Current Theme: What Happened on the Cross? August 24 - September 27

What Happened on the Cross?
1. August 24—30 Smitten by God Isaiah 53: 4—6
2. August 31—September 6 Dying for the Ungodly Romans 5: 6—8
3. September 7—13 Becoming Sin for Us 2 Corinthians 5: 21
4. September 14—20 Taking Away the Charges Against Us Colossians 2: 13—14
5. September 21—27 Redeeming Us with His Blood 1 Peter 1: 18—19

What Happened on the Cross Isaiah 53: 4 – 6

Isaiah 53: 4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was on him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

One of the distinct memories I will carry of the second time around with breast cancer is the number of people who prayed with and for me. Several times in my hospital room, on the phone, in the emails and cards, once even at the Dollar Store, many I knew, some I didn’t. It was a blessing that I will ever be grateful for to our God and to those of His people who know the value of speaking with the Father on behalf of another. Prayer does change things, circumstances, and people. One of the most frequently quoted Scriptures during those prayers was the final part of verse 5…and with His stripes we are healed. I stand here before you today as testimony that our God does heal, does perform miracles. I took a brief look at information about survival rates after first and second occurrences of cancer – needless to say, it is only by God’s grace and mercy that I am still here. But the thought, the challenge, the question I’d like you to consider today – is that what that verse is for? Is this about the healing of our bodies or the healing of our souls?
Consider what the verses say we need to be healed from: Verse 4 griefs and sorrows, that is: anguish, heartache, woe, misery; sadness, melancholy, depression..sickness in the heart and the soul. Does sickness in the body create this? Yes it does, but if only the body is healed without the healing of the sin sick soul then we are healed and healthy sinners still on our way to hell. Those observing Jesus thought He was taking on all that suffering because God was punishing Him for something He had done. Isaish says “not so” that was your misery He took on. Verse 5a reinforces that idea, our transgressions and iniquities caused Jesus to be bruised and afflicted. Listen to Matthew Henry’s words about these verses: “Our sins were the thorns in Christ's head, the nails in his hands and feet, the spear in his side. He was delivered to death for our offences. By his sufferings he purchased for us the Spirit and grace of God…” Jesus took the punishment, the chastisement that was required by our Father God in order for us to be at peace with Him. He who knew no sin became sin. Every one of those stripes Jesus took He took for all of our lies, all of our cursing, all of our envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. Our immorality, adultery, fornication, homosexuality. Our gossip, slander, pride, arrogance and boasting; disobedience, faithlessness, heartlessness, and ruthlessness.(Rom 1:24 – 30). By His stripes, we are healed.
Finallly verse 6, just in case we didn’t get the message and think this is referring to everyone else and not to me. Isaiah compares us to sheep..”all we like sheep”..”every one, each one to his/her own way.” There is no getting around it. There is no way to escape or avoid the fact. I, you, me, we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God yet God has laid the iniquity of us all on Him. By His stripes we are healed.
Sickness and disease exist because of the presence and impact of sin on our natural world. But Jesus did not die for the purpose of saving our bodies. Jesus died to save our souls. The part of us that will live on forever in eternity. Can He physically heal us? Absolutely. Is He willing? Without question. Did He suffer, take those stripes on His back, endure crucifixion, bleed and die because of sickness and disease in our bodies? I think not. Did He rise from the dead with resurrection power so that I wouldn’t have to be sick? I repeat as I started. I am a living, walking, breathing testimony to the healing power of Jesus Christ active in this body.
But His stripes, saved my soul,
His stripes and His crucifixion delivered me from eternal Hell,
His stripes, His crucifixion, and His shed blood cleansed me from my sin
His stripes, His crucifixion, His shed blood and His resurrection have given me the victory.
I am healed today saints, but the healing in my body is not even half the story – it is the liberation, the freeing of my soul from the grip of sin that is the whole story. By His stripes I am, I am healed. I am healed.

Christ Lives in Me

Gal 2:20 (NKJV) 20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Christ Lives in Me!

Walking around this verse during the week created a "wow" that is comforting, humbling and a bit overwhelming. I love the idea of the nearness and closeness of Christ but feel the press of responsibility to live the kind of life that reflects His presence in me. A few thoughts on what Christ brings to my life:

L - He loves me
I - He gives me insight through His Words
V - He give me the victory
E - He gives me eternal life
S - He gives me security

Those things just scratch the surface of describing the blessings that come from His presence in our hearts. I am praying for a match between His life and mine. What do you want from Him? As always thanks for listening. Be blessed. Leslie

August 10—16 We Die With Christ but Live by Faith Galatians 2: 20

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Christ Lives in me.

