A PRAYER (PSALM 123) AND A PRAISE (PSALM 124)

TEXT:

PSALM 123:

To you I lift up my eyes,
    O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 Behold, as the eyes of servants
    look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
    to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
    till he has mercy upon us.

3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
    for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than enough
    of the scorn of those who are at ease,
    of the contempt of the proud.

PSALM 124:

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side—
    let Israel now say—
2 if it had not been the Lord who was on our side
    when people rose up against us,
3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
    when their anger was kindled against us;
4 then the flood would have swept us away,
    the torrent would have gone over us;
5 then over us would have gone
    the raging waters.

6 Blessed be the Lord,
    who has not given us
    as prey to their teeth!
7 We have escaped like a bird
    from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken,
    and we have escaped!

8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

MY NEW BOOK: ACTIVATE - "UNLEASH THE PRAYER WARRIOR WITHIN"

It is with great humility and joy I wish to announce the release of my brand new book ACTIVATE: PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE REVEALED, Volume 1.  The Focus of this book is laid out right there at the foot of the front cover – “UNLEASH THE POWER OF PRAYER. ENERGIZE YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH”.

CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASE OPTIONS

The concept of Prayer has been studied so many ways, in so many forms that I think the original intent of the Founding Father – Almighty God, sometimes gets lost in the drive to create a movement, a mania or a “new way of praying”. This is not the thinking behind ACTIVATE.

Our view of God and His thinking determines our worldview as well as the quality of our relationship with Him. A small view of Abba leaves us in the dust with the majority of mankind and the vast majority of Christians. The latter group may be saved, but not much else. A big view of God leads opens up the eyes of our hearts to the untold riches of Kingdom which we could never imagine possible.

This is why I decided to take some very important chapters of the entire Bible, go through them page by page and discover the prayers of God’s people. We know that ALL Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).  The Book of Genesis is obviously the very first place to begin to understand what Prayer really is. It is a conversation between God our Creator and His redeemed – us.  The very first prayer is so interesting and from there, we proceed all the way through to this mighty Book of Beginnings.

Chapter 2 of ACTIVATE will surprise a lot of people. As aforementioned, just like the Constitution of the United States, the key is Original Intent. In other words, how does God really want us to pray. I do not follow the book layout of the Bible, but God’s thinking after He gave us the Genesis or Beginnings of Prayer.

Therefore, the very next chapter of Activate is a full deep sea dive into the Book of James! There is a reason this little book of five short chapters, almost at the end of every bible, is so critical. We first have to understand just who the Apostle James really is! He was the unsaved half-brother of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself until after the Resurrection where the Bible makes a point of saying that Jesus showed Himself to 500 AND JAMES!  James was once one of His siblings who thought their older brother was a little of our His Mind. The Resurrection changed all that as two of the Lord’s brothers, who were direct sons of Joseph, wrote books in the Bible. They are James and Jude.

While the Sermon on the Mount is the definitive standard for Christian living, the Book of James is the standard for Christian conduct in everyday life situations. It is also the standard for prayer. There are no prayers in the Book of James. However, the great leader of the Church in Jerusalem – James, gives the most in-depth and beautiful teaching on HOW to pray, than any other book of the Bible.  This amazing instructional is called “The Mechanics of Prayer”.

James was called “Camel Knees”. It is no wonder that God revealed these teachings to His servant James to pass on to us, because only a fervent man of effective prayer could have written what we examined in Chapter 2 of this new book.

Some of the most critical issues of life, from matters of the soul to personal matters are not just addressed by the Lord in His Word here, but He explicitly demonstrates how His free people can approach Him, in prayer. This is more than a “How-to” manual straight from the Source. But it is a hands on, and pro-active examination which, if done as the men and women of the Bible shows us how, will put our spiritual maturity growth spurt on steroids.

God made us for relationship, first with Him and then others. In fact, Jesus said these are the two greatest commandments for anyone who ever lived. We nurture and grow that relationship with Abba Father ONLY through prayer. Proper application of the lessons learned from the Bible in this book – Activate – will unleash AND power the inner prayer warrior in us.
ACTIVATE (eBOOK AND/OR PAPERBACK IS AVAILABLE HERE ON AMAZON.COM)

DON'T BE STRESSED OUT - TURN TO GOD!

