REORDERING ONE’S PRIVATE WORLD; THE DISCIPLINE OF SIMPLICITY

Everything around us works against reordering and simplifying our lives. Ours is a cluttered and complicated world. God did not create it that way. We as restless humanity has made it that way. “God has made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated.” Ecclesiastes 7:29

1. Advertisements have one major goal; to make us discontented, dissatisfied with who we are and what we have. This is so we will acquire what they offer. And we do just that!!! We want more and more; ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH. 2. Competition is another way the world has to get us discontent. You meet the goal and then the goal is set even higher. Relaxing is never an option. Size is never sufficient. We not only compete but we are driven to win. Not only do we acquire things, but we keep, and we accumulate. We want more and we must spend more and then spend more time maintaining those things. Staying ahead in this maddening pace leaves us strained, fretful and breathless. Since we know that God is not the author of confusion we begin to feel an emptiness within our being. The place where only God is able to fill.

To reorder one’s own world, the need to simplify is important. If we do not, we will find ourselves unable to be at rest within; unable to enter the deep silent areas of our hearts, where God’s words are communicated to us. If we live very long in this state our hearts grow cold toward Jesus and we become sucked back into the way of the world. “I am afraid lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” 11 Corinthians 11:3

How can we be led astray as a Christian? It can happen in the most unsuspected places; in a home where every member of the family is a Christian. . . in a church where truth is taught and Christ is exalted. . . even in the heart of a Christian who is in full time ministry. It is in the act of BUSYNESS where the enemy rears its ugly head.

3. Envy is another avenue that the enemy will use to pull you away. The attitude of judging, comparing and regretting or feeling proud, turns our focus from the things of God and becomes hooked on others as well as ourselves. Instead of being contented, we are consumed by envy. Our standard of contentment is raised so high, we can never measure up.

In the initial move toward cultivating intimacy with God, it is essential that we reorder our private lives. That requires us to slow our pace as well as stop the envy. Both of these tasks have to be done by ourselves. No one else can do this for us.

To get rid of the clutter in our lives, simplicity isn’t just nice - it is essential. But neither is it automatic; it will call forth intense determination. So get ready and begin to order your life with intent.

A.S.A.P.

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.
There is work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare
Do your best; let God do the rest -
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear
Slow down and take a breather -
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is
He wants to ease our cares
He will respond to your needs
A.S.A.P. - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

Author unknown

BEYOND THE VEIL THROUGH PRAYER AND WORSHIP FINDING INTIMACY WITH THE FATHER

I did a Bible Study on this topic a few years back and it has changed my life so much. (Book by Alice Smith; Beyond the veil, entering into intimacy with God through prayer). Prayer is the key to hearing from God; Him hearing from you and receiving answers to the hard questions of life. Read this short study and allow the Holy Spirit to make a change in the way you think about prayer.

There is only one power on earth that commands the power of heaven - PRAYER. If we humble ourselves and cry out to God then God will begin to pour His Spirit out on His people. BURNING, BELIEVING, PREVAILING, PERSUADING, PERSERVERING, INTIMATE PRAYER ALWAYS PRECEDES A MOVE OF GOD. Jesus took time to be alone with God. This is how you hear from God; Luke 22:39, John 8:1 (early in the morning). You cannot minister to others until you have spent time with God.

CHOSEN TO PARTNER; We can learn of Him by building a relationship with Him. And that relationship is formed as we invest intimate times of listening, learning to trust through obedience to His Word and living in oneness with Him - abiding in Him.
John 15:7. The Lord will entrust the powerful things of His Kingdom to those who have found an abiding place in Him. As we learn intimacy with the Father our hearts become one. As our hearts touch the Father’s heart, we assume the same rhythm, the same desires and the same goals. The more we know Him, the more we love Him. Hopelessly in love with Him, our goals are lost in His. But if we choose not to participate, He will find another. Isaiah 59:16.

Life changing results begin in the prayer closet. It happens as a result of Intercession. And it is only out of an intimate relationship that intercession will flow. When we get serious about prayer, then the fasting, the tears and travail of intercession will cause the bowls of incense in heaven to overflow; Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8: 3-4. In the heavenlies, before the throne of God, the prayers of the saints rise as incense to the Father and He smells the sweetness of our cries. Our prayers coupled with the Father’s great unlimited compassion for His children will set into motion the greatest outpouring of his Spirit the world has ever seen.

