Crossing over the Jordan River into the Promised Land looked like an impossible situation because the river was at flood stage because it was "harvest time". The Bible tells us that the banks of the Jordan always flooded at harvest time.
God told the priests who were carrying the Ark of The Covenant (which represented the presence of God) to go before the people into the Jordan. As the people followed the priests carrying the Ark the waters parted and God's people walked over on dry ground into the Promised Land. Joshua 3
That is the way it is in our lives today. Many times when God is ready to do something wonderful in our lives or fulfill a promise we have been standing on, the enemy comes in like a flood.
God said, "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him." Isaiah 59:19
That standard is "His Word". Keep your eyes focused on God and His Word, His promise that He wants to fulfill in your life. "My Word that goes forth from My mouth, shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
LIFE CAN DEAL SOME HARD BLOWS, BUT JESUS SAID
Life can deal some hard blows, but Jesus said,"You will grieve, but your grief will turn to wonderful joy when you see Me again". You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice and no one can rob you of that joy. It will be like a woman experiencing the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives place to joy because she has brought a new person into the world. You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy." John 16:20b-22
As we journey through life on this earth we will experience times of intense pain and suffering. Jesus compared it to that of a woman in labor, but oh the joy when that baby is born. He has promised us that one day when we see Him again there will be no more sorrow, no more tears, no more good byes, but only endless joy. Until then God has promised us He would never leave nor forsake us.
These words written by my daughter Janet just before the death of my grandson seem to put life and the grief we experience in this world into perspective.
" We live in a fallen world and sickness and disease are a part of this world. But God has promised us that He would never leave nor forsake us. Ryan may be suffering now, but so much more awaits him in heaven because of his suffering here on earth. Whether that be now or 70 years from now. We waste precious prayer time with our Father by asking "why?" Yes, He allows our anger and our questions, It's okay. But remember that our life here whether it be two days or a hundred years, is very brief when you put it next to eternity, and those of us who call Jesus Lord will spend all of that eternity in bliss.
My son has a wonderful spirit that he has been blessed with. That spirit could carry him through anything. When it's all said and done, that's what's important, that our souls are walking with God. My whole heart aches for my baby, but in my heart of hearts, I know that I know that I know that he is blessed of God and that God is carrying him in His hand every step of the way, that has to be enough for me."
Written by Janet Davis Dickinson 2 weeks before her son Ryan's death.
"What we suffer now will be nothing compared to the glory He will give us later. For all creation is eagerly waiting for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are."Romans 8:18
As we journey through life on this earth we will experience times of intense pain and suffering. Jesus compared it to that of a woman in labor, but oh the joy when that baby is born. He has promised us that one day when we see Him again there will be no more sorrow, no more tears, no more good byes, but only endless joy. Until then God has promised us He would never leave nor forsake us.
These words written by my daughter Janet just before the death of my grandson seem to put life and the grief we experience in this world into perspective.
" We live in a fallen world and sickness and disease are a part of this world. But God has promised us that He would never leave nor forsake us. Ryan may be suffering now, but so much more awaits him in heaven because of his suffering here on earth. Whether that be now or 70 years from now. We waste precious prayer time with our Father by asking "why?" Yes, He allows our anger and our questions, It's okay. But remember that our life here whether it be two days or a hundred years, is very brief when you put it next to eternity, and those of us who call Jesus Lord will spend all of that eternity in bliss.
My son has a wonderful spirit that he has been blessed with. That spirit could carry him through anything. When it's all said and done, that's what's important, that our souls are walking with God. My whole heart aches for my baby, but in my heart of hearts, I know that I know that I know that he is blessed of God and that God is carrying him in His hand every step of the way, that has to be enough for me."
Written by Janet Davis Dickinson 2 weeks before her son Ryan's death.
"What we suffer now will be nothing compared to the glory He will give us later. For all creation is eagerly waiting for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are."Romans 8:18
Saturday, September 19, 2009
GOD'S WORD IS SO PROFOUND!!!
