Saturday, February 28, 2009

Sin Doesn't Keep You Out Of Heaven


Did you know that sin doesn't keep you out of heaven? Nope. Jesus has already dealt with the sin "issue" on the Cross. The only thing that can keep you out of heaven is rejecting Jesus. The bible says that He who believes in the Son, (Jesus) has life. He who does not believe in Jesus is condemned already. (John 3:16-18)

Tough stuff eh? Jesus said, "Tell John that the blind see, the cripple walk, the lepers are cleansed and the poor have the gospel preached to them." (Luke 7:22) This was how He proved that He was the Savior of the world. Even today our message is to be with "power" and not just words (1Cor.4:20) That's how you can know that He really is the Savior. No other person, of another faith, healed the sick, or raised the dead or cast out demons. So either Jesus was a big liar or He was telling the truth. Since God backed Him up with all the miracles He did and God backs Christians (with faith) up as we pray for people in His name, you can rest assured that Jesus is who He said He was. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me." (John 14:6)

God delights in giving his children good gifts.(James 1:17) What does a good gift look like to you? Our ideas are so small. Eternal life is a great gift. How about peace? That's a great gift. How about comfort, companionship and wisdom? Those are all great gifts. How about witty inventions and ideas? Those are all found in God too. He's the Creator, after all. The Bible says that God, "wishes above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers." (3John 2)

Do you realize that God loves you? He loves you so much that he sent His son to the earth to die a horrible death so you wouldn't have to pay the penalty for your sins. Dare to believe the Father's love. Dare to ask Him to reveal Himself to you. You can say something like,"God I need to know if you are real. Please show me. Amen, which means,"So be it." Then start reading your bible and asking questions.(leave me a comment)

Toothpick Testing Christianity


I love to bake "goodies" for my family and whenever I try a new recipe I always test the baked squares or cake with a toothpick to see if they are completely baked. A "gooey" toothpick means the cake is underdone and will need at least ten minutes more in the oven. A toothpick with crumbs on it means it's almost done and a clean toothpick means the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

No man can come to Jesus unless the Father draws him. (John 6:44) It is our job to use our little toothpicks to see whether the person is ready to hear about Jesus.

The best way to test to see if they are "baked", or ready to hear the gospel, is to be excited about what God is doing in your life and church and just share it with people you meet. Tell them about the person that got healed or the person that got a prophetic word etc.

Another way to test to see if they are "baked" is to ask questions. You can ask, "I'm curious. Do you ever think about spiritual things?" If they say, "Yes," you can ask another question, "Do you think there's a heaven or hell?" Then ask, Do you think you'll go to heaven?" then, "Why?" This is where you want to listen very closely, because they will give you clues about what they believe or don't believe.

When they are finished telling you why they think they would go to heaven you can ask the most important question, "If you were wrong, would you want to know about it?" You want to be very tactful with this question so they do not get offended with you personally.

If they say, "Yes," you can explain how the Bible has been proven: by history, by the fossil record, by the number of fulfilled prophesies in it and by the discoveries of science.

If they say, "No," at any point in the conversation, say, "All right," or, "Okay" and change the subject. Your work is done. The toothpick test came out "gooey" so they are not ready to hear about the things of God. Let Holy Spirit work on them. (When I get a burden of intercession for someone I have seen them come back to me in days, restless, wanting to know more about Jesus and the Gospel.)

If they seem half interested you can proceed with Holy Spirit's discretion, asking Him what to say to them to help them in their journey. In this case the toothpick has crumbs on it... so they are almost baked or ready to learn about Jesus and what He did for them.

If they are very interested in talking about God and Spiritual things, that means their toothpick has come out clean and we will have an opportunity to share with them and perhaps pray with them. As we pray, remember that we have the Kingdom of God or Heaven inside of us, (Luke 17:21) so let's ask Holy Spirit to touch them with some of that Kingdom. He will take any opportunity we give Him.

