10.24.2008

Psa 131:1-3     A Song of Ascents. Of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, Nor my eyes lofty. Neither do I concern myself with great matters, Nor with things too profound for me. Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child [is] my soul within me. O Israel, hope in the LORD From this time forth and forever. 

“If we rejoice in God that our times are in his hand, that all events are at his disposal, and that he is our God in covenant, this rejoicing is good; the wisdom, power, and providence of God, are then concerned to make all things work together for our good: but, if we rejoice in our own vain confidences and presumptuous boasts, this is evil; it is an evil carefully to be avoided by all wise and good men.” Commentary by Matthew Henry

Open my eyes that I would see the blessings before me,

open my ears that I would hear your quiet still voice,

open my mouth that you would fill it with psalms and hymns,

let my hands be gentle with all that I do,

let my mind be full of your truth and remembrances of your answered prayers,

let my stomach digest whatever you give me whether it be sweet or sour,

let my feet run swiftly, steadily, stepping on sure ground and not moving to the left or to the right, but straight forward to win the race, never losing ground or becoming lost, but walled into obedience,

let my flesh be removed that your Holy Spirit would fill me.

That whatever your will is, however you want to use me would be clear that it’s you and not me and that I would praise you for it continuously! Thank YOU JESUS, in your name, AMEN.

Psalm 131 NKJV  http://www.blueletterbible.org

Matthew Henry Commentary on James 4 retrieved on October 24, 2008. http://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?AuthorID=4&contentID=1835&commInfo=5&topic=James

The Three of Us

The three of us have been friends for awhile now and we've walked along with the Lord. He's shown us that He's faithful, that He's all that we need, especially when the world comes crashing down around us. We've held each other in contention and we've loved on each other, we've been angry and frustrated and we've had patience as we confront each other in love and He's been with us through our refining friendship. I'm so thankful that my friends are real with me and that they're serving Him and desiring to love Him and know Him more.

He's aloud Jessica to go through the School of Evangelism at Horizon, providing for her along the way and He's aloud Smaranda to join our worship team, become our worship leader and minister to the women at Home Fellowship. He's aloud me to find healing in becoming a Preschool teacher loving on the children. He's reigniting some old desires that He's put on my heart and helping me see that they might not be that impossible with faith.

Smaranda's reading, "Man of Faith," and reminding me that we can have dreams and desires, we can have love for one another, we can have all the good intentions in the world, but we'll always have a choice and without choosing action, without choosing to move forward with the Lord, it's as if those intentions weren't even there at all. His word shows us that without faith it is impossible to please Him and He calls us to be in the business of pleasing Him, to find out what pleases Him, what honors Him and what encourages Him to keep working in our lives. We're reminded that our faith without work is dead, just as work without faith is dead and that there's nothing worse than love that's kept secret...who after all hides his light. Oh NO! We must let our light shine before all men that they would see the good work and PRAISE our father in Heaven.

I love you Jesus!

Deceitful hearts

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

How many times do we think if I just had this job or this relationship or this much support from my friends and family that everything would feel much better? We are to feel much better just knowing that God is the one that is in control, not man, not society, and for sure not the economy. Matthew Henry writes in his commentary regarding this scripture that we should not place our trust in man. That means not putting your trust in a job, a position in the church, friends or even family. Our trust is to be in God and God alone. Though even when we try to do this he states that, "We think that we trust in God when really we do not, as appears by this [entitled blessings], that our hopes and fears rise or fall according as second causes smile or frown.” We must keep our focus on Jesus lest we grow weary in doing good.

We also error when we think we can know others hearts or even our own for, “The heart, the conscience of man, in his corrupt and fallen state, is deceitful above all things……. it is deadly, it is desperate.” Mr. Henry comments that we cannot know what we will do during an hour of temptation, nor can we understand our own errors, “Much less can we know the hearts of others, or have any dependence upon them.” He comforts us that God is the one that has all this knowledge that surpasses all of our “artfully disguised” ways of concealing our heart.  “Therefore God is Judge himself, and he alone, because he, and none besides, knows the hearts of the children of men.”

1Cr 15:58  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1Sa 2:3  “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.

Acts 10

Acts 10
A roman leader has a vision, sends for Peter that is also having a vision. Neither understands what they are seeing or why exactly they are doing what they’re doing, but they go in faith and obedience. Upon meeting Cornelius, Peter and his friends are amazed that this Gentile truly knows God. They are amazed that he knows God and at the instant revelation Peter has that Cornelius is covered by God as was revealed to Peter in the vision.

This makes me think of the windows of heaven and God being outside of time. It seems that the windows were open for both people that were obedient in walking through them. When they walked through them, the Lord surprised them with His revelation and His will.

The first point that Matthew Henry points out in his commentary is that the Centurian was obedient to the Lord. We know that the Lord is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed. So He says to Cornelius, “‘Thy prayers shall be answered, and thine alms recompensed.’’’

Here we see that work is alive as is according to his faith in prayer….

In regards to the two of them having visions and meeting without revelation Mr. Henry writes, “To all God’s purposes there is a time, a proper time; and he is pleased often to bring things to the minds of his ministers, which they had not thought of, just then when they have occasion to use them.”

How true this is for us that the Lord tells us to go here and do this or that and then His will is revealed to our surprise. This is great to put at peace for all the worriers out there. You cannot know God's will until you walk through the open door, so stop trying to figure out His plan in your life and just keep walking!

God knew Peter was a doubter, just like many of us, but Matthew writes that, “He is ordered to go along with the messengers to Cornelius, though he was a Gentile, doubting nothing.” (just like he commands us to walk in faith not in doubtful fear), which Mr. Henry supports in his next comment about service that “…When we see our call clear to any service, we should not suffer ourselves to be perplexed with doubts and scruples concerning it arising from former prejudices or pre-possessions, or a fear of men’s censure. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind, and prove his own work.” In this section the important aspect is to truly see your call clearly and know that like Peter, like the Centurian a servant is to know that “God was with him, v. 38. His works were wrought in God. God not only sent him, but was present with him all along, owned him, stood by him, and carried him on in all his services and sufferings. Note, Those whom God anoints he will accompany; he will himself be with those to whom he has given his Spirit. “

So pray, offer up alms and do good works for the Lord without growing weary. He will guide you and be with you wherever you place your foot, but listen carefully for the open doors of heaven so that you don't get your foot slammed in the door!

Isa 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

http://blueletterbible.org/
http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Act/Act010.html

Washed in The Word

Eph 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord

Ever been washed in the word while you were standing there having a normal conversation about the Lord?

