Hello Ladybugs! Happy belated Monday to you! I have a couple of prayer requests for you gals today...I have a friend that is really going through some trying times right now and I would like for you all to remember her and her family right now. I also am having some health "issues" nothing serious but serious enough that I would like for you to pray about it. I am so thankful to have you girls in my life! Just knowing that you are speaking to the Lord on my behalf is such a blessing to me. Let's get started while we still have some Monday left shall we?
Let's start by getting our Bibles and turning to Acts 9:10-25..It is alot to type out for me today, and since I am so late starting on "Happy Monday" I didn't think you gals would care to get your Bible's and read this one.
We'll stop and consider this verse together:
(vs.21)
All who heard him were astounded and said,"Isn't this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this Name?"
Reflection:
What changes has Christ made in your life since you put your trust in Him? Even if you recieved him as a child, how is He continuing to change you...as recently as today?
How do you react to your seemingly constant need for repentance and refinement? Does it drive you crazy? Does it discourage you? Or does it comfort you to know that He's still willing to keep working on you? (Praising God right now for still working on me!!)
There are few things more precious to me than the expression's on my newborn babies faces as they were suddenly cast from the darkness of the womb into the bright lights of the delivery room. I can remember both laughing and crying with all of them, they all had this indignant look on their lil faces, as if they were saying,"Ok! Would the wise guy who turned on that light mind turning it off!!"
Many years ago when a grown man was born again on the dusty road to Damascus,a light came on that no one was able to turn off. We will soon discover many who tried. The Lord told Ananias to look for Saul praying at a certain house. The Bible doesn't tell us the content of Saul's prayer , but it does tell us what happened next. Ananias came to Saul, and...
Then he placed his hands on him and said,"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18)
Paul's version of these events appears in Galatians 1:14-18. He was careful to tell the reader that he did not consult any man but went immediatly into Arabia following his conversion. Apparently Saul thought he'd better get to know the One who obviously knew him so well. He had already learned more about scripture in his young years than most learn in a lifetime. What he needed now was to come to grips with the Author. When his quiet exile with the Savior was over, he then approached the ancient city of Damascus. Strange thoughts had to have been going through his mind. He had first came here to profane the name of Christ and now he was coming to preach the name of Christ. He first came to Damascus to take prisoner the followers of the Way. In fact, we read that " Saul grew more and more pwoerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ" (Acts 9:22) This verse tells us 2 wonderful things about Saul:
1. He grew more powerful: The supernatural power that God gave to Samson physically, God gave to Saul spiritually.
2. He proved to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ:The word translated as "proved" means to cause to come together, to knit together. What did he knit together? The old and the new! He knit the teachings of the Old Testament Law and Prophets with their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Can you imagine how much differently Saul must have approached the city this time? Every step that he had taken carried a new signifigance. Damascus was northeast of Jerusalem, so Saul walked past the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. He walked through the city gates where his face was recognized instantly. The chief priests expected him to return with prisoners. Instead, only one prisoner returned: A prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Let's pray:
Heavenly Father, we love You so much Lord. Help us Lord to be like Saul, be a prisoner for YOU Lord and not for the things of this world. We get so caught up in our own comforts Father and in turn we lose our focus. Many of us Lord have battles going on in our homes that only You know the details of. Help us to put on the armour of God and be prepared for battle. I know that I speak for all of us when I say Lord, our hope, our joy and our happiness is in You Lord and not our health, wealth or any other worldly thing that exists right now. We are in the storms of life Jesus, we need You to guide us Lord, and as You are, help us to lead others to You Father! In Your Precious Holy Name We Pray...AMEN!!!!!!
Go ahead if you haven't already Ladies...raise your hands up and praise Him.
I love you so very much!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Happy Monday!
