Category Archives: Prayers

03/5/13

I Met Truth at a Strip Mall

 

by Jim Munroe

 

The night before I went to the weird little church in the strip mall, I was out drinking on 6th street until 2 am. I wasn’t buzzed or tipsy, I was “passed-out-and-wake-up-in-Mexico” drunk. Luckily, I didn’t, and somehow, I managed to pull myself together, take a quick nap, hop in the shower, and jump in my truck.

 

I rolled into the back of the church with my hat pulled low, wearing my sunglasses. I didn’t want anyone to see my bloodshot eyes, and my hangover pounded away on the sides of my skull louder than the drum kit. The drummer, the lead singer, and the style of music were way different than anything I’d ever seen or heard in “church” before. They were African-American—this was a full-on Gospel music experience.

 

To say I was uncomfortable and out of my element would be a huge understatement … and yet … I stayed. I can’t explain it. I don’t understand why I didn’t find a reason to bail. Something was happening, but I knew too much to let it happen. I was a master of illusion, a psych major, keenly aware of the culture and psychological triggers ministers use to captivate their audience.

 

But it wasn’t about them. I was looking for something deeper. And suddenly, unexpectedly, miraculously, I found it.

 

Through the passion, the music, and the message, I experienced something new. It wasn’t a feeling. It wasn’t an emotion. It was more mysterious and profound. It was a supernatural connection, pulling at my heart.

 

My head couldn’t stop this. These weren’t facts that I was learning through the recesses of my mind. I don’t remember what was said. In that moment, the undeniable reality of God’s existence became so clear. He wasn’t a series of facts to be debated or researched. Truth wasn’t a set of right answers.

 

Truth was a person—and He and I met that morning.

 

I’ve never been the same since.

 

 
Excerpted from The Charlatan by Jim Munroe. ©2012 by Jim Munroe. Published by Inprov, Ltd. Used with permission.

 

Charlene’s Source:  LIFEToday with James Robison

 

 

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01/9/13

A Newtown Poem Night Before Christmas Paraphrased

To say that this is too late for Christmas is say that it is too late for Christ.   Charlene

 

 

A Newtown Poem

 

 

****Twas’ 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven’s gate.

 

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

 

They were filled with such joy, they didn’t know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

 

“Where are we?” asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
“this is heaven.” declared a small boy. “We’re spending Christmas at
God’s house.”

 

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

 

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name

 

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King

 

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus’ face.

 

and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, “I’ll take care of mom and dad.”

 

then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

 

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
“Let My power and presence re-enter this land!”

 

“may this country be delivered from the hands of fools”
“I’m taking back my nation. I’m taking back my schools!”

 

then He and the children stood up without a sound.
“come now my children, let me show you around.”

 

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

 

“In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT.”

 

Written by a Gentleman in Southern Pa***

 

 

 

Christine A. Eastburg
ChrisCross Time Management LLC
Home / Office
Detail~Organize~Stage
612.250.5754

12/15/12

Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

It is so tragic to see how the degradation and confusion of one person can impact the lives of so many others. Yesterday’s mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut breaks my heart as it breaks  the hearts of the children, teachers, and parents involved. As our nation mourns at half-staff I ask you to please pray diligently for the families of the deceased and wounded. We should be praying fervently for the family of  Ryan Lanza.  Also, let us not forget to continue to pray for the victims in the Colorado mall tragedy..

Charlene

Stamford, Connecticut, Fire Department Honor Guard puts the U.S. flag at half staff, in Stamford (photo from an earlier event) – Photo: Amy Mortensen / Connecticut Post Freelance

Fly flags at half-staff through December 18, to honor victims of Connecticut shootings

President Barack Obama issued this proclamation earlier today, calling on Americans to remember the victims of the shooting in Connecticut, and fly flags at half staff through sunset, December 18, in the victims’ honor:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release

December 14, 2012

Presidential Proclamation — Honoring the Victims of the Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

HONORING THE VICTIMS OF THE TRAGEDY IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on December 14, 2012, in Newtown, Connecticut, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 18, 2012. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

 

Charlene’s Source: yahoo.com+timpanagos.wordpress.com

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11/12/12

November 11th, 2012 In Honor of Veterans Day

In Honor of  Veterans Day

 

It is so easy to overlook and forget yet another government holiday. If you are not a veteran, Veterans Day may come and go with the only reminder being no mail delivery. Veterans are a special people, and there are many activities to honor their sacrifice at home and abroad.  Cemeteries and memorials abound with the remains of those who have ensured your and my way of life for many centuries. Not only do veterans deserve our thanks and respect–they also deserve more recognition from us. Some are still actively engaging in warfare all over the world on repeated tours of duty.

