Cover to Cover

Hello, I have started (in the middle) of a chronological reading of the Bible from "Cover to Cover" if you want more info go to Bev's Blog.


Well I am still not keeping all the Kings straight but we are posting about what lingers with each of us and this is what it was for me.

Amos' name means Burden Bearer and the book of Amos is referred to as the "Book of Judgement". Amos was sent to deliver the message that God was displeased with them and to persuade them to change. In 5:24 a change that would "let justice run down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream." God was angry and all nations are under God, but Israel and Judah broke a covenant. They wouldn't love their neighbor and they became materialistic, convincing themselves that their prosperity was a blessings from God. However instead of their prosperity being a blessing it lead some to being "Religious" and morally corrupt.

In Amos 2:4 "Because they have despised the law of the Lord" I always thought of Despised as being a very strong word. So I looked it up....yikes! To reject- to refuse- to disregard-spurn-regard as unimportant or worthless. Has anybody out there done any of these definitions towards Gods word? What came to me about this is how at times we or at least I have tried to justify a "minor" infraction by comparing it to what I would believe to be a greater injustice. These definitions above remind me that sin is sin, you are either for God or against Him and all sin is the same in His eyes.

In Amos 4:1 It talks about how the wives wanted so much that it pushed the husbands to be corrupt.

God wants a relationship not just a public display that looks good.

Then I go to Hosea- Well that's strange God tells him to marry the prostitute Gomer. But as she has the children God gives the specific names for them.
Hosea 1:4 Jazreel - meaning God scatters or God Sows
Hosea 1:6 Lo Ruhamah - meaning "No Mercy" indicated a lifting of Gods compassion on a nation that was rebellious.
Hosea 1:9 Lo Ammi - means "Not my People"

God had a specific progression of their names,
Jazreel: active judgement
Lo Ruhamah: Passive tolerance
Lo Ammi: No Connection
However as it goes on notice in 1:11 that "for great will be the day of Jazreel" What was stated in vs 4 and vs 5 as God scatters now after some reconciliation takes on a more positive meaning of "God Plants".

I noted the similarities between Amos and Jonah; they were both sent to warn the people of corrupt, immoral cities to turn and repent or face Gods judgement.

Then I noted that after God gave them mercy and compassion as they turned from their evil, that Jonah was unhappy and pouting. God gave him the vine and then took it away the next morning and asked Jonah, basically what business is it of yours?
Jonah 2:9 God asks "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?

How many times has God shown us mercy, forgiveness and compassion when we needed it but didn't deserve it? And how many times have we turn to look as someone else and wanted them to pay for what they have done. Ouch!

Well there is so much more but - I will stop there.

Until next weeks reading and what lingers this is all for this weeks "Cover to Cover"
Be Blessed,
Lynn

Happy Birthday Baby Girl

In 1981 I was told I would not be able to have children due to a genetic issue that created infectious cysts to form in my uterus. In fact when I was 18 they wanted me to have a hysterectomy, due to banding of scar tissue. Well after much prayer and advice from my Mom and other women, I decided not to have one and deal with the pain for a while.

Two years later I found out I was pregnant. Wow was I a happy camper or what. I was so thankful and told everyone it was my miracle baby. From day one the pregnancy went fine with no hitches.

One night it was getting dark and I looked out the front window, Oh no someone had hit a Mama Opossum. There were little babies walking a little ways away from the Mom and then back to her not knowing what to do. Well I don't know if it was hormones or what but I just got so emotional about this. I was crying I got down on my knees and prayed, asking God to make sure I was OK and able to take care of my Baby. After I calmed down a little I remember asking God to make sure the baby would be healthy and whole all fingers and toes with no deformities or health problems, then I said "And if you were already going to do that ... could you make her pretty too?" At one point they thought it might be a boy, but in my heart I knew it was a girl.

