This book is dedicated to all the adults in the world who need to be reminded of the influence of children.
Preface
Children have had a tremendous impact on the world. Throughout history, children have accomplished incredible feats. In my own neighborhood, children are at work.
My neighbors were not saved as far as I could tell. Two sets of neighbors looked like they were regularly involved with drug use. One of the men served a jail sentence.
Things didn’t look too good. A few years ago my roomate and I invited some of the kids into the house as we looked over a fundraising catalog from their school. One of my friends, Jim, was over.
Now, you have to know, there’s no other way to look at Jim than to say Jim is an evangelist. He asked if the children knew the Lord Jesus. Between him, my roommate and me, we led the children to the Lord.
A little while later, the children from these two households started lining up for the church bus on Sunday mornings. It was absolutely beautiful to see them going to church together. This went on for quite some time.
Just two weeks ago I saw the parents from one of these households up and ready to go to church. My husband and I noticed because we were headed to church.
It really does take a child.
...the beginning of a book dedicated to the children who've made history.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spiritual Abuse Interview
If you would like to participate in a book I will be writing on various forms of abuse, you are welcome to. You may use a pen name, or a real name.
This particular form of abuse is Spiritual Abuse. What have you experienced?
This portion in the book is not made to condemn those who have abused, rather to let the church see. We are all human and we make mistakes. However, we need to learn, and not hurt our own sheep and lambs. Isn't this right?
Have you ever experienced Spiritual Abuse?
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen p.20
“Spiritual abuse is the mistreatment of a person who is in need of help, support or greater spiritual empowerment, with the result of weakening, undermining or decreasing that person’s spiritual empowerment.”
1- Who was abusive? Father, mother, brother, friend, church, pastor, counselor-examples
2- In brief, can you describe a scenario?
3- Did this/these things happen often or repeatedly?
4- Was your walk with God or view of the Lord and Who He is affected? How?
5. Today, do you think the abusive person/people have changed for the better? Do you feel you can rely on or trust in this person/people?
This particular form of abuse is Spiritual Abuse. What have you experienced?
This portion in the book is not made to condemn those who have abused, rather to let the church see. We are all human and we make mistakes. However, we need to learn, and not hurt our own sheep and lambs. Isn't this right?
Have you ever experienced Spiritual Abuse?
The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen p.20
“Spiritual abuse is the mistreatment of a person who is in need of help, support or greater spiritual empowerment, with the result of weakening, undermining or decreasing that person’s spiritual empowerment.”
1- Who was abusive? Father, mother, brother, friend, church, pastor, counselor-examples
2- In brief, can you describe a scenario?
3- Did this/these things happen often or repeatedly?
4- Was your walk with God or view of the Lord and Who He is affected? How?
5. Today, do you think the abusive person/people have changed for the better? Do you feel you can rely on or trust in this person/people?
The Pharoahs
Exodus 8:20 (NIV) Then the Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning and confront Pharoah as he goes to the water and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.”
People in the USA are often bound up with weights of finances, hectic schedules, and a lack of energy. They start out with education that places them in debt. They work full time and overtime. They started out with energy, but end up with schedules that are overbooked. People are often spread insanely thin.
Jehovah, our Provider, wants to free His people from the Pharoah of heavy bondages, so that we may be free to worship. Worry, stress, and shame are all Pharoahs many battle each and every day.
How many times when you are in worship, do you find your mind wandering to what is going on after the service? How many times do you find yourself thinking about things that you need to do or people you need to call? How many times do you find yourself getting distracted from true worship?
The Pharoahs in life are stubborn. They do not bend or give up.
Exodus 8:19 (NIV) The magicians said to Pharoah, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharoah’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.
Even though many, even those who are yet unsaved, may realize that God’s work is evident, Pharoah will not bend. Pharoah is one stubborn character. So the question comes up, what is your Pharoah?
What will not bend in your life to give God His rightful position? What is so stubborn that it steals all your energy and joy?
Even serving too much can be a Pharoah. God may have called you to teach Sunday School, but not to teach that other Wednesday night class. He may have called you to write music, but not to be the worship leader.
Hearing from God requires time with Him. It also requires seeking after peace.
I Peter 3:10-11 For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
Questions to Ask Myself
Am I growing in the Lord?
Do I have peace in your life regarding ministry endeavors?
Do my family members witness my joy and peace?
Do I have peace regarding being in the job God has me in for now?
Destiny Raines 2007
People in the USA are often bound up with weights of finances, hectic schedules, and a lack of energy. They start out with education that places them in debt. They work full time and overtime. They started out with energy, but end up with schedules that are overbooked. People are often spread insanely thin.
Jehovah, our Provider, wants to free His people from the Pharoah of heavy bondages, so that we may be free to worship. Worry, stress, and shame are all Pharoahs many battle each and every day.
