I've had a couple conversations lately with a couple of new friends who have told me they don't have a testimony. There was really nothing in their lives that was that much. As we continued our conversation and the events of their lives unfolded my mouth literally drops open and I am standing in amazement at what I have just heard! Some things just become "normal" after awhile, don't they?
There were deliverances from many addictions and poor life choices, they should not be alive, or at the very least they should have been born with some health issues, they lived in unhealthy family situations, there was a death of a child and the victory from that death............the stories went on and on.............
Lord, I stand in awe.......again and again I stand in amazement at the wonders of your love for us! You prove yourself over and over again in our lives. YOU are present even when we don't feel your presence. As I heard these testimonies I am so humbled and so honored to hear them from these woman's hearts. I see and I hear their pain, but also their joy in how you Lord, have seen them through when they maybe lost their joy........... you were there to restore them. I heard the peace they now have.
My desire has always been that the death of my daughter Bethany would make a difference. That someones life would be changed, relationships restored, forgiveness given, hope renewed. God has done that and more!! So, with that on my mind, I asked one of the women if the death of her child had made a difference. Wow!!!!! Once again, God showed up BIG.............several people accepted Christ as their Lord, lives were changed and encouraged through watching this family go through this great tragedy in their lives.
Amazing Grace how sweet it is.............there are stories to be told............and I am here to hear them!!!!
Walking by Faith,
Deb
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
James with Beth Moore
I am doing the study of James with Beth Moore and I thought I would share one of my study days with you. So, pull up your chair and grab your Bible and a cup of coffee (or tea) and take a look at day two with me. The title is Faith Perfected. If you will, take a moment to read James 2:20-26 where James talks about faith without works being dead. Beth likes the HCSB version of the lead-out verse: "Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?"
Beth has us reflect back to two old testament figures as you read James 2:21-25. Abraham and Rahab both believed God would do what He said he would do. God interrupted the slaying of Abraham's beloved son and substituted a ram caught by its horns in the thicket (see Gen. 22). The glorious irony is that, in the actual fulfillment thousands of years later, the substitutionary offering would be the one and only beloved Son of the Father. We are depicted by Isaac, escaping death, and Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world.
Let's take a look at Rahab now. She appears in James 2 and James only mentions two models of faith evidenced through works. One is a man. The other is a woman and she is a prostitute of Canaan. She hid the spies and sent them off in a different direction (see verse 25). God can change what people do. He can change behavioral patterns that have been in play for decades. He can change what we do to cope, to find comfort, to survive conflict, to count. Like many of us, Rahab had done a same old thing for years....and then she did something new. She believed God and acted on it. That definitive action won her a spot in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith. More importantly, God won her a place of honor in Matthew 1:5.
Now read James 2:24 and list everything works accomplishes there. James doesn't prefer works to faith or faith to works. He's sees them as conjoined co-workers. The part of James 2:22 that Beth especially wants you to see is where James says that Abraham's faith "was perfected" by works. That's a key concept in this epistle. It forms the basis on which James is able to use Genesis 15:6 in reference to an act in Genesis 22 that occurred many years later. Think of it as Abraham's life verse. The faith that Abraham exercised when he believed God in Genesis 15 was brought to its ultimate goal and maturity in Genesis 22 when he offered Isaac on the altar, foreshadowing the gospel.
In your own life, do you struggle more with superficial faith or with legalism? Why?
Reflecting back on the first paragraph where it says: "Foolish man! Are you willing to learn......."
My answer is YES!!! I am willing to learn as I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in his Scriptures.......
I hope you enjoyed this day with me as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you...........
Beth has us reflect back to two old testament figures as you read James 2:21-25. Abraham and Rahab both believed God would do what He said he would do. God interrupted the slaying of Abraham's beloved son and substituted a ram caught by its horns in the thicket (see Gen. 22). The glorious irony is that, in the actual fulfillment thousands of years later, the substitutionary offering would be the one and only beloved Son of the Father. We are depicted by Isaac, escaping death, and Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world.
