It's that time once again! Wow! Has it really been a full year?! I can hardly believe it. And, my blog!! What happened to my blog?! How can one get so busy and leave a BLOG out of their schedule?!
Well, I did some how. It was on my mind at times, but, not high on the list. Sorry, my friends. I'll try to do better after my trip to Romania. There's so much I always want to share, but, I never get to it here.
I'm getting ready to leave on the 21st. It's exciting and I can hardly wait! It's always so much fun seeing everyone again and truly, when I am there...it feels like I've only been gone a few weeks. I don't know how that can be, for it has been 3 years this month that we returned to the States.
Please keep me and JoAnn in prayer as we travel. We'll be gone a week. Pray the funds come in to buy 71 pairs of boots for the children and get some food supplies. God put Project Plenty together in 2004 and He's been providing boots each year since! We serve an AWESOME God!!
I'll write it all here when I return. Til then...may you all be blessed in whatever you put your heart and hands to.
Sherry
Friday
Romania Trip a Success!
It's hard to believe we've been home almost 2 months now! It's a busy time of the year to go...so busy planning to go, so busy settling in and then gearing up for the holidays ahead when we return...not to mention all the "regular stuff" that needs tending to! Much has taken place since we've been home. JoAnn shared with the Dental society and they were pretty excited about what took place in Romania. They are planning to help her for next year as well. What a blessing! The children were so still on the table...I was really impressed. JoAnn was happy to see their teeth weren't as bad as she thought they would be...same for me! Apparently their systems hardly make any tartar. Must be the water with all the minerals??
I came home with a cold and mixed with the jetlag it took me quite awhile to recoup. It's always so much harder for me returning than going over. Then it seems like I was hit with many small and 2 large problems going on around me. I felt like I just couldn't get myself organized. The days were quite busy the last 2 1/2 weeks, but, now things are finally settling down. I thank God for His peace that guards our hearts and mind.
It was really great seeing everyone again. It actually seemed like I hadn't even left. That was so amazing to me. A whole year had gone by, yet, we all felt like it had been only a week. It was a good feeling. It did feel quite strange being there, especially at Caminul Felix, without John. Everyone missed him. It didn't help that John and Lois, our missionary friends from CA, had returned home in the summer. Last year we had the opportunity of staying with them, so this year, being in the hotel by the farm, really was a strange feel for me. It was a nice stay, the hotel is really quite charming with its rustic look.
As always, it was a thrill to go to the Piazza with Olga again for the children at Casa Lumina (Kindergarten & Mother/Baby program). The main vendor we worked with last year remembered us and was very happy to see us. I know that you helped greatly with her income for the month or more! It's such a double blessing buying the boots there. The children were very excited to get the boots. They would get them on and then prance around the room showing them off with wide-eyed smiles. It was such a joy to see. THank you so much for helping us to go and do this.
We had a great time with Pastor Danutz. It was our first year meeting with him at the Piazza for boots. He was very happy to be there. He had to hitch a ride and walk some to get there and then take the bus back (1 1/2 hr away). The time out to his village (Batar) was a good one. The children were so eager to have their teeth done. They were especially curious about the set up and watched with broad smiles as each child was done. Marcy and I spoke with some of the women of the church on God's love. It was evident when we were finished that God had spoken to some of them as they wept quietly and didn't want to let go of us as we went around and shared hugs. It was quite touching. It was also, a great time when we handed out the blankets. They were happy to have them.
The night we spoke to the group at Casa Lumina (with Olga translating for us) for the Bible study, Marcy and JoAnn both wondered what they had got themselves into! I will admit they do look like a harsh bunch when you first see them. But, everyone enjoyed each other and they were touched by our stories and lesson of God "seeing them right there in Romania and providing for them". Monica wanted prayer for getting a job, she has been turned down by the doctor for over 2 years because of scar tissue on her lungs (she had an appointment the next day). The next day she came to CL with a HUGE smile and proudly showed her paper work that was no longer pink!! She had been granted permission to work...she would be starting the following week. God is so good!
On Monday evening we met with some of the teen girls of Caminul Felix talking with them of God's love and forgiveness. Five girls accepted Christ into their hearts and five others came forward at the end for prayer to release them from anger and unforgiveness. It was truly a blessed evening.
