The New Beginning: We Are Crossing the Jordan

January 29 – 31, 2016

We didn't realize it—but we are crossing the Jordan.

After specifically praying and inquiring of the Lord to be shown His will—last night He did just that. I am SURE this lawsuit is not going to go to trial. SURE. Last night it became crystal clear. This trail we are on, and this path we are following does NOT include a trial. We strongly feel and are convinced (once again) that a trial is not in God's plan. It is not God's will, it is the evil plans of man. We are crossing the Jordan. We haven't quite made it to the other side, but the other side is within sight.

The confirmation of our earlier belief came as a complete surprise to me. From early on we felt this lawsuit would never proceed to a trial, but after the failed Settlement Conference it seemed hopeless and inevitable. The next (and only) step left in the legal system is a trial. In man's eyes, and in our country's court system, it-is-the-only-option-left. But while this battle was started by "man," the battle belongs to the LORD and it is HE who will decide the process and outcome.

How did we come to believe (once again) there will not be a trial? How did we become so SURE? How did the journey we are on bring us to this point?

It started with Prepare The Way!! which I wrote on October 14, 2016. We were given clear direction on how to pray about "the storm" and my sister and brother-in-law. We spent the next two months passionately praying for them and the upcoming Settlement Conference. But then the Settlement Conference failed. Now what? When I looked back over my Journal and Addendum notes from early December until now, I realized there was a progression in our thoughts and God was clearly prodding, guiding, leading, and directing our path. We went from Prepare the Way!! to becoming absolutely certain and SURE that the journey we are on does NOT include a trial.

Now we come to January 29, 2016. Last night I was once again praying and asking God what HE wants. The next legal step is a trial. Is that YOUR will, LORD? Or, is a trial just another step in the evil plans of man? If it is YOUR will then we all in and will follow you no-matter-what. If it is not YOUR will then we pray you block it. What is YOUR will, LORD? What is it that YOU want?

I don't know how to explain what happened next—it just became clear. A trial is NOT part of God's plan and will for the path we are on. It was crystal clear. There was not a single doubt in my mind. As I was praying and seeking HIS will, whenever I tried to pray about a trial, the prayer seemed blocked and I couldn't gather the thoughts. The words would not come. I tried multiple times and each time the same thing happened. It was then that this strong impression came—and I KNEW. There is no going back; there is NOT going to be a trial; the LORD Himself will be the one who secures justice and releases us from this lawsuit; and we are to wait on Him. I don't know how to explain it any better than that. I wish I could because it was an incredible unfolding of thoughts. We were willing to follow if that is where HIS path led, but we believe without a shadow of doubt that a trial is not part of HIS plan.

In the morning I told my husband what all had happened during the night. As we talked throughout the day more and more became clear and began to make sense. We talked about what the judge said during the Settlement Conference. He pointed out several things in his remarks at the Settlement Conference I had never thought about before. While they were interesting observations, at the time I didn't think much about it. Now I realize his statements were an important part of the trail we are on and were statements we needed to hear. Here is what he said:

1. As Americans we have a legal "right" to litigate. While I knew that to be true, it was something I had never really thought about before. Litigation is not something we personally would ever even consider. It is an American "right" but not an option for us. When we realized we needed to separate ourselves from my sister and brother-in-law and we sought the advice of a lawyer, litigation was never even mentioned as a possibility in any of our meetings. We just wanted to be separate from them. And incredibly, God provided a buyer which would have allowed us to go our separate ways. My sister and brother-in-law rejected the sale and filed this lawsuit instead, accusing us of threatening them with litigation so they were "forced" to file a lawsuit as a "defense" against us. That of course was not true. It was just tactic to avoid personal responsibility, implement their plan, and blame us for their inappropriate decisions and actions. Their decision to litigate was entirely for the purpose of manipulation, threats, anger, greed, control, and revenge. Litigation may be a legal "right" but it is morally wrong. What we needed to hear and understand is this: no earthly person or thing can stop them. No judge can tell them to stop or prevent them from continuing their pursuit of us. Their pursuit of us is their American legal "right." Every person who has looked at this case or listened to them "explain" their case can pretty quickly determine the reason for their actions and motives. This lawsuit is a personal and vicious attack—but it is their "right."
2. If you don't like the verdict at trial, you can always appeal. Goodness. I had never thought about that either. Why had I never thought about that before? How had I not realized that a judge (man) ruling against their claims would only be a bump in the road for them? If they have another legal option available to them they would take it. They aren't interested in a legal opinion unless the judge rules their way. This is a personal vendetta. They must win. NO judge is going to tell them what to do!! Our lawyer said it the best when he described their attitude as, "We win or you lose—you choose." What we needed to hear and understand is this: no earthly person or thing can stop them.  

The puzzle pieces were coming together. No earthly person of thing can stop them. ONLY God can secure justice and restore us to freedom. It was all beginning to make sense. I am SURE this lawsuit is not going to go on to trial. I am SURE. A New Beginning does not include going back to the old beginning. God already showed us that with the Settlement Conference. Our lawyer had me go back into the mire so we would be fully prepared, and not one single thing of it was used. I believe God used that experience to show us we aren't not the ones to obtain our freedom. HE is the One who will secure justice.

One of the first things the judge said was, "I'm not sure why I have this case." He later went on to talk about the "King's" court and forgiveness. He boldly talked about biblical things that are usually taboo in a court of law. It soon became clear why he was the judge appointed to handle the Settlement Conference. We actually ordered the transcript with his opening remarks. His remarks were powerful. You can only come to the conclusion that he was given wisdom and inspired words from a Higher Power. My sister and brother-in-law most definitely heard Truth—again. They were given another opportunity to change their ways—again. And they chose to go their own way—again.

How will this lawsuit end and how will God secure justice? I have no idea, and I am okay with that. I am glad that there is no logical human way for this to end. Our prayer has always been that ALL will KNOW that it was God alone who saved us. We thought we understood this, but our understanding has deepened. I love the fact that it will be God and God alone that frees us. It is not going to be a judge that throws out their case since they have the American "right" to do what they are doing. It won't be a judge that rules in our favor, that won't stop them. No earthly person or thing can stop them. No. No earthly person or thing can stop them unless they have a heart change and they "get a new way of thinking" or God somehow forces them into a corner where there is no way out.

It will be like we have said all along. They have a choice. They can either be the Saul of the Old Testament and go to their graves blinded, paranoid, and refusing to surrender their hearts and lives to the authority of God—OR—they can become like Saul of the New Testament who literally was blinded, but then listened to TRUTH and chose to surrender his heart and get a new way of thinking.

Oh what a witness it would be if my sister and brother-in-law would turn from their old ways; change their hearts and lives; and get a new way of thinking. That is our prayer and hope for them. But that is all we can do—pray and hope. We can't do it for them. If they refuse, a day of accountability and consequence will happen. God WILL secure justice.

What we know is this: We are crossing the Jordan and there is no going back. There will come a day when the crossing is behind us. The Praise Shelter has been constructed. The floor of brick and cobblestone with the engraved promises of God will hopefully be finished this year. ALL Honor and Glory belongs to God. Blessed be HIS name.

Addendum: 8/31/16 ~ Yesterday, as I was working on the links for this page, something caught my eye. Blogger started a new thing a while back called a "Featured Post" that appears on the right hand side of each page. My "Featured Post" is my very first post. Yesterday the title of that post caught my attention—The Beginning. I'm working on a post about The New Beginning and I see the title of my very first post. Hmm. The Beginning → The New Beginning. I was thinking about that during the night last night. It was a brand new thought. I never connected before that my very first post was titled—The Beginning, and that God pointing us in a new direction and the shift in our thinking was called—The NEW BEGINNING. Hmm.

