Hello there! This is Mary and I thought I would finally post a post! :) First of all I would like to acknowledge the fact that Dana is almost certainly a better blogger than I so don't be surprised if mine are slightly, well, less interesting! She is very interesting (and talented and good-looking and well, the list goes on and on. But I know that Dana might be getting rather annoyed when she reads this so I better stop!:) ) and that is just one of the many cool things about Dana!
So I was thinking about what to post earlier and then I thought back to one of the more lesser-known events in the Bible that I had read about in Daniel just this morning. I found it to be very captivating in the sense of how it relates to us.
In Daniel Chapter 10, Daniel is writing about one of the visions he had received. Long story short, Daniel had been led to fast and pray for three weeks. He was looking for an answer for the Lord but it was taking forever. Finally, on day 24 since he began his fast, an angel came to him with God's answer. What he says before he gives the answer to Daniel's question is quite astounding. Basically, on day 1, God was trying to give Daniel an answer but the satanic forces were delaying it. The angel then mentions how another angel, Gabriel, had to come and help him. Apparently through Daniel's fast and prayers, the satanic forces were being defeated. I found this scripture to be so fascinating because it gives us an example of how powerful the unseen forces of evil and good are. Of course God could have over-ridden everything the devil was doing and gotten the message to Daniel right away. But instead, He chose to work through the prayers of humans and through His angels. This is just one example of how powerful our prayers actually are and how we should always take time to intercede and plead for the lost and hurting, and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Anyway, I guess this was just one of those scriptures that was just like "wow!" and really intrigued me.
Well, it's late and I have Bible quiz and Fine Arts to work on so I will sign off momentarily.
Have an amazing and joyous week! Live life to the fullest! Tell someone that Jesus loves them!
-Mary Liz :)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
One day this fine spring break
I spent the entirety(that's a word, isn't it?)of the day with Kylie, one of my two sweetheart sisters. I had a great time. It made me realize how much time I don't usually spend with her and it was nice to have fun with her today. I also got to clean my room today. Thank you Jesus! :)
Anyway...I was reading in Exodus about how the Israelites always complained and grumbled against the Lord even though he would always provide for them. I mean manna and quail. There are many ways to eat it. Fried, in water, manna-and-quail sandwiches, baked, roasted... Anyway, it was making me realize how much I really complain, even though God is so humongously good to me--SO good--I really need to stop. I don't know......................what to write, so I pray you have a wonderful day and more faith than the Israelites! Lol. :)
Love, Dana
Here is a wonderful article. Please read it because it is all true!
from ag.org
10 reasons to pick up your Bible today
By Charles T. Crabtree
An open letter to those who need to reconnect with God’s Word
Dear Friend:
It has come to my attention you are not as diligent in reading, internalizing and applying the Word of God as you were in the past. I cannot overstate how critical it is for you to re-establish Bible reading and study as a high priority in your daily schedule. Please prayerfully consider these reasons why it is absolutely necessary for you to become a person of the Word.
Reason 1. The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word. Since our first parents in Eden, Satan has sought to destroy God’s children by questioning God’s Word. He was bold enough to tempt Jesus by misapplying the Scriptures. If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival.
Reason 2. The Bible is a priceless treasure. For thousands of years, God has protected this precious Book from extinction. Believers have died to protect it. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God. Millions of your brothers and sisters in Christ would give their last dime to have a Bible, let alone the three or four copies that many American Christians possess.
Reason 3. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth. In a day of spiritual confusion, moral relativism, and intellectual hypocrisy, you hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation. The Bible consists of more than little black letters on a page. It is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging.
Reason 4. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator. God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live. No matter how much money and time you spend on “self-help” books, you’re far better off getting back to your “God-help” book. God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny.
Reason 5. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children. God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer. Most Christians do not have any idea how “rich” they are in Christ. By some counts, 7,000 promises are yours. Others have found many more. Find them and claim them. The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee, and is not running for political office.
Reason 6. The Word of God is powerful. It is powerful for many reasons. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. Every word of man is conditional and temporal, but God has the final word. The Bible is our powerful defensive and offensive spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It is a word of healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). People who curse God or refuse to admit He created the world would be shocked to know He sustains the universe by His word of power (Hebrews 1:3).
