The Beatitudes
Sunday, November 9, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
      for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
 Blessed are those who mourn,
      for they will be comforted. 
 Blessed are the meek,
      for they will inherit the earth. 
 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
      for they will be filled. 
 Blessed are the merciful,
      for they will be shown mercy. 
 Blessed are the pure in heart,
      for they will see God. 
 Blessed are the peacemakers,
      for they will be called sons of God. 
 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 
  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ~ Matthew 5:3-10

I could definately learn from the Beatitudes today.  Acting in a selfless manner, giving patience and mercy, and letting my example show Christ in me.  Today I fell short, but Praise God for loving me unconditionally and teaching me right from wrong.  May I continue to "keep trying" to be more Christ-like.  I know there is only one who is perfect.  Deliver me from evil Lord Jesus.  Set my feet on solid ground, and give me a heart of compassion.

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Being Faithful To God, While Supporting Our President...
Friday, November 7, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3:15-16

A thought just crossed my mind from a dear friend who commented and I thought this topic would make a great post.

In everyday life, Christians a tested with trial and tribulations.  We are sinners and at times, fall pray to sin.  Wheather we commit that sin is up to each person.  Some, stop. pray. And listen for God to speak.  Others feel the temptations are too strong and just give in.

At any time, but especially when things are uncertain, we are to know and fully understand what we believe. What God calls us to do as His followers. We do this through prayer by asking God to give us wisdom and comprehension while we're reading His word. We also do this by reading continually and informing ourselves about the position we are called through Jesus Christ.

We do not save people.  GOD, Himself does this.  But with the outreach of a hand, we are called to share the Gospel without fear and be able to back up WHY we believe what we believe and WHERE this information comes from, as well as WHO we believe in. I would also go as far as to mention WHEN we believe in Him.  Why?  Because oftentimes, people believe in Christ, only when things have gone awry.  They don't know that you can talk to God, and they sometimes don't even know they can praise Him in joyous times as well.

In my last post, you'll remember I told you to stand FIRMLY to Gods truths.  That if you want to change things, you MUST inform yourselves and you must know what you stand for.  Not being able to grasp what you stand for or be able to express it when it's asked of you withought the person who gives you those teachings, will only create doubt in those who seek.

In supporting Obama, we are to support him in prayer and with respect.  But we NEVER should falter on the teachings of God.  God is calling us to seek HIS authority while respecting those who are in office and praying for the decisions they make on behalf of themselves and their citizens.

So by no means does God call us to follow through on sin or anything that goes against HIS principals.  But we must reach out in prayer,  and also know what we stand for, so that when others want to know, we are able to affirm those very important beliefs.

Now that our President has been chosen and a line has been drawn even deeper between God and the world, we must remember what we are called to do and obey our Lord and Savior. 

I repeat the words from my last post,

Now's the time to share what you believe.  It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.

***Start today, by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.

Blessings dear friends as you reach out to show compassion to a fallen world!

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It's Time To Move On...77 Days Of Prayer For President Barak Obama
Thursday, November 6, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves".  ~Luke 22:24-26

Today is the day we must start FRESH.  For those who have grieved for the uncertainty of the future, we must hold true to our belief in Christ and the standards He has set. 

If you have been disappointed by the outcome of the election like I have, or even have chosen your President to be President Barak Obama,  you must continue to make certain that you are equipped in the future to be informed of the choices your leaders make in local, state and governmental positions and be able to take a stand to make your voices heard.

If you are disappointed with the course of which our Country is moving like many are today, it is YOUR obligation to pray for the leaders of your nation, to inform yourselves and to be equipped to share your concern in a way that is with HONOR & DIGNITY with those in your community and citizens of our beloved United States Of America. 

Today, though some may have voted for other candidates, we have a new President who will take office on January 20th, 2009.  His name is President Barak Obama.  While many of us grieve, we must also remember that God has called us to trust in Him and to respect our leaders.  President Barak Obama needs our prayers today and while I am uncertain of what the future holds, I am prepared to pray for Him and our government and equip myself to share concerns with these leaders when they arise. 

If you do not like what has happened, then you must make a difference and get involved.  Get involved in your communities, states and governmental legislations, get involved in making a difference with your neighbors no matter who they voted for.  Sharing the love of Christ and ministering to a community, country and world that needs you will change things more than lashing out in anger and crying over something that has already come to pass.

