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Expectant Prayers ®

Jennifer Jo Weiss

A Bubbling Brook

Yippee!  I am actually able to post something today!    Several days last week, I was having trouble with my computer service.  They were attempting to upgrade the system (apparently) and we were on and off cable/phone for most of the week...  mostly OFF.   The frustrating part was when I would actually get on, start to write a post, and then the service would go out.  GGRRR.  Ah, well.  We can't always do want we want, now can we???

Then, after all of that, I came down with a version of the flu over the weekend.  Not fun or pretty.  My stomach is still hurting and so is my head, but I am bound and determined to get back to the land of the living.  Yesterday I had plenty of errands to do, especially grocery shopping.  I missed it over the weekend due to being under the weather.  That's a big task when you feel great, so it took me longer than normal.  Thankfully I had my husband with me to help out last night.

As you can imagine, I am bottled up with several topics that have been on my heart since our last visit.  It's funny.  My mother-in-law comments that when I haven't been able to "preach" for awhile, it all comes bubbling out; you know -everything floating around my heart shoots out like foamy root beer from a  shaken bottle.   

To save you all from a lengthy visit, I will try to contain myself.  I have learned that a lot of times, less is more, so I'll try to condense.   TRY is the operative word!  LOL

FOOD  
I've had "food" on my mind for several weeks now; not that I am hungry or anything like that, but rather the acquiring/purchasing of food.  It all started because my friend, Laura, sent me a forward that showed families and what they consumed in a week's time (from all over the world).  I found it very interesting and the Lord began to speak to me on the subject.  It was so interesting to see the families, what they spent, and what they ate.  A lot of times, their physical appearance matched what they were consuming.  What struck me the most was the cost.  I did some figuring myself and found that we (my family) average $800/month on food/gas/clothes/toiletries - everything we need.    Of course, all of that is not food. If it were, we would average around $100 per person per month!  Not too shabby.  Add to that thought that for my family, I fix 3 meals a day every day (since my kids are home educated) so that's a lot of groceries.

Anyway, my parents called about a week after the e-mail from my friend and told me about Angel Food Ministries.  I think there is really something to this ministry for this day and time.  If you don't know anything about it, type it in your web browser and find out.  You get $75 of food for around $30 and the menu varies each month.  This is great for fixed income families, but it's open to everyone!  They have been granted around 7 million dollars from the USDA for their work.
Some of our family in Ohio have become involved with distribution at their church and told my folks about it.   From there, I e-mailed several pastor friends about it and found out from one in St. Louis that a man in their church is the regional director for the program in the Northern part of Missouri.  How's that for a small world?

Then a day later, the ministry was featured on one of our local news channels.  God had spoken to me through 3 different sources.  WOW!  Again, there is something to this ministry.  No one needs to tell us that grocery prices are sky rocketing and that our country is in a financial slump.  I believe God is setting out provision for his children through this ministry and for those who can get aboard... now is the time.   Go to their website for information about finding a distribution site if you would like to order or instructions on how to become a distribution site.

There's a strong Spiritual message here that God is calling the church in these last days to "feed His sheep"!

"Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
      He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
      Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

  The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
      Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

    Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.  I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, "Follow me!"  John 21:16-19 (NIV)


MONEY AND ECONOMY
I can't help but think that God is preparing us (in this country) for a time of testing in the area of money.   The almighty dollar is such an idol in this day and time; the worship of money affects almost every facet of our lives (if not in us, then in the corporations that touch our everyday lives).  Now is the time...if you have any debt...to become debt free if at all possible.  Pray that the Lord will help meet the need and work toward owing no one.  Of course, I realize that most of us have to carry a mortgage, but outside of that strive to live off of your income and within a budget.  We've seen an influx of programs such as "Financial Peace" and I believe God is preparing us.  Most analysts are seeing recession on the horizon.   Be prepared and also keep in mind, our faith is worth it's weight in gold; the deposit that the Spirit of God puts in us more important than the balance of our bank account.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."  1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

" You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.  So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.  I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."  Revelation 3:17-20 (NLT) 


