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A New Day is Happening

Winter Hawthorne

I was deeply moved over the last couple of days by the personal ways that friends of this blog once again expressed their own thoughts in response to the “Business as Usual” post.

In the spirit of what these friends have written, may we together enter as many days as we are given with the anticipation of an unfolding new creation that does not require sign miracles to renew our faith, but rather the supernatural work of the Spirit to renew our hearts! (Gal 3:3) (Gal 5:22-23).

To temporarily sum up so much of what we have been talking about together over the past few months, what could be better in the coming new year than for others to see in us a down to earth expression of what our hearts were made for (Gal 5:14) in the middle of circumstances that give us a chance to show that something too wonderful for words is already happening in us (Gal 4:19)?


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50 Responses to “A New Day is Happening”

  1. BruceC says:

    Mart,

    It is true that we are not defined as Christians by the amount of supernatural or miraculous things that God has done for us; but by that change of heart and mind that God has done in us. When people see this they see the relationship we have with God through His Son Jesus Christ.
    God always knows exactly what he is doing. In some instances He may use a miracle to uplift a believer and amaze the hearts of non-believers. But in many cases it is the day-to-day faithfulness and love of the Christian that touches others hearts. Look how many followed Jesus around to be healed, to be fed, and to see a miracle. Yet where were these crowds during His trial and humiliations?
    If those around us see contentment and gratitude, and at the same time concern for others; then they may begin to see something different. I pray that my Lord may make me more different each day.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  2. SFDBWV says:

    Glenna’s daughter and husband are still with us, Matthew and my 92 year old mother in law both like the added company and attention. Today we will hopefully be able to get the tires they need to get their car back to a safe operating condition.

    It has been very enjoyable talking with them about their adventures in such a foreign country and how their missionary work is going. I find it interesting how Americans are both not trusted as well as not wanted in some neighborhoods.

    However some of the native peoples quickly become friends and once friends are quick to defend their new American friends to the criticisms of others.

    Very enlightening to me is how many Muslims have never read the Koran and only accept what is told them from their religious leaders.

    Jeff tells me in order to present Jesus as the Christ, the Christ must first be shown in the first 5 Books of the Bible and then skip forward to the New Testament and expose Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ.

    It has to be this way because of the birth to death cultural hatred against the Jew.

    However it is the example they live which becomes their testimony that the native people accept and understand the most. Yes there are people who will not like them and distrust them even look for ways to discredit them all because of their nationality and religion. It sort of reminds me of any where here in America as well and our attitude toward people who are different.

    Matthew’s friend Jennifer came in last evening for a visit, straight from work. She just graduated from college and already has a job as a nurse at a nearby hospital. Her son was at basketball practice and husband at work so she was able to come in for a quick visit with Matthew.

    Of all the matters in the universe love is certainly the most powerful. Her visits bless both her and Matt as well as all of us.

    In spite of all Matt’s disappointments these past 12 years he still will say *if* I am still in this condition next year…..

    When we place our hope in Christ no matter what the world throws at us, that hope remains alive.

    2 inches of snow, and 26 degrees this morning.

    Steve

  3. remarutho says:

    Good Morning Mart & Friends —

    Mart, you wrote:

    “…may we together enter as many days as we are given with the anticipation of an unfolding new creation that does not require sign miracles to renew our faith, but rather the supernatural work of the Spirit to renew our hearts! (Gal 3:3) (Gal 5:22-23).”

    Received a remarkable blessing when my daughter and her husband called to say they would not be traveling home right away after a visit to my son-in-law’s grandparents for Christmas. Grandpa somehow fell, gashed his brow and suffered a small TIE.

    “The kids,” as the family refers to them, called 911 and got grandpa quick treatment. They then cancelled all plans and are staying until an aunt can be there to assume the point duties. When I think of the many many families who are dealing with such life-events it is overwhelming — in the Holidays — or in “ususal” times — the chief things we remember have to do with our loved ones — even all our fellow travelers in life.

    At the last, we will all be questioned about how the love of God in Christ has taken root and grown in our lives. It causes me to shout thanksgiving and hallelujahs to my King to see Him living in the ones I love!

    Joy and Peace at New Year,
    Maru

  4. yooperjack says:

    Mart: When one spends the first one third of their life struggling for a place in a not so loving society where everyone else is trying to do the same; where lying, cheating, stealing drunkenness is normal and all the other sinful ways are normal. Where people put you down not build you up so they can feel superior to you.

