October 31, 2010

Can Halloween be Hallow?

I was thinking about this celebration called Halloween today. Most people do not see it as religious or sacrilegious they simply see it as “Costumes and Candy”. I know many churches that have a fall festival to gather everyone into the church however once there it is still “Costumes and Candy”. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but what if……

What if we thought about a deeper meaning, like a parable? Isn’t that what Jesus would do on Halloween? He would be right in the middle of our streets walking around looking for who was ready to receive a timely word. He would be planting seeds. I can hear him now walking up to a house watching all the beautiful children. He might even ask one of them something like did you and your family carves a pumpkin tonight? Did you notice all the seeds inside? Did you know if you plant a seed it grows? First comes the sprout, then the vine then a flower which turns into fruit. Did you put a candle in yours? Did you know that God created light? He created it to shine into darkness just like your candle did. I hope you have a wonderful night run and knock on that door I bet they will answer; you will receive a delightful gift that will bring you joy. Be sure you receive it with thanksgiving.

Christ might see another child who is scared or lost from their parent. He would surely take the time to comfort them and help them find their parent. Shouldn’t we be among the people that are lost and help them find their Father? Shouldn’t we be telling them of our hope and showing our light on such a dark night. Shouldn’t we be giving them at least a piece of what we have abundantly received?

When children want to dress up, they can dress up as a holy ghost and when they knock on a door they could exemplify bringing the gift of peace and a blessing. After all the candy would be fulfilling the scripture when it says to receive whatever those receiving you offer as your wage.

Hallowed be God’s name on Halloween. There is no fear in love, perfect love casts out all fear.

We are to be salt and light – He that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.

I praise God for that.

I am listing some verses below to think over.

I love each of you, be sure to speak of this with your children after all Proverbs says:

8My son, listen to your father’s discipline, and do not neglect your mother’s teachings,

9because discipline and teachings are a graceful garland on your head

and a golden chain around your neck.

God our father says not to despise His discipline because he disciplines those he loves.

Kisses,

Candace

Isaiah 9:2/ John 15: 5 , 17:15-19 / Isaiah 9:2 / Mathew 10 / Matthew 5:32-48, 7:1-5, chapter 10 / 1 Corinthians 15: 10 thru end of chapter

Would love to know your thoughts on this one =D

October 30, 2010

Fear Not, by Os Hillman

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

God calls each of us to engage in spiritual warfare at times. Whenever satan wants to come against one of God's children, he does so by trying to intimidate through fear. Goliath's formidable size and arrogant boasting intimidated Saul and Israel's army. And because God's anointing had fallen from Saul, he was unable to respond with courage to Goliath's charge. Fear paralyzes and torments. That is why Saul could not respond.

The anointing had fallen on David, who was just a young boy, but mighty in spirit. David did not cower at the size or shouts of the giant Goliath. He saw Goliath through the eyes of God, who saw him as a mere speck. David had righteous indignation for an affront to the armies of the living God.

David did not weigh the risk of failure because his faith was resting totally in God. That is another important factor in overcoming fear-complete trust in God. When the Lord began training me to confront fear, the training grounds were a groundless lawsuit, intimidation's, and calamity that confronted my very existence. Learning that these were merely tactics of the enemy, designed to instill fear, allowed me to stand firm in God's power to overcome.

Do not fear sudden calamity if you are walking uprightly before God. It may be setting the stage for a great victory that will bring praise and honor to your heavenly Father. These battles are training grounds for greater victories to come
Yesterday we were speaking in group about fear verses faith.  I thought this would be a great support for thinking a bit more on those topics.  If you still have our study on "The Wind and a Stone"  it would be helpful to read it again over the next couple of days.  If you do not have it e-mail me and I will send you a copy.  Also go into the search or archives on the site and type in fear we have covered different points to help us lean on God's views instead of our sight many times.  (God's view is another key word search you can use)

I pray that we all live by our faith and trust in God's sovereignty and not by our limited eye sight; always and in all ways,

In Christ,
Candace

October 28, 2010

Ministry in Word

The Essence and Benefits of Repentance
悔改的本质和好处

1 Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall! 2 Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips. 3 Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount war-horses. We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion." 4 "I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them. 5 I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots; 6 his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon. 7 Men will dwell again in his shade. He will flourish like the grain. He will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon. 8 O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me." 9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.

1 以色列啊,你要归向耶和华─你的 神;你是因自己的罪孽跌倒了。2 当归向耶和华,用言语祷告他说:求你除净罪孽,悦纳善行;这样,我们就把嘴唇的祭代替牛犊献上。3 我们不向亚述求救,不骑埃及的马,也不再对我们手所造的说:你是我们的 神。因为孤儿在你─耶和华那里得蒙怜悯。4 我必医治他们背道的病,甘心爱他们;因为我的怒气向他们转消。5 我必向以色列如甘露;他必如百合花开放,如利巴嫩的树木扎根。6 他的枝条必延长;他的荣华如橄榄树;他的香气如利巴嫩的香柏树。7 曾住在他荫下的必归回,发旺如五谷,开花如葡萄树。他的香气如利巴嫩的酒。8 以法莲必说:我与偶像还有甚麽关涉呢?我─耶和华回答他,也必顾念他。我如青翠的松树;你的果子从我而得。9 谁是智慧人,可以明白这些事;谁是通达人,可以知道这一切。因为,耶和华的道是正直的;义人必在其中行走,罪人却在其上跌倒。

Hosea 14:1-9
何西阿書14:1-9

Introduction
引言

As the prophet Hosea earnestly called the people of Israel to return to Yahweh their God, he is also calling the peoples of the world to return to Yahweh, who is also our God. God is the Creator of everything and He gives rise to every nation. All peoples share a common origin and all nations are blessed by God through Abraham (Gen 12:2-3). We must let God deal with our sins so that we may return to Him. Hosea explains what this process of returning to the LORD is all about in chapter 14 of the Old Testament biblical book bearing his name.

当日先知何西阿热烈地呼唤以色列人归向耶和华他们的神,今天他也在呼唤世上的民族归向耶和华,他也是我们的神。神是万物的创造者,他又使每个国家兴起。所有民族都有一个共同的起源,所有国家都是神藉着亚伯拉罕赐福〔创12:2-3〕。我们必须让神处理我们的罪好让我们可以归向他。何西阿在以他为名的旧约圣经书卷第14章中解释归向耶和华这过程是怎麽一回事。

I. Repentance involves confession, returning to the Lord, asking for forgiveness, and having faith in God alone (14:1-3)

一、 悔改牵涉到认罪、归向耶和华、请求饶恕和单单信靠神〔14:1-3〕

Hosea says that the first step of repentance is to “take words with you and return to the LORD” (14:2). The repentance process starts with the conviction of our sins by the Holy Spirit. When we are made aware of our sins by such conviction, we must go to the LORD with words of confession, for that shows how our understaning of and agreement with His conviction.

何西阿说悔改的第一步就是「归向耶和华,用言语祷告他」〔14:2〕。圣灵指出我们的罪就开始了悔改的过程。当我们这样被提醒知罪的时候,我们必须到耶和华面前承认我们的罪,因为这样做显出我们了解并同意他所定我们的罪。

The next step of repentance is to ask the LORD for forgiveness of “all our sins”, that is the list of transgressions included in our words of confession in the last step. This is to prepare us for our petition for God “to receive us graciously”. Graciously is the only way God will receive us because our salvation is all of grace bestowed on us through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus and our faith in Him. It is “not from ourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Instead of boasting we will “offer the fruit of our lips”, our praises and thanksgiving to God for His mercy (14:2).

悔改的下一步就是求耶和华「除净罪孽」,就是包含在上一步我们所承认全部的过犯。这是为了准备我们求神「悦纳善行」。喜悦地接纳我们是神接纳我们的唯一方法,因为我们得救是本于他儿子耶稣的牺牲所赐给我们的恩典及我们对他的信心。这并「不是出於自己,乃是神所赐的;也不是出於行为,免得有人自夸。」〔弗2:8-9〕我们要献上「嘴唇的祭」来代替自夸,就是赞美和感谢他的怜悯〔14:2〕。

The final step of repentance is to trust in the LORD alone from now on. We declare our dependency and allegiance to our Lord, confessing that worldly power cannot save us, just like Assyria could not save Israel, and our own strength (represented by war horses) will not save us either. We also declare that we will no longer idolize man-made things, knowing that only in God will we find compassion for our needs (the orphans.) (14:3)

悔改的最後一步就是从今以後单单信靠耶和华。我们声明我们对主的依靠和效忠,承认世上的强权不能拯救我们就如亚述国不能救以色列一样,而我们凭己力〔以战马代表〕也不能自救。我们也声称我们不再以人造之物作偶像,知道我们只有在神那里才能获得对我们的需要〔孤儿〕的同情〔14:3〕。

Is your understanding of repentance including these elements from Hosea 14:1-3, that is,detailed confession to God, unmerited forgiveness from God, faith in God alone?

你对悔改的了解是否包括何西阿书14:1-3内的这些要素呢,就是对神详细的认罪、不配得的神的赦免和对神单一的信心?

II. Repentance brings God’s blessings as a result of a right relationship with God (14:4-7)

二、 悔改带来因着与神正确关系的祝福〔14:4-7〕

Having repented and justified by Christ’s blood, we are saved from God’s wrath (Ro 5:9). God has turned away His anger from us upon our repentance and has brought us two great blessings: healing of our waywardness and loving us freely (14:4).

悔改并因基督的血称义後我们藉着他免去神的忿怒〔罗5:9〕。在我们悔改时神的怒气向我们转消了并为我们带来两大福气:医治我们背道的病,甘心爱我们〔14:4〕。

Our sinful nature includes a tendency to backslide from our faith. We cannot resist the worldly temptation in our own strength. But God says that He will heal this spiritual sickness of ours so that we can fight the spiritual battle and win. How does God heal us? He does so by giving us “a new heart and put a new spirit” in us and He will remove  from us our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh. And He will put His Spirit in us and move us to follow His decrees and be careful to keep His laws (Eze 36:26-27).

我们的罪性带有背道的倾向,我们靠自己的力量不能抵抗世间的试探。但是神说他要医治我们这个属灵的病让我们可以打属灵的仗而得胜。神如何医治我们呢?他医治的方法就是要赐给我们「一个新心,将新灵放在」我们里面,又从我们的肉体中除掉石心,赐给我们肉心。他必将他的灵放在我们里面,使我们顺从他的律例,谨守遵行他的典章〔结36:26-27〕。

The healing should cure our backsliding, and if it does not, God says He will love us freely. His love is given to all because God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but has eternal life (Jn 3:16). This love requires no personal merit because He loves us freely. It does not matter how we feel, the fact is God loves us freely. He loves us so much that He gave us his one and only Son, therefore He loves us enough to receive us as we are but also conforms us into his Son’s image by disciplining us. It is said that God disciplines those He loves (Heb 12:6).

这治疗应该会医好我们背道的病,如果仍未好神说他甘心爱我们。神赐他的爱给所有的人因为他爱世人,甚至将他的独生子赐给他们,叫一切信他的,不至灭亡,反得永生〔约3:16〕。这份爱不要求个人的功绩因为他甘心爱我们。不论我们感觉如何,事实上神甘心爱我们。他爱我们,甚至将他的独生子赐给我们,所以他也因为爱我们所以他照我们本相接纳我们,但同时以管教我们来使我们成为他儿子的形象。圣经有说神所爱的人他必管教〔来12:6〕。

Having the right relationship with God also leads to an abundant spiritual life because God’s love and righteousness nourish us as dew to the lily and as the mighty cedar of Lebanon sending down its roots we ground ourselves on His teaching. We spread God’s fragrance to the world while we stand firm on His Word.

与神的正确关系也引至一个丰富的属灵生命,因为神的爱与义养育我们如甘露滋润百合花,又如壮大的利巴嫩香柏树扎根我们扎根在他的教导上。我们站稳在他的话语上向世界播放神的香气。

What kinds of blessings are resulted from your right relationship with God? How has He healed your waywardness, and how has He loved you freely? How has your “sending down roots” helped your spiritual life?

你与神的正确关系给你带来什麽样的福气呢?他如何医治你背道之病和他如何甘心地爱你呢?你的「扎根」如何帮助你的属灵生命呢?

III. Repentance leads to a fruitful life with wisdom and discernment (14:8-9)
三、 悔改引至一个有智慧又通达的结果子的生命〔14:8-9〕

In our sins we may fear man or demon. After our repentance we regard the LORD Almighty as holy and He is the one that we fear (Isa 8:13). “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Pr 9:10). Then through such reverence of God we gain wisdom and discernment, because we delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on His law day and night. As a result we are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever we do prospers. (Ps 1:2-3) Remember that our fruitfulness comes from the LORD (14:8). This describes the sanctified life of a believer who lives in awe and love of God, full of wisdom and understanding, with continual spiritual growth.

我们在罪中可能会惧怕人或邪灵。我们悔改後就尊万军之耶和华为圣,以他为我们所当怕的,所当畏惧的〔赛8:13〕。「敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端;认识至圣者便是聪明。」〔箴9:10〕藉着对神这般的敬畏我们得着智慧和通达的心,因为我们喜爱耶和华的律法,昼夜思想。如此我们就像一棵树栽在溪水旁,按时候结果子,叶子也不枯乾。凡我们所做的尽都顺利。〔诗1:2-3〕这形容一个活在神的敬畏和爱中,满有智慧和聪明,有不断的属灵成长的成圣生活。

How has your repentance led to a life of wisdom and discernment?
你的悔改如何引至一个有智慧又通达的生命呢?

