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Friday, May 29, 2009

I BELIEVE!

I pray you can say these words with peace, joy and enthusiasm!
We learned yesterday in the Study of Esther by Beth Moore that these words were written on a prison wall in a Nazi concentration camp ...

I believe in the sun, even when it isn't shining.
I beleive in love, even when I do not feel it.
I beleive in God, even when He is silent.
(author unknown)
We can never image what these people went thru ... nor can we imagine what the people in Esther's day experienced!
I would imagine, however, that all of us can say with some certainty that we've been in places or times in our lives when we've not seen the sun, nor felt the love, and that we have known the silence of God! I pray that in those times you didn't give up.... that you knew the sun would shine again; you knew you'd feel the love again; and you knew that God was there!
Dear ones!
Seek Him today!
Pray for His presence!
Ask for His wisdom!
Ask Him to increase your faith!
And always KNOW that he will never leave you nor forsake you!!!!
Blessings on you today!
May Peace and Rest be yours this weekend!
In Him,
Ruthie

Thursday, May 28, 2009

The Cattle On a Thousand Hills

"Hear, O my people, and I will speak,
O Israel, and I will testify against you:
I am God, your God!
I do not rebuke you for your sacarifices
Or your burnt offerings,
Which are continually before me.
I will not take a bull from your house
Nor goats out of your folds.
For every animal of the forest is Mine,
And the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know all the birds of the mountains,
And the wild beasts of the field are Mine.
If I were hungry I would not tell you;
For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.
Will I eat the flesh of bulls,
Or drink the blood of goats?
Offer to God thanksgiving,
And pay your vows to the Most High.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."
Psalm 50:7-15

We named our farm "Thousand Hills Farm" in 2006. As the story goes we had been trying to come up with a name but couldn't think of anything that suited ... My daughter was home one weekend and said, "Well, what does Scripture say." For some reason we had not thought of this particular Psalm before! Dah! We do not have a "Thousand Hills" around here { :) } - people will stop in here and ask us where they are! But - it's not about the hills, it's about GOD!!!!
Hallelujah!

I have always - since childhood - loved to see cattle in a field. This hill and lake are found in an area called Darling Lake... whenever I see this scene I sense God - and His Peace!

There is much wisdom to be found in Psalm 50... take some time and meditate on God's Word...
He desires for us to sacrifice to Him, to call upon Him, glorify Him. He doesn't "need" anything - for it is all His! Praise the Lord! Everything is HIS!

He wants obedience from us! He wants thanksgiving from us! He wants us to give Him the glroy!

In verse 15 we have a promise - to us from God!
"Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you,
and you shall glorify Me."
Thank You, Lord! Praise Your Name!
What a promise!

Dear Ones.... may you know that He is always there for you! That He is waiting to respond to your call upon Him! That He WILL deliver you! Claim this for your life today! And go forth in the confidence you can have from knowing that He walks with you! Praise be His Holy Name!

May Blessings of Peace and Joy rest on you today!
Ruthie

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

As For Me...

When I read these words "as for me" I think that the speaker of them has reached a place of turning around; of taking a new path; of seeking a new direction; of saying NO to one thing and Yes to something else...
Have you ever said these words? Can you recall the context in which you did?
"As for me I will call upon God,
And the Lord shall save me.
Evening and morning and at noon
I will pray, and cry aloud,
And He shall hear my voice."
Psalm 55:16-17
David spoke these words as he reminded himself of what God had done for him; that God would continue to hear him when he called out; that God had saved him! He was taking a stand!
Have you ever had to "take a stand"? Just recently I had to tell someone that I believed the Bible to be the Inspired Word of God...totally and completely!
That it is God-breathed! and that I do not agree with her on her interpretation of Scriptures .... but that I still loved her; just didn't agree with her!
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
How about you?
Can you say "as for me..."
Are you able to "take a stand"?
Ask Him to give you the wisdom, the grace, the confidence to do this! Reflect on his presence in your life and what that means to you! Study His word so you KNOW the truth of it! Allow Him to fill your hearts and souls with His Holy Spirit!
Resting in Him...
Ruthie

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The FAITHFULNESS of God!

As I write this (Monday morning) I am praying for my dear sister-in-law and her family,
whose mom went to be with the Lord last night!
I am reminded, once again, of the faithfulness of our Lord!
These words are not just for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one!
They are for all of us!
Anytime!
To remind us of the awesome God we serve!

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
Lamentations 3:21-24
I am so very thankful that His COMPASSIONS are new EVERY morning! Aren't you?
Thankful that His LOVE is so great! Aren't you?
Thankful that He is FAITHFUL! Aren't you?
Thankful for the HOPE we have in Him! Aren't you?
Spend some time today reflecting on these words and Resting in His arms!
May you Sense His Peace -
Know His Peace -
as you go about your day today!
Praise You Lord, for Your faithfulness!
Blessings on you today,
Ruthie

Monday, May 25, 2009

A Gentle Rain!

Be still and know that I am God....
Psalm 46:10

Yesterday morning I stood in our doorway...
a gentle rain was falling;
no traffic to be seen or heard for probably 10 minutes;
a fresh “smell” in the air -
and peace!
The peace that only Jesus can give!
I thanked the Lord for giving me these few moments to Praise Him
and to Rest in His presence.

I could see the rain falling straight down –
and could hear it in the leaves.
I was reminded of a song that I like ... can’t remember the words exactly,
nor the name of it , nor the singer... :(

It is one of many songs that speaks to me as I play my iPod...
This song speaks of us waiting to hear from God in a thunder storm –
when He’s whispering to us thru the rain!
Well! This morning He whispered to me in the rain!
Has He ever done this for you?
Have you stopped long enough to hear Him calling to you?

As you enter into a new day,
a new week –
I pray that you will be still.
Take some time at the beginning of each day to commune with him,
to listen for His voice,
to recall His words to you in the “busy-ness” of your day,
to be aware of His promptings as you go about your routines.

Father God,
Be with us on this Monday morning as we start another busy week...
Help us to keep the main thing YOU!
Help us to stay focused on our spouses, families, and friends (People) –
to give them priority in our lives!
Give us love and joy, graciousness and patience, peace and fulfillment –
as we do our work –
be that in the home or outside of the home –
and may we do that work as doing it for you!
Thank You, Lord,
In Jesus Name
Amen!

May His blessings fall fresh upon you today - like a gentle spring rain!
With love,
Ruthie

Friday, May 22, 2009

OUR MARRIAGES!

This thought came to me yesterday as I was reading something...
Satan attacked the very first marriage on earth! (Genesis)
Why should we think that any of ours would be exempt from his attacks?

He is out to “take us all down” but we have to KNOW that he cannot do that unless we let him!
We have victory in Christ – we have God’s strength and power to draw upon!
Please, dear Sisters, don’t let him have you or your marriage!

Remember – he is a deceiver – this is his greatest weapon in destroying our marriages... if he can get us to believe and act on his lies he will succeed in stealing our peace and our joy, and destroying our relationships!

One of the biggest issues we have as humans is a problem with authority – we do not want to, or like to, submit to anyone.....

Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
1 Peter 3:1-2

Submission does not mean
· That a woman is inferior to her husband - both man and woman were created in the image of God! Both have equal value to God!
· That the man is privileged to be a dictator or to be harsh with his wife – husbands are commanded to love their wives!
· That the woman cannot have input, express her opinion – she was created as a “helpmate”! The husband needs her input and insight.
· That the husband is always right – our influence should not come from pleading and tears or manipulation but through the presence of God in our lives lived out in submission – first to God, then to our husbands.

I see submission as being “self-less” in our marriages!
Firstly – being submitted to God and coming under His authority.
Secondly – loving my husband; keeping no record of wrongs; choosing to forgive when necessary; speaking affirmation into his life; showing compassion; letting go of control
Thirdly – not being adversarial; controlling; unforgiving

I truly believe that there is no marriage that God cannot heal – there is no person that He cannot change!
Hallelujah!

The enemy wants to make a mess of marriages! He wants them to mean nothing; to be cast aside and new relationships entered into! What a mockery this is!

God’s plan is to redeem, restore, and renew our marriages!

Father God,
I lift our marriages to you today! Where healing needs to occur I ask you to intervene! Where forgiveness needs to happen, I ask you to give forgiving hearts. Where communication needs to occur, I ask you to open the hearts of those involved and open the channels through which loving words may flow!
Lord, be our strength, our rock. Cover our marriages and protect us from the evil one!
I ask this all in the matchless name of Jesus!
Amen

Blessings on you this day!
Ruthie

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

I Can’t Help The Way I Am!

Have you ever said these words?
I know I have!
How do you respond to your child/spouse/friend when they say these words?
I pray that you respond with love and affirmation!

In my profession I meet with many people – of all ages (12-85) - from all walks of life – from all backgrounds – with different educational, cultural, spiritual positions... and invariably, most will tell me of why they are the way they are, and why they can’t be any different!

I’m here to say that I, you, we, they – can be different! Hallelujah!

Have you ever said any of the following? (to yourself or to someone else...)
· “You’re just like you’re dad/mom... they couldn’t hold a job; so why should you expect to.”
· “Your older brother/sister is lazy and you will be too.”
· “You have the same genes as your father’s/mother’s family – you’ll always be fat.”
· “Your parents never showed love so how can you?”
· “My parents were never affectionate so I don’t know how to be.”
· “All my life I was told that I’d never amount to anything so ....”

What about some of these:
· “I can’t stand this tiny house! Everything gets on my nerves!”
· “My job is so stressful! I can’t help but be irritable when I get home.”
· “Oh, it’s the hormones again!”
· “I’m so exhausted; I can’t keep my house clean.”
· “My ex-husband/wife put me down all the time; he/she destroyed my self-esteem.”
· “My family never confronted issues; I just can’t deal with conflict or confrontation.”

Now I ask you – have you ever been in any of these situations and come out of them?
I pray that you have! Because you can!
Again, I say “HALLELUJAH”!

I have probably believed about half of those lies listed above!
Praise the Lord – He has taken me to the truth of His word and changed my heart and my spirit... It was a CHOICE to allow HIM to do that; to cooperate with HIM; to be obedient to HIM; to plead with HIM when my will was getting in the way; to surrender to His will for me!
The implications of all those “things” (LIES) listed above are that someone else made us the way we are – that we are victims, reacting to the wounds inflicted upon us!

“I can’t help the way I am” is a lie straight from our adversary!
This lie makes us a victim with no way out!
This lie tells us that everyone else is responsible for who we are!
This lie tells us that we have no control – that we are like puppets on a string!
This lie leaves us without hope for a better future; without hope that we can be different!

Satan knows that if we continue to believe this lie we will live in bondage –
As long as we think we have no choice; or maybe even think that God isn’t able; or isn’t interested... we will not be changed!

WE DO HAVE A CHOICE!
We have a choice to believe God’s Word!
A choice to fall on our knees before God and ask for Him to change us!
A choice to surrender to His will and do as He calls us to do!
A choice to listen to the promptings from Him!
A choice to respond in a positive manner to these promptings!

Friends.... we have a choice!

We can be changed by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us –
Once we know and embrace and begin to live the TRUTH... the chains of bondage will break – and we will be free.
I am reminded once again of the song by Chris Tomlin:

“My chains are gone; I’ve been set free,
My God, My Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy rains,
Unending love, Amazing Grace!”

Oh dear ones, I hope you can sing this song today and mean the words with all your heart!

You have been blessed; chosen; adopted; forgiven and redeemed –
Ephesians 1:3-8

He knew you before you were in the womb; all the days ordained for you were written in His book before one of them came to be – Psalm 139:13-1
God demonstrated His love for us -While we were still sinners Christ died for us!
Romans 5:6-8

Oh Father God,
I am so thankful this morning for Your love and grace... I don’t deserve any of it! But You love me anyway! Thank You Lord! I pray Father, for those reading this – that if they don’t already know Your truth they will find it today! May your Holy Spirit fill them and show them Your Way!
In the matchless name of Jesus I pray,
Amen!

Peace and Grace to you all!
Ruthie

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Thankful Tuesday...

Thankful Tuesday is here again!
I am doing the study of Esther by Beth Moore...
we only have a couple weeks left.
This has been a wonderful study - I have learned so much!
- about Esther and Mordecai; Haman and Xerxes!
I stand in awe of our God!
His Word is HIS INSPIRED WORD!!!!
The book of Esther contains not one mention of God and
yet His hand is all over the story....
I certainly can't and won't try to explain this to you!
Beth does a wonderful job of that -
so I suggest that if you've not had the opportunity to do this study,
find a way to do it!
You will be blessed!
Today I say thank you to my Heavenly Father for His love for me!
for His Presence in my life;
for His salvation;
for the joy, peace, rest, contentment, strength,
and victory that I have because of Him;
for the people He has brought into my life -
those that grow me; and those that I can serve.
I am a thankful woman today!
May you have a grateful heart as you begin your day;
May you know that He is with all along the way!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
In Him,
Ruthie

Monday, May 18, 2009

HOW DEEP ARE YOUR ROOTS?

This apple tree grows in our backyard. I’m sure it is many years old. As you can see it has blown over during one of the wind storms we had this past winter/spring.
My mind asks, “What keeps a tree from blowing over?”
The answer, “A strong, healthy root system.”

I have been doing some gardening as spring has arrived. Basically pulling weeds, getting rid of old “stuff”, transplanting and mulching. It seems that some of the prolific weeds have roots that go to the center of the earth! No wonder they keep growing and multiplying.

I am reminded of the ‘Parable of the Sower’ – Matthew 13: 1-9... [you might want to spend some time here today]
in verse 8 Jesus says – “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

We know that the root system is the channel through which a plant /tree gets nourishment... and when the roots are big and strong they keep the plant/tree secure in the ground. The roots receive their nourishment from the surrounding soil – when the soil is healthy the roots get lots of nourishment. In order for the seed that fell on good soil to produce such a crop the roots had to grow and provide lots of nourishment.

I pose these questions to you:
· How healthy are your roots? Your spiritual roots?
· How much nourishment do they get from the soil you are in?
· Are you connected in healthy Christian relationships?
· Do you attend a healthy Gospel-preaching church?
· Do you practice the Spiritual Disciplines of prayer, fasting, memorization, meditation, confession, service?
· Are your roots healthy and strong enough to keep you standing firm in the middle of a storm?

Father God,
I pray that each one reading this today has their roots established deep in You! I pray the Holy Spirit will show them where they need to make some changes if that is the case; and that they would allow You to do the work!
Thank you, Lord!

Blessings on you all today!
May this day be one of nurturing and growth for each one!

Resting in HIM
<><

Ruthie

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Do Not Fret!

Psalm 37 tells us to not fret ... this means to "wait on the Lord, He'll handle the situation."
As I write this my hubby is" hunting down" some of his cattle which have probably been out of their pasture since last night some time; and at 6 am were heading out the highway!!! :O

I KNOW HE owns the cattle on a Thousand Hills; and I KNOW that HE is in control - but I ask myself "WHY"... Why does this have to happen! Why is hubby's life so complicated sometimes? Why does this have to happen when he is at work? Why can't the neighbours help rather than call? and on and on it goes!

And then I remember the peace I felt last night as I arrived home around 10 PM. It had stopped raining, the peepers were singing, no wind blowing, a freshness in the air - just so peaceful!
So I stop my fretting and I go to GOD and He reminds me of this Pslam...

Do not fet ....
Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit you way to the Lord; trust in him .....
Do not fret....
verses 3, 4, 5

Meditate on this Psalm sometime today... and KNOW - God will prevail! He is in control!
He keeps us from falling when we're following - HIM!

DO NOT FRET!

Thank you, Lord,
for the peace you have settled in me once again.
I try so hard to keep a peaceful household and
I thank you for giving to me YOUR peace this morning!
For taking me to this Psalm this morning!
Thank You, Jesus!

Blessings on you all this weekend!
May you "Not Fret"!
Peace and Joy - Ruthie

this is a post script:
  • hubby just called and he has them all back in the pasture except for one ... which he is still looking for! They pretty much returned on their own I guess... Didn't like that big, bad world they ventured into! :O
  • I see that the posting time on this says 2am... it is now 7am... don't know what that's all about - will have to try and fix that!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Did You RSVP?

The daughter of a gal I know is getting married this summer.
Invitations have been sent out and replies have started to trickle in... the “RSVP” –

RSVP means
· please reply!
· respondez s’il vous plait (French)

I heard a story last night about a gal who was the wedding singer. She left the wedding to go to the reception and was unable to get in because her name was not on the attendance list. She told the fellow checking the list that she had just sung at the wedding – thinking that would get her admittance. But he said no. As she was leaving she remembered that she had neglected to RSVP... she did not send in her reply to the wedding invitation.

I know – sounds rather silly, doesn’t it? If she sang at the wedding you would think that the bride and groom would want her at the reception...

There is an invitation that has been issued to each of us –
and that invitation is from Jesus!
An invitation to His Salvation!
When we RSVP to this invitation our name gets written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life!
We then are able to sit at the wedding feast in heaven!

Wow!!!

Have you responded to HIS Invitation?
I pray that you have! Don’t put it off – you might forget!
What a feast that will be!
I can only imagine what that will be like!

Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
Revelation 19:9

Blessings today!
Ruthie

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

My NEW Secret Sister!

We have a ministry at our church called the Secret Sister Ministry.
This ministry is all about prayer – and making someone feel special – all without them knowing who is doing this for them!

One thing I’ve learned thru this ministry is that I don’t need to know all the details of a person’s life in order to pray for them! God knows everything about them and that is sufficient. I need to rest in the knowledge that HE Is Able... I need to trust that He will do as He needs to do in their lives – I am to be obedient by lifting them in prayer daily!
This has become an awesome privilege for me – as well as a responsibility!

Prayer is a gift that we give to someone – that they give to us!
We are called to help people with their physical needs but these material things are only temporary! Praying for another person can have eternal effects in their life!

My new secret sister this year is ..... whoa! I can’t say anything about her here b/c she may read this and know right away who I am .... and I want to keep that a secret! This year I have been given a gal that I know fairly well – so it will be a challenge to surprise her at the end of the year!

1 Peter 3:12 (a)...
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

Prayer is the greatest gift we can give to anyone!
Remember this today as you go and do ....
Be in prayer for everyone you come in contact with – standing in line at the grocery store; waiting at a stop light; hearing an ambulance drive by; for your co-workers; your spouse; your children; your pastors; your family; and friends; for the gals in your Bible study group; for the teachers in your children’s schools.... and the list goes on and on.

We CAN make a difference in the world as we lift our fellow man to the God of all – He will work in their lives – to Him be the Glory!

Have a blessed day – dear sisters!
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Our Amazing God!

This is a very quick post as I am on my way out the door in a few minutes...
On my way to a Small Group meeting at my church...
This is a group of young women -
some are moms/wives with many children; some of whom are home schooling their children;
some have careers / husbands and children...
They have such energy and such a desire for God to be number 1 in their lives!
I (along with their leader) will be speaking with them about their marriages;
balance; intimacy; connection;
and anything else that may be on their hearts!
ME ... a divorced woman; who has remarried...
Me... with a past - oh, such a past!
ME ... Thank you Jesus!!!!
It just blows me away how HE takes an ordinary person -
and uses them!
I give HIM all the GLORY!!!!
Praise You, Lord!
This morning I have prayed for these young women -
I pray they will do as we read in Job -
For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.
Let us discern for ourselves what is right, let us learn together what is good.
Job 34:3-4
Whoever you are - wherever you are -
please remember to keep all young women -
with families - or without -
in your prayers!
Blessings on you today!
Ruthie

Monday, May 11, 2009

Beautiful Christian Sister!

Beautiful Christian Sister
by Maya Angelo

‘A woman’s heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have
to seek Him first to find her.’

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not shouting I’m clean livin’;
I’m whispering ‘I was lost, now I’m found and forgiven.’

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s grace somehow!

I have this poem facing me every morning as I sit down at my computer
and it reminds me of what God has done for me!
May this Monday be a blessed one for you –
May you be reminded all day of His awesome grace to you!
May you feel led to speak of Him to others who so desperately need to hear His words.
May His Presence and His Peace fill your day!
Have an awesome one as you live in the Spirit!
Ruthie

Sunday, May 10, 2009

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Praying for God's blessing to rest upon all the mothers out there today!

My mother died and went to her heavenly home many years ago...
I was very blessed to have another woman in my life who was like a mother to me...
a Godly Christian woman who loved the Lord with all her heart!
She, too, is with the Lord today!
I have had the awesome privilege of watching my very own daughter become a mother -
to watch her as she "mothers" her beautiful daughter!
What a blessing that has been - is continuing to be!
I thank God for giving me that privilege!
To all women - whether you have birthed a child or have not -
God gives us many opportunities to nurture and love and spill into people's lives....
I pray you have had this happen for you!
Meditate on this Scripture today!
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment,
such as braided hair and the wearing of jewelery and fine clothes.
Instead, it should be that of your inner self,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God's sight!
1 Peter 3:3-4
Resting in HIM,
Ruthie

Friday, May 8, 2009

The Betraying Tongue!

Have you ever been betrayed by someone’s tongue?
Had a confidence betrayed?
Had someone violate the trust you placed in them?

I have... and I’m sure you have too! Oh, How that hurt!

On the other hand –
Have you betrayed someone’s confidence?
Whoa!
This one is harder to be openly honest about, isn’t it?
Well, -
Ummmm –
‘i have’
[This is supposed to be a whisper because I don’t want anyone to hear me
say it too loudly!]
Praise God! He has forgiven my indiscretion!

Maintaining confidentiality is something I have had to do for many years as a nurse –
And - also as a counselor...
It is so important that people know that when they speak with me from the deepest part of their heart, that I will not judge them, nor will I betray them!
I give God all the glory for enabling me as He does in this profession!
Praise His Name!

I was in a public place recently and overheard a conversation in which someone was being betrayed... I felt bad for the one being betrayed and for the betrayer!
I prayed for them both...

Dear Friends,
I pray that each of us will guard our tongue...
that we will strive to live a trustworthy life...
that we will be women and men of integrity –
that people will know they can trust our word when we say we will keep a confidence...
May you use your tongue to encourage;
to express appreciation;
to restore and reconcile;
to compliment and support!

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer any man.
Colossians 4:6

May His Grace and Peace spill out of you today!
Ruthie

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Where Do You Live?

Where do you live?
Not your street, community, or country...
where do you spend most of your time in your mind?
Because that is where you live!
Do you agree? disagree?

Let me explain!

I talk with many who are still “living” in their pasts... in the hurt and pain; in the bitterness; in the regret; in the joy...and aren’t seeing today for what it is worth!

I talk with people who are “living” in the future...
what if ....my kids get in trouble as teens?
what if .... my husband has an affair?
what if ... the diagnosis is something I can’t handle?
what if _______________
and they aren’t living in the moments of today!

We choose where we live!
Just as we have chosen the house we’re in; the community we’re in; the country we’re in ..... we choose the “mind-set” we’re in!

I hope you believe that!
Once you believe this to be true and you find yourself in a negative mind-set or dwelling in the past - or the future, you will choose to change your mind-set!
You can change your mind-set!

This has to be one of my most favorite Scriptures!
Philippians 4:8
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.

Paul doesn’t say to “wait for it to pop into our mind” – he says to “think on” ... this is a conscious action!

Here is poem by Helen Mallicoat:

“I Am”

I was regretting the past and fearing the future...
Suddenly my Lord was speaking:
“MY NAME IS I AM.”
He paused.
I waited.
He continued,

“WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE PAST,
WITH ITS MISTAKES AND REGRETS IT IS HARD.
I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT ‘I WAS’.

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE FUTURE,
WITH ITS PROBLEMS AND FEARS, IT IS HARD.
I AM NOT THERE.
MY NAME IS NOT ‘I WILL BE’.

WHEN YOU LIVE IN THIS MOMENT,
IT IS NOT HARD.
I AM HERE.
MY NAME IS ‘I AM’ ”


Wow! Which God are you “living with”?
Is it I WAS .... I WILL BE .... or I AM?

Dear loved ones –
I pray it is the “Great I Am” who fills your hearts and minds today!
May you Live WITH Him in the present!
Make a decision to change your mind-set if that needs to happen –
HE will enable you to do just that!
And if someone asks you “Where do you live?” you can respond with a resounding “with I AM”!
Whooooooo Hooooooo!

May your day be filled with His JOY, His PEACE, and His PRESENCE!

HUGS!
Ruthie

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Anger &The Silent Tongue

I read this story the other day and just had to share it with you...
I still seem to be focusing on the “TONGUE”, don’t I?

UMMMMMMMM....
Suppose God is trying to teach me something?
Oh Yah!
I KNOW He is!!!! :0

Here is the gist of the story:
Husband and wife had been arguing and were giving each other
the silent treatment.
One night he realized he had to get up early the next morning
as he had to catch an early plane.
Rather than humble himself and be the first to speak
by asking her to wake him early –
he left her a note to wake him at 5 a.m.
When he woke up the next morning he realized he had overslept
and missed his flight!
This made him angrier –
he was ready to confront his wife when he noticed
a piece of paper on his nightstand...
it said, “It’s 5 a.m. – time to get up.”

This made me laugh out loud – all by myself!
Guess they hadn’t heard of this Scripture –

“Be angry, and do not sin:” do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
nor give place to the devil.
Ephesians 4:26-27

We know that we will get angry at times – it is a human response to some circumstances but that does not mean we have the liberty to be abusive
with our words or our actions...
I believe that giving someone the silent treatment is a form of “abuse” ...

We are also told in James chapter 1, to be quick to listen and slow to speak
(as well as slow to become angry)
but that does not mean we give the silent treatment?
NO!

Do you GIVE the silent treatment?
Are you the RECIPIENT of the silent treatment?

You may be saying, “How can the ‘silent treatment’ be a form of abuse?”
Well, it certainly can make one question their value to the other person;
question their worth.
It opens a crack for the devil to spread his lies into their mind;
It allows time for festering of the issue to occur, just like when a wound is left untreated and infection sets in!
It can have nothing but negative results!

I pray, dear friends...
that these words will encourage you to be more open in your communication
with loved ones!
You don’t deserve to be given the ‘silent treatment’
nor does anyone else deserve to receive it!

Take some time to reflect on your tongue once again...
We are to spread the light, to be encouragers, affirmers,
and to have a positive influence in our homes and community!
May you be all of that today!
I pray for HIS peace and joy to fill your hearts and your mouths today!

Blessings!
Ruthie

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Power Of Words

The Power of Words

A careless word may kindle strife;
A cruel word may wreck a life;
A bitter word may hate instill;
A brutal word may smite and kill.

A gracious word may smooth the way;
A joyous word may light the day;
A timely word may lessen stress;
A loving word may heal and bless!

Author unknown


I will bless the Lord at all times:
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1 KJV

The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life:
but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 10:11 KJV

Give thanks to the Lord today for His power in you to enable you
to speak words of affirmation and encouragement;
Words of life and light;
Words of peace and healing.
Words of blessing!

I pray a power ful blessing on you today, my dear friends!
Ruthie

Monday, May 4, 2009

The Ear Tests & The Tongue Tastes!

Job 12: 11
Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?

Job 34:3
For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

We have just arrived home from a wonderful dinner with a friend! What comes to your mind when you hear the words "wonderful dinner"? I am assuming that you think about the food and that it must have been very good! [It was! :)] The fellowship was great and the conversation was also "good" - uplifting, encouraging, humorous, pleasant...except for twice when I had to move my bracelet. ...You'll have to read `Ditch the Complaining` - April 20...

The tongue has 4 major taste buds: salty, sour, bitter, sweet. When we experience a taste that is displeasing to us we may spit out the offending item; decide not to eat it again; record a memory of that event. We even had this discussion at dinner - Hubby loves "sweets" therefore he goes back to them often; he records the pleasant sensation of eating sweets. I like salty foods to some degree - since I cut back on salt a few years ago, it takes less of it to satisfy my palate!

Just as the tongue tests and tastes the foods we eat, so should our ears test and taste the words we hear! Just the other day in our Beth Moore study on Esther, she took us to one of these Scriptures in Job. It was a light bulb moment for me! I have read Job many times... but these 2 Scriptures have never stood out to me like they did that day!

We need to be so careful what we listen to... be that music, movies, sitcoms, talk shows, gossip, criticism, grumbling, put downs, ... can you add to this list?

Even Christian teachings -
OH! Did I say that?
Yes! I surely did!
Not everyone who claims to be sharing the truth, is.
We are instructed in the Word to test everything! To research for ourselves... to investigate and seek God`s wisdom and guidance. We need to acquire Godly Wisdom:

James 3:17 --- But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Dear friends - I hope you will think about this today. Ask God if you`ve been testing and tasting of things that you shouldn't have. Ask Him for Godly Wisdom! Give Him first place and allow Him to clean up your life! What a marvelous journey - walking and growing with Him!

If you have a loved one who is in a dangerous situation where they are hearing lies from the evil one, and not hearing the truth from God, pray for them to seek Godly Wisdom as well. Ask the Lord to give them supernatural power to discern - to test what they are hearing - to test how it lines up with God`s TRUTH! God is faithful and He will enable!

Praise you, Lord - Thank you, Jesus!

Blessings on you today as you REST in HIS TRUTH!

Ruthie

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Be Strong & Courageous

"Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9