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7)
We live in the most critical time in history. I am sure that everyone in the past 1000's of years felt the same way. The difference this time is that most of the prophesies of the great "Old Testament" prophets and world events are lining up to give the accurate picture of the falling away and corruption which will precede the taking up of the saints (the Rapture), the Tribulation and then the Second and Final Return of the Creator and King - Jesus Christ (Yahweh).

We are strung out, stressed out, squeezed, singled out (if you're a real Christian these days) and stung by Satan's minions who are not as cute as the cartoon ones from the movie "Despicable Me". The most popular drug in America or the west sold for decades have been tranquilizers and anti-depressants because folks simply cannot handle and cope these days. But God did not plan for us to live this way. He gave us His Word as THE Guidepost to righteous and powerful living. In this video teaching from several years ago, we examine the application of Scripture - the Word of God - to daily living, and in this case, we look at Stress.  May the Lord grant understanding in this important feature of life in the 21st century.

NEW CHRISTIAN TV CHANNEL LAUNCHES BIG AROUND THE WORLD! (FREE ON ROKU & LIVE STREAMING)

Plumbline with Bernie Lutchman and other
original local programming on Barak. TV

A brand new Christian Inspirational and Bible Teaching TV channel has launched out of Central Illinois with such a powerful footprint in less than six months, that its management broke off SOON TV INSPIRATIONS into its on FREE Live Streaming channel, now available on your ROKU system! Now up and running from head office in Sullivan, Illinois, the new channel is called Barak TV. It is not named after the current U.S. President but is simply the Hebrew word for praise.

Linda Klingel 
(A Word In Season)

BARAK TV is currently seen in 19 countries and counting with Brazil leading the

Dr. Tim Henderson (Contemporary Living)

way. Israel, Germany and other countries make up the rest of the viewing audiences. The original programming is mixed with worldwide favorites like Dr. Charles Stanley, Dr. David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer, Joseph Prince and others. There are also wonderful family programming and cartoons which children can actually watch that will bring back traditional family values. Christian

Marti Johnson (Marti and the Door)

movies will also be shown (such as Left Behind etc).

Here is a brief rundown of daily programming and again, this will be available to anyone with ROKU, where you, the family controls the content coming into your home, with a wide choice of scores of free quality channels like Barak. Original programming, such as Contemporary Living and PLUMBLINE will always also be On Demand.

DAILY TV SCHEDULE:

Sunday: 8am...Christian cartoon, 9am...Linda Klingel, 10am...New Life Church, 11am...God Culture, Noon, Jcreek church, 1pm...Plumbline...2pm...Sound the Alarm...3pm..Zanetta Jones...4pm....Contemporary Living....5pm...Marti and the Door...6pm...Christian movie...8pm...Christian movie

Monday: 6pm...Jcreek Church, 7pm...Sound the Alarm...8pm Joyce Meyers...9pm...Joseph Prince...10 pm...Christian movie.

Tuesday: 6pm...Contemporary Living, 7pm...Jewish Jewels, 8pm...Kenneth Copeland, 9pm...Les Feddick, 10pm Mix TV

Wednesday: 6pm...Sid Roth...7pm...Sound the Alarm...8pm ...Marilyn and Sarah...9pm...Jentzen Franklin...10pm...Contemporary Living...

Thursday: 6pm...Jcreek ...7pm....Perry Stone...8pm ..Christian movie...10pm...Mix TV

Friday: 6pm...Joseph Prince...7pm....Sound the Alarm....8pm....Contemporary Living....9pm...Jewish Jewels...10 pm...Christian movie

Saturday: 8am...Christian cartoon...9am...Linda Klingel, 10am...New Life Church...11am...God Culture...Noon...Jcreek....1pm....Plumbline....2pm...Sound the Alarm, 3pm....Zanetta Atlas...4pm....Contemporary Living....5pm...Marti and the Door...6pm...Movie...8pm...Movie...

(Original Programming in Bold)

CLICK HERE FOR THE BARAK TV YOU TUBE CHANNEL

LIKE BARAK TV HERE ON FACEBOOK

CLICK HERE FOR THE BARAK TV CHANNEL ON CROSS TV

COMMENT ABOUT A FORMER ATHEIST IN GERMANY WHO WATCHES THE PLUMBLINE TV SHOW (from FACEBOOK):

Tim Henderson wrote on your Timeline.

