AWAKE

Rebellion

2012-01-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

Rebellion is a very serious offense to the Lord. When we or our children participate in rebellion on any level we are practicing witchcraft.

1 Samuel 15:23

²³For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,
And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He also has rejected you from being king.”

When we are rebellious and stubborn with our husbands we are practicing witchcraft and idolatry! WHOA! Most of us might think we are submitted to our husbands and our leadership but do you respect the authority that the Lord has placed over you as David did?

David knew not to speak against the Lord's anointed. I was recently at a church event where a mother of a four year old girl and her husband were sitting and fellow shipping when another mother asked them if she could paint their daughter's nails. The father said no and the mother said yes immediately after. When I addressed her not following what her husband said she just smiled and said it was fine as she waved her hand. Upon further inquisition the father made it clear he did not like it at all however the women painted the daughter's nails based on the mother's response.

This is rebellion and it will lead to rebellion in her children as well. I know the Lord has really been opening my eyes to my own rebellion toward my husband even to the extent that when he tells me to stop talking I obey. You may think this is a bit extreme. As I have started to submit more and more to my husband the Lord has done an amazing work in our home.

Deuteronomy 13:4-6

⁴ You shall walk after the LORD your God and fear him and keep his commandments and obey his voice, and you shall serve him and hold fast to him. ⁵ But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has taught rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of slavery, to make you leave the way in which the LORD your God commanded you to walk. So you shall purge the evil from your midst.

⁶ “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which neither you nor your fathers have known,

Let us ask the Lord to open our eyes and our hearts to see our own rebellion for what it is. If we see rebellion in our children we need to take a deep look into our own hearts and repent because they are the fruits of our labor. When our children are rebellious toward us we need to look at our attitude that we hold toward our husband and inevitably toward God.

Helpful Information for further Study

Disobedience to God Scriptures

Lev. 26:14-46 (A curse to those that break the commandments) There is a curse for each disobedience.

Numbers 14:11-24 (People murmur - God threatens them) Are you murmuring?

Numbers 32:8-13 (Moses reproves the Reubenites and Gadites)

Deut. 18:19 (God will require it of the people)

Deut. 28:15-68 (The curse for disobedience)

Helpful Scriptures and Bible History of Rebellion

Genesis Ch. 3 The Fall of Man

II Samuel Ch. 13 Absalom Avenges Tamar

II Samuel Ch. 15 Absalom's Conspiracy

I Kings Ch.16-22 Ahab/Jezebel Rebellion

Isa. 3:12 Children Oppress, Women Rule (Ahab/Jezebel Complex) A picture of our society: women will not follow and men will not lead!

Isa. Ch. 14 Satan's Fall

Eze. Ch. 28 Satan's Rebellion

Malachi 4:5-6 Smite the Earth with a Curse

II Thes. 2:9-12 Strong Delusion, Believing Lies

James 3:13-18 Earthly, Unspiritual, Devilish Wisdom

NELSON'S EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF THE OLD TESTAMENT - The words "to rebel, rebellion and rebellious" are defined by the following phrases:

Be contentious, make angry, contend with, dispute with, stubborn headed, opposition to someone motivated by pride, stubborn and rebellious, speech and actions are against the Lord, rebellious attitude against God, disobey, act of defying the command of God, rebellious and defiled, listens to no voice, accepts no correction, make bitter, provoke, reject, not recognize, rebellion and stiff neck, double rebellion and rebellious house.

"Rebellion" can also be defined as revolt, overthrow, mutiny, breakup, destruction, spasm, convulsion, resistance, interference, friction, withstand, repulse and disobedient.

"Rebellious" can also be defined as revolutionary, defiance. aggressiveness, dare and scorn.

Day 18 of a 21 Day Fast

2011-08-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

Daniel 9

Gabriel Brings an Answer

20 xWhile I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for ythe holy hill of my God, 21 while I was speaking in prayer, the man zGabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, acame to me in swift flight at bthe time of the evening sacrifice. 22 cHe made me understand, speaking with me and saying, “O Daniel, I have now come out to give you dinsight and understanding. 23 eAt the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, fand I have come to tell it to you, for gyou are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word hand understand the vision.

In Daniel 9 we see an exemplary example of an intercessor. Daniel and consecrated, holy man of God fully devoted to His purposes, yet he humbled himself and repented on behalf of his people taking responsibility for the sin of the nation.

Then we see the Lord is so pleased and wanted Daniel to know this so He sends Gabriel while he is still praying. He came to give Daniel insight and understanding and to assure him that at the very beginning of his pleas for mercy a word went out, AND to tell him that he was greatly loved!

The Lord is so good to us He has shown us through Daniel's life how He delights in us as we fast and pray. I love that a word went out as soon as he began praying and that Gabriel came to him before he even finished praying! Wow that is a powerful picture.

Ask the Lord to send angels to minister His love and delight over you so that you have understanding and insight. We thank you Father for what you are doing through this fast. I very clearly see that the enemy is raging because he knows his time is short so we thank you and bless you for moving on our behalf as we humble ourselves through prayer and fasting. We love you so much help us to feel Your manifested love in our mortal bodies today. Saturate us with your delight over what we are doing on behalf of your people, In Jesus name AMEN!

