The Woman at the Well

Hi Friendly people,
  This Chapter is about a broken woman who is ministered to by Jesus in a personal dialogue. He asks her for a drink at the well of Jacob and offers her the gift of life, Himself. He planned this carefully knowing the issues of her heart about the Jews and the Samaritans. She has issues of truth in the area of worship so He positions Himself at the well and dialogues about living water. She has lost herself in several relationships trying to fill her emptiness and He is coming to offer her truth that will fill her forever! Notice how He refocuses her when she goes back to the "Jews" issue. We have our own prejudices and misconceptions that Christ has to straighten out in us, too.  Could we be brave enough to dialogue with Him; to let Him shine some of that light on us and illuminate the darkness?
John 4
V 7. At Jacobs well in Sychar, Samaria, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman and asks her, "Will you give me a drink?"
V 9. She replies, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?"
V10. "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
V 11. "Sir, the woman said, you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?"
V12. "Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
V13. Jesus answered,  "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. ( The Message)  The living water I give will be an artisan spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."
V15. The woman says to Him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
V16.  He tells her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
V17. "I have no husband, she replied."  Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband . The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."
V19. "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
V20 "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
V21. Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ( Contemporary English Version)  "But a time is coming, and it is already here!"  Even now the true worshippers are being led by the Spirit to worship the Father according to the truth. These are the ones the Father is seeking to worship Him."
V24 "God is Spirit, and those who worship God must be led by the Spirit to worship him according to the truth."
V25. The woman said, "I know that Messiah is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us."
V26. Then Jesus declared, "I who speak to you am He."
V27. Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked why.
V28. Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people,
V29. "Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?"
V30. They came out of the town and made their way toward Him.
V39. Many Samaritans in that town put their faith in Jesus because the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done."
V41 Many more believed because of His own words.
   This woman must have been very remarkable. She was a sinful person yet the city still respected her words enough to see what this man at the well was all about. She was chosen by Jesus to bring His message to a city and most of the that city was converted because of her testimony. I think we all could bury our guilt and shame and get on with the business of the kingdom! She did!

   We must also look at the Spirit's leading in our lives. Do we worship? Could the Spirit of God take us over to worship the King? Could the Spirit flow through us unhindered by the clutter of self? Let us dialogue with the King.

                            Never Give Up, Never Give In

Little Johnny

    Little Johnny was not doing very well in math. His parents had tried everything-- tutors, flash cards, "Hooked on Math," special learning centers-- in short, everything they could think of.  They decided to put him in a Catholic school.
   After the first day Johnny came home with a serious look,  and without a kiss or hello he went straight to his room and started studying. Books and papers were spread about his room and  Johnny immersed himself in his studies. His amazed mother called him down for dinner, and when he finished eating he marched back to his room without as much as a word. This went on day after day. His mother was very eager to find the secret to his sudden interest in school and studying.
  Johnny brought home his report card one day. He quietly laid it on the table, went up to his room and began to hit the books again. With great trepidation his mother looked at the report card. To her surprise Johnny had earned an "A" in math!
   She called for Johnny and asked, "Son, what was it? Was it the nuns that got you so interested in studying your math?"  Johnny looked at her and shook his head.

   "Well?" she asked, "Was it the new books, the discipline, the class structure, the uniforms? What? Tell me."
   "Well," he replied, "on the first day of school when I saw that guy nailed to the plus sign, I knew they weren't fooling around."

                                               Never give up,  Never give in.

Mercy

Hi Friendly people,
     If we see our lives with fruit that doesn't look, taste or smell like God's character, chances are we aren't walking in real love and mercy for others. We say we love someone then gossip and pick them apart in our friendly gatherings.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
   When unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, and shame are in our hearts they will inevitably affect everything we do in the kingdom of God. Everything we do has to be passed over that log in our eye.  When we make a deliberate act to be holy and move in love the outcome has a much better chance of prospering in the hearer's life.

Proverbs 21:21 He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.

