June 5, 2012

Perfection. The Lord planted the desire for it in every human heart. We should not seek to fulfill the desire for perfection in us, other people, in earthly pleasures, or through achievements but only through the Lord. The Lord will fulfill our yearning for perfection Attribute: perfection .... I believe that God reveals Himself through the Bible I believe the revelation of God's truth ALWAYS demands a response I believe the Holy Spirit will proclaim the gospel in word and action

Front Row Seat

I knew from the moment I heard the message on my answering machine in January of 2001 that Brad was the one God intended for me. I have never waivered. Spiritually, Brad loved the Lord, he had asked Jesus into his heart when he was younger, I believe he has been baptized with the Spirit even though he has not been baptized with water. But he had little Bible knowledge. He has willingly gone to church, gotten involved, been a wonderful Father to his girls, been a willing and active participant. But his Bible knowledge has been limited to what you learn on Sunday mornings. Not unlike many Christians. Limited Bible knowledge has limited his ability to be the spiritual leader in our family. I knew that when I married him. Water baptism has been a topic of conversation since I have known him. He desires to be baptized. We have gone to the class our church offers. Brad is very private, it is hard for him to want to do something so public. But just a few weeks ago on the way home from the lake, he said he wanted to get baptized soon. We discussed it then, we've discussed it before, we've discussed it since. I have not pushed. Why? Because I know baptism is more than a ritual of being immersed in water. It is being transformed. If transformation does not occur, immersing yourself in water means nothing. It must be from the inside out!

I have never worried. I know, have always known, when Brad was ready the transformation would occur. I have had to be patient. Meet Brad where he is, and speak when the Holy Spirit led me to speak and to be silent when he led me to be silent.

For me BSF has been a tool that has drawn me closer to the Lord and influenced and change my view of and relationship with God. When Presley was born I began to pray that Brad and his father would take Presley to BSF. At the time, it seemed like an impossible request. For Brad, because going to a bible study and having to speak and share answers would be difficult for him. But I knew God could accomplish the impossible. He moved and softened Brad's heart and Brad is now going to BSF. Willingly going to BSF. Our first lesson had a verse that talked about how the Holy Spirit would guide you to understanding. Brad and I were able to talk about that. I was able to encourage him by that verse, encourage him to trust that the Holy Spirit would guide him and enable him to understand Scripture.

We just completed lesson three.

We studied Acts 3, where Peter heals the crippled beggar. We have been talking about speaking boldly, trusting the Holy Spirit's power, and expecting the Holy Spirit to do the work He came here to accomplish.

Peter and the others at the temple gate called Beautiful had a front row seat to witness this crippled beggars physical and spiritual healing. And they were filled with wonder and amazement.

I have been praying for Brad to be transformed by the Holy Spirit into the man I know God created him to be. He is not there yet, but I see the Holy Spirit at work in his life in a powerful way. Thru BSF, thru church, thru people. I see him changing, transforming. It is not immediate like the crippled beggar, but it is happening. God has been gracious enough to give me a front row seat at the temple gate Beautiful to witness this wonderful, amazing transformation!

June 4, 2012

God's peace, transcends understanding. The reason for not having it, me. Lord,please enable me to allow Your light to soak into my inner being so I can experience this perfect peace that transcends all understanding. Attribute: peace. 2 thess 3:16 I know You control every detail,each moment of this day. Enable me to trust in Your plan, to remember Your way is perfect! I want to stay conscious of You throughout today.i want the Light of Your Presence to shine on me. Attribute: perfect ps 18:30 Attribute: healer Be still, let go of cares and worries so I can receive Your peace My focus is to be on You,not my performance My peace displaces fear and worry. Stay alert, let thankfulness and trust stand guard, turning back fear before it can gain a foothold. Challenging times are opportunities to trust in You. Grip Your hand tightly, stay in close communication with You. Let my thoughts and spoken words be richly flavored win trust and thankfulness.