    Then one meets the Christ but is not ready to surrender to a Gospel that is almost too good to be true; so one rebels against God for another eleven years because God didn’t fill my expectations. I felt He let me down too, like so many others.

    Then after almost killing a friend I surrendered all to Jesus 3-9-69 and never looked back. By the way that was a set up by the Holy Spirit. LOL He knew I knew where to turn in times of trouble. My sisters prayers helped too.

    My biggest problem has always been; I put too high of an expectation on people. I believe it was so they would fail me by putting me down, then I could beat myself up and say: “they were right I am no good and will never amount to anything.” If we do this as a young person it carries over into our adult life and can destroy our lives. But if we meet Jesus!!!

    If we surrender all to Jesus and walk in the Spirit, WOW what a different person we become. Love makes us feel sad for former friends and family members that went on without knowing our Lord and continued in that sin driven life style and messed up their lives, many died way too young. I tried to tell them there is a better way but they were too deep in the pit to hear me.

    I’m still struggling with love my neighbor as myself but with the Lord nothing is impossible. My hope is to have compassion for the lost as Jesus did. Just because He called some people snakes doesn’t mean he didn’t love them. We need to have compassion for the unlovable but also for the people that are good looking, had everyone telling them: “you’re the best, you will go far in this life” and they do excel in life but they never felt they have a need of a Savior, after all they got it made, that is also sad. I tried to tell them they need a Savior but they’re too high on their pedestal to hear me.

    Jackie

  5. poohpity says:

    All the ways we may have messed up yesterday, we have a new day today to begin this journey again. Christ having more and more of our hearts hopefully today than He had yesterday and not as much as He will have tomorrow. Another day to show us how, if we depend on Jesus in another area of our lives, His spirit will be manifested in us when we set aside our desires and our wants to come along side His will for us.

    Another day to share our hope that we have been saved by the grace of God not anything we have done but what He has done so all the Glory belongs where it needs to be and that is Christ in us is our only hope of Glory.

  6. BruceC says:

    This blog is compelling because of the honesty so many show here.
    And I will be honest. One thing I have had to deal with in my life is anger. It started becoming a problem while I was a cop. I would get very angry within at what some did to others. I held it in check though and didn’t let it control my actions and get myself in trouble. But seeing what criminals did to their victims made me angry.
    Shortly after posting here this morning I felt it again; but this time as a victim. I went online to check my bank account and found that someone had used my debit/credit card number to pay a bill or make a purchase from a cell phone company. So I went back to the bank and filed the proper papers and then to the department I retired from and filled out a criminal complaint. 27 years of that work has given me a cynical view of the criminal justice system and the farce it has become. Forgive me for my feelings; I am still a work in progress but have a hard time dealing with watching “things getting worse”.
    But it is the worsening of things that actually helps me build hope where it belongs; in my Lord Jesus Christ and His soon coming kingdom. I know in my heart that this is not all there is because His Word says so and that soon the pain of this world will be gone.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  7. yooperjack says:

    BruceC: I hear you brother, been there too. They say anger is fear in disguise. I would beat the crap out of bad you know what’s when I was drinking. I still get angry when I hear in the news what they’re doing to little children. Yet our Lord wants us to love those people too. That is not natural. I don’t think I’ll ever have that much love. It would have to be unconditional and I am not capable of that.
    Be angry and not sin. Maybe that is the answer. I have to crucify the flesh every day or I would explode. Yet, I have to keep telling myself: “Nothing is impossible for those that love the Lord and do what He commands us to do.”

  8. bratimus says:

    Yep things are getting worse and really bad things are happeninhg to children.

  9. bubbles says:

    Poohpity, Your beautiful and lovely comments brought to mind Lam. 3:21-25:
    This I recall to my mnd, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassons fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.”

  10. davids says:

    Yes, Mart, our Christianity shows through in our humanity. Humble acknowledgement of our weaknesses and our dependence on God to help us overcome them is a strong witness of our faith. Stronger than all the moralizing that many outside the faith see as our defining characteristic.

    Blessings to all in the coming year, as I will probably be away a few days. To Deb, Steve, Della, Annalies and Cherilyn and their families. To Frank, Bob, Amy, Gary, Rocky, Bruce & wife, Peg, and those that have not expressed specific concerns. Thank you all for your thoughts over the last year.

  11. poohpity says:

    Well thank you very much David. Much blessings to you and your family too!!!

  12. poohpity says:

    As usual I will ask again this year for you guys to join me in reading through the bible in a year. I know it sounds like a awesome task but it isn’t so big a couple pages at a time. I am going through it chronologically again this year, please join me it is much better with friends for support. :-) You can get a daily reading schedule on bible gateway dot com or other internet resources.