The Beginning: 2009 - I randomly (or so I thought) begin a private journal of our journey during this "trial" time in our lives.

The New Beginning: 2012 - I randomly (or so I thought) feel led to begin praying about a NEW BEGINNING. We don't have a clue what that means, but we begin praying about it and God slowly begins to reveal what it means. Then in 2014, LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; and I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!! happens. Now it is 2016, "the storm" is still going, and I am continuing the process of preparing Walking on His Footpath (Following the Master's Lead). I only have another few weeks of editing and then I will finish entering my journal entries from Philippians to Revelations.

LORD,
With tears in my eyes I bow before you. You are an amazing and unfathomable God. "What is man that you are mindful of him?"

LORD, I am at a loss for words. Who are we that you would allow us to participate in furthering YOUR kingdom. We are so ordinary LORD, so ordinary. We are thankful and grateful for the Blessed Event you gave to us and for this opportunity to share it with others. LORD, may YOUR will be done. I can't imagine how you are going to use this journal, but it is YOURS to do with whatever YOU please. It is ALL yours. Use it; use our lives; use our story which is YOUR story; use anything we have LORD to bring people to you. I surrender all to YOU.

LORD, I pray for those who will someday, somehow, find this journal. May YOUR Holy Spirit speak to them. May they not get lost in my garbled up words and poor grammar skills. May they see YOU. May they desire YOU. May they surrender ALL to YOU. Oh LORD, may it be so. May it be so.

LORD, I used to say that if I could save just one of my Sunday School girls from making wrong choices it would be worth it all. But then LORD, I realized one wasn't enough  I want to save them all!! I was going to say that if even just one person found this journal and saved their eternal soul by seeking your forgiveness that all the "junk" of the lawsuit would be worth it. And that would be true, Father. But I want more, LORD—I want more. There are so many hurting and lost people in this world.

LORD, I ask that you somehow bless these words and use them to draw people to YOU. LORD, may YOU take YOUR story and use it to give hope and salvation to many, many people. All for YOUR honor, LORD. All for YOUR glory.

In the precious name of Jesus, may it be so. May it be so.

Amen.


Next Entry: Luke 13:1–35

Luke 12:1–59

September 06, 2012

Be wary. Don't be afraid. Don't worry. Be careful of "I" and greed. Don't worry. Keep calm. Don't trust in money. Be ready. Be patient. Be trustworthy. Be faithful. Know there will be divisions. Have discernment. Understand the times. Do what is right.

Be wary—watch out for religious unbelievers. They know the words to say but their hearts are not changed.

Know this—what is hidden will be shown. What has been done in secret will be exposed.

Don't be afraid—of men that can only harm the body. Fear and respect the LORD who controls both life and death. God knows. God cares.

Don't worry—you don't need to defend yourself. God will give you the words to say through His Holy Spirit.

Be careful of "I" and greed—Life isn't about what you own. Jesus told about a rich man who grew a good crop. He had more than he could store. So he said, What am "I" going to do? I have no place for "my" crops. This is what "I" will do. "I" will tear down my barns and build bigger ones where "I" will store "my" grain. Then "I" will say: "I" have enough for many years. "I" will rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life. I... I... I... mine... mine... mine. And Jesus said, "You foolish man." When you lose your life what good will your things do? Luke 12:31 - "This is how it will be for those who store up things for themselves and are not rich toward God."

Don't worry. Remain calm—Luke 12:25 - "You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it." However, the exact opposite is also true. You take time off your life and what years you do have are miserable ones because of worry. Jesus says to remain calm. Seek my kingdom FIRST, and "all the other things you need will be given to you." (Luke 12:31) God knows what you need. God will provide.

Don't trust in money—Trust in the LORD. When you trust in money you are trusting in yourself. You either have a heart after God or a heart after self. Luke 12:34 - "Your heart will be where you treasure is." The reverse is true as well. Where your treasure is will reveal where your heart is.

Be ready and be patient—Luke 12:35 - "Be dressed, ready for service" at all times. We can discern the seasons even though we don't know the actual "when." Be ready. Be patient. Serve well. The Son of Man is returning.

Be trustworthy. Be faithful—Do the work God has given you to do. No matter how long it takes. You know the truth. Do the work until your last breath or until He comes again. If you know the truth but don't follow it and don't do the work for Him, then "The master will cut him in pieces and send him away to be with the others who don't obey." (Luke 12:46) Strong words. Jesus' words. Believe. Obey. Serve.

Know there will be divisions—When truth is proclaimed there will be strife. Family member will turn against family member. There is a price to pay for obedience. The only person we should want to please is God. If we are committed to following and serving Christ we will encounter strife. So be it. Our purpose is not to please man, it is to please God.

Understand the times—Pay attention to what is happening. Discern the seasons. Prepare. Live like you are going to die.

Do what is right—If you have wronged someone make it right. Don't wait and have a court make you do what is right. Step up. Make amends for your wrongs. God wants a willing heart. Watch out! If you're not willing you may be forced.


Next Entry: The New Beginning: We Are Crossing the Jordan

Luke 11:1–54

September 04, 2012

Jesus tells us how to pray, and it is not presenting God with a laundry list of what we want Him to do for us.

1. Worship of who God is: Our father who are in Heaven, hallowed by thy name.
2. It's all about you God, what your will is: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
3. Our help comes from the Lord: Give us this day our daily bread, forgive as we forgive, protect us and deliver us.
4. Our trust for our future rests with Him: Thine is the glory forever and ever.

We are to seek Him. Purposely, deliberately, and diligently seek HIM. When we do that, His promise in Luke 11:9–10 can be fulfilled. Ask—God will give it to you. Search—you will find. Knock—the door will open for you. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will search for me. And when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. I will let you find me says the Lord." When we search for Him it must be with a submissive heart and a repentant spirit. It does no good to just clean up the outside. We must have a heart change. Trusting and believing in our own strength is worthless. Our strength comes from the LORD.

Interesting verse found in Luke 11:46: "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." What an accurate description of lawyers who pursue lawsuits without merit for their own selfish gain.


Next Entry: Luke 12:1–59

The New Beginning: Don't Look Back

Luke 9:18 – 10:42

September 01, 2012

Don't look back → look forward. Luke 9:62 - "Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the kingdom of God." 

There cannot be a NEW BEGINNING if you keep looking back. Lot and his family were to have a new beginning, but Lot's wife looked back and she became "of no use." Jesus, (in Luke 9:51) "was determined to go" to Jerusalem. The KJV says, "he steadfastly set his face to go." The NIV says it this way, "(He) resolutely set out for Jerusalem." He was not looking back, He was moving forward.

Jesus says, "I am sending you out." (Luke 10:3) We can't go if we are looking back. Luke 9:23–25 - "If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me will have true life. It is worth nothing for them to have the whole world if they themselves are destroyed or lost."

Leaving what is behind → not looking back → moving forward. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Jesus said, "Follow me!" Don't look back ("but... let me bury my father; but... first let me say good-by"). No buts! GO! DO! Do not look back. Look (and move) forward.

Another piece in the progression of the NEW BEGINNING. No looking back. Do not spend any time paying attention to what they (my sister and brother-in-law) do or do not do. Purge your home of all the lawsuit files. I'm sending you out. You have a role to play. Get ready! Look forward. Don't look back.

