Thank God Salvation Does NOT Depend on the Food Delivery Truck

Voice of Prayer

Growing up in the south, I remember those days my mother set out for grocery store. With her list in hand, and her two girls in the backseat, she set her face toward the grocery store and the best buys of the day! Now that was in the twentieth century and not that long ago, but I so remember mom and her "lists".  She had her list for the meals she would prepare and on what day. She had a list for the cleaning supplies, the laundry supplies, and then what she would require when making those yeast rolls from scratch! I wonder if people do that anymore?
I so remember the times though when she required something and it was a popular item that probably every household had within those closed cabinet doors, yet she would be told, "well, truck has not made it in this week."
With a disappointed look, she received their answer, finished her shopping and we loaded the trunk of the car and headed home.
By the time I got  into high school, I still remember my mom with her lists: the grocery shopping, the list from the local market, and the list from the "super market" ten miles away, and the list for what she desired to prepare for meals. I remember going with her, especially in the summer months and when she was not working, and we would make our jaunt a short ten mile trip, load the grocery cart, and still hear, "well, the truck has not made their delivery this week!"

She would make a quick run to the little market about three blocks from where we lived to check if they had the item or items she required. Yes, you guessed: "well, the truck has not made in this week."

Of a different note: my husband has even noticed in getting some salads already packaged, that the bin for them is bare on his arrival two days later. Then two more days after that again, the bin is still empty and the reply the same: "well, the delivery truck has not made their delivery this week!"

"So what day does your delivery truck make their delivery on?"

My question: "where is this 'delivery truck' coming from....China! I mean seriously, do we not grow lettuce anymore in this country? One can order something on line, but I believe it is the same truck that delivers to the grocery store is making the rounds for those big companies as well.
I was wondering about the great technology, why can't delivery systems work the same for getting the produce to market? Just a question from me on that specific thing, but seriously is it always a "truck delivery" issue or the people running the truck delivery thing?

But thanks be to God we did not have to depend of the food delivery truck for salvation! For those running that truck service could not have held up to the pressure Jesus the Redeemer did. He was well acquainted with His father in heaven and by faith depended on Him to raise Him from the dead! In the seriousness of what was at stake, Jesus grew in His knowledge of His father so others could see His walk with Him.

In thinking of that "delivery" truck, do they seriously work at getting the truck to the market or is it a miscommunication somewhere else? Still, am thankful there is a delivery truck and trains for delivering the items we required for living. I remember a day when people grew their own food and canned their vegetables and fruit for use during the fall and winter seasons. And in all that, they only require going to their basement or such to reach for the desired article of food they wanted to serve.

With the vast numbers in population and starvation going on in the famine burdened countries where scarcity is the rule, death is eminent, and politics seems to play some part in some regions of the world, yet Jesus came to set captives free and give life to those who were in need of a Savior.
He did not depend on a truck to make "his delivery". He kept to the purpose His father set for Him and in that walked out the death and resurrection to the glory of the Father who desires for man to be saved.
No, it was love that carried the Message far and wide and people still must hear the Gospel at least once.........and then Jesus will return for His church without spot and without wrinkle.  For the vast population of this world, and the famines seen in other third world nations, is it possible that   "famine " could reach other parts of the world to affect many more people?

Knowing Jesus as Lord, He is the provider for all the Father has for his "sons and daughters". Our trust must be in Him and ask then believing to receive that of which thing we ask for. In all this, it is God's love that is evident. He wants to provide for the children He so dearly loves and you do not have not wait on the "delivery truck" to receive.

We are not to be earth bound in our outlook when receiving Jesus as Lord. We must view everything as it appears in the natural but in reference to God and to eternity. In our now resurrected stated with Jesus we have disconnected from this world and man's wisdom of this world.
As being chose by God for resurrection we have come to His kingdom that Jesus came to set up. As the saved by grace we spoke and believed:
To receive salvation: we Admit our need: for all have sinned and fallen short  of the glory of God:Romans 3:23

Believe Jesus died for you: John 1:12 But as many as received Him to them, He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

And then we:  Confess Jesus as Lord: Romans 10:9-10 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved!

Yes, thank God salvation and it did not depend on that delivery truck, for we have it today in His name and by faith in that Name: Jesus!