How many times when you are in worship, do you find your mind wandering to what is going on after the service? How many times do you find yourself thinking about things that you need to do or people you need to call? How many times do you find yourself getting distracted from true worship?
The Pharoahs in life are stubborn. They do not bend or give up.
Exodus 8:19 (NIV) The magicians said to Pharoah, ‘This is the finger of God.’ But Pharoah’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.
Even though many, even those who are yet unsaved, may realize that God’s work is evident, Pharoah will not bend. Pharoah is one stubborn character. So the question comes up, what is your Pharoah?
What will not bend in your life to give God His rightful position? What is so stubborn that it steals all your energy and joy?
Even serving too much can be a Pharoah. God may have called you to teach Sunday School, but not to teach that other Wednesday night class. He may have called you to write music, but not to be the worship leader.
Hearing from God requires time with Him. It also requires seeking after peace.
I Peter 3:10-11 For, ‘Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.”
Questions to Ask Myself
Am I growing in the Lord?
Do I have peace in your life regarding ministry endeavors?
Do my family members witness my joy and peace?
Do I have peace regarding being in the job God has me in for now?
Destiny Raines 2007
Topic: Rebellious Children
Dealing with rebellious children is always challenging. So many parents are terrible to themselves, blaming themselves for things they have no control over. I’m not saying parents should not be careful; I’m simply painting a scenario.
Many, many years ago, an angel named Lucifer decided he wasn’t satisfied with living in the goodness of God. All he had known was the presence of God, but that wasn’t enough for him. He decided he wanted to be like God. (See Isaiah 14:12-15) He took a third of the angels with him.
I figure God’s presence is the absolute best thing that could happen to anyone, including an angel. If angels can rebel after living in a perfect environment, how much more can children rebel in this fallen world? Parents can do everything in a motive of love and their children may still rebel.
My conclusion is this: If you have three children, it’s likely at least one will challenge you, even if he/she is an angel. If Satan could take one third of the angels after living in such a beautiful place, how much more can he deceive our children?
We can trust the Lord and lean on Him for the welfare and ultimate salvation of our children. "Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 (American Standard Version)
Written by Destiny Raines in 2007
Many, many years ago, an angel named Lucifer decided he wasn’t satisfied with living in the goodness of God. All he had known was the presence of God, but that wasn’t enough for him. He decided he wanted to be like God. (See Isaiah 14:12-15) He took a third of the angels with him.
I figure God’s presence is the absolute best thing that could happen to anyone, including an angel. If angels can rebel after living in a perfect environment, how much more can children rebel in this fallen world? Parents can do everything in a motive of love and their children may still rebel.
My conclusion is this: If you have three children, it’s likely at least one will challenge you, even if he/she is an angel. If Satan could take one third of the angels after living in such a beautiful place, how much more can he deceive our children?
We can trust the Lord and lean on Him for the welfare and ultimate salvation of our children. "Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand." Ephesians 6:13 (American Standard Version)
Written by Destiny Raines in 2007
Spiritual Gifts Assessment
Here is one free option for doing a Spiritual Gifts Assessment:
http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/download.htm
http://www.kodachrome.org/spiritgift/download.htm
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Spiritual Gifts
My home church is having everyone do a spiritual gifts assessment called FINDING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS, Wagner-Modified Houts Questionnaire. It would be beneficial, I believe, for every believer to take this. Why?
If you are a thumb, you don't want to be doing footwork.
My Dominant Giftings are:
1- Exhortation "the special ability that God gives... to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed.
2- Prophecy "the ability that God gives... to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance."
3- Wisdom "the... ability that God gives... to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ."
My Subordinate Giftings are:
1- Hospitality "the... ability that God gives... to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging."
2- Intercession "the... ability that God gives... to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian."
3- Missionary and Giving (tied)
"the... ability... God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness."
"the... ability that God gives... to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture."
Guess what my lowest score was in? The gift of Celibacy. Yeah, go figure.
What are your giftings? I'd like to hear.
If you are a thumb, you don't want to be doing footwork.
My Dominant Giftings are:
1- Exhortation "the special ability that God gives... to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the body in such a way that they feel helped and healed.
2- Prophecy "the ability that God gives... to receive and communicate an immediate message of God to His people through a divinely anointed utterance."
3- Wisdom "the... ability that God gives... to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ."
My Subordinate Giftings are:
1- Hospitality "the... ability that God gives... to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging."
2- Intercession "the... ability that God gives... to pray for extended periods of time on a regular basis and see frequent and specific answers to their prayers, to a degree much greater than that which is expected of the average Christian."
3- Missionary and Giving (tied)
"the... ability... God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness."
"the... ability that God gives... to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture."
