tag:sandyharless.com,2005:/blogs/this-journey?p=3This Journey2018-10-30T17:53:32-04:00Sandy Harlessfalsetag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/59845902019-11-29T10:42:40-05:002023-12-10T12:00:10-05:00How Tech Is Giving Power to People With Disabilities <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/225cba34de1ba3f2f98c0394f4e45cb82a11fe89/original/alejandro-escamilla-lf8gk8-hgsg-unsplash.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Article by Patrick Young</p>
<p>Image courtesy of <a contents="Unsplash" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/LF8gK8-HGSg" target="_blank">Unsplash</a></p>
<p>Technology is designed to make tasks more manageable and also improve the lives of people living with disabilities. Rather than lock them out of the workforce, technology is creating an inclusive environment for talented people with disabilities. Designers are now creating devices and <a contents="websites" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://uxdesign.cc/designing-for-accessibility-is-not-that-hard-c04cc4779d94" target="_blank">websites</a> with accessibility in mind. With the right assistive technology, someone with a disability can apply for a job, be successful in interviews, and work comfortably. </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Talking Hands </span></strong></p>
<p>This technology can help people with hearing and vision impairments. It enables users to communicate by pinching or pressing different parts of their glove to represent different letters. Indiegogo explains the <a contents="dbGLOVE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dbglove-improving-the-life-of-blind-and-deaf-blind-people#/" target="_blank">dbGLOVE</a> is based on a specialized alphabet and connects to a smartphone to support remote information exchange. This glove also supports document reading, web browsing, sending emails, and chatting, among other applications. It also makes it easier to learn than Braille. Ultimately, this unique glove enhances inclusivity for hearing- and vision-impaired people. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Smartphone Applications </strong></span></p>
<p>There are numerous apps designed to help people with sensory, mental, and motor skills impairments. For example, the <a contents="ColorDetect" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://appadvice.com/app/colordetect/397748749" target="_blank">ColorDetect</a> app allows users to identify colors in real-time through augmented reality technology. <a contents="Digit-Eyes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.iaccessibility.com/apps/blind/index.cgi/product?ID=28" target="_blank">Digit-Eyes</a> enables users with visual impairments to scan QR and barcodes when shopping. Do some exploring, because whatever you could use a little assistance with, there’s an app for that! </p>
<p>For a seamless app-integration experience, sometimes a phone upgrade is in order. Newer phones such as the iPhone XS Max have the power, memory, and speed to run apps to your heart’s content. What’s more, the XS Max offers <a contents="ultra-fast" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.verizonwireless.com/smartphones/apple-iphone-xs-max/" target="_blank">ultra-fast</a> face recognition, making accessing your phone a breeze. This phone also has a generous display to help you read and display text communications. </p>
<p>If you prefer Android phones, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus is an excellent option. It, too, has a large, <a contents="clear " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.samsung.com/africa_en/smartphones/galaxy-s10/" target="_blank">clear </a>display, and there is easy access through a fingerprint sensor. </p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">Glasses for People with Visual Impairments </span></strong></p>
<p>Smart glasses are helping people with low vision or no vision to navigate the physical world. For example, <a contents="NuEyes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nueyes.com" target="_blank">NuEyes</a> are smart glasses that run on Android and support magnification, color-changing, contract adjustments, QR and barcode scanning, and OCR to read printable documents. These glasses can be operated with a wireless controller or with simple voice commands. </p>
<p><a contents="Aira" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://aira.io" target="_blank">Aira</a> is another brand of smart glasses that uses a camera and an assistant to help those with visual impairments move around. Once put on, the user is connected to an assistant in real-time who describes the objects in front of them. It’s a chance to do everything from housework to job-related tasks with low or no vision. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Controlling Computers with Eyes </strong></span></p>
<p>Degenerative diseases affect neurons leading to immobility. Professor Stephen Hawking, however, showed that with the right technology, anyone could contribute to knowledge in the world. Many of these diseases rarely affect the eye, which is the reasoning behind the creation of technologies such as <a contents="Eyegaze Edge." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://eyegaze.com/products/eyegaze-edge/" target="_blank">Eyegaze Edge.</a> This software uses Pupil Center/Corneal Reflection (PCCR) technology to enable the computer to work out precisely what the user is looking at. With Eyegaze Edge, people with limited motor skills can complete tasks on a <a contents="tablet" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://reviewscon.com/best-business-tablets/" target="_blank">tablet</a>. </p>
<p><span class="font_large"><strong>Real-Time Captions and Subtitles </strong></span></p>
<p><a contents="PowerPoint" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://support.office.com/en-us/article/present-with-real-time-automatic-captions-or-subtitles-in-powerpoint-68d20e49-aec3-456a-939d-34a79e8ddd5f" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> for Office 365 can now accommodate live captions and subtitles. The feature transcribes words as they are spoken and displays them as captions or subtitles in the same language being spoken or in another language. This makes communication better for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or understand another language. As the user, all you need to do is plug in a microphone set to the device running the PowerPoint. You can then select the translation language and the position of the subtitles. </p>
<p><a contents="Skype" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://blogs.skype.com/news/2018/12/03/introducing-live-captions-and-subtitles-in-skype/" target="_blank">Skype</a> is also using this feature to enhance communication. In the latest version of Skype, users can set live subtitles while making calls to friends, co-workers, and groups. The company also plans to include extra accessibility options to help deaf people or those who are hard of hearing navigate the subtitles separately, and to enable translations for more than 20 languages. </p>
<p>Assistive technology is enabling the inclusion of people with disabilities into the modern workplace. There is a solution to support nearly every situation. Consider what could help you in your career path, and look for the tech that fits.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52928622018-06-13T08:41:20-04:002018-06-13T09:09:44-04:00Delete<p><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/5ce98a2cc87234ebd78bebaa86ae7a05888b9a2c/original/live-16.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p>In ministry leadership, there is the back end. It’s like the behind the scenes stuff that no one sees. One of those categories is administrative or clerical if you will. One of those things is simply keeping an email database updated to reflect current attendance, past attendance, and future possibilities. With email contacts and social media there are several checkpoints. This morning I find myself in that mode looking over my lists….. and I find two ladies…… no two friends….. no two sisters in Christ…. members of my family. The reality comes into focus….. it’s time to delete them. Delete them? NO! I cannot, because they will be gone forever. They have been here a while, one for a very long while…. I cannot just simply hit the delete button. My mind talks back, “But they are gone forever. They no longer read emails and their inbox is probably overflowing with emails that will never be read.” I hit delete for the first one who has been in my life for about 2 years. I recounted her laughter, sense of humor and kindness. Her name slipped from the list like a stair step that had been removed from it’s place. That felt sudden and strange. Time to move on to the 2nd name. I clicked on her name, Donna, and her whole Google profile popped up with her sweet face alongside her grandson’s sweet face. She was so vibrant and happy and healthy. My mind wandered to every place I had seen her over the years, ministered alongside her, been ministered to by her, conversations we had…… how could I hit delete. I did. Her profile and her picture just vanished before my eyes and there in her place was a blank screen. A flood of tears rushed in with a host of regrets of things unsaid and more time I wished we had spent. A gentle whisper from God, “She is not gone forever. You will see her again.” </p>
<p>The truth is, we will all vanish from the earth one day. Our spirit will just move from "here to there.” I can be comforted in this one thing: my friends were Heaven-bound. They had both received Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and had a living and active relationship with Him. They are not gone forever. They have moved to a place of wonder and we all have the opportunity to follow them there. Thank You Jesus for making the way to get back to You.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/50000962017-12-30T13:08:44-05:002017-12-30T13:08:44-05:00She's not who you think she is.....<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/cfa0fec5ef9708dc0782c84e03c895ea3409423a/original/5eb7244a-d828-4dd6-b0e0-ef95daad2a8c.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> She’s not who you think she is…. </p>
<p>I dreamed that I was asked to be a guest worship leader and sing for a large church. This church was in the city and was run by a husband and wife team. Upon arriving, very little attention was given to me being there. I did not meet the pastors, I wasn’t instructed on the service agenda, given a sound check or anything. I was simply told to go and wait in a room that was off stage left. Suddenly the door busts open and a young blonde floods the room with her presence. She is yelling, cursing, pulling at her clothes, ripping ribbons from her hair…. nothing is right and she wasn’t having it. It was a horrible scene. Then out she goes as quick as she came screaming “no, no, no, I’ll just fix it myself!” </p>
<p>In the next scene of this dream, I was sitting in the congregation. I still had not led worship, or sung the first song. The pastor opened in prayer and announcements and then introduced his wife, whom he was turning the service over to. Out walks the blonde whom I had just witnessed in a full-on hissy fit. I noticed she was considerably younger than her husband as she takes the pulpit. She is graceful, beautiful and adorned with a winning smile to the congregation. She began to deliver a message befitting a pastor. Her congregation seemed to hang on every word she spoke. Inside I was cringing. She then acknowledged my presence to the congregation and suggests that I may be their new worship leader. I wanted to melt into the pew. I wanted to leave, but I couldn’t. I wanted to let her husband and their congregation know…. “She’s not who you think she is….” </p>
<p>The service ended and I found myself lost outside the church, walking blocks and blocks trying to find my car. </p>
<p>I’m not sure what this dream means, or if it has any meaning at all. However, what is glaringly obvious is the duplicity of the woman. She was the only one exposed for her behavior in my dream, however, I’m sure there were more like her present. She held a place of spiritual authority and responsibility. We automatically hold her and others in her position to a higher standard. But God holds each of us to HIS standard. God’s standard should be a consistent trait in us whether behind the scenes or out for everyone to see. Let God search your heart and bring correction wherever He sees fit. Maybe that’s the purpose of the dream….. to help us to be more aware of ourselves. He is coming back for His bride without spot or wrinkle and He sees exactly who we are. Love and blessings to you.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/48484042017-09-13T11:00:59-04:002017-09-13T11:31:16-04:00Let's IGNITE<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/cc35753f1906e0bc6a2c2773c68222c437004dba/original/ignite.jpg?1505315332" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In prayer for the world this morning. I happened to listen to a video about Americans forgetting the events of 911 and the many who died either in the attack itself or trying to save the survivors. Americans swore to “never forget” yet here we are 16 years later burning flags and tearing each other apart. How quickly we digress. How many natural disasters have occurred in the last 16 years leaving more devastation, more death? A presidential election brings out the absolute worst in many people. People group up according to their personal soap boxes and spew their poisons on any platform they deem fit. They set out to cause social distress and violence. Darkness beyond belief is being exposed and the hearts of many are sickened, saddened and overwhelmed. </p>
<p>“Where do I begin to pray God?” </p>
<p>I pray for our President who has an overwhelming task before him of “fixing it.” </p>
<p>But he can’t fix it, only God can </p>
<p>I repent for our ways and thought patterns molded by generations of complacency and a general falling away from moral value and God’s Word leaving our children to flounder in doing whatever makes them feel good. </p>
<p>I pray that our world will turn to God, will turn away from what is evil. </p>
<p>I remembered the scriptures in Revelation 3 </p>
<p>15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. </p>
<p>20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. </p>
<p>22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” </p>
<p>This is Jesus talking to the CHURCH! Not the world who don’t know God, but to the church. </p>
<p>How do we get their attention, God? The ones who have plenty seem to have no need of You. The ones who are struggling turn away in anger. What is my role here? How can I help You, God? The world needs You, but they don’t want to do what You say in Your word. They don’t believe, they don’t see, they don’t hear, they make fun of what they don’t understand. How can I reach out to the world when my influence on my own friends and family doesn’t bear the fruit I want to see. </p>
<p>The Christians, for the most part, are going through the motions and think they are fulfilling their weekly requirements of attendance. I feel an overwhelming sense of urgency and yet I watch as the churches reorganize, redecorate, recalculate, recalibrate and life goes on while little changes in the hearts of man. </p>
<p>And how about church leadership? Many are burned out. The fire they had when they dreamed of becoming a pastor and getting into ministry has been gleaned and gleaned. The parishioners want someone else to fill their cup, and they expect the pastor to do that for them. The leadership plan and implement all sorts of ways for their flock to get fueled and this becomes a huge well-oiled machine, yet little changes in the hearts of man. </p>
<p>I don’t know why God says above that he wished we were either hot or cold. Hot for God is obviously being on FIRE with passion and obedience. Perhaps a cold heart is easier to ignite than a heart that is lukewarm. Think of stepping into a hot tub that is hot and bubbling and how great it feels. If I stepped in and it was cold, I would want to get out! But if I stepped into a lukewarm tub, I may not even notice the water touching my skin. I may sit a while hoping that it would heat up soon. Maybe that’s what some are doing in church…. they are sitting a while waiting for something to happen. Waiting for a personal sermon just for their life, a song that ministers to their heart, a prayer that changes things, a miracle to confirm their belief in God, or for everything to suddenly make sense as to why they are even on the planet. Nonetheless…. waiting. Some have given up waiting in a pew, so now they are waiting at home. They sleep later on Sunday mornings and have the weekend to themselves as a mini-vacation they have earned for a week’s work. They still profess to believe in God and call themselves Christian, but church just isn’t doing anything for them. Or they church hop looking for fire. They are LUKEWARM & self-absorbed. </p>
<p>How I long to see a FIRE INFUSED movement of God! How I long to see reformation in the hearts of man! I’m not looking to see people acting crazy, I want to see people HEALED, CHANGED, RENEWED, WHOLE in mind, body and spirit, filled with JOY and PEACE. I want to see people freed up enough to LOVE. I want to see people turn back to God and away from things and mindsets that destroy them from the inside out. Revival? Yes, but not an event that comes and goes. I want the world to know You God, but I must begin where I have been planted. What do I do from here? </p>
<p>John Wesley was quoted to say, “I set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” Let it begin Lord. I think of a candlelight service where one flame touches the candle next to it until an entire congregation is aglow. We need to ask God to fan our individual flames and then make a place, make room, make time for those around us to catch on FIRE. How else are we going to be effective in heating up the lukewarm and sending them out for the cold hearts? If we keep doing the same things, the same way expecting a different result, then we are just insane. That’s the quote, correct? There’s nothing wrong with programs…… just don’t make it the main thing. GOD is the main thing, He is everything. Jesus is our everything and our way maker. The Holy Spirit is our fuel. Let’s IGNITE!</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/48120352017-08-12T07:39:53-04:002018-03-08T06:34:12-05:00Is God an addition to your life or is He the Source?<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/0092f18b909702e7e0a7d24d14e842824be81d73/original/unbelief.jpg?1502537574" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am reading in 1 Samuel about when the Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant from the Israelites in battle. They placed it beside the statue of their god Dagon. The statue of Dagon would fall on its face 3 nights in a row laid out before the ark and the 3rd time its head and hands broke off. Then their people began to develop tumors. It was moved to 3 locations with the same outcome. The Philistines were willing to recognize God as one of many gods, and they were willing to add Him to their collection, but they soon realized that they could not control the God of the Ark so they sent it away. </p>
<p>In the study notes of this Bible it poses a question: </p>
<p>The Philistines were pagans. Dagon was their chief god who was their god of rain and harvest, but they worshipped many gods, all from which they sought favor. They thought they could just add the one true GOD to their collection. HE wasn't having it. Thinking of God this way made it easy for them to ignore the fact that God demands that people worship Him alone. Many worship God this way. They see God as just one ingredient in a successful life. But God is far more than an ingredient - He is the SOURCE of life itself. Are you seeking God’s favor as only an ingredient of the good life? </p>
<p>I had to pause here and ask God if I am guilty in any way of this kind of limited faith. I’m sure that I am sometimes, but I don't want to be. We are to love God with our whole heart, mind, and soul (Mark 12:30 is just one reference to that quote from Jesus). This is the greatest command. It was given to the Israelites in the desert, it was given to the apostles by Jesus, it is expected of us today. Yet there is a tangible world we can see, touch and feel that is screaming for our attention, tugging at us with responsibilities and expectations, and taunting us with what we fear and what we lack. Our bodies respond physically, emotionally, mentally to all this external stimuli and when we look to God our creator we want an overwhelming “response” to occur. We want to “see, touch, hear, feel, taste”……SOMETHING….ANYTHING to prove to us that He is real. Those experiences are available to us, but are not the every day for everyone. </p>
<p>Then I remember the Israelites…. the ones that lived after the generation who witnessed big miracles in person. They were living according to laws….. so many laws to be kept straight and in proper order. God was no longer having audible meetings with the priests. They were all simply acting out of obedience and going through the motions. I wonder if they ever longed for a manifestation of God’s presence as individuals. There was a long period of God’s silence. I have been opinionated about their many failings, but I wonder how difficult it must have been to “go through the motions” based on victories and experiences of the past generations not ever witnessing a cloud, a pillar of fire, God’s audible voice on a mountain of fire or in a burning bush, manna to eat every morning, etc. etc. </p>
<p>So I ask myself for today… </p>
<p>When it appears that God is silent, does unbelief creep in? </p>
<p>Do I “go through the motions” waiting for the next “experience” to drop some faith in my cup? </p>
<p>Do I look to God merely for favors? </p>
<p>Do I try at times to add God to my life instead of making Him the source of it all? </p>
<p>O Lord God, I want to love You with ALL that I am and ALL that I have. I notice when I fall short. You reveal to me areas where my faith could be stronger. Lord I want to believe fully and completely holding nothing back of myself….help me when I doubt, help me when I hold back, help me when I fear. Lord help me to love You with my whole heart, mind and soul! I don’t want a mechanical faith of “going through the motions” waiting for the next big tangible “movement.” I know that if I ask, You are faithful to give and Your Holy Spirit is roaming the earth to empower us to do what You have given us the grace for. Loving You completely is one of those things. Thank You, Father for answering this prayer.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47970392017-07-30T16:35:13-04:002017-07-30T16:38:13-04:00Autism - AWESOME<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/6485e2b008cc7cdae96d45269e2ca61da9727e43/medium/autism-31828bb4.jpeg?1501446854" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I had a very special privilege given to me by God this morning. I know it is one that God took great care in preparing my heart for in advance. During praise & worship I decided to go up front to the floor in front of the altar. (We do that in my church, well…. some of us brave ones do… I haven't always been that brave) I was deeply moved in worship and was praying out for our members, declaring God’s victory in every circumstance represented there, and thanking Him for what he’s walked me through in my own life. At the end of worship our Pastor asked us to pair up with people around us and pray for each other. He encouraged us in the truth that we are ALL ministers, one to another. </p>
<p>I assumed who I would pray for, but I was very wrong. I turned to look into the face of Mason, and young man who said, “Jesus is King!” as our eyes met. I said, “Yes He is!” An adult male I know was “with” him and guided him into my hands for prayer. I asked his name and then his prayer request. He said with a slight awkwardness, “I’ve had autism since I was six.” My eyes lit up and I exclaimed, “That’s AWESOME Mason! That’s makes you very special. Do you know God created you to be exactly who He wants you to be? He made you PERFECT!” I went on to declare power, wholeness, clarity of mind and voice, for things to line up in his life and in his mind, will and emotions for God to use him in his destiny. I told him that he would be a mighty witness for God and how much God loved him right now just as he is. </p>
<p>The words for this boy just flowed from me like a river and it was like we were the only ones in the room. During the declarations I felt his hands squeeze mine a little tighter with each decree. Something happened there…. I may never be privileged to see it, but I know I was there for such a time as that. You see…. I just read a book entitled Josiah’s Fire. In this book a boy with autism, who is completely nonverbal, begins to open up with an IPAD at age 6. Josiah is privy to a relationship with Jesus that most of us will never know until we get to Heaven. Josiah’s physical limitations are merely a veil for ALL that is going on inside of him and He is powerful for the Kingdom. Josiah is educated and has wisdom beyond his years. All this, he has received directly from his visits with Jesus! Mason IS verbal. He is on fire for God. Imagine how God will be able to use his life as well! </p>
<p>Never discredit what you can’t see, or what you can’t make sense of. Never dismiss the ones who don’t walk to the beat of your drum. Our God is very creative and sometimes He likes to confound us with the unlikely. Be ready to see, open to listen, eager to hear and understand! </p>
<p>May God bless you with the unexpected today!</p>
<p>Links to Josiah's Fire Book and Facebook page:</p>
<p><a contents="http://josiahsfire.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://josiahsfire.com" target="_blank">http://josiahsfire.com</a></p>
