New Study

Our study is doing the Battlefield of the mind...by Joyce Meyer. I didn't really want to do this book, thinking that I am so past "all of that" stuff. It only took the first chapter though to realize that I still fall into the temptation, often, of stinkin' thinking. You know how those thoughts go, "Does he really love me?", "Will he love me forever?", "Who do I think I am starting a school?", "There are so many more qualified people than me!" (there ARE! :) ) However.... God's word is true, and I have to believe it!

1 Cor 1:27 but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:29 that no flesh should glory before God.

Revelation 3:8 I know thy works (behold, I have set before thee a door opened, which none can shut), that thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name.

I can not start a school, on my own. But God can use me to do His will! Thank you Lord that YOU know the beginning and the end. I know that this is from you, as you put it on my heart years ago, and then have confirmed it over and over. Father, please go before us in the grant reading process and give us favor. Please go before us as we screen and interview teachers, and only bring those that you would have come.

December 30, 2010 Jesus Calling

I am once again amazed by not only this devotional, but even more so by God's word!

I am leading you along a way that is uniquely right for you. The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self-the one I designed you to be. Because you are one of a kind, the path you are traveling with Me diverges increasingly from that of other people. However, in my mysterious wisdom and ways, I enable you to follow this solitary path while staying in close contact with others. In fact, the more completely you devote yourself to Me, the more freely you can love people. Marvel at the beauty of a life intertwined with My Presence. Rejoice as we journey together in intimate communion. Enjoy the adventure of finding yourself through losing yourself in Me.

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone sis in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become knew.

What amazed me about this verse, is just this morning as I was waking up, God brought to mind long ago forgotten sin, and how He spared me condemnation even back before I gave my life to him....

Ephesians 2: 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

How amazing is this? Yesterday, after my meeting with TCOE, I was reminded of being a little girl....Raggedy Ann and Andy bedroom - yellow curtains and bedspread...stuffed animals lined up on one bed, because it was school time! Of course I was the teacher.... When I was 4 years old, God knew that when I was 44, He had a HUGE job for me, and has been preparing me for this all along! He alone knew the path I would take...quite a zigzagging one to get to this place, but HE prepared it. Thank you Lord!

Jesus Calling 10-21-2010

I LOVE love love this devotional!

Isn't it funny how sometimes devotionals take you to the word of God, and you get scared? Is it a prophecy? Will I be going through more hard times? Well, not sure about the prophecy part, but yes, I will go through more hard times, because that's just how life is.

Today's devotional encourages me to live in God's presence consistently. Because self gets in the way, sometimes that's a difficult thing to do. The author suggests that we become aware of each resentment (of interferences with our plans or desires).

Psalm 139:23-24 Tells us to do the same thing -
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Our response to our rebellious tendencies to submission is to humble ourselves to God...

1 Peter 5:6

5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.


God prepares us in so many ways for upcoming trials and tribulations. I didn't quite get that until last November. Things weren't that great at work, I was at an expulsion hearing, and God spoke to me... I gave you the job, only I can take it away.... That comforted me a lot, until February, when He took it away...only to replace it with an incredible opportunity to work on starting a charter school. I don't have any idea where He's leading, but I do know I need to work on trusting Him with all of my heart...


Job 1:21
“Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”

A Day Late...

Yesterday's devotional was just as good!

How much do I trust God? It's easier to just type it out, from the book, "Jesus Calling" October 10

Trust Me enough to let things happen without striving to predict or control them. Relax and refresh yourself in the Light of My everlasting Love. My Love-Light never dims, yet you are often unaware of My radiant Presence. when you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient: to be adequate without My help. this is a subtle sin - so common that is usually slips by unnoticed.

The alternative is to live fully in the present, depending on Me each moment. Rather than fearing your inadequacy, rejoice in My abundant supply. Train your mind to seek My help continually, even when you feel competent to handle something by yourself. Don't divide your life into things you can do by yourself and things that require My help. Instead, learn to rely on me in every situation. This discipline will enable you to enjoy life more and to face each day confidently.

