Faith Journey

07/26/2019

Posted on February 25, 2018February 25, 2018 by PattiWOur Preparation – Part 1 OUR PREPARATION – PART 1 – PPT (Preferred) OUR PREPARATION – PART 1 – PDF   CategoriesPower Point Presentations

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12/08/2018

Not a penny?

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. - 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
• What does it feel like to know that we can be heard by God?
• How does active hearing work?
• Is it God’s will for people to be sick, broke and experience death?

If you read the post on Jesus Walks in Words a couple of days ago you read about a near disaster that could have very easily ended in death without the Lord intervening on the situation. First, praise God that He did intervene with a miracle that you can read about in the other post.

However, that is not the end of the story but just the beginning.

It says nothing about the clothing we had with us which was now somewhere at the bottom of the lake. See, as would only be normal for newlyweds spending alone time on a beautiful lake, we had gone out fully dressed and during the trauma and taken off all but our swimming attire.

That clothing included two very important items.

My key ring which contained all the keys I had including mobility of car and access to our dwelling. Fortunately, she had another set of keys we just didn’t know if she had brought them with her.

We prayed.

The other item that was now gone was our entire set of traveler's checks as they were all in the back pocket of the pants I was wearing.

There we were with unknown access to our vehicle and absolutely no money. It was the first day of our honeymoon.

We didn’t know what else to do so we prayed.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: - Matthew 7:7 (KJV)

Should we be able to get into the car we knew we did not have enough money to even get back home with the gas that was in our vehicle. The other problem would be starting the car if her keys were not with us. I wish we could say that there was no anxiety over this situation for that is what should be the case.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)

One of our rescuers then got the bright idea of taking his little mettle fishing boat back out onto the lack and looking for the traveler's checks which was ridiculously dangerous. Not only were the waves much worse than earlier but the chances of finding a blue folder containing checks was not likely if they even had made there way out of my back pants pocket before everything arrived at the bottom of the lake.

He went.

We continued to warm ourselves from what would have been our frigid watery grave while enjoying the company of the other man that had been part of the rescue and praying.

It seemed like only minutes when he returned with our blue packet of traveler’s checks. They were all present and accounted for though very wet. First time I’ve ever used a blow dryer to dry money but there I was, doing that.

God had miraculously brought our monies back to us. Praise His name.

However, without keys, the best we could hope for would be to hotwire the car and head for home.

We were taken back to the lodge where the coat hanger and window met.

We could not see any keys inside but regardless we would need access back into the vehicle.

It wasn’t long till we were back inside. Cars back then are not like cars of today in many ways including being able to gain easy access using this type of method.

Once inside I began to search for her keys.

It wasn’t long till they were found, and the next big miracle took place.

And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. - Luke 18:27 (KJV)

According to today’s verse here is what we are called to do.

First, we come boldly to the throne of God making our requests in full assurance that He will hear us.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Second, knowing that He hears us we can be confident that He will act on our behalf.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. - Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

In closing of today’s topic, I believe it is important to touch on what happens when we don’t receive answers to prayer. I am sure that there are situations like what we experienced with the traveler's checks when they are not found. What about times when the second set of keys are not in the vehicle.

In fact, Paul wrestled with this very concept which has come to be known as his thorn in the flesh.

What then?

Does God not care?

Does God play favorites?

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Sometimes enduring life’s trials either keeps us connected to Christ or brings us closer to Him. In either case, it is our choice to hold tight to His hand or not. Whichever path we opt into will come with its own consequences.
Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to come closer to God while letting go of human wisdom.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. - 1 Corinthians 1:25 (KJV)

Consider Job.

11/23/2018

What will you do?

I watched a very compelling video this morning. It involved a grandma’s reflections to her life 60 years ago and how things would have been different had she married her sweetheart back then. Unfortunately, the gulf between their religious differences was too wide of a barrier to breach and the marriage never took place.

I’m sure this type of story takes place within its own dimensions in a variety of different ways. While it is a sad reflection that is not my concern. The concern I have is two-fold.

First, there was no biblical backing for the main thesis point taken.

Second, the thesis point itself while sounding good had some very serious negative consequences.

What was the point that this video rallied around?

Two words.

Do It

Nike saw the power of these words and came up with “Just Do It”

Was the creator building off Nike’s success?

Should they not have rather been building off biblical truth?
Instead of Nike’s phrase, this creator changed it to “Do It Now”

Let’s look at some biblical examples that come to mind when processing that phrase.

And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: - Genesis 3:4 (KJV)

Eat the apple, it is good for food and pleasing to the eye. Your world will be a better place.