Have you ever given that serious thought? Jesus Christ the Lord of all lives in me. He has residence in my heart and makes Himself manifuest to me by His Spirit. I am never without His presence. He is always available to me. He is always active and working on my behalf. He is with me every moment of my life. What an awesome blessing.

Lord, I praise and thank you for being with me. You are God and yet you love me. How I thank you. I pray that each and every person who reads these words will feel your presence and the comfort and joy of knowing you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Be Blessed. Leslie

August 3– 9 Trials Make Us Grow Up James 1: 2– 4

Trials Make Us Grow Up
James 1: 2– 4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Counting - Knowing - Growing

We can count on it. Trials will come. James says - don't be surprised or think it's some strange thing that should not be happening to you. In fact, he says, "count it all joy". Rejoice? Yes, be glad that God has seen fit to provide you with an opportunity to grow. Just like the little seedling in our picture, growing strong through adversity.

Knowing this, knowing for sure that's it's coming, knowing for sure that it's for our good (remember Romans 8:28) we can weather the storm. Runners sometimes practice with ankle weights on. When the weights are off their feet can fly and they can run faster. So it is with our souls, when the weight of trials has passed, when the darkness has given way to light, then we can fly, we can soar, we can mount up on wings like eagles.

Growing up. Becoming mature and settled and steadfast. More and more conforming to the image of Christ. Is that easy? No, of course not, but it is worth every effort. Let us pray for each other. As always, thanks for listening. Be Blessed. Lesile

August 3– 9

Trials Make Us Grow Up

James 1: 2– 4

Psalms 119:71 says "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes".

Wow! Now there's an eye opener! It is good for me that I have been afflicted so that I can learn.

It seems like everyday you talk to someone else who is being afflicted; who is going through some type of health or family issue or job issue. After I passed the golden age of 50's it seemed like everything started going down hill. I was always hurting, always at the doctors office. I seemed to be hurting from head to toe and most times I don't tell anyone because they wonder, "You sick again?" Have you ever just stopped and asked, "God, what is going on?" But I'm learning that it's not what I'm going through but how I'm going through it.

James 1:2-4 says "Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work that ye might be perfect and entire, lacking nothing." So, we are to rejoice in our infirmities. In all things we are to give thanks because that is the will of God concerning you.

Sometimes you may find it hard to give thanks and to 'count it all joy' when you are in the middle of a trial but faith in God knows that you are more than a conquerer. So whether in the body or out, you are a winner anyway! So rejoice in your trials and let God get the glory out of your living.

As you meditate on being a winner this week, let these scriptures minister to your spirit, ...that ye might be perfect and entire and not lacking in any area of your life. Be blessed, Love Evangelist Dorthy

Psalm 119:71

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

Romans 5:3-5

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 8:35

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Romans 8:13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

2 Cor. 1:3-4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Cor. 1:7

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.

Eph. 3:13

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

The week of July 27-August 2, 2009 we meditated on God Limiting Our Temptations. Boy, we know about those don't we. It seems that daily something is coming against us to tempt us to do wrong. It's a never ending battle for sure. Sister Leslie brought out that point that temptation takes you to an opportunity to sin whether it is sex, lying, stealing, covetousness, greed, pride, uncontrolled anger or any other sin. Let's look at that uncontrolled anger.

The scripture says "we are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; "

A lady in my sunday school class brought out this wonderful point about when she want to give people a piece of her mind. Sometimes we are tempted to do that. We get so angry about the way things are going, that sometimes we just NEED to tell people how we feel. So we think. However, she said that the holy ghost gave her the revelation that "when you give people a piece of your mind that you are actually giving them YOUR PIECE OF MIND." Piece of mind is the most valuable thing we have. You never want to give in to temptation where you allow Satan to destroy your piece of mind. As you meditate on the word of God, use these handy scriptures below as your ammunition and reinforcement. Replenish your ammunition with the word of God. Have a blessed week!

Proverbs 25:28

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

1 Cor. 10:13

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Hebrews 2:18

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:12-14

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Proverbs 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Evangelist Dorothy

July 27-August 2 God Limits Our Temptations 1 Corinthians 10:13

God Limits Our Temptations

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Temptation takes you to an opportunity to sin whether it is sex, lying, stealing, covetousness, greed, pride, uncontrolled anger or any other sin. It is an invitation, an open door, a beckoning to fulfill some fleshly, worldly urge. Every man, every human is tempted. It is part of the human condition (such as is common to man), part of man’s way. The source of the temptation does not matter – every human is tempted.

