What Do You Mean There is No Storm?

What do you mean there is no storm? Hey, just look outside!
Yeah, that weatherperson surely has their work cut out for themselves. Yet, I have been aware their radar for this area is being serviced. So when might we expect the radar to be back on the job I ask you? (Lately I text our daughter to see what her phone shows as to a report)
The FORECAST: cold with sun. Light breezy winds out of the east will blow in the next cold front!
Well, it was anything but sunny on this day. Can you see the picture here? And that light breezy condition amounted to winds of about 70 miles per hour. Oh, and did I mention there was snow?
I was viewing the weather forecast today. I even surfed the Weather Channel. And in every place I thought to search out next week's temps all amounted to the day temp going from 20 degrees, to 17 degrees to 12 degrees. I told my husband I am not looking anymore this week and this is just Thursday. And I will not even mention the nighttime temps!
I admit it is Winter. And with winter comes all the wind, snow, frequent rains that freeze into a skating rink of roadways and pathways. Also, I remember Spring comes after Winter is finished. And yet, we are how many days into the winter season,.....oh yeah 10 days, right?


I remember Jesus being in a storm and demanded it to be still! And peace came in the midst of the chaos. But peace did not mean there was not a storm, and staying in peace during chaotic times does not mean there is no warfare going on.
God is not the author of any confusion. God is merciful with gentleness and much peace.

Let's read a passage here on staying in peace......

Luke 8:22-37  KJV

¶ 22 Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.
23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 
24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.
25 And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
¶ 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is over against Galilee.
27 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.
29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.)
30 And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep.
32 And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them.
33 Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.
34 When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.
35 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
36 They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.
¶ 37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear: and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

In verse 23, that jeopardy is DANGER!
Gaining a perspective of sea water plus wind, one finds ultimate peril.
In seeing where this group of men were going and who they were to encounter, brings us to the heart of the matter. The devil certainly did not want Jesus and the team to make it to the other side. Seriously, many a demon had made their home in the man who lived among the tombs. You might remember him as the man of Gadara.
So while the sea tossed a great tempest, Jesus commanded it to be stilled.

Seriously speaking, when a boat is taking on much water, then to me danger is eminent. So Jesus spoke to the storm and to the one who organized the chaos.

Calling on Jesus in the midst of such turmoil meant they needed an answer and where was their faith?

Excuse me for this but in thinking on this today, I am appalled that men believe there was this big bang theory. Yet, when I think of God and He spoke light be, I am thinking there was a sonic boom and in that explosion of light meeting the darkness, peace and organization came into being. The devil came to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life abundantly.
There was an explosion at a fireworks factory in Mexico a day or two before Christmas.......and when the explosions began people died. When God creates a "light be" then chaos becomes organized and there is only light.

So Jesus rebuked the wind and the raging waves of water. And they ceased to be. And what remained was a great calm.  Thus it was Jesus Christ Who showed that, though the devil pretends to be the prince of the power of the air, yet even there he has him in a chain.

On the other side of the storm was a man needing much help of Jesus. The man had many demonic spirits living within him. And when Jesus came to the side of the Gadarenes, he was met by the demoniac of Gadara.

So "legion" was sent out of the man!

And the people who owned the pigs came out to see. And those who lived in that community came out to see and they were all afraid at the demoniac now free, in his right mind, and dressed. And the people were afraid????

It was the same said of those after the election this year of the new president. They said they were afraid. Why would anyone be afraid of what God is doing to and for you?

Well, God is a God of sign and wonders. And He will accomplish His plan in the earth. There was opportunity for others to hear the message of salvation and it was time for that crew of people to be awaken to life of God. Wow, what events that occurred to just get to the other side.

And we complain about going to church in the rain???

WE are not alone! In this total ocean of air, there are spiritual beings who wage a war on humans. We must understand our spiritual well-being is to heed something Paul wrote us about. It is found in the book of Ephesians 6. And within the verses of 10-12, battles are waged by those determined to keep their first-occupancy rights. If you think you have heard about the "haters" you might have missed this one if you have not read Ephesians 6. But there are those who hate to a great degree. And they really hate when we have become sons of God. 

Ephesians 6:10-20     KJV

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

As we continue to grow in bearing His image, their time is short and our inheritance will be returned to us. At this point it is by faith. It is an unseen force, but they exist none the less. And we are to be aware that they communicate with thoughts and attitudes.

We are not to be passive about those demonic spirits. We are to be active in speaking to the storm's, to sickness and even to that bed of affliction and say "you will not rise up a second time."

Today, take an active role in speaking to that which you do have authority over. By remaining in the Father, and keeping Jesus enthroned on our hearts, we will mark a path that is set with the mercy of God in peace and love.

OUR daughter and son-in-law had planned their wedding. Of course this has been awhile ago now. But when they chose the date it was winter time weather. Yes, February 2. And why not have a June wedding or maybe a 4th of July Wedding? No it was the 2nd of February. So some nine months ahead, while getting the gown, the bridesmaid outfits, and yes finding the right place to hose this wonderful even for two wonderful people, we were confessing that the temperatures would be in the sixties, the sun would shine, there would be no wind, and it would be a wonderful day to fly anywhere they would go on their honeymoon. We confessed so many things for that period of time and that all coming would be here for the event. Well it came to pass. It was a beautiful day. It was the mid- sixties and yes the snow from the days before had melted. The day came and it went, but it was marked out in what we believed to be true for our kids on their special day.

Ask yourself, "what is on the other side of this storm?" Ask what you need to know of the Father and to prevail by speaking what Jesus did. Our faith at times really needs some stretching. But we can overcome the world, Jesus did! Receive strength of the Lord. Walk through with your head held high. Speak peace, expect His love and know the best is coming your way. Oh the winds may be 80 miles an hour, the snow is on the level of 36 inches, yet, on the other side, we have a message to get out. We have someone to speak to about Jesus. Someone needs to know your testimony and my testimony.

We have the Holy Spirit and we will not cower in the corner. We will speak to symptoms, and to storms, and strange drivers on I-5 and say that they go in Jesus name. But the Lord is our shelter and we abide in His security and peace. May the Holy Spirit guide you and in the process of time, know His grace is sufficient.

Keep an attitude of a godly life and keep the excitement in your heart. And may you see the benefit of standing against the storms even when someone speaks " there is no storm"!

Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:
The GAURANTEE of the Holy Spirit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfhqpP2MhFc


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