The Lord is my Shepherd
I have no wants
He makes me lie down in green pastures
He leads me beside the still waters
He restores my soul
Psalm 23 is my theme song for this year. It is probably the most read poem throughout history, written by an anointed king of a small kingdom a thousand years before Christ.
David could have composed this poem as a lad during the long hours watching his father’s sheep. Or he could have written it in reflection during his reign as king over Israel.
Sheep are stupid and are desperately in need of guidance. They need a shepherd to guide and to rescue them. Most of us recognize that we really don’t know the path in front of us, and we also are greatly in need of a loving shepherd to guide us. The Lord is my Shepherd.
I’ve had an issue lately that I have been wrestling with, robbing me of peace. Last night I wrestled with an angel during my sleep, asking for peace. Jim said I talked in my sleep all night. He thought I was arguing with him. After rebuking an evil spirit this morning, peace from God descended upon my being. I am still praising the Lord and feel calmness and direction.
I have no wants. I have so many wants and needs that I worry about. I don’t need anything but my Shepherd. He will take care of me and those around me.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. I don’t always want to lie down in comfort in the meadows of spiritual food. I want to roam around, stumbling over rocks, taking a chance on going over a cliff. But the Good Shepherd makes me rest and to eat. He leads me to drink holy water.
He restores my soul. I feel so good, so at peace, that I am restored and ready for the day. My natural response is praise.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Read Your Bible Everyday
I have had the opportunity to teach teenagers and mature adults over the years, and my theme song has always been READ YOUR BIBLE EVERYDAY.
Thy Word is a lamb unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Someone reading these words may think that Amy Grant wrote them. Smile. She, like song writers over the centuries, used the Word of God, the Word of Truth. This makes her wise in this area.
Why should you read the Bible daily?
1. It is the Word of truth. When you pray or when you listen to words of advise from others, the Bible can tell you if the words you are hearing are within God’s vast Kingdom, or from the tiny kingdom of damnation.
2. You cannot be obedient unless you know what obedience is and what pleases God. Reading the Bible can help you avoid sin.
3. From His youth, Jesus studied and learned the scriptures. We as Christians should follow His path.
4. When talking to others, whether Christians or otherwise, we are responsible for truth. Sometimes we sound foolish when we act like we know the Word and our knowledge is spotty. We can lead others astray and permit gross heresies in ourselves.
What should you read? Of course, read all of it, both Old Testament and New Testament. Interpret the New from the Old. However, there is no time constraints, nor limits of times to read the Bible. There are new, fresh ideas continually as long as life lasts.
Here is a suggestion for starting: First get a bookmark and place it at the beginning of a book, such as Genesis, Matthew, I John, or Psalms. Take your time and read something, maybe only a few verses, everyday. It’s okay to read the same passage over and over for several days. You are not in a hurry. Ask the Lord of Truth to direct your mind as you read. Second, make an appointment daily to spend time in the Word. It will not happen unless you set aside time. Perhaps your time will be first thing in the morning, at lunch, or before you turn out the lights.
One night I got in bed and realized that I had failed to read my Bible. So I took my Bible into my closet so not to disturb my husband’s sleep with the light. God met me in that closet and revealed Himself in a most wonderful and personal way. That is another amazing story.
Please share with others what the Bible means to you. Tell how the Word has changed your life, perhaps a special story.
Blessings.
Thy Word is a lamb unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105
Someone reading these words may think that Amy Grant wrote them. Smile. She, like song writers over the centuries, used the Word of God, the Word of Truth. This makes her wise in this area.
Why should you read the Bible daily?
1. It is the Word of truth. When you pray or when you listen to words of advise from others, the Bible can tell you if the words you are hearing are within God’s vast Kingdom, or from the tiny kingdom of damnation.
2. You cannot be obedient unless you know what obedience is and what pleases God. Reading the Bible can help you avoid sin.
