Category Archives: Five Minute Friday

Five Minute Friday – Whom will I listen to?

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Just coming back from vacation and after listening to the world’s messages on television, I’m struck by the contrast to the Word of God and Christ’s message to the church.

The world’s messages:

  • Entitlement
  • I deserve this
  • Dissatisfied with what I have
  • Always wanting more
  • It’s all about me
  • If it feels good, do it
  • Elevate myself
  • It’s important that people feel good about themselves
  • Approval of everyone’s choices and lifestyle, except the narrow minded, bigoted, rightwing conservative Christians who think they know right from wrong.
  • Everyone goes to heaven except for a few people who were really evil, like Hitler.
  • Get even when I have been wronged
  • All paths lead to God or heaven

Christ’s Messages to His followers

• Die to self, pick up your cross daily and follow Me.
• Forgive those who hurt you, persecute and despitefully use you.
• Trust God, in good times and bad
• Thy will be done
• Glorify God
• Be sanctified, set apart, dedicated unto the Lord
• Be thankful always
• Trust that God is doing a good and perfect work, even in your affliction and pain
• Do good, even to your enemies
• When I am weak, then I am strong
• Guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus
• Choose to meditate on that which is true, just, noble, pure, lovely and of good report
• Repent, godly sorrow leads to repentance
• What I deserve is hell for I have sinned against a holy, righteous and just God.
• What I have received is mercy and the grace of God.
• There is an objective standard of right and wrong which God has revealed in the inerrant Word of God, the Bible
• That which God has declared sin, is sin
• There is One Way to salvation, through Jesus Christ. Those who confess with their mouth, believe with their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord will be saved.

Lord, help me to listen to Your Word and tune out the world’s messages. Holy Spirit, guide me and help me to understand, apply and practice the truth revealed in Your word. Please put a guard around me, may I put on the full armor of God each day.

It’s another Saturday morn and I wanted to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge. Head over to her website “Lisa Jo Baker Tales from a Gypsy Mama”. Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers. I can promise you that you will be blessed.

Five Minute Friday – Arms Open Wide

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Each Sunday, I take notes during our Pastor’s sermons.  A quote that the Pastor Philip gave on Sunday really struck me.  Following a service an older lady said to Pastor Lloyd Olgilvie, “I pray that your life will be as wonderful as it was in the mind of God when He created you.”
Isn’t that something to ponder?  I wonder…what did God design and plan for my life?  Will I receive it with arms open wide?  Am I willing to embrace the pain with the pleasure?  Am I willing to trust God with the unknown?  Am I willing to go down paths I never expected or feared and tried to avoid? 
Am I willing to deny myself, pick up my cross daily and follow Christ?
When the rubber meets the road, do I trust God? 
Does my faith translate into action? 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challenge head over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Where’s My Focus?

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I’ve got to confess I’m a former political junky.  I religiously listened to Dennis Prager and Hugh Hewitt and Fox News was my channel of choice. 
And then something happened.  Over four years ago, I met the man whom I would marry.  It was a turbulent year with significant changes and I didn’t have a lot of time to listen to my old favorite radio programs. 
After purchasing our home, Chris and I decided to do without cable TV to help cut expenses.  I wouldn’t have guessed it, but before long I really liked not watching television at home.  Peace replaced anxiety and my interest in politics dwindled.  That was a good thing.
On the heels of both conventions and all the brouhaha that surrounds a pivotal election, I’ve found my focus is back on politics.  Even more so this week with the horrific acts of violence perpetrated on our US Ambassador in Libya. 
I’ve been sucked back in to listening to radio programs and reading news stories on politics, elections and candidates.  Not in a good way.  Politics can be an all-consuming focus if I let it.   
I need to be informed on the people and issues.  I need be a responsible citizen and vote in the election.  But I need to keep my focus on that which matters most and that is God, salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, the Word of God and through the Holy Spirit walking in a manner which is good and pleasing to my Heavenly Father. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Changes In the Last Year