December 24, 2014 at 12:01pmMy dearest brother. I wanted to share with you a comment that came into my account for barak TV. A man from Germany, who formerly professed to be an atheist, now professes Jesus Christ as Lord! He attributes that journey to following your programming. Blessings to you faithful servant and Merry Christmas!

THE RIGHT ANGLE: "WHAT IS THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOUR LIFE?"

BRAND NEW INTERNET VIDEO TEACHING SHOW:

The following is the second of a new online video "show" if you will, where BMIC President and bible teacher Bernie Lutchman examines critical topics which need a biblical angle and application.  These will appear frequently as needed and this new teaching video program (which is shorter than the average 1/2 TV program) is called THE RIGHT ANGLE.  The RIGHT ANGLE looks at the issues of life, through God's Angle, via His Word.

Today's exhortation is on Fear and Transformation. The passage taught on is Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

THE GRACEFUL SERVANT....FROM THE PLUMBLINE TV SHOW

From my Plumbline TV Show on 1 Timothy 4: 6- 9 (NASB)

6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 

BIGGEST COMMA IN THE HISTORY OF MANKIND, PART 1

Jesus Christ's first foray into His public ministry is recorded in Luke 4:18-19 KJV where, in one short passage, He gives the entire purpose for this First Appearance on this earth! The Mission He was on, as decreed by the Father in Heaven, is summed up in this one powerful statement:
“18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Most bible-reading folks alive on the earth understand that Jesus was quoting directly from the Book of the great prophet Isaiah Chapter 61 and verses 1-2a! What most Christians....and everyone else, do not glum on to, is the reason He stopped halfway through verse 2 and put down the scroll of Isaiah!

This Bible teaching, in the video teaching from my PLUMBLINE TV show, explains it fully, but just briefly here is the reason and the explanation: 
Isaiah 61:2A: "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," (FIRST COMING)
Isaiah 61:2B: "and the day of vengeance of our God" (JUDGMENT IS COMING!)

That comma after the word "LORD" in verse 61a, is the longest comma in Human History! It

is now almost 2000 years old!
That comma represent a day that is soon coming!
That comma represents the terrible Day of the LORD - Judgment Day!

GOD'S THIRTEEN INDICTMENTS AGAINST ALL MANKIND
Why is there going to be a Judgment Day? Because God has a problem with Sin and the Rebellion of man, since before the Creation, when Lucifer fell from grace. In fact, He has a series of Indictments against ALL of us and those charges will be aired in God's Courtroom on that great and terrible day. The world will have no answer and no Advocate standing for them, before the Holy Father in Heaven. The Christian, because He has repented, found forgiveness and given Faith in the Lord Jesus, as Savior, has Him as our Advocate. The following are the list of Indictments which will be this discussed in this program and then Part 2:
Romans 3:10-18 

10 as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;
11     no one understands;
    no one seeks for God.
12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
    no one does good,
    not even one.”
13 “Their throat is an open grave;
    they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
14     “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16     in their paths are ruin and misery,
17 and the way of peace they have not known.”    

18
18     “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

FREE COPY OF MY BOOK HERE NOW- SATURDAY

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GET A FREE DOWNLOAD OF MY BOOK "DANGER ZONE"

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from now until Saturday November 17, 2012

The publishers of DANGER ZONE, my book on both the crisis and solutions to leadership have offered a free Kindle download until Saturday November 17!!! Please visit Amazon.com or go directly to your free ebook by clicking on this LINK!

Read more about what DANGER ZONE is about, click this link on the Business Men in Christ website

A special thank you to Martin Murphy and the Theocentric Publishing Group of Chipley, Florida! PLEASE LIKE THE THEOCENTRIC FACEBOOK PAGE HERE: 

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COLD WEATHER COMFORT FOOD OF THE WEEK

DELICIOUS EARLY FALL WARM LENTIL STEW!

In the history of mankind, especially in the Mediterranean area, vegetables have always been key for nutritional value, especially for  protein content. When combined with grains they create a quality protein intake, as  meat and fish were scarce and poorly distributed among the population.

Rich in protein, calories, minerals and carbohydrates, lentils were one of the dietary staples of the Romans. Today they are still important because the total protein intake should include vegetable protein.

The fat content of lentils is very low, as is the fiber content, lower than other legumes. The composition is rich in vitamins B1, B3, and B6, and folic acid. In addition to iron, lentils are also high in minerals such as zinc and selenium (a mineral antioxidant that protects cells against oxidation in the body caused by free radicals).