Nows the time to share what you believe.  It's a time to stand for the Lord that you believe in and it's a time not to give up, but STAND UP.

Start by committing to pray for President Barak Obama and show the world Christ through setting an example.

Blessings dear friends!

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Eric Redmond: "Living Soli Deo Gloria Under Obama" Please take the time to read this!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

 

Introduction by Rebekah

First of all, I thought I would take a minute to say that since the outcome of the election last night, I have been extremely conflicted.  The conflict I have is to do with my most important relationship with Jesus Christ and the values I uphold to be true and good.  Values which I will continue NOT to falter on, Rather which will ALWAYS be the basis of our foundation in Christ, which myself and my husband stand on.  

I also understand the history of an elected President of which is considered to be minority because of skin color.  Having grown up in the same town that Harriet Tubman lived. I know full well the importance of Black History and freedom of slaves as well as freedom of American Citizens who are of minority.  I think of women, children, people of color, ethnicity, and yes, beliefs other than my own.

I think of the children we may adopt in the future.  Our children who may be of Black, Hispanic, Asian or even Caucasian birth.  The fact that no matter what race or ethnicity our child/ren will be, they will actually see someone that looks like them in a position of higher authority that can help communities, countries and people around the world in what I'd like to think would be honorably.

With that said, the conflict is that while I see these values of importance, and I am joyful we've come this far in History to have a black president, I do not think President Barak Obama holds the values that I'd like my children to one day share.  My heart weeps for the world today, because MAJORITY are blinded to what true honor and values hold in a day when we vote based on the color of ones skin-type and disengaging ourselves to what our candidates stand for.

So because my heart and mind are weary today, because I'm conflicted with the joy of a black, historical Presidency while still holding onto my values and honor in Christ and because my hope is NOT in man or to elect someone by the color of  his skin, I have decided to post an article from another blog that expresses my thoughts completely. 

Written by Eric Redmond, this article is worth reading and shares not only the values I stand for, but also is an article from someone of color that has LIVED in our community as a minority but who in my eyes is seen as a great American Citizen.  I'm honored to have read his article and thus, I share it with all of you!

 

 

 

Let us then continue to honor the good appointment of God, which may be easily done, provided we impute to ourselves whatever evil may accompany it. Hence he teaches us here the end for which magistrates are instituted by the Lord; the happy effects of which would always appear, were not so noble and salutary an institution marred through our fault. At the same time, princes do never so far abuse their power, by harassing the good and innocent, that they do not retain in their tyranny some kind of just government: there can then be no tyranny which does not in some respects assist in consolidating the society of men.
John Calvin, commentary on Romans 13:3.

A Note of Thanks

First, allow me to express my thanks to Justin for inviting me to contribute to his blog on the day after what might go down in history as the most significant Presidential election in the United States in our lifetime. I have found Justin to be a kind and discerning brother, for whom I give many thanks. I also am grateful for his passion for demonstrating the mercy of Christ to the unborn and the orphan—a passion we share in experience.

My Post-Obama-Election Dilemma

I am not and never have been a fan of John McCain, his proposed policies, his inconsistent record on many issues, his poor choice for a running mate, his thoughtless economic plan, or of his very negative campaigning against Barak Obama. It was hard for me to bear the thought of voting for him. It was equally hard for me to bear the thought of siding with a campaign for "change" that would passively allow each state to choose whether it would change the definition and legal institution of marriage, and that would not actively seek to change (read "work for the overturning of") Roe. v. Wade. For me, neither candidate represented change or progress for the country, except on the issue of the country's readiness to be led by a candidate of color.
How I wish that the first time there was a probable opportunity for an African American candidate to reach the White House I could have cast my vote for such a candidate without any reservation. However, I am pro-life, and President-Elect Obama is the most anti-life senator to come to power in my lifetime. I also am pro-conservative justices (who limit legislating from the bench). I am pro-marriage— that is, pro-heterosexual marriage. In the end, I could not overlook these issues as I approached Election Day. But the temptation to justify voting for Obama was strong, for I did not want to be against the side of history—of an African American finally making it to the Oval Office.