Remember the next time you are at the local grocery market, and an item on your list may not be available because of some truck issue, but remember our Lord and your place in Him, and that you are never without His goodness for you and for your family. Truly your place is in a place of abundance where you lack nothing: Psalm 23: 1-3....nkjv  ..The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides still waters, He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

For the Lord is good and when He becomes our Shepherd, truly we come to a place where we lack no good thing. He leads us into quiet places where there are no riots, but His peace restores our mind, our will and emotions to His plan. For our minds must be tuned into His ways and thoughts and obey His every rule......to love God Himself foremost and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Yes, it is a wonderful life in knowing Him.
It is a day that He has made for us, "let's rejoice and be glad it in it." I look forward to sharing that life eternally with you! Amen.

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching:

Ways of the Lord
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj2gdzF0hjc

You can also visit my You Tube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at:  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Delivery: What will You do With It?

An expected delivery is foremost when one knows they are "the" pregnant. But how about those serving the Lord? Do they know they too can deliver a "ministry" that is born of God?
It takes strength to deliver a baby, just ask anyone who had ever delivered a child into the world. Yet, we know or should know God was there all the time. In that knowing, we should be mindful the importance not only bringing a child into the world that God planned but also the importance of us being obedient to His voice!
Ministry, like the child, growing up is a part of that plan. Staying a child forever is not God's plan. Ministry as well is to grow and become what is destined. In that empowering the Holy Spirit is released into and through our lives to expand us in that " ministry" and help us to continue to walk in "the fear of the Lord".
But many people find themselves fighting against God when something of "ministry" takes off! You can some times see something lurking in people's thinking, in their own doing and in a continual search to see the Holy Spirit working in that "ministry", you can find no evidence.

God is intentional in blessing us—He wants us to bear fruit for the sake of others. Salvation is for our health and prosperity as it is for redeeming us from death, hell and the grave.  The foundation of all blessing is the Cross. It was in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that we experience the great exchange! We exchange our sinful life for His life.  

In the book of John, Christ Jesus gave a promise: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do, because I go to my Father”…(John 14:22) He was saying “ I am going back to the Father, but you will become the voice of God.” Christ is the Word of the Father, but we were to be that voice. In (Acts 2:4)…..” They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

His blessings are not earned—they are rooted in God's great love for us and His infinite mercy. We have been delivered from curses through the Cross that Jesus bore. Today we are to meditate on the good of God, and the fact that Jesus Christ paid it all for you and I to be saved from eternal death and to live abundantly in this life. All power belongs to Him.  Within that we are strengthened with all power (Colossians 1:11-14) according to His glorious might so that we have great endurance and patience with joy giving thanks to the Father who qualifies us  to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. It is where we reside in His love and in the redemption of our sins. Amen. 

It is a "keep moving forward" attitude.

In thinking on the birth of a new ministry, I think on the scripture of Philippians, "whatever is true" remembering that what we think on is important to the new "ministry" surviving birth and to become God saturated!

Philippians 4:4-13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  NIV

People can be all excited to the point of telling everyone of their new ministry. But the real work of delivery and care begins with God and will end with God. We can do everything through him who gives us the strength. It is by thinking, meditating and envisioning God in that process.  It goes well at first, then the power of the Holy Spirit is released. But in some time, a year or even less the boundaries are being changed. Oh not by God, but by those who look over their "stuff" to maintain their lost in life. 

Oh but the Lot's in this life, and there are many.

Remember Abram went out when God told him to leave his family behind. Lot with Abram.

Read below:

Genesis 13:8-18

8 So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left." 

10 Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company: 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD. 

14 The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west. 15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you." 

18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.   NIV

By chapter 14 Lot's possessions are carried off by not one king, but by another 4 kings and their people.

Genesis 14:11-17

11 The four kings seized all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah and all their food; then they went away. 12 They also carried off Abram's nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom. 

13 One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the great trees of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were allied with Abram. 14 When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan. 15 During the night Abram divided his men to attack them and he routed them, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus. 16 He recovered all the goods and brought back his relative Lot and his possessions, together with the women and the other people. 

17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley). NIV

God helped Abram to recover all of Lot's stuff (possessions).

By chapters 18 and 19, of course the angels have come and pronounced what will happen to Sodom and Gomorrah. In the following we find what occurs when the angels come to Sodom.