P.S. Do not worry if you cannot answer a question about their religion or belief. Just tell them, "I don't know the answer to that question, but I will find out." Then when you get home you can check out www.livingwaters.com and look up the answer. They have the most amazing resources for answering objections and questions about other faiths.
A question you can't answer immediately will give you the opportunity to talk with them again. In the mean time you can be praying that God will soften their hearts towards the Gospel and you can bind the "strong man" blinding them to the Gospel (2Cor 4:4)

That's "toothpick testing" Christianity in a nutshell. It doesn't take a lot of time out of your day. The key is to be available (Rom 12:1) and God will give you opportunities in your daily routine to talk to others.

This works well with acquaintances as you want to test every so often to see how ready they are for more of the Gospel. It's okay to check every so often to see if their "toothpick" comes out clean. As we keep praying for them... they are baking away and soon enough they will be ready to hear the gospel.

Just today, I used a toothpick on a lady I used to work with, that was hostile towards the Gospel. I asked her how her family was doing and she told me about her grandson is in the children's hospital. She gave me his name so I could pray for him. That's a huge softening in her heart! Praise God! I'm claiming miracles for her little guy and when he gets healed I will tell her about the Love of God and go from there.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

"What Do You See?"


In the book of Amos the Lord asks the prophet,"What do you see?" (Amos 7:8) Can you imagine how exciting it would be for Holy Spirit to ask us, "What do you see?"

This same question occurs in the book of Jeremiah three times. It also occurs in the book of Zechariah twice and again in Amos 8:2. That's seven times we read the Lord asking His man, "What do you see?" Since the Lord does not change (Mal 3:6) we can assume that the Lord is asking some people today, "What do you see?" So if God asked you,"What do you see?" what would you do?

For me, I want to be able to see more, so I have been developing my faith in the assurance that God does want to talk to me. I didn't know how to do this, when I began, so I started asking Holy Spirit what to do. I have to go by the Word... that is my safety. If it's God, He will lead me by His Word.

Since we are saved, we have the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16) and as we study and meditate on the word, we get revelation of it. Also, the Lord promises that we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. (Rom 12:1-2) We must believe we receive by faith... just like we got saved by faith. (Rom 10:9-10) We read the Word and because we know that God can't lie, we take Him at His Word, act on it and it comes to pass in our life.

Our imaginations are part of our mind, so as we submit all of ourselves to the Lord and His Word, our imaginations become sanctified and able to receive from the Lord. We are already seated with Him in heavenly places so we have "something" of heaven inside us right now. (Eph 2:8) It's believing that the Lord wants to talk to us. We have not been given a spirit again to fear but of adoption.(Rom 8:15) Any Father wants to talk to his children. Therefore, we can believe and have confidence that our Heavenly Father wants to talk to us by Holy Spirit.

My girlfriend sees visions regularly and she has learned to ask the Lord, "Is this You, Lord, or is it me?" I'm more auditory in nature. I get words first. When the Lord first asked me, "What do you see?" it was to give me confidence that I was hearing correctly.

I did not start to get visions regularly, untill I made time to worship and be still in a quiet place. There are so many distractions in life and any new skill takes effort to develop. Quiet time has helped me get into position, in order to better receive from the Lord. It has been worth every minute I have set aside for Him.

Ask Holy Spirit to show you something of Heaven, the next time you are in worship. He is your guide to Heaven and heavenly things. When I ask Holy Spirit to show me something, He always comes through. I cannot begin to share the blessing it has been to me and others. One little vision, a simple picture shared... and His presence comes in like a flood and people get healed and set free. So much blessing... I could never tell the depths of His love and care.

Lord, I ask that you would bless the person reading this. Precious Holy Spirit, show them how to walk with You in heavenly places, while walking on the earth. Give them visions in line with their calling and destiny in You and may they be changed from glory to glory as they behold You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Fisherwoman


Jesus said, "Come follow me and I will make you become fishers of men."(Mark 1:17 NASV) I like the "make you become" part. For me that hasn't always been easy. I was taught that a person's faith was their personal business and not to go meddling. Unfortunately, the only way to make sure a person is really saved is to ask them some questions and see what they answer.

If they can't explain how they know they are saved, or if they appear "wishy-washy" or vague there's a very good chance they don't have that assurance.

Many times I won't ask people to tell me "how they know they are going to heaven", because that can make them defensive. I treat each individual as the Lord leads. If they are not full of pride, I can just pray with them and get them to agree with me and Holy Spirit will touch them and soften their hearts. For example, I must have prayed with one lady five or six times, for her daughter and husband, before I felt the release to ask her if she wanted to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she was going to heaven when she died.

There have been other situations where I have told people, "Here, read this (tract) and get back to me with your questions." Sometimes the proud, or complacent need something to jar them awake and you can be the "elbow" God uses to wake them up to their fate without Him. If someone gets offended at me, I don't take it personally. Fleshy reactions happen when you wake someone up suddenly.

You cannot mess up bad enough, to use it as an excuse not to witness or get involved in God's Great Commission. Our witness, however insignificant it might seem (to us), is so important. As we live for Him and ask Him to use us, He will put people in our paths for us to love and talk to. Sometimes a person will need months of loving, encouraging, kind words and prayer before they are ready for the seed of the Gospel. Just being full of His life can help so much. We don't know sometimes how much our witness affects others.

I took the lady that leads the prayer group to the grocery store, for a few things and I must have talked to ten people in the store, some shoppers, some employees. This lady was quite surprised at how well I'm known and how people are so receptive to me. I've built a rapport with many of them so now I have credibility when I pray for them or say "God Bless you". With each one of these precious people I am claiming their salvation and asking the Lord when I can share the seed of the Gospel with them. God knows and He will direct as I ask Him. What He's done for me, He will do for you too! The key is "be available," ask the Lord to use you, then obey His promptings.

Let's make sure that we have a good witness here on earth. Let's be vessels that are cleaned and prepared for noble purposes.(2Tim 2:21) We want to be of earthly use to our Father. Let's make every day count for Him as we "try to serve one another in love." (Gal 5:13)

Wherever we go we can bring His hope, love and encouragement or... we can be affected by the world's negativity. It's our choice. Like Jesus, we are called to rule and reign over circumstances. (Rom 5:17) Let's spend time with the Lord every day, so that we can "be a sweet smelling fragrance" to our world. (2Cor 2:14)

Bless you in Jesus' Name! Let's go fishing for the Lord today!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Major On Mercy

Church was difficult today -- at first. I wanted a break through for someone in particular so I was praying on their behalf. I wasn't getting anywhere fast and the heavens were quiet, so I asked Holy Spirit what to do.

"Mercy," He whispered back.

"Mercy," I breathed under my breath. "Your Mercies, Lord, are new every morning," I whispered, ever so quietly, while everyone else was singing.

"Lord, have mercy on us, mercy... mercy... mercy. We don't deserve your love or your touch, but I'm asking because You are so merciful. Come and touch each one holy... Holy Spirit. Come touch this precious person that I don't see very often. Come now please.

I felt a waft of air on my cheek. He's manifesting His Sweet Presence again. Not because we deserve it, no, no no. Only because I throw myself on His mercy and ask like a beloved child.

Holy Spirit touched many today in the service, although some were oblivious to His sweet presence. Sin hardens a person's heart so they don't hear His soft, gentle voice. They don't know what they are missing. No cost is too high to pay for His sweet presence... no cost.

As a child of God I have no ability to earn my Father's attention, especially when He's busy, but, as a child, if I approach as a child that is loved, He'll stop His business to visit with me. You know, "all things are possible..." when you have your Father's attention. (Mark 10:27)

I am going to keep majoring on His mercy. I love watching Holy Spirit touch other people. I love to see Him set people free, heal their hearts and give them fresh hope, direction and strength.

