Psalm of the Week - 135:5 - November 27, 2016

What other gods could be in my life today? 

Idols can be anything that stops God from being the number one priority in my life. The following list is made up of activities that have been OR can be a god, or idol in my life. 

1. Television viewing - hours and hours devoted to viewing ungodly programming
2. Social media - hours and hours spent on games and messaging that takes away time spent in bible study and prayer
3. Busyness - activities that prevent bible study, prayer, and discipleship
4. Materialism - the pursuit of material possessions above and beyond actual needs

Today, I KNOW that God is great and is above all things. 

I marvel at sunsets, cloud patterns, rainbows, and the intricate designs of tiny flowers as I acknowledge that God is the Great Creator of All. God is indeed great and is above all things. Amen.  

Additional Bible Verses

Romans 1:25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

2 Corinthians 11:31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.

Verse of the Week - 2 Corinthians 11:14 - November 27, 2016

14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Be wary of who you listen to and give charity to. 
Many people have learned to con Christians out of material goods by passing themselves off as followers of Jesus when they are actually followers of Satan. They sound like faithful followers who knows the Bible. In fact, they do know the Bible, but they only know enough to disguise themselves as a Christian while following their own agenda. This isn't a new issue. In fact, Paul addresses this issue in 2 Corinthians 11.

Paul knew that there were counterfeit apostles who had learned just enough from himself and the true apostles to pass themselves off as followers of Jesus. Paul also said he wasn't surprised because Satan can be an angel of light too. Followers of Satan come in many disguises, just as Satan can appear as an angel of light to further his own plan, which is always the opposite of God's plan. 

• Counterfeit Prophets and Apostles

There were counterfeit prophets under the Old Testament, who wore the garb and learned the language of the prophets of the Lord. So there were counterfeit apostles under the New Testament, who seemed in many respects like the true apostles of Christ.

• Hypocrisy

Hypocrisy is a thing not to be much wondered at in this world, especially when we consider the great influence Satan has upon the minds of many people.

• Satan, Angel of Light

As he can turn himself into any shape, and put on almost any form, and look sometimes like an angel of light, in order to promote his kingdom of darkness, so he will teach his ministers and instruments to do the same.

Sources

1. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.
2. Matthew 7:15 "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
3. Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
4. Matthew Henry's Bible Commentary

A Joyful 2016 Thanksgiving with Family

Last year my Ashley volunteered to have Thanksgiving at her house. 

Her sister and I took her up on the offer and we had a wonderful time with all of the kids, grand kids, my parents, and us. I am so thankful to spend time with my family.

In October, I asked her if she still wanted to host the Thanksgiving dinner this year. 

She said she would have to talk to her boyfriend and get back with me. Last year they were just dating, this year they are a couple. In the end, she said yes and published a private Facebook event and invited the family to post what they would bring. This simplified the process of a family Thanksgiving meal a lot! It is the perfect halfway point for her sister and has LOTS of kid stuff for the grandchildren. I am thankful that they agreed. I am thankful to spend time with my busy daughters and their families.

Wednesday Before Thanksgiving

Wednesday evening, I joined Ashley in her kitchen and provided some advice on her apple pie making while I demonstrated how to make bread stuffing. As a young girl, Ashley wasn't interested in cooking. I tried to teach her the basics, but these weren't her favorite lessons. I am thankful to be this girl's mother. She brings me joy.

However, over the last three years,

I have received a lot of texts and phone calls about how to cook side and main dishes. I'm happily providing this information and sharing my recipes with her. (Her sister did this about ten years ago.) At last! I can share and pass on my knowledge of family cooking that was shared with me by my great grandmas, grandmas, and my mom with my other daughter! I am joyful and thankful that I am able to share traditional family dishes with my daughters. 

My parents weren't able to make the Thanksgiving meal this year. 

Mom and Dad hosted my brother Rick and his family. I am thankful that I have parents who are healthy and able to live independently.

My son-in-law Curt had invited his dad, but Buell had said no. 