God's Word is soooo profound!!! I just came across these words "The life of the flesh is in the blood". Lev 17:11 It just seemed to jump out at me! God isn't just talking about human blood or animal blood, but a much deeper meaning.
The life of our flesh is in the Blood of Jesus Christ. His Blood gives us life! It gives us not only eternal life but the life of Christ in us. Just as our physical body cannot live without blood, we cannot live spiritually without his Blood. Even in our fleshly bodies His Blood makes us alive with His Life!!! Praise The Lord!!!
The life of our flesh is in the Blood of Jesus Christ. His Blood gives us life! It gives us not only eternal life but the life of Christ in us. Just as our physical body cannot live without blood, we cannot live spiritually without his Blood. Even in our fleshly bodies His Blood makes us alive with His Life!!! Praise The Lord!!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
THE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!
THE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!!
"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. The night is nearly over the day is almost here." Romans 13:11-12
The dark time in which we live is almost over and "The Day" of the return of the Son is almost here.
Our Father knows us so well. He knew we would be in danger of oversleeping. Like the bride I once saw in a movie who overslept on the day of her wedding. You wouldn't think that would happen, because a bride looks forward to her wedding day most of her life. Could it be that she was so engrossed in things that were going on the night before that she overslept?
Isaiah 52: 1 "Wake up, Wake up, O Zion Clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor!"
Romans 13:12-13 Tells us "to get rid of our evil deeds, to shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourself with right living being decent and true in everything we do."
We all know that weddings take preparation. The bride needs to take time to prepare herself for her groom. She spends time making sure everything is perfect for her him. She wants to look radiant for the once she loves. So she must spend time in preparation. She wouldn't dare appear with a stained wrinkled dress to meet the one she loves on the most important day of her life.
Please be aware dear ones of the time in which we are living. Jesus said we were not to be like the Scribes and Pharisees who did not understand that it was the season for the Messiah to come. These were educated men who should have known, because there were clear indicators throughout the scriptures describing God's plan for His Son to come. But He was right there with them and they didn't recognize Him.
We are given all the signs for His return. We must realize the urgency of the hour. We must not be so engrossed in the darkness that we are deceived and keep putting off preparation for His Coming. Don be caught off guard!!!
We must WAKE UP, the night is nearly over and The DAY is almost here! The Bride must begin preparation for her Groom!
"The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber. The night is nearly over the day is almost here." Romans 13:11-12
The dark time in which we live is almost over and "The Day" of the return of the Son is almost here.
Our Father knows us so well. He knew we would be in danger of oversleeping. Like the bride I once saw in a movie who overslept on the day of her wedding. You wouldn't think that would happen, because a bride looks forward to her wedding day most of her life. Could it be that she was so engrossed in things that were going on the night before that she overslept?
Isaiah 52: 1 "Wake up, Wake up, O Zion Clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor!"
Romans 13:12-13 Tells us "to get rid of our evil deeds, to shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourself with right living being decent and true in everything we do."
We all know that weddings take preparation. The bride needs to take time to prepare herself for her groom. She spends time making sure everything is perfect for her him. She wants to look radiant for the once she loves. So she must spend time in preparation. She wouldn't dare appear with a stained wrinkled dress to meet the one she loves on the most important day of her life.
Please be aware dear ones of the time in which we are living. Jesus said we were not to be like the Scribes and Pharisees who did not understand that it was the season for the Messiah to come. These were educated men who should have known, because there were clear indicators throughout the scriptures describing God's plan for His Son to come. But He was right there with them and they didn't recognize Him.
We are given all the signs for His return. We must realize the urgency of the hour. We must not be so engrossed in the darkness that we are deceived and keep putting off preparation for His Coming. Don be caught off guard!!!
We must WAKE UP, the night is nearly over and The DAY is almost here! The Bride must begin preparation for her Groom!
Monday, August 24, 2009
WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!!!