Good Morning LadyBugs!! Is this the most awesome weather we are having or what!?! I love this time of year! I love opening the windows and patio door first thing in the morning...I wish you gals were listening to the chorus of frogs coming through here! BEAUTIFUL!! Let's get started! :)
Phillipians 3:12-21
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers,I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example brothers, and take not of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told youbefore and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Chirst. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Reflection:
Saul's life is a testimony to zeal misplaced and then transformed toward an eternal purpose. How does a sense of that purpose play into the activities you perform each day?
If you are regularly suffering from a lack of purpose and meaning, does the problem lie with the things you're doing or with the way you're doing them? Or both?
Let's end with some important thoughts on zeal. In the conversion of Saul, we see demonstrated that: a) we can wholeheartedly believe in someting and be wholeheartedly wrong and b) sincerity means nothing if it is midirected. Saul believed in his cause with all his heart, yet it led him down the path to destruction. Saul was sincere. As he stated in Act 26:9, "I myself supposed it was necessary to do may things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene." Christ not only snatched Saul from Satan that pivotal day; He also snatched Saul from himself-from his own misguided zeal, his own obsessions. He can snatch you from yours too. I am living proof. I couldn't count the times during any given month that I thank God for saving me not only from Satan but from myself.
Having studied the life of Saul, how can we ever doubt that Christ can save? Is anyone too wicked? Anyone too murderous? Grace never draws a line with a willing soul. His arm is never too short to save (Isa. 59:1). He can reach into the deepest pit or down the dustiest road to Damascus. Yes, some things are gray such as, " Why did He choose us?" But some things are still black and white- I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, We love You Lord and praise you today! We come to You boldly Lord and ask You Lord to lead us where You desire. May our desires mirror Yours Lord and may we follow faithfully , directing our zeal and passion for holy, eternal purposes. We thank You Father for saving us,not just from an eternity in hell seperated from You but also from ourselves Lord. All these things we pray in Your Holy Son's Name Jesus...
AMEN!!!
Phillipians 3:12-21
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers,I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join with others in following my example brothers, and take not of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told youbefore and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Chirst. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Reflection:
Saul's life is a testimony to zeal misplaced and then transformed toward an eternal purpose. How does a sense of that purpose play into the activities you perform each day?
If you are regularly suffering from a lack of purpose and meaning, does the problem lie with the things you're doing or with the way you're doing them? Or both?
Let's end with some important thoughts on zeal. In the conversion of Saul, we see demonstrated that: a) we can wholeheartedly believe in someting and be wholeheartedly wrong and b) sincerity means nothing if it is midirected. Saul believed in his cause with all his heart, yet it led him down the path to destruction. Saul was sincere. As he stated in Act 26:9, "I myself supposed it was necessary to do may things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene." Christ not only snatched Saul from Satan that pivotal day; He also snatched Saul from himself-from his own misguided zeal, his own obsessions. He can snatch you from yours too. I am living proof. I couldn't count the times during any given month that I thank God for saving me not only from Satan but from myself.
Having studied the life of Saul, how can we ever doubt that Christ can save? Is anyone too wicked? Anyone too murderous? Grace never draws a line with a willing soul. His arm is never too short to save (Isa. 59:1). He can reach into the deepest pit or down the dustiest road to Damascus. Yes, some things are gray such as, " Why did He choose us?" But some things are still black and white- I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see.
Let's Pray:
Heavenly Father, We love You Lord and praise you today! We come to You boldly Lord and ask You Lord to lead us where You desire. May our desires mirror Yours Lord and may we follow faithfully , directing our zeal and passion for holy, eternal purposes. We thank You Father for saving us,not just from an eternity in hell seperated from You but also from ourselves Lord. All these things we pray in Your Holy Son's Name Jesus...
AMEN!!!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Thankful Saturday
1281. blue skys
1282. physical therapy
1283. biofreeze (medicine for tendons)
1284. Gods grace
1285. job
1286. God will for my life
1287. Do not worry about tommorrow!!!!!!
1288. good listening skills
1289. my testitmony
1290. FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Tara
1282. physical therapy
1283. biofreeze (medicine for tendons)
1284. Gods grace
1285. job
1286. God will for my life
1287. Do not worry about tommorrow!!!!!!
1288. good listening skills
1289. my testitmony
1290. FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your Sister in Christ,
Tara
Monday, April 4, 2011
Happy Monday!