However, if I have not learned anything else from the recent happenings at my (soon to be former) church, it is these two things: First, it is not virtuous to side with the majority because one does not wish to stand out among friends, or because one is unwilling to examine all information on an issue, or because one wants to dispense dislikes toward current leadership, in spite of righteous reasons to vote against the majority—in fact, under some circumstances, it can be a horrendous evil. Second, even if one is seeking to be consistent in humility and holiness individually, to abstain from voting on any matter is to allow the majority to speak for you. That same majority, with a victory, might make trouble for the greater populous by means of the evil(s) of which you sought to distance yourself by abstaining from voting.

So I made two very difficult choices: First, I chose to vote rather than stay home. Second, I voted for lives of the unborn rather than for approval from the vast majority of my own ethnic community. The latter choice took the risk of being reproached for the name of Christ, for I only voted for life because of the fear of my Lord (cf. Ex. 1:15-2:12). I know such a choice risks invoking the ire or dismissal of the overwhelming majority of the African American community. Yet, on a most historic Election Day, I could not allow my personal pro-life stance to crumble under the weight of being perceived as a traitor to the African American cause for victory, for that goes against all godly wisdom:

I cast my vote in the hopes of rescuing those being taken to the slaughter. I could not vote in such a way that I would have ignored the blood flowing from fertility clinics, for I know that the Almighty would repay my cowardice. My hope in his word is that he will remember me and graciously and provide for my life, repaying me with mercy.

In contrast, I do not think a recession can be said to be taking people to death unjustly, especially when many in Maryland voted to throw their lots in with bringing slots to my state; (the correlation of the recession to the slots-vote should be obvious to the righteous). I think our soldiers voluntarily sign up to defend our freedom at the risk of their own lives. Lack of health insurance coverage for all makes life very hard for many, but it does not lead to a denial of all medical care for any one class of people. (N.B. I have two members in my home with medical pre-conditions, and I am about to begin paying health insurance out of pocket because we cannot afford a break in coverage when my current job ends. I understand the value of health insurance and the stress of keeping up with the rising costs of such coverage.) So the economy, the war in Iraq, and universal health insurance became secondary issues for me—albeit very important ones —because righteousness was not at stake. Even so, the righteous should not now overlook these issues while loving their fellow man.

My Duty to Christ and the King

The question for me at this time is this: Can I continue to live Soli Deo Gloria under a President whose moral judgment already is questionable before he takes the oath of office? Yes I can, for I can be obedient to Scripture, praying for the one in authority (I Tim. 2:1-8), honoring the one in authority (1 Pet. 2:13-18), submitting to the one in authority (Rom. 13:1-7; Tit. 3:1), and seeking righteousness for the entire citizenry (Prov. 14:34). These I will seek to do by grace. I will "honor the good appointment of God."

Moreover, I can follow the admonition and example of Calvin, who, in the quote above, preached that believers should impute to themselves the ills of government and recognize the common grace given to mankind through human governing authorities. For example, in our day, it is not the governmental regulation that slaughters the innocent; it is the people who chose to end the lives of their children, and the willing executioners who kill for the sake of the monetary gain afforded by the abortion industry. The government only allows this sin to receive legal permission and protection. Nevertheless, that same government provides many laws that allow me to worship in freedom, preach the Gospel freely, vote in an election, and write blog posts like this one without fear of censorship or death. I readily can recognize the retention of "some kind of just government" under President Obama's rule.

My Dilemma Resolved

My humble proposal of an attempt to be Christocentric rather than Afrocentric will not be received with approval by many African Americans that I know. I hope to live long enough to witness another African American become a candidate for President of the United States of America—a candidate who is pro-life and pro-righteousness. Yet my hope may ring hollow to many other African Americans who are celebrating a Democratic victory that happens to seem pro-African American. To the celebrants, I might be labeled as sore loser seeking to justify his reasons for siding with conservative white America rather than with Black America.
In writing elsewhere about "how I have wrestled through the Christian version of the Uncle Tom epithet" (with respect to my embracing of Reformed Theology), I have penned this thought:

If a person would allow himself to be pigeonholed into becoming a person of a nationalistic or ethno-centric thought out of the fear of being viewed as an Oreo or Uncle Tom, then Reformed Theology is not for that person. But neither is the Gospel, for the Gospel calls each of us to stand against an ethnic-centered philosophy of one's own race, for such a philosophy is naturally conformed to this present world and is in need of redemption. If you cannot stand against your own culture where it does not square with the Scriptures, you are the one who is ashamed of Christ, and such shame has nothing to with philosophical or ontological Blackness; it only has to do with your view of the majesty of the God who calls you to deny yourself in order to follow Christ. ("Sovereign in a Sweet Home, Schooling, and Solace," in Glory Road: Our Journey Into Reformed Christianity, ed. Anthony Carter [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, Wheaton, forthcoming])

I am fairly certain that if J. C. Watts had been the Republican nominee for President, and if he had been running against Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee, the great majority of African Americans would have found reason to vote for the wife of the "first Black President" and her liberal ideals rather than for Watts and his conservative ideals. In doing so, such a vote would indicate that the great majority of African Americans have feelings about the type of African American who would be deemed worthy their votes for the seat at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—who would be worthy of African Americans' approval as their choice for their representative in the White House. Seemingly, for the Black Nationalist and the liberal, not every African American would qualify to wear an honor for which our ancestors were stolen, enslaved, whipped, lynched, dehumanized, and killed. Likewise, it is my opinion that my ancestors experienced such suffering and injustices so that it would be possible for any African American to reach the Oval Office, but not so that every African American, regardless of qualifications, could reach the Oval Office. Those who fought for civil rights for African Americans were doing so out of a moral impetus to see African Americans treated humanely—as human beings rather than like chattel or as 3/5ths-human. I think the best way to honor their work and lives when the office of Commander in Chief is within reach would be to continue that moral quest. That quest is continued by finding a candidate who seeks to see African Americans, even those in the womb, treated humanely—as people rather than as cattle for our labor and experimentation or as a 3/5th-human fetus.

A Guest Post by Eric C. Redmond

Eric C. Redmond is the author of Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's Questions About the Church (Crossway, 2008). He most recently served as the 2007-2008 Second Vice-President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He has previously posted other thoughts on the election at his blog, A Man from Issachar. He and his wife, Pamela, are adoptive parents who have five children in their home and two children in heaven.

Source of the article: Between Two Worlds

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Awake O'Sleeper
Thursday, October 23, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Awake! O Sleeper
(Kirk/Wilkerson)
Oh Abraham would raise his hands
And mourn this very day
For his children left the promised land
In search of their own way
They kick and scream like wayward sons
Always wanting to sleep
And dream away these evil days
In hopes that God cant see
There are chains upon your children Lord
Chains upon your children
There are chains upon your children 
We're in chains

Chorus
Do you hear the lion roar?
Awake O Sleeper
Stand with me well fight the war
Awake O Sleeper
Your suffering will come again
And never fall away

2nd verse

Your suffering will come again
And never fall away
For we trade our many comforts
Like the one who bled for grace
There will come a day my God will come
And put me in my place
My God I pray, Youll call my name
Instead of turn away

Bridge
Let no man bring me harm
I bear the marks of Jesus
Let no man bring me harm
I bear the marks of the Lord

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Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's
Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Lately, my darling husband and I are more and more aware of whats ahead than ever, and like a dear blogging friend of mine, Jackie, said one time a few months back, It's not a Country we serve, but God. Never before have I been more aware of our Lord and Saviors Power than I have in these moments.

The fact that I'm seeing America more divided than I ever have, the fact that the media and certain Governmental leaders are using "fear tactics" to push our votes, our opinions, and our beliefs, just proves to me that we are in for an eye-opening rollercoaster that if you haven't been awakened yet, you most certainly will come next fall when inflation finally catches up and all heck breaks loose.

God and Country our Founding Fathers said. Even THEY knew God was important in the future of themselves AND their country and in unfortunate circumstances, while those of us who are Americans still ARE Americans, we find ourselves putting our trust in God and fighting to keep Him in our schools, our Government and at times, our own homes. Those in control are forgetting who's REALLY in control...GOD, NOT man. God is all powerful, HE can see us through, can guide and protect us, our children, and loved ones. HE can see us through the storm and set our feet on solid foundation.

In the upcoming months, we'll find more and more that our faith will be tested and we will have to KNOW what we stand for. Not just say it, but KNOW it. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

Finding a church family has never been more imporant than it is today, when believing in Christ is becoming more and more scrutinized and our faith in Christ as we share it, is banned and censored.  Having many with like-minds and coming together for the cause of Christ is a powerful way to overcoming obsticles Christ said we'd endure.  Remember:  Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.–Matt. 18:20

Since moving back to our home state, we've had a tough time finding a church home.  One is too big, the other, well, doesn't really fit with our schedule, then there is the fact that we will be moving to an unknown location between spring and fall to a home of our own and are not sure if we want to get attatched only to have to leave and find another place closer to our new home.  In these uncertain times though, we really are searching for Gods guidance as we believe whole-heartedly that now is the time to have fellowship with other believers in a close setting.

