The past couple of days I have been doing my grocery shopping. I had a conversation with a girlfriend the other day talking about how to shop for groceries and stay under a $100 a week. We both kind of laughed at that because reality says it's impossible. So I do the best I can by going to different stores to buy my groceries. On the flip side, with gas prices so high that almost cancels out my bargains.
Today I had to do my last stop at the grocery store. I went in with my list. My cart was so heavy because the majority of the items I bought were milk and water. Two necessities in our house. I thought about buying some bread to have with our dinner tonight, but decided that we really didn't need it.
I was finishing up my transaction when the clerk ripped off my receipt and said "Oh, you just received a free loaf of bread. Let me call the manager." She picked up the p.a. and shouted, "Manager to aisle 7 please." The manager came with a big smile and a fresh, right out of the oven loaf of French bread. It was all kind of a surreal moment. You would have thought I had won the lottery the way everyone was responding to my loaf of bread. I thought to myself, that this is God reminding me that He is my provider. Grocery shopping can bring anxiety to me because I try to stay in a budget. The manager handed me my bread and walked with me out the door.
Those ladies had no idea that I had thought about buying bread to have with my dinner tonight. Yet God who is omnipotent knew that my husband would love having bread with his dinner tonight. It was truly manna.
Jesus said when he talked about prayer in Matthew 6:11, "Give us this day our daily bread." Such simple words , yet so profound. Bread has so many meanings. Not only is it a food source, but it is also another reference for money. Even more it is another picture of Jesus. He is the Bread of Life. God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness. God provided Jesus to take the penalty of death for us. We so often forget how much God provides for us everyday. We go about our lives and take so much for granted. Yet, we also worry so much of how we're going to get through until the next payday.
Later on in Matthew chapter 6, Jesus teaches us about worrying and why we shouldn't do that. Verse 25 says Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" In verse 32 it says, "For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." God knew today that a fresh loaf of bread would remind me of His faithfulness. He knew that I didn't have to have it to add as another portion of our dinner, but it was His way of reminding me that He cares. He knew I'd end up writing about this experience too.
Jesus concludes in verses 33 and 34 with, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I know in reality, "trouble" is pressing in. And right now, it seems the world around me is being squashed with trouble. Jesus said, in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." I want to close by saying, "Thank You Heavenly Father for the loaf of bread today!"
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Togetherness Brings God's Glory
Following the chapters of King Solomon building and furnishing the Temple of the Lord, chapter 5 is about the dedication. The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the section of the Temple called The Most Holy Place. This room was only entered once a year by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. This particular day was unusual as more than one priest was needed to help carry the Ark. Each priest had to consecrate himself before entering the The Most Holy Place. Consecration was done by anointing the priest from head to toe with anointing oil. Every article placed in the Temple had to be anointed with oil as well. The articles were made by man, who is unholy, so the only way to make them holy was to anoint them. Nothing unholy could be in this place. The only articles inside the Ark were the two stone tablets that were put there at Horeb, where the Lord had made the covenant with the Israelites after leaving Egypt. When I read about the Ark, I always think about that scene in Indiana Jones when the bad guys opened up the Ark and they melt because they are so evil.
King Solomon gathered all the musicians and singers together to sing praise to the Lord and to celebrate the arrival of the Ark's new dwelling place. Verses 13-14 says, "The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God."
God's glory was so intense and so overwhelming that the priests were unable to do anything. What is interesting is what brought this amazing glory to this place was not only the worship of the people, but it was their unity. It says "they joined in unison, as with one voice." Wouldn't it be so neat to see Sunday morning worship services be filled with a cloud of glory like that?
A similar event happened in the New Testament after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. Again, God's Spirit came to visit, but this time for good. This event is found in Acts 2. It reads, "1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them." The New King James says "they were in one accord, in one place." Doesn't that sound similar to 2 Chronicles? Now I'm not a Bible scholar, as I have mentioned before, but to me, that says that God's glory shows up when people are in unity.
I've often wondered myself why we don't see the power of God glory in our Sunday morning services, mid week services or really every time we as believers gather. I'm not looking for emotion and anything man made, but a presence that can only come from the Lord. There have been seasons in certain churches where the power of God is so overwhelming that people can't even stand up. Like when there was the revival in Toronto, Pensacola, FL and recently in Lakeland , FL. I wonder why it only happens in certain places and not in more church services. I've come to the conclusion that it is because we "the church" are not coming together as "one" body. Or in one accord. The dictionary definition for accord is "in agreement or harmony." Harmony is a good word.
In music, harmony is when everyone has a different musical part, yet they sing the same song. I almost wonder, now I'm stepping out of the box here, if we aren't seeing God's glory in this powerful way because the average church attender, isn't using his gift to serve the body as a whole. I suppose you could say, not "singing" his part. So the "music" is off beat. So many believers who just attend church and have so much to offer, but don't because they are either insecure about their gift, afraid to try, or just plain lazy. By the way, I've been guilty of this. I know that on certain Sunday mornings, especially in summer when people are on vacation, we tend to have "flat" services. Partly because we are missing the momentum that fuels the service. When we all do our part, the service is like being at the greatest symphony. I have this Donna Summer Live CD that I love to listen too. Not necessarily because of Donna's voice or even the songs, but I LOVE listening to the musicians play. In musician lingo they say the band is "tight." This means the musicians are so in tune with one another that it you can't even tell what instrument is playing because they all complement each other. I believe that is what it is like when a church body is so in tune with one another.