Spanish way of cooking Lentils 

Time: 2 h 
Difficulty: Easy  
Price: Affordable                                              

Ingredients:

2 carrots, chopped
1 tomato, diced
1 green pepper, seeds removed & discarded, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 onion, cut in half
2 tablespoons Virgin Olive Oil 
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 potatoes, diced
Salt to taste
1/2 kg lentils

CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING THE RECIPE AND ITS INSTRUCTIONS FROM OUR LOVELY TWINAS LATINAS MAGAZINE!

READ MY MONTHLY MOVIE REVIEWS HERE AS WELL!

THANK YOU!

THIRTY DAY PRAYER CHALLENGE - DAY 3

PRAY THE NAMES OF GOD

DAY 3:
God is infinite. 
We cannot speak of measure, amount, size or weight and at the same time be speaking of God. Who can wrap our puny minds around this Magnificent God of the Universe?
Who has said to the waves "this far you will come and no more"?
Who has said to the darkness "let their be Light" and the darkness departed?


There is no yardstick known to man, by which we can measure God! 
There is no government regulation devised by man, which can limit God.
There is no political correctness enforced by man, which can silence God.


Atheists deny Him.
Preachers lie about Him.
Sinners defy Him.
The wise decry Him.


The church puts Him in a box.
The world discards Him like dirty socks.
The educated mocks and mocks and mocks.
The proud one day, He will dash to the rocks.


But He is beyond measure.
You can't wrap your mind around Him.
You can't begin to comprehend Him.
His Ways are NOT your ways.
His Ways are what He says.
His Ways have determined your days.
Follow His Ways, or be lost forever in a dark, dark maze.


Today, read Romans 11:33 and PRAY this verse with us:
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
(Romans 11:33 ESV)


You can't outgive Him.
You can't outlive Him.
You can't outwit Him and you can't live without Him.


One day you will see His judgments and you will never understand it. But this much I know, if you are not saved and justified and made righteous before a Holy God, there will be no mystery as to your destiny....and you won't like it. 


So if you wish to know the God to Whom we have prayed right here, right now, 
Come to Jesus NOW.
Come to the Cross, NOW. 
Seek forgiveness for your sins, NOW. 
Repent NOW. Make peace with Him, NOW. 
Ask Him to save you, NOW. 
No need to walk an aisle or raise your hand, TODAY IS THE DAY OF YOUR REDEMPTION,
NOW IS THE HOUR OF SALVATION!
CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH, AFTER ALL THESE THINGS
BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT JESUS IS LORD
AND BE SAVED!


AMEN

Tomorrow: DAY 4

(Image by Bing Images)

A WORLD EXCLUSIVE by HOLLY KEARNY!

10 Best Educational Paths in a Down Economy

No matter where you live or what you work as, it will always be affected by the economy.  Every industry has its up and downs, but did you know that there are certain careers and educational paths that can be prosperous even in a down economy?  Everything from technology to healthcare has its areas of expected growth.  To prove it, we have gathered just ten listed in no particular order.

1. Computer Networking – Because just about every company needs to build and maintain a computer network, those who know how are always in demand.  In fact, the growth for these kinds of jobs has numbers up beyond the 50 percent mark.
2. Nurses – As seniors continue to age and people still get sick no matter what the       economy, experienced healthcare professionals are always in need, and nurses are among the most sought after.  The best prospects are for those with an RN degree and the career itself is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next few years.
3. College Teachers – With the rise of private colleges, online schools, and more students earning a degree than ever, the need for teachers is also increasing.  The most in demand are teachers in the post-secondary, or collegiate, level.  Best of all, you don’t necessarily need a degree in teaching, just an advanced degree in the subject you would like to teach and a teaching license in the state you wish to teach in.
4. Mental Health Counselor – Taking the same cue as nurses, as people continue to have troubles in relationships, career, family, etc. they will continue to need mental health counselors.  The projected growth for this field is 30 percent.  A degree in mental health is needed, but those who do not issue prescriptions do not need medical degrees.
5. Financial Analyst – Even if the market is down, the projected growth for this job is up.  A financial analyst helps businesses decide if a plan, action, or investment is going to be feasible and/or profitable.  The MBA is a popular degree for this career, but a degree in business, finance, or related area can work.
6. Veterinary Medicine – Don’t forget about the health and care of our furry friends.  An education in veterinary medicine is also recession proof and is expected to grow at about 28 percent.  Degrees or programs can be completed in everything from veterinary technology to medicine.
7. Physical Therapy – As advances are made in medicine, this is one of the faster growing fields.  Both physical therapists and physical therapy assistants will be needed to help patients with movement issues.  A master’s or associate’s degree in physical therapy is needed for this field.
8. Dental Hygiene – In the olden days, the dentist did all the work themselves.  However, there are now dental assistants and hygienists who do lots of the work dentists do without the expensive dental medicine degree.  Many programs are suited just for dental hygienists and assistants.
9. Pharmacy – As more and more prescriptions are issued, more professionals are needed to keep up with the demand.  This includes both traditional pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, and others.  The most common degrees for pharmacy assistants is an associate’s and the traditional pharmacist degree is still a graduate one.
10. Makeup Artist – It used to be you just went to the salon to get your hair and nails done.  However, more and more salons are adding licensed and qualified makeup artists.  In fact, the expected growth is at 40 percent.  Completing a state approved licensing program is usually all that’s required.