Day 17 of a 21 Day fast

2011-08-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

The Lord reminded me today that although we feel weak during our fast that the opposite is true as we press in and pray because in our weakness He is strong and as we humble ourselves in prayer and fasting He looks upon us with intent eyes and He leans in to hear what we are saying.

From the very first day of our fast He has heard us and although we feel powerless our prayers are power-packed. I have seen such great turmoil as well as great breakthrough in a few of the people that I have been praying for during this fast. I am so encouraged and reminded that while fasting the enemy would like you to get distracted by your physical state (frankly my clothes are hanging) or the turbulence that is kicked up in the spirit realm as a result of our fasting and pressing in to the Lord with resolution and perseverance. I have encountered much warfare in my home through this fast and the Lord will have me go and get on my knees and pray and He has been keeping me focused on the task and not getting wrapped up in the emotions that are trying to pervade my environment.

I want my time during this fast to be effective and have lasting fruit so I bring my will and my emotions and my body into subjection to Christ. I crucify my flesh that He might live in and through me. I do not want my efforts to be in vain. I want to run the race before me with integrity, diligence and perseverance. I don't want to be disqualified after preaching to others so LORD HELP US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Corinthians 9
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives sthe prize? So trun that you may obtain it. 25 Every uathlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we van imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I wdo not box as one xbeating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and ykeep it under control,2 lest after preaching to others zI myself should be adisqualified.

Are your eyes and ears restrained?

2011-03-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Luke 24:12-16 (New King James Version)

¹² But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

The Road to Emmaus

¹³ Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And they talked together of all these things which had happened. ¹⁵ So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

As I was looking at the Road to Emmaus I noticed something very profound. These men were in the presence of God and were not even aware who they were looking at let alone that they were hearing the voice of the Lord. Seems strange but what I found so profound is that many Christians today have times in their lives where they feel like God is silent.

Scripture clearly tells us that God is omnipresent and omniscient so to think He is not right with us is foolishness.

So why do we feel like God is so distant? I assume that this feeling comes from the fact that we do not know His voice. Well how can that be if the Bible says in John 10 that not only does He know our voice but we know His voice.

So how is it possible for us to know His voice but not hear it? I would propose to you the idea that we only know His voice to the degree in which we are in His word and allow His word to penetrate our hearts,minds and souls. We need to return to the first Commandment! For unless we love HIM and His Word we cannot love our neighbors!

John 1

The Eternal Word

¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Because Jesus is the Eternal Word the only way we can truly know Him is to know His Word. If you are in a season of hiddeness where you feel as though God is somewhere out there and not aware of your trials, I would encourage you to get in His word and let His word take root in your heart, mind and soul and then your spiritual eyes and ears will be illuminated to the truth of His faithful omnipresence in your life.

Here is my prayer for the reader: Father I ask in the name of Jesus Christ that each one reading would have the eyes of their understanding enlightened; that they may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward them who believe, according to the working of His mighty power! (Ephesians 1:18-19)

2011-02-13T04:39:00.001-08:00

Hi moms! I have been reading through the books of First and Second Samuel and I wanted to just share with you some of the notes I have been taking. I have really enjoyed reading these books again. It has been a while since I have read them through. These notes don’t really have anything to do with parenting or being a mom to young kids, but just a collection of thoughts. As I have read these books I have seen a reverence for God that is deep, and loyalty to the king and his people that is full of integrity.

1-18-11

Yesterday I read 1 Samuel 3:1-8:20. Several things jumped out:

1.) Eli failed to restrain his sons as they made themselves contemptible

2.) The Philistines KNEW about the God of the Israelites since they were afraid when the ark of the covenant was brought to the battle sight. They KNEW what happened to the Egyptians!

3.) The false God, Dagon, kept falling with his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord while the ark was captured by the Philistines (Kind of funny!)

4.) The Philistines put up a fleece when they sent the cows out pulling the cart containing the ark. No one was steering the cows as they headed straight for Beth Shemesh. Thus the Philistines knew it was not by chance all the plagues happened to them while the ark was in their possession. It was really God.

5.) Samuel’s sons did not walk in his ways. They accepted bribes, made after dishonest gain, and perverted justice. What went wrong?!

6.) The phrase in 8:20 stood out to me, “with a king to lead us and go out before us and fight our battles.” They were thinking of an earthly king, but I was thinking of the Lord. The Israelites just saw the Lord defeat the Philistines not long ago and they still wanted an earthly king. Where am I trusting in something earthly than heavenly?

1-21-11

Saul became impatient when Samuel was late and things were getting desperate. King Saul thought for sure the Philistines were going to slaughter what was left of his army (most had run away). So Saul disobeys God by offering a sacrifice to the Lord that only the priest was allowed to offer.