However he did show up unexpectedly and we welcomed him with open arms. Buell's wife died two years ago and as a one-time widow, I know how hard year two was for me. I am thankful my silent prayer was heard and we could enfold Buell with our love during this difficult time. 

As usual, the meal timetable didn't work out because of a faulty turkey timer. 

However, this is why Buell was able to sit and share food with us AND Ashley told Scott she should have listened to him about using their meat thermometer. Her sister made a video of Ashley saying this to prove that she had actually said this! Laughter and love surrounded these two moments. I am thankful that we laugh at the unexpected and love each other unconditionally. Yes, our family members have faults, but we know people aren't perfect. I am thankful for the laughter and love we show and share with each other.

Galatians 6:9

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Psalm of the Week - 128:2 - November 20, 2016

Thanksgiving is Thursday and I felt this was an appropriate verse for this week. However, remember that for many folks this is not a time of happiness and joy. Pray for the sad at heart this week. Look around you and see if there is someone that needs encouraging. 

Verse of the Week - Ephesians 5:19-20 - November 20, 2016

No matter what is going on in your life, keep on singing inside your heart and praise our Holy Father in the name of Jesus for everything that you do have. Gratitude for the riches around you will help you keep positive and joyful.

Thanksgiving week can be a time of reflection upon how the Lord has worked in your life through the last year. Can you see His hand at work?

Don't let stress get you down this week, as the holiday season officially starts. Thank Jesus and God for the simplest things in life like:

• waking up
• having family
• having a place to stay
• food is available
• clothes are available
• the sunrise is beautiful
• the clouds and sky are gorgeous

Celebration and Sadness with a Lot of Prayer

Celebrations and Sadness 
This list sums up my last couple of weeks.

• grandchild with viral meningitis - lots of prayer and faith in action have been required. 
• two coworkers and a member of my church family have babies on the way - joyful praise prayers and celebration cupcakes have been given. 
• 24 yr. old momma died in a car wreck - praying for the family and her babies who won't know her
• a faithful single friend turned 50 - prayer, encouragement, and a cupcake bouquet

My grandchild is healed, thank you Jesus! 

His mom was quite upset and stayed with him overnight at the hospital. However, it was an extremely light case of viral meningitis. The hubby and I are positive this is because of the surge of prayer offered by us and our prayer warrior friends and family.  

Aren't new babies awesome? 

I love making cupcakes to celebrate a little baby that is on the way. I am praying that the expecting moms remain healthy and that the Lord continue to protect. them. 

Praying for days about the loss of a young mom and her family. 

Her family includes two families that I am acquainted with and they seem to be seeing more than their share of sadness right now. Lift these folks up in prayer please. Jesus knows who they are. 

My Sister-in-Faith

I love my sister-in-faith whom I also work with and I felt an urgency to encourage her on her 50th birthday. This lovely lady has had her share of life happenings over the last six years. Divorce, empty nest, and losing a beloved family member have all happened to this gentle, lovely gal. I was happy to make her a beautiful, pull-a-part birthday cake that was part of a birthday card shower at work. 

During this time of celebrations and sadness, the guest preacher at church preached on Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and how we have to step out in faith. 

God is exactly where he always is - right in front of us, or covering our backs. 

We just need remain faithful and not want to quit every time we get fearful, or it looks like the odds are against us. He will always watch over us.

"The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is his name." Exodus 15:3 NIV

God will always defend us. He is a warrior God. This thought comforts me. God and Jesus are fighting for me and you. We just have to keep on praying and being faithful. 

Psalm of the Week - 89:14 - November 6, 2016

God loves his people and he is faithful. No matter what is going on in my life today, I know that Jesus is sitting on the right hand of God and that he is there for me. After all, he did die on the cross for me. 

Verse of the Week - Matthew 16:15-17 - November 6, 2016

Who do you say Jesus is? I say Jesus is my lord and savior. He is the Son of God. Jesus is the foundation of the church.