 

 

I cannot imagine how it must feel to have hopes and dreams with no guarantees of ever achieving them.Those who are Blessed to return to home and family must treasure this miraculous gift.  For those who have no home or family to embrace–our special prayers go out to them today.

 

 

A sincere Thank You to all of our Veterans everywhere. May you stay safe under the shadow of His wings.

 

 

Picture credits:  roysrantswordpress.com

Charlene

 

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09/4/12

Quote from Perry Stone’s “How to Interpret Dreams & Visions”

 

 “Once when I was ministering, a man cynical of spiritual manifestations said, “So what is the difference between a psychic telling someone correct information about himself and some preacher telling someone GOD”s future plans?’

 

I replied, “The difference is that an alleged psychic will tell you what’s on your [italics mine] mind, but a man [or woman] of GOD will tell you what is on GOD’s mind!”

 

Charlene’s Source: How To Intepret Dreams and Visions: Understanding GOD’s Warnings & Guidance pages 84 & 85.  Perry Stone 2011, Charisma House, Publishers.

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07/25/12

120722 Editors Note on The Aurora, Colorado Shootings

120722 Editors Note on The Aurora, Colorado Shootings

 

 Please pray for the victims and their families that were affected by the theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado. No one deserves to die this way. TT

There are things that occur in this world that truly sadden you, especially when they involve the shedding of innocent blood. The shooting at the midnight premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises” is just an example of the many horrendous acts of terror happening everyday in this country and around the world.

You have to wonder where the line snaps in someone’s mind–allowing them to kill others in such a heartless manner. You see more and more headlines such as these, although this is the worse incident of shooting in American history. We may get some clues as he is questioned and put on trial, but I truly doubt that he understands the injustice that he has dealt out to others including a 3 month old child.

Even considering present law that says that a person is not guilty until proven so, this does not look good for James Holmes.  If he is truly the killer you cannot argue the point that this was a person who had no means and no education. This was a graduate student with more opportunities for achieving his goals than many people get.  So you have to ask, “what turned the tide”.? Was it too many hours of lost sleep or anger at a teacher, boss or co-worker? Whatever the reason, we find ourselves having to clean up the mess; physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I pray for strength for the families of the victims–how horrible to hear that your loved one has perished this way. Perhaps if we could step away periodically from our computer/app dominated existences to be able to relate to the loners and burdened people all around us, there could less loss of life and property. Yes, some people may not respond to kindnesses, but we can always try. It is better than seeing, hearing, and reading about atrocities such as this with the frustration of knowing that somewhere something went wrong.

This was a planned out, premeditated act of violence, and it seems as if he was going to return to his apartment and trip the bombs and devices to take out himself and the others living there.

As I said earlier, it is saddening and disheartening as you watch not only these acts of violence but also the way in which people can distance themselves from humanity until taking someone’s life seems both logical and necessary.

I believe that there is always hope, as is evidenced in the reaction of the filmakers, and their condolences to the families of the victims. There may not be a move as of yet to connect the movie to the crime committed, but since the human imagination can surpass anything that we see on the screen, I believe that the reference to “The Joker’ does form a connection between the content of the movie and the act of shooting. This is not meant to say, however, that this is specifically the responsibility of Warner Brothers. The entertainment industry creates; we interpret as individuals what we perceive from the material.

Addendum: There has been 2 million or more dollars contributed to a fund to help the victims of this disastrous shooting. Warner Brothers, who produced “The Dark Knight Rises” is among the contributors. Whatever we do in this life demands much from others. There is no such thing as being an island to yourself.

credit: Momma Cha @ jyjfantalk.com

Please leave credits intact

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05/5/12

Psalm 57 When David Fled From Saul Into the Cave

Psalms as Songs. I believe that we sometimes forget that Psalms were the original hymns of the Old Testament. They still apply today, but are mostly used as Biblical poetry endowed with wisdom. David, especially, wrote Psalms as praise of God’s deliverance and as inspiration for others. That is why in this present age we can personally relate to the Psalms and hold them dear to our hearts. Psalms are an expression of the inner workings and intentions of the heart, therefore they still stand the test of time.  Psalm 57, which we have here, is a Psalm which expresses David’s gratitude for the shelter of God’s wings. Saul was in pursuit of David, which placed David and his followers in a defensive position. Through the grace of GOD, David was able to turn the tables and to become a victor. We all have that ability in Christ today. We are truly loved.

