Why didn't you send out an email to remind us about this being Unity Sunday?
Now I have to remind myself and be responsible.
I will come out tonight. I haven't been in about three weeks. I think its time I come since we start back next week. Vacation is over for me. I hope to see you tonight.
I want to hear you on Sunday and not just the choir.
Well I hope to see you soon. I miss you.
Friday, July 30, 2010
I don't give up
If God saw fit to wake me up today, then I must not give up. If I am still here, then I must not give up. I shall not give up.
As Paul said, All things work together...All things...
So I fight my way forward to a new, renewed spirit.
Psalm 63:1
My soul thirst for you...
I keep my hope in you.
As Paul said, All things work together...All things...
So I fight my way forward to a new, renewed spirit.
Psalm 63:1
My soul thirst for you...
I keep my hope in you.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Prayers
Father God I send my prayers out to those that need prayer. That would be everyone. Lord this is a prayer for equipping. Equip us with the right protection, the ability to become shrewd when necessary and assertive when we need to be. God you are our fighting coach. Whatever battle we are in, lead us in equipped so that we are able to come out victorious. I thank God that I have everything that I need to help overcome enemies and obstacles along the way.
25-27 The good people taste your goodness,
The whole people taste your health,
The true people taste your truth,
The bad ones can't figure you out.
You take the side of the down-and-out,
But the stuck-up you take down a peg.
28-29 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life;
I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
I smash the bands of marauders,
I vault the highest fences.
30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.
31-42 Is there any god like God?
Are we not at bedrock?
Is not this the God who armed me,
then aimed me in the right direction?
Now I run like a deer;
I'm king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight;
I can bend a bronze bow!
You protect me with salvation-armor;
you hold me up with a firm hand,
caress me with your gentle ways.
You cleared the ground under me
so my footing was firm.
When I chased my enemies I caught them;
I didn't let go till they were dead men.
I nailed them; they were down for good;
then I walked all over them.
You armed me well for this fight,
you smashed the upstarts.
You made my enemies turn tail,
and I wiped out the haters.
Theycried "uncle"
but Uncle didn't come;
They yelled for God
and got no for ananswer .
I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.
43-45 You rescued me from a squabbling people;
you made me a leader of nations.
People I'd never heard of served me;
the moment they got wind of me they listened.
The foreign devils gave up; they came
on their bellies, crawling from their hideouts.
46-48 Live, God! Blessings frommy Rock ,
my free and freeing God, towering!
This God set things right for me
and shut up the people who talked back.
He rescued me from enemy anger,
he pulled me from the grip of upstarts,
He saved me from the bullies.
49-50 That's why I'm thanking you, God,
all over the world.
That's why I'm singing songs
that rhyme your name.
God's king takes the trophy;
God's chosen is beloved.
I mean David and all his children—
always.
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
29 With your help I can advance against a troop [a] ;
with my God I can scale a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.
39 You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs inflight ,
and I destroyed my foes.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did notanswer .
42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind;
I poured them out like mud in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.
44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cringe before me.
45 They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.
46 The LORD lives! Praise be tomy Rock !
Exalted be God my Savior!
47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.
50 He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.
I trust God to equip me with the strength I need to make it. I know my dad is going to be fine. He's in the hospital now and that's where he needs to be. I am encouraged that he is getting the help he needs.
Psalm 18:25-50 (The Message)
25-27 The good people taste your goodness,
The whole people taste your health,
The true people taste your truth,
The bad ones can't figure you out.
You take the side of the down-and-out,
But the stuck-up you take down a peg.
28-29 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life;
I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
I smash the bands of marauders,
I vault the highest fences.
30 What a God! His road
stretches straight and smooth.
Every God-direction is road-tested.
Everyone who runs toward him
Makes it.
31-42 Is there any god like God?
Are we not at bedrock?
Is not this the God who armed me,
then aimed me in the right direction?
Now I run like a deer;
I'm king of the mountain.
He shows me how to fight;
I can bend a bronze bow!
