Staying Power

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Marie

Luke 15:4 “Remain in Me, and I in you.” Remain, stay, abide, survive, (to) last. These words reflect the power in the concept of this verse. When I am connected to my Jesus, He is connected to me. While I am waiting on Him, He is waiting with me.

A beautiful, old hymn says this very well: Abide with me, fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me. I need Thy presence every passing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who like Thyself my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

Stay with God…through dishes, dust, and laundry…and watch the Spirit show up. Stay with God…through hurts, losses, cruel words, and sadness of this world…and watch the Spirit show up. Stay with God…when there is not enough time to do it all…and watch the Spirit show up. Stay with God… Heavenly, glorious Father, I want to stay with You no matter what. Walk with me and teach me, guide me, forgive me, and make me more like You. Make me aware of the Spirit throughout this day. Keep me totally focused on You, my God and my King. I lift this prayer in Jesus name…Make it so!

4 Short Days

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Marie

Have you ever wondered what Jesus was doing between the Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday) and the time of His arrest (Holy Thursday)? He was teaching every day in the temple (Luke 19:47). Some very important concepts and lessons were taught in that very short period of time.

Luke 20:20-26/Mark 12:13-17/Matthew 22:15-22 When asked if it was right for Caesar to exact taxes from them Jesus responded with, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” From this I ascertain that we live in the world and must abide by the laws of our country. We model our faith when we obey the government. It is not against our Christian beliefs to do so.

Luke 20:39,40/Mark 12:18-27/Matthew 22:23-33 When asked what commandment is the most important Jesus quotes the Schema (Deut. 6:4,5). First, love God, then, love people. So simple, yet so difficult to do. We all to often want to say, OK but I don’t have to like them. Not so! Jesus did not intend to separate the two feelings. All people are to be loved. We don’t have to like what they do, and we may have to remind them, but we must love them.

Luke 21:27-ff Jesus was asked what will happen in heaven when the woman arrives in heaven after all seven of the brothers she has married have died. He makes it very clear that heavenly thoughts are very different than earthly thoughts. While here on earth we will think of earthly things but while in heaven our thoughts will be focused differently.

There is so much more He taught during those four last days. Do take the time to read these teachings. They’re still for us no matter what era we live in.

Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, give us wisdom to understand what we need to know. Grant us insight into Your Holy Word. Put those in our paths that we need to share The Story with. Above all keep us safe and secure in your loving arms. Make it so!

Conquering Fear

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Marie

Walking on Water Hajdudorog (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We often become frightened by the unknowns around us. Things like what will happen tomorrow, health issues, age issues, family issues, world issues…All of these and more cause us to fear the unknown. What are we to do?When the disciples feared what they thought was a ghost walking toward them on the water He (Jesus) said to them, “Take courage, it is I”. (See Matt. 14:25-32) When Joshua was appointed to take Moses’ place (after his death) and lead the Israelites into the Promised Land God said to him, “Be strong and courageous”. (See Joshua 1:6-9) So why should we not become frightened in any of life’s challenges? When Jesus said ‘it is I’ he meant that He is there for us, have faith in His presence. To Joshua God went on to say, “Don’t be frightened. I AM with you”. Embedded in both the Father and the Son’s response is trust Me. I AM. I will. I can.

Heavenly father, You know my fears, my hurts, my heart. He me grab on and hold on. Make it so.