HAVE YOU STUDIED FOR THE TEST TODAY?

HAVE YOU STUDIED FOR THE TEST TODAY?

(Message from Lisa Blewitt for Safer Communities Ministry)

 
This morning I asked my daughter if she had studied for her spelling test.  Then the Holy Spirit reminded me that as Christian's we all need to study for our "tests" in life.

When we read, study, meditate, pray, and apply God's word to our lives we prepare ourselves for the tests in our lives.  His Word must be hidden in our heart for when we need it.  

 

The Bible is full of testimonies from regular people like you and me who walked in faith when God called them to action.  Did they have the total picture of where they were going?  No. 

In Genesis 12:1-2, God asked Abraham to leave his country, leave his people, and leave his father's home to go to a new land where He wanted Abraham to go.  Abraham's obedience would result in him becoming the father of a great nation, and people would call him a blessing. 

Abraham could have said, "No, I want to stay where I am.   I am afraid."  But he trusted God.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we may sometimes read God's word just as words on the page.  But there is power in His words!   God's words can activate, us by the power of the Holy Spirit, to do God's will. 

God speaks to us through His Word.  When we meditate on the the words He has given us, and put on our "listening ears,"  We will pass the first "test" of hearing God's marching orders.  Then we must do like Abraham -- trust and obey. 

The Word will order your steps and the Holy Spirit will be your teacher.  Have you prepared yourself for your "test" today?

Grace and peace to you,
Lisa 

God Is Always At Work Around Us

GOD IS ALWAYS AT WORK AROUND US John 5:17, 19-20 (NKJV) – “17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working….19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. 20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 2”   God is always at work around us.  Jesus watched to see where the Father was at work and joined Him.  God has also invited many Safer Communities Ministry volunteers to become involved with Him in His work.  Amazing things are happening, as a result of willing Christ followers who have volunteered and answered His call to action!   THE AUGUST CRUSADE TO SOUTH CAROLINA PRISONS On August 23-25, over 50 SCM volunteers agreed to join God in what hat He was doing in 9 prisons in SC.  The volunteers lead worship services that included songs, personal testimonies, preaching of the Word, and prayer/altar time for South Carolina inmates.          God did it!  There were 1391 Attendees, 121 Salvations 76 Rededications, and over 60 Altar Pray-ers seeking to deepen their walk with the Lord.         After Saturday night services during the crusade, volunteers from each service told of what God had done at each facility.  It was a precious, precious time of fellowship to hear how the body of Christ was working together in one accord.         The testimonies from these dear brothers and sisters were such a fragrant offering to God!        To sum it up, one ex-offender who has been volunteering in the Union County Jail was deeply moved during his first SC crusade.  “I am amazed at how many people “from the outside” (of prison) could have so much love for people on the "inside” (of prison).        Not only were the lives of countless inmates changed forever.  Over 20 new volunteers became “activated in the Lord’s Army” that weekend.     REVIVAL IN THE UNION COUNTY JAIL - WEEKEND WORSHIP SERVICES      God has continued the momentum from the August Crusade by bringing those same new, and not so new, crusade volunteers into the Union County Jail for worship services. (Recently the Lord prompted SCM to add weekend worship services that included Saturday and Sunday services in the morning and night.)    Here is just a portion of what the Lord revealed to Al Lewis about revival in the Union County Jail. "I see a large tent covering parts of the jail, but other parts are dark and in the wilderness.  I see this core group of praying, submitted, dynamic and compassionate Christian Warriors pulling up the tent pegs and moving them into every corner of the facility, enlarging that tent for Christ.    I believe revival has started in the jail.   We are stoking the flames of an all consuming fire which is burning up all the wood, hay, and stubble Satan has strewn all over the facility.  The Holy Ghost of God is moving like a mighty wind through every steel door into every heart of every inmate volunteer and staff.  Bondages are being broken, broken-hearts are mending and captives are being set free by the power of God!   Some of these inmates (served by the ministry) will be used of God in these last days to quicken the cold hearts of people sitting in the pews.  (The pew warmers) are in prisons of their own making because of unforgiveness, resentments, bitterness, greed, and other besetting sins that keep them glued to the pews.  The time has come to share what you know.   Let God give you more to share.  His church will rise to the occasion. Revival which starts with the least of these (the inmates), will touch HIS church….Selah!

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Is abuse an acceptable reason for divorce?

Proverbs 26 2.26.13

Proverbs.26.Rod.2.26.13

“SUBTLE TRAPS”

Rod shares: “I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.”