Guess what my lowest score was in? The gift of Celibacy. Yeah, go figure.
What are your giftings? I'd like to hear.
Giving It Up
Today, I turned on the Christian radio station as I often do. The announcer said, "Is there something in your life that you are not giving up that might be good, but it's keeping you from something better?"
Sure enough, I knew what the Lord was leading me to do. Even though it's a private matter, I decided to post this message because it might minister to you.
Sure enough, I knew what the Lord was leading me to do. Even though it's a private matter, I decided to post this message because it might minister to you.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lifted
I have been going through a difficult time emotionally because many things are pressing in on me simultaneously. However, last night I was praying and waiting before the Lord on the couch, and I felt something lift off my chest. It was as if I was delivered instantaneously of depression.
I know that people have been praying for me, and my current difficulties. Jesus has lifted me and today at my home church, I danced before the Lord with my whole heart.
I haven't been that free in years. So, God Almighty heard my heart's cry and delivered me. In Him is all the Answers.
My mentor put her arm around me today and led me to the front of the church where she sits. She told me she wants me to sit with her from now on because she's my mentor. She told me dance worship in the front too.
My mentor mom seems to know that I need encouragement to fulfill what I feel God has called me to do. I praise God for her heart for me, and for others.
I know that people have been praying for me, and my current difficulties. Jesus has lifted me and today at my home church, I danced before the Lord with my whole heart.
I haven't been that free in years. So, God Almighty heard my heart's cry and delivered me. In Him is all the Answers.
My mentor put her arm around me today and led me to the front of the church where she sits. She told me she wants me to sit with her from now on because she's my mentor. She told me dance worship in the front too.
My mentor mom seems to know that I need encouragement to fulfill what I feel God has called me to do. I praise God for her heart for me, and for others.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Chastening
Who God loves, He disciplines or chastens.
Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (KJV)
I remember telling me friend Greg, "My sister does such and such...(and gets away with it)" His reply was, "Your sister does not have the Calling you have on your life."
The wounds of a friend can be trusted.
Greg is a big brother (could be my dad) who's known me for many years. He's seen me walk through bad relationships with men that are not sold out to God. He realizes that they might have tried to present themselves that way, but they were not.
He's seen me through so many different circumstances, but didn't sit and judge me. Oh, he's said, "I told you so" in so many words, but I always felt accepted by him. My friend knew that eventually I would get to the other side of this.
So, now I've learned my lesson (finally) after a rocky marriage and rocky divorce.
I've learned that the Lord is always there.
I've learned that Jesus is faithful and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (New American Standard Bible)
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17
"The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Every time I turned to Him, He was still there. My heart was broken by men who said one thing and did another repeatedly. However, God was still there.
I learned to fall back into Light.
Now I'm not a victim anymore. I'm freed up by His Truth, and have come under the authority of my pastor and mentor. I am learning and growing day by day.
Every time I feel like running ahead or falling behind, God stops me. He brings me close to His heart, so I can hear Him. He comforts me, showing me it is okay to need the family, the Bride of Christ. God shows me it's okay to need Him too.
It's as simple as that, coming to Him like a child. Only one man has the key to my heart, and my Father holds it until He gives it to him. So I rest in His Presence knowing God is good and I don't have to fear the future.
I just have to trust that He knows and sees the full extent of the deception I went through with men. The spiritual garbage, and the lies, and the learning to forgive.
Now, I feel healed literally of past relationships. I feel so wrapped up in God's love as I face the future.
Is it hard being a single mom? Yes. However, it was harder being out of God's will and unequally yoked with a man who doesn't seem to know God.
My little daughter is a blessing. She makes me laugh at the most unexpected moments. She keeps me going (literally), wears me out sometimes...
And I remember, to not despise discipline and chastening. He's preparing me for the road ahead. I can Trust Him.
CONFESS
And I confess my need for You
And I confess my love for You.
I will bring You all the love
In my broken heart.
And I confess my shattered ways.
And I confess my scattered days.
And there is nothing I can do
But come to You.
Destiny Raines
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAY IT DOWN
I (you) thought maybe if I (you) walked far enough,
Maybe if I (you) stood tall enough,
Maybe if I (you) worked hard enough
It would go away -
The pain of yesterday.
Maybe if I (you) just closed my (your) eyes.
Maybe if I (you) compromised.
Maybe if I (you) had fun enough
It would go away - the pain of yesterday.
(Can you say)
Take me in Your arms and hold me.
Take me in Your hands and mold me.
God, I'll try to lay it down again,
The pain (shame) of yesterday.
Destiny Raines 2008
Hebrews 12:6 "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (KJV)
I remember telling me friend Greg, "My sister does such and such...(and gets away with it)" His reply was, "Your sister does not have the Calling you have on your life."