1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.

James 2:13 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!

Luke 6

V36  Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. 
V37  "And do not judge and you will not be judged, and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned."
V38  "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
V39  He also spoke a parable to them:  "A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he?  Will not both fall into a pit?
V40  "A pupil is not above his teacher, but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.
V41  "Why do you look for the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
V42  "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
V43  "For there is no good tree which produces bad fruit; nor, on the other hand, a bad tree which produces good fruit.
V44  "For each tree is known by its own fruit.  For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick grapes from a briar bush.

    Revival will come when the pain of not having his presence becomes greater than the pain of denying our flesh. Then we will be used as conduits of God's Glory and Salvation. We will want our vessels clean in such a way that there are no logs and debris to hinder the flow of God's purpose and the Holy Spirit won't have to move around our flesh to get the work of the kingdom done.

                                   Never give up, Never give in!

Simon the Sorcerer

Hi Friendly People,
   While yard sailing today I met a woman who shared Jesus openly with me. She talked about how Jesus brings hope to everyone. If only we could use our time to witness and share as simply as I saw in action today. I was humbled when she talked about going to the prisons and helping in the outreaches at her church. God ended my day with this portion of scripture. I hope it speaks to you as it did me.

Acts 8 
Stephen had just been stoned to death, chapter 7. I think that alone would stop our advance.
V1 And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
V3 Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.
V4 Therefore those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
V5 Philip went  down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them.
V6 And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
V7 For in the case of many who had  unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
V8 and there was much rejoicing in that city.
V9 Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great;
V10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, "This man is what is called the great Power of god."
V11 And they giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts.
V12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike.
V13 And even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip; and he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed.
V14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them Peter and John,
V15 who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
V16 For he had not yet fallen upon any of them, they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus .
V17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.
V18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
V19 saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."
V20 Peter said, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
V21 "You have no part or portion on this matter (ministry), for your heart is not right before God.
V22 "Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you.
V23 "For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."
V24 But Simon answered and said "Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you said may come upon me."

    I didn't want to focus on the obvious personality flaw of this Simon the sorcerer, yet, in this day we face many such performers. I do, however, think we should always assess ourselves when being trusted with Gods anointing and authority.
   Who are we following?  Do they really manifest God's Glory?  Do they testify and proclaim the word of God, or the newest, revealed knowledge?  Dear God, bring us back to a respect and awe for your Glory and those who carry it. Let us so shine with your presence that we are deemed worthy to be followed. Could we bring rejoicing to our cities.........
                                                    Never give up, Never give in!

Zacharias

Dear Friendly People,
    Here is another common piece of scripture you probably know well. Turn your attention to Zacharias' position in society. He has an honorable place in God's service. Yet, when he meets an angelic being his response is everything but super spiritual, verse 18. I wonder if in the waiting for his dream to come true he got weary. The angel says, "Don't fear, you will have a son, , this will bring such joy for you, even your friends will rejoice with you, we have already named him for you."  Shouldn't he be leaping for joy? Where is the faith of a man who is allowed to offer sacrifices at the altar?  God knew his thoughts before the encounter even happened. In verses 15-17 the Angel tells him of the great anointing this child will have, the great work he will do for God. We have great understanding of Zacharias' all too human reaction. When our dream finally manifests itself, we are reluctant and cautious to pour our confidence in it.  God knew all along what his response would be and that Zacharias would have to be disciplined. God also knew he could be trusted with this great honor.
 Luke 1
 V11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him (Zacharias), standing to the right of the altar of incense.  (He had been selected by lot to enter the the temple and burn incense, according to the priestly office).
V12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
V13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.
V14 "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
V15 "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb. V16 "And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.
V17 "It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THEIR CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
 V18 Zacharias said, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years."
V19 The angel answered and said to him," I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
V20 "And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."
   Everyone is sure he has had a vision. When he finishes his duties he goes home and his wife becomes pregnant.
V59 And it happened on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child and they were going to call him Zacharias.
V60-61 They let everyone know they were sticking with tradition, and  did not want to name the child  John.
V62-63 They  look to Zacharias and are astonished to learn that he agrees with the name John.
V64 at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed and he began to praise God.
V65 fear came upon the people at who this child might be.
V67 Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and began to prophecy.  (verses 68-79)
V78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the sunrise from on high will visit us,
V79 To shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.

We sometimes look at the disappointments and embarrassments we face as our lot in life. We should always be ready for the circumstance to change divinely for us. God says, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" and  "God fills the desires of our heart."  Do not lose your faith in well-doing, don't become weary. Be patient ....... Never give up, Never give in!

Baptized with "Fire"

 Luke 3

   Are we positioning ourselves so that the word of God can come to us? Was he there because he was an unpopular repentance preacher, and needed to hide? I like to think he was so yearning for the touch of the Holy Spirit again, like he felt when he was in his mother's womb and felt the presence of the Christ growing in Mary nearby.  I always wondered if he was baptized at that very moment. I still think he was in the wilderness because of that very confronting tongue of fire. He had to survive long enough to fulfill his calling.
V2b The word of God came to John in the wilderness.
V7 Here is a sample of John's preaching to the crowds that came for baptism: you brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee God's coming judgement? Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God. Don't just say ,"we are safe- we're the descendants of Abraham." That proves nothing. Even now the ax of God's judgement is poised, ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
V10 What shall we do?
V11 If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.
V12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptised and asked, "Teacher what shall we do?
V13 "Show your honesty, " "Make sure you collect no more taxes than the Roman government requires you to.
V14 What shall we do?  asked some Roman soldiers. "Don't exhort money, and don't accuse people of things you know they didn't do, and be content with your pay."
V15 They wondered whether he was the Messiah.
V16 I baptize you with water, but one is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong.   He will baptize you with the Holy spirit and fire. 

Remember when you got born again and you felt squeaky clean and everything was beautiful?  Your feet weren't touching the floor, then you prayed with someone or shared the word and you felt on fire. Once you experience that there is never satisfaction in anything else, ever again.
   I'm amazed that he has to tell these guys to be honest and not to steal! Yet, in the church we still don't see our sin at times. He's being a prophet, spotting the counterfeit.
   We say sometimes we are having a wilderness experience in our walk with God.  It's really that we have allowed the rains of life to bring our fire to a smolder. John was spending his time in the wilderness girding himself up and came out a roaring flame! As soon as we step out into serving our fire will be kindled right up. The braver in the things of God we get, the brighter that flame.
   My friend, Carol Burnett, who will be speaking at the women's breakfast next month, is a flaming fire.  She  is a pleasure to watch as she gives yield to the the Holy Spirit's fire. She has been around the world stepping out in great courage to do God's work. The prayer volunteers have stepped out with courage and God is fanning their flames! Fire is all consuming, awesome, powerful and magnificent. We are all called to pull people out of the fire and also, into the fire. We have the choice of life or death, to be consumed or burned. Let us be consumed!   Never give up, never give in.

The seed

Hello Friendly People,
   I have been pondering "The Word", spoken by Jesus. I have been overwhelmed lately by the power of the written word, and the power of the spoken word over peoples lives. So I started a study and got reacquainted with this parable in Luke 8. I started at the end of this portion of scripture hoping to grab your attention before you discard it as too familiar. I hope it works.  It is serious business to God and especially Christ who gave His life so the word (Himself, John 1:1) could manifest its glory on mankind. The thrust I see in this parable is the heart of the individual hearer is to hear the word, implement it, cultivate it and reproduce it. The whole purpose of the word of God is to come alive in the recipient and produce more life. If the holder of this truth won't cultivate it and reproduce it .......

  V16 No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought to the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has, will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.

V15 And the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

  We say,  "Well, only God knows if I have a good heart, an honest heart." Yes, but we sure can work towards being the best we can be by being honest with ourselves and others. Perseverance sure is easier shared with a friend! When we open ourselves to God and allow Him to heal us, we will share our freedom with others. The seats in the church are empty because we are struggling just like the world is. Let's change that this year! Let's get real, get open, get relational. Get in a small group, get some prayer, fast, discipline yourself to read God's word.

V10  The disciples wonder why He spoke in a parable, because Jesus won't plant non producing  seed . He tells them, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, " though seeing, they may not see: though hearing, they may not understand.
   We do not want to be those who don't see!

V8b " He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

V5-8  Jesus knows if a seed will produce from His cast, and likewise, the farmer is careful  not to waste his seed on the road to be trampled under foot or the rocks to wither and die.

V1b  The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.


   Who was supporting Christ's ministry? Those who used to be ill, demonized and broken. Do you think they all had perfect hearts? Who were the ones following Him around constantly trying to find some fault in him? He loves you broken and all; all He asks is to let His word bring life in you, then pass it on. If that's not happening, let's make it happen. Let's start cultivating the truth in our hearts.  Let's stay in church even if our circumstances humble and shame us. The first of the Beatitudes in  Matt 5:3 Says, Blessed are the poor (humble) in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Believe it?

   Get into this chapter and find some jewels for yourself and let God renew you. Never give up, never give in!

A Closer Look At Ezekiel

Hi Friendly people,                              
   We are so used to movies that move our emotions all over the place, games that get our adrenaline going, lusts we give ourselves over to that get our pulses flying, shopping sprees that give us a contented rush............. It's time to slow down and give God some priority time. Is it any wonder when God shows up and surrounds us with peace and love, we wonder if we have had an encounter at all? As we make the exchange, and our passions start to line up with God's, then we tire of the demands of the flesh and yearn for that sweet presence; only then will we abandon ourselves in repentance and awe. I saw our church move to  this new place spiritually last night. I pray we embrace the words God gave us, believe them and implement them in our lives.

Now to this wonder God has created in Ezekiel

   I think the most intimidating aspect about this creature is that it is surrounded with fire. Remember the Scripture that says your works will be tested by fire? When the Glory comes you will see people come undone, because they see their works in the light of God's Glory. Are we ready? I think not, but what happened last night and all week for some of us was preparation  for such an encounter of His Glory. Victor sang a song that said, "I am not afraid". Do not be afraid, He promises that whoever comes to Him will in no way be disappointed. The Glory of God will supersede any and all works of the flesh and they will pale miserably in comparison.

 The wings supply protection to their bodies, protection for the beings on either side of them, worship as they are lifted to God. I like how they only move when the Spirit would speak. If the church would emulate these creatures the devil wouldn't be able to take out any Christians. The Spirit was in the wheels and only listened for His command. There were eyes all over it and it's movement was great. If we were that submitted to the Spirit I think we would be pretty unstoppable. There was an expanse over their heads that sparkled like ice. When they moved it sounded like a roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the almighty, like an army. When they move they are ready to do the Spirit's requests with authority (man), with precision (eagle),with strength (ox), and with mighty intimidating power (lion). God is above the expanse and when He speaks they take a humble stance in honor of him. A throne of Sapphire and the figure he saw looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and bright light surrounded Him. The radiance was like a rainbow around him! I'm there,  how about you?
In Revelation 6:6 there is a creature that some think is the same creature found in Ezekiel, but I don't think so. Also in Revelation 1:13-16  there is a beautiful description of Jesus, very similar to the one in Ezekiel. Maybe tomorrow............

