Paul & Ananias story 2 (Psalms 146:7-8, Acts 9:7-31)

"Paul waiting in blindness"
thought he should have a Roman nose : )
Adobe Photoshop

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

We've been having lots of storms in the USA lately.  In New Jersey, we're getting sun one day and then more rain.  Then some humidity.  We are tired and worn out from these storms.  I turn on all my lights in my studio to cheer myself up.  But, something extraordinary is also taking place.  After Hurricane Sandy the plants looked bad.  Azaleas quit blooming, trees looked dead.  

I went for a walk the other day.  Our plants are more beautiful than ever before!  It's like that with our life storms.  The bad stuff makes us stronger and more beautiful.  One of the trees that hasn't bloomed in 3 years is now full of buds and leaves!  There's always hope, for us too.

Back to the story of Paul and Ananias...

The Lord sets prisoners free,
8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
the Lord loves the righteous.
(Psalms 146:7-8 NIV)

7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
This would be so humbling for the mighty Pharisee, "Saul."  He couldn't do anything but pray.  Not only did Jesus talk to him, the others heard it too.  There were witnesses.  It must've been such a humbling time.  He was wrong; he'd spilled innocent blood.  That would be horrifying in itself.  But to hear the voice of God.  Yikes!  He was a good man following what he thought was the law.  

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”
And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
I admire Ananias : )  The Lord speaks and He is listening.  It would take great faith to do what God asked of him.  I hope I would be so willing if something came up with someone like Paul.  Sometimes God asks us to do things that aren't easy or comfortable.

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “ Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.”
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Ananias is a great servant.  He took a huge leap of faith to help Saul.  I hope I would be so faithful if I faced a similar situation.  When I am scared, like when I'm ministering in a dangerous place.  I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me and then the peace and joy comes. So we should never feel we are on our own in our faith or ministry.


20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
Like I said before, Paul is an all or nothing guy.  "Immediately"  he goes out to set things straight.  Jesus IS the Son of God.  He confused the Jews and moved forward to build up the body of Christ.  They no longer had a fighter on their side.  We don't know everything about Paul, but I suspect he was a driver.  He saw the goal and went for it.  Anyone who wasn't going with him could stay behind.  That's that.

23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
The Jewish leaders weren't happy.  All their plans had been destroyed.  But the disciples in Damascus must've come to love him because they helped him escape.  Now that's forgiveness isn't it?

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
Hellenists were Jews who adopted Greek ways.  Barnabas was a good man according to Luke (whom it is believed wrote the book of Acts).  It's also believed that Saul and Barnabas may have learned under Gamaliel at the same time.  If that is so, then they would've been good friends already.  I'm sure that would've helped Paul out quite a bit.

31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Did God choose the right man or what?  God sees inside our hearts, He forms us in our Mother's womb.  He has plans for all of us.  We just need to pray and listen.
(Acts 9:7-31 NKJV)

Great song from Tanner Clark, "Do not be afraid" (link)

Paul & Stephen story 1 (Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:54-8:3, Acts 9:1-9)

"Stephen saw Jesus before he died"
Faber Castell, Pitt Markers

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I seem to have been lead to read Ephesians : )  Before I jump in, I thought it would be good to read up on the Apostle Paul.  It's been awhile.  Once I remember Paul, the letters he wrote to the Churches make more sense.  His story is amazing.  We can't forget about Stephen too.

Paul is one of God's miracles (and a favorite Apostle).  His Jewish name was Saul; Roman name was Paul.  He had dual citizenship.   He was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin.  Evidently, his family had purchased land in Rome, where he was born, which made him a Roman citizen as well.  In order to earn money, he became a tent maker literally.  Lots of Christians in ministry today talk about their "tent making" jobs to help pay the bills allowing them to be ministers. 

Saul left for Jerusalem earlier in his life to study under Gamaliel a premier teacher of the Law in the first century.  It makes me wonder if Paul was born into a fairly wealthy family.  Pretty cool how God chooses people from all walks of life.  Peter was a fisherman, I'm sure he'd fall fast asleep in no time listening to Gamaliel hahaha.  I would too or start doodling : )

After his teaching with Gamaliel was complete, Paul came back to Jerusalem to an uprising about the crucifixion of Jesus.  He joined into the mix to physically destroy Christians, even traveling to different regions to persecute them.

Stephen was one of the first leaders of the early Church.
8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 
It sounds to me like they knew Stephen was right but didn't want to admit it.  Pretty sad human nature.  It's like a mob mentality where everyone wants to get the approval of everyone else.

