Choices
by Suzanne Benner
** If you cheat WITH your spouse, does it still count? http://talk.thelife.com/2007/09/19/married-couple-rekindle-love-divorce/
“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
We all have a choice.
The question is will we decide to follow the Creator of the world, who requires our obedience but loves us beyond comprehension? Or will we choose to pursue the god of materialism or the god of self-actualization or make our children our god?
There is no neutral ground. Either we serve Almighty God or we serve something else.
Your choice affects everyone else in your home.
If you have a believing spouse, you can determine together to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, to serve Him only.
Yet, even if you are alone in your desire to serve God, you have great influence on your family. God has given us as women incredible power within our homes. Our attitudes and actions are often mirrored by our children.
Therefore, we create an atmosphere of love by loving, an environment of submission to God, by submitting to Him.
The most important decision for your home is not the color of the walls; it is the resolution to live for God.
We need to strongly assert that serving God is the number one priority of our home. Every decision we make, the things we allow into our home, the way we treat each other and those we welcome, all stem from our choice of whom we will serve.
~God, I want my home honor You. Help me, by Your grace, to say, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Questions: Have you slid into serving other gods without realizing it? If so, how did it happen? How can we live out our resolve to serve God?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/suzanne-benner/
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Deb,
I am pretty much confined at home, too. I have been praying for God to direct me to a ministry. Until then, I do what I can. I spend time in the Word, and in prayer. Help out at church when needed. You can have a prayer ministry at home. Some people are strong prayer warriors and it is a great gift. I was directed to a website the other day from one of these wonderful ladies to write to perscuted Christians. (I apologize, I forget who told me. Short-term memory loss comes with the territory of being a stroke survivor.)
You asked a question about the meaning of today’s devotional. I’ll try to explain what it meant to me. Where the author of today’s devotional wrote:
“The most important decision for your home is not the color of the walls; it is the resolution to live for God”.
So, are we going to live for God? That is most important decision we can make in our households. How then? What are we going to choose? Yes, we can paint our walls, but we need to make sure we have made the most important decision—- the decision to live for God. We need to continually seek His guidance and to grow in His Word. Suzanne, the author, was comparining decisions. The decison of what color to paint your walls in your house and the decision to accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, and to grow in His Word, and to serve Him. If walls become more important than the Lord, then we need to make a change.
It is funny, because that sentence Suzanne wrote hit home to me. As a stroke survivor decisions are very difficult to make. So when we bought this house I didn’t pick out colors for the rooms. I said just leave it. Now I am ready for color. Then I read:
The most important decision for your home is not the color of the walls; it is the resolution to live for God.
I had a peace when I read that. :-)
I need to remember to keep focusing on the Lord and spending time with Him. The color of our walls is not that important in the scheme of things. It will all work out if I remember to put the Lord first.
Does that make any sense, Deb? That is how I interrupted it.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
PS I did not receive that pumpkin pie recipe. Anyone want to share it again? Thank you.
Toni!!
Wish we could all have cornbread together, too! And? It is one of HIS miracles I “can” cook..My husband was real skinny in beginning of this marriage…Was on my way to career plans and so no need whatsover for cooking..But the LORD has a sense of humor and changed everything..and made me into a pretty decent cook! LOL, And? I did take “notice” that one of the first gifts my husband got me was a cookbook!! Sure wish could sing like Theresa, too!!! That is another gift!!!
Bless all you dear ladies…my kitchen is calling my name..but have enjoyed these wonderful “breaks” on here reading and sharing! You’ve all blessed my day xoxoxoxo
Oh Fran……..I, wish we could all sit and eat your cornbread and have Teresa sing! Through the Gates of Splendor and we will shine and Rejoice!! Maybe I will get that voice in heaven!! I know white robes and possible real wings, not like the ones on my uniform, that I lose on the airplane!!! Happy Thanksgiving..I have been on this prayer and chat line it is a good thing I am not cooking a turkey dinner I would be in trouble. My dinner will be resevations!! Fran, why don’t you become one of the contributing writers in 2008!! We all look forward to you….Your sisters in Jesus…….Good Night Toni
Teresa..You little saint! Praise the Lord and let the worship begin!! Focus on your voice and the words and pray in Jesus right now that all those other problems belong to God. Introduce them. Problem here is God! God here are the problems and by the way Lord, thank you, for blessing us!!!..Teresa, sing it and this will all be forgotten and in the past. Someone, said on-line here. Satan..you are history and part of the past and destroyed forever!… as Our Jesus holds the key and unlocked it for us to the Future, I call it as Elizabeth Elliot (awesome lady) beyond the Gates of Splendor and Glory..Bye Bye!!….Alelluhia!!!…..In Jesus Toni
Theresa!!! Nehemiah 8:10!!! You are going to make it and Toni must have been told by the Holy Spirit about your gift for song and Praise!!! Hallelujah!