Oh my! If you were satisfied with a little bit of Jesus, how much more would you be with someone defending you to another stating with boldness that “[insert name] was saved by grace!” and so on….This is what Jesus does on our behalf, no matter where we’ve come from or where we’re going, this is how He talks about us. He lifts us up and encourages us with His love and His hope and His truth. He’s always inserting our name in sentences like this one that discuss His truth, that fight for our salvation, that encourage us to fight the race and win the battle using His word. How good of a God is He that He cares about us that much? And how good of a brother or sister are we when we do the same for another!

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

The fine line of STRIVE and STRIFE?

Things to strive for:

Act 24:16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

1Ti 4:1-10 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.


The first part of the definition for strive is, “to make strenuous efforts toward any goal: to strive for success.” Striving toward a goal or toward your idea of success is not a negative thing, nor is it detrimental to your walk. Many people strive daily to read and pray with the Lord for an hour, or to memorize scripture or to walk more like Jesus. These are all beneficial to your walk, as well as to others.

Rom 1:29-32 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

1Ti 6:3-5 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.


The second half of the definition is, “to contend in opposition, battle, or any conflict; compete,” or “to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance: to strive against fate and to rival.” This is the fine line. When striving toward the goal becomes strife. If you notice strife in your circumstances then you need to let go and allow the Lord to take control. That means not talking about it, not thinking about it, not stumbling over it!

The definition for strife becomes even more ugly, “vigorous or bitter conflict, discord, or antagonism: to be at strife; a quarrel, struggle, or clash: armed strife; competition or rivalry: the strife of the marketplace.” The Lord tells us that we are in a battle with the spiritual world, not with people and that we should fight not with carnal weapons, but with spiritual weapons of salvation and prayer. Paul exhorts us through the example of the apostles to give ourselves to prayer and ministry of the word. Further, we all know that the Lord is a jealous God and He will not bless anything that we hold onto so much so that it interferes with our relationship with Him. We are to listen to the signs and symptoms of our flesh that He gives us as cautionary “red flags” that say we’re too involved in the situation…we are in the way and about to be shattered. He contends with those that stand in the way of His work.

Mat 12:30 "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.

1Sa 2:9-10 He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

What does striving or strife look and feel like? It is anger, it is possession, it is competition, it is jealousy, it is lust, it is fear and it is pride. Strife looks like envy and where there is envy there is to be strife…so when you feel like you need to hold onto something so much that it changes your walk with the Lord in a manner that is detrimental to your friends and family this is strife and this is sin…because it is not of faith, but it is of your flesh. Flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit gives birth to spirit. Walk above reproach in a worthy manner, sharing your possession with the poor that should have no strife among you. Love your neighbor and pray for your enemies that you should put on your armor daily for you do not know the time or the hour the Lord will come back. Arm yourselves with the word, with prayer and all kinds of supplications that you would prove faithful servants of Him the one that gave His life for you! Do not walk the fine line that is close to strife, but steer clear of ALL sin. When striving for the Lord, remember that one little letter can make a big difference…change that v to an f (strive to strife) and you’ve lost the battle, but take that r out (armor to amor, Spanish for love) and you’ve won!

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/strive
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/strife

Scriptures for further study:

Jhn 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

Eph 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Isa 58:7 [Regarding true fasting] Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Jam 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

1Pe 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

Mat 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[fn8] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies[fn9] and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Eph 6:11-13 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Mat 25:13 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

One Part of The Whole

Phl 2:1-8 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!

The Lord has been showing me about this scripture this week. He really showed me a lot last night as I watched many of the churches form One Voice in the Temecula Valley. The whole is amazing when we allow the Lord to use us as one part of a bigger body to share in the encouragement and fellowship of His love.

Jhn 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

In all relationships there are hurts. Some people are wrong and others are just wronged. The best thing about Christ is that He allows us forgiveness for our brothers and sisters. His grace and love covers all our sins. He tells us to pray for those that persecute us and lift up those who do wrong against us. Let the Lord shine in our lives, help us to forgive and let go of the bitterness that holds us back from FULLY serving and experiencing Him in the whole of His body. The scripture says if there is ANY, that means if there’s even just a little bit of love and fellowship, that we should be able to share this with and in his body. Trust Him that He knows this is extremely difficult for all of us. Why else would he state that He, a supernatural perfect person, was obedient to the point of death. He knows our acting this out feels like we’re going to die or else He wouldn’t have left such an example for us on the cross.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

What this does not mean is that we are to be void of inner worth. Though outwardly the Lord is abused in every way (physically, spiritually, verbally, financially, emotionally), but He never loses sight of who He is, that being God. The example is set for us as well. That we should walk humbly with our managers, friends and families, but never forget that we are in and of Christ who is the Most High God!

Mat 18:15 "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.…”

We can also understand that our needs and wants are important and that we have all authority to express them to others in a humble manner. Therefore if your needs, wants or expectations are not being met, please do not expect to receive honor and glory for this type of false humility. You can most likely expect to receive a hard heart for not expressing what your expectations are. Should you express your needs and wants in the proper manner this will not be in contradiction to humility, but an encouragement in a healthy understanding of who you are in Christ. This manner of behavior will surely allow all bitterness and resentment to fade away as all of your needs, wants and expectations will be expressed to others that can either confirm or deny the ability to meet your needs, wants and expectations.

Pro 20:5 The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.

This expression of deep inner needs and wants does not come easily for many. It requires thoughtfulness, prayer and the ability to articulate your inner most needs, of which many people are not in touch with. At times a good friend or counselor in the Lord might facilitate pulling this out when they completely listen to you. This listening means being present in the moment, but not necessarily hearing every word. The visualization of the entire picture of what the person is intending to say is more important than each word. Of course, before making any type of judgment, make sure to check in with the person about your understanding of their intended comment.

1Ti 1:9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,...

An example of this type of listening could be when someone says, “It’s alright for me to have close intimate friends of the opposite sex while engaged in an intimate dating relationship,” a gut reaction might be, “No you can’t, that’s not right!” A good listener would be able to look at this comment objectively and comment back to the person, “Wow, it sounds like your friends are really important to you.” At this time the situation that could have escalated into a power session becomes a time of validation and understanding of the bigger picture, leaving this person feeling that his/her needs and wants are at least acknowledged, even if they cannot be met. Now, if this person that feels intimate friends are alright, was able to instantly dig deeper into his/ her needs and wants he would be able to articulate to others that the comment is in direct opposition to his/her comment and that it was stated in a legalistic manner, which was not meeting his/her emotional need for understanding and worth in Christ.


Eph 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Therefore, if we’re always thinking of others as better than ourselves we will first listen to them and second we will be able to express ourselves clearly to them as an act of humble dependence, i.e., one part of the whole. How pleasing this is to the Lord when we can encourage and lift up His body in ANY little thing that we might be able to hear from another believer that resembles His love, comfort and compassion. He says that His joy will be complete if we do this. Can you imagine our God full of completed joy?