The wounds of a friend can be trusted.
Greg is a big brother (could be my dad) who's known me for many years. He's seen me walk through bad relationships with men that are not sold out to God. He realizes that they might have tried to present themselves that way, but they were not.
He's seen me through so many different circumstances, but didn't sit and judge me. Oh, he's said, "I told you so" in so many words, but I always felt accepted by him. My friend knew that eventually I would get to the other side of this.
So, now I've learned my lesson (finally) after a rocky marriage and rocky divorce.
I've learned that the Lord is always there.
I've learned that Jesus is faithful and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18 (New American Standard Bible)
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17
"The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18
Every time I turned to Him, He was still there. My heart was broken by men who said one thing and did another repeatedly. However, God was still there.
I learned to fall back into Light.
Now I'm not a victim anymore. I'm freed up by His Truth, and have come under the authority of my pastor and mentor. I am learning and growing day by day.
Every time I feel like running ahead or falling behind, God stops me. He brings me close to His heart, so I can hear Him. He comforts me, showing me it is okay to need the family, the Bride of Christ. God shows me it's okay to need Him too.
It's as simple as that, coming to Him like a child. Only one man has the key to my heart, and my Father holds it until He gives it to him. So I rest in His Presence knowing God is good and I don't have to fear the future.
I just have to trust that He knows and sees the full extent of the deception I went through with men. The spiritual garbage, and the lies, and the learning to forgive.
Now, I feel healed literally of past relationships. I feel so wrapped up in God's love as I face the future.
Is it hard being a single mom? Yes. However, it was harder being out of God's will and unequally yoked with a man who doesn't seem to know God.
My little daughter is a blessing. She makes me laugh at the most unexpected moments. She keeps me going (literally), wears me out sometimes...
And I remember, to not despise discipline and chastening. He's preparing me for the road ahead. I can Trust Him.
CONFESS
And I confess my need for You
And I confess my love for You.
I will bring You all the love
In my broken heart.
And I confess my shattered ways.
And I confess my scattered days.
And there is nothing I can do
But come to You.
Destiny Raines
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAY IT DOWN
I (you) thought maybe if I (you) walked far enough,
Maybe if I (you) stood tall enough,
Maybe if I (you) worked hard enough
It would go away -
The pain of yesterday.
Maybe if I (you) just closed my (your) eyes.
Maybe if I (you) compromised.
Maybe if I (you) had fun enough
It would go away - the pain of yesterday.
(Can you say)
Take me in Your arms and hold me.
Take me in Your hands and mold me.
God, I'll try to lay it down again,
The pain (shame) of yesterday.
Destiny Raines 2008
The Judge
"And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah."
Psalms 50:6 KJV
This is significant to me, because I decided to open my Bible early this morning. I opened right to this passage.
My ex husband had told me, "Do you want me to pray God's judgment on you for leaving me?" I told him, "You don't need to pray anything because God is the Judge."
If he hadn't tried to already mistreat me, his statement may have seemed a little less crass. It would have been one thing if he'd been gentle and kind, trying to get me to return to him.
Our divorce was very rocky, and he told me, "I could make your life a living hell."
So glad that God is Judge, and not man. I'm glad it's not my job. I don't want it.
Psalms 50:6 KJV
This is significant to me, because I decided to open my Bible early this morning. I opened right to this passage.
My ex husband had told me, "Do you want me to pray God's judgment on you for leaving me?" I told him, "You don't need to pray anything because God is the Judge."
If he hadn't tried to already mistreat me, his statement may have seemed a little less crass. It would have been one thing if he'd been gentle and kind, trying to get me to return to him.
Our divorce was very rocky, and he told me, "I could make your life a living hell."
So glad that God is Judge, and not man. I'm glad it's not my job. I don't want it.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Lion
"The lion was the most awesome and dangerous wild beast in Canaan. His tawny hide blended into the golden fields and sandy wastes. Lions hid in forests and sometimes pounced from the thickets near the Jordan River (Jer. 49:19).
The Bible contains many references to lions. Daniel miraculously survived a night in a lions' den (Daniel 6). Samson and David killed lions single-handedly (Judg. 14"5-6; Sam. 17:34-37). Kings hunted lions for sport. According to Ezekiel 19:1-9, lions were also captured with pits and nets.
The lion's majestic appearance and fearsome roar prompted many comparisons. The prophet Joel declared, 'The Lord also will roar from Zion' (Joel 3:16). The apostle Peter wrote: 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion' (1 Pet. 5:8). The prophet Hosea foretold that God would be like a protective lion for the nation of Israel (Hos. 5:14;...)
Largest and grandest of cats, the lion is filled with power. A swat of his paw can kill. His massive body forces him to rely on strength instead of speed in hunting.