Do It Now.

What would life be like had Adam and Eve not disobeyed?

Then his father and his mother said unto him, Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, or among all my people, that thou goest to take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father, Get her for me; for she pleaseth me well. - Judges 14:3

Samson wanted the Philistine for his wife. His parents even did there best to counsel him differently but to no avail.

Do It Now.

The life of Samson was to be entirely different than what it turned out to be if only He would have slowed down his lust and allowed God to lead.

And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. - 2 Samuel 11:2 (KJV)

It should be noted here that kings always were out in battle with their troops and David wasn’t. Not only was He not where he was supposed to be but there is a hint of preplanning for this event that let to Bathsheba’s pregnancy and Uriah’s death.

Do It Now

The result, in this case, was adultery and murder not to mention a variety of other ways in which the character of God was not exonerated.

Some say the OT is no longer binding, I don’t, but for those that wonder if NT flows this same line of reasoning let’s look at:

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. - Matthew 26:15 (KJV)

Many say Judas betrayed Jesus without thinking through that this was not his intent. He wanted to be top dog in the reign of Jesus and since Jesus was being so slow in responding he acted.

Do It Now

That action led to the su***de of Judas. He opted into doing things according to what he thought was best and paid the price with his own life.

But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.

And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.

And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. - Matthew 14:6-10

From provocative enticements to inebriated intoxication and rash words there is a lot going on in this story that is outside the character of Christ. Dig deeper and you will uncover why this entire event takes place. However, the conclusion acted upon is:

Do It Now

Which led to regret, yet another murder, and avoidance of embarrassment.

Brothers and sisters, while there are certain times when the time is right for acting immediately may I suggest that overall this mentality is dangerous at best and downright against the Word of God at worst?

From Lucifer’s decision to rebel to man’s choice to enter deception and beyond “do it now” seems to be at the core of when things go awry.

Why?

Because it is a position of entitlement.

You deserve it.

Go get it.

Do It Now

If the focus is not on self, I have no idea what it is on. Christ shows a vastly different way forward within His life, death, and resurrection.

If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. - Luke 14:26 (KJV)

While many take this verse completely wrong, I would suggest that the emphasis is on surrender rather than self. As we surrender our life to Christ it is then when we can see amazing things happen in our life. Not because of anything we “do” but because of who He is and what He can do for those who choose to connect to His character within their lives.

Lucifer opted out and we know the result.

Adam and Eve opted out and we know the result.

Numerous people in both OT & NT opted out and we know the result.

Question is, what will you do?

Will you…

Do It Now

Or…

Surrender and allow God to work His perfect will for His perfect plan into your being. It’s your choice. What will you DO?

11/21/2018

What will you do?

Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. - Deut 13:4 (KJV)

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
• Does God want us to be afraid of Him?
• What do the words “keep” and “obey” mean in context?
• Why do the words serve and cleave seem so interconnected within this verse?

There is so much fruit available in this verse that I could literally write an entire book with it as the thesis thereof. However, that is not the intent of this almost daily posts. Instead, I try to focus on how verses like these relate to real issues real people are facing today. In reading these writings should you have questions of your own that you would like me to address, please reach out and share them with me via messenger. If God gives me inspiration in the form of an answer for you, I will be more than pleased to share it with you.

And now, let’s turn to today’s verse.

There are several active words given to us today.

• Walk
• Fear
• Keep
• Obey
• Serve
• Cleave

I believe my English teachers taught me to look at these as nouns. While they may be right the word “noun” just doesn’t give me a picture of active movement like the words themselves do.

Just as Christians opting into pew sitting as their level of involvement don’t demonstrate what I believe our Savior and Lord wants to see from each one of our lives.

We are meant to be a moving army, not a light hidden under a bushel, bowl or basket.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. - Matthew 5:15 (KJV)

But what if they are offended by what I have to say?

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. - 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (KJV)

What if they don’t opt into listening?

For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. - Acts 28:27 (KJV)

We could go on “what ifying” till Jesus comes back but that in and of itself is a dangerous position to be in.

Could not Christ Himself have had so many different “why not’s” that He never arrived on the scene? Where would the fate of humanity be in that case?

We are called to be Ambassadors for Him. It does not mean things will get easier but harder. Consider just some of the martyrs that have given everything even to the extent of their own lives.

• Stephen (Read Acts 6 & 7)
• Simon Peter
• Polycarp
• Wycliffe
• John Huss
• Martin Luther
• William Tyndale
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This is just a small list and certainly not all-encompassing. For example, the name Jesus Christ doesn’t even appear in it and He Himself was certainly the greatest of all martyrs. Not just because of what He did but because of who He was.

He was a man without sin. Perfect in every way.

Yet, He died one of the cruelest deaths possible in that day. He did so willingly that you and I might live.

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. - Luke 22:42 (KJV)

Instead of asking why He arrived.

Instead of asking why He died.

Instead of asking why He survived.

Now He turns to you and says:

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. - Mark 16:15 (KJV)

We have a mission.

We have a commission.

And we won’t complete either one sitting on our laurels. The how of it all isn’t going to be the same for everyone but it will in one shape or another involve these nouns.

• Walk
• Keep
• Obey
• Serve
• Cleave

And others like them.

The question is, what active steps are you going to take this very day to spread the message of God’s incredible love toward all humanity with a lost and dying world that needs to receive your message of hope that God has given you?

06/23/2018

Wow - never knew school as an adult would be so intense but it certainly has been. We just completed our first month and our Anatomy mid-terms. Both Irene and I passed - her grade was significantly better than mine which is what I anticipated. She is a natural in the world of massage.

We are both enjoying it here in SD even with the required studies that will be part of our lives for at least the next 5 months. Along with Anatomy we are both discovering the therapeutic advantages of Swedish massage for another couple of weeks and then it will be developing our talents in the area of deep massage.

This next week will find us in Lewiston Idaho where we will hopefully be concluding proceedings with a 3 year struggle against the legal system that took place due to a TBone we received in 2015. Scroll down in this string for that complete story.

Hoping to share pictures of this beautiful area that God created in the near future.

05/24/2018

Amazing to learn

Mark 5:25-34
25 And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years,
26 And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse,
27 When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment.
28 For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.
29 And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague.
30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes?
31 And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
32 And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing.
33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.
34 And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

About you Lord
You are not bothered by the crowds
You see me individually in the crowd
(clothing – may I touch His righteouseness)
You are so available
Your garments (of righteousness) heal
You treasure all humanity
You come out to meet us
You are seeking me
Your healing is free of finances (isa 55 )
You ask questions for my benefit
You draw me out of my self
First whole=save you and healed you
Second whole = made you physically well
You want to heal all 3 dimensions of my nature

What does this say about me
I can suffer/struggle a long time
I generally turn to other humans for healing (or ourselves)
Need to connect them to Christ
I have freedom of choice
I can come to Jesus regardless of who I am or who I think I am or who others think I am
I don’t have to clean up my act in order to come to Jesus
I need virtue from Jesus to get heeled
I don’t have to be afraid to come to Jesus

Black Hills Health & Education provides wellness/lifestyle instruction, a school of massage and seminars on Christian coaching. Contact at 605-255-4101 or [email protected]

05/23/2018

Mark 4:35-41
About you Lord
You got tired
You can sleep during a storm – through a storm
You are a leader
You hear when I call
You are trusting
You are vulnerable
You are unafraid
Your thoughts are in the right place
You are my source of peace
Your words have power
You make people think
You want me to trust you (faith)
You deliver me from troubles
You control nature
You are the great calmer

Black Hills Health & Education provides wellness/lifestyle instruction, a school of massage and seminars on Christian coaching. Contact at 605-255-4101 or [email protected]

05/22/2018

Learning in massage class - about healing
1- Truth John 17:17 -- 2 Timothy3:15-17
2- Faith Romans 12:3 Ephesians 1:13;2:8
3- Grace 1Cor 15:10 2Cor 9:8
4- Sacrifice Romans 3:25 - 2 Cor 5:21

"Biblical Response Therapy" Healing God's Way by Daniel L Gabbert

Black Hills Health & Education provides wellness/lifestyle instruction, a school of massage and seminars on Christian coaching. Contact at 605-255-4101 or [email protected]

05/22/2018

Th
1- Truth John 17:17 -- 2 Timothy3:15-17

05/22/2018

Friends - God won't ever let you down as long as you let Him take up residency within. We can know a great deal about God and even talk a good talk, but I encourage you to take the next step of truly allowing His Holy Spirit to dwell within your life. I've been seriously doing this for about 2 weeks and I'm watching a major transformation take place in my life. I believe the process has just begun but I wake daily seeking a closer connection with His divine infilling and encourage you to do the same. There is certain risk involved in doing this but the reward far outweighs whatever you think might be lost in the process. Jesus loves you and all He asks you to do is give up your everything. That might sound like a lot, but in return He will come and dwell within you which is far more than what you can even imagine.