Blue letter bible. (2008). Scripture. Retrieved August 16, 2008, from
http://www.blueletterbible.org

The Law

In an attempt to answer a few questions about the law we can look at Mat 11:25-30. Believers are not to be weighed down by the law because we are saved by grace through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In 1 Timothy 1:9-10 the law is used not for the righteous but for the sinners. Though we are all sinners, we are not all righteous. We of course could be changed in a flash and through that change become righteous through Christ. How is it that the law should be used for the sinners of which we all are?

Matthew Henry writes regarding Matthew 11 that “It is the duty and interest of weary and heavy laden sinners to come to Jesus Christ. Renouncing all those things which stand in opposition to him, or in competition with him, we must accept of him, as our Physician and Advocate, and give up ourselves to his conduct and government; freely willing to be saved by him, in his own way, and upon his own terms. Come and cast that burden upon him, under which thou art heavy laden. This is the gospel call, The Spirit saith, Come; and the bride saith, Come; let him that is athirst come; Whoever will, let him come” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008).

The first point that is to be understood is that indeed we all do sin and that stands in opposition to God. These sins are our burdens that we are to freely give to the Lord. Without the law how would we understand what our burdens are or what sin is? We truly are in need of God’s law to help us understand what it is that we need to lay at His feet.

Matthew Henry’s commentary regarding 1 Timothy 1:9-10 states that “…whatever tends to weaken either our love to God or love to the brethren tends to defeat the end of the commandment…” and that “…the main purpose of the law is the love of God…” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). If the law is used in the spirit of condemnation, to bring burdens upon people and to hold them back from being complete in Christ by reminding them of previous violations of the law this is detrimental to the believer. When the law is used for correcting and rebuking the believer in an effort to restore him or her to the truth, this would be beneficial to the entire body of Christ for learning and for edification. For the unbeliever it is obvious that the law MUST be used in such a method of love that the unbeliever’s heart would be touched in such a way to cause an understanding first of God’s love and then second of his or her own sinfulness that is contrary to God. Only through the understanding of God’s love is there repentance.

Matthew Henry cautions us not to defeat the purpose of love, “Those therefore who boasted of their knowledge of the law, but used it only as a colour for the disturbance that they gave to the preaching of the gospel (under pretence of zeal for the law, dividing the church and distracting it), defeated that which was the very end of the commandment, and that is love, love out of a pure heart, a heart purified by faith, purified from corrupt affections” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008).
He further comments that having a pure heart, good conscience and faith is something that must be exercised every day so that we do not end up teaching others things that we do not know. He especially cautions ministers not to, “…swerve from the great law of charity-the end of the commandment [because] they will turn aside to vain jangling…” which is, “unprofitable and useless” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). He further states that, “…if we could keep the law, righteousness would be by the law (Gal. 3:21)” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). That would mean that works would win us to Christ and as believers we know our works have no bearing upon our salvation. Is this another can of worms? We are truly saved by His grace, no matter our works, that the law would have no power over us because the law is sin and sin is death and death will not have the final say nor will it have any type of victory over the believer. We will look to death and say, “Where death is your sting?” Through the power of grace we are able to overcome the power of the lawless one that constantly holds the law over our heads in an effort to thwart the love of God towards His children. Mr. Henry is right when he says that, “It is the grace of God that changes men’s hearts” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). And that being said, it is not the law, but the fulfilling of the law that changes our walks believers and non-believers alike.


Scriptures for further study:
Rom 8:1-9 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

1Cr 15:48-58 As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from heaven. I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed–
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:

“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Blue letter bible. (2008). Henry Commentaries. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from
http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/Mat/Mat011.html

Blue letter bible. (2008). Henry Commentaries. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from
http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/mhc/1Ti/1Ti001.html

Blue letter bible. (2008). Scripture. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from
http://www.blueletterbible.org

Perfect Patience Without Want

Jam 1:4 But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Spurgeon’s comments on James 1:2-4 states that “It is a part of our high calling to rise ourselves into confidence; and it is also our duty to see that none of our brethren despond, much less despair” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). In the book I’m reading, “The Christian Counselor’s Manual,” there is much to be said about hope, which is “to feel that something desired may happen” (APA, 2008). The author remarks that the counselor himself must have hope or the hope for the counselee won’t come across appropriately. Which leads us to another scripture:

Pro 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

Matthew Henry comments regarding this Proverb and about losing hope, that “…Nothing is more grievous than the disappointment of a raised expectation, though not in the thing itself by a denial, yet in the time of it by a delay….” Although, the fulfillment afterwards, “…puts men into a sort of paradise, a garden of pleasure, for it is a tree of life." Knowing that the desire will be fulfilled and that it will be like a tree of life feels like water to our souls when we’re in that desert of despair. Any counselor that comes along and encourages us in the hope of Christ is part of that watering process that keeps us afloat as we endure and persevere through the testing and trying of our faith. Spurgeon comments on the need for faith in James 1:4, “Rob a Christian of his faith and he will be like Samson when his locks were cut away: the Philistines will be upon him and the Lord will have departed from him” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). Spurgeon cautions us that, “A man is very apt to become unbelieving under affliction: that is a sin. He is apt to murmur against God under it: that is a sin. He is apt to put forth his hand to some ill way of escaping from his difficulty: and that would be sin." Taking head to his warnings we should all learn to sit quietly, endure, persevere, and stay right where we’re at. There’s a picture of the movie, Terminator, in my mind when the robot is getting beat to a pulp, yet he continues on and that is a steadfast hope grounded in faith! In order for individuals to obtain their personalized unnatural type of faith Spurgeon states that, “the trial or temptation of each man is distinct from that of every other.” He provides us with great truths from the Bible of the different types of temptations and trials that were afflictions on men. Spurgeon cautions us that we each have an individual temptation, test or trial to endure that we cannot self-induce, but must endure the individual circumstances that the Lord allows and depend on His grace to see us through. When we’re counseling friends, family or in a profession it would be good to head Spurgeon’s caution not to think ourselves so strong that we judge inappropriately. Due to our individual trials he states that, “This is one reason why we often judge one another so severely, because feeling ourselves to be strong in that particular point we argue that the fallen one must have been strong in that point too, and therefore must have willfully and earnestly have determined to do wrong. This may be a cruel supposition” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008).