  13. remarutho says:

    Good Morning Pooh —

    I make “The Daily Bible” part of my year too — have given a copy to several friends over the past few years. It is in chronological order, with the histories and the prophets placed together, and the gospels harmonized. Just finishing up reading Revelation today and tomorrow. Sunday, back to Genesis 1.

    The Lord richly bless your reading in 2012 — and all who accept your invitation. I have read the Harvest House NIV for some time now, edited by F. LaGard Smith. Truly recommend it, or any version.

    New Year’s Blessings,
    Maru

  14. poohpity says:

    Maru, that is what I am reading also. :-) I have chosen several different translations over the years, the KJV. NKJV, NIV, The message and my good ol’ faithful LT/LAB. Genesis 1-31 has fallen out of my ol’ faithful. ODB has a reading guide also. I feel the same any version is good but some are an easier read than others. I always believe in K.I.S.S. Keep It Simple Saint.

    I have been sick since the first of December and starting a second round of antibiotics today. Then right before Christmas I injured my rib. I had a CAT Scan yesterday of the lungs and abdomen to see what is happening in there. Please pray for things to get better soon. Both my hip revisions are loose but my Doc just had a baby so thankfully I have to wait on those. Life is handing me a bunch of lemons over the past few months so I better start making some lemonade before they go bad and can not do anything with them but throw ’em away. There is a new day coming and praise God He is right there with us to help us through.

  15. oneg2dblu says:

    Pooh… I give you what the Lord brings to my mind
    to share, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, and trust in those words as words given to us all, as we find His peace within and His hope eternal. A hope I know we are all capable of having, although we are also challenged as we suffer day to day in a fallen world evidenced by our daily pain, which may come it many realms, physical, emotional, corporal, individual, but in Christ are we to be held in His Peace, a peace that the world can not understand. Gary

  16. oneg2dblu says:

    davids… I’ll second pooh’s return and add we all await your’s! Be Blessed, Gary

  17. remarutho says:

    Hello Pooh —

    Will keep you in my heart in the coming year. One certain thing — Jesus is walking with you. Hope the infection is defeated and your hips can be adjusted soon. I still have out that fleece I mentioned so many weeks ago. Believing the Lord for the change I am asking…his perfect will in everything…

    I am counting on his healing in your body, mind and spirit, Pooh.

    Blessings,
    Maru

  18. yooperjack says:

    Mart: Being things are slow on this blog, maybe you wouldn’t mind if I got a little off topic.

    I was watching the funeral of North Koreas “god”. There where many mourners lining the streets crying (with no tears I may add) and they were carrying on as though they really cared.

    This is what I see happening to Christianity today; there is a form of godliness but no power; “The power being in Jesus”. Some followers know the church language they talk the talk but have no idea how to walk the walk. They go to church, pay their tithe, read their Bible and smile a lot. Some don’t believe in the virgin birth, there is no Hell and everyone will go to Heaven. Some churches remove all their crosses, hire a contemporary band; the music is more like chanting than singing. They preach about how wonderful we are and seldom give salvation invitations. Hell and sin are “out of date and not for today” we are way to educated to believe those fantasies. We are just one big happy family; some are even having Muslim and Christian services together. It’s called Chrisilim. Isn’t that wonderful? I wander what nut came up with that idea?

    Will 2012 be a better year they ask on TV? If we are in the final countdown to the rapture I would say “NO”, this world will wax cold. If you’re a born again believer in Jesus Christ “Yes” everyday is moving us to the day when we “will” hear those words “COME UP HERE.”

    Happy New Year, all.

  19. poohpity says:

    God is so capable. So very capable of changing hearts even those hearts that are so far from Him or His intended purposes for their lives. We can certainly live in anticipation that all things are in His hands and nothing is hidden from Him. We do not need signs and miracles to grow our faith especially if we KNOW that even our faith is a gift from God and it is only His work in our lives that develops it. It does not matter if we are healed from a physical adversity, or have financial problems or have much, having suffering or troubles or trials or even if all is well, those who depend on the Lord can live in anticipation of our relationship with our Lord and our eternal destination. We show what is in our hearts by how we treat others and if we show them the same mercies and grace we have been shown we will never go wrong. :-)

  20. Regina says:

    Good Evening All,

    Mart asked, “To temporarily sum up so much of what we have been talking about together over the past few months, what could be better in the coming new year than for others to see in us a down to earth expression of what our hearts were made for (Gal 5:14) in the middle of circumstances that give us a chance to show that something too wonderful for words is already happening in us (Gal 4:19)?”