Conclusion
结语


A sincere repentance includes our confession of sins convicted by the Holy Spirit, asking for God’s forgiveness of our offenses against Him, returning to Him with a single-minded faith in Him.

真挚的悔改包括我们承认圣灵所定的罪,求神宽恕我们对他的冒犯,以专一对他的信心归向他。

After repentance we may backslide but we can take hold of God’s promise that He has healed us of our waywardness so we can depend on Him to live victoriously. We can come to the LORD for forgiveness just as we are for He will love us freely. With our continual cleansing by His forgiving mercy, we can live a fruitful spiritual life empowered by the LORD.

在悔改後我们可能背道,但是我们可以凭着神已经医治我们背道的病的应许来靠他过得胜的生活。我们可以以本相来求耶和华饶恕因为他甘心爱我们。凭着他宽恕的怜悯不断洁净我们,我们可以过一个以耶和华为动力的满有果子的属灵生活。

Repentance brings reverence of God into our heart. This sprouts a life of godly wisdom and understanding. With us in Christ and Christ in us, the LORD prospers the work of our hands.

悔改带对神的敬畏进我们心中,这样就萌生一个敬虔智慧和聪明的生命。我们在基督里和基督在我们里,耶和华使我们所做的尽都顺利。

Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀


“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9

October 27, 2010

Going Without Jesus - By Os Hillman

"...they were unaware of it." Luke 2:43

Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. Jesus was 12 years old. They were evidently very distracted by the excitement and business of the Feast. In fact, Mary and Joseph began their return trip to Nazareth only to realize well into the trip that Jesus was not with them. It would be three days before they would be reunited with their 12-year-old son. It caused quite a scare in Mary and Joseph, and they reprimanded Jesus for "wandering" off.


As a parent, I find this story truly amazing. How can parents of the Son of God not know their son is not in their presence? Yet this story illustrates how each of us can become so busy that we continue to operate not realizing that Jesus is no longer with us. Obviously, there was very little fellowship taking place between Jesus and His parents during the trip.

Are you experiencing daily, even moment-by-moment, fellowship with Jesus? If not, you will wake up one day and realize Jesus is not with you in your endeavors. It may, like Mary and Joseph, create a certain fear in you that you may have lost a very important relationship. Doing business without Jesus' presence leaves us powerless and prone to live in fear. Jesus said He would never leave or forsake His children. However, we can walk away from His fellowship by refusing to be with Him. Do not let this happen to you. He longs to have daily fellowship with you because He loves you

I pray for us all today, that we seek Him with all that we are, strive to lay down our selfish ambitions so that He may have fellowship with us and others around us, live out this day energized by the power of His love which casts out all fear and woos others into His embrace.
 
With the Love of our Christ,
Candace

October 26, 2010

What Do You See?

Genesis 3:4-6 (NAS)The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.


Looking over this encounter between Satan, Adam, Eve several points to ponder presented themselves. 
Was God there watching?  He says He is always with us.
Satan spoke to Eve in the presence of Adam, telling her new information about God's character.  Why would he do this except to distort His character in their eyes.  He was basically stating, "I know something about your God that you do not know, therefore I know Him better so you need to trust me."
Both Adam and Eve allowed Satan to have the last word.  Why did they not speak again?  They took his deception, believed what he was saying, pictured the perversion as better and devoured it.

God tells us we have all power over our choices.  If we do not know we will choose a lesser life; a life of destruction leading to death...not only for us, but also for those we are entwined with in life.  Who are you the head of?  Are you following Christ? Is He your head above all else?  What your mind pictures, it seeks and takes hold of.  Change the ways you think....see your life differently and rise a transformed creature.  It happens in the blink of an eye.  God says His words are trustworthy...

I pray that we are trustworthy because of Him whom we believe in to make us healed, restored, whole and leading the way.

In Christ,
Candace

October 21, 2010

Ministry in Word

I’d Rather Have
我宁愿有

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from you forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

知道你们得赎,脱去你们祖宗所传流虚妄的行为,不是凭着能坏的金银等物,乃是凭着基督的宝血,如同无瑕疵、无玷污的羔羊之血。

1 Pe 1:18-19
彼前1:18-19

These verses bring to my mind Beverly Shea’s hymn, “I’d rather have Jesus.”
这些经文让我想起谢比华的圣诗「我宁愿有耶稣」。

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

我宁愿有耶稣胜於金钱,
我宁愿有耶稣胜过财富无边;
我宁愿有耶稣胜於地土,
愿主钉痕手,引导我前途
胜过做君王,虽统治万方
却仍受罪恶捆绑;
我宁愿有耶稣胜於世上荣华富贵声望。

This hymn refreshes my memory of the day in my youth that I came to experience and know that I was redeemed from the empty way of life by Jesus’ blood which is more precious than silver or gold. That day I’d rather have Jesus than have all the riches of this world. I let go of myself, willingly be led by His nail-pierced hand. I told my Lord that wherever He led me I would follow.

这圣诗使我回忆到我少年时那一天,当我经历和知道我得救赎,脱去我祖宗所传流虚妄的行为,乃是凭着比金银贵重的基督的宝血。那一天我宁愿有耶稣胜过世上的财富。我放开自己,自愿被主钉痕手来引导我。我告诉我主无论他带我往那里去我都要跟随。

That was my “mountain top” experience in my church summer camp many, many years ago. I could not believe how free it was to be close to Jesus. But not long after I descended from the mountain top into the challenges of worldly college life, the knowledge of my redemption was reduced from heart knowledge to head knowledge; worldly logic became my guide instead of Jesus. After I began my career, silver or gold became my goal in the place of Jesus. I gradually took more and more control of my life away from God; at least I thought I did. I forgot that I was redeemed by more precious things than silver or gold. I lost the freedom and lightness in life. Work was no longer exciting, and relationships were heavy. There was no more joy in life.

那是我许多年前在我教会夏令会中的「山顶」经厉,我不能相信亲近耶稣是多自由的。但我从山顶下来进入属世的大学生活的不久,我的救赎认知从心中消失只留印象在脑海中,属世的逻辑取代了耶稣的导师地位。在我事业开始後,金钱取代了耶稣作为我的目标。我逐渐从神那里拿了更多对我生命的控制,至少我自以为如此。我忘记了我是凭着比金银贵重的东西得救赎的。我失去了生命中的自由轻快。工作不再是兴奋的事,而人际关系变得沈重。生命中缺乏了喜乐。

But God is sovereign. Though I became a prodigal son to God, He remained the loving Father waiting for me to return home. He said, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” (Is 54:10) Like the prodigal son I was awakened by the adversity God allowed in my life. “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them” (Is 30:20) Every adversity or affliction was my teacher, but sometimes I was a reluctant student due to my pride, not willing to learn the lessons. It was always a lesson of choice and value. I had to constantly go back to the understanding that I was redeemed by something more precious than silver or gold and to choose wisely according to that understanding. I made my choice wisely when my value judgment was made with this understanding in my heart. When my value judgment was made with this understanding in my head alone most of the time I made wrong choices, like the foolish man who built his house on sand which, without a foundation, was toppled by the wind and flood (Mt 7:24-27).