A lion looks and sounds so imposing that he symbolizes royalty and courage. The highest compliment that biblical writers could give was to indicate that a person had the face or heart of a lion. Ari is the most common term for lion. In Isaiah 29:1 Jerusalem is called 'Ariel,' perhaps implying that the capital of Israel is 'the strong [lion-like] city of God.' In some translations of the Bible, a young lion is called a cub (Gen. 49:9, NIV), while other translations use the word 'whelp.'
The Israelite tribes of Judah, Dan, and Gad - and also the nation of Babylon - adopted the lion as their symbol. Jesus is called 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Rev. 5:5). Isaiah the prophet foretold that at the end of time, the Prince of Peace would tame even the fierce heart of the lion (Is. 9:6-7; 11:1-9)." New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Ronald F. Youngblood, Nelson, 1995
Holy Bible, KJV:
Rev. 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Ju'da, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Is. 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shal be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it.
Isaiah 11:1-9 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow
out of his roots:And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of
counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the
sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay
the wicked.And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf
and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat
straw like the ox.And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on
the cockatrice' den.They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Joel 3:16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens
and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the
children of Israel.
The reason I am writing and doing a lion study is because the Holy Spirit has brought this beautiful beast to my attention. When a lion walks, he is not like a kitty. He doesn't pussy-foot around, or get skittish.
The lion walks like who he is. He walks like a majestic being who is simply who he is.
We are called to be lions and lionesses for the kingdom of God. Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Now, David is tied into all this lion study. He killed the lion before he killed Goliath.
So, the text for my Giant Slayer song may be appropriate:
1- It all started a long, long time ago
In the middle of a field, in the center of a soul.
David saw a lion coming and stood upon his feet.
Little Bo Peep ain't gonna lose no sheep.
Refrain: He was the first giant-slayer.
He ain't gonna be the last.
I got something to remember. (There is something to remember)
I surrender all my past. (When you surrender all your past.)
There is one God of Power.
There is One Truth Alive.
I've got everything revealed (When everything's revealed)
In freedom I reside. (In freedom you can reside)
Giant Slayer.
2- That Philistine, Goliath, stood out in the field
Taunting all the Israelites who were smaller than his shield.
He said, Send a man to me. I'll fight him one on one.
For your God is nothing. This war will soon be done.
David was a young man too small to wear the armor.
He said, I'll fight him. For God will overcome here.
The King tried to dissuade him, but David had to go.
And with one stone, he killed the taunter of his soul.
Giant Slayer.
This is extremely important to remember, that God sees the heart. Man looks on the outside, but God sees where you are at, and where you have come from.
He wants to raise up an army of lions who are not afraid to stand up and preach the Gospel. The Gospel is not about condemnation, rather repentance.
Once repentant and turning from the error, the child should be received back, like a prodigal son or daughter. The older lions and lionesses should protect, and guide, and be gentle.
Sometimes we expect a young believer, or a wounded believer to act normal. It won't happen. Let the lions stand up and protect.
And the let the Giant Slayers be all of us.
More later... on the lion
The Bible contains many references to lions. Daniel miraculously survived a night in a lions' den (Daniel 6). Samson and David killed lions single-handedly (Judg. 14"5-6; Sam. 17:34-37). Kings hunted lions for sport. According to Ezekiel 19:1-9, lions were also captured with pits and nets.
The lion's majestic appearance and fearsome roar prompted many comparisons. The prophet Joel declared, 'The Lord also will roar from Zion' (Joel 3:16). The apostle Peter wrote: 'Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion' (1 Pet. 5:8). The prophet Hosea foretold that God would be like a protective lion for the nation of Israel (Hos. 5:14;...)
Largest and grandest of cats, the lion is filled with power. A swat of his paw can kill. His massive body forces him to rely on strength instead of speed in hunting.
A lion looks and sounds so imposing that he symbolizes royalty and courage. The highest compliment that biblical writers could give was to indicate that a person had the face or heart of a lion. Ari is the most common term for lion. In Isaiah 29:1 Jerusalem is called 'Ariel,' perhaps implying that the capital of Israel is 'the strong [lion-like] city of God.' In some translations of the Bible, a young lion is called a cub (Gen. 49:9, NIV), while other translations use the word 'whelp.'
The Israelite tribes of Judah, Dan, and Gad - and also the nation of Babylon - adopted the lion as their symbol. Jesus is called 'the Lion of the tribe of Judah' (Rev. 5:5). Isaiah the prophet foretold that at the end of time, the Prince of Peace would tame even the fierce heart of the lion (Is. 9:6-7; 11:1-9)." New Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Ronald F. Youngblood, Nelson, 1995
Holy Bible, KJV:
Rev. 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Ju'da, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Is. 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shal be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform it.