But God is faithful - picture us so easily beset, addicted, waylaid, distracted and then picture God, constantly faithful:
Constantly :
watching
available
able to rescue
loving
aware of our frame.
Faithful to :
limit the power of the temptation.
match the degree of temptation to the degree of our ability to resist.
provide a “back door” for us to go out of – using our will to escape.
Every temptation comes with two sides, a fork in the road – right or left, two doors, a way in and a way out. When I make the right choice I do not have to continue to suffer the urge to sin. I am delivered, I am free.

Let us pray for each other!! Be blessed. Leslie

New Theme: Understanding God's Reign July 20 - August 23

1. July 20—26 God Causes All Things to Work for Good Romans 8:28
2. July 27-August 2 God Limits Our Temptations 1 Corinthians 10:13
3. August 3– 9 Trials Make Us Grow Up James 1: 2– 4
4. August 10—16 We Die With Christ but Live by Faith Galatians 2: 20
5. August 17—23 Christ has Overcome the World John 16:33

July 13 -19 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God

Jude 24—25 24

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

The God Who Keeps Us!

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Be Blessed, Leslie

July 11 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God Proverbs 3: 5—6 Part 2

Proverbs 3:5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

(Continued from yesterday.) Next the recipe tells you what not to add – your own understanding.
Kind of like it says on the Jello box – do not add pineapple or pineapple juice – jello won’t gel
Or like it says on the dry yeast package – do not add water to the yeast ahead of time – your bread won’t rise.
Or when you are making meringue for lemon meringue pie from egg whites – don’t let the yellow of the egg get in your mix – the meringue won’t fluff up.
Do not try to add your two cents to God’s directions and instructions – you will lose your way.

Now you are ready to add another generous portion of acknowledging Him. How much? In all our ways. Let’s see that would be our thinking ways, our walking ways, our talking ways, our spending ways, our dressing ways, our working ways, our playing ways, our praying ways, our resting ways. The way we do the things we do – in all of our ways.

Put it all together and what do we get – a promise that God will direct our paths. Even better than mapquest or a GPS unit in your car. American King James Version“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21. Surefire, 100% perfect and trustworthy directions. I’ll take that anyday.

Try this recipe for walking God’s Way. It’s full proof – you can’t miss if you follow the directions. Be blessed. Leslie

July 6—12 Trusting in the Lord Proverbs 3: 5—6 Part 1

Proverbs 3:5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

Talk about where the rubber meets the road – remember the story of the man who fell over the edge of a cliff and was saved from sudden death by a branch that was sticking out. He was holding on to the branch for dear life, shouting and crying out “Help, help is anybody up there?” A voice came from heaven and said ‘Yes, son I am here.” The man said, “Who are you?” The voice patiently said “I am God, do you want me to help you?” “Yes, God” the man said. God said “Let go of the branch.” The man thought for a moment and then shouted “Is anybody else out there?”

We laugh, but we are a lot like this man. It’s OK to trust God as long as it makes sense to us or doesn’t require any faith challenging actions. Or, if we think we can figure it out for ourselves , what do we need God for? Well Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 is a recipe for trusting God, for walking God’s way.

The recipe begins with trusting God in a generous portion. In fact, the verse tells us exactly how much trust we need. We need “all your heart’s” worth of trust. How much is that?
That’s so much trust that when your money is low – you trust God.
That’s so much trust that when your health is failing – you trust God.
That’s so much trust that when your friends are few – you trust God.
That’s so much trust that when death is at your door – you trust God.
That’s so much trust that when your spouse walks out – you trust God.
That’s so much trust that when all those around you are losing their heads, you can keep yours because – you trust God.

