Deborah L. McCarragher's Blog, page 25

Is There A Hole In Your Bucket?

It's the hottest part of the day – not a cloud in the sky.  She waits until the others head back to their homes before wandering outside. With a large water pot on her head, she quickly makes her way down the dusty road as it winds through the maze of shops and residences to the outskirts of town.

Jacob's Well was in the vicinity of Sychar, and had an elaborate stone-face wall encircling it. Many generations of shepherds, travelers and townspeople had frequented this famous landmark for its life-giving commodity. Innumerable herds of sheep, goats and camels drank from its life-giving spring generation after generation.

Jesus of Nazareth was traveling back to Galilee, but He had reason to go through Samaria. The Apostle John in chapter 4 of his gospel tells us that He was weary from His journey, and sat down by the well. When a local woman began to draw out water, Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." The woman reacted in a rather predictable manner as she stated, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" John tells us that Jews did not have dealings or conversations with Samaritans, especially women.

It is Jesus' answer that still speaks to our hearts today: "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." That "gift" is still available to all who ask. Nothing has changed in over 2000 years. His gift of forgiveness of sins, redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life is what He offered to the Samaritan woman then, and He offers the same to each of us today: a thirst quenching drink for a lost parched soul.

His reply to her rather condescending remarks about Him not having a bucket or pot to draw from makes it clear that she had no clue who was talking with her. This was Jehovah God, the One who made a Holy Covenant with Abram, Isaac and Jacob. Here in front of her stood the Creator of the heavens and earth – the very One who gathered together the waters and formed the seas. Jesus said to those who followed him, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." John 7:37-38.

The woman looked at Him, and looked deep within herself. She said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."  You see, her bucket had holes in it. She couldn't bear the thought of returning to that well over and over again without the hope of discovering something new. She was weary of the same old lies and disappointment. She was desperate for a real change in her life. She was sick and tired of dragging around a leaky old bucket.

Don't we often do the same thing?  We go down to the same old well when no one is watching. We venture out while the "heat" of disappointment and disillusionment is beating down on us.  We avoid pain and confrontation. No one really understands our plight. We're living a lie, and have gotten really good at covering up the truth. Things have to change one of these days, doesn't it? 

All the while, what we're really looking for is something refreshing and thirst-quenching. Jesus is waiting there for us. He meets us at the Well of Life and offers us a fountain of Living Water, drawn from the depths of His Spirit.

This is the first stanza of the hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing  (Robert Robinson)

Come, Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing,Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;Streams of mercy never ceasing,Call for songs of loudest praise:Teach me some melodious sonnet,Sung by flaming tongues above;Praise the mount – O fix me on it,Mount of God's unchanging love.






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

When The Going Gets Tough - Eat Angel Food Cake And Rest!

When was the last time you were ready to scream, "I can't take it anymore!"?  You've come to the end of your rope and you can't even hang onto the threads! If one more person tugs at you and needs a moment of your time, you're going to walk right out of that door and not come back!

Okay… well, maybe it's not that bad – but it's getting there! We've all had times when we've decided we just can't handle one more thing on our plate, or one more demand on us. There comes a time when we have to stop and evaluate our very existence! Why are we here? We don't really need to be so mellow dramatic, we just have to put it all in perspective.

We are often the most venerable when we're physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.  You may be in a high risk group such as a new mom, a student, a high-level career professional, a nurse, a public servant, or a retailer. The list is endless, but in reality – we're all "at risk" for being worn out at some time or another.

Often, during our time of stress, we are also a target for Satan's temptations and snares. He loves to attack the weak, the sick and the defenseless. As a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, our adversary preys on those who are exhausted and venerable. Just as a lion in the wild isolates his victim, so does the enemy of our souls. We need to be vigilant and resist him, steadfast in the faith (I Peter 5:8-9).
In the Gospels, Jesus was tempted by Satan when He was hungry, tired and isolated. He had human limitations even though He was the incarnate God. He rebuked Satan by quoting Scripture. We can do the same by exclaiming, "It is written…"  Using our sword of the Sprit effectively is our greatest weapon against the father of lies.


One of the best examples in the Bible of spiritual and emotional exhaustion is the prophet Elijah. 