Being in tune with one another doesn't mean just being nice to each other. I think it means knowing each other. Sharing life with together, not hiding. I know people who come to church late and leave early just because they don't want anyone to "know" who they really are. Or those who come and take from the service, but never step up and serve. If we are all doing our part, then no one would ever have to work in a ministry that they are not called to do. I think that is another part of the problem. On the flip side, we have those few who do everything and are serving in ministries that they were not gifted or designed for. So to some degree they are compensating for that person who should be there. This too causes, complaining, bitterness against the church and the biggest culprit of them all, burn out! I've been guilty of this too. If we are all doing what we are supposed to we would never have church burn out.
When King Solomon gathered all who were going to be apart of this special service, each one was given a job and that job was chosen because of what tribe they were from and what specific ministry they were called too. The priests were not playing the cymbals, harps and lyres, their job was to sound the trumpets. The singers were to sing and the musicians were to play. So all of that to say, if we are all doing our part, then together we can bring God's glory and fill our churches with His presence every time we gather. After all, we are the new temples where His Spirit dwells.
King Solomon gathered all the musicians and singers together to sing praise to the Lord and to celebrate the arrival of the Ark's new dwelling place. Verses 13-14 says, "The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: "He is good; his love endures forever." Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God."
God's glory was so intense and so overwhelming that the priests were unable to do anything. What is interesting is what brought this amazing glory to this place was not only the worship of the people, but it was their unity. It says "they joined in unison, as with one voice." Wouldn't it be so neat to see Sunday morning worship services be filled with a cloud of glory like that?
A similar event happened in the New Testament after Jesus had ascended to Heaven. Again, God's Spirit came to visit, but this time for good. This event is found in Acts 2. It reads, "1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them." The New King James says "they were in one accord, in one place." Doesn't that sound similar to 2 Chronicles? Now I'm not a Bible scholar, as I have mentioned before, but to me, that says that God's glory shows up when people are in unity.
I've often wondered myself why we don't see the power of God glory in our Sunday morning services, mid week services or really every time we as believers gather. I'm not looking for emotion and anything man made, but a presence that can only come from the Lord. There have been seasons in certain churches where the power of God is so overwhelming that people can't even stand up. Like when there was the revival in Toronto, Pensacola, FL and recently in Lakeland , FL. I wonder why it only happens in certain places and not in more church services. I've come to the conclusion that it is because we "the church" are not coming together as "one" body. Or in one accord. The dictionary definition for accord is "in agreement or harmony." Harmony is a good word.
In music, harmony is when everyone has a different musical part, yet they sing the same song. I almost wonder, now I'm stepping out of the box here, if we aren't seeing God's glory in this powerful way because the average church attender, isn't using his gift to serve the body as a whole. I suppose you could say, not "singing" his part. So the "music" is off beat. So many believers who just attend church and have so much to offer, but don't because they are either insecure about their gift, afraid to try, or just plain lazy. By the way, I've been guilty of this. I know that on certain Sunday mornings, especially in summer when people are on vacation, we tend to have "flat" services. Partly because we are missing the momentum that fuels the service. When we all do our part, the service is like being at the greatest symphony. I have this Donna Summer Live CD that I love to listen too. Not necessarily because of Donna's voice or even the songs, but I LOVE listening to the musicians play. In musician lingo they say the band is "tight." This means the musicians are so in tune with one another that it you can't even tell what instrument is playing because they all complement each other. I believe that is what it is like when a church body is so in tune with one another.
Being in tune with one another doesn't mean just being nice to each other. I think it means knowing each other. Sharing life with together, not hiding. I know people who come to church late and leave early just because they don't want anyone to "know" who they really are. Or those who come and take from the service, but never step up and serve. If we are all doing our part, then no one would ever have to work in a ministry that they are not called to do. I think that is another part of the problem. On the flip side, we have those few who do everything and are serving in ministries that they were not gifted or designed for. So to some degree they are compensating for that person who should be there. This too causes, complaining, bitterness against the church and the biggest culprit of them all, burn out! I've been guilty of this too. If we are all doing what we are supposed to we would never have church burn out.
When King Solomon gathered all who were going to be apart of this special service, each one was given a job and that job was chosen because of what tribe they were from and what specific ministry they were called too. The priests were not playing the cymbals, harps and lyres, their job was to sound the trumpets. The singers were to sing and the musicians were to play. So all of that to say, if we are all doing our part, then together we can bring God's glory and fill our churches with His presence every time we gather. After all, we are the new temples where His Spirit dwells.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Divine Design
If you are an avid HGTV watcher, then you might recognize the title. This particular program, the interior designer, Candice, remodels peoples homes taking them from blah and boring to wow and wonderful. The creativity this woman has and how she can see the finished product before she's even started, amazes me. Sometimes the room she has to work with has much to be desired. I love to decorate my home, but to be able to be creative on so many levels is truly a gift.
In the chapters 2-4 of 2 Chronicles, I would say is truly "Divine Design." The passages talk about Solomon building God's temple in Jerusalem. David wanted so much to build a place for God's presence to dwell, but God told David it was for his son to build. Partly because Israel was still fighting with some of the inhabitants of the land and they needed every man for battle. It took 70,000 men to be carriers and 80,000 men to be stonecutters and 3,600 foremen over them to keep the people working. Imagine that construction project. They didn't have Home Depot or Lowes to help.
The decor inside the temple was more spectacular than anyone could have ever imagined. I believe that is why Solomon asked for wisdom, he needed some to figure out not only the building of this project, but even who was going to work on the interior design. He had cedar brought in from Lebanon. The colors and precious metals of gold, silver and bronze were carefully selected. In the 21st Century when a 2,000 square foot house costs almost a million dollars, imagine what the market value on this grand temple would have been then. Just a few miles from where I live is the most expensive house in the U.S. It's located in Corona Del Mar and the house even has a name. Its called the Portabello because its roof looks like a mushroom cap, yet its built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. God's temple overlooked the whole city of Jerusalem.
A short time after this temple was built, it was destroyed. All that work and to lose it must have been devastating to Israel. But not long after that it was rebuilt, even bigger this time. But thats for another blog entry. All in all, God only wants the best for His presence. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, we became the new dwelling place for God's Spirit. Think about the work that it goes into building this temple. It all begins as Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are a wonder, I know that full well." He did his best work of design on mankind. The intricate detail that He put into us is amazing. With all the artificial organs and even cloning, I don't think man could ever have designed man the way God has. His plan was for us to live in a place of praise and wonderment of His glory. But even like the two temples that were built, we continue to destroy our bodies with negative words, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment and evil talk. Not to mention what we do to ourselves physically. We abuse our bodies sometimes without even realizing it. God's original plan was for us to live forever in these bodies. I'm actually glad that I won't have this body forever, if you know what I mean. But I have to remember this is God's dwelling place and whatever I have in my life that isn't pleasing to Him, I have to remove.
Even in all of Solomon's splendor, nothing can compare to the beauty of the Lord. Solomon may have been a gifted designer, but God is truly the "Divine Designer."
In the chapters 2-4 of 2 Chronicles, I would say is truly "Divine Design." The passages talk about Solomon building God's temple in Jerusalem. David wanted so much to build a place for God's presence to dwell, but God told David it was for his son to build. Partly because Israel was still fighting with some of the inhabitants of the land and they needed every man for battle. It took 70,000 men to be carriers and 80,000 men to be stonecutters and 3,600 foremen over them to keep the people working. Imagine that construction project. They didn't have Home Depot or Lowes to help.
The decor inside the temple was more spectacular than anyone could have ever imagined. I believe that is why Solomon asked for wisdom, he needed some to figure out not only the building of this project, but even who was going to work on the interior design. He had cedar brought in from Lebanon. The colors and precious metals of gold, silver and bronze were carefully selected. In the 21st Century when a 2,000 square foot house costs almost a million dollars, imagine what the market value on this grand temple would have been then. Just a few miles from where I live is the most expensive house in the U.S. It's located in Corona Del Mar and the house even has a name. Its called the Portabello because its roof looks like a mushroom cap, yet its built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. God's temple overlooked the whole city of Jerusalem.
A short time after this temple was built, it was destroyed. All that work and to lose it must have been devastating to Israel. But not long after that it was rebuilt, even bigger this time. But thats for another blog entry. All in all, God only wants the best for His presence. After the death and resurrection of Jesus, we became the new dwelling place for God's Spirit. Think about the work that it goes into building this temple. It all begins as Psalm 139:13-14 says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are a wonder, I know that full well." He did his best work of design on mankind. The intricate detail that He put into us is amazing. With all the artificial organs and even cloning, I don't think man could ever have designed man the way God has. His plan was for us to live in a place of praise and wonderment of His glory. But even like the two temples that were built, we continue to destroy our bodies with negative words, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment and evil talk. Not to mention what we do to ourselves physically. We abuse our bodies sometimes without even realizing it. God's original plan was for us to live forever in these bodies. I'm actually glad that I won't have this body forever, if you know what I mean. But I have to remember this is God's dwelling place and whatever I have in my life that isn't pleasing to Him, I have to remove.
Even in all of Solomon's splendor, nothing can compare to the beauty of the Lord. Solomon may have been a gifted designer, but God is truly the "Divine Designer."
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Israel, You Had Me At Shalom
"You will love Israel at the first Shalom," reads an ad from the Ministry of Tourism for Israel. That statement is so true. But what do you expect from the place where God put His name. A year ago I was getting ready to go for the very first time. I had no idea that Israel was such an amazing place. All we ever hear via the media is the conflict that goes on over there. I had this picture of a place similar to the southwest region of the U.S. I was expecting a dry desert climate with a few man made oasis areas. I was totally wrong.
Three of my girlfriends and their families are from Israel and over the past week have made their way over to the Promised Land. Another one of my girlfriends is going along. I spoke to Diane the other night to find out the details on the trip. Two of my girlfriends are going to be celebrating their daughter's Bat Mitzvah. Oh how I wish I could go. I even had a dream the other night that I went back to Israel. I was trying to tell Diane as much as I could of things to be sure to see while she was there. I told her that when we drove into Jerusalem and saw the old city for the first time how overwhelmed with emotion both Jeff and I were. Honestly, there was a sense of "shalom" even with all of the conflict, just knowing this is the place God chose to call His, puts a peace that passes all understanding. The only explanation I had to describe what Diane would experience was that her spirit would be touched by God's Spirit.
I hate to admit that I am fighting envy because they are all there and get to experience it together. Oh how I desire to be there. Its funny, in my whole life, I never dreamed that Israel would be on my top vacation places to visit. I never had a desire to go until I met my friends who are from there. Now I'm just dying to go back. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I wonder if that is truly what happened. It has been a delight getting to know God through his Word. I'm on my third round of reading through the Bible. Each time I understand it more. I wonder if because I have become more familiar with the Word of God, He placed the desire in my heart to visit Israel.
For the past couple of days I've visited goisreal.com and sareltours.com just to recall where I was a year ago. I actually stumbled upon a really cool website that is a map of Israel. Now in my devotional time, I like to look at a map to see where some of the places are that are mentioned. I just can't believe how much I loved that trip. It was nothing like what I expected. The terrain was similar to Southern California. Yes, some desert, but very mountainous and green. The flowers were so beautiful and such a variety. The beaches were very beautiful. I truly couldn't believe the agriculture. It seemed like they could grow anything. Yes, the weather was hot, but it still did not stop me from wanting to learn and see everything I could. Oh how I wish my children could go. It would take them to a new level in their personal walk with Jesus.
I was thinking about how many times the Israelites were exiled from their land. Whether it was to go to Egypt to survive the famine or because they were taken captive by Babylon. I'm sure they were so homesick for this place. Its no wonder its a territory that is the most fought over. Its an amazing little country. Its only the size of New Jersey. Yet, there is a huge difference between the coast, the Galilee region and the Negev. Tropical, lush hillsides and mountains and desert all in one geographical location. That's why it reminds me so much of Southern California. We have the same kind of terrain.
I don't know if I will ever get there again, but I hope that I do. I want to encourage every believer that Israel is a "must see" of places to go. It truly is. Again, even with all the conflict that we hear about there is a peace there that can't be explained. Israel, you had me at shalom.
Three of my girlfriends and their families are from Israel and over the past week have made their way over to the Promised Land. Another one of my girlfriends is going along. I spoke to Diane the other night to find out the details on the trip. Two of my girlfriends are going to be celebrating their daughter's Bat Mitzvah. Oh how I wish I could go. I even had a dream the other night that I went back to Israel. I was trying to tell Diane as much as I could of things to be sure to see while she was there. I told her that when we drove into Jerusalem and saw the old city for the first time how overwhelmed with emotion both Jeff and I were. Honestly, there was a sense of "shalom" even with all of the conflict, just knowing this is the place God chose to call His, puts a peace that passes all understanding. The only explanation I had to describe what Diane would experience was that her spirit would be touched by God's Spirit.
I hate to admit that I am fighting envy because they are all there and get to experience it together. Oh how I desire to be there. Its funny, in my whole life, I never dreamed that Israel would be on my top vacation places to visit. I never had a desire to go until I met my friends who are from there. Now I'm just dying to go back. Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I wonder if that is truly what happened. It has been a delight getting to know God through his Word. I'm on my third round of reading through the Bible. Each time I understand it more. I wonder if because I have become more familiar with the Word of God, He placed the desire in my heart to visit Israel.
For the past couple of days I've visited goisreal.com and sareltours.com just to recall where I was a year ago. I actually stumbled upon a really cool website that is a map of Israel. Now in my devotional time, I like to look at a map to see where some of the places are that are mentioned. I just can't believe how much I loved that trip. It was nothing like what I expected. The terrain was similar to Southern California. Yes, some desert, but very mountainous and green. The flowers were so beautiful and such a variety. The beaches were very beautiful. I truly couldn't believe the agriculture. It seemed like they could grow anything. Yes, the weather was hot, but it still did not stop me from wanting to learn and see everything I could. Oh how I wish my children could go. It would take them to a new level in their personal walk with Jesus.
I was thinking about how many times the Israelites were exiled from their land. Whether it was to go to Egypt to survive the famine or because they were taken captive by Babylon. I'm sure they were so homesick for this place. Its no wonder its a territory that is the most fought over. Its an amazing little country. Its only the size of New Jersey. Yet, there is a huge difference between the coast, the Galilee region and the Negev. Tropical, lush hillsides and mountains and desert all in one geographical location. That's why it reminds me so much of Southern California. We have the same kind of terrain.
I don't know if I will ever get there again, but I hope that I do. I want to encourage every believer that Israel is a "must see" of places to go. It truly is. Again, even with all the conflict that we hear about there is a peace there that can't be explained. Israel, you had me at shalom.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Out Of The Mouths Of Babes
We are in the midst of summer. Our summer is only about 4 weeks long as my kids are in year round school and we have a short break. We aren't going on any exciting vacations this year since we vacationed enough last year for the next 5 years. So rather than go on any trip, we are "pretending" that we are at a resort by going to our community pool everyday. Although yesterday, Jeff took a day off and we went to the beach. Of all the days we chose, it was overcast until 2pm. But that didn't stop the fun.
Jeff bought the kids boogie boards the other night. It's kind of funny that both of my kids were born in Tennessee, but they are tried and true Californians. They love the ocean and my daughter thinks she is part mermaid. I was a little nervous watching her way out beyond where the waves break, but that girl has no fear. I have a "Gidget" for a daughter. When I told Jordanne she was Gidget, she asked, "Who is that?" For those of you who are unfamiliar with the 1960's surfer girl, she was played on the big screen by Sandra Dee, then Sally Field on a television series.
Okay, back to my story. For three hours they paddled their way out and road the waves in. At one point Jeff got up to help them figure out how to catch a wave. I could hear him all the way back to where I was sitting yelling "paddle, paddle, paddle!" His voice carries. I was getting nervous for the other beach goers having to listen to a dad who was trying to teach his children how to boogie board.
We decided to leave at 4 pm and head for home. As we walked back to the car, we had to make a stop to wipe down the boogie boards. Justin was a little irritated because there weren't any showers around. He's now in the habit of showering off all the sand before getting in the car. Something his dad had shown him. Jeff proceeded with teaching the kids how to wipe the boards down as well as dust the sand off their feet. Oooh I remember my dad dusting the sand off my sunburned legs as a kid. He hated to get sand in his car so he'd slap that towel against our feet to get every grain off. Justin suggested that he wipe their feet carefully just in case of any scrapes or burn.
Finally we were in the car heading for home. Jeff popped in a worship CD that he just put together for the church and he rolled down the windows. As we came out of the parking lot, there was a group of Buddhist monks who were gathered on a grassy area to meditate. This is totally out of my character, but I yelled out the window "Jesus!". Both of my kids said, "mom did you see those Buddhists? We gotta pray for them?" I said, "Didn't you hear me yell Jesus name out the window?" It was so noisy in the car with the music, they missed my, what Jeff calls a "Drive-by evangelism." I'm always telling my kids to pray for people who are Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, any obvious religion and for people who smoke in their cars. So this is part of our routine. When we pray, we pray that they would know the "Truth and the Truth would set them free in Jesus name!".
