Whats Next Lord?

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.  Genesis 12:1

What is your country, who are your kindred and where is your fathers house? 

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 


When I was born, you could say I was born into the Baptist Church.  I am not exactly sure if it was a Bible Baptist Church here in town or First Baptist Church.  I then grew up at Calvary Baptist where I have a history of spiritual leaders to show me the way.  As a teenager, I bounced back and forth between Calvary, and First Baptist with some Bethel Baptist, and Grace Methodist thrown in.  There was a period "in the wilderness" from there but when I returned, I returned to First Baptist.  Then came my tenure at Bethel.  From there we moved to the mountain and the Baptist Church there.  Again, there were bits and pieces of the local Methodist church, the Baptist church from the next community over, the Church of Christ thrown in. 

When we moved off the mountain we were disenrolled from the Baptist church for "attending a church of different faith"  (The Methodist church by the way)  We were also attending an Assembly of God church with my niece from time to time but somehow that one wasn't a problem.  But, I digress. 

Back off the mountain we attended the Methodist church with in walking distance from our house, and the Assembly of God church to support my niece.  From there, due to some funny circumstances we began attending the Nazarene church near our house. 

(By the way, as I type this out I think I begin to understand why especially my youngest two feel constrained by denominational dogma.) 

For a while now, I have known that there are some major changes coming in the church we are currently attending. What is my part in these changes?  All of my children are moving in different directions, which is what children should do, but that brings me back to what is MY part in the next phase of God's Plan? All I seem to be able to do at the moment is to look toward Christ and say What is next in my journey?  What are my orders now? 

מַהֲלָך

New Start the 14 Project

Where can I apply 14.  14 inches of space cleared a day?  14 feet at work maybe?  14 minutes a day looking at what God is moving me toward or away from. 

Big thoughts from Bible Study.  Look at the creation story.  There were two parts to the week of creation. 

Days 1 through 3 God created habitats and environments. 
                       Day 1                                                                     Day 2
                   Day and Night                                       Heavens and Oceans


                      Day 3
                 Land and Vegetation      



Days 4-6 God created what went in each of the envrionments, those things that were to exist with in that environment to fill it and have dominion over it.
                  Day 4                                                                          Day 5
            Sun and Moon                                                           Birds and Fish

                 Day 6-A
         Land Animals 

Day 6-B God Created Man and Woman in his image   and then on Day 7 he stood in the gap between two 6 day stints and showed us how to remember who was really in control.  The study where I learned this mentioned that what Adam and Eve were really rebelling against was the idea that we are not in total control of our lives and our environment. 

So the 14 day project is based on the idea that one day is 14 percent of your week.  so what can you spend 14 of something.. 14 mintues a day looking back at what God has done in the past day?  Clearing 14 inches/feet of clutter from your house? 

I am currently praying about my 14 and to guard my heart to do what God wants me to do within in this structure and to NOT over do and schedule 14 minutes of my entire day

   

                                             

Finally!!!

With the help of God, Photo Shop and patience.

 

Its taken me 4 years to get just the photograph that I saw in my minds eye.  I think I was trying too hard.  Maybe being in the dorms on the opposite side of campus from where we have been before made the difference.  Instead of walking by this spot 3-4 times a day for 3 days and taking random pics each time trying to find the "perfect shot" was the wrong approach.  This trip, I had to make the concerted effort to get there in the evening to take my picture and it didn't really work in to the schedule until the final night while waiting for Services to begin. 

All I can say is "Thank you Jesus for the shot I was waiting for".

Back to Matthew

Matthew 16

1 Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven.
2 He answered and said to them, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red'; 3 and in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times. 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah." And He left them and departed. 5 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread." 8 But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11 How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?--but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. 28 Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom."

Psalms 42 and Proverbs 21

Psalms 42

1 To the Chief Musician. A Contemplation of the sons of Korah. As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?" 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me; Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, And from the heights of Hermon, From the Hill Mizar. 7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls; All Your waves and billows have gone over me. 8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, And in the night His song shall be with me-- A prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?" 10 As with a breaking of my bones, My enemies reproach me, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

There is some good stuff in here today.  Taking some thought to process but wow.


Proverbs 21

1   The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. 3 To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. What we do over what we say.   4 A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. 6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. 7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice. 8 The way of a guilty man is perverse; But as for the pure, his work is right. 9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.   Watch and learn   12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. 15 It is a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. 16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. Where your thoughts lie.. there lies your heart.  18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright. 19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it. 21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold. 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. 24 A proud and haughty man--"Scoffer" is his name; He acts with arrogant pride. 25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, For his hands refuse to labor. 26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent! Motive Motive Motive  28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly. The internet.... Once posted even if you take it down.. its there for ever and constantly spreading in who ever copied and pasted from you..    29 A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the Lord.  Prepare.. and Pray

Psalms 41 and Poverbs 20

Psalm 41

1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed. 4 I said, "Lord, be merciful to me; Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You." 5 My enemies speak evil of me: "When will he die, and his name perish?" 6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks lies; His heart gathers iniquity to itself; When he goes out, he tells it. 7 All who hate me whisper together against me; Against me they devise my hurt. 8 "An evil disease," they say, "clings to him. And now that he lies down, he will rise up no more." 9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread, Has lifted up his heel against me. 10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them. 11 By this I know that You are well pleased with me, Because my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And set me before Your face forever. 13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen.

Proverbs 20
1 Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3 It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin"? 10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the Lord. 11 Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made them both. 13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14 "It is good for nothing," cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18 Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22 Do not say, "I will recompense evil"; Wait for the Lord, and He will save you. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, And dishonest scales are not good. 24 A man's steps are of the Lord; How then can a man understand his own way? 25 It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26 A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27 The spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30 Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

August 17 Readings from Psalms and Proverbs

Psalm 38

   A Song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. 2 Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. 3 God is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge. 4 For behold, the kings assembled, They passed by together. 5 They saw it, and so they marveled; They were troubled, they hastened away. 6 Fear took hold of them there, And pain, as of a woman in birth pangs, 7 As when You break the ships of Tarshish With an east wind. 8 As we have heard, So we have seen In the city of the Lord of hosts, In the city of our God: God will establish it forever. Selah 9 We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple. 10 According to Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. 11 Let Mount Zion rejoice, Let the daughters of Judah be glad, Because of Your judgments. 12 Walk about Zion, And go all around her. Count her towers; 13 Mark well her bulwarks; Consider her palaces; That you may tell it to the generation following. 14 For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.


Proverbs 17
    Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.            
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.            
3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the Lord tests the hearts.            
4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.            
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. 6 Children's children are the crown of old men, And the glory of children is their father.            
7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.            
8 A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.            
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.             
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a fool.            
11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.            
12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.            
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.            
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.            
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.            
16 Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since he has no heart for it?    
17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.    
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, And becomes surety for his friend.            
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.            
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.            
21 He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.            
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.            
23 A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.    
24 Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.            
25 A foolish son is a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.    
26 Also, to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to strike princes for their uprightness.            
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.            
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.