    I thank God, Mart, that, “He who has begun a good work in me will be faithful to complete it” (Phil. 1:6). And, yes, I show the good work that God is doing in me when I’m able to walk in the fruit of the Spirit and show unconditional love, compassion, kindness, gentleness, understanding, etc. to my brothers/sisters in Christ.

    Love to all,
    R.

    Fair weather in Texas today (low 60’s).

  21. SFDBWV says:

    “A New Day is beginning”, Yet Ecclesiastes 1: 9 states there is nothing new under the sun.

    Having the pleasure of Glenna’s daughter and husband here for a few days as well as yesterdays visit of Matthew’s friend Meredith and her two children (ages 2 and 5), remind me once again how our perspective of everything changes over time.

    Meredith is 34 and a school teacher, wife and mother; she is busy building a life and caring for her self and family. All the while very active at her church and in other community events. A believer yet her goals are different than those of Glenna’s daughter and husband.

    They are in their late 40’s their children already raised and out on their own, they have begun a journey of being missionaries with a very different life goal.

    I myself am retired from working a paying job, but are busier then ever I could have imagined coming into the age I am, my life goals once again different than the others I have mentioned.

    This is life and how it has been since man began our goals and with them our perspectives change with each passing year. Too often others can’t understand why we can’t see life as they do or be engrossed into their interests or view of things.

    As time moves forward and we grow older our view of everything changes and yes with each year comes a “New Day”, but in truth it is just a “New Day” for us, as many have gone on before us and experienced the same things as we do and will.

    Maybe this year coming all of our heartaches will be healed and that great *New Day* we all look for will come.

    I pray for you all that it does.

    Steve

  22. Bob in Cornwall England says:

    yooperjack,

    I very much echo what you have said about the Church and the form of godliness with no power.

    All that is about to change as the Church is about to get the biggest wake up call it has ever had.

    2012 will see this world in turmoil and many big things are going to happen both in nature and man made.
    The Church is going to experience an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will shock it back into God’s Kindom and the world will be amazed!
    Acts chapter 29 and beyond is about to be written:-

    As you said 2012 will be a bad year for the world but a good year for us as we get closer and closer to that glorious day of our Lord Jesus return for His people.
    The task we have and the reason the “latter rain” is here, is so we can gather in as many as will receive Him before the Tribulation and fill the Ark of His Salvation to the brim.
    Then God will shut the door and call His people home before unleashing the flood of the end time prophecies on mankind.

    Bob

  23. yooperjack says:

    Bob: It will be the best of times and the worst of times; all at the same time. LOL People: The planets are lining up are you ready? You have been warned.

  24. yooperjack says:

    Regina: How do you show unconditional love; outside of Jesus I’ve never seen it? There was only one man that came close in my 71 years of observing people; he started a Bible camp in the U.P. of MI.

  25. foreverblessed says:

    a very good year to all of you, with many blessings from above, thanks Bob for the update, and I pray that in all the events that are going to happen we will be one with our Father through Jesus, and in love with each other:
    John 17:22-23
    I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23 I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

  26. oneg2dblu says:

    Prophesy seems as rampid as the toughts of man here, as one year closes it’s eye, and another starts to open.
    We proclaim, project, publish, even prophesy. Man always has, man always will as long as he remains in his unperfected body, All a man’s ways seem right to him….and this year we call 2012 according to our perfect calender, now becomes elected as THE YEAR!
    Here’s some NEWS, the planets have always lined up exactly where God wants them. Warnings from man have always rung out, but God’s plan is not defined by them.
    Those who wait upon the Lord will be blessed, those who run ahead may also, but when Isaiah spoke and said, This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says says: (verse 18) “Blessed are all who wait for Him.”
    My prayer for us all, those who wait for Him, is that we are found doing His Will, and in so doing, be caught up in an orderly life of loving and serving Him, that rises above even our most predicable human nature.
    Be Blessed,Gary

  27. Regina says:

    HAPPY NEW YEAR’S Eve All!

    Bubbles, I was SOOO blessed by the Bible passage that you shared with poohpity: “Poohpity, Your beautiful and lovely comments brought to mind Lam. 3:21-25:
    This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassons fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.”

    Going to share this Bible passage with my friends and family on facebook. :-)

    Sunny and warm (beautiful) in Texas today (66-69 degrees) in December!

  28. remarutho says:

    Good Morning Mart & Friends!

    Mart, you wrote:
    “…what could be better in the coming new year than for others to see in us a down to earth expression of what our hearts were made for (Gal 5:14) in the middle of circumstances that give us a chance to show that something too wonderful for words is already happening in us (Gal 4:19)?”

    If I have drawn a lesson from 2011 – in reviewing my own journal – and the conversations I have been part of – it would be that I must be attentive constantly to the voice of my Savior. It is too easy to move forward in my own conscious understanding of situations in my life and in the lives of my fellow travelers. No matter is too small – or too large – for Christ to have his Way in it. Showing forth “something too wonderful for words” is not my supreme effort, but rather Christ’s holy joy and righteousness shed abroad in my life!

    Doctrinal correctness is not the same as Jesus’ compassion. (Matthew 11:28-30) In the lives of those I care about, including some members of my own family, I must let go – not approving, but also not standing between them and the outcome they insist upon. My discipleship is not “fixing” anyone. May the Lord strengthen me to live it out!

    Grace and Peace at New Year…
    In Him,
    Maru

  29. Regina says:

    yooperjack, I want to speak to your comment…
    “Regina: How do you show unconditional love; outside of Jesus I’ve never seen it? There was only one man that came close in my 71 years of observing people; he started a Bible camp in the U.P. of MI.”

    I *don’t believe* that unconditional love can be shown outside of Jesus. God *is* love, and we can’t even love ourselves, let alone someone else, without His help. Your comment brought these Bible passages to mind…
    John 13:34-35, NKJV
    A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
    John 15:12-14, NLT
    This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
    Who was this man (that you observed) who came close to loving others unconditionally without our LORD’s help? It is the *Holy Spirit* who gives us the POWER to love others unconditionally.

  30. poohpity says:

    I think this year I have learned so many lessons and the greatest was that God is not here for us. It seems that one day when we get to heaven we will praise God for who He is not for anything that He can do for us, so why not start that now. To be content with the ability through Jesus Christ to be in His presence and a relationship with Him. If I care so much about what was done for me through Jesus then why am I not telling others. Rev 19:10 NLT as John fell to worship the angel the angel said, “No! Don’t! For I am a servant of God just as you are, and as your brother Christians are, who testify of their faith in Jesus. The purpose of all prophesy and of all I have shown you is to tell about Jesus.” Is that not our job as well?

    As an example of what can happen when a child gets everything they want all the time and their basic wants meant by a parent I learned through my children the big mistake that is. God is not the One to fulfill our shopping lists nor are we as parents to do that to our children it cripples them.

    I fully believe that we are to praise God for being just exactly who He is not what He can do for us. I believe He already did it by being born into this world to die for us so we could spend eternity with him. He created something so awesome and beautiful and gave us guidelines to take care of it and each other but we do not respect or love God enough to do as He asked, to love God with all that we are and to love others as God loved us. Or how about where God tell us to praise Him in all circumstances because we know He has it all under control but we complain.

    The “New Day” began the hour we first believed and it was God who began a good work in us. Why not be about telling others about Jesus and let Him, not us, change people into what He has planned for them? The “New Day” is when we step back and let God be in control. God does a much better job then we could, look at the state of the world we live in now, we certainly have blew it and it looks the way it does because we wanted to be in control. How is that working for ya? Gee I just have to look at my own life and how many times I blew it or have blown it or will blow it. LOL Praise God from whom all blessing flow!!! Praise God for giving us another chance this next year to blow it again and then being there to help us pick up the pieces. Which is nothing New under the sun because He has done it since the beginning of time. AMAZING GRACE!!!

  31. yooperjack says:

    Rigina: You are truly born again you gave all the right answers. There is no one that can love unconditionally without Jesus Christ loving though us. It is very hard to find a Christian that is refined enough by the Word of God and the Spirit to be able to love unconditionally. The reason is: Christians in this country have not gone through the fire. We think persecution is being made fun of at work or school.

    Can you still love someone if they torture and kill your kids in front of you? I wander sometimes about Mary; how did she feel watching what they did to her son? Where were all those people Jesus helped, fed, healed and raised from the dead? Did Mary still love those monsters that tortured her son?

    I’m not judging anyone, just the notion; Am I capable of unconditional love in this life? I have been through the fire. Both parents when in a fit of rage or drunk out of their minds tried to kill me when I was a child. The boyfriend of my mother brutally killed her when I was 12 years old. He spent 10 years in the nut house and was release. At 22 years old I was drinking and went to his house with the intent to beat the crap out of him. He was a broken shell of a man at that time; I told him if he didn’t give me a good answer to why he killed my mother I would beat him to a pulp. His answer was the one I needed to hear. He said: Jackie, “I didn’t know what I was doing”. What did Jesus say on the cross? “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” I forgave him and walked away.