So this brings me to something Jordanne said. Halfway down the road there was a song on from a church that I had heard the pastor speak on Bible heroes and what legacies they leave behind. Its actually interesting as I'm reading through Kings and Chronicles how most of the kings of Judah and Israel left the legacy of not teaching their children about the things of God. They got more and more evil as time went on. So much so that God was done with them. I turned around and Jordanne was humming along with the song playing. I started thinking about what kind of parents are Jeff and I and what are we teaching our children? Teaching them how to love the beach, boogie board, clean their feet after the beach and eat after swimming in the ocean for three hours. These are the obvious things that would stand out. But what are we teaching them subliminally? Things that don't seem to be as obvious.
Justin had fallen asleep, but I turned around and asked Jordanne what is something in her daddy that she has learned from him spiritually. She said, "Daddy is a reflection of Jesus." Wow, what a compliment. Then Jeff asked her, "What do you see in mommy?" She said with boldness,"Mommy is like Mary Magdalene." My heart sank as I thought "Mary Magdalene?" I'm sure you're thinking at this moment what I was at that moment. So I asked her "Why her?" She said, "Because Mary was waiting for Jesus to come back." Whew, thats a relief. Then she said, "Mom, you're always talking to us about Jesus coming back soon."
It reminds me of the verses in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 that says, "Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Its hard raising children today. With the sin that seems more prevalent now than ever on our televisions, radios, magazines, billboards and even in books, its hard to protect your children from the evil out there. All I can do is do what Deuteronomy says. Just the other day, Jordanne was flipping the t.v. and there was something inappropriate for any of us and I told her, "Sissy memorize this verse, "I will set before my eyes no vile thing" Psalm 101:3. As it says in Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man (or woman) keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Thats why I try to have a verse to back up what I'm telling them and that is what I have to help protect my children.
I will never know what kind of legacy I will leave behind when I'm gone. Like Jordanne said, I'm hoping that Jesus will come back before then. But if He doesn't, then what will my grandchildren say about their parents? I hope its that they are a reflection of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Jeff bought the kids boogie boards the other night. It's kind of funny that both of my kids were born in Tennessee, but they are tried and true Californians. They love the ocean and my daughter thinks she is part mermaid. I was a little nervous watching her way out beyond where the waves break, but that girl has no fear. I have a "Gidget" for a daughter. When I told Jordanne she was Gidget, she asked, "Who is that?" For those of you who are unfamiliar with the 1960's surfer girl, she was played on the big screen by Sandra Dee, then Sally Field on a television series.
Okay, back to my story. For three hours they paddled their way out and road the waves in. At one point Jeff got up to help them figure out how to catch a wave. I could hear him all the way back to where I was sitting yelling "paddle, paddle, paddle!" His voice carries. I was getting nervous for the other beach goers having to listen to a dad who was trying to teach his children how to boogie board.
We decided to leave at 4 pm and head for home. As we walked back to the car, we had to make a stop to wipe down the boogie boards. Justin was a little irritated because there weren't any showers around. He's now in the habit of showering off all the sand before getting in the car. Something his dad had shown him. Jeff proceeded with teaching the kids how to wipe the boards down as well as dust the sand off their feet. Oooh I remember my dad dusting the sand off my sunburned legs as a kid. He hated to get sand in his car so he'd slap that towel against our feet to get every grain off. Justin suggested that he wipe their feet carefully just in case of any scrapes or burn.
Finally we were in the car heading for home. Jeff popped in a worship CD that he just put together for the church and he rolled down the windows. As we came out of the parking lot, there was a group of Buddhist monks who were gathered on a grassy area to meditate. This is totally out of my character, but I yelled out the window "Jesus!". Both of my kids said, "mom did you see those Buddhists? We gotta pray for them?" I said, "Didn't you hear me yell Jesus name out the window?" It was so noisy in the car with the music, they missed my, what Jeff calls a "Drive-by evangelism." I'm always telling my kids to pray for people who are Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, any obvious religion and for people who smoke in their cars. So this is part of our routine. When we pray, we pray that they would know the "Truth and the Truth would set them free in Jesus name!".
So this brings me to something Jordanne said. Halfway down the road there was a song on from a church that I had heard the pastor speak on Bible heroes and what legacies they leave behind. Its actually interesting as I'm reading through Kings and Chronicles how most of the kings of Judah and Israel left the legacy of not teaching their children about the things of God. They got more and more evil as time went on. So much so that God was done with them. I turned around and Jordanne was humming along with the song playing. I started thinking about what kind of parents are Jeff and I and what are we teaching our children? Teaching them how to love the beach, boogie board, clean their feet after the beach and eat after swimming in the ocean for three hours. These are the obvious things that would stand out. But what are we teaching them subliminally? Things that don't seem to be as obvious.
Justin had fallen asleep, but I turned around and asked Jordanne what is something in her daddy that she has learned from him spiritually. She said, "Daddy is a reflection of Jesus." Wow, what a compliment. Then Jeff asked her, "What do you see in mommy?" She said with boldness,"Mommy is like Mary Magdalene." My heart sank as I thought "Mary Magdalene?" I'm sure you're thinking at this moment what I was at that moment. So I asked her "Why her?" She said, "Because Mary was waiting for Jesus to come back." Whew, thats a relief. Then she said, "Mom, you're always talking to us about Jesus coming back soon."