I'm praying for "let go of the branch faith". Pray for me and I'll do the same for you. Be blessed. Leslie

July 4 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God Jeremiah 9: 23 - 4

Jeremiah 9: 23—24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

Have you considered that it pleases God that we know Him and understand Him? Sometimes we spend a considerable amount of time trying to please others and to be thought well of by them. But God says if we can think on and receive His love, instead of relying on our own thinking He will be pleased. God says if we will recognize and accept His acts of judgement, justice and mercy, instead of relying on our own strength and attempts at control, then He will be pleased. God says if we will align our ways with His standards of righteousness, instead of relying on our money and possessions to fulfill us, then He will be pleased. Not only will He be pleased but He uses the word delight. I don't know about you but it doesn't seem like God is asking for all the complicated things I think I have to do to please Him. Maybe it's like all those art works that our sons Paul and Stephen brought home from Kindergarten and we put them proudly on the refrigerator. No, they weren't Monet's or VanGogh"s but they were made with love by their own hands and we were thrilled (yes, delighted!) to have them. Hmm, I'm going to go think about that for a while. If He speaks to your heart about this let me know. Be blessed. Leslie

July 2 Knowing and Trusting Our Great God Jeremiah 9: 23 - 4

Jeremiah 9: 23—24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.

I will glory…
Not because I am so smart
Not because I am so strong
Not because I own great riches
But because you’re in my heart Lord
And because I know your name
Yes, because I know you love me,
And, because I know your mercy
Yes, because I know your holiness is displayed in all the earth
I will glory…
And because you know I love you Lord
In this I will glory.

Be blessed, Leslie

Craving For Your Favorite Food

Psalm 63: 1—3 1 "A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee."

When I read this scripture I think about Skittles. Right. Have I lost my mind you ask and what does Skittles have to do with Psalm 63:1? I'm sure that you have a favorite 'thing' that sometimes you just can't get enough of. Well, Skittles. Years ago I just couldn't get enough of them. I'd crave them and eat bags of them until I got tired and couldn't eat anymore. It was simply one of my favorite things.

When David was in the wilderness of Judah he was experiencing a craving. He had a relationship with God that was so sweet to him that he had a habit of looking for him and talking with him first thing. It appears that he craved God as soon as he woke up in the morning. It was his first thought. His mind, will and emotions were craving to be in the presence of God, "to see thy power and thy glory..." but David was in a place where he couldn't make it to the sanctuary. He was in the wilderness.

I'm sure there's been wilderness times in your life where it seemed that nothing was going right....couldn't pay your bills, children wouldn't act right, health was failing, friends couldn't be depended on, and problems on the job and to top it off, you couldn't get to CHURCH! Couldn't get a word from the pastor or feel the presence of God such as is known in the sanctuary. It is then that through our relationship with him we should be able to draw from the spirit of God and know that we are never without his presence. How amazing to be in his presence and can't get enough of him. That was David's experience.

Today, when you think of your favorite 'things' and remember how it makes you feel, try adding God to your favorite things list and experience what David did.

For the scriptures says, "Psalm 19:9-11 (King James Version)
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

God loves you, Evangelist Dorothy

BE BLESSED

June 23 Verse 1: Knowing and Trusting Our Great God

Psalm 63: 1—3 1 "A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee."

A while back we meditated on 1 Peter 2: 1- 2 thinking about the sincere milk of the Word and how babies need milk and cry out for it until they get it. David clearly understands that. Longing for God like a thirsty man in a desert. It's what he needs to survive, to live. "Just to behold His face, just to behold His face, all I want when I get to heaven, is just to behold His face..." And what about right now? Do you long for God? Is His nearness to you so important that you will let nothing get between you and Him.

Father in heaven, bless us with your presence, draw us so close that all else in this world pales and fades away when you are near. Thank you for being our God. We owe you our worship and praise. In Jesus name. Amen

New Theme: Knowing and Trusting Our Great God

Knowing and Trusting Our Great God

June 22 - July 19

1. June 22—28 Longing for God Psalm 63: 1—3
2. June 29—July 5 Boasting about Knowing God Jeremiah 9: 23—24
3. July 6—12 Trusting in the Lord Proverbs 3: 5—6
4. July 13—19 The God Who Keep Us Jude 24—25

Meditating on the Word of God Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12b For the Word of God is …piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I would like to call your attention to the last portions of the verse. The Word of God is spoken of as piercing and a discerner. Have you ever cut up a whole chicken in parts? I used to hate doing that. But you know how when you are separating the breast halves, or the thigh from the leg there is that one spot where you can insert the tip of the knife and cut, separate. The knife must be sharp and the placement must be accurate to get a clean cut that does not mangle up the meat. So it is with the Word of God. Deep in our hearts where only God can see, beyond the outward appearance, beneath the spoken words and physical gestures, behind the eyes.