Posted in Change, Five Minute Friday, Hope Out Loud, Jen Barrick, The Gypsy Mama by

It’s been a while since I’ve participated in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five MinuteFriday.  Even though I’m a day late, I wanted to take this week’s writing challenge.
Recently I was asked the question, “What has changed in your life over the past year?” 
I was hard pressed to come up with an answer.  At first glance it seemed as though nothing had really changed.  But upon closer examination, there were many things that had changed.
There has been the passing of many dear friends who died.  For those that were Christians, I feel a peace and look forward to the day in which I will once again be reunited with them.  For those who were unbelievers or those I don’t know if they received Christ, I think about them often and wonder where they are now?  Heaven or hell?  There is one friend in particular I wish I had been bolder earlier on and made clear the Gospel message of sin, repentance and salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ. 
One of the changes for good is at the beginning of the year I started keeping a daily journal.  I write in it at the beginning of my day before I start reading a Bible chapter and sometimes I add to it with scripture verses that really stand out that day.  Sometimes it’s short and I usually start out saying, “Good morning Lord”.  Other times…it’s pleading “Help me Lord!!!” and bringing my situation or the concerns of others before Him. 
Keeping a journal has been something I’ve wanted to do for years, but never, ever kept it up.  I’d start it but within a few days I stopped.  I’d stop because it wasn’t what I thought it should be, filled with eloquent prayers and words of wisdom. 
But then earlier this year I had the opportunity to hear Jennifer Barrick and herparents Andy and Linda speak.  They shared journal entries and prayers that Jen had written prior to their devastating car accident and after.  Hearing their story and being personally blessed by their faith recorded and preserved in Jen’s journals inspired me to continue my journal.
It’s exciting to write something that day, only to see the Lord work in that situation.  It’s heartening to know that our God sees and hears me and answers my prayers.  To know that He wants to have a personal ongoing relationship and He cares for me is what brings me back to that journal each day. 
If you would like to participate in Lisa-Jo Baker’s Five Minute Friday Challengehead over to her website “Tales from a Gypsy Mama”.  Be sure to read some of the entries from other writers.  I can promise you that you will be blessed.
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Five Minute Friday – Beyond Comprehension

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I’ve been thinking about salvation, repentance and grace lately. 
When I drive home I’ll often listen to Pastor Brian Brodersen who is currently teaching through the book of Romans.  He said something that really struck me the other day.  The only difference between the person who is saved and unsaved is the grace of God. 
How true!  As a Christian, the only thing I have to boast in is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  I have been saved by God’s grace through faith, its God’s work alone that saved me.  Because of Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on the cross as payment in full for my sin, I have been forgiven by God the Father. 
What an outrageous plan…beyond human comprehension.  The Righteous for the unrighteous, the Just for the unjust, the Holy One for the sinful. 
I received and email from a gentleman I know via my blog, Pastor and Evangelist Jim Allis.  He has blessed me by sending some of his audio posts and we’ve exchanged emails.  He said something in his most recent email captured the importance of preaching the gospel message accurately. 
“Yes repentance is essential for a genuine conversion experience.  I fear there are many half Christians around if there could be such a description given where repentance is forgotten.  It is so clear in scripture. What must I do to be saved?” Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Some are preaching sometimes a soft gospel which is no gospel again.”
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” – Acts 4:8-12
 
Good golly…my Five Minute post is on time!  Head on over to Lisa Jo Baker’sTales from a Gypsy Mama and join in the Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Five Minute Friday – Only Through Stories

Posted in Alzheimer's, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

One of the downsides of marrying late in life is that you may not get to know your in-laws.  That’s the case for both Chris and me and we often feel the loss of not knowing them in person, but only through stories.
Actually, Chris was able to meet my mother Gayle when she was in her late stages of Alzheimer’s.  He met her for the first time on Easter Sunday 2008.  It was one of those awkward times you get with Alzheimer’s because she had a mouthful of food that she refused to swallow, nor would she spit it out.  With her mouthful of food she walked arm in arm with Chris back to her room. 
She sat on her sofa, next to Chris and to my amazement answered questions Chris asked her about her stuffed dog.  She even gave him a bite of her brownie.  She seemed to take to Chris right away.  But within a matter of days, Gayle was hospitalized for pneumonia and within a few weeks she was dead. 
In the ensuing months Chris and I were engaged and married.  Things would happen that would remind me of Gayle and I would tell Chris another Gayle story, of which there were many.
Stories like how she used to hide her used Depends in the closet, or when she would sit down on the floor and refuse to get up, or of the many hospital visits.  One of the most memorable was when she tried to “escape to Vegas” by climbing over the wall, only to hit her head and get an ugly gash on her forehead that needed stiches. 
One story that comes up regularly is the logic I had to use with Gayle to get her to do something she didn’t want to do.  I would tell Gayle, “You don’t have to want to do this, you cannot want to all you like, but you still have to do it.”  There was something crazy about that, but it worked.  She was satisfied that I knew she didn’t want to do it. 
I think both Chris and I feel a loss because we didn’t get to know each other’s parents and I often wonder what our lives would be like if we had that opportunity.

My Five Minute Friday,I mean Saturday submission is a day late again…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you too would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes and see what comes out.
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Five Minute Friday…Not Chosen to Dance

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Hummm…dance is this week’s topic.  I think this is one of the most challenging yet. 
When I think of dancing, it doesn’t hold a lot of good memories for me.  But one good memory was when I was attending Prescott Jr. High.  In 7th grade I was going to my first dance.  I had taken tap, ballet and modern jazz…so I sort of knew how to dance, but nothing that would be in keeping with a school dance.
One of my friends was Alesha, a sweet beautiful young lady who enjoyed life.  Before the dance she took the time to teach me how to dance.  We played Three Dog Night’s song “Mama Told Me Not to Come” over and over again on the record player as she showed me how to dance.  Whenever I hear that song on the radio, it takes me back to that day.
When I think back to Jr. High and High School, it brings back some hard feelings.  Feeling of being socially awkward, not so pretty and not fitting in.  Memories of sitting on the sideline with some of the other girls who were not chosen to dance.  I couldn’t wait for the night to end.  Those memories left some indelible painful scars on my heart, mind and soul.  As a result I didn’t attend too many dances in high school.
Lord is it any wonder that I am forever grateful and take refuge in the fact that I was chosen by You.  Rejected by man, but accepted by the Lord.  May I be mindful that in Christ I was chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.  Is it any wonder when I hear praise and worship music my heart sings and I want to dance and celebrate the One who chose me?  Lord…I look forward to the day when I can dance with joy in heaven.  May I have glimpses of that day even now and be lost in wonder, love and praise.
Psalm 149:1-4
Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.

My Five Minute Friday submission is a day late again…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in TheGypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you too would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes and see what comes out.

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Five Minute Friday – The Risk of Procrastination

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Risk, The Gypsy Mama by

At the prompting of my sister Denise, I decided to actually post for Five Minute Friday on Friday.  She even gave me the topic to write about for the word Risk.  Thanks Denise for holding my feet to the fire!
Whether it’s at work or at home, procrastination always has its risks and consequences.  One of the biggest consequences is stress.  When I delay completing work or following through on a commitment, my stress level increases.  Definitely not good! 
When my stress level is high, my thinking is not as focused as it should be and it’s harder to complete my work. 
If I procrastinate and delay completing work on one project, it impacts other work that I’m supposed to complete after that.  It’s like a downward spiral and hard to get out of.
Another risk is that my integrity will wane.  If I don’t keep my word and do what I said I would do and be respectful of how my work impacts others, I will lack integrity.
Show how should I handle procrastination in my life?
I need to go to the Lord each day and seek His direction and help. 
If I find myself procrastinating regularly, perhaps I need to look at my schedule.  I need to choose wisely what I commit myself to.  When I say yes to one thing, even if by default, I’m saying no to something else which may be more important. 
 
