Bloom Articles

Unstoppable - By LaVila Henry

2012-01-23T18:53:00.000-06:00

Though not ordinarily claustrophobic, the low ceilings and narrow pathways were making me nervous as we made our way deeper and deeper into the earth. I crowded tiny thoughts like, “What if there was an earth quake right now,” out of my mind and it seemed to work. We were in Hot Springs, South Dakota and a ranger at Wind Cave National Park was leading our group through the maze of tunnels and caverns. Electrical wires were strung strategically along the route and bare bulbs were dimly lighting the way. As we entered a cavern large enough to stand upright our guide announced, “I’m going to allow you to experience the total absence of light.” With that he flipped a switch and all was black. Everything! If my eyes were trying to adjust, I had no clue. There were no vague shadows across the room and my hand an inch from my face was invisible.

Suddenly there was something very noticeable-something that had escaped our awareness until the lights went out. A small child began moving around. With each step a little light flickered in the heels of her tennis shoes. From that tiny light we could see each other in the darkness-not well, but we could see. The light, though seemingly insignificant earlier, was overcoming the darkness in the room. The darkness could not conquer the light.

Is it any wonder God equates Himself with “light”? Matter-of-fact, the Bible in 1 John 1:5 declares: “…God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (Emphasis mine.) The Mighty Eternal God of all the universe created light and made its qualities-not unlike His own-in a way we can identify its superiority over darkness in any situation. How awesome is that! To Him, light represents good and darkness the opposite. The Bible lets us know that we were born in darkness. That is why we are required to be “born again.” We need to be born into the light. How exactly can we do that? Jesus lets us know in John 8:12. “I am the light of the world,” He proclaims. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” As we follow Christ, the Light is alive and well in us. Because of that we can fulfill the command in Ephesians 5:8 which tells us to “walk as children of light.”

With all that is dark in this world, we may feel as though our little light makes no difference. But remember what happened in the cave. No matter how small it may seem, the light in us illuminates all who witness it. And as we band together our lights become part of a large and powerful illumination in this world.

Our one and only goal should be to allow our lights to bring glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But the great news for us is this: Anything that is a glory to Him is also a benefit to us. So whether alone or together let’s purpose in our hearts to become-for God-a mighty force of light to be reckoned with.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:16 (KJV)

Light can stop the darkness, but try as it may, darkness cannot stop the Light.

The Year of Recovery - By Nina Medrano

2012-01-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

"This is the year that lost coins are found,” I heard the Holy Spirit say. In that instant, the parable of the lost coin came to mind.

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"Suppose a woman has ten silver coins, but she loses one of them. She will light a lamp and clean the house. She will look carefully for the coin until she finds it. And when she finds it, she will call her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Be happy with me because I have found the coin that I lost!’ In the same way, there is joy before the angels of God when one sinner changes his heart."

Luke 15:8-10 (NIV)
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Father, I thank you for sending this blessing to earth. May your word reach us swiftly and may it accomplish your desire and achieve your purpose.

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I pray that the light of Christ shine every dark, hidden, and obscure place in our lives and may your Holy Spirit sweep us squeaky clean and find that which is lost in our lives.

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If we have lost hope, lost our first love, lost sight of our purpose, then let it be restored. If we have lost our health, lost our marriages, lost our relationships, then let these be restored. If we have lost loved ones to addiction, to pornography, and to deception, then, let them be restored--- according to your command sent to the earth, let this word run swiftly, Lord. We come into agreement with your word and we receive this New Years’ blessing. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

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"He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly."

Psalm 147:15 (NIV)

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"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Dump the Baggage...Embrace His Word - By Cheryl Goforth

2012-01-05T09:23:00.000-06:00

Have you come into the new year dragging last year's baggage? Instead of looking ahead, are you feeling remorse for not following God completely last year? Are you remembering each and every directive He gave you that you did half-heartily or not at all?

Every word God gives has a shelf life. It may be so short that a moment of hesitation could mean a lost opportunity. God's word may be reserved for an appointed time so vigilance is required to know when to release or act upon that word.

As I stepped into this new year, remembering those times I failed to follow God completely, the Holy Spirit said not all was lost. So, I've backtracked just far enough to pick up those words strewn along the path of 2011 and have brought them into 2012 for their completion.

My prayer for all of us is this...that we might move ahead with God's instructions, for it may mean the difference between life and death. Dump last year's baggage but embrace His word.

Rejoice and Be Glad - By LaVila Henry

2011-12-19T20:09:00.001-06:00

God loves celebrations. They are so important to Him that He mandated many in the Old Testament. Although the New Testament doesn’t make such demands, I believe there are two days of celebration we observe as Christians that make God smile ¾ Easter, in remembrance of our Savior’s death and resurrection, and Christmas, which commemorates His birth.

A friend told me recently one of the reasons he doesn’t like Christmas is because his research found it originated as a pagan holiday. Some of my study verifies that. But what about this thought? Perhaps “way back when” the Christians realized they had much more to celebrate than their pagan counterparts. I can imagine them declaring, “We worship the God who created the universe. We have a Savior who took away our sins. Let’s celebrate His birth, because without Him we would have no Salvation. Let‘s turn this holiday into something that is meaningful to us and our God.” You may be thinking, “You have no proof that conversation ever existed.” You are absolutely right!

But, how about this? Considering the commercialization of Christmas these days, and the vow of some to remove all references to Christ ¾ instead of passively turning the holiday over to unbelievers, what if WE would make THIS proclamation: “We worship the God who created the universe. We have a Savior who took away our sins. Let’s celebrate His birth, because without Him we would have no Salvation. Let’s read the story of His birth aloud to our children and grandchildren. Let’s be joyful. Let’s give gifts to each other and those in need, as a reminder of His gift to us. Let’s decorate trees beautifully in honor of our crucified King. Let’s sing songs of worship to Him. Let’s feast on His provision. Let’s gather together with our families and friends and remind each other of His goodness. Why? Because He is worthy of it all!!

What if that was our resolve? Would Christmas be different for us? There may be some who have never veered from an exceptional Christmas mind-set. But to those of us who have, let’s begin again and make Christmas all it deserves to be.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 (KJV)

May you have a extraordinarily wonderful stress-free Christ-filled CHRISTmas.

God loves celebrations.

Skirting the Red Pot - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-12-14T09:39:00.001-06:00

A shopper skirts the corner of the building to avoid the ringer with the all too familiar red pot. “I’ve already given,” is the response. The cheery man bundled up in a heavy coat, gloves and a Nanook of the North hat with flaps smiles and says thank you to the empty gesture of the shopper.

Christmas is a time for giving and so is every other day of the year. It’s not difficult to understand. Giving is a way of life for a Christian. God gives, so we give.

James says, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” In other words, we are to look after the widows and orphans who have no father or husband to care for them. I.E. – We are to give.

And what about keeping ourselves unspotted from the world? To be free from vices, especially this time of year, opens our hearts and hands to give.

As I said before, it is really quite simple. The Giver of Life wants us to also be a giver of life. If you don’t know a widow or orphan, then find a ministry who does and give. This is the heart of God. This is true and undefiled religion.

Scripture quote from James 1:27 (KJV)

Traffic-Stopping Life - By Nina Medrano

2011-12-05T08:02:00.000-06:00

What are they all looking at? I too, turn my face towards the same direction but I can’t tell why?

Every morning as I drive past this empty lot filled with prairie dog burrows, I notice the prairie dogs standing outside their burrows all staring towards the same direction with their little arms clasped in front of them as if in a prayer position. It must be Prairie Dog Prayer Time. There’s probably some animal study out there that has a scientific behavioral-term but that’s what I call it.

It’s fascinating to see these little critters all stand and face the same direction at certain times of the day. It’s even more fascinating to see the effect it has on me as I pass by. My response is to look towards the same direction. I slow down to get a better look. One day, I pull over. I get out of my vehicle and stand outside with them trying to determine what is captivating their attention! I stopped traffic by doing this so I no longer stop to watch them.

Those prairie dogs nipped the heels of my thoughts all day long.

I started asking myself questions like, “What do others see when they pass by me? What direction am I facing?” Or better yet, “What direction am I pointing them towards?”

In the midst of escaping God’s judgment and wrath, Lot’s wife was facing towards the worldly desires of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Genesis 19:26)
In the midst of great sorrow, Hannah was facing towards heaven in silent prayer, longing for an end to barrenness. (1 Samuel 1:10)
In the midst of dying on the cross, Jesus was facing God the Father, asking for forgiveness for all pass-byers—past, present, and future! (Luke 23:34)

As I prepare to enter the New Year with the Lord, I pray that my life will stop the traffic of souls around me. I pray that they will be compelled to stop, come over, and ask “What captivates your life?” I pray that the answer will point them to Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

The Next Level - By Nina Medrano

2011-11-29T18:11:00.001-06:00

There was this video game I used to play called Galaga. One day, my brother, who lived in Ft. Worth, came to visit me in Dallas. For fun, I suggested we go to the Arcade and play some Galaga (this was before Wii, iPods, PSPs, Gameboys, and Play Stations). I was so excited when he said, "yes!" I began to brag to the point of cockiness, telling him how good a player I was at this game. So, he asked me, “What level are you on?”

“There are levels?” It dawned on me that this whole time I had been playing on the same level. Here was a game I thought I had mastered. My eyes were opened to the realization that there was much more to learn and grow.

I think that my daily walk with the Spirit of God is like this game. I get in a routine of reading the Word of God, praying in the Spirit, interceding for others, paying my tithes, and attending church. I’ve gotten really comfortable with this schedule. It works for me and I’m good at it.

But, God has a way of letting us know when it is time to want more of Him...to desire a fresh and new level with Him. How does He let us know? For me, He creates a craving for authentic Spirit encounters.

I love the word craving because it demands a desire for something more than what is. And, like a bulldog, craving will not let go. This is the reason a husband will make the necessary trip to the food store to bring his pregnant wife whatever food craving, day or night, she has.

These cravings for authentic Spirit encounters demand a desire for something more than what I currently experience in God. And, they don’t let go until the yearning is met.

Whenever I sense a longing for an unknown, original, authentic encounter with the Spirit I know that I must be spiritually pregnant with God’s next level for my life.

Being pregnant with God’s next level is exciting for the future. Yet, it requires me to exchange my comfortable level for something unknown to me. This requires me to trust Him. Trust comes easier when you know you are loved.

I used to struggle in trying to get myself to a greater level of trust in God. I realize now that trust comes from knowing that He loves me.

Father, I thank you for being patient and understanding towards my often skewed view of your love towards me. Please continue to grow my understanding of your love for me! I love you Lord.

What Trumps What? - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-11-27T14:33:00.001-06:00

The store was crowded with people jostling to get to the shelves where all the good deals were located. Weathered shoppers with cell phones, water bottles and pockets stuffed with snacks were focused on the quickest maneuverable routes open to get them to their target...even if that meant crawling under tables. The hunt was on and the long hours of waiting in line didn't seem to diminish the adrenaline flowing at high levels from the young to the old. It was like the Charge of the Light Brigade when the doors opened and no one was safe. Most would go away empty handed of the coveted good deals...mission failed.

They all had listened to the call of the big retailers telling them the time and place they must go in order to accomplish their shopping mission. Those midnight marauders willingly submitted their check books, debit and credit cards to the voice of the experts who said if they didn't get it now, they would NEVER get it at this price again!

Sometimes the experts are wrong! Operating our lives based only on the wisdom of those we deem practiced in a given profession or business may lead us down the wrong path. Kingdom principles tell us that we are to FIRST SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. As we do this, then with God at the helm of our lives and as the primary voice we heed, all of the "things" necessary, He will add to our lives.

The centurion in the book of Acts who was in charge of 276 lives on a ship of prisoners which included the Apostle Paul, learned this truth. This Roman officer who worked his way up through the ranks, was chosen by merit. He was a man who had proved himself not only to be courageous, but was dependable and clear headed. In his eyes, the expertise of the owner of the ship headed for Rome trumped the warnings of an itinerant preacher who cautioned that all would be lost if they proceeded with their journey.

As the story progressed, the ship was tossed and battered by the raging sea, and with hope faltering, Paul encouraged the crew with a word given him by the angel of the Lord that not one life would be lost. The sailors, sensing that land was near tried to escape but Paul's words to the centurion that they must stay in order to preserve all was regarded as truth so the ropes to the skiff were cut, dropping it into the sea.

The centurion realized the "experts" were the very ones willing to abandon him in a crisis. He began to hear with kingdom ears and recognized that Paul alone had the voice of truth. But the crisis was not over. With land in sight, the soldiers readied themselves to kill all of the prisoners for fear of loosing one, but the centurion in order to save Paul, stopped them from doing so. Everyone made it safely to land and not one prisoner was lost.

This story doesn't end there, but for the centurion, it was apparant to him this truth: God's word out ranks man's word, and that when God gives his word, you can depend on Him to see it through.

Verses: Matthew 6:33 and Acts 27-28

Even the Demons Shudder - By Linda Jones

2011-11-19T21:14:00.001-06:00

A friend of mine, Cindy, had moved from the Texas Plains to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Since my sister also lived in Colorado, I decided it would be a good time to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Besides, I hadn’t seen either of them in quite some time and was eager to catch up.

Cindy, and her son, Mac, had rented a beautiful house in Castle Rock. Just the town name sounded breath taking. When I arrived at Cindy’s new home, I couldn’t help but notice the artifacts and taxidermies of all kinds displayed in the living room. Cindy said they were her landlord’s and he was an avid collector and a big hunter. He traveled the globe in various countries bringing back sentiments from every place he had been. Some of them were quite exquisite and some, well, let’s just say were not my taste. Some of the animal skins were downright frightful looking.

We had a wonderful visit and I stayed the night so long past dark she showed me to their guest room. I was exhausted and looked forward to getting a good night’s rest. I got ready for bed, read for a few moments, then turned out the bedside lamp. Have you ever been so scared that fear gripped you by the throat and you were paralyzed? At some point in the darkness I heard noises. I opened my eyes to a nightmare. I saw what seemed to be tribal people dancing, chanting, and screaming. I was so terrified that I was motionless. Nothing on my body could move. I was paralyzed with fear. If I was asleep, I couldn’t even wakeup. As I tried to be invisible and close my eyes, the sounds kept getting louder and louder. Every time I tried to reach for the bedside lamp, my arm would not rise with my desire. This went on and on. Screaming faces appeared at the end and above my bed. All I could do was say, “Jesus, Jesus”, but it was in my head, not out loud. I could not get a word or a scream out. I hoped Cindy would hear and check on me.

At some point, hours later, I began to softly whisper, “Jesus, Jesus”. I don’t recall saying anything else, but I remember repeating His name over and over. As I said it out loud, although softly at first, the faces seemed to get farther away.

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues”

Mark 16: 17 (NIV

The more I said it out loud, the more confidence I seemed to have and I eventually said it with boldness. About that time I saw the sun peak in through the blinds on the window. I didn’t know what time it was but I must have really fallen asleep about then. So I was awake all night in this “so called” nightmare? Yes!

I don’t remember when I got up but I headed down to the kitchen. Cindy, of course, asked how I slept. I told her, “Not very well” and I began to explain my experience. After I told her, she said Mac had described seeing things in his room and had often told her about them and insisted they were real. She said many times he woke up screaming and crying.

After that day, I never saw Cindy again. She was in a car accident that left her in a coma and she later died. I can’t help but wonder if any of the haunting experiences from her house had any effect on what happened to her.

As I have reevaluated the experience over and over in my head, I realized how powerful the name of Jesus is. Oh, I knew He was powerful, but that night I Knew His name was powerful. It was also His name that gave me peace so I could eventually rest. More importantly, I realized the power of speaking the Word out loud. Even His name makes demons shudder. But the demons have no authority over you unless you allow fear to take over.

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”

James 2:19 (NIV)

What demons do you need Jesus for? Many of us have fears and Jesus can help us and heal us. You have authority in His name if you believe in Him. Do you need Him today? He will give you peace. He can do more than you can ask or imagine. Let him give you peace that passes your understanding. Grab hold of Him and hang on, he will rescue you.

Thanks, Lord

2011-11-15T18:58:00.001-06:00

Looking down from the fourth floor balcony of the beautiful hotel where we were staying, I was amazed to see a handmade tent in the vacant lot next door. A donkey was tethered outside, some goats wandered around searching for a blade of grass in the rock-covered terrain, and people in flowing robes were coming and going.

“Do you think someone actually lives in that tent” I queried my husband Paul, “or are they there to impress the tourists?” I was hoping it was part of the entertainment and at five P.M. they would punch the time clock, head for home, take a nice hot shower and sleep in a clean comfy bed. Not the case. When we questioned our Jordanian tour guide the next day, we learned the tent was, in fact, those people’s living quarters.

That has been many years ago now, but what I saw that day still lives inside my mind. It was on that trip that it became real to me how much we have in this country and how very blessed we are.

That awareness has caused me over the years to develop a list of things for which I am grateful to God. I could get all holy sounding right now and try to impress you by saying something like, “I am thankful that I love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul,” and on top of that, “I love my neighbor as much as I love myself.” (Then we could all listen carefully to see if a choir of angels begins to sing.) But, I’m not nearly that faultless. I’m learning to love God more and more because He is so good, and I’m thankful that I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Spotless Lamb, Jesus, who died so that we could have life. That is what I am MOST thankful for.

Next, I am very grateful for my husband, my children, and grandchildren, followed closely by extended family, friends, church, health and strength.

The rest of my list may sound somewhat secular. It is what it is ¾ in part because of the realization so many years ago that the whole world doesn’t share the things we often take for granted.

I’m thankful for:

Our country, our democracy, and our right to vote.

Freedom to worship God as we choose.

The ability to read and write.

No war in our streets.

Financial resources.

A roof over our heads.

Heat in the winter.

Air conditioning in the summer (especially this year).

Groceries in our grocery stores.

Transportation.

Gas in our gas pumps.

Clean water, both hot and cold.

The list could go on, but I thank God for these on a regular basis. Your list is most likely different in some way, so encourage us by leaving a comment and telling us something you are thankful for that isn’t included here.

The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner. Even though there may be difficulties in our lives, it’s a great time to remind ourselves once again that we are indeed blessed.

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."

Psalms 100:4-5 (KJV)

Out of Darkness - By Nina Medrano

2011-10-18T05:35:00.000-05:00

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”

Isaiah 42:6-7 NIV

Recently, I spent a day conversing with an individual who just got out of prison. This individual accepted Christ while incarcerated. This person went to prison for doing a lot of the same things I used to be involved in. We share a common understanding of life in a dark world.

In the dark world, I remember never sleeping at night. Always doing, selling, and sharing drugs with other drug dealers and users. I remember the constant phone calls from users waiting on the ‘product’ to arrive--and crashing hard when the product was delayed.