WORSHIP AND INTERCESSION - “the harp and the bowl” Revelation 5:8 are the priestly duties of the believer and the chief activities in heaven. See how worship and intercession is described in heaven; Revelation 4:5, 8-11. When we enter this type of worship and praise then we have entered into intimacy with the Father. This is what He had been desiring of us. Worship and intercession CAUSES DESTRUCTION IN THE ENEMY CAMP. Both worship and intercession is to be about the FATHERS HEART, NOT ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS. We have the great honor of joining hands with a victorious Lord to dispel the darkness of satans dominion in the lives of others.
1Peter 2:9. PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING need to outweigh your petition to God or you are out of balance.

WAYS TO WORSHIP - Read scripture out loud; Ps.63: 3-11, 86; 18:32-40, 55:17-23, 140:1-8, 144:1-9. Vocalize thanksgiving to God for what He has done. Sing Scripture. Make up a list of names of the Trinity from scripture;
ALL POWERFUL - BREAD OF LIFE - FATHER - BRIDEGROOM - LORD - JEHOVAH - GENTLE - APPLE OF MY EYE - KING OF ALL AGES
Thanks for reading, Leola

Draw from His well of life: Today, right now

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29: 11-14

How many times have you sat around wondering if God really loves you? If He actually has a plan for you? Is He aware of what is happening to you? I am here to tell you that, yes, He really does care! He is there for you when you are facing uncertainty or questions about the future. He is always available, willing and eager to hear from you. Jeremiah tells us; “The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. He wants you to know, today, how much He loves you. He wants you to experience His love deeply in your life. Not just a surface relationship, but one that is deeply engrained in His word. One that will be lasting and satisfying. In order for that to happen you need to spend time in His word; reading His promises and hearing from Him. Only then can you take what you have heard and share with others who need to hear that particular message. THANKS for listening, Leola

Do Not Keep Who You Are Hidden!

“For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet, who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 4:14

I love the story of Esther. A young orphan girl who had hidden a family secret until the day arrived that she revealed her true identity and became a national heroine. WOW! What a story for us today. I would like to tell you this story in probably a different way then you have ever heard it told. Maybe it will reveal to you something new about yourself and your purpose in God’s Kingdom.
Esther was one of the young ladies brought before the King as he was looking to replace his wife. The King sent out his messengers into the 127 provinces of Persia to find the most beautiful, young women of the land and bring into his palace. One of those drafted into the national search for a queen was a young Jewish woman named Hadassah. Since the death of her parents she had been living with her uncle, Mordecai. At his insistence Hadassah has gone by a Persian name, Esther, so as not to call attention to her true heritage. Esther’s beauty destines her for the national spotlight. The eyes of the empire turn to her when she emerges from obscurity to wear the crown of the Queen of Persia.
The kingdom was holding a beauty pageant. Some might say it is similar to today’s pageants that are held all over the land. Only, this time, the participants had one year to make themselves ready for viewing. . “ They spent 6 months soaking in oil of myrrh, and another six months with perfumes and preparation for beautifying women.” Esther 2:12 Once this preparation was completed they were called in one at a time before the King. “And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.” Esther 2:15 “The King loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen.” Esther 2:17
As the story unfolds a plot is discovered. Esther is told of the plot and asked to go before the king with the matter. Now, Esther knows that if she goes before the King and he does not reach out his scepter to receive her she will surely die. Esther is in a pickle. If she does not speak out and tell the King of this evil plot, then all of her people will die.
But Esther comes through. She senses her destiny and the risk that is before her. She agrees to use her influence to come to the aid of her people and says “if I perish, I perish.” Esther asks the King and his right hand man to come to a banquet she is to prepare for them. (In the meantime Esther has been on her knees before her God). She needed counsel and guidance from above. This job was too big for her to accomplish on her own.
As the banquet begins Esther reveals to the king the evil plot against the Jews. THIS is the time for her to reveal who she truly was. The king did not know her nationality neither did Haman who started this awful plot to destroy all the Jewish nations. The King, of course, wanted to know who it was that devised this plot to begin with. As the story goes on, Haman is revealed as the culprit. He and all of his sons die. Esther is given the Kings ring to do as she pleases (this is a symbol of the Kings power). She gives the ring to Mordecai who becomes ruler over all of Hamans household. The Jewish nation was allowed to defend themselves against their enemies and won triumphantly.
Such a short version of the 10 chapters in this book of Esther. But tremendous lessons to be learned. The name “God” was never spoken in this book but you see Him behind the scenes guiding the affairs of His chosen people. He took two people, Esther and Mordecai, at a very low spot in their spiritual life, and through spiritual growth allowed them to function as saviors of their people. This reveals to me that God is always at work in our lives. There are no coincidences as we journey through this life, but God uses circumstances to fulfill His purpose within us. God can even take our sin and our mistakes and use them for His glory.
Even though God is not mentioned in these pages of Esther yet in the unfolding drama of the Bible, this chapter of History shows that God doesn’t have to be mentioned to be present. This story is a timeless tribute to the God who doesn’t have to be announced or understood to be present. He is the God of the sleepless nights and the surprise ending. He is the God who works for us in the darkness, confusion, and fears of our lives. What is inspiring about this story is that it is not all about Esther. It is a story about a God who, while being our provider and protector, can use us to bring help to others. Who can say when we, like Esther, may find ourselves looking into the eyes of destiny as we contemplate the needs of a hurting child, a lonely neighbor, a frightened co-worker, or a disillusioned spouse? Who can say that heaven has not brought us to this place – for such a time as this?
Excerpts taken from the Bible and several other commentaries.
I pray that you have enjoyed this version of “Esther” who was truly created for her time in history.
THANKS, Leola

