Friday, March 7, 2014

The Lord, our Shepherd RJD March 2014

Journal Entry March 6 2010
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” Psalm 23:1 (NIV)

The Lord is—God is alive. He is active.
                       He watches over us.
                        He stretches His hand to protect us.
                        He wraps His arms of love around us.
                         He is present.

my shepherd—He guides us; He protects us.
                        He watches over us; He tends our hearts.
                        He helps us when we get into trouble.
                        He is alert to our enemies.
                        He is alert to our needs.

not be in want–with God directing our lives, our wants are minimal. He provides all our needs
                        We must thank Him for our daily provisions.


Update:
In the past four years, since I penned these words, God has been with us.  Our son got established in a good job. We have enjoyed some fun times with our friends down where Hubby grew up. I have had the opportunity to expand my writing opportunities. I thank God for each of these blessings.
As I sit here entering these thoughts into my computer, I have to trust God for the outcome of a few health issues that seem to have entered our lives. All I can do is remember that God wants what is best for us. When you think of me, please say a prayer asking God’s will for us. I am not at liberty to say what all of this is about but I know you will pray for us.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Our Lenten Witness-


            “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies.” Proverbs12:17 (NIV)
            “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours our lies will not go free.” Proverbs 19:5(NIV)
             
 { Because of my schedule with my therapy and some other things that entered my life, I have chosen to revisit some previous Lenten messages from my archives.}

            As children of God we have opportunities to witness for Him. We are not aware of the number of times we have made a statement for Christ.

            My husband and I stood in line at a local cafeteria. I had to decide on the type of roll I wanted with my meal. I looked longingly at the cinnamon roll. The worker behind the counter noticed what I saw. She asked, “Do you want that cinnamon roll?”

            I rallied from my wistful state and said, “I gave up sweets. I better have the wheat roll.”

            As we were eating our meal, the young lady made her way around the nearby tables, asking if the diners needed anything. She came to our table.

            “What made you give up sweets?” She looked at me as she waited for my answer.

            I paused and whispered, “For Lent.”

            “You’re my hero.”

            Here this young woman responded to my short answer. I didn’t know this person. I hadn’t seen her working there before. I only had these short snippets of conversation with her and, yet, she may have been searching for God. Only He knows if my witness planted a viable seed.

Graphic: www. vine2victory.com


Monday, March 3, 2014

Book Review: When The Glass Ceiling is Stained


When The Glass Ceiling is Stained

                           by Mary Detweiler

When God gives His children Spiritual Gifts, He plans on those gifts to be exercised. Some feel that women have no place in leadership roles of the church.

Mary Detweiler has researched this issue by studying Old Testament women who led people through catastrophic times—Deborah, Huldah, and Rahab and Esther. God equipped these women with the gifts they needed to lead their people though the difficult times those people groups faced.

She has documented her book with writings of John Maxwell, Bill Hybels, Rick Warren and other Christian writers.

This book is not a diatribe against the church but a positive book pointing out how God has used women in the furtherance of His Kingdom. Mary refers to Rahab, Deborah, and Huldah and Esther in the Old Testament and to Mary Magdalene, Mary (the sister of Lazarus), Euodia and Syntche, and Priscilla, in the New Testament.

In today’s world, we see godly women leading or assisting the leaders of their churches by employing their Spiritual gifts. We also hear of some sectarian groups who cling to the belief that women are not equipped to participate in Kingdom work in the role as pastors, even pastoral assistants, or even ministry group leaders. Having worshiped in one denomination and now worship in another that doesn’t exclude women from leadership roles; I believe I have grown in my faith because of the experience of their learning and their instruction.


I received a copy of this book from the author. All she asked in return was my honest and truthful review.

God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...