HOLIDAY LIGHTS....December Writing by Cathy Friberg

12/1/15

For some time, for years actually, the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me about guarding my verbal confession. He has been impressing me that our words are important, that they do have power, and that I need to heed the Lord's promptings as what to say and not say. 

The other day I felt led to start reading the book of Luke during my devotion time. In the first chapter an angel of the Lord appears to Zechariah, a Jewish priest. Zechariah's wife Elizabeth was barren and the couple were now very old. The angel tells Zechariah that God was going to answer he and his wife's prayers and that Elizabeth would bear Zechariah a son. Now in Luke 1:6 we find that "Zechariah  and his wife were righteous in God's eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord's commandments and regulations." However, when the Angel of the Lord announced that Elizabeth would give birth to a very great man of God, Zechariah did not believe him. Zechariah exclaimed, "How can I know this will happen? I'm an old man now and my wife is well along in years." The angel Gabriel was quite displeased and told the priest that because of his unbelief, he would not be able to speak until after the child was born. Gabriel also added, "For my words will certainly come true at the proper time."

As I ponder this passage, it comes to me that the angel Gabriel's decision to strike Zechariah speechless was not just an arbitrary punishment for his unbelief. Rather, it seems that the angel wanted to guarantee that his prophecy would indeed come to pass and "at the proper time." Could it be that if Zechariah had been able to talk, his negative words could have actually hindered the Lord's intentions? Surely he would have told Elizabeth and others what the angel had said to him. Further more he would have probably expressed his unbelief at the revelation given him. Zechariah's "naysaying" could have stirred up more doubt and skepticism, even in his wife, and actually thwarted the plans of God. 

In contrast to this scenario, Mary, responded to God's angelic messenger in quite a different manner. When Gabriel declared that Mary would become pregnant with the Son of the Most High God, Mary said, "I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true." Initially Mary did ask how this would come to pass since she was a virgin. However, it was not a matter of unbelief for her, but rather a request for further explanation. After the angel clarified that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow her, Mary understood and welcomed the Lord's decree. Mary went to visit Elizabeth a few days after her encounter with the angel Gabriel. Elizabeth told Mary that she was blessed because she believed what the Lord would do what he had said. Mary responded with a beautiful song of praise which we have come to call the "Magnificat." She rejoiced in what God had done for her and for the merciful Messiah of Israel.

And so it seems there is a connection between our faith, our obedience, and our words. 

       "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."  Luke 6:45

God is pleased with words of faith, with words which align with His thoughts and decrees. Godly words increase our faith. 

        "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard  through the word about Christ." Romans 10:17 

Positive words bear good fruit. 

         "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 

Faith filled words improve our circumstances.

        "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them." Mark 11:23  

This Christmas season let's remember the example of Mary, the mother our Savior. We can aim to align our speech with Biblical truths, the Holy Spirit's direction, and God's plans and purposes. Let's thank the Lord for sending His Son to be our atonement for sin, our healer, provider, protector, our wisdom and our hope. Let's light up the world this Holiday season with words of love, joy, and peace. 

By Cathy Friberg

New Years' Resolutions That Don't Work...Friday

11/13/15...November Post by Catherine Craig...get an early start in thinking 
                                    about your Resolutions for 2016

As January 1st approaches, and 2015 winds down, many of us are scurrying about, trying to pull things together for the holidays. However, in spite of the upcoming celebrations, it is never too early to begin planning for 2016 – and – examining why other years' resolutions failed.

Like so many of us, you've probably made many futile New Year's resolutions. In spite of good intentions, they often, like an early morning mist, evaporate. So, resolutions often don't work. But, why is that?

From the humanistic stance, Michael Bader, a psychologist in San Francisco, and author of "Male Sexuality: Why Women Don't Understand It – and Men Don't Either", has this to say. "The reason that New Years resolutions don't work is that we have unconscious resolutions not to change. For every conscious resolution to lose weight, stop drinking, save money, call your Mom more often, control your temper, or finish that project, there are unconscious commitments to keep things exactly the way they are."