Genesis 19:1-11

19:1 Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 And he said, "Here now, my lords, please turn in to your servant's house and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way." And they said, "No, but we will spend the night in the open square." 3 But he insisted strongly; so they turned in to him and entered his house. Then he made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 

4 Now before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both old and young, all the people from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may know them carnally." 6 So Lot went out to them through the doorway, shut the door behind him, 7 and said, "Please, my brethren, do not do so wickedly! 8 See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof." 9 And they said, "Stand back!" Then they said, "This one came in to stay here, and he keeps acting as a judge; now we will deal worse with you than with them." So they pressed hard against the man Lot, and came near to break down the door. 10 But the men reached out their hands and pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they became weary trying to find the door.  NKJV

Choosing to coexist is represented in Lot. Lot had had much wealth, but did not have that abundance that comes from God. Lot was in constant pressure. If he had any spirituality at all, he was surely it was lacking at this time of his life. In his spirit he had remained a "child" if you will. He remained in that state of "pooping his pants".  Why Lot went with Abram is not clear. WE find this in Genesis 12.

Genesis 12:4-5

4 So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan.   NKJV

For one who has given birth to a "a new ministry", one must stay fixed on GOD and His plan.

In reading about Lot, we find him a man who, yes, was converted, but very weak in faith. He was coexisting with the world. Of all his hopes and dreams, his vision contained nothing of God. By choice he was set in the world. By choice, he procrastinated.

 All of Lot's goodness was virtually wasted because his spiritual life was going nowhere. He was in "a really bad way". And he suffered for it, indeed. Also as well, his family suffered for generations.

He lost his wife in the whole ordeal. His sons-in-law thought he joked about the coming judgement.

It was in his family, we saw an amount of contempt. Evil shows itself most often in verbal violence. Lot saw it expressed in his son-in-laws.  And in Lot's complacency, violence appeared to him and his house. A violent heart will have violent actions. He was satisfied in his stuff. Even though a leader of his home and a teacher of the word of God to them, contempt came. Contempt will always show up when the "person" is one who is hot one day and then cold the next day. For which ever way the wind might blow on that "specific day" is the way the person will go! One who lingers long is the one who really gets bit when that wine they concocted turns on them. Read below:

Proverbs 23:29-35

29 Who has woe?

Who has sorrow?

Who has contentions?

Who has complaints?

Who has wounds without cause?

Who has redness of eyes? 

30 Those who linger long at the wine,

Those who go in search of mixed wine. 

31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,

When it sparkles in the cup,

When it swirls around smoothly; 

32 At the last it bites like a serpent,

And stings like a viper. 

33 Your eyes will see strange things,

And your heart will utter perverse things. 

34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 

35 "They have struck me, but I was not hurt;

They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.

When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?"  NKJV

The word I keyed on was that which lingers.(verse 30). We find it in the KJV version as:they tarry long......is the word achar ( aw-khar) means to hinder, loiter, be late (slack) stay in one place....procrastinate

They put off doing "the something" in ministry. They loiter and reflect on the me, myself and I......and totally put off God. They are either lazy or just postponing God. YIKES!
Yes, it is a deliberate action. They want to bask in the moment, that "feel good" moment and in all their goodness. Again, what? But in Abram, we saw him move to worship God in bringing them out and begin the new in God!

That mixed wine, is mixing that of God with the world. Looking on it, and then drinking that portion is that which is of the goodness of God mixed with worldly concepts, with worldly vile contemptible things. Their words speaks one thing, but they do another. They tarry under their own strength, with no help of the Holy Spirit. 

 Lot was a man whose works burned, but he himself was saved (I Corinthians 3:15).

 We must abide in the that which is true, noble, of a good report, whatever is the lovely, the admireable, the praiseworthy, we are to speak and to practice. See verse 9 again!

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  NIV

In that, we gain strength of God. In that we keep our focus, not on what we can add from the world for God, but what God wants to expand that is of Him and of Him alone. Because those who live contemptible lives, waffling back and forth, will not stand with the Word of truth, but will falter especially when you might really need them beside you. No, God is the Avenue. God is the Source, and He is able to deliver us into ministry and deliver us into that which is receptive by those in charge. 

We keep our focus not on the wine that the world produces but like Abram, go build that altar and worship God.

18 So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD. But don't just take my word for it. Go read it for yourself.

  Everywhere Abram went he built an altar to God. His faith and worship was in Him who would "provide". Amen!

Keep your focus on God, keep Jesus on the throne of your heart, and proceed by the power of the Holy Spirit to see what God planned for you. Hey, the ball is in your court! What will you do with it?