You protect me with salvation-armor;
you hold me up with a firm hand,
caress me with your gentle ways.
You cleared the ground under me
so my footing was firm.
When I chased my enemies I caught them;
I didn't let go till they were dead men.
I nailed them; they were down for good;
then I walked all over them.
You armed me well for this fight,
you smashed the upstarts.
You made my enemies turn tail,
and I wiped out the haters.
They
but Uncle didn't come;
They yelled for God
and got no for an
I ground them to dust; they gusted in the wind.
I threw them out, like garbage in the gutter.
43-45 You rescued me from a squabbling people;
you made me a leader of nations.
People I'd never heard of served me;
the moment they got wind of me they listened.
The foreign devils gave up; they came
on their bellies, crawling from their hideouts.
46-48 Live, God! Blessings from
my free and freeing God, towering!
This God set things right for me
and shut up the people who talked back.
He rescued me from enemy anger,
he pulled me from the grip of upstarts,
He saved me from the bullies.
49-50 That's why I'm thanking you, God,
all over the world.
That's why I'm singing songs
that rhyme your name.
God's king takes the trophy;
God's chosen is beloved.
I mean David and all his children—
always.
Psalm 18:25-50 (New International Version)
25 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
26 to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
27 You save the humble
but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
29 With your help I can advance against a troop [a] ;
with my God I can scale a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.
36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.
39 You armed me with strength for battle;
you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs in
and I destroyed my foes.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—
to the LORD, but he did not
42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind;
I poured them out like mud in the streets.
43 You have delivered me from the attacks of the people;
you have made me the head of nations;
people I did not know are subject to me.
44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me;
foreigners cringe before me.
45 They all lose heart;
they come trembling from their strongholds.
46 The LORD lives! Praise be to
Exalted be God my Savior!
47 He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
48 who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men you rescued me.
49 Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to your name.
50 He gives his king great victories;
he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.
I trust God to equip me with the strength I need to make it. I know my dad is going to be fine. He's in the hospital now and that's where he needs to be. I am encouraged that he is getting the help he needs.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Good Morning and God Bless You Today
I let a day slip by me so I am up early, too early, I've been up since 4am. We have a court date this morning. Doctor appointments in the afternoon. Then I have to take my dad over to his brother's house so he can go to a ballgame with them Friday. Then pick him up Friday evening. Take a little nap and bring my quarters for the beach on Saturday.
I ask God to help me follow his example of grace under pressure. I am aware that we have four basic: the accusation, the interrogation, the defense and the verdict. I pray for God's favor in this matter. Its not enough to have been treated unjustly, its can you prove it. Evidence, evidence, evidence. There is none. I pray that God is with me today and that I am victorious. I pray that you have a good day today. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily.
John 19:10-16
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either tofree you or to crucify you?"
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.
15But theyshouted , "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!"
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
I ask God to help me follow his example of grace under pressure. I am aware that we have four basic: the accusation, the interrogation, the defense and the verdict. I pray for God's favor in this matter. Its not enough to have been treated unjustly, its can you prove it. Evidence, evidence, evidence. There is none. I pray that God is with me today and that I am victorious. I pray that you have a good day today. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily.
John 19:10-16
10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to
11
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar."
13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour.
"Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews.
15But they
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked.
"We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered.
16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Jesus, the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Hebrews 13 (The Message)
Hebrews 13
Jesus Doesn't Change
1-4Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extendedGod is there, ready to help;
I'm fearless no matter what.
Who or what can get to me?
9Don't be lured away from him by the latest speculations about him. The grace of Christ is the only good ground for life. Products named after Christ don't seem to do much for those who buy them.
10-12The altar from which God gives us the gift of himself is not for exploitation by insiders who grab and loot. In the old system, the animals are killed and the bodies disposed of outside the camp. The blood is then brought inside to the altar as a sacrifice for sin. It's the same with Jesus. He was crucified outside the city gates—that is where he poured out the sacrificial blood that was brought to God's altar to
13-15So let's go outside, where Jesus is, where the action is—not trying to be privileged insiders, but taking our share in the abuse of Jesus. This "insider world" is not our home. We have our eyes peeled for the City about to come. Let's take our place outside with Jesus, no longer pouring out the sacrificial blood of animals but pouring out sacrificial praises from our lips to God in Jesus' name.
16Make sure you don't take things for granted and go slack in working for the common good; share what you have with others. God takes particular pleasure in acts of worship—a different kind of "sacrifice"—that take place in kitchen and
17Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them?
18-21Pray for us. We have no doubts about what we're doing or why, but it's hard going and we need your prayers. All we care about is living well before God. Pray that we may be together soon.
May God, who puts all things together,
makes all things whole,
Who made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus,
the sacrifice of blood that sealed the eternal covenant,
Who led Jesus, our Great Shepherd,
up and alive from the dead,
Now put you together, provide you
with everything you need to please him,
Make us into what gives him most pleasure,
by means of the sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah.
All glory to Jesus forever and always!
Oh, yes, yes, yes.
22-23Friends, please take what I've written most seriously. I've kept this as brief as possible; I haven't piled on a lot of extras. You'll be glad to know that Timothy has been let out of prison. If he leaves soon, I'll come with him and get to see you myself.
24Say hello to your pastoral leaders and all the congregations. Everyone here in Italy wants to be remembered to you.
25Grace be with you, every one.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Yearly Maintence
Well Lord, the time has come to overhaul the old body. Yes, it is time to get the annual physical, go to the dentist, eye exam, orthopedic foot/ankle doctor and the ultimate smash your boobs to make a sandwich, mammogram and the ultimate diet plan has been put into effect. Thank God I did the colonoscopy last year. Well, of course, now that the children are gone for a week, I plan on fixing me up. Today I went to a new dentist. I didn't like the old one anymore and I had avoided finding a new one for much too long. Needless to say she found a ton of cavities. I need to floss more. So I let her begin filling the cavities. I decided to be brave and fore go the Novocaine, she said it would hurt. Who wants to have a numb mouth for six hours if you can avoid it. Well lo and behold that woman drilled and drilled. I made it through though. Then I started to feel the nerves tingle. Oh, hecky no. She had finished, I was fine, I'm out at the store and suddenly everything is hurting but where she drilled. I get home and take three advil. All is well now. I go back on Thurs to continue to help finance her summer vacation. We all have to do our part. None the less I do feel better having that cavity filled. So there you have it. Over the next three weeks I will be poked, prodded, pulled, drilled, and generally probed for all kinds of stuff. I pray that they find what they need to find and we can fix all that needs fixing. Thank you Lord for the ability to get to the doctor and have my health upgraded. Thank You Lord for health insurance. Thank You for giving me patience to do this tedious task. Why is it so hard to take care of myself? I readily take care of others but find it difficult and tedious to take care of myself. But take care I must. I have a list of things to do this week and I pray I get through 80% of it. Be Blessed today and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily.
Ezekiel 37
The Valley of Dry Bones
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know." 4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath [a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.'
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thank You Lord
Thank You Lord. We are all going through stuff that just seems to overtake us some days. We pretend that we can make it and that it doesn't affect us but when we let it ourselves feel the pressure and pain of what is going on we are overwhelmed. We are constantly and totally overcome with pain and fear. Our life is a mess. We have to overtake that fear and remind ourselves that the devil is a liar and a cheat. He comes to steal, kill and to destroy. We are a winner and we can overcome whatever is coming against us. We are able to overcome. We have to believe that God is there for us. God loves us and wants us to know that we are able to conquer what ever the devil puts before us.
Today's Praise and Worship
God never gave up on me. Lord I thank you for another chance. You didn't give up on me and I didn't give up on you. Thank you Lord. You still believe in me and I still believe in you.
I ask is there a question to say yes to. My answer is always yes, yes, yes.
May you be blessed tonight and I pray that you are a blessing to someone. I love you and I pray for you daily. I refuse to give up on you. I stay encouraged.
