A Life of Faith- George Muller

04/19/2013 By
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give away 002

What do you need more faith for today? Enter your answer in the comment section for a chance to win these two books!

There is no greater life than a life lived by faith.

It is so powerful that even with a tiny amount of it, nothing is impossible to us (Matthew 17:20). Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

A couple of months ago I gave you a list of 10 Invaluable Christian Books. In that list I included a book about George Muller. If you want to read about someone who lived his entire life by faith, read this book. When Muller first became a Christian he felt that God was leading him to be a missionary. He was Biblically trained in the best school, had the desire to preach and the ability to speak many languages. He was completely ready for the adventure.

But God detoured Muller and led him to open orphanages in Bristol, England.  From his latter 20’s to age 70 he took care of over 10,000 children with God’s help alone. Not once in all those years did he ask for financial help from anyone other than God Himself. There were days he didn’t have food to serve the kids, but he never doubted that God would provide.

And God did provide for them.  Miracle after miracle happened at the orphanage. Unexpected food would arrive at the door just in time for meals. People came by to give a gift, and many times it was the exact amount needed to pay a bill.  These things happened not because Muller told anyone his need, but because of God alone.

Rarely did they have money for the next week, but they lived on faith.  And not once in all those years did they go without food or shelter.  George Muller trusted God with a depth rarely seen.  His faith and generosity set a standard for Christians of all generations.

People from all over the world soon heard about the miraculous things happening because of the faith of Muller.  D.L. Moody was one of them.  He visited the orphanage when 1500 kids lived there and was inspired by the power of Muller’s faith and God’s ability to provide even though Muller never asked for money.

When Muller was 70 years old God released him to do his lifelong dream—to go into all the world and preach the gospel.  For 17 years he spoke and traveled non-stop. He spoke on living a life of faith. He preached for Charles Spurgeon and inspired Hudson Taylor.  He spoke to over 3 million people and traveled to 42 countries, speaking at least once a day until he reached 87 years old.

He died at the age of 92. Tens of thousands of people showed up for his funeral. In his lifetime he read the Bible cover to cover almost 200 times (now that’s the secret to faith—know the promises and believe them). He never took a salary in 68 years of ministry but always trusted God to provide for him. He never took out a loan or went into debt for himself, the orphanage or his ministry abroad.

There is no greater life than a life lived by faith.

Faith is so powerful that even with a tiny amount of it, nothing is impossible to us.

God, increase our faith! May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven! In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you stopped by after reading my post on Karen Ehman’s site, thank you for hopping over to meet me! I’m doing a giveaway on her site and on mine. So you can leave a comment at both!  I’m giving away George Muller’s book and a copy of the new NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for women. I’m so excited about this Bible because I’ve got several devotions in it!! To enter the drawing just write the one thing you need faith for right now in the comment section!  We’ll pray for you! Name drawn Monday at noon EST. Winner revealed Tuesday.nifty thrifty graphic

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A Legacy of Faith

04/17/2013 By
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barn. boardman wedding, bible 038

This week Proverbs 31 Ministries is focusing on women who have left a faith legacy in our lives. As you read about a woman who has inspired me, think about who has left a legacy in your life and whether you are leaving a faith legacy behind by the way you live.

The words we speak and the way we live can alter another person’s life for eternity.

I’ll never forget that night when I was 11 years old.  My aunt, uncle, and their four young children had traveled from Indiana to Virginia to visit with us.  It was a grand visit.  Right before they left, something happened that was grandest of all- forever engraved on my heart.

The night had come to a close.  I got into bed and my aunt came into the room. She looked very serious and made no small talk. “We’re leaving tomorrow and there is a verse in the Bible you MUST know. Bury it in your heart and never ever forget it.” She opened my Bible (which was lying next to me) to Luke 9:62. She read it out loud as if it was life and death to her.  And with a piercing look into my spirit, she left the room.

I got out of bed and read it for myself. “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”  I knew this would be a defining scripture for my life.  I was just too young to understand fully what it meant at the time.

The next morning, they left before I woke.  That night in my room was the last time I ever saw my aunt.  Her heart stopped beating and her mortal body died soon after they got back to their home.

Countless testimonies were told about Aunt Helen and how she lived her life for Jesus. And the stories are still being recounted even after 40 years!  She was a shining light of His radiance and glory. She was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman.  From that day on, I decided I would emulate her and her walk with Christ.  I read that scripture she gave me every day till I went to Bible College (the same one she went to).  I determined in my heart to be a follower of Jesus at all costs, never looking back.

The verse she gave me had even greater meaning when I read the verses before it. Luke 9:57-62 are all about the cost of discipleship. Jesus is walking with three men here and tells them that to follow Him you must drop everything of the world.  When Peter, James, and John decided to follow Jesus- they literally dropped their fishing nets, got out of the boat, and followed Him. They didn’t look back!  That’s what He is telling these three guys to do if they are going to follow Him.  That’s what He says to us today.  To this day I am still convicted by that verse, the cost of discipleship, and the legacy Aunt Helen left to me.

What legacy will I leave behind to my family and friends?  What legacy will you leave behind? The words we speak and the way we live can alter another person’s life for eternity.

Proverbs 31 Ministries is doing a Legacy Campaign. Do you have someone in your life that has lived a faith legacy?  Proverbs 31 is giving you the perfect way to honor her.  Simply click on the Legacy button in my sidebar.  It’s that simple!

 

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A Simple Family Passover (Seder) Supper

03/27/2013 By
I got the plates here for a $1 each, the sterling silver platter for $3 and the brass candle sticks 2 for $1! Yep, thrift stores are amazing! I bought the glass dishes for pennies.
Our Seder Supper- First time ever without our girls!

Our Seder Supper- First time ever without our girls!