POPULAR SHOW ENDORSES NEW AGE IDEAS

I can't get over what Christians allow into their spirits in this day and time.   We have become too passive in allowing popular ideas and ideals (not necessarily Christian ones) into our hearts.  Deception has taken us by the neck and we don't even realize that our life's breath is being choked out of us.  Slowly by slowly we have allowed the enemy to gain audience through books and TV.  We don't bother to check out backgrounds or even who or what influenced authors/ TV personalities before we ingest whatever they are "feeding us".   Just because something is labeled "spiritual"  or yes, even "Christian" doesn't mean that it is of the Lord!!!!
I was appalled earlier this week when I saw on TV a major talk show personality endorsing a New Age book- in fact taking it global to form the biggest "class room" in the world.  Heaven forbid.
These are also people who say there are many ways to God (what god?) and that enlightenment in one's self and the power of "now" deepen one's existence...unlocking the door to well, in truth, to the enemy!!!   Beware church!   I have heard Christians (in my opinion"nominal only") speaking nonsense like, "The truth is the truth no matter what package it comes in."   May I remind us that a little poison will kill you 100% of the time!  We wouldn't eat our dinner with a little rat poison sprinkled on top- so why is it acceptable to feed such things to our spirits?  The devil is not stupid.  Of course he will take enough truth to make it seem OK, but there's a "hook in the apple".  These people will even take Scripture and twist it into some "new thinking" or "new revelation" to support their notions.  I am sick of being encouraged by spiritual leaders to entertain such nonsense... "spitting out the bones" of what we read. Some of the best selling books on the Christian market today are teaching things contrary to Scripture.  Why...why do we accept these things? Come on, church!  We'd better wake up and realize what time it is.  The return of the Lord is near.  Do you believe the Bible or don't you?  You can't pick and choose what parts to believe and disregard the other parts.  Our country is rapidly changing; we are headed for a one world government and one world religion because that's what the Bible tells us- and it's nearer than you may think.  Many will be deceived, even the very elect.  It's time we get on our faces before an Almighty God, repent, and seek His direction and discernment for our lives.  Narrow is the way and few that find it.  I'm praying that God will revive our minds to Him in these last days and to realize the truth... open our eyes, Lord!


"Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."  John 14:6 (NLT)

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  Romans 10:9 (NLT)

" Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.  And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world."  Matthew 24:3-7 (NLT)


CHRISTIAN LIBERALISM
On the heels of what I just talked about, I can't help but be observant of the fact that there are more Christian liberals out there than ever.  Do we hold everything against the reflection of the Word of God anymore?  Part of the problem is that people don't even know what it is to really be a Christian anymore.  They call themselves "Christian" without any knowledge of the Bible, its principles, or values.   Watch this as it will continue to turn the balance of things in politics, churches (ecumenical movement is just one proof of that now), laws, you name it!

"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you."  2 Timothy 4:3-5


TAZER QUALIFIED
On a final note today, my husband is now trained in and carrying a Tazer.  I always thought he was "electrifying" but that may be taking it a bit far.  During training, he opted to get "hit".  It's surreal to hear him talk about it because you don't like to see anyone you love injured or in pain.  The pain is severe, but brief I am told.  About 5 seconds and it's over.   I've always admired that about my husband; he is willing to be put through things in order to realize what he might have to inflict on others.  Subjecting yourself to the Tazer was optional, but he took it on.  The department wide use of Tazers is now in effect.  Hopefully he will not have to use it on anyone!

I mention that today because in thinking about Easter coming up (and boy, isn't it early this year).  It's a drop in the bucket in comparison, but yet I am reminded of what our Lord and Savior went through on the cross so we wouldn't have to.  It was optional, but he took it on- knowing the pain and sacrifice involved. I am proud of my husband for his accomplishments; likewise, is it proper to praise the Lord and say, "We're proud of you Jesus!" ??  I've never really thought about it before, but so many are ashamed of the gospel and person-hood of Christ, but I just want to express today not only gratitude, but also affirm that I am proud to be a Christian.    There is still power in the cross and a Savior who is alive and well, sitting at the right hand of the Father- making intercession for you and me today.  He gave His life for you and me.  That's quite an awesome thought for today.  I'll leave you with this:

Isaiah 53-New Living Translation

 1 Who has believed our message?
      To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
 2 My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot,
      like a root in dry ground.
   There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance,
      nothing to attract us to him.
 3 He was despised and rejected—
      a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
   We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
      He was despised, and we did not care.

 4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
      it was our sorrows[a] that weighed him down.
   And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
      a punishment for his own sins!
 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion,
      crushed for our sins.
   He was beaten so we could be whole.
      He was whipped so we could be healed.
 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
      We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
   Yet the Lord laid on him
      the sins of us all.

 7 He was oppressed and treated harshly,
      yet he never said a word.
   He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
      And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
      he did not open his mouth.
 8 Unjustly condemned,
      he was led away.[b]
   No one cared that he died without descendants,
      that his life was cut short in midstream.[c]
   But he was struck down
      for the rebellion of my people.
 9 He had done no wrong
      and had never deceived anyone.
   But he was buried like a criminal;
      he was put in a rich man’s grave.

 10 But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
      and cause him grief.
   Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
      he will have many descendants.
   He will enjoy a long life,
      and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
 11 When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
      he will be satisfied.
   And because of his experience,
      my righteous servant will make it possible
   for many to be counted righteous,
      for he will bear all their sins.
 12 I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
      because he exposed himself to death.
   He was counted among the rebels.
      He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.



Are you beginning to agree with my mother-in-law?

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