Today's Praise and Worship
God never gave up on me. Lord I thank you for another chance. You didn't give up on me and I didn't give up on you. Thank you Lord. You still believe in me and I still believe in you.
I ask is there a question to say yes to. My answer is always yes, yes, yes.
May you be blessed tonight and I pray that you are a blessing to someone. I love you and I pray for you daily. I refuse to give up on you. I stay encouraged.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Saturday Morning
Good Morning Lord. Thank You for another day. Father God I desire to please you. My desire is to seek the glory that comes from loving you. I value my credit with you more than I value my credit with men. I lean on you, I put my trust in you, and I put my confidence in you. In you I know that I am safe and set up high, I am valued with you. Lord I take comfort and I am encouraged when I say the Lord is my helper and my strength. I do not fear or dread what man can do when I know the Lord is with me. Father God I always seek to please you. I pray for your guidance and your grace. I can do nothing without you. My goal is to please God rather than man. I seek God's approval. I pray that I see you tonight. I was unable to march last night due to a prior commitment. God bless you today. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily.
There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it'll be too late to help them.
2 When good people run things, everyone is glad,
but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.
3 If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents,
but you'll destroy their trust if you run with whores.
4 A leader of good judgment gives stability;
an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste.
5 A flattering neighbor is up to no good;
he's probably planning to take advantage of you.
6 Evil people fall into their own traps;
good people run the other way, glad to escape.
7 The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor;
the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.
8 A gang of cynics can upset a whole city;
a group of sages can calm everyone down.
9 A sage trying to work things out with a fool
gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.
10 Murderers hate honest people;
moral folks encourage them.
11 A fool lets it all hang out;
a sage quietly mulls it over.
12 When a leader listens to malicious gossip,
all the workers get infected with evil.
13 The poor and theirabusers have at least something in common:
they can both see—their sight, God's gift!
14 Leadership gains authority and respect
when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.
15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom;
spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.
16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild,
but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
17 Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did—
they'll turn out delightful to live with.
18 If people can't see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
they are most blessed.
19 It takes more than talk to keep workers in line;
mere words go in one ear and out the other.
20 Observe the people who always talk before they think—
even simpletons are better off than they are.
21 If you let people treat you like a doormat,
you'll be quite forgotten in the end.
22 Angry people stir up a lot of discord;
the intemperate stir up trouble.
23 Pride lands you flat on your face;
humility prepares you for honors.
24 Befriend an outlaw
and become an enemy to yourself.
When the victims cry out,
you'll be included in their curses
if you're a coward to their cause in court.
25 The fear ofhuman opinion disables;
trusting in God protects you from that.
26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
but only God will give usjustice .
27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil;
the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.
Proverbs 29 (The Message)
Proverbs 29
If People Can't See What God Is Doing
1 For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn,There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break,
but by then it'll be too late to help them.
2 When good people run things, everyone is glad,
but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.
3 If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents,
but you'll destroy their trust if you run with whores.
4 A leader of good judgment gives stability;
an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste.
5 A flattering neighbor is up to no good;
he's probably planning to take advantage of you.
6 Evil people fall into their own traps;
good people run the other way, glad to escape.
7 The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor;
the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.
8 A gang of cynics can upset a whole city;
a group of sages can calm everyone down.
9 A sage trying to work things out with a fool
gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.
10 Murderers hate honest people;
moral folks encourage them.
11 A fool lets it all hang out;
a sage quietly mulls it over.
12 When a leader listens to malicious gossip,
all the workers get infected with evil.
13 The poor and their
they can both see—their sight, God's gift!
14 Leadership gains authority and respect
when the voiceless poor are treated fairly.
15 Wise discipline imparts wisdom;
spoiled adolescents embarrass their parents.
16 When degenerates take charge, crime runs wild,
but the righteous will eventually observe their collapse.
17 Discipline your children; you'll be glad you did—
they'll turn out delightful to live with.
18 If people can't see what God is doing,
they stumble all over themselves;
But when they attend to what he reveals,
they are most blessed.