<p><a contents="https://www.facebook.com/JosiahsFire/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/JosiahsFire/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/JosiahsFire/</a></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47831142017-07-18T07:39:38-04:002021-10-21T14:49:35-04:00Yesterday's Defeat Can Become Today's Victory<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/771c60675c50b500ae07181e15114ff506bfd276/medium/defeat-victory.jpg?1500375800" class="size_m justify_center border_" /><span class="font_regular">Are you feeling disappointed and battle weary?</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Israelites FINALLY entered the promised land. They experienced fantastic victory as they followed instructions from God. They did as they were told and the walls surrounding this great city fell. However, due to the disobedience, and in this case greed of one man, their next battle would be terribly lost. You see, they were instructed to destroy everything in this pagan land. God didn't want the belongings of the wicked among his people. Yet one man kept a robe, silver, and gold for himself. So when they went to battle in Ai, it was not with the blessing of God, and they LOST. Perplexed at this devastating blow they bowed on their faces in prayer around the Ark until evening. The Lord commanded them to "GET UP and deal with their sin." After the sin was exposed and dealt with, they were led back to Ai and conquered them. And this time they were allowed to keep whatever they wanted.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">If you seem to be facing defeat after defeat in your own life, I wonder if just maybe there might be disobedience. Maybe you and everybody else knows you don't live according to Word of God and your sins are blatant and totally "out there." Or maybe you do live according to the Word, yet you are not doing something that God has specifically told you to do. Or you are doing something God specifically told you to stop doing. Sin can be a subtle stumbling block, but no matter how blatant or subtle, you know you are tripping over it time and time again.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">The Bible teaches us here that once sin is dealt with, forgiveness and victory lie ahead. We do not have to stay in a place of guilt or discouragement when we look to God for direction. No matter how badly we've messed up or how difficult life has become because of our sin, we must renew our efforts to carry out God's will. We don't need to roll around on the ground feeling worthless. We need to "GET UP and deal with our sin." How? </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Confess the sin to God (out loud with your own voice) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Ask for forgiveness from God</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Repent of it (which means to turn away from it, not returning to it)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Make restitution if need be (who did you hurt in the process and how can you make it right?)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Ask forgiveness of others you may have hurt (understanding that they may not be ready to forgive you, but God will if you are genuine)</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">When we chose to walk in the will of God for our lives, our trials can become our testimony of God's greatness. Ask God for direction. He will be faithful to give it to you. If your sin is habitual, find a support group. If you need to learn more about the Word and how it applies to you, join a bible study group. Yes, come to church on Sunday, but don't think that is going to be enough. You need to get into the Word for yourself. You need to understand the Word for yourself so that when you hear it again in a group setting you can hear it with understanding.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Yesterday's defeat can become today's victory. Now GET UP and go be victorious!!</span></p>
<p>Isaiah 41:10-13 ESV </p>
<p>Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”</p>
<p>1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV</p>
<p>But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47812552017-07-16T15:16:00-04:002021-10-21T14:50:13-04:00Are you a "SLUGGER?"<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/70cc465fda01c468ad10b31fd1c872a8db49d347/original/slugger.jpg?1500232163" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">We are in the middle of a sermon series on Love at my church. I was asked to do the "Call to Worship" and this is what God laid on my heart for today. I pray you are encouraged to reach higher, deeper, and with more passion desiring a more intimate and authentic relationship with the One who loves you the most. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The </span><span class="font_regular">bible</span><span class="font_regular"> tells us that God is Love and everything that comes from Him is an act of His love. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The first and greatest commandment to us: </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><strong>You must love the Lord your God with </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><strong>All your heart, All your soul, and All your strength. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">That’s a whole lot of </span><span class="font_regular">loving</span><span class="font_regular">! That’s like… ALL you have. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">And born basically selfish, we have a choice. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">We will have to choose to love God on purpose… </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">in every circumstance and feeling - warm fuzzies and in want </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">That is going to take a huge amount of effort on our part. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">In Galatians, the first Fruit of the ‘Spirit of God’ is Love, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">So if God’s in here (in our heart), we can love. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(John 15:13) <strong>There is no greater love than to lay down one’s </strong></span><strong><span class="font_regular">life </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">for</span></strong><span class="font_regular"><strong> one’s friends.</strong> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Psalm 13:5) <strong>I trust in your unfailing love. </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">I will rejoice because You have rescued me. </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">He rescued us by laying down His life. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Jesus…. God in the flesh…. said this of us </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">If we make Him known to men, </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">He will make us known to the angels of God. (Luke 12:8) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">If we acknowledge Him publicly here on earth, </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">He will acknowledge us before His Father in heaven. (Matt 10:32-33) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">One of the ways we can publicly declare our love for God is </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Praise & Worship </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">It’s very important how we begin our services every week </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Did you know that your praise can clear the spiritual atmosphere in this room? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">And the bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">When God is here there is a LOVE exchange </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">But it is a choice - and sometimes a battle, but your praise declares that </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">YOU WILL NOT BE MOVED </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Your Worship becomes your love song and your battle cry. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">What we need to do is choose to be a <strong>“SLUGGER” </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Show UP (on time) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Look UP (focus on God) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">UPLift (His Holy Name) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Give UP (our pride & fear) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Grow Up (in our faith) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Elevate (God above our problems) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">End Up (on fire with love for God) (yes, I know there are 2 for 'E')</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span class="font_regular">Race Up (to the altar of God) </span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">For us, love is an action word. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">How much do you <strong>want</strong> to love God? </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Let’s shout out the name of God together in this place! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">This is how love wins!</span></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47665002017-07-04T08:46:43-04:002024-02-29T16:43:27-05:00Freedom with Christ Jesus<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/3fb7329e9db852674b9f1445adc5f9c332b4a8bb/original/cross-flag.jpg?1499172050" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">As we celebrate freedom in America, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">I’d like to take you on a little journey of freedom in scripture and the freedom we celebrate in Christ. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Jn 3:16) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The redemptive work of Jesus on the cross set us free from the curse of the law </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Gal. 3:13) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>The law was given to help us, but our weak flesh could not stick to it.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Gal 5:1 NLT) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>Stop nit picking each other and yourselves.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Live as people who are free, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">but living as servants of God. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(1Peter 2:16) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_regular">God doesn’t pick favorites: </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free (status), </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">and there is neither male nor female, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">for you are ALL ONE in Christ Jesus </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Gal. 3:28) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The Lord is the Spirit, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(2 For 3:17 NIV) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><em>The Lord is also “Truth”</em> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">(John 8:32 NIV) </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">So if the SON of GOD sets you free, you will be free indeed. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(John 8:36 ESV) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Freely you have received; freely give. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Matt 10:8b) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_regular">Acceptance, encouragement, healing, forgiveness - </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_regular">What do you withhold? What makes you do that? </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Because you belong to Him, the power of the LIFE-giving </span><span class="font_regular">Spirit </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">has</span><span class="font_regular"> FREED you from the power of sin that leads to death. </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Romans 8:1-2 NLT) </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="display: none;"> </span><em><span class="font_regular">You have LIFE in you, now you </span></em><span class="font_regular"><em>are </em></span><em><span class="font_regular"><em>FREE</em></span><span class="font_regular"> to give</span><span class="font_regular"> it away! </span></em><span style="display: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span class="font_regular">This scripture below is for you and me as we are compelled to go out and tell the good news and offer a hand to the hurting. </span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">to proclaim liberty to the captives, </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">and the opening of the prison to those who are bound </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">(Isaiah 61:1 ESV)</span></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47364802017-06-07T10:39:59-04:002021-10-21T14:52:23-04:00Prayer for President & Country<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/bb7de553644c6ba07eb1a0e31f5d201c1b2c1c2e/original/in-god-we-trust-graphic-american-flag-facebook.jpg?1496846260" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Prayer for President Trump, Country & People 6-5-2017 </p>
<p>Father God, </p>
<p>Firstly, may Donald Trump have a full saving knowledge of You and Your Son Jesus and may he submit his will to Your will completely. </p>
<p>May he seek You with his whole heart and worship You in Spirit and in Truth all the days of his life. May he be a ruler like King David, in that he would be a man after Your heart, and use his power and authority for the good works of Your Kingdom. </p>
<p>Open his spiritual ears to hear You, God, more clearly. May his focus be on Your plans for his presidency and influence in the U.S. and the world. Bring him dreams and visions from Your Kingdom and direct his ways. </p>
<p>Give him discernment and allow him to “see” like never before. Increase his wisdom beyond his own ability so that he will know beyond any doubt You are directing him. Give him boldness to move in ways he has never moved before. </p>
<p>Keep his heart soft toward Jesus and his mind continually washed in Your word. May his every thought be held captive by a loving Savior. </p>
<p>Help him to walk uprightly with courage knowing that you are with him. Keep his foot from any snare and his feet from stumbling. </p>
<p>Go ahead of him wherever he goes and prepare the way with favor for Your anointed work in this world. Clear a path for him in advance so his footing is steady and his path is sure. </p>
<p>Walk beside him on each side and gird him up. Give him strength and courage for his destiny. May he walk and not grow weary, may he run and not faint by Your Spirit and power working in and through him. </p>
<p>Walk behind him and be his rear guard blocking any backlash from decisions he must make. Lest the enemy attempt to sneak up behind him, Your presence, God, will be there for his protection. </p>
<p>Be beneath him to protect him from what’s below, and hover above him like a shield to block an assault from above. </p>
<p>Shut up the wagging tongues controlled by the enemy. Silence the slander and useless chatter. Cut off the avenues and airwaves from these evil tongues used to spread their venom. </p>
<p>Expose the plans of the enemy, corruption, twisted truth, lies, deception, people and things hidden in darkness. Subject these situations, people, and strategies to Your light of truth. </p>
<p>Father, I also ask that you would do all these things for our Vice President, Mike Pence. </p>
<p>Protect & strengthen their wives, marriages, children, and extended family, and their businesses. </p>
<p>Help your saints to hold their tongues in complaints and unbelief. Help them to examine their own hearts before, out of their heart, their mouth speaks. Remind your saints to take their concerns to God in prayer while using their words to strengthen and build up - not tear down. </p>
<p>Raise up for our country a government and place people in every position who value Your word, Your goodness, Your love, and Your ways. Raise up business owners who will operate with integrity. Pour out Your creativity and influence in the family structure, the healthcare system, food production, marketplace, education, entertainment and media. </p>
<p>Begin to activate the blessings long withheld from the United States. Break every chain that binds Your people and this land. Release abundant anointing onto your saints. Let Your healing flow across this land to restore sick and wounded bodies and souls, and yes even the land itself. Let what has been twisted by man be straightened out by You, Lord. Let the FIRE of revival consume this land and let every person rise up to praise You in Spirit and Truth. Let them rejoice and be glad in Your presence and sing Your praise to the world! </p>
<p>Ready Your saints for the harvest yet to come O Lord. May our callings and gifts come forth and operate to their fullness for Your Kingdom purposes. Make us bold, strong, battle ready, but tender hearted. Give us the ability to accept change, to bend and flow without breaking, and to be a catalyst for others in the trenches. Help us to present ourselves wide open for Your purification and cleansing so that we may live in holiness on this earth. Encourage us with Your love and strengthen us with Your power. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit as we proclaim the Name of Jesus as Lord. Help us to joyfully bring all honor and glory to You. </p>
<p>Thank You Father, for hearing this prayer. Thank You that You are near, You are listening, You are living and active, and You are moving on our behalf according to Your plan. </p>
<p>Yours is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory, forever and ever. It is in the mighty name of JESUS we pray. AMEN! </p>
<p>Prayer written by Sandy Harless in response to a word given by Lana Vawser</p>
<p><strong><em>Psalm 72 New Life Version (NLV) - </em></strong><em><strong>A Prayer for the King</strong> </em></p>
<p><em>72 O God, make the king right in what he decides. Make the king’s son right with You. 2 May he be right when he decides who is right and who is wrong and may he be fair to the poor. 3 Let mountains and hills bring peace to the people through what is right and good. 4 May he </em><em>stand</em><em> by those who are </em><em>poor, save</em><em> the children of those in need, and destroy the bad power over them. </em></p>
<p><em>5 May all the children-to-come fear You as long as the sun and the moon last. 6 May He </em><em>come</em><em> down like rain upon the cut grass, like rain that waters the earth. 7 In His days may all go well with those who are right and good. And may there be much peace until the moon is no more. </em></p>
<p><em>8 May he also </em><em>rule</em><em> from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who live in the desert will put their faces to the ground before Him. And those who hate Him will kiss the dust. 10 Let the kings of Tarshish and of the islands bring gifts. Let the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts. 11 Yes, let all kings fall down at His feet, and all nations serve Him. </em></p>
<p><em>12 For He will take out of trouble the one in need when he cries for </em><em>help,</em><em> and the poor man who has no one to help. 13 He will have loving-pity on the weak and those in need. He will save the lives of those in need. 14 He will take them from the bad power that is held over them and from being hurt. Their blood will be of much worth in His eyes. 15 He will live, and the gold of Sheba will be given to Him. Prayer will be given for Him all the time. Let them honor Him all day long. </em></p>
<p><em>16 May there be much grain in the land on top of the mountains. May its fruit grow like the trees of Lebanon. And may those of the city grow like the grass of the earth. 17 May His name last forever. May His name become bigger as long as the sun shines. And let men respect themselves through Him. Let all nations honor Him. </em></p>
<p><em>18 Honor and thanks be to the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does great things. 19 And honor </em><em>be</em><em> to His great name forever. May the whole earth be filled with His shining-greatness. Let it be so.</em></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/47184382017-05-22T19:21:43-04:002024-02-29T16:43:27-05:00Snorkeling for the Big Fish!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/0a6fb2a47c7c59d1a6953ba4f546b13748ed9176/large/egypt.jpg?1495495258" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>On a vacation in Peurto Rico I put on a mask and flippers and made it past the coral to the water (which dropped off drastically and freaked me out). I returned to the shallows just before the reef in about a foot of water, laid down and put my face in the water. I began to notice the tiniest plants and sea creatures and fish around me. I just stayed there marveling at how I would have never noticed them had I stayed in the deep looking for bigger fish. They were just as fantastic on a tiny scale! How much do we miss looking for the BIG things in life? We look right past what's in front of us to something we think we want. I am blessed! In the mundane and the exuberant... I am blessed!</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/46501412017-03-29T11:37:55-04:002017-03-29T12:10:55-04:00Holy Encounter at the Fish Market <p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/6054daee8ac02d26f7f0b49e0953a39b69e0a4e8/original/11981087-large.png?1490801657" class="size_l justify_center border_" />March 23, 2017 </p>
<p>My friend Licia and I had arrived in Hampton, checked into our hotel, and started to feel the grumblings of our hungry tummies. A quick look around the room offered little information about local restaurants. We had decided on seafood, and ventured down the front desk. I found myself discussing restaurants with a person whom I quickly discovered didn’t even like seafood….. ok never mind. What to do, but refer to my IPhone. We discovered a fish market/restaurant was only 2 miles from our hotel! As we neared the building what came into view was truly a ‘hole in the wall’ kind of place. Licia asked, “Are you sure you want to eat here?” To which I replied, “Well, they have made an entire TV series called ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ and most of the time the food looks really good. Let’s give it a shot. How bad can a local seafood market be?” </p>
<p>As we entered we noticed we were in the racial minority, which didn’t bother me but only confirmed that the food would be great! (the mention of race has an importance later in this testimony) An older lady, all dressed up, standing by the drink counter gave me a quick “are you lost?” kind of look. She was on her cell phone talking about a funeral. I prayed for her silently. We placed our order and chatted with a couple before sitting behind them in a booth. My seat faced the door. The man encouraged me to take a look at the fish market. To my amazement, they were stocked with all kinds of fresh fish and other seafood items. Our crab legs came out to the table just as an older white lady came in. She asked if they had an ‘all-you-can-eat’ crab leg special to which I replied, “I wish!” She then said, “Yes, I can eat crab legs all day long!” </p>
<p>The rest of our food came out, and as I took a bite of my turnip greens they dripped down my chin and the lady behind us had just returned from the trash and she smiled and said, “Good?” I replied “Mmmm Hmm!” I even broke my diet to eat delicious hush puppies. We were disappointed that the scallops were fried instead of steamed, but not so much that we didn’t eat them too! It was all very good. I noticed the other lady’s meal being delivered behind Licia and she was having fried fish. I thought to myself, “I wonder why she didn’t order crab legs?” I took another bite of my hush puppy and I heard in my head, “You buy her some crab legs.” I shook it off at first. But then again, “Buy her some crab legs.” I thought “Is that You God? You know she’s the only other white person in here. It’s going to look like a racial preference thing. I don’t want to offend anyone.” Then God spoke again, “Buy her some crab legs!” </p>
<p>I finished my last bite, left my seat without explanation to Licia and went to the window to order her crab legs. I ordered her one cluster because I knew she would be full from her fried fish. I delivered the receipt to her and gave her one of my CDs. I told her that God wanted to bless her, and so did I. She said thank you and looked at the back of the CD. She then looked back and forth at the CD and me and said, “THIS IS YOU! Are you performing locally this weekend?” I told her no, that we were in town to attend the Joyce Meyer conference and asked her if she was going. She told me that she was at Riverside Hospital and had been for over two weeks with her husband. He has Parkinson’s and was really struggling with his health. She told me this was the first real meal she had eaten since he was admitted. She had been eating from the hospital vending machines. I said, “Oh, I am so sorry! You really need to take care of yourself you know.” Then I asked, “Can we pray with you for your husband?” Her eyes welled up with tears and she said, “Yes, please.” Lica and I prayed over her husband Vincent for healing and over Nancy for strength and comfort among other things. It was a very moving experience for her and a humbling one for me. </p>
<p>We cleaned off our table and were getting ready to leave when the man who took my order ran out from the kitchen with a zip lock baggie that contained two clusters of frozen crab legs. He blurted out, “I am so sorry! I completely forgot to steam your order of crab legs! I want to offer you a double order to take home, or I can steam them for you. It will only take five minutes.” I said, “Well actually, this order is for this lady right here. Nancy, would you like two clusters instead of one?” Of course, she said yes. We said our goodbyes and I promised to keep her and her Vincent in my thoughts and prayers. I hoped I had not offended anyone in the restaurant, but more than that I hope they felt the presence of God in that little fish market. </p>
<p>On the way back to the hotel it occurred to me that God had doubled the blessing!! (Isn’t it just like Jesus to increase the fish?) I stepped out of my comfort zone into a simple act of obedience and God super-sized it on a tangible level! I pray for Nancy and Vincent that the spiritual blessing is an OVERFLOW that continues on and on! </p>
<p>Be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone, even when it feels awkward. You never know how much someone may need what you have to offer them. </p>
<p>If you’re in Hampton VA near the Hampton Coliseum and you like fresh seafood, visit: </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hampton Seafood Market & Restaurant <br>509 Bassette St <br>Hampton, VA 23669 <br>(757) 722-8268 </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.grahamandrollins.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.grahamandrollins.com" target="_blank">https://www.grahamandrollins.com</a></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/45202302016-12-21T08:25:09-05:002017-06-07T10:47:04-04:00He Didn't Show Up<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/system/e14d1ffe83867a99c0be013c0e26ce7a05681317/original/live-8.jpg?1399641818" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I had a vivid dream last night. I was on the worship team singing in the ensemble. The 3 of us were asked to back way up against the wall behind a stack of speakers while the band filled the stage. We could not hear much of what was going on except that it was really loud. Every once in a while in a playful gesture someone in the band would throw something in our direction. A rubber band, a balled up piece paper, etc. The congregation was standing and clapping, but not really engaged in worship. They were greeting each other as many strolled in late. When the music ended, everyone sat down. This is the time when a pastor would normally come up and grab a microphone and pray, but no one came up. Some of the associate pastors were in the congregation, but no one took the lead. The head pastor, who was supposed to deliver the sermon, never showed up. Everyone sat in their pew and began to converse with each other. After a long time, some got up to leave. Soon everyone followed. They left in disbelief that the pastor just wouldn’t show up. </p>