It reminds me of the verses in Deuteronomy 6:5-7 that says, "Love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Its hard raising children today. With the sin that seems more prevalent now than ever on our televisions, radios, magazines, billboards and even in books, its hard to protect your children from the evil out there. All I can do is do what Deuteronomy says. Just the other day, Jordanne was flipping the t.v. and there was something inappropriate for any of us and I told her, "Sissy memorize this verse, "I will set before my eyes no vile thing" Psalm 101:3. As it says in Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man (or woman) keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Thats why I try to have a verse to back up what I'm telling them and that is what I have to help protect my children.
I will never know what kind of legacy I will leave behind when I'm gone. Like Jordanne said, I'm hoping that Jesus will come back before then. But if He doesn't, then what will my grandchildren say about their parents? I hope its that they are a reflection of Jesus and Mary Magdalene.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Independence Day
Today is the day where we celebrate the birth of our nation. This is the day when The Declaration of Independence was signed. No longer were we going to be governed by England and we were "free" to choose our own rights and laws. This was done in a building we call today, Independence Hall located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1776.
A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Philadelphia where our country was founded. I never realized that our country had gained its independence because at the heart of the people it was out of defiance to its mother country. It was kind of an eye opener to me. Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a few men gathered one night, very late in the evening in a building called Carpenters' Hall to discuss how they were going to free themselves from the rule of England.
Independence is an interesting concept. The dictionary defines it as: freedom from control, influence, support, aid or the like of others. I am grateful that we have the freedom that we do. That we are no longer under the governing authorities that don't allow us the choices that we have. On July 4, 2008 we are under the rule of our own government and they are making laws that I personally don't agree with. We are losing in our win for freedom. Freedom is actually a dangerous thing when given to the wrong people. The leaders who set our nations Constitution in place did so with Biblical principles that were to protect each citizen. Today its so over read that we've distorted the original meaning.
For example, we've had the freedom, via credit cards, to buy whatever our heart's desire. Whether it be houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, vacations and so on, we have buried ourselves in debt. Our "freedom" to spend has led us to be "In-deep-in-debt". Our freedom to want more of the American Dream has shut down our factories and now we are dependent on foreign products, including oil to maintain our luxurious life style. I admit, I do drive a foreign car, but we balance that out by Jeff driving American. Think about most of our products, clothing even much of our fruit is imported from other countries. We are a "Dependent" nation now. Our freedom has even brought us to place of global warming. Now we are slaves to the environment. All the world for that matter.
This leads me to the spiritual take on all of this. Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk about in freedom, for I have sought your precepts." Precepts is God's "constitution" that He gave the Israelites to live by so they would have long, successful, and healthy lives. Man has always wanted "to do it his way", in the words of Frank Sinatra. God gave us restrictions because of Adam and Eve's disobedience, we live in a world where things can hurt you. Jeremiah 34:17 says, "17 "Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom for your fellow countrymen. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD -'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth."
Freedom is an interesting word. Freedom in extreme can lead to enslavement. Our freedom to choose and do as we will can lead us down a path that does lead us to "independence" or in another term "isolation" not only physically, but spiritually as well.
I have a friend who has chosen to live her life as she pleases. Her whole life has been about her "freedom to choose." The choices that she has made have left her with the scars of abortion, a divorce, abusive relationships, over her head in debt, unhealthy habits such as smoking and drug abuse and now she is "independent" or isolated from all relationships except the one she has chosen. All of this is because she wanted the freedom to do it her way. Now her freedom has landed her in the prison of her apartment bound by the shackles of guilt and shame. It would seem too that her mind has been bound as well as she can't even comprehend or understand that Jesus came to free her from ALL of those things. In Luke 4, Jesus was telling the people of his reason for coming quoting from the book of Isaiah. Verses 18-19 say this, "18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Something interesting just happened. As I was looking up a scripture in 2 Corinthians, I accidentally looked up 1 Corinthians 3:17. The verse I read said this, "17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." That is what we do when we are given "freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 says that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. If we have invited Jesus into our lives, we are those temples where the Spirit dwells. The concept of freedom can not be obtained until we recognize that Jesus is the only one who can free us from ourselves and from the sin that holds us in slavery. Galatians 5:1 says, "1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
We as Believers have been given complete freedom as long as we live in Christ. The word "believer" means that we believe Jesus has the power to overcome all sin. Living in Christ means that we live in love, joy, peace, hope, health, prosperity, wholeness, etc. All of the things we are searching for are right there for us, if we believe and live bound by the freedom Jesus came to give us.
Freedom and independence is not all what its cracked up to be. There are boundaries within freedom to live a life with no regrets. God does not want us to be independent from Him. He wants us to live dependent upon Him. He knows our future. His plan is for freedom, freedom from sin. Are you truly free today? Have a blessed day celebrating the birth of our nation with your family and friends. Even with all its issues, I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world. God BLESS America!
A few years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Philadelphia where our country was founded. I never realized that our country had gained its independence because at the heart of the people it was out of defiance to its mother country. It was kind of an eye opener to me. Prior to the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a few men gathered one night, very late in the evening in a building called Carpenters' Hall to discuss how they were going to free themselves from the rule of England.
Independence is an interesting concept. The dictionary defines it as: freedom from control, influence, support, aid or the like of others. I am grateful that we have the freedom that we do. That we are no longer under the governing authorities that don't allow us the choices that we have. On July 4, 2008 we are under the rule of our own government and they are making laws that I personally don't agree with. We are losing in our win for freedom. Freedom is actually a dangerous thing when given to the wrong people. The leaders who set our nations Constitution in place did so with Biblical principles that were to protect each citizen. Today its so over read that we've distorted the original meaning.