    Was that unconditional love? I believe it was my love for Jesus and His love for me that saved that man life. I surly did not love that man but I was able to forgive him through love. The Spirit put those words in his mouth then reminded me of Jesus words on the cross.

    Note: You don’t have to print verses out on this post, just print the verse and we can put the arrow on it and it will come up in a box.

  32. poohpity says:

    When we each realize who we are and what we are capable of doing it is easier to forgive others because of our state at the foot of the Cross. We are not to compare ourselves to others because we will always find some that are worse and some that are better but when we see who we are compared to Christ we will fall on our knees, humbly.

    What difference does it make if someone chooses to print out a verse or not in the grand scheme of things? God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

  33. yooperjack says:

    Poohpity: It makes no diffents I was just being helpful. Also if you click it the whole verse will come up. I thought maybe some blogers didn’t know that. I stumbled on to it my self. Think!!!

  34. InHisHands says:

    I just wanted to stop in and say to all of you here at BTA, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! You are in my prayers and I ask that the LORD will give us 2012 to become more of what He designed us to be,”His Good Pleasure”. May we have many blessings and great memories and may we see many come to the soul-saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, with changes in their lives that will draw even more to God.
    Thanks for all of your insights. Your comments are challenging and a blessing to my life.

  35. SFDBWV says:

    Wishing all a Happy New Year, and good will toward all.

    Steve, Clenna and Matthew

  36. dja says:

    2011 had some hard times for our family, and, as I think back, 2010 was even harder. But, in all of the trials, the Lord Never left us and always provided.

    As today begins the New Year of 2012, I can wonder what will be, but I pray that the Lord will help me not to fear what may come, but to remember that I am His child and He has me in the palm of His hand. How comforting for His children to hear the words of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    I pray that all my BTA Brothers and Sisters have a blessed New Year! What a blessing it is to come to this site and be encouraged by you, and to also know , that we are praying for each other.

    ~Della

  37. SFDBWV says:

    Today…When I went outside this morning to collect the precipitation totals from yesterday it was dark and starry, but a thin mist was gathering, and it was 27 degrees. Now that the sun is beginning to make its presence known it is 26 degrees and a dense fog has enveloped my little town like a blanket.

    Once the sun rises it will burn off the fog and all will be clear.

    For me every day starts out dark with its yet foreseen events hidden, for me as events unfold it is the light that shows me the way to go and the light that opens my eyes as well as understanding.

    For me every day is a new day every day the first and last day of my life and every day filled with challenges and blessing all exposed by the *light*.

    May the *light* of the Lord guide you all today.

    Steve

  38. oneg2dblu says:

    Mart… I know you do not need a pat on the back from me, so I won’t tell you how much this ministry you bring does for those who are blessed to find it.
    You kind sir,I find guilty of keeping some very fine friends, even high and mighty, and they all bless us!

  39. poohpity says:

    Father may this year bring more boldness and confidence in sharing the saving grace of our Lord Jesus with others. Help us to put aside our insecurities and speak boldly about you and the forgiveness, love, hope and peace you offer to a dying world. Help us be slow to look at the shortcomings or faults in others while keeping a good perspective of our own, knowing that it is only you that can change a heart or life. Help us to be slow to anger as you are and quick to show mercy. Every morning let us pray for your will to be done while putting aside our own. May those around us see less of us and more of you as we offer kindness, patience, joy, gentleness, self control and love. Those are the things that draw people to you not judgment, criticism and condemnation the world shows enough of that. Thank you for never giving up on us and allowing us to continually seek a closer relationship with you. Open our eyes to see you and our ears to listen and our hearts to receive all that you have given us to know you more. Transform us to be more like your Son. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

    Happy New Year Everyone!!

    Deborah

  40. poohpity says:

    Day 1 —Genesis 1-3

  41. davids says:

    I was just trying to get caught up again, and WOW. I was trying to remember things to include in my posting…nice to hear from you Bob and Della…great post, Gary…but it’s too much. I am deeply moved by many postings here.

    Echoing some comments here, yes, the world seems confused, and the only certainty seems to be the Father’s love, the Christ’s sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit’s blessings. The easiest reaction to the confusion would be to take comfort. To worship and enjoy fellowship with others. To give my offering, and to feel that I have done my part.

    But I know that more is expected of me. In this year, I need to do more. I need to try to be a blessing to others beyond my family, my friends, and my congregation. I pray for the strength to do that.

  42. bill34sl says:

    A number of people have greeted me a Happy New Year just like the previous years. Responding in the same way, I thought maybe it’s not really going to be happy but something else, at least on a global scale. Well, I wish it’s still going to be happy anyways, individually, to all of us participating in this blog.
    To me the year that was, is a homecoming after straying away from my Christian faith for several years. A wake up call or awakening year. I just don’t know what to call it. I operated like one of the world’s. I rebelled to my Creator. He brought me down. Actually, I have reservations posting this kind of testimony, but something is pushing me to. Talking about supernatural, in 2011, I experienced a few, at least on a personal level. At work I would oftentimes engage my supervisor into a yelling match. Our manager once told me in my face that he was very disappointed with my behavior. The General Manager complained about the many absences and tardiness I am making. Even the VP of the company chided me in the same way. I was a nightmare at work. I deserved to be fired. One day the bosses called me to a close door meeting. They told me, in 3 to 4 weeks time, they will decide my fate. I started looking for a new job because all indications point to me getting axed. Then the dreaded day came. I was ready for the verdict anyway. But to my shock, instead of handing me a termination paper, they handed me a Notice of PAY INCREASE! They’re retaining me and with pay increase. Why on earth did they do that, I have no clue. Then the Lord has the answer. He said I have to be a channel, however small, for His blessings to flow to the people in dire needs. Suddenly, I found myself entangled with 2 of Canada’s top charities operating worldwide. Trust me, I’m not rich and has only little to give.
    The reason why I had too may absences and tardiness in the job was because I would have bouts of nasty, sometimes very nasty migranes at least 2 times in a week, at times lasting for 2 days, then my left leg would hurt like crazy almost everyday. Then I begged the Lord to heal me of these illnesses if it’s His will, so I can work properly. Unbelievably, for many months now I don’t experience anyone of them anymore. No drugs, no medicine, nothing whatsoever. I’m so indebted, how can I thank Him? I made peace with my supervisor. I changed my attitude, our working relationship improved significantly. Hebrews 13:17 exhort us to submit to the authority of our leader. Each night I pray for increased faith for each passing day, for me, and for all of you here. This year may or may not be the happiest but sure it will be joyful for all God’s children as we anticipate the supernatural of meeting our Lord Jesus Christ in a day and hour no one knows. Peace, Joy and Blessings to all!

  43. foreverblessed says:

    Thank you very much Bill, for posting your story. How merciful God is, that as you say, you did not deserve it, yet received it. Isn’t it the state of us all? We were not worthy, yet He called us. I pray that you can find the real Christ, the faith that calls for Christ in you, and you have fulfilled all the commandments when you stay in communion with Him.
    And not the one you had in your former church, was the headquarters in Pasedena with a Pastor General?
    The bible in one year, Pooh, I started today, but have to tell you how hard that is or me. I am now in chaptre 12 of Genesis, and the whole story of mankind is so depressing, the inclination of their hearts are always wicked, except for a few. That is exactly the reason why I could not do this for year, I need the positive message of Grace and Mercy of the New Testament. So how am I going to do this? Read some pages of the New Testament each day as well? I read Psalm 1 to counter all this mankind stuff.
    Maybe it is good to read that the inclination of man’s heart is always evil, as to realise we do not know how evil we are within, deep down, where Jesus has not come into our hearts yet. How desperately we need Jesus in our hearts, give Him the free reign to lead us, to cleanse us, to guide us
    But reading the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the bible is also difficult for me to read, with my backround as taking all the commands of the bible literal. So I ate no unclean foods, kept all the Holy Days of Leviticus.
    It seems that God gave Israel a lot of commandments to give them busy, but it did not change the state of their hearts. I would like to be able to see the spiritual meaning of all these commands as I go through them. I pray for the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to it.

  44. foreverblessed says:

    Thank you also, Yooperjack for telling your story, it is heart breaking what you are saying about your mother, but what a miracle, that the forgiveness of Jesus filled your heart! What a testimony too!

    And Regina, I wanted to tell you how much I have been thinking of you ever since you told me that your marriage was difficult. You hopped in often, saying you had not time, now I can see how busy you must have been.
    It was not such good news that you are now seperated, I hoped for a change of heart of his side. But I also realise, this is still time of Grace and Mercy, I keep praying for him, and for you. That we all find the rest that is in Christ only. Be quiet in Him, with all the turmoil in our lives and around us. If we are in Him then all is well.

