13 Saturday Aug 2011
Posted in Christian, Christian Motherhood, Christian Women, Church, Family
Young women are to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. – Titus 2:4-5
This is a great message by Paul Washer for all women, young and old alike to watch. Actually, men will benefit too.
Blessings, Pam
Recovering Biblical Womanhood by Paul Washer | illbehonest.com.
24 Sunday Jul 2011
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So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the Glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
How many of us can honestly say that all we do glorifies God? This causes me to question many things I do. Starting with the obvious things in my life.
1. My job. Do I glorify God at work? In my relations with other people throughout the day, do people walk away from me with a sense of joy they didn’t have before? Would others say of me that I glorify God? My actions, words and attitude should mirror that of Christ. Do they? I have to admit that they do not always. Many times I become influenced by my surroundings rather then my surroundings being influenced by me.
2. At home do I glorify God? Does my conversation with my husband bring Him Glory? Does my attitude towards my husband and children point to Christ? Not always. Home should be the first place to start in honoring the Lord in all things. I would hope and pray that my family sees Christ in me. In my reactions to stressful situations whether they be financial, personal or health issues etc…does the way I react bring the Lord glory and does it point others to the One who is in control of all things?
3. When I am among friends or just out socially, do I bring Him Glory? I can certainly think of ways I could improve on this one.
I want my life to be so saturated with Christ that it isn’t even something I have to think about doing-it just is the way I am. Scripture teaches that whatever we do-do it all to Glorify God. I take that to mean everything we do. When I’m out with friends, at work, at home, or even totally alone my life should be such that He is being glorified. If what I’m doing cannot and does not bring Him glory then it must cease from being in my life. If what I’m doing is causing me to not focus on Him but on me instead I must stop.
The reason we must bring the Lord glory is not only because He deserves it, but so that others may be saved.
Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33
Christian, all we do in our life has the potential to honor God. Seek Him.
Blessings In Christ,
19 Sunday Dec 2010
Posted in Christian
I’ve been studying the book of John over the past several months. One story that sticks out to me is the account of the man who was born blind. It is interesting to me how these Pharisees literally refused to accept this man’s testimony that he had been healed.
The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?" Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man." So they said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?" He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed and received my sight."
(John 9:8-11)
That is a pretty plain and simple, cut and dried explanation of how it happened and yet their pride would not allow them to accept this. They asked him again and again. Even going so far as to inquiring his parents about him.
The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?" His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself."
(John 9:18-21)
PRIDE once again. After questioning the man twice and hearing the account they could not accept they ended the whole conversation with this;
And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from." The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.
(John 9:27-34)
Pride darkens our ability to see the truth. We are in the way. They stood on their pride rather than what was clearly before them, a man born blind given site by Jesus, the Son of God. In healing the blind man, Jesus clearly shows the blindness of the Pharisees.
The beautiful thing about all of this is that Jesus heard they had cast the man out so he found him. Offering salvation and he believed.
Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you." He said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.
(John 9:35-38)
We need to realize our darkness, our blindness before Christ saved us. He came to us, knowing we were cast out and away from the Father. We had no way to get to the Father; we were blind in our sin. Jesus found us, like the blind man, showed us our sin, opened our eyes to Him and we believed and were saved! Oh, how we need to worship Him like that once-blind man must have worshipped him on that glorious day when he received his sight!
Blessings Today
01 Friday Jan 2010
Posted in Christian
As the greetings of “Happy New Year” come in from friends and family I can’t help but stop and think for a while on what lies ahead. No one
can know for sure if it truly will be a happy new year, but only if we are trusting in God are we able to say that come what may, with my Saviour by my side will it be a joyous new year. What more could one ask?
CHRIST is my joy. I find as I get older and mature more in my faith in Christ, that He is the ONLY joy in this world. He is the provider of all the ‘little’ joys we have; our children, spouse, family and friends. All of these are given to us by Him and only when we give them back to Him are we able to experience true and lasting JOY. The world can only offer a longing for more as it can never satisfy the soul. Only Christ can do that, so it is Him we must seek diligently.
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 16:24b …Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
Matthew Henry wrote, “The joy of the hypocrite is but for a moment, but the joy of those who abide in Christ’s love is a continual feast.”
Oh, Believer, how diligent we must be to abide in Him who provides this feast! Why would anyone desire to stray? How could the calling of the world and its short-term happiness be of any interest to those who have tasted the meal of Fellowship with our Lord? The meal of unending Joy. Joy that fills and satisfies.
The year 2010 promises to be one of many changes for me. My oldest son will be getting married and moving out for good. My youngest will graduate high school and move on to college and adulthood. As a devoted mother for the past 21 ½ years this will prove to be a difficult time for me. It will also prove to be a year of growth in the Lord and I look forward to what God will do in my life as I face these changes. I can already see God working in giving me a new focus and new interests for serving Him and His people. I’ve spent the past years devoted to my sons and they have been my mission field (I feel all Christian mothers have this calling, whether they realize it or not) Now, as they are flying out of the nest, I see new opportunities to serve the Lord and that is exciting. I am realizing that the only way I can get through this time of change is to lean more and more on Him. He alone must be my JOY.