We are so happy to be a part of God's work. It is because of people like you that make it come to pass. Without your help, these 75 children would not have warm boots this winter. You made it possible for families to stay warm with blankets and others to have extra food. John and I applaud you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. THANK YOU.
We look forward to going again next Fall and hope you will purpose to join us once again. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. God rewards a cheerful giver.
I have created 5 albums for you to look at in your leisure. Choose an album and when it opens, you can either click on the first picture and from there keep clicking forward OR after choosing an album, choose "slideshow" at upper left beneath the title of album and it will play for you and then you can click the X at bottom to stop, return to the page showing albums and choose another album...there are 6 altogether. I know you will enjoy seeing the pictures. The smiles say it all.
http://picasaweb.google.com/
God bless you richly in all you do,
John and Sherry
I came home with a cold and mixed with the jetlag it took me quite awhile to recoup. It's always so much harder for me returning than going over. Then it seems like I was hit with many small and 2 large problems going on around me. I felt like I just couldn't get myself organized. The days were quite busy the last 2 1/2 weeks, but, now things are finally settling down. I thank God for His peace that guards our hearts and mind.
It was really great seeing everyone again. It actually seemed like I hadn't even left. That was so amazing to me. A whole year had gone by, yet, we all felt like it had been only a week. It was a good feeling. It did feel quite strange being there, especially at Caminul Felix, without John. Everyone missed him. It didn't help that John and Lois, our missionary friends from CA, had returned home in the summer. Last year we had the opportunity of staying with them, so this year, being in the hotel by the farm, really was a strange feel for me. It was a nice stay, the hotel is really quite charming with its rustic look.
As always, it was a thrill to go to the Piazza with Olga again for the children at Casa Lumina (Kindergarten & Mother/Baby program). The main vendor we worked with last year remembered us and was very happy to see us. I know that you helped greatly with her income for the month or more! It's such a double blessing buying the boots there. The children were very excited to get the boots. They would get them on and then prance around the room showing them off with wide-eyed smiles. It was such a joy to see. THank you so much for helping us to go and do this.
We had a great time with Pastor Danutz. It was our first year meeting with him at the Piazza for boots. He was very happy to be there. He had to hitch a ride and walk some to get there and then take the bus back (1 1/2 hr away). The time out to his village (Batar) was a good one. The children were so eager to have their teeth done. They were especially curious about the set up and watched with broad smiles as each child was done. Marcy and I spoke with some of the women of the church on God's love. It was evident when we were finished that God had spoken to some of them as they wept quietly and didn't want to let go of us as we went around and shared hugs. It was quite touching. It was also, a great time when we handed out the blankets. They were happy to have them.
The night we spoke to the group at Casa Lumina (with Olga translating for us) for the Bible study, Marcy and JoAnn both wondered what they had got themselves into! I will admit they do look like a harsh bunch when you first see them. But, everyone enjoyed each other and they were touched by our stories and lesson of God "seeing them right there in Romania and providing for them". Monica wanted prayer for getting a job, she has been turned down by the doctor for over 2 years because of scar tissue on her lungs (she had an appointment the next day). The next day she came to CL with a HUGE smile and proudly showed her paper work that was no longer pink!! She had been granted permission to work...she would be starting the following week. God is so good!
On Monday evening we met with some of the teen girls of Caminul Felix talking with them of God's love and forgiveness. Five girls accepted Christ into their hearts and five others came forward at the end for prayer to release them from anger and unforgiveness. It was truly a blessed evening.
We are so happy to be a part of God's work. It is because of people like you that make it come to pass. Without your help, these 75 children would not have warm boots this winter. You made it possible for families to stay warm with blankets and others to have extra food. John and I applaud you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. THANK YOU.
We look forward to going again next Fall and hope you will purpose to join us once again. Your kindness does not go unnoticed. God rewards a cheerful giver.