Isaiah 11:1-9 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow
out of his roots:And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of
counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the
sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay
the wicked.And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf
and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat
straw like the ox.And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on
the cockatrice' den.They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge
of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
Joel 3:16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens
and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the
children of Israel.
The reason I am writing and doing a lion study is because the Holy Spirit has brought this beautiful beast to my attention. When a lion walks, he is not like a kitty. He doesn't pussy-foot around, or get skittish.
The lion walks like who he is. He walks like a majestic being who is simply who he is.
We are called to be lions and lionesses for the kingdom of God. Proverbs 28:1 "The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
Now, David is tied into all this lion study. He killed the lion before he killed Goliath.
So, the text for my Giant Slayer song may be appropriate:
1- It all started a long, long time ago
In the middle of a field, in the center of a soul.
David saw a lion coming and stood upon his feet.
Little Bo Peep ain't gonna lose no sheep.
Refrain: He was the first giant-slayer.
He ain't gonna be the last.
I got something to remember. (There is something to remember)
I surrender all my past. (When you surrender all your past.)
There is one God of Power.
There is One Truth Alive.
I've got everything revealed (When everything's revealed)
In freedom I reside. (In freedom you can reside)
Giant Slayer.
2- That Philistine, Goliath, stood out in the field
Taunting all the Israelites who were smaller than his shield.
He said, Send a man to me. I'll fight him one on one.
For your God is nothing. This war will soon be done.
David was a young man too small to wear the armor.
He said, I'll fight him. For God will overcome here.
The King tried to dissuade him, but David had to go.
And with one stone, he killed the taunter of his soul.
Giant Slayer.
This is extremely important to remember, that God sees the heart. Man looks on the outside, but God sees where you are at, and where you have come from.
He wants to raise up an army of lions who are not afraid to stand up and preach the Gospel. The Gospel is not about condemnation, rather repentance.
Once repentant and turning from the error, the child should be received back, like a prodigal son or daughter. The older lions and lionesses should protect, and guide, and be gentle.
Sometimes we expect a young believer, or a wounded believer to act normal. It won't happen. Let the lions stand up and protect.
And the let the Giant Slayers be all of us.
More later... on the lion
Saturday, March 7, 2009
My fave brownies
Here's the recipe I love to use for brownies:
3/4 C. Cocoa
1/2 t. Baking Soda
2/3 C. Oil
1/2 C. Boiling Water
2 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/3 C. Flour
1 t. Vanilla
1/4 t. Salt
____________________________
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13" pan.
Mix together cocoa, soda and oil. Add boiling water. Gradually stir in thoroughly remaining ingredients.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
3/4 C. Cocoa
1/2 t. Baking Soda
2/3 C. Oil
1/2 C. Boiling Water
2 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
1 1/3 C. Flour
1 t. Vanilla
1/4 t. Salt
____________________________
Preheat Oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13" pan.
Mix together cocoa, soda and oil. Add boiling water. Gradually stir in thoroughly remaining ingredients.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Abundant Grace
I've wondered if people get away with lying repeatedly about others. It seems like day after day goes by, and gossip continues. So, today the Lord told me, "Frequent Liar Miles."
I thought, "What?" Frequent Liar Miles - He sees it all! God knows the unkind, unjust words that have been spoken against you in hatred. Some people do things in the spirit of pride and arrogance, and don't even realize the chaos it creates, and the pain.
So, as I prayed last night, God will straighten out the crooked places. He cares for each one of His children. The inaccuracies and unfair treatment, He saw and He sees.
The other night, I was crying because my ex-husband has treated me so horribly. I left him because of unkind treatment. To be blunt, I was also scared of him because of his talk of killing people. I was also scared of his talk of thinking it's okay to be with minors when you are an adult.
He had been engaged to a fifteen-year-old when he was twenty-two. Two weeks after we were married, I found a stack of letters on the dresser all from a Jessica. I asked him what they were and he said they were kept as "evidence" that he didn't rape this other fifteen-year-old.
So, I asked him what he DID do. The response showed me that he should have been in jail years ago.
Somehow, God protected me through the marriage. However, he told me in front of people, "If people commit adultery, I'd feel justified killing both of them Scripturally."
I was faithful to my husband until after separation. Even then, I left him, but was not even thinking about a man.
I went into a women's shelter to hide from him with my baby. He was staying in my pre-marital home, and wouldn't leave it. He told me I could take the bus everywhere in the winter with our nursing baby.
My ex-husband started calling people to tell them that I was schizophrenic and bi-polar. He went around accusing me of being unstable, and crazy. So, I gave the courts a note from my counselor that said I had a mild form of depression and some Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The mind games continued. My ex-husband said, "Do you want me to pray God's judgment on you for leaving me? You won't like it." And, "I could make your life a living hell."
