Late last year, a series of severe storms left our backyard and park area littered with broken limbs and , torn from two very large poplar trees in our garden.  There were pieces many feet in length down to some just a matter of inches – large and small and all sizes in between.   Fortunately no damage was caused to property or to humans, as these pieces were torn from the trees and slung out onto the lawn areas away from our homes and late in the day so people were indoors sheltered from the storm.

Much like sin; which enters our hearts and minds with a destructive force.  It tears us apart, littering our spirits with the debris of wrong choices and bad-decisions, often leading us into lifestyles that destroy all that is good.

Exodus 18:19 – Listen now to My voice; I’ll give you counsel. (NKJV)

Isaiah 40:29 – The LORD gives strength to those who are weary. (CEV)

We might not always have the wisdom to live life without error – we after all, are not perfect beings; but we can choose to live differently by striving to be God-driven and Jesus-spirited.  He is always ready to assist us and shelter us, if we call upon Him; and our footsteps can be guided by Jesus, Son of God in the everlasting Way.

Prayer:  Father let us heed the signs you send when we are considering entering ‘stormy relationships and lifestyles’, gather us up, tidy our thinking and our actions, and let us grow more in Your image, standing erect and strong like a tree freed of all that is broken.

 Patricia Day

http://pepeprays.wordpress.com

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Psalm 55:1  Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me!  For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take my refuge, until these calamities have passed by.  (NKJV)

The storms and troubles that beset us as humans can be many, and we might flounder and seek guidance from wrong sources.  When we are overwhelmed by the ‘stuff’ of our lives and we feel we have nowhere to run to, or anyone to turn to, let us remember that God can and does offer us complete spiritual and emotional safety and protection.  To receive this we need to welcome Him into our lives and trust Him.  We need to cover ourselves with His armour each and every day, giving thanks for all that we have – family, friends, homes and work. 

I am lax at times, in doing this – but as my day struggles to begin I quickly realize that I have allowed myself to become distracted with a myriad of  routines that quickly devour the peace of each day, if I allow them to.

I then quietly settle my thinking and focus on donning the helmet of salvation; the breastplate of righteousness and the belt of truth.  I ‘place’ the shoes of the gospel of peace on my feet and pick up the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, take a deep breath and THEN begin my day again; this time with right thinking and with God’s purpose.  (Ephesians 6:10-20)

Prayer:  Father God, in our efforts to be good and faithful, we sometimes get caught in the deluge of lifes’ storms.  Help us to seek and find the right shelter; discern best help as well as, the safest place to be that we might be protected from all that is not of You.  In Jesus Name. Amen

Patricia Day

http://pepeprays.wordpress.com

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The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units
 manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious
 defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

 This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units
 code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of
 the same defect in all subsequent units.

 This defect has been identified as “Subsequential Internal
 Non-morality,”  more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is
 primarily expressed.

 Some of the symptoms include:
 1. Loss of direction
 2. Foul vocal emissions
 3. Amnesia of origin
 4. Lack of peace and joy
 5. Selfish or violent behavior
 6. Depression or confusion
 7. Fearfulness
 8. Idolatry
 9. Rebellion

 The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this
 defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free
 of charge to correct this defect.

 The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously
 offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of
 these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

 The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

 Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through
 the REPENTANCE procedure.

 Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair
 Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

 No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will
 replace it with:
 1. Love
 2. Joy
 3. Peace
 4. Patience
 5. Kindness
 6. Goodness
 7. Faithfulness
 8. Gentleness
 9. Self control

 Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (BEST Instructions
 Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the
 use of these fixes.

 WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit
 without correction voids any manufacturer warranties,
 exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous
 to list, and will result in the human unit being permanently
 impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

 DANGER: The human being units not responding to this
 recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The
 SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to
 prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

 - GOD

 P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this
 important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any
 time by ‘Knee mail’!

 Because HE Lives

 May the Lord Bless and Keep you.

Patricia Day

http://pepeprays.wordpress.com

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Our return journey unfortunately was marred by an accident.  Not a big accident, but not a good situation.  We had travelled through white-out conditions on the major highways and turned onto a side road close to home.  This was where we encountered more heavy and blowing snow!  We could not see the road ahead and it took just seconds for us to realize we were sliding off the road!  We came to rest in a snow-filled ditch, and became well and truly stuck and the weather was not being kind!  The wind was almost gale force causing almost zero visibility. 

We called for help via our auto club and then had to wait.  We were told it could be as long as an hour or more!  We had no choice but to ‘hunker down’ and wait.

