my findings with you.
Lately, we have been discussing the many aspects of the Old Testimate sacrifices that were performed like clockwork by the priests. We have been talking about all the “blood and guts” so to speak of the acts carried out in and around the Tent of Meeting (see Exodus 29 for example).
As I studied Exodus 30, it was logical to me to see what the medicinal uses were for each of the spices named in 22-33 (anointing oil) and 34-38 (incense). I googled the names of each of the spices and found a reputable botany web site for my answers. Surprisingly enough, I found that most of the herbs were used to ease stomach disorders.
Herbs such as myrrh were used for ulcers and to excite appetite. Cinnamon is said to stop vomiting and is useful as an astringent. Cassia is another form of cinnamon and it is a powerful germicide helpful in relieving diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Fragrant cane was used to remove discomfort caused by flatulence and can be used to keep the growth of bacteria in check. It also increases appetite and benefits digestion. It is said to have a sweet smell and it is grown in marshes and has the appearance of a reed.
Olive oil comes from a tree that is said to represent peace and happiness. It is useful as an astringent and an antiseptic. It is used against obstinate fevers, is a laxative and relieves burns or stings. It is also a good vehicle for liniments.
I find it a wonderful thing that in the midst of all the gore that was necessary for the cleansing of sin, God thought of the health of the priests who were ministering before him. All these things were to be used to anoint “…the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the table and all its articles, the lamp stand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.” (Verses 26-28) In effect, this concoction would clean, sanitize and deodorize all of these things making them holy.
God even thought to use herbs that would stimulate appetite in the priest as this scene day after day might have an effect on their desire to eat. The incense was another matter. Herbs such as gum resin were used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, it was used for the swelling of joints and also for indolent tumors. I couldn’t find any information on onycha but when I googled it, the next herb came up that being galbanum. Galbanum was also used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis as an expectorant and stimulant to open bronchial passageways. Frankincense was used in the treatment of tumors, ulcers, vomiting, dysentery, and fevers. What a wonderful God who loves us so. As the priest would be called on to have burnt offerings before God he would breathe in the healing incense to care for the demands these acts would place on his body.
We may not understand all of God’s ways but he certainly has a plan and a purpose for everything. Not just to be a “meany” as I often say to the children but because he loves us so.
I want to stress that this was just an independent study of mine and that if you are interested in using any of these herbs you should consult someone who knows more than I do.
I will say that as we sit in the presence of our Most Holy God his power for healing is available to us. As we minister to him he will minister healing to us. Much love and blessings to you all.
God is so gracious to us by using the time we give to him to speak in very direct ways causing each person’s handpicked scripture to link together forming one thought or progression of thoughts. The other morning during my time alone before children got up led me to study Exodus 30. I was very interested as I researched the different combinations of spices alluded to in this chapter and I would love to share my findings with you.
Lately, we have been discussing the many aspects of the Old Testimate sacrifices that were performed like clockwork by the priests. We have been talking about all the “blood and guts” so to speak of the acts carried out in and around the Tent of Meeting (see Exodus 29 for example).
As I studied Exodus 30, it was logical to me to see what the medicinal uses were for each of the spices named in 22-33 (anointing oil) and 34-38 (incense). I googled the names of each of the spices and found a reputable botany web site for my answers. Surprisingly enough, I found that most of the herbs were used to ease stomach disorders.
Herbs such as myrrh were used for ulcers and to excite appetite. Cinnamon is said to stop vomiting and is useful as an astringent. Cassia is another form of cinnamon and it is a powerful germicide helpful in relieving diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Fragrant cane was used to remove discomfort caused by flatulence and can be used to keep the growth of bacteria in check. It also increases appetite and benefits digestion. It is said to have a sweet smell and it is grown in marshes and has the appearance of a reed.
Olive oil comes from a tree that is said to represent peace and happiness. It is useful as an astringent and an antiseptic. It is used against obstinate fevers, is a laxative and relieves burns or stings. It is also a good vehicle for liniments.