• You may display church membership and participation but God knows whether you are saved and His Word will pierce you with conviction until you yield or die and go to Hell
• You may speak in tongues of angels, prophecy, have great faith, do great kind deeds but God knows your motive and His Word will expose the thoughts and intents of your heart
• You may pray, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ But God knows your heart and His Word will expose whether your righteousness is real.
• You may be confused and think you do not know what to do but God has the answer and His Word will direct your path.

Do you need a change in your life? Perhaps you need to be saved or to be filled with God’s Spirit. Get into God’s Word and let God’s Word get into you.
Do you need an answer to a difficult problem? Are you struggling with someone, something, or are you just your own worst enemy? Get into God’s Word and let God’s Word get into you. I guarantee that His Word is able to handle your every need. Bless you, Leslie

June 15 - 21 Meditating on the Word of God

Hebrews 4:12 "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This is our sixth week and sixth verse. This is the last week for the theme “Meditating on the Word of God”. I hope you are finding time with God’s Word refreshing and strengthening. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before next Saturday. May God richly bless your time with Him this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

Inspiring, Isn't It?

2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works...”When I think about the inspiration of God and how the Bible, the written word of God, was written under the 'inspiration of the Holy Ghost' by men of God, I'm in awe of his greatness. Sometimes I ask myself, 'How'd he do that?" I find that God is a talker, for sure....yes He is! Many times God has spoken and placed things in my spirit and I hear him say, "write it down"! In Habbakuk 2:2 he said it. In essence he said, write it down!

In June, 1996 I was sitting at my desk, so very busy, trying to make this deadline and get this grant out. As I was sitting there, God asked me a question to which I did not have an answer. Honest! So, because I didn't have the answer God already knew what he wanted for me and he began to speak to my spirit and he said, "write it down". I was busy. I didn't have time to stop but he kept saying, "write it down". So I saved the document I was typing, opened another screen and began to type what he was speaking to my spirit. It was just like someone was standing over me and dictating to me. I typed what I heard, saved it, dated it and printed it. Oh my, did God have a lot to say. It was three long pages. To this day, that typed document is in my wallet. Twelve years. To this day it is my guidebook for the thing that he wants for me. When I forget, I take it out and look at it. It that thing does not line up with what HE gave me I know that it's not for me.

God does speak to us through his written word, yet he inspires us by his Spirit to write, just as he did the holy men of God who wrote the word of God that we call THE BIBLE!

God loves you,

BE BLESSED

June 14 Meditating on the Word of God

2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works...”

Have you ever had the experience of reporting to a new job for the first day? In many companies after you are hired they send you to a new employee orientation or training. They may give you a handbook or manual to study, and maybe they assign someone during your training period to help you get started. But then there is that day when you are on your own. Did you find yourself wondering, well, am I really ready to do this? Do I know enough yet? I hope I don’t mess up or make any mistakes. I’d like to suggest that it is similar for the Christian. Once we are saved by acknowledging our sin and asking Jesus Christ to come into our hearts and save us we have a whole new job ahead of us. But our God does not leave us to figure out what to do on our own, even though many of us try. He has left us a manual and a helper, the Holy Spirit that is 100% able to keep us on the right track. That is what 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17 tells us. Let pull a few phrases of this verse apart. First..

All Scripture is given...

Every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God has the attributes that are listed here. When the Words He speaks are revealed to us, and we accept them as His Word, it is by faith that we receive them all into our hearts. We cannot, should not, pick and choose what we want to accept. We should be in a hurry to know it and do it.

The Word of God is also WHOLE, it is inerrant. There are no inconsistencies, mistakes, or misstatements. God breathed through man and is able to ensure that what He wants said, gets said. He is also able to speak directly into our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit.
What a wonderful opportunity, a wonderful gift our God has provided for us. He cannot be totally comprehended by us but He has left us love letters, Words to read and meditate on that tell us: who He is, what He does, and what His expectations are of us. He has left us enough of Himself that we could spend our whole lifetime attempting to glean all the meaning of it and still not begun to have scratched the surface, yet be so transformed by what little we do understand if we take it in and obey it.
The fact that it is given also seems to imply an expectation. Considering that the list that follows speaks of what The Word is good for then I should look to it. It is as if God says to me “I am giving you My Word because you will need to use it to become ready for the person I would have you become and the work I would have you to do.” What are we doing with the gift of the Word of God that He has so generously given to us? Let me know what you think. Blessings upon you, Leslie

June 8 - 14 Meditating on the Word of God

2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.."

This is our fifth week and fifth verse. We are still thinking about meditating on the Word of God. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before next Saturday. May God richly bless your time with Him this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

Hi! I'm Dorothy

Praise the Lord Family! I'm Sister Dorothy and am excited about the participation and this blog. This is an exciting time to study and learn more about the word of God and the promises that he has for us. I look forward to the comments and different revelations that God will give to YOU.
Be wonderfully blessed!
In Jesus Name,
Evangelist Dorothy

June 4 Meditating on the Word of God

1 Peter 2: 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:"

Instead of routinely responding, or habitually practicing those evil behaviors, I need to make a concerted, conscious choice to put those things away and instead crave, thirst, earnestly desire the Word of God so that I can grow through it, in it. If I do not, malice, envy, jealousy and evil speaking will grow in me. Drink it in!

The taste of milk is delightful to a baby. They are happy and their enjoyment is great when they are drinking milk. They love how it tastes. So, if you have tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord, and indeed you did when you accepted His free offer and gift of salvation, redemption from sin, then come back to the place where you first found yourself in the presence of the Living Stone, The bread of Life, the Light of the World, come back there to the cross and see the one which the world rejected. Get to know more of the glorious living stone chosen by God and precious to Him. Drink it in!

Come drink, taste, eat, behold, consume, eagerly, even greedily seek to know and be known by this Living Stone. Like a baby, cry out when you have not had enough, cry out when your spiritual stomach is empty, and don’t stop until you are full and satisfied with Him. Full of God’s Holy Spirit, full of His wisdom and knowledge, full of His love and compassion, full and transformed into His image. Drink it in!

Got milk?

June 2 Meditating on the Word of God

I Peter 1: 1 SO BE DONE with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity)and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind...

Cut it out!!

Make a deliberate effort to stop behaviors that seek to harm others or satisfy my sinful lusts.
If I harbor the desire to hurt someone, if I lean toward inappropriate behavior in any area of my life (criminal, sexual, business conduct, thought life: dishonesty, perversions, moral lapses, gambling, advantage taking, etc.) I need to CUT IT OUT!! Make a conscious decision to put an end to all such activity, all such behavior.

Make a deliberate effort to stop behaviors and words that help me get my way or inflate my status in the eyes of others. If I speak or behave in a way to make others think I am more than I am, and if that has the intention of manipulating or gaining something from them even if it is just their attention I need to CUT IT OUT!!

Make a deliberate effort to stop allowing the success, possessions, honors, accomplishments, or general blessings of others to give place to resentment and feelings of ill-will toward them. CUT IT OUT!!

This is a hard one, let's pray for each other!!

June 1 – June 7 Meditating on the Word of God

1 Peter 2: 1 – 2 " 1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speaking, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:."

This is our fourth week and fourth verse. We are still thinking about meditating on the Word of God. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before next Saturday. May God richly bless your time with Him this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

May 31 Treasures of my heart...

If my heart treasures and fears the Lord, my heart will be pure and my words will help others find their way to Jesus Christ and everlasting life.

If my heart treasures the ordinances of God’s Law, my heart will be assured and my words will be righteous.

If my heart treasures God’s Word more than fine gold and sweet honey, my heart will be rich, full to overflowing and my words will be generous and gracious.

If my heart treasures the warnings and values them as commands from my Master, then my heart will be at peace, my words will sow blessings into the lives of others, and that will be my reward.

If my heart treasures God’s revelation of my sin and His chastisement, my heart will crave forgiveness and my words will be humble.

What will your words be today?

May 30 Meditating on the Word of God

Psalm 19 can be divided into three parts. Part 1 (Vs 1 - 6) says Our God, the God of this universe shows His glory in all of His creation. There is no place where His glory is not seen or felt. Just as no one on earth can escape the impact of the sun no one can escape the majestic presence of God. Day and night, north and south, east and west every direction and secret place are open to Him.

Part 2 (Vs 7 - 11) says this majestic God has given us His law, His Words, to live by. His commandments, which lead us to righteousness. In every way they are good for us. In every way they are designed to get us to a better state. Where we are wrong they make us right, where we are right they strengthen and keep us.

Part 3 (Vs 12 - 14) declares but as for me I am undone. I can’t even comprehend the magnitude of my own flaws and failure. I need God to stem the tide of unrighteousness in me. I will be overwhelmed by my own nature if God does not deliver me. I want to be free from sin. I want my internal and external states to reflect the glory of God.