Holly Kearny is the owner of the following amazing Educational website: BECOMING A TEACHER

Her site helps students find the right college to get a teaching degree.

(Image by Google Images)

THINK ON THESE THINGS - WEDNESDAY

TODAY'S FUN ASSIGNMENT - 

'I AM FROM......"!!!

(good stock, for one...!)

Today, my friend LYNN MOSHER has a fun exercise for those of us who look back with fondness at simpler. days. These were the days and times which molded and shaped us into the men and women of God, and good citizens we are today. It was a time of honor and hard word. However, it was also a time of fun, family and sometimes, just weird stuff!!!!

Fill in the blanks here if you wish, but also read Lynn's own account and do what thou wilt with it!! 

LYNN MOSHER

I remembered that I had worked on the same thing in a workshop some time ago. It was a fun assignment, so I decided to dig mine out. The students were to write where they were from, as their family heritage, using this template... 

The WHERE I'M FROM Template

I am from _______ (specific ordinary item), from _______ (product name) and _______. 
I am from the _______ (home description... adjective, adjective, sensory detail). 
I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail) 
I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name). 
I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one). 
From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another). 
I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description. 
I'm from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family). 
From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member). 
I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

I didn’t exactly follow the template and I added to the original...

I am from the house historic, once nestled in vast acreage of farmland, where long-ago presidents came to visit and soldiers were stationed, where barn cats roamed and ducklings swam, where horses whinnied and peacocks unfurled their feathers, where fresh fruits and vegetables graced the family table alongside the farm delights of just-laid eggs and butter and milk from our dairy.

I’m from the precious grandmother, who allowed her granddaughter to decorate her hair and the grandfather that smoked those stinky cigars and snuck snacks for me that were a no-no. I am from the mother who loved to chew freshly ground coffee and eat raw potatoes with salt as she fixed dinner, and the dad who gave horsey rides until his back ached, who bought me a softball and bat, who played his trombone in duet as I attempted to play the piano.

I’m from drinking from the hose in the yard, jumping over the sprinkler, sun-blistered shoulders, and playing in the dirt, from the days of open windows and no air conditioning, and riding bicycles around the circle until the bugs of night hit our teeth, then lying in the grass to watch the wonders of the star-studded sky.

I’m from doctors who made house calls. I am from matching sibling pajamas on Christmas Eve. I am from the pear tree that skinned my elbow when I slid down its trunk. I’m from the club with my friends under the big pine tree.

I’m from antennae TV with two black and white stations, from Gumby and Pokey, Mighty Mouse, Howdy Doody, Hopalong Cassidy, Sky King, Ding Dong School, The Lone Ranger, Lassie, Pinky Lee, Roy Rogers, Cisco Kid, and Kukla, Fran, and Ollie.

I’m from American Bandstand in the mid ’50s with Dick Clark, vinyl LP and 45 records on the hi-fi, Wolfman Jack, and sock hops. I’m from itchy wool sweaters and dresses, knee socks and plaid, pleated skirts, because wearing pants to school was not allowed. I’m from come-home-when-you-hear-the-bell-ring-or-else to get cleaned up for Daddy and dinner at 5:30.

I am from the pages of long-forgotten albums of ancestry and heritage, with roots in England, Ireland, and Germany, from upstanding characters who believed in keeping their word, who sought the Lord and helped their neighbors.

