Iraqi Christians

The UN has reported that some Iraqi families are returning to their homes in Northern Iraq-see the news link.

Gifts for All who believe

I had a discussion about spiritual gifts with sister Kathy and brother-in-law the other day. This subject has been on my mind for a couple of weeks. So by the grace of the Lord I'm going to blog them. From 1 Corinthians 12:1-13:

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit.
And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.
And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.
But to each one is given the manifestation of the of the Spirit for the common good.
For one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit(1), and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit(2)
to another faith by the same Spirit(3), and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit(4),
and to another the effecting of miracles(5), and to another prophecy(6), and to another distinguishing of spirits(7), and to another various kinds of tongues(8), and to another the interpretaton of tongues(9).
But one in the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.

In addition read 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12: 28-30, Chapter 13 and 14, Romans 12:6-8

I first heard about these at a Joyce Meyer conference last year. I read them over and over in my Bible. I believe in these gifts and I prayed for these gifts. I believe that the Lord knows that we need all sorts of help in life. If He gives us these gifts then I accept these gifts for the common good, for love.

I have heard that some people think those gifts were only meant for the people living in "biblical times" and those gifts are not effective in this day and age. I don't believe that and all I can say is I know what I know. However, I can understand how people may not understand or want to believe. On the surface these gifts may sound strange and different. But I don't want to get off track by talking about not believing in this. I will say that if one struggles over an absolute belief in these gifts that a clarification may be resolved through prayer.

Futhermore, read over Ephesians, chapter 4:8-12

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Therefore it says,

"WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES,
AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN." (verse 8)

It's all about Love

"In this is where it appears that the Bible is a book of a people and for a people; an inheritance, a testament handed over to readers so that they can put into practice in their own lives the history of salvation witnessed in the text. There is therefore a reciprocal relationship of vital belonging between the people and the Book: the Bible remains a living Book with the people which is its subject which reads it; the people cannot exist without the Book, because it is in it that they find their reason for living, their vocation and their identity. " - The Pope, Oct. 27, 2008 , from the General Assemble of the Synod of Bishops

I found this message from the Pope to be very profound and encouraging. Actually, there were quite a few passages that I think are very essential messages to the world. Of course, much was said about love. Loving God, loving your neighbor, loving yourself, and loving to read the scriptures. The Pope also asked that we share in prayer for Christians, who are persecuted on a daily basis, living in Iraq and India. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for people living in other countries not able to have religious freedom like we do in the U.S.A. I know that God gives them the mercy and love to live every day.

The Pope aso stated that he will be going to Africa (Angola and Cameroon) in Spring 2009. It was reported yesterday that there are over 10,000 displaced because of the fighting taking place in Congo. I don't understand all the details but there is still a connection with rebels from Rwanda (Hutus vs. Tutsis). The UN commander in charge of the peacekeeping operation in Congo resigned as well.
I pray that the innocent people in these fighting areas are protected by the Heavenly Father, that they stay safe, receive any medical attention they need, food, and shelter. I also pray for a showering of God's almighty mercy and love to fall upon all these people regardless of their tribe. I pray for peace in Africa. Amen.

other motivational messages from the Pope(see the Vatican news link):

"....the Church’s principal task, at the start of this new millennium, is above all to nourish ourselves on the Word of God, in order to make more effective new evangelization, the announcement of our times."

"What this requires first of all is a more intimate knowledge of Christ and an ever-more docile acceptance of his Word."

The Lord's Prayer

"..for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way:

(In the Name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit)

'Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed by Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespassed against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.'

(I pray this in the name of Jesus...)

Amen

Matthew 6:8-13

I heard a little Angel clipped her wing

Ouchie Mama! Sophia broke her little arm today and had to have surgery. Many people were praying for her- family,Grandparents, Aunts, cousins friends, and people she doesn't even know were praying for her. I was even praying for her in the restroom at Borders!! Anyways, I came home and was trying to get caught up on Sophia's progress and I saw the e-photo Jerry had sent. Sophia looked so peaceful in her post surgery slumber-with her pink cast. I started to reflect on how small (and fragile!) children are and how they manage their pain when they get hurt. I was thinking of how I know, now more than ever before, to call on Jesus when I'm in pain, suffering, or having something as miniscule as a lousy day at work. Jesus comes through, in His on way, everytime. I do believe that our Heavenly Father does hear our cries and prayers. I prayed again for Sophia after looking at her picture and I also prayed for children all over the world that their bones would be healed and that they would receive a great sense of comfort.



I also read from the Gospel According to St. John when Jesus was talking to his disciples before his Last Supper:

" And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."(John 14:13)

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. (John 14:14)

"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be with you ." (John 14:16-17)

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)

All together now

Matthew 18:19 -"Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven.

thoughts on healing

Isaiah proclaimed to Hezekiah that he received the word of the Lord, saying, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of your father David, " I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you." -2 Kings 20:5

I believe that taking the time to pray about health and healing is very therapeutic. It opens up opportunities for miracles to happen. I believe it also strengths your "faith muscles". I must admit that I do enjoy that type of workout!!! I can honestly say that my mind, body, and spirit reap the benefits almost on a daily basis.

Take a look towards the end of Luke chapter 8 when the woman who had hemorrhaged for 12 years came up behind Jesus and touched His cloak and her bleeding stopped. And Jesus had said to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace. " I also like the Amplified reading, "...Daughter, your faith (your confidence and trust in me) has made you well! Go into peace(untroubled, undisturbed well being).

The Word of God is Alive

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

I had a very powerful prayer last week and was lead to these passages from Hebrews. I just meditate on these words over and over. "For the Word of God is living..." Just think about these few words. People all over the world for hundreds and thousands of years have believed in and been lead by these Holy Scriptures.

Psalms 116:1-2

I LOVE the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

Jim

Jerry has requested that we pray for our brother Jim in Phoenix. He is going to prison. Please join the prayer: I pray dear heavenly Father that you will protect Jim and give him the strength and wisdom he needs to get through every moment he is incarcerated. I pray that Jim receives the Word of God, prays to you Lord, receives hope, support, and that he begins to walk in your righteous path dear Lord. I also pray that his family continues to love, support, and talk to Jim everyday. I also pray that his family looks to you Jesus for their needs. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

We love Jim and his family.

Viva la France

I was watching the Pope in France tonight. He was at Notre Dame tonight and tomorrow he goes to Lourdes. Lourdes has miraculous healing powers. Thousands of people go there everyday for the healing waters discovered by a young woman, Bernadette, in the 1850's. I only watched a few moments of the Pope and I was trying to take notes. I couldn't keep up though! He did mention this was the year of Saint Paul the Apostle and 1 Corinthians. I got so excited when he talked about how the Holy Spirit helps you understand the mysteries of God. The Pope also said to speak with boldness!!! I love it even more!!!

I Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.

Hello!

Here's a little saying I once read:

Expect a miracle everyday
Expect a miracle when I pray

If you expect it, God will find a way
To give you a miracle today