In 1 Samuel 15:22 Samuel says to Saul again that, ‘to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’ Saul did not kill all the animals and the people from the battle as the Lord directed. He kept some of the animals to offer a sacrifice and let the king live. He didn’t think he sinned until Samuel tells him again that Saul is to obey God. Saul admits he sinned and blames it on being afraid of the people. Wow! How many times do we compromise, or sin, in order to not displease the people around us, Christians even!

David’s father tells David to take food to his three oldest brothers who are with Saul fighting the Philistines. The Bible says David got up early the next morning, left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out as Jesse directed. In verse 28 of Chapter 17, David is speaking to some of the men in the Israelite army about Goliath and Eliab, David’s oldest brother, burned with anger at David. Why? Was Eliab jealous of David? Did Eliab know David had killed a bear and a lion, and David might want to fight Goliath? Eliab was scared of Goliath or he would have fought him; Eliab questions why David is even there, but he doesn’t really want any answers. He thinks he already knows why David is there – to watch the battle. Eliab says to David, “I know how conceited you are and how wicked your heart is.” Wow! Those are some pretty strong words! David answers, “Now what have I done, can’t I even speak?” David turns away and talks with the men again about Goliath.

It struck me how mad Eliab was at David. Is this like Cain and Able again? Eliab knew what David did for Jesse, as shepherd, for Saul, as the harpist and would have seen David anointed as the next king by Samuel. Maybe this is also like Joseph and his brothers, jealous. Eliab was probably jealous of David already.

These are some of my notes, things to think about. If you want to read along in these books too – feel free to leave your comments in the blog!

I am thankful for the AWAKE moms and I hope you are all doing well and growing in our loving Father.

Julie

2010-11-30T05:31:00.001-08:00

I started to read Luke 1 the other day. I really enjoy this chapter. We have two story lines woven together by two babies. There is Elizabeth and Zechariah, who were old in age, and Mary, who is very young. Both were NOT expecting a baby to be in their near future.

The Bible tells how Zechariah was performing his priestly duties when he was chosen by lot to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense (verse 9). As he was going about his duty, an angel of the Lord appears. Can I stop right there! Zechariah was just doing what was required of him as a priest. This angel was not expected. But today was different - today was Zechariah’s day! Even though he had no children, he loved God. This is how I know. In verse 6 God testifies that both Zechariah and his wife were upright in the sight of the Lord. Wow! This couple was not fooling around, they were fervent for God. It wasn’t just religion, they loved God. Zechariah was afraid of the angel though, probably terrified (verse 12). I love what the angel says. He says, “Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,…” All right, when was the last time Zechariah had prayed that prayer? Yesterday, or 60 years ago?! I think it had been many years since he had asked God for a child. By reading verses 18-20 we see how Zechariah did not believe what the angel told him. So it seems like Zechariah had lost hope. Even when this glorious angel tells him what is going to happen, he doubts. God had heard Zechariah’s prayer and was answering it with a ‘yes’! The verses in Matthew 7 just came to my mind. They say, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” NEVER GIVE UP – don’t let TIME become your reason for not expecting that good gift from God. God does not live in time, He is eternal! Zechariah had lost hope, but that did not nullify God’s promise. He got his son, John. (Though I wouldn’t recommend doubting, John was disciplined for his unbelief.)

Meanwhile, a young unmarried Jewish girl found favor with God also. An angel visits Mary as she is going about her day. The angel explains how she will be with child and He will have a kingdom in the line of David that will never end. Like Zechariah, she was not expecting to have a baby at this point in her life. She didn’t understand how it would happen so she inquired of the angel. She wanted to know what was required of her. Maybe in her earthly thinking she thought that she and Joseph would have a son after they were married and they were to call him Jesus. The angel explains to her how it will happen, and I love what Mary says. She says, “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.” (verse 38) She stated who she is (the Lord’s servant) and what she is willing to do (God’s will). She trusted God with her life because she knew the character of God.

Both Zechariah and Mary were lovingly obeying God when the angel greeted them. Both were not expecting a baby. Both received a blessing beyond measure. Let us learn from them that we can expect God to give us good gifts as we lovingly serve him. He has not forgotten us. He is eternal. (for other examples see David, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Joseph, Paul, Peter, Naomi, Sarah, …)

Our kids expect us to give them presents at Christmas because we love them. Let us not expect anything less from our loving Heavenly Father. Seek Him first and ask for the good gifts! These gifts from him to us can be the very answer that the world needs – faith, hope and love.

Anybody have a testimony that they would like to share with other AWAKE moms of how God answered a prayer that maybe you haven’t prayed in a while? Or a good gift that you were not expecting, but that God gave you? Let me know and I can send it to encourage all the moms.

Have a blessed Christmas!

Julie

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son…”

Behold My Face

2010-08-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

The Lord has been speaking to me and saying, Behold My Face, Behold My Face, Behold My Face.....

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When You said, “Seek My face,”

My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

9 Do not hide Your face from me;

Do not turn Your servant away in anger;

You have been my help;

Do not leave me nor forsake me,

O God of my salvation. (Psalm 27:7-9, New King James Version)

As we behold His face we are changed from glory to glory! However, when we continually choose sin over righteousness there will come a time when He will turn His face from us.