He said, "You are committing adultery just by leaving me." "If you ever get remarried you'll be committing adultery." So, I am concerned that he wants to kill me.
There's more... However, God has kept me safe this far, and I'm doing my best to make the right choices for me and my baby. God's strength will get me through everything.
A couple months later, a man entered my life who was kind to me. I had known him previously as an acquaintance. I needed help with some materials things, like a car, because I had a daughter to provide for.
He helped me, and I ended up falling in love. It seemed that God had brought my "hero".
However, I was in a vulnerable state, and definitely had many things thrown at me from my ex husband. So, long story short, I made a commitment to this man who told me God had told him I was to be his wife.
It was deception, and I eventually broke off this relationship. I learned that God is so gracious and abundantly forgiving. There are no feelings attached now, and I have moved on toward Christ.
The other night, I was very discouraged and hurting. I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, "I Am your husband, and I love you."
No man I dated ever held the key to my heart. He only got just so far, and seemed like he never knew me. I believe this is because I gave the key of my heart to God, to give to that man.
That man He has for me won't ever give up. He will want to know me, and I will definitely want him.
So, it's all a journey, and sometimes it's hard. God, however, gives the comfort, the abundant grace, to raise a child, and deal with an abusive ex husband. He lies about me, but God sees the frequent liar miles stacking up.
I thought, "What?" Frequent Liar Miles - He sees it all! God knows the unkind, unjust words that have been spoken against you in hatred. Some people do things in the spirit of pride and arrogance, and don't even realize the chaos it creates, and the pain.
So, as I prayed last night, God will straighten out the crooked places. He cares for each one of His children. The inaccuracies and unfair treatment, He saw and He sees.
The other night, I was crying because my ex-husband has treated me so horribly. I left him because of unkind treatment. To be blunt, I was also scared of him because of his talk of killing people. I was also scared of his talk of thinking it's okay to be with minors when you are an adult.
He had been engaged to a fifteen-year-old when he was twenty-two. Two weeks after we were married, I found a stack of letters on the dresser all from a Jessica. I asked him what they were and he said they were kept as "evidence" that he didn't rape this other fifteen-year-old.
So, I asked him what he DID do. The response showed me that he should have been in jail years ago.
Somehow, God protected me through the marriage. However, he told me in front of people, "If people commit adultery, I'd feel justified killing both of them Scripturally."
I was faithful to my husband until after separation. Even then, I left him, but was not even thinking about a man.
I went into a women's shelter to hide from him with my baby. He was staying in my pre-marital home, and wouldn't leave it. He told me I could take the bus everywhere in the winter with our nursing baby.
My ex-husband started calling people to tell them that I was schizophrenic and bi-polar. He went around accusing me of being unstable, and crazy. So, I gave the courts a note from my counselor that said I had a mild form of depression and some Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The mind games continued. My ex-husband said, "Do you want me to pray God's judgment on you for leaving me? You won't like it." And, "I could make your life a living hell."
He said, "You are committing adultery just by leaving me." "If you ever get remarried you'll be committing adultery." So, I am concerned that he wants to kill me.
There's more... However, God has kept me safe this far, and I'm doing my best to make the right choices for me and my baby. God's strength will get me through everything.
A couple months later, a man entered my life who was kind to me. I had known him previously as an acquaintance. I needed help with some materials things, like a car, because I had a daughter to provide for.
He helped me, and I ended up falling in love. It seemed that God had brought my "hero".
However, I was in a vulnerable state, and definitely had many things thrown at me from my ex husband. So, long story short, I made a commitment to this man who told me God had told him I was to be his wife.
It was deception, and I eventually broke off this relationship. I learned that God is so gracious and abundantly forgiving. There are no feelings attached now, and I have moved on toward Christ.
The other night, I was very discouraged and hurting. I felt the Holy Spirit say to me, "I Am your husband, and I love you."
No man I dated ever held the key to my heart. He only got just so far, and seemed like he never knew me. I believe this is because I gave the key of my heart to God, to give to that man.
That man He has for me won't ever give up. He will want to know me, and I will definitely want him.
So, it's all a journey, and sometimes it's hard. God, however, gives the comfort, the abundant grace, to raise a child, and deal with an abusive ex husband. He lies about me, but God sees the frequent liar miles stacking up.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
overcoming fear of man
My ex husband has said many things to put me in fear. I know that the Lord is my Protector, and these words of wisdom comfort me.
"We battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." I have literally entrusted my life into His hands.
Psalms 91:4-6 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.
Jeremiah 15:20-21And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you," says the LORD."I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.."
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
"We battle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God." I have literally entrusted my life into His hands.
Psalms 91:4-6 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.
Jeremiah 15:20-21And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and deliver you," says the LORD."I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible.."
