Romans 8: 11
And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you; (then) He Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also restore to life your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you.
I agree with Joyce Meyer when she says, we don't get it about the power that is within us. We ask God for power and strength to do things. We ask that because we feel flimsy at the time, tired, worn out, totally incapable. John was trying to ask me very detailed questions the other night at 8:30 p.m.
(ha - right! 8:30 p.m.) I mustered up everything I had and said "John, I'm off line, okay?" He thought that was hilarious. I was absolutely serious. I had nothing left to give. In general, though, I think we don't acquire the power that is already in us as is written in the scripture here. We are pretty sure we have to ask God for it. We are pretty sure it has to be for something appropriate and according to level of crisis.
Luke 10: 19
I have been given the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions and have POWER over all the enemy and that no harm will come unto me.
So since we have it already, why don't we stay plugged in at all times. I hear lots of war stories lately and staying level is difficult. I can't even imagine what it is like for some people that have horrific challenges ahead of them. The young people today!!! What will happen to our grandchildren in the future? Do they have a future? Only with God. My opinion, of course. My experience and years tell me, I have to put them in God's hands and let Him take control. What about the people who have cancer? What about the people out east, the people in Indianapolis who lost their homes today in an explosion. Staying plugged in means I will need to make a commitment to exercise my power, given by the Holy Spirit.
We have a lot of responsibility today. Praying for our nation, and family. Ourselves and our friends.
I will be sending through a prayer I received on the internet. Later.
Next time - Hinds Feet for High Places!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
INDIAN SUMMER?
How gorgeous is it, today? And, tomorrow. We buttoned everything up but my special lounge chair and I plan to go out and sit in it. Yes, and get a picture!
It has been a superb week - free of tooth pain and back pain. John has all the wood split, and he had me take a picture that I promised I wouldn't show. As an artist he gets very creative in his mind. It was my discretion to not show that he really didn't cut his finger off. When he asked me to get the ketchup, I should have known. Now you know the real John Souder. Macabre for sure.
What fun last weekend. The Miss Tri County Pageant went well, and then we went to the show "A Christmas Story" I hear that I am the only one in the world who has never seen this in the movies or on stage. It was fun to see Jordan's group in a full page, front page story in the Weekender, last Friday. We had it laminated and framed. It was a fabulous play and Jordan was truly bitten by the acting bug. He did a great job. The entire family is excited for him and about him. Then Sunday we celebrated his 15th birthday. All pictures are on Facebook. But for those of you who don't do facebook, here they are:
Wow, two weeks from today - it is Thanksgiving weekend. Can you believe it?
Have a great week! And, please commit with me to pray (PRAY) for our nation. We must trust God that He knew this would happen, and has it in His hands.
It has been a superb week - free of tooth pain and back pain. John has all the wood split, and he had me take a picture that I promised I wouldn't show. As an artist he gets very creative in his mind. It was my discretion to not show that he really didn't cut his finger off. When he asked me to get the ketchup, I should have known. Now you know the real John Souder. Macabre for sure.
Wow, two weeks from today - it is Thanksgiving weekend. Can you believe it?
Have a great week! And, please commit with me to pray (PRAY) for our nation. We must trust God that He knew this would happen, and has it in His hands.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Braving The Stage!
This won't be terrible inspiring today, but bare with me. There is a lot of discussion today about little girls in pageantry. Or is it their mom's living through them. I have been doing something on a stage since I was 6 years old. Ballet, tap dancer, baton, you name it. Yes, it carried over into my adult life, and I still can't tell you I think its a terrible thing to encourage young girls to choose dance classes, acrobat classes, singing classes, pageants, and gymnastics. We all have talent.
However when I see Honey Boo-Boo I cringe. I see how it can go over the edge and become obnoxious. So once again, it is temperance, prudence, and balance in all phases of life. The Miss Tri-County Pageant was yesterday. Little girls from ages 4 all the way up to 18 participated in their age category. My favorite show stopper was a little one who had one the ages 4 - to 6 last year. Paige Fillenwarth. I wish you could see this little tyke take the stage at age 5. It was so cute. She wasn't demanding, or yelling, or making sure everyone watched her. She just is a little showstopper.
I wonder what she will be like at 18 and 28. Most of the young ladies yesterday were in dance or something like that. I must admit, it brings on a confidence and empowerment that I think is good when handled right.
Do you take the stage? Karli is the 11 year old daughter of Jen Timberlin who is the Executive Director for Miss Tri County. She also runs a dance studio called StarStruck. Her daughter wins most of the competitions statewide for dance and choreography. When we were doing the administrative work for the pageant, Karli was at the head of the line helping me organize and keep straight putting all the contestants, pictures, and bio's in the book. She is a very confident, capable young lady. Her mother would tell you how she has struggled her whole life to feel half the way her daughter does. So she has also taken the stage and paved the way for another young person to go out and make a difference. I truly believe when its handled right, that is what happens. There are five young women who hold a title this morning in their age category. Five young women won individual Talent crowns. One won the Grand Queen (Total highest points over all). She is 18 and is a senior at Garrett. Its quite thought provoking isn't it. Do I take the stage in life, or would I rather hide because I probably wouldn't do it right (whatever that is) in the first place. It is called getting outside the box.
Whether we are stay at home mom's, homeschooling, or running a show, let us keep a positive influence going for our young women today. They are, after all, going out there to represent us.
Judges John Wilson from Auburn, Denise Helmer, former owner of Jitterz Cafe), and Dance Mogul, Jacob Flynn from Carmel, Indiana and Intensity Dance.
However when I see Honey Boo-Boo I cringe. I see how it can go over the edge and become obnoxious. So once again, it is temperance, prudence, and balance in all phases of life. The Miss Tri-County Pageant was yesterday. Little girls from ages 4 all the way up to 18 participated in their age category. My favorite show stopper was a little one who had one the ages 4 - to 6 last year. Paige Fillenwarth. I wish you could see this little tyke take the stage at age 5. It was so cute. She wasn't demanding, or yelling, or making sure everyone watched her. She just is a little showstopper.
I wonder what she will be like at 18 and 28. Most of the young ladies yesterday were in dance or something like that. I must admit, it brings on a confidence and empowerment that I think is good when handled right.
Do you take the stage? Karli is the 11 year old daughter of Jen Timberlin who is the Executive Director for Miss Tri County. She also runs a dance studio called StarStruck. Her daughter wins most of the competitions statewide for dance and choreography. When we were doing the administrative work for the pageant, Karli was at the head of the line helping me organize and keep straight putting all the contestants, pictures, and bio's in the book. She is a very confident, capable young lady. Her mother would tell you how she has struggled her whole life to feel half the way her daughter does. So she has also taken the stage and paved the way for another young person to go out and make a difference. I truly believe when its handled right, that is what happens. There are five young women who hold a title this morning in their age category. Five young women won individual Talent crowns. One won the Grand Queen (Total highest points over all). She is 18 and is a senior at Garrett. Its quite thought provoking isn't it. Do I take the stage in life, or would I rather hide because I probably wouldn't do it right (whatever that is) in the first place. It is called getting outside the box.
Judges John Wilson from Auburn, Denise Helmer, former owner of Jitterz Cafe), and Dance Mogul, Jacob Flynn from Carmel, Indiana and Intensity Dance.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
WHAT ARE THE ANGELS . . . .
ACTUALLY WATCHING OVER!
Consider this:
Eph 3: 10
His intent was that now, through the church, the MANIFOLD wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
It is always good to learn something new. After 38 years of reading and studying God's Word, I never saw this coming.
"The angels are actually watching us to see how we react to life. They are learning from us!"
I see you, you are going "Oh, now Souder, you have really gone off the beam!" Maybe so, but when you read this and understand the whole concept, it sure set me up straight in the bed.
This week when I was going over readings and scriptures this particular author pointed out something I had never noticed about this scripture.
Let's look at the word MANIFOLD. Manifold in the dictionary means - operating several parts of one kind. Having many forms. Angels. They were created just below our God, and they are our protection yes. Psalm 91: 11.
When I see what this author is saying, it causes me to pause. They are not only watching OVER us and after us, but they see every little eyebrow raise, every reaction we have to the people and events of life. Think of it as you are performing on stage and you look out over the audience and they are taking notes of what you are saying and doing. It is one thing to have God know everything about me, but to be even the tiniest representative or role model to an angel - takes my breath away.
I always think about them being nonjudgmental in their care of us. I see them as overseers and here we learn they are learning about our relationship to God.
How does that affect you? I am also learning about Temperance this last week. I am praising God for conviction of actions and that He forgives. I am praising Him because I can then make a choice
to change. Conviction - repentance. Commitment - Reconciliation. Change - Restoration.
Consider this:
Eph 3: 10
His intent was that now, through the church, the MANIFOLD wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
It is always good to learn something new. After 38 years of reading and studying God's Word, I never saw this coming.
"The angels are actually watching us to see how we react to life. They are learning from us!"
I see you, you are going "Oh, now Souder, you have really gone off the beam!" Maybe so, but when you read this and understand the whole concept, it sure set me up straight in the bed.
This week when I was going over readings and scriptures this particular author pointed out something I had never noticed about this scripture.
Let's look at the word MANIFOLD. Manifold in the dictionary means - operating several parts of one kind. Having many forms. Angels. They were created just below our God, and they are our protection yes. Psalm 91: 11.
When I see what this author is saying, it causes me to pause. They are not only watching OVER us and after us, but they see every little eyebrow raise, every reaction we have to the people and events of life. Think of it as you are performing on stage and you look out over the audience and they are taking notes of what you are saying and doing. It is one thing to have God know everything about me, but to be even the tiniest representative or role model to an angel - takes my breath away.
I always think about them being nonjudgmental in their care of us. I see them as overseers and here we learn they are learning about our relationship to God.
How does that affect you? I am also learning about Temperance this last week. I am praising God for conviction of actions and that He forgives. I am praising Him because I can then make a choice
to change. Conviction - repentance. Commitment - Reconciliation. Change - Restoration.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
FREEDOM AT ALL COST!
Last week a client said to me, "I want Freedom from this nightmare at all cost!"
Everyone at some point and time, no matter what age will incur a situation in their life that brings on "the nightmare", "I am trapped" feeling.
When I think about that statement of I want freedom at all cost, it brings on a lot of ideas. What does it mean to do something no matter what the cost? We all understand freedom in our own minds. Running down a beach in Florida with no more thought then - how beautiful it is, and how the sun glistens on the water. Dozing on the porch or in a favorite chair. Laughing at a friend for being so silly. Going to any church of your choice. Freedom to vote for who you want. Eating a dish of ice cream and feeling no guilt. But, what is the cost?
Let us take a look at Gal. 5: 1
In (this) freedom Christ has made us free (and completely liberated us); stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery (which you have once put off).
AMP
Since we see here that Christ has already supplied us with the freedom we need to apply to our life, what is the problem? Why do we get so scared, frustrated, blown away, and caught up? I see this over and over in my practice, with many people in my life. They hide, they cover up and they run for cover.
The cost then is we will have to give up our fears, lack of trust, frustrations, ill gotten ideas about our life.
The Word clearly states - "Stand Fast then!"
DO NOT be HAMPERED and ENSNARED -
DO NOT SUBMIT CONTINUOUSLY TO THE YOKE
OF SLAVERY.
I added the word continuously! It is insane to keep doing something over and over again, expecting a different result. The cost is surrender! The cost is giving it up! The cost is making a NEW choice. It is always about the choices. A). Do I want to continue in this blackness or B), do I want to risk it all and step out to do something new. Make a choice to be free.
It does have to be that the PAIN of CHANGE exceeds the PAIN to STAY. Trusting Our Lord Jesus Christ to help us through the knot hole. I have personally experienced that it is painful to change, but once I stepped out and experienced the freedom, now it is much easier. He is always there to help you manage the pain of change.
Everyone at some point and time, no matter what age will incur a situation in their life that brings on "the nightmare", "I am trapped" feeling.
When I think about that statement of I want freedom at all cost, it brings on a lot of ideas. What does it mean to do something no matter what the cost? We all understand freedom in our own minds. Running down a beach in Florida with no more thought then - how beautiful it is, and how the sun glistens on the water. Dozing on the porch or in a favorite chair. Laughing at a friend for being so silly. Going to any church of your choice. Freedom to vote for who you want. Eating a dish of ice cream and feeling no guilt. But, what is the cost?
Let us take a look at Gal. 5: 1
In (this) freedom Christ has made us free (and completely liberated us); stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery (which you have once put off).
AMP
Since we see here that Christ has already supplied us with the freedom we need to apply to our life, what is the problem? Why do we get so scared, frustrated, blown away, and caught up? I see this over and over in my practice, with many people in my life. They hide, they cover up and they run for cover.
The cost then is we will have to give up our fears, lack of trust, frustrations, ill gotten ideas about our life.
The Word clearly states - "Stand Fast then!"
DO NOT be HAMPERED and ENSNARED -
DO NOT SUBMIT CONTINUOUSLY TO THE YOKE
OF SLAVERY.
I added the word continuously! It is insane to keep doing something over and over again, expecting a different result. The cost is surrender! The cost is giving it up! The cost is making a NEW choice. It is always about the choices. A). Do I want to continue in this blackness or B), do I want to risk it all and step out to do something new. Make a choice to be free.
It does have to be that the PAIN of CHANGE exceeds the PAIN to STAY. Trusting Our Lord Jesus Christ to help us through the knot hole. I have personally experienced that it is painful to change, but once I stepped out and experienced the freedom, now it is much easier. He is always there to help you manage the pain of change.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
BEING STILL MEANS WHAT?
Have you ever heard the story about the little boy who was so busy during church time, that his mom began to lose it. She kept putting her finger up to her lips. She also gave him "that" look only women have that indicates how serious and displeased we are. But, to no avail, he kept getting up on the bench, getting down to pick things up, moving, and squirming constantly. Finally she got a hold of his arm and whispered. . ."Get up here, sit down and be still. I want you up here next to me and sit down, now!" The little boy lowered his head, got up and sat quietly for a minute. Then he poked his mother on the arm and said so everyone could hear, "I want you to know I am sitting down and being quiet, but on the inside I am standing up." Clever, of course he was. And, who of us wouldn't have had to laugh. Several people did snicker. Many of us adults have pointed at God and said, okay I will be still and wait on the Lord, but I just want you to know I am standing up on the inside.
Being still and waiting on God is a huge job. It brings on all those patience lectures and scriptures we need to hear.
How clever of the enemy to use every tempting sidetrack he can think of to keep us from being still and waiting on the Lord.
What are you waiting for? A husband to start going to church with you? Perhaps one of your children is going through some major trials? Waiting to hear about that job you need so desperately?
You could be waiting for God to tell you why He continues to allow bad things to happen to you, or others?
It is so easy to be unnerved, to want to take the wheel, and let us get this show on the road - now!
I still go back to Deut. 31: 8 - God goes before us, God marches with me. Maybe its time for you to finally learn the lesson He has been pointing out all along. He allows us to be prepared to learn our lesson. We have no need to fear, he never forsakes, fail's or abandons us. He says in His word that we are to not be afraid, depressed, discouraged, or unnerved with fear.
Wait for it! I can't! Yes you can! What other option do you have. Staying in God's Word and praying helps you focus and wait upon the Lord for what you are to learn from this time. This period of time and how long it is depends on you. Jesus was tempted and the enemy tried to sidetrack Him with all kinds of things. Matt. 4: 1/11 Jesus was tired. He had been fasting and praying for 40 days. He was hungry. Satan swooped in and brought him bread, and offers of great magnitude. What did He say? "Get thee behind me Satan, for I only bow down and worship the Lord God and He only."
It wasn't even about the food or tiredness. It was a major event to get Jesus to be sidetracked and give in to him. Being still and waiting on the Lord simply means. Focus on His Word. Read it every day. Pray and seek your Lord. Trust. Wait for it. Wait for Him.
II Cor 5: 17 - Calling on the Lord and claiming Him as your personal Lord God. Lord of your heart and life. The old you will go away and behold you will be a new creation.
Being still and waiting on God is a huge job. It brings on all those patience lectures and scriptures we need to hear.
How clever of the enemy to use every tempting sidetrack he can think of to keep us from being still and waiting on the Lord.
What are you waiting for? A husband to start going to church with you? Perhaps one of your children is going through some major trials? Waiting to hear about that job you need so desperately?
You could be waiting for God to tell you why He continues to allow bad things to happen to you, or others?
It is so easy to be unnerved, to want to take the wheel, and let us get this show on the road - now!