Prayer is the center of our home and while we pray for ourselves, we always pray for those in need, family, friends, and those we don't know as well as for Governmental leaders, our Country and the World.  Right now, we are praying for God to strengthen our commitment to Him and give us courage and wisdom as we endure tough times.

When all is said and done, no matter how scarey things look right now, no matter how much the world tries to suppress my faith in Christ, HE is in control and HE has already won the battle!

I leave you with the following verses:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

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*** If You don't Stand for something, You'll surely Fall for ANYTHING ***
Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.      James 5:7-12

I've been enjoying re-reading James again.  It's been of great insight and comfort to me.  Though I have much still to learn, I'm confident I'm EXACTLY where He wants me to be.

Patience certainely isn't a virtue I've taken to much.  I'm sure many can say that as well.  For me, I need to get things done quickly, efficiently and have everything planned out down to the last agenda.  It makes for a pretty stressful time.  However, I'm learning it's OK to be flexible.  Something that with time is allowing me to LIVE life the way God has intended.  Flexibility reminds me of the moment Mary and Martha were in Jesus' company and Martha just HAD to get things done to perfection. 

In the meantime, she was missing out on the important things. She fell prey to slavery through her anal list of "what NEEDS to get done", instead of prioritizing and taking advantage of what IS of main importance.

I am Martha.

Grumbling.  Hmm, that's honestly been another sore spot.  I've had such a hard time understanding what it is to be a Christian.  I've been left SO confused these days that I've just decided to continue to seek God through it all and never mind all the different accusations each religion has argued about concerning non-essentials.

However, the main Focus of Gods word, tells us that the ONLY way to Heaven is through Jesus Christ.  John 14:6  Confessing with our mouths that Jesus was born of a Virgin, suffered for our sins, literally died a horrible death on the cross, and fulfilled Gods word in the scriptures when He rose again and lives within us today.

That is something I will NEVER falter with.  I KNOW He's Lord. I need not pray to another.  My relationship is with Christ and I honestly feel so close to Him.  Nobody knows me inside and out like Him, Nobody has loved me even close to the way He does, Nobody has ever loved me without condition but Him. 

He even hand-picked my husband, who not only was created in His image...but who chooses to be an example of Christ.  No, he's not always perfect, but he's the first man aside from God, who loves me for who I am, is patient, gentle, loving and kind.  He was the first man to give me a Bible, to read with me and help me understand what the words meant (this was when we were only friends) and who continues to pray with me each night.  Something that just drove me to be even more inlove with him, is walking down the stairs in the morning to find him deeply in thought with the scripture he's reading.  His excitement about God, evangelizing with those around us and the books by such authors as Ravi Zachariaus just leaves me with great joy that God thought he was the right man for me.  I don't deserve a loving God, nor do I deserve my wonderful husband, but the lovingkindness of the Lord and the openess to love completely with my husband, just make my cup runneth over.

Learn to say "Yes" Or "No".  As His word tells us in James.  We shouldn't swear on the Bible or that anything we say or do is good.  We should say what we mean, and mean what we say. Yes, or No.  There's no grey area.

There's too many people willing to be wishy washy and unable stand for what they, themselves believe in.  Always worried what others think or afraid they'll affend everyone with what they know is Truth, but share truthiness instead. 

God also tells us in Revelations 3:16

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!  So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Very eye opening thought in Gods Words.  However, in a time like today, when everything seems so unpredictable and scarey, we know God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

We MUST know what we stand for and be able to share in our own words with scripture to back us up. Read Gods Word daily, understanding each context (again by continuing to study and read) and taking the contexts as they are.  To teach those who are open to the Truth of Gods great plan, plant seeds for God Himself, to grow and to love everyone no matter how much they hurt us or deny Christ. 

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.  James 5:19-20

This of course means doing so with tact, gentleness and lots of love. Reminding ourselves that without Christ, we wouldn't be saved by His grace and able to stand with God in Heaven one day.

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Knit Together In Love
Monday, October 6, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

MY GOAL IS THAT THEIR HEARTS, HAVING BEEN KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE, MAY BE ENCOURAGED, AND THAT THEY MAY HAVE ALL THE RICHES THAT ASSURANCE BRINGS IN THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MYSTERY OF GOD, NAMELY, CHRIST, IN WHOM ARE HIDDEN ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. I SAY THIS SO THAT NO ONE WILL DECEIVE YOU THROUGH ARGUMENTS THAT SOUND REASONABLE. FOR THOUGH I AM ABSENT FROM YOU IN BODY, I AM PRESENT WITH YOU IN SPIRIT, REJOICING TO SEE YOUR MORALE AND THE FIRMNESS OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST. THEREFORE, JUST AS YOU RECEIVED CHRIST JESUS AS LORD, CONTINUE TO LIVE YOUR LIVES IN HIM ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM AND FIRM IN YOUR FAITH JUST AS YOU WERE TAUGHT, AND OVERFLOWING WITH THANKFULNESS. ~COL 2:2-7

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What a Blessed Sunday
Sunday, August 31, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Pic: Sunflower Valley in Camillus NY

Quiet and Calm, no work to be done. I find myself contemplating on Jesus.  My blessed Savior who died for me so I could live in Heaven.  It's been a beauitful, quiet day.  Birds have been chirping, I hear ducks quacking and the sound of crickets outside. 

Today really has helped me understand the importance of this blessed Sabbath day.  It reminds me of love, forgiveness of my own sinful ways and renewal of mind and spirit through Jesus Christ.  I'm not perfect in any way, in fact, it's the mere reason I need Him. 

He is my all, the love of my life, who in troubled times, comes to my defenses, forgives me when I let Him Down, and loves me UNCONDITIONALLY at times when others, as humans, have conditions. He celebrates with me, pushes me to overcome obsticles to be the woman HE wants me to be, holds my hand and pulls me up when I'm weary and knows my innermost desires.

While I can't graps EVERYTHING about my heavenly father, and at times I get SO confused when I try to grasp the mere thought of the Trinity as my human mind can only understand it, I find myself grateful for each day ,for the people in my life, the beauty of this world, while also being able to touch the lives and environment that surrounds me in order to bring some kind of light to a world that's so lost.  For it has nothing to do with me, but it is HE who saves the world.  I can only be used as this broken, imperfect vessel with hopes that maybe one day, I may make my Father proud.

Following His biggest commandment to Love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul and loving others as I would myself.  That means loving everyone who may have hurt me just as I may have hurt others in the past.  That means forgiving even those who have hurt me as I have also hurt . For I am saved only by grace and the love of a perfect Savior. Whom without HIS forgiveness and HIS love, I'd be living in hell.  So it is my obligation to love and forgive others.  And so I shall.

Yes, ((sigh of gratefulness)) I've had so much time to grasp just how much I REALLY have.  What life really means when I have a loving Father who supports me and speaks to me.  I am abundantly blessed with much.

Blessings to you all!

Rebekah

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*** Steven Curtis Chapman Media Appearances ***
Thursday, July 31, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

 Source: Steven Curtis Chapman E-Newsletter

Sparrow Records/EMICMG and StevenCurtisChapman.com announce today that the next radio single from Steven's THIS MOMENT album, available to radio for airplay on August 1st, will be "Yours." Additional breaking news! A new version of the song will be released. "Yours" (new verse) includes a new 4th verse that Steven has written since the loss of his daughter Maria in a tragic accident on May 21, 2008.

Steven felt it was important to acknowledge what the family has been going through over these past 8 weeks, and "Yours" has taken on new meaning in recent weeks to many who work alongside Steven. Already a very special song, Steven's reflections since Maria's loss in the 4th verse only make the song even more challenging, compelling, and passionate. Concertgoers this past weekend had a chance to take in the new lyric, and on each of the 3 occasions rose to their feet in a standing ovation as Steven sang the closing line in the new verse.

The song will be hitting radio airwaves shortly (we hope) for official adds on August 8th. And I'm told it looks like it may be on iTunes and other DSPs as soon as August 5th.

All of the royalties generated by sales of "Yours" (new verse) will go to Shaohannah's Hope!!

Here's the new verse lyric...

I’ve walked the valley of death’s shadow
So deep and dark that I could barely breathe
I’ve had to let go of more than I could bear
And questioned everything that I believe
But still even here
in this great darkness
A comfort and hope come breaking through
As I can say in life or death
God we belong to you.