When we stand before Him and realize that all those things we fretted about here on this earth were taken care of. He did it, He brought us through!!! He was faithful to bring us through all those difficult times. We dwelt in these earthly tents traveling on our way to the Promised Land. The journey was long and difficult at times, but He fed us with Manna from Heaven (His Word) to strengthen us. We were given water through His Word when we were dry and thirsty. He gave us His Holy Spirit to guide us so we would not lose our way.
In the Old Testament God's people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles every year. They built tents or tabernacles to dwell in during these feast. This was so they would recall how God brought them through the wilderness, dwelling in tents on their way to the Promised Land. How he supplied their every need, feeding them with manna from Heaven, giving them water from a rock when they were thirsty, a cloud to guide them by day and fire by night.
I can't help but think about how we today go through our trials just as they did, on the journey of life on this earth on our way to the Promised Land. And one day we will be able to recall how on this earth He brought us through all the difficult times we had in this life. All those trials and circumstances, that at the time we couldn't see how we would make it.....He was faithful and met our every need!!!! He brought us through!!! WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!!!!
In the Old Testament God's people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles every year. They built tents or tabernacles to dwell in during these feast. This was so they would recall how God brought them through the wilderness, dwelling in tents on their way to the Promised Land. How he supplied their every need, feeding them with manna from Heaven, giving them water from a rock when they were thirsty, a cloud to guide them by day and fire by night.
I can't help but think about how we today go through our trials just as they did, on the journey of life on this earth on our way to the Promised Land. And one day we will be able to recall how on this earth He brought us through all the difficult times we had in this life. All those trials and circumstances, that at the time we couldn't see how we would make it.....He was faithful and met our every need!!!! He brought us through!!! WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE!!!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
REASSURANCETHAT GOD KNOWS EVERY SITUATION WE FACE IN LIFE
GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN US,WE JUST NEED TO REMEMBER TO CRY OUT TO HIM.
"Can a woman forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See I have your name written on My hand. Isaiah 49: 15-16 NLT
What a wonderful illustration of God's love!!!
We sometimes feel as though God has forgotten us, yet he tells us in this scripture that He could no more forget us than a mother could forget her nursing child. Our name is inscribed on the palm of His Hand. What comfort we can receive from this promise!!!
A nursing child cries out to it's mother upon whom it is dependant for food and nourishment, from which it derives it's strength. There is no way that nursing mother can forget that child when it cries out. When her child cries milk begins to pour from her breast.
God is saying, "when we cry out to Him that nourishment is there, strength is there. He supplies the needs of His children.
He goes on to say in the second part of verse 16: "Your walls are ever before Me" In other words, "I know what you are going through, I know the things that are hindering you, I know every situation you are facing in your life."
The thing is we must not forget to cry out.
The enemy is attacking like never before because he knows his time is short. All we have to do is cry out and trust our God in our personal lives and for our nation. He will bring us through. He promises us that He has not forgotten.
"Can a woman forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See I have your name written on My hand. Isaiah 49: 15-16 NLT
What a wonderful illustration of God's love!!!
We sometimes feel as though God has forgotten us, yet he tells us in this scripture that He could no more forget us than a mother could forget her nursing child. Our name is inscribed on the palm of His Hand. What comfort we can receive from this promise!!!
A nursing child cries out to it's mother upon whom it is dependant for food and nourishment, from which it derives it's strength. There is no way that nursing mother can forget that child when it cries out. When her child cries milk begins to pour from her breast.
God is saying, "when we cry out to Him that nourishment is there, strength is there. He supplies the needs of His children.
He goes on to say in the second part of verse 16: "Your walls are ever before Me" In other words, "I know what you are going through, I know the things that are hindering you, I know every situation you are facing in your life."
The thing is we must not forget to cry out.