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has two new teaching published:
Meekness: Not Weakness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckFuD-ZaDxE


Christmas Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXnnlvjAVA


You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

That FOOTSTOOL

Isaiah  66:1-2
66:1 This is what the LORD says:

"Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
Where is the house you will build for me?
Where will my resting place be?
2 Has not my hand made all these things,
and so they came into being?"
declares the LORD. NIV

In understanding the Creator, heaven is where He rests on His throne. The earth is where He has placed His foot,

These things, both heaven and earth were made by Him. It was of His plan. Man could never reach that place to build something that would be so grand to impress. But all that God asks is for the self-denying, the very serious person who has the intent to be humble before Him, and to tremble at His Word.

As the stool represents where He places His feet........might we consider when we need to put our feet on that stool to reach something.

In remembering our grand-daughter and her small stature as a two year old, I hold the thought of how a little blue step stool help her reach the bathroom sink to wash her hands. I think how it was kept close by the sink, as she would rise to meet that sink, and to work toothpaste over every small baby tooth she had in her sweet little head. Always pleased with herself, she would parade before all with the accomplishment she had done a good thing for her body and self.

Was thinking of the delivery stool used by the Hebrew women midwives.

Exodus 1:15-18

15 The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, 16 "When you help the Hebrew women in childbirth and observe them on the delivery stool, if it is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live." 17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live. 18 Then the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and asked them, "Why have you done this? Why have you let the boys live?"   NIV

A stool was used to deliver one. It was an article of furniture that help the women do their job. For our grand-daughter it was helped to see from another vantage point. She was raised a foot off the ground to see over the sink area. Her vision expanded to see another place from another vantage point.

In seeing from God's view, we need to keep moving and not relax here on earth. We will rest and find peace, but the optimum word is that He placed His feet there as a stool. All was well beneath Him!

Matthew 5:33-37

33 Again, you have heard that it was said to the men of old, You shall not swear falsely, but you will perform your oaths to the Lord [as a religion duty]. 34 But I tell you, Do not bind yourselves by an oath at all either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35 Or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 and do not swear by your head, for you are not able to make a single hair white or black 37 Let your Yes be simply Yes, and your No,  be simply No; anything more than that comes from the evil one. Yikes!

Things are meant to help us, to give us an advantage. He made the earth and placed His foot on what belongs to Him. The earth is truly small compared to the glory of God the Creator who is to be honored for what He has done.

Our grand-daughter does not need that stool anymore. She has grown taller and has learned a lot about trusting the Creator to help her see.

She used to be led out to the park area to play. Today she leads others out. She points to those things that has for the time captured her attention, yet while she grows, she will remember that God rests His feet on the stool Quinn calls home. She will remember who He is, and What He did to bring Jesus to her for salvation.

She has parents directing her into learning some things she must know. She exercises her body, makes a way for others to be blessed when she outgrows those fairly new clothes, and she prays.

She is shown new things and to always look up. She is reminded that Jesus is returning and we are to be ready for His return to earth. Yes, the footstool is the place for our feet and they are to be about His business and to please Him.

Our continued hope is that she grow in that which is of God and where God rests. It is our diligence to speak truth of Him and His Spirit to that extent she can see Him creating the new for her to walk when she gives her heart whole heart to Him.

As the child, she was shown things like the the stool which raised her higher, and helped her to see from another vantage point.

Her security is not in the stool itself but in He Who first CREATED! That foot stool represents the sure place where there is an unshakable confidence that God will provide that stool when we will be required to see Him and what He is doing for us. In asking to see Him, our grand-daughter will be given the right "stool" at the right time for what she is seeking and how it will work in her life. 

In the vastness of God and His throne in heaven, we must understand that God did not create us in His image with no higher purpose that just to consume some food to live. But we are to live with the convenience that the foot stool might represent as in hiking up a mountain to take a look at His majesty in those great hills, or just to see through the most sophisticated equipment to see out past the stars, and yes, that stool is found in His very word. It will help us see and find the stool to stand and and help us reach.  When we reach for His Word, He helps us to stand in even the most uneven of places.

According to Habakkuk 3:19...it is the Sovereign LORD who is my strength. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

Whatever our grand-daughter's life brings, or even ours, we look up in awe. We expect the Lord's return. And we keep in our heart, that God is near us. He is ever mindful of us and that we walk where He created.

May we always keep seeking, keep reaching, and find that necessary stool of His Word to help us see past ourselves, and look into His divinity that is of holiness, is without blame and full of grace to walk in places we only dreamed.
Our God is ever present with us. Jesus came to set us free. No longer captives, we walk before our God with a humble heart. Our steps are to have that standard of the word of God that is the blameless walk. Isaiah 52:7...How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace, who brings good tidings of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!
Hark you seekers, those who find the footstool to seek.........lift up your voices, together they sing for joy; for they shall see eye to eye the return of the Lord to Zion. Amen!