This really goes hand in hand with Crazy Love - I am ordinary and inadequate, but God uses ordinary inadequate people to do His will. How blessed I am, to be chosen to go through the trials I've endured in the last 14-16 months. Not only am I blessed, but God is using each and every situation to His Glory! Not all prayers have been answered, in this moment of time, however I know that God has answered ALL of my prayers....

Psalm 37:1-6
1 Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the Lord
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Philippians 4:19 (ESV) - "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

Being Meek

Meekness isn't generally one of those characteristics we respect in others. Max Lucado's A Glimpse of Glory addresses meekness a different way...

meek
  /mik/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [meek] Show IPA
Use meek in a Sentence
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–adjective, -er, -est.
1. humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.
2. overly submissive or compliant; spiritless; tame.
3. Obsolete. gentle; kind.

I believe that Godly Meekness is 1 & 3 - When I asked Craig if he thought he was meek, he said no. I believe he is though - not the #2 kind - but he's definitely humble, patient gentle and kind...

I can only hope to learn from him - and from the word...

Psalm 25:8-9 (New International Version)

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.

Psalm 37:5-11 (New International Version)

⁵ Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

⁶ He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. I'm definitely praying for this in my life...

⁷ Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. I admit, this scares me some - because when they carry out their wicked schemes, they hurt people. When Satan carries out his wickedness - those I love hurt... and the last thing I want is for those I love to be in pain.

⁸ Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. HA! This is so hard to do- but I have learned in the last week when you are dealing with someone that is using, you can not ever ever ever win an argument - so why even bother? Love - that is the answer - even if people don't think your actions are loving.

⁹ For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. Lord, I desire that more hope in you - that none would perish, but would have life with you - eternal!

¹⁰ A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

¹¹ But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Luke 14:7-11 (New International Version)

⁷When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ⁸"When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. ⁹If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, 'Give this man your seat.' Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. ¹⁰But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, move up to a better place.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all your fellow guests. ¹¹For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Good practical advice if you ask me!

1 Peter 3:1-4 (New International Version)

1 Peter 3

Wives and Husbands

¹Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, ²when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. ³Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. ⁴Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

I have always wanted a quiet and gentle spirit....I know without a doubt that it can only come from God.

1 Peter 5:6-9 (New International Version)

⁶Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Daniel Chapter 6

To have such faith in God - to not fear the Lions Den - Incredible!

Daniel 6

Character of Fear

The character of the wicked is fear -

Proverbs 28

¹ The wicked man flees though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Revelation 21:8

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⁸But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

There have been many times that I have not done something out of fear. Father, I don't desire to be cowardly. I desire to stand firm - in all things, Lord.

Character of the Saints - Fear God

Mal 3:16, Acts 10:2

mal 3:16-17

16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. 17 “They will be mine,” says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession.Or Almighty, “my treasured possession, in the day when I act

">a I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

Acts 10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. 3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.

The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

I so desire to be seen in God's eye's, as God Fearing! I also pray that I will finish strong, that I will always choose life, and that my prayers and gifts are acceptable to God.

These verses help, because I believe I'm getting ready to do battle, God is preparing me for something that I don't want to do. This time, I want to stand firm, and trust in God alone.

Fear - a

July 19th - My mom's birthday. I'm not sure Tony realized the day - maybe he did... Friday night, as we were talking - an amazing thing happened. First off, it was for the most part a pretty calm conversation. No yelling(until the end, when every other word was a curse word, and Craig told him he needed to not talk to me that way) - he called me names - but they were more to hurt me, than belligerent name calling. At one point, I realized that I was dealing with more than a brother doing drugs. I'm dealing with spiritual warfare. It was bound to happen. Craig and I have been praying for Tony and Katie for some time. Since about the time they moved to Eureka. I've also been growing closer to God, and that is going to affect the way things happen as well. (but that's another story - for another time)

I think this is my new favorite passage at the moment -
Ephesians 6: The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.



12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

My struggle isn't with my brother. I love him very much. I believe that Satan would like to see the love torn apart. Currently, I don't much trust him with my emotions - but God can heal that. Our battle is against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. The battle isn't against Tony - but against the forces that want to see his soul destroyed. There is a great battle going on for him right now- even when we aren't talking. I am praying that God will complete the work he began in him - even before he started attending church in Modesto. Tony met the Lord in High School, and has been running ever since.