During the time we were entrenched in the ditch – we had so many offers of help from passing motorists.  Mostly offering to call for help!  Inquiring if we were hurt!  What could they do?  Their ongoing kindness and concern left us feeling less alone, in our awful situation. 

One man had suggested he try and pull us out with the use of a strap – but because we had called for a tow truck, we decided to wait for that.  However, as time dragged on and it was certainly not getting any warmer, when another gentleman came along and stopped; looked at our cars’ position in the ditch and reassured us that he’d be able to pull us out, we readily agreed to let him try.  He succeeded and then drove behind us for a while, making sure we really were OK!  How very kind he was!  How very thankful we were for his assistance and for all the other motorists who so readily offered help!  So many good samaritans!  

Luke 10:33-34  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.  So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine and set him on his animal…….

We, thankfully, did not have wounds!  But the many good neighbors who stopped to offer help warmed our hearts, just as the good Samaritan in Luke’s story must have surely warmed the spirit of the injured traveller.

We are all called to be good neighbors to each other and the travellers who chose to stop and offer help to us were indeed good examples.  They all, despite the bitterness of the wind and cold, put our welfare first in showing such concern.  We were very thankful for each one.  And, in case you are wondering – yes, we did call the auto club and cancel the tow truck; in fact we did this as soon as we had been pulled back onto the road and found there was no further need for that service.

Prayer:  Father God, we were blessed by the many ‘angels’ you sent our way to help us in our time of need, and we pray your abundant favor and blessing upon each soul who showed concern for their neighbors.  Whether they realized it or not, they were choosing to be good neighbors to people they did not know; showing mercy because there was a need.  We are thankful for each one of them.  In Jesus Name, Amen

 Patricia Day

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It can be a very satisfying undertaking; the mixing and adding of good and active yeast, the kneading and then the ‘resting’ to allow the dough to rise.  This resting time enables the yeast to infiltrate the whole lump, making it lighter and more palatable after baking. 

Leavening, in this instance produces good and acceptable results.  A pleasure to anticipate and even better when tasted and then feasted upon.

Conversely, there is unsavory sin!  Liken it to bad yeast added to good ingredients.  It will contaminate the whole batch.  Just a tiny wrong, something we might think of as inconsequential, will have the same effect.  It will stay in our heart and spirit, spreading its imperfection and spoiling our character and image. 

Just a tiny transgression can easily increase beyond our control, becoming a habit and changing us from pleasant and acceptable beings into someone who is tainted by unpalatable behaviors and beliefs.  Beings that no good person wants to have any part of!

1 Corinthians 5:6 – 7a    Stop being proud!  Don’t you know how a little yeast can spread through the whole batch of dough?  Get rid of the old yeast!  (CEV)

Prayer:  Father God, let us stay very aware of good and evil.  Let us be wise and not be fooled into spoiling our characters by allowing immoral, greedy, proud or profane people into our social activities or any other part of our lives.  Let us be all that You desire of us; wholesome and acceptable in all our ways.  In Jesus Precious Name, Amen!

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There is nothing so difficult to live down than having our sinful self revealed to all.  We may not realize how frequently sin rears its ugly head.  I am reminded of an incident in my life several weeks ago.

I was feeling tired, frustrated with all that had to be accomplished, and most of all angry at the car parked in the driveway of the gas station.  For some reason, people had decided the space before the door to the convenience store was a new and acceptable parking space.  I do not understand it.  It is not even marked for parking, but there is always a car there.

On this night, another car was pulled up to the gas pump, so the space between the two cars was narrow.  About the time I was getting ready to drive between them, the driver of the car that wasn’t supposed to be there got out.  I still remember the poor guy’s face as I railed at him as I went by.

Even I was shocked by my outburst of wrath.  He was a young fellow, coming out of his car with a smile, but it didn’t last.  He couldn’t have helped but hear my tirade over his choice of parking.  The look on his face is still with me, for I know I caused the joy to leave it.  Maybe my sin pushed him into sin as well when he went home and took out his upset on someone else.

My only consolation was that I didn’t have to repent of cursing, but the words were nasty none the less.  I could have cried in shame and anger at myself, but my pride tried to excuse it, while my conscience condemned me.

Sin is never done in secret, for our Lord sees it all.  He even knows the motives of our heart. We can’t hide from Him.  Do you remember a famous Bible couple who tried to hide from God?  If you answered Adam and Eve, you would be correct.  They knew the instant they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they were disobedient.

When their time with God came in the cool evening, they hid from Him.  This, of course, did not escape God’s notice, for in times past, can’t you imagine their joy in meeting Him at this special time.  God knew, but He called to Adam anyway.  Soon the sin was revealed.  From then on, everything changed.