I find it a wonderful thing that in the midst of all the gore that was necessary for the cleansing of sin, God thought of the health of the priests who were ministering before him. All these things were to be used to anoint “…the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony, the table and all its articles, the lamp stand and its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand.” (Verses 26-28) In effect, this concoction would clean, sanitize and deodorize all of these things making them holy.
God even thought to use herbs that would stimulate appetite in the priest as this scene day after day might have an effect on their desire to eat. The incense was another matter. Herbs such as gum resin were used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis, it was used for the swelling of joints and also for indolent tumors. I couldn’t find any information on onycha but when I googled it, the next herb came up that being galbanum. Galbanum was also used in the treatment of chronic bronchitis as an expectorant and stimulant to open bronchial passageways. Frankincense was used in the treatment of tumors, ulcers, vomiting, dysentery, and fevers. What a wonderful God who loves us so. As the priest would be called on to have burnt offerings before God he would breathe in the healing incense to care for the demands these acts would place on his body.
We may not understand all of God’s ways but he certainly has a plan and a purpose for everything. Not just to be a “meany” as I often say to the children but because he loves us so.
I want to stress that this was just an independent study of mine and that if you are interested in using any of these herbs you should consult someone who knows more than I do.
I will say that as we sit in the presence of our Most Holy God his power for healing is available to us. As we minister to him he will minister healing to us. Much love and blessings to you all.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Our New Place
I want to give praise to the Lord for his provision for us. We had been renting a place for six months since we came down but now our six months was up so we had to find a new place. We prayed and were confident that the Lord would provide. He did in true God style...two days before we had to be out of the old place it was confirmed that we had a new place and we moved the day of our deadline.
God provided for all the details and we were on our way...just in the nick of time! The house is cute and homey and the setting is truly tropical with fruit trees galore! What a blessing!
We are here for a year and then we'll see where God leads us on this grand adventure with him! Even though it's been stressful and difficult we would have missed so much had we not followed him. We are challenged daily with new obstacles but Jesus has our every answer! We are learning to be completely dependant upon him and we are meeting new friends along the way.
May God bless you as you step out on the water to follow him...there is never a dull moment for sure!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Little Red Purse of Love
God’s love is so amazing! I love it when he pours out a bucket load on you at unsuspecting moments. Like a friend calling out of the blue with words in due season that bless and encourage you or something as simple as a purse…both of which lavished God’s love on me today.
Sometimes you can see how he directs you without your knowledge and then he lets you see it just to show you how in control he really is…let me give you an example from my day.
I had gone to a department store to get some red shirts for work (we are wearing them because they are festive). While I’m in this department store, I think about buying a purse. Recently, I got a very small royalty check from the sale of my book about my daughter, so I thought I would treat myself.
Being a mom, that’s hard to do sometimes because you think about all the needs of the family instead of your own, so, I walked out of the department store without the purse. As soon as I stepped out of the store my purse strap broke, “Well, now I do need a purse,” I thought so I drove down to another store that was nearby to see what they had.
I looked around and found this cute little red purse that had a great price for the brand and I debated once again but this time I decided to just buy it. It wasn’t until I was down the road that I realized what I had done as the Lord spoke to my heart…Danni had a little red purse that she loved. We had worked it into her casket piece along with her favorite heels.
Joy flooded my heart and tears streamed down my face as I remembered her and her purse and as I thought about our current circumstances the Lord encouraged my heart that he had everything under control and he wants the best for us. He showed me how capable he is at the right time to cause circumstances to come together in my favor to lavish his love on me.
And now I had a little red purse to remind me everywhere I went! Oh, and a pair of earrings that said… “believe,” not even thinking about it I had purchased them too!
He loves us …Oh ..how he loves us…Oh…how he loves us…Oh…how he loves us!!!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Waves of Grace to Grace
I can’t believe it’s been two years since my sweet Danni died. She was only 19 when brain cancer consumed her body, you can see her story at www.dannifrain.blogspot.com if you like, it’s a blog that I did during that time and made into a book. It’s there as an eternal memorial to her. Since then, we’ve moved to Florida in effort to start a new chapter in our lives.
I’ve heard that her grave was covered in flowers and gifts as our community of family and friends remembered her life. That blessed me greatly, but then Danni was unforgettable.