Holy Spirit... come again please. It's just You and me, now. Please draw me after You and I will run after You. (SofS 1:4)

Friday, February 13, 2009

How To Lead Someone To Jesus

I wrote this because for so long I did not know how to introduce someone to Jesus. For some reason I could never ask them, if they wanted to know Jesus. Fear of rejection really did a number on me. As you read... be encouraged. It's a lot easier than I thought. All it takes is His love and an awareness that you are His disciple and He wants to use you! (Rom 12:1)

On average, nine times out of ten we will be witnessing to someone and it's going really well. We say something like, "Have a great day!" and we will walk away without asking them if we can introduce them to the Lord. This should not be so! If they are breathing they need Jesus, right? Okay, I'm glad you agree.

There are many ways to introduce someone to Jesus and basically we are there to facilitate an introduction to the Lord. The Lord will accept any way we can spit out the invitation! He knows about fear and intimidation. Holy Spirit is there to help you. If you are not sure if it's the right time to ask the person if they want to get saved, ask the Lord under your breath, "Lord, should I ask them if they want to get saved?" Holy Spirit will help you. He's your adviser and confidant and He want's them saved more than you do!

Let's say someone asks you a couple of questions about the Lord and you answer them and you have a positive feeling about the situation. Ask them if you can introduce them to Jesus. It's that simple. Just pray with them something like, "Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and show me You are real. I give you my life and I thank you for saving me and forgiving all my mistakes."

You can just ask them something like...

"Do you want to be sure you'll go to heaven? ( I recently led two people to the Lord with this question.)
"Are you tired of being bitter, frustrated and not happy with your life?"
"Are you looking for peace that stays with you? Let me introduce you to Jesus"
"Are you looking for a reason to live? Can I introduce you to my friend Jesus?"
"Do you want a "High" that is better than any drug or alcohol combination? Let me introduce you to Jesus.

Your words do not have to be in christian jargon. Actually, it's better if they are not. You do want the person to understand you, right? Your words will differ depending on who you are talking to and how nervous you are. Do not worry about that. If possible get them to repeat your words after you. That is a very good way to teach someone how to pray. They don't know how approachable Jesus and Holy Spirit are. It will be a revelation to some of the people you talk to.

You want them to speak out loud because our lives are determined by what we say. You will notice that sometimes the person you are leading to the Lord has a real struggle with saying the words out loud. That's because there is a Spiritual battle going on in their hearts at that moment. The bible is very clear that we must speak out loud. In Romans 10:10 we read, "For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it's with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

If someone tries to tell you "they didn't mean it when they asked Jesus into their lives." I encourage you to leave that question with the Lord. You would be surprised at how many re-commitments happen later on because the person remembers you leading them in prayer. Many people hear their conscience when all the noise stops, usually at night before they go to sleep. Holy Spirit will use your words. Do not negate your faith stand with negative words. Keep your faith strong on their behalf and God will bring them through.

Repentance

Repentance is something that God will work in their hearts through Holy Spirit. You don't need the person to confess every sin they have ever committed in order to get saved. The bible says that "The goodness of God leads you (men and women) to repentance." (Rom 2:4) We do not want to beat them up with how bad they are because that is not our job. Holy Spirit's job is to convict the world of guilt because they haven't accepted Jesus. (John 16:8) It is our job to tell people the good news (gospel) of God's love. As we introduce people to Jesus and they get a glimpse of His goodness, they will repent as a natural consequence. We look so dirty compared to Him. His love is so overwhelming we could never tell the half of it, right?

For example, I didn't know about repentance when I was committing suicide. I just whispered with all my might, '"If there's a God, I need to know!" I was brought back to life twice before I realized that I was being kept alive and I couldn't talk or move at that time. There was no way I could ask Jesus into my heart because I didn't know who He was! Are you getting this? God is not looking for excuses to keep us out of Heaven. He's looking for any opportunity to get us into Heaven!

I woke up in the morning with no side effects and my brain and body still functioned properly. It was a real miracle. I didn't know who this God was that kept me alive, but I knew that without him I was dead, dead, dead. Repentance? It didn't cross my mind. I was in hot pursuit of this wonderful peace and love that had kept me alive the night before. Repentance came later as I got a revelation of who Jesus was, what He had done for me and what it had cost Him.