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s FiveMinute Friday challenge.  I encourage you to go on over and read some of the wonderful posts from others who join in.  You will be encouraged. 
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Five Minute Friday – Narrow Path

Posted in Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, Five Minute Friday, Norrow Path, The Gypsy Mama by

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. – Matthew 7:13-14
The first Sunday after I recognized that I was a sinner and unable to save myself and received Christ at the age of 32, I started going to church.  During the ensuing years I went to a church that was Christian-lite.  From there I moved to a church that did expositional preaching but it was large and I found it easy to fade into the crowd.  One of my biggest regrets was moving to a church that didn’t preach the Word, but desired to make the unsaved feel comfortable being at church, rather than feed the flock. 
While at that church I grew very weak and took one of my biggest stumbles which I regret to this day.  Thank You Lord for Your mercies are new every morning and Your forgiveness is complete. 
When this prodigal recognized her sin and wanted to come home, the Lord brought me to Bible Study Fellowship.  It was through this in-depth Bible study that I began walking on the narrow path.  Soon after the Lord led me to a church where I was able to get well grounded in the Word of God. 
It wasn’t until I began studying the Bible, day by day for myself, through the power of the Holy Spirit I intentionally and purposefully began walking on that narrow path.  Through my personally study of the Word of God and applying it that I began to see that the Lord had a message for me. 
These days, I continue to participate in an in-depth Bible study through Community Bible Study.  May I seek to know You more Lord and obey Your commands through Your sustaining grace.  May I grow in wisdom, knowledge and truth.  May Your Word continue to illuminate the narrow path ahead. 
My Five Minute Friday submission is a day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday.  I must confess I took longer than five minutes this week, but it felt good to write and remember the goodness of the Lord.  Head on over and read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there.  Perhaps you would like to try your hand at writing for five minutes
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Five Minute Friday – Letting Go of Expectation

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When I hear the word expectation the first thing that comes to mind was our first year of marriage.
One of the best examples of our differences and expectations is getting up in the morning.  I tend to rise early in the morning and once I’m up, I’m awake.  Chris says I’m perky and very talkative.  On the other hand, morning is not Chris’ favorite time of day.  He wakes up more slowly and is quiet. 
My expectation was that when Chris got up he would want to talk and be engaging.  From my past experiences, I thought that when someone was quiet and silent that they were angry.
As you can imagine, I interpreted Chris’ quiet wake up time as anger at me.  I didn’t have a clue as to what he was angry about, but I couldn’t understand why he was so quiet.  Chris assured me that he wasn’t angry that he was just waking up differently than I do.  Even though he explained it, I don’t think I quite understood that until later. 
These days we both have our routines.  I still get up early and do many things and find myself talking to our kitties and birds.  Chris gets up a little bit later and wakes up more slowly. 
Once I was able to let go of my expectation and stop coloring and interpreting Chris based on past experiences, I was able to let Chris be himself. 


A day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The GypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and give it a try and be sure to read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Five Minute Friday – How Do I See God?

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Holiness of God, Sin Debt, The Gypsy Mama by

Whom do I see when I think of God
Do I see Him as gentle and benevolent
Like a doddering old grandfather
Who has no impact on how I live my life
Do I see man’s picture of Jesus
Dialed down and nonthreatening
Repackaged to be more appealing to unbelievers
Someone who treats our sins superficially
Or do I read God’s Word with reverence
Am I in awe of God Who is Holy, Holy, Holy
Do I remember my redemption came at a price
My sin debt was paid for by the Holy Lamb of God
by Susan Wachtel
June 2, 2012

Psalm 111:9-10
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has commanded His covenant forever:
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
A day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The GypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and give it a try and be sure to read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Five Minute Friday – Opportunities Abound

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Though it’s a day late…I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday Challenge.
As I go through each day I see that opportunities abound.  Lord may You be my focus and may I see everything through Your eyes and perspective.
There are opportunities to:
  • Praise God, especially through trial and tribulation
  •  Forgive those who hurt me or do me wrong 
  • Witness of Christ to those who don’t yet know Him
  •  Encourage and strengthen the brethren 
  • Take courage from the Lord and face circumstances or people in the strength of the Lord
  •  Pray for a multitude of needs, especially and most importantly to pray for the salvation of the unsaved 
  • Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
  •  Turn away from that which is displeasing or sinful in God’s eyes
  •  Walk the narrow way that leads to salvation
  •  Speak words build people up in the Lord and speak the truth in love 
  • Read God’s Word each day
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday challenge.  I encourage you to go on over and read some of the wonderful posts from others who join in.  You will be encouraged. 
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Five Minute Friday…Sobering Perspective

Posted in Depending on God, Economic Downturn, Five Minute Friday, Job Loss, Sobering Perspective, The Gypsy Mama by

Those days I feel overwhelmed
By the pressing, unrelenting demands of work
Come home weary and fatigued
When tempted to wonder, “How do others do it?”
Instead I look around and see
So many effected by the continuing downward spiral of our economy
Drivers and cars that used to head off to work
Now stay in the driveway each day
Lawns once green and manicured
Now have turned brown
Gardens once tended
Are now overgrown with weeds
Homes that used to show signs of life
Now stand empty for no one is home
Lord…may I have a heart of compassion
May I have a heart of gratitude for Your provisions
May I be faithful in prayer for those in need of jobs
Reach out where You lead
May I not presume upon my God
Who causes it to rain on the just and unjust alike
May I have a right perspective and attitude
Depending upon God for the strength to persevere
By Susan Wachtel
May 19, 2012
A day late…but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to participate in The GypsyMama’s Five Minute Friday.  Head on over and give it a try and be sure to read the writings of many gifted individuals while you are there. 
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Five Minute Friday – Identity Found

Posted in Christian, Compromise, Five Minute Friday, Identity, Lotish Christians, Sin, The Gypsy Mama by

When I think how I would describe myself to someone, the first word that comes to mind is Christian.  Before I even think of myself as a woman, wife, daughter, sister and friend…I think of myself as a Christian.
My identity as a Christian impacts all the other roles and relationships that I have. 
Yesterday, as was I was driving home from work I was listening to a pastor talking about being a Christian.  He said the more we love the Lord and know Him through God’s Word and through prayer, the more we hate sin.  We see sin more from God’s perspective.  We know how destructive it is, not just in this life, but for eternity. 
I think that the devil likes to lull believers into complacency in our culture.  We end up blending in by watching the same movie, TV shows, reading the same books and listening to the same music, which is often profane.  Yet…we fail to see it because we are immersed in our culture.  Before long we start living like the world does and compromising our faith because of what we are filling our minds with.  The name I given it is “Lotish Christians”.  
Lord, may I be immersed in Your Word, draw me close to You through prayer and may I not forsake the fellowship of other believers.  May my identity in Christ triumph everything else. 
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1-2
This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday challenge.  I encourage you to go on over and read some of the wonderful posts from others who join in.  You will be encouraged. 
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Five Minute Friday – The Battle is Real and Belongs to the Lord

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Spiritual Armor, Spiritual Battle by

As believers we are engaged in a very real battle.  The enemy and his minions wage war against us, but there are a few things I need to remember:
The enemy’s head was crushed 2,000 years ago.
We are fighting from a place of victory that Christ won for us.
Some of the things the enemy hates to see:
  • He hates to see the saints of God on their knees in prayer to their heavenly Father.
  • He hates to see us open our Bible to read, memorize and study God’s Word.
  • He hates to hear us speak truth from the scripture.
  • He hates to see a sinner repent and ask for forgiveness from God.
  • He hates to see a sinner forgive someone who hurt them.
  • He hates to see a saint praise God in the midst of their trials and tribulations.
  • He hates to hear songs of worship to the Lord.
  • He hates saints who are unashamed of the Gospel and share it with those who are perishing.
  • He hates the truth of the narrow way to salvation through Christ Jesus alone.
  • He hates a humble servant of God.
  • He hates to see a saint take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and meditate on that which is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy.
  • He hates to see the saints of God put on their spiritual armor each day, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, taking up the shield of faith, putting on the helmet of salvation, wielding the sword of the spirit and praying always. 
  • He hates to see the saints gather together and not forsake the assembling of one another.
  • He hates it when a saint remembers that they have the Holy Spirit of God indwelling them and their bodies are a temple of God.
  • He hates it when the saints read and pastors preach from Revelation because in doing so, we see his ultimate end.
I like to win the spiritual battles.  Too often I get my focus off of God and fall into trap of the enemy.  Praise God, He doesn’t leave me there. 
Thank You Jesus for winning that battle 2,000 years ago on the cross.  Thank You for saving me from before the foundations of the world.  Lord…I pray that You would grant salvation to those for whom I pray.  Snatch them from the enemy’s hand and hold them securely in Your hand.  May today be their day of salvation.  May they confess with their mouth and believe with their heart that Jesus Christ is Lord…to Your glory forever and ever…Amen.
Okay…I confess this was longer than five minutes, but golly I love remembering the victory I have in Christ and my absolute security in God’s hand. 

This post is linked with The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday challenge.  I encourage you to go on over and read some of the wonderful posts from others who join in.  You will be encouraged. 
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.
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Five Minute Friday – Community Bible Study

Posted in Bible Study, Bible Study Fellowship, Community Bible Study, Five Minute Friday by

It’s been my privilege for the past two years to participate in Community Bible Study’s Orange Evening Women’s class where we do an in-depth study of God’s word.  Last year our class went through the book of Revelation.  I learned more from that study than any other time I’ve read or studied Revelation.  This year we’ve been studying the gospel of John. 
For many years I was part of the Bible Study Fellowship class that meets in Santa Ana on Monday evening.  Those years of study took me from being a relatively new Christian to someone who knew God’s word for myself. 
There is nothing like studying the word of God in depth for myself.  It’s just me, the Bible and God.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to give me understanding.  God has revealed Himself to man through the Bible.  He tells us who He is.  He has revealed His purpose and plan for people and our world.  He tells us what went wrong, why our world is so messed up and why I’m so messed up.  He offers me hope that it doesn’t have to stay that way. 
When I read God’s word, I fall more in love with my heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who bore the punishment for my sin so that I could be forgiven and set free from sin.  Set free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and one day from the presence of sin. 
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy ofThe Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Together Again

Posted in Five Minute Friday, Gospel Message, Heaven, Hell, The Gypsy Mama by

Recent days and months have had their share of sorrow in the death of precious friends.  I’ll tell you, there is a world of difference when a Christian dies and when an unbeliever dies. 
As a Christian I have confident hope and assurance that I will one day see my believing family and friends again.  It brings joy to think that I will once again see their face, hear their laugh and feel their warm embrace.  We will be together in heaven, a place where there is no more sin, sickness, sorrow or death.  We will be with our Savior and see Him face to face.  A place where worship and praise will never end.  Halleluiah, I long for that day.
But when someone dies who has not received Jesus Christ as their Savior, when they haven’t repented of their sin, when they haven’t cried out to the Lord for forgiveness…it’s not good!  It’s a place of eternal punishment, retribution, unrelenting suffering that will never, ever end. 
It almost feels more tortuous when I don’t know if my loved one is in heaven or hell. 
There’s not a day that goes by I don’t think of my precious friend.  I may hear some whose laugh sounds just like her laugh, or see someone who looks like her and I wonder…where is she today?  Will we ever be together again? 
Lord forgive me please for not being more bold in sharing the Gospel message, for worrying more about offending her rather than being concerned about the place she will spend eternity.  
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Loud & Clear