Let's take a look at Rahab now. She appears in James 2 and James only mentions two models of faith evidenced through works. One is a man. The other is a woman and she is a prostitute of Canaan. She hid the spies and sent them off in a different direction (see verse 25). God can change what people do. He can change behavioral patterns that have been in play for decades. He can change what we do to cope, to find comfort, to survive conflict, to count. Like many of us, Rahab had done a same old thing for years....and then she did something new. She believed God and acted on it. That definitive action won her a spot in the Hebrews 11 Hall of Faith. More importantly, God won her a place of honor in Matthew 1:5.
Now read James 2:24 and list everything works accomplishes there. James doesn't prefer works to faith or faith to works. He's sees them as conjoined co-workers. The part of James 2:22 that Beth especially wants you to see is where James says that Abraham's faith "was perfected" by works. That's a key concept in this epistle. It forms the basis on which James is able to use Genesis 15:6 in reference to an act in Genesis 22 that occurred many years later. Think of it as Abraham's life verse. The faith that Abraham exercised when he believed God in Genesis 15 was brought to its ultimate goal and maturity in Genesis 22 when he offered Isaac on the altar, foreshadowing the gospel.
In your own life, do you struggle more with superficial faith or with legalism? Why?
Reflecting back on the first paragraph where it says: "Foolish man! Are you willing to learn......."
My answer is YES!!! I am willing to learn as I sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in his Scriptures.......
I hope you enjoyed this day with me as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you...........
The secret is in the lipstick.......
My daughter-in-love is always telling me that I should write about all the things that seem to "happen" to me...........it's the kind of things that you need to know how to laugh at yourself, if you know what I mean. AND, I do have ALOT of stories to share that have left me wondering........what in the world????? I must have been born this way because it happens a lot!
A few days ago after washing my hair I always comb through it and let it mostly air dry. In Arizona that doesn't usually take too long. I was running my fingers through my mostly dry hair and it felt waxy just on my right back side. It was as if I hadn't rinsed out my conditioner good enough. I didn't have time to wash it again so I left it that way until I could wash it again which was today. This time I rinsed it beyond good just to make sure I got my conditioner out. I combed through it again and went to bed.
This morning I wake up and to my surprise it feels waxy on my back right side again! I'm thinking, ok now, either my head is leaking something out of that side (hopefully not my brains!), or my shampoo and conditioner have gone bad. What I couldn't figure out is why just on that particular side?
I am not going to go on for a few days with my hair like that so I wash it in the kitchen sink BUT I use Jerry's shampoo this time. I decide I might as well clean my brushes and combs because the gunk is probably on them too. As I am wiping them down to my surprise on my big toothed comb that I always use on my hair starting with the right side there is a piece of red lipstick attached to that comb. You know, that color matched the color of that comb pretty good! The light bulb came on and my mystery was solved!
Have a blessed day everyone!!!!
A few days ago after washing my hair I always comb through it and let it mostly air dry. In Arizona that doesn't usually take too long. I was running my fingers through my mostly dry hair and it felt waxy just on my right back side. It was as if I hadn't rinsed out my conditioner good enough. I didn't have time to wash it again so I left it that way until I could wash it again which was today. This time I rinsed it beyond good just to make sure I got my conditioner out. I combed through it again and went to bed.
This morning I wake up and to my surprise it feels waxy on my back right side again! I'm thinking, ok now, either my head is leaking something out of that side (hopefully not my brains!), or my shampoo and conditioner have gone bad. What I couldn't figure out is why just on that particular side?
I am not going to go on for a few days with my hair like that so I wash it in the kitchen sink BUT I use Jerry's shampoo this time. I decide I might as well clean my brushes and combs because the gunk is probably on them too. As I am wiping them down to my surprise on my big toothed comb that I always use on my hair starting with the right side there is a piece of red lipstick attached to that comb. You know, that color matched the color of that comb pretty good! The light bulb came on and my mystery was solved!
Have a blessed day everyone!!!!
Monday, February 18, 2013
Listen.......
Last night my husband and I went to a Concert with our family. As we pulled in to the parking space we got out looking for where the front door might be. We saw some kids playing basketball scurrying around for the ball hoping to land their hands on it and hoop that ball for some points! I love the sound of laughter and watching the play of emotions cross these kids faces as they ran back and forth. One of the kids sitting on the side lines noticed the lost looks on our faces and asked if we were looking for someone. We said no, just the front door to get in to the Concert that would be starting shortly.