Through the trials we learn the patience that only the Lord can afford and we learn to accept them as Spurgeon states, “…without a murmur.” Just when you thought you were going off the mental health deep end, Spurgeon clears it all up in that these signs and symptoms that we demonstrate during this testing and trying period will become, “Calm resignation [that] does not come all at once; often long years of physical pain, or mental depression, or disappointment in business, or multiplied bereavements, are needed to bring the soul into full submission to the will of the Lord." Just when we feel relieved of our mental anguish Spurgeon continues to add that there are more TYPES of patience to be learned through ill-treatment and tribulation. The next type is, “the quiet patience which never grows angry, and never ceases to love…”. The final type of patience requires waiting and wisdom in service that we wouldn’t basically run around like chicken’s without heads. He states, “That kind of patience is a jewel more to be desired than the gem which glitters on the imperial brow.” Especially, “…when we can wait without unbelief.” His next comment that we should learn to pray and stay is a wonderful lesson to be learned, but not to be confused with pray and do as the book I’m reading encourages a clear understanding of the difference, (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). My understanding is that Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and Martha ran around like a chicken with anxiety. This is not what the Lord wants of us, but that we would sit, listen, wait for Him to call and then act. Certainly we must keep acting in faith looking for open doors and acting through the waiting process, unless He clearly directs otherwise!

There were so many wonderful statement in Spurgeon’s commentary regarding the first chapter of the book of James that it was difficult to capture the entire essence of what truly needs to be stated in order that we become encouraged in our waiting process, that we continue in the hope of Christ and that we do not allow ourselves the unbelief that creeps upon us so quickly when faced with trials. If you have or you’re currently enduring many trials Spurgeon is clear that, “…these much-tempted ones are frequently the most spiritual men, and out of this spirituality comes usefulness” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). This reminds me of Romans 8:28 and how He truly does work all things for the good!

Matthew Henry gives us direction when facing our trials in that “Our trials may be of many and different kinds, and therefore we have need to put on the whole armour of God” (Blue Letter Bible, 2008). He continues with the next part of the passage that is so crucial when we’re encouraging each other in what the Lord is doing, what He will continue to do and our responsibility to ask for Him to do it. Reminding us to ask, seek and knock on the door of the Lord’s heart (Matthew 7:7). Matthew assures us that the Lord will give us wisdom when we ask and that there is no limit upon who can ask or how much. If several times each day the temptation or trial is upon you, then ask for wisdom several times a day because the Lord will give it to us liberally.

What an encouragement that we can see when we go through trials they are to produce patient non-complaining believers without want! That we have the tools of Ephesians 6 to fight through these trials, temptations and tests, and the ability to ask the Lord for wisdom liberally that He will provide for us. He promises us peace through all circumstances as we keep our minds set on Him (Isaiah 26:3). He promises us that He will rescue us from every evil attack (2 Timothy 4:18) and that He will give us the power of the Holy Spirit when we ask (Luke 11:13). In closing, Matthew Henry comforts the believers, focusing them on eternal life, in that, “Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above where love is made perfect”(Blue Letter Bible, 2008). So be encouraged that the Lord is a God of knowledge and by Him actions are weighed (2 Samuel 2:3). He sees your heart, He test and tries you in order that you truly may have the perfect patience that has no want!

American Psychological Association (APA):
hope. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved August 04, 2008, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hope

Blue letter bible. (2008). Henry Commentaries. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/charles_spurgeon/sermons/1704.html

Blue letter bible. (2008). Spurgeon Commentaries. Retrieved August 4, 2008, from http://blueletterbible.org/Comm/charles_spurgeon/sermons/1704.html

Predestination and Foreknowledge

Why is it important to research and discuss these topics?First, these topics are for the thinkers of the earth to increase their knowledge and wisdom of the things of heaven. In understanding that through the research we could all gather this knowledge and wisdom over the things of heaven to give us a solid foundation for the security of our salvation, yet there might not be anything wrong with walking in the faith that the Lord has given us understanding that we might not truly understand. Some questions our solid understanding of these topics might clear up could be,
“Could we lose our salvation?” and “Are works really important?”

The first contradiction that is noticed is that if we have the knowledge that our salvation is secure, then what need is there for good works to be done? What need is there to have faith at all?
If we believe that our salvation is secure through works then what need is there to have faith? If we believe that our salvation is secure due to our faith, then what need is there to do good works?

Therefore, we can see that the understanding of predestination and foreknowledge is important to the foundation of our practice of Christianity because whatever the case, wherever we find that salvation is secure, what we believe will determine the thoughts and actions that we present to others about Christ. These actions could determine the amount of souls to be won or not to be won and the method in which they are won and one….

Overall, the safest stance that is supported by scripture is that both predestination and foreknowledge are characteristics of the Lord. He both chooses those that are led to be His chosen people and He knows exactly who they are or are going to be from the beginning to the end of time. In this we can see that both our salvation is secure in that He has chosen us to act in faith as He has already predestined for us to do so and that He already knows who will and will not act in this faith.

The acting out of our faith could be His predestined plan to grow us in the ways that He already knows we’re going to grow. If we can look at it this way, we turn the thinking around from the choices and knowledge of an egocentric God that knows and chooses for us, back to the choices and limited knowledge of an egocentric people of free will. It is possible that the Lord is truly all about knowing us, teaching us and letting us choose what we will, not about Himself being Lord, but then again…this would be another contradiction to the premise that He is Lord and over again His word stated that the only thing that He wants from us is that we acknowledge Him as Lord.

When all other understanding fails and we’re exhausted in thinking about the topic, we can run back to what we know, HIM! That is, that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, then ascended in to heaven. If we can at least get to this understanding as His chosen people then we will hunger, crave and thirst acting in faith to show Him that He truly is Lord in our lives and that we trust Him. We will be so in love with Jesus Christ that we won’t be able to stop doing work for Him and the sharing of His love with others whether they are saved or not will be both difficult when it is rejected and a blessing when those around us accept Him as we are part of one body. His love will cover any efforts of us attempting to lose our salvation through sin and it is so big that it covers any feelings that we lack control over our destinies because we can recognize Him as Sovereign, knowing that all things He does for the strengthening of us in showing His love.

Scriptures for further study:
Rom 10:6-13 But the righteousness that is by faith says: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down) “or ‘Who will descend into the deep?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Jam 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Deu 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,…

1Jo 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for* our sins.

1Jo 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Distraction

It seems that many distractions are in the world, problems with friends, problems with family, problems with relationships, the desire for employment, the desire for marriage, even the desire for ministries. How we hold onto these things at times in a form of idolatry and how we need to let them go in order to have a right relationship with God. One of the best ways to let go is through fasting.

My friend made a comment Sunday night about fasting, "True fasting is when your heart is so set on something that you don't want to talk about food."
Of course that something is Jesus!!!

Let’s worship Him in Spirit and in Truth: Let God arise, let God arise, Our God reigns now and forever, He reigns now and forever!!!

Oh how I want my heart to be so set on Him, that my entire life would be a fast set apart for His glory (no I don't want to become a nun, just glorify Him in all things!). I attempted to make it my practice yesterday to fast my thoughts about distractions and it was a fairly successful day. I can’t help but lift up friends, family, problems and desires in prayer. When I did, I attempted to pray the truth about the topic, for example if there was a desire in my heart I prayed, “Lord you know this desire is here and I know that you know my heart even better than I. I can trust you with this desire, that you can hold onto it for me, you can take it off of my heart so that I’m not pained by distraction from you in any way.”