When our kids were younger, we started the tradition of celebrating the Passover (Seder) meal on the Thursday night before Easter (some years it was Friday or Saturday).  We made it simple, so that it would never be too hard to do.  I’ve been to traditional Jewish Seder dinners where everyone is given a full manuscript to follow and recite, while each food item is served but our kids just never understood what was going on.  So we abbreviated our home tradition.  In celebrating this feast we are honoring a feast, instituted by God and celebrated by Jesus himself.  “Because Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed for us; therefore, let us observe the festival [Passover and Unleavened Bread]… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Cor. 5:7-8).  This is not to be done out of a religious spirit, or any form of “legalism,” but rather in a joyful, reflective, and instructional manner.  Enjoy!

Our Christian Passover Seder

Candles lit on the table: Representing Jesus, who is the light of the World

Food on table; Roasted lamb, unleavened bread, boiled egg, bitter herbs (horseradish), Charoseth (a sweet mixture of apples, cinnamon, grape-juice [or wine], and walnuts), salt water, parsley, and wine or grape juice

Children should know this is a special tradition.  Inform them ahead of time that the focus will be solely on the Passover and on Christ.  After the dinner they can talk about their day’s events and personal interests.

We start by reading Exodus 12:14, “So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations.”  This passage is directly discussing the Feast of Passover.

Then explain:

We celebrate this feast to help us remember that God rescued the Israelites from bondage in Egypt.  On the night before He delivered them, God told them to kill a lamb and to cover the top of their doorway with its blood.  Every Israelite family who did what God said was protected from the plague of death in their home.

Many years later, Jesus (God’s son) came to earth in human form and died on the cross- as a fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifice.  He became the ultimate sacrificial lamb.  We no longer have to kill a lamb like they did under the Old Covenant for forgiveness of sin.  Jesus’ blood was shed so that all who receive Him as their savior are saved from sin and eternal death.  This sacrifice was all-sufficient, once for all.

Read Isaiah 53: 3-12…

In short, it says that Jesus was the lamb who was slain for all of our sins.  The chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed!  He poured out His soul unto death for us, so that we may be saved.

When we accept Christ as our personal Savior, His blood covers us- protecting us from eternal death and bondage.  The night before Christ died, He celebrated the Passover dinner with His disciples and said that from now on (until the end of the age) we are to partake of the Lords supper as a reminder of His death and resurrection until He comes again.   It is good for us to tell this story to our children, especially during the week of Passover, since it is a prophetic picture of what Christ accomplished for us on the cross.  Generation after generation will be instructed on the profound importance and meaning of Christ’s sacrifice, since He was/is the fulfillment of the Hebrew law (Matthew 5:17).

Read John 3:16.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving:  For the ultimate sacrifice of Christ’s blood that was shed for us all and His resurrection.  Also, thank Him for the food that is about to be partaken of.

At this time, the head of table passes each food item (one by one) and explains what they represent…

Platter of roasted Lamb:  We eat this in memory of the lamb that the Israelites sacrificed the night before they escaped out of Egypt.  Jesus was our final perfect Lamb who was sacrificed for us all.

Unleavened bread ( I made Gluten Free Matzo): Store bought Matzo can be used.  We eat this to remind us that the Israelites didn’t have time to wait for yeast bread to rise- rather they had to be ready to go when God said “GO.” At the Last Supper Jesus told us that the bread would represent His body that was broken for us.  We eat it in remembrance of His body that was slain for us.

Boiled Egg- (In Jewish tradition it is a roasted egg) the egg stands for renewal.  The Israelites were going to start a new life and we have new life in Christ because of what He did on the cross for us.

Bitter herbs-We serve horseradish as a reminder of the bitterness of the slavery in Egypt.  Jesus suffered greatly for us that we may be saved.  Remind them that on the cross He was given the bitter vinegar on the sponge to drink.

Charoseth- This is a mixture of chopped apples, walnuts, grape-juice (or wine), cinnamon, and brown sugar.  Symbolizes the mortar and bricks the Israelites used in making the bricks for the king of Egypt.

Karpas- We use parsley for this. These plants stay green all year and represent everlasting life because of Christ’s resurrection.

Small bowl of salt water- Tears of the Israelites in bondage. Today can represent our tears for those who haven’t accepted Christ as their personal savior.  Dip the parsley into the salt water bowl and eat it.

Grape juice or wine poured in glasses- At the Last Supper Jesus said that the wine represented His own blood, poured out for us all. Drink in remembrance of Him until He comes again.

Jesus is the Messiah who died on the cross and rose again on the third day!  He is alive today and all who accept Him become joint Heirs with Him.  Our inheritance is great.  We have been given not only life eternal but everlasting peace, authority in Jesus’ name, and the last will and testament that Jesus gave us- an inheritance that is vastly immeasurable (John 17: 20-26)!

Halleluyah!

And at this time, the meal is concluded!

Our family always watches Jesus of Nazareth after the dinner.

Easter is usually the only time of year our family eats lamb. Typically I roast an entire leg of lamb the whole afternoon before the meal. I didn’t post my recipe because most people say to cook it rare. Ours always falls off the bone and is SO tender. This was the first time I’ve ever made lamb chops, next year I’ll go back to the larger piece and roast all afternoon. This was good!

Charoseth-3 chopped apples, 1 sliced banana, 2/3 cup plain yogart, 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, dash cinnamon, couple tsp’s organic sugar or honey, 1 tsp vanilla-Mix all!

I made Gluten Free Matzo this year! Click here for recipe

The Seder Dinner

I got the plates here for a $1 each, the sterling silver platter for $3 and the brass candle sticks 2 for $1! Yep, thrift stores are amazing! I bought the glass dishes for pennies.

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A Burning Fire in My Bones

03/21/2013 By
In 1773 John Wesley preached the gospel to an audience of 32,000 people in an open field with no microphone at the age of 70! Can you imagine? God says to us today, "GO into all the world and preach the gospel" He'll take care of everything else! This is just a photo to help you envision speaking to a crowd without a microphone!

In 1773 John Wesley preached the gospel to an audience of 32,000 people in an open field with no microphone at the age of 70! Can you imagine? God says to us today, “GO into all the world and preach the gospel” He’ll take care of everything else! This is just a photo to help you envision speaking to a crowd without a microphone!

This past weekend I spoke at three different churches.  As I walked to the podium at the first event I started to cry when I saw the large audience. Every time I speak I am reminded of where I came from and how He uses me in spite of myself.

I was painfully shy as a child.  I was so shy that I rarely spoke at school and had very few friends.  I mean in order to have friends, you’ve got to communicate, right?  I choose not to.  From the time I was in elementary school, I would envision myself with imaginary walls all around me and I liked those walls. Well, the school thought something was mentally wrong with me because I didn’t talk.  So, they put me in a class for retarded children.  I know, that’s a bad word but it was the word they used for us in that class.  I hated the class.  I didn’t want to be in it.   I knew I needed to get out– but I couldn’t overcome my fear of talking to people.

One night as I prayed and asked God to help me overcome these fears, I felt a surge of strength rise up in me.  I started to read the Word,  something started to  burn in my heart, I couldn’t hold in. Even though I was terrified of my next words I said, “Give me to strength to overcome my greatest fear and I will speak of You forever.”

Well, I got out of that class the next day.  I was only in 6th grade but I knew in my spirit that in my weakness He was made strong. The road ahead of me was terrifying, but through Him I was going to be a speaker for Him!

I’ve been speaking for Him ever since that day. You would never know it, but that introverted little girl is still inside me.  Every day I am reminded of Jesus’ command to all believers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

In order to accomplish this, we will always have to go outside of our comfort zone.

No matter what my insecurities are, this is a mandate on my life- and every Christian.

Every time I speak for Him, I am brought to tears before I speak asking (God) that He would use me in spite of my weaknesses.

Over the weekend  I saw people weep as they came to Christ.  People made radical decisions to turn their lives around and others wept because they finally understood how much God loved them. Oh my goodness, it was the greatest!

One of the places where I spoke had three times more people show up for the event than had registered!

At another place, almost the entire audience came forward at the end of the service for prayer and decisions.

The Lord’s presence was powerful- long after the events were over and throughout the ministry time.

Oh my, I wish I could tell you all the exciting things that happened.

In between all the great things was the traveling… A flight was delayed.  The plane broke down and traveling time equaled 21 hours…  There were other circumstances that must go unmentioned.

But, God did what He wanted to do in spite of me or any other circumstance! Hallelujah!   That’s what I always find amazing: the harvest is great- He just needs us to “Go.”  He provides everything else; the words, the ability , the power, and the conviction on the listeners.

On my way home I read the biography of John Wesley.  He offered the hope of Christ to millions of people in the 1700’s.  He rode by horseback a quarter of a million miles, preaching forty thousand sermons in open fields, churches, and barns.  Oh my goodness, I want the Word to be like a burning fire within my bones like Wesley, unable to contain it.

 With no microphone he preached in open air to thirty-two thousand people!!! 

Jesus, set us on fire for You and for laboring in the harvest—for it is truly great!

 Somebody asked John Wesley,

“How can you impact so many lives through the Gospel?” Wesley responded,
“It’s simple, I set myself on fire and let the world see me burning.”

“But His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, I could not.” Jeremiah 20:9

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The Supper Table

03/20/2013 By
wedding supper of the lamb

Post written by our daughter Hannah Glasgow Easter. I took it off her blog today, enjoy! You can find her at http://hannaheaster.blogspot.com

“It’s time to eat!!!” My mom would cry as she clanked the cowbell with her sturdy spoon. By the third time, she could start to make out the barefooted tornado of dirt, curls, and laughter migrating towards her. As hard as it was to pull ourselves away from playing, we knew even as kids, the next part of our day was worth it.

With a fussing baby on her hip, my mom flawlessly flung potato soup into seven bowls. As my dad thanked the Lord for our meal, everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Seated at this table, all was right in the world. This was our safe haven from every storm of the day. As each daughter recounted her day, my parents would intently listen and ask questions. They encouraged us to create and work hard, always inspiring us to use our gifts and talents. The most important thing that happened at that table was how they taught us to trust in something bigger than our family. They told us in how they lived their lives and their words, that Jesus was bigger and even better than these moments together and one day we will all be seated with him at his table.
Mealtime is somewhat magical. Amidst the craziness of the day, every person on the face of the planet must stop and take a moment to refuel. It reminds us of our mortality and forces us to rest. In the Bible, God makes a point to show Himself to His people over meals. When the Israelite s cry out to God to deliver them from slavery in Egypt, God sends plagues to make Pharaoh want to get rid of them. When Pharaoh doesn’t, God sends a final plague that will really shake him up. God sends the angel of death to kill every firstborn child, including Pharaoh’s son. He instructs the Israelites to kill a lamb and spread its’ blood over their doorposts so that when the angel came to kill, He would see the blood and pass over their home. The Israelites had to believe that the lamb was killed in place of their firstborn child and only then would the angel skip their home.
God instructs his people to eat a “Passover” dinner that night, which included the lamb and bitter herbs to represent their slavery. The Israelites left Egypt that night. God commanded the people to eat this meal every year to remind them that it was He who had delivered them from slavery. The people made it a tradition to eat this same meal once a year and tell their children the story of “Passover.”
Fast forward  to when Jesus was on earth. The night before He died, He was celebrating the Passover meal with His friends. They thought He would not leave them. But Jesus knew the reason He came was to die and rise again. As they ate the meal that reminded them of the night when the angel passed over Israel’s homes, Jesus gave them a new dinner tradition. He took a loaf of bread, broke it and told them that it represented His body. He told them to eat it and remember. Then He held up the cup of wine and told them to drink His blood. Yes, that sounds a bit creepy if you didn’t grow up hearing it, doesn’t it? Jesus went on to say that his blood represented the new promise between God and people. No longer was the blood of a lamb needed to pay for their sins. His blood would be the perfect sacrifice for everybody who believes.
The next day, like a lamb he was led to His slaughter, yet he did not open His mouth to protest. And just like the Passover lamb, He was killed.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on Him,
and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
Jesus said something during the Passover dinner that I hadn’t noticed before until now,
“I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the Kingdom of God.” Luke 22:15
Fulfillment in the Kingdom of God? What’s that about? I flipped over to Revelation and got butterflies in my tummy.
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come…Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” Revelation 19:7-9
Another meal! This meal will definitely top all the others. I love getting a glimpse of heaven. It is at the wedding supper of the Lamb that we will find completeness in Christ. No longer will we be bound by our brokenness and tendency to sin against God. At this meal we will celebrate our redemption as sons and daughters. What a meal that will be as we find our names at the table with God, celebrating that His son, the Lamb, has adopted us into His family forever.
By Hannah Glasgow Easter 