Cheryl, you, too!!! What a Praise Report!!!
Prayers “piercing the ceiling”, Ladies! We have sooo much to be Thankful for this day, alone!
Toni,
That coworker is misguided! The Scriptures don’t say “everyone” will be given the gift of tongues! YOU are one of the most “Spirit Filled” in the comment section..Like Linda R expressed recently? When we see “Toni”, we know something good is going to follow! And the two gifts you mentioned..Hospitality and Compassion are HUGE and HE draws others into this wondrous Kingdom through those!
Also? My heart is burdened this afternoon to express something another beloved friend and contributor brought to my attention. Many have expressed depression related to physical problems. These are “not” sin-based depressions..And we need to “note” the difference here..I respect this treasured person’s feelings. I do, however, want to express that it is soooo important at times of illness and depression to keep our “armor” on tightly when we are most vulnerable! The enemy (and sure don’t want him glorified with this sharing) tries his best to discourage..But will say it again and again ..the ONE in us GREATER, 1John4:4!!!!
Its funny that you would say “singing”, Toni!
Yes, I’m a worshiper I sing and praise….and dance before
the Lord! That’s my warefare ;-)
My aunt who passed away Friday sang psalms before the Lord
and I promised her I would keep on singing for her. Praise God. Someone always told her singing to the Lord was like praying twice!
I don’t ever want that taken away – and my family fears that this situation in my home is robbing me. Isn’t that what Satan comes to do to steal, kill and destroy? I’m not fooled!!
The joy of the Lord is my strength!!! Theresa
Dear sisters,
I come to tell you today that God heard your prayers for me yesterday. I had such a peace throughout the day (my “would have been” silver anniversary). Because of a sports injury at college a few days before, I had just discovered that she will need some orthopedic follow-up care. I had to call my ex-husband and tell him what my insurance would require to meet the deductable. Anyway, I was very calm, direct, and polite. He was his usual distant self, as I remember him to be. Only after I hung up the phone did I realize that I never asked him if he knew what day it was. (Then my flesh wanted to call him back…) It was the prayers of my new prayer sisters that had touched the heart of God. So my heart is full of gratitude to you all….and to my heavenly Father who knows the heart of his daughter…He has spoken my name and heard my heart in several happenings today. Just like Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses when he was weary, you have held up my hands.
How fitting the scripture in today’s devotional…”as for me and my house”. I chose to stay faithful to the Lord, even when my husband didn’t. I could have divorced him, but instead asked God for the gift of submission. In all that I could, I submitted to my husband. Then I knew that God would honor my obedience, and take care of my family. Early on, I came to the decision that I had to go to work, raise my children to love the Lord and take care of the home. Those plans would stay the same whether I was married or not. I honored God’s will by remaining in the marriage until he decided to leave (10 years later). When his sin would no longer let us “live in peace”, God moved him out. God will not put more on us than we can bear. We must walk with Him daily. I don’t have a lot of opportunity to email at work, so today was an exception. I pray that those of you who need to see this will return to this blog and read. Have a blessed Thanksgiving…”Praise God from whom all blessings flow.”
Hi Deb, Maybe I am painting walls. Just kidding. Your question is very serious and needs an answer. First go to Ephesiians 5:22-33. The picture is clearly drawn for us in this scripture on Marriage…Christ and his church (us).
Marriage, from the beginning is very sacred. You are definitely in-line. By honoring our God, our husbands and marriage is explained. The reflection of our love and respect we have for Our Lord is the same love and respect our husbands should have for us.
Painting Walls I believe was just a self-check. I actually was planning to paint, but, I have to have patience and wait until January. Tearing down the walls that separate us from God is more like it. Sometimes, in bitterness, I choose to be building a wall of silence and a look that is not becoming. I tell myself..I am humbling myself when I am really grumbling against my husband and rebelling with a wall of division between he and God.
You sound like a Honorable wife and you are also confined. Do not let anything,anyone or any unpure thoughts of you being wrong. You are a Blessed wife. Your brain was constructed in his righteousness as he knows everything about you and even before that. He also knows your destination: Heaven!!
I struggled with speaking in tongue’s as a fellow worker told me I was NOT filled wit the Holy Spirit because I did not speak in tongue’s!! I am Italian and thought well maybe I should pray in another language. The Holy Spirit, did come upon men in Acts and they were speaking in tongues (edification and translation needed). Some people have that gift. I, have hospitality and compassion. However, I always go back to truth..THE BIBLE..what does scripture say? We can speak in tongues, but if we have no love we are just mere clanging bells.