As you face the new year don’t settle for just a happy new year. That is what the world has to offer, and it will not last. Seek the One who can provide a truly Joyful new year. A joy that completely satisfies for not only a year, but for ETERNITY.
19 Saturday Dec 2009
Posted in Christian
I just wanted to share a site that I’ve been visiting for quite some time now. I have found a wealth of information and encouragement at this site and have shared it with many of my close friends. If you like the preachers of old and their writings, you too will find this a most useful place to visit and share with others.
Chapel Library: Mount Zion Bible Church
http://www.johnbunyan.org/
The Free Grace Broadcaster I highly recommend getting a subscription to.
Enjoy and God Bless
Diligently Seeking Him,
Pam
30 Wednesday Sep 2009
(John 6:26 ESV) Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Why do you seek Jesus? How do you encourage others to seek Jesus? Is it through sharing the power of his saving Grace, His work completed on the Cross? In our effort to bring people to Christ, do we fall into this category of followers by offering excitement, super programs, lavish dinners, etc…? Are we causing the lost to seek Christ, not for the miracle of His forgiveness to a wretched sinner but for the shallow, self-serving, feel-good Gospel? I am afraid too many times we forget the power of the Holy Spirit and think that without us and without our ‘programs’ and group efforts no one will be saved. We think that if we can just have an event to wow the crowd and our pews are full then we are doing a good work. But are we?
The people in John 6 had just witnessed Jesus feed 5000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He had just walked across the water to get to his disciples. These people were not following him because they had seen these miracles and therefore knew he was the Messiah, they were following Him because he had filled their bellies. They were more concerned about their physical needs than their dying and lost souls.
(John 6:27 ESV) Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
(John 6:35 ESV) Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.
If we aren’t seeking Jesus because we hunger for Him. If we aren’t following Him because we know without Him we are lost and we haven’t repented of our sin and turned away from all unrighteousness, then we must ask ourselves why are we following Him. In our greatest evangelistic efforts to show people the love Christ has to offer, let us not be guilty of leading and teaching the lost to desire for their physical needs to be met by the Church or Christ, but to seek after the True Living Bread of Life. To show them the Gospel so that they may repent and be saved.
Luke 13:5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
We must seek and desire more than food itself to know Jesus and become a new creation through Him. Let us not be guilty of leading others to continue in their way by making sure they feel good or that their physical needs are met. Although we are to help others with physical things, first and foremost we must lead them to the One who can save their soul. After that, it will all fall into place because they will find their needs are not quite so important anymore. We must be sure for ourselves as well that we are coming to Christ out of a pure heart and not for our own selfish needs or desires but out of true repentance and a desire to know Him more.
We must ask ourselves, “Why am I following Christ?”
26 Sunday Jul 2009
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Summertime. What would be summer without a little family get-away? For years we have taken a family vacation during the summer. Some years it was just a day trip to a theme park, or perhaps camping a few days. Other years we splurged and went out of state on a grand road trip. No matter which of the above you ask our boys about I think they will say that they have fond memories and treasure those times we spent just being together. I mean, who could forget the hours of car games we’ve played such as ‘Who am I thinking of’, Which is Worse, or Would You Rather?…’
There was the time we went to Santa Claus and Jasper Indiana and to Holiday World, that one was such an enjoyable time we went back a second year! There was the camping trips to Mark Twain Lake and down to Mammoth Springs, Arkansas. There were also the little adventures of camping at my parent’s farm. Those were certainly peaceful and different! One year my youngest son and I spent a week with my grandmother which is one I particularly treasure. Time well spent.
Wherever we’ve gone or whatever we’ve done it has led to many treasured memories and we love to sit around talking about those times. I think making memories for your kids is so important and I’ve always made an effort to make every event a memorable one. So when my oldest son graduated high school we took one of our most loved trips to Colorado so it was only fitting that this year, as my youngest son prepares for his senior year of high school, we are planning another ‘grand adventure’. Being a history buff of sorts we thought he would particularly enjoy a trip to the South and tour Civil War battlegrounds, old antebellum homes, and see the Gulf of Mexico. So, tomorrow we are heading to Mississippi. Not necessarily a place many would consider for a vacation, but I have a feeling it will be pretty memorable. Not only will this be a trip to mark Samuel’s graduation year, but also it will most likely be the last vacation we take as a family of four and that has its own importance. I’m not sure anyone else in the family has had this thought, but being the mother I have and I can tear up at just the thought of it. My family has always been my first priority, after God of course. My husband and I adore our sons and find them to be a blessing from the Lord. The thought of them not being at home or going on trips with us is one I’m not quite used to yet, but know I must prepare for. My oldest son is 21 years old now, a junior in college and is more than ready to be out on his own, and should be I don’t deny. My youngest soon will head off to college, be it near home or far away, he too is growing up and I must allow them both to spread their wings as I sweep out the feathers from the nest. At times I’ve thought to myself that I no longer enjoy being a mother, of course I don’t mean that literally, but when the children you have spent your life on are out the door (or at least have the door open) you must allow them to go and that can be hard on a mother’s heart.