Ellie, Jennifer, Hannah, Sharon, Rachael and Dale –Heather is  missing here

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Ten Invaluable Christian Books

02/28/2013 By
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A great book is invaluable. There are a few in my collection that I return to over and over and can’t imagine being without. These books are worth more to me than great grandma’s antique china! Do you know what I’m saying? If I had to depart with all my worldly goods and could only keep one thing it would be a stack of my favorite books.

Monday night I was the guest speaker on Proverbs 31 MinistriesBible- study conference call with Melissa Taylor. We had a wonderful time! If you want to hear it, it was recorded- so you still have the opportunity. They are studying an amazing book; Let it Go, written by my dear friend Karen Ehman. At the end of the call I was asked what other books I’m reading. I think that’s a great question…

What you read really tells everything about who you are, what your desires are and what your future goals are. My response to the question; “Tortured for Christ- by Richard Wormbrand, Jesus Freaks- by D.C. Talk and The Cost of Discipleship by- Dietrich Bonhoeffer.”

In my present stack of favorite books;

The one and only infallible and inspired Word of God; the Bible is my favorite book. I love the fact that Corrie Ten Boom was able to smuggle a Bible into her concentration camp. She ministered the hope of eternity in the darkest place, and as a result- many chose Christ as their savior before their death.

The Spiritual Guide by Michael Molinos- written in 1675. There have been more copies of this book burned than perhaps any other single Christian book ever published. Michael Molinos was condemned to imprisonment in a dungeon for writing this book and he never came out. It is a phenomenal book about the deep things of Jesus; the cross and suffering. Oh my goodness, it is priceless to me.

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. This book draws you into a deep, abiding relationship with the One who “Nourishes the soul.” It’s a spiritual masterpiece exposing the roadblocks that keep us from fully knowing God. It reveals our responsibly in the pursuit, and ultimately leads us into the very presence of God Himself.

Desiring God by John Piper. Very insightful, must read!

Tortured for Christ by Richard Wormbrand. This is the story of courage, tenacious faith and unbelievable endurance. Wormbrand spent years in solitary confinement, physical torture, hunger and mental cruelty. His crime (like thousands of others) was his fervent belief in Jesus Christ and his public witness concerning his faith. Oh my goodness. . . I weep every time I read it- not because the stories are gruesome, but (oh my!) the love of Jesus will blow you up. Literally, I’ll be sitting down while I read it and find myself standing in ovation in tears to what true love for Christ looks like!

Jesus Freaks by D.C. Talk. I LOVE this book. It is a collection of short stories about men, women, and children who have suffered for their faith in Jesus. We used to read a story a night to our youngest in our devotion times together. Oh my, it puts our current problems in proper perspective. You must have this book in your collection.

The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is on my lap right now. I haven’t read it all but the premise of it, deny self, pick up your cross and follow Him. Bonhoeffer is an amazingly brilliant man with unquenchable faith. He died for what he believed in.

George Muller: The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans by Janet and Geoff Benge. Do you need your faith bolstered? Read this book! It’ll only take you a few hours to read and you’ll want to buy another one so you can give your copy away. It’s that good, I promise!

Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China by Janet and Geoff Benge. Incredible book. I loved it.

Fiction Books:

The Final Quest by Rick Joyner. A gripping story of the last battle between light and darkness. I read it at an airport waiting for my flight. I’m surprised I heard my flight called because I was so engrossed in it! It’s a great read!

The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards. It is a dramatic story of John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod and awaiting death. He struggles to understand a Lord who doesn’t rescue him out of the prison. If you are a suffering Christian, or know one, this book will bring enormous comfort and insight into God’s ways. I love this easy read and it is thought provoking.

I want to give away a few of these books. Just leave a comment telling me which book you want to read (Tortured for Christ, Final Quest or Jesus Freaks) and I’ll enter your name in the drawing for that book. Don’t forget to check back to see if you won. I’ll pick a winner Friday at 10:00 AM! May the Lord increase your wisdom and understanding in the deeper things of Him! Each winner gets just one of the books. If you want a Bible I have one to give away, just let me know!

 Proverbs 4:6-7 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding (NIV).

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My One Word

02/20/2013 By
Rachel Olsen (Co-writer of My One Word, Zoe Elmore and me- after She Speaks Intensive Conference in Charlotte, NC and before our Proverbs 31 team time we had a sleep over at Zoe's house! It was so much fun. I love them dearly!

Rachel Olsen (Co-writer of My One Word, Zoe Elmore and me- Last month after ‘She Speaks Intensive Conference’ in Charlotte, NC and before our Proverbs 31 team time we had a sleep over at Zoe’s house! It was so much fun. I love them dearly!

After reading the book, My One Word by Michael Ashcraft and (my friend) Rachel Olsen, I’ve decided that my one word for this year is; Love.

This year, I’m going to be more intentional in my time with God to focus on- love. I want to burn with love for Jesus.  I want to cross over into the next level of glory in loving Him the way He loves me.  I want to love Him outrageously.  I want to be consumed with burning love in my heart for Him.

Once consumed by love, I pray that the overflow affects every part of my life.

I want to be so transformed by love that it pours from every pore of my being onto every person I meet; family, friend, or stranger.

I want to see people through His eyes and have His love for the people.  When I pass strangers on my way, I want His love to be so burning in me that I radiate His response to them.