Reason 7. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought.” The thought processes of the world have become so evil and depraved you must overcome the ideas and philosophies from darkened minds by daily planting the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in your heart (Romans 8:5-8). Everyone knows that positive thinking is better than negative thinking. Imagine how your day would brighten if you met every challenge with a divine promise and every situation with a divine truth.
Reason 8. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ. The spirit of Antichrist is certainly evident and prevalent in our culture, but truth about Jesus’ past and present and future is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Remember, we are saved through faith in Jesus and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).
When Peter stepped out of a fishing boat in a storm and walked on water, he didn’t begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31). Believers are in serious trouble when they do not constantly read the Word, which reveals Jesus. Like Peter, those who do not keep Christ in plain view will be dragged down by the storms of life.
Reason 9. Every person has a desire to know about the future. It is amazing to what lengths people will go to see beyond the present. This innate interest feeds fortunetellers, astrologers, palm readers, clairvoyants and other charlatans. Their lack of accuracy is pathetic, yet millions continue to seek their counsel. You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19).
When people speak of the future with fear and panic, they have taken their future out of the hands of God. They have neglected the words of Jesus: “Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going there on purpose to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2, NEB).
Reason 10. How would you like to hear God speak to you? How would you like to sit down and listen to the teaching of Jesus, the greatest Teacher who ever lived? You can every day by opening the pages of the Word of God. It really is a letter to you. As you read it, the Spirit of God will quicken and reveal life-giving truth to you.
Reading God’s Word should never be viewed as a laborious task or even a duty. It is a wonderful privilege to open the Book every day and receive divine insights into the nature of God, the purpose of man, and the truth about time and eternity.
The Word of God is vital if you are going to live a victorious life. I pray this letter stirs a fresh desire in your heart to know divine truth. Remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [emphasis mine] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, KJV).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles T. Crabtree is assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.
Anyway...I was reading in Exodus about how the Israelites always complained and grumbled against the Lord even though he would always provide for them. I mean manna and quail. There are many ways to eat it. Fried, in water, manna-and-quail sandwiches, baked, roasted... Anyway, it was making me realize how much I really complain, even though God is so humongously good to me--SO good--I really need to stop. I don't know......................what to write, so I pray you have a wonderful day and more faith than the Israelites! Lol. :)
Love, Dana
Here is a wonderful article. Please read it because it is all true!
from ag.org
10 reasons to pick up your Bible today
By Charles T. Crabtree
An open letter to those who need to reconnect with God’s Word
Dear Friend:
It has come to my attention you are not as diligent in reading, internalizing and applying the Word of God as you were in the past. I cannot overstate how critical it is for you to re-establish Bible reading and study as a high priority in your daily schedule. Please prayerfully consider these reasons why it is absolutely necessary for you to become a person of the Word.
Reason 1. The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word. Since our first parents in Eden, Satan has sought to destroy God’s children by questioning God’s Word. He was bold enough to tempt Jesus by misapplying the Scriptures. If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival.
Reason 2. The Bible is a priceless treasure. For thousands of years, God has protected this precious Book from extinction. Believers have died to protect it. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God. Millions of your brothers and sisters in Christ would give their last dime to have a Bible, let alone the three or four copies that many American Christians possess.
Reason 3. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth. In a day of spiritual confusion, moral relativism, and intellectual hypocrisy, you hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation. The Bible consists of more than little black letters on a page. It is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging.
Reason 4. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator. God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live. No matter how much money and time you spend on “self-help” books, you’re far better off getting back to your “God-help” book. God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny.
Reason 5. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children. God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer. Most Christians do not have any idea how “rich” they are in Christ. By some counts, 7,000 promises are yours. Others have found many more. Find them and claim them. The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee, and is not running for political office.
Reason 6. The Word of God is powerful. It is powerful for many reasons. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. Every word of man is conditional and temporal, but God has the final word. The Bible is our powerful defensive and offensive spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It is a word of healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). People who curse God or refuse to admit He created the world would be shocked to know He sustains the universe by His word of power (Hebrews 1:3).