Points To Think About

So many people are dying around you. Ask the Lord to increase your awareness of where they are at spiritually and then ask Him to give you a supernatural love for them so you'll be motivated to pray and to move out of your comfort zone. It is not the evangelist's job to save everyone. God has told all of us to go and make disciples. Be one of the Harvest Workers for the Lord. The Payback is out of this world. LOL!

Remember.... The only thing you can take to heaven with you is the souls/people you've led to the Lord.

Did you know that most adults get saved by their friends who love them and pray for them over a couple of years and then get them planted in the Body of Christ?


Remember: ASK! Ask them if they want to know the Savior. Ask them if they want to get to know God. Ask them if they want your phone number so they can call you later. Ask them if they want to go to church. Like a salesman we have to ask or we won't get the sale. So ask. So many times people have thanked me for taking the time to pray for them and share with them.

The very worst case is they'll say "No." A "no" answer can mean a number of things.

-I don't have enough information
-I don't have time to discuss this now.
-I don't think it's important now.
-I'm embarrassed because my friends are here and I don't want to lose face.
-I'll get saved later.

Ask Holy Spirit how to respond to them. I have left many, many people with a tract to read with more information on salvation for them. Sometimes it's okay to leave them with your phone number depending on what the Lord says. Most times, I just bless them and tell them to have a good day. It's always appropriate to ask the Lord to keep working on them and to release the Angels to help with the salvation of this precious person.

I bless you as you go out today and be a witness for the Lord.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Win-Win Situation

There are only two times to share the gospel with someone, in season and out of season. I mean honestly, where are you going to offend them to-- Hell number two?

I really like the book, by Mark Cahill titled, "One Thing You Can't Do In Heaven." He says in it,"If they are breathing, they need Jesus." So ask God to use you today. (see Rom 12:1) Dare to believe He cares about you and the people you encounter today.

Witnessing is a win-win situation, did you know that? Sometimes people are positive and they will ask how to get saved. Sometimes they will be neutral and we will just be planting seeds. And then sometimes they are outright negative. That means that two-thirds of the time I am getting a positive response. Those are good odds, if you are a salesman, but we have it even better than that.

If you get rejected for sharing, most of the time it's the message they are rejecting, not you. I can talk to people about anything and they are fine. Mention "Jesus" and they instantly change into two-headed monsters. His name really is, a "stumbling stone" to many. (1Pet 2:18)

Jesus said, "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (1Pet 4:14 NIV) I want more of Holy Spirit so bring on the negative people! That turns the negative reaction into something glorious. Really, we can't lose. Every time we witness about Jesus and the "Kingdom of God" we win. They will get saved, we are planting seeds or they will reject the message, (not us necessarily) and "the Spirit of glory and of God rests on us."

Let's keep that in mind as we witness today. It is always a win-win situation and Holy Spirit wants to help us. Jesus said, "...do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (Luke 12:11-12 NIV) We can trust him to give us ideas as we face witnessing situations. He is faithful.

I bless you in Jesus' name, as you go and witness today.
For a great book on practical witnessing www.markcahill.com

Deciding To Dance

I have decided. I would rather people get mad at me now for telling them about the Lord then have them curse my name forever in Hell because I didn't tell them how to get saved.

It's that simple. Every day we will have opportunities to witness or testify about our God and his help, support and guidance in our lives and we have to choose whether or not we will obey and be His witnesses. (see Luke 6:46-49)

To me that's the first step in being a sold out Christian, or a disciple in other words. Remember how excited we were about Jesus and the things of God when we first got saved? Well that same excitement can be yours again. It all starts with a love for souls. I once read somewhere that "He who loves souls, lives in constant revival."