但神仍掌王权。我虽然成了神的浪子,他仍是等待我回家的慈父。他说,「大山可以挪开,小山可以迁移;但我的慈爱必不离开你;我平安的约也不迁移。」〔赛54:10〕正如那位浪子,我是被神所允许进入我生命中的艰苦所唤醒的。「主虽以艰难给你当饼,以困苦给你当水,你的教师却不再隐藏;你眼必看见你的教师。」〔赛30:20〕每一个艰难或困苦都是我的教师,但有时因为我的骄傲,我变成一个不甘心的学生,不肯学习那些功课。那经常是一个选择和价值的功课。我须要固定地回到我的了解,就是我是凭着比金银贵重的东西得救赎的,而须要按照我心中这个了解来作明智的选择。当我按照我心中这个了解来作价值审定时,我的选择就是明智的。当我只是按照我头脑中这个了解来作价值审定时,我的选择大都是错误的,就如那建房子在沙土上的愚昧人一般,因为房子没有根基,风吹水淹使它倒塌了〔太7:24-27〕。

Now by God’s grace I am stripped of my pride, relieved of my control, I am reestablishing once again the understanding of Jesus’ redemption of me through His blood. Today Beverly Shea’s hymn brings back a glimpse of the passion for Jesus and the freedom to pursue Him who is more precious than silver or gold!

现在我蒙恩脱离我的骄傲,不再有我的控制,我重新建立耶稣藉他的血救赎我的了解。今天谢比华的圣诗使我重新瞥见对耶稣的热忱和去追求那胜过金银的他之自由!

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause,
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name
Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

我宁愿有耶稣胜於称扬,
我宁忠於主,满足主的心肠;
我宁愿有耶稣胜於美名,
愿对主忠诚,宣扬主圣名
胜过做君王,虽统治万方
却仍受罪恶捆绑;
我宁愿有耶稣胜於世上
荣华富贵声望。

Have you lost the vibrant joy of days past? You can regain it by embracing Jesus today.
你是否失去了往日活泼的喜乐呢?今天你若拥抱耶稣你就可以重新得到。

Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9

October 20, 2010

"You Certainly Won't Die"

Genesis 3: 4,5 (GWT)“You certainly won’t die!” the snake told the woman. “God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened. You’ll be like God, knowing good and evil.”

It is easy for me to sit here reading the sequence of events, as if reading a novel, and suggest what I am about to type.  However know in advance that I understand I didn't have to go through the experience as Eve did.  Because her life and many others God has afforded us wisdom.  Peter said it this way in 2 Peter chapter 3:
You therefore,beloved, knowing this beforehand,be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Satan in his cunning way was putting doubt in Eves mind.  That's why we cannot veer to the left of to the right of what God says.  What He says is truth.  What God tells us is the end result.  He gives us many warnings along the way.   He is simply trying to say.....this is your destination.  You might not get there today, or tomorrow however I am a God.  I have set before you life and death, you choose your final outcome. 

I pray that we open the gift of strength, wisdom, discernment and courage and that we ask Him to show us how His Love employs those characteristics to walk among those He puts in our path, in our life, to live with for eternity. Let's start or forever today.....His way; which is The Way of Life.  Selah....

With the Love of our Christ,
Candace

October 18, 2010

Our Sister in Heaven

I have no idea what to say at this moment.  However, we have the holy spirit who intercedes for us when we do not know what to say.  As I am praising the journey, our sister Sue Taylor, is experiencing.  I request the peace that surpasses all understanding for us.

Christ said "let the dead bury the dead" so at this moment I will continue to speak of her life. Though death is part of life.  Sue truly died many years ago.....when she was truly born.  Since then, there has never been an ability for death to have a sting.   Sue's life was IS a wonderful living epistle to our savior Jesus Christ.  Just as Christ is spirit, Sue is spirit and where Christ is there is liberty.  Sue is now everything God created her to be without mourning, without sorrow, without imperfection.  And Sue would make a joke about the last part of that statement right about now.

Her voice, I never got to hear sing....but I know it was a sweet offering to God every time He heard it.  Music was entwined in her every movement.  Sue was all about movement.  She moved energy for healing, wholeness, for Christ to reign through others wholeness.  I cannot say that I understand as Sue understood these things. But this I know,  I believe what God implanted within her to share.

I would like to share Sue's epistle, God would like to share her story.  This is why we are here....
Please take a moment to post some of the awesome things God did through our Sister Sue.  Our prayers, love pour out over her husband Craig, son Matt and other family members who have supported and loved her all her wonderful years among us.

With so much love for her,
Candace

October 17, 2010

Add-On's

Good Sunday Morning Everyone!!

What a beautiful crisp day it is. To me, the Garden of Eden must have had days like this. Birds swooping to perch on limbs and sing their little hearts out.  Squirrels racing across the top of limbs rustling all the colorful leaves while the breeze is gently wrapping it all together in a gentle hug.......mmmmm, I love this time of year - can you tell?

Speaking of the Garden we are moving on the verse 3:2 of Genesis today:
(GWT) The woman answered the snake, "We're allowed to eat the fruit from any tree in the garden except the tree in the middle of the garden.  God said "You must never eat it or touch it.  If you do, you will die!"

Wow, so many directions to go with thoughts here.  But to keep on focus of authority I will start with Gods desire.  God granted authority and provision of protection to Adam, right?  Adam was there with them when God spoke his words of instruction, not Eve.  Friday we discussed "Why didn't Adam speak up to protect them from this evil?"  We will now take that a step further to ponder this:

Why did Eve think that they were not to even "touch" the tree or they would die?  God did not say that!  Does it make sense that Eve would make that add-on when she was simply asked this question?  Does it make sense that Adam might have made the add-on to show HIS authority? 

I propose that the reason that Satan even had an opportunity to attack a vulnerability was due to Adam giving false, misleading information.  Satan didn't ask Adam - he knew the truth.  He asked the one who had not received the truth in its purest form.  Satan had a foothold and he knew it.  Did Adam not step up because he knew he had added-on and did not want to be exposed?  Either way the damage was done and he didn't want to fess up, he just wanted it to be overlooked in hopes of nothing too bad happening ...maybe?

Look at what happened to Moses when he was told to give the Israelites water from the rock.  All Moses had to do was speak to the rock and show God's power.  But as a human he felt the need to exude his strength my striking the rock and grandstanding.  He stood right in front of His true identity when he did this and suffered.  However, the people still got their provision of water and Moses was humbled.