19 It takes more than talk to keep workers in line;
mere words go in one ear and out the other.
20 Observe the people who always talk before they think—
even simpletons are better off than they are.
21 If you let people treat you like a doormat,
you'll be quite forgotten in the end.
22 Angry people stir up a lot of discord;
the intemperate stir up trouble.
23 Pride lands you flat on your face;
humility prepares you for honors.
24 Befriend an outlaw
and become an enemy to yourself.
When the victims cry out,
you'll be included in their curses
if you're a coward to their cause in court.
25 The fear of
trusting in God protects you from that.
26 Everyone tries to get help from the leader,
but only God will give us
27 Good people can't stand the sight of deliberate evil;
the wicked can't stand the sight of well-chosen goodness.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Stay out of my own business
I leave it up to God. If I can just stop taking my self and my business so seriously then maybe I can step back and remember to let God take care of that which I have no control over. I am tired and I am trying to not fall asleep while writing this entry. My day was mixed, so good stuff and some not so good stuff. Oh well. Be blessed today and be a blessing to someone special.I love you and I pray for you daily.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Pray for your enemies
1 Samuel 25
David, Nabal and Abigail
1 Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah.Then David moved down into the Desert of Maon. [a] 2 A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife's name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was surly and mean in his dealings. 4 While David was in the desert, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, "Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your
7 " 'Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my young men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.' "
9 When David's men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David's name. Then they waited.
10 Nabal answered David's servants, "Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my
12 David's men turned around and went back. When they arrived, they reported every word. 13 David said to his men, "Put on your swords!" So they put on their swords, and David put on his. About four hundred men went up with David, while two hundred stayed with the supplies.
14 One of the servants told Nabal's wife Abigail: "David sent messengers from the desert to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a
18 Abigail lost no time. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs [b] of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, "Go on ahead; I'll follow you." But she did not tell her husband Nabal.
20 As she came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, there were David and his men descending toward her, and she met them. 21 David had just said, "It's been useless—all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. 22 May God deal with David, [c] be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!"
23 When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off her donkey and bowed down before David with her face to the ground. 24 She fell at his feet and said: "My lord, let the blame be on me alone. Please let your servant speak to you; hear what your servant has to say. 25 May my lord pay no attention to that wicked man Nabal. He is just like his name—his name is Fool, and folly goes with him. But as for me, your servant, I did not see the men my master sent.
26 "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, may your enemies and all who intend to harm my master be like Nabal. 27 And let this gift, which your servant has brought to my master, be given to the men who follow you. 28 Please forgive your servant's offense, for the LORD will certainly make a lasting dynasty for my master, because he fights the LORD's battles. Let no wrongdoing be found in you as long as you live. 29 Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my master will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the LORD your God. But the lives of your enemies he will hurl away as from the pocket of a sling. 30 When the LORD has done for my master every good thing he promised concerning him and has appointed him leader over Israel, 31 my master will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself. And when the LORD has brought my master success, remember your servant."
32 David said to Abigail, "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who has sent you today to meet me. 33 May you be blessed for your good judgment and for keeping me from bloodshed this day and from avenging myself with my own hands. 34 Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has kept me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, not one male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by daybreak."
35 Then David accepted from her hand what she had brought him and said, "Go home in peace. I have heard your words and granted your request."
36 When Abigail went to Nabal, he was in the house holding a banquet like that of a king. He was in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until daybreak. 37 Then in the morning, when Nabal was sober, his wife told him all these things, and his heart failed him and he became like a stone. 38 About ten days later, the LORD struck Nabal and he died.
39 When David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, "Praise be to the LORD, who has upheld my cause against Nabal for treating me with contempt. He has kept his servant from doing wrong and has brought Nabal's wrongdoing down on his own head."
Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. 40 His servants went to Carmel and said to Abigail, "David has sent us to you to take you to become his wife."