That night in the middle of the night, I thought I peed the bed. :) My amniotic sac
tore and I was leaking fluid. So we rushed to the hospital and found I would need to stay a while and lay flat on my back. The Doctors wanted to make sure that I didn't get an infection or rip the sac further and they need to do tests, lots and lots of test on the amniotic fluid. They said that the baby would go into trauma mode and mature quicker and the lungs are the last thing to develop. So they would test the fluid and then they could tell how mature the lungs were. I had gone into labor 3 times and they stopped it so the baby had more time to mature. Well on the Friday the 23rd of June 1984 they ran the test and the baby's lungs weren't quite ready. Monday the 26th, they ran the test again and she was within safe range, so they put me on an IV to induce labor, 23 1/2 hrs later I had my daughter.

So 24 years ago today at 9:35AM I gave birth to a little baby girl. Now when I say little I mean little - 4# 10oz. She was 4 weeks early by due date and 6 weeks early by size. But she was and is completely healthy and whole. And since God was doing that already, He made her beautiful too. :)

I was never able to conceive or give birth to anymore children and so when she was 9 I had endured the pain for 12 years and decided to have the hysterectomy.

But it doesn't end there. In 1997, my husband and I got married and I inherited two more children, another Daughter, who's married and now has a Daughter and Son,and a Son who is married. So now we have 3 kids, their spouses, and 4 grandchildren. (both Daughters have a Daughter and a Son.)

It may be Baby Girls Birthday... But I'm truly Blessed.
God is good all the time.
Lynn

November 2006

Keep Going - Keep Steady

When I was a little girl, (and much younger... ha ha), My family and sometimes friends would go up on the mountain (yup - Bryant Mountain) and go sledding or inner tubing. My dad would buy used inner tubes from the big log loaders and we would take them and load about 6-8 people on them and away we would go. We had hot cocoa in a thermos there and Mom would have a big pot of chili or soup in the crock pot for when we got home. We were all bundled up with coats and mittens, and the cold air would sting our face as we slid down the mountain. Probably why I liked skiing when I got older.

When you are young you don't think about what muscles you are using or how long you are doing something to keep your heart rate at the target rate. You are young and just eager run up the mountain so you can slide down one more time.

I've posted before that I'm working at losing some weight I allowed to come on my body. Well so far I haven't had a lot of tangible success, the 1st 7lbs came off quick but I've been at a plateau for 5 weeks. So I've been doing the mental yo yo, you know gun ho, then discouraged. Well spiritual law says everything produces after it own kind. Therefore yo yo mindset = yo yo weight loss. My hubby has been so good at encouraging me, and something Lord has spoken to both of us is be steady. I have finally resolved to the fact that I need to just keep going, like the little train that could, I think I can I think I can :).

So when my youngest Daughter asked if I would do this exercise class with her on Saturday mornings I said yes and yesterday was the 1st day. It's called "Body Smith Workshop". It consisted of 45-50 mins of Step aerobics and 10-15 mins of different types of crunches and ab work using an exercise ball. I'm happy to announce I made it through, kept up, (need to learn a couple of the steps), and liked it. It has made me want to be more diligent with my other workouts I do at home. I need to toss out the 1/2hr workouts and do no less than the 45min ones. It also has given me some more determination to keep going. Keep eating right, keep moving, stay steady.

Part of Matthew 17:20 says "you say to the mountain move"
So instead of this exercise and eating being a mountain in my life that is in my way, I want to look at the mountain as an opportunity for me to run up for another ride down.

If any of you are battling something that tries to discourage you here are some scriptures that will help you and encourage you. These are scriptures that we all should confess over ourselves regularly.

Galatians 6:9, Philippians 4:13 , Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 40:31

I've been encouraged in life knowing that I'm not alone, that someone else has battled or is battling similar issues. I felt led, I'm sure by the Lord to share my struggles to help others. Lets hike this mountain and put our flag of winner on the top.

Be Blessed my friends
Lynn

Rebellion vs. Obedience

Hello,
I am not sure what I am writing here but God gave me a word about rebellion about a week ago and has wanted me to share it. So here it is and I am just believing that God is going to give me the words to finish this.
I was on my way to work and I thinking about some people that I thought were being rebellious so I started praying about them and of course was asking God to reveal any area in my life that I was being rebellious so I could change it if need be. Well God shared with me that Rebellion is an act of selfishness. For just a second I was wondering what He meant. But here it is.... If you are supposed to do something and you don't it is because you are choosing to do what you want rather that what you are supposed to do. That's selfish. If you are choosing to do things your way instead of Gods way you are being selfish. You are telling God you like your way better. That you can do it better.