I have found this to be true. As I live in fellowship with the Holy Spirit listening for His voice, I get involved with the Great Commission because that's God's heart. "For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost." (Luke 19:10) As I spend time with Him, I get a glimpse of His heart and He loves so much! He's not willing that any should perish! (2 Pet 3:9)

So then my day becomes a dance, He's leading and I'm following. We dance over here and speak a word to someone, we dance over there next and bless someone else. We dance over to the grocery store and share a word with someone else. Our whole day can be a beautiful dance with the Lord. It's so much easier when He leads and I just follow along. In the morning I just ask Him to go ahead of me and prepare the way for me. He knows who He wants me to talk to and witness to, and He will even tell me what to say. It's really not too difficult.

Let's pray. Holy Spirit, show me how to dance this next day with You please? I long to dance with you more and more. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

New Song Deliverance

One morning, on my day off a number of years ago, I was doing my devotions when I really felt the Lord leading me to praise and worship Him. I did for about a half an hour when I felt a new song birthing in my spirit. I didn't get all the words for it and I was still singing it under my breath when the Lord told me to go to the mall in town. I thought okay, I need some groceries anyhow. So I got dressed and left.

When I got to the mall I was drawn to the mall doors, not the grocery store door. So I went in, took a few steps, and sort of looked around while asking the Lord what to do next.

A blond lady, about 5'3" and approximately 50 years old came out of nowhere it seemed and wanted directions of some sort. When she got about 3 feet away from me, all of a sudden we felt an explosion, like a big "POOF!" in the air between us and she burst into tears.

"Thank you! Thank you! Thank You! " she said over and over as she grabbed my hand and shook it in both of hers.

I said "Your welcome. God Bless you!" and she shook my hand some more, then we parted.

I started walking back to my car, stunned and I asked the Lord, "What was that?" because Holy Spirit was so happy. He showed me that this precious lady was set free from an evil spirit, as she got close to me, because of the presence of the Lord that I was carrying. I did not have to pray or drive the demon out. I did not even get to say anything and it left her! All because of worship and the new song of the Lord. So I prayed right then, that she would be forever free in Jesus' name.

As you can tell, I still have lots to learn, but praise the Lord, He will use us if we are available! At that time in my life I did not even know how to pray out a demon, ( LOL!) and He still used me. To God be all the Glory!

I was reminded of the verse, "He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord." (Psalm 40:3)

Yes, many shall see it, (the effects of the New Song of God) and fear reverentially, and shall trust in the Lord. Hallelujah! There is power in the new song that God gives you. Power to set captives free and help others. Another verse that speaks of this kind of "setting captives free" is Job 22:30, "He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands." It works!

The bible says, "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." Mark 16:17-18 Amen! Holy Spirit wants to help us, help others. Praise the Lord!

You know, singing a new song is easier than you think. Start at home or in the car where you won't have anyone listening to you. Think of a song where you don't know all the words and start singing what you know of it. Then when you get to the parts you don't know ask Holy Spirit what you can sing to Him. He will give you new words to the song and you will be singing a new song from your heart to Him.

Another way to sing a new song is to ask Holy Spirit, "What can I say or sing that will bless Your Heart?" Ask Him for a few words then ask him for a melody to put the words to. It can be a melody you know, like a popular song or a children's lullaby and sing it. You can start with something simple and just practice singing it over and over. Sometimes you might start to notice Holy Spirit moving in around you like a sweet presence, or you will notice your eyes will tear up. Singing a new song really blesses the Lord's heart. Truly, "He inhabits the praises of His people." (Ps 22:3)

Here is an example song the Lord gave me one day. It is very simple, yet Holy Spirit loves it.

"God, He is good. His mercy endures forever." two times then, "God You're so good. Your mercy endures forever." two times.

You see, it doesn't have to be difficult or complicated. So have fun and don't stress out about it. As you ask Holy Spirit questions and follow His promptings you will get better at discerning His voice and you will also be blessing the Father's Heart.

If music is not your forte, why not try doing a rap song or speak out your words like poetry, with lots of emotion? That will work too and you will feel better as you do it. We all need an outlet to express our gratitude for what the Lord has done for us. I have got to say, in twenty five years I have never been able to out give the Lord. As I try to bless His heart, He always gives back, so much more.