I was reminded the other day of how it really never changes for moms. I was visiting a dear friend who just happens to be a new mother. Yes, I’m blessed to have friends who are younger than I and I treasure that. She was preparing to put her little boy in his own bed for the first time, he is 3 months old. She was nervous and a bit apprehensive and I knew exactly how she felt. How many times we as mothers have to deal with these firsts. First night in their bed, first steps alone, first time with a sitter, first day of school, first day of college…on and on. It never gets easy and they are all scary times for parents, but I have learned through all of these firsts to trust God all the more. I think God uses our children to teach us how to be better Children ourselves. By turning my children over to Him, even though at times it has seemed He has had to almost pry them out of my hands, I have learned how loving our Father is. How perfect of a plan He really has for those who love Him.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
So, with mixed feelings I begin to pack for this vacation. We are all excited to get away and spend time together uninterrupted, but in the back of my mind I’ll be tucking away moments to ponder on in later years. Of course, we’ll have more vacations together, but eventually they will include spouses, then grandchildren; which will be wonderful in its own way, but gone will be the days of the “Martin Four” and that is certainly worth pondering on.
Diligently Seeking Him,
25 Thursday Jun 2009
Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for the loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness-God is witness. First Thessalonians 2:4-5
The praise of men. How many are misled or lost because they value the praise of men MORE than the praise of the Almighty God? In the first verses above there were many who BELIEVED IN CHRIST, but because they were afraid of what might happen to them, they did not CONFESS Him as the Christ. How tragic! They missed out because of peer pressure. The sad thing is, I happen to know people who do this very thing. They are afraid to make a scene, or be noticed, or whatever it is, so they sit quietly and never confess the Lord. Oh, they BELIEVE in Him, that He is the Son of God and Savior of the world, but they just can’t make it public. They would never be seen doing or saying anything that might cause you to think they were Believers. Or, how many of us, when out of the protection of our Christian circle, keep quiet when we know we should speak up? I’ve been guilty of that one! Is it because we value what our co-workers, or fellow students think more than what God thinks about us? I would like to think otherwise, but am afraid it is so. We must be careful of this.
Even in doing ‘good’ things at church we can be guilty of doing them for the wrong reason. Don’t be part of anything that you don’t feel God is calling you to be part of. Want to join the choir? Is it because you want others to know how well you sing, or because you feel you can somehow bring God greater Glory by doing so? Seeking to teach a class? Better to make sure that it is what God is wanting you to do, even though others tell you that ‘teaching is your gift’, if you aren’t doing it for God it is best to not be doing it.
In the second verse above we read about Paul and Timothy’s ministry. What a wake up call they give! Have you ever thought about the fact that we have been ENTRUSTED WITH THE GOSPEL?
“For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness-God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others…” 1 Thess. 2:5-6
I have heard many sermons, and witnessed many well-meaning Christians who do just the opposite as the above verse. You’ve heard the saying, “Flattery will get you nowhere.” Well, in the case of spreading the Gospel, the TRUE Gospel, that saying is true. God doesn’t need us to draw people to Him. He does the drawing, He does the saving. So many churches today are falling into the thinking that they have to have the right ‘program’ and the right ‘vision’ or else God’s Kingdom will not prevail. We cater to the lost trying to convince them to be saved. We have all sorts of ‘fun’ things planned and tons of people show up and yet, when the so-called fun is over and we are down to just coming together to worship the God who has saved us from our sin, only a few are there. Believer, this is not a good thing and is not a sign of a healthy congregation.
Let us be about spreading the Gospel. The Gospel does not need anything added to it to make it appealing. Let us not be guilty of using flattering words to convince people of their need of salvation. To truly be saved one must come to the realization of his depravity apart from God and if we are constantly telling them the opposite, just so they will come to church or Sunday School, then we are doing them more harm than good. Live your life for God’s glory, be a TRUE friend to someone and talk about Jesus and His grace as you go about your day. Make it real and be real. Let’s not be guilty of covering the Gospel in gimmicks and catchy themes because we think if we don’t, no one will come. Where is our faith? Is it not God who saves?
Acts 2:46-47 (The Message) They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
That’s it, plain and simple. Live your life worshiping God, gather with your brothers and sisters in Christ, and have favor with all people ( unbelievers as well as believers) and watch the Lord do His saving! To His Glory!
Lord, may my life be more about pleasing You, not those around me. If others are pleased by what I do, may it be for your glory not mine. I pray that I do not become guilty of doing anything because I desire anyone’s praise other than Yours. May my life be an example of one that is lived to serve and please You, in doing so others will come to know you and desire to please You with their life. For Your Glory, In Jesus’ Name, Amen
21 Sunday Jun 2009
As I begin this post I have no idea where it will end up. I only know I feel compelled to write today. I have been feeling spiritually ‘dry’ lately. Things have been so rush rush for me at work. I have to be there by 6 in the morning, then by the time I get home it’s a rush to get caught up with the things needed to be done around the house. Clothes to wash, take time to listen about the boys’ day, listen to my husband about his day and what’s on his mind, dogs to feed and walk…the list goes on. I think ( no, I know) what I’m missing is my time at the feet of my Father.