Rarely, leaving the house, darkness came to us-- people, strangers, coming and going at all hours of the day and especially, at night, with music and pornography playing in the background.

Paranoia was a constant; the looking over my shoulder; peering out windows; sitting huddled in the darkest corner of a room—hiding from something I thought I saw or heard. I used to hear police sirens in my head until one day I couldn’t distinguish if it was from the realm of fear or from reality.

I remember the frequent beatings from my boyfriend and thinking “I don’t want to die in this house this way.” I remember the lies—there were many, many lies—on this side of darkness you trust no one—including yourself.

As I shared my experiences with this individual, I noticed the frequent nodding of the head, saying, “Yep, I know what you mean!”

This is true for all who live in darkness. They know exactly what I mean when I describe life in that dark world. They understand the constant drama. They live with mistrust and misuse. There is no friendship, no grace, no mercy, nor family. They harden their heart, discard their feelings, and always carry a sharp eye and a loaded gun.

More nodding of the head but this time the nod is more pronounced, saying, “MAN, YOU NAILED IT!”

Back in those days, I used to long for a simple life with no drama, no drugs, no darkness, and no paranoia.

More nods, but these nods were gently ones, saying, “I want that too.”

I shared how God took me out of darkness and brought me into His marvelous Light. Today, I have a home that is safe and peaceful. I lead a simple life filled with grace and mercy. These days the only drama in my life is sitting in my back yard watching the brilliant colors of the sunrise and sundown. And the only things I do at night are watch for shooting stars across the sky.

How Does He Love You? - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-10-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

How does God love you? "He's given his life for me," you might say. Or, "He loves me with an everlasting love."

But how does He love you as a woman? Does he call you "Child" or "Puddin' Face"? Do you feel him squeeze your hand when you are about to cry or does he wrap his arms around you? Does he dance with you, run with you or hold your hand when you walk together? Does he give you surprises to brighten your day, or bring someone "out of the blue" to encourage you?

When was the last time you were aware that he protected you? Did you feel his arm across your chest as he stopped you from a fall? Did he send an angel to guide you when you lost your way?

Everything he does for you is because he loves you. He brings his love to you in a way you can experience with your mind...your will...your body and your spirit. He brings you to his banqueting table and his banner over you is love and, at that table, is conversation and laughter. There you find food for you body and healing for your spirit. You see him, talk with him and smile when his eyes smile. You dance and rejoice with him and rest when he rests. There is no need unmet at his table because of his love for you, so ask yourself..."How does he love you?"

Till Death Do Us Part - By LaVila Henry

2011-10-12T17:13:00.001-05:00

The music was playing and I was straining to hear, but there were no words. I opened my eyes and saw that her voice was choking in her throat and tears were welling up. She tapped her wedding ring. I got the message ¾ and prayed. This ministry had just been added during each of our church services ¾ prayer for those who would like it. She was my first, and the next was the same. Pray for my marriage.

“Lord,” I thought, “Is there a unusual attack on marriages, or is this just a sign of the times?” I didn’t get a specific answer, but it has caused me to pray more for the marriages in our church and for those I love.

This one thing I know. The world’s way of thinking is not marriage-friendly these days, but there is hope and help from God and His Word.

Jesus spoke about marriage in Matthew 19:3-9. The Pharisees came to Him and asked this question: “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” Part of what Jesus answered was this: “The two will become one flesh and what God has joined together, let no one separate.” The Pharisees continued to question: “Why then did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” The next statement Jesus made speaks to the very root of the problem. He said, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard.”

Hard hearts! That’s where it starts and ends.

When we go against God’s way of doing things, our hearts develop hardness. Our marriages don’t start out that way. Romance is alive and well. Then offences enter the picture. We are offended by something our spouse says or does and we don’t want to let it go. A tiny bit of hardness enters our heart. Then we don’t mean to, or possibly we do mean to retaliate and the buildup begins. Over time we grow blind to God’s desires for our marriage and destitute of spiritual perception. The feeling of love evaporates and our hearts become hard as sun-baked clay.

So, what is God’s solution for this situation? For one thing, He calls for us to forgive. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (KJV)

This is a command, not a request. God wants us to have a tender heart of forgiveness. You may be saying, “But you don’t know what he/she has done to me.” Guess what. Almost everyone on earth could at one time or another make that statement. We will never be treated faultlessly by our spouses ¾ or others for that matter. It just isn‘t gonna happen! We live in a sinful world and none of us are perfect ¾ not even close. Because of that it is paramount, vital, essential that we learn to lay down offences and allow forgiveness to reign. We must guard our hearts and keep them tender toward each other and before the Lord.

And while we’re at it, let’s consider the first part of Ephesians 4:32: “Be ye kind one to another.” Kindness, also, needs to be an ongoing characteristic of our marriages. Kindness contains healing power. These things definitely aren’t a cure-all, but with God’s help if we do our best to have tender hearts of forgiveness toward our spouses, and remember to be kind, it will go a long way toward keeping our marriages strong. What God has joined together, let no one separate.

The God Who Comforts - By Nina Medrano

2011-09-14T17:51:00.000-05:00

Acts 18:6

“But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles!” (NIV)

Mornings are very special to me. I reserve my early mornings for communion with the Holy Spirit of God. It’s a very intimate time spent in reading the word of God and sharing our heart with each other. This is usually the time when I hear the voice of His Spirit reveal hidden things in my life.

Recently I experienced a side of Abba Father that I’ve not experienced before. I had been reading the book of Acts for some time now and when I reached chapter 18, I was moved with compassion towards the Apostle Paul. I think that I can relate to how he must have felt when he shook off the responsibility of sharing the gospel to those who continue to oppose it in their own life.

As believers of Christ, we want everyone to accept Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. We want others to experience the freedom we have from sin and bondage. We want them to totally give themselves over to God’s Word and Spirit. Sadly, not everyone jumps to having a relationship with Christ.

So, I can somewhat relate to the Apostle Paul’s anger and frustration toward those who oppose the Word of God. However, Paul’s anger is actually motivated by his fear of harm. If you read Acts chapters 15 through 18 you will find that Paul was mistreated, stoned, imprisoned, chased out of town, dragged out of town and left for dead; he was stripped, beaten at every town, severely flogged, shackled and unjustly thrown into prison-without a trial; he was hunted down, he hid underground and had to leave town late into the night. And by chapter 18 Paul is being followed by some angry Jews who agitate the crowd to stir them up against Paul.

I’m sure that by this time, Paul has truly had enough of harm come to him so fear comes out masked by anger when he ‘shook out his clothes’ at the crowd.

I did that too…I masked my fear with anger when I received some news on budget cuts that will directly affect me. I became angry with myself for not being prepared for this. I spoke harshly to myself saying things like, “You should have listened to the Lord! You had an opportunity to prepare for this and you blew it! When will you learn to handle your finances better! I’ve had enough of this! I wouldn’t blame the Lord if he let you suffer the consequence of this one.”

For about a week, I beat myself with accusation. I stripped myself of grace. I flogged myself with every shake of my head at my folly. I hid in shame. I threw myself in a prison and called it “Justice that I deserve” and all the while, fearing financial harm.

Feeling dejected, I sit quietly before the Lord on this particular morning and continue my read.

Acts 18:9

“One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

Immediately I sense the Lord’s presence as he speaks to me through the words he spoke to Paul. “Nina, do not be afraid; I am with you; no financial harm will come to you.” A great sense of peace and comfort overtook me and all I could do was weep in his presence. I felt I was being cradled in comfort.

I think that Paul must have felt this same supernatural comfort when the Lord spoke those words to him because Paul ended up staying for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God (Act 18:11).

Abba, thank you so much for your supernatural comfort! Thank you for understanding and caring about the things that greatly concern me. Thank you for loving me and for bringing me through. I love you so much!

The Dance - by Cheryl Goforth

2011-09-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

The lights dimmed creating a soft glow inside the coliseum as the praise and worship team stepped onto the platform.  Music began playing, and I was drawn out of the world around me and into the words of each song. It was easy to raise my hands because the majesty of the King being praised was only appropriately expressed through this act of submission.

As often happens, visions of dancers filled my mind. A he and a she were beautifully executing each ballet movement with such precision and splendor, that my heart was overwhelmed with joy. I wanted to dance with the he who so amazingly swept his lovely partner effortlessly from ballroom moves to intricate ballet lifts. It looked like such fun.

Finally, it was my turn to dance...my partner...was Jesus. He smiled as he took me into his arms and we began to move. Though awkward, I was, at the start, He gently kept nudging me this way and that way with his tender but firm hand...for it was his hand directing me as we danced across the vast expanse.

The steps became more difficult and my mind tried to figure out what was to be danced next. "Was I to move to the left or the right? Now, what was he doing? This is not what we've done before!" The ease with which we danced at the start was now complex and jerky as my frame tensed up under his directions. Gently feeling his hand instructing me to move with him, he began to lift me high into the air. Though he had never, ever, failed in his leading before, my body responded in fear to the heights he was taking me. I could see the move he asked me to perform in my mind, but my heart was terrified. Reaching for his hands as he lifted me higher and higher, my back bowed and my legs kick wildly, trying to lift myself into the position he had silently prodded me to take.

The dance was over, but before disappointment set in, he called me to the floor to dance once again!  With the same enthusiasm as at the beginning, I willingly let him put his arm around my waist in anticipation of the thrill of being swept breathlessly around the dance floor. Suddenly, as in the twinkling of an eye, my dress was changed into a stunning, satiny, princess gown and he, oh, he looked as handsome as a prince in his white tuxedo. This time it was going to be different. This time we would dance, but he would lead, not me.

Once again, the music started and the wind swirled around me as he took me from one end of the floor to the other in flowing circular motions. There was nothing hard about this time. A smile crept across my face as his eyes twinkled with a knowing.  Yes, there was something in his look that told me the most exciting part of the dance was about to take place. "Oh dear Jesus, not again!"

Tension spread across my shoulders and my moves became rigid. Though we were still dancing, it now failed to have the grace of that first moment the realization of being with a prince overwhelmed me. As quickly as it started, it ended and the voice of the he who danced with me spoke. "Stop struggling. Let me lead."

At this point, it would be easy to come up with a moving lesson, but I'm sure the lesson is as clear to you as it was for me.

It's Hot in the Old Town Tonight

2011-09-06T17:27:00.001-05:00

The bushes are dead. Well, they appear to be anyway. We’ll see. I gave them a shot of Miracle Gro this morning. Two weeks ago they were beautiful little Crape Myrtles with pale lavender blossoms, gracing our patio, and delighting our eyes. Then we left town. Paul had moved them to the grass where they would be watered by the sprinklers. Apparently the 100 degree weather and less than daily watering was too much for them.

In case you haven’t heard, Texas, along with other states has been experiencing a drought. We have had all-time high temperatures, and all-time low precipitation. Some declare God has told them the reason we are experiencing such extreme weather in our country. Personally I can’t say it has been revealed to me. Although, in a quick Bible search I found instances where God allowed drought or disaster because of disobedience --- which we possibly qualify for as a nation. Unlike other parts of the world, thankfully we haven’t seen famine with our drought. (No worries. I’m still well fed.)

Thinking about our weather made the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis come to mind. I was surprised to discover that the word “drought” isn’t in that story --- only the word “famine.”

You may recall Joseph had two dreams that portrayed him as ruler over his brothers. He divulged this bit of information, which didn’t endear him to his siblings in the least. Eventually in lieu of killing him, they sold him to Ishmaelite merchants whose caravan was headed to Egypt. There, Joseph spent many years as a slave. Along the way he was wrongly accused and incarcerated. When the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams was afforded him, he literally moved from a prison to the palace.

What were Pharaoh’s dreams? Bottom line: There would be seven years of abundant crops followed by seven years of extreme famine. After Joseph described what the God given plan for preservation would be --- storing grain from the abundant years to distribute during the lean years--- Pharaoh announced that Joseph was “obviously filled with the spirit of God“ and proclaimed him the wisest man in the land. Then he promoted him to second in command, and in charge of this enormous task.

No where in the story was I able to uncover any indication of why there was to be a famine. Unless it is tucked away as a bit of information in another part of the Bible, we weren’t told. But, it is perfectly clear that the years of abundance and the years of famine were no surprise to God. He was preparing a man for “such a time as this” more than a decade before the actual event.

The story of this young man is truly amazing from start to finish, but as I read on this occasion, I tried to look not only at Joseph but other details as well. It was obvious God was interested in preserving Joseph’s family, but He also made remarkable arrangements to preserve the lives of the inhabitants of Egypt and the surrounding countries. Because there was a person who could hear His voice, God brought good things to pass in spite of an unpleasant, lengthy and difficult period of time.

How was God able to do such a thing? We need to remember what He said in Isaiah 55:8-9. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your way and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (NLT)   No matter how unbecoming circumstances may seem, we must never forget that God’s thoughts and ways are superior.

But can He be trusted? Yes, He can. And the rewards for trusting Him are great. Jeremiah 17:7-8 tells us this: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” (NIV)

What a picture of wellbeing.

But when we are bombarded with the bad news of the world, and peace and serenity threaten to escape us, our minds may want to ask, “Why a drought, Lord, and what is this all about?” At that time we must take our thoughts captive and remember that God can be trusted. When a tinge of fear tries to creep in, we need to bear in mind that He has a plan.   If we believe this is the beginning of the end as described by Jesus in Mark 13, we must recognize that God’s thought process and ours cannot be compared. When we are forced from our comfort zone, we must resist the temptation to whine, and only trust. Be it drought, fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, earthquake, tsunami, war or anything else --- we must never forget ---- we must never never forget. God has a plan, and He can be trusted.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Psalms 37:25 (NIV)

Creature of Habit - By Nina Medrano

2011-07-31T22:37:00.001-05:00

When it comes to parking in “my” parking space at my workplace, I’m a creature of habit. But on this exceptionally windy day, someone else was parked in “my” usual space. In fact, all the other spaces around “my” space were filled up. So, I had to drive to an unfamiliar side of my building to park. Being that the winds were high, about 45 to 50 mph, I had a difficult time exiting my truck without the winds trying to slam the door on my legs. I’m in a hurry to get inside the building so I thought I’d cut across the landscape area. Just as I straddled one leg on the curb and the other stretching across the landscape the automated water sprinklers turned on. On any other hot windy day this would have been a thrill.

But, the cold splash almost caused me to stumble. It was at this moment that I looked down at my steps when a slightly familiar wadded up green piece of paper got my attention.

“Is that a ten dollar bill?” I thought to myself. I bent down to pick up the now wet wadded ten dollar bill and stretched it out to see if it was real. Sure enough, it was real. I was so excited. These types of money findings don’t usually happen to me!

For the rest of the day, each time I had to leave my building I would walk over to “THE” corner spot where I had found the ten dollar –the gift from God—to see if I would find more bills. There was nothing. But, that’s ok. I’ll check it tomorrow.

In fact, for the next several days after this wonderful finding, I would meander over to that same corner, pretending to admire the landscape. But with my foot, I would toss around the wad of leaves trapped in that corner in search for more dollar bills.

After about a week of this I thought “This is insane!” “What is the likelihood that I will find another ten dollar bill at this same spot?” This is crazy!

I wish I could say that I stopped checking the corner but I cannot. Oh, I no longer walk over to that corner and check for money. However, in my mind I would think “Maybe, just maybe.”

Just then I heard the Spirit of the Lord say, “You do this with me too.”

“What do you mean, Lord?” My heart responded.

“When I let you find me and you have this gift of encountering me. It’s a wonderful experience. But then you stop at that place, looking for the same experience. Then you keep going back to the same place still looking for the same experience when I have moved on. “

Immediately the story of the woman at the well comes to mind. In John 4:1-15 Jesus, travels through Samaria and stops at a well because he is thirsty. A woman arrives to pail some water and Jesus strikes up a conversation with this woman. In verses 10-13, Jesus offers the woman “living waters that one will never thirst.”

The woman’s response is “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.” John 4:15 NIV

Sometimes, in order to navigate through life’s events, I move in autopilot. In doing so, I become a creature of habit. Unintentionally, I had dug my own Jacob’s well of past experiences, past anointing, past prophetic utterances. I found myself seeking Him in “past Presence places” and not finding him. I was dehydrating myself spiritually.

How did I get to the place where I was running through life sipping a little bit of his Presence here and there? As I look back I can see the small subtle ways that life’s events encroached into my time with the Lord until there is little to no time spent with Him. A habit was then established; one that leaves me thirsty for the presence of God. But praise God that creatures of habit can be changed.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 in the Amplified Bible (AMP) it reads:

“Therefore if any person is [engrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold the fresh and new has come!”

Father, forgive me for losing sight of our relationship and for substituting it with ritual. Help me to stay in tune with your spirit. Do not allow me to go in a direction where you are not. For in your presence, Lord, is where I want to be. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

You're in the Army Now - By LaVila Henry

2011-07-27T09:17:00.002-05:00

A paralyzing sense of fear gripped my very soul. Cowering in the corner of the fox hole holding tightly the gash in my arm I felt desperately alone. The thunderous sounds of the enemy pounded fiercely around me. “I don’t want to be in the Army,” I whimpered. “This isn’t what I signed up for.”

As the enemy’s ammunition zinged past my head, the helmet I was given at my induction had been my saving grace. Without it I would have been dead. The latest in military protective gear, its exterior was penetration-proof. In it, a communication system linked me directly to my Commander.

Unintended on my part, He had heard my whine. “Soldier,” His authoritative voice said quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. “Our enemy isn’t nearly as strong as he sounds. You have all the equipment you need to defeat him. But you’ve got to USE it.”

“I’m afraid, ” I whispered as tears rolled from my eyes. “I got out of the fox hole and I’m hurt now, Sir. I’m bleeding.”

“Call for the Medic. He can heal your wound and you will be ready for battle again.”

“ Please, Sir. Please. Please. Send someone else to fight instead, and let me stay here.”

“If you stay there you’ll never know victory. You and the rest of My forces stand against evil in this world. I fight with you and for you, but you’re the ones on the front line. I can’t do a thing unless you get out of the fox hole and use your weapons.”

Frustration overwhelmed me. “I don’t know how to use the weapons. I don’t even know what weapons I have.”

“You were given a Training Manual when you were inducted. Did you read it? Did you attend any of the training sessions?” His voice sounded irritated.

“Sorry, Sir, ” I sobbed. “I guess I didn’t know how important it was.”

“Soldier, next to your Commanders it is the most essential thing you have. You need to know that Manual inside and out! It tells you all about the enemy and exactly how we use our weapons to defeat him. If you would have spent time studying the Training Manual, and going to the training sessions, you would have realized how weak our enemy really is. When he gets a look at one of our Soldiers using the arsenal of powerful weapons we’ve been given, he runs.”

“Do you have your Manual with you, Soldier?,” He asked crisply.

“Yes Sir, I do.”