Currently, we’ve been meeting with a wonderful couple here and Thanksgiving day was a tragic one for them as well. She lost her daughter. As I spoke with her on the phone a few days later, I was encouraged by what she had to say. I thought about how the grace of God had been so real to us as Grace (her name) spoke words of praise for the Father.
It was amazing to me that just the week before as we met for Sunday worship in our home, we discussed God’s love for us and how he makes us get into the boat like his disciples and go to the other side. (See Matthew 14:22, Matthew 8:23, Matthew 9:1 these are just a few)
As I was looking for scriptures, I was totally amazed by the number of times Jesus got into a boat and crossed to the other side with his disciples following or in other cases, he made them go on their own and joined them later.
It’s so very hard to think that God has a plan and purpose with all this crossing of many waters, some seas are so difficult to traverse, but he does. He wants us to grow and mature. He wants us to see him for who he really is in circumstances so dire that only he can rescue us. He wants to get us to a place that we can see his glory.
Grace, my friend, is in a boat once again crossing to the other side and we are with her. The waves are crashing furiously but she has shown me God’s glory within her shining brightly.
Yesterday morning as we sat on the beach near the ocean we discussed that in times of deepest distress, God will give us what we need to endure and that is so true. It’s at those times in life that he comes walking to us across the sea or he stands in the boat and calms the waves.
“Do not fear, it is I,” he says to us for he is always in control or “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” for he is always with us. Nothing happens to us without his knowledge or consent and it is always for our good though we may not see it though the storm.
“He loves us, oh, how he loves us, oh, how he loves us, oh, how he loves us…” is the song rolling through my heart, may these words comfort you in your crossing today. He’s there…he knows…he cares…he’s preparing you for others to see his glory through you and you will make it safely to the other side.
I’ve heard that her grave was covered in flowers and gifts as our community of family and friends remembered her life. That blessed me greatly, but then Danni was unforgettable.
Currently, we’ve been meeting with a wonderful couple here and Thanksgiving day was a tragic one for them as well. She lost her daughter. As I spoke with her on the phone a few days later, I was encouraged by what she had to say. I thought about how the grace of God had been so real to us as Grace (her name) spoke words of praise for the Father.
It was amazing to me that just the week before as we met for Sunday worship in our home, we discussed God’s love for us and how he makes us get into the boat like his disciples and go to the other side. (See Matthew 14:22, Matthew 8:23, Matthew 9:1 these are just a few)
As I was looking for scriptures, I was totally amazed by the number of times Jesus got into a boat and crossed to the other side with his disciples following or in other cases, he made them go on their own and joined them later.
It’s so very hard to think that God has a plan and purpose with all this crossing of many waters, some seas are so difficult to traverse, but he does. He wants us to grow and mature. He wants us to see him for who he really is in circumstances so dire that only he can rescue us. He wants to get us to a place that we can see his glory.
Grace, my friend, is in a boat once again crossing to the other side and we are with her. The waves are crashing furiously but she has shown me God’s glory within her shining brightly.
Yesterday morning as we sat on the beach near the ocean we discussed that in times of deepest distress, God will give us what we need to endure and that is so true. It’s at those times in life that he comes walking to us across the sea or he stands in the boat and calms the waves.
“Do not fear, it is I,” he says to us for he is always in control or “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” for he is always with us. Nothing happens to us without his knowledge or consent and it is always for our good though we may not see it though the storm.
“He loves us, oh, how he loves us, oh, how he loves us, oh, how he loves us…” is the song rolling through my heart, may these words comfort you in your crossing today. He’s there…he knows…he cares…he’s preparing you for others to see his glory through you and you will make it safely to the other side.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Battle...Breakthrough!
Last Sunday was a battle for us. We were fighting discouragement because it’s been a hard process for my hubby to gain employment. Don’t get me wrong, we knew it would be quite a test to move to Florida and we were prepared for the challenge. We have no regrets and would take the plunge again, however, it’s easy to let financial circumstances rule and overrule your every thought.
We were encouraged by our friend Kent that Ephesians 6 says that our fight is not against “flesh and blood” but that it is a heavenly struggle against wickedness. I had never before linked our fight with wickedness to other scriptures that spoke of “the wicked” or “evildoers”.