<p>I don’t know the full interpretation of this dream, but I find it odd that NO ONE knew what to do without the leader. When we come to church we are there to honor God, to praise Him, to give of ourselves to Him. This didn’t appear to happen. Some come to get their weekly teaching because they aren’t engaged in any other group or bible study. This didn’t happen. No one else stepped up to the plate to fill the role of the leader. Some come to appease their weekly duty. Check. </p>
<p>Has worship become more entertainment than a true exchange with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Let’s not put the blame on the band. In today’s culture a worship team has to nearly stand on their heads and put on a light show to get the general population's attention. This is supposed to be the time in the service when we are vertical with God. We are praising Him, exalting Him, telling Him of His greatness. The bible tells us that the Father inhabits our praise. Another version says He is enthroned on our praise! If we’ve come to be entertained then we are not postured to “give” we are postured to “receive.” </p>
<p>Has showing up late become the norm because, after all, the message hasn’t started yet. The part of the service I came to “receive” hasn’t started so I haven’t missed anything. Has coming to church been the only time during the week you are exposing yourself to the teachings of God? And, are you seriously expecting your pastor to squeeze all of what God has for you to learn into 52 hours or less a year? What if your pastor didn’t show up? What then? Where would you be in your growth process? Who are the leaders of the next generation? In this case…. would they feel that even had the freedom to step in? </p>
<p>In this dream, this was my church, however, I do not feel that my church would react this way. But it does give us some questions to ponder for ourselves and the leadership of churches across the world.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/44934442016-12-02T10:23:20-05:002016-12-02T10:45:59-05:00Choose Wisely my Friends....<p>"Jesus tells us the way to identify genuine faith is not by people's words but by the fruit they produce." (thanks for the quote John Bevere) So, what is the fruit of your life this Christmas season? Is it love, joy, peace, kindness, forgiveness, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? Or is it the opposite? Do you hold a grudge? Do you love with strings attached? Is there a war waged inside you that produces impatience and a lack of kindness and self-control? Jesus came to bring life, and in that, peace. If we truly press into God, then our faith will produce the best in our character. We will become people who draw others rather than push them away. It is, however, a personal choice. We are all a work in progress. Choose wisely my friends....</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/44789632016-11-22T08:06:31-05:002016-11-22T08:06:31-05:00Doubt Will Be Wiped Away<p>Romans 11 ... God is awesome! I'm so happy to know that He is coming back for His chosen race and that the veil of doubt and unbelief will be lifted (for those who still reject Him)! I'm so thankful to have been adopted into God's family. The great thing is that we ALL can be adopted in, doesn't matter who we are or what we've done. We all have doubts, hang-ups, and questions. I believe some of the answers we are just NOT capable of understanding right now. Consider what the end of Ch 11 (The Message version) in Romans has to say: <br>33-36 Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out. <br>Is there anyone around who can explain God? <br>Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? <br>Anyone who has done him such a huge favor <br> that God has to ask his advice? <br>Everything comes from him; <br>Everything happens through him; <br>Everything ends up in him. <br>Always glory! Always praise! <br> Yes. Yes. Yes.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/44739772016-11-18T16:40:49-05:002016-11-18T16:40:49-05:00God is FOR You!<p>God is FOR you, not against you. He knows your needs and the desires of your heart. He does not need you to complete Himself, but you need Him to complete you. You were born ready to be illuminated by His light in your life. Just like a stained glass window, without Him your life can look and feel pretty nondescript. But WITH Him, the picture of who you are, and the brilliance of who He created you to be come to life! Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. God's son chose to leave His throne and Kingdom in Heaven to become earthly flesh, live among the people and show us the way to the Father. He laid down his life and died to pay the penalty we could not pay. You have been given every opportunity and a pathway to eternal life. I pray you have chosen God. He chose you first.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/44732452016-11-18T07:56:00-05:002016-11-18T07:56:00-05:00DIY Life<p>DIY LIFE? Romans 8:5-8 (The Message) "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life." (if ALL you have to compare yourself to is yourself and possibly your friends, you probably won't amount to much and your moral compass is vastly limited and most likely skewed) Near the end of the paraphrase: "Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God and ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored." (God will not be ignored. If life seems to be throwing you a few curve balls, maybe its really God tossing a few rocks against your bedroom window trying to get your attention.)</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/43333782016-08-19T17:35:41-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00I Don't Want to be a Superstar!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/3b52b24020ac546a32b5016540dfa7d4e23b6812/original/how-to-sing-karaoke-e1343251132881.jpg?1471642512" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I’ve been struggling with something lately. I’m not really sure how to put it into words or put my finger on the the real issue. I’m a musician. I sing. I write songs from my heart and give them a melody. I’ve now recorded two albums. Here’s a shocker….. I’ve lost interest in doing concerts. More to the point, I’ve lost interest in performing. I don’t want to entertain people. A long time ago that was fun, but somewhere along my walk with God that has changed on the inside. </p>
<p>I realize that music is a business and that concerts are necessary to sell music. Christian music is no different in that aspect. I am not against a person being paid for their gifting, trade or ministry service. I’m not against Christian concerts. I’ve been to several. I recently attended a fairly large Christian concert event involving several big name groups. There were awesome worshipful moments, but as I walked back to my car having left the concert early I had this feeling like something was missing. Oh the bands were amazing, the worship leaders were certainly engaged in worship, the special effects were on point, there was the opportunity to sign up to fund a worthwhile ministry, and there was a bit of teaching. I saw long lines of people waiting to see their favorite artist and get pics and autographs. And perhaps after I left amazing things took place, so I can’t completely be completely sure of my next question……..Did the event minister to people on deep levels? Did people bring a sacrifice of praise. Did anyone receive prayer. Did anybody leave “changed?” Was this part of a transformation process for any person there? I can’t answer that question, but I don’t think it would have been for the “me of the past.” </p>
<p>You see, I have been transformed, healed and set free and most of this has happened when I was in an atmosphere of worship. No performance I did ever set me free from anything, nor do I believe it had a lasting impact on anyone else. I read my bible, I pray, I listen to sermons at my church and other teachings online and I believe all those things have an impact on me. However, being engaged in worship, opening my heart to God, inviting Jesus into the intimate places of my soul, and allowing the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do… those are the times where I am ALL IN. Worship is powerful! But the thought of scheduling a “concert” leaves me saying to myself, “Why would I want to do that?” </p>
<p>I am a wife, mother of kids still in school, ministry leader, weekly bible study teacher/facilitator, serve on our church worship team and as our women’s worship leader. I have come to realize that my time is valuable and if I’m going to start spending more of it then I want it to “count for something.” I want to create a space for others to receive what I’ve been given. I want others to feel how I feel about my Lord and Savior and experience the intimacy that is available to them through worship and prayer. I want to witness the “lights go on” in people’s spirits and see them healed of deep wounds and experience a “freedom” like they’ve never known. I want to create a space where there is no agenda other than pressing into Jesus, seeking the face of God and being saturated by the Holy Spirit. I want to witness the free ministering to the bound and broken in an atmosphere of worship. I want to encourage and exhort with words of hope. I want to see people come and catch the fire of God and leave “changed” with a desire to see others changed. </p>
<p>No, I don’t want to be a superstar. I want to see the dead RISE!</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/43130082016-08-06T13:56:02-04:002022-05-10T15:00:42-04:00Healing Hands<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/7ef689d73a561c6f70a9d961e59ac9ece212b284/original/finger-of-god.jpg?1470506013" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>My neck and I have been on quite a journey for a very long time. In and out of extreme pain, but always pain of some level. I have been the recipient of many prayers, prayed for myself, studied scriptures about healing, recited healing decrees, my faith is strong and I firmly believe in healing and in the power of prayer. I have tried chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, essential oils, over-the-counter pain meds, prednisone, cortisone injections, etc… I’m not sure if my pain levels actually decreased, or if my tolerance for pain increased, but I never let it stop me from life…….Until it ‘stopped’ me. My physical therapist (who is also my friend) said, ok…. you’ve gone long enough, it’s time to go back and get a 2nd opinion. </p>
<p>In previous blogs, “Half Way Free” & “Rest She Said” I explain how I ended up ‘stopped.’ </p>
<p>One thing that came back to me during that prayer session described in “Rest She Said” was another lady said, “Healing hands. I feel God telling me that healing hands will touch you and you will be healed.” I had a chiropractic appointment plus an orthopedic visit scheduled for later that day. I was just SURE that somewhere between the two visits I would encounter the healing hands. Little did I know how many more hands would be involved, and how much more ‘rest’ I would encounter. Three weeks flat on the couch, three doctor visits, 1 MRI, follow up next day…. emergency surgery recommended. That day if possible! </p>
<p>“I need a minute” I said “Maybe I need more like a day to wrap my head around this. I have forms laying on my printer to fill out for my daughter to leave for summer camp in 2 days and her suitcase to pack.” In the back of my head I’m thinking, “I’m in the middle of teaching a bible study group. I’m leading worship in 6 weeks for our women’s retreat. I’ve read many reviews online and singers often lose their ability to sing after this surgery and in some cases are hoarse for the rest of their life! The ‘what if’s’ digressed to worst case scenario. I also knew I couldn’t live on my couch in pain either…. then God’s still small voice, “trust me.”…………I recounted all the ways I had trusted God before now and how He has never let me down. Made me wait? Yes. But God is always right on time.…….”Okay.” I said, “Schedule me for tomorrow.” </p>
<p>There is blessing in pain. It may not feel like much of a blessing, but if God allows the pain you can be sure there is a reason. Not to run off on a sermon (which would be so convenient right here) but sometimes pain can get our attention when nothing else will! You see, I had an MRI a year and half ago that showed a rupture. I saw a neuro-surgeon about the results. His office demeanor and flippant response to my condition left me knowing surgery was an option, but certainly not necessary. In fact, he said that if I was able to manage my pain with Advil that would be a viable route to take. I also knew from X-rays that I had arthritis, but this was not uncommon. I made up my mind that surgery would be a last resort and even made the statement that I would have to be unable to move before I considered it. With Advil and physical therapy I was able to maintain and stay mobile. </p>
<p>Fast forward a year and a half. The new MRI revealed that my pain was coming from a bulging disc above the one that was previously ruptured in addition to arthritis. This was pinching nerves that radiated down my left arm causing spasms in my arm, upper back and numbness and tingling in my fingers (my guitar chording fingers!). However, the real problem was the old rupture on the right, which had now calcified and was pressing into and causing bruising on my spinal cord! If I were to be involved in a car accident in this condition, I could be left paralyzed from the neck down! …….but God. He allowed the pain of the lesser condition to bring attention to the bigger one I had conditioned myself to ignore. (Man there’s a sermon here too! But I have to stick to the story!) </p>
<p>Hospital Stay </p>
<p>I came in at 11am to get a room and pre-op blood work, etc. We got to sit and wait until after 3 before blood work was attempted…… my veins were in hiding. Three fishing sticks later by 2 nurses and an ER nurse was called up who got it on the first try. Thank you Lord! Then they came to get me for surgery, which was scheduled for 5pm. You go to a holding area where they ask you a million questions, trade your cotton gown for paper and everyone who will be on your surgical team comes by to introduce themselves. All that was completed….. and I wait. Turns out some blood work was missing, so they get more and I wait. Now during this time another patient comes in with a broken arm and broken knee from a fall. He was 83 and his breathing and cough was scary sounding. I also learned that my caretakers were nearing the end of their 12 hr shift, and it looked as if they were going into overtime. What do you do when you wait? You can worry. I did a little of that. I rehearsed every embarrassing thing that could happen during surgery. I wondered how exposed I would eventually be with this new paper veil of false modesty they gave me. I could keep worrying about stupid things, or I could pray. SO… I prayed. I prayed for this man behind the curtain beside me. I couldn’t imagine the pain he was in and how scared he was. I prayed for the tired staff. I prayed for my surgeon because I knew he had worked a full day, was pushed late, maybe not able to eat dinner. I prayed for myself, but mostly I told God over and over, “I trust You. I may not trust all else going on around me, but I trust YOU. You brought me to this, You will bring me through this and whatever is on the other side is in your sovereign plan.” And I sang under my breath Great is Thy Faithfulness (which I also sang in my head for 30 minutes in the MRI machine just days before). I couldn’t sing out if I wanted to at this point, I had been hoarse for 2 weeks. I don’t know if it was meds or laying down so long, but my voice was shot. Finally, in walks my surgeon. I asked him how he was feeling, if he had a good day and told him I’d been praying for him. He said, “Good, I’ve been praying for myself too!” I told him that we were both ready then. Then I heard the man beside me call out, “pray for me too!” I said, “Sir, I already have!” He said, “Thank you.” They wheeled me into the OR and asked if I could move myself to the table, which I remember doing, but it’s the last thing I remember……until recovery. Ugh. </p>
<p>I got back to my room at 10:30pm to find my family and a praying friend waiting. Two angelic nurses got me situated and then we were able to have a time of prayer before everyone went home. My mom stayed the night with me and brought me popsicles and chicken broth several times. My night nurse was a cracker jack nurse who popped in every hour for vitals and pills. She was the most efficient, good natured person I think I’ve met in a long time! </p>
<p>My surgeon’s assistant came in the next am to explain my surgery to me. My surgeon also came in not too much later to explain it to me again. After I heard what happened I had even more reason to praise God for his timing, provision, and yes even the pain. You see, the ruptured disc was not only pressing into and bruising my spinal column, it had fused itself TO my spinal cord dural sheath. The surgery took almost twice as long because of this. I also developed a spinal fluid leak, which he patched with “spray glue” (modern tech ya know!). He told my husband that if I had waited 6 months longer to have this surgery the outcome may not have been as good. Want to hear more of the blessings?!? My voice was clear! Clearer than before surgery! My pain level was that of a sore throat you get with a cold. No headaches at all from the spinal fluid leak! No soreness at the surgical site. No more pain in my arm or back. I was up, walking around, taking it easy, and feeling good. </p>
<p>I had brought one of my CDs to give to my surgeon, but he got away too fast, so I gave it to my awesome night nurse before she left. Do you know she CALLED me at the hospital to thank me before I left! She had already listened to some of it and she said she felt like it was God that brought her to me for the night. She is a travel nurse and goes all around to other hospitals. </p>
<p>Later a man came to get me for my exit X-ray. He was a friendly, big strong man. The X-ray was quick, but the wait to go back to my room was not. I knew my lunch was being delivered and I was getting hungry. Not to mention the whole radiology dept appeared to be walking past me into a room where the smell of food was distinctly coming from. I actually considered getting up and walking back to my room just when the same man came in to roll me up. </p>
<p>On the way to the elevator I saw a lady from my bible study group. She hadn’t been able to attend our summer session so she didn’t know I had surgery. We stopped and talked a minute. In the elevator I told the man that she was in my bible study. He said, “well ain’t that somethin! You teach bible study?” I said “Yes, I also lead worship which was a big worry of mine having neck surgery.” He said, “Go ahead! What church do you go to?” I told him and told him about my CD coming out soon. Then he said, “You just never know who you are going to meet! I can’t believe this!” I assured him that I’m not anyone special, just a servant of God. Not a superstar. We rolled into my room. Then he go serious and asked, “Do you know anything about the moon and the stars and all that stuff?” I said, “You mean the blood moons?” He said, “Yeah, that’s it.” I asked him if he was afraid of the End Times and he told me he was. I said, “You don’t need to be afraid. No one knows the time or the day of Jesus’ return, not even Jesus himself. Only God knows when that day will be and no man on this earth will be able to tell you when. But if you belong to God you have no reason to fear. We are called to be a light, to share the truth and the gospel until his return, not to hide in fear. God will take care of you.” Then a lady shoved some discharge paperwork into my lap and started talking a mile a minute, nothing of which I heard. I asked my mom to give him my card. She said he had tears in his eyes as he walked back toward her and said I had given him peace today. Praise God! I hope that peace stays with him and he has a new kick in his step for sharing that gospel of peace!! </p>
<p>Dressed and ready to leave, my pastor and his wife walk in to visit! She had a similar surgery a year and a half before and has recovered beautifully! The volunteer shows up with the chair, and we all take a moment to pray before leaving. I so appreciated the prayer, but I was also glad the young volunteer was there to be a part of it. She even said God bless you as I got in my car to leave. </p>
<p>I’ve been praying and praising every day… thanking God for healing hands…. His hands coupled with so many wonderful medical staff and surgeons. </p>
<p>I’m a week and 2 days out from surgery. I quit all the narcotics Tuesday. I don’t think I needed them that long, but was afraid maybe it was them keeping the pain away. </p>
<p>Do I still believe in divine healing? YES!!!! But I also believe in divine appointments. I’ve mentioned a few here to encourage you, but there were so many other deeply personal divine moments that could not have been experienced if God didn’t allow this journey. It’s not always in the easy miracles that our faith is strengthened in God and in each other. </p>
<p><strong>TRUST GOD </strong></p>
<p>Thank you to My Healing Hands: </p>
<p>GOD </p>
<p>ORTHO VA Hanover </p>
<p>Abilio A. Reis, MD (surgeon Ortho VA) </p>
<p>Matthew Carleton, PA-C (under Dr. Reis) </p>
<p>Cindy Smith, PT </p>
<p>Tripp Stover, P.C. </p>
<p>Memorial Regional Medical Center </p>
<p>staff and nursing </p>
<p>and the MANY prayer warriors!<br><br>Here I am rockin' my neck brace and bone growth stimulator collar!<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/063fa738e1991e8c54c8574faa98d20ff0302aa5/medium/img-1729.jpg?1470506469" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Here's me rockin' my neck brace & bone growth stimulator" /></p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/43059972016-08-02T09:09:55-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Please excuse me while I stare…..<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/f090e3948ca22fb38c9b0fbed6ca843496fb4ad7/original/eyes.jpg?1470143378" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It has occurred to me in adulthood that I probably always had a tendency to “stare.” I’m an artist at heart, I see beauty and simply want to linger and take it all in. It may be a face with character lines or total lack of lines anywhere. It may be clothing style or color. It could be very well done cosmetics or hair color that allows the light to play perfectly in your crown. It could be the color of your skin,the pigment blends in your eyes or the intimate details that make you unique. </p>
<p>I can remember when I was a teen being asked by someone uncomfortable with my gaze, “What are YOU looking at?” which caused me to quickly look away. Then came squinting because I needed glasses, which appeared to be “glaring,” which also evoked a negative response. Eventually…. I learned to look away…. </p>
<p>Something I have discovered with Facebook, and maybe some of you artists have discovered this as well. I can stare again! I can look at every beautiful detail of my friends and not make them feel uncomfortable. </p>
<p>Why am I sharing this? Because I want you to know that if you are being stared at, it is most likely because someone is noticing your beauty, not your defects. You may feel uncomfortable, but it’s a compliment really.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/42765292016-07-13T09:36:44-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Rest she said....<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/f48ba6939a53b2687f9ea6b3c5c98c0239a8eef1/original/ocean-hammock.jpg?1468416985" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have a wonderful group of friends, and about 20 of them currently meet with me on Tuesday mornings for a Bible Study. We happen to be studying Lisa Bevere’s “Girls with Swords” (yes I will shamelessly give her a plug for a fantastic message in this study of the word and how to wield it in this life!). At the onset of my current condition they prayed for me and one of them repeated the word “rest.” If you know me, you know I don’t rest well. I have a husband, two children at home on swim team, a house to run and ministry in its various capacities, my mom just flipped and house for herself to move into and I was there for her with that, and somehow I try to squeeze in time with friends (yes, friends, I know you feel neglected and I’m sorry…..). Resting happens from 11pm to 7am. </p>
<p>I got a cortisone shot in my shoulder, which seemed to be helping, so I kept plugging along with all my “responsibilities” including being at a swim meet until midnight thanks to a storm delay. But by Saturday night I was back in excruciating pain again (see blog entitled Half Way Free) only this time it would keep me flat and in traction for days…. To get up meant agonizing charlie horse pain in my upper back and arm muscles. A nauseating trip to the ortho doc (because the pain was that intense to be upright that long) revealed shoulder is fine… it’s my already challenged neck rising up again screaming for attention. Sooooo, next week I see a neck specialist again. Until then, prednisone, oxycontin and traction machine. My upright position has to be with head bent over as far as it can go looking at the floor. I have brief times of looking straight ahead, but only about 60 seconds before the spams start again. </p>
<p>So, is the blog just a way to complain to the masses? No. I refuse to let satan have a victory here. He certainly attempted to at one point when I was sitting indian style with my head over on the floor trying to relieve the agony. I distinctly heard him tell me, “Look at yourself curled up into a ball on the floor. What good are you there? Just pitiful.” For a brief second I felt self pity. I thought, yeah I know…. I should be up and free, hands raised worshipping my King Jesus. Yes… this is rather pitiful…. what if…….<br><br>Then the Fire of God rose up in me and I told that scoundrel that I was a daughter of the Most High King and I am NOT pitiful. I will let this "condition" be my "bowed position" for now in honor and worship of my God. He is FOR me, not against me and He is working on my behalf. My healing is coming! I may be forced to rest for a while, and only God will determine how long that will be. When I am upright with my head bent over, I am bowing to Jesus, not feeling pathetic. When I am reclined in traction, I am listening to people filled with the Holy Spirit online to encourage, educate, and inspire my soul and spirit. I was told I needed rest that day in prayer, so rest I shall in the presence of God. He will saturate me with His Spirit and tend to my deepest needs. Some of which I have found not to be physical at all, but things I needed to hear and allow to really sink deep to change me on the inside. I have also been praying for others who are struggling with affliction. Personal pain can strengthen your prayers for others if you let it. </p>