Friday night, I saw first hand - what I believe was demonic work. Tony said a few things - that were weird. The whole evening was weird, but when I confronted him on getting into some type of drug counseling, he dismissed it by saying if it wasn't court ordered it was a waste of time. I reminded him again about First Step - he asked, 'through your church?" "yes" And then his face kind of contorted, and his voice was different, "I don't like your church" I don't LIKE your church "I don't like YOUR church" I felt as though Satan himself was telling me that he doesn't like my church. I think that's a good thing - and more the reason to pray for the church...

As typical in many relationships where there is drug abuse - there are boundary issues. (I really need to go to first step on Tuesday) I feel as though God is working in me, and with Craig's help and being in the Word, my boundary's are firm. This is evidenced by the various ways he tries to manipulate - manipulate may not be the right word, but I think he's so used to getting his way - by different tactics, that as soon as one tactic doesn't work - he tries another one. So, Friday's tactic didn't work - he left. Didn't hear from him on Saturday, Sunday he phoned, and is questioning the trust. I'm OK with that, except that there were some implied threats. He doesn't think I'm handling things appropriately. (Although that didn't seem to matter when he dropped Alan off and the kids cleaned everything up - it doesn't seem to matter to him that Deven has pretty much done ALL of the upkeep on the property since before my mom passed away either) He told me he was homeless last night - which he is - but it's really by his choice. He was able to stay with us - he just had to do some things - because of his various issues. The last thing we wanted to do was to enable him. I don't know that he'll ever see it this way.

After our conversation last night - (he said something along the lines - I don't want to get anyone in trouble, I asked what he was talking about and he never really said. - he's either implying a threat, that since he thinks I'm mishandling the trust, that I'm going to get in to trouble - he's started something - or he's going too) I listened, quietly to what he was saying - until he told me he understands me not wanting my kids to live with me. I interrupted at that point and told him he was very wrong, I do want my kids living with me - but they are young adults, and I understand that they want to live on their own. I think he hung up on me at that point. the phone just went silent. I wasn't sure if we lost connection, or he hung up, so I called back - and told him that...(wasn't sure if we'd lost connection or what)it went straight to voice mail. I was sick to my stomach at that point - it was as I was processing this - talking to Craig that I realized what happens is I begin to be fearful. Fear stops me in my tracks. I guess my response is to emotionally flee. Not deal with whatever. When hard conversations come up - I tune out sometimes. When I divorced, I left everything - because of fear of the fight. With the property - I quit fighting for it, because of fear - I just couldn't do it anymore... So now I'm on a quest to see what the Lord says about fear. I find it comforting, in Ephesians 6 that Paul prayed to not allow fear to get in the way of spreading the gospel.

Isaiah 47:1-11

Isaiah 47:1-11

What an incredible passage - God allowed his chosen people to led into captivity - the captors were cruel - and God exacted a punishment from them. They lost everything. Lord, I desire to always be in Your Will. Father, please forgive me when I wander off on my own. Please fill me with your spirit that I may grow to be more and more like you. I desire to not be full of pride - or hate. I desire your will for our lives. thank you for providing a savior.

I'm also praying for Tony right now - I know without a doubt it isn't my brother that I'm up against. I know that the battle we are waging is for his soul - it's against the principalities and powers, against the dark forces and rulers in this world. Last night, the eeriest thing happened. We were having a pretty intense discussion - I was pointing out issues that needed to be resolved. When he first came - he said that he'd be agreeable to counseling. Then it turned into mandated counseling by the county - and since he didn't have his paperwork - it was a waste of time to go.... I suggested First Step - the 12 step program at church - more than once. Last night when I brought it up - he had this weird look in his eyes - and in a really obnoxious voice - said I'm not going to your church. I DON"T like your church - I don't like YOUR church - I don't like your CHURCH. The strange thing - is that he did - both times he went - he did.... I felt immediately that it was demonic forces that I was dealing with. I wanted to lay hands on him and pray, but I was afraid. Lord - please give me the power in your name to pray next time I'm confronted with this. The way he was communicating - I'd say something - he didn't have a response - and then he'd change the subject. Again and again it went on. at one point, the same voice - and crazed look said he didn't like my house.... Thank you Lord - that if it is a demon - that you're hand is on our house - please continue to keep us under your care and love. thank you Father.