To be quite honest, I often thought of wicked people I knew when I would read those scriptures or I would think of where God brought me from. Right or wrong those were my thoughts but in light of Ephesians 6, I realized this week that there is a whole other dimension to “wickedness” beyond people.
That night, I was asking the Lord, “Lord, what is the truth about our situation? What is the truth that is buckled around my waist?” (Eph. 6:14) and he encouraged me to read my journal. As I read, I found Psalm 27 scribbled several times amongst my notes and I decide to check it out.
There in black and white was the answer to our circumstances. As I sat pondering the words “enemies, foes, attack, army, besiege, and war” I began to realize that there was a spiritual battle going on, enemies from the evil one had surrounded us cutting off all supply, but God would come to the rescue!
It was as if my eyes had been opened. Minutes later, as I sat in front of the fan in our room the pages were blown to Psalm 37 where I was strengthened again by it’s words. What an amazing surge of power came from the page to our spirits as Matt and I began to pray in agreement that God could be trusted and that he would intervene on our behalf.
I am blessed to report that the very next day, Matt got a call and was given a job!!
Somehow, I never put it together that our battle is against wickedness and that those forces are represented in scripture as, “wicked men, evildoers and the wicked” but it is the enemy of our souls working behind the scenes and through people to accomplish his evil schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
To those of us who have been made righteous through accepting Christ as our Savior, we are the blameless and righteous ones in the scriptures. Let me make it clear that it is only through Christ that we are blameless and righteous because he took our sin upon himself on the cross.
All this to say, what an exercise and we are strengthened! I share this to encourage you if you are being besieged by the enemy and it seems that you’ve hit a brick wall in your circumstances.
I leave you with these words from Psalm 37:34, “Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.”
Praise the Lord … we have seen it!
We were encouraged by our friend Kent that Ephesians 6 says that our fight is not against “flesh and blood” but that it is a heavenly struggle against wickedness. I had never before linked our fight with wickedness to other scriptures that spoke of “the wicked” or “evildoers”.
To be quite honest, I often thought of wicked people I knew when I would read those scriptures or I would think of where God brought me from. Right or wrong those were my thoughts but in light of Ephesians 6, I realized this week that there is a whole other dimension to “wickedness” beyond people.
That night, I was asking the Lord, “Lord, what is the truth about our situation? What is the truth that is buckled around my waist?” (Eph. 6:14) and he encouraged me to read my journal. As I read, I found Psalm 27 scribbled several times amongst my notes and I decide to check it out.
There in black and white was the answer to our circumstances. As I sat pondering the words “enemies, foes, attack, army, besiege, and war” I began to realize that there was a spiritual battle going on, enemies from the evil one had surrounded us cutting off all supply, but God would come to the rescue!
It was as if my eyes had been opened. Minutes later, as I sat in front of the fan in our room the pages were blown to Psalm 37 where I was strengthened again by it’s words. What an amazing surge of power came from the page to our spirits as Matt and I began to pray in agreement that God could be trusted and that he would intervene on our behalf.
I am blessed to report that the very next day, Matt got a call and was given a job!!
Somehow, I never put it together that our battle is against wickedness and that those forces are represented in scripture as, “wicked men, evildoers and the wicked” but it is the enemy of our souls working behind the scenes and through people to accomplish his evil schemes. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
To those of us who have been made righteous through accepting Christ as our Savior, we are the blameless and righteous ones in the scriptures. Let me make it clear that it is only through Christ that we are blameless and righteous because he took our sin upon himself on the cross.
All this to say, what an exercise and we are strengthened! I share this to encourage you if you are being besieged by the enemy and it seems that you’ve hit a brick wall in your circumstances.
I leave you with these words from Psalm 37:34, “Wait for the Lord and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.”
Praise the Lord … we have seen it!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
We're Grandparents!!
Nevaeh T'nes (Na veh ya) (Heaven Sent backwards) was given to our daughter Kirsten today and we are so thankful everyone's safe! She was born this morning at 7:11 A.M. and we're very excited :)
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