I normally get up at 5:30 a.m. and spend at least an hour in prayer and reading the Word. Lately I’ve been lucky to get in 15 minutes before falling asleep at night. Like the woman at the well, I’m too busy getting physical water and overlooking the spiritual Living Water that is before me. Why wouldn’t I be dry!? As I write it is becoming increasingly clear to me that I’ve been neglecting the most dearest thing to me-time with my Lord. Whenever I get too busy this always happens and you’d think I would learn. I’ve probably even written about this before, so as you see I have trouble at times balancing my time. Anyone else have this problem? I certainly don’t intend on skimping on my Bible reading, or cutting my prayer time short. It just seems like the world has a way to creeping in and taking over and it is time to put a stop to it.
1 John tells us “Do not love the world or the things in the world…the world is passing away and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15,17)
The world will try to pull you in and convince you that you have to do the things it demands or else you won’t be happy, wealthy or wise…but we must not listen. He who does the Will of God abides forever…those are encouraging words! Words worth thinking about.
So as I close this post I have a new attitude and a new mindset. I must, MUST take time to spend with my Lord. Even if it means getting up a little earlier in the morning, it is something I thirst for and that is a good thing.
I have a feeling HE will be waking me up tomorrow, how about you?
He is my Joy.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord , whose trust is the Lord . “He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” – (Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV)
Psalm 1:1-6 ESV – Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord , and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Diligently Seeking Him,
10 Friday Apr 2009
Having arrested Him, they led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance.
After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter was sitting among them.
And a servant-girl, seeing him as he sat in the firelight and looking intently at him, said, "This man was with Him too." But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know Him."
A little later, another saw him and said, "You are one of them too!" But Peter said, "Man, I am not!" After about an hour had passed, another man began to insist, saying, "Certainly this man also was with Him, for he is a Galilean too." But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, "Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:54-62
I love how descriptive Luke wrote. You can just imagine in your mind the night. The shadows of men sitting around a fire. An unsure feeling in the air. The conversations of the men talking about the happenings on this night. The chill of the night air as Peter, desiring to be not far from His Lord, quietly slips into the circle of men warming themselves by the fire. I’m sure he appeared a bit distracted, wanting to hear or see what might be happening to Jesus. Not thinking he would do what he was about to do.
I think these are some of the most heart-breaking of scriptures. How Peter must have felt that very moment when the rooster crowed and he realized what he had done. Peter loved the Lord. He had spent much time walking with Jesus, talking and watching the miracles He performed. Jesus had even healed his mother-in-law. He knew Jesus was the Son of God and he knew Jesus. Why did he deny him?
Why do we deny Him? Why do we who proclaim to know the Lord find ourselves denying the very One who saved us? Oh, we may not do it in quite the same way Peter did, but we do it very subtly which is just as bad if not worse. Perhaps in conversation with a co-worker we say a few unkind things about another co-worker, or out with our friends we give in to temptation and go places we know we shouldn’t go and do things we know we shouldn’t do. Maybe we’re alone at home and we decide to watch a movie that we know we shouldn’t be watching. We are not behaving as one who has been changed. At these moments, if we are truly His child, the rooster is crowing so to speak and the Lord is looking at us.
Peter knew immediately what he had done. When the words of denial crossed his lips the Lord turned and looked at him. Just think of that! I imagine the look Jesus gave was not one of anger or of surprise, but more one of sorrow and love. He loved Peter, he tried to warn Peter. He had prayed for Peter. ‘Oh, Peter’, he must have thought. At that very moment when their eyes met, Peter remembered the things the Lord had told him. He left the circle of men and the warmth of the fire and found a quiet place to himself and wept bitterly. Peter repented. His heart was broken over his sin.
Like Peter, our hearts must be broken over our sin. I can relate to Peter can’t you? In my life I’ve felt the gaze of the Lord at the very instant of entering into something I knew beforehand I shouldn’t do, and it is heartbreaking. But how reassuring to know that if we repent, like Peter, and weep over our sin and turn away from it, He is Just to forgive us. (1 John 1:9)
This Easter spend some time reflecting not only on the Work of the Cross, but also on your life. Would someone accuse you of knowing the Savior? Does your life reflect Him who died for you?
If not, just look into the eyes of Jesus.
Diligently Seeking Him,
27 Friday Mar 2009
And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find him, though He is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:26-27
I don’t know how I have every overlooked that verse before. To me that is the most amazing scripture, or one of the most amazing, that I have ever read. God has appointed us to this earth at just the right time so that we will seek Him. Not only look for Him, but FIND Him. Paul goes on to say in verse 30 that
God now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has also appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.
Repentance. That is a word you don’t hear a lot these days, or at least not in large circles. We are so quick to accept and say we love the Lord, that we have him in our heart, but do we ever cry over our sin? Do we really repent? We grope for Him, we find Him, but we also must repent of our sin. Are we even aware of what that really means? When was the last time you lay broken at the Savior’s feet weeping over the sin that has separated you from the Holy God of all Creation? Or, you might ask yourself, when have you cried over someone else’s distance from the Lord? We must, we are called to do just that.