<p>As a worship leader and songwriter, I am hoping to get through all this without surgery on my ruptured disc. I’ve read a lot of patient stories of how their voice was damaged. But as a daughter of the King I have to trust that if He brings me to it, He will see me through it. </p>
<p>I you are struggling in any capacity, you will need to choose who you let have the victory. You can feel pitiful or you can reach for God and let Him have the glory. I choose God.<br><br>As an aside: I would personally like my next "rest" to be somewhere tropical with mild weather and beautiful blue waters.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/42652562016-07-06T07:40:49-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Half way Free<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/47988c17ac89b97444442e289405bb5c31a152b9/original/brokenchains.jpg?1467805205" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It was gradual at first. A little bit of discomfort in my left shoulder, then wham! Mobility was halted and the pain was excruciating! By Sunday morning I just wanted to lay in bed and nurse my screaming back, arm, neck and shoulder. The minutes ticked away as I reasoned why it would be a good day to stay home and skip church. The the gentle nudge from God, “No, just go.” So off I go with three kids in tow. <p>Found my seat, stood to worship and asked God what the message was in my distress. I’d been praying all weekend for relief and I wasn’t getting any. The message came almost instantly: </p>
<p>“You are freely worshipping me with your right side. Your right side is free, but your left side is being weighed down by pain. Many of my people come into this building only partially free. For some, that’s good enough. As long as they are experiencing some freedom they are content enough not to seek wholeness. For others, their partial freedom is being overshadowed by the stuff that is weighing them down. It could be physical pain like yours, or emotional pain, fear or worry. Like your pain crept up on you, theirs is growing in an attempt to keep them from coming to me at all. There are others here who have not yet come to me. They are deceived. They feel like they have enough freedom in their lives and that they really don’t need me yet. Sure, they have some “stuff” going on in their lives, and that may be the very reason they won’t come to me. They feel disqualified. They need to know that I will receive them just as they are, “stuff” and all. If they don’t come to me, their stuff will overtake them and then where will they go for hope and healing? My people need to give me “everything” holding nothing back so they can experience total freedom. The ones who don’t know me yet should come and find that my grace is all sufficient and is big enough to love them just as they are.” </p>
<p>I felt like I should share this, but I was flooded with thoughts that kept me in my seat. Tiana was with me, and stuck to me like glue. I hadn’t taken the “gifts mic” class yet and didn’t know if I would be out of order. I was at the opposite side of the church and would have to walk across the front and may be a distraction to others. How was the “keeper of the gifts mic” going to even hear my description of this message over the music which had gained volume by this time. Ok, one more song and I’ll go. One more song came and then Pastor Brandon came up and started praying….communion…. too late. </p>
<p>I shared this with my mom and she said, “What a shame that you did not feel like you had the freedom to share because I think a lot of people need to hear that.” I shared it on Tuesday morning at the ladies Bible study and all the reasons I did not share it Sunday. The message spoke to them, and they encouraged me to write it out and make it available. So here it is!</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/41193492016-04-04T09:50:53-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Faith Found In the Hours of My Deepest Need<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/0c5a3a8a512d9f8860c692e1f0a0629b993b6ae4/original/tumblr-lgf5jhv9hz1qzm0xto1-500.jpg?0" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I’ve been listening to the entire New Testament on CD (The Bible Experience) and somewhat dissecting my level of faith and obedience to the Word of God. At the same time I have been listening to short videos from Francis Chan on his book, Crazy Love. I guess you are wondering at this point if I am able to read, to which of course the answer is yes. Sometimes a busy schedule can leave empty blocks of time in getting ready, or driving to destinations and I like to fill that that with teachings that edify me. Edification has brought contemplation and conversation with others, and with God. </p>
<p>At times I get to what I refer to as “comfort zones.” This is a familiar term used to describe many places we find ourselves happy to remain. The problem with a comfort zone is that we are failing to grow. We are not moving forward, but in fact we are “zoning out.” Things may have become so comfortable that we forget the steps it took to get to that place. In our ease we may even begin to make little mistakes we wouldn’t have made when we were striving to move forward. This can be true in hobbies, work, education, friendships, marriage, and our relationship and knowledge of God. In our activities this could, and most probably would, create a decline in excellence and performance. In our friendships and in our marriage this can lead to a disintegration of our relationships. When we sit in our comfort zone with God we may lose reverence, we may become legalistic in our remedial understanding of His word, and unfortunately begin to backslide. It doesn’t happen all at once…. but the gentle decline is a cunning lure of the enemy who approaches to steal our faith. </p>
<p>I had a recent conversation with another person about what it truly means to be saved, to call yourself a Christian and a believer of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Most High God. When you lay it all out like that, it sound more like a role we should take seriously. It’s easy to say, “Yes I’m a Christian.” or “Yes, I believe in God.” or “Yes, I go to church.” But when you think about what it means to truly emulate the nature of Jesus Christ, who, in Him there was no sin and by Him no sin was ever committed…. the self eval falls instantly short. When you read the account of the apostles who walked with Jesus and the letters written to the churches about the faith walk of a true believer… the self eval, even though you’ve tried very hard, looks pathetic and weak. In fact, selfishness, apathy, pride, laziness, and fear of fellow man pop out like bubbles flowing from a bubble wand. I know we walk in the dispensation of grace, but I also know that God wants to pop our bubbles! </p>
<p>God always sends His Holy Spirit to encourage, nudge, guide, teach and pull you forward. Perhaps that is where I find myself… being pulled forward once again. In that conversation I told this person that in my recent 6 hours of concentrated New Testament listening, I find myself falling terribly short of the mark. Her response was, “Well, if you fall short, I don’t have a chance!” This is a person I look up to and a person who has immense wisdom from a life of challenging circumstances. I don’t compare my faith with hers. Honestly I’m just trying to “do my own thing” with God. I want others to “do their thing” with God, but I don’t want to feel that it’s a competition. But it did allow me to ponder the differences and the faith defining time periods of each of our lives. </p>
<p>This morning after Francis Chan shared about “relationship” with God I began to think about my own. Why had my faith become unwavering? I had let go and walked on my own so many times in my youth. I have believed in God since I was a kid, but I’ve only “known” God in the last 19 years. He pursued me, then I pursued Him. It was in my hours of deepest needs (yes plural), when all hope seemed lost in circumstance after circumstance, that God held me and made Himself known to a woman who went looking for Him and fell at his feet. He allowed me to “know” him right before I would walk through hell. He made himself known through other people, through worship and His Word, and through His presence during times that I was breaking apart. He held me together as He became a real person, a real comforter, and a real healer. In this, not only did I get to know Him better, but I developed TRUST in Him. Do I know everything about the Lord Jesus? Do I know everything about God? No…. that would be impossible. But I know them enough to love and trust them. </p>
<p>Tears filled my eyes as I began to thank God for allowing me to know Him during those times in my life. This was an anchor for my faith. It was because I knew Him during my struggles that I was able to get to the other side of them. This was a faith that had been walked out and a faith that I could hold on to. </p>
<p>James 1:2-4 NIV </p>
<p>Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. </p>
<p>I don’t feel that I am complete in my maturity or that I lack nothing, but I feel that perseverance not only has a work to finish in me, but also leads me again and again back to Jesus, who is the author and finisher of my faith.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/40078372016-01-26T08:30:13-05:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Proclamation<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/57879865cb0810bcf3e74f457baa1de174fd70e2/original/identity-header9b.jpg?1453815418" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br>I am a New Creation<br>I have the Name of Jesus<br>I look like Jesus<br>I am clothed in His Righteousness<br>I am filled with the Life of Jesus<br>The Name of Jesus is stamped on me<br>I am filled with the Holy Spirit<br>The Holy Spirit speaks the Word of God through my lips and conquers the armies of hell<br>I am a son/daughter of God, called into fellowship with Jesus Christ<br>My righteousness, liberty and freedom are restored through Jesus Christ<br>Death can never threaten me or fill me with fear<br>I stand complete in the fullness of God <br>I am armed with the LIVING Word of God<br>I have eternal Life & by His stripes I am healed<br>By His Grace I am more than a conqueror<br>I have every need supplied so I can do all things in Christ Who strengthens me<br>He has blessed me with every spiritual blessing<br>I thank God, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made<br>I praise God, because He is worthy of my praise</div>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/39693322016-01-02T18:06:53-05:002016-01-02T18:06:53-05:00Still a mess? God will use you anyway.<p>I've been reading Old Testament lately and re-seeing that people have basically been a mess since the beginning of time. From the lowly to the Kings, people struggle with their flesh and their pride. God used them anyway! There were natural consequences and discipline from the Lord, but His promises and His plans always rise above the ashes. I pray that as you leave 2015, you will look ahead and see God moving in your future. You may be weighed down by your flesh, but I want you to know there is hope at the other end of the rope that God holds out for you. Grab it and don't let go. You maybe walking in Victory and consequence at the same time wondering if you will ever regain whats been lost or stolen from you. Know that God will bless you with what's best for you. Happiness is not a destination, it's a daily choice in attitude. Joy is not out of reach because it is a gift from God and starts on the inside of you. I pray that your desire to know God increases exponentially and out of knowing him your desire to bring Him praise will be the overflow. I've heard that this year an outpouring of God's love is the next wave of revival. Be a cracked vessel for God to fill so you can spill out onto those you encounter. Be the hands and feet of Jesus for those He brings across your path. Bless others, pay it forward, live intentionally with purpose and forgive people for being flawed because guess what... you're probably a mess in some ways too. I pray that God blesses you abundantly this year physically and spiritually!! Now go change your world! You can't change the whole world, but you can affect what's at arms length. <br>Love and peace to you, <br>Sandy Harless</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/39260782015-11-19T16:08:40-05:002015-11-19T16:08:40-05:00Don't WaitDon't wait until a personal catastrophe happens to seek a "relationship" with God (yes relationship, not ritual or religion). In order to make it through the rough times, you must already HAVE a relationship with God and with other believers who can help you "stand" in the things that will attempt to undo you. God is not a last resort defense, He is also your offense Who goes before you in this world to tackle the enemy. He is your rear guard and He is the one who stands beside you to hold you up and direct your path. He is a good, good Father Who is patient and kind and full of grace and mercy. Did you know that you have a hole in your heart? We all do. It's a place that only God can fill. The more we try to fill it ourselves the bigger it gets until we feel completely empty. God will stand at the door to your heart and wait for you to open it, but He will not bust it down. Open your door today and be filled with life.Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/39243502015-11-12T09:23:11-05:002021-11-03T10:01:26-04:00Grieving Heart<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/be99a1dcb0748cf72cd4cdc4cd9dd8c67db13aab/original/soledad.jpg?1447338173" class="size_l justify_center border_" />What do you do when your heart grieves? How do you comfort that place in your chest that aches as hot tears flood your eyes and trickle down your face turning cold and unrelenting. There are support groups for those that lose loved ones, but what if your heart is grieving losses that you can’t put into words. Satan does come to steal, kill, and destroy and he can take so many things from you over time that they add up to a big box of hurt. You deal with each battle as it comes in waves and struggle for a victory with God. Sometimes you win, sometimes it’s a stale mate, sometimes the battle rages and rages. Every once in a while I find myself overwhelmed with a feeling of grief. Every battle, every lost dream, every hope that has been deferred, everything that is just wrong around me rises up together and reminds me that I am hurting in ways that I cannot fix. I allow myself to feel the unjustness of it all, the disappointments, and the pain. I talk to God through my tears and tell Him how I feel, and I ask Him “why?” …. “what have I done?” …. I apologize for things that I might have forgotten. I am tempted to make deals with God, but I know that is not how He works. I am reminded that its not all about me and that free will is a costly gift. As I look at my own, maybe God is allowing me to feel a small fraction of what He feels when He looks down at all his children. I read a book once called “Jesus Wept.” It talks about Him taking time out to weep for us. Maybe that’s what God is allowing me to do from time to time. It feels like a tidal wave when it comes, but I know God will not let me drown. I cannot stay in this place of disillusion and despair. I have things to do. I can put the lid on my box of pain and hand it back to God for a while hoping the next time I open it, it will be a little lighter. I can trust Him with the details of my box and I can trust Him with my grief. He is my healer and my refuge and I know He is working even when I cannot see it. I choose to trust in Him.</p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/37683082015-07-07T07:52:16-04:002015-07-07T07:52:16-04:00Falling Away from JesusFriends.....The great "falling away" won't be an event, it will happen in a slow decline as you choose every little distraction over time spent with God; as you find something else to do on your weekends, replacing church with leisure, play time, or work. You may legitimize or defend your position, but in time you won't need to because you will be out of community with anyone who will hold you accountable. Your good intentions of keeping the faith on your own will turn into postponements and eventually a lack of care or desire. Luke warm turns to cold without a flame. Where do you find yourself in this journey? It takes more strength to rise than it does to fall, so know that a journey toward God will take effort. You won't fall into Heaven. Stay connected. You will need the strength of your believing friends and family in this tough world. We are supposed to be together to help each other. Don't fall away.Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/36358532015-04-01T10:05:18-04:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00She Planted, She Watered - Goodbye Old Friend<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/80c14bcd00967d53bb2ac1ef061bde9fca9c1b18/original/waiting-for-a-harvest.jpg?1427896955" class="size_l justify_center border_" />God laid an old friend on my heart from 26 years ago in February. We worked together and she encouraged me in the Lord. I tried to locate her through Facebook. She did not have a page, but I remembered her husband's name and found his. I attempted to make contact through him in February, but his page had a lot of private settings. I saw from his desperate public plea for prayer that she had been readmitted to the hospital. I prayed for her from a distance.<br><br>My connection did not go through until yesterday. I learned that she passed away just this Saturday. I'm sad that I didn't get to let her know that her words to me did not return void. She wasn't perfect and had a few colorful sayings in life, but she gave what she had in Godly encouragement. She took me under her wing in the workplace and she was a friend. Just about every day we would leave work and I would say, "See you tomorrow!" She would respond with one of her little sayings, "Lord willing that the crick don't rise." It's been years since we've seen each other, but God laid her on my heart in a time of her deepest need. I hope my prayers brought her some relief. Janice, the "crick" has risen and the Lord has allowed it to be. I will see you again in Heaven! I will pray for the brokenhearted man you left behind. <br><br>You never know who you are depositing God into. You may never know the impact your planted seeds may have, no matter how little. You may instead hold the watering can. Shower those that come across your path with God's love . The seeds may not have begun to sprout, but they are waiting for you to water them. No matter what people look or sound like, keep planting those seeds and watering those souls, leaving the harvest to God. It's truly all for His glory. <br><br>Thank you Janice for your friendship and your encouragement. You held a watering can and you didn't hold back.Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/36004122015-03-14T10:51:15-04:002021-11-03T10:01:57-04:00Bulk up the Church?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/9eb1d4c31f43271c564c905ca93baa5ae1da137a/original/fat-puppies-2.jpeg?1426344551" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I woke up this morning in the middle of a dream and I was prompted to get up and blog it.<br> <br>In my dream I was invited to attend a church committee meeting. I was seated at a large circle of tables and there were approximately 40-50 people in attendance. The group appeared to be comprised of men and women over the age of 50. This was an African American church and I was the only Caucasian person in the room. I do not believe that color has anything to do with the message in this dream, however I think the age of the group may. We were eating a dinner that had been served to us and the conversation was a round table discussion entitled “Bulk up (or fill up) the Church.” They were tossing around various ideas for bringing people into their Sunday services. Their ideas included family fun days, fliers, door-to-door invitations, mailers, a weekly dinner night, etc….. They were all good ideas to invite people to come to their church.<br> <br>As I listened to the discussion escalate into a flurry of ideas with an increase in volume from time to time, my mind began to ponder the title of the meeting: “Bulk up the Church.” A momentary pause took place at which time I asked, “By show of hands, how many ministry leaders are in this room?” One lady across the room raised her hand. The Pastor was also in the room, so he counted as a 2<sup>nd</sup> ministry leader. So then I asked, “By show of hands, how many of you are actively and consistently serving a ministry in your church?” Two other hands were raised. This quickly told me that out of 40-50 concerned members of the church, only 8% of them were actually “serving” or “functioning” in the church. This percentage was mostly likely going to be lower if the entire church was polled.<br> <br>I then told them that it occurred to me that the meeting had been mislabeled. In reality what they were attempting to do was to “fatten up” the church, which apparently had already been accomplished. I asked, “What about making disciples? What about iron sharpening iron? What about the older teaching the younger. Who is teaching your Sunday School classes? Are kids teaching kids because there are no adults willing to step into a place of leadership? Who will serve in men’s or women’s ministries? What about your teenagers?”<br> <br>Then I explained that when you have only 8% of a congregation serving or in leadership (which should also be a place of service not delegation) you have a “fat” church. They are not exercising their faith and flexing their spiritual muscles, they are simply a house full of sucklings. They come in like puppies and kittens at feeding time and leave when they are filled only to return again next week, if all is right with the world, the weather is good and they make it out of bed on time. They are all different ages and levels of spiritual maturity, but none the less they come to be served. A congregation without active, serving people cannot handle an influx of more people. If you want to bulk up your church, then get your people off their pew and get them to function as God intended. There are no age limits on service. The young are not too young, and the older generations are not supposed to retire from doing the work of God. When the church is flexing its muscles, then it is strong enough to help the world around it and invite more into their house.<br> <br>I woke up.<br> <br>Maybe this is for you, the reader. If you are a fat puppy or kitten, maybe it’s time to get up and function. Maybe this is for your church leadership to consider. I don’t know who it’s for, but I know God wouldn’t let me just roll over and go back to sleep. (yep, there’s a whole new message in that statement about the church needing to wake up, but we won’t go there today) So what does serving look like? Do you need to go start a new ministry to run? No, not unless you are called by God to do so. But look around at the ministries currently in place. How can you plug in?<br> <br><strong>Here are some practical ideas:</strong><br>Offer to help in the church office copying and stuffing envelopes, etc<br>Bless your pastors with cards, gifts (they NEED encouragement)<br>Greeter Ministries always need volunteers<br>Parking lot attendants<br>Set up tables and chairs for a weekly meetings<br>Bake cookies for a hospitality part of a ministry<br>Arrive early and make coffee and set up hospitality tables<br>Nursery<br>Sunday school teachers & assistants<br>Kids church<br>Youth group meeting mentors, chaperones<br>Choir<br>Mentors for men or women younger in the faith<br>Big brother or sister programs<br>Clothing closet<br>Food Pantry<br> <br>If you cannot find a place to plug in, seek counsel from your church leadership. Don’t assume everything is covered just because you don’t see a need. Your current church leadership is probably more overwhelmed than you know.<br> <br>Be blessed to be a blessing!<br>Sandy HarlessSandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/34911442015-01-28T09:29:08-05:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00Praying for Lionel<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/99b12ddeaefc9a806d275b532443caf0e3b0426e/large/lionel.jpeg?1422452766" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><span class="font_xl"><strong>Praying for Lionel</strong></span><br>This is a testimony of how God works.<br>I have a friend who is undergoing chemo. She called the day before and asked if I could take her if the weather became unmanageable for her father to drive from across town. Monday is usually my music studio day and I had just received a text from my producer that he needed the day to work on stuff. Instant free time - I was supposed to go. It would be good to catch up with my friend during the long boring infusion and I could pray for her while I was with her!<br><br>My friend went in for step one. While I waited for her, a woman came in and sat beside me. We began a bit of small talk and she mentioned church, weather, etc. I asked if she liked contemporary Christian music. She replied that she did, and I happened to have a copy in my purse which I gave to her. She said something about having been down lately and maybe this is just what she needed. Moments later a couple walked in she was waiting for and she exclaimed, "here's my children." I assumed it was her son and daughter coming to support her. She was thanking me when my friend came out. We were headed to another office to see the doctor for step two. I told the lady that I might see her again when we returned. <br><br>We made our way back to the infusion clinic and settled into a curtained cubicle. The nurse explained that the hospital pharmacy was backed up quite a bit because every patient there was receiving chemo. This was going to be a long visit, which was fine because I had the time that God set aside! As my friend and I chit chatted with the nurse and with each other, I realized that the woman I met in the waiting room and the couple were in the cubicle next to us. They talked some, and then got quiet. I hadn't built enough of a rapport with her to stick my head around the curtain and say, "hey, how's it going?." or so I thought......<br><br>The time came for me to leave to pick up my kids from school. My friend's husband would come from work in 30 minute to pick her up and she was doing very well. I gathered my things and turned to leave when I noticed that the cubicle next to me contained the man from the couple earlier. He was reclined, covered up and sleeping. Hmmm, I thought.... I guess I was wrong. When I entered the waiting room, I saw the two women sitting together talking. I waved from across the room to which the woman I gave a CD to said, "Oh no, honey, you are not getting out of here without a hug!" She hugged me tight and thanked me again and said, "God bless ya!" I said "God bless you too!" The woman sitting with her immediately stood up for a hug as well with swollen red eyes full of tears that streamed down her face. I hugged her too.<br><br>I then asked, "is that your brother in there?" She replied, "No, that's my husband." I said "Oh, well what is his name, I will be praying for him." She said "Lionel." as she hung on desperate for comfort. I felt the urge to pray there, so I began to pray over Lionel with her and the other woman joined in. I was in a hurry, and didn't want to be late picking up my children, but God allowed just enough time for a waiting room prayer. <br><br>Not getting their names (that's a rush for ya) I bid them goodbye promising to pray for Lionel. As I walked down the hall, I felt instantly sick to my stomach like I was going to lose my cookies. I wondered.... is this a glimpse of what Lionel is feeling? Is this absorbed emotion from his wife? Is this how she feels watching her man go through chemo? I tend to be a sponge. I told myself, "shake it off.... shake it off.... you are not sick." Then I asked God to help me remember Lionel's name and to bring him to mind when he needed prayer.<br><br>The following day I decided to tackle the kids bedrooms and get them cleaned out and cleaned up. I went through every toy piece by piece and decided which was staying and which was going somewhere else. This is tedious when the toys include legos, matchbox cars, tiny plastic animals, dolls, and their accessories. As I sorted the box of small toys and matchbox cars in my son's room, I picked up a car ready to toss it into the "going away" pile. I happen to glance at it a 2nd time and saw that the Nascar replica had the name LIONEL on it's hood and side! Are you kidding me?? I instantly began to pray for Lionel from the day before. I wondered how his body was handling the effects of chemo. I thanked God for the reminder.... and marveled at how He used a task I did not want to do to remind me that He is still there, still listening, still answering. If God is reminding me to pray for Lionel, there is purpose in it! I hope I hear from them. But if I don't I know I was in the right place at the right time even if just for a small rushed prayer with two ladies.<br><br>You just never know what God will bring your way, or how it will come. Be ready! And say a prayer for Lionel and for my friend!Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/34623822015-01-12T12:25:34-05:002017-01-15T15:25:52-05:00EXCLUDE-sive Christianity<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/7a3a3cb4a7d55abfc9c4f0b13e7ac9209ff1d7f6/large/walk-w-the-broken.jpeg?1422131960" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><span class="font_large">And the King shall answer and say unto them,<br>Verily I say unto you, <br>Inasmuch as ye have done <em>it</em> unto one of the least<br>of these my brethren, ye have done <em>it</em> unto me.</span><br> </strong>Matt 25:40 (KJV)</div> <br><strong>EXCLUDE-sive Christianity</strong><br> <br>I recently found myself in a conversation that caused my inner spirit to RISE UP. I have a propensity to be drawn to the underdog, and nothing can incite me more than when I sense a lack of mercy & compassion. Dare I judge too harshly? Because the bible clearly says that I will be judged according to how I judge others. (check out these scriptures: Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37) I am not perfect, and I know I make mistakes, but I feel I must say <em>something.</em> Here goes:<br> <div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>As a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ</strong><br><strong>and a representative of our Lord and Savior</strong><br><strong>you do not have the right to be </strong><br><strong>EXCLUDE-sive</strong><br>(yes I made up a word)<br><strong>to WHO you will minister to</strong>
</div>
<ul> <li>Who do you consider to be “the least of these?”</li> <li>Better yet, who do you consider to be <em>lower</em> than the least of these? </li> <li>Who do you consider to be beneath you? </li> <li>Who do you feel is unworthy of hearing the gospel? </li> <li>Who have you deemed beyond hope? </li> <li>Who is steeped too deeply in sin for you to reach out and touch them for fear of getting your hands dirty? (personal safety is another matter)</li>
</ul> <br>We all have different cultural exposures and our personal guidelines will vary from person to person. But, I would be saddened to believe that, at my lowest point in my life, the individual who fell below your personal scale of acceptance could have been me.<br> <br>Jesus himself did not despise anyone. In Mark 2:17, when asked why he would dine with sinners he responded, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”<br> <br>Jesus did not condemn those he came in contact with who were sick in body or living in sin. In His mercy Jesus forgave sin. He healed the sick without taking inventory of a person’s life. He didn’t pre-qualify someone for His time, His love, or His ministry. He was in constant communion with the Father and did what God told him to do. (Read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)<br> <br>Here in the book of Matthew in Chapter 25, Jesus tells us that we will be held accountable to how we treat each other.<br> <br><strong>Matthew 25:31-46 (NIV)</strong><br><strong>The Sheep and the Goats</strong><br> <br><strong><sup>31 </sup></strong>“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. <strong><sup>32 </sup></strong>All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. <strong><sup>33 </sup></strong>He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.<br> <br><strong><sup>34 </sup></strong>“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. <strong><sup>35 </sup></strong>For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, <strong><sup>36 </sup></strong>I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’<br> <br><strong><sup>37 </sup></strong>“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? <strong><sup>38 </sup></strong>When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? <strong><sup>39 </sup></strong>When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’<br> <br><strong><sup>40 </sup></strong>“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’<br> <br><strong><sup>41 </sup></strong>“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. <strong><sup>42 </sup></strong>For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, <strong><sup>43 </sup></strong>I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’<br> <br><strong><sup>44 </sup></strong>“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’<br> <br><strong><sup>45 </sup></strong>“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’<br> <br><strong><sup>46 </sup></strong>“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”<br> <br>Stepping off my soapbox, my point is this: We cannot disqualify any person for the opportunity of salvation, healing, wholeness, hope, forgiveness, restoration, another chance, or God’s mercy. We do not know the beginning and the end. We do not know the calling God has on an individual’s life, and what He will allow them to walk through before they walk into their destiny in Christ. We have not been given the task to be judge, jury and executioner, but instead we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. We are to walk into the places He would walk and we are to reach out to the people He would reach out to, without exception. We are not the people changers. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. We are the light bearers, and the light is needed most in the dark.<br> <br>Consider this: The person needing God’s grace to find them could be your very own child during a difficult time in their life that you may be completely unaware of. Would you want your child to be disqualified or would you want someone to see them with God’s eyes?<br> <br>Peace to you all on this journey of ministry and “trying not to miss the mark.” I pray that you will examine your heart and take it to God in prayer. Be in communion with the Father and do what He tells you to do.<br> <br>Blessings,<br>Sandy<br> <br> Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/30982972014-07-25T12:17:50-04:002017-01-15T15:25:51-05:00Backyard Revival<div><span class="font_xl"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/17c70dee00a909458da27b54f42afe46654d320b/large/10514481-10204874439639873-2640109633995946653-n-2.jpg?1406304935" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold;" /></span></div><span class="font_xl"><strong>Backyard Revival </strong></span><br><span class="font_large"><strong>“Bringing the Church to Denny & Irene”</strong></span><br>It began when Irene posted pictures of the new ramp installed for Denny’s wheelchair on the back of her home. Her husband Denny had fought and won a long battle with cancer only to then be stricken with a virus. The treatment for the virus left him blind in both eyes and caused dangerous brain bleeds. It was determined that to treat the virus would be more damaging than to not treat. Denny had become very weak and was not able to come to church. When I saw the pictures of her ramp against the canvass of her backyard God gave me a vision of her yard filled with people in worship.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">How it rolled out</span></strong><br>On Monday June 30th I emailed Irene and asked if she and Denny would be up for a worship concert in her backyard. She could invite family and friends and we would in essence “bring the church” to them. I wasn’t sure this would fit in with their lives and I didn’t want to intrude. She was elated! I was leaving for vacation on July 11<sup>th</sup> and felt an urgency to do this soon. I asked about Saturday, July 5<sup>th</sup>. She was concerned that attendance would be low being a holiday weekend. I assured her that even if that was the case, this was for her and Denny first and foremost. She agreed to Saturday and the planning began. On such short notice I was able to pull together a small band (Steve on keys, Rick on percussion, and myself on acoustic guitar) and a fellow worshipper, Joanna, to join me and people were responding to the invitation to attend complete with plans for a covered dish dinner!<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">WOW, What a worship practice! Is God preparing us for something big? Revival?</span></strong><br>On Wednesday July 2<sup>nd</sup> we had band practice for Sunday’s service. Steve, Joanna and I were all on the team for this week. We occasionally have times of “worship” on Wednesday nights, but for the most part we are usually working out technical details of a 6 song set with 7-8 musicians and 4 vocalists in harmony in an hour and a half. Something happened….. we were practicing the song Holy Spirit (You are welcome here, come flood this place and fill the atmosphere, Your glory God is what our hearts long for, to be overcome by Your presence Lord). Our worship leader, Matt, stepped down off the platform and kept playing. The band seemed to swell in the Spirit, our singing transitioned from singing the lyrics to a love song to God, one of our guitarists in a loud voice called out the name of Jesus several times, and the vocalists love song transitioned to a heart cry. I dropped the microphone from my lips to my side for this had become between me and God. I began to cry out for mercy; on my family, on my community, on my country. I sang, I wept, I prayed…. I asked loudly for revival of my own heart and spirit and for my family, my city, my country.<br> <br><span class="font_large"><strong>God speaks</strong></span><br>God asked me a question. “What are you doing to bring this revival? Perhaps it doesn’t look like what you think it does. Revival is not an event, it’s a heart change and it begins inside of individuals. Revival doesn’t need a platform or a stage. It can happen in someone’s backyard. Some people might come to a backyard that won’t enter a church. Others may not come the backyard, but will hear My message through the worship in the atmosphere. So what are you going to do?” I put my microphone back in its clip and I lay face down on the altar and submitted myself to God’s will. I told him I wanted to do what He asked and I was laying down my pre-conceived ideas and expectations. I asked for His strength and leading and for Him to open the doors of opportunity. Thirty minutes over schedule, when worship wound down we all shared what God was speaking to us. Revival was the main theme. We believe God is calling out to us even louder than we are calling out to Him.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">Saturday, July 5<sup>th</sup> with Denny and Irene</span></strong><br>The weather was absolutely perfect! The sun was shining and the temperature was unseasonably mild (God knows how sensitive I am to heat). A good number of people began to show up and set up and love on each other in fellowship. There was more than enough food for everyone to enjoy. The worship time was amazing and afterward we circled Denny and Irene, laid hands on them both and had an inspiring time of prayer. It never ceases to amaze me to see the body of Christ come together, even if it is to simply bless two people. I am humbled whenever I can be a part of that.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">God moves us in church on Sunday!</span></strong><br>Sunday’s service sky-rocketed in worship! People were coming to the altar in large numbers to pray. Others were singing and weeping in the pews. Any schedule or lunch plans were laid down as Heaven touched earth for a while.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">Denny went home to be with God</span></strong><br>Two weeks later, we returned from a week at the beach with family on the afternoon of July 19<sup>th</sup>. When the dust settled from unpacking I sat down to check out Facebook and learned that Denny has passed away that morning. He had left his earthly vessel to receive his healing in the glorious presence of His Father God and His King Jesus! We were hoping for a miracle on this side of eternity, but what Denny received is better than we can ever imagine. One of the songs I sang for Denny by his request was I Can Only Imagine. I immediately thought about that song and wondered what it was like for Denny to step into Heaven. I am saddened for Irene’s loss and I can’t imagine her pain. But for Denny, his suffering is over and he is made more whole than he has ever been!<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">God doesn’t always use a flaming bush to get your attention.</span></strong><br>So why write this post? To give you an example of how God communicates. It’s not always a voice in a flaming bush. What has God deposited in your heart? What questions has he asked you? Don’t take too long, or it may be too late. It may seem like a small thing, or it may seem too big. It may feel awkward or even uncomfortable, but I know if God is asking you to do it, He will equip you and give you what you need.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">I’m ready for backyard revival….will you partner with me?</span></strong><br>Maybe you are called to host a night of worship in your backyard. After all, it doesn’t cost you anything but your time. Maybe you are a gifted musician and you want to join me. Let me be clear. This is not about fame or fundraising. This is not a “paid gig” and it is not a time of raising money for any organization. There will be no love offering collected or expected. There will be nothing for sale. This is about worship. This is about making a time and a place for God to revive hearts.<br> <br>Maybe God is calling you to several things, or something different entirely. That’s between you and God. But I would urge you to be open to listen and be submitted and willing to move when He asks you to.<br> <br><strong><span class="font_large">Let’s open a discussion here.</span></strong><br>Maybe someone will read this that you can partner with. Maybe this post is a bridge or a conduit for God to accomplish his will and move mightily through His people. Leave a comment in the comments section below and start the conversation!Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29690852014-05-24T09:48:48-04:002021-11-03T10:08:49-04:00Let us pray.... while there is still time<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/9469ad96be7f7211a1266b7d4c4520158819b853/large/power-of-prayer.jpg?1422132496" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><br><span class="font_xl"><strong>Let Us Pray... while there is still time.</strong></span><br>Prayer is something that we as believers should be doing on a daily basis and yet can so easily be pushed down the list of "things to do." We live our lives in a flurry of hustle and bustle and fall into bed exhausted each night. We jump up at the sound of the alarm only to begin the flurry once more. We are reminded to pray when we are caught off guard by a crisis or a personal need, but daily prayer can either become numb through ritualistic formula prayer or simply pushed aside. Has it occurred to you that we could be running out of time for prayer?<br><br>No one knows when, but a time is coming when God will bring judgment on the earth. For some, it will be too late for prayer. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#000080;">Psalm 32:6-11 NLT </span></strong><br><span style="color:#000080;">Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment. For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.<br> <br>The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”<br> <br>Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!</span><br><br>God promises to save his people, but he also commands us to act right. We should not have to be controlled or manipulated into good character, we should just do it. We, as believers, live in a glass house. Living justly releases us from guilt and we can therefore rejoice, be glad and shout for joy! But what about the world around us? What about the ones who don't know God and are living in the flurry? We have a responsibility to pray on behalf of them, that they may come to know God. We have to turn from our own "stuff that hinders" and pray for our family, our country, our world so that others will have the chance to find freedom in Christ. I could veer off here on so many side notes, but I feel God wants me to stick to the one idea: "We are running out of time."<br><br>He said in His word that He would restore our land. <br><br><strong><span style="color:#000080;">2 Chronicles 7:14</span></strong><br><span style="color:#000080;">Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. </span><br> <br>The Lord is not far away, He is right here. He lives among us and He waits for your prayers (heart-to-heart conversations). He is not shocked at your confessions, He is not overwhelmed at your frequency, and He has not put a cap on the magnitude of our requests. He is not a giant dictator waiting for you to make a mess so He can punish you for it. He is warm and loving and wants to bring you peace and comfort. He is not just a 'mighty' Savior, He is the <strong>ONLY</strong> <strong>Savior</strong>. He takes great pleasure in you and sings and dances over you!<br><br><strong><span style="color:#000080;">Zephaniah 3:17 NLT</span></strong><br><span style="color:#000080;">For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.</span><br> <p class="line" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;">You may truly "get this." But will you pray for the rest while there is still time?<br><br><strong><span class="font_large"><a contents="CLICK TO DOWNLOAD MY ALBUM FREE!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sandyharless.com/home" style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(35, 71, 144); text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.15s; -webkit-transition: color 0.15s;">CLICK TO DOWNLOAD MY ALBUM FREE!</a></span></strong> </p>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29512572014-05-16T09:59:00-04:002017-01-15T15:25:51-05:00Love letter from God<i style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: large;"><strong style="margin: 0px;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/824724b55e9161e991896024761b051b485acc93/large/bible-heart.jpg?1422132914" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></strong></span></i><span class="font_xl"><strong>Love letter from God</strong></span><br><i style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: large;"><strong style="margin: 0px;">My Child...</strong> </span></i><br style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">You may not know me, but I know everything about you.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A1&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Psalm 139:1</em></a> <br style="margin: 0px;">I know when you sit down and when you rise up.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:2&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A2+&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Psalm 139:2</em> </a><br style="margin: 0px;">I am familiar with all your ways.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:3" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:3</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Matthew 10:29-31" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10%3A29-31&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 10:29-31</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">For you were made in my image.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Genesis 1:27" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A27&version=NIV" target="_blank">Genesis 1:27</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">In me you live and move and have your being.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Acts 17:28" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Acts 17:28</em></a> <br style="margin: 0px;">For you are my offspring.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Acts 17:28" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A28&version=NIV" target="_blank">Acts 17:28</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I knew you even before you were conceived.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 1:4-5" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+1%3A4-5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 1:4-5</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I chose you when I planned creation.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Ephesians 1:11-12&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A11-12+&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Ephesians 1:11-12 </em></a><br style="margin: 0px;">You were not a mistake,for all your days are written in my book.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:15-16" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A15-16&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:15-16</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I determined the exact time of your birthand where you would live.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Acts 17:26" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A26&version=NIV" target="_blank">Acts 17:26</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">You are fearfully and wonderfully made.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:14" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A14&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Psalm 139:14</em></a> <br style="margin: 0px;">I knit you together in your mother's womb.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 139:13" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139%3A13&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 139:13</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">And brought you forth on the day you were born.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalm 71:6" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+71%3A6&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalm 71:6</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="John 8:41-44" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A41-44&version=NIV" target="_blank">John 8:41-44</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I am not distant and angry,but am the complete expression of love.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="1 John 4:16" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A16&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 4:16</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="1 John 3:1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A1&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 3:1</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="1 John 3:1" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+3%3A1&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 3:1</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Matthew 7:11" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 7:11</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">For I am the perfect father.<br style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Matthew 5:48" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A48&version=NIV" target="_blank"><em style="margin: 0px;">Matthew 5:48</em></a> <br style="margin: 0px;">Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="James 1:17" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A17&version=NIV" target="_blank">James 1:17</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Matthew 6:31-33" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A31-33&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:31-33</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 29:11" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">Because I love you with an everlasting love.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 31:3" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+31%3A3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 31:3</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">My thoughts toward you are countlessas the sand on the seashore.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Psalms 139:17-18" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+139%3A17-18&version=NIV" target="_blank">Psalms 139:17-18</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">And I rejoice over you with singing.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Zephaniah 3:17" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+3%3A17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Zephaniah 3:17</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I will never stop doing good to you.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 32:40" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+32%3A40&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 32:40</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">For you are my treasured possession.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Exodus 19:5" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+19%3A5&version=NIV" target="_blank">Exodus 19:5</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 32:41" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+32%3A41&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 32:41</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">And I want to show you great and marvelous things.<br style="margin: 0px;"><em style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="Jeremiah 33:3" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+33%3A3&version=NIV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 33:3</a> </em><br style="margin: 0px;">If you seek me with all your heart.</span><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong style="margin: 0px;"><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES" data-link-label="Scripture" data-link-type="page" href="/scripture" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR MORE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES</a></strong></span><br> Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29433032014-05-13T09:37:28-04:002022-05-09T06:21:06-04:00"A Fight to the Finish with the Armor of God"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/5c024879db4c52a2f78a4948caa2b1b25ce6a83a/original/ArmorofGod.jpg?1375887319" class="size_xl justify_center border_" alt="" height="263" style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; border: 0px;" width="350" /><span class="font_xl"><strong>A Fight to the Finish with the Armor of God</strong></span><br><br><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif;">Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV, The Message)</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">God is strong, and He wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Our struggle is not against the people you can see, but against the rulers, authorities, the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is a mighty weapon not to be taken lightly. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your friends and family. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span>
