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Sin?

5/31/2015

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Joy in the Morning                                                                                                                        Those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.                                                                                                                         Romans 8:8

Hello Friend,

             Wow!  Great ready.  I feel like I am on a roll this morning.  Seldom do I write about sin.  I mean, sin is a touchy subject.  It is hard to name a particular sin without hitting someone’s indignation button.  Well, what do you mean ___________ is a sin?  _______________used to be a sin.  It isn’t anymore.  Really!  Sin is what God tells us it is. Not what your particular denomination tells you.  Not what your best friend tells you.  Not what current culture tells you.   I believe we know sin by the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  And, I believe, if you are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, then this very moment, God is alerting you to your sinful behavior.  Perhaps, your sin could even be your attitude toward sin.  Think about that one!

            Now,  don’t get all hostile.  I know that I am a sinner in need of God’s grace. But this morning, I am feeling deeply concerned by our society’s blasé’ attitude.  Sometimes I think we believe sin is what someone else is doing.  Look at him.  Why would he/she do such a thing?  What were they thinking? Or, do we even recognize sin when we see it?  We see sinful behavior portrayed on television as perfectly normal.  Do we even cringe at foul language anymore? Is cheating acceptable if it gains a victory?  Is lust acceptable if it feels good?  When is lying justifiable?  If it gets you the job?   Ponder this week:  What is sin?  Is my behavior pleasing to God?  Listen for the Spirit’s promptings.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Linda          

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Listening for His Voice

5/24/2015

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Joy in the Morning                                                                                                                        We serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but under [obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit. . .     Romans 7: 6

 

Hello Friend,

             Well, I pray your morning has started off well.   I hope that you are expecting to have a great day.  For me, a fantastic day is a day when I hear from God—when I know the message that I am receiving is from God.  How great is that!!  How do I know that the message I am hearing is from God?   By the inner stirrings of my spirit.   Those promptings remind me that I am being led by God.  Those promptings urge me to deeds of kindness.  Those promptings remind me when I am veering from the path of righteousness. Those promptings tell me that I am important to God.  My Father God longs to teach me, to guide me, and sometimes He even gives me chores.   I am so blessed to be His child.

            I am urging you, right now, to spend a few quiet moments listening for promptings.  Psalm 46:10 tells us to, “Be still and know.”  Know that God is speaking to you.  Know that He longs to spend time with you. 

            Won’t you pause and listen for His voice?  What could possibly be more important?  Checking your e-mail?  Doing the dishes?  Running to the bank?  What is at the top of your to-to list?  Note your priorities.  Is spending time with God even on your list?

            Listen!  I believe that God speaking to you this very second?

Father, I thank you for your Word.  Our hearts are open and ready to receive.

                                                                                                            Linda

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Have a little talk with Jesus!

5/17/2015

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Joy in the Morning                                                                                                                        Do not ever let your wrath, (your exasperation, your fury, or your indignation) last until the sun goes down.      Ephesians 4:26

Hello Friend,

             I have heard many well-meaning Christians spew out today’s scripture when someone has confided issues within their marriage to the wrong person.  “Well, don’t let the sun go down on your anger,” they often spout as great advice.  They often mean, seal your lips.  Make up.  Pretend you are not angry. Yuck! This is the kind of useless advice you receive when you over-share personal concerns with the wrong person.  This scripture is instructing you and me that we are to resolve our anger issues.  Repressed anger stuffed down deep in your gut will eventually come out.  It may come out as depression or anxiety, sickness or disease.   Often just talking about your exasperation or hurt is all it takes to alleviate the pain.  Seek out your go-to person and pour your heart out. Now is the time to use your words!  But, you might be saying, I don’t have a go-to person.  Well, that’s certainly not true.  You have the ultimate friend.  Tell God how you feel.  Savor the lyrics of this old gospel favorite and take in the assurance that you are loved and cared for.  You have a friend.

I may have doubts and fears, my eyes be filled with tears,But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night;
I go to him in prayer,   He knows my every care,   And Just a little talk with Jesus makes it right.


Now let us, Have a little talk with Jesus,  Let us, tell Him all about our troubles,
He will, Hear our faintest cry,   And He will, answer by and by;
Now when you, Feel a little prayer wheel turning,   And you, know a little fire is burning.
You will, Find a little talk with Jesus makes it right. 


                                                Your best friend is listening; use your words,                                                                                                                                     Linda

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Be self-controlled and alert!

5/10/2015

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Joy in the Morning                                                                                                                       
 
Be self-controlled and alert.     1 Peter 5:8


 

Hello Friend,

            Last week I discussed the topic of over-sharing.  I suggested that you use my W.A,I.T. technique of monitoring your mouth.   Now not many people would be aware that I am by nature an introvert.  I am so content within the boundaries of my little abode.  Give me an interesting book, a laptop upon which to create, and a glass of iced, minted tea and I am a happy girl. 

            Crowds are not my thing.  When I am in public, I am often on high alert.  As a woman pastor, some people delight in the mind games of discussing theological points of debate.  I have learned through experience that it is much better to listen and reflect back for clarification.  Discussing rationally becomes radicalized when it comes to statements of faith and the particular practices of various denominations. So I try, as much as possible, to exercise restraint when choosing my words. 

            When I feel as if I am getting a cold, I might load up on vitamin C and get some extra rest.  I try to catch it early.  So with my words, it is so much easier to use my W.A.I.T. technique.  I try to catch my words early before they can incite an argument or spread sparks of gossip.  Our heated words can ignite forest fires of hatred.  Or they can be the cooling balm of reason.  Or wonderful words of love.  You get to choose your words.  Use self-control and be alert.  Someone is always listening.

            Once again, Oh Lord, I ask for you to anoint my mind and mouth.                                                                                                                    Linda

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