He holds to the premise that, unless we realize or get in touch with what drives us; lasting change won't happen just from simply resolving to do so. Attacking surface behaviors without paying attention to what causes them is fruitless. Like chopping alder down, but leaving the roots, we find troubling behaviors budding again and again.

Motives of the heart lead to actions we want to erase, so attention to both is imperative.

Jesus said in the gospels that what comes from our lips reflects what is in our heart. The Apostle Paul says in Romans, "…who will rescue me from this body of death?" and then "Thanks be to God…through Jesus Christ, our Lord!"
Again, it can't be overstated. Bringing unwanted behaviors and attitudes to God for change, that's our best guarantee of success when it comes to making New Year's Resolutions. Without the empowering help of the Spirit of God, we often can't see the reasons we do things, let alone how to change them.

Also, any intentions to follow Biblical mandates for the born-again child of God are always backed by the Father, though he accomplishes this in a myriad of ways. Obedience to God's precepts also opens the door to intimacy with Him. (John 14:21)

Take, for instance, the desire to stop drinking. I have a wonderful friend; her name is Jean. She was once a committed alcoholic; for her, drinking was a way of life.

Jean resolved, as a new Christian, that she didn't want to be an alcoholic. For her, change came when, after praying, God took her desire for alcohol away supernaturally. She quit cold turkey.

Another woman I know of, April, also resolved to stop drinking. Her decision wavered, and she took longer to quit. God helped her also by quenching her appetite for such things, but it took longer, and it was a process.

These two ladies wanted to change. They wanted to cease living in the darkness of alcoholism to come into the light of God's Truths and presence. He helped them.

Besides power, God offers us understanding. According to the Bible, his compassion and kindness begin anew each morning. (Lamentations 3:23) That's one of his attributes; he infinitely understands.

Most importantly, God wants us to choose his ways, not follow our natural inclinations and reasoning that run counter to what he tells us to do. In doing so, he says we will understand him and prove to ourselves that his ways are best. (Romans 12:2) In the process, we will grow in understanding of others, the Lord and ourselves.

Chronically failed New Year's Resolutions attempts can evolve out of the frustration that comes along with a wounded conscience after not following what we know in our heart is true and right. However, like a hamster caught in a wheel, instead of taking those things to the Lord, as 1 John Chapter 1 instructs, we hide, trying to make ourselves "better" people. We forget that it was the Spirit of God who changed Saul into "another person" to become the king that he was called to be!

Basing our future goals on eternal truths will guarantee success! Proverbs 3:5,6 clearly tells us not to depend upon "our understanding" but to walk in Biblical truths – even as we plan our ways. Scripture also encourages planning by stating, "Man plans his ways, but God directs his steps."

Are you ready? Well then, it's time to take out that pad and paper to begin to write. But,

don't forget your most valuable asset in doing so – the Bible.

Written byCatherine Craig

 Here is some information about Catherine Craig...

Catherine J. Craig, Author and Writer @ “A Ready Pen”

Ready To Write – for YOU!  

NEVER.....November writing from Cathy

11/2/15

The other day I was driving along and my relatives came to mind. They were traveling from Sacramento to visit us. I said a quick prayer for their safety on the road. Even as I was praying, a thought crossed my mind. "Oh they are fine. Its a short distance and they have made the trip so often."  At that point, the Lord spoke to me loud and clear.  "Never take anything for granted" were the Holy Spirit's words to me.

I immediately got the impression that this was not a word specific to the situation of my family's safe passage.They would have a great trip with no problems. However, it was an opportune moment for the Lord to speak to me about our lives in general, especially in the chaotic times in which we live.  

        

        "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."  

2 Timothy 3:1  

 I felt that the Father was admonishing me to be in continuous fellowship and communication with Him all the time. He was warning me to pray, seek His will and listen for His voice in even the seemingly smallest of matters.

        "Pray without ceasing."  