The beauty in all of this is that God initiates it all. We are groping in the dark for something, we don’t even know what and then He turns on the light. He opens the door and the light comes pouring into our hearts and we finally see our sin for what it really is. And if we truly see our sin, then we can’t stand the sight of it and we must repent. The Light also reveals our Savior who has been standing there all along. He has not been far from us at all!
Romans 5:8-9 : For God demonstartes His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
Praise God! Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord!
Blessings Today,
14 Saturday Feb 2009
“Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
“…one thing you lack…” Mark 10:21
I’ve been studying with some young people lately who are unsure of what they believe. Some are willing to go to Him and ask for understanding, to admit they don’t understand and need Him to give them more knowledge of Him and yet, I’m afraid, many of them will do just as the young ruler did. The young ruler was saddened by what Jesus told him and went away. HE WENT AWAY! He did not seek to have belief, he did not seek to understand. He did not DESIRE to know more. He found out what he needed to do and made a decision to NOT do it. He had the Key and threw it away! Why, when we hear something we do not understand or perhaps do understand but don’t want it to be TRUTH, do we decide we know best and refuse to seek understanding?
What is the ONE thing the rich young ruler lacked? The young, rich ruler was asking Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. It wasn’t earthly goods. It was complete TRUST in Christ, the Son of God. The Bible tells us he had kept all the commandments, he had DONE all the so-called “right” things BUT he did not have total faith in Christ-his faith and his heart, was in what he owned. His STUFF. Yet, the Bible says, ‘Jesus, looking at him loved him.’
People aren’t kept from entering the Kingdom of God because they are rich, they are kept from entering the Kingdom because they do not believe and put total trust in Jesus. Many think it is a money issue. We should strive to be poor and do without earthly things. No, we should not become enslaved to our earthly things. We should not spend every waking hour trying to get more, more, more. The question is where is our trust placed? In these uncertain times in our nation many are running scared. You can’t turn on the television without hearing how bad off we are. We are hearing also how our government is going to ‘bail us out’. Well, it is time we stop running around in circles and looking to Washington to save us and just look up. What or shall I say WHO do we trust? Do we trust our money, our government or do we trust in Christ and His ability to sustain us by giving us what we NEED? Can those of us who do trust in Christ admit to Him that at times we need Him to ‘help our unbelief’ ?
Like the father who said, “I believe, help my unbelief!” It’s all about our ability to BELIEVE and TRUST Christ. Jesus knew the young ruler had too much trust in his possessions and that until he was able to take his trust off of them and put it on Jesus he would not totally be trusting in Christ. He lacked BELIEF. The father believed, BUT also knew he had doubts and he wasn’t afraid or too proud to admit it. He knew ONLY JESUS could help him, so He went to Jesus and desired to believe and understand more. Like him, we must go to Jesus, we must desire to understand more and more of him if we are ever to fully know Him.
The disciples asked Jesus, “Who then can be saved?” after he told them it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to be saved. What was His reply?
With men is is impossible, but not with GOD; for with GOD all things are possible.” Mark 10:27
Our faith must be in Jesus Christ. If we are trusting in our money, our jobs, our family and not in Christ we cannot know the joy of salvation. Only with God are we given the ability to be saved. You may know someone who has not put faith and trust in Christ. It may look to you impossible that they ever will, but “With God all things are possible.” There may be a Truth you do not understand, a situation in your life that seems impossible at this time. If you will respond like the father and cry out “Help my unbelief” God can change you. He will give you the understanding you need.
Don’t be found lacking the One thing that can set you free!
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM for many. Mark 10:45
22 Monday Dec 2008
Posted in Christian
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As we come upon that glorious day of Christmas I have been coming across some very interesting passages in my early morning time with the Lord. It seems as though the Lord has been refreshing me lately and how wonderful it is. It’s amazing to me how one can read His Word over and over and yet still find something new each time. Just goes to prove how alive His Word is!
I was reading though Matthew this morning. Not just to read the story of his birth, but it just seem like a good place to start today. As I read through the first few chapters I was struck by how many times it was written “that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet” Time and time again, from the angel speaking to Joseph, the wise men, John the Baptist, and when Jesus began his ministry in Galilee. Prophecy was fulfilled. Nothing was happening that God had not beforehand ordained and put in to motion. Doesn’t that make you feel great! Knowing that God, all along, had a plan to save us! Then I came upon this verse that really made me just stop in awe. It starts in Matthew chapter 4, verse 12:
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles:
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,
And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death
Light has dawned.”
Light has dawned! Jesus has come! He was walking among them. I wonder if those people in Galilee had any idea what was happening the day Jesus walked into town. Did they know that the Light had come? Those three little words just really touched my heart this morning with such refreshing hope. Not that I had lost hope, but boy, isn’t it good when the Lord just sends beautiful reminders to us once in a while!
Isaiah 9:1-7 speaks of this, which is so amazing to me as well and just as beautiful. Read for yourself:
NEVERTHELESS the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed,
As when at first He lightly esteemed
The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
And afterward more heavily oppressed her,
By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,
In Galilee of the Gentiles.
The people who walked in darkness
Have seen a great light;
Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,
Upon them a light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation
And increased its joy;
They rejoice before You
According to the joy of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.
For You have broken the yoke of his burden
And the staff of his shoulder,
The rod of his oppressor,
As in the day of Midian.
For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle,
And garments rolled in blood,
Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Like the Galileans, are we aware that The Light has come? We all are in darkness but Jesus was sent to bring us Light and Life everlasting. We don’t need to stay in the dark any longer. Believe on Him, The Light of the World and live in his Glorious Light!
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Lord, thank you. Thank you for thinking of me before time began. For putting into motion the Way to free me from my sin. For sending Your son, Jesus, to be the perfect sacrifice, the perfect Lamb that would pay the “ransom” for my soul and all those who believe on His Name. Thank you! In His Perfect, and Wonderful Name, Amen.
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
16 Sunday Nov 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Women
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In Mark 1:16-20 the Bible tells us the story of 4 brothers. Simon and Andrew, James and John. Fishermen by trade. Most likely fishing had been the family trade for generations, so what else would they do? I like to picture the scene, so bear with me if you will.
It was probably a day like any other day, perhaps it was early in the morning. I like to think that it was, because it talks about Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee and Simon and Andrew were casting their nets. I imagine the dusky, gray-blue sky and calm waters. The sound of water lapping the shore, a few birds flying overhead and idle chatter coming from the fishermen. Just an ordinary day that would lead to another ordinary day and then another and another. Or would it? They weren’t thinking about Jesus, the Bible doesn’t say they were anyway. They weren’t searching for a Savior. But, He was searching for them and he knew just where to find them. The Bible tells us in verse 16
Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishermen. And Jesus said unto them, “Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” And straightaway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
James and John too were in their boat with their father Zebedee, but by the time Jesus had reached these two they were mending their nets, so maybe it was later in the day. They too were not thinking of doing anything else, but fishing. I’m sure they were comfortable with the fact that they would be fishermen the rest of their lives. They weren’t expecting what would happen next. Verse 19 tells us of their encounter with Jesus:
And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightaway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants and went after him.
They went after him! He called, they answered. They dropped everything and immediately followed him. Have you done that? Have you been called by the Savior Jesus Christ and dropped what you were doing to go after him? If you haven’t and you hear His call I urge you to go after Him today!
We are all dead in our sins. We have no desire to stop what we are doing or to change our lives. Then, we hear Him calling us. Maybe we are in a church service. Maybe we’re lying in bed, restless and unable to sleep. Maybe we’re in a boat, fishing much like our brothers above. It doesn’t matter, He is calling out to us and we can’t ignore it. We must be like these young disciples and drop all we have planned for ourselves and follow him. We must be willing to do whatever He asks us to do and He just wants us to follow after Him. These men could never imagine what sights they would behold. Lame men walking, blind men seeing and a dead man walking out of a tomb, just to name a few. What if they had stayed in the boat? What if they had said no to Jesus? He chose them and if you feel Him calling you, he chose you too! Get on your knees then get on your feet and follow Him.
Blessings Today
Pammy Liz
26 Friday Sep 2008
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Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. John 6:47
But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. Romans 6:22
“but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” John 4:14
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24
Do you take the gift of salvation for granted?
Do you think about your faith?
Do you ever stop and just ponder on what it is exactly you have been saved FROM?
Are you on your knees yet?
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
08 Monday Sep 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Women
Psalm 8:4-5 What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For you have made him a little lower than the angels.
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
v. 9 …O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
As I read this verse this morning I was just awestruck and felt so humbled. Have we ever stopped to think about this? If I replace “man” with my name, “Pam” it hits home even more. What (or who) is Pam that You are mindful of her…? I don’t have a lot to say about this because when I read this I am speechless and oh, so thankful! I’m thankful that our Lord who created the universe is mindful of little ol’ me. And He is mindful of you, too.
This weekend my son called from college to tell me he had just been released from the hospital. Imagine my reaction! He had gone to the doctor that same day (which I did know about) and had gotten an antibiotic. As he and a friend were out bike riding he started to have a reaction to the medicine and by the time he returned to his house he was having trouble breathing, swelling up all over, and I’m sure a little shook up. Fortunately he had the good sense to ask his friend to take him to the ER, where they immediately administered the medication to stop the allergic reaction. He said that immediately he felt relief as the medicine raced through his system, putting everything at ease. A few hours of rest and he was on his way home and soon arrived at our door ready for a hot meal.
I was a little shaken, to say the least, upon hearing what had happened to him, but then realized that my being there wouldn’t have changed anything. Once again I was reminded that God is in control. God was taking care of Paul and I didn’t even know anything was happening. Just a little hint from God that maybe I haven’t completely turned loose of my sons and a comforting reminder that He can take much better care of them than I can. He is mindful of us…that means, that He cares for us, and he thinks about us. He was and is mindful of Paul. I am so thankful for his friend who was there for 2 hours at the hospital waiting, and undoubtedly praying for him. I am thankful he wasn’t driving home alone when the reaction hit his body. I’m thankful that God is in control… not me!