Have you ever fallen into the trap of offering up empty flattery to someone in a situation where it was not really appropriate? (EG) in a business deal of in a family relationship?

Empty flattery is not real and can come back to hurt you when it is perceived by someone as a lie or deceit. Rod says do not go there.

On the other side of that coin have you been prideful in response to words of  praise that you should have deflected to someone else, even perhaps to the Lord?

Well whatever else you do today please make sure to:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

INSIGHTS/THOUGHTS

Haven’t we all, at some time in our lives, felt the need to avenge a wrong that we thought was done to us.  Well, how did that work out for you?  More times than naught, it was like pulling a rifle out of the dirt and with the barrel clogged, you couldn’t wait to shoot that “dastardly cur”, so you aimed and fired only to have it blow up in your face.  Many times when we set traps for someone else to fall in, we sometimes fall into ourselves.  Lies are opposite of truth and if we perpetrate a lie to hurt someone, it can become like a boomerang and return back to the liar.  Satan is the father of all lies and has been the main perpetrator of all lies against God from Genesis to Revelation.  The book of James (4:11-12) says, “don’t say cruel things about others!  If you do , or if you condemn others, you’re condemning God’s law and if you condemn God’s law, you’re putting yourself above the law and refuse to obey either it or God who gave it.  God is our judge and He can save or destroy us.  What gives us the right to condemn others?”  Traps are set for the enemy, like in warfare.  We need to depend on God to avoid Satan’s traps.  It gives an advantage or an edge for the aggressor, if he can get away with it.  God can allow traps we set against other to be our own.  In the book of Esther, Haman set out to trap Mordecai, a Jewish man, who he hated because he refused to acknowledge him with honor publicly and had a gallows built to have that Jew hanged, until a lie was brought to the attention of the King Xerxes and ordered, instead, Haman to be hanged on his own gallows, that was meant for Mordecai.  God never allows lies or liars to prevail, they will all be brought to light, sooner or later.  God’s Word is for real!  God is the Truth!

OPENING PRAYER

I’m sorry for my lying tongue towards another.  Help me to be careful and give aide to those in need, instead of being the one who condemns.  Help me to love others as You do.

In Jesus name only do I pray.  Amen.

KEY VERSES

Proverbs 26:27-28  “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and He who rolls a stone will have it to roll back on him.  A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”

APPLICATION TO MY LIFE

I found that flattery is usually the truth with a few lies mixed in, disguised to lure me into a place or situation that I would eventually hate.  It’s a trap!  Unmerited flattery always has strings attached. 

CLOSING PRAYER

Help me to brag on someone, without lying or with strings attached and keep into the context of God’s Word.  Help me to love others as you expect us to and pray for my fellowmen often and consistently.  Someone does that for me.  In Jesus name.  Amen. 

Prov 25 2.25.13

Proverbs.25.Richard.2.25.13-Deeper with God

“I want to give complete control of my spirit to the “Master Architect”…Jesus. I know that His planning, designs, and His building of those walls will protect me from the enemy.”

Richard offers good insight for us in daily walk with Jesus.

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Father, I need Your word to help me through my life. I can’t even fathom why I haven’t read my Bible as much as I should. Lord, please put a burning, everlasting desire to know You more through Your Word. In Jesus name………Amen

Comments/Insights: Like other chapters of Proverbs, I feel that Chapter 25 is about how we should live our lives as Christians.

Basic Scripture Truth: The last verse (verse 28) stuck out to me about how if we have no control over our spirit. It is like a city with no walls. (Paraphrasing)

Application: Our soul is like a city. The question that remains is: Who is the “architect” of the walls around the city? Is it Jesus or is it Satan? After I started working for the church as an Intern, I knew Satan was going to be unrelenting in his attacks on me. I asked the Lord to build up walls around me. I imagined myself being encased by concrete blocks filled with the Holy Spirit. He is my architect and I want it to remain that way. I still need those walls around me. I want to give complete control of my spirit to the “Master Architect”…Jesus. I know that His planning, designs, and His building of those walls will protect me from the enemy.

Closing Prayer: Father, please continue to build Your walls around me. Take full control of me, Holy Spirit. Protect my “city.” Protect me with Your mercy and grace. Thank You for this time to study with You. I ask all these things in Jesus Name, Amen.

Proverbs 21. A1.2.21.13

                                                  Proverbs.21.Al.2.21.13

 

Well it's Thursday and I am memorizing I Corin. 15: verses 3 & 4 simply by carrying a little card around in my pocket and reading it all week long. I read it when I first get up, when I start my car (every time all day), when I come home and at bed-time.