    1 Thessalonians 5:17

When I arrived home, I did a short study on the  term "take for granted." The phrase refers to not assuming or presuming anything. It also refers to not taking things at surface value. Many times things are not as they seem. To not take things for granted also means to be appreciative. It means to not value someone or something too lightly.

I do believe that we are living in dark times. We need to rise up in frequent, fervent prayer and extravagant praise. As we do this we will combat and foil the enemy's plans. Instead we will be establishing the Lord's plans and purposes for our loved ones and for the world. 

The Lord's word to me was also timely as we approach the Thanksgiving Holidays. We can remember to thank God for even the most basic of needs which He meets in our lives. What we view as simple blessings from the Lord are worthy of our constant recognition and praise. 

Clean hot and cold running water, food, clothing, housing, electricity, family, friends, health, safety, jobs, and our Church fellowships are just a few of the things which can so easily be taken for granted.

So, as we navigate the sometimes treacherous waters of present day life, let's stay under the umbrella of God's protection. May we stay close to the Father in prayer, obey the Holy Spirit's promptings and continually give God praise for His blessings and mercy in our lives.

By Cathy Friberg

When The Cat Comes First...October Writing by Kathryn Craig

10/12/15

So, everything in your husband’s life is more important than you.

Even the cat comes first.

When he comes through the door, exactly who gets the most attention?

The cat.

She purrs and rubs against him all cute. Underneath all that fur, you’d swear she’s wearing a negligee. Green with jealousy feeling totally foolish, you’re not sure if you want to shoot the cat or him. You even feel tempted to get down on all four’s and meow.

How do you get your husband to make you his first priority?

You’ve tried everything; none of the old techniques work.

Make-up doesn’t work. Getting your hair fixed doesn’t work. Meeting him in saran wrap at the door is out of the question; the last time you tried that, you greeted the wrong person.

So, what do you do when the cat comes first?

Study him. What makes him tick?

According to one authority, there are some things that hold true straight across the board about men. Dr. Laura Schlessinger in “The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands ” asserts “I’ve never gotten a complaint from a male listener in twenty-five years on the radio over my assertion that men are very simple creatures.”

So, say it’s true. Men are nothing but simple. Not simple-minded, just uncomplicated.

What is there about that darn cat anyway?

What mysteries lurk behind her unblinking green eyes as she gazes intently at him? As she sashays toward her food dish, stops and looks adoringly at him, he jumps to meet her unspoken request.

By now, you’re definitely not sure if you want to strangle him or the cat. Jealousy has turned you into a green-eyed monster. There’s nothing mysterious about what’s behind your eyes!

But do you remember the anger that smoldered in his eyes the last time he noticed your jealousy? Did you read any “trapped” feelings in his expression as he tried to meet your expectations? You could demand your rightful place in his life, but wouldn’t it be much better to invite the same loving responses from him as he spontaneously shows toward the cat?

John Gottman, P.H.D., after studying two thousand couples for over two decades and “can predict with ninety-four percent accuracy who will stay married and who won’t”, wrote in his book “Why Marriages Succeed or Fail.” three key words that agreed with the spirit of Dr. Schlessinger’s book: “Confront him gently.”

So, you contemplate to yourself the descriptive words that come to mind so far: gentle, mysterious, sashay, and ask.

In your annoyed stated of mind, you wonder. Is inviting his loving responses toward me something I do or is it something I am? What is the difference between the cat and me? Do I have to become a femme fetale in order to get his attention, be something I am not?

As I write this article, an incident comes to mind. Though it occurred in my prior marriage, it’s still relevant.

 I’d felt unloved, unappreciated. That day I stood by the sink up to my elbows in soapsuds and half-prayed, half-fumed, having my own pity-party. Mysteriously at that same moment, my then husband came up behind me to wrap his arms around me and told me he loved me.

Coincidence, I grumbled to myself. I felt guilty about being so being petty, not to mention sheepish for praying – and then doubting and whining.

Even then I thought, he never sings to me anymore… My husband went into the living room, picked up his guitar, and sang to me. I never had to say a word!