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

In this day of uncertain economics and troubling politics we sometimes wonder what is to happen to us. We think about the past; yesterday, and what “used to be”. We worry about tomorrow; and “what is to come”. Yet, for today; we live as if there is no tomorrow. Let’s think for a minute about this issue.
Yesterday is gone. It won’t come back. You can try and try and try, but you will be unable to have those hours, and days, and years back to “do over”. What has been done, accomplished and completed in the past is just that DONE! FINISHED! Yet, you can learn so much from your yesterdays. The mistakes and failures. The successes. The wonderful impact you have had on other peoples lives. Those things stand for eternity. That is what you need to be remembering and thanking God for. Thanking Him that you were used as His instrument to provide healing and comfort and assurance for someone who was so desperate for a touch from your Lord.
Today! It is today. What are you going to do with your day? Are you going to allow it to fade away as you watch the clock tick each second along? Are you going to waste the minutes doing things that aren’t worthwhile? Are you going to use it as a volunteer for the many ministries out there that need your helping hand? You have so many choices. Choose, today, to make every hour count for good. To spend time in helping to heal our land and its people.
And tomorrow? Well, tomorrow is coming! Isn’t it wonderful to know the scriptures? “You shall not go out with haste. . . for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” Isaiah 52:12. This is indeed a revelation – that God will send His forces out where we have failed to go. He will keep watch over us so that we will not be tripped up again by the same failures, as would happen if He were not our “rear guard”. Also, God’s hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our consciences as we confess to Him our failures. “If we confess our faults, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Tomorrow we can use our past to encourage one another. We can use our experiences both good and bad to share with those that need to make decisions and come seeking our advice. Send them to the Word of God. Share with them how you have found your answers through searching the scriptures. Remember that we live in the world to be a light to the nations. We do not live in a vacuum, but live in and around others. Touch their lives. Don’t allow them to infiltrate your “light” but use your light to overcome their darkness. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden nor do they light a lamp and put it in a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5: 14-16
In spite of the economy. In spite of your past failures and concerns. You have today to live! You can make the most of each day as you focus on God’s word and His will in your life. Learn to listen to Him and obey. As you do this, you will begin to change how you see yourself and how you view others. Become an advocate for Jesus Christ.
THANKS FOR LISTENING
Leola

Names of God

You are Elohim. My one and only true God. The I Am that I Am
You are El Shaddai. My God who is more than enough. The Giver. The All Bountiful One.
The All Sufficient One.
You are Jehovah. The self-existing One. The God who keeps covenant with His people.
You are Jehovah-Jireh. The God who sees the need and provides.
You are Jehovah Rapha, the Healer. You give life to every part of my body.
You are Jehovah Shalom, the God of Peace. Your peace makes Your people whole.
You are Jehovah Roi, the Shepherd. There is no lack in You.
You are Jehovah Tsidkenu. You are Righteous.
You are Jehovah Elyon. The Most High God.
You are Jehovah Zeeabaoth. The fighter of my battles.

These are but a few of the names of God. May He be your all sufficient one today.
Leola