<div style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="font-size: x-large; margin: 0px;">The Armor of God </b></div><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes, so that when evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.</span><br><br><span class="font_large"><strong><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 24px;">Picture yourself putting on:</span></strong></span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">1. The Helmet of Salvation</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">My acceptance of Jesus as Lord Savior Son of God saves me. John 3:16 tell me so. Have you accepted Jesus?...Really? Re-claim and celebrate your salvation. Let Christ give you his mind and thoughts</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">2. The Breastplate of Righteousness</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Get right with God by confessing any sin. Ask Jesus to make you more like Himself.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">3. The Belt of Truth</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Ask Jesus to show you the truth about yourself and about God. Ask Jesus to help you know if you are hearing His voice or the voice of another.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">4. The Sandals of Peace</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Exhale fully and breathe in the Peace of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anyone you need to forgive and get right with. Forgive them and seek your forgiveness.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">5. The Shield of Faith</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Picture yourself with a mighty shield that stops doubt and temptation right in their tracks. Remember, your faith can begin really small, God will grow it for you.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">6. The Sword of the Spirit</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">The Word of God found right inside your bible. Read it, and remember as much as you can. Take the sword to cut yourself free from anything that restricts you from living in faith and health. Praise God for His Word, in the Bible and in life.</span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><b style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">7. Pray in the Spirit</b><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Let the Holy Spirit lead you in worshipping God Pray for your friends and family and for others God brings to mind.</span>
<hr><br><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES" data-link-label="Scripture" data-link-type="page" href="/scripture" target="_blank"><strong style="margin: 0px;">CLICK HERE FOR MORE SCRIPTURE REFERENCES</strong></a><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><a contents="CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy of my album today!" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="http://www.masterweaver.net/home" style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(35, 71, 144); text-decoration: none; -webkit-transition: color 0.15s; transition: color 0.15s; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><strong style="margin: 0px;">CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy of my album today!</strong></a>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29283062014-05-08T09:10:28-04:002017-01-15T15:25:51-05:00Why Should I Pray?<span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/b47c89248105baf9aaf4bade20fcd42e7ba3c9ac/large/10603-the-moment-we-pray.jpg?1422132282" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><strong><span class="font_xl">Why Should I Pray?</span></strong><br>"We got to pray if we gonna make it today!" <em>(M.C. Hammer) </em>Beginning your day with prayer invites God into the details. Ending your day with prayer gives you an opportunity to be thankful for His presence. But there is all that space in between. That space could be filled with busyness, celebration, trials, pain, etc....and all of these are an opportunity to talk to God. The bible tells us to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) That simply means that the line between you and God should remain open at all times.<br><br style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(128, 128, 128);"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="margin: 0px;">There are many ways to pray, one not super-ceding the next. There are no special formulas or fancy words that evoke the response of God. Remember, God is looking into your heart, He is not judging your diction. Take the time to just be with God, for He knows you intimately, and His desire is for YOU to know Him. It is in the knowing that we find a love that is truthful and honest. You cannot kindle a friendship if you never talk to your friend. It is the same in your relationship with your Creator. Talk to Him, give Him a chance to answer you in such minute details that you cannot mistake His active presence in your life.</span></span></span></span>
<ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <li style="margin: 0px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);">1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);">Deuteronomy 6:25 And if we are careful to obey all this law before the LORD our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.</span></span></span></li>
</ul><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="margin: 0px;">So maybe you think you aren't righteous enough (or good enough) for YOUR prayers to be heard. In the old testament, man's righteousness was based on how well he followed every detail of the laws God put in place to keep us from stumbling all over ourselves in sin. This was impossible for man, so God made a way through His Son that we could become righteous through faith.</span></span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span>
<ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <li style="margin: 0px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);">Romans 1:17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.</span></span></span></li> <li style="margin: 0px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);">Romans 3:21,22 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe</span></span></span></li>
</ul><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; line-height: 24px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Be careful not to seek only the righteousness, but to seek the One who provided it for us.</span></span></span></span>
<ul style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.5em; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <li style="margin: 0px;"><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: large;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Matthew 6:33 But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness,and all these things will be given to you as well.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><span class="font_regular"><span style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><span style="margin: 0px;">The question now would be, Do you believe in God? Do you believe He sent his Son here to save you from a forever without Him? Give God the opportunity to commit Himself to you for eternity and begin your journey of prayer with:</span><br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="margin: 0px; font-size: large;"><b style="margin: 0px;">The Prayer That Changes Everything</b></span></span></span><br style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(78, 78, 78); font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/2a136e174322849572c9016864038b55bdfd7a46/medium/Sinner.jpg?1375887319" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="382" style="border: 0px;" width="250" />Dear God, I want to admit to You that I haven't always done things the way You would like to see me do them. At times I have done things that I knew to be very wrong. I understand this is sin to You and I want to say I'm sorry for every time I have chosen my way, or my own will opposed to Yours. I know now that those choices have only put more space between You and me, and that is not my desire. I do believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, gave His life on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me.<br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;">Jesus, I would like to ask You to fill my heart and come into my life as my Lord and my Salvation. I am committing and entrusting my life to You. Please give me the desire to be what You want me to be, and the desire to do what You want me to do. Thank You for choosing to die for my sins, for Your free pardon and forgiveness, for Your gift of eternal life, and for hearing and answering my prayer. Thank you for choosing to be my personal Savior. Amen.</span><br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);"><span style="margin: 0px;">For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son,that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16</span></span><br style="margin: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; color: rgb(105, 105, 105);"><span style="margin: 0px;">Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature:<br style="margin: 0px;">old things are passed away; all things become new.2 Corinthians 5:17<br><br><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON PRAYER" data-link-label="Prayer" data-link-type="page" href="/prayer"><strong>CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON PRAYER</strong></a><br><br><a contents="CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy of my album today!" data-link-label="Home" data-link-type="page" href="/home"><strong>CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy of my album today!</strong></a></span></span></span></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29258472014-05-07T10:22:33-04:002021-11-03T10:11:19-04:00Pray The Lord's Prayer over your loved ones<span style="text-align: justify;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/25698704c565d63a21e4138d1e6b93994fd0e9b1/large/lords-prayer.jpeg?1422133283" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></span><br><span class="font_xl"><strong>Pray The Lord's Prayer over your loved ones</strong></span><br><span style="text-align: justify;">One of the most beautiful prayers - the Lord's Prayer - may sound simple or traditional, but His prayer has profound and lasting impact, which is fresh and new every day. For a fresh insight into the depth of this prayer and God's goodness you can pray the words of the Lord's Prayer, inserting your name or that of your spouse, friend, child, or parent. You are a mighty spiritual warrior in God's kingdom. The enemy would like nothing more than to keep you prayerless. Instead, pray this prayer for those you care about:</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored in ______'s life. (Desire for your loved ones to be honored, made holy, and cherished through the power of honoring and fearing God. When they hallow God's name in their life that attitude will spill over into their relations with Others.)</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* May Your kingdom come soon in ______'s life. (When a person seeks first the kingdom of God, then all else in life is placed in the right order. When God is in control of lives, children, careers, churches, then there will be direction in prayers, thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and attitudes.)</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* May Your will be done in ______'s life on earth, just as it is in Heaven. (God's perfect will for your loved one is their salvation in Christ Jesus. In saving us, God changes us, making us new creations (2 Cor. 5:17). Then He transforms us to live in His will on earth.)</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* Give ______ the food he/she needs for today. (Daily bread for both spiritual and physical beings cannot be old, stale stuff from yesterday or a half-baked loaf from tomorrow that isn't ready yet. God's grace is sufficient to meet all our needs - one day at a time. When we come to Him in prayer He meets our needs daily. He feeds us the bread of His Word and He provides for all our physical needs as well.)</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* And forgive ______, just as he/she has forgiven those who have sinned against him/her. (Forgiving one another opens you up to receive forgiveness. Forgiveness is not an option. Jesus states it plainly, If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matt. 6:14-15)).</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* And don't let ______ yield to temptation, but deliver him/her from the evil one. (Apply the blood of Jesus in prayer for protection over your loved ones. The blood protects us from the sin of building walls that hinder and even destroy relationships.)</span><br style="text-align: justify;"><br style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">* For in ______'s life You will build Your kingdom and manifest Your glory forever and ever. Amen. (The battle has already been won on the cross where Christ destroyed the works of the devil. Satan, sin, and death have been defeated. Your battle is prayer that claims, establishes, and overcomes the enemy as he seeks to rob, kill, and destroy the Abundant life in Christ (John 10:10). Pray for that abundant life of God's kingdom in the lives of your loved ones.<br><br><span class="font_large"><strong>Prayer minus explanation:</strong></span></span><br>* Our Father in heaven, may Your name be honored in ______'s life.<br>* May Your kingdom come soon in ______'s life. <br>* May Your will be done in ______'s life on earth, just as it is in Heaven.<br>* Give ______ the food he/she needs for today.<br>* And forgive ______, just as he/she has forgiven those who have sinned against him/her.<br>* And don't let ______ yield to temptation, but deliver him/her from the evil one.<br>* For in ______'s life You will build Your kingdom and manifest Your glory forever and ever. Amen. <br><br><strong><span class="font_large"><span style="text-align: justify;"><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRAYER REFERENCES!" data-link-label="Prayer" data-link-type="page" href="/prayer">CLICK HERE FOR MORE PRAYER REFERENCES!</a></span></span></strong><br> Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29213202014-05-05T16:56:07-04:002021-11-03T10:11:54-04:00Homeless, hopeless, where can they go?<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/30980f4631feb35413ce0d8d227f7d76fa5b7fc3/large/homeless.jpg?1422133568" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><span class="font_xl"><strong>Homeless, hopeless, where can they go?</strong></span><br>I had the experience of sitting in the Catholic Diocese Center for the Homeless waiting room in Richmond, VA for an hour last week. It was one of the saddest experiences of my life. I talked to a woman who had 2 jobs and 2 kids in school and was being evicted from her 1 yr govt. apt struggling to make ends meet and just keep her children in their school. A young woman sat down in tears who was running from an abusive relationship. There was no one there to comfort her.... "just wait over there, we'll have someone with you in a minute." I went over to her and held her and asked if I could pray for her, to which she said yes. I watched people come and go, dressed in as much as they could put on (including a snow suit in 80 degree weather) just so they didn't have to carry it with all their other belongings stuffed into backpacks or shopping bags. I did look into their faces. I offered a smile, but most did not have one to return. I did everything I could not to bawl as I sat, a helpless witness to the hopeless few I encountered.<br><br>I was almost relieved when I was called back into the office to accompany my passenger. I talked to a counselor about options for the person I was with. The thing is..... the options are few. Shelters with cots that move from church to church every week. You can only be in the building from dinner to morning. You have to re-apply every week hoping to get back in, not knowing where you will be. It makes a job search nearly impossible. Housing waiting lists that are over a year long. How parents do this with children in school (or not) I just don't know. I don't have the answers.... and neither do they. Not the homeless, and not the shelters. They do as much as they can with the few resources they are given to work with.<br><br>It makes little difference what got you to this point in life once you have reached it. They way out is long and hard, and I can see why so many give up and seek ways to deaden the pain. These people are you and me..... on hard, hard times. Help when and where you can. Even if it's just to offer a hug or a prayer. You could be helping my loved one and not even know it. I could be helping yours.......<br><br>Blessings,<br>Sandy<br><br><br><span class="font_regular"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; color: rgb(55, 64, 78); font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">PS: Please visit this link and watch family walk right on by their own loved ones posed as homeless. This is how immune to them or afraid of them we have become. </span><a contents="http://viraljuice.com/best-of-the-interweb/will-this-woman-notice-her-homeless-family-watch-with-tissue/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://viraljuice.com/best-of-the-interweb/will-this-woman-notice-her-homeless-family-watch-with-tissue/" target="_blank">http://viraljuice.com/best-of-the-interweb/will-this-woman-notice-her-homeless-family-watch-with-tissue/</a></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29126922014-05-01T11:01:23-04:002017-01-15T15:25:51-05:00Peace Like a River<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/658c869377b536370dd6fb8b9d44b7880989b678/large/ocean.jpg?1422133959" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /><span class="font_xl"><strong>Peace Like a River</strong></span><br> <br>There are few things that are more soothing than to sit back, rest and gaze upon a river that is calm and smooth and reflective of a glorious sky above. You can imagine this scene at sunrise, sunset or blue skies with fluffy white clouds. You take a deep breath in… and exhale a cleansing sigh of relief. For in that moment you can be still. In that moment you can find peace. Stress and worry become distant, if only for a moment and you may even allow yourself to be comforted. It’s during times like these that we can feel, and possibly hear, God. You don’t have to seek a river to find this place. You can find it at home with a candle and soft music, or sitting in your backyard, or simply lying in your bed at night after everyone else is asleep.<br><br>The Hymn: It is Well, by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873<br> <br>When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,<br>When sorrows like sea billows roll;<br>Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,<br>It is well, it is well with my soul.<br> <br>We all have pain, disappointment, loss…. these are our sorrows. At times they just keep rolling in like massive waves upon the ocean (sea billows). Waves can be beautiful, but they can also be destructive. Some people have become great surfers of these waves, riding the curl only to narrowly escape the crash. This is a skill that takes years of practice. Being tumbled by billows can be painful and exhausting. This encourages the boarder to “stick it” and stay on that board with all their might. For when they do, they will coast safely to shore having conquered the wave. For some, the experience of being overtaken by a crashing wave was so devastating; they simply refuse to get back into the water.<br> <br>Isn’t that really what a sea billow was meant to do?<br> <br>Body surfers are all in. They enjoy the waves and are looking for a full bodied adventure. They can feel the water all around them as they glide in on the power of the water. They might get skinned knees as they scrape their way to the shore. Once in a while they may even get picked up and slammed on the beach by a wave that was bigger than they expected. Waves can tumble you end over end if you aren’t careful, leaving you choking and disoriented in the sand.<br> <br>Isn’t that really what a sea billow was meant to do?<br> <br>Sorrows are like sea billows. They will come. Jesus himself said these words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart? I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV<br><br><br><strong>The Lord will give you peace.</strong><br> <br><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+29:11&version=NIV">Psalm 29:11</a></strong><br>The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with <strong>peace</strong>.<br><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14:27&version=NIV">John 14:27</a></strong><br>Peace I leave with you; my <strong>peace</strong> I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.<br> <br>The peace that God gives you is complete and whole and will protect you. You will feel His peace and it won’t make sense to you. Your circumstances may scream in the face of your peace, but you will be sheltered from the ravages of your storm.<br> <br><strong><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4:7&version=NIV">Philippians 4:7</a></strong><br>And the <strong>peace</strong> of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<br> <br>For some, your storm may be quieted. The rage abruptly halted. You may have the faith-building pleasure of witnessing a God-sized miracle. Jesus’ disciples witnessed many miracles. This particular one speaks to a storm on the sea.<br> <h3>Matthew 8:23-27 <span style="font-size: 12px;">The Message (MSG)</span>
</h3>Then he got in the boat, his disciples with him. The next thing they knew, they were in a severe storm. Waves were crashing into the boat—and he was sound asleep! They roused him, pleading, “Master, save us! We’re going down!” <strong><sup>26 </sup></strong>Jesus reprimanded them. “Why are you such cowards, such faint-hearts?” Then he stood up and told the wind to be silent, the sea to quiet down: “Silence!” The sea became smooth as glass. <strong><sup>27 </sup></strong>The men rubbed their eyes, astonished. “What’s going on here? Wind and sea come to heel at his command!”<br> <br>Some of us, however, will ride our billows. God has a purpose and a plan for everything under the sun. For you, in this storm, He may have chosen to let you ride. You may be a board surfer attempting to ride the wave to shore. You may be a body surfer taking your chances full on in the water. But if you are called to weather any storm, then you must be able to experience the presence of God. You must find a place to “be still” and “be fully submitted” before Him. (Even a professional surfer needs to take time to rest and restore!) In God’s presence we find restoration and strength. In our weakness we find His power resting on our life.<br> <br><strong>2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV</strong><br>But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.<br> <br>I am BLESSED!! B-L-E-S-S-E-D I tell you! I have so MUCH to be thankful for and happy about. I have the JOY of the Lord, Who is my strength. Jesus has set me FREE and I live in His freedom! But let me also tell you friend, I have personal sea billows. My sea billows are different from yours, but they are no less painful. Sometimes I just need to sit at the still water’s edge and cry…. And wait for God, because He always comes. I can pour out my sorrows and He will pour out His lavish love and shelter me with His peace. I am restored and strengthened to pick up my sword and shield and carry on. Sometimes I need to come to the water’s edge to give Him thanks and praise. I can be silent in prayer or I can sing and worship Him. As I sing to Him, I know He sings over me. His word says that he does!<br> <br><strong>Zephaniah 3:1</strong>7 NLT<br><strong><sup>17 </sup></strong>For the Lord your God is living among you.<br> He is a mighty savior.<br>He will take delight in you with gladness.<br> With his love, he will calm all your fears.<strong><sup value='[<a href="#fen-NLT-22814a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]'>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zephaniah+3%3A17&version=NLT#fen-NLT-22814a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></strong><br> He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”<br> <br> <br>Would you like for peace like a river to come your way? Would you like to be able to say “It is well with my soul?” Come to the water’s edge. I can say that “it is well with my soul.” I know with a holy confidence that God has me. He has my life. My concerns are His concerns. My burdens are His burdens. My pain is healed in His name and nothing in my life is wasted when given back to Him for His glory.<br> <br>You can choose what that looks like for you, but just come. I promise you that He will come too. Come and find your rest. Come and find your peace. Come and find your God.<h3>Psalm 34:18 NLT</h3>The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;<br> he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.<h3>Isaiah 59:1 NIV</h3>Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,<br> nor his ear too dull to hear.<br> <h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">Psalm 138:3</h3>