41 She bowed down with her face to the ground and said, "Here is your maidservant, ready to serve you and wash the feet of my master's servants." 42 Abigail quickly got on a donkey and, attended by her five maids, went with David's messengers and became his wife. 43 David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both were his wives. 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David's wife, to Paltiel [d] son of Laish, who was from Gallim.
I have not read this chapter before but it was right on time for my day. I was trying to take care of some business today and one of the things I did was call an attorney. This tenant from hell has filed a lawsuit against my father and me. How does someone who has not paid anything and owes me money, over 6 thousand dollars, think that I will pay her something. Some people are just users and takers. Selfish and self centered. But it cost us money to hire a lawyer, who is not cheap, just to send this woman on her way. I'm sorry if I don't feel bad for her, she took advantage of me and continues to take advantage. She knows she doesn't have any money and we were willing to just walk away but she keeps coming back, so now I'm going to file a judgment, and I know she wont be paying but she needs to have her record stained, again. I would rather pay a lawyer than pay her anything. I will pray for her as I continue to get her out of my life.
Well good night and God Bless You. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and I pray for you daily.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Resolve
Holding on to a vision calls for powerful resolve. I will not, nor do I blame others for my mistakes. Life has dealt me some blows but whats important is that I keep getting up. Keep untying the knots that seem to hold me or bind me. So I must untangle and free myself from forces that that I have allowed to hold me. But I'm here now, I woke up this morning and I pray to God that I wake up tomorrow. I have a new outlook and a much deeper resolve and determination to come out of this better and more balanced.
We spent the morning getting my daughter straightened out so she can return to school. She was trying for the fall but it looks like it will be January. She wants to become a pharmacist. Yea. Thank God she has finally come up with something more that she wants for her life. I tell the all the time, learn how to do something. Get certified, degreed, or something so that people will have to pay you for your services. Now if I can just get Liz to go for that MA in Speech Therapy so she can become a speech therapist. She is 3/4 of the way there. I just have to continue to encourage her to not just give up.
O son of my vows, [b]
3 do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to those who are in anguish;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights ofthe poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 Shewatches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Once again God directs me to a renewal of relationship. Keep my mind on love and relationship. Dont let me think that at any point it is not about husbands and wives. Thats what is important. I take care of you and you take care of me. Together we are united as one. One for God. I will continue to think love and you. Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone. I love you.
We spent the morning getting my daughter straightened out so she can return to school. She was trying for the fall but it looks like it will be January. She wants to become a pharmacist. Yea. Thank God she has finally come up with something more that she wants for her life. I tell the all the time, learn how to do something. Get certified, degreed, or something so that people will have to pay you for your services. Now if I can just get Liz to go for that MA in Speech Therapy so she can become a speech therapist. She is 3/4 of the way there. I just have to continue to encourage her to not just give up.
Proverbs 31
Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle [a] his mother taught him: 2 "O my son, O son of my womb,O son of my vows, [b]
3 do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to those who are in anguish;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Once again God directs me to a renewal of relationship. Keep my mind on love and relationship. Dont let me think that at any point it is not about husbands and wives. Thats what is important. I take care of you and you take care of me. Together we are united as one. One for God. I will continue to think love and you. Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone. I love you.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Turning Fear into Faith
Letting go of fear. That which holds me. What is pressing on me and taking away my energy. What is keeping me bound and fearful. I pray that my fears decrease and my faith increases. I ask God to refresh my spirit and renew my commitment. My responsibility is to God. Oh how important it is to establish this on faith.
I pray that I can stay committed. I continue to see out God and I look for the right way. I am not alone in this and I feel reassured in knowing that.
I hope that I can continue to knock down the barriers that have held me before and to take hold of the new belief and power that is possible in my life.
God bless you tonight. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for your daily. You are my heart.
I pray that I can stay committed. I continue to see out God and I look for the right way. I am not alone in this and I feel reassured in knowing that.
I hope that I can continue to knock down the barriers that have held me before and to take hold of the new belief and power that is possible in my life.
God bless you tonight. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for your daily. You are my heart.
Happy Days
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
I see nothing but a brighter future than what was in the past.
I refuse to let the devil steal my future. I plan on fighting for it. Even if I spend silent moments just standing in front of you. Something is better than nothing. The closer we get, the better I feel and trust me we will get closer. We will just stand next to each other until conversation is not a problem. We will meet every challenge with drive and effort. Nothing is too hard for us and defeat is not on our tongue. We will forgive until we get it right. We will seek each other's company and find comfort in that decision. I have the utmost confidence in us getting it right. We have to keep that air on, what the heck was that. I stopped this morning to get you some Florstor, in case you didn't get some for yourself, but you said you were feeling fine so I can only hope that you actually picked up some. If you did, you know it works. You know, taking care of you is important to me.
I sat up front today. Up close and personal, to you. I like sitting up front close to you. Though that little 4 year old next to me could care less about being up front. That's why I sit farther away most of the time. He is too much of a distraction. We went to the fireworks out here. It was OK, not the big city at all, but still nice, though I heard a lot of cities were not doing the fireworks due to the cost.
Well good night and be blessed. I pray this is the start of something good. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone special. I love the Lord and I love you.
I see nothing but a brighter future than what was in the past.
I refuse to let the devil steal my future. I plan on fighting for it. Even if I spend silent moments just standing in front of you. Something is better than nothing. The closer we get, the better I feel and trust me we will get closer. We will just stand next to each other until conversation is not a problem. We will meet every challenge with drive and effort. Nothing is too hard for us and defeat is not on our tongue. We will forgive until we get it right. We will seek each other's company and find comfort in that decision. I have the utmost confidence in us getting it right. We have to keep that air on, what the heck was that. I stopped this morning to get you some Florstor, in case you didn't get some for yourself, but you said you were feeling fine so I can only hope that you actually picked up some. If you did, you know it works. You know, taking care of you is important to me.
I sat up front today. Up close and personal, to you. I like sitting up front close to you. Though that little 4 year old next to me could care less about being up front. That's why I sit farther away most of the time. He is too much of a distraction. We went to the fireworks out here. It was OK, not the big city at all, but still nice, though I heard a lot of cities were not doing the fireworks due to the cost.
Well good night and be blessed. I pray this is the start of something good. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone special. I love the Lord and I love you.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Faith
Five People of Faith
Luke 7
Jesus has many different approaches but one goal in mind. Come to God. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus heals the servant because of the faith of his master. Jesus brings the widow's son from the dead because he was touched by her grief. Jesus reassures John's disciples that he is the one. He heals the lame, the blind now see, the dead are raised, the poor receive the good news.
...Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me...Luke 7:23
I pray that I will have the courage to take risks in reaching out to those around me who are open to learning about Christ Jesus. I pray that I can be an example of Jesus' true spirit and love in my daily walk.
I pray that I am able and willing to worship Jesus and show honor and glory to Jesus just like the woman who poured perfume on his feet and washed the m with her tears and hair. I pray that I too can take risks in my faith and devotion to Jesus.
Thank You Lord for giving me the opportunity to love you and know that you are available in many opportunities that I face daily. Let your light shine through me. Allow me to worship you and humble myself daily. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily. I have faith in this working out.
Luke 7
Jesus has many different approaches but one goal in mind. Come to God. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus heals the servant because of the faith of his master. Jesus brings the widow's son from the dead because he was touched by her grief. Jesus reassures John's disciples that he is the one. He heals the lame, the blind now see, the dead are raised, the poor receive the good news.
...Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me...Luke 7:23
I pray that I will have the courage to take risks in reaching out to those around me who are open to learning about Christ Jesus. I pray that I can be an example of Jesus' true spirit and love in my daily walk.
I pray that I am able and willing to worship Jesus and show honor and glory to Jesus just like the woman who poured perfume on his feet and washed the m with her tears and hair. I pray that I too can take risks in my faith and devotion to Jesus.