Please understand these are only my opinions and are meant in hopes that you will dig yourselves in and fall in love with the word.  Lots of Love- lol, James told me I needed to learn texting language,who says we can't change things around? I don't like," laugh out loud". What,  you have to be told to laugh out loud? drrrrr

Ezekiel 1:1 Living Creatures and The Glory of the Lord

Hi Friendly People,
         I have been thinking about life's circumstances and how they can pull on our faith if we don't stay focused on the Glory of God and His strength to change every circumstance. When I read this chapter I am awed at the creativity of God, His power and and Glory. This vision helps me realize how absurd it is to think God can't break a bondage in our lives, find us a job, control our financial empire, heal our bodies, break curses and protect us from our enemy. As you read this think on the miraculous..................

To save space I 've left a few verses out so you'll need to read it yourself. The NIV does a good job in easy reading.
I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the north- an immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. In the center of the fire looked glowing metal, and in the fire was what looked like four living creatures. In appearance their form was that of a man, but each of them had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight; their feet were like those of a calf and gleamed like burnished bronze.  Under their wings on their four sides they had the hands of a man . All four of them had faces and wings, and their wings touched one another. Each one went straight ahead; they did not turn as they moved.Their faces looked like this: each of the four had the face of a man, and on the right side each had the face of a loin and on the left the face of an ox; each also had the face of an eagle. Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out upward; each had two wings, one touching the wing of another creature on either side, and two wings covering its body.
Each one went straight ahead. Wherever the spirit would, they would go, without turning as they went. The appearance of the living creatures was like  burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved back and forth among the creatures; it was bright, and lightning flashed out of it. The creatures sped back and forth like flashes of lightning. As I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the ground beside each creature with its four faces. This was the appearance and structure of the wheels: they sparkled like chrysolite, and all four looked alike. Each appeared to be made like a wheel intersecting a wheel. As they moved, they would go in any one of the four directions the creatures faced; the wheels did not turn about as the creatures went. Their rims were high and awesome, and all four rims were full of eyes all around. When the living creatures moved , the wheels beside them moved; and when the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever  the spirit would go , they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. Spread out above the heads of the living creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice, and awesome. Under the expanse their wings were stretched out one toward the other, and each had two wings covering its body. When the creatures moved, like the roar of rushing waters, like the voice of the almighty, like the tumult of an army. When they stood still, they lowered their wings. Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the Glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell face down and I heard the voice of one speaking.
     
WOW !  I would love to hear your comments and spiritual insights about this passage. Hope you have  as much fun in this chapter as I have.

Hello kids in Japan, Love you and congratulations on finishing your firefighter school. Yeh!, Mom

Draw near

                              


Hi Friendly people,
      Hope this encourages you to spend some time with the Lord. I challenge you to look these up and read the context it is written in. Let's draw near to God and fill ourselves up as we empty ourselves out.

Hebrews 2:13  and He said," I will put my trust in Him."  "Behold, I and the children that God has given Me."

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in the time of need.

Hebrews 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect, and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:25 Hence, also, he is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 8
I will put an emphasis on verses 11&12   You can see that God is wooing us to draw near to Him. Pastor James is always saying, "Put your rump in the seat." Can we do this during our time of fasting? If you really want to have fun and be blessed look at Jesus the High Priest, in the pages of Hebrews.

V11 and they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying,"know the Lord," For all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest of them.
V12 '' For I will be merciful to their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." ( learn more below)

John17: 9
V9 " I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom thou hast given Me, for they are Thine;
V10 and all things that are Mine are Thine, and Thine are Mine; and I have been glorified in them.
V11 "And I am no more in the world; and yet they themselves are in the world, and I come to Thee, holy Father, keep them in Thy name which Thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as We are.

 For those who can't get comfortable in God's presence because of condemnation, guilt and shame, I hope this scripture helps. I remind myself of this scripture when I am being accused. Never give up, Never give in! 

Psalms 89:14-15
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of thy throne. Lovingkindness and truth go before Thee.
V15 How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord, they walk in the light of Thy countenance.

 Revelation 12:9-11
V9 the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the deceiver of the whole world; he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
V10 and I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, "Now the salvation and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.
V11 They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony and they did not love their life even to death.