God states in Revelation - the end of Book One in His series "The Story Being Told"  Revelation 22: 18,19 from God's Word Translation:
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy in this book:  If anyone adds anything to this, God will strike him with the plaques that are written in this book. If anyone takes away any words from this book of prophecy, God will take away his portion of the tree of life and the holy city that are described in this book.

Let's think on that today - where have we felt the propensity to add on or take away at times to show our strength instead of His.  That my sisters and brothers is the idol of legalism - making God in our image.

Today I lift Him up the one who is holy, lovely and pure,the one who is righteous and steadfast, the one and only lover of our souls.  Jesus said that the spirit testifies with him as a witness of Gods undisputed truth. He ends our love story with these beautiful, inspiring words: 
vs 20,21 - The one who is testifying to these things says, "Yes I'm coming soon!"  Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The good will of the Lord Jesus be with all of you, Amen!

To that I simply say - Live in liberty my sisters and brothers....Live, Love, Laugh, Share, Embrace and above all be victorious because....."Jesus is coming"  ( I have to say I have the excitement of Elf right now when he was stating "Santa is Coming, Santa is Coming".  If you have not seen that clip of Will Ferrell doing this I am going to load it later so you can get a great laugh - but truly we should be that excited =D)

With a Holy Kiss,
Candace

October 15, 2010

God Is Always Holy, Lovey and Pure.....But What Are We?

Genesis 3:1 (GWT) The snake was more clever than all the wild animals the LORD God had made. He asked the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must never eat the fruit of any tree in the garden'?"

We discussed how Adam was told to protect the garden and creatures from things.  We discussed him having a reason other than himself in order to correctly protect it.  And her right out of the shoot Adam was with Eve and when this "most clever" snake started speaking to Eve he did nothing.....NOTHING.  Why did he not stand before Eve and say "snake leave me alone - she is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh you can't distort what God said like that."  "She had not been created when God told me that we could eat from any tree in the garden except from the tree in the middle of the garden or we shall surely die"  "So GO and be silent - you are a creature and I Am man, created in God's image!" "I subdue things around here not you!".

That is my fairytale version which would go on to say .....and they lived happily ever after.  But....the facts are different, aren't they.  Knowing the words we are going to be going over I think some proverbs from the wisdom of Solomon are the perfect reflecting point today. 

As for me and my house...we will serve the Lord!
With Love Candace

1 A gentle answer turns away rage, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
2 The tongues of wise people give good expression to knowledge,but the mouths of fools pour out a flood of stupidity.
3 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere.They watch evil people and good people.
4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life,but a deceitful tongue breaks the spirit.
5 A stubborn fool despises his father’s discipline,but whoever appreciates a warning shows good sense.
6 Great treasure is in the house of a righteous person, but trouble comes along with the income of a wicked person.
7 The lips of wise people spread knowledge,but a foolish attitude does not.
8 A sacrifice brought by wicked people is disgusting to the LORD,but the prayers of decent people please him.
9 The way of wicked people is disgusting to the LORD,but he loves those who pursue righteousness.
10 Discipline is a terrible {burden} to anyone who leaves the {right} path.Anyone who hates a warning will die.
11 If Sheol and Abaddon lie open in front of the LORD how much more the human heart!
12 A mocker does not appreciate a warning. He will not go to wise people.
13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but with a heartache comes depression.
14 The mind of a person who has understanding searches for knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on stupidity.
15 Every day is a terrible day for a miserable person, but a cheerful heart has a continual feast.
16 Better to have a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil.
17 Better to have a dish of vegetables where there is love than juicy steaks where there is hate.
18 A hothead stirs up a fight, but one who holds his temper calms disputes.
19 The path of lazy people is like a thorny hedge, but the road of decent people is an {open} highway.
20 A wise son makes his father happy, but a foolish child despises its mother.
21 Stupidity is fun to the one without much sense, but a person who has understanding forges straight ahead.
22 Without advice plans go wrong,but with many advisers they succeed.
23 A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth, and a timely word—oh, how good!
24 The path of life for a wise person leads upward in order to turn him away from hell below.
25 The LORD tears down the house of an arrogant person, but he protects the property of widows.
26 The thoughts of evil people are disgusting to the LORD,but pleasant words are pure to him.
27 Whoever is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble to his family,but whoever hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of a righteous person carefully considers how to answer,but the mouths of wicked people pour out a flood of evil things.
29 The LORD is far from wicked people,but he hears the prayers of righteous people.
30 A twinkle in the eye delights the heart.Good news refreshes the body.
31 The ear that listens to a life-giving warningwill be at home among wise people.
32 Whoever ignores discipline despises himself,but the person who listens to warning gains understanding.
33 The fear of the LORD is discipline {leading to} wisdom,and humility comes before honor.

October 14, 2010

Tested not Tempted

I thank God that He is who sets my day, His body's day in place.  I thank Him for those that come to speak strength, encouragement into our lives even though they do not know who will be receiving what is written.  Today, as for me, that person was Os Hillman.  God knows what I have been facing for many years, just as He knows what you have been facing.  He also knew what would be hitting you square in the face attempting to break you.  Thank God He is testing us not tempting us.  Personally I give all this into the wonderful, loving, generous, kind hands of Christ my prince of peace, the lover of my soul.  I thank God that He chose to give me mercy and grace, extend peace so that I might recieve that which surpasses all understanding of my simple mind.  In Him I have all things.  In Him I can do all things.  In Him that which I do for His glory is victorious always.  In Him I am a transformed creature that cannot be held down, held back, broken or taken from.  I thank God that, that which Satan comes to steal, kill or destroy is promised to be paid back to the point that I can do nothing but give praise as I honor the one and only I AM.

So how can I do anything but sing praise?  How can my contenance be down cast even for a moment? It can not unless I choose something lesser, a power lesser.....and that will never be. Amen.

 I pray that whatever you are facing to day, that you see the giant is God and He is for you not against you.  All else WILL flee from your presence.  You my dear brothers and sisters remain in faith and STAND!!

With love,
Candace




Tested for Abundance
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman


"We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance." Psalm 66:12b

It is nice to hear that God desires to bring us into abundance. In fact, many a preacher has promoted the goodness of the Lord and His ability to prosper His children. Alas, my experience is that this gospel of material abundance has little to do with the gospel of the Kingdom as our Lord works in the realm of the sanctified soul. The passage above tells us that God does in fact bring us into places of abundance. However, upon further study of the entire passage, we learn the route to this abundance.



For you, O God, tested us; You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but You brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12). God's economy of abundance often has little to do with material blessing. In God's economy, abundance is often measured in wisdom and knowledge of Himself. It is then that we are truly blessed. Wisdom cannot be gained through intellectual pursuits. Wisdom comes only through experience. Real wisdom comes from the kinds of experiences that come only through the deepest tests. Lessons of refinement, including prison accompanied by burdens, lead us through the fire and water. This is the territory that must be traveled to reach that place of abundance. It would seem strange that a loving God would use such means with His children. What we often fail to realize is that God's measuring stick is the character and likeness of Jesus Christ Himself in each of us. This cannot be gained through a life of ease and pleasure. Ease and pleasure fail to refine.