“I’m going to let the Field Commander communicate with you now. You need to read the manual and if you have any questions He will tell you nothing but the truth.”

“Listen up, Soldier! One more thing. There is no place in this Army for fear. It will keep you in the fox hole for the rest of your life. I don‘t fear and you must not either! You got that?! I’ve given you power. Now get yourself prepared, and get out there. Together we can do this. The Victory is ours for the taking.”

... Fight the good fight of faith,. 1 Tim 6:12a (KJV)

… Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7b (KJV)

… God hath not given us the spirit of fear… 2 Tim 1:7a (KJV)

10 … Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT)

Luke 10:19
2 Corinthians 10:4
James 1:22
John 16:13
Hebrews 13:5
Isaiah 53:5

(Please let me know if this Allegory did or did not minister to you. I value your input.)

The Rise of the Godly Woman - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-07-04T10:27:00.003-05:00

Have we really come as far as women as we believe? Born in the 50’s, a teen in the 60’s and a young woman in the 70’s, I’ve seen many movements of women seeking their freedoms in the working world and even their sexual freedom.

Looking back at the generations before me, there have always been women here and woman there who would rise up and prove that it was not impossible for one to step into her God given destiny. Often as not, as a young Christian, I would read stories about missionaries…women missionaries…who were willing to give their own lives for the sake of the gospel like Annie Armstrong.

But each generation as far back as my grandparents who were born in the late 1800’s until present, was identified by the way women dressed or the lifestyle women lived. Let me give you an example. When one thinks of the roaring 20’s, the first image one has is of a flapper in her above the knee dress…defying the traditions of the day. In the 50’s, it was the bobby socked teen with a poodle skirt. The 60’s and 70’s brought the hippie movement and women who freely gave themselves physically, emotionally and spiritually in the pursuit of “love”. Women were at the core of each movement in each generation whether for the good, or the bad.

The present day woman has once again marked this generation. Yet this period is not known just for the dress or the rebellion of the heart or the desire to be loved, but for the death of unborn children…both boys and girls.

I think it is time we change the way the generations to come view us. It is time to be known as women of courage and conviction…women of strength and resolve to do what is right no matter the cost. It is time to no longer be identified by our dress, but by the clothing of righteousness we wear. No longer to be identified by our breasts, but by the breastplate of righteousness…women able to suckle the next generation of women to follow in our footsteps. It is time to really see who we are in the eyes and heart of a heavenly Father who so absolutely adores us so that we can be His women to bring about real change for our world.

This is the season for godly women to step into visible positions of government, politics, health and medicine, media, finance, social and spiritual arenas paving the way for the women of this world to move into a full knowledge of God in them.

Let us become women of courage like Queen Esther of old, ready to put our all on the line to save…not destroy. I pray for the hearts of women to become supple again…supple to receive from our maker His heart so that true change…true righteousness…true freedom can come to us once again.

Let Freedom Ring - by LaVila Henry

2011-06-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

I was slapped in the face with an American flag a few days ago. Sounds violent, doesn’t it! It wasn’t. One of our neighbors flies his flag very close to the sidewalk. When we were on our morning stroll, the West Texas wind was swishing his beautiful flag majestically across the walkway. I didn’t move in time --- and whack!

I love our flag. I love our flag because I love our country. I believe it is still the greatest nation on earth. Our founding fathers paid an enormous price to give us freedom, and they knew what it would take to maintain it. George Washington declared this: “It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.” He also stated, “Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.”

Why is it important to have Christian principles instead of some other religion? Besides my belief that Christ as our Savior is the only true pathway to eternal life, in Christianity’s purest form it is the only religion that is founded on love. We don’t have to read the entire Bible to get the essence. Jesus made it clear. One of the lawyers of His day asked this: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)

That doesn’t mean we’re suppose to tattoo a peace symbol on our ankle and sit around singing Kum Ba Yah. Jesus got irate with those who were filled with pride and arrogance, and those who mistreated others, but His message was love. Matter of fact, as He was hanging on the cross He asked God to forgive the ones who put Him there.

I’m concerned, though. Things appear to be changing in our nation. We seem to be slipping away from our Christian roots---the roots that are fair to both believers and nonbelievers and have kept us free. In many cases we have allowed men and women to govern us who don’t have the morality and religious principles of our founding fathers. Possibly we have been too busy to pay much attention to those principles ourselves.

Let’s make a new commitment. Let’s be students of God’s Word --- the Bible. Let’s love God and our neighbors. Let’s get irate with wrongdoing in our own lives as well as the lives of others. Let’s peacefully take back what we have given away by electing men and women who will use God’s wisdom to govern.

I love our nation. I love all the blessings God has given us. I love that we still have freedom to vote. I love our flag. And this morning I ducked just in time and it didn’t whack me. Happy July 4th. Let’s celebrate with new resolve and a heart of thankfulness.

Mercy and Forgiveness

2011-06-17T08:31:00.000-05:00

"Judgment without mercy will be given to the one who shows no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

One of the biggest traps Christians can find themselves in is the trap of unforgiveness. Mercy by its very definition tells us that we should reach out to the miserable and afflicted with kindness and a desire to help. I can think of no better place to show mercy than to those who have hurt us...those who from the deepest parts of our hearts, according to us, do not deserve to receive forgiveness.

The Word of God is powerful yet sometimes it is easy to minimize it's ability to change a heart. God is always interested in changing the hearts of all the world's inhabitants, a fact which is foundational to the Christian faith. We who are believers have received his mercy and forgiveness, but when it comes to those who have purposely inflicted harm in our own lives, God's ability to change their hearts seems impossible. The impossibility of God's ability to change an evil heart gives us somehow permission to walk without mercy and forgiveness.

But nothing can be further from the truth.

There was a story about a young woman named Mary who had an affair with a married man. In the course of time, she realized that what she was doing was wrong and ended the relationship with tears and a deep sense of loss. As God began healing Mary's heart, she felt the urgency to ask this man's wife for forgiveness so she made arrangements for them to meet. The meeting was short and forgiveness was withheld.

Years later after Mary had married, she received a phone call one afternoon as she was feeding her young daughter. She was surprised that the caller was the wife of the man with whom she had had an affair. After the usual greetings, the woman began to tell Mary that she was divorcing her husband...for he had had a string of infidelities and was unwilling to change.

Mary's heart began to pound and her first thought was that her own family would be drawn into this ugly divorce proceeding. She knew she deserved whatever was about to take place, but hoped her own family would not be hurt as she had hurt this woman and her family. What came next was nothing short of a miracle. Each woman who had ever been involved with this man was to be named in the divorce documentation save Mary. For as it was told to her that day, she was the only one who asked for forgiveness and because of that, she was shown mercy.

What greater gift have we received than forgiveness. What greater gift can we give but the gift of forgiveness. It brings life to a life full of death. It brings release and joy to the one forgiving and breaks the chains of the one forgiven.

Mercy truly triumphs over judgement.

Longing-By Nina Medrano

2011-05-29T20:52:00.000-05:00

Psalm 38:9 (NIV) All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.

The past few months I have been experiencing a spiritual drought—an emptiness that has left a deep crater within me-- a longing for the Lord.

I searched for Him in the scriptures and did not find him. I searched for him in prayer and did not find him. Like the Shunammite woman, I sought him in my private heart s desires, I sought him in church services and women’s meetings, and prophetic camps, but I did not find him. (Song of Solomon 3)

Everywhere I searched I caught only whiffs of His fragrance where I knew he had been but I had just missed him. Oh! My hearts’ longing cried for Him even more.

An old memory rose from the depths of my soul:
I had worked very late one night and was returning back to campus where I attended Bible College. I was travelling on Central Expressway in Dallas, Texas and in the privacy of my car I said to the Lord, out loud, “I love you so much that it hurts to be here!” I was not expecting to hear a response. But, immediately, I heard the Lord laugh and say, “Oh! How I delight in your love for me!” It was the first time that I had ever heard the Lord laugh. He has a beautiful laugh—hearty and full of melody. To hear him respond to my aching heart was so shockingly real that I burst in tears and cried all the way back to my dorm. This happened over thirty years ago.
Last night I was restless--not even TV could fill my void. Unable to sleep, I went to my closet. I pulled out and dusted off my guitar from my college days. I began to re-tune the guitar strings-stretching the cords, back-n-forth, beyond the tension of their present setting until all cords sang harmoniously.

The guitar was not the only thing out of tune. My fingers lacked the rhythm it once knew with the strings. Then, I discovered that my voice was out of tune with my heart. Painstakingly, I pressed on over and over until my fingers began to hurt and stiffen from lack of use.

In my frustration, I cried, out-loud, to the Lord, “I AM LONGING!”

I sensed a gentle prodding to go on…go on and say what it is I am longing for.

“I long for you.”

“I long to hear your voice.”

“I long to see your hand of power.”

“I long to speak your Word and see it perform miracles”

“I long to swing my sword and slay your enemies as in the old days.”

“I long to see hearts radically changed by your Word.”

As I continued to press into my longings, suddenly, a song broke forth, like a dam, rushing waters from heaven spilled into my soul, filling up my spirit, making me whole.

I had finally “found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go,” (Song of Solomon 3:4 NIV).

A Pointed Finger - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-05-23T09:07:00.000-05:00

Growing up, our meals were served at our counter which wrapped halfway around the kitchen. Dinner was always crazy with talk and food and childish shenanigans. Let me give you a for instance. My brother just three years older loved to stick his pointing finger directly at me under the table where only I could see what he was doing; he knew that would set me off. I would begin to whine and complain which would quickly bring the parentals into the picture and discipline would ensue shortly thereafter.

The pointing finger in our lives brings with it the judgment of others, and oh how we detest being judged by others. James said this, "So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

Our friend Daniel of the Lions Den fame was one who felt the pointing finger of judgment against him, yet even in the judgment of his peers, he received mercy from God who deemed him innocent. (NOTE: Daniel's name means "God is my Judge".) This is good news for us when we are judged. But what about our judgment...our pointing finger towards others...are we willing to give mercy instead of judgment?

The law of liberty gives us the freedom to extend mercy (kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them) when we have been judged and when we are tempted to judge others. We faced the roar of the enemy when Christ showed us mercy and gave his own life for us. He judged us righteous because of his blood...shouldn't we also extend the forgiving, merciful blood of Jesus to others?

The bottom line is this...if we want mercy, we must apply mercy to our fellow human beings!

Submission to an Ideology - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-05-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Characteristic to any group is their ideology or their system of ideas and beliefs. When that system is questioned, it sends a ripple of division throughout the entire group. Passions rise on many sides and what we think is common decency in behavior becomes out of control verbiage being hurled at those who were once friends and "comrades in arms".

As Christians, our belief system is constantly being challenged from within and from without. We are pressured to give up our ideas in the name of compromise. We are told that we are rigid and unyielding and downright evil because we do not lay hold of another's ideology.

Without a doubt, we are ready and even expect to be attacked because of our walk with God, but we are often NOT ready for the pressure from the Holy Spirit who speaks to our inner man and tells us that we are wrong. We have submitted ourselves to an ideology, yet have not submitted ourselves to the King of Kings...the Lord of Lords...The Great I AM...The Lord of Hosts...The Wonderful...The Counselor...The Mighty God...The Prince of Peace...The Ruler of our Hearts...

Mere Christianity is this...To love God with all of our hearts, our souls and our minds and to love others as we love ourselves. The World Will Know Us By Our Love...Not Our Judgment. No, that does not mean we compromise what God says is right, but it does mean our resolve should be to pray for our enemies, and do good to those who speak evil of us, for mercy overcomes judgment.

Wasted Time - By LaVila Henry

2011-05-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

Because it’s getting close to a significant milestone in having graduated from high school, I dug out my Senior year book and have been reminiscing. Reading the full page tiny print of some of my best friends telling me to “remember this” and “remember that” has been quite interesting. I hate to inform them, but for many of the entries, I can’t conjure up--- though reaching into the very recesses of my brain--- what in the world they were talking about. But, amazingly, there are some things from high school that are still very vivid. Like the Senior Class Play. Some of my good friends were the actors and when I look at the pictures that were included in our year book, memories rush in. There was the embarrassing kiss that had to be performed by Ron Greenwall and Joan Williams --- even though they weren’t dating. Larry Donat played my father in a very dramatic way. Elaine Lentz was my mother and I was the crazy daughter, Phoebe. (I still have the playbook --- somewhere.) Those memories make me smile.

But to quote Dickens, I can say this about high school: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” One of the latter was shorthand class. For some reason I just couldn’t seem to put enough effort into learning what all those squiggly lines meant. Our teacher was the classy and well loved Mrs. Van Vleck. I detested shorthand, but I hated disappointing Mrs. Van Vleck. It played on my mind for years --- even after graduating and getting married. I was sure Mrs. Van Vleck was still thinking badly of me. I really wanted to let her know that I had turned out okay --- in spite of nearly flunking shorthand. I managed to acquire her address and sent a Christmas letter. She was so gracious in writing back. She even mentioned a picture in the year book. But guess what! The picture she referenced wasn’t me. She didn’t remember who I was!! It was then that I realized all the time I had foolishly wasted feeling guilty over that unproductive class. A quote from the movie, Peggy Sue got Married, applied perfectly. Peggy Sue was transported twenty five years into the past, which was her Senior year in high school. When faced with a quiz in Algebra and having no clue how to answer, her statement to the teacher was, “I happen to know that in the future I will not have the slightest use for Algebra. And I speak from experience.” Have I ever needed shorthand? No! I don’t think it even exists any more. And the teacher, who had taught a zillion other students didn’t remember me. I had punished myself for years over nothing!

Have you ever gotten stuck on something from the past that continues to haunt you? Does anything come to mind? We shouldn’t ignore the Holy Spirit if He prompts us to correct wrongful actions, but when it is something --- like my shorthand class --- that the enemy of our souls is using as a scheme against us, we need to remember what the Word of God says in Romans 8:1. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (KJV)

You may be saying, “But my past indiscretions are a lot more serious than a piddly shorthand class.” Let’s take inventory. If it isn’t something that the Holy Spirit impresses us to correct, and we have asked the Lord to forgive our failures, we must have faith in what the Word says and take it to heart. There is NO condemnation to those who live for Christ. We are free to release it from our souls! Then we can get on with Philippians 3:13b-14. “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

Instead of letting the devil use the times when we fall short against us, let’s press forward in our walk with the Lord---free and full of God’s forgiveness and peace.

The Box - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-05-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

Trapped in an invisible box, the mime with his palms, feels the sides, ceiling and floor of his confinement trying to find a way out. Truly, there are no walls keeping him in, but our mind is tricked into thinking by his precision movements and distraught facial contortions that he is imprisoned. He has taught himself how to give the appearance something is there when it is not, and he has taught himself to think something is there when it is not.

There is a place each of us lives, surrounded by invisible walls. In our own mind, those walls are as real as the walls in our homes. Our box gives us a feeling of safety or perhaps as in the case of the mime, it makes us feel restricted and panicky. In that six sided transparent place, we see people respond in various ways. To the hurt, they quickly extend their walls upward. To the rebellious, they kick at their walls demanding they are free while the walls move inward and their freedom turns to bondage. To the Christian afraid of loosing their own life for the Gospel of the Kingdom, their invisible cage is extended just enough to allow only certain safe people who being like minded merge their boxes and simply make the entrapment larger.

It stands to reason, none of us should live in this manner. So, we must choose daily whether we will be tricked into believing our invisible fortress is powerful enough to hold us captive, or to believe that the dunamus power of the Holy Spirit resides in us to such an extent that we can soar on the wings of an eagle or run through a troop or jump over a wall. To pursue life the way God has envisioned it for us is to see our walls for what they are...moveable and breakable.

How many times have I quoted the verse to myself..."No weapon formed against me shall stand" in desperation mixed with a fraction of hope and a cup of fear unsure what the end result would be. In some cases, I would recoil in my invisible tiny box of hope wondering when the help would come. But when the Spirit of God...the box buster...is full and rich within, rebellion gives way to loving obedience...hurt submits to the freedom of forgiveness and the Christian walk becomes a passion to freely love others whatever the cost.

Again I say, the self-made invisible box is not where we are to reside. It's false, a big fake and a life sucker. Scripture says this..."Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only deceiving yourselves. For he who is a hearer of the word and not a doer is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror...he observes, walks away and instantly forgets what manner of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, that man will be blessed in all he does."

It is liberating to be "out of the box" in Christ, blessed in all you do. Each of you have been called to such a time as this, so don't forget "what manner of man" you are...liberated...free from all those past hurts, disobedience and fears. Get with it girls!

Hope on a Hem - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-04-28T09:31:00.000-05:00

Yes, I was number four in our family. The omega, the last, and the only girl.

Mother had been very sick throughout her fourth pregnancy, and the doctors as well as the family were deeply concerned for her well being. My parents wanted a little girl and this was going to be the last effort.

Mother always called me her Samuel. In a book she prepared for me before I graduated from high school she wrote, "I Samuel 1-11; You are my Samuel - My prayer was the same basically as Hannahs' except I prayed for a girl."

She was a very creative woman who often did not show an emotional side to her character. However, in later years, I discovered her tears were reserved for the prayer closet where with passion and purpose she would petition God on our behalf.

In her life, she saw many impossible situations turn around through her prayers. She found Him to be her only source for help and like the woman with the issue of blood, she had no problem reaching out at the final moment before hope failed to grab the hem of His garment and receive healing for her family.

Today, I was reminded of her and her diligence and perseverance in holding on to God when events waxed bleak. I, my dear sisters, would rather have Him drag me on His hem everywhere He goes, than let go and have the crowds trample me with their feet. As dramatic as this sounds, the truth is, when our hope is gone, our faith struggles.

"Holy Spirit, come. We need healing in our bodies. We grab ahold of you and refuse to let go today. You are our hope...our only hope in times of desperation and in times of joy. Without you, we are trampled by the circumstances of life. Come and heal today all those who are calling out your name and petitioning you for help. Hear our prayers and see our tears, for you are our only hope. Come Holy Spirit, come."

God in the Work Place - by Linda Jones

2011-04-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding"

My husband and I moved here a year and a half ago. We both had to look for new jobs. One of my passions is ministry but my background is medical management and marketing. Since jobs are hard to come by in this economy, I couldn’t afford to just wait around hoping the “perfect” job would appear. The first job I took was very challenging. I wondered why God sent me here. I was miserable. During that time though I was leaning on God and seeking His face daily. I prayed everyday on the way to work and often at work. I was even able to pray with a co-worker when a family member grew gravely ill.

In a short period of about three months I was able to find another job. It felt like longer. Although I had been offered two others, I took the job that felt the safest based on my experience and abilities. I might add that the hours were during the day and the pay was better than the other two offers.

What I learned during this time had a lot to do with trust, patience, and perseverance. I was seeking God, listening for His voice, and trusting He would provide another way. Sometimes in our comfort zone we are too comfortable and find ourselves independent of God. It is sometimes in our weakest moments and trials that we must find the higher power and trust in His sovereignty and be dependent on Him.