I have created 5 albums for you to look at in your leisure. Choose an album and when it opens, you can either click on the first picture and from there keep clicking forward OR after choosing an album, choose "slideshow" at upper left beneath the title of album and it will play for you and then you can click the X at bottom to stop, return to the page showing albums and choose another album...there are 6 altogether. I know you will enjoy seeing the pictures. The smiles say it all.
http://picasaweb.google.com/
God bless you richly in all you do,
John and Sherry
Wednesday
Circumstance Vs. Authority
One of the great weaknesses of our society today is that of people feeling they are the "victim" of some outside force that they can't see or can't control. They're saying things like, "I had to file bankruptcy because of what so and so did to me..." or "If I hadn't been laid off..." or "If that guy hadn't pulled out in front of me..." and so on.
When we give ourselves over to the circumstances, we lay down our power. For we have given our power over to the circumstance. We've allowed it to take control. Take it out of our hands. We've sucked it in so to speak. We're saying it is bigger than the power that was given to us from the Father through Jesus Christ. In Mat.28:18 Jesus tells us that ALL power was given to Him. In Jn 17:2 we see that it was the Father who gave the power to Jesus. The Father delegated the power to Jesus. That's the origin of Jesus power--God. Jesus then delegated the power to you through the Holy Spirit. The origin of your power is--from God. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available in you!
To what extent is this power in our life? Over all flesh (Jn 17: 2) That's white flesh, brown flesh, red flesh, yellow flesh, short flesh, tall flesh, cancerous flesh, discouraged flesh, diseased flesh...! He's given us authority over all flesh. The root of authority is "author". It's talking of words. We need to "speak" to the circumstances in the power that is ours through Jesus Christ. Think for a moment. Jesus didn't pray for the sick to be healed, the blind to see or deaf to hear. He commanded it. He spoke to it.
I can see through my own life, that I didn't have victory so much because I was speaking from things I had heard. Yes, I agreed with them, knew them to match up with God's Word, but, I hadn't gotten it in me in a way that I KNEW that I could believe it for myself. When we read God's Word and listen for the understanding of His Spirit, we will begin to move from an area of "hoping" to "I got it! It's in me!". Then we begin to walk differently, talk differently. With more confidence and boldness.
When you know that you have the authority, you walk into a room and announce to the darkness of this world, "I'm here! You got to get out!" And they have to because you have the power over them. All the time. Every time.
So we know the origin of the power and the extent of it. What's the intent of it? To give Eternal Life (vs 2b) That's the kind of power you carry within you. The power of Almighty God, that causes sickness, demons and death to flee! The power to give to someone...Eternal Life! Go ahead. Make someone's day. Offer them life for eternity! Now, that's worth doing!
When we give ourselves over to the circumstances, we lay down our power. For we have given our power over to the circumstance. We've allowed it to take control. Take it out of our hands. We've sucked it in so to speak. We're saying it is bigger than the power that was given to us from the Father through Jesus Christ. In Mat.28:18 Jesus tells us that ALL power was given to Him. In Jn 17:2 we see that it was the Father who gave the power to Jesus. The Father delegated the power to Jesus. That's the origin of Jesus power--God. Jesus then delegated the power to you through the Holy Spirit. The origin of your power is--from God. That same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available in you!
To what extent is this power in our life? Over all flesh (Jn 17: 2) That's white flesh, brown flesh, red flesh, yellow flesh, short flesh, tall flesh, cancerous flesh, discouraged flesh, diseased flesh...! He's given us authority over all flesh. The root of authority is "author". It's talking of words. We need to "speak" to the circumstances in the power that is ours through Jesus Christ. Think for a moment. Jesus didn't pray for the sick to be healed, the blind to see or deaf to hear. He commanded it. He spoke to it.
I can see through my own life, that I didn't have victory so much because I was speaking from things I had heard. Yes, I agreed with them, knew them to match up with God's Word, but, I hadn't gotten it in me in a way that I KNEW that I could believe it for myself. When we read God's Word and listen for the understanding of His Spirit, we will begin to move from an area of "hoping" to "I got it! It's in me!". Then we begin to walk differently, talk differently. With more confidence and boldness.
When you know that you have the authority, you walk into a room and announce to the darkness of this world, "I'm here! You got to get out!" And they have to because you have the power over them. All the time. Every time.
So we know the origin of the power and the extent of it. What's the intent of it? To give Eternal Life (vs 2b) That's the kind of power you carry within you. The power of Almighty God, that causes sickness, demons and death to flee! The power to give to someone...Eternal Life! Go ahead. Make someone's day. Offer them life for eternity! Now, that's worth doing!