Oh help us Abba Father to always search out Your face out and not hide our faces from your glory as You want to do so much to us and through us for your glory.

We now have access to His throne room through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The veil has been torn and we now have the ability to see His face as there is no wall of seperation!

Seek His face today in everything and He will reveal His glory not only in the situation but also through you in difficult times as those around you see His peace and glory resting on you. Through this He draws people to Himself!

⁵ Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7, New King James Version)

Be encouraged today as He gives you opportunities to be a witness for His glory to others!

Psalm 21

2010-07-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

¹ The king shall have joy in Your strength, O LORD;
         And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!
² You have given him his heart’s desire,
         And have not withheld the request of his lips.  Selah

³ For You meet him with the blessings of goodness;
         You set a crown of pure gold upon his head.
⁴ He asked life from You, and You gave it to him—
         Length of days forever and ever.
⁵ His glory is great in Your salvation;
         Honor and majesty You have placed upon him.
⁶ For You have made him most blessed forever;
         You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.
⁷ For the king trusts in the LORD,
         And through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

⁸ Your hand will find all Your enemies;
         Your right hand will find those who hate You.
⁹ You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger;
         The LORD shall swallow them up in His wrath,
         And the fire shall devour them.
¹⁰ Their offspring You shall destroy from the earth,
         And their descendants from among the sons of men.
¹¹ For they intended evil against You;
         They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.
¹² Therefore You will make them turn their back;
         You will make ready Your arrows on Your string toward their faces.

¹³ Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength!
         We will sing and praise Your power. (Psalm 21, New King James Version)

King David is so confident in the Lord's salvation because He has seen him through so many trials and tribulations. David has seen the faithfulness of God amidst many battles. He cannot help but declare the greatness of His glory and His salvation!

How many of you have gone through difficult situations and the Lord brought you through? Maybe not in the way that you envisioned but in the end you are able to see the sovereignty of your God.

David understood that the Lord was on his side! No matter the circumstance you are facing you can be assured that if your enemy (either the devil or man) is after you, The Lord will find them because if they intend evil against you, God's child, then they intend evil against Him and His word says although they devised a plot, they are not able to perform it.

Rejoice today in knowing that God is on your side and He is warring on your behalf in the unseen realm. Sing and praise the power of the Lord!!!! He is always victorious!

Be Encouraged!!!!!!

To be a Woman After God's Own Heart...........

2010-06-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

I have been doing an in-depth study on David and have been overwhelmed by what God has spoken to my heart as well as how passionate He is about intimacy with His people.

David was a hopeless romantic when it came to his Lord. Lately, I have been ravished by the love of the Lord and have had an insatiable desire to be with Him all day and night. Worship is the key to this kind of longing and David was a worshiping warrior.

In the book of Psalms we find so many instances of David's passion for his King.

Psalm 145 is an excellent example:

¹ I will extol You, my God, O King;
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
² Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
³ Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised;
And His greatness is unsearchable.

⁴ One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And shall declare Your mighty acts.
⁵ I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wondrous works.
⁶ Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts,
And I will declare Your greatness.
⁷ They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness,
And shall sing of Your righteousness.

⁸ The LORD is gracious and full of compassion,
Slow to anger and great in mercy.
⁹ The LORD is good to all,
And His tender mercies are over all His works.

¹⁰ All Your works shall praise You, O LORD,
And Your saints shall bless You.
¹¹ They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom,
And talk of Your power,
¹² To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
¹³ Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

¹⁴ The LORD upholds all who fall,
And raises up all who are bowed down.
¹⁵ The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
¹⁶ You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.

¹⁷ The LORD is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
¹⁸ The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
¹⁹ He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them.
²⁰ The LORD preserves all who love Him,
But all the wicked He will destroy.
²¹ My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever. (Psalm 145, New King James Version)

David had a firm understanding of God's love. He relentlessly pursued his Lord. In Psalm 145 we see not only that he continually sought after the Lord but he also meditated on Him . David was overcome by God's love and mercy and he could not get enough!

I would challenge you to start pursuing God with a fervent desire to know His heart. At first it may not seem easy but as you drive deeper into intimacy with God I know you will begin to discover things about the Lord that you have never known or understood before. I encourage you to start engaging in worship throughout your day. If you are at the sink washing dishes, lift your voice to the Lord in praise and adoration. If you are driving in your car concentrate on lifting up the name of Jesus in song. These are just a couple areas where I engage my spirit with the Lord and I will tell you that He will come in like a flood when you engage His heart!

I Samuel 13:14 shows the reader that God is seeking and longing for a response from the human race. God wants nothing more than a people that have a deep desire for to grasp and obey His heart!