 

PSALM 57

 

Psalm 57[a]

For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam.[b] When he had fled from Saul into the cave.

1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,
    for in you I take refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
    until the disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High,
    to God, who vindicates me.
3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
    rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[c]
    God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
    I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet —
    I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
    but they have fallen into it themselves.

7 My heart, O God, is steadfast,
    my heart is steadfast;
    I will sing and make music.
8 Awake, my soul!
    Awake, harp and lyre!
    I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;
    I will sing of you among the peoples.
10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
    your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
    let your glory be over all the earth.

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 57:1 In Hebrew texts 57:1-11 is numbered 57:2-12.

  2. Psalm 57:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term

  3. Psalm 57:3 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 6.

 

Cross references:

  1. Psalm 57:1 : 57:7-11pp — Ps 108:1-5
  2. Psalm 57:1 : 1Sa 22:1; 24:3; Ps 142 Title
  3. Psalm 57:1 : Ps 2:12; 9:9; 34:22
  4. Psalm 57:1 : S Ru 2:12; S Mt 23:37
  5. Psalm 57:1 : Isa 26:20
  6. Psalm 57:2 : Ps 138:8
  7. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 18:9, 16; 69:14; 142:6; 144:5, 7
  8. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 56:1
  9. Psalm 57:3 : Ps 25:10; 40:11; 115:1
  10. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 35:17
  11. Psalm 57:4 : S Ps 55:21; Pr 30:14
  12. Psalm 57:5 : ver 11; Ps 108:5
  13. Psalm 57:6 : Ps 10:9; 31:4; 140:5
  14. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 38:6; 145:14
  15. Psalm 57:6 : S Ps 9:15
  16. Psalm 57:6 : S Est 6:13; Ps 7:15; Pr 28:10; Ecc 10:8
  17. Psalm 57:7 : Ps 112:7
  18. Psalm 57:8 : Ps 33:2; 149:3; 150:3
  19. Psalm 57:10 : S Ps 36:5
  20. Psalm 57:11 : S Ps 8:1; 113:4
  21. Psalm 57:11 : S ver 5

 

 New International Version (NIV)Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica

Charlene’s Source: www.biblegateway.com

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05/3/12

Twilight by Chaelwest

 

 Exactly what is Twilight?

 It is that time of day to night that brings a sudden calm to the sky, a feeling of cessation to the busy day, moments of flame, azure purple, and crimson gold. It is a time of feeling confused as my eyes try to adjust to the fading natural light and headlights seem to pierce my very soul. Half-blind; half-sighted–climbing Nathan’s hill in a mad juggle with everyone else going home from work or errands. Sometimes it seems as if I will not survive this time of evening’s emergence. Tired, older eyes begin to play tricks upon the brain–scattering the rays of traffic lights in many directions, causing straight to appear curved, and curved to appear straight. I avoid driving at this time, especially in winter, preferring to be a passenger while warmth seeps out of the vents and curls itself in tendrils around my ankles.

 Then, eyes closed, I talk to God about many things–the beautiful day and its accomplishments, its many treasures, about love so real that it is tangible. As He speaks to my spirit I feel a gentle peace wash over me as dreams and goals become closer to fruition–as impossibilities seem possible. I am made of a different thread–spun into a garment of wonder and naive joy. No politician’s inclination here–this heart embraces everyone. I often wonder if what I see in me is what others see. Am I viewing a different person than other’s view? It is hard to discern the hearts and minds of others as I journey far and wide, oftentimes without taking a step. As I lie abed thousands of miles away from those I love–while other loved ones are so close they can be touched. Does this make the love less real? The distance?  Spirit knows no distance–love knows no boundaries. Twilight is where I now live. I am no longer in the sunshine of youth, nor am I approaching the dark of midnight. I live in that in-between place that is sacred and sure. I have seen many things as my journey has progressed. I dwell at the mountain’s top, starting to descend on the other side–a full day’s journey still ahead of me.