Isaiah 1:19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

It is so hard when you have tasted the good of God, to see others rebel and not follow Him. Our Pastor says once you have tasted the good of God you are ruined for sin. It is not that you will never sin again it's that you will never feel comfortable in it again. You may be doing something but you just can't enjoy it like you used to because you know that you are out of the will of God. You know that life is much more than just you.

There is turmoil that we suffer, but in James 4:7 we see that through obedience we can have peace from the oppressions that would, try to come against us.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

So many of God's promises are hinged with an "IF", and the if is contingent on our obedience or our rebellion. We have free will to choose how we are going to respond to every moment and situation in our lives. Our rebellion will afford us the curses, but our obedience will award us the blessings.

If you still want to be selfish, please know your selfishness comes with an "IF". Then ask yourself if the "IF" is worth what benefit that selfishness affords you.

Be Smart... Be Blessed
Lynn

Happy Fathers Day Dad

There are so many things I want to say.

My heavenly Father is known by almost everyone, even if they don't believe in Him or honor Him. He has done great miracles, healed the sick, made the lame walk. He gave up His son, for my sins so I could walk with my head held high. I love Him more than I thought I could ever love anyone. I am so truly grateful for all he is.

Today however was set aside by someone, to honor our earthly Fathers. Now I believe we should honor our earthly Dads all the time not just on one day a year, but today is their day. If nothing else its a day to reflect back on what things you and your Father shared.

Because my Parents separated when I was 15 most of my memories are from when I was real young, but they are still precious to me.

When I was a little girl we lived by a lumber mill and my Dad drove truck, one day I stood by the fence and waved as he was driving by. He stopped the truck and got out, I thought I was in trouble for being out side of the fence, he said no you're not in trouble, go tell your Mom you're going on a ride with me and we'll be back in a couple of hours. That was awesome.

Dad would rake the leaves and put them on a tarp, he'd let me lay on top then he'd drag me around the yard.

We had sheep, and rabbits, some were pets and some were food.

Dad would take me up on the mountain, and we would target practice almost every Sunday after church.

Dad would go pheasant hunting and we had an old International pickup. We would get on the canal banks where the ditch riders roads would drive back and forth to open the irrigation gates and Dad would put the pickup in Granny gear and let me drive behind him. I could hardly reach the pedals, but I learned to drive. Out in the country, you're driving tractors at 9. At least you used to.

He loved goodies and a Pepsi or cup of tea after dinner.

We would go fishing and I would catch bugs for him to put on the hooks.

We went camping almost every weekend in the summers, it was so fun all of us in a big army tent. And more fishing.

Not many will know my Dad, but to a little country girl, he was super man.


Happy Fathers Day Dad..... You're Awesome.



This is my Dad's Mom, Dad on the far right, Me next to Dad, my Daughter, and her Daughter.
5 Generations :) 2004


Love,
Lynn

Friday the 13th!

Well it's Friday the 13th. wooo woooo. Are you scared yet? What if Jason comes out of the swamp at the summer camp? (am I dating myself there?)

It is funny to me to here all the different superstitions that people or cultures have.

If you spill salt you have to throw a pinch full over your shoulder. (This I used to do, why because someone told me I should....?)
You have to leave a house you are visiting out the same door you came in.
Don't walk under a ladder.
Don't step on a crack or you'll break your Mama's back.
Don't let a black Cat cross your path.
If you break a mirror you will have seven years of bad luck.
Four leafed clovers are good luck.
A Rabbit foot is good luck.
And have you ever been to a Bingo parlor. The "Regulars" Oh they have a whole set up and system going there... don't mess with their table or dabbers or how it is all set up. :)
I have couple of friends that are Hawaiian and they have a lot of things they do to not upset the spirits. One of them is born again church going believer but was brought up in the culture that you had to please the spirits, of the mountains, of the trees. She believed you could not spend any money on January 1st or it meant you would be spending money all year long.

I used to have this thing about clothes I would wear. Oh last time I wore that ... the car had a flat. That was the shirt I wore when I got into a fight with my friend. Silly huh? Well I thought I was the only one that had that particular "superstition" until recently I heard someone else mention something about it.

What I choose (I say that because you really do need to make a choice) is a relationship with Jesus. He is more than enough to take care of any need any circumstance that may come up in my life.

2 Corinthians 12:9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Ephesians 1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

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

Are you seeing something here? God is what we need, not some magic formula or potion. Superstitions are Fears. God tells us 365 times in the bible to "Fear Not", one for each day of the year.

2 Timothy1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Proverbs 3:25-26
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

Psalm 56:11 In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

So next time Friday the 13th or any of the other superstitions that we've heard for years pops into your mind, cast that vain imagination down and turn your focus on God. He really is our sufficiency. There is nothing He can't handle, nothing that Jesus didn't already conquer on the cross.

Rejoice it's Friday for most of us the weekend.
Have a Blessed one.
Lynn

I want to be BOLD

One evening my husband and I were on our way to a hockey game. We parked in our favorite spot which is about 4-5 blocks from the coliseum. When we were crossing the street right in front there was a young man (early 20's) dressed in what looked like a toga, a wreath on his head to signify the crown of thorns and a life size cross. He was yelling loudly "Repent you sinners, you're all going to hell" "Come to Jesus and be saved". It was a good message, it seemed like he had a great heart for God, however I wasn't sure the method in which he was spreading the word was best suited for the audience. I am not that bold. I try to use discernment and Godly wisdom in sharing Gods word. I want to be bold & I want it to be evident that I stand for Jesus. I don't want to deny him in any way, but I want to portray Him in a way that draws people to Him. I was concerned that with all the criticism that Christians receive he was drawing negative attention to God. But I started wondering, am I holding back too much? I share when I thing there's an open door.

So now as I was doing my other Bible Study, It brought this episode back to my remembrance and made me ask the question again, do I hold back too much.

Here's two revelations that God shared with me.

1. The parable of the talents. Matthew 25:14-28

14"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.

19"After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.'

21"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

22"The man with the two talents also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.'

23"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

24"Then the man who had received the one talent came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.'

26"His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28" 'Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents.

His words are special nuggets not to be hidden but to be shared and experienced.

Matthew 5:15
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (nlt)

The Second thing that God shared,is when God made Solomon King, in 1 Kings 3:5-14

5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

6 Solomon answered, "You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

7 "Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?"

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, "Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 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."

God wants us to be passionate about Him and His word.

Spend time in Gods word to know Him.
Spend time in prayer so God knows you. (He does already but He wants to hear it.)
Spend time being quiet so you can hear his still small voice whispering that he Loves you and that He is there to guide you.

BE BLESSED
Lynn

Little Hands

One Sunday in church we were in the middle of a worship song when I glanced over at our youngest daughter, holding her daughter. Our daughter was caught up in the moment, eyes closed one arm around her toddler, and one had raised to God. As she gently rocked back and forth singing to the Lord, Our granddaughter was squinting her eyes and peeking through to see what her Mama was doing. Our granddaughter had one arm on her Mom one in the air. What a precious sight this was. The faith of a child.

Jesus says in Mark 10:15
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

Not starting out in life with this type of faith and dedication, it is so comforting to know that our granddaughter has such an early start at living life right. That she may not forgo the trials that I or our daughter had to face.

We all come to God at different stages and in different conditions, God just wants us to come. I heard a song the other day and I just caught a piece of it, but it said "I'd rather die than to live without you." At first I was puzzled, then I realized that it was as if Jesus was saying that to us from the cross. I am eager to hear the song again so I can get the rest of it. But it has caused me to really reflect on God's love for us. He would rather die, than to live without us. He takes us where we are at for who we are, but He loves the child like faith.

With little hands raised to God without hesitation or inhibition. No worldly views to make her question Gods greatness.

Hebrews 4:16
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Be Blessed,
Lynn