We were quickly told which door to enter and were greeted with the smell of pizza in the air.........we didn't know they were serving dinner!!! Our Grandson, always hungry, quickly grabbed a piece of pizza and was reaching for some more. We enjoyed listening to the conversation going on around us and quickly entered in with the delightful chatter going on around us.
I was drawn to this one friendly and informative man who seemed so full of the love of the Lord. He struck up a conversation with me and before I knew what happened he was showing me all around the Church building that he was so proud of. This building is being brought up to date to be more useful for its Congregation and all those who enter through it's doors. He was so proud of all the work that had been done so far and with great excitement told me what all was yet to be done.
Let me see if I can give you a Character sketch of this man. He was very slender in build, he had the most beautiful blue eyes that you could see had witnessed some storms in life. His smile filled out the tanned wrinkles on his slim face, but no teeth were present to fill up the space where his teeth should have been. He spoke clearly and confidently as he shared some of his story with me. He was a care giver of a very sick wife. He told me that he had made his wife his God. He hadn't realized it at the time. Through the years there came a time that it was clear that his wife could go on no more and it was left to him to give permission for the Dr's. to turn off her life support. And he gave it.............broke his heart......
He told me that the day he asked for his wife's hand in marriage she had told him that she would not marry a man who drank alcohol or abused drugs. So he stopped for her. We didn't get in to the conversation of whether he was faithful to her request during their years of marriage together. After she was gone the abuse picked up and he struggled......
God had a plan that would turn his life around though. Someone brought this man to Church and a program to help him see God and to know who God is. I could see the joy and the light shining from those beautiful blue eyes that had seen and witnessed so much. I picked up on the fact that his addictions still try to get ahold of him, but with the support of friends who care he is alive to stand and face his battles because he is no longer fighting his battles alone.
The songs that were sung and the stories the Artist shared were from the heart. As she sang she shared a little of her testimony. She had walked some hard roads, but for the grace of God her story could have ended so differently. I quickly glanced around the room and there was not a dry eye to be seen. So much pain all around........but HOPE came down in the form of Jesus Christ our Lord. She shared that night how she was fully and wholly delivered into the hands of her Heavenly Father. He restored her family to her.
I lost count of the stories that were shared with me. Painful ones that broke my heart! I didn't ask to hear these stories, but God knew I needed to hear them so I can be his voice at such a time as this. Our sermon on Sunday was about listening. One of the Deacons came up to me on Sunday as I was coming in to the Sanctuary and told me that God had something for me to hear so be sure to listen. I thought it was to listen during the preaching. I see now that it was for Sunday night. It was important for me to be still and listen.......with my eyes, heart, head, and ears........so I could share some stories with you and encourage you to stay the course and that you do not have to walk your journey alone..............
We were quickly told which door to enter and were greeted with the smell of pizza in the air.........we didn't know they were serving dinner!!! Our Grandson, always hungry, quickly grabbed a piece of pizza and was reaching for some more. We enjoyed listening to the conversation going on around us and quickly entered in with the delightful chatter going on around us.
I was drawn to this one friendly and informative man who seemed so full of the love of the Lord. He struck up a conversation with me and before I knew what happened he was showing me all around the Church building that he was so proud of. This building is being brought up to date to be more useful for its Congregation and all those who enter through it's doors. He was so proud of all the work that had been done so far and with great excitement told me what all was yet to be done.
Let me see if I can give you a Character sketch of this man. He was very slender in build, he had the most beautiful blue eyes that you could see had witnessed some storms in life. His smile filled out the tanned wrinkles on his slim face, but no teeth were present to fill up the space where his teeth should have been. He spoke clearly and confidently as he shared some of his story with me. He was a care giver of a very sick wife. He told me that he had made his wife his God. He hadn't realized it at the time. Through the years there came a time that it was clear that his wife could go on no more and it was left to him to give permission for the Dr's. to turn off her life support. And he gave it.............broke his heart......
He told me that the day he asked for his wife's hand in marriage she had told him that she would not marry a man who drank alcohol or abused drugs. So he stopped for her. We didn't get in to the conversation of whether he was faithful to her request during their years of marriage together. After she was gone the abuse picked up and he struggled......
God had a plan that would turn his life around though. Someone brought this man to Church and a program to help him see God and to know who God is. I could see the joy and the light shining from those beautiful blue eyes that had seen and witnessed so much. I picked up on the fact that his addictions still try to get ahold of him, but with the support of friends who care he is alive to stand and face his battles because he is no longer fighting his battles alone.