I want to love what He loves this year.  I want to wake up saying, “I love You.”  And every morning ask Him, “What do You love?”  I want desperately to know the greater secrets of His heart. I know that when I discover more of what He loves, I will find soil rich with secrets to unfold.

I can be sure that I will find the secrets to His heart because His word says it.  “No eye has seen, nor ear heard nor has our minds conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)

This year I will spend more time in His presence.  I will spend more time in His Word and contemplating His love.  In response, I want to be like Moses after he was exposed to the glory of the Lord.

Moses had to cover his face with a veil, because the glory of the Lord was too great to behold. But we, who are in Christ, behold this glory- unveiled! 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Oh my, unveiled!  We are constantly going from one level of glory to the next.  Jesus!

Reflecting like a mirror the radiant image of the Father’s glory, we are transformed into the same image from one level of glory to the next!

I want to be a reflection of Your great Love.  Overcome me this year with a deeper revelation of Your love.  In Jesus’ name amen.

“…Apart from the Word of God, we cannot know who God is and how God is. And part from it, we don’t readily recognize who or how we truly are either. And, we don’t see our potential in Christ.

Don’t merely read verses; if that is all we do, we run the risk of deceiving ourselves. Don’t just pile up biblical information in your head. Let it soak into your heart. Let it interpret you. And then let it seep out through your actions.

…Only when we begin to let what we believe affect what we do are we able to embrace the process of formation.”  -Excerpt from, My One Word, page 61-

Reading My One Word book by the fire tonight to give me ideas on how to keep my one word in front of me every day this year.

 

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In His Presence- Present

02/01/2013 By
Sparky in the snow covered field at sunrise

Sparky in the snow covered field at sunrise

I stared at my computer without an ounce of enthusiasm or creativity.  A mountain of work beckoned me…  With already missed deadlines, bills to be paid, taxes to be done, text messages waiting for answers, dishes in the sink…  Then a phone call halted all of it and paralyzed my ability to do anything productive.

I prayed, but it didn’t help.

I couldn’t focus. The whole time I prayed, I was thinking too much.  You know what I mean?  So, I got my Bible out and read.  It didn’t work either.  The phone kept pinging with new messages.  I couldn’t get my brain on a different track no matter what I did!

So, I ate a piece of chocolate.  And, no-it didn’t help.  But it was good.

I went back to the computer and within  seconds, I found myself looking at Facebook posts!  Let me tell you- that never gets you anywhere!

I jumped up out of my seat, turned my computer and phone off, and said “Lord, Help me.  I’m overwhelmed and I can’t seem to get over my own thoughts.  Lead me with Yours.”

I went outside alone, without the world (a.k.a. phone).

I walked.  I just needed to decompress.  I didn’t think about urgent deadlines, people waiting for me, the phone-call, Facebook…  I walked vigorously through the field.  I saw our wood pile and decided to restock our porch for the woodstove.  I hooked the trailer onto the back of the tractor, filled it up, and stacked the wood next to our front door.

I got down from the tractor and started talking to God again.  This time it was different…  Without thinking of what I would I say- I started thanking Him.  His love overcame me and it was gone.  You know- the load I was carrying. I told Him everything that made me feel anxious.  I gave it all over to Him, everything.  He refreshed me and ignited my heart.  By the time I got back to my desk, everything was back in its proper perspective.

Everything was going to be okay, even if by human standards it didn’t look like it… It was. This time I opened my Bible and it was alive.  I came to “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass” Psalm 37:3-5.

It is nearly impossible to feed on His faithfulness, delight in Him, and trust Him to bring it all to pass when all of our minutes are filled.  Our time is filled with to-do lists, social media, texts pinging.  You name it.  I can’t imagine what it would be like if television took a portion of my day.

When I turned the world off and went into His presence-present, I entered the very sanctuary of God.    And when I did, passion and creativity ignited in my spirit again and the load of this world disappeared.  Oh, to be in His presence is addicting!  My entire thought process was supercharged with the assurance of, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  And, I did.

You don’t have to have a woodpile or a field to get away from the world. Just leave your phone and worries at home, take a walk and enter into His sanctuary-present.

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Love is As Strong as Death

01/16/2013 By
Hartwood_Sunrise_mist_Dale_Glasgow_2012819 (2)

Sunrise on Glasgow Farm

“Love is as strong as death. . .” Song of Solomon 8:6

True love is passionate, unquenchable, fiery and devoted at all cost.

We galloped through an open field on our horses, then slowed to a trot and talked while riding side by side.  Our conversation went from one level of glory to the next.  It was heavenly.  I had never told anyone the dreams of my heart, until that day- nor anyone else since.  A connoisseur of the finest delectable fare would never want to share a spread with anyone other than one who had tasted and seen the very essence of the unspeakable.  The sun started to set and we realized we had been talking for hours, though it seemed like minutes.

That was my first date with my husband, Dale.  Our first date was and is the very signature of our marriage.  Passion and fiery love is drawn from the depths of two people, unified in spirit.  The strength of our marriage is exactly proportionate to how much we love each other.  The more I know him, the more I love him. The more I love him the more I want what he wants and dislike what he dislikes.  The stronger the marriage, the more passionate it becomes.

This kind of love will sacrifice anything for love.  If given the choice of living in a castle with all the riches afforded me without Dale or living in a hobbit home craved out of dirt on the side of a hill with him, I would choose the latter.  I would do anything to be with him.

The same is true for our lives as Christians.  A Christian’s strength and conviction is exactly proportionate to how much we love Jesus.  The more we know Him the more we love Him; the more vehement our love, the more we want what He wants and dislike what He dislikes.  Yet, we can’t fully love Him until we know how much He loves us.  Once we get this revelation- we are lit with a holy fire of love that is unquenchable and for this kind of love we would do anything.

God authored a lyrical poem written by Solomon about marital bliss in which He and His bride are consumed by this love that transcends knowledge.  The poem is metaphorical with figurative language expressing timeless truths- only understood by those consumed by His love.