For example, we've had the freedom, via credit cards, to buy whatever our heart's desire. Whether it be houses, cars, clothes, jewelry, vacations and so on, we have buried ourselves in debt. Our "freedom" to spend has led us to be "In-deep-in-debt". Our freedom to want more of the American Dream has shut down our factories and now we are dependent on foreign products, including oil to maintain our luxurious life style. I admit, I do drive a foreign car, but we balance that out by Jeff driving American. Think about most of our products, clothing even much of our fruit is imported from other countries. We are a "Dependent" nation now. Our freedom has even brought us to place of global warming. Now we are slaves to the environment. All the world for that matter.
This leads me to the spiritual take on all of this. Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk about in freedom, for I have sought your precepts." Precepts is God's "constitution" that He gave the Israelites to live by so they would have long, successful, and healthy lives. Man has always wanted "to do it his way", in the words of Frank Sinatra. God gave us restrictions because of Adam and Eve's disobedience, we live in a world where things can hurt you. Jeremiah 34:17 says, "17 "Therefore, this is what the LORD says: You have not obeyed me; you have not proclaimed freedom for your fellow countrymen. So I now proclaim 'freedom' for you, declares the LORD -'freedom' to fall by the sword, plague and famine. I will make you abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth."
Freedom is an interesting word. Freedom in extreme can lead to enslavement. Our freedom to choose and do as we will can lead us down a path that does lead us to "independence" or in another term "isolation" not only physically, but spiritually as well.
I have a friend who has chosen to live her life as she pleases. Her whole life has been about her "freedom to choose." The choices that she has made have left her with the scars of abortion, a divorce, abusive relationships, over her head in debt, unhealthy habits such as smoking and drug abuse and now she is "independent" or isolated from all relationships except the one she has chosen. All of this is because she wanted the freedom to do it her way. Now her freedom has landed her in the prison of her apartment bound by the shackles of guilt and shame. It would seem too that her mind has been bound as well as she can't even comprehend or understand that Jesus came to free her from ALL of those things. In Luke 4, Jesus was telling the people of his reason for coming quoting from the book of Isaiah. Verses 18-19 say this, "18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Something interesting just happened. As I was looking up a scripture in 2 Corinthians, I accidentally looked up 1 Corinthians 3:17. The verse I read said this, "17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." That is what we do when we are given "freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 says that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. If we have invited Jesus into our lives, we are those temples where the Spirit dwells. The concept of freedom can not be obtained until we recognize that Jesus is the only one who can free us from ourselves and from the sin that holds us in slavery. Galatians 5:1 says, "1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
We as Believers have been given complete freedom as long as we live in Christ. The word "believer" means that we believe Jesus has the power to overcome all sin. Living in Christ means that we live in love, joy, peace, hope, health, prosperity, wholeness, etc. All of the things we are searching for are right there for us, if we believe and live bound by the freedom Jesus came to give us.
Freedom and independence is not all what its cracked up to be. There are boundaries within freedom to live a life with no regrets. God does not want us to be independent from Him. He wants us to live dependent upon Him. He knows our future. His plan is for freedom, freedom from sin. Are you truly free today? Have a blessed day celebrating the birth of our nation with your family and friends. Even with all its issues, I still wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world. God BLESS America!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Through The Looking Glass
When I was in the 5th grade, I remember Mrs. Hicks reading to us everyday at the end of the day. One of the authors that she chose was Lewis Carroll. We read the most recognizable story of "Alice In Wonderland," but we followed it up with "Through The Looking Glass." I loved Alice. I don't know if it was because of my love for Disney and he had made a movie for children to understand the whimsy world of Alice and I could put a face to the characters. To be quite honest, I don't remember the book "Through The Looking Glass" quite as well. All I know is that Alice finds herself on the inside of a mirror, thus the looking glass. In this world, everything is the opposite of what she is familiar with. Today, my kids are reading the revised version of that novel by Frank Beddor called "The Looking Glass Wars." I actually feel that title is more fitting for todays culture.
I promise there is a reason as to why I'm talking about the looking glass. This past Saturday, my daughter Jordanne and I were in the car listening to the local Christian radio station. They were doing a fund raiser for a ministry that finances poor children in other countries. One of the little children that they were talking about at that moment was a little boy in Rwanda who lives with his grandparents. His grandparents don't have much money and only receive $5 a month to support their grandson on. Yes, I know, I should have called in, but I have to admit, I'm one of those people who waits for someone else first. Jordanne and I were touched by his story and could not believe that $5 was all they had to live on. Five dollars will only by you 1 gallon of gas, or 2 gallons of milk or 1 loaf of bread, at least here in Irvine. I thought about that all the rest of the afternoon.
Then early that same evening I turned on a program about Los Angeles and the happening places to live, shop, eat, etc. One of the hottest things today are doggy spas/country clubs for your furry family members. Okay, so I love animals. I grew up with dogs and cats and currently have a cat for a pet. Well, I continue to watch this show and I was shocked at what is provided for pooches. They get their own little room with a dog-sized brass bed, sheets and all. Specially prepared food with ricotta cheese and kibbles. They play on a grassy lawn with shade. Then after all their hard play time, they get a doggy massage and a paw manicure! Its so sad that people would treat dogs with such care and yet there are children all over the world who sleep on dirt. These doggy spas were not cheap either. I have to admit, I spend about $20 a month on my cat. That $20 could buy some little child food and clothes.
Okay, now I'll get to my point. Think about this, its like we are living in a looking glass. Nothing makes sense anymore. Pets get better treatment than people. They seem to have more rights than people do anymore. This past month California made it legal for two people of the same gender to be married. Which made me wonder if this law was passed for more jobs for attoneys. Won't gay couples get divorced now just like regular couples do? We'll need special attorneys for that.
