Friday, February 22, 2013
Caffeinated in the Word - The week in Philippians.
So, did anyone participate in the study last week? Don't worry if you didn't. If you would like to join in, jump in where we are. There is never a right and wrong when getting into God's word. For those that have no idea what I am talking about, don't worry. I usually have that affect on people.
For the next few weeks we are participating in the 40 Days in the Word study. Last week, we looked at Philippians through the "Pronounce It" method of study. I have to say, I felt redunkulous doing that method and quickly switched to the SOAP Method of studying the Bible. Saying a single word out loud each time your read the verse did not work for me. I am such a rebel. I really do have to rebel against the norm. However, when doing the SOAP method I got so much out of the verses.
The verses that were chosen for Philippians really spoke to me this week. They were uplifting and reaffirming. They reminded me of what God has done for me and what He continues to do. I have to admit that I have been struggling. I have felt depressed. I have felt weary. I have felt tired. I have felt defeated. I have wanted to give up. I have wanted to hide in a gopher hole and never come out. The verses this last week reminded me that I need to bring the things that I am struggling with to God (Philippians 4:6). They reminded me that He has a plan and purpose that will be fulfilled (Philippians 1:6/2:13). They also reminded me that I cannot do this on my own. That He supplies me with what I need to "press forward" (Philippians 3:12B/4:13/4:19). These verses were like water to my soul. They were extremely needed and reminded me that He is with me. No matter what I feel, He is there. Through the trials I face, He alone is guiding me through them. He is providing me with strength and wisdom. He is in control and I am not. The story of my life and I am content in that knowledge.
This week the method of study recommended is the "Picture It" method. I will attempt it and give it a chance. It seems way more interesting than t he Pronounce It method. I"ll know by day 2 if it's for me. If not, it's back to old faithful SOAP method.
Day 8 - Mark 1:40 - 45 Jesus heals a leper.This week's memory verse:
Day 9 - Mark 3-1-6 Jesus heals a man with a shriveled hand
Day 10 - Mark 4: 35-41 Jesus calms the storm
Day 11 - Mark 5:21-43 Jesus raises a dead girl and heals a sick woman
Day 12 - Mark 6: 35-44 Jesus feeds the 5,000
Day 13 - Mark 6:45 - 51 Jesus walks on water
Day 14 - March 7:31-37 Jesus heals a deaf and mute man
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 NIVHow has your week been doing? What has God been telling you? Come link in with your randomness this week with the other Java Junkies.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday's Voice - Mali
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV84
Please be in prayer for all believers. Please feel free to share any prayer requests or praise requests in the comment section of the post. I would ask that if you read this blog on a Wednesday that you take time not just to pray for those who are persecuted, but also for each other. We may not know each other, but we can take joy in praying for each other and the power that God has when we pray globally. Blessings to you all.
Mali - France Intervenes with Campaign Against Rebels
France has taken decisive action by launching a military campaign against Islamist rebels that aggressively seized control of northern Mali last year. More recently, the militants have been trying to advance further into the south, posing danger to the Christians who were forced to flee to this area. With links to al-Qaeda, the rebels are also imposing a harsh version of sharia law in the territory.
Their attempted progression into southern Mali has sparked alarm. Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced: "Obviously we are very concerned about the situation, and the development of essentially an entire terrorist region is of grave concern to everybody in the international community." French foreign minister Laurent Fabius further explains that had France not intervened, there was a risk that the advance could result in "appalling consequences."
The Islamist takeover of northern Mali has already had a devastating impact on the Church in the region. Christians have been driven from their homes, and all church buildings in Gao and Timbuktu were destroyed. Many of the believers affected by the attacks fled to Bamako, where they have been living in refugee camps. There is added concern that if the militants were to advance further south, these refugees would be left with absolutely no safe haven in their homeland.
Pray for all the Christian refugee families who are in need of food, shelter and medical care. May the Lord also minister His peace and comfort to these displaced believers, many of whom are anxious because they don't know whether some of their family members are alive or dead.
Ask that His protection shield the innocent victims who may, through circumstances, be caught in the crossfire and that there will soon be a positive resolution to the conflict.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Caffeinated in the Word - It Begins.....
A few weeks ago I wrote about the campaign my church was participating in during the 40 days of Lent. We are participating in 40 Days in the Word. I am excited to participate with my church. I am praying that this will lead to a spiritual renewal in our church. That people would be so filled and learn so much from the experience. That they would become a home for God. I know this is a personal prayer for me.