This is my prayer today for us all: Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Amen.

May 24 – 31 Meditating on the Word of God

Psalm 19: 7 – 9 " 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.”

This is our third week and third verse. We are still thinking about meditating on the Word of God. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before next Saturday. May God bless your time with Him this week. Leslie

May 21 Meditating on the Word of God

Psalm 1: 1 " Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful...

To do or not to do, that is the question...

Ginny talked about choices: Who do I seek out and listen to for advice? Who do I want to be like? Who do I admire? What choices am I making when it comes to my life's decisions and directions? Psalm 1:1 says you are blessed, happy, fortunate if your answers to those questions do not include ungodly individuals. Got counsel?

Who do I hang with? Standing in the way of sinners represents a drawing near to them and paying attention to their agenda. It is dangerously flirting with temptation, perhaps not expecting to experience the consequences of wrongdoing. Like the moth flying too close to the flame, attracted by the pretty light, oblivious to the life threatening heat of the fire, eventually dying because of coming too close. Psalm 1:1 says you are blessed, happy, fortunate if the company you keep does not include sinners you desire to imitate. Got companions?

This is the closest and the worst positon of all. In the midst of ungodly, sinful, God rejecting souls. Taking bread, fellowshipping and counting yourself as one of the gang. This is not the recipe for happiness that God intends for us. I'm thinking of the prodigal son who found himself wallowing in the pig pen. Rejected and scorned by those whose counsel he stood in, whose ways he sat in and who was cast out as soon as his resources were depleted. Not blessed. Got committment?

To do or not to do, that is the question...as always, thanks for listening. Leslie

May 16-23: Choices, Choices (Reflections on Psalm 1: 1-2)

I love this verse of Scripture! Psalm 1: 1-2 clearly points to the fact that we have to make a choice in life. No one gets through life without doing so. Even when we think we are straddling the fence, we are making a choice. This scripture is one that I hide in my heart and remind myself of daily. With every breath we take, every step we make, we are choosing to live or die. Moses in Deuteronomy 30: 19, admonishes the people of God to choose life by living life on God's terms. These precious verses of Scripture help us to read the signs of life that support us in the choices we make. Blessed or "happy" is the man that is vigilant about the company he or she keeps. Our grandparents had the wisdom that only faith in God can bring. They taught many of us to choose our friends wisely. They encouraged us to not sit in the cynic's seat in terms of our speech and our thinking. They taught us that wrongs done in the dark will always come to the light.

I have been doing a study of the how the Word of God has come to us. It's amazing to me that whenever we spend time in the Word, we are hearing the voice of God. Not the voice of men...but God's Voice! Wow, what an amazing thing. What a joy it is to know that our Eternal, Holy and Majestic God cares enough to speak to us! Is it any wonder the Psalmist tells us there is JOY and Delight in the Word of the Lord!

God created man to worship and have fellowship with Him. It is part of the fabric and fiber of our souls. That's why spending time with the Lord meditating on His Word is such a delight--such a pleasure. I have included one of my favorite praise songs in this entry. I invite you to use it to meditate on the Word of God--and our complete need for it! Keep the joy in your heart this week! Spend some time with HIM in the WORD!

May 16 - 23 Meditating on the Word of God

Psalm 1: 1 - 2 " Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful .2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law he meditates day and night."

This is our second week and second verse. We are still thinking about meditating on the Word of God. Look for posts throughout the week and please share your insights and thoughts. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before Saturday May 22, 2009. Bless you. Leslie

May 15 Meditating on the Word of God Part 3

Joshua 1:8c ...that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein...

Give God’s Word first place all the time and let it shape your actions.

God continues his conversation with Joshua, "As you do this it will become part of your lifestyle to do what it says. When you give it first place, when you know what it says. Then your actions will be consistent with what is written there. If you give my Word first place all the time your actions and my Word will match. What you do will be a reflection of me. And by the way the world will know me through you.”

Reading and studying the Word are good and necessary but don't stop there. God's instructions are that we DO what it says. He requires that we practice His commandments, that we obey His Words." I recall a teacher once saying that there weren't "Ten Suggestions.". How does that work for you? Would love to hear from you. God bless you and as always, thanks for listening. Leslie

May 14 Meditating on the Word of God Part 2

Joshua 1: 8b...but (thou) shall meditate therein day and night,

Give God’s Word first place all the time

From the next phrase in Joshua 1:8 God continues His conversation about what else Joshua should do with the Book of the law...meditate on it day and night. It's as if He says "Keep my Words near you at all time. This will happen if you think on, meditate on, pray through My Words day and night. All the time. When you wake, when you work, when you rest, when you sleep, when you plan. Always be in a state of thinking deeply about what My Words say."