The enemy is attacking like never before because he knows his time is short. All we have to do is cry out and trust our God in our personal lives and for our nation. He will bring us through. He promises us that He has not forgotten.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
SARAH PALIN "ONLY DEAD FISH GO WITH THE FLOW"
THOUGHTS FROM THE EVENTS OF THIS PAST WEEK:
The response to Sarah Palin's decision to step down from her post as Gov of the State of Alaska should not come as a surprise in view of the results of the 2008 presidential election.
The negative response is only representative of the spiritual regression of our nation. In the 2008 election such crucial issues as Abortion, Stem Cell Research, and Same Sex Marriage, to mention just a few, were considered not as important as the state of our economy, even to many who call themselves evangelical Christians. Instead of looking to the Lord as their provider and depending upon Him, the majority chose to look to a man as their savior, their way out of financial distress. President Obama has been pictured with a crown of thorns and heralded as the one who will get America out of her mess. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." PS. 33:12
We cannot blame the world, for they are blind and deaf according to the scriptures. If you will remember, it was not the world that Jesus was speaking to when He was angry with the money changers in the temple .....but it was the religious people, those who should have known better. The Bible tells us "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." We are "the light of the world." Christians are way the world sees Jesus and yet we have become so much like the world that it is hard to differentiate between the two.
We need revival in "the Church." We talk so much of needing revival in our nation, spiritual renewal must begin with "the Church" the "Bride of Christ." You cannot revive something that has never been alive and "the world" is not spiritually alive and never has been. God said, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn (repent) from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2Chron. 7:14).
I can't understand why all those people who were friends of Michael Jackson, who professed to be Christians did not help him see Jesus. Yet in his funeral service they were so absolutely sure he was with the Lord. I don't know, I am not Michael's judge. He was a very sick and depraved human being and that is not judging, but obvious by his life. Where were all those good Christian friends when he was having to keep himself drugged all those years just to be able to cope with life?? Maybe some did witness to him and he rejected God, I don't know. Maybe he accepted the Lord Jesus in the end, I hope so.
But to say that he was definitely in the arms of Jesus ...sent a false message to the millions of people who viewed that funeral. I for one would not want to be held responsible for sending such a message. It's like saying, "live your life any way you want and in the end you will end up in the arms of Jesus. " It sounds good, but it is not the truth.
Yes, God is a God of love "He would that none should perish, but have everlasting life." But we can't expect to live a life of sin and end up in heaven. God's word says," The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolater, all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8).
Now back to Sarah Palin. As I said the response to her decision does not surprise me, because we have become so attuned to the world' s way of doing things that actually hearing from God on the path that we are to take in life is foreign to us.
Unfortunately most Christians do not know what a "higher Calling" means. I wonder what would have happened if Abraham, when God called him to a land he knew not of, had resisted and listened to those around him who could not see how he could possibly be making the right decision. After all how could someone just pick up and leave their home and drag their family into the unknown? I am sure there were scoffers everywhere who could not understand his reasoning in making such a decision. "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1Corn 1:20).
Jesus said, "My sheep know My voice and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).
It takes courage to step out and do what you know God has called you do and in the way He has called you to do it. "Come out from among them and be ye separate," saith the Lord (2Corn. 6:17).
I remember a time in my own life having to step down from a position knowing there was no way if I stayed in that position that God would be glorified. God's work could not be accomplished in light of the strife and lack of unity. I too was told I would be called a quitter. But my purpose was to accomplish the work that God had called me to do and to follow His direction for my life, instead of be manipulated by those who had no understanding of my "higher calling."
"Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow."
Pray with me for revival among God's people, that we we come out and separate ourselves from the world and be "the Church", "the Bride" He's coming back for, a Bride that's passionately in love with her Groom. Lord help rid us of our apathy and lukewarmness(Rev. 3: 15-16). Help us to search our hearts and return to our "first love" (Rev. 2:4). Give us a passion for You instead of "Going Through the Motions."
Listen to the song by Matthew West "Going Through the Motions." Click on Video Bar ( at the right of the screen). What kind of a world would it be if we as Christians gave our all and stepped out to follow His leading??