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
4
The Lord has been calling to my attention the number 4. He told me it was because of POWER, DOMINION, and AUTHORITY. I am to stand on the promises and walk by faith regarding what is rightfully mine.
The devil will not take away from me any longer. Anything he has taken can be taken back.
This is what I found today looking up the number 4.
Praise the Lord!
http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/4.html
We may note also the fourth Psalms of the other Books of the Psalms, viz:—Psalm 45 (the fourth of the second book), Psalm 76 (the fourth of the third book), Psalm 93 (the fourth of the fourth book), and Psalm 110 (the fourth of the fifth book). All these tell of Dominion in the earth, and they speak of the coming reign of earth's rightful King and Lord.
The Fourth Commandment is the first that refers to the earth.
The fourth clause of the Lord's Prayer is the first that mentions the earth.
FOUR IN CONTRAST WITH SEVEN
Seven stamps everything with spiritual perfection, for it is the number of heaven, and stands therefore in contrast to the earth. Hence, when in Revelation 5:12 the heavenly multitudes praise, they praise with a seven-fold blessing, and say:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive (1) power, and (2) riches, and (3) wisdom, and (4) strength, and (5) honour, and (6) glory, and (7) blessing."
Whereas in v. 13, when the created earthly beings praise,— the creatures that are "on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them"—when these join in their ascription, it is only four-fold:—(1) "blessing, and (2) honour, and (3) glory, and (4) power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
The devil will not take away from me any longer. Anything he has taken can be taken back.
This is what I found today looking up the number 4.
Praise the Lord!
http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/4.html
We may note also the fourth Psalms of the other Books of the Psalms, viz:—Psalm 45 (the fourth of the second book), Psalm 76 (the fourth of the third book), Psalm 93 (the fourth of the fourth book), and Psalm 110 (the fourth of the fifth book). All these tell of Dominion in the earth, and they speak of the coming reign of earth's rightful King and Lord.
The Fourth Commandment is the first that refers to the earth.
The fourth clause of the Lord's Prayer is the first that mentions the earth.
FOUR IN CONTRAST WITH SEVEN
Seven stamps everything with spiritual perfection, for it is the number of heaven, and stands therefore in contrast to the earth. Hence, when in Revelation 5:12 the heavenly multitudes praise, they praise with a seven-fold blessing, and say:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive (1) power, and (2) riches, and (3) wisdom, and (4) strength, and (5) honour, and (6) glory, and (7) blessing."
Whereas in v. 13, when the created earthly beings praise,— the creatures that are "on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them"—when these join in their ascription, it is only four-fold:—(1) "blessing, and (2) honour, and (3) glory, and (4) power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
Less than spiritual
I believe in writing love songs, and songs about the God-given love God has given... for two people on earth. I believe He's given the creativity and grace to express love between two people, one man, one woman for life.
So, I'll be making a cd in the near future for my future husband. Many songs were written with someone in mind who I still am not sure who he is...
So I joke about him being a fictitious character, but I believe he's real. Sometime I'll get to know the one who makes my heart go crazy and wins it over.
I gave the key of my heart to God, My Father, years ago. I told Him He can give it to whoever He wishes. Perhaps surprises are the best... and God has yet to tell me --- He's the one! He probably will not tell me in words. I will know in my heart that I know that I know that I know.
I asked a lady once, who had a blessed marriage, "How do you know who the right one is?" She said, "You just know that you know that you know."
Lately, strange things have been happening, and I feel like writing love songs. So, perhaps this cd will be made sooner rather than later. So any songs in this blog that are "less than spiritual", are my expression of love and joy to my future husband. I'm not ashamed to "cross over" to be able to mingle with those who I can share the true source of Love with.
God is Love.
See "What You Need", "Hot", "Blues","What They Say", "Lightening", "Destiny"
So, I'll be making a cd in the near future for my future husband. Many songs were written with someone in mind who I still am not sure who he is...
So I joke about him being a fictitious character, but I believe he's real. Sometime I'll get to know the one who makes my heart go crazy and wins it over.
I gave the key of my heart to God, My Father, years ago. I told Him He can give it to whoever He wishes. Perhaps surprises are the best... and God has yet to tell me --- He's the one! He probably will not tell me in words. I will know in my heart that I know that I know that I know.
I asked a lady once, who had a blessed marriage, "How do you know who the right one is?" She said, "You just know that you know that you know."
Lately, strange things have been happening, and I feel like writing love songs. So, perhaps this cd will be made sooner rather than later. So any songs in this blog that are "less than spiritual", are my expression of love and joy to my future husband. I'm not ashamed to "cross over" to be able to mingle with those who I can share the true source of Love with.
God is Love.
See "What You Need", "Hot", "Blues","What They Say", "Lightening", "Destiny"
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