Posted in Five Minute Friday, God's Faithfulness, The Gypsy Mama by

Today at lunchtime, as I walked to my car I was talking with God.  “Lord, I don’t know why You keep me here and what is it that You want me to learn?  But whatever it is I’m begging you to help me learn the lesson so we can move on.  I’m overwhelmed Lord.”
I turned on the radio only to hear my words echoed.  The pastor was teaching through the book of Lamentations.  “You are overwhelmed and crying out to the Lord and asking why.  The truth is you’ve come up against life and life holds trials and tribulations.  Instead of asking why, what you need to do is to praise God in the midst of your trials and tribulations.” 
Wow!  God had my attention.  He wasn’t promising a quick deliverance from uncomfortable circumstances.  But He showing me that I could encourage my heart right where I was at by reminding myself and praising Him for who He is, both in the good times and bad. 
Lamentations 3:22-26
22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I hope in Him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the soul who seeks Him.
26 It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the Lord.
God you are indeed the God who hears my prayers, You are the One who never leaves me, nor forsakes me.  Great is Your faithfulness, Your mercies are new every morning and more than sufficient to help me right where I’m at today.  Help me to keep my heart and mind stayed on You.  May Your Holy Spirit bring to my mind truth found in Your word.  Lord help me to trust You even while I’m in the midst of uncomfortable places for You are always near.  Thank You Lord…I love You!  

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Brave & Courageous

Posted in Brave, Courageous, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

Friday’s topic at The Gypsy Mama is “Brave”. 
When I hear the word brave, I think of someone who is courageous and self-sacrificing in face of danger, giving little thought of the personal cost to themselves, and a willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to protect, rescue and help others.
I think of men and women who serve in the military to serve, protect and defend this nation.  Often they do so at a cost to themselves.  Their family also sacrifices so that our nation can be secure.
A living picture of bravery are police officers and fire fighters.  I’ll never forget the images of the men walking into the World Trade Center Towers on September 11, 2001.  Men and women of like character serve and protect our towns and cities each day.  We owe a great debt of gratitude to those who daily serve, protect and defend us.
There’s another kind of bravery that I see in those courageously facing a terminal or devastating diseases.  Not giving up and not giving in to despair.  That’s not to say that their every moment is infused with courage, but they don’t stay there.  Instead they press on. 
A compelling picture of bravery is Christians who live in nations where being a Christian is a matter of life or death.  They willingly and daily choose to proclaim the message of salvation found in Jesus Christ alone, no matter what the cost.  Accepting the cost rather than deny their Savior. 
Lord, may I be a brave and courageous person when the time of testing comes. 

This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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Five Minute Friday – Empty Prayers

Posted in Empty Prayers, Faith, Five Minute Friday, The Gypsy Mama by

Today the Lord convicted me that I was praying empty prayers devoid of faith when praying for God to intervene in circumstances in my life.
My prayers have been passionate and my feelings have been laid bare before the Lord.  Each day, I’m praying for God to move in the circumstances and intervene on my behalf.  While I was praying the Lord helped me to see that I was being double minded.  I was asking for the Lord to be at work in my situation and immediately following that prayer I was planning how to handle it if or when the Lord did not answer my prayer as I had asked.
I’m wrestling about praying with faith and accepting God’s will.  I desire to pray with confidence in God and be assured that He is able to handle what concerns me.  Nothing is too hard for God.  
Then the doubt creeps in…I need to be practical, after all what I’m praying may not be God’s will for my circumstance?  
Erring on the side of faith, when I’m praying within the will of God as revealed in the Bible, I can pray with a confident expectation that God will act. 
The fine line is praying with expectation and a confident assurance in God, but not demanding my way when God chooses to act differently.  I need to remember that when God chooses to answer my prayers differently, it doesn’t change one iota who He is and what He is able to do.  I can trust the plan He is working out.  I will only know God’s will as He works out the circumstances in my life. 
Lord, may I err on the side of faith, of believing that You are well able to handle all that concerns me today.  Help me to pray Lord with unwavering faith and trust You in all circumstances.  May I not be double minded and remember that You are pleased with those who walk by faith. 
 
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Heb 11:1
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. – Heb 11:6
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. – James 1:7-8
This post is being linked to 5-Minute Friday courtesy of The Gypsy Mama, where you simply write for 5 minutes without worrying if it’s right or not.  Head on over and take the challenge today.
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