11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.
(Acts 6:8-15 NKJV)
It's the Holy Spirit glow.  He makes us beautiful at certain times.  Way better than make-up.  It comes from the inside, where His Holy Spirit dwells.  I'd be a little cautious attacking a man who's glowing like an angel.  Hmmm.  

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
I had to look up what "gnashed" meant.  It's some type of grinding and growling  these guys mastered to intimidate their victims.  Real mature right?  

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen must've been an amazing man to be so sensitive to God's Spirit.  We'll meet him in Heaven one day.  I'm sure he'll be delighted to see how many Christians there are now : )  It's interesting that Stephen asked for his attacker's forgiveness as they were ready to kill him.  

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
(Acts 7:54-8:3 NKJV)
As I read this I am reminded how Saul/Paul never did things half-hearted.  As a persecutor or Church leader, he always gave his all.

1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Paul was out looking for people to persecute.  He travelled to gather these people.  It must've been horrible for him to remember later on.  Forgiving myself is one of my biggest weaknesses.

3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”
Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
(Acts 9:1-9 NKJV)

Dear Heavenly Father,
I lift up the little girls from Nigeria.  I pray You will protect them and guide them to safety.  Reveal the truth to the captors of what they have become.  I also continue to lift up the Ukraine.  Please bless and keep them from harm.  Thank You so much for Lisa's last chemo.  I pray You will pour out lots of blessings and confidence for the next few years.  Bring peace and humbleness where it is needed in our White House.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

God's love, cancer (Ephes. 3:14-21)

Cancer is such a frightening word.  We are still waiting for a cure.  Many people are struggling with this disease around the world.  As bloggers we lost a dear friend and blogger to cancer.  We've also been praying for Lisa, who has her last chemo treatment coming up.  This post is dedicated to Cancer patients, all those struggling with illness.  Lisa has taught us much about the disease.  Many things are hard to understand in this world.  Yet God has promised His love never fails.  I trust His Word.

We long to know about God's love.

"His love is higher than any mountain, higher than the moon and stars!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"His love is wider than the circumference of the earth!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"His love is deeper than all the oceans!"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"These flowers are for you Lisa!"
"New Jersey is still the Garden State!"
...ok a little soggy.

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

According to Him, we are to die for:
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
(John 3:16-17 NKJV)

There's a lot we don't understand right now.  But we do know God loves us and all of this will make sense one day.  Until then, we will have faith.  Cancer is not a punishment, it's a disease.

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen
(Ephesians 3:14-21 NKJV)

Ok so it's not just my eyes that makes this hard to read.  There's a default in the Blogger tool that makes text go small when we save.  Dunno why...

Dear Heavenly Father, 
I pray You will guide the doctors and scientists with wisdom.  You know everything because You are our Creator.  I pray You will help them know the cure for cancer.  Please give Lisa a big hug and bless JT's wife who lost her husband.  
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Here are some really great songs:

In My Arms by Plumb (link)

Your Love Oh Lord by Third Day (link)

Putting on His Armor (Ephesians 6:10-20, John 3:16-18, James 5:16, Romans 4:5-8, Matt 5:9, John 14:27, Hebrews 11:1-3, Hebrews 4:12)

"My first knight : ) (hope it's ok...)"
Tombow Pens and Photoshop

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I was talking to a neighbor the other day.  I told her our plans for vacation later in the year.  Her response was sad.  She said proudly, "Oh you still like your husband."  

I asked if things were ok.  She said,  "We don't see each other much.  We are like 2 ships that pass in the night."  

As I walked inside, I realized love is a choice.  It's not a feeling or a demand.  When Jesus became the sacrifice for us, it was God's choice.  It wasn't done in anger, it was done in love.   It's not so easy to love sometimes is it?  And marriage is never perfect, we just aren't.

I really like the description of the Armor of God.  It helps me understand the battle between good and evil. 


10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
I honestly don't think about the devil much.  It is the serpent who slithered in the garden of Eden tempting Adam and Eve.  It is the thing that tried to tempt Jesus into mocking God and becoming an earthly king. The tormentor that caused Jesus to sweat tears of blood.  We don't know what it said, but we do know the devil is a fallen angel so far deteriorated, it's only purpose is to destroy.  

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The armor of God is such a great description.  Don't know about you but I visualize it in my mind.  The Bible was written for all us, those who are creative and see cartoon people, and those who are rule keepers who quickly distinguish right and wrong.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 
(Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV)
Truth is so important.  I need to remember to be honest about my walk with Christ.  It's not easy, or a sales pitch.  It's a new way of life, where we embrace our Creator instead of lofty ideas.  Humans are competitive by nature, rather than promoters of peace.  It's good to be honest at times (not all the time hahaha).  My husband is a lot more tactful when he talks to me now, after 21 years.  Hopefully I am too.  

It's important to remember our salvation too.  It's our helmet : )  I know my mind goes places and I have to stop and remind myself I'm forgiven.  People and circumstances make us feel unworthy, lost.  The Word of God is our sword.  When people are mean, God is always love.  I have a T-shirt that says, "Pray hard."  The picture is a guy with holes in his blue jeans.  Prayer is an awesome gift from God.  He actually hears us! And helps when it's within His will and character.

Helmet of Salvation (remembering I am God's helps me with my thoughts)
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
(John 3:16-18 NKJV)

Belt of Truth (keeps me from thinking more of myself or less)
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 
(James 5:16 NIV)

Breastplate of Righteousness (guards my heart so I can keep going and not give up)
But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”
(Romans 4:5-8 NKJV)

Feet prepared for the gospel of Peace (never know when we can be a blessing)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
(Matthew 5:9)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
(John 14:27)

Shield of Faith (I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me)
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
(Hebrews 11:1-3 NKJV)

Word of God-Sword of the Spirit (His Word always keeps me on track and I've seen it really touch others either in blessing or conviction)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12 NKJV)

Here's my prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father I lift up Europe to You.  I pray that the right will win and wrong will fail.  Please bring repentance to all our leaders.  Grant our President wisdom and the ability to listen and understand others, especially our people.  Bless us all Father as we look forward to Your return and peace at last. Please bring peace and safety to Ukraine and Russia.  Bless them with Your presence Father, shield them with Your holiness.  I pray You'll do some extra blessings for Lisa today as she is almost through her chemo.  

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right;
Do what's best––
  as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
  Yes. Yes. Yes .
(Matthew 6:9-13 Message)

In Jesus Name, Amen.

May God bless us all in putting on His armor!   
Here's a great song by Mercy Me, "Shake" (link)

3 days and 2 nights in the tomb (Luke 23:42-43, Jonah 2:1,6, Psalms 16:10-11, Ephes. 4:8-10, 1 Tim 3:16, 1 Peter 3:18-20, Colossians 1:18, Psalms 16:10-11)

We don't know for sure what happened after Jesus' body was sealed in the tomb.  I can't believe the Son of God would drift into a mindless sleep.  He is God in human form, the trinity, "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit."  

When Jesus was speaking to the thief on the cross, He said He would be in Paradise with the repentant thief that day.  
42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."
(Luke 23:42-43 NKJV)

Jonah's story relates closely to what Jesus did.  Sheol means death (sleep) in the Jewish faith.  It is believed that while Jesus' body lay in the tomb, He actually went in Spirit and delivered the dead to Heaven.
1 “I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,
And He answered me.
‘Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
And You heard my voice.'"

6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains;
The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;
Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord, my God.
(Jonah 2:1,6 NKJV)

I'd like to meet Moses and David one day : )
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalms 16:10-11 NKJV)

This was written by the Apostle Paul,
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore He says:
“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”
9 Now this, “He ascended” —what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.
(Ephesians 4:8-10 NKJV)

Beautiful words.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.
(1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV)

He made it possible for us to dwell with God again.  One day, it will be like Eden (with no serpent or temptation).  Free at last!
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
(1 Peter 3:18-20 NKJV)

He will never leave us or forsake us.  
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalms 16:10-11 NKJV)

Gray Area part 3 (1 Corinthians 8:4-13)

"Sometimes it seems easier to take care of an animal than a stray person"
"Hairy" was a stray we took in.
Minolta Camera with Topaz Simplify Photoshop Filter

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

One of my favorite leaps of faith was when I was a Technical Writer at The Boeing Company.  When the web first became public, I was sitting in a Computing Department. My jaw dropped and I ran out and learned HTML.  God had already provided my artistic talent.  So I jumped right in.  It worked out really well for many years.  So if you're looking for work don't forget to look inside and beside you.  God has plans.  Every time I think of this I have to smile and thank God.

Jesus told us to give food to those who are hungry and water to the thirsty.  These easy little tasks bless Him as well.  This is both physical and spiritual as I see it.  Sometimes people are hungry for truth, righteousness and goodness.  We can feed them.  Sometimes they are thirsty for a simple, refreshing viewpoint.  I've had some fun with giving people literal water.  When a guy was out taking down a rotten tree I brought him a glass of water.  That's an easy one!  He really appreciated it.  But sometimes it seems these words of Jesus' are more than a glass of water.  He's telling us to reach out of our comfort zone and friendships and help someone in need.  Not so easy.  It might even mean giving up a favorite obsession.  

One of the issues the early Church had to deal with was idols.  They were everywhere.  To become a Christian, they had to turn away from their idols and focus on Jesus.  But there was this food on the idol's table. It seemed a shame to let it go to waste.  After all it was meant to be an offering to bring good luck.
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so- called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

In today's world we all know idols are just wood or cement.  Most of us don't have much hope that they will do anything of value except look pretty on the coffee table.  I remember receiving a "Prayer Rug" in the mail.  If I knelt on this paper rug, faced a window and prayed, I'd be rich!  And if I sent them money woohoo!  I'd be even richer... sigh.  No worries I didn't try it : )  That's not God's way.  We still have idols huh?  Things like these make it hard for new Christians.
7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.


9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
What this means to me is if I claim to be a Christian, then decide I have no moral responsibility to prevent tempting others; I'm causing people to fall. One example may be alcoholism.  If I offer wine to someone who comes to my home who has been addicted to alcohol in the past, then tell them their chains are gone they should drink.  I am in danger of putting someone back into a dangerous addiction which isn't what Jesus had in mind.
(1 Corinthians 8:4-13 NKJV)

Here's my prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray You will help us all understand these words and not cause others to stumble.  The freedom we have in You is so superior, it's not worth tripping around.  I lift up Russia, Ukraine, and Europe to You.  I pray for safety and Your hand of peace.  I pray for Iran and Syria as well.  Please grant our leaders wisdom and our people hope.  I also pray for peace in Jerusalem and that Israel will stay strong.  Thank You for the many blessings You have provided.  I also lift up my friend Lisa and pray You will heal her body and mind.  Please bring wisdom to the doctors for safer cancer treatments.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

In Jesus, we are one Church of many nations : )
Another song from the Irish folks- Rend Collective Build Your Kingdom Here (link) .

Gray areas Part 2 (1 Peter 3:2-5, Deut. 22:5, Proverbs 31:10-31)

"50's car with Photoshop"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

The day I accepted Jesus as my Savior, I got this amazing joy!  Once I figured out how to read the Bible, I fell in love with God and all the people in it.  As time passed and my faith grew, I wanted to act like a lady.  It became very important to me to become beautiful on the inside.  I got really polite, which worried my parents, hahaha.  Honestly, I still struggle with some of the bad habits I picked up as a teenager.  Still can't claim perfection.  For someone who's never been in Church everything is a gray area.  A gray area is confusing, foggy, not clearly defined or absolute things.

When I was at Grand Canyon College (a Southern Baptist school that's now a University), I met an older Dutch woman.  I was a new Christian.  I saw the cross she wore, and said, "Look I have a cross too!"

It really hurt when she said, "It's not enough to wear these things you know."

I did know.  But I was a new Christian and didn't feel real confident.  Actually, confidence has always been a challenge for me.  I tend to close my eyes and jump a lot!  Thankfully God has always caught me and I've been able to do some awesome stuff.  When you come from a rough background and go to Church, it can be so intimidating.  At first, I felt like crawling under the pew instead of sitting on it.  Writing this reminds me of how sensitive new Christians feel.  We know how to ride the bike (be a Christian), they are falling all over the place like we did at first.  Good to keep that in mind.

The Apostle Peter wrote this:

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, 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. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. (NIV, 1 Peter 3:2-5)

What this says to me is that our beauty can not come from outward jewelry, clothing, make-up or fancy hair.  It's true.  The most beautiful women in the world are kind, compassionate, and generous.  We see so many movie stars in America who seem so beautiful on the outside.  Some eventually wind up in alcoholism, trouble, or jail.  It's so sad.  Pretending to be someone other than yourself must be very difficult.  We all get lost sometimes.  Sometimes we forget who we are.

Then there's this verse:
A woman must not wear men's clothing, nor a man wear women's clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this. Deuteronomy 22:5
God loves to see women and men dressed appropriately.  I like to see my husband dressed in his suit, tie, and jacket.  I feel so blessed being with him.  He loves seeing me in dresses with make-up and perfume once in awhile.  It's good isn't it?  God's ways are always best.  When I paint, I put on scrubs (I've always been clumsy).  It's what's on the inside that makes us most beautiful.

So what's a girl to do?  What is right anyway?  Women work as police now, soldiers, doctors, surgeons.  In those roles they need to wear uniforms that are similar to men's.  Actually the description of a virtuous wife describes a lot of women in our day.  Some women are a lot better than we realize : )  I am both humbled and excited to read about the virtuous wife.  She's a business woman like me!

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.
(Proverbs 31:10-31 NKJV)

Sometimes just reading the Bible makes things not so gray doesn't it?  And large text is good for those of us who need reading glasses too : )