3. From His youth, Jesus studied and learned the scriptures. We as Christians should follow His path.
4. When talking to others, whether Christians or otherwise, we are responsible for truth. Sometimes we sound foolish when we act like we know the Word and our knowledge is spotty. We can lead others astray and permit gross heresies in ourselves.
What should you read? Of course, read all of it, both Old Testament and New Testament. Interpret the New from the Old. However, there is no time constraints, nor limits of times to read the Bible. There are new, fresh ideas continually as long as life lasts.
Here is a suggestion for starting: First get a bookmark and place it at the beginning of a book, such as Genesis, Matthew, I John, or Psalms. Take your time and read something, maybe only a few verses, everyday. It’s okay to read the same passage over and over for several days. You are not in a hurry. Ask the Lord of Truth to direct your mind as you read. Second, make an appointment daily to spend time in the Word. It will not happen unless you set aside time. Perhaps your time will be first thing in the morning, at lunch, or before you turn out the lights.
One night I got in bed and realized that I had failed to read my Bible. So I took my Bible into my closet so not to disturb my husband’s sleep with the light. God met me in that closet and revealed Himself in a most wonderful and personal way. That is another amazing story.
Please share with others what the Bible means to you. Tell how the Word has changed your life, perhaps a special story.
Blessings.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year resolution to surprise you
I received a lovely email from Tamela, whose blog is called Tamela's Place. She had a message from Max Lucado about prayer. I sent this respoonse and wanted to share this with you too. I consider this instructions for a better new year.
Prayer is the most fantastic, powerful asset we have as Christians. I really don't know why, but it pleases God that we plead with Him, struggle with Him, bless His Holy Name, Praise Him, and listen to Him. Prayer changes things. I know this, really know this.
God will do all the blessings and directing as He had done so in the past. However, I can assure you that He will not do it exactly as He did it in the past, nor will He answer prayers as you expect. His answers will be better, more appropriate, and will always show great creativity.
The first value of prayer is not to have things turn out the way we want. It is to peel off our sinful selves and to find ourselves in the center of God's vast Kingdom. When we see ourselves herein, we see the prayers answered even before the perfomance. It is the best place to be.
What makes prayers powerful and to be able to be located inside God's Kingdom? Forgiveness of sins, a desire to be crucified with Christ, read your Bible everyday, and spend most of your prayer time listening instead of dictating.
Blessings to all who read this.
Prayer is the most fantastic, powerful asset we have as Christians. I really don't know why, but it pleases God that we plead with Him, struggle with Him, bless His Holy Name, Praise Him, and listen to Him. Prayer changes things. I know this, really know this.
God will do all the blessings and directing as He had done so in the past. However, I can assure you that He will not do it exactly as He did it in the past, nor will He answer prayers as you expect. His answers will be better, more appropriate, and will always show great creativity.
The first value of prayer is not to have things turn out the way we want. It is to peel off our sinful selves and to find ourselves in the center of God's vast Kingdom. When we see ourselves herein, we see the prayers answered even before the perfomance. It is the best place to be.
What makes prayers powerful and to be able to be located inside God's Kingdom? Forgiveness of sins, a desire to be crucified with Christ, read your Bible everyday, and spend most of your prayer time listening instead of dictating.
Blessings to all who read this.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
New Year
Every new year I make a laundry list of goals. This year will be no different. All will genuinely centered around worshipping My Redeemer. I am working on decreasing and on Jesus increasing. I want to continually say no to the world and to say yes to the Lord.
I want to love my husband more, and to serve others more.
What do I want less? Less junk food.
God be in my head
God be in my heart
And in my understanding.
I want to love my husband more, and to serve others more.
What do I want less? Less junk food.