2010-06-01T04:59:00.001-07:00

There is a danger is resting. Do I have your interest? Resting in what we know about God. I am learning lately that God is so much more than I ever really knew. Sure, I may have believed it, but when push came to shove, did I really believe? How big is God’s heart? Does He really still do the miracles that are recorded in the Bible? I think we can become used to God not answering our prayers for healing or salvation and then begin not to expect it. The temptation is to say, well, I have prayed for that for so many different people and they haven’t been healed or saved, so I really don’t want to risk praying again and nothing happening. We have an obligation as believers to persevere in the faith and grow in God not only for our own benefit, but mostly for the benefit of others! Oh, and to remain humble in the process! Wow! It is amazing how quickly pride can sneak in and begin to fill your head with thoughts of superiority or special favor. It is like John the Baptist said, “You must increase and I must decrease.” To really die to yourself and let God live through you. How do we do this? We are raising our precious children that God has given us. These children require much time and energy. Sometimes with the little ones I felt like I barely had enough time to say a short prayer and be awake enough to make it coherent! God is training us within our families. Are we faithful in the little things? Each day is a new day in the Lord, don’t get discouraged if you had a bad day yesterday and the kids were out of control. Check to see if this is a regular occurrence and make changes so peace resides in your house and hearts. If your spouse is a Christian, try to make sure you have a time when you can pray together. I have seen God do some great things in correcting behavior and attitudes in our kids when Todd and I have prayed together.

You can probably tell from this blog that I am encouraging you to persevere in the faith. Grow in the Lord and don’t be satisfied with what you know about Him. Be a constant student of Jesus. This happens little by little and day by day for the most part. Don’t get down on yourself for slow growth, and never give up. God’s heart is HUGE!!! HE LOVES YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL KNOW OR UNDERSTAND. I am including a couple of articles I wrote a while back for another moms group. The first one I found in searching for the second one that I keep thinking about. God bless you moms!! Call me or write me if you need me to pray with you or encourage you in any way I can. Love you.

Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions. 1 John 3:18 NLT

I have this verse on my kitchen windowsill. I noticed that the chapter and verse were the same as the MOPS key verse for this year, Ephesians 3:18. This made me think. If God is encouraging us to not only say we love each other, but do something to show it – how much more will He not only tell us He loves us, but actually show us?!

I think of it this way. God cannot possibly love any person more that he already does. But we put ourselves in a place to experience that love. Think of a river as God’s love. We can stand by and watch the river (just know God loves us), or we can get in the river and experience His love and care.

To help us “get in the flow” here are some devotion suggestions. Find the best time for you and incorporate some or all of the following:

- listen to sermons

- Read devotional materials

- Bible Study (certain book of the Bible, subject - love, faith, forgiveness, etc.)

- Memorize Scripture

- Meditating or “chewing” on the Word of God

- Praise and Worship (singing, or listening to Christian music)

- Prayer (listening, conversation, and intercession)

- Journaling (what is God teaching me?, testimonies, any struggles or victories)

These times with God will enable us to know and experience His very personal way of communicating His love for us. Just start a simple devotion time and don’t get discouraged if you have some set backs. Keep it up and you will be “in the flow”!

And another devotion written during the Summer Olympics:

Ephesians 3:18…how wide and long, and high and deep is the love of Christ…

Isn’t it nice to know that God’s love is wide – not like that skinny balance beam the gymnasts had to land on? Isn’t it wonderful to know God’s love is long – it doesn’t stop short of the finish line of our life? Isn’t it great His love is high and deep – when life is great and we are flying high and when life takes a dive, His love is deep enough to catch us? Just thinking about the love of God has gotten me emotional. The verse continues on to say, “and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” Surpasses knowledge – to me knowledge means knowing facts. I can know God loves me. But Paul says, “surpasses knowledge”. What surpasses knowledge? I believe it is the combination of Biblical knowledge and experience. God wants us to experience His truth.

Life has its wobbly moments, we may even fall. Life has its ups and downs. His love is wide and deep, and long. Obviously this does not give us the right to sin in any way. Just like the athletes we press on to win the prize, living a life pleasing to God because we love Him. If there is a situation in your life where you need God, it is good to get His word in your mind. As you read it, let it be a mirror to examine your own heart. Then pray and believe God to work. The situation is in His hands, but you will surpass knowledge and experience how wide and long, high and deep the love of Christ is.

2010-04-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

God is stirring. I know in my personal life, at Bethel, and around the world (with all the recent earthquakes), God is doing something new.

The Lord has revealed Himself more to me lately. It began after Christmas as I read a book entitled Love Has A Face by Michele Perry. It continued the day before the WM Sunday when I told the Lord I didn’t want to be satisfied with my understanding of who He is. WM Sunday was confirmation that God heard my heart’s desire. A movie, Fingerprint of God, that Todd and I are borrowing has impacted my Christianity and is drawing me to new understandings of Jesus and who we are in Him. God Himself laid His heavy glory on me several times lately and I knew He was with me in a very real way.

I want to encourage each of you to not be satisfied with what you know about God or even with your current relationship with the Lord. Ask Him to take you to new levels of His love, power, wisdom. I see it as a duty as a Christian to hunger and thirst after Him, to not be satisfied so we can love Him more completely and have real love, power, words of wisdom and prophecy to help the people God puts in our lives.

Has reading the Bible and your prayer life been rather stale? Tell Jesus your struggles, He will not condemn you. Ask the Holy Spirit to rise up in you and be the ever present help in time of need. He will not leave you feeling empty. He will come to you and reveal new things He is doing in you, around you, and through you. Never give up and be satisfied, that is what I hope to do.

The Lord is the lover of your soul. May He bless you precious moms! What an awesome calling! May He give you rest and peace in your home.

A Proverb a day makes a huge difference in my day.

2010-03-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

¹ Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.
² A good man obtains favor from the LORD,
But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
³ A man is not established by wickedness,
But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
⁴ An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
But she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.
⁵ The thoughts of the righteous are right,
But the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
⁶ The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,”
But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
⁷ The wicked are overthrown and are no more,
But the house of the righteous will stand.
⁸ A man will be commended according to his wisdom,
But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
⁹ Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant,
Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
¹⁰ A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
¹¹ He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread,
But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.
¹² The wicked covet the catch of evil men,
But the root of the righteous yields fruit.
¹³ The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips,
But the righteous will come through trouble.
¹⁴ A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth,
And the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him.
¹⁵ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
¹⁶ A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.
¹⁷ He who speaks truth declares righteousness,
But a false witness, deceit.
¹⁸ There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
¹⁹ The truthful lip shall be established forever,
But a lying tongue is but for a moment.
²⁰ Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,
But counselors of peace have joy.
²¹ No grave trouble will overtake the righteous,
But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
²² Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
²³ A prudent man conceals knowledge,
But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
²⁴ The hand of the diligent will rule,
But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
²⁵ Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,
But a good word makes it glad.
²⁶ The righteous should choose his friends carefully,
For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
²⁷ The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting,
But diligence is man’s precious possession.
²⁸ In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death. (Proverbs 12, New King James Version)

I just wanted to share with you that when I personally take time to sit down and read the word of God out loud to my kids, God sets my day.

I struggle with being consistent in many areas of my life and devotion reading has never worked for me but in the past year I have had an insatiable appetite for the word of God. I do not ever feel like I get enough time in God's word.

I know this appetite is a direct result of prayer as I struggled with reading my bible for a couple of years and during that time God taught me that He does not want me to read His word out of obligation but rather out of a heart's desire.

So, I prayed that God would create that desire in me and I am amazed. But lately, I have waned in my bible reading with my kids because from the time they awaken in the morning it is GO time! God reminded me that this time with them is necessary.

I decided just in the past week that I would read them a proverb a day as there are 31 and I figure that that is the best devotional that I could read to my kids as it instructs, teaches and convicts us as we read it. As a result we discuss what is being said in that passage.

Well, what I know is that when I take time to do this with my kids my day runs much more smoothly and they are more peaceful. Not that my house is perfectly clean or that everything is done but on the contrary, God gives me the peace I need to deal with all the difficulties of staying home with my kids and feeling as though I never get anything accomplished.

He gave me peace a couple of days ago when there were sooooo many things to do and I could not get to them and I still haven't. Normally, I would be uptight about the state of my home but He gives me the peace so that I do not get frustrated and inevitably take it out on those around me.

Be blessed today and I would encourage you to continue reading Proverbs.

Our dear friend Jenilee has done a walk through Proverbs so check out her Awake Journey and be blessed!

2010-02-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Moms! I wanted to share some of what God has done lately in my life. I realize there is more and more power for us to live an overcoming life than what I thought before. Trying to obey God and live according to His Word is what we are called to do, but sometimes the problem (or sin) needs God’s power to overcome and not just our natural ability to resist certain temptations. As many of you know, I homeschool my precious children. As much as I love having my kids at home, and can guide their learning with a Christian perspective, it is not without its challenges. This is in no way meant to discourage anyone from homeschooling, but to share what the Lord has done. I want to take much of what I write today from my journal, so you will have a more accurate account of what God can do, and did for me.

Jan 22, 2010
I have been struggling lately getting really angry with the girls during school. I get upset very quickly over pretty much any problem they don’t understand in math, or if they read too slowly. We also were not doing science or social studies very consistently since we don’t start until after lunch much of the time. This had been going on for weeks. I started telling just about anyone who would listen how I struggle in this way. I would pray for God to forgive me for getting mad at my kids and ask Him to help me not get upset. Todd and I prayed at least one time about it. I shared it with a couple of women at Bethel church that homeschool, or have homeschooled in the past. On Sunday, 1-17-10, we had a guest speaker. He had anyone come to the altar if they were struggling with anything. I went up and knelt down at the front steps and began to pray. I didn’t want to struggle in this anger anymore. Someone laid hands on me and prayed, I didn’t hear what they said. I felt the Lord’s gentle presence. I won’t go into all the detail here, but we had a really good week of school that next week. Nothing really changed about our schedule, but I was not angry and the kids got more work done than they had been doing. I recognized this and the only thing I could think of that changed was the fact that I had been in the Lord’s presence and he did a work in me that I couldn’t do. God’s Holy Spirit had given me power to overcome. I am reading a book by Julie Lyons called Holy Roller and last night I read how the Pentecostals believe that God’s grace is not only unmerited favor, but it has power too. I was thinking about the verse, “My grace is sufficient for you” earlier in the week and even that evening as I read Lyon’s words. I knelt down to pray before going to sleep last night. I was thankful to God for the good week of school and I started to think about that verse again, “My grace is sufficient for you”, but this time I continued with the rest of the verse, “for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” I got excited because I sensed God speaking. I was again grateful for His power to overcome my anger, but I said to Him, “I have been so mean to them. I don’t deserve it.” He said back in my mind (Spirit to spirit). It’s my grace. I got it! I didn’t even realize I was experiencing the very definition of grace (power and unmerited favor) until He said it! I had been confused by the verse “My grace is sufficient for you…” many other times in my life because it didn’t make sense! If grace is just unmerited favor, how does that help me? But now I know it is much more! I was very happy to hear from God last night and thankful for His grace that is sufficient in my weakness!