Is God using your workplace to refine you today? Has He placed you in a prison or laid burdens on your back? Take heart if this is the place you find yourself, and realize that if you are faithful through the tests, you will enter a place of abundance that few will ever attain. The darkest hour is just before daybreak.

 

October 12, 2010

Ministry in Word

Drawn To Him
吸引人来归他

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth will draw all people to Myself.
我若从地上被举起来,就要吸引万人来归我。

Jn 12:32
約翰12:32

It is Jesus’ promise that if He is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself. And that includes me. But then why at times I am so indifferent, at times I am so distant from Jesus? Yes, it is because when Jesus is not lifted up in my life, He does not draw me to Him. I fail to remain in Him.
耶稣应许说,他若从地上被举起来,就要吸引万人来归他。那包括我在内。但又为何有时我是如此漠不关心,有时我离耶稣很远呢?是的,那是因为当耶稣在我生命中不被举起来,他就不要吸引我来归他。我就不再留在他里面。

When I don’t give priority of position to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up and therefore I am far from Him. If He is not the Lord of my life, I am drawn to something else. If He is not the Lord of my all, He is not my Lord at all.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到地位上的优先,我就没有举他起来,因此我离他很远。如果他不是我生命的主,就是别的东西吸引了我。如果他不是我一切的主,他就根本不是我的主。

When I don’t give priority of time to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. If I don’t spend time first sitting at the feet of Jesus to adore Him and to learn from Him, I will be preoccupied by things of secondary importance and miss His wisdom and grace. If I let the first thing be first, everything else will line up properly.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到时间上的优先,我就没有举他起来。如果我不花时间先坐在耶稣跟前来崇拜他和向他学习,我的心就会被次要的事情先占了而错过他的智慧和恩惠。如果我让首要之事领先,所有别的事都自然顺序而成。

When I don’t give priority of resources to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. If I do not invest and store up treasure in heaven, I will be putting away my precious thing in a leaky bag or where they can be stolen. That is bad investment and I will not be a good steward. Where my treasure is lies my heart. So by investing in Jesus, my heart will be drawn to Him.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到资源上的优先,我就没有举他起来。如果我不投资及储存财宝在天,我就会把我宝贵之物存放在有漏洞的袋子中或它们可能被偷之处。那就是不好的投资而我就不是一个好管家了。我的财宝在那里我的心也在那里。所以要投资在耶稣身上,我的心就被他吸引。
When I don’t give priority of trust to Jesus in my life, I am not lifting Him up. I won’t be drawn to Him. If I trust horses and chariots more than trusting in my Lord, I will not rest secured because I trust in man made things instead of the Creator of all things. No matter how I act like I worship my Lord, if my trust is not in Him my heart is far from Him.
当我在我生命中不让耶稣得到信靠上的优先,我就没有举他起来。我就不被他吸引。如果我信赖车马多过信赖我主,我不会放心因为我信赖人造之物而非创造万物的创造者。无论我看来多敬拜我主,如果我不信赖他我的心就远离他。

When I love God with all my heart, mind, spirit and strength, I am lifting Jesus up and I will be drawn to Him. My strength to love comes from the God who is love. The object of my love is Jesus who is the way and the truth and the life. Let me lift up the way, truth, and life. Let the way, the truth, and the life draw me to Him.
当我尽心、尽意、尽性、尽力爱神,我就举他起来而我就被他吸引。我爱的力量来自是爱的神。我爱的对象是道路、真理、生命的耶稣。让我举起道路、真理,生命。让道路、真理、生命吸引我来归他。

Tom and Tehwan Tso
仲谋与德菀

“The outcome of your faith is the salvation of your souls.” 1Peter 1:9
“信心的果效, 就是灵魂的救恩” 彼得前书1:9

October 11, 2010

A New Unique Creation

(NAS) Genesis 2:22-25Then the LORD God formed a woman from the rib that he had taken from the man. He brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She will be named woman because she was taken from man.” That is why a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked, but they weren’t ashamed of it.

There was a major change here. God did a new thing. Woman was the first of creation to be taken out of a life God created. God made this new creature unique –  to be reunited with man. Adam verbally confirmed this by his response to God when he said (my paraphrase): God you took a bone from my own body and made me something to care for. Adam was made in Gods image. God goes on to tell us that this is why…this is the reason that a man will LEAVE his father and mother AND will be united with his wife. And they will become ONE.

The next thing that happens is that the enemy entered the scene. God is divine. He knew what was happening up the road. He knew that after giving Adam instructions to protect the garden He would have to give him a reason to "fight the good fight". He also knew that in order to protect something you have to have a personal stake in it; such as fighting for yourself. Only when we can stop thinking about separation of what is yours vs what is mine and become united or one -  will the enemy (that comes to steal, kill and destroy) be a defeated foe.

Until the man covering our families see what he is calling his “woman”, until he sees that she is bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh…..the enemy will continue to try and take her from him. Husbands will you allow her to be taken? This fight is your fight – not Eves. You are Adam, God called YOU in to place. What will you do, will God find you faithful to the most unique creature he create.  He did it just for you, to give you something other than yourself to fight for?

Women, today remember you are to be a help, not an obstacle. Remember God has a way for you to help your spouse. Even if they do not seem to desire what God has placed within you to offer, take it to God and pray for wisdom, understanding, gentleness, patience, the ability to love above all else and for Him to protect your heart above all else…..for out it flows the issues of life.

With the love of our Christ covering each of you this day –

Candace

October 10, 2010

A Quote by C.S. Lewis

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will certainly be wrung & possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully with hobbies & little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket of your selfishness. But in that casket-safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable." C.S.Lewis

Covenant Relationships - by Os Hillman

"But I will establish My covenant with you, and you will enter the ark - you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you." Genesis 6:18

The Bible is filled with covenants made between God and people. Six of those covenants were made with Old Testament figures: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. The seventh was made with His own Son, Jesus Christ. God is always the strongest partner in a covenant relationship.

God made a covenant with Noah in order to preserve the human race. This covenant involved Noah's participation by building an ark. He'd never built an ark before. He'd never had a boat. It was a totally new concept to Noah and the rest of the world. Why would he need a boat in a dry land?

Noah did not have to invent the ark; God gave him the plans-in specific dimensional detail. He did not have to gather the animals-God led them into the ark. God even closed the door when they all came on board. God made it rain to prove why the ark was needed.

The covenant provided all Noah needed to complete his mission in life. When God spoke to Noah to do this thing, he needed only to respond to God's call to do it. Noah could rest in knowing the covenant made with God was going to be fulfilled if he fulfilled his part.
If you have entered into a covenant relationship with God, you too can be assured that God will uphold His part of the covenant relationship. He is committed to fulfilling His covenant with you and to fulfill His purposes in and through your life. It only requires one thing on your part-obedience. He will even provide grace and faith to you to help you fulfill your part of the covenant.

Each of us has a covenant with God. But we also enter covenants with others in our personal and business lives. How are you doing in fulfilling covenants to others? God has given us the example to follow. Ask God if you have any unfulfilled covenants you need to honor. He has called you and me to be covenant keepers. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). by Os Hillman TGIF



We are told to serve others as though we are serving Him.  We are told to seek first the Kingdom of God and then the other things will be added to this.  We are told to be aliens in this world and that our Kingdom is in heaven, to be salt and light to those that are perishing.  He made the covenant available to all that desired to be part of it, we simply have a choice to be covenant people or to go it alone.  I pray we choose life at each impass and pass into His peace which surpasses all understanding. 

In Christ there is liberty.....accept it today!
Candace

October 8, 2010

A Faithful Woman

Working with women and children who have lost the love of their lives, this devotional from Os was extremely touching to me today.  There are many forms of death of a loved one, that being said when a person is physically gone it is a form of separation which is death.  Divorce is a death of unity, women grieve that loss just the same, arguments that never heal are a slow death.  With all the work we do we also try to help men understand the trust it takes for a woman to be selfless enough to care for a family.  This is the reason that God has called a strong man to take the lead and cover his wife first and then his children.  The wife is already covering their children, and I am sure if it is a Godly woman she is doing her best to follow God and be the help mate that she was created to be to her loving husband.  God bless Mrs Hillman for persevering even when it was hard.  My cousin forwarded me something that was written just yesterday that said "God does not call Christians to do "easy", any one can do that.  He called us to do "hard".  
My love to each and every one of you,
Candace 

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman
Friday, October 08 2010



"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28

She was the Vice President of Household Affairs for her entire adult life. She had a husband, four daughters, and one son whom she managed. Her calling was not to the workplace; it was to the home. It was a calling that she fulfilled well. She often went beyond her job description to fulfill menial tasks like sewing clothes for her twin girls, playing dolls, and even playing catch with the only boy in the clan.

Things were going along well until midway in life a telephone call came that changed everything. The caller informed her that the love of her life had been killed in an airplane crash. She was in her early 40's, still beautiful, with five kids to raise on her own in spite of the fact that she hadn't worked in the business place for nearly 20 years. The death of her husband removed their steady upper middle-class income, and she was now faced with the greatest test of her life. At her lowest moment, wondering how she was going to make it, she cried out to God. God answered, "Trust Me, Lillian." Those audible words became the strength that she needed to care for her family for the next 40 years. From that moment on, she came to know her Savior personally and shared Him with her family. Her children came to know Him as well. Grandchildren became the recipient of her prayers, and they came to know Him too. She was building an inheritance in Heaven, one prayer at a time, one soul at a time. She never remarried; Christ became her Husband.

Whatever wisdom and encouragement has come to you through these devotionals, it is only as a result of one who answered the call to the greatest and most important workplace there is: the home. You can thank my mom, Lillian Hillman, for whatever grace you have gained from these messages throughout the year, because she remained faithful to the call to invest in those she was called to love and serve. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

October 7, 2010

Redeeming the Time

I am very glad that Os wrote this devotional. Os addresses this toward those that have a primary employment in secular settings. However, this topic comes up often for those of us doing evangelism as our employment. We bring a work place mentality into our evangelism. This is what we know. We plan, we organize, we schedule, we memo, we conference call, we survey, we market, we brand, and we regroup, restructure and on it goes. However, we are supposed to be doing the work of our father. This becomes the perplexity of our schedules. What do we do when the spirit is willing to stay and have compassion on the individual crying out in need and yet our next appointment is imploring us to leave? I trust what Os states in this devotion, I pray that the next appointment will lean on their relationship with the Lord until we can complete the work at hand and make it to them with God speed. I thank God for the mercy and grace He afforded us to finish what He started. Today has enough worries of its own. Our peace will get us through these moments and His love will cover the multitude of missteps made.

Read Mark 6 starting in verse 30 through to chapter 7 you will see where Christ had compassion on the individuals even though he had suggested that they go off to a quiet place to recap, regroup, make an agenda etc.  His disciples were not on the same page.  Christ was the perfect leader and set the pace for them to follow.  He did not grieve the Holy Spirit within Him.  When the spirit was willing he made his flesh align.  God then helped Christ just as he helped Philip - Christ walked across the sea to make up for the lost timing on the schedule.


To Christ be all the glory for all eternity, love,

Candace

Redeeming the Time
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman


"Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea." Acts 8:40

Many times I've heard a man or woman say they cannot participate in an event, a service, or activity for God because of the time it will take away from their job. God has called each of us to be good stewards of our time and our resources. It is just as important to learn how to say yes as it is to say no, and we must be faithful to our employers if we do not have freedom to take time away. However, many times I sense that workplace believers justify a lack of obedience under the guise of stewardship.

Philip was one of the first businessmen who was given a commission to preach the gospel. He was in the city of Samaria preaching when many miracles began to take place and the crowds came to see what was happening. Then in the midst of this great move of God, the angel of God spoke to Philip and told him to leave Samaria and go to a desert road that led from Jerusalem to Gaza. Imagine how Philip must have questioned the logic of this decision when he was seeing such results in Samaria. But Philip was obedient to the angel. Along the road, he met an Ethiopian eunuch who wanted to have the Scriptures explained to him. Philip explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian, who was the treasurer of Ethiopia under Queen Candace, and led him to the Lord, then baptized him in a nearby lake. A few moments later, Philip was supernaturally transported many miles northwest of his location to Azotus, where he preached Christ along the way toward his final destination of Caesarea.

So often we think that if we give our time outside our work life, our work will suffer. God redeemed the time for Philip by supernaturally transporting him to the next place he was to be. God always blesses those who serve Him. He can redeem lost time for those who willingly give of themselves for His purposes. Do not fall into the trap of believing that God cannot redeem the time you give for Him. If He calls you to give outside your normal work life, be assured He can make up that time. I have heard countless examples of workplace believers who experienced God's supernatural financial provision for time given for the sake of the gospel through unexpected business or unusual income that resulted after they made the commitment to take time away from their work for service to God.

God desires that we respond as Philip did in order to be used by Him in the life of another person. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit so that you can go and speak when He says go and speak. Do not fear the consequences of what that might mean if it requires leaving your work interests for a time. God will make it up. He always takes care of those who are obedient. He is more concerned about obedience than the bottom line.

October 6, 2010

Jesus Wept For The City

Jesus Wept for the City
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman


"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes'" (Luke 19:41-43).
Jesus was making his triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. The Pharisees were complaining about the exuberance of His disciples as He made His way into the city. They were celebrating a life that had blessed them and countless others: "When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!'" (Luke 19:37-38).

Jesus was saddened by the response of the Pharisees. He knew what His presence could do for the city. But He also knew they would not change. The city would reject His presence and crucify. His presence would bring peace to the city if they embraced who He was - the author of peace. Now it would be hidden from their eyes because of unbelief.

Every city can be blessed by the presence of Jesus in their midst. However, it requires city leaders to invite the presence of Jesus into their city in order for that city to experience peace. Jesus comes to bring peace in any situation. However, He also realizes He will divide city leaders because of unbelief and political correctness.

Does your city need the presence of Jesus? Do you desire to see peace in your city? Begin to pray for city leaders to understand how the presence of Jesus can impact your city in dramatic and positive ways.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. And your own city.  - Os Hillman

This merges beautifully with yesterdays post doesn't it.
My prayers are with you all,
Candace



One Voice - Conversation with My Dad

Good Morning my holy Lord God Almighty – the beginning and the end of all times; the great I Am who is holy, lovely and pure; the only one who is able to uphold, sustain and transform all things.

You are the mind that propels visionaries of unity. You are the heart that has true compassion over the doomed. You are the might that comforts the hurting. You are the power that pulls all things out of their deep. You are the gentle nurturing that woo’s roots to reach deeper. You are the sustenance which then produces the flowering fruit. You are the peace that comes as life is transcending. You are the Almighty presence that carries us to our final place. You are the master of all created. You are the life blood and breath of all that will ever be. You are the protector of all you have promised and it is only your words that stand tried and true.

Your word sends angels to take action. Your freedom has been lavished on all things. Yet it is your divine love abiding which is protecting the essence of man. You knew the end before you began this. This is simply another page written within the sands on the shore of your will. I thank you that in this I find comfort. True peace and joy shine upon my soul.
Shine, Father of Lights raining down from your heavens. Pierce the depths of the deepest dark. Open those bound by depression, the pressing in on all sides. Let them not be bound by silence. Allow them to hear your trumpet sound. Let them hear the rushing sounds of your angels; the winds of your very breath amidst their wings. They will see the light spilling in victorious. They can now rest in the arm carrying them through the breeze. Release now at this moment, all your children on bended knee. They have been waiting for your face to come into focus. They have been your bride and trusted though they have not yet seen. Increase their wisdom and discernment. As they lay down let their slumber be sweet.

Now, abide in their presence to calm them. Show them the peace that you leave. Today let them turn to walk your way. Let them find all the goodness you have in store on their way. Let them never now forsake you. You have loved them just as you’ve loved me.

I thank you that we are one body. I thank you that we are whole and free. I thank you that we serve a tender master, the High Priest who knows our every need. You are the name above all names. You are the essence of life. You are uniformity with Gods Kingdom. You usher us into His plans. You will never leave nor forsake us. In you we are holy, lovely and pure. In you we are made in His image. In you we are eternally home.

This day I claim every mountain. This day I walk the valley in peace. This day I will no longer battle. This day I will do all things with praise. This day I stand at all crossroads: the past, present and yet to come. I lift my voice in remembrance, that exuberant joy is promised, claimed, kept and received each day.

Tomorrow, I will rise with new Mercy. I trust and believe all is well. Your grace will blanket the harsh blows; your love will heal every wound. Christ is the body where the scars are seen. The piercing was touched to record your truth. I need not witness His boldness. I live by what has been told.

My life is your walking epistle. Your life now lives in place of my selfish soul. That alone should be a strong witness. They shall see and believe Christ Jesus is risen in me. I am just an element of your body. We all have an epistle to take on our way. The way is our heavenly highway. Don’t miss an opportunity to shout the victory of our King.
Life is always moving forward. Death’s desire is to take your today. You are the force at that moment. Choose life as Christ asked you to choose. Don’t settle for a lie of deception. Don’t give away your precious, precious gift. Christ gave it with much blood, sweat and pain.
He is standing here hoping you will receive it. If you take it don’t disregard what you now hold. The package may seem a bit common. After all we cannot yet see its true form. When you sit with Him and open it, you will see it is the gift of fullness of all things. The content cannot be experienced in a moment. This was the reason for eternal life. It will take that long for you to enjoy it. So why wait another wasted day?

If you have put your gift in a closet, a drawer or the mantel shelf, today walk back and remember. Call His name; he will give you his time. Ask Him to forgive your lack of understanding; he already forgave us for what we did not yet know. He simply wants to be with you; to embrace all that God created you to be.

So my brothers and sisters, I hope you have heard my plea: Listen His voice is calling…..calling your name to come home. I will be there waiting. Our body has plenty of room. I will gladly receive you. Our family is such a wonderful place. If not today, I pray then tomorrow. I will see your light burning strong. He has a window just for you. Your spot will shine out for those lost. Till then know we are listening…listening for the cry in the dark.

We will be there at the right moment. Because He lives, we all will live too. Thank God He is all that we’ve asked for and praise God He is all that we need.

If you are part of His body, I ask you to bend your knees. Pray in unity with our Savior; let us be the one voice God seeks. Today in unity let’s storm heaven. Today let us release His breath from the N, E, S and W. Let our voice be that trumpet sound coming. Praise God He reigns even THIS day!

With the Heart of our Christ and a holy kiss,
Candace


Candace Huffmaster 2010© all rights reserved

October 3, 2010

Let's Get It Started

Hello everyone! We are having technical difficulties but hopefully they will be resolved by the end of today!

For now, please review our past posts about Genesis because we will be utilizing this as we begin "Story Being Told." Please make sure to bring some sort of notebook, journal, sketchbook, etc. for what we will be working on when we meet. If you need us to supply one, please let us know! Have a blessed day!

October 1, 2010

THE SPHERE OF EXALTATION


"Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves." Mark 9:2

We have all had times on the mount, when we have seen things from God's standpoint and have wanted to stay there; but God will never allow us to stay there. The test of our spiritual life is the power to descend; if we have power to rise only, something is wrong. It is a great thing to be on the mount with God, but a man only gets there in order that afterwards he may get down among the devil-possessed and lift them up. We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove our mettle. Spiritual selfishness always wants repeated moments on the mount. We feel we could talk like angels and live like angels, if only we could stay on the mount. The times of exaltation are exceptional, they have their meaning in our life with God, but we must beware lest our spiritual selfishness wants to make them the only time.

We are apt to think that everything that happens is to be turned into useful teaching, it is to be turned into something better than teaching, viz., into character. The mount is not meant to teach us anything, it is meant to make us something. There is a great snare in asking - What is the use of it? In spiritual matters we can never calculate on that line. The moments on the mountain tops are rare moments, and they are meant for something in God's purpose.
By Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

I pray that we not try to stay alone with God but abide in His presence as He flows through us overtaking the valley to rush in His glorious light.  So today, stand up, walk out and speak life to all that is about you.  Be the salt....Be the light...Be free because in Christ there is liberty....."Today".

With Love,
Candace