As I draft this article, I recall now what I saw then and have forgotten. The very behaviors that my cat knows innately to do are the very actions that I feel least like doing, but are key to getting my needs as a woman met, and for bringing out the best in my husband toward me.

It’s a lesson I should have paid more attention to – then. But this is now. According to Lamentations 3:23, “God’s lovingkindnesses are new every morning.”

So I start again!

I do believe in my heart that marriage is a spiritual proposition and we on planet earth are spiritually based beings. I think men and women are more like two pieces of a puzzle being fitted together, different but equal in value.

Technically, for this spiritual union to be truly effective, it’s a threesome: God – the one who designed and instituted it, my hubby, and me. It’s just not easy to live out, or I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this article to you the reader, and struggling over it, would I?

Now, back to the drawing board of life’s lessons from my furry little four-legged friend. Today’s another day; I can start fresh, do better with my revised perspective and much-improved attitude!

To the Cat, I say this, “Watch out!”

To God, I pray, "Please help me."

Written by 

Catherine Craig

Meet Catherine Craig

Catherine J. Craig is originally from Upstate New York. She first planted both feet on Alaskan soil in 1990 to pursue a vision. Though that dream didn’t come to fruition, it wasn't the first time she stepped out in faith to follow a dream.     

In March 2005, a life-changing turn of events brought her busy life as an entrepreneur to a standstill. Unable to return to work due to unexpected health issues, Catherine capitalized on her unforeseen downtime to begin writing the book she'd dreamed of writing. 

As a mother of 4 healthy grown children, 2 stepsons, Grandmother of 11, and wife of a retired Journeyman, Jeff, who is also her best friend and staunch supporter, Catherine has this to say about parenting, "We never stop parenting our kids, do we?  The day they go out the door, the real parenting starts. The first 18 years are just about laying the foundation. The next  years are fine tuning what we did right and undoing what we didn't." 

Along with sea kayaking and fishing, she pursues her biggest passion – helping others experience God.

CHANGED BY HIS LOVE...Cathy's October Writing

10/1/15

I find myself praying for different people and have noticed that whether through hurts and trials, or perhaps because of innate traits and characteristics, individuals need to be strengthened in various areas of their lives. One friend or family member could be empowered by more faith and boldness. Another might be blessed by an outpouring of mercy and compassion in his or her soul. As I was pondering this, I was amused by a vision I had of Dorothy's three traveling companions in the "Wizard of Oz." The scarecrow wishes for brains, the tin man needs a heart, and the lion seeks for courage. While the story of Oz is far from Christian in nature or intent, I couldn't help but think that perhaps the Lord sometimes sees us too with a bit of whimsy as we struggle along in our humanity, wishing for more wisdom, love, or faith.

When I first started walking with the Lord, my faith and my spirits were up and down like a roller coaster. I suffered with depression and fear. I found myself reading God's Word for long periods of time and then neglecting it for days, even weeks. Finally, one day I cried out to the Lord to make me a rock like Saint Peter! When I prayed that prayer I really didn't believe it could happen. It took a long time for me to learn that a steady walk with Jesus just takes good, old fashioned, faithful discipline. 

I began setting aside daily time to praise and worship the Lord, to read scriptures and to pray. What a difference that has made in my life. I truly believe that time in the Lord's presence and reading His Word brings so much emotional healing and imparts strength and wisdom. I thank the Lord for others, pastors and friends, who prayed for and continue to pray for more of Christ to be formed in me. We are reminded, in the Scriptures to pray for the Body of Christ.

   "Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere."  

Ephesians 6:18 

So whether like the scarecrow, the tin man or the lion, we may need enlightenment, affection, or courage, let us seek the Master for His touch in all areas of our lives.

      

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

                        "So all of us who have had that veil removed can
                       see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord,
                      who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Him
                           as we are changed into his glorious image."    

                                  Found in Thessalonians 1 and 2 (NLT)

By Cathy Friberg

HAVING DONE ALL, STAND!