I also find time to read ahead of and verses after the one which I am committing to memory. Thy word have I hid in my __________.......that I may not ________ against thee. I view scripture memory as fire insurance. If His word is churning in my mind it affects my spirit and my heart will respond to His quiet voice and I seem to hear Him speaking more clearly. And I can testify I really seem to sin less. At the very least I can testify that His peace comes and my day goes better.

Try it you may like it.

When was the last time you meditated and memorized a short passage in the word?

Was it really that long ago?

Opening Prayer ….

After I read my scripture memory verse for the week, I prayed for 1 minute and I asked God to have His way with me today. I committed my day to Him and asked Him to reveal His nature to me and through me in my contact with people. I asked Him to speak to me as I opened His Word to Proverbs 21.

It only took me 6 minutes to read Proverbs chapter 21.

I noticed a thread in verses 1, 11, &31. See if you notice it.

Basic Scripture Truth ….

My heart as every leaders’s heart is in the hands of God. When I am submitted to Him, He turns my pliable heart toward His concerns for today. When I receive reproof I receive knowledge. I can make my preparations based on His perceived knowledge received from His loving reproofs and insightful instructions. However as I begin my day my safety and my peace will come from trusting in him, not in my preparations.

Application to my Life ….

God help me to trust in you and not in my talents and gifts. Turn my heart the way you want me to go. Make my plans your plans. Mark my steps. I love you Lord.

That took 4 minutes. That makes 11 total.

Closing Prayer ….

1 more minute and I prayed ........I praise and worship you my Heavenly Father. My trust is in Your son Jesus and I come to You in His name. PaPa God help me to discern Your thoughts today. My desire is to accomplish Your tasks today. Help me be free to set aside my priorities and make sure my plans are what You want me to be doing. I am desperate for You...............Father.............I am so glad I took 12 minutes to be with YOU to start my day.  In Jesus Holy name..........................Amen.................

Speak to me Lord Jesus and by Your Spirit quicken my spirit to do my Father's will today. Your servant listens Lord. Use me Lord Jesus in Your Kingdom work................Your bond servant............al

How is your heart today?

What is your peace level?

Let me hear from you after you spend 12 minutes with the Lord……….Have a good and Godly day……..In Christ……………al

Proverbs.13.Bill.2.13.13

Bill asks: Is it “well with your soul”?

Facing something right now that is troubling to your soul?

 How is your peace?

You can always go to the cross in humility and then rise up and take your peace. That is my prayer for you to accomplish today. And please above all else you must:

Remember Jesus loves you today and so do John and Al. Have a great day in the LORD.

“…..Please…..do not forget your Spiritual tie.”

Opening Prayer: Most Gracious Father, this morning as I lift my voice to you I ask for wisdom, strength and guidance as I go through my day. Lead me as I should follow.
Comments/Insights: When it is 28 degrees outside, you are in a warm bed, and you wake up with a thought (from God) how do you react? This morning at 4:38 the single word “obedience” came to me, also the hymn “It is well”. So since obedience was now my word of the day, I got up!
The first verse of this great old hymn goes;

“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Do our reactions to the circumstances that we face reflect our faith in God? Do we face issues with fear or worry or do we put our trust in Him? Are we only obedient to His call “when peace, like a river, attendeth my way…”or also “when sorrows like sea billows roll;”? In this verse the words “thou hast taught me to say, it is well…”. To me that means that at ALL TIMES we should humble ourselves before our God Almighty and say “It is well, it is well with my soul”.
Verse 4 goes;

And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

even so, it is well with my soul.

We need to continue our obedience to God in all and through all that we do. Jesus is coming soon. Are you ready? Is it “well with your soul”? If not, “there is room at the Cross for (even) you!”

Basic Scripture Truth: Several verses stood out to me in reading Proverbs 13, but the one that ties into the teaching at the ARM ministry is verse 14.

V 14 (NIV) – “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.”

We cannot gain knowledge through osmosis, but by actually participating in the gathering of it. With knowledge comes wisdom and wisdom through the word of God.

Application to my Life: I need to be in the Bible on a daily basis. Not just reading it but also through studying it. I need to pray to God for wisdom and I need to surround myself with godly people. Not only do I have to ask questions, but receive them answered.

Closing Prayer: Dear God, as I go through the day, let me surround myself with those that have godly wisdom and allow me to learn. In Jesus’ name, amen.