Sin changes us and it changes those around us.  Adam and Eve were changed forever, as are we as a result.  Looking back to the Garden, I realize they must have remembered their sin after leaving the Garden.  Their lives were spent in toil and sorrow, and they always remembered why.

We remember our sin, but thankfully our Lord does not.  Consider the comforting words of 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

King David of Israel knew what it felt like to be caught in sin.  His sin was very public, given that he was the King and a man and a child died because of it.  Yet he wrote these comforting words in Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.”

I rejoice that while I remember my sin, my Lord does not.  He has forgiven me and cleansed away the awful stench of it.  I am left with the memory of it; it keeps me alert to my sin nature and serves to act as a deterrent when I might be tempted to another outburst of wrath.

God is so good to us.  I praise Him for His mercy and grace, and pray that I might exhibit it to others when they wrong me.

“For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings.”  Proverbs 5:21

Copyright © 2012 by Linda Hull of Words of Encouragement

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The bird bath in our backyard attracts a lot of wildlife.  Sitting outside one warm day, I watched in fascination as a wasp gently landed on the edge of the birdbath and began drinking the water; I’d never seen this before.  Then another wasp joined it, and another, and ‘Oh, my goodness’ pretty soon there were many, many more!  My fascination turned to mild alarm at so many of these ‘ornery’ insects so close to me.  There had to be a nest close by and they had found a refreshing ‘spring’ in our garden.

Sin or wrongs, can be a little like that. One by one, they enter our lives, initially not attracting our attention: turning a blind eye here, having a lax attitude there, letting one rule after another be bent, and changing a few morals from good to bad. But a day comes when we are suddenly aware of how many we have allowed into our lives.  We’ve allowed sins to multiply one by one, until we’re a welcome watering hole for them.

Jeremiah 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.  (NKJV)

Only God can guide us and hopefully, the day will come when we realize that we have nowhere else to go but to God!  Nobody else can help or is willing to listen.  We are left trying to decide how we can ‘go ! What do we do next?  It is a place of despair, but we can be assured that if we will only ask God for His help and ask Him to guide all that we think, say or do, we will experience a refreshing in our hearts and spirits, that only He can give.  He will bring us to His ‘watering hole’ of truth and right-living.  He will let us know where we have gone wrong, and what we need to do about it.  This advice can be found only in the bible, it is God’s watering hole, and if we will only trust the words it holds for us, it becomes a refreshing place, where we will find comfort and sustenance for our dried-up spirits.

Prayer:  Father God, let us come to You and only You for our refreshing:  let us be wise in where and how we meet our internal needs because to choose unwisely will lead us to external disquiet and trouble.

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Praying God’s blessings and Peace and Safety to you, as you celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ!  May you have the joy of family and good friends, around you this Christmas, and may there be many happy moments.

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What can I give my spouse?

What to give the children!

What to give friends and family!

Will it be a new guitar?  The latest electronic gadget on which to view, text and listen? Perhaps the latest video game?

It is so easy get ‘caught up’ in the buying frenzy expected of us by retailers.

The very best gift you can give is the story of Jesus!  Christmas after all, is the celebration of His birth.  He was born to bring us the gifts of peace, contentment and joy!  He wanted and still wants us, to share his unconditional love with others.  What greater gift is there?

Gift-giving is a beautiful way of sharing and showing our love with those nearest and dearest to us, but let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Let us remember to say, “Happy Birthday, Jesus”!

Let us invite and welcome Him into our hearts, minds and spirits.  Let us remember to thank His Father, God for all that He provides for us day by day. Let us keep Jesus in our hearts all year long, and each successive year of our lives.

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (NIV)

Prayer:  Father, when the worldly interpretation of Christmas overwhelms us, help us to not forget You, and Your gift of Jesus to us.  May we focus on what is important and beneficial to us and may we grow in faith and love.  Amen

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1. God’s Gifts Are Sometimes Wrapped in Unattractive Paper
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3. My Soul Waits For The Lord
4. The Long Wait for Jesus
5. Awaiting God’s Arrangements for Us
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Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (NIV)

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue with puffy white clouds … nice temperature, despite it being December! Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the grass is dormant … the flowers are asleep. I won’t have to mow this week, nor water the flowers. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … it’s cold and crisp.  But this, too, is a day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s not raining. Rejoice! Praise the Lord!

Woke up this morning — the sun is shining … the sky is blue … the air is crisp and it bites the end of your nose;  winter is definitely here.. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — it’s sunny, cold, and windy; it snowed overnight, and the driveway will have to be cleaned.  But I’ve got a warm home, warm clothes, food to eat, books to read, family and friends. And a snowblower. Rejoice!

