A ROLL OF THE DICE

In the book of Acts when the disciples were waiting on the HolyGhost to come on the day of Pentecost they cast lots(dice) to determine who would take the place of Judus. I thought that strange. Matthias was chosen with prayer and a roll of the dice. He was chosen from the followers of Christ. Man's idea of the right thing to do. God however, though He allowed it chose from sinners, in fact he chose a murder of Christians Saul who would later be known as Paul. Matthias was chosen by the brethern. His destiny was chosen by men a roll of the dice and we never hear from him again. We don't hear of him healing, preaching, baptizing, nothing. Yet Paul whom God chose ended up preaching, teaching, starting churches, baptizing with the Holy Ghost and wrote most of the New Tesament. I looked up about lots casting. Of course we are familiar with the scripture that says they cast lots for Jesus's garment. Other scriptures...
1.preceded by prayer...Acts1:23-26
2.with divine sanction...Numbers 26:55
3.considered final...Numbers 26:56
4.selection of scapegoats...Lev. 16:8
5.detection of a criminal...Joshua 7:14:21
6.selection of warriors...Judges 20:9-10
7.choice of a King...1Samuel 10:19-21
8.deciding priestly rotation...Luke 1:9
9.used by the ungodly...Matthew 27:35

Has your destiny been decided by the roll of the dice by the religious crowd or by mom and dad?
Or have you answered a call of God? I wonder how many marriages have been formed because the church decided they should be joined or family or friends decided they would be perfect together. I wonder how many asked God and then waited for His answer? A roll of the dice....a Holy thing or a man thing?

GOD'S RECIPE FOR HEALING

ISAIAH 58:6-8 is not this the fast I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke. Is it not to deal bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out of their house? When thou seest the naked ,that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning,and thy health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be your rearward.

Did you notice He lists 4 things that will spring forth your healing speedily?
1. Feed the hungry
2. Take in the homeless
3.clothe the naked
4. Examine yourself

I never saw that before.

LUKE...A MAN BORN OUT OF TIME

Luke was a man born out of time. He wrote one of the 4 gospels. He was the only one who did not walk with Jesus or see the deeds first hand. As was Paul, Luke was born out of time. He became Paul's lifetime friend and co-worker. He interviewed those who were present at the events of Jesus ministry. Luke is the only one who told of Jesus birth. He of the four was the only one who told of John the Baptist's birth. Luke is the most woman friendly of all 66 books of the Bible. He tells more stories of women and the poor than the others. Luke was a Doctor and some believed he had also been a slave. They believe that was why he paid special attention to the under dog the down trodden. His book is known as the book that repeats......that you may be certain......a man filled with the Holy Spirit....a seeker of truth.....a man born out of time.

IT WAS NEVER ABOUT THE PRODIGAL OR HIS BROTHER

For many years we have heard the story of the prodigal and his brother. In fact if your Bible has titles as mine does the story is titled the prodigal. In fact the story is about the Father, His love, forgiveness, grace, and honor. Because of his love for his lost son he could not see the sons sin for His joy of having His son back under His umbrella of protection. Even though the Father knew giving the son the desires of His heart would ruin him He gave it any way. Today a child who makes mistakes and tries to come back home, the father often says you made your bed now go lie in it. We would do well to remember the story is an example of the grief and the hurt the loved son did to his Father's heart and yet the Father never gave up hope and went to the hill every day waiting for the return of His child. He had the best robe ring and shoes and feast ready to celebrate his return.

THE WORD

God loves to talk. In fact He loves to talk so much He named Himself the word. Every time God wants to put a miracle in your life there is a conversation. It is called prayer. Every conversation is an instruction rule for your life. When you follow an instruction rule of God, God is indebted to you for your obedience. Obedience is the seed that God never denies. Your future is one instruction away. Soooooo go have a conversation with the Word who loves to talk and hang out with you... God bless Linda

WISDOM AND BEAUTY

Every year I buy a calendar from the mouth and foot painters. Each month has a lovely piece of art and a wisdom statement. I especially liked the March picture and bit of wisdom. The picture was of purple and yellow crocus springing forth from patches of snow. The first signs of spring yes! The wisdom statement was from Emily Dickenson......how strange that nature does not knock, and yet does not intrude. I thought how like Jesus that comment is.......he never knocks and He never intrudes. The scripture says if we knock the door will be opened. Have you ever noticed in the picture there is no door knob on the outside. You have to knock for the door to be opened. Jesus is a gentle man. He never enters where He is not welcome. You have to invite Him in. Just wanted to share the beauty and wisdom of spring. God bless, Linda

Giving changes the atmosphere

Did you ever notice how giving changes the atmosphere? You give praise and worship and the presence of God shows up. You give a compliment and it makes some ones day. Your husband comes home from a hard day at work, you greet him warmly and tell him how great you think he is and he out does himself trying to be that great guy you've accused him of being. Guys you bring your wife home a gift for no reason just because you love her and she is so touched she gets all warm and fuzzy. I visited a church once that startled me. When it was offering time instead of enduring it with solemn faces they rose to their feet with joy and thanksgiving praising God according to the scripture God loves a cheerful giver. It changed the atmosphere in that place. Of course you can change the atmosphere to evil as well with an unkind word, causing wounded spirits. Chipping away at some ones self esteem. What ever you give changes the atmosphere.