As women, it’s not surprising that we long for great love stories.  But, the consummation of any love story will never satisfy us in the core of our spirit.  Only Jesus can fulfill our passion to love and to be loved, in the deepest sense.

True love is passionate, unquenchable, fiery and devoted at all cost.

God in His infinite wisdom and love for us described ultimate love through an allegory of the passionate bride and groom.

Jesus, I love You. I want more of You!  Break my heart for what breaks Yours.  Open my eyes to the things unseen.  Everything I have is Yours!  Baptize me with Your love! I want the flame of Your fire to consume me with unwavering devotion!

Ephesians 3:14-21 says it well;”For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge— that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory. . . for ever and ever! Amen.”

“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.” Song of Solomon 8:6 ESV

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God’s Strength, Peace and Power in Middle of Hardship

12/17/2012 By
Four years ago this November we lost our first grandchild, Grace. Thanksgiving and Christmas were devastating to say the least that year--with empty arms we wept. I am overcome with gratitude to God that He has blessed us with two more grandchildren since. I pray for those still waiting for their Christmas table to be filled with babies and children.

Winner of give-away will receive- two kitchen hand towels w/ wooden spoons (decoration sewn on by our daughter Hannah, a $15 Panera gift card and a Starbucks VIA Brew 12 pack. I’ll do the drawing Wednesday at 10 AM EST. Check back to see if you won!

If you’re visiting me today because you read the Encouragement for Today devotion…Welcome! I’m so glad you stopped by. You can find the devotion at http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/hardest-days-god-uses-them-good-2012-12/.

Hardships are never welcome, especially at the holidays. Why can’t we just push pause on all sickness, death, money problems and tragedy at Christmas?  Right?

However, God promises us that when we go through the waters, they won’t overtake us. When we walk through the fire, we won’t be burned (Isaiah 43:2-3). Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will fear no evil, for He is with us and comforts us.

None of us would choose to walk through hardship. I’ll be the first to plead, “Please, not me Lord!” But I can tell you this first hand: When and if you must journey through it, He surely will see you out, and it will not overcome you. Keep your eyes on Him. You must!

I have lived to witness Him heal, deliver, restore and provide supernaturally in and through tragic events.  Many times it is the very circumstances that I didn’t want that God used as a vehicle to do His most miraculous works.

God warned us that bad things would happen to good and bad people. We live in a fallen world. But He, God, is in the business of working all things for the good of those who love Him—even the worst of hardships (read book of Job)

I don’t know what’s going on in your life. But this I know: The eyes of the Lord run to and fro over the whole earth looking for those whose hearts are loyal to Him so that He might show Himself strong on their behalf.

Don’t lose hope or let despair consume your thoughts when terrible things happen. Jesus left the portals of Glory to be born in a lowly manger. He lived His whole life as a living testimony for how we should live. He died and rose again so that we can have access to unimaginable strength, peace, and power in middle of it all.

Let’s pray for the families who lost their loved ones in the school shooting this past week. My heart is broken for them. God’s heart is broken for them.

I wish I could pray for each of you living through hardship right now.  Let’s do this…Would you leave a one word prayer request below, and let’s pray for each other today?

I’m going to do a drawing from all who leave a comment. The winner will get a $15 Panera gift card, a Starbucks VIA Ready Brew 12 pack, two kitchen hand towels and two wooden spoons (stitching on towels done by our daughter Hannah) May Christ bless you!

Last Christmas Dale’s heart stopped the day after our car accident. The next day he was released from the hospital in perfect condition. God healed him! Every day I thank God for his life, it is precious to me. I pray for those who have lost loved ones. To read the whole story go to http://sharonglasgow.com/2012/06/death-brings-life-to-5000-people/

Our friend Chris (blue shirt) had cancer four years ago and lost her job. It was December, she moved in with us . She’s not only cancer free now, she’s healthier than anyone I know and she’s become our family–my sister. She is a writer, a worship leader, an amazing friend. . . and she lives here! How amazing is our God?!!
Four years ago this November our first grandchild, Grace died.  Thanksgiving and Christmas were devastating to say the least that year–with empty arms we wept. I am overcome with gratitude to God that He has blessed us with two more grandchildren since then.  I pray for those still waiting for their Christmas table to be filled with babies and children.http://sharonglasgow.com/2012/11/he-restored-us-after-our-loss/

Enter a one word prayer need in comments below to enter -Winner of give-away receives- two kitchen hand towels w/ wooden spoons (decoration sewn on by our daughter Hannah, a $15 Panera gift card and a Starbucks VIA Brew 12 pack. I’ll do the drawing Wednesday at 10 AM EST. Check back to see if you won!

For more on hardships http://sharonglasgow.com/2012/09/when-hell-seems-to-come-against-you-be-an-overcomer/

“ He came to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3     and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. 5 Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards. 6 And you will be called priests of the Lord, you will be named ministers of our God. You will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.

7 Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

8 “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.”

10 I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” Isaiah 61NIV

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The Rich Home

12/05/2012 By
Wooden carousel on our kitchen table. Heat from the candles makes the tiers go around and around. It has Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph inside along with the wise men and angels

Wooden carousel on our kitchen table. Heat from the candles make the tiers go around and around. It has baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph inside along with the wise men and angels.

The Queen of Sheba was wealthy and beautiful. She had everything a queen could want – gold, silver, ivory, precious jewels and servants taking care of all her needs.

Well, almost everything.

She’d heard about the famous King Solomon (I Kings 10:1) and his miraculous God. Even though her people had many gods to worship, none intrigued her like the Lord God of Israel. Her heart was so moved by His Name she traveled 1,400 miles across the desert sands of Arabia to visit King Solomon, a man who knew this God personally.

Camels can travel around 20 miles a day, so the trip would take her six months each way. She brought a great caravan of servants, loads of spices, gold and unusual woods to give as gifts to Solomon. Her heart and soul longed for riches she did not have, and she sensed they would be discovered through him.

When she finally arrived, she stood before the grandest palace she had laid eyes on. But her purpose wasn’t to see the most beautiful archeological place ever built, it was to find a secret treasure.

Scripture tells us she talked to Solomon for hours, asking him deep questions about God. Based on her response, she found what she had longed for and declared, “Blessed be the LORD your God” (1 Kings 10:9a NKJ).

The Queen of Sheba took great pains to find wisdom, yet the wisdom available to her at that time was the lesser wisdom of a man. Even so, Jesus mentions the Queen in Matthew 12:42 and honors her desire for His wisdom.

The wisdom we have access to through Jesus far outshines Solomon’s. If the Queen of Sheba would travel six months to find truth, how much more should we search for wisdom by opening our Bibles and hearts to Him in prayer? 

When people travel to our home this holiday, it will not be the seasonal décor or cleanliness that will ultimately impress them. It won’t be a perfectly sculpted yard or a new car in the garage. It will be spiritual insight and the presence of grace they will be drawn to — through the Holy Spirit living in us. When we share the love of our God with them they will have visited a wealthy home.

As rich as Queen Sheba or King Solomon’s palaces.

Our home is where our heart is, and our heart is Christ’s home — a dwelling place for the Lord. Let’s be sure to spend time with Him this week so we can be filled with love and prepared with wisdom to offer our guests. May those who enter our homes this Christmas, and in the New Year to come, find treasures that people have traveled the whole earth in search of!

 

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Entertaining Angels Unaware

11/27/2012 By
people in crowd

I was sixteen years old, driving down the road and saw an old homeless lady sitting on a bench. The blistering heat kept the rest of the world inside air-conditioned buildings that day-but not her. As I drove past her, I felt this tug at my heart—I thought to myself, she could use an ice cream cone and company.

I asked her what her favorite flavor was. She said, “Vanilla.” I bought two cones and went to the sit next to her. I handed one to her and we both started to lick the melting ice cream tower, we smiled at each other as it dripped down our hands.  After the melting part was under control—very causally I asked her, “Do you know Jesus?”

Her response was breathtaking. She definitely knew Him and for the next 15 minutes or so she went into the most powerful expository on the Throne room of Heaven and the glory that is within it, I’ve had ever heard.  She described it as if she lived there! It was the most glorious conversation with someone I’ve ever had in my life, even to this day.

It was time for me to leave; I had to get to work. I took her napkin and mine to the trash which was about five feet from where we sat. I turned around to say goodbye and she was gone. I looked everywhere for her, she wasn’t anywhere. Where did she go? It was impossible for her to get out of sight that quickly. She seemed to be in her 90’s and moved slow.

I’ve never forgotten that day. My plans were to minister to her, yet she ministered to me and the memory of her and her description of Heaven is engraved in my heart forever.

This past weekend as I was literally running through a store, I remembered her again as if it were yesterday.  I felt the Lord tugging at my heart like He did that day—to treat strangers that I pass this season with sacrificial love.

Was this woman an angel? I don’t know. She could have just been a homeless old bag lady with immeasurable wisdom in heavenly things.  Does it matter? Not really. What matters is, that when I step outside of my comfort zone and show love to strangers, to the people who work at my local grocery store, bank. . . it opens the portal for God activity to happen.

There are many hurting people who you and I will pass on our busy journey this month. Would you join me in this endeavor to reach out to the people we pass, especially the least of these?

Jesus, Give us Your love for the strangers we meet this season. Teach us how to love people like You do.  Give us words to say that will open the door to You. Use us as Your instrument of love and let Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!

Hebrews 13:1-2 “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. (NKJV)

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Thanksgiving Day- Let’s Celebrate like the Pilgrims

11/20/2012 By
Thanksgiving frame

Our first semblance of Thanksgiving was in 1621 after the colonist first harvest at Plymouth.  The Wampanoag Indians were invited to join the celebration with food as the colonist lifted their hands toward heaven and thanked  God for His protection and provisions in their new country. The pilgrims invited people outside of their own tribe and were not ashamed to make it a 3 day worship service unto the King of kings and Lord of Lords, God almighty!

Foods that may have been at the 1621 first Thanksgiving celebration( History.com)

pilgrim-thanksgiving-feastSeafood: cod, eel, clams, lobster
Wild Fowl: wild turkey, goose, duck, crane, swan, partridge, eagles
Meat: venison (deer or elk)
Grain: wheat flour, Indian corn
Vegetables: pumpkin, peas, beans, onions, lettuce, radishes, carrots
Fruit: plums, grapes

Cranberry Sauce: The colonists had cranberries but no sugar.

Pumpkin Pie: Hard to make without sugar, plus the recipe didn’t exist at this time. However, the pilgrims had recipes for stewed pumpkin.

Chicken/Eggs: We know that the colonists brought hens with them from England, but it’s unknown how many they had left at this point or whether the hens were still laying.
Milk: No cows had been aboard the Mayflower, though it’s possible that the colonists used goat milk to make cheese.

The first historic proclamation entitled “General Thanksgiving,” was issued by George Washington during his first year as President on October 3, 1789. It set aside Thursday, November 26 as “A Day of Publick Thanksgiving and Prayer. . . to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God.”
Thanksgiving Day two hundred years ago was a day set aside for prayer and fasting, not a day marked by a feast of food.There were other Thanksgiving observances in America both before and after Washington’s proclamation. But this represents the first to be mandated by the new national government.

You really must read Washington’s decree : Read the Text Version of The First Thanksgiving Proclamation.

On October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for the observance of the fourth Tuesday of November as a national holiday. He also announced that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

This Thursday as we gather with our family and friends lets not neglect thanking  God that He brought us here, for His provisions and His faithfulness to a people who honor Him.God has blessed us with freedom and abundance; we can’t take it for granted any longer. We need to pray for our country, He is our only hope. The pilgrims overcame much trial by His leading. George Washington led our country to freedom by His divine power and authority. May we turn our faces to Him and beg of His mercy and supernatural leading for our country this Thanksgiving.