To be honest, I can tell you that I am part of a Good Morning Girls group and have been for the past year. I have grown to love these women and have watched God work in each of our lives. I have to admit, however, that I don't always do my study. I notice a great difference in my day when I am in the Word, compared to when I am not. For example, earlier this week I was able to wake up early and get my study done. By mid week I slept in and everything slid downhill from there. I know it is because there is a difference in my attitude when I am in the word, than when I am not. It's not that I have ceased to trust God or lean on Him. It's not that I cease to pray or worship Him. I feel more level. I feel strengthened. I feel prepared.
and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: 15-17 NIV84
When we are in the Word daily we are equipped. We are prepared to face all that the world throws at us. In fact His word is the weapon of the armour that protects us.
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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Epheisans 6:13-17 NIV84
I didn't grow up in a home that lived by the Word. We had a Bible. It was on my Grandmother's jewelry box. It had some pretty pictures of Jesus (hippy white guy), David killing Goliath, and Adam and Eve. I thought it had some good stories that we sometimes watched on TV (think Ten Commandments). That is what I was taught the Bible was, a good book of stories. It wasn't until I attended a Catholic Church when I was 8 that I began to learn more about the Bible and it's ramifications. God then became the father figure I had had, one of vengeance, anger and unforgiveness. I lived with this God for years. It wasn't until I met my husband and took the Alpha course that this God image was destroyed and I began looking at my Bible as more than just a book of stories, but actual truth and guidance. I began a love of reading my Bible and studying it. I participated in numerous Bible studies when I first came to faith so that I could learn more. That love of study continues to this day. I continue to learn and question and be lead to truths that God reveals to me.
If you are participating along with me, there are daily verses to study and meditate upon. The study method that they recommend is the Pronounce It Method. I will see how that works. I may switch over to the SOAP method, as it is the one I enjoy. I don't think the method matters as much as the study.
This weeks daily verses are:
Day 1: Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philipians 1:6 (NIV)
Day 2: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.(Philippians 1:27a (NIV)
Day 3: For God is working in you giving you the desire and the power to what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 (NIV)
Day 4: ....I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Philippians 3:12 b (NIV)
Day 5: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything thing, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Day 6: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
Day 7: My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches to Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NIV)There is also a memory every week. This week's verse is:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16a (NIV)I think to prove that I am memorizing the verse, that I will vlog it. This will keep me accountable to not just my Church but also to you.
I hope you join me on this journey. However, if you aren't don't worry. I still want to hear your randomness. I learn so much from each of you every week.
What are your first memories of the Bible? What are you hoping to get out this or any Bible study that you participate in? Come link up with the other Java Junkies this week.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - An Update and Vlog
This has been quite the few weeks for our family. We have gone through the stomach flu and now we have head colds. My head has been pounding for the last 3 days. I was sure I had a sinus infection. However, it turns out (after spending 2 1/2 hours at the medical clinic) that it isn't a sinus infection....yet. Just the start of one. So I have to take decongestants for 4 days and if that doesn't work, then I have a prescription for antibiotics. It took a lot of will power to buy the Advil Cold and Sinus and not walk myself up to the pharmacist and fill out that prescription. So here's hoping the decongestants work.
As a result of the three day headache, I have spent very little time on the computer. Nor have I read anything. I have been watching mindless tv. Did you know during the day you have the choice of soap operas, cooking shows, talk shows or American Gypsy Weddings? I now know why I don't watch daytime tv anymore. What happened to the actual history shows on History Network or science shows on the Discovery Channel. What do Pawn Stars and American Choppers have to do with either of these channels?
This past year we have had an amazing aide assist us in our home and at Sam's school. She has worked with the boys and our team of therapists in working on their speech, behaviour, and mobility issues. This last fall she got married and just before Christmas found out she was pregnant and subsequently, gave us her notice. We are sad to lose her, but excited for her future. Needlessly to say the last few weeks have been exhausting as we have had no assistance in the home. I thought I had a new aide, however, she had taken another job. Tomorrow I have 3 interviews set up. It's quite stressful just thinking of it. I hope that of the three it will be hard to chose one.
A few weeks ago, many of us were challenged to vlog without any makeup by Jennifer of Finding Heaven. I actually did vlog. Then I ran into technical difficulties. It appears that my web cam filmed it at super mega data, instead of normally. I tried to upload it to YouTube and after 18 hours was told that it wasn't able to upload it. My husband fixed everything for me yesterday - Thank you honey! I hate watching myself. I've tried to watch this a few times and then turn and run for the hills. If you decide to watch this, warning it was early in the morning. I had no make up on. I hadn't finished my first cup of coffee. In fact, I got the stomach flu the next day, which could explain a whole lot. LOL. Watch at your own risk!