Thinking that the job I took had nothing to do with ministry, I’ve been led to pray with our patients on several occasions. I’ve ministered to more people that I could imagine and they have ministered to me. No matter where we are or where God has placed you, you are a minister of His word and able to bring glory to Him. Sometimes we find God in the most unexpected places but never doubt that God cannot find us in those same places. How do you bring Glory to His Name?

"Father God, I pray that I would be an instrument of your love and peace. May I bring glory to your Name in all that I do. May I live each day as if it were my last and may I further your kingdom in ways that I cannot even imagine. Bless the work of my hands. Thank you that You know everything about me and know right where I should be. Direct those that need you and give me the anointing of Your Holy Spirit each and every day to those I come across. It is only through Your Mighty power that I am able to do all things through Christ who strengthens me. May your kingdom come and Your will be done, In Jesus Mighty Name. Amen."

Who Are You as a Woman? - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-04-25T12:36:00.000-05:00

Some years ago, I attended a political rally with a young man I was casually dating. Being a woman of the 70's, supposedly free and very vocal, this was a great opportunity for me to be opinionated and mix in with the men.

My date, a young professional who had just graduated from college, introduced me to a man who was well known in his party. I extended my hand in friendship, but the man simply gave me one look over and went right back to talking with my date not even being courteous enough to shake my hand. As a woman of barely 5'1" I felt myself shrinking in size that evening to the height of a small child. My ears closed to whatever else was politically proposed as my mind replayed again and again the look and the demeaning actions of a man who purported to represent all the people.

A lot of women do not experience just a few moments of being humiliated as a woman, but daily endure the put downs and abusive behavior of someone who says "I love you".

For many years, I've studied the Word of God to find out what God really thinks about women. So, the question today is this - "Who are you as a woman?" or perhaps the inflection should be "Who are YOU as a woman?"

You are loved by God who gave himself for you. You have been made in the image of Christ. You are seated in heavenly places in Him. You have full and open access to the Father as His child. You are a joint heir.

In other words, God thought enough of you to die for you so that you could be resurrected with a new life. You through the Holy Spirit are having the life of Christ being formed in you daily. You are royalty...actually seated in heavenly places in Christ. You can come into His presence day or night and sit down and talk to the Creator of the Universe. You have the same heirship as your brothers in Christ. James says this. "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." We have been brought forth by the word of truth.

Paul said in Christ there is no male or female, because we...in Christ...are the bride. Funny, isn't it, that both men and women are the bride and both men and women are sons and joint heirs?

So, who are you as a woman? You are God's. He will not abuse you nor talk down to you. He will not ignore you. What He will do is speak to you and prod you to forget your old mindset and embrace your position as firstborn. He will call you to places you never dreamed you could go, and to do feats which in your own power would be impossible. He will garner all you have...even your womanhood...and draw you right into the center of His will so that you can be a light on a hill.

Don't despise small beginnings and never despise being a woman. That shell we call "Woman" is as much a part of "your call" as what He has placed inside of you. So too is the color of your skin and the shape of your eye. Therefore, my sisters in Christ, embrace who you are as a woman joyfully!

The Ministry of the Midwife - By Nina Medrano

2011-04-23T11:33:00.000-05:00

Exodus 1:15-21 (NIV)
15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, “Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?” 19 The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” 20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Chances are, if you are a faithful member of a church you have been a midwife in a ministry. Whether you serve in the nursery, or on a worship team, or pastor the sheep, you assist in birthing God’s plan and purpose for His Bride.

Because the ministry of the midwife observes some of the most hidden, private, intimate parts of human nature, you will, at times, be encouraged and at other times you will question whether you should remain in that ministry. Because of this, the enemy tries to recruit the midwife into aborting the purpose and plan of God. It is at this point of questioning that we must guard our heart against the enemy.

What is the enemy’s greatest scheme? Offenses.

If he can recruit us to be offended at the one giving birth then we have given him power to stop God’s plan for the Church as well as for our lives.

What is our greatest protection? The fear of the God.

Psalms 34:7 (NLT) reads, “For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.”

Psalms 61:5 (NLT) reads, “…You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.”

When we choose to stay in the fear of the Lord, God will defend us and will reward us with His intended inheritance.

Does It Matter? - by LaVila Henry

2011-04-18T22:30:00.002-05:00

They were the neighbors across the street. I didn’t know them, but to my young eyes they looked like an ordinary everyday middle-aged couple. Did they have any idea of the impact their actions would have on me? There was definitely no way for them to know how long lasting it would be.

It was nearing Christmas. Because of a farm accident, my dad had been in the hospital hundreds of miles away much of the time for months. Money was tight and Mama and my older sister, Renelda, were working long hours to keep food on the table.

Surprisingly, when Christmas morning arrived there were packages. When I tore away the paper from my gift, the rosy face of a doll was staring at me. Though in perfect condition, I was aware she wasn’t new and I was, truthfully, a little disappointed. Modern dolls had rubbery bodies but her body was cloth. She had a beautiful face and delight took over as I began to play with her. Her eyes would close when I laid her down, and when I tipped her backwards she would say, “Mama.” Her pretty white dress and bonnet were handmade by my mother. Included in the package was a little blue jumpsuit. I could tell it wasn’t home sewn.

Mama told us our gifts came via the kindness of our neighbors. But, who had given Dolly? Amazingly, I would soon find out.

My grandparents lived across the street. For one reason or another, my siblings and I frequented the alley behind their house. Shortly after Christmas while heading for my grandparents back yard I spotted something laying next to the neighbors trash can. It was a little blue bonnet missing a string. It matched perfectly the jumpsuit that had accompanied my doll. So THEY were the ones. This ordinary everyday middle-aged couple had donated Dolly to a family going through tough times. One small act of kindness had brought joy to a pint-sized girl. I will never know if Dolly was of value to them, only that she was special to me.

Why am I telling you a Christmas story in the middle of April? Recently I read an incredible little book, The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews. It tells of real life seemingly insignificant kindnesses and events that produced a chain reaction with world-altering results. It reinforced in me the belief that EVERYTHING we do matters. Whether we smile at the store clerk, wash our family’s clothes, give a second-hand doll to a neighbor, a million dollars to a worthy cause or anything in between--- it matters. What YOU do matters. Do you know that? YOU MATTER! The enemy of our souls likes to tell us otherwise, but he is a liar. God loves us and He will provide us daily with both small and large opportunities to make a difference and bring Glory to His name doing things that matter.

….. let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16 NLT

I still have Dolly. She is wearing her little white dress. The blue jumpsuit and bonnet with one string are folded in a drawer near her. She is still special to me.

(Please write and tell me of a kindness you have given or received that mattered. Who knows. We may want to write a book --- and it will matter.)

Extra Virgin Oil - By Nina Medrano

2011-04-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

Last year, I was diagnosed with Sugar Diabetes. I learned what foods to eat and how to prepare them. I switched to cooking low-carb meals with olive oil. Today, when I see a sale on olive oil I go and buy in quantity. It seems a little strange to open my pantry and see a shelf stocked with bottles of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

I am reminded of the Parable of the Ten Virgins written in Matthew 25: 1-8. Jesus said that “the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish (thoughtless, without forethought) and five were wise (sensible, intelligent, and prudent). For when the foolish took their lamps, they did not take any extra oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil along with them with their lamps. While the bridegroom lingered and was slow in coming, they all began nodding their heads, and they fell asleep. But at midnight there was a shout, Behold, the bridegroom! Go out to meet him! Then all those virgins got up and put their own lamps in order. And the foolish said to the wise, Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” (AMP)

Somehow, I cannot picture us carrying extra bottles of oil as we wait for the coming of our Lord. So, how do we keep extra oil within our lives so that our lamps continue to burn for Him?

Exodus 27:20 says, “You shall command the Israelites to provide you with pure oil of crushed olives for the light, to cause it to burn continually [every night].” (NIV)

In the furnishing of the Tabernacle of God, the oil was to be the best golden variety made from olives, and it was to be pure. Every impurity was to be beaten out.

This sounds like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, doesn’t it? Jesus was crushed and bruised for our wrong doing (Isaiah 53:5)—Jesus is THE Light of the World (John 8:12) Jesus IS the pure--sinless oil and the Light of the World.

We know that oil often refers to the Holy Spirit. So, how does one beat out life’s impurities so that the light of Christ can burn continually?

The Apostle Paul sheds light to this: (Romans 8:12-14) “Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (NIV)

It is amazing how often we encounter opportunities to either indulge or crucify our fleshly, earthly desires! Every time we choose to follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit we beat out the impurities of this flesh. We crush and put to death the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life so that the light of Christ can shine more brightly in this dark world.

At midnight, when the shout alarmed the virgins of the Bridegroom’s coming, all ten virgins responded by putting their lamps in order. There is a prophetic sound being released to the Bride, a call in the night, if you will. “The Bridegroom is coming!”

Is your lamp in order?

True Equality

2011-03-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

True equality comes only in Christ Jesus our Lord. He is the one who shed His blood for us so that we could be reconciled to the Father. We now as believers have total access to the God of the Universe who loves us. That is true equlity. That is the Kingdom of God coming in this earth.

James 1:9-10 says this...
"Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God], And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away." Amplified Bible (AMP)

If you have ever been around a godly person who is in a humbling circumstance, they know that in Christ, they have been elevated into heavenly places with Him. For a godly person who has wealth, they know that everything they have is really His for His purposes. After all, both will one day pass away, but in this life because of Christ in them, they are equal.

It is not about the haves and have nots, it is about walking out our situations loving God and totally, and I do mean totally, listening and responding to Him and loving others. After all the only commandment Jesus gave us was this... "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." When we love each other regardless of our positioning in life, then we mirror heaven and bring the Kingdom here to earth.

Social equality will never work because it is based upon unequal hearts. It takes hearts submitted toward God to find true equality.

Blessings, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (teaching of peace)

I Forgot - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-03-22T09:31:00.004-05:00

Often, I find myself in the book of James...always at the Holy Spirit's request and usually as a reminder to watch my tongue. So when He again prompted me to start reading James' writings, my response was like a child being sent to her room, with dropped shoulders and a forlorn look, shuffling off to read the painful passages once again.

But here I sit, writing this post having found great joy in hearing His Word through this book. There is so much to write about, but what comes to mind today is the idea about forgetting.
---

None of us like to forget important details or appointments. What is worse...for us gals...is to get sidetracked in getting dressed and find out after we are at work or out in public somewhere that we only put mascara on one eye. The distraction of the phone or a "Mom, did you see my...." can mean that our makeup is put on in parts. Part one, when we really mean to do it all but end up only getting the foundation on. Part two, the blush, comes after we remind our child that they have to get their lunch ready. Part three is hopefully the eyes and lips, but often there is so much going on by this time that often the lipgloss or lipstick is relegated to being applied in the car...while driving.

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If you are like me, when I get to work, there is no checking to see if I look cute and put together. Instead, after I clock in, I'm in a gear up cycle to get things done. The shock comes after several hours and I head to the bathroom to...well you know...and find Part three was not completed and there I stand with one eye done and the other looking bare.

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Truly, I looked in the mirror when putting on my makeup, but somewhere along the way, I forgot what I looked like. It wasn't until I looked in the mirror again that I realized what I had forgotten to do.
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That is why James said that we should be doers of the Word and not hearers only. When we hear and stop there, we are like someone who looks in the mirror intently then walks away forgetting what we saw. When we follow through with doing, then what we read and what we heard and what we saw becomes life to us and blessings follow.

---

Think about it. How many times have we gone to a conference and heard a powerful teaching, or had a great "quiet time" only to find 24 hours later we had forgotten most of what we heard. It is putting what we learned into motion that matters...not just the amount of good Word we hear. This is not a call to spend more time in front of the mirror making sure our makeup is perfect, but it is a call to not let God's Words die on the vine through inactivity.

---

Guess what, this is for me too...

James 1:22-25

"Holy Spirit, open our ears to hear and our hearts to do. You gave us legs and feet, arms and hands, mouths and voices to carry through with what you said. May our members, each and every part follow the Word you have given us. Remind us until we gaze in the mirror and walk away with the likeness of Christ and His word burned into our minds our wills and our emotions so we can be changed."

Is Fear A Four Letter Word? - By LaVila Henry

2011-03-17T22:29:00.002-05:00

The headline reads, "Fifth Largest Earthquake In History Hits Japan; Thousands Dead." Sorrow touches our hearts and then FEAR rises up and our minds begin to play the “what if” game. What if something like that takes place here? What if God doesn't protect us? What if He doesn’t really hear our prayers?

The things happening on this earth are no surprise to God. There isn’t room here for a full-fledged discussion about events to come, but centuries ago the Bible stated there would be earthquakes in different places. In His foreknowledge, God allowed His servants who were writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to describe some of the very things this world is experiencing today. In Luke Chapter 21, verses 25 and 26 we read, “….. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world,… (NIV). A nation in anguish and a roaring and tossing sea describes the situation in Japan with amazing accuracy? God even forewarned us that the events would be terrifying. The King James translation says, “Men's hearts failing them for fear.”

So, what does that mean to us as Christ Followers? First, we must know the only fear that is from God is the Holy fear we have for Him - the One and Only True God - Jehovah, Son, and Holy Spirit - Creator of all things, whose thoughts and ways are far superior to ours.

God is clear about any other type of fear. His Word says, “… God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7 (KJV) The “terror” kind of fear is definitely not from God. What we receive from Him is, power, love, and a sound mind.

Another particularly potent word for us is found in Isaiah 41:10 and 13. It says, “… do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (NIV) God doesn’t promise a life without turmoil, but He’s always there to strengthen, uphold and help us. He says He is close enough to take hold of our hand.

Have you ever pictured yourself with God holding your hand? When he was small, our son Kelly, somehow got the notion that he could run faster than cars. Until he got past that phase, for his own protection I watched with vigilance and held his hand tightly whenever we were near traffic. He was oblivious to the danger, but I knew the deadly consequences of his mistaken belief. As I think of how diligently I protected Kelly and reconfigure the image with God as the protecting parent holding my hand it gives me a sense of security and well being.

So when we encounter tragic events, let’s not be dismayed. Let’s rely on God’s Word, kick fear to the curb, hold on to God’s hand for dear life, and march forward with confidence.

Matthew 24:7, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:11, 1 Peter 2:17 KJV, Isaiah 55:8-9

Kingdom Strategy Part Two - By Nina Medrano

2011-03-01T16:48:00.000-06:00

In the “Kingdom Strategy Part One” article, I shared three specific strategies in exercising kingdom authority over the spiritual strongman and demonic bullies that terrorize and torment the new believer.

These are:

• Be alert, pray in the Spirit

• Bind and cast out the strongman and his goods

• Ask the Holy Spirit how to pray

Here is a story which illustrated this strategy!

There was a young newlywed couple who came to Christ and shortly after attending church began to experience a number of spiritual attacks that led them to say, “Ever since we started going to church we seem to argue and fight more! It’s too hard to go through this anymore!” It wasn’t long before they stopped attending church, ministry, and home fellowship.

For four months there was no communication with this precious young couple. So, when the Holy Spirit revealed the specific kingdom strategies mentioned above, I began to apply them. As I prayed in the Spirit I noticed that certain word pictures or verses of scripture came to mind so I quickly jotted them down...fiery darts (from Psalm 91), cruse of oil, and angels chanting day and night.

Then, I sensed the Holy Spirit lead me to exercise spiritual authority over the Spirit of Retaliation and the demon companions, Cruelty, Destruction, Hatred, Hurt, Sadism and Spite. And, according to Matthew 12:29, I began to “bind the strongman and carry out his goods.” The prayer went something along these lines:

“By the authority of Christ and of his Holy Spirit, I bind up the spirit of Retaliation and the demon spirit Cruelty, Destruction, Hatred, Hurt, Sadism and Spite, in the name of Christ Jesus! Your works are exposed and you have no authority in the lives of this couple! You are bound from intimidating and terrorizing this couple and I cast you out from their lives, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! Begone in Jesus name!”

The Holy Spirit then led me to pray and supernaturally remove every poisoned fiery dart embedded in the heart and mind of this couple. Next, I prayed for the Spirit to pour healing oil upon the wounds inflicted by the enemy‘s darts. Finally, the Spirit instructed me to ask the Father to dispatch Ministering Angels to come and minister the Word of God to this couple, day and night by saying:

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” Psalms 84:10

A few days later I received a phone call. The following Sunday they were in church, and the following Wednesday they came to our home for ministry. When I asked them what caused them to go to church on Sunday, the wife said that she awoke in the middle of the night with the thought that they should go. She then awakened her husband... at 3a.m...and asked him if they could go to church!

(…day and night, they never stop saying: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere” Psalms 84:10)

Praise God for the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom!

(Part One of this article is immediately following Part Two.)

Kingdom Strategy Part One - By Nina Medrano

2011-02-17T22:49:00.000-06:00

The disciples asked Jesus “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Jesus’s response was, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.” Matt. 13:10-11 NIV

We have been given the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom. We have been given authority over rulers, principalities, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48 NIV).

Have you noticed that when a new believer comes to Christ there is an immediate attack against them? More times than not, the new believer will back away from their Christ encounter because of the enemy’s bombardment.

Jesus reveals Kingdom strategy on how to deal with such attacks in the story of the two demon-possessed men in Matthew 8:28-34 AMP:

"And when He arrived at the other side in the country of the Gadarenes, two men under the control of demons went to meet Him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce and savage that no one was able to pass that way. And behold, they shrieked and screamed, What have You to do with us, Jesus, Son of God? Have You come to torment us before the appointed time? Now at some distance from there a drove of many hogs was grazing. And the demons begged Him, If You drive us out, send us into the drove of hogs. And He said to them, Begone! So they came out and went into the hogs, and behold, the whole drove rushed down the steep bank into the sea and died in the water. The herdsmen fled and went into the town and reported everything, including what had happened to the men under the power of demons. And behold, the whole town went out to meet Jesus; and as soon as they saw Him, they begged Him to depart from their locality."

Why would the whole town beg Jesus to leave when he just restored them safe passage? If you picture this scene like an old western movie, you have a whole town being bullied and terrorized by these fierce and savage demons. Then one man rides into town, Jesus, who single-handedly gets rid of the bullies and restores safe passage. But instead of receiving Christ whole-heartedly they fear retaliation. The Spirit of Retaliation is a stronghold with demonic companions called cruelty, destruction, hatred, hurt, sadism, and spite. Their job is to block the passage to Christ by intimidating and terrorizing new believers.

In Matthew 12:29 Jesus gives us another kingdom strategy when he says that “we must first bind the strongman then we can carry off his goods.”

When a new believer comes to Christ it is up to us to put on the whole armor of God and exercise our kingdom authority over the spiritual strongman and demonic bullies that terrorize and torment the new believers’ life. How do we apply these kingdom strategies? Be alert, and pray in the Spirit. Bind and cast out the stronghold of the Spirit of Retaliation and it's demon bullies. Ask the Holy Spirit for a specific scripture verse to use as a prayer and pray this word over the new believer.

Truth Decay - By Petra Harbour

2011-02-12T22:17:00.000-06:00

Justifying ends, justifying means, slipping and sliding towards being free.

A conscience without a foothold, a compass to where?

You drown in your choices, but why should we care?

The scars of the game are not to be mocked,

its victims so many, we should be in shock.

But you’re in denial of your disease,

fighting so hard for your release.

Let’s break these bonds, cast off these chords.

Deny truth in revelation, meaning in words.

There’s nothing beyond reason, the sky’s within reach,

as you’re chopping away at the ground beneath your feet.

Eternal words whisper; There’s pride before the fall.

To deny one’s Creator is the greatest pride of all.

A lie to deceive them, for they love not the truth.

Evil destroys the wicked. you’ll know them by their fruit.

It’s to Pharisees He said the kingdom is within

You can’t break its laws, you are broken by sin.

what’s violation of purpose, when purpose is denied?

When truth is picked and chosen, all is justified.

Petra and her husband Matt both work with Rivendell Sanctuary, in Bloomington MN. Rivendell is an 18-month, higher-learning, biblical worldview program focused on preparing high school graduates to excel academically, spiritually, morally and socially in college and citizenship. Matt is on faculty, while Petra helps to develop the spiritual formation component of the program.

For more information: http://www.rivendellsanctuary.com/

My Faithful Valentine - By LaVila Henry

2011-02-12T16:06:00.000-06:00

Have you ever put the postage stamp on your own Valentine? Well, this year I did. Lest you think I sent it to myself, let me explain.

My husband Paul was sending his annual package of Valentines addressed to me, our kids and now the grand kids ahead of time to the post office in Loveland, Colorado. There they are specially stamped with a Valentine poem and sent out with the postmark from the Land of Love.

Since Paul and I have been pretty much attached at the hip the last year since moving to Lubbock, I was with him when we mailed them. After they were properly weighed, we began to place a postage stamp on each one before sliding it into the big envelope to begin its round trip from Texas to Colorado and back. There in my hand was the one addressed to me. It seemed a little strange to be holding it and as I commented, the postal lady said, “Well, at least you know you’re getting one.” Yes, I knew. I’m very grateful that my husband is ALWAYS faithful to send me a Valentine.

I recently ran across my stack of Valentines from Loveland, and realized that Paul has been performing this special task for more than thirty years. (No, that is not a typo.) More than thirty years. Talk about faithfulness! And thinking about it made me curious concerning the word “faithfulness” so I looked it up. One of my dictionaries gives this definition: Consistently loyal, consistently trustworthy, especially to a person or promise. And since I am always on a quest to see what the Bible says on a particular subject I continued my search there.

In the King James Bible the word “faithfulness” is found nineteen times --- all in the Old Testament. I was surprised to discover that every time, every single time, it is talking about God’s faithfulness to us, not our faithfulness to Him. At that revelation a little surge of thanksgiving ran through my soul. We serve a God who is consistently loyal, and consistently trustworthy, to His people, and His promises. There have been times when circumstances have made me doubt God’s faithfulness, but the reality is that God’s Word trumps circumstances every time. And in the end that has always proved to be true. What wonderful news for us all!
So at this Valentine season I want to say, “Thank you, Paul, my love, for your faithfulness, and thank you my Heavenly Father that you are consistently loyal, and consistently trustworthy to Your people, and Your promises.”

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 89:1 (KJV)

If you would like to send your Valentines to Loveland for their special poem and postmark do this: A few weeks before Valentines Day prepare them with proper addresses and stamps, package them together and mail to:

Postmaster
Valentine Re-mailing
446 E. 29th St.
Loveland, CO 80538
They will be sent the week before Valentines Day.

"Don't Chase Any Fly Balls" - By Cheryl Goforth

2011-02-05T13:30:00.003-06:00

Al, my husband, loves to tell this story from his childhood. It took place when he was around the age of eleven...

Being an avid baseball fan, it was not unusual for him to watch the local teams play on any given Saturday afternoon. So, on such a day, his mother drove him to the field with explicit instructions, "don't chase any fly balls". Apparently, this was the norm for the boys because each baseball recovered meant a trip to the concession stand for a free coke. Unfortunately, there had been incidents of arms broken from failed attempts to climb over the fence and there was an even bigger issue of the boys chasing each other out into the street oblivious to the passing cars.

Al wanted a coke that day and asked his mother for money but after checking her purse found she didn't have any change. She knew her son well enough so she again made him promise that he would NOT chase any fly balls. Like most boys his age, the promise he gave his mother was soon forgotten .

With the first fly ball, some of those high testosterone youngsters ran into the street in pursuit of that free coke, and Al was one of them. Suddenly he heard the screeching of tires and looked up only to find that the screeching came from his mother's car. That was the end of the game for Al. Interestingly enough, she had gone home to get some change and was bringing him money for a coke.

Peter was like that. He willingly obeyed the voice of Jesus to "come", walk on water, but soon forgot His voice and needed His hand to keep from drowning. You know Al heard the voice of his mother that day at the baseball field, yet in the end, she had to save him from being hurt.

I'm thankful for the hand of Jesus reaching out to me and saving me in times of trouble, but I love His voice as he talks to me face to face like a friend...from the same lips which spoke the entire world into existence. Al was about to receive simply by obeying his mother's voice. In the end, he received safety and discipline but nothing more.

It is obvious that we all need saving...that's why Jesus died and rose again, but Jesus said He came to give us abundant life and that comes through that face to face relationship of talking and responding to his voice out of a heart of gratitude. Perhaps the best way I can explain this is that when I listen to His voice, it is like looking into His eyes. In his eyes I can see his heart. When I see His heart, I am more apt to respond to His voice. When He speaks and all I look at is His hand, I miss His heart, the joy of His love and find myself thinking He should have done more.

The Kingdom Within - by LaVila Henry

2011-02-01T17:37:00.015-06:00

...Behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:21b(KJV)

“I’m not going to be a Christian anymore,” I shouted after darting up the stairs and collapsing onto the bed. I’d spoken it out loud, and I was glad. Things had been too hard, and it seemed that God was nowhere to be found. Why even try any longer.

The Air Traffic Controllers had gone on strike. As an ATC supervisor, my husband Paul was right in the thick of things. He was among the minority who had continued to work. There were double shifts with no days off for weeks on end, picket lines to cross, and threats of physical violence to both workers and their families. But worst of all, betrayal and years of friendships lost. The stress on the community was horrendous and our marriage reminded me of that picture you’ve seen of a frazzled cat with the caption that reads, “I’ve only got one nerve left --- and you’re on it.”

"I've only got one nerve left---and you're on it"

Sometimes it’s a little thing that pushes you off the cliff. An ongoing unexplainable mechanical problem with our car did the trick. The car had quit again --- in the street in front of our house. We tried to push it up the incline of the driveway into the garage without success --- and after our yelling match was over, somehow it was all my fault. At that point I felt something break inside me and with tears of frustration and feelings of emotional exhaustion I took my wounds and headed for the house in disgust.

“I’m not going to be a Christian anymore!” My statement was determined and I MEANT IT! As I lay there in the silence waiting and almost hoping for a bolt of lightning to come streaming through the window and strike me dead, something totally unexpected happened. From deep within me a voice spoke. “It’s too late,” it said. “I’m already here.”

There was no wondering about who was speaking. I had studied enough scripture to know the One who had come to live in me when Jesus became my Savior. It was the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth who had spoken. Unfortunately, I had allowed my present stress-saturated situation to drown out the One who wanted to do the most for me. But right then He had spoken --- and I heard. He wasn’t angry. It was a voice of love.

Our circumstances remained the same that day, but that word from God, through His Holy Spirit changed me. Light had penetrated my darkness and I knew God was with me and bigger than my troubles. As the weeks and months passed, we could see God’s hand at work as the problems that tried to destroy us ever so slowly melted away. And this may be where you would like the story to read, “And they lived happily ever after.” The fact is that in the 30 years since the Air Traffic Control strike we’ve had other difficulties and challenges. But God has been faithful to grow His Kingdom bigger and stronger in us. As we continue to learn, our highs are higher and our lows no longer take us to the depths.

God is no respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) What He’s done for us, He’ll do for you. No matter what you are going through right now, run to Him. His voice is calling and He’s wanting to say to you, too, “I’m already here.”

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. John 14:16-17 Amplified

Kingdom Usefulness - By Nina Medrano

2011-01-09T00:07:00.000-06:00

Recently, the Holy Spirit woke me up at 4 a.m. prompting me to drive around our city and to pray according to Luke 15 (NIV), The Parable of the Lost Coin.

“Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

As I drove around our city, I began to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to ‘sweep across our city’, look for the lost coins, the lost sons, daughters, father, mothers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren—who have lost their way home.

I asked the Lord to light the demonic dark and hidden places in this city; turn on the ‘search lights’ in the drug-users homes, in the houses of prostitution, under the bridges, in the night clubs, in the pornographic businesses. Drive back the demonic strongholds! Break off the chains of addiction, shame, poverty, and financial ill-gains!

By this time I am groaning and weeping uncontrollably, as I ask the Spirit to search and find our lost-loved ones and to restore them to Abba Father’s House and to their families—restore them to Kingdom usefulness, restore them to divine purpose, restore them to Kingdom positions of prophets, teachers, pastors, evangelists, and apostles.

The Holy Spirit continues to amaze me as he knows what I ought to pray. He (the Spirit) intercedes for the lost coins—the predestined saints in accordance with God’s will (Romans 8:27 NIV):

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

Kingdom Response - By Nina Medrano

2011-01-05T18:06:00.000-06:00

Do you ever find yourself, absentmindedly, hum a tune over and over again—singing the same stanza? Often, when I am preoccupied with life, the Holy Spirit draws my attention back to him through song.

It has been three days now that I have been stuck singing the same verse. Like a deep scratch on a CD, I am unable to move on to the next stanza of the song of the Lord.

“Blessed be Your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name”

I’m sitting in traffic when a feeling of heaviness settles on me and I begin to weep for the people whose ‘road is marked with suffering’ and their pain is too great to bless the Lord’s name!

It’s difficult to raise your hands in praise when you’ve grown weary waiting for breakthrough, year after year; it’s difficult to bless His name when you are losing your home; when your husband didn’t come home last night; when your teenage daughter is diagnosed with pre-cancer cells; when bad choices have placed you in prison; when your wife left you and your three little children; when there is no money to pay for electric in the winter; when you get laid off before the holidays; when your First Time Home Buyers Credit check is delayed almost a year now.

“Every blessing You pour out

I'll turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in, Lord

Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord”

During the time when David is fearfully running from Saul, in I Samuel 21, David finds himself in a life-threatening situation and in order to save his life he pretends to be insane—to be a ‘madman’ (I Samuel 21:14 NIV). It is from this episode of life that drives David deeper into his relationship with God—producing Psalm 34.

Upon receiving the overwhelming news of the loss of his livestock and livelihood –including the sudden tragic death of his ten children, Job falls to the ground and worships the Lord! (Job 1:20-21)

When life’s crises mark our lives and render us stuck—unable to move to the next stanza. Let us strengthen and encourage each other to remain true to the faith, as David and Job did, let us fall to the ground and worship the Lord. No matter what overwhelming news befalls, still I will say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord!”

http://www.eyeslyrics.com/lyrics/m/matt-redman/blessed-be-your-name

Acts 14:22 - “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said” (New International Version, ©2010)

The Kingdom of Light

2010-12-29T09:08:00.000-06:00

Matthew 6:22

"The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light."

This little verse is nestled between the verses "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" and "ye cannot serve God and mammon." We've often thought about this verse in the context of finances...giving vs. hoarding. Matthew 6:22 is the heart of the chapter instructing us to remember to be full of His light instead of refusing His light and ending up living in darkness.

There is something about our pocketbook which shines a light on our charity to others. Jesus says that our eye needs to be single. A better rendering is that we need to fulfill our purpose. When the eye is full of light, the entire body is illuminated. When the eye is full of darkness, the entire body is full of great darkness. When we hold onto our money and put a darkness between ourselves and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we experience that great darkness Jesus talks about.

That darkness begins to take on the form of hoarding and turns into the face of idolatry. Our eye becomes darkened to see those whom He has called us to bless. Instead, we seek to be blessed so that we can be blessed. Notice again that fulfilling our purpose brings light into our body and is like a lamp on a hill for others. Giving is part of our purpose, but it must be done out of a heart willing to obey the voice of the Holy Spirit.

I remember years ago working with a young married woman who became totally dependent upon me. This became apparent to me when she called me one day and asked me to go buy her some stamps because she was unwilling to walk the block herself. I was about to leave the house to do her bidding when the Holy Spirit told me to not go, that I was to back away from this dependent relationship. He told me that if I continued "helping" that I would cripple her spiritual growth and I would be going against His will.

As hard as it was for me, I called her back and told her what the Holy Spirit had spoken to me. Years later, I ran into her at a children's conference. She was radiant and totally different.

It is important to know when NOT to give and equally important to know when TO give.

I'll never forget the evening our worship team was asked to sing at a little church. After the worship, we all sat down to hear the preacher speak. His voice irritated me and his message was even more irritating. After the pastor finished, he sent the buckets around to pick up the offering. I could hear the Holy Spirit saying to empty my checking account by writing a check to this church. Not on your life was I going to do that. This guy wasn't even scriptural and was trying to extract cash from his congregation. My eye became darkened to the voice of God and I went home that night fuming about the entire service.

The next morning, after a lousy night's sleep, I wrote the check and drove back to that little church. The door was locked and there was no one there so I slipped the money under the door. It was later that I learned that this little church was facing having their lights turned off and the check was the exact amount to cover the bill.

Let your light shine today...you never know whose light you will save by listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

The Kingdom of God Forgiveness…righteousness, peace and joy

2010-12-24T05:15:00.000-06:00

A deeper peace and joy can be achieved by forgiving. Having peace makes life so much more enjoyable when all in the world is going crazy. Focus in on God and the life He has for you when you follow His ways.

Romans 14:17

The kingdom of God is not meat nor drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy.

The Kingdom of God Forgiveness...Soul Wounds

2010-12-23T05:12:00.006-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

When I was teaching they told us that a child that lashed out at others, was hurting inside himself. Soul wounds need to be healed to be able to establish healthy relationships and function with peace and joy in our lives.

If I were to ask you what is hurting you, I am sure you could name several things off the top of your head. Start with those to forgive and ask God for healing. Then ask God to reveal to you anything else that is painful for you until you receive a peace you have never felt before. As I said before, forgiveness is a daily activity.

Don’t wait for the person to admit their offense against you. They may never do that, but that does not mean you can’t release yourself in order to move on . It’s not your responsibility to change your offender. You can not correct the error of their behavior. Only God can change the heart of man.

Ephesians 6:11-17

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Kingdom of God Forgiveness…pride

2010-12-22T17:19:00.001-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Pride often times keeps us from forgiving others. If only we allow ourselves to break through the pride to win the freedom forgiveness gives, how liberated we could feel. In my own experience God has shown me where I went wrong as well.

Step 1: Make the decision to forgive. Then say “I forgive (person’s name) for (specific dead). The Lord may tell you to say it to them face to face. If they are no longer living or for whatever reason you can’t be face to face with them, write it down. Perhaps you can’t bring yourself to be face to face with them right now, write it down.

Step 2: Ask God to heal the hurt and/or anger you’re feeling. This is a vital step in the process. In my experience healing of feelings was not instantaneous, but took time. Every time Satan chimed in to stick the knife in and twist, I would repeat “I forgive ___ for ___. God is healing the hurt I feel,” You may or may not forget the person and situation, but once God heals the hurt, you will no longer feel that hurt or anger when the person or situation comes to mind.

The Kingdom of God Forgiveness...Offender

2010-12-22T05:09:00.000-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

There are many times we offend others. We feel we are totally right; therefore we do not need to ask for their forgiveness. Wrong! When we offend another person, we need to ask their forgiveness. You might say, “But they deserved it.” Or “But I was right and they were wrong. They should be asking my forgiveness.” Forgiveness does not have to say “I’m right and you’re wrong.” Or “I’m wrong and you’re right.” It may be a matter of agreeing to disagree. You may realize you are not going to change the other person’s mind and you do not intend to change your mind, but you want to clear the air so that you can move on without a broken relationship and hurt feelings.

Step 1: Ask the person to forgive you for the offense.

Step 2: Right there out loud say “God, please heal the hurt that (person) feels, because of (specific situation). Please heal the hurt that I feel as well. In Jesus name I pray.

A few summers ago, I was visiting my sister-in-law. She was taking care of her 6 year old granddaughter. My sister was visiting from California and we were going in to town to shop. My sister-in-law wanted us to take Shelly with us. I was not going to take responsibility for any child who refused to mind. It made my sister-in-law furious and defended her granddaughter. Seeing the problem my statement created, I apologized and asked her forgiveness. I still felt I was in the right and had no intention of taking her with us when she did not mind any adult.

The Kingdom of God Forgiveness...Health

2010-12-21T05:05:00.000-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Scientists tell us that when we experience negative feelings, it changes the chemistry in our body that if sustained for a period of time causes a change in our brain and creates inflammation in our body that leads to all kinds of health issues.

Unforgiveness towards a person effects how we relate not only to that person and situation but to everyone in our life and every situation. Unforgiveness is pure and simple poison. Holding on to unforgiveness allows Satan to take control.

I Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

In holding on to unforgiveness, we allow Satan to take us on a whirlwind of destruction destroying relationships and preventing us from being who God created us to be.

The Kingdom of God...Decision

2010-12-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Forgiving is a decision, not a feeling; therefore it needs to be exercised consciously every day.

You may be saying, “But you don’t know how I feel.” Or “But you don’t know what they did to me.” Or “They don’t deserve my forgiveness.” Or “I don’t feel like forgiving them.” No I don’t know how you feel or what they did to you. They probably don’t deserve your forgiveness and I understand you don’t “feel” like forgiving them, but I do know what God tells us. And that is that we are to forgive others in order to be forgiven.

In the book A CHILD CALLED IT, a little boy was abused physically, emotionally, and verbally by his mother over and over and over so severely that he should have died many times. He was starved, poisoned, stabbed, burned, put out in the cold, and neglected. He was never hospitalized or treated for any of the physical abuse. His dad turned a blind eye and walked out on him and the family. His mother was never arrested or convicted for her heinous treatment of him and his siblings; yet he forgave her and his dad. He knew if he were to survive he had to forgive.

When we forgive, it allows us to move on. Without forgiveness we are bound to that person and situation(s) mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually until we consciously forgive that person for what they did (Be specific naming names and listing specific situations.). Unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God. Forgiveness releases the person and situation to God for Him to do a work in them. What is more comfortable, the pain and weight of unforgiveness or the peace and joy of forgiveness

The Kingdom of God...command

2010-12-19T17:00:00.000-06:00

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

To achieve peace and joy, we must do what God tells us to do. God commands us to forgive.

Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. “But if you do not forgive men, their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Notice that there are no “buts…” or “ifs…” There are no qualifications to forgive. It does not say “If the person deserves forgiveness”. It does not say “If the person asks to be forgiven,” It does not say “If you feel like forgiving them,” It says we are to forgive no matter what they have done or how many times they have offended us in order for God to forgive us. Forgiving does not mean allowing people to take advantage of us or to abuse us, but we can forgive the person and the deed. Forgiveness does not make the misdeed okay, but it allows you to move on and releases the other person for God to do a work in him.

One time I was hearing a lady interviewed on the 700 Club concerning forgiveness. Her son’s friend had offended him. To teach him about forgiveness, she had him fill his backpack with books and put it on his back. From time to time he would ask to take it off. She said no. Finally she told him that when he could forgive his friend and ask God to heal the hurt, he could take it off. The weight of the books was to show him how heavy unforgiveness is and weighs us down.

I don’t know about you, but I am not so spotless that I don’t need God to forgive me. I want to be first in line for His forgiveness daily. I do not want to carry that burden. We must do our part by willingly and consciously forgiving and asking God to do His part in healing the hurt.

Don't Forget to Give

2010-12-17T21:31:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a time for giving, so don't forget to give! The message is simple.

Our dear friends Drew and Dawn Brown once said that they asked God each time money came into their hands this question... "Is this seed to sow or bread to eat?" This is wise counsel when you think that often when a windfall comes our way, we have the money spent before it touches the palm of our hand!

Working in retail, you get pretty good at discerning whether people are good with their money and whether they are givers or self serving individuals by their shopping habits.

The most memorable shoppers are the "grab the first thing you see" ones who are ready to leave the moment they walk in the store. They are usually knocking on the front door 10-15 minutes before the store opens and groan at you as they finally get in. Then there are the "what can I buy" individuals who are just ready to buy anything, even if they face regrets the next day. (This shopper usually comments that they really shouldn't be buying all this!) The penny pincher is there for bargains only and loves to find fault with a product in order to get a better deal. The careful shopper has a list and knows just how much they are willing to spend and a very good idea of exactly what they want to purchase. And finally there is the average shopper who is a combination of the above. (Oh, and lest I forget, there actually is one more type of shopper...the "shopper lifter" who has the mentality that "stealing is okay because I need and deserve this". )

Giving is not a pain, nor is it something that is done under guilt or duress. Giving involves your best gift whether it is $1 or $1,000. Giving can be planned with the understanding that it just might mean, God will nudge you to do more or less. It involves giving what you have...not what you don't have. Giving is something we do because it is in the very nature of God to give. It is simply doing what He does out of love. You see, everything God does is because he loves us. He has given us every good gift He has and yet He never runs out of resources or gifts. His gifts to us came through the sacrifice of His Son.

So, ask your self this question each time you are blessed..."Is this seed to sow, or bread to eat?" If it is seed to sow, give it in joy. If it is for your daily needs, receive it. Either way God answers, your obedience will keep God's blessings flowing in your life.

Rejoice, for the Kingdom of God has Come!

2010-12-09T17:39:00.001-06:00

Whenever the prefix re is used, it means again. Rejoice means gladness or joy, but it has a greater meaning...that of having joy again or in a greater way.

For a writer, the term "re-write" is usually received with groans even though it is just a part of producing a good written piece. For a furniture repairman, to "re-upholster" means to re-place the cloth or skins used to cover a chair or couch. To "re-gain" your strength is to once again have the strength lost through sickness or strenuous exercise. But for the person who "re-joices" in the Lord, she is to again and again find joy in exuberant expression towards her God. It is not as though she lost her joy, but that she is ramping up the joy which was hers to begin with. It is joy multiplied!

This is the season to remember the rule and reign of Christ...His coming to us in the same manner in which we enter this world, as a babe. The words from Nehemiah 8 declare that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah is a great book to "re-read".) For when the people of his day heard the words of the law, they wept, but Ezra the priest told them to celebrate with food and drink and with the sending of food gifts to those who had nothing because the joy of the Lord was their place of safety, fastness, harbour and stronghold. The joy of remembering the coming of the Lord is your strength. And again remembering that now, this day, the Joy of Him living within is our strength.

Rejoice my friends because over 2,000 years ago our saviour was born.

Nehemiah 8:10-11 "And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Kingdom of Forgiveness

2010-12-02T09:10:00.000-06:00

This morning as I was getting ready for work, I was overwhelmed by thoughts of God's great forgiveness for me.

Working in retail, one tends to see the good, the bad and the ugly side of human nature. For the most part, people are kind, but for some reason it is easy to remember those who lashed out over something as meaningless as a $2 necklace.

Several years ago, a woman came into a store upset because the wall cross she had purchased the week before was now on sale and she wanted the clerk to give her some of her money back. The woman behind the register calmly explained that the cross was not on sale when she purchased it and no money would be returned. Angrily the customer stormed out and called the owner of the store complaining about how her purchase was handled. The end result was that the customer received the discount and the clerk was reprimanded. Of all the nice people who entered the store that Christmas season, one woman was remembered above all others, and it was the woman with the "cross".

Having a cross to bear is different than having a grudge to bear. I can raise my hand and say that I too have been like this Cross Lady with the Cross, unwilling to forgive and release what I perceived as injustice.

The crowning touch of God's Kingdom lies in his great love exhibited through His forgiveness for us. Forgiveness shows love more so than any other act besides the giving of one's own life. Walking in the Kingdom of Forgiveness opens doors to change for yourself and others and puts a spring in your step as you release those who have wronged you or someone you love.

Forgiveness may seem a weak gesture and even a foolish gesture as we protect our rights and try to right a wrong, but it is the act of a royal nature. Remember the King who forgave a man the debt he owned? That same forgiven man failed to extend forgiveness to the one who owed him, but instead had him jailed. Eventually, the King learned of the deeds of the forgiven one and reversed his decision.

If there is any act which should be rampant this time of year, it should be the act of forgiveness. God has reminded me this morning of his nature to forgive. This generally indicates to me that I am going to have to walk in forgiveness today. So be it. May God's Kingdom of Forgiveness reign today as you shop for Christmas gifts and may His Kingdom rule in every part of your thought life, the deeds you do and the words you speak!

I Corinthians 1:25 "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men."

Luke 6:37 " Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Kingdom of God

2010-11-23T20:52:00.000-06:00

What do you think about the Kingdom of God? Are you like I was for many years, imagining it as a way-off heavenly place? Well, it is, but I’m finding it’s that and so much more.

It is tremendously multifaceted which has made it difficult for me to get a comprehensive image of it in my mind. About the time I understand one piece of information from God’s Word about it, I discover another one that gives me a different perspective.

All that being said, I want to concentrate on a truth about the Kingdom of God that has become real to me. You can read about it in Matthew 17, Mark 9, and Luke 9.

Jesus says in Mark 9:1, “…Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see that the Kingdom of God has come with power.”

For years I thought Jesus was speaking of his death and resurrection, but it seemed to have no connection with the verses around it. Then I noticed in all three Gospels Jesus’ statement was followed by the story of his transfiguration.

This happened when Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain alone. Jesus was changed. Momentarily He stepped into the Kingdom Realm. His clothes became dazzling white and He met with Moses and Elijah who had been long-gone from this earth. When Peter, James, and John saw it, they were scared out of their wits. It was something they had never experienced before. They had actually SEEN the Kingdom of God --- the Kingdom that is normally invisible to us. Jesus’ words, “some who are standing here will not taste death before they see … the kingdom of God” was fulfilled.

Another of many “Kingdom” instances is found in 2 Kings 6:13-17 when Elisha asked God to show the Kingdom Realm to his servant. God was fighting the battle in the unseen arena. There were chariots of fire that weren‘t visible in our dominion. Wow! How exciting is that. God’s Kingdom is here with us. It occupies our time and space in another realm. It has more impact on our world than we could ever imagine. And what is even more amazing is that, according to God’s Word, we can have a part in what’s happening there--- but I‘ll save that for another day. (Matthew 16:19)

Lord, help us to keep studying your Word until the facets of Your Kingdom become crystal clear and our influence on this world glorifies Your Name to the max.

The Kingdom of God-"By My Spirit"

2010-11-18T09:33:00.001-06:00

One of my all time favorite verses is Zechariah 4:6. It reads like this..."Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This [is] the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts."

Living in the land of the "frontier spirit" we as a people pride ourselves in our ability to overcome adversity. We gut it up. We pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. We stand tall in our own power. We have that pioneer spirit of do or die and we are proud of being proud, if that makes any sense.

But when I read this verse in Zechariah it becomes evident that the Kingdom of God has little to do with human effort and more to do with us being obedient to flow in God's Spirit.

You remember in the beginning when the Spirit of the Lord moved upon the face of the deep and God said "Let there be" and there was? That is and was the same Spirit of God Zerubbabel was encouraged by, the Spirit, the breath of God to do an impossible task of rebuilding the Temple. With opposition from the outside and apathy from the inside, this man was told that MIGHT...the might of armies, POWER...the power of individual human effort would not accomplish the task. Instead, help would come from the SPIRIT of GOD who breathed and the waters stood in a heap before all Israel. Help would come from the ONE who set the stage for all of creation to move from the unseen into the seen.

Like Zerubbabel, I find myself facing the Word of the Lord in my life to do this or that and I say to myself, "How will I do this? I do not have the strength, the quickness, the aptitude to do this God!" But God asks of us to step into His Kingdom life and walk away from the meager help of an army type of strength or the insipid boot strap pulling power and walk in the way of the SPIRIT.

Impossible tasks call for the God of the Impossible, and if you think about it, even those things we think we can accomplish apart from His Spirit are still impossible without him. Like the Pevensies who stepped from the world of the seen into the world of the unseen-Narnia and found adventure, let us find adventure in walking with the Spirit of God.

by Cheryl Goforth

The Kingdom of God...Illusion?

2010-11-13T10:33:00.000-06:00

The kingdom of God - what an amazing topic! What an illusory concept! Or is it? For me, the idea of grasping the kingdom of God has been like grasping at water. I could see it, hear it, taste it, even touch it, but it was so hard to grab and hold on to it. Perhaps that is part of the creative fun in God. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter.” He has ‘hidden” His kingdom everywhere around us and His desire is for us to find it, enter it, dwell there and spread its rule and reign.

He’s given us a myriad of hints to find this elusive realm. “The kingdom is near.” It is “at hand”. It “is in your midst.” These are the teaser lines. However, the greatest teaser of all is: Jesus. There is nothing more attractive than the King of this beautiful, unshakeable kingdom. The way he lived and moved among us spoke of life like we dream for it to be. But even more, it speaks of life like we can live when we enter this kingdom. As we adore, study and emulate the King, we find the kingdom - for the King and His kingdom are inseparable. My life search is to discover the fullness of this kingdom manifested in my life and the sphere I have been given to rule. There is nothing more challenging and exciting, and it begins by getting to know the beautiful King, Jesus.

By Dawn Brown

Up Out of Debt

2010-11-11T20:27:00.002-06:00

"A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves." (NKJV) This story out of II Kings 4 was about God fearing, prophesying believers who found themselves in debt. The husband had died and the woman and her sons were in trouble, but she refused to suffer in silence. Instead, this woman poured out her heart to Elisha the prophet who asked her "What can I do for you and by the way, what do you have in the house?" She knew what he was really asking, "What do you have in your house of value?" Her response to him was that she had a little oil. (It may seem strange that she considered oil as a valuable commodity, but oil was used for a multitude of purposes in that day from cooking, lighting, medicines, perfumes and anointing. It was a very important household item.)

As the story continues, she sends her sons to borrow all the jars they can from the neighbors with instructions to bring them back to the house. They lock the doors behind them and begin pouring from the jar with little oil into the empty jars which were borrowed. As they finish pouring into the last jar, the oil ceases. Then Elisha tells her to sell enough of the oil to pay off the creditors and live on the rest!

What an amazing story! The Kingdom of God came right into her indebted situation and not only eradicated what was owed, but supplied enough for them to be cared for. She stepped out of debt and had a pension from God to boot! She was bold enough to ask and wise enough to obey...SHE saw God's Kingdom Come.

We want what we know is in heaven to come down into our situation, but God is asking..."What is in your hand of value that you will give to me?"

---Cheryl Goforth

The Kingdom of God

2010-11-03T23:27:00.000-05:00

Through misty eyes the landscape was seen. The images appeared washed out and fuzzy, but the form of them gave an indication of people moving to and fro from place to place. Peace was the sense there and a drawing of oneself into the mist tho hesitation halted one from whole heartily breaking through the fog. It was the not knowing that kept many from moving ahead and the thousands of what-if's which lay beyond the unknown. Some might label this unknown "faith". Some might call it just sheer foolishness. Some might hail it as the Kingdom of God.

The seen and the unseen. The unseen being more real than the seen. A world where the unseen can move and shake mountains. A world where there is no despair only hope.

What is the Kingdom of God and how do we live everyday in that realm?

For the next several months, we will be writing about His Kingdom. We invite you to give us your thoughts as well. Blessings...the Tapestry Talk Writers.

Man Your Mound! - By Nina Medrano

2010-10-17T09:25:00.000-05:00

In Memory of Daisy Medrano

February 16th 2003-October 12th, 2010

I am fascinated with the highly social Prairie Dogs, the name, Cynomys, derives from the Greek for dog mouse. Prairie Dogs live in underground burrows tunneling extensively into much of our undeveloped land throughout the West Texas region.

My interest was peaked to research the habits of this common rodent when I witnessed peculiar behaviors at certain times of the day as I traveled to and from my workplace located near an undeveloped parchment of land.

Do you know that prairie dogs greet each other with a kiss when they visit each other? Also, when they build their underground dwellings they have defined nurseries, sleeping quarters, and even toilets!

Prairie Dogs spend a lot of time building and rebuilding their dwellings, which are marked by many mounds of packed earth at their surface entrances. The prairie dogs use these carefully maintained mounds as observation posts.

The prairie dog is well adapted to predators. Their eyes which are positioned on the sides of the head appear to be adapted for detecting predators from a far distance over a wide arc. When a predator approaches, the first alert prairie dog gives a sharp warning call, bobs up and down in excitement, calls again and then plunges below. The danger signal is a 2-syllable bark, issued at about 40 per minute. Other watch ‘dogs’ farther from the danger zone take up guard, monitoring the direction of the predator.

Upon learning about the prairie watch-dog system, immediately my Spirit “bobbed up and down in excitement.” Three verses of scripture resonated in my spirit:

1. “Son of man, I’ve made you a watchman for the family of Israel. Whenever you hear me say something, warn them for me. If I say to the wicked, ‘You are going to die,’ and you don’t sound the alarm warning them that it’s a matter of life or death, they will die and it will be your fault. I’ll hold you responsible. But if you warn the wicked and they keep right on sinning anyway, they’ll certainly die for their sin, but you won’t die. You’ll have saved your life.” Ezekiel 3:17-19 (The Message)

2. “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11(New Living Translation)

3. “Prowling around the Throne were Four Animals, all eyes. Eyes to look ahead, eyes to look behind. The first Animal like a lion, the second like an ox, the third with a human face, the fourth like an eagle in flight. The Four Animals were winged, each with six wings. They were all eyes, seeing around and within. And they chanted night and day, never taking a break: Holy, holy, holy Is God our Master, Sovereign-Strong, The Was, The Is, The Coming.” Revelation 4:6-8 (The Message)

Whenever I hear the word “Watchman” I think of those saints that are called into a prophetic ministry and intercession. If a person is called to a specific ministry then that leads me to believe that there are others who may not be called to be a Watchman. But, this is not so.

As I look at the “watchman” life of the Prairie Dog, I see that every single Prairie Dog has an observation mound from which they stand watch. We, too, have the responsibility to preach the gospel to the lost, to speak God’s warnings to them, to lead them to Christ. If we do not speak God’s warning to the lost, and they perish in their sin, then the fault will be ours.

The Prairie Dog is well adapted to predators, we, too, should be skillful in the use of God’s spiritual weapons. Daily, we put on the full armor of God and are prepared for the strategies of the devil.

The eyes of the Prairie Dog are positioned to see farther and wider than our human eyes can see. In order for us to communicate the Kingdom of God to the lost, we must daily seek the Lord to enlighten the eyes of our understanding “…I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!” Ephesians 1:18 (Amplified)

Perhaps the next time you pass by a Prairie Dog town, and see all its visible observation mounds, the Spirit of God will “bob up and down with excitement” and bring to remembrance our call to man our mound: our families, our neighborhoods, and our workplaces, for His Kingdom!

This article is dedicated to my beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Daisy, from “mamma” Nina Medrano.

From Whose Point of View? - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-10-14T20:37:00.000-05:00

When my daughter was in elementary school and junior high, she played soccer. At first she played on this team and then that team. The first couple of years she didn’t play the fall season avoiding the cold weather. She played goalie, because she did not like to run and as many young players do, she played in the dirt when the ball was at the other end of the field and watched other games near by.

First season, players are humorous to watch as they swarm around the ball all trying to get a good kick on the ball missing more times than not. After a few games they are not all so gung-ho remembering the kicks they got in the shins. Playing on wet fields with a mud puddle here and there presented a new challenge when the ball went into the puddle. You could just see those wheels turning in their heads as they all stood around the puddle not venturing in for fear mother would once again yell at them for getting into the mud. Except this time the parents were all yelling, “Kick the ball.” or “Go get the ball.” How strange, mother never said that before.

At some point Christy began to play other positions and stood out as an above average player. She was asked to play on the Honey Bees team in tournaments that was made up of all good players. We enjoyed going to out of town tournaments and even traveled to Dallas to kick the ball one time in a competition to see who could kick it the farthest. That was our first experience of dealing with the parents of Dallas players. They did all sorts of little things to intimidate the players giving their kids an advantage. Christy did well, but did not come in first.

Then she was asked to play for a select team named the Phoenix. We traveled to tournaments in Amarillo, Midland, Dallas and even Colorado Springs on the grounds of the Air Force Academy two summers. We had a fun time as the girls improved their skills and often had to play up an age bracket to get competition. One time when they played a team of boys, we could tell the young men had been taught to respect girls. This like the mud puddles was a learning situation in that there are times they were to treat the girls just like boys. The girls still beat them.

One time when they were playing in a tournament in Midland, it rained all day long making lots of big mud puddles on the field. Some of the parents had to take the uniforms and wash them between every game. It did not take them long to get soaked all over again and very muddy. I can still see the face of one of the best forwards as she instinctively caught the ball with both hands. She immediately turned to the sideline, ball in hands looking like a drowned rat and knew she had done the wrong thing. We could not help but laugh.

There was one girl on the team that was very good and played forward. Her parents were very serious about her playing. She had an older sister who played on an older team and a little brother who was too young to play and was often seen on the shoulders of his dad keeping him out of trouble; yet close to the game. As I watched her sister play one time, the parents were very laid back and never yelled instructions to her as to how she was to play the game.

Yet when they watched Amy’s games, her mother was constantly yelling instructions to Amy. I thought Amy did just fine without her mother’s instructions. At one game that her mother had intensely been on her throughout the game, Amy turned and yelled “Shut up mother.” That was the first and only time I ever heard Amy talk back to her mother. While I am not in favor of children saying such a thing to their mother, I felt Amy was right. Immediately it came to mind that we act and react according to the perspective we have of a situation. Amy being out in the middle of the field in the midst of the action was seeing a totally different perspective of the situation than her mother had on the sideline.

Isn’t this true of so many situations in life? When my cats are under foot and not going where I want them to go, I think of Amy. My cats can’t read my mind and I am not down on the floor like they are to see the situation like they are seeing it. If that driver would drive a little faster or slower or move up a little more, I could get where I am going faster.

We solve problems and make decisions according to our own personal knowledge, resources and perspective. When someone doesn’t make a decision about a situation like you or I would make, perhaps he/she is seeing it from a different perspective.

Spiritual Gophers - By Cheryl Goforth

2010-10-09T23:22:00.000-05:00

Gophers are varmints! They dig elaborate tunnels under crops and fields, eating the roots of whatever plant is growing above. You cannot always see them but you know they are there by the trail of destruction they leave above ground. In fact, from my understanding, they spend most of their lives gnawing away at the labors of man.

Contained within Luke 8 is the parable of the Sower and the Seed. The seed which fell on good ground produced an abundance...in fact the Bible says a hundredfold. Living in corn and sorghum growing country, a hundredfold may not seem like much when you think how many "seeds" are on one head of corn, but without reproduction a cob would be bare. Multiplication is contingent on the richness of the soil in which a seed is sown. In fact, in this story, the condition of the ground is THE most important ingredient to receiving a good harvest.

So, where do the gophers come in? An interesting fact about gophers is that they like to burrow in easily worked soil even though they possess long claws for digging. They are particularly fond of legumes and pose the biggest threat to farmers who grow such crops. Well worked soil, loose and rich was the soil which produced the greatest harvest according to Luke's Gospel. But in this parable, we know the soil was free of varmints.

Spiritual gophers can invade the good soil in which we have planted our seed. Luke 8:15 says this..."But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep [it], and bring forth fruit with patience." I like this phrase, "keep it". It is a picture of one who guards the precious seed planted and guards the soil of their heart so that they will bear fruit in season.

According to soil experts, the key to a successful program is to regularly monitor and detect gophers invading an area. It is like that with our hearts. When we hear the word God gives us and hold fast to that word, constantly reminding ourselves OF that WORD, then we have set up a program to monitor any potential attack as we through patience produce a crop.

Test the soil of the heart to see if there is something which has circumvented His Word and if there is, ferret it out and set a guard in place. The heart must remain tender soil to receive good seed.

...and unto Me what is mine

2010-09-23T08:24:00.001-05:00

When we read the stories of men and women of old who changed their countries and rose to greatness from humble beginnings, it is inspiring but often not enough fodder to get us moving toward that same greatness. Perhaps not everyone wants to have the burden of greatness on their shoulders. Not everyone wants to stir the waters of controversy. Not everyone desires to change the world, but shouldn't we all, as Christians, desire to see the world changed?

It was just a few short days ago, God spoke to me these words. "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto Me, what is mine." What He was saying was perfectly clear to me. You see, we spend our time making money to feed our families and to pay our taxes...to give to the poor and support ministry throughout the world. We give our calling for none of the prior reasons, but instead to render unto God what is His. This is our passion, even though at times it appears to be more of a headache than a desire, it is the very "thing" that haunts us day after day. It often keeps us up at night or nudges its way into our thoughts when our mind is on something else.

I realize that everything belongs to God, but if we are going to be world changers, it will come by knowing what is God's and what is Caesar's. What has God given us individually which will change the world? Is it a book we are to write? Is it befriending a family so that all will be saved? Is it boldly saying what God wants us to say and risk the anger of others? The list of what God has called us each individually to do is endless. We must render unto Him what is His if we truly want to change the world.

For me, I have my orders. What will NOT change if I do NOT render unto Him what is His? But, what WILL change if I lay it all before Him for Him to infuse it with power? I boldly say, I am a world changer and so are you.

How Can I Change the World? - By LaVila Henry

2010-09-10T22:19:00.000-05:00

What a thought provoking subject for our writers this month. I have been working on an article the last few days, but as my husband, Paul, and I were walking this morning I thought, Is that really how I think I can change the world? The essence of my piece was this: I can change the world by changing one person at a time. Me! And, that’s true. God has been working on me for years and years --- and more years. Over time He has helped me change thought patterns, attitudes, even food choices among other things. And I know He won’t be finished with me until I step into eternity---and beyond, most likely.

As Paul and I walked I felt the Spirit of God speak to me about another
way I can change the world with more widespread results, and I can do it from my humble abode right here in west Texas. What can I do? I can pray.

There are numerous promises about prayer in God’s Word --- the Bible. In Jeremiah 33:3 He says, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (KJV) The second part of James 5:16 declares, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Jesus Himself made this amazing proclamation in Mark 11:24: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

These are among a myriad of Scripture verses about prayer, along with this final one in 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This is where allowing ourselves to be changed becomes a tremendous benefit to the Kingdom of God: If we have chosen, through Christ Jesus, to be part of Gods’ people, who are called by His name, and we humble
ourselves and pray and seek Him we can have a part in the healing of our land. Is there a nation on earth that doesn’t need healing? (If you know of one, please notify me.) Let’s be part of the healing. We can do it
from any location and under any circumstance. Let’s humble ourselves and pray and expect the results God has promised. Let’s heal our nation. We can change our world through prayer. Yes, we can. Let’s do it.

Fear Not

2010-09-09T08:59:00.003-05:00

I was introduced to the Soul Sheperding's website through a national Christian organization. What caught my eye was the book by Bill Gaultiere quoting 365 "Fear Nots" from the Bible...one for each day. The website has 31, or a full month's worth of "Fear Nots" to help get started on a fear free existence.

Today's card for me held this thought...

Day 7 Fear Not: God’s perfect love (which often comes through people) removes fear

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:11, 18).

This was so powerful, familiar, yet still powerful. Powerful in light of the fact that both my husband and I awoke around 3:00 a.m this morning. You have to understand that I just don't wake up in the middle of the night, never have. But last night was different in that we both knew something was going on so we prayed. The only prayer we could get out of our mouths was a blessing of peace over our world.

There is so much fear I hear coming even from the mouths of Christians today. When fear takes full root then the fruit of it comes out either in anger which leads to hate, or a "watch over me and mine" reclusive behavior. Neither is right. John put it well when he said there is no fear in love because perfect love drives out fear.

I cannot judge the motives of the pastor who has proclaimed that he will burn the Koran on 9/11, but I can see that what John says about fear vs. love is that the latter is the better. The map I keep on my refrigerator reminds me that as a Christian, my brothers and sisters face persecution from Morocco to Sudan, from Turkey down to Saudia Arabia, from Iraq through China to Vietnam. Each day they have to choose between fear and love, and because they have chosen love, the gospel OF love is finding residence in the hearts of many world wide inspite of persecution.

The powerful act of forgiveness releases fear because it is based on love. As we approach 9/11, let us pray for the families of those who lost loved ones that day as well as for those who orchestrated that great loss. When Jesus said to pray for our enemies and bless them, he was teaching us how to respond when trouble comes. Hate is easy. Love is of God.

The verse from the Gospel of John we all learned as a child "God so loved the world that He gave..." is for all. There is no way as a Christian to escape God's great love for this world. The world will know we are Christians by our love for everyone. We must humble ourselves and pray. Not out of fear, but out of love.

Check out this website, put the scriptures on cards and carry a "Fear Not" with you every day. It is time to change our minds and walk in love...not fear.

A Prayer from Psalm 133

2010-08-26T22:09:00.000-05:00

The Spirit of the Lord gave this prayer to me and at first I thought it was for someone else, but the Lord has been leading me to pray this for both that person, myself and for family members. It is based on Psalm 133.

Abba, Father, as we stand before Your Presence, in one accord, in agreement with Your Word, in the spirit of Unity; I ask that You would release your precious, anointing oil and pour it upon the heads of our leadership: government, churches and households, as we humble our selves before Your Throne oh God!

Let the precious ointment run down our eyes: give us eyes to see Your works in our lives, open our spiritual eyes of understanding; let your oil run down our ears, give us ears to hear the voice of your Spirit and remove all blocks and hindrances and all other voices from our hearing; let your oil continue to run down over our mouths; your Word says that the tongue is unruly and undisciplined. We yield our tongue to your Lordship and we ask you to cleanse and purify our tongue from wicked words and anointing us to speak pleasant words that heal, cleanse and restore the hearers.

Let your precious oil run down our neck and shoulder; remove the stress of this world and if there be any yoke of stiff-neck stubbornness and rebellion we ask for forgiveness; release your anointing that breaks off the yokes of bondage off our neck and replace it with the yoke of Jesus which is easy and light. Let your oil run down upon our arms and hands; forgive us for trusting in the arm of our own flesh and defiling the works of our hands; we choose to trust in the arms of God and we place our trust in you Oh God! Cleanse our hands and make them worthy of ministry and able to deliver many from the yokes of bondage.

Let your precious oil run down our garments down to our feet; anoint our feet and our lives to walk and live out the gospel of Your Kingdom in our private lives as well as our public lives.

Let the anointing of Your Holy Spirit so settle upon our lives, like the dew of Mt. Hermon and just like the frightful thick fog that descends upon the mountain of Zion; so let Your Spirit descend upon us!

And, there, oh Lord, command your blessing, even life forevermore. We humbly ask for this type of anointing from Your Spirit in Jesus name, amen and amen.

Hannah’s Rival - By Nina Medrano

2010-08-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had a rival in your life who just irritates you every time he or she enters the room? Even when you take this issue to the Lord in prayer, this person continues to provoke you to the point of stress? Hannah had this type of rival in her life.

I Samuel 1:3-7 (New International Version)

Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.”

By definition, rivals compete against you. And, a rival can be any one or anything; a family member, a new boss, a home project, a work deadline, a budget and yes, even a ministry. When a rival’s provocation endures for a length of time, we tend to not see the greater work of God that is being done in us through the process of irritation.

When I think of the word Irritate the word picture that comes to mind is natural pearls. Pearls form when some type of irritant enters the mussel or oyster shell. As a defense mechanism, the oyster secretes nacre in layers, surrounding the irritant; resulting in some of the worlds most beautiful pearls of great price.

I have had plenty of irritants my life. But, unlike Hannah, I had not always responded to them in a way that was pleasing to God.

Recently, a new irritant has entered my life. This time I responded differently. Instead of complaining and whining, I prayed blessing and wisdom and favor over this person’s life. And, instead of resisting, or pushing away, or worse, walking away from the irritation as I always do, I struggled to see this person’s value to Him.

In the end, surrendering to God’s process of irritation is difficult. We are such strong-willed humans—dying to self does not come willingly. I am humbled by God’s overriding grace that continues to work in our character.

The Apostle Paul, no stranger to irritants, states this process so well:

II Corinthians 4: 6-10 (NIV)

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessel, to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

Forgiveness - A Key to Eliminating Debt

2010-08-18T13:53:00.000-05:00

Just about the time you think you have it down, you find out you aren't as close as you thought. Case in point...several weeks ago during praise and worship, I realized I hadn't totally grasped the concept of forgiveness when Heavenly Dad showed me I needed to forgive those who orchestrated the 9-11 attacks on our country.

If you are an avid news watcher, every day provides ample opportunity to walk in un-forgiveness and anger. We are constantly bombarded with detailed reports of what I call "evil or stupid" acts. They flash across our TVs bringing our blood pressure up above the safe zone. It is not enough that there are "natural" disasters all around...floods and hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts to keep us stirred up, but when you add to these government issues, politics, finances, medicine, social and spiritual struggles, it is sufficient to make any sane person stand on their soapbox and scream down the house!

In a world of chaos, there are non-tangibles which bring peace to our hearts like rest and forgiveness. When we start down the list of those we need to forgive, I'm finding it is equally as important to offer forgiveness to those who around the world have caused death and bondage to innocent people. (After all, His Kingdom is the world.) Hard as that is, forgiveness, I am learning, is a precursor to having our own debts forgiven...remember..."forgive us our debts as we forgive those who trespass against us".

Debt can be deadly and crippling. Financial debt can send a family into poverty or break up a marriage. Emotional debt can keep someone you hate tied to you for life. Spiritual debt creates a life of legalism and the fear of never being enough. Debt of any kind stinks!

Perhaps you recall the story in Matthew 18 of the man who owed a bunch of money. The King, to whom he owed the debt, sentenced this man and his family to be sold as slaves as payment. In desperation, the man pleaded for more time and in an act of total forgiveness, the King not only reversed his sentence but forgave the entire debt.

But, the story doesn't end there. This same man who was forgiven immediately turned around and demanded payment of a few cents from one of his co-workers who as he had done, begged for a little more time to repay the debt. Instead of showing mercy and forgiveness, the man who owed much had the man who owed little thrown into prison. Word got back to the King about the servant's actions, and for a second time the man stood before the King to be judged except on this occasion, he was sent to the inquisitor to be tormented until the full debt was paid.

We have been totally forgiven and our debt have been paid through Jesus the Christ. Compassion and the duty to forgive have been placed in our hands. That same act of forgiveness uttered by Jesus on the cross when he said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" should be on our lips as well. Just like the man who refused to offer the same forgiveness he had been given, those whom we forgive have the responsibility to forgive as well. We are not the judge, God is. When we give through forgiveness, we place those we had previously judged into God's courtroom. God knows the heart and the purpose for each life and only He can perfectly pass judgement or offer mercy. When we forgive, the windows of heaven open and we receive what Jesus taught us to pray..."Forgive us our debts."

Making it Right - By LaVila Henry

2010-07-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

Praise God, we’re in our new house, and over the past few months--- for the most part--- I have been able to keep my stress level at a minimum. Not to say there haven’t been challenges. A few days ago workers came to replace the windows above our master tub. City code says the glass has to be shatterproof --- and it wasn’t.

Turns out the new window panes were about an inch too small. Unfortunately, the worker discovered this important information AFTER he broke and removed the old panes from their frames. He and his helpers slathered caulk around the window frames and inserted the “too small” panes for now--- until new ones can arrive. When he was done he proceeded to tell us that he had inserted the new windows so “if rocks or hail hit the windows they won’t shatter and hurt you.” I wondered if he was oblivious as I watched from the family room as he broke the old glass before he measured the new. Pa-lease!!! He put in the new ones only for our safety??

Though not many, there have been other instances where problems have arisen in the months that we have been building. On each occasion my mind went back to the face of our builder, Dan, as we sat across the table from him preparing to sign on the dotted line. “If there is a problem,” he said, “it is not your problem, it‘s ours, and we’ll make it right.” And, he has held up his end of the bargain throughout the entire process.

For that reason, I didn’t feel the need to be alarmed at the “too small” panes. It may be inconvenient to have the workers come again, but it will be all right.

Dan isn’t the first one who thought this up. God has been in the “making it right” business since the beginning. And thankfully, when we call upon Him, our problems become His problems. (See scripture above.) If I would have remembered that 100 percent of the time throughout our building project, I wouldn’t have needed words from Dan for reinforcement. Or is it possible that those were words for me from God coming out of Dan’s mouth? God will do that, you know. Either way, I win.

… do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

The Park - By Cheryl Goforth

2010-07-18T17:36:00.000-05:00

Looking out into the crowd, I noticed several groups of people huddled together talking to each other unaware of the multiplicity of activity going on around them. The park was loaded with people of all ages and all walks of life. I was bored and a walk to the city park seemed like a good way to alleviate the humdrum of the day. The temperature was way too hot so I located a bench situated under a big oak tree. I had opted to take my small backpack instead of my purse and had loaded it with three water bottles...one for the walk down...one for the park...and one for the walk back. Sitting down on the bench after making sure that the area I was about to park my toosh was free of bird droppings, I took out water bottle number one and began people watching. It wasn't long before I was enthralled with the interesting digits of folks who rode by, shuffled by, ran by or skated by me on the sidewalk a moment away from the park bench where I sat.

One of those groups consisted of five teenage girls who chatted and laughed and pointed with their eyes as some young buck around their age vaulted by trying to capture their attention with the his high testosterone antics and athletic stunts. They seemed unmoved by the picturesque family scene nearby of a husband, wife and their small son picnicing on an old blanket. The young couple's faces shone as they watched their little boy's delight at everything around him...how he would pull up a tuft of grass in his chubby little hand or use his tiny finger to ferret out unseen treasure hidden in the dirt.

They, the girls, were equally unaware of the shabbily dressed man with a dirty back pack slung over his right shoulder who was digging around in the park trash container looking for aluminum cans and the uneaten parts of sandwiches and fries.

But they weren't the only ones who were locked into their own private world on that warm summer day. Just down the sidewalk and on the other side sat a woman with a big floppy hat in a foldable yard chair...you know...the kind with the pockets in the arms made for a cold drink of some kind. She had her Bible open on her lap and would periodically glance around as if she were being stalked by the old man looking for food in the trash can just steps away from her.

I finished water bottle number one and was about to throw it away when I noticed that same old man watching me, or rather, he was watching my water bottle. The look in his eyes told me he was not only thirsty, but was interested in the empty I was about to dispose. I could also see the woman with the Bible, glaring at the old man as he started towards me. She rose ever so slightly from her chair as though she were either going to move further away or whip out her cell phone to call 911.

Her look and mannerisms irked me so I decided I would start walking towards the man and offer him my empty and bottle number two from my back pack. I watched them both as I felt around in the pack and not only found the water bottle, but an uneaten, unwrapped food bar from days before.

My encounter with the man was relatively uneventful. He thanked me for the water and the food bar and walked away eating and drinking...going back into his own miserable world. As for the woman who was sitting with the Bible in her lap, she relaxed into her lawn chair once again and began reading. The teenage girls were still unaware of this brief encounter along with the couple playing with their child.

Looking at the time and feeling the heat of the day, I decided to head on back to the house. I couldn't get my thoughts away from what I had seen there in the park. Everyone was occupied-the teenage girls with their friendships and the hunk...the young couple with their family...and the woman with her fear. Perhaps it was my vantage point that day in the park. I had gone with the express purpose to relieve my boredom by watching people but found that in observing the different groups I realized just how inward and fearful I had become. However, in one moment, I reached out and pushed away fear to give "a cup of cold water" to a thirsty man. I actually felt really good about myself.

God wants us to have a world view because His kingdom is a world kingdom. He said he loved the world so much that he gave his life. Fear is not a part of his kingdom. And even though the story is fictitious, it is so true. Living life in a box because something might happen is wasteful. Staying out of the boat, and forfeiting the chance to shoot the rapids though Jesus is guiding our out of control life, is boring.

Why should we banish fear? Because fear moves us inward while courage turns us outward. I know for myself, it is time to look outward and remember why I am here. Friendships and family will always remain important in my life, but to affect others, fear has to go. The view in my mind of the park made me aware of how God views all mankind. We are not chess pieces on a board, but we are to be willing vessels in his hand to change the world. There is great satisfaction in stretching ourselves beyond our borders and seeing miracles take place through our words and hands. And, I certainly don't want to be like the woman sitting with her Bible on her lap, ever learning but never applying the wisdom contained therein. Open our eyes Lord...open my eyes.

"To This Life…- By Petra Harbour

2010-07-18T15:38:00.000-05:00

"To This Life…

Today I raise my glass to what I chose, the life I live for better or for worse.

I walk this path of learning, waiting, conquering, loss and pain, a path of infinite rewards.

Today I look back on what I left,

The pursuit of what I craved in my emptiness and despair.

Those who, though civil and polite, think I’ve gone mad.

I live for Him of whom they’re not aware.

I don’t belong to this world I live in. All that I live for is yet unseen,

Yet inside me abides a kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace.

This path I walk has rarely been easy.

I signed up for a war that never seems to abate.

To be called to peace is to be called to battle, in a world that’s ruled by hate.

Today I raise my glass to what I chose,

The love that saved me, the grace of the King.

Joy, love, peace and life abundant, the weight of glory we share through suffering."

Grizzly Adams - By Kandi Lee

2010-07-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

Recently I had an encounter of the manliest kind. Returning to Lubbock from a hometown visit I decided to go to my previous church. Hurriedly I sped into Wal-Mart (not really)…well maybe, to get some deodorant. Earlier that morning I had loaded my car in the hot sun. I thought to myself if I want to raise my arms during praise and worship (and I usually do) I better get some help. Time was running short so I grabbed some Secret and headed to the bathroom. I couldn’t help but notice the shoes in the stall next to me. Something didn’t seem right. These shoes were actually boots and quite large. A short time later I thought this person had left. As I walked towards the center of the bathroom, I froze.

There we were, face-to-face, frozen like statues...his look of shock bouncing off of mine. And there they were…the urinals that I never noticed going in. I couldn’t speak for a minute and I really was dazed and confused. Finally, I came to and profusely apologized to him for my mistake. My mind reverted back to the days when I was a little girl and thought boys had cooties. Honestly I was a little grossed out (maybe he was too).

He was an older man – a cowboy or farmer for sure – who had a silver beard half-way down his chest and more hair that fell beneath his dusty hat. He said “That’s alright. Here, I’ll walk out first and you can come out after me.” So we had a plan and executed it perfectly. Again, before parting ways, we stood next to each other and I told him “I am going to die!” and said I was sorry. I since have cancelled that declaration and know truly I will live beyond the embarrassment. I walked five steps across to the ladies room to put on my Secret. Much better now.

Here’s the thing…I could get all caught up about the event but miss gaining a message. A few days later, I thought about what I was doing. I was in hurry to cover up my stink. Yes, I stink. Too often I reach for things to cover up my stink. It could be food, busyness, pleasing man, television, to name a few. For some it is alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, the Internet, and the list goes on. To God it all stinks the same. Just like the Secret deodorant it’s the secret sin that stinks the most. As hard as we try, we will never be able to cover up our stink. What an amazing God we have who says give it to me and I’ll take it from you. Furthermore, He replaces it with the sweet aroma called forgiveness and a potpourri of His grace. Praise be to God.

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM-By Nina Medrano

2010-06-26T16:43:00.000-05:00

Have you ever found yourself speaking pleasantries to a fellow co-worker, a team member, an equal (sort-of), who through self-elevation began to speak in tones of authority over you?

Recently, I found myself in such a situation. Without advance warning, my flesh shot to the surface and I countered back a response at my fellow co-worker. Of course, not to be out done she raised her tone a notch. I obliged the same. I’m embarrassed to say that we went “hand over hand “on this invisible bat until one of us disengaged in conversation. For the next couple of hours I had difficulty concentrating. I had grieved my spirit. Like a thief, my Flesh rose up and took control, then left me holding the bag of envy and self-ambitious tones.

Just a few days before this incident I was reading in the book of James when the Spirit of God paused on chapter 3 verses 13 through verse 18. I so enjoy reading the Word of God with the Holy Spirit because on many occasions He will interrupt my reading and pauses long enough for me to stop at a specific verse which will minister to my heart in areas that I am unaware of. This particular verse in James speaks of two kinds of wisdom.

James 3:13-18

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, un-spiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

I sat in a business meeting disappointed with myself as I realized my point of fault. As soon as my meeting dismissed I went to a quiet place where I could go before the Lord. Obviously, from my fleshly reaction to my co-worker, I was harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition. I was too embarrassed to boast about it, and certainly could not deny it from the Lord or from myself.

In sincere humility, I asked Abba Father to forgive me for embracing a wisdom that does not come from Him, a wisdom that is carnal and void of His Spirit. I asked Him to root out the seed of ungodly wisdom within me and replace it with the seed that comes from heaven.

As I ponder over these two kinds of wisdom I am reminded of two trees in the garden. If we could trace back the family tree of Wisdom would it lead to the Garden of Eden?

In Shape, Outof Shape - By Patti Chriestenson

2010-06-13T20:16:00.000-05:00

In Shape, Out of Shape

By Patti Chriestenson

I was going to go work out at the gym, but I can only find one shoe

I was going to stop eating donuts every morning, but you know what’s a few!

I was going to buy organic in the fruit section, but it cost a little more

I was going to diet tomorrow, but I’m craving a tasty S’more!

I was going to get in shape, but I must admit I am out of it.

Lord, please help this gal be healthy and improve, and don’t ever let her quit!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Now if I can just be more consistent I believe this is the key!

Lord, You know my good intentions don’t make me change my ways

So I simply ask for You to empower me to take better care of myself for the rest of my days.

Right now you don’t need me in heaven; you need me on the earth

Give me strength to be a witness and share the brand new birth.

You are my Lord and You are my King

And it’s to You these thoughts I humbly bring.

Somehow in this journey of attempting to get in shape

Let me reach those who are perishing and who are awaiting their sinful fate.

Let me reach them with sincere love, truth, and grace

And when they see me changing my lifestyle, give them a glimpse of your face!

If I never lose another pound, or change my recipe

Please know my heart is that through my life, it’s You I want them to see!

Verse to Ponder: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Things Are Not Always As They Seem - By Cheryl Goforth

2010-06-05T11:53:00.002-05:00

Recently, our family attended the wedding of a cousin's daughter. Everything was done exceptionally well. The bride was beautiful and the groom handsome as ever.

After the ceremony, we made our way to the banquet hall where dinner was served. The sun had set by this point and the candles on the table softened the appearance of absolutely everything and everyone.

Although I saw a lot of familiar faces, it had been years since we had gotten together for any family event and joyfully, this was a celebration of the beginning of life rather than a loss of a loved one. We talked with various relatives...catching up on each other's families, jobs and retirement. Once again I remembered why I so enjoyed this side of the family tree. They loved God and they loved the life He had given them.

We were thrilled to share a table with my aunt and uncle. I listened to humorous stories and wisdom from a man who was never afraid to do anything even to start a business or two or three. (It was easy now to recall why I always enjoyed going to his home as a kid during the summer or over a holiday because there was generally speaking some rowdy activity transpiring in every room of the house from carobs to monopoly or scrabble to cards.)

We even coaxed my 92 year old Dad onto the dance floor to twist and two-step the evening away. During one of the "breaks" for a gulp of ice cold water, I noticed my aunt, a remarkable lady herself, looking at me. She leaned across the table and said, "You look just like you did when you were 35". For a woman like myself in her 50's, this was quite a compliment till I realized that we were sitting in a dark room lit only by the candles waxing dim on each table.

So I suppose now is the point for a spiritual lesson or nugget for you to walk away with. It is really quite simple, things aren't always as they appear. When we look at a person either by virtue of their outward appearance or their actions, remember, you may not be seeing the real person. It may be hotter than jalapenos, but go ahead and add a lot of grace to the people you are around today. That reminds me, it looks like I owe an apology to a lady who was "manning" the doors at Wally World.

(Look at the picture with the flower. If ONE of you can guess what kind of bush, tree or plant is shadowed on the upper right side of the picture, I have a summer gift card for ONE of you. Email me at cotrwomensministry@gmail.com and in the subject box put "Things are not always as they seem". Make your guess. If there is more than one person guessing right, then the first one gets the card. Remember, things are not always as they appear.)

Rocks, Flowers and Learning to Listen - By Cheryl Goforth

2010-05-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

There I was, standing next to the van with two potted plants waiting while hubby went back into the nursery to hunt for the automatic opener for the car. The humidity was a little higher than normal, but the breeze whipping through the large parking lot made the wait rather pleasant.

Just the day before in preparation for the BBQ at our home, I was operating the weed eater and broke one of the windows of our french doors with a rock. Now, here I was standing in a parking lot while my husband was inside searching through the thousands of plants in hopes of finding the lost opener. It appeared the BBQ was turning out to be more expensive than just the cost of the burgers and fixings.

I knew somehow I had to get that pinch out of my gut so right there in the parking lot I asked the Holy Spirit to calm me down. A song whispered in my head and then came out my mouth. The words...the song...which escapes me right now, were like honey in a fresh steeped cup of chamomile tea...soothing and sweet. Almost instantly there was a peace within letting me know we would find the opener.

Within a few minutes, my tall redheaded husband came around the car shaking his head. The opener was nowhere to be found. We opted to go ahead and unlock the car with the key and set off the alarm so that we could at least get the plants out of the wind and we ourselves could sit down and decide what to do. Given, this really wasn't a major but it was one of those minor irritations which would pull more bucks out of our pockets and that just wasn't a very pleasant thought.

Still peaceful, I decided to give it a go and headed back into the nursery to search some more. I remembered the point where hubby was reaching out to help me with one of the plants and began my hunt there. As I put my hand into the planter closest to me, I felt something round and smooth. Pulling the object out, I was joyously excited to see that it was indeed the lost opener.

The BBQ turned out great and we enjoyed visiting with new and old friends around mountains of summertime foods. The flowers perked up the outdoor setting and the spidery window pane was a great conversation piece. And, I did learn something that weekend. The quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to me to be careful around the rocks while operating the weed eater and the same quiet voice of the Comforter singing through me assuring me the lost would be found bore different results. The first calling, I ignored...the second calling I heeded. One cost me more than I wanted. The other cost me nothing but instead gave me a wonderful peace and a deeper understanding of the importance of listening in the "little" things.

A Note to the Graduate - Overcoming the Past - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-22T14:40:00.001-05:00

My brother-in-law is now 80 years old. He lives in a nice home in California and enjoys doing whatever he wants to do in his years of retirement. He enjoyed many years of being a very successful choir director at Amarillo High School. With the encouragement of a college professor he moved on to get his Doctorate of Education, with a major in Secondary Curriculum, and a minor in psychology and moved to California to enjoy many years of teaching at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

When he was little, his family lived in a half dugout in New Mexico. Back in the 1930’s his father tried to make a living for his family of four children by doing odd jobs. He finally got a job with the CCC working on Conchas Dam. In about six months, he became very ill and died on the way to the hospital in Amarillo. My brother-in-law was only 6 years old.

His mother moved the family to Amarillo. My brother-in-law and his twin sister lived in a small apartment behind the bigger house where his mother lived. In time his sister went to live with an aunt. Another aunt and uncle decided that living in an apartment alone was no way for a child to live and took my brother-in-law in to live with them. Later he went to live with another aunt and uncle until he graduated from high school.

My brother-in-law hated school, but he had decided he wanted to be a choir director and that took a college degree. He began his college work at Amarillo College where he got involved with the school newspaper. He loved the work and began to believe he had the intelligence and ability to fulfill his dream. Once he finished Amarillo College, he transferred to West Texas State College in Canyon. He worked at the Globe News in Amarillo and slept on a cot in one of the back rooms. He hitchhiked to and from classes. every day. He graduated from West Texas with a degree in music, taught one year, went to the Army for two years, and returned to West Texas for his master’s degree. He met my sister and they were married.

No one in his family had finished grade school much less graduate from high school or college. His family did not have money. At that time, there was no such thing as student loans. He had no one but himself to believe that he had the intelligence and ability to finish college and have a successful career. He did not wait around for others to do for him He found ways to overcome his obstacles and take advantage of the opportunities God gave him.

He enjoys a close relationship with his wife, his daughter and her husband, his son and his wife, two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his only living sister. He still loves music and attends special programs presented at Cal Poly. He enjoys flowers in his garden. He loves to travel and see new things. Learning is still important to him and works at learning more through educational CD programs I would say that he has had a full rewarding life as a result of his positive attitude, belief in himself and perseverance.

My hat is off to you, Louis Pippin. I truly admire you for your accomplishments and the person you have become.

(Note: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program for unemployed young men age 18-24. This was part of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal)

A Note to the Graduate - Life Isn't Fair - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

Surely by now, you have learned life isn’t fair. Realize no one owes you anything. You have to make your way in life. Really, do you want someone telling you what to do? Do you want to wait for others to give you what they may or may not want you to have? Or are you going to have the money to pay someone else to do things for you? You very likely have the intelligence and ability to do it better than they would do it. Don’t wait around for others to determine your destiny.

Have a dream for yourself and get to work to achieve your own destiny. Do something to get started on something. If you are undecided, do something, anything. You may just find yourself along the way.

A Note to the Graduate - Dress Rehearsal - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-22T14:29:00.000-05:00

Life is not a dress rehearsal. This is it! There are no do overs. Take advantage of the opportunities you have. Those opportunities move on to others and will not be there for you in the same way again, if ever.

A Note to the Graduate - High Point - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-22T14:27:00.000-05:00

Don’t let experiences in high school be the high point of your life. Those successes were wonderful and you are to be commended for them, but they should be a spring board to future success. Those achievements grow old and stale. Seek new adventures and work to achieve new success.

If you have ever been a part of a sports team or even been a fan you realize no matter how wonderful the last win was, you have to focus in and regroup for the next challenge. So it is in life.

I'm Glad I'm Not this Avocado Seed - By Cheryl Goforth

2010-05-20T00:21:00.002-05:00

For well over a month now, I have been trying to get an avocado seed to sprout. I even looked on the internet to find all of the recommended methods to get it started. Granted, my skills as a botanical genius are somewhat lacking, but surely the simple task of getting a seed to sprout should not take much expertise...just time, water and light. However, with all of my attempts, nothing has happened and the pit remains as it was at the beginning.

The journey of the seed becoming a plant and then producing fruit is a mystery to me. It is apparent that God is the difference maker throughout the process. It stands to reason that He too is the difference maker in our life's journey to becoming rooted, established and productive.

I really like the scripture in Isaiah 61:3 which says, "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Think of it this way...He gives us a tiara instead of worthlessness, joy instead of mourning, a mantle of singing praises instead of having a "wick which is about to go out". His purpose is so that we might be pillars or trees of justice and righteousness...a shoot planted by God to be adorned and honored as a people by Jehovah.

When we perceive ourselves as worthless, suffer loss or are just about to burn out, He comes in and turns it all around. He first crowns us taking us from a pauper to a king, infuses joy which gives us strength and then places His mantle of singing and praise upon us making us righteous rulers adorned and honored by God himself. Wow! We become rooted, productive and loved. It just doesn't get any better than that.

(P.S. I realize this is not a picture of an avocado plant, but at least it is an alive and thriving flowering plant!)

A Note to the Graduate...Failure - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-19T08:36:00.001-05:00

Don’t be afraid of failing. Failing is a part of learning and redirecting your efforts in pursuit of success in life. If you don’t try for fear of failure, you are not giving yourself the opportunity to succeed. Failure can make you more determined to work harder and motivated to succeed. It can be God’s way of directing you in the way He wants you to go.

Michael Jordon did not make every basket he tried. He even got kicked off the basketball team in high school. He did not allow that to stop him from succeeding.

Many millionaires have at some point in their career gone bankrupt at least once. They refused to quit, redirecting their thinking and efforts to be successful again.

Failure does not always mean you are doing something wrong. The world changes, situations and circumstances change and we have to change with them. (Nancy is a retired Home Economics teacher with over 36 years of teaching experience.)

A Note to the Graduate...Excuses Guarantee Failure - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-19T08:32:00.002-05:00

We can all come up with excuses of why we did not do what we were supposed to do or why we did not accomplish something. Excuses bring inactivity that guarantees failure.

It doesn’t matter how smart you are, how good looking you may be, or how much money you have, excuses will hold you back from succeeding. Some may say of a successful person, “They get all the luck.” Is it luck or is it hard work?

When I was in high school, I was one of two girls in chemistry class. I remember one assignment specifically that was being very difficult to find the answers. I gave up. The next day in class, the other girl shared how difficult it was for her to find the answers. She worked four hours on the assignment and was able to complete it all except for one question. She received a high passing grade. I received a failing grade. Was it her good luck or hard work that paid off for her?

You may say “I can’t ____, because my mother/father are an alcoholic, drug addicts, in prison, don’t have money, don’t have a high school/college education, are in bad health, were abusive or I have a baby.” Your past does not have to determine your future.

Those who succeed find ways to overcome the obstacles and challenges they encounter. Where there is a will, there is a way. Find it! Believe in yourself. (Nancy is a retired Home Economics teacher with over 36 years of teaching experience.)

A Note to the Graduate...Appreciate - By Nancy Cleavinger

2010-05-18T18:23:00.003-05:00

At the last gathering of you and your classmates, realize that after graduation night, never again will all of you be together. You will scatter to the four corners of the earth in search of your dreams and destinies making new friends and experiencing new adventures.
Appreciate each individual person for who he/she is and his God given intelligence, talents and gifts big or small. God has created each one of you for a specific purpose and will give you the opportunities to acquire the knowledge needed and the opportunities to develop the ability to fulfill His design for your lives.
The more you seek Him by reading His Word, praying and being open to hearing His desires for you, the more likely you are of fulfilling His purpose for your life. Don’t compare yourself to others, but strive to grow and develop a better you. (Nancy is a retired Home Economics teacher with over 36 years of teaching experience.)