Deb, I think you should celebrate and bake a pumpkin pie or buy one! Both are options, as you are doing it out of love for your God and family!! Happy Thanksgiving!!
In Jesus, Toni
Teresa, Do I hear you praying and singing!! Shine, Jesus, Shine!! We’re all going to be fine!!
patti
i will be praying for your brothers. i lost my only brother so i know how imporant they are to you. my brother was saved so i know i will see him again. i will pray for the same for your brothers
sharon
I understand, Deb. I have printed out this stream of thoughts – and prayers today to go along with my journal.
I asked the Lord to bless you for this divine appointment today. T
i think that when we are helping others we are serving God. my husband and i look after the lady next door to us she is 87 and has no family close. we have lived nexed to her for 13 years and was with her when her husband passed away. sh is like a seconed mom to us as we both have lost ours. i cook for her my husband does odd jobs around the house for her things like that she has been abelessing to us. but it relly fells great for us to be a help to her. we do not expect anything for our help. God has blessed us with her. so that is one reason i think that you serve
god when you help others.
sharon
Sherry D., my brothers are not Christian and are not open to anything I would suggest, but I am praying and trusting that their hearts will be open and one day they will come to know Jesus personally. Jesus workes on each of us in His own way, according to our personalities, etc. He knows us inside and out and I know He will draw them to Him in His time.
Lord Jesus….much has been said here today. All of us are at different places in our lives. Our needs are different as we cry out to you and look for wisdom from others here on this blog.
Dear Jesus, may our hearts individually, hear what You want us to hear, according to our needs. There is much here…a lot to digest, so precious Lord, feed us individually and we thank you and praise You for Who You to each of us. In Jesus, most precious Name.
Amen
Theresa, I have the gift of tounges but Satan is trying to make me feel it isn’t real.
Thanks for your Prayers!
Hi Deb,
The WORD tells us what a husband and a wife should be to each other. There are specific scriptures, as well as, other scriptures which tell us how to treat others. My home is out of balance. There are issues left unresolved from previous situations that have not been dealt with that are being played out in my marriage that should not be.
That is what I am seeking the Lord about – and writing about in this space. I will pray that you receive the gift of tongues, DEB. Theresa
I am a little confused concerning this devotional. Are we not serving God when we are doing things for our husbands and those around us? I would think (YES). By doing fix ups in our homes, is that wrong? What exactly is this devotional saying. I’m confused. I’m basicaly confined to my home unless someone takes me out. So my question is what am I suppose to do? Please pray for I am feeling like I’m not recieving things in my brain right now and I don’t understand why. I’ve been trying to pray in my tounges and am struggling there as well. Help!
Theresa, I just want you to know that you will be in my prayers & added to my list and you too Toni. Toni I just love when you write on here you are such an encouragement to us all, Judy just want you to know I have a wonderful Christian doctor and I too take plaquinal for for my arthritis & fibromyalgia plus many other medications and ones too for my depression. Praise The Lord for Christian Doctors. Joy I already live in Beautiful British Columbia thanks for the offer.Fran I would love to have some of your Corn Bread and have a nice chat with you as you are so full of wisdom & encouragement’ Patti you know you are always in my prayers. And Last of All Ladies I would like to Wish You All “A Very Happy Thanksgiving Tomorrow” sure wish I could come down there and have some of Lydia’s pumpkin pie, course she gave us the recipe on our Thanksgiving so I could make it myself but oh well. God Bless Each And Everyone Of You Dear And Wonderful Ladies.
Oh, so much Godly wisdom here today. My heart is bursting with love and gratitude. Thank you each one for your contributions. Sherry, Thanks for the assignment today. I will love spending time in God’s word looking up all of the scripture you listed. I will continue to be in prayer for each of you and will be thinking of you often during the day. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Australia and I do miss it so. Maybe I should start a new tradition? My new son-in-law (an Aussie) loves pumpkin pie!! But more important he understands the importance of the day as he is a very godly young man. I feel so blessed to have him in our family. Bless you all. Have a fantastic Thanksgiving day. Glory to God!!
Jesus is such a Gentleman! He gives us choices. He wants us to give Him our love and obedience on our own, not because we are forced to. I heard a sermon on the book of Ruth. There are shadows of Christ in this small book and about His kind, gentlmanly ways . . . not pushing or demanding. But waiting patiently for us to love Him back. (The owner of the field where Naomi and Ruth gleaned.)