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Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

Praying and Not Persecuting SOLD OUT.....To Prayer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KlPkjzP7m4

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Iodine or Those $99 Antibiotics

Was reading this article sent to me by my family who lives back east. I got a great laugh about the antibiotics and their use today. A trip with a real need, can look like 99 dollars for antibiotic and more for the visit to the Emergency Room, and possibly hospital time, of course.
When we were children, a scrap to knee or elbow, iodine would stain the skin and clothes, but Mercurochrome worked better to me and the scent was nice. Who cared it turned the skin slightly reddish pink? Of course, there was possibly the need for a shot if a wound appeared really deep. Tetanus shot, anyone?
But I have now heard that Mercurochrome is no longer available. This highly used product was used for years was "deemed" not safe!

Today, I hear a lot on the cost of things. I take note of the going price to get a baby from conception to the arm holding stage. Yes with the ride outside of the womb and into the EXIT, a baby comes into the  waiting "family"is up to several thousand dollars in a lot of cases. And those with the "marked for a C-Section" the price can go even higher. YIKES!
Our visit with Dr. for pregnancy, the room, the Dr.' care + delivery was a total $400. Yeah, those were the days, and life seemed easier and not so pricey.
Yes, times have changed and it sure added a cost to a vast assortment of different categories that affect a young married couple. In looking at owning that home, and a car or two as well, the price shoots up drastically. When adding a baby to boot, then you are talking millions of dollars.

Going to the grocery store too, can take a bite out of the paycheck or savings account. In years past I heard of people getting into lots of trouble using their credit card to purchase groceries. That works when you pay the bill at the end of each month, but to keep stacking more charges against yourself is not wise at all!

Was really taken aback by the article I was sent and laughed at the things pertaining to swimming in the river or lakes with no regard to any kind of yuck getting on you. And I certainly do not remember any people getting sick from going into the cloudy river. I was more concerned for the water moccasin who lived there. (you know snakes)

 The going to the nurse in the school pharmacy was to us an actual nurse with a certain uniform on. Although it was not the typical white outfit, still you knew which one was "the nurse".  I am not sure what they would have today. But in those days, the only reason you went to see her, was to get out of class. (very seldom would one need an actual aspirin or wound tended too!)

I liked the part of the article which mentioned the cell phone. And it could have or would have been  true at that time and period, if one would have mentioned a cell phone, a person in jail would think a phone from within their cell was available for their use. And yes, what was mentioned also was the use of that cutting board. The care on that alone would cause some to tremble. But I think today of those germs they show on keyboards, light switches, elevator buttons, and those really out of the way water fountains! Have you seen those new scanning systems to check for those pesky germs just waiting to get on aboard your hands and go home with you?

Yes, prices have gone up, people's pay stayed the same, and in the mix, something will have to give. It will have to either stand together or fall together.

In counting the cost for anyone's future, we must figure that we are going to finish.
Luke 14:28-30 Message Bible...
"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you:'He started something he couldn't finish.'"
"Or could you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?"
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you whether plans or people, and kiss them good-bye, you can't be my disciple." "Salt is excellent. But if salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing. Are you Listening to this?Really listening?"

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Whether in life as an individual or as a couple, one must count the cost. Jesus was showing that which was to be considered when starting anything.
In being a disciple for the Lord, we learn to walk the way He did. He showed us how to consider things and bring them under the council of God.
Anyone viewing the evening news can see some horrific things due to weather related catastrophes. Some people are willing to start over. Many are people in their 60's and 70's who came out of the storm unscathed, their property destroyed, but they continue to live and look forward to another day.

 Things can come, and with them can come some major changes to our lives, but when keeping God first in our lives, we remain in His peace to walk through any trial at the time.
But that kissing some things good-bye could be a good thing. Like one should skip the casino with the boys to spend more time with the mother-to-be before the actual arrival date of the baby!  Kissing some of those old habits like the nightly workout might be scheduled for a more flexible time of the three times a week instead.
Changes have to be made when accommodating the new in our lives.
Ours did not seem to change a lot. We were accustomed to being home and doing things around the house and property. Our child slept through the night on her second night home. She would arise at 6 AM. and so did I. Although she liked her formula and those early foods for a tiny baby.........yet I held onto my bacon. That did not change then or now, but I still remember those days.