  45. poohpity says:

    Wow, foreverblessed you are going through so fast, lol. Look very closely in the first chapters there is much mercy and grace. Look at all the firsts in the begats. The very fist mercy and grace is how the Lord clothed Adam and Eve after they messed up rather than fig leaves and we know how big they are but were easily ripped, lol. God clothed them in animal skins that would last even tho God believed they were beautiful just naked. There is a lot of mercy and grace even with the flood and one theme is, those that knew God runs through. Look for the mercy and grace, you will be surprised how much there is just in Genesis alone. :-)

  46. poohpity says:

    When you get to the Law look at how many things we do today just naturally because of the rules for cleanliness that God gave them then because they had no idea about being house broke, lol. Rather than looking at it as a bunch of don’ts look at it as ways to prevent sickness and disease which we do today that they had no idea about then. Remember in those days and the times it was written was sort of like what we do as parents when are children have no idea about what it means to care for themselves and we have to teach them, that is what God was doing for them but they were big kids, lol.

  47. remarutho says:

    Good Evening Mart & Friends —

    I am struck today, day two of 2012, by God’s mercy and grace to Cain. He was banished, yet he was marked for his own safe-keeping. The Lord’s heart was broken by Cain’s wicked act (Genesis 4:10-11) — violence became a hallmark of human life (Genesis 4:23-24) because of human perverseness. Wickedness has always grieved the heart of God (Genesis 6:6). But, the wicked are still in the hands of the Creator. God’s righteousness has been revered and sought after by at least a remnant — some small portion of humankind. May he keep us true.

    God’s grace continually shines into the world. It seems to me Christmas is the day when that light is multiplied and magnified — like a door opening from heaven — to make a way back to Eden, God’s paradise. Jesus’ flesh is the Bridge — the Way for the whole creation to reenter God’s Presence.

    I thank the Lord that in the wake of destruction he always brings a new day. It makes my little basketful of troubles seem so very small!

    Blessings,
    Maru

  48. oneg2dblu says:

    Pooh… I would like add to this lesson plan you’ve given for deeper understanding of what happened in the Garden. Not to dispute your telling but only to give it another point of meaning for us all. The fig leaves were a covering of their own nakedness, that is very true. They were found in “their own eyes” as now exposed and naked due to their disobedience. Their attempt to cover themsleves and hide themselves, were also done in their flesh. I believe God wanted to teach us these points… First, in your flesh you will never be able to properly hide your disobedience which really the root of all sin.
    Second, that your disobedience which then leads to your sinning even more, as in trying to now cover yourself and still remain “in right relationship” with God, will never work for you either. For only God can properly forgive you and cover you, and He in his own way, He shows us that our sin which is so easily taken by us today as something easy to fix, or as in being already forgiven, is also devistating to God who demands to show us that the cost of that sin is still always death. But,rather than kill us on the spot, He instead killed a spotless one for us and sheds it’s blood, which must be as part of His covering.
    The true gravity of our sin is this, something must die! I believe that something dies both within us a and within God’s Creation, when we continually disobey Him. That scene was the first taking of life “in exchange” for an act of disoedience, which was given to all mankind as God’s first, “Introduction to His own Law!”
    All other human life would then carry this death of that sin within their DNA, it is God’s way of showing us how deeply devistating and how far reaching just one act of disobedience is to Him. The cost of that first covering comes to both us and to Him, and comes only through the taking of another’s inoccent life! It is God’s own Law, telling us our sin has both huge and horrific consequences, and only He can cover them properly. But, their effect lingers on into the world around us, as it never goes unnoticed and will always separate us from Him! Remember, they were covered by God, but because they did not repent they were also separated, and were kept out of the Garden! Today, through our repentence and our obedience do we walk united with Him, and we walk only by His Grace and Mercy, not in our flesh but in his Spirit, and only through His Son who shed His Blood for us are we covered as God continues to show us His ongoing Law that still prevails. Whether you choose to believe you are covered before you sin, or after it, as it is portrayed in God’s Word through His lesson plan in the Garden scene wherein lies this truth, “Sin never went unnoticed, or without it’s Consequences!”
    I choose to never forget “that part” of His lesson.
    Be Blessed, Gary

  49. poohpity says:

    Gary, I have been forgiven and covered by God’s grace. Nobody ever said sin went unnoticed or without it’s consequences. God took care of it for those who believe. Today will you believe that Jesus covered us with His blood and took care of the consequences of your sin today, tomorrow and forever by His atoning work on the Cross and will raise us as He was raised from the dead to everlasting life? Will you believe today?

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