Dear ladies, I have read several of you discuss depression. Patti, SherryD., Theresa, Barbara C. . . . I apologize if I have missed others. Being a stroke survivor I deal with depression. It is one on the top three side effects for stroke survivors. The brain no longer releases the serotonin. Yes, we can pray for God to help us however, there are things we can do to help ourselves. Eat a banana in the morning! There are certain foods which help. I remember doing research on it. (Do a search on the internet.) I chose bananas. I also work out. That helps release the serotonin. I also take an antidepressant, Effexor. It helps. I know this from hands on experience.
As for the joint pain several of you have to deal with—Chris, Toni,Linda R, I deal with pain, also. Pain from Lupus. I have to wear gloves when I walk and a warm hat, coat and scarf. I have to take prescription drugs which help allievate the pain. I take prednisone and placquinal. See if you can find a good doctor or specialist who will take an interest in helping you. Pain is not fun.
Lord, I pray for these sisters in Christ, and that your healing hand will be upon the ones fighting depression, body pain, abusive marriages, BDD, or dealing with sexual abuse from their childhood. May we all reach out and grab the hem of Jesus’s cloak and that our faith will be strong and the power of Jesus will go out and heal each one of us. May each one of us be as Paul described in Titus, a “bond-servant” of the Lord Jesus. Guide our thoughts, speech, and action. May we indeed choose to serve You each and every day.
In Christ’s Name I pray. Amen
Patti, you are being held up in prayer. May your day with family, indeed be a Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you all for your prayers and encouraging words you share here. I often read but do not write, but I am taking in your wisdom.
Toni, my husband also is angry with me for having to go to class tonight. Anger is a bondage. I echo your heart cry!
I am so grateful for my family.
Yes, everyone around us is making dinner plans and talking about their great fun. Yes, I want to be affirmed by the Lord in this that He is leading me to do what He wants of me. Thank you for your words and God’s leading. I will pray for all of you in your situations. You have been
awesome to talk to today. Theresa
AMEN Toni
Another GREAT devotion!!
Chris, Toni, Linda………wish you guys could come out and live where we are in the interior of BC…our weather is super for arthritic pain, we seldom get rain!!! We have probably had……..oh maybe 15 days of it so far this year, last year had lots of snow, but it is not normally like that……..we came from the coast and what arthritis I did have has nearly gone………I feel for you, especially Chris, as not only is rain bad for arthritis if you have a lot of pain, it doesn’t make for a cheery day either…..but will keep praying for all of you and your pain!!!
Linda…….what you said really struck me, how much time do we spend in frivoluos things? Wow what a thought, I know I am guilty of that BIG time!!! Glad you brought it to my attention. One can so easily start getting worldly when idle.
Loved all the wonderful prayers that each of you has given here, I wish I was gifted in that way…..will work on that.
Fran it is always so wondderful to read your words of wisdom and encouragement!!
Theresa…….I will pray for you, will pray that the Lord will answer all your unmet questions, that you will have someone close that can be support for you, I know everyone here is praying for you and with you every step, but sometimes we just need a personal fellowship with other Christians.
Ann Davis you are certainly right about the Lord doing something special bringing us all together at this sight, so much power in prayer especially when it is circling the globe………so awsome!!!
Teresa, You are not alone. Counseling will help and it’s Victorious when have a professional give us feedback and the tools to fine tune our instruments. We are instruments for the Lord!! REJOICE!!
Your, maker is fine tuning all of us. Sometimes, I turn the volume down or off because I feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit which I feel would mean patience on my part. You sound like a little sweetheart and sometimes our hearts get so big they burst. We are all so different…even a simple snowflake..has it own individual shape. All Different.
Teresa, while everyone is making dinner plans and pumpkin pie..I am home with an unbelieving husband who does not want a turkey. He’s not a Pilgrim. I told him to read Pilgrim’s Progress! The remainder of what is left of my family is in Ohio. Look at your Blessing..a loving concerned family and chance to reflect your joy that yo find in the strength that God is giving you. Go back to scripture and denounce the evil words of attack. Refresh and rest your weary soul. My husband, is also in anger management, and is mad he has to go the night before Thanksgiving, not to mention paying $70.00 a class.
God knows and see’s your heart. He knows more than you. Teresa, we should pray, Lord, I ask you take Teresa, and re-assure and confirm to her that you see and feel her pain. This woman of God wants to make sure she is a good Christian wife. Someone, like her that cares, prays as she walks with you and is abiding in you is no doubt bears the mark of Jesus. DO NOT let anyone, steal that from her. The lonely feeling we get from an unresponsive mate is not what you intend in a marriage. However, Teresa and myself understand the anger some people carry around like my own husband. They carry there baggage instead of checking it in like we do at an airline ticket counter. The load is gone for the journey until the final destination..eternity. Lord, we turn these man over to you and tag them so they can unload and be free from the bondage of self-destructive behaviour. This bondage, is an oppression and it is from enemy who is so desperate, as his time is coming to an end. In Jesus Divine name, and his mighty power protect, provide and promise us once again..you will never leave us nor forsake us. We thank you Father God!!
Teresa, you are a sweety and I want you to know you are not alone. From a wandering Pilgrim that has landed not on Plymouth Rock but stands firmly with all boldness and proclaims Our Rock and cornerstone..Jesus!
Patti,
Have your brothere get the book Victory Over Darkness,by Dr. Neil T. anderson and please read my message up above.
God bless Us! Depression is rampant but we can overcome.
Sherry
Thank you Fran…and all of you other ladies that are praying for me….and I will also be lifting you up as well.
This is one of the first mornings in a very long time that I have met the morning….feeling at peace. As my day has progressed, my dad has been on my mind. I am beginning to feel a growing love for him as I approach Friday.
Thru one of my brother’s, he has recently learned that I was battling depression once again. He called me that night last week….and tho it was hard for him to talk to me about it, he did express how much he loves me. I believe he does….and now the Lord is gently filling my heart with love for him that this o’l heart has been fighting. I am being reminded that he too was a victem as a child…tho that doesn’t excuse an adult, it gives me a more loving understanding….and that alone helps with the healing of those deep scars. Please pray for His heart to be open and that the Lord will provide an opportunity for him to see Jesus in me. It may not happen tomorrow, but I believe He will come to Jesus in time.
God bless all of you…..it is so wonderful to know that I can come here and find comfort, encouragement and peace as I seek refuge in my precious Lord. How wonderful to know He loves us so deeply and that He knows our pain, whether physical or emotional or both. I do praise Him and His Holy Name!
I have discerned a certan wickedness in this whole situation; have prayed scripture in this. Its a bizarre circumstance where personalities don’t seem themselves.
God is God Almighty!
My family wants me safe. I have health issues to be concerned about if anything would escalate. There is alot of anger in the family coming out, seemingly at me. The mother left and did not do the right things by them for a long time. I am the target of the anger.
I am walking carefully with the Lord in this. I have sought the assistance of a counselor. Her goal she says is to help me become stronger emotionally.
Have I made my husband and these sons an idol by staying with them even this long? I have sincerely tried to be a good Christian example in a wife.
Theresa
good devotional today gave me a lot to thinkabout.
sharon
Dear Fran;
Oh thank you for words of confirmation. This subject is tricky at least and unwelcome with most.
I love cornbread, love it love it love it, gimme some.
The gals on this site are a representation of the masses, we have a another home awaiting, next stop heaven and it will be am amszing eternity. But now is the training and time to use our struggles to aide others in theirs. I keep telling myself… God’s way are not our ways and God’s thought are not our thoughts. Today’s devotion is right in line with what God is doing with me, I am my own idol. I can barely stand that, while examining my thinking, what am I thinking about? ME! so I have been praying, as John the Baptist said, I must decrease so HE can increase. no more me but Thee.
Thanks Fran
I believe Toni said that there is another Sherry, so I will come in as SherryD. Isn’t our Tone as JEWEL, God has gifted her with an amazing creative mind….. the things she comes up with blows mine.
Toni…
It is my Mom and Grandmother’s recipe!! But, bet Paula Dean makes it the same way…Old time Southern recipe!! :)
Linda R.,
Just sent a personal email through and it was returned..Something must be wrong with the servers on one end or other…Will keep trying!
Fran..Are you making Paula Deans Cornbread? My friend Sherry is an awesome speaker and writer. She is like you soooooooooooooooooooo..powerful! We all keep coming back for more!! More of his daily bread (notcorn). Awesome and again I say, “Rejoice.”
Sherry!
My cornbread in oven cooking..and stepped in to check comments..Your verses and personal sharing soooo powerful and will set many free. Am familiar with that esteemed authors writings and you have blessed sharing it here today..
Patti!
The Lord really loves you..as was down at the counter preparing cornbread, HE spoke in my spirit?!! “Remind Patti of her lovely image in that mirror, too”!!! Just like Barbara C and Ann Davis, a beautiful image, in HIS likeness, will be in your mirror looking back!! And? Am believing, along with other warriors on here, for unblievable blessings tomorrow for you! Much Love (((Patti)))
Ann Davis!
Hope you, along with Barbara C, look into your mirrors and see the beautiful “reflections of Him”..that you both are! Many others can say the same thing about..But you two should see “works of sheer beauty and Art” in your special mirrors..
Am about to head downstairs and make cornbread for our dressing here..But am glad to have seen and been blessed by all the comments here today. Theresa will be given direction by her Lord..and loved Ann’s wisdom to her! Thankful for all of you and this “safe Harbor” we know as Truth Media. It is an “Agape” kind of place and that is so wonderful!!! And? Every time we pray? We know we are “being prayed for”, too!! Blessings on your new Ministry in January, too, dear Ann!
Thank you for your reply, Anne. This is something I have not wondered myself…or put to the Lord. I desperately want the Lord’s will for my life especially in this time.
I’ve lost my younger brother this year, a close aunt and an uncle have just passed as well. I do not have family close by me for support. I am in this with God alone. I do appreciate your prayers so much. Thank you. Theresa
Good morning my dear Sisters in Christ. Toni, I thank God for you and your wisdom also and I agree with you that the Lord is really doing something special and miraculous with the goroup of women that are communicating. I trully thank God because I too have had so much to deal with and because I am so personal and yet so confidentioal to others business and personal lives, we have unfortunately walked into a season of human failure, with the question “who do we trust”?, “Who do we tell without judging or revealing our confidence”. and also who has such a burning ear that you will move on any decision or choice one makes with your pain or situation. This has not been the case and I thank the Lor5d for that because I really needed an outlet and I truly know the Lord has the real answers. This has just been primarily used for me to release because belever it or not I am a very quiet and descerning person and I will always pray before I act. I needed this. Thank you ladies and rather you know it or not the love that has been sprewing out of my computer and the such and urgent need to keep you all befor the Lord has been what I needed at this particular time in my life.
Fran, I beleve you have been hit because of your warmth and genuine love , but know that Gdo will see you through. I believe you have been the sacraficial lamb because you really opened the door for me. I can’t speak for te others. It’s agift you and Toni, Barbara C and many others have. I really don’t want to call out names because you all have been precious. I am 60 years old and have seen much and have been through so much as many of you, but the key isI am yet standing and I still have joy and faith in my God. I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me to be like a palm tree because that is the name of the tree he gave me. I can and have weathered every storm in my life and I am still standing praise the Lord. And guess what ladies? I am yet beautiful. I have some brokeness, some shatteredness, some holes in my limbs and truck, some achininess, some weariness, some limitations and some ripped and torn branches ripped away from, but all in all I am yet standing by the rivers of water and every storm that passes leaves me stronger than ever. Staying connected is very important to me and i thank God for this ministry through Truthmedia. I see this site as a Garden of Gethemane, a place we can leave our situations after they are release from our heart at the feet of Jesus and with the many armor bearers to help pray us through. We are adding strength to each other and that is basically our assignments I beleve here. We give all glory to God for he is the one who has the power to change every situation in our lives. He makes the request and takes the cup from us. But what he will always say is”not what I will, but what you will”. Mk. 14:36.
Teresa, take your question to the Lord regarding this disrespect, I do have many suggestions and can probably tellyouwhat I would do, but the real question is what do the Lord want youto do with this. I found out the Lord wants us to endure hardship for a season sometimes so he can get the glory and many times it’s something we need to learn out of it. Ask the Lord what is it he wants you to learn from it and give it to him. I promise you he will give you the release nd/or the answer teresa needs in this unforunate situation. He wil tell you when it’s time to move and how to do it. Many times we abort the assgnments from the Lord because we think it’s from the devil. Soemetimes it was the Lord all the time and he was making us and shaping us for the bigger picture. In order to be an effective witness we must complete the task. You are in my prayers and we will circle youwith prayers and I know a answer is on the way as we speak right now in Jesusname. Have a happy Holiday and again I love you ladies and I beleve there is a bigger picture in this for us all too. I live in Las Vegas and I would surely like to meet some of you face to face when the opportunity comes. Continue to pray for me as I do you in this tedious critical hour. Remember, there is nothing too hard for God to do. If he did it for others he surely can do it for you. My prayer request as you pray that the Lord gives us the order of service he not we but he wants us to have for our unchurched ministry that is being birthed in January. The Lord has give me another family and I am so grateful.
Ladies…Teresa..I think we were all e-mailing at the same time. How does God see and answer all of our questions at one time? That’s why the Fear of God is what we have! We have a Powerfull Almighty Father named God. Scripture say’s, all secret things belong to the Lord!
The Bob Dylan song is like he sang it!! We cannot serve two masters as scripture say’s. Money or God. Our temples within and our house called home is The Messiah we serve.
A TV minister, spoke one Sunday and said, that his wife wanted a new dress she saw. Well, he told her..you don’t need another dress. Well, you guessed, she bought it! While going to church, he asked, “Is that a new dress?” She said, “YES” well again he told her ” honey, I told you no dress and for the devil to get behind you. She said, “He did and it looked great from the behind!”
So, who made the choice and who did she blame?
Back to chores. In Jesus Toni
I know God loves me. I know what is going on in my marriage is not His will for my life. It supercedes everything. I try to focus on the Lord, but there is so much “noise” inside my head. The Lord speaks to my heart when I pray, I read scripture daily..and these devotions keep me holding on. My husband is going to an anger manangement class just to appease me. He is only learning new ways to hurt me. Does God want me to stay? How do I deal with this? I’m being put down in my Christianity even by his son.
They ridicule me for my faith. I’ve even left my own church to go with them to theirs…but I don’t get much from theirs. And, I feel its just religion to them. They’re behavior, the fruit would be evident.
Dianne :-} …You serve HIM, too! And your reaching out to Theresa just now..and reading the devotionals each day shows your heart! You also pray for others! We love you and appreciate your honest heart, too!!!!
Theresa, we don’t know all the circumstances, of course..But HE would never want a daughter of His abused..The important thing ..to keep our eyes on HIM during times like this. He does love you VERY Much!..and will reach in there and help! We’ll pray “protective Angels” around you as HE shows you what to do!! The enemy at times of challenges like you are going through?..tries to cut a person off..But prayers and being in our Lord’s presence WILL reveal answers! He will make a way where there seems no way..HE has proven that in our lives here in GA day in and day out! Keep seeking and “listen” for His answers. That may seem impossible when life is in an “uproar”..But it can be done. We are living proof of that here..Our circumstances different than yours..But at the outset of our Mountain experience here? The enemy tried to cut us off from HIS Word and Voice and encouragement. Today? “Our Lord Reigns” and we aren’t His favorites..He’ll do that for anyone who turns towards Him! Praying and believing for you! Warriors here at this site..They’ll all lift you!!! (((Theresa)))
Toni! You are our resident poet and have such a beautiful way with words!..and a tremendous walk with the Holy Spirit that inspires us all, too! We are so grateful for you and your loving heart!! Remember always that YOU are an inspiration!!!
Theresa, can you share at least some of your “God-type questions” with us? There are many women here with all kinds of experiences that can help answer at least some of them :-}.
Fran…..I know all of us again without seeing each other just in His Holy Spirit. Your constant encouragement keeps me so inspired. The Lord, has blessed all of us.
Lord, as we pen the words from the deepest parts of hearts and soul may your Holy Spirit be upon and within. This is what blind faith is. We cannot see each other but we can feel the hearts that are coming together to share, inspire and pray. The aroma of prayer is what you desire! Your presence and obedience by all of us is our goal as we walk with shoes of peace that shine your glory and reflect your image. We pray this in your Faithfull name..Jesus!!……Toni
Barbara C., glad you’re still with us :-}!
Good way to start my day :-}. I had the casual “Oh, who cares” thought just as I began to read this. “Who cares if I do God’s will or mine today?”
I often think it is OK to blow off my responsibility to do God’s will rather than my own, like God’s will doesn’t mean anything.
I put my marriage before God’s will, or what I thought was God’s will. I frequently put my will before God’s will, too.
For the Baby Boomer’s out there, Bob Dylan had it right when he sang, “It might be the devil, or it might be the Lord, but you gotta serve somebody.”
Everybody serves somebody or something. We were created to serve, so even if we aren’t making a conscious choice, we are still serving someone or something. And if we don’t know who or what that is, it is ourselves.
Our behavior tells the story of who we serve. In my case, it is myself and my own desires more often than anything else. That needs to change.
then…as a believer if I am in a household with a husband who said he was (a believe) when we married but isn’t….and he has three live in sons he puts totally in front of me. He’s emotionally and otherwise abusive. His one son is close to that and he allows that disrepsect…
I am putting something else before God.
I have had much loss personally and I know I need to get out. I work, I have much going for me, but I feel stuck and full of God type questions.
Each Precious one of you that commented have today..are “serving Him”! Some of you doing that in spite of incredible pain..both physcially and emotionally. Am thankful for you and your thoughtful words!
Barbara C..You “are” a beautiful rainbow made in His likeness! And His Love will shine through to your loved ones at that Thanksgiving celebration in CT. I “see” deliverence and Victory for you!!! One day? You will look in that mirror and see the beauty we see in you!!!
Linda R, Chris, and Toni…In spite of physical pain..Your words this past few days, alone, so healing and helpful to others! God bless and keep each special one of you..And thank you for the loving prayers you lift for others, too.
Thank you, Suzanne, for pointing us all in the only direction “to” go…with the Lord as Head of our households..Am so grateful for His Holy Spirit which gently convicts our hearts as we all in our human ways “get off course”..But once received in a heart? He is faithful and just and we are blessed to have HIM!!!
Much Love to ALL…and “Happy Thanksgiving”..Lifting our troops protecting us and their loved ones who make the sacrifices required as they are serving..Thank you for all you do!
Hi Ladies,
I know for a fact for the first forty years of my life I had not been serving God in a proper manner for so many other things, issues and every thing under the sun got in the way.
However, now as i carve out time each and every day to make God a priority in my life and as the “DEEP CLEANING PROCESS” that he has me in will allow me to serve him even more.
I consider my HOUSE to be the vessel/body that thy Holy Spirit resides in and until all of those inner chambers of my soul has been cleaned out and redesigned such will limit me in serving God completly. However, I am sriving without a doubt to make things right in all of my comming and goings.
There was no possible way that I could had served God with all of the messed up stuff that I was carrying around with me in the inside. No perfect looking house, no so called perfect living enviroment and/or neighborhood made a differance! What made the world of a differance was and still is GOD’S LOVE FOR me and mine for HIM.
Now as I become a whole woman, I will be able to spread God’s Love within me around to others. Once there was no colors within me, only dark and dreary ones but when the love of christ enters into one’s soul a beautiful rainbow of colors can begin to manifest it’s way in to paint over the once messed up being/soul in order for me to SHINE now and be a BEACON OF LIGHT.
WOW, WHAT TRANSFORMING ABILITIES GOD TRULY HAS… To scoop down so very, very low and decide to pick out someone as lost as I was and to remold and remodel me into a vessel that can generate peace and love instead of disgrace and discord. I call it the GREAT Exchange.
May all you ladies have a WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY! I am just so happy that I am still alive and that i did not fall trap to satan’s lies about taking my life the other night. The Lord heard all of your prayers and lifted me up quickley out of such despair. NOW I get to serve the LORD by making a beautiful home cooked meal for my beloved ones.
May God Bless and Protect us all….
Barbara C.
Hi Chris & Toni I am right here along with you, we have had rain, rain, rain here too Chris and boy does that make ones body ache but PTL I have a body that can at least still feel. Todays devotional is very thought provoking as one doesn’t like to think that they have idols in there life but that God is the Head of My Life. Sometimes though if I stop and think about the hours in a day and how much of that time do I actually spend with The Lord and how much of that time do I spend doing frivolous things it really makes me stop and think. Lord I pray That You Will Be The Head Of My Life, The One And Only God I Serve and not to let Things get in my way of doing that, I just Pray That Now In Jesus Name Amen
Chris…I fly into London! Maybe, we can meet up sometimes!! It’s going to snow hear as the Lord is opening his storehouse of snowflakes. Have a good day Chris..and ouch..it does hurt! In Jesus from the USA and most important “OUR, KING JESUS whom we serve love!” Cheers, to Chris..Toni
toni
I think you’re right, we do seam to be up most of the night. Here in London it is raining like crazy and after 2 nights of no sleep I have had to cancel my consoling session for the 2nd time this month. this would of been the start of my sessions.
TYPO from Toni!!!! It’s only because of you that I look like you, (reflect your image), Act like you (Indwelling of your Holy spirit and dress (the armour) like my Father God!So sorry ladies!
Good Morning..Chris..I think you and I are up most of the night. Pain does wake you up. I pray the Lord would give all of us with the arthritis some relief.
The devotionals are so good. Idols…? I do think sometimes when even in Walmart I go back into the shoe department for some reason. I do walk in the spirit but, that doesn’t require new shoes. We, are given shoes to walk with the armour and the shoes of peace. Reflecting or Infuencing, am I in line with the Lord who see’s me trying everything from slippers to heels. I think women years ago used to polish their shoes…now we replace at every chance.
I need shoe polish Lord. The polish to refine me again when I start thinking how cute something looks. Look, at what Jesus would say. “Go and walk in Peace.” One size fit’s all.
Lord, please condemn our hearts when we put something or someone ahead of you. It’s only because of you that I look like you and ast just like my Father God.
In your precious name ..Let us run with our shoes of faith in all peacefullness. My father the shoemaker!!.Toni
What a wonderful devotional. There is only one GOD for my household and that is GOD my Creator. He always has been and always will be the ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD.