Strong Prayer
April 28, 2011
32 For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? 33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 34 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. II Samuel 22: 32-34 KJV
Just awhile ago when I was in the bathroom, I made the statement, “My prayer is so weak.” And I decided to examine, just exactly what makes my prayer this way. Is it me? Is it my laziness? Is it the fact that I feel the only time to pray is in the morning? Maybe all of these things and a misconception I may have about prayer.
Yesterday in the shower, two men I’ve never met, but are strong Christians came into my mind. Now, this might be a strange place for me, a woman, to think about Christian men I’ve never met, but God doesn’t want His followers to pray when it’s convenient for them. So, right then and there, I prayed for these two men. The thought occurred to me that there is no correct time to pray. That’s what makes it strong.
I knew a lady in a church I attended who told me many times, “Pray without ceasing.” This, too, is what makes prayer strong. In David’s prayers to the Lord when Saul kept persecuting him, David prayed all the time. Second Samuel 22 is an amazing prayer of David. The whole chapter is filled with praises to God. And if David prayed in caves, before battle, as a king, and in all kinds of other situations, then I guess I can, too.
There’s never a correct time or place to pray and that is what makes it strong.
God’s blessings upon you, your family, and your furkids (if you have any). If any of you would like to pass this on to others you know, please feel free. Also, if you’d like to be removed from this list for any reason (like you read it in other places), please let me know – there will be no hard feelings. I do this not for those who read it, but because of what happens between God and me.
Michelle Rose
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
I Am One of His Sheep
April 21, 2011
27 [Jesus said] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father. who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30 NIV
I have used this verse before, but I am using it again because it best illustrates the relationship between sheep and my Saviour. Many years ago I worked with sheep when I was going to school to become a vet tech. So, I don’t know very much about sheep. One thing I do know is that they know the voice of the shepherd who tends them and they follow him. Now instead of shepherds many farms have “guard” llamas or dogs like Australian shepherds to herd the sheep. They are also gregarious animals, meaning if one sheep does something, then the others will likely follow.
I am one of Jesus’ sheep, simply because I do follow His voice. I am blessed by the fact that my Saviour guards me so fiercely that no one can take me away from Him. Even in the atmosphere of today’s world – with all its technology, crime, natural disasters, and other things happening – I feel safe. I know that harm might happen to me, but I also know that Jesus watches over me, 24/7. In today’s world, I feel there is no greater guarantee than this promise of my Father.
May God’s blessings enrich your lives – you, your family, and your furkids.
Michelle
April 21, 2011
27 [Jesus said] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father. who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30 NIV
I have used this verse before, but I am using it again because it best illustrates the relationship between sheep and my Saviour. Many years ago I worked with sheep when I was going to school to become a vet tech. So, I don’t know very much about sheep. One thing I do know is that they know the voice of the shepherd who tends them and they follow him. Now instead of shepherds many farms have “guard” llamas or dogs like Australian shepherds to herd the sheep. They are also gregarious animals, meaning if one sheep does something, then the others will likely follow.
I am one of Jesus’ sheep, simply because I do follow His voice. I am blessed by the fact that my Saviour guards me so fiercely that no one can take me away from Him. Even in the atmosphere of today’s world – with all its technology, crime, natural disasters, and other things happening – I feel safe. I know that harm might happen to me, but I also know that Jesus watches over me, 24/7. In today’s world, I feel there is no greater guarantee than this promise of my Father.
May God’s blessings enrich your lives – you, your family, and your furkids.
Michelle
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Two Fish, Five Loaves, and a Miracle
Two Fish Five Loaves and a Miracle
April 20, 2011
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he [Jesus] said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:15-21 (New International Version, ©2011)
We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ~Oswald Chambers
Prayer is communication with the Divine. It can be whispered or chanted or written or expressed in the work you do. However it is expressed, it is never in vain. ~Donna Wilk Cardillo
I never liked fish. I thought they were boring to watch swimming around in a tank. Then I changed my mind when I realized how relaxing watching fish are. People use fish in diverse ways – for eating, for pets and for calming their minds. My Saviour used fish to perform a miracle. He used just two fish and five loaves to feed 5,000 people. This is the third animal in this week’s thread.
Now I don’t eat fish, since I’m a vegetarian, but can I can just imagine how the 5,000 people welcomed the fish and bread, since they were hungry after sitting in the sun all day listening to Jesus preach. They never expected a miracle from an animal they used for their living and for their meals. But that’s the splendor of Jesus and the miracles He performs. They are unexpected. And when I pray to God or Jesus, I don’t know what the answer will be. Like a fish follows food, I follow Jesus, since I believe not only is He my Saviour, but He also hears my prayers, no matter whether I pray to Him silently or with my voice. Fish, bread, countless people, and miracles – I know Jesus has no end to what He can do. I know one thing – He died for me and then defeated death. I praise Him because, as the saying goes, “He’s got my back.” He sure does.
Bless all of you, your families, and your furred, feathered and finned kids this High Holy Week.
Michelle Rose
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A Dog's Loyalty
A Dog’s Loyalty
April 19, 2011
Man is a dog's idea of what God should be. ~Holbrook Jackson
The dog is the only animal that has seen his god. ~Author Unknown
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth
You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Quotes from http://quotegarden.com (as were the ones about the cats last night)
Continuing on the thread I started last night and will continue through the week (ok, can you guess where this is going?), I will “spotlight” dogs. So, what do dogs have to do with God? When dogs are in bad situations and they are rescued, they become loving companions. When, I as a human do bad things, my God does not stop loving me. That is true of a dog no matter what situation they are in. I have seen documentaries where they say that a dog will do anything to please its master. I, too, do all I can to please my Lord, my Saviour because one of these days, when I die, I will face Jesus in Heaven. The two quotes above I like best are the ones by George Eliot and Robert Louis Stevenson. I long for love and although I have many friends who love me, and maybe somewhat unconditionally, none come as close as the canines I’ve encountered. Now this doesn’t mean my friends don’t love me – they do. Dogs are just very sensitive to someone’s feelings and nature. (shhhh, don’t let Sasha hear me saying this!) ;~D And will I see the dogs who went to heaven? Ones I’ve grieved for? I hope so because I think God put them in my life and on earth to let mankind know how loyal He is. And on the flip side of that - just how loyal am I to God? Only I can answer that in my heart and spirit.
And now, to end on a touch of humor, since my eyes are getting a bit misty…(I know those of you who own dogs will understand).
I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl. ~Penny Ward Moser
May God bless you, your families, and your furkids (if you have any).
Michelle Rose
April 19, 2011
Man is a dog's idea of what God should be. ~Holbrook Jackson
The dog is the only animal that has seen his god. ~Author Unknown
We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot
I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth
You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson
Quotes from http://quotegarden.com (as were the ones about the cats last night)
Continuing on the thread I started last night and will continue through the week (ok, can you guess where this is going?), I will “spotlight” dogs. So, what do dogs have to do with God? When dogs are in bad situations and they are rescued, they become loving companions. When, I as a human do bad things, my God does not stop loving me. That is true of a dog no matter what situation they are in. I have seen documentaries where they say that a dog will do anything to please its master. I, too, do all I can to please my Lord, my Saviour because one of these days, when I die, I will face Jesus in Heaven. The two quotes above I like best are the ones by George Eliot and Robert Louis Stevenson. I long for love and although I have many friends who love me, and maybe somewhat unconditionally, none come as close as the canines I’ve encountered. Now this doesn’t mean my friends don’t love me – they do. Dogs are just very sensitive to someone’s feelings and nature. (shhhh, don’t let Sasha hear me saying this!) ;~D And will I see the dogs who went to heaven? Ones I’ve grieved for? I hope so because I think God put them in my life and on earth to let mankind know how loyal He is. And on the flip side of that - just how loyal am I to God? Only I can answer that in my heart and spirit.
And now, to end on a touch of humor, since my eyes are getting a bit misty…(I know those of you who own dogs will understand).
I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl. ~Penny Ward Moser
May God bless you, your families, and your furkids (if you have any).
Michelle Rose
Monday, April 18, 2011
Rituals
Rituals
April 18, 2011
If the pull of the outside world is strong, there is also a pull towards the human. The cat may disappear on its own errands, but sooner or later, it returns once again for a little while, to greet us with its own type of love. ~Lloyd Alexander
The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. ~Jules Reynard
Although all cat games have their rules and rituals, these vary with the individual player. The cat, of course, never breaks a rule. If it does not follow precedent, that simply means it has created a new rule and it is up to you to learn it quickly if you want the game to continue. ~Sidney Denham
You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense. ~Jane Pauley
I was looking for quotes on rituals. However, what more ritualistic animal is there on earth than cats? Those people who don’t own a cat are missing out on saving electricity, since a cat is a furry alarm clock. Cats also condition their humans to feed them when they “demand” it. And cats, whether they meow or not, have trained their humans to give in to their commands – clean my litter box, brush me, pet me, go to bed, and all the other rituals that make human lives interesting when one has a four-legged furry love with paws and a tail.
Since I have no one else in my life, my day sometimes revolves around what Sasha wants or needs at certain times. This morning she was bouncing all over the bed, trying to wake me up. Other times she will come lay with me. Our nightly ritual is for her to lie next to me in bed while I watch television – yes, she has me well trained.
Everyone has rituals, whether they are spiritual or not. One of my spiritual rituals is to read my Bible each morning and pray for my friends, family, and those with special prayer needs. One of God’s rituals is to show me how much He loves me. In return, I thank Him for the blessings He bestows on me. And yes, one of those blessings is Sasha.
May God’s blessings be upon you, your family, friends, and any furkids you may have. This is the High Holy Week in the Christian religion, where God showered His blessings upon us through Jesus’ crucifixion. This was God’s ritual to show humanity He sacrificed His Son, Jesus for our forgiveness of sin. Hallelujah!
Michelle Rose
April 18, 2011
If the pull of the outside world is strong, there is also a pull towards the human. The cat may disappear on its own errands, but sooner or later, it returns once again for a little while, to greet us with its own type of love. ~Lloyd Alexander
The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. ~Jules Reynard
Although all cat games have their rules and rituals, these vary with the individual player. The cat, of course, never breaks a rule. If it does not follow precedent, that simply means it has created a new rule and it is up to you to learn it quickly if you want the game to continue. ~Sidney Denham
You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense. ~Jane Pauley
I was looking for quotes on rituals. However, what more ritualistic animal is there on earth than cats? Those people who don’t own a cat are missing out on saving electricity, since a cat is a furry alarm clock. Cats also condition their humans to feed them when they “demand” it. And cats, whether they meow or not, have trained their humans to give in to their commands – clean my litter box, brush me, pet me, go to bed, and all the other rituals that make human lives interesting when one has a four-legged furry love with paws and a tail.
Since I have no one else in my life, my day sometimes revolves around what Sasha wants or needs at certain times. This morning she was bouncing all over the bed, trying to wake me up. Other times she will come lay with me. Our nightly ritual is for her to lie next to me in bed while I watch television – yes, she has me well trained.
Everyone has rituals, whether they are spiritual or not. One of my spiritual rituals is to read my Bible each morning and pray for my friends, family, and those with special prayer needs. One of God’s rituals is to show me how much He loves me. In return, I thank Him for the blessings He bestows on me. And yes, one of those blessings is Sasha.
May God’s blessings be upon you, your family, friends, and any furkids you may have. This is the High Holy Week in the Christian religion, where God showered His blessings upon us through Jesus’ crucifixion. This was God’s ritual to show humanity He sacrificed His Son, Jesus for our forgiveness of sin. Hallelujah!
Michelle Rose
Saturday, April 16, 2011
God and the Beasts of the Earth
God and the Beasts of the Earth
April 16, 2011
"If all the beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast, happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth, befalls the sons of earth." Chief Seattle
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi
I am your servant, LORD, and you have kept your promise to treat me with kindness. Psalm 119:64-66 Contemporary English Version
Be Still and Know that I AM GOD. Psalm 46:10
So much goes on today that is sad, but that is the world – there cannot be joy without sadness. What makes me the saddest is abuse of women, children, and animals. The abuse of the last two in this group not only makes me sad, but also very angry, since they are the most helpless. I think about the commercial on tv for the largest animal organization in the US. One of the segments has a scraggly looking dog, shivering and looking very sad saying, “Why won’t they stop beating me.” And there are a multitude of animals in equally disheartening situations.
So, what do the above quotes above I know what it is and that is kindness. They are all tied together with a common thread. I’ve always heard the saying, “Practice random acts of kindness.” Well, I believe it’s not just a saying, but a directive to be kind where ever and whenever we can. It’s what God wants for me. I know Jesus treats me with kindness and love? He died for me so that I could be forgiven.
Ok, so many of you know how much I love animals. Why would God create animals if we weren’t to live in harmony with them? Yes, times have changed, but I don’t think God wants us to abuse animal. Notice I said abuse and there is more of that than even I realize. It’s frightening to hear all the news about the way many people treat animals. The destiny of people is inherently tied in with animals and nature. That’s not just my belief. Evidently God believed it to, otherwise why would the Lord have saved all the animals (alive at the time) on Noah’s ark when He destroyed the earth with the Great Flood?
May God rain his blessings upon you, your family, and any furkids you have. I almost sent this God’s Tug out last night, but I was in quite a bit of pain and had to get away from my computer. I’m glad I didn’t. This revised message is more in line with what I wanted to say, than last night’s blog.
Michelle Rose
Thursday, April 14, 2011
By God's Grace & Glory
By God’s Grace and Glory
April 14, 2011
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalms 85:1-2 KJV
I have been going through many things lately: the ugly, the bad, & the good. Here’s how I see it – not through my eyes, but through the eyes of the Lord.
God, I hurt physically so much, but thank you God that I’m alive.
God, I have very little money, but thank you Jesus that I have some money in my wallet.
God, I have overdrawn my checking account, but thank you Father that I have a couple friends who lent me the money to cover the overdraft.
Father, I’m lonely, but thank you God that I have friends who love me and a cat to keep me company.
God, I hurt today when I went to an AA meeting, but thank you God that I was able to get there and that I’m sober (I know many people struggle with getting and staying sober).
God, I’d love to be able to help people more than I do, but thank you God that you’ve provided a way to help people one day at a time through the internet.
God, I don’t have very many clothes to wear, but thank you Jesus for the clothes I do have, since I know that many people have less than I do.
Jesus, sometimes I dislike living in one room, but thank you Jesus for the roof over my head, since I know that many people are living on the streets out in the heat and cold.
Father, I haven’t been working much lately, but thank you Father for the hours that I am tutoring and for the extra work that has been promised to me by my company.
So, this is my list for now; however, I’m sure that I can add so much more. Today I was thinking that all the bad things that are happening to me right now are the evil one attacking. Yet, by God’s grace and glory, I am blessed. He watches over me and protects me. I praise you God. I praise you Jesus. No one will take me from your hands. I know that.
Michelle Rose
April 14, 2011
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalms 85:1-2 KJV
I have been going through many things lately: the ugly, the bad, & the good. Here’s how I see it – not through my eyes, but through the eyes of the Lord.
God, I hurt physically so much, but thank you God that I’m alive.
God, I have very little money, but thank you Jesus that I have some money in my wallet.
God, I have overdrawn my checking account, but thank you Father that I have a couple friends who lent me the money to cover the overdraft.
Father, I’m lonely, but thank you God that I have friends who love me and a cat to keep me company.
God, I hurt today when I went to an AA meeting, but thank you God that I was able to get there and that I’m sober (I know many people struggle with getting and staying sober).
God, I’d love to be able to help people more than I do, but thank you God that you’ve provided a way to help people one day at a time through the internet.
God, I don’t have very many clothes to wear, but thank you Jesus for the clothes I do have, since I know that many people have less than I do.
Jesus, sometimes I dislike living in one room, but thank you Jesus for the roof over my head, since I know that many people are living on the streets out in the heat and cold.
Father, I haven’t been working much lately, but thank you Father for the hours that I am tutoring and for the extra work that has been promised to me by my company.
So, this is my list for now; however, I’m sure that I can add so much more. Today I was thinking that all the bad things that are happening to me right now are the evil one attacking. Yet, by God’s grace and glory, I am blessed. He watches over me and protects me. I praise you God. I praise you Jesus. No one will take me from your hands. I know that.
Michelle Rose
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