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
04 Thursday Sep 2008
When I awoke this morning I found the most pleasant surprise! I had been awarded the most lovely award! Thank you to Kathryn at Pure Wells for passing this award on to me! You have truly inspired me to continue on in this world of blogging. Please drop by Kathryn’s blog, you will be richly blessed.
Blessings to you and all of the other recipients of this award. Have a Great Day!!
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
30 Saturday Aug 2008
Posted in Christian
I hope to be back writing this week, as things are getting back into a routine around here. Enjoy this long weekend with your family and friends and be sure to give thanks for all of the little things God give us that bless us in Big Ways.
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
13 Wednesday Aug 2008
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Well, my “Be Still Sunday” turned into “Wordless Week” it seems. Things have been quite busy around here. I’m getting one son ready to return to college and the other one prepared for the start of school next week. I also work at a school so I’ve been busy getting things ready there for the new year as well. So, please forgive my silence.
I don’t like busy times. I prefer quiet, uneventful days where everything is predictable. Don’t spring any big questions on me, I need time to think it through. Unless, of course a trip or something is involved!
I also don’t like change. This time last year I was in a real spin. My oldest son was preparing for his first year of college. Boy, was I a mess. Yes, I cried…and cried…and then cried some more. Pathetic I know, but what can I say. He did great in college, made the Dean’s list, did his term papers without me reminding him, (although I think they were still done the night before they were due!) and he didn’t starve to death. Now here I am a whole year later preparing to send him off for his 2nd year at HLG. I am not in a panic this year, which is a good thing for everyone, believe me! (I’m sure I’ll have a blog for the day he actually leaves for college, then the truth will be known how I really did.)
How comforting to know that I can count on one thing that will never change-God’s word!
The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8
and
Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation. Lamentations 5:15
and
Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
In all of this hustle and bustle I must make time to sit with my Savior for a spell and just rest. Knowing that even though things may change around me, within me I have a Savior who will never change. His love for me is ever blooming!–Praise God!
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
10 Sunday Aug 2008
Posted in Christian
05 Tuesday Aug 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Motherhood, Christian Women, Prayer
My question to myself today is this “If others are imitating me are they also imitating Christ?” If not, shouldn’t they be?
This question came to mind as I read 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Paul’s statement
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
As I ponder this question I am bombarded with visions of all the people I come into contact with each day. Many of those people are teenagers since I work at a Technical School. I also spend a lot of time with the church youth group and as I think about conversations and behaviors I may exhibit at times I am challenged to ask myself this question. I’m afraid to think of what I may, at times, look like to others. The reality is though, I am a Christian. Why should I be acting any other way? Why do we continue in our sinful behavior when we have been freed from the power of that sin?
“Now we have recieved not the Spirit of the world, but THE SPIRIT who is from God that we might know the things that have been FREELY given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12
We have the power within us to always behave in a “Christ-like” manner. Not our power but THE POWER. So, I have no excuse. I want nothing more than to see my children and others grow in the Lord and as I walk among them my prayer is that I will be imitating Christ to them, so they too can imitate Christ to others…and on and on it will go.
So are you imitating Christ? Hmmmmm, something to think about, isn’t it?
I think I’ll post this verse on my computer at work and on my mirror and in the car and…
Lord, thank you for revealing this to me today. The gentle yet important reminder that as Your child I should be like you. May others see You and not me at all ‘for You must increase and I must decrease’ May I walk in such a way that it draws others to Your side. In Jesus’ Name-
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
28 Monday Jul 2008
Posted in Christian
This sums up how I look at turning 40 (or any age) You can read more below this post…
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28 Monday Jul 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Women
Psalm 118:24 “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Today I’m feeling a bit reflective. It could be because today I hit that BIG dreaded Birthday. The Big 4-0! When I say to myself that I am forty I almost laugh. Forty? Forty. FORTY!!! Anyway I say it, it still rings in my ears. I remember when my parents turned forty, so how could it be that here I am on the dawn of this particular birthday?
There are several ways I can react to this. I can be depressed that my youth is gone and that I am now referred to as that “lady” by the sales clerk instead of that “girl. Which, by the way still leaves me looking over my shoulder thinking they must be speaking to someone else. Or I can look on it as an accomplishment. Spend a day looking back at where I’ve been, things I’ve done, and people I’ve known then press forward towards the new chapter in my life. Yet, I think there is still another way I can spend my Big Day.
What exactly is a birthday? It is seen as a celebration of the day someone was born. People are happy. They decorate cakes, wear funny hats and give goofy cards to show how happy they are that you were born into this world. As children we can’t wait for our birthday and count down the days. Do you remember how fun birthdays were when you were little? So when did we start disliking having a birthday? It is almost expected of us to not want to have a birthday once we pass 25 and I must admit I had a hard time with birthdays 25 and 30. Looking back I wonder why? The only thing I accomplished was ruining my birthday and that is certainly no fun!