Reason 7. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought.” The thought processes of the world have become so evil and depraved you must overcome the ideas and philosophies from darkened minds by daily planting the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in your heart (Romans 8:5-8). Everyone knows that positive thinking is better than negative thinking. Imagine how your day would brighten if you met every challenge with a divine promise and every situation with a divine truth.
Reason 8. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ. The spirit of Antichrist is certainly evident and prevalent in our culture, but truth about Jesus’ past and present and future is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Remember, we are saved through faith in Jesus and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).
When Peter stepped out of a fishing boat in a storm and walked on water, he didn’t begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31). Believers are in serious trouble when they do not constantly read the Word, which reveals Jesus. Like Peter, those who do not keep Christ in plain view will be dragged down by the storms of life.
Reason 9. Every person has a desire to know about the future. It is amazing to what lengths people will go to see beyond the present. This innate interest feeds fortunetellers, astrologers, palm readers, clairvoyants and other charlatans. Their lack of accuracy is pathetic, yet millions continue to seek their counsel. You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19).
When people speak of the future with fear and panic, they have taken their future out of the hands of God. They have neglected the words of Jesus: “Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going there on purpose to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2, NEB).
Reason 10. How would you like to hear God speak to you? How would you like to sit down and listen to the teaching of Jesus, the greatest Teacher who ever lived? You can every day by opening the pages of the Word of God. It really is a letter to you. As you read it, the Spirit of God will quicken and reveal life-giving truth to you.
Reading God’s Word should never be viewed as a laborious task or even a duty. It is a wonderful privilege to open the Book every day and receive divine insights into the nature of God, the purpose of man, and the truth about time and eternity.
The Word of God is vital if you are going to live a victorious life. I pray this letter stirs a fresh desire in your heart to know divine truth. Remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [emphasis mine] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, KJV).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles T. Crabtree is assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Here's more!
Hola, soy Dana y tengo mas para usted leer.
I like to talk in Spanish...anyway...
Hi, I'm Dana with more for you to read.
God is once again on the move. Like Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia, He's on the move. This last weekend, I had a wonderful time in Springfield, MO at a Bible Quiz meet. It was a unique experience-one in which I am very glad to have participated. From PMMs to friend finding to discovering that vidalia onion salad dressing is nasty to collecting way to many fruit roll ups, and checking out James River AMster's Commission, it was very interesting. Though it was fun, it was awfully trying. It seems that I have an attitude problem that God is trying to rid me of. :)
Anyway...that is in the past. In the present however, I know he is definitely working. I love it how whenever God is doing something, you can tell...well at least I can usually tell. :) At FCA, the lesson was about Attitude, in Missionettes the lesson is about attitude, and on Wednesday night, we talked about our attitude towards our parents. Along with this instruction about having a good attitude, I have been faced with what I feel has been massive trials-opportunities for me to have a good attitude. You know what? I am glad. Even though this has been an increasingly difficult week, God has been ever so faithful. I have felt His presence more this week at school...which is detrimental to me getting through the week....and I am so grateful to my Lord. I also find ways He continues to humble me or discipl,ine me because I have had too much pride. For instance...I got a pot I made out of the kiln today...and I was going around showing everyone the pretty colors of its glaze...when later in the afternoon, I had the pot in one hand and was trying to pick up our squirming puppy with the other. Needless to say(?), it fell from my hand onto the concrete of our front porch and was dashed into pieces. That reminded me of Revelation 2:26-28 "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'[a]— just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star." It reminded me of how worthless the things I make truly are. :) Really..i am like that...just a piece of clay that God breathed into. Yet God shows his great love in that while I am a sinner and while I am a "temple of clay", Christ died for me and you too. (Rom. 5:8) :) So really, I can have peace even though I have an attitude and am a sinner, because God is changing me everyday.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dana
P.S. Sorry for the many typographical errors. :)
I like to talk in Spanish...anyway...
Hi, I'm Dana with more for you to read.
God is once again on the move. Like Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia, He's on the move. This last weekend, I had a wonderful time in Springfield, MO at a Bible Quiz meet. It was a unique experience-one in which I am very glad to have participated. From PMMs to friend finding to discovering that vidalia onion salad dressing is nasty to collecting way to many fruit roll ups, and checking out James River AMster's Commission, it was very interesting. Though it was fun, it was awfully trying. It seems that I have an attitude problem that God is trying to rid me of. :)
Anyway...that is in the past. In the present however, I know he is definitely working. I love it how whenever God is doing something, you can tell...well at least I can usually tell. :) At FCA, the lesson was about Attitude, in Missionettes the lesson is about attitude, and on Wednesday night, we talked about our attitude towards our parents. Along with this instruction about having a good attitude, I have been faced with what I feel has been massive trials-opportunities for me to have a good attitude. You know what? I am glad. Even though this has been an increasingly difficult week, God has been ever so faithful. I have felt His presence more this week at school...which is detrimental to me getting through the week....and I am so grateful to my Lord. I also find ways He continues to humble me or discipl,ine me because I have had too much pride. For instance...I got a pot I made out of the kiln today...and I was going around showing everyone the pretty colors of its glaze...when later in the afternoon, I had the pot in one hand and was trying to pick up our squirming puppy with the other. Needless to say(?), it fell from my hand onto the concrete of our front porch and was dashed into pieces. That reminded me of Revelation 2:26-28 "To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'[a]— just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star." It reminded me of how worthless the things I make truly are. :) Really..i am like that...just a piece of clay that God breathed into. Yet God shows his great love in that while I am a sinner and while I am a "temple of clay", Christ died for me and you too. (Rom. 5:8) :) So really, I can have peace even though I have an attitude and am a sinner, because God is changing me everyday.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dana
P.S. Sorry for the many typographical errors. :)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Your local(or not) news of the day
Today I feel such a dreariness over myself and our church. Feelings can get hurt so easily, and think that the proposed name change is not nearly as important as unity in our body of believers. It's really sad to see people angry or hurt. I don't like it when people take sides and refuse to move.
God I thank you so much that you do know what we need before we ask. Lord, I pray you would calm this storm in my church, my family, and all the chrches in the world. Sometimes, Lord it seems like a competition to get the most people in our church or maybe like a business to have workers for. We know, however, Lord that you just desire us to love each other and that you wil lead others to our church if we accept you direction and let your Spirit move. Thank you that you will calm nerves and do your will. Jesus I just pray that 1st A/G wll be a place of people that loves youand loves each other. Love, Dana
Soooooooooooooooooooo. God is good and I love how He gives me peace and I love how He knows everything.
He's truly my best friend.
There you have it-Your local(or not) news of the day!
:) Have a wonderful day, and don't forget to rejoice in the Lord always.
Yours truly, Me(Dana)
God I thank you so much that you do know what we need before we ask. Lord, I pray you would calm this storm in my church, my family, and all the chrches in the world. Sometimes, Lord it seems like a competition to get the most people in our church or maybe like a business to have workers for. We know, however, Lord that you just desire us to love each other and that you wil lead others to our church if we accept you direction and let your Spirit move. Thank you that you will calm nerves and do your will. Jesus I just pray that 1st A/G wll be a place of people that loves youand loves each other. Love, Dana
Soooooooooooooooooooo. God is good and I love how He gives me peace and I love how He knows everything.
He's truly my best friend.
There you have it-Your local(or not) news of the day!
:) Have a wonderful day, and don't forget to rejoice in the Lord always.
Yours truly, Me(Dana)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Of Wool and Winter Jam
I realized today that I have been letting the devil pull the wool over my eyes. I have been feeling guilty and lousy, and I have wondered if it was my fault. Actually, it kind-of is. I wasn't staying alert. I was trying awfully hard, but I wasn't trusting in God.
But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day...
I am still being worked on.
I snapped out of it when I looked up at the wall next to my desk and saw a sticky note that says "Guilt and Shame are from the Enemy"
and realized that I was letting the enemy steal a lot from me.
Yeah...That's what's up.
P.S. Go to Winter Jam. TobyMac is great in concert!!!
Love, Me
But hey, Rome wasn't built in a day...
I am still being worked on.
I snapped out of it when I looked up at the wall next to my desk and saw a sticky note that says "Guilt and Shame are from the Enemy"
and realized that I was letting the enemy steal a lot from me.
Yeah...That's what's up.
P.S. Go to Winter Jam. TobyMac is great in concert!!!
Love, Me
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