God isn't kidding. He knows what we face each day. He knows the competition that vys for our attention. He knows what it takes to run the race. What do you do with God's Word? Does it influence your thinking? Consider God's advice to Joshua, it still works today, give it a try. As always, thanks for listening and be blessed. Leslie

May 12 Meditating on the Word of God

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth...."

Give God’s Word first place.

Can you imagine God having a conversation with Joshua..."Lessons in Leadership" straight from the mouth of God. Maybe He said something like "Joshua, take this Book, take My Words and give them such a place in your life that they (My Words) are on the tip of your tongue at all times. Let it guide your thinking, frame your words, your decisions, your leadership style, your behaviors and actions, your attitudes, your motivations, your hopes, your dreams and visions, and your desires. Let everything you say and do be colored by the lenses of My Words."

What are your thoughts on the importance of God's Word in your life? Share your thoughts by posting a comment. Would love to hear from you. As always, thanks for listening and be blessed. Leslie

May 9 - 15 Meditating on the Word of God

Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

This is our first week and first verse. Please share your insights and thoughts throughout the week. Final thoughts and the next verse will be posted on or before Saturday May 15, 2009. Bless you. Leslie

Are you serious?

The Bible In your Heart Series

1 Corinthians 2: 12 – 14 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Introduction We are continuing in preparation for our new series “The Bible in your Heart.” Before we begin, I would like you to think for a moment, focus in on a conversation when someone told you something fantastic, unbelievable, or so incredible that you had to stop and say, “Are you serious?” if your neighbor came and said they had written a letter to President Obama and that he was personally coming to their house for a dinner meeting tomorrow night, you might say “For real, are you serious?” Well, I think you get my point. Some statements cause you to wonder whether there is any truth to them. Some statements cause you to look around and say, “Are you serious?” But there are three statements I’m going to make today that I pray you take seriously. They have to do with knowing, understanding, and receiving the Word of God. You see, we will be meditating on, memorizing, and applying a different verse each week. Because our goal is to be transformed by the Word of God. Here are three statements from these verses that are absolutely true and must be taken seriously if this is going to occur.

Redeemed – So first, when I say that in order to know the Word of God you must first be saved, I am absolutely serious. There is only one way to receive the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in your heart at the moment “you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;” No amount of tarrying, no amount of “good works”, no amount of self-inflicted pain and suffering will get you the Holy Spirit. You must accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord in order to receive the Holy Spirit. And according to this verse we have received the Spirit of God 1Jo 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: So, when I say that in order to know the Word of God you must first be saved, I am absolutely serious.

Revealed - So second when I say that in order to understand the Word of God the Holy Spirit must first reveal it to you, I am absolutely serious.From verse 12 that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. and 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; The Holy Spirit’s job is to teach us. Earlier in Verse 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Do not be fooled by books or teachings which suggest that there are quick, easy and fast ways to get to know the Scriptures. Understanding the Word of God is a spiritual process, controlled by God, guided by His Spirit in His time, in His way, on His terms. If you get it, understand it, it is because the Spirit of God has revealed it. Not because you are smart, not because you are so good, but because He is good. So second when I say that in order to understand the Word of God the Holy Spirit must first reveal it to you, I am absolutely serious.

Received - And last when I say that in order for you to practice and apply the Word in of God in your life you must receive it, I am absolutely serious. V14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: Sometimes it is amazing what people do who do not know God, but then again that’s why they do what they do. Pastor says frequently “If they knew better they’d do better.” Unlike the natural man, we have another choice. To take the revealed Word of God and live it out. Not just satisfied with knowing about the Word of God, but living it out. Struggling with self, taking on the hard challenges, casting down those imaginations, becoming conformed to the image of Christ. Fair warning: James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. To put that a bit more lightly "The best vitamin for a Christian is B1." So last then, when I say that in order for you to practice and apply the Word in of God in your life you must receive it, I am absolutely serious.
So now we begin. This week read, study, meditate, live out and memorize if you can Joshua 1:8. Let’s see what the Spirit of God reveals to us this week. As always, thanks for listening, Leslie

Welcome

Stay tuned for a wonderful opportunity to fellowship around God's Word. An invitation is forthcoming!