Blessed

Here's a short video that will have you rooting for the underdog, or maybe I should say under-frog" ::chuckle:: I will name him (gender?) ..... um... Lucky... no, a better name is, Blessed.

I am not much of a drama-lover so consequently, I will purposely spoil the video for you: Blessed survives! I tell you that "spoiler" because he is blessed to live AND I want you to focus on Blessed. Watch the intensity as Blessed peers off into the future. He prepares to leap to his next station in life and all-the-while is unaware that Slither, the sneaky snake, is hungry for a Blessed snack! As you watch, listen to the music. It adds to SO much intensity to the situation.

I found myself wishing that when I am perched on my home-leaf and sin is sneaking up on me or danger is in my path, IT WOULD BE AWESOME to be warned by dramatic music! If I were about to make a (another) bad decision, that business deal bit me, someone discovered my dark past or a darker present, the music would intensify and I would change my mind and/or change direction! It would be a BREEZE!

Then the thought occurred to me: I HEAR more than 'music' as a heart-felt impression, maybe a whisper, that allows me to stop and search for snakes! The problem is that sometimes, I choose not to listen! Even if there was a full orchestra with a raucous tympani booming: "Don't. DON'T (Boom, BOOM) over and over again, if I chose NOT to listen I would become a Blessed snack to slithering Satanic intent!

As 'Blessed the frog' leaps to a safe future, unaware of past danger, so it is with us as we embark on the next journey. We are unaware of the many times Jesus 'had our back', changed our direction and/or delayed our leap, just to protect us! Like Blessed, we might need to 'cling as we swing' on a new venture but Jesus knows where we land and where we are going! ~Pray /\

Click the link----->http://www.wimp.com/epicfrog/

http://www.wimp.com/epicfrog/

Paul's Prison Keys!

As I read about Paul and his letter to the Philippians chapter 1: vs 1-11, I was especially captivated by his positive attitude, thankfulness, prayers and especially his joy! In fact, the most prominent theme in Philippians is joy! Philippians is often referred to as 'Three letters of Joy'! Paul's love seems to spill from his heart and onto the growing church membership in Philippi. Paul spread his cheer even as he was experiencing deplorable conditions.

The Roman prisons were devoid of modern-day amenities. They certainly didn't have TV cable! They seldom had a toilet. Prisoners were often shackled to the wall in total darkness and were forgotten. Through it all, Paul is able to remain sane, hopeful and still view life through hermeneutic eyes. Seeing the spiritual aspects of everyday conditions and recognize opportunities for sharing the gospel is a gift!

Paul encouraged ALL! There are many modern-day Pauls (and Paulines) all around us! I am proud to say many sit in my own church!

We all experience many moments in this life that are filled with filth and disappointment. Some of us may have become imprisoned by poor choices. Some may even feel 'chained to the wall'. Paul experienced the filth of life far beyond what many of us ever will. Through it all he expressed joy and even encouraged others. Although Paul's key to unlock his condition was his faith in Jesus Christ, I believe a lesson learned from Paul's life is his cultivated gift of encouragement he received by encouraging others; it was his escape! Our challenges diminish as we extend a hand of freedom to others! I am confident Paul had friends that encouraged him along the way as well.  Our Savior's love has been extended to us as keys to unlock our personal prison. We have only to accept it! We will soon be set free! This week help someone escape from their prison and you will BOTH be set free! Alleluia!! ~Pray /\

Ancient Magic Book

When I have experienced personal challenges in my life, some people have told me that the perfect place to find comfort and solace is in reading the Bible. Some even have offered several specific texts. Here is one:“Cast your burden on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be moved.” NKJV (Psalm 55:22) 

I have always appreciated sound, well intended counsel from friends and family. I have always believed that the Bible is indeed full of true promises that hold the seeds of inner peace hidden in them. However, I don't worship the Bible. Thumbing through its pages is an awesome idea but unless you are familiar with its structure, and the very serious ‘conditions’ imposed, it will seem very confusing. Don't get me wrong! The stories are applicable but they are…. well, a bit dated and surprisingly out of sequence! A rookie reader will be lost.

If you have never opened a Bible (or if it has been a while since you have), it’s fair to say that perusing through the pages during a personal calamity might find you asking, “Where do I begin?” After all, the Bible is not an ancient magic book nor does reading it create a presto-change-o-solution to all/any of life’s rocky moments.

    

Some friends have echoed the phrase “Let go and Let God”. I love the cadence. It’s a brief, compact and simple expression. It seems so spiritual. I have even seen it on bumper stickers or even written on walls. However, there are times when we have become so mesmerized by the world and the grasp on its attractions are so firm, that we just can't “let go”. We WANT to “let go”, we TRY to “let go”—but it just will not happen. No amount of Bible reading will help us; that is, unless (here's the condition) while you read the Bible, you talk to the Author.

There’s often a difference in what we want to give up and what we need to release. We might be holding tightly to something we think of as good, like better health for a loved one, changed behavior in a wayward child or sibling, a promotion or even a new career. All too often, what we think is good is NOT what God knows is best.

Other times we grip tightly to assumptions about the way we think life SHOULD be; that things ought to be easier; that being a parent should not be so difficult or why a class is especially challenging. Some of us have even had ‘Balaam moments’, knowing full well that we are headed in the wrong direction and we are talking to ‘donkeys’ (or worse).

Reading the Bible WILL NOT help us effectively resist/quit our preconceived notions of how life is supposed to work. Talking to the Author of the Bible will!

What “Let go and let God” comes down to is this: We need to let go of our own will. We must claim as our own the incredible prayer that Jesus prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not MY will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). We need to let go and let God do what God wills. This submission of the 'will', will lead to peace and joy, even when the way is difficult. Read your Bible AND pray to God. He will positively affect your life. Ask for the Holy Spirit.

Father, I place my life in Your hands!” (Luke 23:46). ~Pray /\