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME OF YOUR THOUGHTS.
The response to Sarah Palin's decision to step down from her post as Gov of the State of Alaska should not come as a surprise in view of the results of the 2008 presidential election.
The negative response is only representative of the spiritual regression of our nation. In the 2008 election such crucial issues as Abortion, Stem Cell Research, and Same Sex Marriage, to mention just a few, were considered not as important as the state of our economy, even to many who call themselves evangelical Christians. Instead of looking to the Lord as their provider and depending upon Him, the majority chose to look to a man as their savior, their way out of financial distress. President Obama has been pictured with a crown of thorns and heralded as the one who will get America out of her mess. "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." PS. 33:12
We cannot blame the world, for they are blind and deaf according to the scriptures. If you will remember, it was not the world that Jesus was speaking to when He was angry with the money changers in the temple .....but it was the religious people, those who should have known better. The Bible tells us "for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son." We are "the light of the world." Christians are way the world sees Jesus and yet we have become so much like the world that it is hard to differentiate between the two.
We need revival in "the Church." We talk so much of needing revival in our nation, spiritual renewal must begin with "the Church" the "Bride of Christ." You cannot revive something that has never been alive and "the world" is not spiritually alive and never has been. God said, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn (repent) from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2Chron. 7:14).
I can't understand why all those people who were friends of Michael Jackson, who professed to be Christians did not help him see Jesus. Yet in his funeral service they were so absolutely sure he was with the Lord. I don't know, I am not Michael's judge. He was a very sick and depraved human being and that is not judging, but obvious by his life. Where were all those good Christian friends when he was having to keep himself drugged all those years just to be able to cope with life?? Maybe some did witness to him and he rejected God, I don't know. Maybe he accepted the Lord Jesus in the end, I hope so.
But to say that he was definitely in the arms of Jesus ...sent a false message to the millions of people who viewed that funeral. I for one would not want to be held responsible for sending such a message. It's like saying, "live your life any way you want and in the end you will end up in the arms of Jesus. " It sounds good, but it is not the truth.
Yes, God is a God of love "He would that none should perish, but have everlasting life." But we can't expect to live a life of sin and end up in heaven. God's word says," The cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolater, all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Rev. 21:8).
Now back to Sarah Palin. As I said the response to her decision does not surprise me, because we have become so attuned to the world' s way of doing things that actually hearing from God on the path that we are to take in life is foreign to us.
Unfortunately most Christians do not know what a "higher Calling" means. I wonder what would have happened if Abraham, when God called him to a land he knew not of, had resisted and listened to those around him who could not see how he could possibly be making the right decision. After all how could someone just pick up and leave their home and drag their family into the unknown? I am sure there were scoffers everywhere who could not understand his reasoning in making such a decision. "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1Corn 1:20).
Jesus said, "My sheep know My voice and I know them, and they follow Me" (John 10:27).
It takes courage to step out and do what you know God has called you do and in the way He has called you to do it. "Come out from among them and be ye separate," saith the Lord (2Corn. 6:17).
I remember a time in my own life having to step down from a position knowing there was no way if I stayed in that position that God would be glorified. God's work could not be accomplished in light of the strife and lack of unity. I too was told I would be called a quitter. But my purpose was to accomplish the work that God had called me to do and to follow His direction for my life, instead of be manipulated by those who had no understanding of my "higher calling."
"Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow."
Pray with me for revival among God's people, that we we come out and separate ourselves from the world and be "the Church", "the Bride" He's coming back for, a Bride that's passionately in love with her Groom. Lord help rid us of our apathy and lukewarmness(Rev. 3: 15-16). Help us to search our hearts and return to our "first love" (Rev. 2:4). Give us a passion for You instead of "Going Through the Motions."
Listen to the song by Matthew West "Going Through the Motions." Click on Video Bar ( at the right of the screen). What kind of a world would it be if we as Christians gave our all and stepped out to follow His leading??
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR SOME OF YOUR THOUGHTS.
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