Luke 9:43 - "All the people were amazed at the great power of God."

Addendum: 1/28/16 ~ Whenever I awake during the night I quote scriptures. It is almost always either Psalm 1, Psalm 8, Psalm 150, or Psalm 140. All chapters Jane (Her Name Was Jane) told us to read.  Last night as I was quoting Psalm 140, one verse just kept resonating in my mind. I repeated it over and over. "I know the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy." Secures justice! The LORD is the One who secures justice!!

Secure—To make safe, protect, as to secure a treasure; to make fast, as to secure a boat to a dock; to gain possession of, as to secure a health certificate. – adj. Free from danger, safe, protected; confident. ~ From Webster's New American Dictionary

Secure—adj. 1. safe against loss, attack, escape, etc.: a secure hiding place. 2. sure; certain; that can be counted on: our victory is secure. 3. free from care or fear: a secure old age. 4. firmly fastened; not liable to give way: the boards of this bridge do not look secure.  – v. 1. make safe; protect. 2. make a creditor sure of payment, as by a mortgage or bond. 3. make oneself safe; be safe. 4. make (something) sure or certain. 5. make firm or fast: secure the locks on the window. 6. get; obtain: secure your tickets early. [se- free from + cura care. Doublet of SURE.] Synonyms - adj. 1. guarded, protected, impregnable, unassailable. 2. assured. 3. confident. 4. fast, firm, stable, immovable. -v. 1. guard, defend, shield. 4. assure, insure. 5. fasten, tie, moor. 6. acquire, procure. ~ From Thorndike-Barnhart Dictionary

Wow! THAT is God's promise to us, and we believe Him. The LORD—HE is the One!


Next Entry: Luke 11:1–54

Luke 8:1 – 9:17

August 31, 2012

The Life Lesson so accurately summarizes this passage that I am going to write it in its entirety.

Life Lesson Observation: "Jesus emphasized that not only must we hear God's words, but we must act on them to."

"Only when I reach the point where I solemnly place great store upon what He says will it ever become a powerful force in my life. 

Only when I really take Him seriously will His word be made Spirit and life (supernatural life) to me. 

Only when I recognize that what I am hearing is in fact and in truth divine revelation designed by deity for my own good, will I hear it as a word from above. 

God has chosen to articulate Himself to me as a man in four ways: through the natural created universe around me; through His word expressed by inspired men who reported it in human language I can read and understand; through the person of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, exemplified in human form; through those other men and women whom he deigns to reside by His own Gracious Spirit. 

He may speak to me deliberately and distinctly through any one or all of these ways. It is my responsibility then to recognize: "O God, You are communicating with me. I will listen. I do recognize Your voice communicating with me..."

I must set aside whatever else preoccupies my thoughts and give my undivided attentions to the Lord. 

It is not good enough to "half listen" to God. He demands my total concentration on what He is conveying to me. He knows that anything less will leave me half-hearted... 

My positive response results in immediate reaction on my part. His will is done. His wishes are carried out. His desires are complied with happily. His commands are executed without delay or debate. 

In short, I simply do what He asks me to do. 

This is faith in action—the faith of obedience. 

This is the gateway into the good ground of God's garden. 

This is to "hear" the Word and have it come alive. 

This is to have Him implant the good seed of His good intentions for me in the good, warm, open, prepared soil of my responsive soul. 

The seed will germinate. The young plants will prosper and grow vigorously. There will be fruit production of His choosing—a harvest that delights him and refreshes others." 

~ From A Gardener Looks at the Fruits of the Spirit by Phillip Keller

Well said!  DO!!!


Next Entry: The New Beginning: Don't Look Back

Luke 7:1–50

August 30, 2012

This chapter is a study of contrasts. Great faith—verses—religious unbelievers. God desire is for His people to have great faith. He gave examples:

• The soldier whose servant was deathly sick. He knew that Jesus only had to say the word and his servant would be healed. He believed. 
• The widow's only son brought back to life. Jesus healed him before she even asked.
• The woman who washed his feet with tears and expensive perfume. She believed. "Because you believed, you are saved... go in peace."

It's okay to ask questions. John the Baptist asked questions. You inquire of the Lord, and then you believe. Luke 7:23 - "Those who do not stumble in their faith because of me are blessed!" Blessed! Blessed are those who believe.

Jesus asked the people a question. He asked the same question twice. "What did you go out to see?" Did you just go out to see the desert? You could do that anytime. "But what did you go out to see?" Did you go out to see a rich man? You knew you wouldn't find that in the desert. You went to see a prophet, and as great a man on this earth that John the Baptist is, he is nothing compared with the least important person in heaven. So, now that you came out in the desert to see a prophet, what are you going to do? Are you going to have great faith? Are you going to believe?

And, then the contrast. Luke 7:30 - "But the Pharisees and experts on the law refused to accept God's plan for themselves." 

Luke 7:35 - "Wisdom is proved to be right by what it does."


Next Entry: Luke 8:1 – 9:17

Luke 6:1–49

August 27, 2012

"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' but do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46)

In this chapter Jesus makes it very clear there are differences between those who hear and do and those who call Him Lord but do not change their hearts and lives. They don't—do.

• A good tree produces good fruit 
• A bad tree does not produce good fruit.
• You will know the tree by what it produces
• Good things/actions comes out of what is stored in the heart of good people  
• Evil things come out of the heart that stores evil
• People speak/do the things that are in their heart
• When floods come—the house built upon Christ stands 
• When floods come—the house built upon self falls
• Those who "do"—understand it is not their place to judge or condemn  
• Those who hear only—take it upon themselves to accuse and pass judgment  
• Those who "do"—forgive, love, show mercy, bless others, pray for others, seek to help others, give, do good. They do to others what they would want.  
• Those who hear only—pursue, hold grudges, seek revenge, take from others, destroy. It is all about them and what they want and it doesn't matter how or who they have to hurt to get it.  

Jesus makes it clear that it won't be easy. Luke 6:22 - "People will hate you, shut you out, insult you, and say you are evil because you follow the Son of Man. But when they do, you will be happy." (Emphasis mine)  Jesus says the ones who hear and "do" will be blessed. Luke 6:38 - "You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." Those who "do"—give. Those who only hear—take.

Jesus looked at His followers and said—I am enough. I will be the one that takes care of you and blesses you. No matter what situation you are in—poor, hungry, or sad—I am enough. Through me you will receive happiness, joy, blessings, and complete satisfaction.

But woe to those who insist on being in charge and do not "do." How terrible it will be for those who have decided that I was not enough. You worked hard for wealth, no matter what it took to get it. You filled yourself. You laughed at those you felt beneath you. You thought you were in control. You thought people should come to you and you would tell them how to get wealth. You thought. But Jesus says, "Woe to you... how terrible it will be." For all you have gained is temporary. It doesn't mean anything in the light of eternity.

DO!! Hear the message of the Lord, and DO! Change your hearts and lives. DO! "DO to others what you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31) And when you DO, you will be blessed. Luke 6:38 - "Give and you will receive. You will be given much. Pressed down, shaken together, and running over, it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you." 

Don't be a "taker"—DO! When you DO—GOD GIVES!!


Next Entry: Luke 7:1–50

Luke 5:1–39

August 26, 2012

"It is not yet time... but that time is coming soon... it may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed." Habakkuk 2:3

What Jesus asked the disciples to do made no sense. They had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus told them to take the boat into deep water and they would catch fish. Deep water. I wonder if that was where they would typically fish? I would bet not. It's the "deep water" situations in our lives (times where we can do nothing to help ourselves), that God either shows up or we fail.