God be in my head
God be in my heart
And in my understanding.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
CHRISTMAS 2008
Christmas officially started with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas eve. This is a solemn occasion, full of awe and wonder for the church. Unless something unexpected happens…
Many years ago when I was singing in a Presbyterian choir, it was time to light the Christ candle on the Advent wreath. Usually the Advent wreath is placed on the altar center front. However, in this church it was suspended over the lectern. After all five candles were lit, a well-meaning volunteer maintenance helper noticed that the wreath was hanging slightly crooked. He decided to do a tiny adjustment. No one noticed him working on the ropes in the darkened balcony.
The choir was seated, behind the lectern, facing forward. Suddenly one of the candles on the outer rim lit the close-by rope. We had a blazing fire. As choir members, we had to act calmly for the entire congregation to reflect. Someone came to the front with an extinguisher and put out the fire. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember how the service ended. Probably we ended with quietly singing Silent Night, with lit candles, and no talking, as usual.
Peace on earth, Good will toward men. In this world of uncertainties, this is the message we Christians must reflect to the world. They are watching and will be led to the hope of peace and of directed light from above.
Christmas represents new hope for the world. Many of you have deep hurts that surface during this holiday season. May you see and reflect the light, the true light, Jesus the Promised One.
Blessings to you and to those who see the Light through your candle.
Christmas officially started with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas eve. This is a solemn occasion, full of awe and wonder for the church. Unless something unexpected happens…
Many years ago when I was singing in a Presbyterian choir, it was time to light the Christ candle on the Advent wreath. Usually the Advent wreath is placed on the altar center front. However, in this church it was suspended over the lectern. After all five candles were lit, a well-meaning volunteer maintenance helper noticed that the wreath was hanging slightly crooked. He decided to do a tiny adjustment. No one noticed him working on the ropes in the darkened balcony.
The choir was seated, behind the lectern, facing forward. Suddenly one of the candles on the outer rim lit the close-by rope. We had a blazing fire. As choir members, we had to act calmly for the entire congregation to reflect. Someone came to the front with an extinguisher and put out the fire. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember how the service ended. Probably we ended with quietly singing Silent Night, with lit candles, and no talking, as usual.
Peace on earth, Good will toward men. In this world of uncertainties, this is the message we Christians must reflect to the world. They are watching and will be led to the hope of peace and of directed light from above.
Christmas represents new hope for the world. Many of you have deep hurts that surface during this holiday season. May you see and reflect the light, the true light, Jesus the Promised One.
Blessings to you and to those who see the Light through your candle.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
John the Baptist said
Does it matter if a woman believes she is pregnant or not? No, either she is or she isn’t. She cannot believe a baby into existence nor ignore its existence if inside her womb growing. That’s the way the Laws that God put into place concerning cause and consequence. Even if we are sorry for our sins, the consequence exists. If we turn to God sooner rather than later, the consequence can be lesser.
Integrity is an intricate part of walking on the Way called Holiness. We cannot be dishonest and walk with the Lord, because the Father of Lies is Satan. We cannot have fellowship with both.
Honesty starts in the messages that we tell ourselves. I could tell myself that I am pregnant, but I am not. I need to grasp the truth. If I continue to permit myself to believe in the pregnancy, I will have signs that will promote the lie, such as a larger abdomen, swelling breasts, and morning sickness. However, when I am forced to see the truth, I may have a nervous breakdown or a physical illness. The worst consequence is that I have practiced deceit to myself. How can I continue towards honesty?
Anytime we have permitted self deceit, we will either make excuses, justifying our actions and thoughts, or we will be broken hearted and change our ways. Giving reasons, justifying actions, feeling like the exception, blaming others, should be red flags. IF WE DO NOT REPENT, WE CANNOT BE FORGIVEN. If we continue in the sin, we are not repentant.
Repentance is central to the Christian walk. Seeking holiness, or a genuine walk with God through Jesus Christ, means striving for wholeness, purity, truth. If we avoid the truth, it is like walking without our feet touching the ground. We have no self control and our reality is suspect. Repentance requires a change of attitude, and a decision to do things differently. A broken heart accompanies repentance. Repentance always hurts initially, but leads to peace. True acceptance of forgiveness leads to praising the Lord.