After the prayer was said, the thoughts had to be quickly disciplined back to Jesus so that they wouldn’t linger on anything more than to be lifted up to the Lord. This is difficult, but I found much strength in the practice of fasting my thoughts.

The results that I experienced during the day into the evening were an increase in joy and clarity in my mind, fear and stress left me and worship practice even went well. Afterwards, I felt so encouraged that truly I didn’t want to talk about food or any earthly desire, I just wanted MORE JESUS!”

I’m sure this is the best cure for much of our psychological and some medical problems too. It does make sense that focusing on the Lord would bring us health. He says that if we keep our minds steadfast on Him then He will keep us in perfect peace.

We’re always going to struggle because there are many things to be desired and many things happen each day in our circumstances to distract us, but we must be strong in the Lord and take our thoughts captive. If we being full of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit cannot control our thoughts, which highly influence our behaviors, how are we to lead others in our ultimate goal of getting saved? I can guarantee they won’t be saved by the leading of our fleshly desires, hopes or dreams!

Scriptures for further study:
Jhn 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Ecc 11:10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Hbr 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jhn 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

2Cr 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

Isa 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

1Ki 3:14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life."

All scripture references were retrieved from http://www.blueletterbible.org on July 29, 2008.

Offense

I woke up early this morning and began thinking over an offense that one of my friends had made toward me, which in reality is between the Lord and that person.
Nevertheless, I began to stress a little about why this person would want to allow seeds to be planted from the enemy. I had a hurt in my heart that felt like a heavy weight. I decided to take it to the Lord in prayer like so many of my good friends are in the practice of doing. The Lord is AMAZING!

I told the Lord about the offense and I asked Him to tell me why anyone might want to allow this to be planted in anyone else’s heart. I didn’t feel that I heard any response from Jesus, but I continued praying about a couple of other things. The amazing thing that happened, is that when I went back to talk to the Lord about the offense, it wasn’t there! The weight had lifted and it was gone! I didn’t feel the stress or the anguish that I had about it again. Just like it never existed!

How quickly the Lord forgives all of us of our sins when we ask and another person might try to dredge them up, but they’re not there! The weight was lifted and really there need'nt be any explanation why, just forgiveness and that love that covers all our sins.

Pro 17:9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

1Jo 2:12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

1Pe 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

All scripture references were retrieved from http://www.blueletterbible.org on July 28, 2008.

Alone

I was reading last years journal and how the Lord wanted me alone with Him… “you want me alone with you, the phone is dead, the computer is having difficulties…just alone with you and that I might hear your voice and you might whisper to me about your covenant of love…”

Why would the Lord want us to be alone with Him? I guess this is very simple, being alone with the Lord means the absence of distractions. It means humility when we feel like no one else loves us, and what a better place for Him to show us about His love when we feel like we have none. It develops a stronger spirit because where our flesh decreases, our spirit increases. So being alone with the Lord means really amazing growth in our lives if we allow ourselves to be focused on Him.

Being alone with the Lord is a place where He can teach us about listening. So when we’re alone, if we’re always complaining about everything that we don’t have; friends, family and activities that He makes and that He’s in charge of, then how can we hear when He gives us a compliment or wants to talk about His love for us?

Help us to listen more carefully for the Lord’s voice, not the lies of the enemy, especially when we’re alone with Jesus. Let us take every thought captive, give it to Him and ask Him to return to us the truth…what are the lies that we have believed?

Sometimes it helps to write or journal about the lies, what is at the core belief of the lie.

For example if someone believes that they look fat, they might say to the Lord, “Lord today I feel fat, but show me the truth of this feeling.”
The core belief is that I'm not ok if I am fat. First we can address that with the truth that the Lord loves us no matter what state we're in. Second we can look for the truth in His making of our bodies as His own temple. How are we treating the temple of the Lord? Are we eating healthy, exercising regularly, sleeping adequately? He might direct the person to take measurements so that they're looking at reality, not listening to how they feel, but again, no matter what state we're in His love is unconditional.

Another might say, “Lord you’re never going to bring the right job into my life, but show me the truth in that.”
The core belief is that the right job is really important, but Jesus might comment back to you, “Haven’t I always put you in the right place and haven’t I always provided for you. How important is a job to you? Is a job really what you want or is it a ministry where you can serve me and be all about me? I know you have bills to pay, but maybe, just maybe I will show myself faithful and true to you as your Provider. Haven’t I been doing this over the years for you?

It’s just awesome when He guides us, but usually the best guidance comes when we’re alone with Him and sometimes that’s painful, but when we give into Him and take everything that’s bothering us and lay it at His feet, He’s faithful to cover us with truth and His promised everlasting love.

Jer 31:3 The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

Fear

1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

I know many people have deep rooted fears. Some fear the water, some fear relationships, talking in groups, teaching others, getting to know others, catastrophic events, the end of the world, their parents dying, some fear animals and there are even people that fear going outside. Fear is based on lies from the enemy. There is no fear in perfect love, because Jesus casts it all out. The only fear we are to have is the fear of being outside of God’s perfect will.

His love and grace covers all of our sin, so really there should be zero fear in the world, yet so many of us have anxiety. The fear prevents us from serving Him fully, from speaking, teaching, encouraging others, having healthy relationships, and just enjoying life in general.

Thank you for teaching me this morning how frustrating it is when others are fearful. I think about how frustrated you must feel with each of us when we don’t trust you. You tell us that you have control, you’re holding onto us, and that you’re even going to stay with us for the entire ride. When we still freak out and have major anxiety, you understand, but it breaks your heart that we miss the blessing of walking uprightly with confidence and enjoying ourselves.

Hopefully we won’t look back at our lives and say, “There was some fun to be had along the way, but we were too afraid to enjoy it and our fear won out.”

Let us choose to believe, remembering that Faith is a gift of God Eph 2:8 that we need to exercise to the fullest!

Scripture for further study:
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–

Deu 5:29 'Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them and with their children forever!

1Ch 28:20 And David said to his son Solomon, "Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God--my God--will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

2Th 2:9-11 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie…

1Jo 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Psa 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God [is] a refuge for us. Selah

Eze 36:23 And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I [am] the LORD," says the Lord GOD, "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.

Psa 139:10 Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

Isa 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'

Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell* in the house of the LORD Forever. I understand your fear, broken heart

Isa 44:8 Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared [it]? You [are] My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed [there is] no other Rock; I know not [one].' "

Isa 57:11 "And of whom have you been afraid, or feared, That you have lied And not remembered Me, Nor taken [it] to your heart? Is it not because I have held My peace from of old That you do not fear Me?