Good Morning Girls! I hope you ladies are having a Happy Monday! Let's get started...
Acts 9:1-9
(Paraphrased)
Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the High Priest to ask him for te letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there that belonged to the Way, whether it be men or women, he would take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he got closer to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul,Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,"he replied."Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.
I don't know about you gals but I ask Jesus daily, "Why in the world did you choose us?" Our family is so disfunctional! With all of our failures and our frailties!
A the blinding light falls on the murderous persecuter Saul, we are left in the dark to understand why we have each been called. But our eyes are opened to the One who called. And we sigh and say,"How very like Him."
Lukes account of Saul's conversion is probably quite familiar to you ladybugs. In my mind, I can just see Saul strutting around Jerusalem, determined to make a name for himself as a hotheaded rabbi seeking authorization to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus and return them to Jerusalem. He was on his journey when God intervened and knocked him off his donkey. Jesus asked Saul,"Why are you persecuting Me?" This encounter left a blind and very "taken to the woodshed" Saul being led to Damascus where he would hear about Jesus from a courageous believer named Ananias.
Would you ladies agree with me that no example could much better illustrate the statement that a person can be sincere in his beliefs yet be sincerely wrong? Saul knew it all, and yet he still knew nothing..
Let's pray:
Our precious Heavenly Father, We love you Lord and praise You today! I pray Lord that you will help us to see You in all things and not miss it when You are at work in our lives. Alot of us have sickness going on in our families Lord and we ask that you heal them Lord. We have physical and spiritual sicknesses Father that only You have the power to heal. I love that about You! I love knowing that I have a Father that with only a thought can move a mountain for us! We thank You for calling us to do Your work and spread Your Gospel. It is a privelage that we will not take lightly and will continue to give You the praise and the glory Lord. In Your Name we pray..
AMEN!!
I love you all and am praying for each of you today!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
Acts 9:1-9
(Paraphrased)
Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the High Priest to ask him for te letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there that belonged to the Way, whether it be men or women, he would take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he got closer to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul,Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,"he replied."Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.
I don't know about you gals but I ask Jesus daily, "Why in the world did you choose us?" Our family is so disfunctional! With all of our failures and our frailties!
A the blinding light falls on the murderous persecuter Saul, we are left in the dark to understand why we have each been called. But our eyes are opened to the One who called. And we sigh and say,"How very like Him."
Lukes account of Saul's conversion is probably quite familiar to you ladybugs. In my mind, I can just see Saul strutting around Jerusalem, determined to make a name for himself as a hotheaded rabbi seeking authorization to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus and return them to Jerusalem. He was on his journey when God intervened and knocked him off his donkey. Jesus asked Saul,"Why are you persecuting Me?" This encounter left a blind and very "taken to the woodshed" Saul being led to Damascus where he would hear about Jesus from a courageous believer named Ananias.
Would you ladies agree with me that no example could much better illustrate the statement that a person can be sincere in his beliefs yet be sincerely wrong? Saul knew it all, and yet he still knew nothing..
Let's pray:
Our precious Heavenly Father, We love you Lord and praise You today! I pray Lord that you will help us to see You in all things and not miss it when You are at work in our lives. Alot of us have sickness going on in our families Lord and we ask that you heal them Lord. We have physical and spiritual sicknesses Father that only You have the power to heal. I love that about You! I love knowing that I have a Father that with only a thought can move a mountain for us! We thank You for calling us to do Your work and spread Your Gospel. It is a privelage that we will not take lightly and will continue to give You the praise and the glory Lord. In Your Name we pray..
AMEN!!
I love you all and am praying for each of you today!
In Him I Remain,
Shana
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