The songs that were sung and the stories the Artist shared were from the heart. As she sang she shared a little of her testimony. She had walked some hard roads, but for the grace of God her story could have ended so differently. I quickly glanced around the room and there was not a dry eye to be seen. So much pain all around........but HOPE came down in the form of Jesus Christ our Lord. She shared that night how she was fully and wholly delivered into the hands of her Heavenly Father. He restored her family to her.
I lost count of the stories that were shared with me. Painful ones that broke my heart! I didn't ask to hear these stories, but God knew I needed to hear them so I can be his voice at such a time as this. Our sermon on Sunday was about listening. One of the Deacons came up to me on Sunday as I was coming in to the Sanctuary and told me that God had something for me to hear so be sure to listen. I thought it was to listen during the preaching. I see now that it was for Sunday night. It was important for me to be still and listen.......with my eyes, heart, head, and ears........so I could share some stories with you and encourage you to stay the course and that you do not have to walk your journey alone..............
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Scriptures on My Journey to 100
By Mandisa
I believe that one of the best weapons we, as believers in Christ have in any battle, are God’s words. Like Hebrews 4:12 says, “the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword…” (NIV). I have found that to be absolutely true! In times of my deepest temptations I have learned to wield the sword of the Spirit like a skilled soldier. I memorize scripture so I always have it readily available in my heart. I also carry spiral-bound 3×5 notecards that have scriptures written on them. This is a trick I learned from Beth Moore, who jokes that on the 8th day, God created notecards! Beth also has a great book called Praying God’s Word-Breaking Free From Spiritual Strongholds that I HIGHLY recommend. In it she shares the powerful weapon of combining God’s word and prayer. Many of my notecards contain scriptures/prayers straight from this book. Here’s one directly from the chapter on overcoming food-related strongholds: “Lord God, I acknowledge to You that like the ancient Israelites I eat but am often not satisfied. (Lev 26:26) Help me not to confuse the hunger of my soul with the hunger of my body. If I eat physical food and I am still not satisfied, help me discern a far greater need and bring it to You, O Lord. You are the only One who can truly satisfy the soul.”
Isn’t that great?! I did some looking and found a great price for it here if you’re interested.
For now though, I have listed many of my favorite “go-to” scriptures below (in NIV). Memorize them, keep them with you on notecards, turn them into prayers, whatever it takes! Hope this helps you on your own journey!
1 Corinthians 10:13- No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Deuteronomy 8:3b- Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Philippians 3:13-14- I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:12-13- I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
1 Corinthians 6:12- “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
Mark 9:23b- “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
Isaiah 50:7- Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.
Proverbs 13:25- The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
2 Timothy 1:12b- I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Romans 8:1-2- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Deuteronomy 30:15/Joshua 24:15- See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction…then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…we will serve the LORD.
2 Corinthians 10:5- We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Isaiah 55:1-2- Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
John 8:32- Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20- Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Galatians 5:16- So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
1 Peter 5:8- Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Psalm 139:23-24- Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Ephesians 3:20- Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us
Romans 12:1- Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Corinthians 6:14-15a- By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?
Be encouraged...........
Walking by Faith,
Deb
Aaron's Story
Aaron is a friend of ours who has a beautiful "Victory" life story. I asked him to write his testimony and then for permission to share it with all of you. Jerry and I know Aaron from our Gunnison days where we attended the same Church. I remember Aaron and some other of our College Students with great respect. They would go on mission's trips and come back to share the most heart moving/changing stories of their experience with tears running down their cheeks!! It was beautiful to see them change and evolve in to who God wanted them to be! Jerry and I grew so much in the area of "service" through these stories. It fired us up to "want" to help others and to encourage others to make a difference. Our Mission Field wasn't out of the Country but, in our own town.
Aaron starts his story with a little medical history of what he's going through. He has some health issues that I'm believing by faith Aaron and God will overcome. (I felt that it was a part of the story that was personal, so I chose to leave it out, with respect)........Please join with me and pray for complete healing in Aaron's body............"Thank you so much!!! May God speak to you through the reading of this story. Walking by Faith, Deb
Aaron's story:
My weight gain journey began about 10 yrs ago. Depression had set in and I was doing a lot of sleeping and eating. I got a job with the County a few yrs into my depression, which cured a bunch of my depressionbut I threw myself into my job and not only did I become physically lazy I also became spiritually lazy. It got to a point where I was just going through the motions. It has only been in the last yr where I've actually started living for the Lord again. Not that I was drunken, party going person, but I wasn't living for Him. I was living for myself.