Luk 12:32 "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Lev 26:13 I [am] the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that [you] should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright.

Prudence

Ok Smaranda, you asked for it!!!
My good friend Smaranda was praying for all of the girls at home fellowship last night. In her prayer she prayed for us all to be more prudent, “because she likes the word.” She’s a crack up!!! Really she’s the first computer programmer that I know that is absolutely wonderful with people and truly I believe the Lord is making her a wise counselor…alright, back to the topic at hand…being prudent.
Being prudent seems to be wisdom mixed with caution and discipline or self control. I think it is such a wonderful thing to have. The best example I see of prudence in my life is, of course, Smaranda! But in the Bible, one of the best examples we can look at is Mary and her sitting at Jesus feet. Martha was running around worrying and preparing everything. She was working so hard, but Mary sat there and trusted the Lord in peace.

So we can see that in certain situations it’s good to sit there and do nothing, it’s good to see the beginning, middle and end of a matter, and it’s good to be cautious. It's all good!

There are other times when the Lord tells us to step and walk in faith, during those times you can continue in prudence with wisdom. I would recommend praying and ask the Lord to show you more about this. I believe that there must be some sort of balance between faith (stepping out to do something you’re afraid of for the Lord) and prudence (wisely acting with common sense). Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things that don’t make sense and then reveals the reasoning later….If the Lord’s asking you to do something, then you need to do it! And again, He knows our hearts. If your heart is right then He’ll show you that it is and if it’s not He’ll show you that too. Just trust in Him that He’ll be faithful to see you through!

American Heritage Dictionary from Dictionary.com definition of prudent:
Wise in handling practical matters; exercising good judgme nt or common sense.
Careful in regard to one's own interests; provident (visionary, farseeing, prophetic, sagacious, wise).
Careful about one's conduct; circumspect (cautious, prudent, careful, guarded, wary, judicious, vigilant).

Scriptures regarding being prudent:
Pro 1:3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
Pro 12:16 A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
Pro 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge to himself, but the heart of fools blurts out folly.
Pro 13:16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.
Pro 14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.
Pro 14:15 A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.
Pro 14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Pro 19:14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.
Pro 22:3 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Pro 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Jer 49:7 Concerning Edom: This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Is there no longer wisdom in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom decayed?
Amo 5:13 Therefore the prudent man keeps quiet in such times, for the times are evil.

Other scriptures for further study:
Jhn 11:20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

Jam 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

1Jo 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Luk 18:14 "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Ecc 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Pro 20:11 Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

All scripture references were retrieved from http://www.blueletterbible.org on July 24, 2008

Freedom

(Singing) Reign in my heart, reign in my soul...

I was just singing to the Lord a new song that Craig Anderson posted at http://sdworshipcommunity.ning.com/forum. And then I started asking the Lord about my day and what I should do, feeling like I want to do this or that and feeling confused about the Lord's will in each situation. Is it you Lord or is it my flesh desires?

The Lord has been teaching me that life is more about choices and learning that He is Lord more than anything else. In those choices that we make, we're to exercise wisdom and discernment, but how often do we ask the Lord, like the song asks, to reign in us, and then find ourselves knee deep in unbelief?
How often do we second guess our decisions because we don’t really believe that He's guiding us?
He is God and if He's with us, then how can we go wrong?

He promises to rescue us from every evil attack. He hears all of our prayers and He responds according to His will. When we pray for guidance, for wisdom and especially for obedience, He will take care of us as we go along our day as we make choices that we believe are in line with His will. He knows our hearts!!!

So let us live life in freedom, because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!
Freedom to laugh, to live and especially to love. Let’s grab hold of that freedom and love each other, following His commands and fearing Him and Him alone. Praise Jesus!!!

Scripture for further study:Isa 42:10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Gal 5:10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be.

Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Isa 58:11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Jos 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Jam 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Hbr 3:19 So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.

Isa 52:12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

Luk 11:36 Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you."
2Ti 4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

2Ch 7:14 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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Isa 54:17 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me," declares the Lord.

Phl 2:8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!

1Ti 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Act 15:8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.

2Cr 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Ecc 12:13-14 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
All scripture references were retrieved from http://www.blueletterbible.org on July 24, 2008.

The End

How many times do we get caught up talking about the end of a matter. Of course the end of a matter is better than the beginning, but is it better than where we are right now? If we're constantly trying to discern the end of something, how will we hear what the Lord has to teach us in the present time?

There is one thing for certain and that is that the time is now and now is all that we are allowed to know unless we're a prophet....in which case Daniel shows us that it’s good to keep what the Lord says to ourselves, lest we encourage fear, prophesy falsely or accidentally encourage others to do things that the Lord does not have for them to be doing.

Dan 7:28 "This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself."

Matthew Henry comments regarding Daniel 7 that some believe these scriptures are prophesies regarding the end of the world and that the concepts are “…many things dark and hard to be understood, which we dare not to positively determine the sense of….” And Paul warns us not to jump to conclusions about the end in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 “…we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.”

Our focus should be on gathering the remnant chosen by grace and our eternal salvation in the present time...Rom 11:5 “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” And in that choosing our salvation is at hand. Matthew Henry comments on 2 Corinthians 6 in that “The morrow is none of ours: we know not what will be on the morrow, nor where we shall be; and we should remember that present seasons of grace are short and uncertain, and cannot be recalled when they are past. It is therefore our duty and interest to improve them while we have them, and no less than our salvation depends upon our so doing.” 2Cr 6:2 “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you,
now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.”

Scripture for further study:
Psalm 131
A song of ascents. Of David. My heart is not proud, O Lord, my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord. both now and forevermore.

Ecc 7:8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Luk 12:56 Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?
Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
Jhn 4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.
Jhn 5:25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
Jhn 12:31 Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.
Jhn 16:22 So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Rom 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
1Cr 7:29 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;

2 Thessalonians 2
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Don't you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things? And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

All scripture and commentary references retrieved on July 21, 2008 from http://www.blueletterbible.org

Trust

We all desire things in our daily lives. Some of our desires are needs and some are wants. Like right now I want a big fat piece of cheesecake! But I really need to purchase groceries that fulfill more than my sweet tooth!

How many times do we struggle over and over with our own desires and end up frustrated that the Lord has not fulfilled them? When is it time to trust Him enough to ask Him to take the desire off of your heart and replace it with a bigger desire for Him? How many times do we struggle over and over with our needs not being met right away and we become anxious?

Right now it's time to trust Him with all of our desires and our needs. He knows what we need before we ask for it! He cares for the flowers and the sparrows, how much more does He care for us? He tells us to ask, seek and knock and He'll give us what we ask for in His timing and in His power, but my favorite part of that scripture is that Luke asks the reader to think about how much more power of the Holy Spirit He will give us if we just ask for that. So in that scripture, He's giving us a no brainer...just ask for the Holy Spirit and poof, He'll be yours!