Woke up this morning — the sun isn’t shining, but I look forward to the promise of spring. Rejoice!

Every day is a gift from God. Some days, it’s easier to rejoice than others, but God, who creates every day, also created us. He is our Father; we are His children and God has promised He is always with us. He loves us.  He knows our needs and He wants us to seek Him out. On those days when it’s hard to rejoice and God seems far away, who do you think has moved?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear God, help us to rejoice in each day, drawing ever closer to You. Amen

http://pattersmatters.wordpress.com          http://pepeprays.wordpress.com

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There is a major house renovation going on close to where we live. Actually, it has been in progress for weeks and weeks – new roof, insulation, siding, windows, doors, sunroom and storage addition – a complete overhaul! I don’t know, because I have not seen inside, but I have to assume that there is a great deal of updating, repair and cleaning being addressed inside the home too: and I assume this due to the time it is taking to complete the work.

I recall when my husband and I, were looking for a home in this park, that we viewed one particular unit that was in a beautiful location, the price was amazing (it would have left a great deal of ‘spare’ cash for renovations) but the condition inside was nothing short of ‘disgusting’: how anyone could have lived in the home in the condition it was in, was beyond our comprehension.

We had agreed that we were willing to move into a house of our choice and do work while living there, but the filth and the updates needed in that particular house, were way too bad for us to even consider moving in and living there in – there was far too much to do to make it habitable.

When some people are challenged to give their lives to God and invite Jesus into their hearts, they recognize the truth that they have sinned before God. As a result, they want to clean up their lives before they issue an invitation to Jesus. They don’t yet understand that God comes into our lives to clean us up, precisely because we can’t do it for ourselves.

Isaiah 64:6a – But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags. (NKJV)

The good news is that God loves us just as we are. So when we become willing to accept God into our lives, thankfully, He does not shun our dirty lives like we rejected that dirty home. He welcomes us and cleanses us. He does not leave us as we are, with our disparaging thoughts, our criticism of others, our idolatry of all things material, and all our major and minor sinful ways. This process is called “sanctification”.

 Isaiah 1:16 – Wash yourselves clean! I am disgusted with your filthy deeds. Stop doing wrong. (CEV)

Just as the house we viewed had much to clean up before being habitable, so God needs to clean up our lives, thoughts, and actions, so that we become a true reflection of His Son, Jesus, in our hearts, minds, and spirits.

James 4:8 – Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Clean up your lives, you sinners. Purify your hearts, you people who can’t make up your mind. (CEV)

Prayer: Abba, make us aware of all that is in our lives, our thoughts, and our deeds, that is unworthy of Your presence within us. Wash us clean, and renew our spirits and hearts so that we are wholesome, presentable, and welcoming to all who look at us and the ways that we live. We want to be acceptable to You and winsome to them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Has someone hurt you?  Have you been wronged?  Have you done the best you know how to do and it still is not enough?  If you are human and walking among other people in this world, then I’m fairly certain you can answer “yes” to each of these questions.  As Christians we know we will encounter people who dislike us, who hate us, who will insult us if we are living a life for the glory of God.  Our Savior forewarned us and told us that we are “blessed if we are persecuted” on His account. Mt. 5:11.  Somehow it seems less shocking to have unbelievers who treat us wrongly.  It’s life.  It’s hardest for Christians when we endure rebuke, rebuffs, and anger from fellow Christians, or family.  It’s hard sometimes to remember that love:

“…is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

This is the season when so many of us gather to be with family.  Tradition bids us come together and celebrate.  Yet, so often family members find themselves at odds with one another.  Many times conflict arises that has nothing to do with who carves the turkey, who sits next to whom at the table, who is late for dinner, or gets the wishbone.  Conflict comes from digging up bones from past grievances.  From harbored anger.  From unforgiven contention–sometimes decades old.  Sometimes we come with the best of intentions.  We vow to accept another’s irritating habits, to keep peace no matter what.  Then something happens and it dredges up the previous hurt feelings.  It’s time to let them go.  It’s time to ask God for grace to forgive.  For me to accomplish this, I center on the mercy the Lord has shown me.  He does not count my past against me.  I am forgiven from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9-10.

As we face the days ahead, I pray each wrong committed against us is quickly forgiven.  Life is so very short.  We show our love by not acting rudely, selfishly, or begrudgingly.  Yes, I know others may act that way towards us.  But we are not accountable for how others act, only ourselves.  We show accountability by not keeping record of wrongs.  May this be our sacrifice to a Savior who gave His all for our sin.  © Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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