In I Kings chapters 17 thru 19, we see Elijah about to have a monumental showdown on Mount Carmel with over eight hundred false prophets of Baal and Asherah that served at thte pleasure of King Ahab's evil wife, Queen Jezebel.
Elijah set up an elaborate altar surrounded by a trench, offered a sacrifice on it, but put no fire under it, saying, "Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answer by fire, He is God." After hours of coaxing and mocking them, at the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed aloud for God to vindicate him. Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice including the wood, stones, and water. The people acknowledged the Lord God and they seized and executed the false prophets. That did it! Jezebel took it personally and wanted her revenge against Elijah.

When the going gets tough –run for your life!  Elijah must have forgotten all about the miraculous success on Mt. Carmel. How many times do we forget what the Lord has done for us?  Chapter 19 verse 4 tells us he went a day's journey into the wilderness, and sat down under a broom tree. There he prayed that he might die, and said, "It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" Verse 5 says that as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him to "Arise and eat." By his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. The Scripture says that he ate and drank, and lay down again.

This scenario repeated itself for a second time, and we are told he went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights as far as Mt. Horeb. It was here in a crag on Mt. Horeb that God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah had attended his own pity party, and God in His mercy came to his rescue. In the end God restored Elijah to his rightful place as prophet, directed him to anoint Elisha to take his place, and reinforced his fortitude by reminding him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal.

God is still in the business of comforting his saints.  He sends us provisions when we are weary. Often all that is needed to help us through the crisis is a good hot meal, and a good night's sleep. As the manna rained down from heaven, so shall your sustenance be. Psalm 78:23-25 tells us, "Yet He [God] had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels' food; He sent them food to the full."  Elijah had his own brand of angel food cake and rest .

The Bread of Life Himself will fill your hunger, and His Living Water will quench your thirst (John 6:22; John 7:37-38).
Resting in the Lord gives you a renewed vigor and stamina. Meditate on His Goodness. Read Psalm 23 and picture yourself in a lush, green pasture, following your Shepherd as He makes His way to a fresh, cool brook. Psalm 37:3 says, "Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Verse 7 says, "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…"  In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus invites us to "Come, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

It is said that Susannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, often pulled her outer skirt over her head to find peace and a stillness when her offspring were little. As a mother of over a dozen children, she resorted to whatever means was necessary to rest in the Lord, even if it was for but a moment.





 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

It's the Waiting Part We Just Can't Handle. Why?

Did you receive a promise from God early on in your faith walk?  Are you beginning to wane in your faith?  Not that you think God isn't capable of doing it… you've just grown weary while waiting.  Well, take courage! God is able and willing to grant your petition – His way…
Wait and patiently seek God – In Genesis chapters 16-21, Abram saw the Lord in a vision. He was assured that his seed (heir) would come from his own body, though at the time he was in his eighties. However, during the years of waiting that followed, He and Sarah were caught up in a carnal plan to accelerate God's timetable.  Abram usurped God's authority when he and Sarah hatched a plan to give them a child through their hand-maiden Hagar.  That son, Ishmael, who was born into Abraham's family, was ultimately cast out of the lineage that would produce the Messiah.  Ten more years passed before his wife Sarah actually gave birth to their son Isaac, the seed of promise.
Lamentations 3:25 says, "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him."  Jeremiah, the brokenhearted prophet, proclaimed a message of doom for over forty years to God's chosen people.  He waited for a sign of true repentance from Israel towards a loving and patient God.  
Wait with emotions in check – In I Samuel 16 David was anointed by Samuel as the future King of Israel, but he would not ascend to his throne for approximately twenty-two more years.  During that time he defeated the Philistine warrior Goliath, served in King Saul's court as his armor bearer, and played the harp to calm the King's restless spirit. 
Psalm 62:1-2 tells us, "Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved."  David learned to trust in God's Sovereignty. God was busy working in the background before He allowed David to return to Jerusalem to reign.  Psalm 37 gives us an overview of how David kept his peace in the midst of his turmoil. 
Verses 3-7 lists seven important keys on resting in God's care while we wait:            Trust in God and Who He is.            Dwell in God's territory and feed on His Faithfulness            Delight in God and in His desires            Commit your ways and life to God            Rest in God and patiently wait on His timing            Cease from anger and revenge            Quit worrying and leave it to God
David showed courage while waiting for God to move on his behalf. He trusted God to come to his rescue and protect his honor. Psalm 27:13-14 states, "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!"  Psalm 69:3 tells us, "I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God."  David struggled in physical agony while he sought the Lord's mercy and presence.
Wait with expectation and confidence - Psalm 145:15-16 says, "The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing."  Creation itself waits for God to move into action as evidenced by seasons, tides, harvest cycles, birth, death, and other laws of nature concerning man, beast, bird, fish and plant life.  We exist and live solely by God's design and Will. 
Isaiah 40:31 is a verse quoted often to those who despair while waiting .  The prophet tells us, "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."  God's people would be comforted because of God's character as they waited (hoped) for their deliverance. 
There are times when God patiently waits on us! Isaiah 30:18 tells us, "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him."
What are you waiting for just now- a broken marriage to be restored?  A wayward child to return home?  A relationship restored with a sibling?  No matter what you face, be assured your Heavenly Father waits with you.  You are not alone during this difficult time of waiting .  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us, "He [God] will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."
  As you wait for your promise from God – keep your gaze upon Him and watch for Him to work in such a way that will bring Him the most Glory! 




Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com
 

Valentine's Day & The Heart of God

As women, Valentine's Day is an opportunity to
take the extra steps to make sure that your husband, boyfriend, Dad, son, or any other important man in your life is made to feel very special. We are givers by nature, and we put much thought and energy into doing just the right things to show our love for them.
Concerning your husband - there is always the traditional candy, heart-felt greeting card, and favorite meal to appease them. But sometimes we just need to do more. If you are craft prone, you can create something unique for their office or man-cave. You might get them a gift card to their favorite "big-boys toy store" or let them know you're taking them out for dinner! You can offer to go to a movie of their choosing, or buy them a half-hour massage at the local spa. The choices are endless.
All those things are great – but do you know what I bet they would really like? Okay, we already know what "we think they want", but that's not all that's on their mind.  I really believe they would like a straight-from-the-heart acknowledgement of how glad you are that you married them to begin with! Give them a "look in the eye" honest thank-you for all that you've been through together. Men desire, no, men need our respect and love. Tell them that you'd marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you.

Ephesians 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God (verse 21). Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. The great mystery Paul talks about not only has to do with the "leaving and cleaving" in a physical holy union between and man and woman, but also of Christ and His Church. We leave the world and cleave unto Him. We forsake all others for our Husband. We are His alone. Just as Israel played the harlot and was unfaithful to God, we too can become "unfaithful" in our marriage concerning our allegiance. Our husband is our gift from above – our completer, not our competitor. God wants our focus to be on our spouse and our marriage. That is our highest calling .

Paul's last point in Ephesians 5 is, "Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." The point of it is this: women generally have no problem "loving" – but they often have difficulty "respecting" their husband. Honor and respect goes a long way in forging a lasting, healthy and biblical relationship. This applies whether you are both Christians, or if you are unequally-yoked in your marriage. God wills that the wife respect her husband.

Peter lays out God's perfect plan of submission with regards to women in marriage. I Peter 3 states, "Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear [respect]."  Trusting God and His character is the key to showing respect to your spouse, even when it's undeserved. God will honor your heart and motive.

On a personal note – do I always do everything just right? No way, not by any stretch of the imagination. Do my husband and I have ups and downs in our 29+ year marriage? You bet! However, I learned early on in my Christian walk to show respect to my husband, even when I felt he didn't deserve it. I don't chide him in public, or belittle him in front of others. Just as a couple walking along the beach, love and respect go hand in hand.
When I first met my husband, he had a little garden area off of his patio at his apartment. He grew a variety of roses varying in color and size. I have always loved roses. That first day – he presented me with a lovely single dark red rose. Throughout the years, I have received roses on occasion (one being the birth of our son), but more often than not – I have received beautiful cards for Valentine's Day displaying red roses on it.

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years, has been a consistent hand-written note in the card saying that he loved me, and thanking God for me! This gesture of love comes from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. I'm thankful that he sees the heart of God in me. How very humbling…               To God be all the Glory!



                    A Little History About Valentine's Day -
Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland.






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Which Gate Will You Choose - Narrow or Wide?

There is a fork in the road ahead. You have a choice to make. One path looks smooth and inviting. It's an easy road to navigate. There are throngs of people making their way down its wide corridor. The other path appears rough and uneven. It winds around the bend and its view is obstructed. This one is difficult and perhaps more treacherous. You notice that there aren't very many people traveling this way. How do you choose which path to take? Are others making their decisions based on facts or popular consensus?