Jesus told his disciples to go out in the deep. Peter's response is important. It doesn't make sense Lord, "but you say to put the nets in the water, so I will." He was willing to Go! → Follow! → Do!—even if it didn't make sense. And the result? God blessed them beyond measure. They caught so much fish they had to have others come to help them. Both boats were so full they were almost sinking. When God sends you into deep water situations and you obediently follow, HE blesses you beyond measure.

We are experiencing those blessings right now, and it is beyond measure. It is an amazing thing to watch the Hand of God work in ways that you KNOW has nothing to do with you other than your obedience. I'd rather be where God wants me, even if it is in deep water, where only God can provide and rescue, than to be self-sufficient and in (what we only think is) control.

It is not yet time...but it is coming soon. 


Next Entry: Luke 6:1–49 

Luke 4:1–44

August 24, 2012

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert where He went through an extreme time of testing. He was sustained by the Spirit during the time of testing. And, He left that season of time and returned to begin His ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit  He wasn't being punished—He was being prepared. He wasn't abandoned—He was led, sustained, and filled with power. We should not try to avoid or cut short our times of testing. It is often during those times that we grow the most and we can be used the best.

The devil asked Jesus "if" questions. "If you are the Son of God... If you worship me...; If you are the Son of God." How much time do people waste with "if" questions? Jesus responded to the "if" questions in the same way we should—by quoting scripture.

To quote God's promises you have to KNOW God's promises. To KNOW God's promises you have to spend committed time reading His Word and communicating with Him. It can't be just what you have heard. It can't be your own version of belief. It must be a personal surrendered life to following God's Word and God's Will. You have to able to differentiate between what sounds like truth and what IS truth. The devil himself used scripture when he was attempting to derail Jesus from the mission He was given.
To wisely discern you must: KNOW, UNDERSTAND and DO what the Bible says. To know is only the first step.

Knowledge without understanding, and understanding without action is worse than no knowledge.


Next Entry: Luke 5:1–39

Luke 3:1–38

August 23, 2012

John the Baptist went throughout the land preaching about changed hearts and changed lives. Many came to be baptized and oddly, John called them "vipers." Why vipers? Because they wanted to give the appearance of changing their hearts, but their hearts weren't changed. They were just trying to "run away from God's coming punishment," so John called them vipers.  

"Rescue me O Lord from evil men, protect me from men of violence, who devise evil plans in their heart and stir up war every day. They make their tongues as sharp as serpents; the poison of vipers is on their lips."  (Psalm 140:1–3) 

John tells them to,"Do the things that show you really have changed you hearts and lives." (Luke 3:8) Don't rely on the fact that you call yourself children of Abraham (or Christian). DO what is right! Change you hearts and lives. Show it by what you do. Luke 3:9 - "The ax is now ready to cut down the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."  

"Happy are those who don't listen to the wicked, who don't go where sinners go, and who don't do what evil people do. They love the Lord's teachings, and they think about those teachings day and night. They are strong, like a tree planted by the river. The tree produces fruit in season, and its leaves don't die. Everything they do will succeed. But wicked people are not like that. They are like the chaff that the wind blows away. So the wicked will not escape God's punishment. Sinners will not worship with God's people. This is because the Lord takes care of his people, but the wicked will be destroyed."  (Psalm 1)

So the people ask John, "Then what should we do?  And John replies—share. Don't be a taker. Share what you have with others. The tax collectors asked, "What should we do?" And John replies—be fair. Don't collect more than you are supposed to take as a way to make extra for yourself. The soldiers asked, "What about us?  What should we do?" John replies—don't do "violence" (KJV) to any man. Luke 3:14 - "Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely." (NIV) "Don't force people to give you money, and don't lie about them." (NCV)  Be satisfied with what you have. Don't be willing to lie, trap, steal, extort, to get more for yourselves.

"Rescue me O Lord from evil men, protect me from men of violence... keep me O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from men of violence who plan to trip my feet. Proud men have hidden a snare for me; they have spread out the cords of their net and have set traps for me along my path." (Psalm 140:4–5)

John explained to them that he was not the Christ, he was preparing the way for Christ who, "will come ready to clean the grain, separating the good grain from the chaff. He will put the good part of the grain into his barn, but he will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out."  (Luke 3:17)

"...But the wicked people are not like that. They are like the chaff that the wind blows away. So the wicked will not escape God's punishment. Sinners will not worship with God's people. This is because the Lord takes care of his people, but the wicked will be destroyed." (Psalm 1)

Absolutely amazing how the words of Luke 3 correlates with Jane's God-given words of Psalm 140 and Psalm 1.

The Family History of Jesus—Luke takes Jesus' lineage all the way back to Adam. Matthew took it to Abraham. Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KVJ says this genealogy is of Mary. I never noticed that before. Last year one of my Sunday School girls asked me how Jesus could be the Son of David when Joseph wasn't the father. I had never thought about that. Since Luke's record of Jesus' genealogy is through Mary then that totally explains it for David was Mary's ancestor too. Someday I want to take the time to compare the lineage of Jesus as Matthew wrote it to the lineage of Jesus as Luke wrote it. I think it will be a very interesting study.  


Next Entry: Luke 4:1–44

Luke 2:1–52

August 22, 2012

The Birth of Jesus—An account most of us can recite by memory. What stood out in my mind today is the same thing I wrote about at the end of Mark, and that is how the Holy Spirit/God specifically directs people on what to do, down to the smallest detail.

The Shepherds—The angels appear to them to tell them their Savior was born. The angels tell them what—the birth; they tell them where—town of David; they tell them who—Christ the Lord. They tell them, "This is how you will know..." There will be a baby; he will be wrapped in cloth; he will be lying in a manger. Then the angels praised God. The shepherds said, "Let's go... let's see." They went; they saw; and they praised God. They found everything exactly as they had been told.

Simeon—The Holy Spirit told Simeon he would not die before he saw the Christ promised by the Lord. Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus to the Temple to be presented to God as was the custom for firstborn sons. The Holy Spirit led Simeon to the Temple. Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms, he praised God and said, "With my own eyes I have seen..." Simeon blessed them saying, "God has chosen this child to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God that many people will not accept so that the thoughts of many will be made known. And the things that will happen will make your heart sad too."

Rise and fall because some will refuse to surrender. Truth will be revealed. It will be sad to see.

Anna—A widow who never left the Temple but worshiped God, going without food and praying day and night, "and she coming in that instant" also praised God and spoke of Jesus to all who were looking and waiting for God to free Jerusalem.

Those who sought God KNEW what would happen and what was happening. They were led by the Holy Spirit to KNOW. Immanuel—God with us.

"Most incredible, however, are the times we know He is with us in the midst of our daily routine lives. In the middle of cleaning the house or driving somewhere in the pickup, He stops us... in our tracks and makes His presence known. Often it's in the middle of the most mundane task that He lets us know He is there with us. We realize, then, that there can be no "ordinary" moments for people who live their lives with Jesus... We focus so much on the fact that Jesus died for us, we sometimes forget that He also lived for us and lives for us still." ~ From Immanuel by Michael Card

This is what I experienced on July 27, 2012, while doing the simple task of vacuuming. It turned out to be the first important step in the NEW BEGINNING. "Why is that stuff still in here?" See The New Beginning: Out With the Old written on July 30, 2012.  