About 4 yrs ago, I had ballooned to 285lbs! On the verge of being a diabetic at the age of 31, I decided I needed to act fast! So, I completely changed my diet of fast food consumption of at least 5x's a week to zero and to cut out my regular soda consumption. I also added swimming at the YMCA at least once a day if not twice a day for at least an hour. Yes, in the beginning I struggled, but when you can't put your shoes on without the help of a shoehorn at the age of 30 and bending over to tie your shoes takes the wind out of you...you know quitting isn't an option! It took me 3 yrs to accomplish my ideal weight of 180lbs and I've maintained it for a little over a yr now. I am focusing more on building muscle mass now.
I would love to be able to move back to Colorado, particularly Colorado Springs or Gunnison, but the job market for my job experience in parole and probation is hard to come by in both areas. With my medical issues, I need a job with good medical insurance that's particularly why I want to stick with a government job too. In the mean time, I am comfortable living where I am in OKC, waiting on the Lord's timing to bring me back to Colorado. I have 2 dogs which are a handful, but I love them both!
No wife, no girlfriend...which I am at peace.
I am attending a non-denominational Christ-centered based church which I like. Lots to get involved with. I was attending a Calvary Chapel for the past 11 yrs but switched a little over a yr ago. I have nothing bad to say about the particular CC, but I felt I needed a change and a Christian counselor who I went to see about 8 yrs ago who the Lord used to help me overcome much of my depression was/is on staff at the church which I attend now. So, that's the main reason on how I ended up at Crossings Community Church.
Blessings,
Aaron
Aaron starts his story with a little medical history of what he's going through. He has some health issues that I'm believing by faith Aaron and God will overcome. (I felt that it was a part of the story that was personal, so I chose to leave it out, with respect)........Please join with me and pray for complete healing in Aaron's body............"Thank you so much!!! May God speak to you through the reading of this story. Walking by Faith, Deb
Aaron's story:
My weight gain journey began about 10 yrs ago. Depression had set in and I was doing a lot of sleeping and eating. I got a job with the County a few yrs into my depression, which cured a bunch of my depressionbut I threw myself into my job and not only did I become physically lazy I also became spiritually lazy. It got to a point where I was just going through the motions. It has only been in the last yr where I've actually started living for the Lord again. Not that I was drunken, party going person, but I wasn't living for Him. I was living for myself.
About 4 yrs ago, I had ballooned to 285lbs! On the verge of being a diabetic at the age of 31, I decided I needed to act fast! So, I completely changed my diet of fast food consumption of at least 5x's a week to zero and to cut out my regular soda consumption. I also added swimming at the YMCA at least once a day if not twice a day for at least an hour. Yes, in the beginning I struggled, but when you can't put your shoes on without the help of a shoehorn at the age of 30 and bending over to tie your shoes takes the wind out of you...you know quitting isn't an option! It took me 3 yrs to accomplish my ideal weight of 180lbs and I've maintained it for a little over a yr now. I am focusing more on building muscle mass now.
I would love to be able to move back to Colorado, particularly Colorado Springs or Gunnison, but the job market for my job experience in parole and probation is hard to come by in both areas. With my medical issues, I need a job with good medical insurance that's particularly why I want to stick with a government job too. In the mean time, I am comfortable living where I am in OKC, waiting on the Lord's timing to bring me back to Colorado. I have 2 dogs which are a handful, but I love them both!
No wife, no girlfriend...which I am at peace.
I am attending a non-denominational Christ-centered based church which I like. Lots to get involved with. I was attending a Calvary Chapel for the past 11 yrs but switched a little over a yr ago. I have nothing bad to say about the particular CC, but I felt I needed a change and a Christian counselor who I went to see about 8 yrs ago who the Lord used to help me overcome much of my depression was/is on staff at the church which I attend now. So, that's the main reason on how I ended up at Crossings Community Church.
Blessings,
Aaron
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