Ephesians 4

I'm back to my study on Ephesians. Wow - Ephesians 4 is FULL of great stuff! I will copy and paste the entire chapter at the bottom of this post. Since I haven't written about my study in a while - you can check out the link to Kay Aurthur's page - Precept Ministry. It's all about studying the bible on your own.

http://www.precept.org/site

There are tons of free resources for bible study at this page -
http://www.precept.org/site/PageServer?pagename=brd_PFL_download_archive

I know that I have the ability to become callous, I also know that I need God's leading and direction to not become callous. It is the cry of my heart, to be more like Jesus. Father, please use me, and change me. Please use my blog to touch the hearts of anyone who stumbles upon it. Bless those that you love.

Ephesians 4 talks about how we walked before we know the Lord personally, and gives us instruction on how we are to walk as His children.

The Old Lori:

• vs 14 - we walked as children - being tossed here and there by various doctrine - by the trickery of men that were crafty in their deceitful schemes.
• vs 17 - we walked in the futility of their own mind. (sometimes I still do - but being in the word helps to shut that off!)
• vs 18 - I was so darkened in my understanding. Excluded from the life of God and had a hard heart. I would say this is very accurate! I remember being 16 - at a poker game with Ray - thinking that one day, Jesus was going to come back to our world, but I had at least until 1993* (this was in 82) so I could keep partying as I was - Obviously I didn't know God at the time, but thankfully..... he reached me BEFORE 93 :) * that was a whole other story - My mom read Revelation to my brother and I when I was 5, he was 8. I remember being scared to death by the story. She elaborated, as only my mom could do.... But she had me convinced that the end of the world was going to be 2000. She also talked about the 7 year tribulation - so in my darkened hard heart - my thought was - to be safe - I'd give my life to the Lord by 1993, just in case she was off a little bit... Thank you Lord, for rescuing me sooner!
• vs 19 Callous - before we know the Lord, we give ourselves over to sensuality, impurity and greediness.
  
• vs 22 We are corrupt, lustful and full of deceit.

I desire to no longer live like that - Father, I know that I can only live in a manner worthy of you, if I allow you to fill my heart and my mind. Thank you Lord for your love.

How we are supposed to live - as Children of God.

• vs 1 - Walk in a manner worthy of our calling
• vs 2 - humble / gentle / patient / tolerant / in love - I know that at times I don't live like this at all, but I also know that God is growing me - and I am much more like him than I was 20 years ago! For that I am very Thankful!
  
• vs 3 diligent / preserving the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace / We have GRACE through Jesus!
• vs 15 speak the truth in love
• vs 23 be renewed in the spirit in your mind. Allow God to teach you how to think like Him, meaning you have to know Him. In order to know Him - you have to read the bible - because He shows Himself there.
• vs 24 Be like God in His righteousness and holiness
• vs 25 lay aside falsehood, speak the truth to each other (in love - see vs 15)
• vs 26 It's OK to be angry - but don't sin in your anger. (Don't pay back evil for evil)
• vs 28 Do not steal, but work so you can help those in need (kind of goes hand in hand with the don't be greedy part)
• vs 29 Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth - when you speak - do so to build others up - not to tear them down
• vs 31 Get rid of bitterness, wrath and anger - there should be no slander or malice in us
• vs 32 Be kind, tender hearted and forgiving

Father, thank you for your word. Please give me the words and the wisdom to share you and your love with those around me. Use me to encourage and build up your children. Father, help me to be a leader that seeks you. I desire your will for my life.

From biblegateway.com

Ephesians 4

Unity in the Body of Christ

¹As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

⁷But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. ⁸This is why it^a]">[a] says:
"When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men."^b]">[b] ⁹(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions^c]">[c]? ¹⁰He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) ¹¹It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, ¹²to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

¹⁴Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Living as Children of Light

¹⁷So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. ¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

²⁰You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. ²¹Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. ²²You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. ²⁶"In your anger do not sin"^d]">[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. ³⁰And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³²Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

• 
  

The Holy Spirit

Today - the focus is on the Holy Spirit - In Ephesians, Chapters 1 - 3, there are a few references to the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1: 11In him we were also chosen,^[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.