I have decided that this year I refuse to focus on the number being a bad thing or spend my time looking behind me at my life. I’m FORTY not DEAD! I’ve been there and done that, and most things I don’t want to do again. I therefore should shout “I made it!” I made it through those rough teen years, (some of my friends didn’t) the twenty-somethings with 2 little babies, and the uneventrul thirties. I have one son who just turned 20 and one almost 17. I’ve been married 21 years to the same man and we are still going strong. I’m on the dawn of a new time in my life and I choose to embrace it. Sure, I don’t want to be an old woman, but we all know the alternative now don’t we. To have a 40th birthday means LIFE and I kinda like life. It also means I know a little bit about the subject. God has richly blessed me with a loving husband, 2 great sons who actually like being around me, and 2 great parents who are a blessing to me every day. I have many friends, most of whom are younger than me and I hope it is always that way. I think that is what keeps a person young at heart and engaged in life.
So this year I will celebrate having another birthday. I will celebrate having LIFE and LOVE. I will celebrate. I will also spend some time with God, the one who created me, and give Him thanks and praise for my life and ask Him if he is pleased with what I’ve done with my 40 years.
What more could I ask for?
…How about 40 more birthdays! Of course by then we’re back to celebrating them with party hats aren’t we.
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz
27 Friday Jun 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Motherhood, Christian Women, Prayer
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Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat. Yes come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55:1-2
This has been a long week for me. It started out great, a visit from family whom we have not seen in quite a while. Time with family is never long enough and this visit was cut short due to a family emergency back in Kansas. I guess actually it ended great too, it was just incredibly long for some reason. Ever have one of those weeks?
I think I know the culprit to my exhausting week. I’ve been neglecting my prayer time and Bible reading time and I think it is catching up with me. I have thought about it and I’m ashamed to say I was always too tired, or too busy to do it. I’ve even felt a nudge from God day to day telling me He wanted me to talk to Him. Somehow I always fell asleep or had something more pressing to accomplish. It’s like when I go all day long feeling thirsty but I am just so busy I never stop to get a drink; or drink all the wrong things like a soda or juice when what my body is crying for is good old fashioned water. Finally when I do reach for the H2O I’m headache bound and feeling horrible.
In the same way I have been thirsty for God and I’ve been too busy to get a drink. Why do I do that? Why do I deny myself the One thing that will quench my soul? I know that when I do take the time each day things go better. Not to say difficult days don’t come, but I have the ability to handle them the way God would have me to, because I’ve spent time talking with my Father.
The good thing is, He is still here. He is waiting for me to sit down in His quiet and listen for that still small voice. He is waiting for me to open His Word so He can speak to me the desires of His heart and guide my steps as he has done time and time again. He is always there, even when I drift away, too busy to stop for a moment with Him. Yes, He is there. He never forgets.
Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:15-16
Thank you Lord, for not forgetting me. Even when I allow the day to day hustle and bustle to distract me You are there waiting to give me Your Water. Speak to my heart in those times Lord, causing me to stop and rejoice in Your Joy and Your Presence. In Jesus’ Name
Blessings Today,
19 Thursday Jun 2008
Posted in Christian, Christian Women, Missions, Prayer
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Then one day HE came by. The man probably thought it would be a day like every other day. The angel would come down and stir up the water and everyone would rush to the pool hoping to be the first to step into the healing waters and be healed. He would be stepped over, pushed around, shoved to the side, and he would not make it once again. This day would not be like the others. No, there was Someone in town who would change things. Jesus was here
verse 6: when Jesus saw him lying there, and knew he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” (7) The sick man answered Him, “Sir I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” (8) Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.”
That was it! All it took was the words from the Savior, Jesus Christ, and he was healed. Completly. He didn’t do anything to deserve it, he didn’t even ask for it specifically, he just admitted that he needed and desired to be made well. Jesus knew he needed healed and so that is what he did. After 38 years of suffering and waiting for someone to help him all it took was a look and a word from the Son of God. Nothing else. That is how it is for us. We were sinners, needing a way out. No one else could do it for us, no one could push us into the water so-to-speak, it just took Jesus and us realizing we needed Him to make us right.
THE REST OF THE STORY: Another part of that story I find interesting is that after the man picked up his mat and walked, after 38 years of lying there, others there, the Pharisies that is, weren’t interested in the fact that this man could walk. They were not impressed with the idea that after all of these years suddenly he was walking and carrying his mat. No, they were more concerned with the fact that it was the Sabbath and he was not to be carrying his mat. He was doing something that in their eyes was unlawful to do on the Sabbath. Hello, it was Jesus the Son of God who healed him. The God they worshipped on the Sabbath. How could they completely overlook this great miracle and not rejoice with this man? Instead they wanted to know WHO told the man he could get up and carry his mat? ‘How dare he! We don’t do things like that on the Sabbath!’
This just made me stop and think a bit. It is very easy to get caught up in a legalistic mindset. Let us not be guilty of this Pharisie way of thinking. Let us not forget WHO and WHY we are worshipping, and let’s not ignore and walk by those who need The Savior. Instead introduce them to Him and then celebrate with them when they find Him.
Blessings Today,
Pammy Liz 