I’m from salvation found at a Billy Graham crusade and standing in awe as I met him at my grandparents’ home. I am from Bibles, worn and frayed, marked and loved, from third-row, organ-side Baptist services on Sundays and Wednesdays, and choir practice, from kneebenders who sought the deep, abiding love of God and to serve in return.

~Thank You, Lord, for my wonderful heritage and these precious whiffs of memories!

~~I hope you’ll try it. It’s a great memory jogger.

(Image by BING)

THINK ON THESE THINGS - THURSDAY

THE SWEET AROMA OF CRUSHING!

From time to time, in our long journey through the 39 verses of  Hebrews 11, a fellow saint will drop in to challenge us to a new look at sharpening our walk with Christ in a powerful way. Lynn Mosher, one of my favorite writers does just that with "The Sweet Aroma of Crushing"!  This is really meaningful. So please take your time, read this and then look in the mirror of your soul. This is how Transformation wins over conformity!

LYNN MOSHER

Here is Lynn: 

Have you ever experienced a devastating circumstance in your life? At one time or another, we all go through trials that attempt to crush us, squeeze us, bruise us, or set us on fire. Though these difficulties strike us, many times their impact will bring beauty out of chaos, if we allow it.

Some things only achieve their greatest design through crushing blows…

*The squeezing of grapes produces sweet wine.

*The pressing of olives extracts their delectable oil.

*Only when wheat is ground is it useful for making bread.

*The crushing of flower petals releases their oil for fragrance.

*Incense is useless – its purpose not fulfilled, its odors not set free – unless touched by fire.

*Only through great pressure, heat, and time does coal produce the gemstone of a diamond.

Just as many things of nature suffer contrary conditions in order to be expanded, strengthened, or enhanced, so, too, do we. Some circumstances only achieve God’s greatest purpose in our lives through pressure and crushing, through tears and suffering, allowing the pleasing fragrance of obedience and sweet graces of God’s will to be released.

But during these trying situations, how do we behave? Do we whine, kick, scream, question God, or tell Him it isn’t fair? Or do we succumb to the Lord’s power to work, bow to His divine purpose, and submit our will to His, offering praise from lips of thanksgiving?

Which behavior do you believe is the sweet aroma in His nostrils?

How did God’s children of the Bible react when they experienced bruising, crushing, or fires? Granted, some, such as Israel, were whiners. However, the Bible is filled with the accounts of great trust.

One is Paul. Of the multitude of afflictions he experienced, he said, “We were really crushed and overwhelmed, and feared we would never live through it. We felt we were doomed to die and saw how powerless we were to help ourselves; but that was good, for then we put everything into the hands of God, who alone could save us, for He can even raise the dead. And He did help us and saved us from a terrible death; yes, and we expect Him to do it again and again.” (2 Cor. 1:8-10 TLB)

Another is the Three Amigos. You know, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. While they were in the fiery furnace, they believed their God would deliver them, and, even if He didn’t deliver them, they believed He would save them from Nebuchadnezzar.

As those flames lapped up around them, God rescued them and, when they came out, not even the smell of smoke clung to them. Their sweet aroma of faith was not changed.

Did you know God has sensitive sinuses? He anticipates our fragrance long before we emit it. So, during those times of adversity, do we present Him with a pleasant aroma in His nostrils or a stench stuck in His throat? Are we like Estee Lauder’s Beautiful perfumery or a men’s locker room? Like a flower shop or a machine shop? Like a bakery or a fertilizer plant?

Are our trust and faith as that sweet aroma of the alabaster passion box, lovingly poured upon Jesus’ head, which seeped into His beard and gently trickled down upon His shoulders, saturating His garment?

Prayer: Lord, may my life be broken open as a precious passion box, poured out to You.

May each burden of my life work as a weight to crush my disobedience, my instability to stand on Your word, and my inability to be used of You.

Crush me as the flower petals are compressed for their fragrant perfume. Crush me as the olives are squeezed for their valuable oil. Crush me and make my life into that delectable wine.

Let my life overflow with the sweet-scented oil of Your Holy Spirit, poured forth upon the hearts of others to soothe the hurts that the trials of this world have etched into their precious lives.

I pray that the things crushing each reader’s life right now will only work to bring out the precious fragrance of obedience and sweet graces of Your will. Amen!