The Chapman family will be appearing on...
Good Morning America on August 5th
Larry King Live on August 7th
People Magazine issue of August 15th

Opportunities with outlets of this sort of reach would normally be reason for wild celebration... on this occasion though, I think you'd understand why we would rather not even have the coverage. The Chapmans didn't seek these appearances, and these were cautiously and prayerfully considered with input from the family, pastors, counselors, and Steven's team. When these many opportunities came, the discussion quickly centered around the opportunity to use them to remember and celebrate Maria, to thank the tens of thousands of you who have sent condolences as well as the the hundreds of thousands or more that have prayed for this family, to highlight adoption and orphans...

and most importantly that the Hope of the Gospel be proclaimed.

It's our hope that this is what will be accomplished, that as many as possible will be reached, especially those that would not hear of it any other way... and we seek your prayers as the family endeavors to do so in these interviews. Follow live blog updates from Steven's manager, Jim Houser on August 7th at StevenCurtisChapman.com.

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Who Am I ***Challenge***
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Who am I?  You know me as Rebekah, you see pictures, recipes, contimplations and so much more. But if God were to ask, Bek, who are you?  What do you stand for? who do YOU want to be?  Would I be able to reveal the person I am today and in the future? Could the way I live my life stand as a testimony to others NOT as boasting, but as a loving testimony to who God is and the muck and mire He brought me out of?

My name is Rebekah, some know me as Bek.  Yesterday I was a sinner, Today I am a child of God.  I gave my life over to Him in 2000 and met my soulmate  soon after.  All hand-picked by God.  Life for me hasn't always been easy, often it was consequences to the bad decisions I made in my life, but also behavior learned as a coping mechanism to get me through times of abuse.  I spent majority of my childhood with my grandparents, while my parents worked hard in a wire mill only to lose everything they had when the owner mismanaged the business and the livelyhoods of those trying to make ends meet.

Everything in my past became a lesson for the future.  Most came hard, but in time, I learned to trust God and know that while He loved everyone else around me, He sincerely loved me too. I learned a new way. His!  The coping mechanisms I used in my teen years became examples of how God used bad decisions to glorify Him by the testimony that would play out in our lives.  The debt we had became a teaching tool to better stewardship, the overeating has become an example of becoming healthy again as I'm free of Insulin.  Slowly I've learned to stop caring so much about who I have to be for everyone else, and started becoming who God wanted me to be as a testimony to them.

I've learned that while Jesus has covered my sins, I'm still not perfect.  I don't know it all or have it all together.  I'm not perfect, and to act as such takes the glory from who Jesus Is and why He died.  I am saved by grace with love and mercy by a God who'll never stop.

Today I am a woman.  One who may not have societies outlook on beauty, but a God-given beauty that is in a Jane Austen book.  One of REAL womanhood.  I am a wife who chooses to support her husband, give him all He needs and work with Him as we continue our covenant with God.  I am maker of my home.  A place I feel at comfort and am no longer embarassed to be.  Society may see me as a perfectly capable woman freeloading off my husband, But I see a Titus 2 woman in the making.  One who glorifies God in everything she does from cleaning toilets to putting dinner on the table and greeting my husband with a kiss each time he enters the door. 

While my body sometimes suffers from ailments, I persevere with the strength of Christ.  I fight back with Faith, trusting solely in my Lord. It has helped and I am insulin free with hopes to be medication free.

I am your sister. One who aspires to do good, but who may fall short from time to time. Asking for forgiveness for any wrongdoing, but unafraid to share truth, love, hope and a shoulder to lean on.  I am that woman and Love you all deeply.

I am a woman of Faith.  Who stands on the Solid ground in which Christ stands.  My life is given to my Lord and Savior and is a testimony to His kingdom to be used as He wills. He is THE love of my life and whom rescued me from where I was to bring me here to where I AM. For that I am forever greatful!

Looking through the window, who do I want to be in a years time God?  I want to be Yours forever.  Giving my all to persue Your will over my life and the lives of my family.  I want to raise Your children to follow You and set an example to both them and my loving husband.  My hearts desire you well know, is to fill these rooms with a quiverfull. To fellowship with dear friends, and to love often.  May my heart always be soft, my arms always opened.  May my mouth be silent until you speak.  May my ears be clear to hear and my words be edifying.  As I live my life till you come home for Me.