September Writing by Cathy Friberg - 2015

I have been struggling with a certain trial in my life for so long now. It is something which stares me in the face each and every day, which makes it difficult to set aside emotionally. I have been declaring God's word over the situation, praying in the Spirit, and just plain pleading with God to answer my prayers. There are times when I tell the Lord that I cannot stand in faith any longer. That usually occurs in the evening when I am "dog tired" and my strength for the day is gone.

But then, after a good night's sleep, I awake with a song in my heart and the praise of God on my lips. As I begin my devotional time with the Lord, reading His Word and singing His praises, a fresh resolve and tenacity rises up in my spirit.

     "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him!"   Lamentations 3:22-24 

 "What was I thinking, last night?" I tell myself. Of course, God is on His throne! He will come through for me again, as He has innumerable times in literally impossible situations!

My prayers are been heard and the Lord is working to perform yet another miracle. And so once again I set my request before the Father, thanking Him for the answer and asking His forgiveness for my momentary doubts and fears. 

I share all this in hopes that someone may be encouraged to never give up believing for the Lord to make crooked places straight, part Red Seas, and remove every mountain which stands as a hindrance to victory in your life.

      "For truly I say to you, If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."  Matthew 17:20 

By Cathy Friberg

   

AGAINST THE GRAIN

August 1, 2015

I am intrigued with the term "counterintuitive." It refers to notions which contradict intuition, common sense, or gut feelings. Did you know, for instance, that  "according to the Mayo Clinic, putting ice on a burn can cause frostbite and damage the skin.  For better results, try running cool water over the area and taking a pain reliever. Then cover the area with gauze and put on ointment." I found this out the hard way.  After burning my hand on a hot pan, I did what came naturally to me and covered the burn directly with ice. I then called the medical advice nurse and she told me that I could could really have caused injury to my skin.  Fortunately, with a little prayer, it turned out ok, but I would never do that again. 

Similarly, I find that God's ways are so many times counterintuitive.  For instance, when we are wronged or insulted, our natural reaction is to strike back or seek recompense on our own. The Bible, however, teaches us never to return evil for evil but rather to repay it with good. We are instructed by God to love our enemies, to pray for them and to bless them. 

 Furthermore we are told in God's Word that as we give of our finances and time to the Lord we will receive more in return.   Our inclination is to hold on to our resources for fear of having nothing left, but this not Kingdom thinking. 

  

 "Give and you will receive. 

Your gift will return to you in full - 

pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over and poured into your lap." 

Luke 6:38  NLT 

  In addition, the Bible tells us to: 

" Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, 

whenever you face trials of many kinds" 

James 1:2

 Now that does not make sense to the carnal mind at all. However, the Lord goes on to say that through these trials we are developing faith and Godly character.

What's more, as we trust the Lord with a thankful  attitude, He will work all things out for our good and His glory.

To sum it all up, our ways are not God's ways. 

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

    neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so are my ways higher than your ways

    and my thoughts than your thoughts."  

Isaiah  55:8-9 NIV

It takes prayer, study of  Scripture and harkening to the voice of the Holy Spirit to develop a new way of thinking.  My prayer is that we can all begin to see with God's eyes, hear with His ears, and love with His heart. Only then can we shake off the "old mindset" and live our lives as "new creatures in Christ Jesus,"  bearing much fruit for His Kingdom.

By Cathy Friberg

KEEPING THE FAITH...July Writing by Cathy Friberg

We all go through trials and tribulations. The Scriptures warn us that we would.

“In this world you will have tribulation....” 

John 16:33

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous...”

 Psalm 34:19

These adversities can be exhausting and even debilitating. We turn to God in prayer, but sometimes the answer does not come. It is tempting, after an extended period of time, to determine that perhaps our desired result is not God's will. We can grow so weary that we decide to just accept our present circumstance and make the necessary adjustments to live with it.

I want to encourage you, however, when difficulties prevail, to keep persevering in prayer and faith. The parable of the persistent widow prompts us to do just that. Jesus Himself tells the story of a lowly widow who went to the town judge “repeatedly appealing for justice against someone who had harmed her.” Luke 18:3 The magistrate was an unjust Godless man who did not care about the woman or her cause. Yet, because she kept hounding him, the judge finally granted her request, if only to put an end to her harassment of him. Scripture goes on to encourage us.

“And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, 

who cry out to Him day and night?” 

Luke 18:7

The Lord uses the widow's parable to prompt us to keep on asking with confidence and boldness.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 

Hebrews 4:16

Jesus doesn't chide us but rather recommends that we keep crying out to the Father until we see His promises fulfilled in our lives.

If anyone had reason to lose heart, it was Abraham. He was 75 years old and childless when the Lord promised him that He would make Abraham's descendants into a great nation. Genesis 12:2 Abraham and Sarah did not conceive Isaac, the son of promise, until 25 years later. And yet, 

“...Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age,

 he figured his body was about as good as dead – and so was Sarah's womb. 

Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that 

God is able to do whatever he promises.”

Romans 4:19-21

Whatever is burdening you today, there is one who can destroy your yoke of oppression. Jesus can set you on high, meet your every need, and fill your heart with strength and joy. Keep asking, seeking, and knocking. You may be weary by evening, but God's mercies are new every morning.

By Cathy Friberg

The Ordinary Stone

6/9/13

The Ordinary Stone

My morning walk was peaceful.  I love the quiet weekend mornings with our dog.  I am free to think things through in ways that I cannot when I am inside.

The Lord speaks to me anytime, anywhere, but I feel more open and undistracted when I am able to see the sky and hear the birds.   Well, not really undistracted, I find my thought meander from thing to thing, but at an easier pace than at other times.  Perhaps this is why I hear better when I am outside.

And not just with my physical ears, but maybe because I am awe of my surroundings, I am able to be inspired with answers to questions that I really had not thought to ask yet.

This time, while thinking about a conversation with a friend, I was trying to find a way to define how the dark and painful things from our past actually make us uniquely qualified to step into the huge thing that He intended for us to do before creation. 

And there it was, just sitting on the ground in the dirt, like an ordinary stone.  In fact it was an ordinary stone.  But it was also so much more.

 

I’d seen it out of the corner of my eye as I passed it.  Then, for some reason, I was pulled back, compelled to pick it up and carry it home in my pocket.  What caused me to do this?  Whose voice was I hearing?  My own – telling me that there would be at least one good story there; or did the stone cry out to the Lord, so He would cause me to turn around and bring it home with me?

In any case, I have it now.  I rinsed off most of the dirt and placed it on my dresser, so I must choose to look at it or not.

 There is a home truth for me right there.  How many things do I see as I pass them, or let them pass me, without stopping to acknowledge them?  Words unsaid, a needed touch or hug not given.  That moment with God that I postpone may be the call to pray for someone I cannot see, but desperately needs me to pray intentionally for them right now.  This may explain some of the emptiness that comes over me at times.  My unsaid prayers may explain the loss of the joy I could have felt in that lost conversation with the Lord.

This particular stone is about the size of a regular marshmallow.  One side is fairly smooth and the other is rough and uneven, obviously broken sometime in the past.  But the edges are not sharp, so perhaps the break was not too painful; or was so long ago that the jagged edges have been softened over time.

The thing that caught my eye was the size.  It was a bit larger than most of the others and was white, with black marbling.  Not absolute black, but clearly defined in the moment my eyes turned the object into a thought.  We had just gone through a series of teachings about, “One Shade of Black”, so this may have been a continuation or expansion of that lesson.

The truth is the truth.  And sin is sin.  Yet, I was given a picture of myself in that stone.  Mostly “good”, or at least heading in that direction; but still the sum of the things in myself that need to submit and surrender to the Lord.  A statement that I have made countless times, and still falling short, reaching back, slipping and sliding along that downard slope whenever I try to take charge of myself.

Then, I heard the Sweet, Soothing Voice Within.  The Voice that reminds me that He has already forgiven my past every time I asked Him.  The marbling is my testimony, not my shame.  My rough and bumpy parts are the lessons that I can share with those He places in my path.  I do not need to bury, hide or deny things I have done, or what has been done to me.

I do not need to memorize fighting words from scripture to corner folks and wrestle them into submission. I can speak boldly with kindness and generosity as I share the reasons for my joy and the work that the Lord has done and is still doing in me.   Logic is the world’s way of thinking.  Faith can grow when the world sees me forgiving, loving and trusting the Lord – every day.

We are all living “between a rock and a hard place”.  But that ordinary stone is showing me that the hard place is here and now.  The hard place is life.

 

The ordinary stone is me.  And the Rock is salvation.   

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;  He brought me into a spacious place.  The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:4-6

Written by

Lynda Kinnard

ONE NATION UNDER GOD...June, 2015 Writing by Cathy Friberg

06/2015

The national Day of Prayer, held on the first Thursday of May, has come and gone. I am so grateful that we continue to set aside this day to fast and pray for the United States of America. Even though the official Day of Prayer for 2015 has passed, the call to pray for our country still burns bright in my heart. I feel that we need to persevere in prayer daily for the destiny of America. The forces of darkness are strong and relentless seeking to further destroy the moral fabric and faith in our land. However, we serve a merciful God who does heed the cries of His people. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 states, 

"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves

 and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, 

then will I hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

We, the Body of Christ, are the Living Church. As such, we have power and authority to pray and declare righteousness, holiness, purity, and reverence for God over our nation. Our prayers do make a difference and the Lord will honor any time we can set aside each day to call out to Him for our land. 

I have included a prayer given by Jack Graham to help as a guide in our prayer times for this nation:

"Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land. We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.

We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You. Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness. We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You. Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.

We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.

In Jesus’ name, our Savior." 
My earnest hope is that we will all be inspired to take time to pray for the United States of America and to encourage other believers to do the same.

Written and Shared by

Cathy Friberg
                                                                         

REFLECTIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY

REFLECTIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to express our love and appreciation for our precious moms. The Bible tells us that honoring our parents is a top priority in God's eyes. 

"Honor your father and mother.
Then you will live a long, full life
in the land the Lord your God
is giving you."
              Exodus 20:1220:12 

"Honor your father and mother" 

(this is the first commandment with a promise),
"that it may go well with you
and that you may live long in the land." 
Ephesians 6:2-3  

Although we always want to be altruistic in our motives, God's  promises do contain rewards. It is clear from scripture that our attitudes and behavior toward our parents directly affect our longevity and well being. 

For some of us loving and respecting our mothers will come easily and naturally. Our Moms have earned that honor. They have sacrificed greatly for us and have worked hard to establish loving bonds with us.  However, for many in this day, affection and regard for our mothers may not come so readily. In fact, it may be down right painful. Abuse, willful neglect, abandonment, betrayal, and or an ungodly lifestyle on the part of our mothers may have wounded our spirits, arrested our development, or directed us into sin and destruction in our own lives. 

However, in such scenarios there is still much hope. Godly counsel, therapy, prayer, and meditating on the Word of God can help to release our personal baggage and heal our emotional devastation. God is in the restoration business and He can grant us the grace to forgive even the most abhorrent offenses.  

"... God's love has been poured out into our hearts 

through the Holy spirit, who has been given to us."  

Romans 5:5   

As we bring our past hurts to the Lord and pray for our mothers who have fallen short in their calling, God can reconstruct our relationships. There are times when the other person is not willing to change for the better. At those times we can seek God for wisdom. We can ask our Heavenly Father for creative ways to  show love and respect for our mothers without violating own own boundaries. 

As we approach Mother's Day, let us bless our moms in prayer for their health and happiness. Flowers, brunches, cards, visits, phone calls or personal service to our moms can all say, "I love and appreciate You." 

Let's also pray for ourselves that we will be mothers whom our own children can easily and willingly cherish and  honor. 

By Cathy Friberg