When we trust God with our lives, with our heart's desires, with our everything we are able to say to Him, "Lord I really want a piece of cheesecake, but it's not on my plate and I can't afford it right now. Could you please take this off of my heart because it's distracting me from the food that you have for me right now in this moment."
We might also be able to say to the Lord, "Lord, I really need to purchase groceries, but I don't have the money for them right now, could you please allow me that peace that surpasses all understanding as I sit at your feet, keeping my eyes on you, My Provider."
And when the desire or anxiousness comes back, we have to ask again for the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us peace over all of our circumstances...AND, He will! It's His promise!!! I challenge you to try this at home and let me know how it goes...

Scriptures for further study:

Lev 26:1 " 'Do not make idols or set up an image or a sacred stone for yourselves, and do not place a carved stone in your land to bow down before it. I am the Lord your God.

Mat 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Deu 8:3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Mat 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Luk 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Psa 132:15 I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.

Isa 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

Phl 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Phl 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Last Year

On July 19th last year, this was my journaled prayer and I thought I would share it with you.

Our father in heaven hallowed be your name
You are God in Heaven and I am not means you have the power to move mountains to move people to change hearts to be glorified you are amazing God… indescribable uncontainable you placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name you are amazing God
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.That your love would be known here on the earth and that your will would be our will. So if we pray out of selfish ambition or vein conceit that would not even be of you, but with your love we pray and you will be made known. Please let your truth be made known.
Give us today our daily bread
You tell us to open our mouth, that you will fill it, let us be satisfied with the food that you give, not food of the earth, but of your word that we would know you more
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
Let us forgive others with a free heart that we could also walk around free in Christ. Help us to know this Lord that we would not be caught up in consequences, but caught up in truth of your grace and freedom that reigns in you Lord. That you would give us a new understanding that we’re free in you and you have covered all of our sins!
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Please don’t allow us to even walk close to temptation, if it means not going up on the hill ever then so beit, but keep us far from that temptation of pride, lust, jealousy, selfishness, etc.
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Above all I know you desire mercy and love, not sacrifice. So help us to forgive others of their sins, if we can I know we’ll be free to walk in your love, let us be people of grace always considering others better than ourselves and through that grace that you give us Lord let us walk in the gift of faith that you’ve given us knowing that it’s not from anything that we’ve done, but a gift freely given to us so that we could not boast. And help us not to boast except in you Lord in your death on the cross and what that means to us as Christians, followers of you that we would be like minded with one spirit and with one love and with one purpose. That our earthly suffering for you would be momentary and that our eyes would stayed focused on eternal salvation and that in that you would give us a heart to serve you and to suffer our families, our free time, our friends and that you would bless us for obedience to your will that your power would be made known in our weakness and that your glory would come down and shine around that their would be no more darkness. Oh Lord thank you for your covenant to love each one of us that in that covenant you say it will last forever, until you break your covenant with the night and the day that’s how long it will last and Lord when we make covenants with each other I pray that you would allow those covenants to be carried out in the same manner and that our vows before you would be made with pure hearts committed to serving you, not each other, but serving you through serving each other and that we would never forget the desert that you brought us through and that that desert would be a constant reminder of the pain and suffering and struggle against sin that we would truly realize how beautiful your blessings are in the land flowing with milk and honey and that we would NEVER be ungrateful for these blessings that we would always lift our hands and shout praises to your name….salvation springs up from the ground Lord let your glory come down seek the lost and heal the lame Jesus bring glory to your name let all the prodigals run wild all creation waits and smiles Lord we’ve heard of your great fame Jesus bring glory to your name Jesus!…stir up our hearts oh God, open our spirits to know who you are, put a cry in us so deep inside that we cannot find all the words we need we just cry out to you!

Two Are Better Than One

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecc 4:9-12

It always seems that when my friend is down, I am up and when I am down, my friend is up. She told me that she had a vision of a teeter totter and the metal center pivot was Christ. So that if we keep ourselves centered on Christ neither one of us will be up or down, but level and equal. What a great way to visualize this scripture. Two truly are better than one, but when two are focused on Christ they become a cord of three strands and that for sure is not quickly broken.

And The Day After

Today, The Next Day, And The Day After.
It's starting to sound a lot like Easter to me...And on the third day He rose again!

When we pray to have hearts of mercy, the Lord gives us strength to act in person with that same mercy. As we take action, the Lord fills us up with immeasurable joy! He surpasses our every thought about who we are and what He can do through us. He truly is a miracle worker. In His miracles, He allows us to love where we thought that we couldn’t love and hope where we thought all hope was lost….

Sometimes life feels like we've been so deep in the pit, in the mire, in the clay, that we've been so weighted down that we might never resurface to the joy of our salvation. But there is restoration from that pit. He always pulls us out with the help of our friends and their intercessory prayer. With the aid of our own devotion, commitment and efforts of praise.

How important it is to fellowship with other believers that remind us of who we are in Christ, lest at these times of extreme pit dipping, that we would fall away! Once returned by His amazing grace to the joy of our first glimpse of hope, (Do you remember what that felt like? When the light shined into your darkness?), all becomes right with the Lord!

Supporting scriptures:
Mat 9:13 But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'* For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Isa 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Mal 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

Jhn 15:4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

Jhn 7:21 Jesus said to them, "I did one miracle, and you are all astonished.

Lev 19:18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

Gal 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Hbr 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Isa 45:9 "Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does your work say, 'He has no hands'?

Jhn 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Jam 5:16 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.

1Ti 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–

Isa 42:10 Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Hbr 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Rev 2:5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Jhn 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

3Jo 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

The Next Day

And after we set our eyes on Him and share His mercy with others, whether in person or in prayer (The Spirit knows!), He is faithful to give us that peace that surpasses all understanding because our eyes are on Him.

Furthermore, when we can understand that the situation is always between ourselves and God, that mercy that leads us to forgiveness is so much easier to come by!

I really love how the Lord is changing me and changing my heart. I'm at a deeper level of understanding today that the relationship between God and I is really what's important. We offer up prayers for others, obviously we're called to do this, but first we must offer up prayers for our own hearts that He would change us first. Whenever you get that longing, that pang or that hurt that won't go away...realize it's not even your heart, it's the Lord's and He wants to change it. Give it to Him and He'll take care of keeping it soft!

I love you LORD!

TODAY

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I don't understand what the Lord is doing in my life right now, but I do understand that He loves me and cannot do anything outside of LOVE. I do know that His plan is perfect for me and that He will prosper me in His timing. In prayer today with the Lord, He taught me to spend more of my prayer life loving others so that He can change me, not focusing on changing others so that He can love me...GET IT????

