Fri, Apr 20th - 11:51AM

Candid Honesty

To instruct us in candid honesty, God gave us the book of Psalms - a worship manual, full of ranting, raving, doubts, fears, resentments, and deep passions combined with thanksgiving, praise, and statments of faith.  Every possible emotion is catalogued in the Psalms.  When you read the emotional confessions of David and others, realize this is how God wants you to worship Him -- holding back nothing of which you feel.

Sat, Apr 14th - 5:38PM

Proclamation of Ordination

Thank you dear ones for your heartfelt (and quick) replies to my last entry.  To answer the question that seems to be on a few lips:  No one has asked for money ... no significant amount anyway.  Each class was $12.00 and I took 18 of them.  Now this email stating that I have two to go and when I'm finished they will send my 'Proclamation of Ordination' along with material I'll need to continue study. 

I'm praying and meditating over this.  I want the Lord's Will in my life, and this seems unbelievable to me.  In the grand scheme of things, why would I be chosen to receive this "title" with little effort on my part?  People study at seminary for YEARS before they're ordained ....

Replies?

"TalkerCat"

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Sat, Apr 14th - 2:02PM

His Heart's Desire

" ... Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you ... " James 4:18

QUESTION FOR MY READERS:

Does completing  a short-term correspondence class qualify someone to be in ministry?  I received notice lately that I'm being 'ordained'.  I'm unsure of the church affiliation though, because it's almost free to take classes and only one year to complete the study. 

As you know, I've decided to take the Narrow Path Home.  It's long and painful sometimes, but well worth the rewards.  For the past 18 months I've been deeply involved in a correspondence bible class.  It has taught me a lot about who God is.  When I began the classes it was for my own heart and education of the bible.  I've studied hard and recieved high marks....now yesterday I get a message via email from the 'Universal Church Ministry'.  It said that once I complete the last two studies, I'll receive 'ordination'.  Wow!  I had no idea that a certificate of chaplaincy would be the end result of the classes ~ I assumed I would get a 'certificate of completion' but 'ordination' was no where near my thoughts.  Might this be God's purpose for me - to minister somehow, someway - to get His word out?  Within the next few months could I actually be a Reverend? ...

Any thoughts?  I'm a bit dumbfounded.

"TalkerCat"

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Thu, Apr 12th - 2:02PM

What? Me Worry?

When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that's called worry.  When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, that's called meditation. 

If you know how to worry; you already know how to meditate!

Mon, Apr 9th - 11:00PM

Pray Without Ceasing

Anyone that asks me is told to "pray shorter, conversational prayers continually through the day", rather than trying to pray long sessions of complex words.  To maintain focus and counteract wandering thoughts, I advise to not use many words since long drawn out pleas and praise are often the occasions for wandering.  In this age of "ADD", keeping it simple seems to be the way we can all 'pray without ceasing' and establish a friendship with God ...  also by thinking about His Word throughout the day and the Bible repeatedly urges us to meditate on who God is, what He has done and what He has said.

"TalkerCat"

Thu, Apr 5th - 2:58PM

A Passionate God

God deeply desires that we know Him intimately.  In fact, He planned the universe and orchestrated history, including the details of our lives, so that we could become His friends.  The Bible says, "He made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope in the dark but actually find Him"  (Acts 17:26-27)  That God would want me for a close friend is hard to understand, but the Bible says, "He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you." (Exodus 34-14)

You'll never grow a close relationship with God by just attending church one day a week or even having a daily quiet time.  Friendship with God is built by sharing all your life experiences with Him .... Of course, it's important to establish the daily habit of devotional time, but He wants more than an appointment in your schedule.  He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem, and even every thought!

Your Friend and Sister in Christ, Terri

"TalkerCat"

Mon, Apr 2nd - 9:30PM

Whenever I Call You Friend

In Eden we see God's ideal relationship with us.  Adam and Eve enjoyed an intimate relationship with God.  There were no rituals, ceremonies, or religion - just a simple, loving relationship between God and the people He created.  Unhindered by guilt or fear, Adam and Eve delighted in God, and He delighted in them.

Jesus said, "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.  Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." (John 15:15)  The word for friend in this verse does not mean a casual acquantance but a close, trusted relationship.  The same word is used to refer to the best man at a wedding and a king's inner circle of intimate, trusted friends.

"TalkerCat"

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