Tag Archives: Vision

Christianity

Nothing is going to change…until YOU do.

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Such a gentle reminder from the Father.

In a time of wanting circumstances to change, it’s often up to us to change first. When we start to take 100% responsibility for our lives and quit blaming, complaining and making excuses, we have the free time to look at how we contribute to our situation.

As long as we are blaming someone else and complaining about how they did whatever we perceive to be the cause of all our problems, we can’t focus on what God may be trying to tell us.

Sit quietly for a few moments stop thinking about how everyone else is your problem and start looking at yourself. Listen for that small quiet nudge or inspiration and then do something about it. Remember, nothing is going to change until YOU do.

Bible Study, Bible Study Group Activities, Journal activities

10 Minutes of Silence?

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What? 10 Minutes of Silence?

Anyone who knows me might think that this could quite possibly fall under the All things are (maybe) possible with God clause.    I work from home and I do not get to socialize on a regular basis.   Sorry Facebook really isn’t this lover of conversation and coffee…well it’s just not the same as sitting across from the table sipping on some mind blowing concoction of sweetness and possibly nibbling on something that I am certain to fit my macros for the day and talking with another real “in-person” human.

It’s just not the same.

This means when I do get the opportunity to talk, I do.

My cousin, mentioned something she was doing with a Bible Study group that they called “10 minutes of Silence”.   I was intrigued. ( and my husband was hopeful… wink)

She described it as sitting for 10 minutes and just spending time with God.  No pen, no paper, no electronic device. Just you and God and possibly something to drink.

After her video I grabbed my coffee, timer and went out on the porch.   Set the timer for 10 minutes and sit back to sip on my coffee.   When I looked up I saw Butterflies!  Lots of butterflies in my Mimosa tree.

Who knew this was happening? It was beautiful.  Each bloom seemed to have a butterfly on it.  It was like a Golden Corral buffet during the $1 off lunch special.

I have NEVER seen this happen and I’ve lived in this location for over 20 years.    Sad…I’ve been just less than 20 feet away from this spectacular display of God’s creation for over 20 years.    Kind of makes you wonder about what else God is doing just outside of your view.

   Just because you can’t see God’s handiwork going on, doesn’t mean it isn’t going on.

Needless to say I sat back in silence and just watched this live display of art.  In fact I actually hit the snooze on the alarm when it went off for another round of silence.

What’s going on in your world that could be just outside on the proverbial porch?

Go sit, be silent, and see.

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For those who like to journal, turn this into a week or even a 30 day activity. After your silence sessions write down the events, thoughts, and scriptures that came to you while you were spending time with God.  Note changes along the way.  When you first started was it uncomfortable to sit still for 10 minutes?

God bless you on your journey.  This activity for me was a game changer.

an2g

 

 

 

 

 

Christianity, Daily Bible Reading, Prayer

21 Days of Fasting and Prayer.

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When you think about the distractions in life, what seems to hinder or pull you away the most from your daily Bible study and Prayer?  Is it a certain website that seems to draw you away from life because you might miss out on something someone has said or done?

Maybe it’s just runaway thoughts. A certain person crosses your mind and you rehearse what you wish you would have said and stir up those old emotions again.   Some times I think Satan sits back and takes notes on how we allow one event to continue bringing distress.  He doesn’t have to do anything but sit back and watch us defeat ourselves.

Or if the truth be told, you’ve heard so many basically say “I don’t know what happened, but I’m going to blame it all on God and tell everyone He’s using the devil and how he kills, steals, and destroys for his glory.”  So you don’t trust God or even believe that He Loves you or wants to help.    Rest assured God takes the wrap and unfortunately a lot of saints have left the earth too soon because of a lot of false doctrine. Which is why it is so important to read the word yourself.  If you don’t know His word and have only heard rumors, you don’t know that you should fight or how to fight against a real attack.

If you’re looking for an answer for why your prayer didn’t get answered or why something didn’t happen, satan is there willing and ready to tell you that Jesus IS NOT the same yesterday, today, and forever.  And he’ll use whoever he can to spread that rumor.

This type of thinking or whatever else it is that pulls you away from God, I challenge you to let it go and put it aside for 21 days.

If there is something in your life that you are using to seek comfort instead of going to God, It might be an idol.   Anything that you just can’t say “no” to or it seems to defeat you no matter how hard you try.  Fasting can help you gain control.   For more information on Fasting and the types of fasts check out  Fasting resources at Church of the Highlands  and for more information on the upcoming #21DaysOfPrayer  check out their website.   Church of the Highlands 21 Days of Prayer

Various churches throughout the country will be kicking off 21DaysOfPrayer this Sunday.

Monday January 8th set the alarm a little earlier and be there or join in on the online services at 6:00 am CST Monday January 8th, 2018    Online Services

Thank You Church of the Highlands and all the other participating churches across the US for providing this opportunity for corporate fasting, prayer and worship.

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Bible Study, Church Issues in America, Daily Bible Reading, Ministry Issues in America

Job & Zophar Round 2

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In today’s Old Testament  Bible reading   Job loses it as he answers Bildad and goes for another round with Zophar.   Now remember,  Job had to repent for most of what he rambles off today as the three of them spend their time pontificating mistruths about God.

Stay tuned as the original drama between Job and his “friends” antagonize each other.   I think this is where the phrase “With friends like these, who needs enemies?” came from.

I added The Message version for this Drama to read and hear it with today’s language.

Job Chapters 19-20 Scriptures   (NIV)  (MSG)    Audio (NIV Dramatized)  (MSG)

In the New Testament We pick up at the end of Verse 19 in Acts Chapter 9.  Saul has received his vision and now he is starting to preach about Jesus at the synagogues in Damascus.  Those that heard him were confused because they had heard about the havoc he caused in Jerusalem regarding the people who were believers in Christ.

Acts 9: 19- 43  Scriptures (NIV)     Audio (NIV Dramatized)

Saul receives his vision and starts preaching the truth.   Job however is losing his vision and hacks away at his faith as he continues to argue with his “friends”.   Just like Saul, the things that are blinding Job’s vision will be removed and he will come to know the truth about God later on when Job has his own meeting with God.

Isn’t it nice to know that in spite of all the mistruths about God and poor representation by his people, we too can have our vision restored when we seek after the truth in God’s word?

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. (Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV)