Today was a day that would be considered a normal uneventful day by most people. But today was more than humdrum for me. I spent all day praising the Lord for the little things. The lawn mower battery was broken. I took it into the repair man's shop where we purchased the machine. He checked to see if the battery was the problem instead of something wrong with the lawnmower itself. I was pleased to hear that it was the battery and that the repair man gave us another one absolutely free. I went home and placed the battery back on the mower and began mowing the grass for the last time this season. The pansies got planted for the winter and the clean up for the yard was completed.
This morning I took Ripley, our cat into the vet to make him incapable of fathering kittens. I was thankful that Rainier Hill, a very steep road, was not icy as it can be this time of year. There has been snow predicted for this weekend and there were ice pellets falling on the way home after Ripley's operation. I arrived home safely, another reason to be thanking the Lord.
The best answer to prayer of all was when the Lord spoke to me, reminding me that I could always count on Him, no matter what He will always hear me, love me and care about me. Just as He does for each and everyone who has confessed they are a sinner and need a Savior. In pondering the salvation message I recalled my relief many years ago when the Lord told me that I was not saved because I asked forgiveness for every sin I had committed, that would have been salvation by a work of confession. He showed me that I was His when I confessed that I was a sinner because of my human nature, and needed Jesus Christ, to pay the price for all my sins, past present and future. He then cleaned me up and made me a new creation. Then is when I had the Holy Spirit to guide me. The days seem full, even when they are "mundane", when I realize all that the Lord has done for me. The blessing is in what Christ did, then all the little blessings from God are much bigger than ever. They are all extra special presents from the Lord. He did it all forever.
Gwendolyn
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
My award from Abigail
Thank you Abby that you find some of the items on my blog useful. Keep praying for me and I will keep praying for you.
Love,
Granny
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Ten Things I Like To Do
What are the ten things I like to do. I will list them from least important to most important. There are many things I like to do that are completely unimportant but are a regular part of my days and weeks, they can be enjoyed or left alone. Then there are other things that are important and can not be neglected.
1. The first thing that I like to do is soak in a warm tub on a rainy, cold day, in the winter, while listening to the rain on the roof.
2. The second thing I like to do is watch the kitty play with the dogs. The kitty gets up some steam and gallops across the floor to make a flying leap on one of the dogs noses. Then the dog chews and growls with friendly glee at the encounter.
3. The Third thing I like to do is sit at the window in the winter, with a hot cup of coffee and watch the snow fall.
4. The Fourth thing I like to do is call a friend on the phone and talk about our life experiences. Sharing joys, sorrows, and solutions. The solutions must be those that God desires not of human interpretation.
5. The Fifth thing I like to do is finish a large project, stand back and see the accomplishment, ponder the quality of the job and find better ways to do it next time, or make improvements on the finished product.
6. The Sixth thing I like to do is organize all the closets and cuboards in the house so that they are efficient and estetically pleasing.
7. The Seventh thing I like to do is paint the outside of buildings. I love to paint buildings. This opportunity only comes around every ten years or so, but what fun it is.
8. The Eighth thing I like to do is play with the dogs. The dogs are my friends and are always glad to see me and will follow me where ever I am going.
9. The Nineth thing I like to do is pray and read God's Word. This is last because it is the most important. The most enjoyable times for me have been when it was snowing outside, I had a cup of coffee or cocoa sitting on the window sill while talking to God and reading His Word. Nothing is more satisfying.
10. The Tenth thing I like to do is watch the workings of God in real life. I become excited when He has done something that I can see clearly that His hand was guiding it. I guess that's why I like watching the snow, or the leaves fall from the trees or the animals antics. These are all things He created and have given us to enjoy.
When I am working on the big project, I always do the hardest and longest part of the job first because, once it is done, all other things seem easy in comparison. I guess that's why when I am faced with a problem, I want to go to God first, because He sees the big picture that I can not see, and He has the big answer that I do not have. After talking to Him I have a sense of peace and joy no matter what the dilema or challenge.
There you have it.
Gwendolyn
1. The first thing that I like to do is soak in a warm tub on a rainy, cold day, in the winter, while listening to the rain on the roof.
2. The second thing I like to do is watch the kitty play with the dogs. The kitty gets up some steam and gallops across the floor to make a flying leap on one of the dogs noses. Then the dog chews and growls with friendly glee at the encounter.
3. The Third thing I like to do is sit at the window in the winter, with a hot cup of coffee and watch the snow fall.
4. The Fourth thing I like to do is call a friend on the phone and talk about our life experiences. Sharing joys, sorrows, and solutions. The solutions must be those that God desires not of human interpretation.
5. The Fifth thing I like to do is finish a large project, stand back and see the accomplishment, ponder the quality of the job and find better ways to do it next time, or make improvements on the finished product.
6. The Sixth thing I like to do is organize all the closets and cuboards in the house so that they are efficient and estetically pleasing.
7. The Seventh thing I like to do is paint the outside of buildings. I love to paint buildings. This opportunity only comes around every ten years or so, but what fun it is.
8. The Eighth thing I like to do is play with the dogs. The dogs are my friends and are always glad to see me and will follow me where ever I am going.
9. The Nineth thing I like to do is pray and read God's Word. This is last because it is the most important. The most enjoyable times for me have been when it was snowing outside, I had a cup of coffee or cocoa sitting on the window sill while talking to God and reading His Word. Nothing is more satisfying.
10. The Tenth thing I like to do is watch the workings of God in real life. I become excited when He has done something that I can see clearly that His hand was guiding it. I guess that's why I like watching the snow, or the leaves fall from the trees or the animals antics. These are all things He created and have given us to enjoy.
When I am working on the big project, I always do the hardest and longest part of the job first because, once it is done, all other things seem easy in comparison. I guess that's why when I am faced with a problem, I want to go to God first, because He sees the big picture that I can not see, and He has the big answer that I do not have. After talking to Him I have a sense of peace and joy no matter what the dilema or challenge.
There you have it.
Gwendolyn
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sin is Sin and Sin is Sin
As I pondered today the sin everywhere in the world and the sin in the church, I was struck with the reality of the words of Jesus Christ when He said, "Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 5:19. "But I say that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart....Matthew 5:28
Recently, it has been brought to my attention that many believers have a view of sin that tends to categorize different sins as being greater or lesser than other sins. Some sins are more easily forgiven than others, so we think. Perhaps we are reading the scripture which describes greater punishments in hell and greater rewards in heaven. As I prayed about this, the Lord illuminated my thoughts with a dose of sense. I was reminded that the thief on the cross who spoke for Jesus Christ was not rewarded with salvation for his deeds, he had no deeds. He was rewarded with salvation for trusting in Christ alone. The other criminal on the other cross beside Jesus Christ was not condemned because of his deeds but because he rejected Christ. The Lord looked into the heart of each man and gave him what he deserved based on his heart condition, not his deeds.
When Christ said that if we have lustful thoughts, it is the same as committing the act of adultery. He was telling us that the sin is actually in the heart, the acts come and cause devastation, but the heart was sinful before the act was commit ed.
When the Lord rebuked Israel as an adulterous generation, He was not only referring to the rampant immorality but also to the hearts of the people who became dedicated to false gods. Is it not possible that selfishness is also adultery in the heart because we are the main object of our own affections above God and others. Those who retain a measure of arrogance, thinking that they have "arrived" are trying in their flesh to be humble, we are actually walking with a swagger in our hearts. It is a Spiritually discerned condition, those who witness it without the use of the eyes of the Holy Spirit, will not see it and will become infected with it themselves.
Many believers who think that they have risen above those "big" sins may be committing them in their heart as they judge others for not having as great a spirituality as themselves. I believe this is the reason we have "click-i-ness" in the church and snobbery in the family of God. When we harbor attitudes of superiority in our hearts we break every commandment. Yes we should rebuke sin and restore others as they repent, but once the repentance is complete we must proceed as though the sin was never commited in the first place. This is the beginning of restoration for the sinner.
Every believer has modern disobedience's in their life and are blinded to them. It is evident every day. Each of us has a responsibility to examine ourselves each day to see "if there be any wicked way" in us that we may grow in our walk with the Lord.
Blessings to you all.
Gwendolyn
Recently, it has been brought to my attention that many believers have a view of sin that tends to categorize different sins as being greater or lesser than other sins. Some sins are more easily forgiven than others, so we think. Perhaps we are reading the scripture which describes greater punishments in hell and greater rewards in heaven. As I prayed about this, the Lord illuminated my thoughts with a dose of sense. I was reminded that the thief on the cross who spoke for Jesus Christ was not rewarded with salvation for his deeds, he had no deeds. He was rewarded with salvation for trusting in Christ alone. The other criminal on the other cross beside Jesus Christ was not condemned because of his deeds but because he rejected Christ. The Lord looked into the heart of each man and gave him what he deserved based on his heart condition, not his deeds.
When Christ said that if we have lustful thoughts, it is the same as committing the act of adultery. He was telling us that the sin is actually in the heart, the acts come and cause devastation, but the heart was sinful before the act was commit ed.
When the Lord rebuked Israel as an adulterous generation, He was not only referring to the rampant immorality but also to the hearts of the people who became dedicated to false gods. Is it not possible that selfishness is also adultery in the heart because we are the main object of our own affections above God and others. Those who retain a measure of arrogance, thinking that they have "arrived" are trying in their flesh to be humble, we are actually walking with a swagger in our hearts. It is a Spiritually discerned condition, those who witness it without the use of the eyes of the Holy Spirit, will not see it and will become infected with it themselves.
Many believers who think that they have risen above those "big" sins may be committing them in their heart as they judge others for not having as great a spirituality as themselves. I believe this is the reason we have "click-i-ness" in the church and snobbery in the family of God. When we harbor attitudes of superiority in our hearts we break every commandment. Yes we should rebuke sin and restore others as they repent, but once the repentance is complete we must proceed as though the sin was never commited in the first place. This is the beginning of restoration for the sinner.
Every believer has modern disobedience's in their life and are blinded to them. It is evident every day. Each of us has a responsibility to examine ourselves each day to see "if there be any wicked way" in us that we may grow in our walk with the Lord.
Blessings to you all.
Gwendolyn
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Seated in the Heavenlies
I once believed many years ago, that a Christian could be lost after being saved. After asking the Lord to reveal the truth to me, I am more than confident now that He made it clear in His Word, exactly where I am in eternity.
The Lord has made us a new creation, we were dead and now are alive. We are no longer the old man who can be lost ever again. According to Ephesians 2 we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, right now, positionally. This is permanent state of being that we could never "change our mind and walk away from Him." He saved us and keeps us. No work of ours at all. We can not work to be saved, we can not work to be kept and we can not work to be lost. The new creation we have become can not go back and become the old again. We have been permanently changed. The Lord did that changing, we did not change ourselves and we can not undo what He did. AND, as a dear friend once said to me, "we would have to fall out of heaven" to be lost again after being seated with Christ in the heavenlies. What a blessed truth that leaves us with assurance and unspeakable joy that we are saved and can never be lost again. God promises that He has "sealed us with the Holy Spirit of Promise" God never breaks a promise.
Ephesians 2: 1-10
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.........Vs 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ.
Is is possible that we fear that we could be lost again because we think that we did a good deed and saved ourselves? We were wooed by the Lord, and when we responded to His love, He began His work in us. All the work of saving us, was done by Him. Do we think that we are as powerful as the Lord that we could undo what He did. Never!!! He did it and it is done!!!
Perhaps we are confused by those who claim to be saved, and appeared to live the Christian life and then one day seemingly walked away from all of His blessings and commands. We do not have to be confused if we prayerfully look at His Word and not at those who seemed to walk away. The Lord said that many will call him Lord, Lord, but He will say to them, "get away, I never knew you." The Lord never saved them, they tried to live the Christian life as unsaved people. The walking away was evidence that they were trying in their flesh and not in the power of the Holy Spirit, they were never saved and changed after all.
Thankfully, the Lord will answer the prayer of repentance and save anyone who will trust what Jesus Christ did on that cross for them. What a wonderful Lord we serve.
Gwendolyn
The Lord has made us a new creation, we were dead and now are alive. We are no longer the old man who can be lost ever again. According to Ephesians 2 we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, right now, positionally. This is permanent state of being that we could never "change our mind and walk away from Him." He saved us and keeps us. No work of ours at all. We can not work to be saved, we can not work to be kept and we can not work to be lost. The new creation we have become can not go back and become the old again. We have been permanently changed. The Lord did that changing, we did not change ourselves and we can not undo what He did. AND, as a dear friend once said to me, "we would have to fall out of heaven" to be lost again after being seated with Christ in the heavenlies. What a blessed truth that leaves us with assurance and unspeakable joy that we are saved and can never be lost again. God promises that He has "sealed us with the Holy Spirit of Promise" God never breaks a promise.
Ephesians 2: 1-10
And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.........Vs 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been made near by the blood of Christ.
Is is possible that we fear that we could be lost again because we think that we did a good deed and saved ourselves? We were wooed by the Lord, and when we responded to His love, He began His work in us. All the work of saving us, was done by Him. Do we think that we are as powerful as the Lord that we could undo what He did. Never!!! He did it and it is done!!!
Perhaps we are confused by those who claim to be saved, and appeared to live the Christian life and then one day seemingly walked away from all of His blessings and commands. We do not have to be confused if we prayerfully look at His Word and not at those who seemed to walk away. The Lord said that many will call him Lord, Lord, but He will say to them, "get away, I never knew you." The Lord never saved them, they tried to live the Christian life as unsaved people. The walking away was evidence that they were trying in their flesh and not in the power of the Holy Spirit, they were never saved and changed after all.
Thankfully, the Lord will answer the prayer of repentance and save anyone who will trust what Jesus Christ did on that cross for them. What a wonderful Lord we serve.
Gwendolyn
The Animals: God's Blessing To Mankind!
I would like you to meet my kissing deer. He came to visit me on several occasions. He has been God's gift to me. I will never forget the morning that I saw him coming out of the woods in our back yard. It was early in the morning and I had not yet gotten dressed for the day. I didn't want to miss an opportunity to get close to the sweet little deer, so I wandered out into the back in my bathrobe and bare feet. As I crept slowly toward the deer, to my surprise, he walked toward me. His little hooves were just a couple of inches from my feet at one point, as he lifted his head to sniff my face, I lowered to greet him. Our noses touched. This picture was a record of the second time this deer came to visit. On this occasion Rodger was home and ran for the camera. The deer tried to come on our porch one day while we were having coffee there. I am sure he would have entered the house if we would have let him. Later we learned that the deer had been raised by neighbors and was used to going into the house through a patio door. This little guy loved our dogs and would put his nose through the fence to kiss them too. The neighbors that raised this deer were also the ones who encountered the bear that killed our dog. The neighbor lady was sitting on her patio when a bear came down from the hills onto the patio as she sat at their table. She slowly got up from the chair and moved backwards through the patio doors to be safe. A year or so later that bear was shot. He had been killing livestock in the area and our dog was one of it's victims. So far we have seen on our property several wild animals, a cougar, coyotes, wild turkeys, big horned owls, raccoons and deer. I felt sorry for a lonely coyote that came through in the middle of the day. He was old and sickly looking. He walked up our driveway and into our woods foraging in old stumps for bugs and mice to eat. I am sure that he was cut out of the pack because he was old and sickly. I watched him for awhile before getting him a bowl of dog food. Something ate that dog food, I had hoped that it was that coyote. I look forward to the day that the Lord will rescue us from this horrid world of death. Someday there will be no starving coyotes or vicious bears and cougars. Everything and everyone will be friendly and loving toward one another, even the animals. The lions will lye down with the bears and children will play with the snakes and not be in danger. What a wonderful world the Lord has in store for those who have placed their trust in His Son Jesus Christ. He created these wonderful animals, what a blessing to be able to watch them and even interact at times in spite of their wild state. What a wonderful God we serve.Gwendolyn
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