Next Entry: Luke 3:1–38

Luke 1:1–80

August 21, 2012

Luke—a letter written by a doctor to his friend.  It is a carefully written and full-of-detail letter, almost like a research paper. Luke thought he was just writing his thoughts and findings to a friend, but God had other plans. He had a role to play—a God-given role—and his writings, now part of the New Testament, have influenced millions of people. Our responsibility is to be faithful to the role God has given us. What God does with the role He has given us is His responsibility.

Zechariah and Elizabeth "truly did what God said was good."  hey had major disappointments in their lives (they didn't have children) but that did not stop them from living right. They continued on and did what God said was good. They persevered and God heard their prayers. Even though God heard their prayer, they did not see their prayer answered until many years later. When God sent an angel to tell Zechariah their prayers had been heard, Zechariah had a hard time believing it was actually true and he questioned the angel. Luke 1:18 - "How can I know that what you say is true?" God sent Gabriel to tell Zechariah he was going to be the recipient of a Blessed Event and he questioned the truth of it. Let's face it. We would have probably questioned it as well.

Did Zechariah believe—truly believe—what he said he believed? Do we believe—truly believe—what we say we believe? Zechariah and Elizabeth were good people. They followed God's ways. They knew what God had done for Abraham. They knew God was capable of anything. But, Zechariah did not ask, "Who am I to receive this Blessed Event?" No, he asked, "How do I know this is true?" And because his tongue questioned God, his tongue was quieted. He was unable to speak again until he acknowledged this was indeed a Blessed Event. He acknowledged where this gift came from when he named the child the name Gabriel gave him—John.

Mary by contrast, was startled when the angel appeared to her and told her she was going to have a child, but she was not doubtful. She asked, "How will this happen?" She didn't say, "How will I know this is true" or "if" this happens. The angel told her how; he answered her question; he told her what was happening with Elizabeth; and he assured her saying, "God can do anything." Mary replied, "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say." (Luke 1:38  She unashamedly accepted the role God gave her to play. The key phrase—she was a "servant of the Lord."

Mary went to see Elizabeth. Elizabeth said, "You are blessed because you believed that what the Lord said to you would really happen." Mary was blessed because she believed. Zechariah became mute because he doubted. Then Mary did the most important thing we've learned these last five plus years. She praised God.

"My soul praises the Lord; my heart rejoices in God my Savior, because he has shown his concern for his humble servant girl. From now on, all people will say that I am blessed, because the Powerful One has done great things for me. His name is holy. God will show his mercy forever and ever to those who worship and serve him. He has done mighty deeds by his power. He has scattered the people who are proud and think great things about themselves. He has brought down rulers from their thrones and raised up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with nothing. He has helped his servant, the people of Israel, remembering to show them mercy as he promised to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his children forever." Luke 1:46–56

Elizabeth gave birth.Everyone expected the child to be named after a family member but Elizabeth said no, he is to be named John. So, they go to Zechariah, thinking he will have something different to say. Zechariah, who was still unable to speak, asks for a writing tablet and writes, "His name is John," and immediately he could speak again and "he began praising God." When Zechariah obeyed he was immediately restored, and his desire was to praise God.

"Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to help his people and has given them freedom. He has given us a powerful Savior from the family of God's servant David. He said that he would do this through his holy prophets who lived long ago. He promised he would save us from our enemies and from the power of those who hate us. He said he would give mercy to our fathers and that he would remember his holy promise. God promised Abraham, our father, that he would save us from the power of our enemies so we could serve him without fear, being holy and good before God as long as we live. Now, you child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go before the Lord to prepare his way. You will make his people know that they will be saved by having their sins forgiven. With the loving mercy of our God, a new day from heaven will dawn upon us. It will shine on those who live in darkness, in the shadow of death. It will guide us into the path of peace." Luke 1:68–79

Zechariah went from doubting, to immediately being restored when he accepted and acknowledged God's plan, to praising God with absolute confidence that God was going to do what He said He was going to do. He used past and future tense words to describe what had not yet happened. "He has come... has given freedom... has given Savior... he said... he promised he would save... he said he would give mercy... God promised... you will be called... you will go... you will make... a new day will dawn... it will shine... it will guide." (Luke 1:68–79) From doubting to knowing!

We KNOW what God has promised us. We believe He will do what He has said He will do. We accept the role He has given us to play. First and foremost, we praise His Holy Name.

From the Life Lesson ~

"Hope is not what you expect; it is what you would never dream. It is a wild improbable tale with a pinch-me-I'm-dreaming ending... Hope is not a granted wish or a favor performed; no it is far greater than that. It is a zany, unpredictable dependence on God who loves to surprise us out of our socks and be there in the flesh to see our reactions." ~ From God Came Near by Max Lucado

Well said!!

Life Lesson Application: "Remember, God can do anything. Ask God to show you what he wants you to do, then ask him for the power and courage to do it."

Addendum: 1/25/16 ~ God CAN do anything. WE BELIEVE!


Next Entry: Luke 2:1–52

Mark 16:1–20

August 20, 2012

Jesus rises from the dead. Satan has been conquered. Death has lost its victory. Salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone. In Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV she has written, "Before ye call—I shall answer!"

The two Mary's were on the way to Jesus' grave to do the right thing—prepare His body for burial. They headed out with supplies in hand and without knowing how they were going to accomplish the task. There was a huge stone in front of the grave. There was an insurmountable obstacle in their path, but they started out anyways. As they traveled on their way they said to themselves, "Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulcher?" When they get to the grave "the stone was rolled away." When God calls—God provides. When God calls (even if there are obstacles along the way) → you start out → you keep going → and He will provide. "Before ye call, I shall answer."

Jane has written notes about prayer in this section.

David's Prayer  (II Samuel 7:18–29):

• Requires preparation—never a rush job
• Requires mediation upon Person of God (who HE is—Praise!) and His faithfulness. Verses 7 and 9 – He never doubted God's faithfulness.
• Requires meditation upon His promises

Thus our hearts are made eager and burdened to come before God in prayer. Come in spirit of humility (Genesis 18:27; Job 42:6 – Publican)

• Utterly dependent on God
• Recognize sovereign grace of God
• Plead promises of God (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 40:28–31; Romans 4:20–21) Nehemiah – "Now God... DO!"
• Desire to bring glory to His name in what you ask for.  (Verses 26 and 27) 

What a great description of what our prayers should be like. Nowhere on that list is there a laundry list of what we want God to do for us. It is all about Him! It is about who HE is; His faithfulness; His promises; our humility; our dependence; the Sovereignty of God; pleading His promises and not our wants; and our desire to bring Honor and Glory to HIS name.

What a great way to end Mark.

Addendum: 1/25/16 ~ Ever since the failed Settlement Conference I have struggled with trying to figure out how to pray now. Prior to the Settlement Conference we were given strong direction on how to pray for my sister and brother-in-law. It was very clear at the meeting that there had been no change of heart or lives. The only thing left in the legal system is a trial. I've written before how I feel it is so morally wrong and do not want to sit across from my sister in a court of law while "he said–she said" arguments play out. It is just wrong—on so many levels. So, how do we pray now?

I don't want a trial, but I am willing. As I have been entering my journal entries about the New Beginning for the past several weeks, it has been like a light bulb went on and I can see the progression of the steps in the New Beginning. There is a definite path. As you reflect and look back you can see things that you can't necessarily see as you walk in the present. 

