RE-FORMATION

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Marie

Which did you choose to celebrate on October 31st? Reformation or Halloween?

I choose to remember the day as the re-formation of the church. On this day in 1517, Martin Luther is said to have nailed the 95 Thesis, which were a list of his grievances against the established church and its practices at that time, to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenburg, Germany. Many new denominations (all worshipping the same Jesus) were part of the result of his action. Most importantly, for me, is the move toward worshipping as the Spirit guides us and not as a governing body says it must be.

Martin Luther had five basic teachings, called sola (solus, soli) that summed up his thoughts. They are still applicable to all Christians today. Sola is a Latin word (the language of the Church at that time) that means alone, only, single, unique. i.e., God’s word, and His Word alone, is the only Word that matters!

SOLA SCRIPTURA – As followers of Christ, we live by the Word (Scripture) and acknowledge that every Word is the breath of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

SOLUS CHRISTUS – Christ alone is the Perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

SOLA GRATIA – We, in Christ, by His grace alone, are loved, forgiven, and chosen. Romans 3:24

SOLA FIDE – We are justified by faith alone. Faith is God’s work in us, drawing us closer to Him. Because God is working in us, through our faith in Him, we can’t help but work for others. (See Martin Luther’s explanation of faith here.)

SOLI DEO GLORIA – All glory is to God alone! Psalm 115

These are simple truths and we are called to share them as His Disciples.

Make it happen!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

All scriptural links are from Bible Gateway. Check it out!

My God Will Supply All I Need

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Marie

God is working in the world, around the world, to let us know that He is present, watching us and helping us.

We’ve had more rain in the last two months than in the entire 5 year period preceding. Our sump pump was working non-stop to keep water from the basement. Now, add to that to Ray being in the hospital because his heart doctor wanted to do a cath procedure and of course they found another blockage which required another stent (6 altogether now) and he would have to stay all night. When I went to the basement the next morning I was not expecting to see 2 inches of water covering the floor.

OK, what am I going to do now? Barefoot, I go to the bottom of the stairs and decide there is no way I’m going to put my feet in that water. I gave some thought to putting plastic bags on my feet (I have no boots) but quickly came to the conclusion that falling from the slipperiness created between plastic and water was not an option either. Then I saw my laundry baskets floating right in front of me…All right! I could put one foot in each and walk/slosh over to the pump to see what was going on. I unplugged and replugged but still nothing. So the thought occurred to me that perhaps it was a power problem. Over to the breaker box I sloshed. Flipped all the breakers because I hadn’t thought to turn the light on and said another prayer that God would intervene in this situation. Our sump is very quiet so I couldn’t tell if anything was happening or not and decided to go upstairs and get ready to go to the University Medical Center to pick up Ray. While sloshing back to the stairs, heading up and getting dressed for the day (Yes, I was still in my PJ’s through all the drama.) I was praying…Lord, You know I don’t really know what I’m doing here, You know that we don’t have a lot of ready cash, You know what I need…Please help us!

And He did! I looked into the basement as I walked by the door to head out to the garage and the sump had done the job. It was wet, but I could turn the fans and dehumidifier on high to take care of that.

I believe, without question, God heard my prayer and answered every part of it. The sump pump is still working and the basement is dry. He knows my every need. I’ve learned to depend on Him for everything. He is my Provider, my Power Source, my Counselor.

You’ll find a similar story of God’s provision over at Amazing Battery Power from God. Anne lives in Australia and writes much about God’s work in her life. Check it out!

These stories are popping up all over the web from bloggers around the world. God is alive and well and acting on His children’s requests every moment. What a mighty God we serve!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Fear is …

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Marie

Ray and I went to see After Earth this weekend. It was not well reviewed by the critics but we’ve found many good to great movies by not paying attention to those who think it’s their job to tear everything down. The story line is about a father and son relationship. It’s about how to overcome fear and totally depend on someone who knows and loves you. I was delighted and amazed to see so many Bible ‘threads’ in a 2 hour space. Biblical themes like honor your father and mother, covered and protected by the wings of an eagle, do exactly what the Father says and you will succeed, and FEAR NOT.

English: There is no fear, until we make it up. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I want to look at this concept of fear not today. Did you know these words are repeated 365 times in the Word. That’s not a coincidence. God knows this world is a fearful and fearsome place. He knows that every day comes with it’s own circumstances and challenges and that these can produce fear in us. In Psalm 23 David says, “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil…” How can he say that with such trust? He knows the One who protects, defends and loves. He knows God’s characteristics. He knows the One and Only will not let him down.

Fear is an emotional reaction to an unknown result. It can paralyze us. It can cause us to want to hide. It can keep us from realizing our Kingdom purpose. It can make us bitter and mean. IF WE LET IT!

When God says FEAR NOT! He’s saying quit looking at what could be and look at what is. He’s saying I’m right here, hold on, look up, you can count on Me.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It does not say I can do this alone, it says depend on ME! From Genesis to Revelation there is constant proof that when we depend on God we have nothing to fear. He has our back (our front, our side, all that we can and can’t see). FEAR NOT!

Worship Him with music! He Will Make A Way

Ah, Lord, God, I am counting on You. Create in me a spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. Whenever I enter the valley of fear shine Your light on me. Make it so, Lord!

I Believe

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Marie

I believe that Jesus is the One and Only son of God!

I believe that if I were the last person on this earth Jesus would have put Himself on the cross to save me!

I believe that God is God, the I AM, the Alpha and Omega, the Is, Was, and Is to come!

I believe that God can do anything and more!

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18

I believe the Word is the living and breathing work of God!

I believe that God has purpose in and for my life!

I believe that when God looks at me He sees a beauty far beyond anything I can imagine!

I believe that the Spirit of God dwells in me!

I believe that Heaven and Hell are real places!

I believe that when my life on earth is over I will spend eternity with my Lord and Savior!

I believe that He is coming soon!

Worship Him in song I Believe

Ah, Lord God, my beginning and end, my One and Only, You have chosen and adopted me. I am in awe of Your love for me. Make me aware of Your purpose for my life. Come quickly, Lord Jesus in whose name I lift this prayer. Make it so!