Monday
I'm Feeling in the Pink!
I'm into the color Pink. (as my new page shows!) Especially the soft pale pink. It looks warm, soft and peaceful to me. This is what I've found in the meaning of the color pink:
Pink is the color of universal love. Pink is a quiet color. Lovers of beauty favor pink. I love the beauty that surrounds me; the landscape of mountains and fullness of trees. In one direction I can see the distant blue of the Catskills and in the other direction the closeness of the Berkshire Mountains. God's beauty...it's all around me. Each change of the seasons hold a special beauty for me. From my dining room window I view awesome sunsets painted by the Hand of my awesome God.
Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance. This color fits what my soul listens for and longs for on a daily basis. No wonder I love it so. I love the quiet of life. I look for the quiet in life. It brings me close to the Father. In Romania the sky at night was almost always various shades of red or pink. Bright colors streaking across a vast open sky. Breathtaking. One of my most favorite photos is from our backyard with the shepherds taking their flock home and the sun setting in pinks behind them.
The bike I just bought was pink. An old fashioned looking bike. With one gear. Yep, I intend to lose some unwanted weight and to firm up a bit. I've got to have John adjust the seat however. I've had some difficulty jumping off if it gets stuck in a rut or whatever and this morning...yep! I took a spill. You can say that again. Ouch! A little scuffed, but, I'm okay. Still love the bike though...after all, it's PINK. And I got to say...when I'm on it...I feel it's just my Father and me. For I KNOW that He's watching me.
I think the reason I love pink so much is because I can see my Heavenly Father in that color through me. He loves and cares for me with such tenderness every day. He's helped show me in His Word that I do have self-worth even for all the mistakes I've made and the bad decisions I chose. Through His Son, He's given me acceptance. I was worth it He said. And so are you. No matter the mistakes or bad judgment calls along the way, He says with open arms...You Are Worth It.
Now that's, worth thinking about.
Pink is the color of universal love. Pink is a quiet color. Lovers of beauty favor pink. I love the beauty that surrounds me; the landscape of mountains and fullness of trees. In one direction I can see the distant blue of the Catskills and in the other direction the closeness of the Berkshire Mountains. God's beauty...it's all around me. Each change of the seasons hold a special beauty for me. From my dining room window I view awesome sunsets painted by the Hand of my awesome God.
Pink provides feelings of caring, tenderness, self-worth and love, acceptance. This color fits what my soul listens for and longs for on a daily basis. No wonder I love it so. I love the quiet of life. I look for the quiet in life. It brings me close to the Father. In Romania the sky at night was almost always various shades of red or pink. Bright colors streaking across a vast open sky. Breathtaking. One of my most favorite photos is from our backyard with the shepherds taking their flock home and the sun setting in pinks behind them.
The bike I just bought was pink. An old fashioned looking bike. With one gear. Yep, I intend to lose some unwanted weight and to firm up a bit. I've got to have John adjust the seat however. I've had some difficulty jumping off if it gets stuck in a rut or whatever and this morning...yep! I took a spill. You can say that again. Ouch! A little scuffed, but, I'm okay. Still love the bike though...after all, it's PINK. And I got to say...when I'm on it...I feel it's just my Father and me. For I KNOW that He's watching me.
 |
| A little sunny, but, you can see the bike! |
I think the reason I love pink so much is because I can see my Heavenly Father in that color through me. He loves and cares for me with such tenderness every day. He's helped show me in His Word that I do have self-worth even for all the mistakes I've made and the bad decisions I chose. Through His Son, He's given me acceptance. I was worth it He said. And so are you. No matter the mistakes or bad judgment calls along the way, He says with open arms...You Are Worth It.
Thursday
A Cost To Jumping The Gun?
Is there a price to pay when we get out ahead of where we are supposed to be? I mean, especially when we are talking of the will of God. If there is, just how costly is it? Let's take a look at an example in the Word of God and see if we can gain some understanding.
Moses. Yep, that's right. I love to read about Moses. He inspires me, challenges me and encourages me. He mostly encourages me by being real. He debates with God. His anger flared. He hesitated. He stood in the gap. He met with God...and he met with God...and he met with God. He was real. And God continued to use him. In fact, God continued to use him...even though he stepped out of God's will and jumped the gun!