Several days ago as I was praying and asking God how am I to be praying now, the answer came. Ask me. Inquire of me. So, that is what we have been doing.

LORD, what is it that YOU want us to be doing? LORD, I know what the next steps are legally, but what is it that YOU want? What are our next steps on YOUR path? Show us Lord what YOU want us to do—and we will do it. LORD, if a trial is solely the evil plans of man, then we ask you to remove it from them and thwart their evil plans. LORD, if a trial is YOUR plan, then we ask for YOUR will to be done and we will fully support YOUR plan. Thank you, for the reminder on how to pray. 

Several days ago I woke up with the melody of the song Show Me Your Ways running through my mind. I couldn't remember all the lyrics so I looked them up. Wow!! I love the words. That is our testimony. That is our prayer. We will walk on YOUR path. We are not victims! We are the recipients of a Blessed Event.


Next Entry: Luke 1:1–80

Mark 15:1–47

August 19, 2012

The crucifixion and death of Christ. It's amazing how the different groups (Sadducees, Pharisees, and Elders) were divided in their beliefs but were united in one thing and that was their envy and jealousy of Christ. They were willing to do anything it required to get what they wanted—His destruction.

It wasn't enough to just get rid of Him by killing Him. No, they went even further. They mocked Him. They spit on Him. They insulted Him. They make fun of Him being "king" by making Him a crown out of twigs and thorns. They put a robe on Him in the color of royalty. They bowed down on their knees "as if" to worship Him. After they have their "fun" degrading Him (typical behavior of someone who is envious and jealous) they strip Him of the robe and crucify Him. They are proud of themselves for what they have done.

What arrogance.They don't "get it". In their pompous, self-righteous, and stubborn refusal to surrender their wills to Christ, they destroyed the physical body of THE Christ. But, man cannot thwart God's plan.

As religious unbelievers they thought they were protecting and preserving God. They were doing neither. Instead they were condemning themselves. The curtain that used to separate the Holy of the Holies (God) from the people was torn in half from the top (God) to the bottom (man). No longer would there be anything to separate us from God. Jesus paid the price. Jesus died so that you and I could have salvation. He made it available for ALL, but we must ask to receive it. Thank you, Jesus for your sacrifice. Thank you, for paying the price for our salvation. 


Next Entry: Mark 16:1–20

Mark 14:1–72

August 18, 2012

Thoughts from Chapter 14:

• Worship (true worship) of Jesus is more important than good works (service). Service is a by-product of worship and praise. If service is first it becomes about us. If praise is first it becomes all about Him.
• The specifics of God's directions. He gives us specific directions to follow  Mark 14:13–15 - "Go into the city and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. When he goes into a house, tell the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says: Where is my guest room in which I can eat the Passover meal with my followers?' The owner will show you a large room upstairs that is furnished and ready. Prepare the food for us there." He doesn't give us a role to play and then leave us to wander about aimlessly. When God calls—God provides.
• Some people just will not listen to God's warnings. Judas heard these words: "How terrible it will be for the person who hands the Son of Man over to be killed. It would be better for him if he had never been born." After hearing those words (Mark 14:21) Judas went out and betrayed Jesus. If we, having once known Christ, turn from His ways then we are like Judas "... because they are nailing the Son of God to a cross again and are shaming him in front of others." (Hebrews 6:6)  
• After having the Lord's Supper they sang a *hymn. I would love to know what they sang. Was it one of the Psalms? Which one?
• We are all capable of stumbling in our faith. It is not in our own strength that we can finish the race without stumbling. It is in God's strength and God's alone.  
• Friends can go with us, but ultimately we must face our trials alone. It is between us and God.
• The goal is to get to the place where you can say like Jesus said, "Do what you want, not what I want."
• It's amazing there were still people who did not know who Jesus was and therefore couldn't recognize Him. They needed Judas to betray him and point him out. How did they not know Him? Thousands gathered around Him. He taught in the temple. He was very visible. Yet some people did not know Him. Kind of like today. The Bible is readily available. News about Christ is everywhere. Yet some people choose to either discredit Him or just ignore Him.  
• Jesus didn't try to argue with those who accused Him. But when they asked Him if He was the Christ He responded, "I am."
• Jesus was condemned for speaking the truth.  
• Jesus had a purpose and He fulfilled that purpose. 

* While reading Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) KJV, I noticed a cross reference for the word "hymn" that made me curious. The cross reference? Psalm 150. Wouldn't it be awesome if what Jesus and the disciples sang after the Lord's Supper was Psalm 150? Psalm 150—The first thing Jane told me to read; a new concept of praise we now live our lives by; and a chapter (hymn) we quote often.

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.  Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.  Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals; praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD." (Jane's King James Version)

What a way to end Journal 9 and begin Journal 10.  Indeed—Praise the LORD!


Next Entry: Mark 15:1–47

Mark 13:1–37

August 17, 2012

"Always be ready... always be ready... always be ready... be ready!" (Mark 13:32–36)

"Every person will have to die one day and after that the judgment—everyone, whether he wants it or not." ~ From Not I but Christ by Corrie ten Boom

Mark 13 talks about the end times and the return of Christ. No one knows the day and time, but like a fig tree that buds out in the spring, we can know the season. I've already written about the end times and the return of Christ here: End Time Prophecy 101. We are to keep the faith until the end. Mark 13:10 - "But before these things happen, the Good News must be told to all people."

The next verse (Mark 13:11) has great meaning for us. (See my journal entries for Job 6 and Matthew 10. But today, as part of the New Beginning, it has taken on a whole new meaning. "When you are arrested and judged, don't worry ahead of time about what you should say.  Say whatever is given you to say at that time, because it will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit." (Emphasis mine) 

Wow! A whole new meaning for the NEW BEGINNING. We are the recipients of a Blessed Event.  (Let me pause to say that makes me smile! What a paradigm shift of thinking. We are not the victims of a vicious and vile lawsuit! We are the recipients of a Blessed Event!!) We have a God-given role to play; we will use our God-given talents and abilities to fulfill those roles; and He will give us the words to say. "It will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit!!"

Praise the LORD! It is HIS story! May ALL Honor and Glory go to HIM! 

Addendum: 6/7/2018 ~ "Say whatever is given you to say at that time, because it will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit!!" As I read through my journals (in what I think is my final edit read-through), I often shake my head in wonder and think—where did that (the words I wrote) come from? I am so ordinary. I never went to college and I don't have any training (biblical or otherwise) whatsoever. I am often surprised by the words I wrote. I remember commenting to my daughter while writing my journals that it seemed really weird, because at times I was writing as if I was talking to someone. I knew it seemed strange—but I just kept on writing. At the time, I had NO idea my journals would someday become public. NONE! It can only be said that, "Say whatever is given you to say at that time, because it will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit!!" 


Next Entry: Mark 14:1–72

Mark 12:1–44

August 16, 2012

From the Life Lesson:

"... Love for Christ is a deliberate setting of the will to carry out His commands at any cost. It is the fixed attitude of the heart that decides to do his will at all times. It is the desire and delight of accomplishing our Father's purposes, no matter how challenging.." ~ From Lessons From a Sheep Dog by Phillip Keller

"Having pressed the grapes of service, we drink life's sweetest wine—the wine of giving. We are at our best when we are giving. In fact, we are most like God when we are giving." ~ From He Chose Nails by Max Lucado

Contrast those statements with the words and actions of the Pharisees and Sadducees—religious unbelievers. They each sought trickery instead of surrender, trying to trap Jesus for their own gain. They didn't seek to learn from Jesus. They were only interested in furthering their own agendas. They hid (or so they thought) their agendas through deceit, flattery, and the appearance of going to Him for answers. But it was for appearances only, and God knew it.

When one of the teachers came to Jesus with honest questions (verse 28) Jesus responded with truth. What is the most important commandment? He said, "Listen people... The Lord our God is the only Lord. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. (Quote from Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and the essence of Commandments #1 – #4.) The second command is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' (Quote from Leviticus 19:18 and the essence of Commandments #5 – #10.) There are no commands more important than these."

Jesus' response to the Pharisees questions was: "Why are you trying to trap me?" 

His response to the Sadducees: "Why don't you understand? Don't you know what the scriptures say, and don't you know about the power of God?"

His response to the honest seeker: "You are close to the kingdom of God." The honest seeker understood. The bringing of sacrifices to God is not what is important. It is the obedience to what God says that is important.

For the honest seeker Jesus became the cornerstone. "The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone." For the Pharisees and the Sadducees He became the stumbling stone. "The person who falls on this stone will be broken, and on whomever that stone falls, that person will be crushed." (Matthew 22:42–44)

We are called to surrender, obey, and serve. Jesus never turns away an honest seeker.

Life Lesson ~ When you are fed up with life and utterly exhausted, look for a way to love someone around you. Being patient and maintaining a caring attitude when you don't feel like it shows that you have experienced God's love.


Next Entry: Mark 13:1–37

Mark 11:1–33

August 15, 2012

Jesus gave specific directions. Go → find → loose → say → and bring. So they went → they found → they loosened → they said → and they brought. When God gives us a mission (role) He gives specific directions. We need to follow His directions.

Amazing that yesterday I finally came to the realization that I unashamedly need to accept God's role and His direction for me, and today I read about God giving specific directions and the importance of following His directions step by step. He wants us to bear fruit and not be like the fig tree that was barren. He wants us to keep His temple holy. And, he wants us to understand the power of prayer and the prayer of faith. Mark 11:22 - "Have faith in God." Not things, positions, abilities, wealth, self, or power. NO. Faith in God ONLY. Mark 11:23–24 - "And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, God will do it for you. So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you." 

The next verse is critically important. Mark 11:25 - "When you are praying, if you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins."

Faith. Complete Surrender. Believe.

We believe!


Next Entry: Mark 12:1–44

The New Beginning: Just Do It!

August 15, 2012

I had the opportunity to meet with five ladies yesterday and tell them the story of Jane (Her Name Was Jane) and God's faithfulness to us throughout our lives. I am very thankful for the opportunity. I came away from there realizing another piece of the NEW BEGINNING. It has been a slow realization that has been building since the Leadership Summit last week and the daily saying of My Morning Prayer.

On 8/11/12, I wrote about asking God to use my inabilities. When I wrote it, I hesitated over using the word "inabilities." On 8/13/12, I went back and put (  ) around the (in)abilities. Now I realize I am to get rid of the (in) altogether. Every since I've realized I was supposed to somehow tell this story of God's faithfulness I've toted my inabilities to do it. It made me uncomfortable and I would literally squirm in my seat when I would talk to others about the future possibility of telling His story. I would use the word "if" instead of "when." Part of that comes from the fact that I have always found it irritating, obnoxious, and somewhat arrogant of people who proudly announce they are going to write a book.

The last thing I want to be is "that" person. So I've squirmed. I've said "if" instead of "when." I've only shared with small groups of people, and I've focused on my inabilities. Well, it is time to stop that!! I need to acknowledge (to myself) that we are the recipients of a Blessed Event; I have a God-given role to play; I have God-given abilities; I will not squander the opportunity; and I will fulfill the mission HE has given me. I accept the invitation to be part of building His church. I commit myself to it. And I will do my best to complete the role He has given me. Accept → Commit → Do → Fulfill—with thanksgiving and gratitude.

Addendum: 1/23/16 ~ Wow. I had no idea what it was going to mean to accept the invitation to be part of building His Church. No idea at all. Now we can see how this was part of the process God used as He prepared me for the next steps in the NEW BEGINNING.  

LORD – What Am I to Do?;
The LORD Answers!;
I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!!


Next Entry: Mark 11:1–33 

Mark 10:1–52

August 13, 2012

The story of the rich young ruler. The Life Lesson for today's reading says it all.

Life Lesson Observation: "Jesus urges us to discard material security to follow him. By sacrificing the treasures of this world we gain the treasures of heaven."

"...You see, it wasn't the money that hindered the rich man; it was the self-sufficiency. It wasn't the possessions; it was the pomp. It wasn't the big bucks; it was the big head...

Astounding. These people are standing before the throne of God and bragging about themselves. The great trumpet has sounded, and they are still tooting their own horns. Rather than sing his praises, they sing their own. Rather than worship God, they read their resumes. When they should be speechless, they speak. In the very aura of the King they boast of self. What is worse—their arrogance or their blindness? 

... God does not save us because of what we've done...

The jewel of joy is given to the impoverished spiritᐧs, not the affluent. God's delight is received upon surrender, not awarded upon conquest." ~ From The Applause of Heaven by Max Lucado

Life Lesson Exploration: "Think about the rich value of faith."

"If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me. Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life. It is worth nothing for them to have the whole world if they lose their souls." Mark 8:34–36

Get rid of anything that keeps you from surrendering your ALL to Christ.

• Aspirations 
• Goals
• Dreams
• Desires
• Wrong Relationships
• Pride
• Self Sufficiency
• Fear
• Anything that causes you to sin and prevents or breaks your relationship with Christ.  

Nothing this world has to offer is worth risking your eternal salvation.

At the end of Chapter 10, Bartimeus who was blind, calls out to Jesus. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." He knew who Jesus was—the Son of David—not "teacher" like the rich man called him. Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man answered, "I want to see." In Jane's (Her Name Was Jane) Bible she has written: "Specific praying (asking) gets specific answers. Specific directions—carried out specifically." Jesus asked a specific question. "What do you want me to do for you?" He asks us specific questions as well. "What are you doing with that stuff still in here?" See The New Beginning - Out With the Old.

God wants us to go to Him with specific questions and He comes to us with specific questions. His answers are black and white, and ours should be as well. For us to hear the questions and understand His answers, we MUST be in His Word.

The answer to all our questions are found in His Word. Read it!!


Next Entry: The New Beginning: Just Do It!

Mark 9:1–50

August 11, 2012

On 8/8/12, I wrote about "Only Believe." I read Mark 9 on 8/9/12 but decided to wait until after the Leadership Summit was over to write about it. Jesus says in Mark 9:23 - "All things are possible for the one who believes." All things are possible. What are we to do? What is our part? Believe... only believe. The father who was asking Jesus to release his son from the evil spirit responded, "I do believe! Help me to believe even more" (Mark 8:24), and Jesus commanded the spirit to come out of the boy.

We have a role to play. Not a role we would have sought or desired, but a role nonetheless. We have been blessed with a Blessed Event and there must be a R.O.M. (Return on Miracle). Our prayer is that God will continue to reveal the role HE wants us to play. That HE would take what is feeble and make it able. That HE would use our availability and use our (in)abilities to bring honor and glory to HIM. No more "if" God wants a R.O.M. It is "when." My hands are open. When HE says start, I will start. I will not go before Him and I will not lag behind. I will believe. Lord, "Help me to believe even more."