My kitchen window decorated for Thanksgiving

This was an exhibit at Mt. Vernon. There were church pews you could sit in while you watched the short film. I took a photo of the part talking about George Washington signing the Thanksgiving proclamation.

 

 

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He Restored us After Our Loss

11/05/2012 By
Jeffrey, Heather, Lochlan and Felicity at Grace's Grave site-November 4, 2012

Our first Grandchild–Grace Evangeline Young-Beautiful!

This past weekend November 4th was our very first grandchild’s 4th birthday.  Grace Evangeline Young.  I love that name, don’t you?  Every grandchild is special, but she was especially special because we had waited so long for her arrival.

Her mommy and daddy, Heather and Jeffrey, had been high school sweethearts—homecoming King and Queen. They graduated high school and went off to college (…and remained pure their entire 5 years of dating!). They got married and worked for a few years in preparation for the big family that they had dreamed of together.

Then the time came to bring that dream to life. But time after time it didn’t happen. Finally, Heather got pregnant, and we were so excited!  After a few months, she miscarried.  This happened more than once. Our hearts were broken . . . Why Lord?

Then, Grace Evangeline was conceived.

We passed the first trimester, and by the time we got to the final trimester we could hardly stand our excitement!  We already knew her—she loved music, danced every time it was turned on, and was a morning girl, strong and active. We just knew she would bust into the world a little leader with rhythm and energy.

But one morning just two weeks before her scheduled due date, Heather woke up and didn’t feel Grace kicking.  This was highly unusual for Grace.  I’ll never forget that morning.  Jeffrey called and told me there was no heartbeat.  They were being sent to the hospital to induce labor to deliver Grace dead.

I’ve never cried so hard in all my life. My emotions were uncontrollable. I felt that I was in a bad dream. Nothing was real. Dale drove us to the hospital—there is no way I could have driven. When we got there we were amazed at the strength the Lord was giving to Heather and Jeffrey to endure this tragedy.

24 hours later Heather gave birth to Grace, our first grandchild.  The cord had wrapped around her, taking her life.  I have never experienced such depth of pain—to see a long hoped for dream, lifeless.

Grace is buried here on the farm. In the summer I go down and mow around the perimeter of her gravesite, and I still cry. I thought after four years I would stop, but I still miss her.   Her body rests here with us, but her spirit is with the Lord and one day we’ll get to meet her alive! We’ll have a big ole family reunion in Heaven, and we’ll have eternity to get to know each other.

It has been hard, recovery long–but God has restored us and made us strong, firm and steadfast.  We are blessed with two amazing grandchildren from Heather and Jeffrey, Lochlan who is 2 and Felicity who is 7 months old. We pray for all those who desire a family and haven’t conceived yet and for those who have lost babies. Our hearts break for those who live through this suffering but know that God will restore!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

1 Peter 5:10

The Young and Glasgow families united in celebrating Grace’s life

Her burial spot is 300 ft from our house-I like that.

Jeffrey, Heather, Me, Dale, Jennifer, Ellie, Rachael and Hannah at our service for Grace. Heather and Jeffrey led almost the entire thing themselves! The Lord gave them strength to do what most could not have done. The Lord was their strength.

Her body rest here but her spirit with the Lord–We will see her again in Heaven alive!

Jeffrey, Lochlan, Felicity and Heather at Grace’s Grave on her 4th birthday. We’ve  planted flowers and roses, but the deer eat everything we plant!

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Sorcery, Mediums and Witchcraft

10/30/2012 By
witch'cat

Standing at my door was a girl I had known since 1st grade. At 8 years-old she had a fascination with magic, mediums and consulting the dead in séances. As a child I had never heard what God thought about these things, it just wasn’t talked about in my church. I didn’t know for sure that it was wrong but I felt it wasn’t right and never participated in her lifestyle.

 

By the time we were teenagers she had gone much further in her quest for magic and power. I prayed for her all the time and told her my desire was that she would someday come to Christ. She smiled at me and said, “You’re so naïve Sharon, you just don’t see who I am, do you?”

 

She looked like death, her body near skin and bones, her hair matted to her face and dark circles around her eyes. What started out to her as innocent magic or “white witch” power, devastated her life. In all my years of knowing her I had never seen her cry, but today she was crying. “Sharon, can I stay with you for the night? It’s horrible.” Immediately I said, “Yes!” Surely this is the night the Lord will use to bring her to Him I thought.

 

Ignorantly I invited her into my home. It was probably the darkest night I’ve ever experienced as I battled in prayer against the forces of darkness that gripped her, and were now taunting me.

 

Before that night, I never realized the intensity of spiritual warfare – of demons and angels and how they operate in the spiritual realm. God led me to pray in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and evil was forced to obey me when I did. What Satan meant to harm or scare me that night, God used for good to strengthen my faith in Him.

 

Satan and his angels (demons) will try to make you think they are all-powerful, but at the name of Jesus Christ they are rendered powerless. Our kids need to know this truth. Read Luke 10:17-20 to them and talk about how they should handle situations like the one I found myself in when I was a teenager.  Tell them they can rebuke evil in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

That one night radically shaped my parenting. I want to make sure that I teach our children that God has strong opinions about dabbling with the enemy’s games – things like ouija boards, tarot cards, or fortune-telling.   God instructs us to have no part of them. I also watch out for books, movies and TV shows about sorcery or mediums. Many people think these things are harmless entertainment but they are not according to God.

 

This Halloween, check out the activities your children plan to participle in. Pray over your home and children in the name of Jesus Christ. Ask Him to protect your loved ones from evil and to shine His light of love and truth through them – He’ll do it!   We can rejoice because all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ our Lord and He gives believers this authority–in His Name!

In tomorrow’s post I will answer the question: What are Ghost’s?

 

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 “Let no one be found among you who. . . who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD. . .” (NIV)

 

Galatians 5:19-21  Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in the time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. “ (NKJ)

 

Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (NKJ)

Ephesians 1:18-21, “the eyes of your understanding[a] being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.” (NKJ)

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