I still go back to Deut. 31: 8 - God goes before us, God marches with me. Maybe its time for you to finally learn the lesson He has been pointing out all along. He allows us to be prepared to learn our lesson. We have no need to fear, he never forsakes, fail's or abandons us. He says in His word that we are to not be afraid, depressed, discouraged, or unnerved with fear.
Wait for it! I can't! Yes you can! What other option do you have. Staying in God's Word and praying helps you focus and wait upon the Lord for what you are to learn from this time. This period of time and how long it is depends on you. Jesus was tempted and the enemy tried to sidetrack Him with all kinds of things. Matt. 4: 1/11 Jesus was tired. He had been fasting and praying for 40 days. He was hungry. Satan swooped in and brought him bread, and offers of great magnitude. What did He say? "Get thee behind me Satan, for I only bow down and worship the Lord God and He only."
It wasn't even about the food or tiredness. It was a major event to get Jesus to be sidetracked and give in to him. Being still and waiting on the Lord simply means. Focus on His Word. Read it every day. Pray and seek your Lord. Trust. Wait for it. Wait for Him.
II Cor 5: 17 - Calling on the Lord and claiming Him as your personal Lord God. Lord of your heart and life. The old you will go away and behold you will be a new creation.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
BELIEVING IS SEEING!
Oh so you think I have that backwards! Really!
I Peter 1: 8
"Though you have not seen him, you love him;
and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." NIV
Thomas was the one who set the bar on "But let me touch the hole in your hands, and then I will believe." So to him it was "I need to see it to believe it."
Jesus had so wanted them and us to believe without seeing him. Most of the disciples and people back then got to see, hear, and touch him. We do not have that privilege. Think of what it is like for a blind person. Think about what it is like to have seen and then go blind. Think about what it is like to see it but not get it.
Another version:
I Peter 1: 8
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy." NLT
Both verses put an emphasis on trust, believe, rejoice with an inexpressible joy that even though we don't see him physically, we could be physically blind, and know he is there. He is here. He is inside
me.
When I was reading this morning from a new author's daily devotional, I came to terms with the fact that she is physically blind. She travels the world speaking and writing. Gets on airplanes and depends on people sometimes to tell her what is happening and why. She is married and raising two children. Not many of us would sign on for that to be a part of our destiny. Yet, here we are most generally saying, "Well, if He would just tell me what to do, where is He when I need Him?" "How long do I have to go through this. . .?
As long as it takes to believe and then see His hand was in it all along. It even turned out better then you could have dreamed. I learned that one the hard way and a long time ago. BELIEVE IT! Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior knows it all and has a plan. The trial - that despicable period of time you went through or are going through will stop. How you ask? When you believe that He has a better plan and that this is just preparation for you to do better things, be stronger, be tougher, and grow you up. TRUST me, I have been there and am still being prepared at times.
Next time - What does it mean to be still and wait on God!
I Peter 1: 8
"Though you have not seen him, you love him;
and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy." NIV
Thomas was the one who set the bar on "But let me touch the hole in your hands, and then I will believe." So to him it was "I need to see it to believe it."
Jesus had so wanted them and us to believe without seeing him. Most of the disciples and people back then got to see, hear, and touch him. We do not have that privilege. Think of what it is like for a blind person. Think about what it is like to have seen and then go blind. Think about what it is like to see it but not get it.
Another version:
I Peter 1: 8
"You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy." NLT
Both verses put an emphasis on trust, believe, rejoice with an inexpressible joy that even though we don't see him physically, we could be physically blind, and know he is there. He is here. He is inside
me.
When I was reading this morning from a new author's daily devotional, I came to terms with the fact that she is physically blind. She travels the world speaking and writing. Gets on airplanes and depends on people sometimes to tell her what is happening and why. She is married and raising two children. Not many of us would sign on for that to be a part of our destiny. Yet, here we are most generally saying, "Well, if He would just tell me what to do, where is He when I need Him?" "How long do I have to go through this. . .?
As long as it takes to believe and then see His hand was in it all along. It even turned out better then you could have dreamed. I learned that one the hard way and a long time ago. BELIEVE IT! Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior knows it all and has a plan. The trial - that despicable period of time you went through or are going through will stop. How you ask? When you believe that He has a better plan and that this is just preparation for you to do better things, be stronger, be tougher, and grow you up. TRUST me, I have been there and am still being prepared at times.
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