Character!

Psalm 105:16-22 (New Living Translation)

16. He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. 17. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold as a slave. 18. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. 19. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. 20. Then Pharaoh sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. 21. Joseph was put in charge of all the king’s household; he became ruler over all the king’s possessions. 22. He could instruct the king’s aides as he pleased and teach the king’s advisers.

Websters definition of "character" is moral or ethical quality: a man of fine, honorable character. In other words what we truly are, what we stand for and what we believe. This was true of Joseph and as you read the story you will find how the Lord tested him. From betrayal by his own family to being accused of slander to becoming the "wise man" put into rule by Pharaoh himself. He lived to be approximately 110 years old and even after he died, his bones was carried out and buried at Shechem. He lived an extraordinary life, and even now many years later the story of the character of Joseph is still being told. As I was studying this event, I realized first of all, he was a human being just like we are. He was no different and neither is God any different. The Word says He is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can have this honorable character like him and many others that we read about in the Bible. I don't know about you, but I want this, I want everything that I have rights to, everything that God promises us! It is possible, we just have to walk in His ways and be in His will. I pray as you read and study Gods Holy Word, that you will decide you want what He has for you. May you be blessed this Lords Day!

The Prayer of Faith!

James 5:13-16 (New International Version)

The Prayer of Faith
13. Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Is there anyone you know right now that needs prayer? Whether it is a disease, a death of a loved one, family and friends that are not saved, financial or anything else you can think of, we all need prayer. Here in these scriptures we are told exactly what to do when we are sick. Calling for the elders, anointing with oil and praying with faith, they will be made whole! Not maybe, or it depends on this or that, but it will be done. You will be healed! I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and praise to our Heavenly Father that His love is so generous and unfailing to us. Praying for each other should also come naturally for us, it is such a blessing to pray for someone. It is also a blessing to know someone prays for us to. Remember what the last part of the verse states "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" God Bless you as you are obedient to His Word!

The Holy Spirit!

Galatians 5:22-26 (New International Version)

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24..Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Have you ever considered the Holy Spirit's many roles? He works to bring us to salvation, He seals us as members of God's family, He leads us as we begin to have a desire to know and grow in God, He gives us the power to fight the battles we will encounter in this world and the attacks of the devil. Wow, this is what Jesus did for us when He went back to the Father! Should we be encouraged and excited? Absolutely, He is ever ready to make intercession for us with our Heavenly Father. We are never alone because He lives in us! I pray you will be encouraged as you realize that God has made all provisions for you and me to live a victorious life. God Bless you as you study His Word and learn of Him!

Influence!

1 Peter 3:4 (New International Version)

4. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.


Here is how Websters define "Influence",
the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command, corrupt interference with authority for personal gain.
Have you ever thought about this wonderful and terrifying gift, this power of influence, that God has given to women? From the very beginning we read of how Eve "influenced" Adam into eating of the fruit. Do you think the serpent believed Eve could talk Adam into anything? Remember how Rebekah influenced her son Jacob to deceive his father Isaac? There are many instanced in the Bible and of course in our own lives, where people have been influenced. It is so easy to do that it is scary! Here is the definition of manipulation: " to manage or utilize skillfully, to control or play upon by artful, unfair, or insidious means especially to one's own advantage." As you can see there is a fine line between the two. Maybe the reason for scriptures telling us to be gentle and quiet, is because of the power we have to influence our family and friends. I pray for me and you that we will be so very careful, we must think before we speak or even how our behavior is when we are talking to someone. We must never hurt or harm anyone. Lets be prayerfully careful everyday to speak Gods blessings on everyone we come in contact with!

Welcome!

Romans 12:11-13 (New International Version)

11. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Do you love company coming? I get so excited and just about worry my hubby to death! Is this done and is that done, and how does this look! On and on I go! Sometimes I see those eyes kind of narrowing down at me like "okay Shirl, everything is ready." Anyway, we both love to open up our home and try our best to make folks feel comfortable. When we moved here, the first thing we did when we got our hands on that key was pray and dedicate our home to the Lord. He was so gracious to give it to us to use for awhile, and we were so thankful to be here for awhile. I love this scripture that tells us to "practice hospitality"! It is not entertaining, it is truly hospitality. Being kind and considerate to our guests, making them feel comfortable. But, I have to tell you, it is not us, it is the peace of God! It is His presence that you feel when you are here. Now I do my best to make sure there is food, and on occasion a poodle or two (Bailey & Maddy) may do a little barking, but hopefully most of the time it is relaxing. There is always lots of laughing and cutting up. ( you can't have the size of family we have and not have some of that too.) We do enjoy each other! I guess you folks just may have to come and see us too! You are Welcome!

Stand Firm!

1 Corinthians 16:13 (New International Version)

13. Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

If there ever was a time when we need to stand firm, it is now. As I listen to folks talking I am heartbroken at the distress they are experiencing. So many problems, so much sickness. Everything seems to have shifted into high gear! I don't ever remember a time when there was so much going on, all over the world not just here in the states. Of course we know what "season" we are living in, and we also know these things were told to us in Gods Word, would happen. We are not surprised! There has never been a time in history that God did not tell His people what was going to happen. So what are we to do? I visited with someone yesterday that was so concerned and upset about some events that were taking place that it was impossible to encourage him. It just seemed hopeless to him, and he is a Christian. So how do we encourage someone, what do we say that will give them hope? I believe we must be on our face before God praying for others, being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit that we would have a Word to give to them. You know if we don't believe it ourselves, then others will not believe it either. This scripture is just one of the many that we need to have tucked down in our heart, we do need to be on guard, our faith needs to be operating, and we need to be strong and courageous! Only then will be victorious, but it is not just about us. We need to be strong and stand in the gap for the ones that are hurting and desperate. God Bless you as you lift your voice and your heart in prayer!

Prayers for You!

I pray you have a joy filled day!