Now you're at a crossroads. You've heard about Jesus. Someone shared the good news with you, and all of the sudden, you're faced with making a choice that will affect the rest of your life. It's just you and your decision. Life and death, good and evil, are set before you (Deut. 30:19).

In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (NKJ)

The Living Bible (paraphrased) reads like this: "Heaven can be entered only through the narrow gate! The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide enough for all the multitudes who choose the easy way. But the Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it."

The Message Bible says, "Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in our spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life – to God! – is vigorous and requires total attention."


Jesus compels us in Matthew's passage to make a concentrated effort towards His Kingdom. This " gate " of mercy and grace leads to everlasting life, and scripture makes it clear that there will be few travelers who pass through its constricting entrance. You won't be able to just haphazardly breeze through. It will take faith and determination to enter heaven by way of the precious blood of the Lamb. Luke tells us that Jesus said, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able." There would only be a few who would find their way to true salvation. The majority of the people would stroll down the wide and bustling path to eternal destruction.

The narrow gate might include persecution or sacrifice, as was evident in Paul's life. The narrow gate is always characterized by a personal reckoning of my idea of what "coming to the Lord is" and what is actually required of us in order to follow Christ (Mark 8:34-37).

In John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

If you are presented with the Gospel – which gate will you travel through? Better yet, when you share the good news of Jesus with others, don't forget to let them know that it's no "easy road" to being a Christian. In fact, be sure to tell them it's an exclusive invitation to meet with the King of Kings just through that narrow gate up ahead…
Photo by Damian Brandon






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.
http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

You Have To Work At It To Make It All Worthwhile

WORK - The word itself conjures up sweat, effort, and time.


Webster in part defines work as: sustained physical or mental effort to overcome obstacles and achieve an objective or result.


Wow! I'm tired just thinking about that definition of work. But seriously, marriage is hard work!

So what exactly is our objective or desired result? According to God's Word it is unity, honor, edification, submission to authority, spiritual fruit-bearing and unconditional love (I Peter, Ephesians, and I Corinthians).

Often when we enter marriage we come with pre-conceived ideas about what it should look like. We have high expectations. We come dragging in our over-stuffed baggage. We just aren't realistic about what a healthy God-patterned marriage should look like. If you are in an unequally-yoked marriage , it can be devastating if you don't grasp the biblical teaching concerning your role as God's marital representative in that particular situation.

Back to the basics we go. First, there needs to be unity in the marriage. This can be difficult if only one spouse loves and serves the Lord. You must be in unity with Christ first, and then you can unify with your spouse in the areas of your marriage that don't contradict God's Word. Be at peace with everyone as much as depends on you (Romans 12:18). Paul addressed the first-century church no different than he would today: submit to one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-3 says, "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to have a walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."


Submission is such a misunderstood word in the church, especially for women. Godly submission is taught in the book of Ephesians and in the book of Romans, and its premise is demonstrated throughout the Bible. Christ is the Head (of the Church) and ideally the husband is submitted to His authority. The wife is to be submitted to her husband in the Lord. We all submit to some form of authority in our lives. We begin submitting to our parents, then teachers, law-enforcement, government, employers, church leaders, and more. Submission is best illustrated in John chapter 17 as Jesus prayed for Himself and submitted to His Father's Will.

Also, we will exhibit spiritual fruit-bearing , worthy of the Lord when we dig our roots deep into God's Word and cultivate the soil of our hearts with His Spirit. Galatians Chapter 5 tells us to "walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh." When we live a Spirit-filled life, we will display the fruits of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. This fruit-bearing should set us apart from those living in the world system. As Christians, we should display behavior that is God honoring and exemplifies Christ's qualities that drew so many people to Him.

Finally, loving your spouse isn't a feeling – it's a commitment to do what is right . God loved us "while we were yet sinners" and died for us (Romans 5:8). We must love our spouses as Christ loves us without pre-conditions or a "litmus test" to see if they are worthy of our affections or not. Love is the greatest of all virtues and does not fail. I Corinthians chapter 13 tells us, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Love is something that we purpose in our heart to do for a lifetime to our marriage partner, regardless of what society tells us in movies, TV shows, or in the public square. We are obligated to flesh out the love God has for us to our spouse in a tangible way – day by day.