Who are You today?  Where do you aspire to be a year from now?  You are Gods Uniquely made Child.  Made in the Image of Him. Jer 1:5 I challenge YOU to blog about what makes you who you are today, how God is a part of your everyday lives, and Where you'd like to see yourself a year from now.  Are YOU ready for the challenge?!

When you've posted, leave me a response so I may be blessed by your testimony to Gods great kingdom.

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What Walking In Faith Means to A Blind Woman...
Friday, December 28, 2007

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

Jesus Said, "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth". John 4:24

Walking by faith means that we allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate our eyes so that we can see beyond the here and now.  Eyes of faith see every problem as solvable because they see every problem as spiritual in nature.  What is merely physical is confined by the laws of nature, but what is spiritual has no confines except those our supernatural, sovereign God chooses.

This means, as we walk by faith, the Holy Spirit will help us fix our eyes on the source of our help, not on the sting of our problems... the reward of our faith will be to see what we believe. ~Jennifer Rothschild, "Lessons I learned in the Dark"

I can't tell you how often I find myself Questioning Gods direction for Doug and I.  Often, I've felt so far away from God because "I" have wanted to control my own destiny.  Not on purpose of course, but because I've been afraid to let anyone else control what will happen in my life.  I'm sure this is very common among His people.  But the very reason I've started reading,  "Lessons I learned in the Dark" by Jennifer Rothschild  forwarded by Beth Moore, is because I felt compelled to have insight into a woman giving up control not only to her Lord, but to others because she couldn't see. 

How do we walk by faith and not by sight?  The words above gave me so much peace and strength.  "as we walk by faith, the Holy Spirit will help us fix our eyes on the source of our help, not on the sting of our problems... the reward of our faith will be to see what we believe."

Learning to Stop!  Before I freak out if somethings wrong, get on my knees and seek HIS Kingdom first is the key to walking by faith.

Never mind about those who stare or think your crazy because you've chosen to live for Christ.  Let what others think pass, fall on your knees and Give God the glory for all you've recieved, for the time you've had with that loved one that passed so soon, for getting you through that hard day or the "Valley".

One day we WILL SEE.  Right  now, we need to let go of our past ....LET IT GO!  And Fall Into HIS Glory. 

Catch me Lord!  Catch Me!

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Much To Be Thankful For
Saturday, November 24, 2007

Posted in Faithful Contemplations

picture provided by:Allposters.com

The Cornucopia is a symbol of Abundance or otherwise known in Latin as Cornu meaning HORN and Copia meaning PLENTY.  In many American homes, the Horn Of Plenty is used as the centerpiece filled to the brim with fruits and sometimes veggies.  I love what it symbolizes as Gods way of providing Abundance to us with each harvest season.

Our very first settlers were English pilgrims who set foot in 1621 where they shared with the Native Americans, their own traditions and also learned from them how to plants crops and hunt wild game. Without the Native Americans, the Pilgrims may not have survived the harsh winter and been able to celebrate their first harvest of plentiful crops in this New World we call America.

Through all the family gatherings, football games, and an abundance of food to be eaten, Let us remember why we celebrate Thanksgiving.  To give God, Himself, the glory for the harvest each year that we have on our tables daily, not just for one day.  Let us also remember our founders and the Native Americans who so willingly offered to share their abundance with us.

I'll end with only a few things I am grateful to my Lord with much Thanksgiving...

1. First and Foremost, My Salvation through Jesus Christ
2. Gods neverending, unconditional love
3. His gift of a patient, kind, gentle and understanding husband
4. A loving extended family
5. Many, MANY friends
6. my two silly dogs who bring us great joy
7. A roof over our head
8. Food on the table
9. The ability for me to stay at home
10. My husbands new job
11. the health that we have
12. the health of our loved ones
13. For those who've helped with issues concerning my blog, those who also provided the graphics, and the friends within the blogasphere.

In Leau of November being adoption month, I pray for the children. For those who have forever families, for those in need of forever families and for birth moms and dads everywhere.  I pray God would guide and protect, love and bless abundantly.

For those who are serving their country, not just for American, but Canadians, British, Australians, and MANY many more, I pray for them all and ask for Gods protection on them, thank them for serving and ask God to watch over their families and bless each one of them for the freedom that they protect for citizens of their countries.

I am blessed to be a Child of God in a country where I can freely read His word and bless His name.

Love and much Thanksgiving,

Rebekah

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