Look back in Gen. 15:13 with me. God prophesied to Abram that his descendants were going to be enslaved for 400 years. Now look at Ex.12:40 What happened?! It says here that they were enslaved for 430 years! How can that be? You see, the fulfillment of prophecy is contingent upon the actions and obedience of the person.
Moses knew the will of God for his life (Acts 7:25) that he was to deliver them from this bondage of slavery, but...he decided when it was time. He jumped the gun by 10 years! What was the result of this decision? Moses spent the next 40 years in the desert herding sheep and the children of God had to wait an additional 30 years to be set free! Whew! I don't know about you, but, I need to take a few moments to let that digest.
There's a lot we can learn here. I don't know what is first or which is worse. That as a result of my getting out in front of God, jumping out of His perfect will, and designing my own...I find myself floundering around in a "just okay" area rather than the best place...which is the center of His will. That place that is the safest, most enjoyable and contented place to be in all the world. I know...I've experienced both. I guarantee you the best is the latter of the two.
And don't forget that it cost him 40 years. It causes me to wonder, in waiting the 10 years, if Moses might have been more confident in facing Pharaoh rather than arguing with God that he wasn't good with speech and who would believe him and so on. Because he would have stepped right from his position in the household of Pharaoh where he had been groomed well. I think he would have carried himself better than as one stepping off the plains smelling like sheep and wouldn't have felt like he needed a side-kick for support. After all, it was Moses God had called. Just a thought.
Something else that jumps out to us when we totally miss God's timing and plan...is that it affects others. In this case, severely. These people were slaves. The Egyptians made their lives bitter with hard labor. They were beaten and killed in order to keep them in line. That's a steep price.
Do you see the will of God for your life and yet wonder...when God when? Let me caution you to think deeply before jumping out and bringing it on on your own. Besides, do you really want to wait an extra year or 5 or 10 or...for it to come to pass. And we must consider how it will touch the lives that are close around us. What will it cost them?
Take the time to discover how God wants to accomplish His will through you. You can't speed up the things of God...but, you certainly can delay them! You haven't messed anything up so bad that God can't turn it around. We serve a Mighty God! One Who is Sovereign! If you humble yourself and ask for His leading, He'll get you back on track...today!
Moses. Yep, that's right. I love to read about Moses. He inspires me, challenges me and encourages me. He mostly encourages me by being real. He debates with God. His anger flared. He hesitated. He stood in the gap. He met with God...and he met with God...and he met with God. He was real. And God continued to use him. In fact, God continued to use him...even though he stepped out of God's will and jumped the gun!
Look back in Gen. 15:13 with me. God prophesied to Abram that his descendants were going to be enslaved for 400 years. Now look at Ex.12:40 What happened?! It says here that they were enslaved for 430 years! How can that be? You see, the fulfillment of prophecy is contingent upon the actions and obedience of the person.
Moses knew the will of God for his life (Acts 7:25) that he was to deliver them from this bondage of slavery, but...he decided when it was time. He jumped the gun by 10 years! What was the result of this decision? Moses spent the next 40 years in the desert herding sheep and the children of God had to wait an additional 30 years to be set free! Whew! I don't know about you, but, I need to take a few moments to let that digest.
There's a lot we can learn here. I don't know what is first or which is worse. That as a result of my getting out in front of God, jumping out of His perfect will, and designing my own...I find myself floundering around in a "just okay" area rather than the best place...which is the center of His will. That place that is the safest, most enjoyable and contented place to be in all the world. I know...I've experienced both. I guarantee you the best is the latter of the two.
And don't forget that it cost him 40 years. It causes me to wonder, in waiting the 10 years, if Moses might have been more confident in facing Pharaoh rather than arguing with God that he wasn't good with speech and who would believe him and so on. Because he would have stepped right from his position in the household of Pharaoh where he had been groomed well. I think he would have carried himself better than as one stepping off the plains smelling like sheep and wouldn't have felt like he needed a side-kick for support. After all, it was Moses God had called. Just a thought.
Something else that jumps out to us when we totally miss God's timing and plan...is that it affects others. In this case, severely. These people were slaves. The Egyptians made their lives bitter with hard labor. They were beaten and killed in order to keep them in line. That's a steep price.