I think the title of the latest version of the Lewis Carroll classic, "The Looking Glass Wars" is so appropriate for today. Just today as I was reading in 2 Kings 17, the children of Israel were in the midst of war with each other. The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel. They were in chaos. The kings couldn't keep it together. For the most part the kings did their own thing and the scripture says, "did evil in the eyes of the Lord." It sounds so much like today. Especially here in America where Presidents are not even respected anymore.
As I was reading I came to 2 Kings 17:29,37-41. It says, "Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places." Sounds like each state in the U.S. choosing its own laws. Then skip down to 37, "You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he (God) wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies." 40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did." This sounds so much like America today. One of the things that we are fighting to keep is "In God We Trust" on our currency and "One nation under God" in our pledge of allegiance. But how can we put that on our currency when it should really say, "In Us we Trust" because we really don't trust God. Yes, we keep our token churches so we can still claim to be a country with religious freedom. Little by little the rights of Christians are being taken away and due to tax exemptions, its getting harder and harder for churches to build buildings and own property.
Earlier in this chapter, in verse 18, it says, "So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence." Only Judah was still in good graces, but they too followed their brother Israel in practices of idol and Baal worship. Eventually, Judah too lost God's presence. It would seem we are headed in that same direction.
We are living in our own looking glass war. Everything is the opposite of the Kingdom of Heaven. The things in the spirit are completely the opposite of the things of the natural. We who are followers of Jesus need to really tap into the "mirror of the spiritual realm." Paul says in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." When Jesus said to pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, I know He knew what was to come. That is why Paul says in Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. I think then we would be able to see clearly what the right way is. There is a war out there and its the opposite of what we can see.
I promise there is a reason as to why I'm talking about the looking glass. This past Saturday, my daughter Jordanne and I were in the car listening to the local Christian radio station. They were doing a fund raiser for a ministry that finances poor children in other countries. One of the little children that they were talking about at that moment was a little boy in Rwanda who lives with his grandparents. His grandparents don't have much money and only receive $5 a month to support their grandson on. Yes, I know, I should have called in, but I have to admit, I'm one of those people who waits for someone else first. Jordanne and I were touched by his story and could not believe that $5 was all they had to live on. Five dollars will only by you 1 gallon of gas, or 2 gallons of milk or 1 loaf of bread, at least here in Irvine. I thought about that all the rest of the afternoon.
Then early that same evening I turned on a program about Los Angeles and the happening places to live, shop, eat, etc. One of the hottest things today are doggy spas/country clubs for your furry family members. Okay, so I love animals. I grew up with dogs and cats and currently have a cat for a pet. Well, I continue to watch this show and I was shocked at what is provided for pooches. They get their own little room with a dog-sized brass bed, sheets and all. Specially prepared food with ricotta cheese and kibbles. They play on a grassy lawn with shade. Then after all their hard play time, they get a doggy massage and a paw manicure! Its so sad that people would treat dogs with such care and yet there are children all over the world who sleep on dirt. These doggy spas were not cheap either. I have to admit, I spend about $20 a month on my cat. That $20 could buy some little child food and clothes.
Okay, now I'll get to my point. Think about this, its like we are living in a looking glass. Nothing makes sense anymore. Pets get better treatment than people. They seem to have more rights than people do anymore. This past month California made it legal for two people of the same gender to be married. Which made me wonder if this law was passed for more jobs for attoneys. Won't gay couples get divorced now just like regular couples do? We'll need special attorneys for that.
I think the title of the latest version of the Lewis Carroll classic, "The Looking Glass Wars" is so appropriate for today. Just today as I was reading in 2 Kings 17, the children of Israel were in the midst of war with each other. The nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel. They were in chaos. The kings couldn't keep it together. For the most part the kings did their own thing and the scripture says, "did evil in the eyes of the Lord." It sounds so much like today. Especially here in America where Presidents are not even respected anymore.
As I was reading I came to 2 Kings 17:29,37-41. It says, "Nevertheless, each national group made its own gods in the several towns where they settled, and set them up in the shrines the people of Samaria had made at the high places." Sounds like each state in the U.S. choosing its own laws. Then skip down to 37, "You must always be careful to keep the decrees and ordinances, the laws and commands he (God) wrote for you. Do not worship other gods. 38 Do not forget the covenant I have made with you, and do not worship other gods. 39 Rather, worship the Lord your God; it is he who will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies." 40 They would not listen, however, but persisted in their former practices. 41 Even while these people were worshiping the Lord, they were serving their idols. To this day their children and grandchildren continue to do as their fathers did." This sounds so much like America today. One of the things that we are fighting to keep is "In God We Trust" on our currency and "One nation under God" in our pledge of allegiance. But how can we put that on our currency when it should really say, "In Us we Trust" because we really don't trust God. Yes, we keep our token churches so we can still claim to be a country with religious freedom. Little by little the rights of Christians are being taken away and due to tax exemptions, its getting harder and harder for churches to build buildings and own property.
Earlier in this chapter, in verse 18, it says, "So the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence." Only Judah was still in good graces, but they too followed their brother Israel in practices of idol and Baal worship. Eventually, Judah too lost God's presence. It would seem we are headed in that same direction.
We are living in our own looking glass war. Everything is the opposite of the Kingdom of Heaven. The things in the spirit are completely the opposite of the things of the natural. We who are followers of Jesus need to really tap into the "mirror of the spiritual realm." Paul says in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." When Jesus said to pray that God's will be done on earth as it is in Heaven, I know He knew what was to come. That is why Paul says in Ephesians 6:18 to pray in the Spirit on all occasions. I think then we would be able to see clearly what the right way is. There is a war out there and its the opposite of what we can see.
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