 

 credit: chaelwest@charlene’sattic.com

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04/5/12

Knock, Knock, Is Anybody There? Part 3 Sharon Jaynes

April 5, 2012
Knock. Knock. Is Anybody There?
Part 3
Sharon Jaynes

This lesson is taken from Sharon Jaynes’ devotional book “Becoming Spiritually Beautiful” . There are many wonderful lessons that I have been sharing with you from time to time. This is a lesson about forgiveness–a key to answered prayer. Enjoy!!

Today’s Truth
But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it maybe well with you,’ (Jeremiah 7:23 NASB).

Friend to Friend
Yesterday I wrote about my little neighbor who had a tendency to walk into our house whenever he wanted to. After teaching him to knock first, if no one answered, he’d walk in anyway. It was a fun story. If you missed it, you can read it on my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com.

So what do we do when we knock on God’s door and we don’t hear an answer right away? We looked at various options, but one thing is for certain, silence from God cannot be interpreted as a “yes.” “Well, God didn’t tell me ‘no,’ so I went on ahead.” That’s not going to work. It could be that God is waiting for us to obey what He already HAS told us, before He gives further direction.

Let me share a story about a time when God was silent in my life. After my sophomore year in college, I decided to take a break and work for a year or so. After the first year, I felt an urge to go back to college, but my prayer for direction was met with silence. So I continued in my job.

When the next spring came around, my desire to return to school resurfaced. The confusion about what to do and where to go resurfaced as well.

I went to visit a man who had been a spiritual mentor to me during my teenage years. I told him about my confusion about college. Mr. Thorp decided that we should read some Scripture about prayer before we prayed for God’s direction.

First he turned to Matthew 6:8-15.

“For your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: `Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Then he turned to Matthew 18:19.

“‘Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Each time Mr. Thorp turned to a passage about God answering prayer, there was one about forgiveness either before or after it.

“Sharon,” he said, “I sense that God is telling you that you have unforgiveness toward your father. Is that true?”

I wanted to say, “Wait a minute. I came here to ask for prayer about my future, not about my past.” But God was showing me that unforgiveness in my past was blocking His work in my future.

I had a very tumultuous childhood. My father had become a Christian when I was twenty, but I had yet to forgive him for all the pain he had caused. I knew God had instructed me to forgive, but I had not obeyed.

So that night, I forgave my father for everything he had ever done. Really. When I did, God set me free, and my life moved to a new and deeper level with Him. (That is what God really wants from us most of all.)

Interestingly, the next day, the cloud of confusion lifted. I knew exactly what to do. I applied to college, was accepted a few months later, resigned from my job, and began classes in the fall. I met my husband four weeks later, and soon became his wife.

I am not saying that obedience in one area will make you’ll strike it rich, find the man of your dreams, or live happily ever after. However, I do believe that sometimes God’s silence is due to the fact that He is waiting for us to obey what we do know before He gives us more direction. .

So go ahead and knock! Ask! Pray! But make sure that you are doing what you do know that GOD has told you to do first.

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I pray that You will show me any areas of my life where I have not obeyed or am not obeying You. I’ll admit, there are some are as You don’t even need to tell me about. I know I haven’t obeyed. There are things in my life that You’ve told me to let go of and I’ve held onto them. There are people that You have told me to reach out to whom I’ve ignored. There are steps of faith that You’ve called me to take and I’ve hung back. Show me, Lord. And give me the courage to live in obedience to what I DO KNOW, before asking for direction in areas that I DON”T.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Some of you are mad at me right now. I don’t blame you. This is a hard lesson. Philip didn’t like it and honestly, sometimes I don’t like it either. But I love you too much to tickle your ears with fluff rather than give you meat to chew.

So here we go: Is there any area of your life where you know that you are living in disobedience to God. Are you willing to make a change? If so, log onto my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sharonjaynesor my blog at www.sharonjaynes.comand write “yes” in the comment box.

More for the Girlfriends
Today’s devotion was taken from Sharon’s book, “Becoming Spiritually Beautiful”.To learn more about the keys to living fully and free found in this book, visit www.sharonjaynes.com. While you’re there, check out all the free resources!

Seeking God?

www.biblegateway.com

Source: Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106

info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com

10/17/11

Psalm 16

 

My heart is sometimes troubled over things I cannot control. Spiritual matters are in the realm of our Sovereign Lord, and I have to lean on Him. Prayer and petition are our only means to safety, so I will pray and I will petition the Lord for deliverance.  Charlene

Psalm 16

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 16

A miktam[a] of David.
1 Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
“They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
or take up their names on my lips.

