Do not be silent!
Witness that the LORD is King!
Show your love for Him!
Each Friday, Kaitlin, over at Five Minute Friday, sends a prompt that we can use to write for 5 minutes and then post on the FMF Link-up. I often choose to write a haiku and this one came very easily. I hope you enjoy it. Come join us! 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!
It can be extremely difficult to wait. Whether it be for an appointment, for water to heat, for a special event… Even more to wait on an answer from our LORD.
However, He WILL answer. It can be yes, no, or wait on My timing.
He WANTS to answer. We need to be good listeners. He has a variety of ways to answer. He may choose His Word, His people, the circumstances around us, during times of worship…
He is listening!
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
I’m thinking of a song that goes like this…
Where do I go when there’s nobody else to turn to?
Who do I talk to when nobody wants to listen?
Who do I lean on when there’s no foundation stable?
Of course, the next line is – I go to the Rock. When Whitney Houston wrote this song she knew where to take every problem and frustration of our lives.
When we are having problems with the whys of life, with the endless irritations and annoyances God says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest..” (Matthew 11:28) He knows that this life is hard. He knows we don’t have the answers. But, He also knows our hearts. He can and will answer when we go to Him.
I have a comfy chair in my office where I read His Word and contemplate each morning. There is a window from which I can see His beautiful creation. I look out at the beauty of His creation, the blue sky, the trees and fields that are different each season, and I quiet my mind. I let His presence flow over me. Sometimes I read His Word. Sometimes I pray. Sometimes I focus on all He’s given and done for me.
In these times of blessed stillness and knowing the uncertainties, irritations, and annoyances disappear. I am at peace!
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
This post is my response to Week 2 of 52-Week Devotional for Women by Deb Wolf.
For many years I have written my prayers. I have notebooks and journals filled with 
them. Why? My mind likes to wander and I lose my primary focus – God. So, I write to keep my thoughts centered on the One I am speaking to.
Several years ago my pastor’s wife and still dear friend (They have since moved on.) suggested I use the acronym A.C.T.S. Acclimation. Contrition. Thanks. Supplication. I still use it but have always sensed something was missing.
As I was reading the book for my next review (L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook by Dr. Marshall M. Windsor) I found the missing piece. I need to add LISTEN. (Of course, now I’ll have to change the letters of the acronym.) In all the years I’ve been talking with and listening for God’s voice I’ve never included a set aside time for listening in my prayers. Time in every prayer where I say, Holy Spirit speak into my heart. Don’t get me wrong, I do listen and expect answers, I just haven’t been specifically listening during prayer. So, When He speaks, and I know He will, I’ll intentionally listen, and write what He says in my prayer journal.
Will I act on His words? Will I share? In trusting Him and keeping the faith, I have learned if I don’t respond or follow through I lose the blessing He had planned for me. Things like:
I did come up with a new acronym… G.R.O.W.L. Gratitude (Thanks). Requests. Offense (Forgiveness), Worship, Listen. The word kind of fits as our prayers go up with ‘utterings and groanings’ before the Lord that might sound like growls if we heard them.
Here’s the bottom line. No matter what or how just keep on praying.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
A Satisfied Spirit 
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