• The Holy Spirit is a pledge of our inheritance -

Ephesians 2: 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 3: 2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

• The Holdy Spirit reveals to us - insight and themystery of Christ. This is why the bible is follishness to hose that are perishing.
  
• 1 Corinthians 1:18
  [ Christ the Wisdom and Power of God ] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
• Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, there isn't any way that I can understand any of this. Thank you Father - for opening the eyes of my heart - for choosing and changing me.

Ephesians 3:16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

• The Holy Spirit strengthens us with His power. In order that Christ may dwell in our hearts - through faith we can be rooted and grounded in love - love which surpasses knowledge.
• Without the indwelling of the Spirit, it doesn't matter how knowledgeable I am. A person can have all of the knowledge of the world, but without God's love - none of it matters.
  
• This actually reminds me of a Mindy McCready song - Without Love - it don't mean a thing....
  

Our Wealth and Position in Christ (Ephesians 1 - 3)

According to Ephesians chapters 1 - 3 ; the following is a list of our wealth and position in Christ.

• 1:1 We have His faithfulness
• 1:3 We have His spiritual blessings (in the heavenly realm) - In the heavenly realm is a "key" to spiritual warfare
  
• 1:4 We are chosen - I am chosen
• 1:7 We have redemption and forgiveness of our sins
• 1:9 The mystery of His will has been made known to us
• 1:11 We have an inheritance - and are predestined
• 1:12 We have Hope - Thank you Jesus -
  
• 1:13 Hearing and believing -we are sealed in Him with the promise
• 1:15 We have faith - and love
• 1:18 We have hope - riches and an inheritance
• 1:19 In Him, we have surpassing greatness
• 2:6 We are saved and seated with Christ in the heavenly places (We ARE - now - today, although I'm here on earth - in this world - I am currently seated with Christ in the Heavenly places - HE is giving me His power to fight the good fight - )
• 2:7 In Him, we experience God's grace and kindness - not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
• 2:10 Created for God's works
• 2:13 Have been brought near to Christ
• 2:15 The Law has been abolished
• 2:21 Growing into a Holy Temple
• 3:10 Given God's wisdom
• 3:12 Given Boldness and confident access to Jesus
• 3:20 His power is at work IN ME!

There is so much in these three chapters -
Chapter 2 says -1 - 6 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power, of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved) and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Before I trusted and believed in Jesus Christ, while I was still indulging in sin and the desires of my flesh (which of course I still do - even though I don't want to) But, even before this - He raised me up and sat me with Him in the heavenly places - so that He can show His riches and His grace and His Kindness towards us - This must be part of God's time warp - he did this before I believed.

Lord Jesus, please teach me to live in your Grace, Father - that people would see your power at work in me. Thank you for your work on the cross. Use me Lord, to reach those that are still dead in their transgressions - but Thank you Jesus, for seating them with you - even now. Lord, Your ways are so far above ours. Thank you for your Grace, your love, wisdom and forgiveness. Use me - change me - love through me. Show me Lord, how to share your heart with Miranda and Deven - thank you for my children.

Ephesians 3

What God has done- in Ephesians 3

• Vs 2 - God gives us Grace
• Vs 9 - God created all things
• Vs 10 - God gave wisdom through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places
• Vs 14-15 - Every family in heaven and on earth derives it's name from God (Even the Lackey's!)
  
• Vs 16 - He grants us according to the riches of his Glory - to be strengthened with power through his spirit.

I may have to look up a commentary on Vs 10 - I don't think I fully understand it.

Ephesians 3:10 (New International Version)

10His 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,

My Matthew Henry Commentary says this: 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. v 10. The manifold wisdom of God; that is things, or of the many ways he takes in ordering his church and especially in receiving the Gentiles into it. And this is according to his eternal purpose which is accomplished in Christ Jesus.

Vs 14 & 15 - Every families name is derived from God! (I believe that this is talking about those that have a relationship with Jesus Christ - and are called by his name.) Although - I do believe that God gives us our name - through our parents. All names have a spiritual connotation

©
Baby Names Meanings

Lori means Victorious One - I believe that God's desire is for me to be victorious - but Satan's plan is that I experience the opposite.