As an update to that journal entry, I had some good weeks and then I started to slip again into anger. I went back up to the altar and told the Lord I was sorry and didn’t want His grace to leak out of my life. I repented and found the Lord strengthening me again to do what I can’t. I am realizing too, that repentance brings power. When I repent of sin, Jesus gives me power to overcome the temptation to sin. I always thought of repentance as a turning from sin (by my own choice) and then sustaining that decision by my own sheer will, but I think it is much more. Maybe when Jesus told people to, “Go and sin no more “, he expected just that. With repentance and His grace we are able to overcome sin. I will close with a quote from the book Holy Roller, “Was the repentance genuine? Only time would tell; we had to allow that time. “Produce fruit in accordance with repentance, “ John the Baptist warned the crowds who flocked to him. Repentance will always show proof. If God does something inside you, it will produce evidence externally.”
God bless you moms as you parent your precious children. Know that God will help you when you repent! It is a good thing!

Did you know that the LORD delights in you?

2010-01-31T11:10:00.000-08:00

As I was praying yesterday I was asking God to give me what He had for all of you ladies. I started to read in the book of Psalm. When I reached Psalm 139 I got really excited as this is one of my favorite Psalms.

Psalm 139:13 says:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth,
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed......

17~ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18~ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;

Here is what the Lord has for you today. He wants you to know that you are His prized possession and that although you may look in the mirror and see everything that you don't like, there is nothing that God does not like about you.

In Isaiah 62 He says:
You shall also be a crown of glory
In the hand of the LORD,
And a royal diadem
In the hand of your God.

Take a moment right now wherever you are........ Meditate on this word over you.......

For those of you who feel like you don't measure up to the world's standards in body type, hair color, fat content, facial features.....etc. God wants you to know that you are precious to him.....

As a matter of fact He says that you shall be called Hephzibah (My delight), and your land Beulah; For the LORD delights in you,

Stop critically analyzing yourselves in the mirror. It is not what God has for you. The enemy of your soul wants you to do those things because it builds a sense of worthlessness. God says you are His DELIGHT!!!! His BRIDE! For He delights in you.

So often women are plagued with insecurities about their bodies and what this does is it degrades their confidence in the Lord.

You may feel absolutely fine about every part of your body but chances are there are things that you don't like or even detest about yourself. I am here to tell you today that you can no longer agree with the enemy of your soul.

If this resonates with you ask God right now to show you how you are his Delight. There was and are times in my life that I struggle with my self image but God has recently reminded me through His word that I am His delight!!!!! How freeing that is! If you allow His word to take up residence in your heart.

Father God, we love you and thank you for your word. I ask God, that you would do a new work in the the hearts of the ladies at Bethel in this area. God, I ask that you begin to show them how truly beautiful they are in your eyes. Lord, I am asking that people begin to compliment them about the parts of themselves that they are struggling with. Lord God, I ask that you empower these women to receive your word as truth and allow it to penetrate their inner woman. Lord, that we would be able to see ourselves as you see us so that we would come into the fullness of your plan for our lives. Father, we don't accept that the day in and day out of life is all that you called us to. As you grow us through Your truths let us begin to see the real plan that you set aside for our lives as you skillfully wrought us in the lowest parts of the earth and fashioned our days for us........
Lord, do I new work in our hearts so that as we are confident in You that you would show forth more and more of Your glory in and through us.

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen

More Scripture from the Lord:

⁹ But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9, New King James Version)

³⁰ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:30-31, New King James Version)

Let's allow God to direct your path as we enter in to this New Year.....

2010-01-07T07:12:00.000-08:00

The new year is here, 2010. I just finished a book, a memoir of one woman's life. I want to share a little of her story for this new year. Barbara is her name; she is Jewish by birth, but not a practicing one. She lived her life without God. She had a very interesting and passionate life until her divorce. Her world was changed very much trying to raise her baby boy all by herself. Her family wasn't around and she did not have a good relationship with her mom. Years later, in another dark time in her life, she met a nun who told her to seek the truth and she would find God. She sincerely prayed to a God she did not know or was sure even existed. He answered and made it very clear to her that He is Jesus. The was hard for this Jewish girl to admit. Not long after God's answer to her prayer, she gave her life to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

One of the things that stuck out with me in this book is that Barbara sought God with a real longing to know the truth, God answered in a big way. He made it clear that He is the God of the whole Bible, Jesus.

When we need wisdom, or guidance, and pray sincerely, God will answer. He expects us "in all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct our path." (Proverbs 3:5-7 NKJV). I have told the following to a couple of friends that are job hunting lately- the story of Ruth and Naomi. We may not always know what to do, or where to go, but if we are following God in the way that we know (from the Bible), God will direct us to the right job, person, idea, answer, whatever it may be. I am sure that Naomi had many options as to which field she could glean from, just like ther are many places of employment (though not all hiring I understand), but God directed her path to Boaz's house and there she found favor with him and is in the genealogy of Jesus.

Note the difference between Naomi and Barbara. God made it very clear to Barbara that Jesus is God. With Naomi, she was already following the Hebrew God and He more than likely did not speak so clearly as to go to that particular field, but that is where God in His sovereignty directed her. He works in many ways! Both of them acknowledged Him and He directed their path.

May this be a year where each of us humble ourselves before a God that cares, acknowledge who He is in our lives, and then He will direct our paths.

God bless you in the new year!

Thankful Heart

2009-11-16T09:21:00.001-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving I am ever mindful of what I have to be thankful for. My husband has now walked with the Lord for a year and all I can say is that I am in total awe of my God! As my son turns 13 in two days I realize that God heard my cry just a year ago that I did not want to raise a teenager without spiritual unity in my home. Thank you Lord!!!!!! You truly are Mighty to save!

¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:14-16, New King James Version)

As my heart is overflowing with the many blessings and miracles God has done recently in my life and I am ever aware of His peaceful presence that sooooo permeates my being that I am singing with grace in my heart to the Lord.

A Testimony from Julie

2009-11-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

Testimony Time:

When I was about 7 months pregnant with our second child (Kara) and feeling drained, I went up for prayer at our previous church. The Pastor prophesized over me ‘joy’. I didn’t get it. As I remember he prayed some more. He didn’t have the full revelation yet either! Then he said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Wow! It was so encouraging to hear that clearly from the Lord!

⁹ And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
¹¹ So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” (Nehemiah 8:9-11, New King James Version)

Correcting and Training

2009-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

In Hebrews 12, the author is talking about discipline. What a fun word! Not really. Discipline means mainly two things – correction or training. In this passage the Lord is talking about both, the two go hand in hand. As the new Christians in Hebrews are learning the faith, the Lord disciplines them when they sin. This discipline may be painful (verse 11), but is necessary for growth in the faith. The Lord encourages them to not give up by saying, “He disciplines those He loves. (verse 6).

I know there are many times I do not discipline (correct) my children to train them, but to just get them to behave well. But I don’t really want to just correct bad behavior. I want to be able to discipline (correct and train) my kids so they will desire to do what is right.

Likewise, God is not watching us so He can put an ‘X’ on us if we sin (my kids will ‘X’ each other occasionally). But rather He watches OVER us. He desires “To lead us in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake (Psalm 23:3)”. We are His children.

So, for us moms with little children – “take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow after you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong” Hebrews 12:12 NLT. Our children are coming after us.

As I was just looking up the reference for the Psalm above, I noticed that the first part of this verse says, “He renews our strength”. A ‘wow’ moment!!

Julie

Hello Moms!

2009-10-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

Hello Moms!

Hope you are all doing well and avoiding the flu bug! My family was under the weather for a couple of weeks – check that of my list – just kidding! We are much better now.

I was reading a book to my kids a couple of nights ago. It is called The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs. In it she talks about how pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns can remind us of what Christ has done for us and how we are to be in this world.

- all pumpkins are different
- the farmer cleans up the pumpkin
- he cuts it (ouch!)
- removes all the slime inside
- puts a joyful face on it
- puts a light in it

Wow! Isn’t that like Christ? He takes us as we are, His word is sharper than a two-edged sword that cuts through are thick skin or hard heart. He then cleans out all the junk that is not good for us. Gives us a joyful heart so we can shine for Jesus for all the world to see!

So, this year, if you make a jack-o-lantern with your children, remind them of the Good News.

Matthew 5:16

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16, New King James Version)

2009-10-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

⁴ Surely He has borne our griefs
      And carried our sorrows;
      Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
      Smitten by God, and afflicted.
       ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
      He was bruised for our iniquities;
      The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
      And by His stripes we are healed.
       ⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
      We have turned, every one, to his own way;
      And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
       (Isaiah 53:4-6, New King James Version)

Urgent Prayer Request from one of our moms at AWAKE

2009-10-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have a prayer request for Josh. He took a hard hit in his football game last Thursday and now has a concussion. He has had headaches and a little bit of nausea since then. He seems to be getting better and he went to school today. He just needs to be careful for awhile, no horseplay or anything. That is hard for boys. :)

Father, we are trusting You to completely heal Josh from this concussion. Keep him safe from any further injury as his brain heals. Thank you Lord that he had no further injuries, but protect him as he plays this sport he enjoys. In Jesus’ Name.