Be blessed in Jesus' name! It is so amazing what God will do, if we are willing and obedient. I give Him all the Glory! Please feel free to write me back about your practice song sessions with the Lord. I am very excited for you.

Big hugs,
Brenda Gale Thompson

Negative to Positive


I was ready to smack her I thought. I haven't had the urge to smack someone in public ever. Yes, this lady really got under my skin, but my reaction was "out of character." I recognized that I was offended, so I quickly excused myself and started praying.

So where were all these negative emotions coming from, you ask? Her digging into my husband's employment status and especially her cliches. When she said, "And God will look after him, if he's trusting in Him." really got me revved up. This is a lady who is well looked after, with no financial struggles and she has the nerve to say something that insensitive! At least preface that kind of statement with, "God looked after me when.... so I know He'll look after you now."

You have got to shake your head at some people. "Lord I forgive her. Help her to be more considerate of people's feelings. Lord help me to be more considerate of people's feelings and not "come across" as insensitive. Amen." I recognize that "spirit of offense" that operates around her now.

What got me upset was the "works mentality" she confessed. God will look after my husband because God loves him, not because my husband is doing good works, so he deserves looking after. All any of us deserve is Hell, but because the Father loved us so much, He sent His Son to take our sin upon himself and redeem us. (see Titus 2:12) "We were bought with a price." ( 1Cor 6:20) We are not our own.

We are not saved by grace and kept by law or works. No, No, No. The whole letter to the Galatians was written to address this problem. The whole deal, from start to finish is grace. "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. " (Gal 2:21)

My husband is looking to Jesus, not to himself for help and direction. All, I repeat "all our righteousness (self effort) is as filthy rags", to God.(Isa 64:6) We do not do to get, we do because we have been touched by so much love, in Jesus, that we want to share it. Our motivation has been changed by the lover of our souls -- Jesus. Does that mean we just sit around and wait for pie in the sky? No, it means we ask Him every day, "What would you have me do and say today Lord?" That is submitting your will and desires to the Lord.

Even the world has the belief system, "do good, get good" and "do bad, get bad." There is no miracle in believing that. But when we get good for all our bad --that's a miracle. That is grace. We exchange all our efforts for Jesus' finished work on the cross and God declares us, "NOT GUILTY!" That is a miracle.

If for some reason we don't get looked after I would not blame God. He is love and He can't change. Sometimes when the pressure is on, people will jump and make hasty decisions. I know I have missed God's voice plenty of times and got the resulting mess. That is not God's fault. He has given us all free will. He can turn all our bad mistakes to good if we will allow Him to, it just might take a bit of time. Like someone once told me, we all have a destiny and God can get us back on track whenever we turn to Him, so that we get to the important junctions in our lives at the right time. It's our choice whether we arrive at these junctions smelling like roses or barnyard stuff.

Blessing and provision have got a lot to do with what we believe. If we believe we are blessed and highly favored, we will be. If we believe that God's deserted us and bad things are coming, then bad things will come. (See Prov 23:7) Look at Joseph. It didn't matter where he ended up he brought God's blessing with him because he believed he was Abraham's seed and thus blessed. A real good question to ask is, "What do I believe?" We can determine what we believe by what we say, especially when we are under pressure. Truly, by our words we are justified and by our words we are condemned. (Matt 12:37)

Someone told me once that demons are attracted to voiced negative emotions the way sharks are attracted to blood in the water. The louder the negative emotions we give voice to, the more demons we attract spiritually. Guess what? I have been a lot more careful about what I give vent to lately. LOL

Finally, in these troubled times, God gave me some verses to meditate on and claim that I will share with you, to encourage you. The first one is, "I have been young, and [now] am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." (Psalm 37:25)
The second is Psalm 112...
"1Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3Wealth and riches [shall be] in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever. 4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: [he is] gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous 5A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 6Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. 8His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies. 9He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. 10The wicked shall see [it], and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish."

Thanks for reading. I feel much better now.
Big hugs and blessings,
Brenda Gale