We must not lose our salt. (Mark 9:50) We have a purpose; we have a role to play. We cannot squander what God has given—no matter what.

Addendum: 1/23/16 ~ We have a story to tell. It is HIS story—and it must be told.


Next Entry: Mark 10:1–52

The New Beginning: A Role to Play

August 11, 2012

I am convinced more than ever that we have been given a role to play. A God-given role for His honor and His glory; a R.O.M. (Return on Miracle) that we must not squander. Another part of the NEW BEGINNING revealed.

My Morning Prayer

God, this is a new day. I freshly commit myself to the role you have invited me to play, as you are building your church in this world. I am awestruck again today that you include me in this grand life-giving, world transforming endeavor. So today I joyfully offer you:

My Love. My Heart. My Talents. My Energy. My Creativity. My Faithfulness. My Resources. My Gratitude.

I commit all of myself to the role you have assigned me in the building of your church so that it may thrive in this world. And I will "bring it" today.  I will bring my best. You deserve it. Your church deserves it. It is the hope of the world.

Signed: 8/11/12

The Global Leadership Summit Prayer

Addendum: 1/15/16 - Back in 2012 we were just starting to understand that God had plans for our lives that we could not have imagined. We do have a role to play, and it must not be squandered!

"The 2012 Leadership Summit represented a turning point in my life. When Jim Collins spoke it was my "light bulb" moment. I began to grasp the importance of what all had transpired in our lives and I began to understand that we were indeed the recipients of a Blessed Event and that I have a God-given responsibility to make sure the importance of that event is honored. What God has given cannot be squandered.

There was a shift in my understanding and thinking that day. The ground work was being laid. We now understand it was an integral part of the NEW BEGINNING. Two years later more understanding came. See LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; and I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!"  From ~ The New Beginning: There Must Be a R.O.M.

Next Entry: Mark 9:1–50

The New Beginning: There Must Be a R.O.M.

January 14, 2016,

The 2012 Leadership Summit represented a turning point in my life. When Jim Collins spoke it was my "light bulb" moment. I began to grasp the importance of what all had transpired in our lives and I began to understand that we were indeed the recipients of a Blessed Event and that I have a God-given responsibility to make sure the importance of that event is honored. What God has given cannot be squandered. LORD, I give you my life. Use me. Glory to God forever.

Here are excerpts from Jim Collins' lecture:

Think about an event in your life:

1. You didn't cause it
2. It had significant consequences (good or bad)
3. Element of surprise

What is the role of luck? Luck... or better stated—Miracle

Miracle

1. You didn't cause it
2. It has consequences
3. Surprise

What do you do with the event (miracle)? Mediocre squanders it. Bad cycles, cancer (or in our case lawsuit), can bring out the best. It is not about stuff. It is about love, people, and at the top—God. What is your R.O.M. Return on Miracle. What is my responsibility to get the very most out of this bad event?

If you are granted a miracle you don't dare squander it. Greatness is a matter of conscious choice.

(LORD, thank you for the miracle of Jane E. Wolfe and this lawsuit—this Blessed Event that was totally unexpected. LORD, I will not squander it.)

1. Superior performance is relative to why you were put on earth
2. Distinctive impact on others
3. Lasting endurance 

An organization is not truly great unless it is great without you.

"Be great—not because of what you will get but because it must be done!!"

There was a shift in my understanding and thinking that day. The ground work was being laid for what was to come. We now understand it was an integral part of the NEW BEGINNING. Two years later more understanding came. See LORD – What Am I to Do?; The LORD Answers!; and I Didn't Know—BUT GOD DID!

*****

Additional notes from the 2012 Leadership Summit:

Condoleeza Rice ~ It is a privilege (!) to struggle. Romans 5. Abraham Lincoln quote: "driven to our knees." We can make a difference, not a world as is, but as it should be.

Beware of people who say, "with all due respect." Dangerous person. Someone willing to do almost anything... aggressors.

Quote from our Pastor ~ "We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. We need to be the shoulders for those to stand on that come after us.

Pranitha Timothy ~ "Feeble... but able in God's hands." We are called to serve. Being humble does not mean God won't call us to do something that requires great strength. Our lives are God's and not our own. Radical Truth—God is good. No matter what—GOD IS GOOD!! We know God is Good—so we have hope.

Mario Vega ~ When values differ, paths separate and rarely do paths cross again. Example: Samuel and Saul 

• Denial—pain was so deep that truth was hard to take. God's decision was final.
• Depression—Saul was not who he appeared to be. He did not have a respect for God; truth was revealed.
• Acceptance—have to come to terms with truth.

Do not avoid doing what is right. Don't get stuck in the regret/grieving. Lift you eyes to the hills. Every right decision strengthens influence. Be strong. Live with integrity—the LORD is with you. At the core of it all—TRUST. 

Next Entry: The New Beginning: A Role to Play

Mark 7:24 – 8:38

August 08, 2012

As I was reading about all the miracles Jesus did in these verses, the old song "Only Believe" came to my mind. I don't remember all the words, but some of them are, "Only Believe, Only believe; all things are possible, only believe. Only believe, Only Believe; all things are possible, only believe.

I googled the rest of the words.

Only Believe

Fear not, precious flock, from the cross to the throne

From death into life He went for his own

All power in earth, all power above

Is given to Him for the flock of His love.

Fear not, precious flock, he goeth ahead

Your shepherd selects the path you must tread

The water of Mara, He will sweeten for thee

He drank all the bitter in Gethsemane.

Fear not, precious flock, whatever your lot;

He enters all rooms, the doors being shut

He never forsakes, He never is gone

So count on His presence in darkness and dawn.

Only believe, only believe: all things are possible only believe.
Only believe, only believe: all things are possible, only believe.

I wonder how many years it has been since I have heard that song? Listen to it here.

The woman whose daughter had evil spirits—believed—and her daughter was healed. The man that was deaf—believed—and he was healed. The blind man—believed—and his sight was restored. Jesus fed the five thousand. Jesus fed four thousand. He healed the blind, the deaf, the sick, and what do the Pharisees ask for? A miracle from God. What do they think they were witnessing?

The truth is they didn't want a miracle  Their only purpose in asking was to try and trap Jesus. Jesus' response is interesting. He sighed. He had to be thinking, "they just don't get it." How much more would it take? They were set in their "religious" ways and they weren't going to submit to the authority of Jesus. And Jesus sighed. Then He told them, "No sign will be given to you." (Mark 8:12) Jesus warned His followers about the danger of listening to the Pharisees. What they appeared to be and who they really were, was as different as night and day. They appeared to be religious when in fact they were religious unbelievers.

Jesus told the crowds and His followers that it would cost them to follow Him. They/we must be willing to give up everything. EVERYTHING! They/we must be willing to submit ALL to His authority. What we try to save is what we will lose. What we are willing to give up is what we will gain. "It is worth nothing for them to have the whole world if they lose their souls." (Mark 8:36)

We are willing. We choose to submit our ALL to Him.

"Only believe, only believe: all things are possible ONLY BELIEVE." We believe.

Addendum: 1/13/2016 ~ What stood out to me today was the phrase, "Your shepherd selects the path you must tread" from the song Only Believe. The shepherd selects the path. IF—we are His sheep, THEN—He selects the path and we must tread on it. He is in control. The shepherd wants the best for His sheep.  e doesn't take them down a path to harm them. His path is for our safety! Where there is bitter water, HE sweetens it.

We are on His path, and we will follow His lead.  


Next Entry: The New Beginning: There Must Be a R.O.M.