Do you see the will of God for your life and yet wonder...when God when? Let me caution you to think deeply before jumping out and bringing it on on your own. Besides, do you really want to wait an extra year or 5 or 10 or...for it to come to pass. And we must consider how it will touch the lives that are close around us. What will it cost them?
Take the time to discover how God wants to accomplish His will through you. You can't speed up the things of God...but, you certainly can delay them! You haven't messed anything up so bad that God can't turn it around. We serve a Mighty God! One Who is Sovereign! If you humble yourself and ask for His leading, He'll get you back on track...today!
Wednesday
Flowing in the Anointing
Anointing is the power of God. As the Hand of God was upon Moses he parted the Red Sea, brought water from a rock, quail from the sky and manna from Heaven. The power of God brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down flat as the horns blew of the mighty marching army of Joshua. Goliath fell from the anointing of God upon David. Jesus came among sinners and healed the blind, deaf and raised them from the dead...all as He saw His Father doing. And Jesus says that we, in Christ, can do...say, "Can do"...all that He did. Why? Because that same power, anointing, that was with Him here on earth comes upon us just when we need it to accomplish our Father's business.
The anointing is the "infused ability to perform work on behalf of another." It's "infused" into us when we need it. God doesn't just give it to us to make us feel good. It is given on the behalf of another. When you go to where the needs are--you will have the anointing to fill the needs!
The anointing is two-fold. To "perform work"= it is not my work to be done. God doesn't waste the anointing of building kingdoms of men. He builds His work. Here's the key: find out what God wants done and get involved.
The second part to that is "on the behalf of another". Find someone in need--then seek to meet their need. A Kingdom principle is...as it is given out, it is given back. You go and pray for those who are sick, you will also be receiving health back to you and your household. You sow into someone's financial need, you will find that you will not lack. You give someone your time and lend an ear to give them emotional stability, you will see that your life is full of peace.
It takes faith to step out. When we hear something it comes from produced information (info someone has provided to us). Information produces understanding, understanding produces trust. Trust is faith. Faith begins where the will of God is known. What is the will of God for your life? 3 John verse 2. "I will above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
We've talked in the past about, "What you say is what you get". Proverbs 23:7 tells us that as we think so we become. What we dwell on, focus on, camp out on...is what becomes the life around us. Our Father wants us to prosper and be in good health. But He wants us to understand that it is in alignment with how our soul prospers. What is our soul? It is our mind, will and emotions. Do you see the link of these two verses?
Staying in the Word of God will renew our thinking. It will teach us the love of the Father for each us, show us His goodness toward us, instruct us in the best way to go and reveal our position with Him in Christ. All good stuff! It's time we stopped listening to our flesh and turned our attention to the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. The flesh presses, but, faith touches.
As you seek God for the power of His anointing to flow through you...be persistent. Look for where He is at work and join Him...on the behalf of another. And watch as the anointing of Almighty God flows through you to touch others and then watch how your life will begin to shine in all directions. Who knows...your face could shine like that of Moses when He descended the mountain with the glory (anointing) of God! Remember...ALL things are possible...to those who believe.
The anointing is the "infused ability to perform work on behalf of another." It's "infused" into us when we need it. God doesn't just give it to us to make us feel good. It is given on the behalf of another. When you go to where the needs are--you will have the anointing to fill the needs!
The anointing is two-fold. To "perform work"= it is not my work to be done. God doesn't waste the anointing of building kingdoms of men. He builds His work. Here's the key: find out what God wants done and get involved.
The second part to that is "on the behalf of another". Find someone in need--then seek to meet their need. A Kingdom principle is...as it is given out, it is given back. You go and pray for those who are sick, you will also be receiving health back to you and your household. You sow into someone's financial need, you will find that you will not lack. You give someone your time and lend an ear to give them emotional stability, you will see that your life is full of peace.
It takes faith to step out. When we hear something it comes from produced information (info someone has provided to us). Information produces understanding, understanding produces trust. Trust is faith. Faith begins where the will of God is known. What is the will of God for your life? 3 John verse 2. "I will above all things that you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers."