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Are You A Doubting Thomas? Jesus Is Okay With That...

Have you been waiting for your spouse to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ that will transform his life? Sometimes that personal revelation takes awhile...

Read with me about Thomas in John 20:19-29.  I firmly believe in divine appointments. Thomas wasn't in the room when Jesus met with the disciples on the same evening He arose from the grave. Do you ever wonder why Thomas wasn't present with them?
Remember, this was the same Thomas that asked Jesus in John 14:5, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way"? Jesus then told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him".

There are times we simply don't recognize the Lord. We know that Thomas knew and loved the Lord, but he chose not to believe what the other disciples saw that night in the upper room. I love how the Apostle John stated in John 20:14 that Thomas insisted, saying, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe".  Thomas was giving himself an ultimatum!  Proof is often needed by the natural man. But Thomas was a spiritual man, one who knew the Lord intimately and face to face. What hampered his ability to see without proof what he already knew in his heart? Or did he really believe what he had heard earlier from the brethren?
John 20:26 says, "And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said "Peace to you!" Do you think Thomas had peace after the other disciples told him he "missed seeing Jesus"? Then in verse 27 we read, "Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus turned toward Thomas and addressed him personally. Isn't that just like our loving Lord, to meet us at our weakest point with His immeasurable grace and mercy? Your spouse also needs to have that transformational meeting with Jesus - face to face! His doubts and fears can be overcome when Jesus dialogs with them on their level, just like Thomas.
In this new year, let us rejoice in the newness of life as we are transformed into the new creation Paul describes for us in II Corinthians. Seek God while He may be found.  Reach out to Him in truth and sincerity.  He is waiting with open arms!
"The experience of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered, you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old things have lost their power. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul." (Oswald Chambers - My Utmost for His Highest)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new."  II Corin. 5:17
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."  Jeremiah 29:11-13





Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

Does It Take A Donkey To Get Your Attention?

 How many times have you said or done something, and right away Holy Spirit stirred in your heart?  Sometimes the conviction is so strong – you shake your head to yourself – wondering why it took something like this to get your attention.
God's way of calling us and getting our attention is as varied as we are!  Sometimes I need a 2x4 or a billboard to get the message.  Other times it is an immediate pricking of the conscience and a quiet voice within.
God has spoken to many men and women in the Bible.  Here's three of my favorites:
Balak, King of Moab didn't like the fact that the children of Israel were encroaching on his territory and settling near his people.  He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor to pronounce a curse on them for money [a diviner's fee] to defeat them, and to drive them out of his country. However, God spoke to him and said, "You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed." The Lord forbade him to go with them, but later tested Balaam as he went with the princes of Moab.  Numbers 22:22 tells us God's anger was aroused, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand as an adversary against him.  The Angel had a drawn sword, but Balaam didn't see Him.  However, the donkey he rode did see Him, and refused to continue down the road. Three separate times the Angel caused the animal to divert from his path: once onto the grass, then against a stone wall, and finally bottle-necked in a narrow place.  Each time the animal disobeyed, Balaam struck him with his staff.  The donkey finally lay down, receiving another blow from her master.  That's when God got Balaam's attention.  He opened the donkey's mouth and she said to Balaam , "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?"  Balaam foolishly replied that he wished he had a sword in order to kill her for her disobedience. Then the donkey reminded him that she had never done anything like that before, and had been an exceptional animal of burden for him since she became his.  Then the Angel of the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw Him standing with His sword drawn, and fell on his face.  The Angel of the Lord told him that his way was contrary to what God wanted, and that His people were to be blessed, not cursed.   Balaam thought he was doing God's will, but it took a donkey to "open his eyes" to his folly.  He told Balak in verse 38, "The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak." (Numbers 22).
Elijah found a cave at Mt. Horeb to escape life's problems after Jezebel threatened to kill him. God told him to stand on the mountain before Him.  Elijah discovered that God was not in the whirlwind, or the earthquake, or the fire – but in a still small voice.  There he was told to anoint the next King of Israel - Jehu, and a new successor prophet by the name of Elisha .  God hadn't spoken to him in the manner he thought God should speak.  He was awaiting a Mighty roar, a Holy holler, perhaps an earth-shaking shout.  But God came to him quietly, in a moment of calm – in the cleft of the rock of Mt. Horeb.  God Himself whispered to His weary prophet in a delicate voice – encouraging him in a moment of frailty – preparing him for the days ahead.  (I Kings 19).
Samuel was a small child when he left his mother's arms to live with Eli the priest in the tabernacle of the Lord at Shiloh. He ministered before the Lord even as a young child.  There had been a silence in Israel, and God had not spoken for quite some time through the prophets and seers.  The Lord was grieved by the wickedness and sin that surrounded His people.  As Samuel was lying down to sleep, God called him three separate times – and each time the boy thought Eli had called.  The last time Eli perceived that the Lord had called him, and instructed Samuel to lie down again and wait for God to call him once more.  I Samuel 3:10 says that the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, " Samuel ! Samuel !"  Then Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."  This tender child was intently listening for his Heavenly Father's call.  (I Samuel 1-3).
When we are desperate to hear a Word from God, He will meet us where we are.  He will often speak to us through someone, through His Word, and through Holy Spirit's promptings.  Make yourself ready for His message by stilling your soul and spirit often, and in earnest.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)



Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible".  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.  http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

The New Year - Time For A Change!

There's a familiar saying we'll hear over and over again in the next week: "I'm making a New Year's resolution to …"
Some of the more popular Top 10 Resolutions that we make are:

~ Spend more time with family and friends ~ Commit to a new diet and eating choices~ Give more to charity – time and money~ Learn something new~ Make time for fitness~ Get out of debt~ Get organized

I just love the New Year and what it brings. I say, "Time for a change - change is good!"


Isaiah 43:18-19 says this: "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Everybody loves something new ! As Christians, we are new creatures in Christ. We have a new beginning. We can establish new habits that are godly and useful. We can find new inspiration and a fresh new revelation as we read and study God's Word. Who doesn't like a new clean slate – a chance to start over?

The Apostle Paul instructs us to know Christ in a new intimate way. That kind of intimacy caused him to "press on and lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me" (Philippians 3:10-12). We have a revelation from Christ that brings a fresh, spiritual comprehension, which in turn gives us apprehension to live out our Christianity with boldness. Our confidence cannot be in our flesh, but in the power of God. Look to Him with the expectation of what He can do in us and through us. As Paul states in verse 13-14, "but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."


In the book of Revelation, John tells us that those worshipping before the throne of the Lamb will sing a new song. In his vision he gazed upon a new heaven and a new earth.

What a great lesson for the New Year and our "New Life" resolutions. Look forward, not backwards. Keep your eye on Jesus and the heavenly goal. Pattern your new ideas and habits on what the Word teaches. Model yourself after your Maker and Master. Fix your gaze upon Jesus…He is all you need to walk in the newness of life.
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote the hymn Another Year Is Dawning in 1860 as a celebration of New Year's Eve and looking forward in faith to God's blessings. What a beautiful tribute to what a new year can hold in store for us…
Another Year Is Dawning
Another year is dawning:Dear Father, let it be,In working or in waiting,Another year with Thee;Another year of progress,Another year of praise,Another year of provingThy presence all the days.
 Another year of merciesOf faithfulness and grace;Another year of gladnessIn the shining of Thy face;Another year of leaningUpon Thy loving breast;Another year of trusting,Of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service,Of witness for Thy love;Another year of trainingFor holier work above.Another year is dawning:Dear Father, let it be,On earth or else in heaven,Another year for Thee.
Here's to a new year full of hope and anticipation in what God has in store for us!

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)






Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled "Mission Possible". It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God's promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com  

HAPPY NEW YEAR - New is a Good Thing!

As 2010 comes to a close - anticipation of what lies ahead for 2011 is high! 

There's a familiar saying we'll hear over and over again in the next week: "I'm making a New Year's resolution to …"    There are a few things that I like the thought of when I think of " new "...

As a Christian, I am a  new creature in Christ
I love the thought of new beginnings (starting over)
This is a time for new habits (good ones, of course!)
Sometimes we need new inspiration for the tough times ahead
As we read God's Word, we get a fresh new revelation every time

We can revel in God's love in the New Year ahead! Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that His compassions never fail  they are new every morning!

Here's to a great New Year full of God's rich blessings and faithfulness...