In the decision making, and that which comes after a major change, like storms, change in jobs or even the arrival of a baby to the family, one should their focus on God Who gave.

In that process, we can be salt to others. In choosing to continue and not quit, we look to God and that which He says we can have and do in His name. Yes, salt is good and is season to those around us.
We can continue to communicate Jesus Christ to the world when anything changes even to the degree of loss. It is in our walk through, we show others that we are not dominated by the world or things of the world. Our influence must be that which is in peace and that of the over-comer.
Whether in our walk with the community or with Christians alike, our savor must be that which brings life to others. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

In attending to Christ and His Word, we are reminded that He, God, gave His best for us. In all that happened to the apostles in their ministry, should we not also remember that others paid the price for us to hear? Jesus gave His life for us. Through His obedience and sacrifice, we have full access to the Father.
 For the Gospel went out, and in that, the word came forth to today. It is knowing we have the choice to choose a good life. It is one marked by the Cross of Christ. It has it's hard places. It has it's ups and downs, but our focus whether by tragedy of death of a close family member, a loss of a home to tornado or even hurricane, God still rules from heaven. He sent His son for us. And in that we should be the consumed to mark out our paths with the way of truth that only comes from God.

People are watching us daily. They see how we react to even the most subtle of changes. How will they see us? Will we be salt and light? Even in the storms of life, can God count on us to direct others to Him and His love?

Psalm 62 Message Bible

God, the one and only--
I'll wait as long as he says,
Everything I hope for comes from Him, so why not?
He's solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul,
And impregnable castle; I'm set for life.
My help and glory are in God----granite strength and safe-harbor God--
So trust him absolutely, people;
lay your lives on the line for Him.
God is a safe place to be.

Man as such is smoke, woman as such, a mirage.
Put them together, they're nothing; two times nothing is nothing.
And windfall, if it comes---don't make too much of it.
God said this once and for all;
how many times have I heard it repeated?
"Strength comes Straight from God."
Love to you, Lord God!
You  pay a fair wage for a good day's work!

Man can only do in his own strength. And the woman, his helpmate, can assist him, but it is only in God and through Him that we move in His power, wisdom and peace.
God is for us. He desires us to proclaim His Name far and wide.
No smokin' mirrors with Him, you will always get the truth.
He is standing by and as we reflect on Him, and grateful in the reflection, we know our lives remain dear to Him. Oh God, to see You and to bless You daily. We commit to sing. As we communicate our love to YOU, may others hear and be glad.
You are more beautiful to us than all the jewelry in the world. YOU shine bright and show us where to walk safely. Your love never runs out on us. You set us free, and we are here to tell the world.
"Be still and know that he is God."
He is gracious, and has showered us with blessings. Our soul, yes, He rescued from death. We praise YOU our faithful God. Your love never quits! 

Remember:
He will never give up on you!
Keep prayer foremost for your decision making before starting anything, including marriage and the birth of a child. Count the cost! Make it plain.
From previous Blog: Paying it Forward (Wisdom) February 2.8.16
Forsake foolishness and live! Go in the way of Understanding............In respect to writing it down, I like the word prescribe, given as a meaning. We surely know what it is when some Doctor prescribes some medicine and the importance of taking it when you need it. I think that word fits so appropriately for taking this prescribed word of God and taking it like a pill every day will change things if we take it as directed. Right?
Make it plain so that others might know what you are believing. 

In writing it out for your future: seek the Lord's will and that it is a life pleasing to God that is with fruitfulness, endurance, patience and joy. (Colossians 1:9-12)
Thank You Lord for leading us into a cleared and level land.
The clouds may darken and fill the skies. And thunders may boom through the night, but we are not the fearful! We are the prepared to give others a "helping hand" if destruction strikes their land. We are excited to start this day with You. We take the first steps out with a song on our lips.

In closing:
Building your life as an individual, or as a couple will take a lot of time, a lot of prayer and many questions to God about tomorrow. Laboring for something good is seen in that which we choose God and His way and ultimately follow that plan of His. Anything worthwhile will take some time, money, sacrifice and being committed to what waits up ahead for us.

Father, may Your glory fill this place! In Jesus' name, we pray for the glory....Your beauty, Your holiness.......to be seen where we stand and trust in YOU. May others see and know that You are with us. It is to Your praise and to Your eternal honor, we truly lift Your name on high. Amen.

Notice:

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published: 

Faith Without Borders: The Experience of Our Faith

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTwdUFLmWic

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV