Equipping

     In our discipling do we equip people with what they need to become mature Christians? This seems to me to be a rather important question. Or do we because of our own immaturity and desire to lord it over someone keep the Christians we are discipling as babies? I think this takes self discipline in the one discipling and a willingness to let go. Also it takes faith in the One we serve, believing He can and is willing to keep those who we have committed to His care. Controlling everything is not faith. I am speaking to myself here. You so want things to keep going in the right direction that you're afraid to let go.
      How do you equip the one you are discipling? I think first of all that their help will come from God not man. That His yoke is easy and His burden is light. That which He tells us to do is doable, you do not have strain and struggle. That reading God's Word and siding with it, agreeing with it, and believing it starts the freeing process. Keeping an ear turned to Him for direction, inspiration and for what He wants to say to you as you go through your day and as you seek Him. He has to be our God not man. We must know where to turn to when hell is against us. We must know Who to listen to and learn to recognize His voice.
     I was thinking today how hellish perfectionism is. Hitler was a perfectionist. It almost makes me weep that God gives room for us to make mistakes. He does not condemn us but waits for us to see it and correct our course. How awesome is that! We must give our brothers and sisters in the Lord room to make mistakes. (I am talking of mistakes not sin.) We should not be quick to say, "they should not do that." How do we know? Have we walked in their shoes?
     I am sure there is a lot more to equip a person with but these are just some of my thoughts.

Speaking

    When you see someone who can not speak, you start seeing the importance of it. Not being able to pray, to read Bible verses aloud or speak truths from God's Word, because the enemy will not let you, is a handicap of major proportions. It is also a demonic stronghold, obviously.
     What I am seeing is that it is a privilege to speak truth, to read the Word aloud, to pray aloud, to sing His praises. We ought to always be willing when the Lord wants us to speak. We are to speak to ourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. We are to speak the truth in love. I hate to speak in public but I think I had better rethink that. What is more important is that it makes an impact in the spiritual world and can build faith in others.
     Now on another subject, I had a time of thankfulness for not being at the beck and call of movies and shows tonight. I had a time of swimming and spending time outside tonight. (Jerry came to visit me. :) There is no movie or show calling to me. Freedom! It is awesome! I really appreciate this freedom and I think it has enabled me to be a better soldier in this battle we are in.
     God is good! When? All the time! (Borrowed from Daniel Pollard)

Sorrow

"Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." Does it avail anything to sorrow and grieve? Last night I felt a sorrow and a grief that is still with me. I am not sure where it all came from but it was there and very heavy. I have to believe God does not give a burden like that for no reason. If Jesus sorrowed and grieved when on this earth why should not we. "Though the wrong is oft so strong God is the Ruler yet."
     Was in prayer most of the day. Still feel the burden to pray and weep.
     Some promises: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee."
                                "My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
                                "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved."
                                "He that keepeth thee will not slumber."
                                 "The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil."
                                 "He shall preserve thy soul."
                                 "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth,
                                  and even for evermore.
    It is not often that I open my Bible and feel like the Lord gave me a verse right where it fell open but this morning that happened. I was moved to tears.
My thank-yous:

1. That Jolene and Stacie are being rejuvenated at the summer camp they're helping at and are enjoying it.
2. That Melissa had the inspiration to bring us supper. It was very good.
3. For blueberries.
4. For church family. What would we do without them?
5. For direction from husband and son late at night when all seems lost.
6. For Debi. Yes, Debi, I thank God for you.
7. For peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
8. For cleanness, for holiness, for righteousness, (may it run down as a mighty stream!) for judgment and justice, (let God arise and His enemies be scattered.)
9. For insight, inspiration and unction.
10. For a love that reaches to the lowest hell. (Lord, help us show that love to the world.)

Every Day

     I have been writing every day but lately that is not working, not because of shirking but because of other obligations. I will try to write as often as possible as I think it is good for me.
     Yesterday during the singing, the phrase: His love reaches to the lowest hell, really ministered to me. I want to hang on to that and hopefully pass it on.
     Last night the fact that Jesus is our only hope but what an awesome hope, was again just refreshed in my mind and heart. How it grabs a troubled soul's attention to be told of the hope in Jesus. He is our Everything. Our peace, our rest, good will toward us, our strength, our hope, He is not afraid to go where we need Him most. Praise Him! I love Him much this morning. Our blessed Redeemer and Friend.

End of Pet Saga

    Jolene's little pet which was a raccoon is now gone. For rabies testing they kill the animal to test it. The test was negative for which we are very thankful but felt sorry for Jolene. Thankfully the authorities did not seem to be upset by the fact that she had a raccoon. The vet's secretary laughed and said you mean a raccoon attacked a raccoon. Exactly. Wildlife is overrated.
    The first swimmers were here today. Water is slightly refreshing causing some shivering. I am thankful for an uneventful pool opening this year. I am not sure if I am thankful that we have a pool because of cost. I had this vision of draining out the water, poking holes in the liner, filling it with good top soil and having a garden in it. There is already a fence so animals would be prohibited. Isn't that a good idea?! Jerry thought it a bit loopy. :)

Moving

    Brandons moved into their house today. I will miss them. Feel a bit emotional about it. :) I really like their house, the tall ceilings, the front porch, the stairway, the trim, the lights and the cupboards, etc.
     I am also missing the girls already. They are in Illinois for a wedding and then they will be helping at a camp for children for a week.
     I have been battling greatly with depression, condemnation, feelings of worthlessness, etc. I am not sure where it all comes from but I had told the Lord that if it is His will I would be willing to stand in the gap for Debi. If I have been standing in the gap a great deal got past me. Poor girl.
     I was reminded again to be thankful for the opportunity to work in the kingdom of God. Even if you only have a little to give, give it anyway. Give when you do not think you have enough extra to spare. Give when you have no extra. And be oh so grateful that your name is written in the book of life and for the privilege to give.

Rabies Test

    The vet got very serious when I told him about the attack of the coon on Jolene's pet which is also a young coon. He said coons in this area are bad for having rabies and that we need to get it tested immediately. Well, they have to kill it to test for rabies so that meant by by pet. We should find out by Friday. Tears and sorrow followed. Since most of us women folk had a bad day, I suggested Sweet Frog, which was accepted.
     Depression seems to be something everyone can identify with. This intrigues me. Why is there so much of it? What causes it? What is the remedy?