At the end of time at the Great Throne where all shall be judged Jesus says:
It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murders, sexually immoral,, sorcerers (drug addicts and devil worshipers), idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which buns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 21:6-8
Search my heart, O Lord
And see if there be any wicked way in my.
Cleanse me with hyssop
And I shall be whiter than snow.
John the Baptist said to repent and to make straight the highway for our Lord. This was not just for the life of Jesus on earth, but this message is for us today.
Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you, not as the world leave I unto you.
Blessings to all who have read to the end.
Integrity is an intricate part of walking on the Way called Holiness. We cannot be dishonest and walk with the Lord, because the Father of Lies is Satan. We cannot have fellowship with both.
Honesty starts in the messages that we tell ourselves. I could tell myself that I am pregnant, but I am not. I need to grasp the truth. If I continue to permit myself to believe in the pregnancy, I will have signs that will promote the lie, such as a larger abdomen, swelling breasts, and morning sickness. However, when I am forced to see the truth, I may have a nervous breakdown or a physical illness. The worst consequence is that I have practiced deceit to myself. How can I continue towards honesty?
Anytime we have permitted self deceit, we will either make excuses, justifying our actions and thoughts, or we will be broken hearted and change our ways. Giving reasons, justifying actions, feeling like the exception, blaming others, should be red flags. IF WE DO NOT REPENT, WE CANNOT BE FORGIVEN. If we continue in the sin, we are not repentant.
Repentance is central to the Christian walk. Seeking holiness, or a genuine walk with God through Jesus Christ, means striving for wholeness, purity, truth. If we avoid the truth, it is like walking without our feet touching the ground. We have no self control and our reality is suspect. Repentance requires a change of attitude, and a decision to do things differently. A broken heart accompanies repentance. Repentance always hurts initially, but leads to peace. True acceptance of forgiveness leads to praising the Lord.
At the end of time at the Great Throne where all shall be judged Jesus says:
It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murders, sexually immoral,, sorcerers (drug addicts and devil worshipers), idolaters, and ALL LIARS shall have their part in the lake which buns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 21:6-8
Search my heart, O Lord
And see if there be any wicked way in my.
Cleanse me with hyssop
And I shall be whiter than snow.
John the Baptist said to repent and to make straight the highway for our Lord. This was not just for the life of Jesus on earth, but this message is for us today.
Jesus said:
Peace I leave with you, not as the world leave I unto you.
Blessings to all who have read to the end.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Advent
Advent
Those of us aware of the liturgical church calendar think of Advent as starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, and ending with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. We think of Advent as the great anticipation for the Holy Babe to be born in the manger. Hopefully we also think of the Christ of Easter who would die for our sins and conquer death so we may have eternal life.
More than not, we think of the anticipation of Christmas Day, not for the anticipation of salvation and eternal life, but for the gifts, both given and received, for the time with friends and family, and for the food. This is the way most live Advent.
Let us not get stuck in anticipating something that has already occurred. Jesus was born, died and arose from the dead 2,000 years ago. ADVENT IS MORE ABOUT ANTICIPATING THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS.
Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.
Those of us aware of the liturgical church calendar think of Advent as starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, and ending with the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Eve. We think of Advent as the great anticipation for the Holy Babe to be born in the manger. Hopefully we also think of the Christ of Easter who would die for our sins and conquer death so we may have eternal life.
More than not, we think of the anticipation of Christmas Day, not for the anticipation of salvation and eternal life, but for the gifts, both given and received, for the time with friends and family, and for the food. This is the way most live Advent.
Let us not get stuck in anticipating something that has already occurred. Jesus was born, died and arose from the dead 2,000 years ago. ADVENT IS MORE ABOUT ANTICIPATING THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS.
Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.
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Great Grandfather Humes
Great Grandfather, Charles Humes, started the family interest in trucks. He is in the center of the picture and Great Grandmother, Eva Humes, is to the left of him.