God bless you as you start your fast this week! Sharing with you what God spoke to me today, hope you get as much from it as I did. God is so good to keep us straight. Still praying for that promotion! Me first,okay?
Love you, Mom

Look at Job chapter 42
 After Job's friend (Eliphaz) wrongly advises him, God tells him v.8 take for yourself seven bulls and seven rams, and go to My servant Job, and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves, and My servant Job will pray for you. For I will accept him so that I may not do with you according to your folly, because you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has.( Eliphaz, Bildad,and Zophar who had filled Job's ear with correction and advice, now had to humbly ask for his prayer for restoration of their own sin) v.10 and the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.

Have you been asked to forgive and maybe even restore someone who has wronged you or kicked you when you were down? Notice that God restores his standing in front of his friends, confirms his righteousness, giving him back his self-respect. Psalms 3:3 says " But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, My glory, and the one who lifts my head." God is the lifter of our heads and the restorer of our countenance. I use this scripture often when feeling overwhelmed with guilt or shame. He is always faithful to restore us. Job's restoration wasn't fulfilled until he prayed for his friends. Maybe God knew he had to take this step to rid himself of any bitterness that could have rested on him through this trial.........

Look at Titus3:1-5
v.1 remind them to be subject to rules, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed
v.2 to malign (speak ill of someone) no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.
v.3 we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our lives in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another
v.4 but when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared,
v.5 he saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
v.6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

For my son, Joe, God gave you a special gift of patience and love for people. Never give in to the temptation to be bitter. Those seeds WILL grow in God's time. Never give up! 

 Read Luke 4 through as you start the new year.  I pray you won't be shaken as you speak life into people, even when it hurts, even when they turn your words against you.  To love people does mean you care about what they do; to stay silent is to remain neutral.  "Never give up.  Never give in."

Luke 4

In this chapter Jesus is tempted by the devil.  Look at v 13:  "And when he devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time." 
I've always heard when a new year starts "Oh, am I glad to put that horrible year to rest" or "That was the year from hell; glad it's behind me."
The devil always rebounds when there is an opportune time.  I was going to post this yesterday, but felt it harsh.  Today, I like it more.

Ps 94: 8-15:  "Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones?  He who planted the ear, does He not hear?  He who formed the eye, does He not see?  He who chastens nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge?  The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.  Blessed is the man whom Thou dost chasten, O Lord, and does teach out of Thy law; that Thou mayest grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked.  For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.  For judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it."

When we learn to relax and go with bad things that happen, we will then truly know that God sees it all, has a plan, and will bring us out.  Blessed we will be and relief we will get in adversity.  (Verses 12 and 13)
Look back to Luke 4:14  "And Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit; and news about Him spread through all the surrounding district."  v15:  "He began teaching in the synagogues and was praised by all."  v 17:  Now it gets heavy. When he opens the bible to Isaiah 61:1  (I encourage you to read the whole chapter).  Everything changes in the room.  Why?    v 20:  "He closes the book, sits down, and all eyes are on Him" !  v 21:  The Spirit is thick and heavy in the room, and He says "Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
I get the feeling the Holy Spirit was already depositing the truth about Him before He even confirms their thoughts.  v 22:  "They were speaking well of Him, and wondering at His gracious words...Is this Joseph's son?"  v 23:  Then He really goes for it!  I wonder why we are so careful, and dance around our words as to never offend anyone.  Take some time and read these verses.  Put yourself in this crowd hearing these words spoken at you.  What would your response be?  Would you join the crowd in verses 28 and 29?  We say "No!" but when the crowd calls us judgemental and self-righteous, it shakes our stance.
Verse 39.  He's on a mission.  He's living His calling, hoping some will heed His words and be saved.  Do we care enough about our family and friends to confront them and hope they will choose life?  Verses 32 and beyond talk a lot about demonic activity.  It seems as if they are going nuts.  That is what happens when light shines in the darkness.