Finally - my favorite portion of Ephesians 3 is 17 - 20

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

How incredible - God does give us His wisdom - and I have prayed for His wisdom all of my 19 years as a believer - HEY!!!! TODAY IS MY 19TH BIRTHDAY AS A CHRISTIAN!!! - But I so desire that I would be filled more so with his Love - God's love surpasses knowledge... Father - please fill me with your love - that it would pour out of me so that I can not hold it in. Jesus I desire your heart. Father, give me a love for those that I may deem un-loveable.

Ephesians 2

Marking each reference to God - and making a list of what He has done.

1. Rich in mercy and great in love - vs 4
2. Made us alive together with Christ, through his Grace - even when we were dead - vs 5
3. Raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly places - vs 6
4. Will show the surpassing riches of His grace in Kindness - vs 7
5. For by grace I have been saved - through faith, not of myself, it is a gift of God - vs 8
6. I am His workmanship - created in Christ for good works, prepared before hand by God, so that I can walk in them. - vs 10
7. I was separated, but am no longer - vs 12
8. I have been brought near by the blood o f Christ vs 13
9. He is peace - and has broke down the barrier of the dividing wall - vs 14
10. He established peace - vs 15
11. Reconciliation through the cross - vs 16
12. Preached peace to those near and far - vs 17
13. Given us access in one spirit to the Father vs 18
14. Made me a fellow citizen and part of God's house- vs 19
15. Grows us/me into the Holy temple in the Lord - vs 21

Inductive Bible Study - Ephesians

What I've learned so far -

Chapter 1 - mark each reference to God, then make a list of everything God does.

1. Wills us (vs 1)
   
2. gives peace vs 2
   
3. Blessed us with spiritual blessings - vs 3
   
4. Chose us in Him - makes us holy and blameless before Him - in Love- vs 4
   
5. Predestined us to adoption as sons - vs 5
   
6. Freely bestows His Grace - vs 6
   
7. Redemption through his blood - forgiveness - vs 7
   
8. Lavishes wisdom and insight on us - vs 8
   
9. made known His will - vs 9
10. Gives us an inheritance, predestines us, works all things according to His will - vs 11
11. Salvation - sealed in His promise - vs 13
12. Predestined - redemption - vs 14
13. Gives spirit of wisdom, revelation and knowledge - vs 17
14. Opens our eyes and hearts - gives hope and an inheritance - vs 18
15. Raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand - vs 20
16. All things are subject to Jesus - through God - vs 22
    

New Inductive Bible Study

This is a wonderful Bible - that has very little commentary in it.

What is Inductive Study?

With this style of Bible study, you learn directly from the Bible using a series of thought- provoking guides. Kay Arthur is an incredible teacher and speaker. Her web page has free downloads for various books of the bible. Here is a link to her web page that answers the question - what is Inductive Study http://www.precept.org/site/PageServer?pagename=brd_whatisinductivestudy

I have completed the book of James - and found insight that literally opened the eyes of my heart.

James Chapter 3:13-18 spoke to me - regarding my position at work, and the politics that go with it.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

As I read this, I was convinced that there are many in leadership postitions, in schools, corporations, and the government, that do what they do, because of selfish ambition, and jealousy. I desire to be the kind of leader that does what I do, because of the Love that God has bestowed on me. It is my hope, that everything I do - whether at home or at work - has a positive eternal consequence.

My prayer has been, that I would be pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering and without hypocrisy. I know that there are those out there that are on the other side - I desire to not look at the reason behind why they do what they do, but to continue to fight the good fight - in the Spirit of the Lord.

An interesting insight that I've received - For years, I would pray that I would have Wisdom from above. The book of James confirmed that this is to be our prayer. I'm now studying Ephesians - and the first day I read Ephesians 3:19 "and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God."

Father, fill me with your love, that it would pour out of me - so much that I can't hold it in. Use me Jesus. I desire your heart Father, to love even those that offend me. I have desired your wisdom, and you have granted it. Thank you Father