What have you been up to lately? What are you watching during the day and will you share? Come join in with your randomness with the other Java Junkies.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wednesday's Voice - India
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9 NIV84
Please be in prayer for all believers. Please feel free to share any prayer requests or praise requests in the comment section of the post. I would ask that if you read this blog on a Wednesday that you take time not just to pray for those who are persecuted, but also for each other. We may not know each other, but we can take joy in praying for each other and the power that God has when we prayglobally. Blessings to you all.
Sources: Mohabat News, Fox News, Asia News, Reuters, The Associated Press
After being convicted on charges of threatening Iran's national security through his leadership in the establishment of Christian house churches, Pastor Saeed Abedini was sentenced to eight years in Iran's notorious Evin Prison. The anticipated trial, followed by the shocking sentence, took place in Tehran on January 21, 2013.
Upon hearing the formal charges, the 32-year-old Iranian-American pastor told the judge he had no involvement in politics or in undermining the government. He explained that after moving to the United States in 2005, he periodically returned to his country of origin to visit his family, as well as oversee the development of an orphanage he had begun years earlier. Prior to this, about a decade ago, Saeed was the founder of a growing house church movement which consisted of more than 2,000 members. However, at that time, house churches were not considered a threat in Iran.
"This trial apparently is focussed on 13 years ago, when Pastor Saeed converted from Islam to Christianity," said Jordan Sekulow, Executive Director of the American Centre for Law and Justice, who is representing Pastor Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, and their children. Although the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with Iran, the State Department condemned the sentencing and called for Saeed's release. According to reports in Mohabat News, although the Iranian constitution recognizes religious minorities' rights, the regime prosecutes Christian converts from an Islamic background.
In the midst of her personal suffering, Naghmeh Abedini asks for continued prayer. She courageously reminds us that even though Saeed (who always had a heart for the imprisoned) has himself been bound through this persecution, the Word of God is being released.
May our Almighty God abundantly bless Pastor Saeed for his steadfast faith throughout the ordeal. In the name of Jesus, we ask for God's divine protection on our Christian brother during this unjust incarceration.
Pray that (in the words of Saeed) he continues to be a vessel in bringing God's Kingdom to a dark place by sharing the Gospel of peace and eternal life to the dying world.
We also pray that justice will ultimately be served and that, through the Lord's mighty intervention, Saeed will be safely returned to his wife and two young children.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - I've Been Hacked
I've been hacked.
Usually when people say this, there is some apologies for the e-mail virus sent out to their address book. Other times its in frustration over information lost or a redesign in their website.
My website hasn't been redesigned. Neither has anyone received an e-mail from me that came with an attached present or some ad about increasing the size of .... (This is a clean blog you know.)
I know when other's have been hacked on Facebook and Twitter it's usually something about "My youngest daughter is the best child I have." or "bwahahahahahahahahahahaha My sister is the best person in the whole wide world. I wish i could be like her. She is soooo awesome, and cool. Yahhhhhhh I kiss the ground she walks on." (actual post)
That's what usually happens. But nothing like that happens in my world (ok except aforementioned Facebook post by my sister.) My hacking is usually something Dutch. That's right - Dutch. Not normal Dutch things like the flag, the Queen (who is abdicating this year), the dykes, villages, engineering accomplishments, or even cute kids dressed in traditional Dutch costume. Nope. I get Dutch soccer players or as they say in Europe, Footballers.
At least my hacker has some taste and only post pictures of the top Dutch players. I mean, I wouldn't just want Dutch soccer players randomly posted to my blog, cell phone, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. I have some class you know. Only the best for me. I get pictures of Dennis Bergkamp, one of the best Dutch strickers
or Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten, and Ruud Gullit (my current wallpaper).
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| Love the hair |
Don't try to pronounce these names. You probably would sound like you had a cold.
You see my hacker is a Dutch soccer fan. He follows the national team standing. He cheers on the team and some of the individual players during the European League. My hacker surprises me with pictures of his all time favourite player, Bergkamp, a lot. If you haven't figured it out my hacker is my hubby. He's even posted a blog prior to this one. I have to admit, it's not really a hacking. I asked him to blog for me as I am fighting a head cold. He loves me that much to do a guest posting.
How has your loved ones hacked you? What is something that you and your husband like to do together? Come join in with the random hacking this week with the other java junkies.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
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