Thank You Lord for giving me the opportunity to love you and know that you are available in many opportunities that I face daily. Let your light shine through me. Allow me to worship you and humble myself daily. Be blessed and be a blessing to someone. I love you and pray for you daily. I have faith in this working out.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Relationships
Ephesians 5:21-33
Husbands and Wives
I never got a chance to finish this yesterday. It has been on my mind and I refuse to let it go. The devil will not steal this from me without a fight.
I pray for you daily and now that I know you don't feel well I am going to help. I dont know what that stuff is that girl was talking about but this is something that will work. I almost went over to Walgreens right then and there and got it for you but I will bring you some Sunday. Go to the pharmacy and ask for Florastor if you want it sooner. They have the adult and the children. Its a little costly but its worth it for stuff like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness. You have to ask the pharmacist for it because its behind the counter, but you dont need a prescription. Take two in the morning and two at night the first day. Then one in the morning and one at night the next day. You will feel a difference on the first day. A pharmacist recommended it and I think it is great for this kind of thing.
I should have turned around and brought you some and took it back to you. I say that to say taking care of you is something I want to do. I look forward to that. I want you to be healthy and loved. As I drove home I was upset with myself for a little bit because I didn't turn around and bring the medicine back to you. But then I reminded myself that I will not let the devil steal from me a better sense of calm, loving, devotion to my man and his cause.
I pray that I can be a help and not a hindrance. I will keep my mind fixed on the positive with you and not on the negative. I want nothing but the best for you. Try the Florstor, please. You will feel so much better and it will happen quickly too. Please try it. I wish you could get it tonight. Now I really wish I had turned around. I'm going to let that go and move on. I've got to stop beating myself up for not doing every thought that comes into my mind. It will get better. I will respond much better to doing the right thing. Make a mistake, learn from it and keep on going. Keep trying and trying and trying. Keep talking, keep making something happen. Stay focused and determined to win. You are a winner. This too shall pass.
Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone. I love you. Try to get some rest. You are going to run yourself ragged.
Husbands and Wives
I never got a chance to finish this yesterday. It has been on my mind and I refuse to let it go. The devil will not steal this from me without a fight.
I pray for you daily and now that I know you don't feel well I am going to help. I dont know what that stuff is that girl was talking about but this is something that will work. I almost went over to Walgreens right then and there and got it for you but I will bring you some Sunday. Go to the pharmacy and ask for Florastor if you want it sooner. They have the adult and the children. Its a little costly but its worth it for stuff like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness. You have to ask the pharmacist for it because its behind the counter, but you dont need a prescription. Take two in the morning and two at night the first day. Then one in the morning and one at night the next day. You will feel a difference on the first day. A pharmacist recommended it and I think it is great for this kind of thing.
I should have turned around and brought you some and took it back to you. I say that to say taking care of you is something I want to do. I look forward to that. I want you to be healthy and loved. As I drove home I was upset with myself for a little bit because I didn't turn around and bring the medicine back to you. But then I reminded myself that I will not let the devil steal from me a better sense of calm, loving, devotion to my man and his cause.
I pray that I can be a help and not a hindrance. I will keep my mind fixed on the positive with you and not on the negative. I want nothing but the best for you. Try the Florstor, please. You will feel so much better and it will happen quickly too. Please try it. I wish you could get it tonight. Now I really wish I had turned around. I'm going to let that go and move on. I've got to stop beating myself up for not doing every thought that comes into my mind. It will get better. I will respond much better to doing the right thing. Make a mistake, learn from it and keep on going. Keep trying and trying and trying. Keep talking, keep making something happen. Stay focused and determined to win. You are a winner. This too shall pass.
Be blessed tonight and be a blessing to someone. I love you. Try to get some rest. You are going to run yourself ragged.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Relationships
God brings me back to relationships.
Ephesians 5:21-33 Husbands and Wives
I do this with all sincerity.
OOOOOOhhhhhhhhhh, the door people are here!!!!! Our door has finally arrived.
I shall resume this later.
Ephesians 5:21-33 Husbands and Wives
I do this with all sincerity.
OOOOOOhhhhhhhhhh, the door people are here!!!!! Our door has finally arrived.
I shall resume this later.
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