Thorns

"The ministry of thorns has often been a greater ministry to man than the ministry of thrones.  -Streams in the Desert, p. 362

Adversity and persecution are effective means of turning us to God.  Prosperity, ease and approval often result in a gradual drifting away from the Lord.

Going through adversity?  Your God is BIG, cling to Him.  Enjoying prosperity?  Ask God to bind you to Him, so you will not wander.  "I bind unto myself today the power of God to hold and lead..."   (http://www.prayerfoundation.org/st_patricks_breastplate_prayer.htm)

TV~  (Today's Verse)

 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. 
[Ezekiel 34:16]

Confusion

Tonight, I was involved in a lengthy conversation in which confusion seemed to reign.  We were talking in circles with someone who professed to have a relationship with God, yet the conversation was not solid.  I felt that we were more on shifting sand than the rock of Christ.

The scripture that kept coming to mind was from James 3:16: For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

TV~ (Today's Verse)
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock... [Matthew 7:24]

Leaving

There are different ways in which loved ones leave us:

In Body - Their physical presence can be gone either by moving away or ultimately, through death.  Sometimes they initiate this departure, but quite often it is determined by outside forces.

In Spirit - They can go to a far-away-land spiritually, where no longer is there a mutual love and seeking of the Lord together.  Satan is active in this process, as he tries to steal, kill and destroy anything that is beautiful in the Lord.

In Soul/Emotions - They can remove their "emotional capital" from us by disengaging in the relationship and looking elsewhere for emotional fulfillment.

For those of us left behind, let us never despair over the loss.  May we press forward in faith, love and friendship. 

TV~ (Today's Verse)
The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. [Job 1:21]

Advent = Arrival

The word "advent" comes from the Latin word adventus, which means arrival.  The Advent season marks the beginning of the church calendar each year.  It is a four-week period of anticipation and preparation as we reflect upon Christ coming to earth. 

I was with a group of women this week, who were lamenting about the challenges of focusing on Christ's birth during the busy Christmas season.  They do not attend churches that recognize the Advent season.  I encouraged them to look online to get some daily readings during Advent, as it might help them in their desire to focus on the reason for the season.

We currently are in the second week of Advent.  Here is a link to daily Advent readings.  Enjoy.

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/

TV~  (Today's Verse)
The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. [Matthew 4:16]

Trust in the Lord

This is a favorite song of mine, from a kids' CD - Go to the Ant by Judy Rogers.  If....

"You feel alone and disappointed 'cause your life's not like you wanted...."

then, watch this: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSSW5ef3wNg

TV~ (Today's Verse)
For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. [Isaiah 50:7]

Ten Words to Stay Married

I'm sorry.  Please forgive me.   To be said when there is a conflict.  We can ask God to show us what we are doing wrong in the situation and ask forgivenesss, even if the much greater fault seems to be on the other person's side.

Thank you.  We can recognize the things that our spouse does, not taking anything for granted.  We can say thank you at least once a day.

I love you.  This can't be said too often.  It's possible to say this even without warm feelings.  Love is shown through actions that benefit the other person.

Is God Good?

When difficult situations arise, it is easy to think that God is not good.  However, Jesus encountered difficult situations while on earth.  In His ultimate trial, he willingly submitted to God's will.  He is our example.

Afflictions cannot injure when blended with submission.  God will use the hard times to produce good things.

TV~  (Today's Verse)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds... [James 1:2]