<p class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">New Living Translation (NLT)</p>
<div class="passage version-NLT result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;"><div class="poetry top-1" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-left: 1em; position: relative; padding-left: 2.6em; margin-bottom: 1em;"><p class="line" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-138-3" id="en-NLT-16211" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; display: block; position: absolute; left: -4.8em;">3 </span>As soon as I pray, you answer me;</span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-3" style="position: relative;">you encourage me by giving me strength.</span></span><span style="font-size: 1em; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></p></div></div>
<h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">Psalm 91:1</h3>
<p class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px;">New International Version (NIV)</p>
<div class="passage version-NIV result-text-style-normal text-html " style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 16px;"><div class="poetry" style="margin-left: 1em; position: relative; padding-left: 2.6em; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"><p class="line" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px;"><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; display: block; position: absolute; left: -4.8em;">1 </span>Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High</span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-1" style="position: relative;">will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.</span></span></p></div></div><br> <br><br><strong>The Hymn: It is Well, by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873</strong><br> <br>1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,<br>When sorrows like sea billows roll;<br>Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,<br>It is well, it is well with my soul.<br>o <em>Refrain:</em><br>It is well with my soul,<br>It is well, it is well with my soul.<br>2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,<br>Let this blest assurance control,<br>That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,<br>And hath shed His own blood for my soul.<br>3. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—<br>My sin, not in part but the whole,<br>Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,<br>Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!<br>4. For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:<br>If Jordan above me shall roll,<br>No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life<br>Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.<br>5. But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,<br>The sky, not the grave, is our goal;<br>Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!<br>Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!<br>6. And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,<br>The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;<br>The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,<br>Even so, it is well with my soul.<br> Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/29036512014-04-28T11:39:28-04:002017-01-15T15:25:50-05:00Reading into your Future<span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/310f570aa0e73652a5a8bbea10850f2b0ea01488/large/space.jpg?1422134771" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></span><span class="font_xl"><strong>Reading into your Future</strong></span><br><span class="font_regular">Are you so worried about your future that you are willing to try just about anything looking for answers? Do you feel so powerless that you are constantly trying new things to feel “in control” of your life and the lives of those around you? <br><br>Astrology, Tarot Cards, Palm Readers, Fortune Tellers, Numerology, Attempts at contacting the dead through various methods, Vampirism, Witchcraft of various types, I could go on and on.<br> <br>I have even heard my Christian brothers and sisters looking for answers in all the wrong places.…... and while these avenues may tell you what you want to hear, whisper fragments of truth, and offer feelings of temporary self empowerment, they will never give you what your heart really desires. They are all a counterfeit offered to a suffering world in an attempt to keep your attention away from God; the One true source of everything you could ever want or need.<br> <br>These passages of scripture contain some stern admonitions against any indulgence in these things. I could have turned this into a blog post filled with my own thoughts and ponderings, but I believe these scriptures say it all. You may not think that playing around with the things the world offers is dangerous, but you have to know that when you do, God is not pleased and you will remove yourself from his umbrella of protection. <strong>“We cannot walk with God and hold hands with the devil.”</strong><br><br>Not all these will apply to you, but the scriptures leave no stone unturned. Let's read into the future of those who seek such things:<br> <br><strong>Deuteronomy 18:10-12 NIV </strong><strong><sup>10 </sup></strong>Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, <strong><sup>11 </sup></strong>or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. <strong><sup>12 </sup></strong>Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.<br> <br><strong>The Message Version:</strong> When you enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, don’t take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there. Don’t you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don’t practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to God. It’s because of just such abominable practices that God, your God, is driving these nations out before you.<br> <br><strong>Leviticus 19:31 NIV </strong><strong><sup>31 </sup></strong>“‘Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.<br> <br><strong>The Message Version: </strong><strong><sup>31 </sup></strong>“Don’t dabble in the occult or traffic with mediums; you’ll pollute your souls. I am God, your God.</span><br><br><strong>Leviticus 19:26 NLT</strong> <span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 1em;"> “Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood. Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.”</span><strong style="font-size: 1em;"> </strong></span><br><br><strong>Acts 15:20 NIV</strong> <sup>20 </sup>Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood.<br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong>Leviticus 20:6-7 NIV</strong> <strong><sup>6 </sup></strong>“‘I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.<strong><sup>7 </sup></strong>“‘Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God.<br> <br><strong>The Message Version: </strong><strong><sup>6 </sup></strong>“I will resolutely reject persons who dabble in the occult or traffic with mediums, prostituting themselves in their practices. I will cut them off from their people.<strong><sup>7-8 </sup></strong>“Set yourselves apart for a holy life. <em>Live</em> a holy life, because I am God, your God. Do what I tell you; <em>live</em> the way I tell you. I am the God who makes you holy.<br> <br><strong>1 Samuel 15:22-23</strong> <strong><sup>22 </sup></strong>But Samuel replied:“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. <strong><sup>23 </sup></strong>For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”<br> <br><strong>The Message Version: </strong><strong><sup>22-23 </sup></strong>Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices-empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production. Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult. Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors. Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship.<br><br><span style="font-size: 1em;"><strong>2 Kings 17:17 NIV</strong> “They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sorcery and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger.” <br><br><strong>2 Kings 17:18 NLT </strong> “They even sacrificed their own sons and daughters in the fire. They consulted fortune-tellers and used sorcery and sold themselves to evil, arousing the Lord’s anger. And because the Lord was angry, he swept them from his presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained in the land.”</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong>Isaiah 47:13-14 NIV</strong> All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you. <strong><sup>14 </sup></strong>Surely they are like stubble; the fire will burn them up. They cannot even save themselves from the power of the flame. These are not coals for warmth; this is not a fire to sit by.<br> <br><span style="font-size: 1em;"><strong>Galatians 5:19-21 NIV</strong> The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong>Galatians 5:19-21 NLT</strong> “When you follow the desire of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”<br> <br><span style="font-size: 1em;"><strong>1 Thessalonians 5:15-22 NLT</strong> See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else. Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil. </span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br>It is my hope that you will seek God's will on these things. Satan is the father of lies and deceit, and he will do his best to make things that we should not indulge in, look good to us. Remember, anything that exalts itself up against the Word of God is operating under Satan’s rule.<br> <br>When you turn to God, Satan is going to be on the attack to try and bring you away from God. He can't unless you let him, and God is more powerful than Satan. Please pray about this & seek the Lords will, and He will direct your path and impress upon you what is right.<br> <br><span class="font_large"><strong>Still worrying about your future?</strong></span><br> <br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">James 1:5 NIV </span></strong><sup>5 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">Deuteronomy 18:15 NIV </span></strong><sup>15 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV </span></strong><sup>5 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; </span><sup>6 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.</span><sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Prov+3%3A5-6&version=NIV#fen-NIV-16462a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span><br><span class="font_regular"> </span><br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">Romans 8:28 NIV </span></strong><sup>28 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who</span><sup value='[<a href="#fen-NIV-28145a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]'>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28145a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span style="font-size: 1em;"> have been called according to his purpose.</span><br><br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">Isaiah 41:13 NIV </span></strong><sup>13 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you</span><br><br><span class="font_regular"><span style="font-size: 1em;"><strong>Jeremiah 29:11 NIV</strong> </span><sup>11 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br><strong><span style="font-size: 1em;">2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV </span></strong><sup>16 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, </span><sup>17 </sup><span style="font-size: 1em;">so that the servant of God</span><sup>[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+tim+3%3A16-17&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29871a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span style="font-size: 1em;"> may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.</span></span><br><span class="font_regular"> <br>I pray that you will find peace in God's truth and comfort in knowing that He holds the future.<br> <br> </span><br> Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52252013-01-03T08:30:00-05:002017-01-15T15:25:50-05:00Clean up the Clutter!Well… this week I will take down the stockings, remove all the candy canes, lights and balls from our "throw-back" Christmas tree, and put away the various reminders of<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/676a32d14368590bdf1e5ffc04b39fee43ba917c/medium/DSC03730.JPG?1375887324" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" height="133" width="200" /> Old St. Nicholas and all his friends. The angels will be carefully laid in their storage boxes and my manger scene statue will be padded and packed. It's kind of sad to put away all the visual reminders of the birth of our Savior, but it will also be nice not to have to pick up foil icicles from various parts of the house. The table tops won't be so cluttered with extra decor and dusting will be a little easier. <br><br>
Hmmmmm.....clutter...dusting....there's a sermon in there for sure! Like for instance, what if we cleared the clutter out of our lives? Do you think God could get to the dusting part easier if He didn't have so much junk to remove first? How did all that stuff get there in the first place? One at a time, that's how. <br><br>
How about cleaning the clutter out of our thought life? Before we know it, there's so much stuff and so much noise running interference we couldn’t hear God’s voice if we squeezed our eyes shut and stuck out fingers in our ears. I know sometimes I feel like I have a party going on in my head with a lot of uninvited guests. Not that I hear voices mind you, but things that people have said or done or might do echo through my mind. Thought cycles and bunny trails leave me feeling like I’m caught up in a whirlwind. Hosea 8:7 says: "They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up.” <br><br>
Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to give these anxious thoughts a place to multiply. That would surely be sowing to the wind. I don’t want to reap a whirlwind and I surely don’t want the enemy to steal any fruit I manage to produce in the midst of the storms. So…If I am going to be of any use to God’s kingdom, I have to harness my thoughts. 2 Corinthian 10:5 says: We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.<br><br>
So what does that all really mean anyway? Well….in short, it means to trust God. Get to know Him more through reading His word. (That’s how you get the knowledge of God) Trust Him with your feelings, trust Him with your outcomes, and trust Him with your life. It doesn’t matter what anyone says or does, because those who trust in the Lord will be protected and renewed. So give those crazy anxious thoughts the boot, and rest in knowing that God loves you and He’s got it all under control. Be still and quiet sometimes and listen for Him to speak. I’m sure He has something to say to you. (and me too) <br>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52212013-01-02T07:00:00-05:002013-01-02T07:00:00-05:00Happy New Year! - Don't Be Stupid2012 is over and the world didn't end in December, so I'd say we are off to a fresh start! I heard a great pre-2013 sermon preached by Pastor Daniel (taken from the book, "The Best Question Ever" by Andy Stanley) that would serve many to use as a guide for not only this year, but for life. I titled my notes, "Don't Be Stupid." That pretty much sums it up, but I'll hit the highlights below if you're interested in reading them.<br><br><b>"We don't plan to mess up our life. The problem is that we don't plan NOT to." </b><br>
Its human nature to see how much we can get away with and still be acceptable, or even good. We want to see how close we can get to the line of sin without stepping over the line. The problem is that we draw the line so close that we leave no margin for error. "Is this wrong?" is the wrong question. <br><br>
Ephesians 5:15-17<br>
New International Version (NIV)<br>
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.<br><br>
"Is this a wise thing for me to do?" is the best question ever! We need to anticipate trouble and not walk blindly into it.<br><br>
1 Peter 5:8<br>
New International Version (NIV)<br>
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.<br><br>
There might not be anything <b>wrong </b>with what we are about to do, but it may not be <b>wise</b>.<br><br><b>3 questions to help you make right decisions:<br></b><br><b>1. In light of my past experience, what is the wise thing for me to do?</b> it's the unwise decisions that require creative justification. We are masters at the art of self acception (and exception). We know what we want and make all kinds of excuses as to why we should have it and why it's ok. We tend to make the same mistakes over and over. Your past should be a grid to evaluate every decision.<br><br><b>2. In light of my current circumstances what is the wise thing for me to do? </b>When our emotions are raging we are vulnerable. Decision today determines direction of your life tomorrow. Where are you headed?<br><br><b>3. In light of my future hopes and dreams (for myself and my children) is this a wise thing for me to do?</b> How will this decision help get me there? How will this decision help me help my children to get there?<br><br>
We cannot walk toward something without walking away from something else. We are either walking toward wisdom or foolishness. If you are happy with your life, then keep going. If not, stop and rethink how you make your decisions.<br><br>
Proverbs 28:26<br>
New International Version (NIV)<br>
26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,<br>
but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.<br><br>
Sin can be a gradual slippery slope. People who are falling into sin are usually drifting away from wise counsel (usually church, if they are attending). They won't ask for help because they fear appearing to be weak. But really, it's the wise that ask the questions.<br><br>
Proverbs 13:20<br>
New International Version (NIV)<br>
20 Walk with the wise and become wise,<br>
for a companion of fools suffers harm.<br><br>
I'll leave you with a question: "Is it possible to live a life with few regrets?"<br><br>
You can listen to this sermon at www.mccag.org<br type="_moz"><br><br><br><br>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52202012-09-19T07:30:00-04:002012-09-19T07:30:00-04:00CD #2 is well on it's way!We've been working hard as time permits to finish this 2nd CD. So far 6 of the 10 songs slated for this album are all just about completed. Fine tuning the tracks is a tedious job and you can't imagine the hours it takes to get it done. It's exciting for me to watch the songs evolve into their own sound and how Kim Taulbee's creativity takes all sorts of twists and turns in the music. I am constantly amazed when he opens a file and I see dozens of layers of instrument parts and vocals and background vocals and he somehow gets them all to work together to make what you will get to eventually hear on the final cut. Unless you witness this process first hand, you can just never comprehend the complexity of it all. <br><br>
Pray for us as we move forward that God would bless this project and that we will finish in His timing and not our own. God's timing is absolutely perfect, and He continues to show that truth to me over and over again.<br><br>
Peace be with you!Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52262012-01-09T17:00:16-05:002012-01-09T17:00:16-05:00"She only likes my hand..."While tucking my 7 yr old into bed this evening....she remembered leaving her dolls downstairs and asked me to run and fetch them. Knowing she would just "play in bed" for another hour on a school night, I told her she didn't need her dolls. I told her that her kitty was waiting for her to settle down. (Her cat actually <b>was</b> sitting in the middle of her bed staring at her patiently while she waited to curl up beside her and snuggle. This is a nightly routine.) She quickly replied to me with, "uh..uh.., she only loves my hand." This made me think......<br><br>
I wonder if that's how God feels about me sometimes. Does He think I only love His hand? His hand is the one that reaches out to 'do' for me, to 'bless' me, to 'comfort' me, to 'heal' me, to 'help' me in my numerous times of need. There is so much more to God than that. Do I take the time to let Him know that I know that? Or do I spend my time asking for His hand?Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52232010-11-01T14:14:55-04:002010-11-01T14:14:55-04:00How to Love Your Husband into a Hero - teaching by Helen Hirshman<b><span style="font-size: medium">Proverbs 31:11-12 (NIV)<br></span></b><span style="font-size: medium">11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. <br>
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. <br><br>
Her husband trusts her completely and never regrets it. Why? Because she is never spiteful and treats him generously as her own life. “Love covers a multitude of sins.”<br><br>
What was God’s intention for woman before the fall?<br><br><b>Genesis 1:26-31 (NIV)<br></b>26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” <br>
27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. <br>
28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” <br>
29 Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. 30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. <br>
31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.<br><br><b>Genesis 2:18-24 (NIV)<br></b>18 The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” <br>
19 Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. <br>
But for Adam[a] no suitable helper was found. 21 So the LORD God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs[b] and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib[c] he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. <br>
23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” <br>
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. <br><br><b>The element of relationship is in the image of God.<br><br></b>“No one comes to know themselves through introspection, but instead through relationships with others.”<br>
Alone we become set in our ways and cease to grow.<br><br><b>HELPER</b> – is mentioned 21 times in the Old Testament and refers to <b>strength</b> and to <b>God</b> as the helper.<br><b>HELPMATE</b> – is mentioned 4 times and refers to a <b>woman</b>, a <b>powerful ally</b>, and to <b>God</b>.<br><br><b>Women bring an incredible power to help their husbands. <br></b><br><b>Proverbs 31:11 (NIV)<br></b>the husband….. “lacks nothing of value.”<br><br>
Is this referring to material wealth? <br>
Probably not, but instead he has the gift of his “helpmate” meeting his emotional needs. In this he becomes a confident man.<br><ul>
<li><b>What Are a Man’s Needs?<br></b></li>
<li><b><br></b></li>
<li>Respect</li>
<li>To be loved – Why did he marry? To have someone to care about him. He needs the security of genuine love that stands the test of time; through better or worse (including his behavior).</li>
<li>To be admired – The Family Super Hero. Never compare your husband to any other man for any reason. Never belittle your husband’s character, his activities, or his abilities (especially in front of his friends or children).</li>
<li>Never boss your husband around, but instead ask.</li>
<li>To be responsible – Do you exert pressure on your husband to do something until it gets done?</li>
<li>To be trusted – Are you a suspicious judge?</li>
<li>To be honored – Do you complain?</li>
<li>To be loving – Have you accused your husband of being insensitive? (We can be VERY sensitive) Peter 3:7 Husbands b e considerate of your wives and treat them with respect as the weaker vessel. (weaker means more sensitive or more fragile vessel) If your husband is a large steel bucket, then you are a glass vase. The bucket, being the stronger vessel, can carry more weight, but also pours out more strongly and tends to flood their spouse or children.</li>
<li>To know that his advice is valuable To feel appreciated</li>
<li>To be understood</li>
<li>To be accepted</li>
</ul>
<b>Proverbs 31:12 (NIV)<br></b>She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.<br><br><b>People behave badly when their emotional needs are not being met. <br><br>
What Are A Woman’s Needs:<br><br></b>The Proverbs 31 woman has found her needs met in God, her role as a wife, and her role as a mother. But, from our husband we need: <br><br>
1. Security<br>
2. Love <br>
3. Respect<br>
4. Affection…..but most importantly <br>
5. ATTENTION. <br>
6. She needs quality time with her husband<br>
7. Increased sensitivity to comfort, not lectures<br>
8. For our husband to receive correction without being defensive<br>
9. For our husband to appreciate us<br>
10. For our husband to be a “helpmate” with the children<br><br><b>How do we help our men meet our needs?<br><br>
James 3:13, 17-18 (NIV)<br></b>13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.<br>
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. <br><b><br>
Essential Qualities of Inner Beauty</b><b><br></b><br><ul>
<li>Courage to commit to the relationship and do whatever it takes to make it work. Get rid of unrealistic view of marriage and replace it with a goal.</li>
<li>Persistence – until the goal is achieved (accept the lecture, and then ask for a hug)</li>
<li>Gratefulness – sincere appreciation for the benefits you’ve received from being his wife. Think of praiseworthy qualities your husband has. (for every negative, there is a positive)</li>
<li>Minimize your expectations for your spouse. (the result of being too hard on people is disappointment and discouragement)</li>
<li>Stop expressing your expectations and begin expressing appreciation. Look for your fulfillment in God. Turn off your internal timer for your goals of “change” to be met.</li>
<li>Calmness and inner peace. 1 Peter 3:4, “Rather, 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.”</li>
<li>Gentleness – showing tender consideration for another’s feelings</li>
<li>Unselfish Love – genuine (actions directed towards filling another person’s needs)</li>
</ul>
Depending on the state of your relationship, it may be hard for you to show these qualities to your spouse at first. One woman shared that she did things for her husband that he would not notice. She did them in service to God as a symbol of her commitment to her marriage. She also prayed for three hours each day, stating that this was the only way she was able to overcome her anger, stay committed and do the acts of kindness.<br><br><b>My personal experience:</b> <br>
This breakout session couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Let’s suffice it to say that I really needed to hear this teaching. I came to this retreat with the goal of hearing SOMETHING from God. God does not disappoint and he began speaking the first night. I landed on a scripture that set the tone for what I was going to receive that weekend. <br><br><b>Jude 1:1-2 (The Message)</b> my bible has the NIV & The Message side by side<br>
“I, Jude, am a slave to Jesus Christ and brother to James, writing to those loved by God the Father, called and kept safe by Jesus Christ. Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!” <br><br>