We've talked in the past about, "What you say is what you get". Proverbs 23:7 tells us that as we think so we become. What we dwell on, focus on, camp out on...is what becomes the life around us. Our Father wants us to prosper and be in good health. But He wants us to understand that it is in alignment with how our soul prospers. What is our soul? It is our mind, will and emotions. Do you see the link of these two verses?
Staying in the Word of God will renew our thinking. It will teach us the love of the Father for each us, show us His goodness toward us, instruct us in the best way to go and reveal our position with Him in Christ. All good stuff! It's time we stopped listening to our flesh and turned our attention to the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit. The flesh presses, but, faith touches.
As you seek God for the power of His anointing to flow through you...be persistent. Look for where He is at work and join Him...on the behalf of another. And watch as the anointing of Almighty God flows through you to touch others and then watch how your life will begin to shine in all directions. Who knows...your face could shine like that of Moses when He descended the mountain with the glory (anointing) of God! Remember...ALL things are possible...to those who believe.
Friday
Life-Friends
We've all heard how some people come into our lives and make a difference for us. They help us to see things clearer or show us how to slow down and enjoy life. I believe God directs our steps in a way to cross paths with those that need our encouragement and motivation, and with those that we get encouragement and motivation from. As we walk this path called "life" we are in different stages of need and giving. During the time of need, comes along friends who are strong and give of themselves. In the stage of giving, comes along friends that we are able to share of our lessons and lend our strength.
We met Arne when we were in Romania for two years. He's from Norway. We all became instant friends from the day we met. He has a schoolboy charm about him. He's like one of those soft teddy bear friends. Soft spoken, always smiling and a heart full of love. It's wonderful how God put us together. We didn't know when we left Romania in 2008 if we would see each other again, but, kept in touch through emails. THEN, he wrote and said he wanted to visit America. He was our guest for 9 wonderful days. The timing of his visit was a God-time. Back in January he met a lady and they soon became friends. Last month (June) he just turned 40. Neither of them have been married. He was a little uncertain of it all, but, there was an excitement in him and as it turned out, he missed her very much every day. It was wonderful to be part of it and see it develop as he shared emails and text messages. She missed him too.
Arne had a lot of questions about...understanding a woman. Wow! Now, that's a closet full! Where do you begin on that one! It just so happens (here's the God timing) that John was just beginning a new book with the men at our church..."For Men Only" AND, it's all about understanding your wife or girlfriend!! Quite the timing wouldn't you say? So, Arne, attended the first night and returned home with a BIG smile and a huge heart of thanks. The guys gave him a book and they all signed it. They laid hands upon him and prayed for him and his relationship. He was quite touched.
He left for CA a couple of days ago...we miss him. Be open. Open to all God puts before your path. From the grocery clerk, neighbor, co-worker...or...the unexpected of one crossing by from half way around the world! With God...all things are possible.
We met Arne when we were in Romania for two years. He's from Norway. We all became instant friends from the day we met. He has a schoolboy charm about him. He's like one of those soft teddy bear friends. Soft spoken, always smiling and a heart full of love. It's wonderful how God put us together. We didn't know when we left Romania in 2008 if we would see each other again, but, kept in touch through emails. THEN, he wrote and said he wanted to visit America. He was our guest for 9 wonderful days. The timing of his visit was a God-time. Back in January he met a lady and they soon became friends. Last month (June) he just turned 40. Neither of them have been married. He was a little uncertain of it all, but, there was an excitement in him and as it turned out, he missed her very much every day. It was wonderful to be part of it and see it develop as he shared emails and text messages. She missed him too.
Arne had a lot of questions about...understanding a woman. Wow! Now, that's a closet full! Where do you begin on that one! It just so happens (here's the God timing) that John was just beginning a new book with the men at our church..."For Men Only" AND, it's all about understanding your wife or girlfriend!! Quite the timing wouldn't you say? So, Arne, attended the first night and returned home with a BIG smile and a huge heart of thanks. The guys gave him a book and they all signed it. They laid hands upon him and prayed for him and his relationship. He was quite touched.
He left for CA a couple of days ago...we miss him. Be open. Open to all God puts before your path. From the grocery clerk, neighbor, co-worker...or...the unexpected of one crossing by from half way around the world! With God...all things are possible.
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