Oooh, the point the Lord is making: But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'* For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:13

Definitions below:
Mercy:1. compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or other person in one's power; compassion, pity, or benevolence: Have mercy on the poor sinner.
2. the disposition to be compassionate or forbearing: an adversary wholly without mercy.
3. the discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment, esp. to send to prison rather than invoke the death penalty.
4. an act of kindness, compassion, or favor: She has performed countless small mercies for her friends and neighbors.
5. something that gives evidence of divine favor; blessing: It was just a mercy we had our seat belts on when it happened.—Idiom
6. at the mercy of, entirely in the power of; subject to: They were at the mercy of their captors. Also, at one's mercy.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Origin: 1125–75; ME merci <>Sacrifice:
1. the offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage.
2. the person, animal, or thing so offered.
3. the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim.
4. the thing so surrendered or devoted.
5. a loss incurred in selling something below its value.
6. Also called sacrifice bunt, sacrifice hit. Baseball. a bunt made when there are fewer than two players out, not resulting in a double play, that advances the base runner nearest home without an error being committed if there is an attempt to put the runner out, and that results in either the batter's being put out at first base, reaching first on an error made in the attempt for the put-out, or being safe because of an attempt to put out another runner.–verb (used with object) 7. to make a sacrifice or offering of.
8. to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.
9. to dispose of (goods, property, etc.) regardless of profit.
10. Baseball. to cause the advance of (a base runner) by a sacrifice.–verb (used without object) 11. Baseball. to make a sacrifice: He sacrificed with two on and none out.
12. to offer or make a sacrifice.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------[Origin: 1225–75; (n.) ME < OF < L sacrificium, equiv. to sacri- (comb. form of sacer holy) + -fic-, comb. form of facere to make, do1 + -ium -ium; (v.) ME sacrifisen, deriv. of the n.]—Related formssac·ri·fice·a·ble, adjectivesac·ri·fic·er, noun—Synonyms 8. relinquish, forgo, renounce.

The Hour that Changed the World

The Hour that Changed the World

NOTES:

1. Praise:
Praise God using His name
Praise God for all that He is and can do
Praise God for all that He has created
Praise God for His word

2. Waiting:
Think no thoughts, but thoughts of God the Father, His Son Jesus or the Holy Spirit
If using words, use “I love you Lord”, “I long for your presence”
Concentrate full attention on the “love” aspect of God’s nature in your silence

3. Confession:
Ask God to search your heart
Mentally scan your recent activities for sin
Confess the sins
Confess your need for Divine / Spiritual guidance

4. Scripture Praying
Ask God to bless His Word in your Spiritual body (like food)
Examine a passage
Ask what this prompts you to do or make or what promise or truth there is
Develop prayers based on these thoughts and phrases

5. Watching
Take a moment to become spiritually alert
Read magazines, articles, etc. (Christian) to become aware of God’s work
Prayerfully recall various news events that need special prayer
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal further spiritual facts about these needs

6. Intercession
Develop a specific plan that includes special prayer for God’s work around the world
Summon a new compassion for these moments
Fill your intercession with 1. Ask God to give more laborers to harvest, 2. open doors for workers, 3. bless them with fruit as a result of their efforts and 4. provide finances to expand the work
Always include specific countries and leaders

7. Petition
Ask Holy spirit to help claim only the desires that will bring honor to the Lord
Make a mental list of specific needs you have for that day
Offer those needs to God
Enlarge a petition, explaining to God why you desire a answer for that request
Examine your motives for claiming a petition…be certain they’re pure before God

8. Thanksgiving
Begin by thinking about all God has given you and thank Him for that
Reflect and offer spiritual, material, physical, and external blessings
FREQUENTLY thank God IN ADVANCE for blessings that you expect Him to bestow upon you
Thank Him for one particular blessing that you have not thanked Him for previously

9. Singing
Pause to sing a specific song to the Lord
Select a theme…praise, thanksgiving, a favorite scripture
Ask the Holy Spirit to create an original melody in your heart so that it’s truly a “new song.”
Don’t hesitate to sing “songs of thanksgiving” for blessings or victories you believe God will give you in the days to come.

10. Meditation (act of thought)
Select a theme to the specific area of spiritual thought
Allow your mind to wander within the framework of your chosen theme…pondering all aspects of it in reference to God.
Ask questions of God that might lead you into an even deeper mental study of the subject
Bring Scripture into all phases of meditation

11. Listening
Ask God specific questions about difficult problems or situations
Search Scripture for specific answers to these questions. God most often speaks through His word
Mentally evaluate all circumstances that relate to a problem. Ask God to show you His plan through those circumstances.
Be prepared to write down what God gives you…ideas, solutions, etc.

12. Praise
Focus your praise on His omnipotence (power), His omniscience (knowledge), and His omnipresence (presence)
Praise God for hearing your requests over the last hour that you’ve been praying
Let your spirit rejoice, repeating the word Hallelujah!
Make your AMEN strong…saying YES MY GOD HAS HEARD MY PRAYER!!!
Confess with authority that you believe God is trustworthy.

4.2008

Friends are examples of God's grace, they can be encouragers, prayer warriors, and worshippers with you in Spirit and in Truth!

Thank you God for Friends....I'll be holding onto His promises with their help:

You will never leave me nor forsake me
You honor obedience over sacrafice and mercy above all
You love us with an EVERLASTING love
How much more of the Holy Spirit will I give you
How much peace you promise your servants
How much more love you promise to give us if we ask
How much our eyes need to be focused on your salvation
If we draw near to you, you will draw near to us
If the judge that does not believe vindicates the widow how much more will I vindicate you
If you clothe the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow...how much more will you provide for us
You are our Redeemer, our Provider, our Comforter

Wall us into obedience Lord to the point of death, because we LOVE you and want to acknowledge what you did for us on the cross

For Joe's Happy Song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmYkz_gleWQ

3.2008

The words for this month are perseverance, consistency, commitment:

per·se·ver·ance–noun 1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
—Synonyms 1. doggedness, steadfastness. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. It is regularly used in a favorable sense. Persistence, which may be used in either a favorable or an unfavorable sense, implies unremitting (and sometimes annoying) perseverance: persistence in a belief; persistence in talking when others wish to study. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory. Pertinacity, unlike its related word, is used chiefly in an unfavorable sense, that of overinsistent tenacity: the pertinacity of the social climber.

con·sist·en·cy–noun, plural -cies. 1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc.: The liquid has the consistency of cream.
2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.: There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility, esp. correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing: consistency of colors throughout the house.
4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.

commitment
1. the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose; "a man of energy and commitment" [syn: committedness]
2. the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; "his long commitment to public service"; "they felt no loyalty to a losing team"
3. an engagement by contract involving financial obligation; "his business commitments took him to London"
4. a message that makes a pledge
5. the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)