There are things in this teaching on how to treat your husband that I feel like I have a good handle on, and there are some things that need work. It’s so easy to focus on someone else’s shortcomings and justify your own complaints. It’s incredibly hard to lay down your own desires for fulfillment and try even harder than you did before to fulfill someone else’s needs. Jesus never said any of this was going to be easy. <br><br><br></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52242010-06-07T07:25:00-04:002018-10-30T17:53:32-04:00Call Security - MY TAKE on Pastor Matt's 6/6/10 sermonOn the way to church Sunday morning I heard Natalie Grant’s, I WILL NOT BE MOVED. I love this song! The lyrics remind me of my life and how I hold on to the promises in God’s word that tell me: <br><br>
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” <br>
“The plans that God has for me are for a future filled with hope” <br>
“I am called and equipped according to God’s plans for me”<br>
“I am a child of God and He will never leave or forsake me”<br>
“I am fearfully and WONDERFULLY made”<br><br>
Romans 12:3 tells us to walk in confidence and<b> security</b>, but not to get puffed up:<br><br><i>3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.<br></i><br>
But we are also not to think too little of ourselves.<br><br>
In Numbers 13, God promises to give the homeless Israelites an awesome piece of real estate. But when they went to check it out, they were afraid of all the giants inhabiting the land and instantly felt small, weak and afraid.<br><br><i>31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. 33 We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). </i><b><i>We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."<br></i></b><br>
When we FEEL small, we LOOK small to others. There are people in this world who take advantage of the weak, and Satan would love nothing better than for you to feel small. He knows that God has a plan for your life!<br><br><i>Jeremiah 29:11<br>
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future</i>.<br><br>
You can know the promises of God and never live a victorious life if you don’t choose to walk in them! You can forfeit all the plans that God has for you by choosing to walk in fear and unbelief. Now back to that song….<br><br>
I WILL NOT BE MOVED? I began to think of things that threaten my footing; things that could potentially cause me to waiver; things that HAVE caused me to waiver in my faith. When I open my eyes and look around there are giants everywhere! When I’m focused on the giants, I fail to look up and focus on a MUCH bigger God. When I’m focused on the giants, my circumstances appear to be overwhelming. When I’m focused on the giants, I feel small, weak, ineffective, ill equipped, not useful, defeated. <br><br>
I have been moved. Moved to complaining bitterly when my feelings are hurt; moved to tears over unanswered prayers and broken dreams; moved to being reclusive when I can’t handle anymore. In Matthew 12 and Luke 6, God’s word reveals that “out of the heart, the mouth speaks.” A broken heart rehearses its wounds. Choosing salvation isn’t insurance against the wounding of your heart, but instead, assurance that you won’t walk this way alone. <br><br>
In John 16, Jesus tells us himself that we will have troubles:<br><br><i>33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."<br><br></i>In Deuteronomy 31, Moses reminds us that we are not alone:<br><br><i>8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."<br></i><br>
We are not to be afraid or discouraged, though discouragement will surely come. I may have allowed myself to be moved, but I still hold firm to my faith in God. He is who He says He is, and He can do what He says he can do. <br><br><b>So how can I stay secure?<br></b><br>
1. Obey the word of God – if you want to obey it, you have to read it. If you want to understand it better, you need to study it. Join a small group, or bible study group, or get some friends to join you at your house and study the word together. <br><br><b>ME:</b> I have seasons where I’m better at this than others. And, it shows. I can see and feel a difference in myself and the “giant sightings” on the plains of my life.<br><br>
2. Stop thinking and saying negative stuff about yourself AND about others. Live in a constant state of forgiveness, allowing others to be just as imperfect as you are.<br><br><i>Ephesians 4:29-30<br>
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.<br></i><br>
If every word (or matter) is established by 2-3 witnesses as it states in 2 Corinthians 13:1, then why would we want to be the one to speak a negative over our own life or the life of another? Remember, Satan the accuser is always the first witness for evil for every living soul. Why would we want to confirm it by being the 2nd or 3rd witness?<br><br><b>You will become what you believe yourself to be.<br></b><br><i>Proverbs 23 (NKJV)<br>
7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.<br><br></i>People will rise or fall with the words they agree with.<br><br><b>ME:</b> How many negative words echo in the halls of my sub conscience? Words that were (or are) spoken over me, to me, around me, about me? Arrows loaded with the poison to kill God’s plans for my life. How many of them did I believe? Probably all at some point. How many bad choices did I make because of what I believed about myself at any given time? Many. Those words, once spoken….once received, must continually be replaced with the words of God in order to lose their power.<br><br><b>Whose words have you agreed with over your life?<br><br>
Whose life have you affected with your own words?<br><br>
Words of life, or words of accusation?<br></b><br>
3. Stop comparing yourself to others. Your value comes only from your identity in Christ. <br><br><i>Phillippians 1:6<br>
…..that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.</i><br><br>
It’s not about how good you are, or how “good at it” you are. There is always someone else who is better, or better at it. And there is always someone that needs encouragement. It’s not about “what” you are doing in service to God. We are all gifted differently for a purpose.<br><br><i>1 Corinthians 12:4<br>
4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. <br><br>
1 Corinthians 12:12<br>
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.<br></i><br><b>ME:</b> I know now that I am called by God to use my gifts for Him. There are things that I do well, and things that I don’t do well. We are to bring our best offering to God, so I bring him what I do best. But even my best is not as good as others who are gifted in the same way. <br><br>
Do I compare myself? <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/confused_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /> Human nature says yes. Does it mean that this couldn’t possibly be my calling or God’s plan for my life? I’m learning that it does not. If I let the fact that someone is more spiritual, sings better, plays better, or writes better stop me from doing any of it….how can God get the glory from my life and who He created me to be? <br><br>
I don’t have to be the best, I have to be obedient. I don’t need to have accolades, awards, acceptance or approval. I need to be obedient. Obedience brings a blessing of peace in knowing that you are doing what God wants you to do; that deep sense of knowing. And occasionally God sends some warm fuzzies of encouragement my way! <img src="//bandzoogle.com/common/FCKEditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/regular_smile.gif" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" /><br><br>
And all the rest of that stuff that I don’t do well? God can have that too and use it how He sees fit. <br><br>
So call Security! Call Jesus! <br><br>
based on Sermon by Matt Hoole June 6, 2010<br>
visit <a href="http://www.mccag.org">www.mccag.org</a> to hear the audio file<br><br>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52192009-06-13T02:35:00-04:002009-06-13T02:35:00-04:00God is Good<span style="font-size: medium; ">Jesus bears us upon his shoulders and holds us in His heart as He stands before the Father presenting us as a holy offering, a pure a spotless bride, making our requests and prayers known so that God may hear and answer according to His perfect will. We are not spotless and do not deserve this special treatment, but we have a Savior who gives us a grace we will never understand out of His amazing, unselfish love, which we do not have the ability to give nor comprehend. God is perfected love, and yes, He is good!</span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52182009-05-29T06:00:00-04:002009-05-29T06:00:00-04:00I'm Sorry<span style="font-size: medium; ">“I’m sorry.” How many times have we heard these words? How many times have we heard them leave our own lips? I’ve even written a song with that title! Apologies fly through the air with great frequency, and often as an automated response to realizing that our actions have caused a negative reaction, sometimes resulting in uncomfortable consequences. How flippant we can be in a half-hearted attempt to restore our own comfort. Recently I had a refresher course in the proper dynamics of those two little words. Let’s break it down…. <br><br><b>Regret - Repentance - Forgiveness – Restitution </b><br><br><b>Regret:</b> We can regret something we have said or done, but that does not equate to having a repentant heart. Regret is when we realize that we have caused anger, pain, or injury and that offensive act has brought negative consequences. We know from school that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. When we add human emotion to the equation, that physical law may as well be tossed to the wind! The offense changes something in the relationship. What changed is the “fellowship” and the joy shared by being in relationship with another person. <br><br><b>Repentance:</b> When we understand the offense or the wrong we have done and also understand how it affects our relationship with others (and with God), then our heart can begin to be sorry with a willingness to change. Sometimes we may need someone else to explain to us how our actions have affected them and our fellowship with them, but repentance must always begin with the one who committed the offense. You can not force or coerce someone else to become repentant. <br><br><b>Forgiveness:</b> This is a process that requires an agreement between two parties. The offendER has to want to seek forgiveness, and the offendED has to be willing to forgive. Repentance begins with the offender, but forgiveness begins with the person who was offended. Asking for forgiveness does not mean saying, “I’m sorry” when you have wronged someone with malicious intent. When you purposely wound someone, you have stolen their control. You need to humble yourself, acknowledge the offense and then ask that person, “Will you forgive me for _____?” This restores the stolen control back to the offended party. As an aside, if you sin or offend someone in front of your children, it is also right for you to acknowledge the offense and ask them to forgive you as well. Don’t be afraid to ask your children for forgiveness, this will earn their respect and teach them valuable lessons in fellowship. (Genesis 50:17, Matthew 18:21-35) <br><br><b>Restitution:</b> Making things right. If your wrong has left damage, then you must make every attempt at restoring the damage to its original condition or better. If you have broken something, either repair it or replace it; possibly with something better or an added bonus. Broken things are much easier to repair than broken people. When you damage people, you will need the wisdom and guidance of God to help you help them. You can ask for forgiveness, but sometimes the restoration has to begin apart from you. If your wrong has robbed someone of something, it is biblical to repay them four times the amount stolen. (read about Zaccheaus the cheating tax collector in Luke 19)<br><br><b>In closing</b>, remember that if we choose to live by God’s standards, we shouldn’t expect that the rest of the world is going to live by them as well. We are reminded throughout the word of God to walk in the Spirit of God exhibiting love and all the qualities love is supposed to hold. We are also encouraged not to get tired of doing the “right thing” because we should be doing it simply because we are called to by God and because it is the right thing to do.</span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52172009-04-29T11:35:00-04:002009-04-29T11:35:00-04:00Just Be Ordinary?<span style="font-size: medium; ">Isn’t that what the rest of the world demands of you? Fit in, conform, update; just be part of what everyone else is doing. You may dare to be different at your own risk. Rejection, mockery, ridicule, exclusion, or just plain being ignored are some of the risks you will take. The fear of being on the receiving end of these things is the most basic fear of not being loved. We all want to be loved.<br><br>
Those around you don’t know how to react when things are not “status quo.” They have been trained from birth to be ordinary, and no matter what culture currently dictates; this is their normal. In this system, it is the opinion of the majority that makes the rules. We are well aware of how opinions can change, thus swaying the bar of normalcy to and fro. The average person could collapse from exhaustion in an attempt to be “normal” and some consistently reach for underachievement to simply appear “ordinary.”<br><br>
Mention the name Jesus, and you are likely to get written off by the majority. Why is that I wonder? Everything I have read about the life and character of Jesus is good. He spent his time trying to explain the complexities of God in stories that people could relate to. He sought out the desperate and the sick and brought restoration and healing. He made himself available to all, not making any distinctions and not asking for anything in return. He didn’t even fight back when he was being tried and executed, because he was fulfilling the will of God for the salvation of ALL people. (not only the really good ones, but ALL)<br><br>
Jesus was not “ordinary” nor was he normal. He was extraordinary. He stood up for, and he stood out against anything that opposed his most basic characteristic, the most basic characteristic of The Father he came to represent….LOVE. In my opinion, that’s the kind of guy worth mentioning! That’s the kind of Savior worth serving! That’s the kind of God worth believing in. I don’t think I can do that and just be ordinary. Besides, God didn’t create me for mediocrity. He created me to be extraordinary. So if I appear a bit overzealous at times, if I appear to be striving for something you don’t understand, if I seem like I’m wasting my life on pursuits that are a little out of the ordinary…I invite you to get to know my creator. He made YOU for something special too!<br><br><b>So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. </b><i><b>Genesis 1:27<br></b></i><b>Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. <i>Romans 12:2</i><br></b></span><b> </b><i><b><br></b></i>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52162008-12-20T08:05:00-05:002008-12-20T08:05:00-05:00Is Friendship Enough?<span style="font-size: medium; ">Shopping is underway, even though the malls don't seem as busy this year. But still, the hustle and bustle to find the perfect gifts is apparent and the facial expressions of many are digressing into droopy jowled exhaustion. For all the effort, how much will it take to be "enough?" How much of what they received will the recipients of our gifts remember this time next year? How much will you yourself remember?<br><br>
God gives us personalized gifts every day of our life, and sometimes we don’t even recognize them, or are completely unaware of their presence. There are even days when we are completely unaware of God’s presence<br><br>
Chances are, if we only received one gift each year, we would not only remember what it was and who it was from, but we would appreciate it more and look forward to it with greater anticipation. But what if the one gift you waited for all year was presented to you in a way you didn’t understand. What if the person responsible for your gift took you out on a fishing trip and spent hours teaching you his secrets to fishing and talking about life. What if that person told you how much they valued your friendship and that they looked forward to being friends forever. And at the end of the day they said, “okay bud, had a great time, see ya later.” <br><br>
Would you be thinking, “hey that was fun. I wonder what he’s gonna get me this year?” <br><br>
Would you still be anticipating your “GIFT?”<br><br>
The Israelites did. They awaited a new King that was going to save them from all their troubles and hardships. They wanted a “FREE ticket to a great life” What they received didn’t look like what they expected, and most of them missed it.<br><br>
The gift was God giving us a piece of Himself.<br>
The gift is His presence in good times and in bad.<br>
THE gift was Emmanuel, God with us.<br>
He showers us with gifts every day if we’ll only notice them.<br>
He speaks to us all day long in constant contact.<br>
You wanna hear from God? <br>
Then quiet down and listen. He generally isn’t going to talk “over” you.<br><br>
I guess you could say, He is the gift that keeps on giving.<br><br>
But, it’s not the gifts we should anticipate……<br>
It’s not the extraordinary encounters with God that go beyond human reasoning or understanding we should be looking for……<br><br>
………..it’s the friendship..... <br><br>
And it’s in that friendship that we are changed in spite of ourselves.<br><br>
Merry Christmas</span><span style="font-size: x-small"><br></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52152008-11-28T03:30:00-05:002008-11-28T03:30:00-05:00Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart<span style="font-size: medium; ">We are reminded throughout scripture to give thanks in all circumstances, at all times, in all seasons, even when there are things going on around you that you are not thankful for. When we refer to scripture we find the bigger reasons to be thankful; the ones that, when our focus is lateral they are easily forgotten.<br><br>
In 1 Chronicles we are reminded to give thanks AND praise because He is good and His love for us endures forever. His love endures (undergoes hardship without giving in, with acceptance and tolerance, remains the same and stands firm). Can you love someone with that kind of love? Certainly God is deserving of our gratitude and our having good things to say about Him to the rest of the world based on that alone, but the word of God doesn't stop there. <br><br>
In 2 Chronicles we are told how the worshipers gathered with many instruments and raised their voices in the temple to praise God based on his goodness and enduring love alone. I'll just bet it wasn't quiet and "reverent." I can imagine a scene of great volume and exuberant praise! It wasn't a praise of petition, but rather an offering of praise. How did God respond? With His glorious presence in the form of a cloud which prevented the scheduled service to continue and allowed them to just simply "be" with Him. Being thankful and giving praise to God is so powerful that King Jehoshaphat sent an army of worshiping men ahead of the actual soldiers to sing thanks and praises. As they did so, their enemies were being ambushed and defeated before they even engaged in battle! THANKS AND PRAISE WAS THE FIRST WAVE! Do we even begin our prayers with thanks and praise? <br><br>
There are multiple stories of people giving thanks and praise to God. They praised Him for His righteousness, for being trustworthy, for strength and protection, for salvation and favor, and for many miraculous acts. They praised Him in solitude and among many. They praised Him outside the temple, at the gates, and inside the temple. There were many ways that they thanked God for what He had done for them, but mostly they thanked Him for continuing to love them in spite of themselves. <br><br>
Think of that person in your life whom you have labeled "the hardest to love." You spend great effort to love that person, and yet all your hard work seems to return void. You just cannot see where your efforts have made any difference at all in their life, and you certainly don't feel any warm fuzzies from them in return. How long can you continue to pour yourself into that person? When will you run out of patience, out of goodness, out of desire? Is your love unconditional, or do you have stipulations? Can YOU endure? God can.<br><br>
Can we be thankful to a God for simply loving us in spite of ourselves? And even more, can we give thanks with a grateful heart? We can't begin to understand how big or how deep loving like God loves can be, but we can say "thank you" and actually mean it. We each have so many "things" or "situations" to be thankful for, but the biggest thing we should be thankful for is a God who will never leave us, and never stop loving us....no matter what we are.<br><br>
There is power in praise and in being thankful. Not a power to be manipulated, but the power of His presence and His love. Let Him reign in your heart today based on love alone.<br><br><i>"We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Revelations 11:17</i></span><span style="font-size: x-small"><i><br></i></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52142008-11-14T10:10:00-05:002017-01-15T15:25:50-05:00The Butterfly<span style="font-size: medium; "><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/54221/c62ec3b4db577cb428ae9ff615961594b3357d7e/original/ButtonButterfly.gif?1375887319" class="size_orig justify_left border_" alt="" height="115" width="143" />I've always loved to look at them. They are beautiful, and there are so many different colors and patterns. I even had a dream once that I was a butterfly and I flew across the ocean to a beautiful beach. Wow, what freedom I felt in that dream! The butterfly has often been used as a picture of the "new creation" we become when we accept Jesus as our Savior. I'd like to think that I have made the switch from being a lowly worm to a colorful creature who seems to dance through life on a breeze. My favorite reason, however, is that they represent "transformation." I know it's a theme that is overdone....but the thought of transformation never gets old for me. You see, I am being transformed by the renewing of my mind through Christ Jesus. (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18) You may notice me changing on the outside in subtle ways, or you may not. But Jesus can always see into my heart, and it is there that I will be forever "in the process of transformation." Sometimes this growth is easy, and sometimes it can be downright painful. I remain in His hands by choice because I know He holds my future (Jer 29:11) and the work He is doing in me will be for my benefit and to His glory. I invite you to read the story of </span><a href="./stories.cfm"><span style="font-size: medium; ">The Butterfly</span></a><span style="font-size: medium; ">. God could have made this process easy for us, but in the end we would be unable to fly. For it is in this process that we shed what is not good, learn how to spread our wings, and allow a holy wind to be our launch and sustain us as we soar!<br><br><i>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthian 5:7</i></span><span style="font-size: x-small"><i><br></i></span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52132008-11-09T11:10:00-05:002008-11-09T11:10:00-05:00Palsy Schmallsy<span style="font-size: medium; ">Does everything happen in life at once? Or does it just seem that way at times? With several pressing projects needing attention, the crashing economy, stress and demands of life at home, and the holidays getting closer by the second...is it any wonder that our physical bodies would scream for solice. For me, half my face just decided to shut down. Six hours in the ER later, I have the diagnosis...Bell's Palsy. I was rejoicing that it wasn't a stroke and that I would get to go home. But, I have to say that I felt rather lop-sided in public. In fact, I had been feeling lop-sided in general for quite some time, but just could not put my finger on the reason why.<br><br>
In church the following Sunday I was encouraged to "worship my way through this because He is worthy." Well, yes, Ms. Francis, He certainly is worthy and He certainly is "worth it." This sealed my decision not to back out of the worship team for the following Sunday. I decided to trust God with it, and if I looked or sounded funny while I was singing, then I trusted He had a good reason for that too. But the answer to my lop-sided inner feeling came after I went up for prayer from our healing ministry team. The prayers for healing were really awesome and encouraging, but a word at the end came with a reminder. "God told you to do something that you haven't done yet." were the words spoken to me. On the way home I knew what it was I had to do. God had not only told me once, but repeatedly, to get back into His word on a daily basis. I had a lot of starts and stops....but lacked consistency. So with a renewed commitment, I am back in the word. The physical healing is not coming a quickly as I would like, but God's response to my obedience has been immediate! There are other things in the bigger picture that are being made right and I praise and thank Him for those things.<br><br>
Did I look funny that following Sunday when I sang? Yeah, I'm sure I did. But, mouth open wide on one side, I sang praises to my King because He is worthy! "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings." Psalm 63:7 is my chosen scripture verse for this week. There are so many reasons for me to sing to my King...but they all pale in the one reason: that He is just simply WORTHY. Even if He never did another thing for me, I will forever remain in His shadow.</span>Sandy Harlesstag:sandyharless.com,2005:Post/52122008-04-13T14:00:00-04:002008-04-13T14:00:00-04:00In the Storm<span style="font-size: medium; ">Lord, I stand in the midst of the storm and though the thunder makes my heart pound and the lightening makes me flinch, I stand...face to the heavens....as your rain showers me with mercy and grace and your Spirit strengthens me for another day. Lord I believe you are able and you are working, help me in my unbelief. Lord I want to be found as an oak of righteousness rooted in deep faith in You, please help my faithlessness. Lord I want to stand strong, unwavering, a true warrior of your kingdom, help me when I am weak. Lord I want to be blameless in your site, a pure spotless bride who awaits your return, help me when I stumble and fall. <br><br>
You, Lord, are the author and finisher of my faith. My hope, it rests only in You. In a world of unanswered questions, you are the answer I need. My soul longs for the intimacy that you desire with me. Lord, consume me in Your holy fire and saturate my being with Your presence. Help me to walk worthy of the call you have placed in me. Give me the boldness and confidence in You, not in myself, to walk it out as I approach Your throne with each step of my earthly life.<br><br>
Jesus, you are my refuge...I rest in Your embrace.</span>Sandy Harless