5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup;
you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD.
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Footnotes:
a.Psalm 16:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
b.Psalm 16:10 Or holy

09/1/11

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph

Psalm 83 A Psalm of Asaph Expounded

 

Psalm 83 is a heart-felt plea to GOD for deliverance. The people of the Old testament viewed GOD as existing in the tabernacle and only extending to the borders of their land. This is why Jonah felt that he could flee from GOD and resist His instructions to go to Nineveh.

 

Many tribes were coming against their brother tribes in an age-old quest for supremacy over the wealth of the land. We see this attitude acted out many times with one example in Genesis. When Abram consulted with Lot as to which parcel of land he would choose to take–Lot responded by asking for the richest parcel.

 

Mankind has greed as a central trait.  This does not come from the Father, but from the deceiver. It is not necessary to have the best of everything to be an effective worker in Christ. Why?  We have all of needs met in Him. If you are concerned about provision in any area, trusting that GOD will see to you will bring the food to your table, the clothes to your back, and the money into your purse.

 

Jesus stated in Matthew 6:25-34 GNB, “This is why I tell you do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive, or about clothes for your body. After all, isn’t life worth more than food? And isn’t the body worth more than clothes? Look at the birds; they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren’t you worth more than birds? Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it? and why worry about clothes? Look how the wild flowers grow; they do not work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that not even King Solomon with all of his wealth had clothes as beautiful as one of these flowers. It is GOD who clothes the wild grass–grass that is here today and gone tomorrow, burned up in the oven. Won’t he be all the more sure to clothe you? What little faith you have.

 

So do not start worrying: Where will  my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?(These are the things that pagans are always concerned about)

 

Your Father in Heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned about everything else with the Kingdom of GOD and what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.”

 

Isn’t GOD our Jehovah Jireh? He extends to the heavens and to the whole earth. he sees all that we need and he provides according to his riches in glory. GOD is not limited by the things of this world. He cannot be limited by His own creation.

 

Psalm 83 is a plea for help in a time when mankind did not have the Savior as we do. GOD saw to their needs and sent them a deliverer. He has done the same for you.

 

GOD’s Blessings, Charlene

 

Copyrights for Good News Bible; Thomas Nelson Inc. Publishers

American Bible Society 1976

 

PSALM 83

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 83

Psalm 83[a]

    A song. A Psalm of Asaph.

 1 O God, do not remain silent;
   do not turn a deaf ear,
   do not stand aloof, O God.
2 See how your enemies growl,
   how your foes rear their heads.
3 With cunning they conspire against your people;
   they plot against those you cherish.
4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation,
   so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”

 5 With one mind they plot together;
   they form an alliance against you—
6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,
   of Moab and the Hagrites,
7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek,
   Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
8 Even Assyria has joined them
   to reinforce Lot’s descendants.[b]

 9 Do to them as you did to Midian,
   as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
10 who perished at Endor
   and became like dung on the ground.
11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,
   all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
12 who said, “Let us take possession
   of the pasturelands of God.”

 13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God,
   like chaff before the wind.
14 As fire consumes the forest
   or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
15 so pursue them with your tempest
   and terrify them with your storm.
16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD,
   so that they will seek your name.

 17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed;
   may they perish in disgrace.
18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD—
   that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.

Footnotes:
  1. Psalm 83:1 In Hebrew texts 83:1-18 is numbered 83:2-19.
  2. Psalm 83:8 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Scripture Taken from the New International Version; Bible Gateway: www.biblegateway.com

06/4/11

Psalm 4 GOD is With Us

 

Reposted on July 10th, 2012  God’s Word is Timeless

 

 

Psalm 4

 

New International Version (NIV)

 

Safety is in The LORD. he is our rock and our hiding place. When it seems as if this world would crush you with all of its demands and expectations, look to the author and finisher of our faith for support and encouragement. Stand strong in those things that you know to be true, stand steadfast and do not move. GOD looks down from above and sees your affliction. He will heal you. He will set your feet on straight paths, and his mighty outstretched arm will sweep all opposition away. Trust, I say, in the LORD.

                                                                       Charlene

 

Psalm 4

Psalm 4[a]    For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

 

 1 Answer me when I call to you,
   my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
   have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
   How long will you love delusions and seek false gods[b]?[c]
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
   the LORD hears when I call to him.

 4 Tremble and[d] do not sin;
   when you are on your beds,
   search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
   and trust in the LORD.

 6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
   Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
   when their grain and new wine abound.

 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
   for you alone, LORD,
   make me dwell in safety.

 

Footnotes:

  1. Psalm 4:1 In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.
  2. Psalm 4:2 Or seek lies
  3. Psalm 4:2 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.
  4. Psalm 4:4 Or In your anger (see Septuagint)
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04/1/11

Something To Share

               I just wanted to share a heavenly experience that Women United encountered during our weekly meeting on Thursday, March 31st at 4 p.m.

               I had planned a lesson for the women’s group that included a chapter from Joyce Meyer’s ‘The Confident Woman. On Tuesday, March, 29th, I kept getting images in my head from the DVD ‘The Finger of GOD’. I had it in my bag that I carry to meeting, but had forgotten it was there. So, at home, I had been trying to think of where it was and hadn’t gotten very far.

              As I pulled items out of my bag to teach–the DVD was there, Praise GOD!!   I remembered all of the visual impressions from the last few days, and I have learned to listen to GOD’s Spirit and to change the format as The Holy Spirit urges me.

              Donna Lind usually begins our meeting by engaging us in prayer for those on our prayer list, but GOD’s Spirit was urging us to do something different. He inspired us to place the list of prayer needs on each of our hearts, and to watch the “Finger of GOD’ as we prayed. It was an amazing, heavenly experience. GOD’s Spirit  came in like a flood, and as we witnessed the miraculous signs and wonders that are happening all over the world, we prayered fervently for everyone on the list and beyond.

              After the DVD was over we continued to pray, and the smoke seemed to fill the temple. The LORD had us place the lists that we each had prayed over onto a table–and we placed our hands on top of each other’s hands and continued to pray. So many hearts were touched, and so many spirits delivered.

              Our meeting started at 4 p.m. At 8 o’clock we exited the building after continuing to pray in The Spirit.  We had prayed for protection and deliverance–for healing and gifts. I pray that we may again experience this closeness in Christ, and have the privilege of ministering to GOD’s saints.

                                                                                                           Charlene

03/28/11

Update on Japan

Editor’s Note:

While some disasters have short-term effects, and only impact small regions or areas of the earth–a disaster such as the Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan on March 11th, with its subsequent Nuclear Plant catastrophes, has far-reaching effects for the whole earth. Thousands are dead in Japan, and thousands are missing and homeless.

While the effects of New Orlean’s Hurricane Katrina, and the earthquake in Haiti, along with other disaster areas are still being felt, Japan continues to experience aftershocks of the 8.9 Richter scale quake. The devastation of Japan predominately came from the resultant Tsunami, and here it is 17 days later and a 6.9 quake occurred in Japan this morning.

As far away as the United States east coast there are findings of radiation in the rain. Clouds cover a circuit of the world due to wind currents, and while experts are saying that the radiation levels are not detrimental here in the United States, I pray that does not change.

The food chain is already affected. Milk, water, and plants have been tested for radiation in Japan and here in the United States, and the government is “keeping an eye on it all” in the middle of every other crisis it is dealing with. I am sure that other localities between Japan and the U.S. are also affected. So where does that leave us everyday citizens at this point?

We need to learn to apply diligent prayer to this situation, and to exercise caution and common sense in what we take for granted as clean and safe. Drinking bottled water has been a habit in my family for several years, and be mindful that the soil will be affected if radiation is in an area.

The long-term effects of this potentially enormous nuclear disaster would be in altering DNA, subsequently affecting the children of radiation victims. Not only that, but the victims themselves have higher risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases. No one has mentioned Hiroshima nor Nagasaki, but the Japanese populace has been here before. It is very sad.

I am not writing this to ask you to panic, I am asking you to pray that all will be well; to support the relief effort in any way that you can, and to pray that the offspring of those on this earth today would not have to suffer for the unfortunate lack of planning and insight on the part of governments.

Ultimately, the people bear the brunt of these mistakes. and while we cannot blame Japan for the earthquake and should do all that is possible to help the Japanese people–it is sad that modern industry standards still cannot protect the people that it intends to serve.  

 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”.

Charlene