Happy Thanksgiving (Psalm 103)

"Jake could sleep anywhere"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Each year we try to remember to give thanks for our blessings at Thanksgiving.  It's been a tradition in the USA since the pilgrims first came to North America.  We lost our cat, "Jake" this year.  He had 6 toes on his front paws and an amazing personality.  We are so grateful we got to have him for so long.  We still have the other white cat, he snores... Really he does.  Sometimes it's good to be thankful for the stuff we've had and not just the stuff we want.

This is my favorite Thanksgiving Psalm.

Psalm 103

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits: 
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases, 
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed. 
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel. 
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever. 
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust. 
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children's children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 
19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all. 

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word. 
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! 
NKJV

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for your patience with us and your never-ending love.  I pray You will bless us all with creative ways to serve You.  You've given all of us a bit of talent.  Please be present with those who don't have much this year, those who are living in fear, struggling to survive. I pray for peace and safety. 
In Jesus Name, Amen.


My favorite Thanksgiving song-  Thanks Matt!
Matt Redman, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) (link)

Our hearts are with Paris (Psalm 91)

"Paris is in our hearts, books, and dreams in the USA"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This is the song that came to mind as I thought of the horrors in Paris.  
Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban, Arms of the Angels (link)

Our hearts are broken for the French.  Paris is the place we dream of visiting from the USA.  

This is one of my favorite Psalms.

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence.
4 He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come near you.
8 Only with your eyes shall you look,
And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways.
12 In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;
I will set him on high, because he has known My name.
15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him,
And show him My salvation.
(Psalms 91:1-16 NKJV)

Heavenly Father, we are perplexed and some despairing.  I pray You will bring hope, encouragement, and peace to France.  Heal their nation Father and their people, as only You can.  Cast out the enemy, and send the Angels.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

Fight the good fight (Acts 18, 1 Thess 4:11-12, Matthew 18:21-22, Ephes. 2:8-9, Isaiah 40:8)

God's Word stands forever!

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Here's the book I was talking about in my last post about God's design in the universe and how playful He really is - Indescribable, by Matt Redman, and Louie Giglio.  It's available for $5.00 on Christianbook.com in hardcover.

This actually might be a good book for youth groups to study. I love astronomy and the Bible.  It's a good mix.






Acts Chapter 18

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them. 3 So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.
One of the great things in these verses is how Paul and Aquila are both tentmakers.  This has been an inspiration to many missionaries to find ways to earn money while they are ministering.  It reminded me of this verse:

...aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.
(1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NKJV)

For me, drawing, shooting photos, and studying the Bible help me find peace.  There's a time to share the gospel and a time to relax and find strength.

5 When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. 6 But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
Sometimes I think I'm doing something so great and grand, then I realize I'm full of myself and not the Holy Spirit.  Sounds like Paul had a similar experience.  We can't force people to have faith.  Sometimes it's best to move on.  Like Jesus said, "Wipe the dust off your feet."  (Matthew 10:14)

9 Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
Paul heard the still, small voice of God like Elijah did.  

12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
Poor Paul here he goes again.  I can understand how the Jews would feel intimidated by Paul and Christianity.  Most of us as Christians get angry or annoyed when people use Jesus name in a bad way.  I try and remind myself to keep fighting the good fight.  Don't let it get me down.  Jesus clearly said we'd have days like these.  We all mess up.  

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."
(Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV)

Ok so 70 x 7= 490   I believe my forgiveness factor is at 489 at least.  That means I need a Grace Card.  Oh wait Jesus did that!

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV)

So the only thing Jesus asked is that we don't boast.  He wants us to love and forgive each other.  That's a lot better than my credit card company!!!

Ok back to Paul...  So I'm sure he prayed, felt a little anxiety, and fear.

14 And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or wicked crimes, O Jews, there would be reason why I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves; for I do not want to be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. But Gallio took no notice of these things.
I actually like Gallio's response.  He didn't attack Paul.  He told the Jews to handle their own problems.  When I worked in business there was always someone who was jealous, someone who liked picking on others instead of working.  Someone who had to run to the boss and complain.
(Acts 18:1-17 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
I pray for our families in the USA that parents will stay together and really understand what's going on with the kids.  The temptation for more money is great, but the cost is so high.  Please bless those in the middle east that they will be able to bring peace to their countries.  I also pray for wisdom as we elect the next president.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.


This is a great song from, "Unspoken."
 Good Fight (link)

Unknown God (Acts 17:16-34, Nahum 1:3)

"God is the most awesome Artist of all"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I love this verse because it reminds me of how much bigger God is, than I can imagine.

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?”
So Paul's soul was hurt that Athens was full of idols.  Ouch!  The philosophers called him a babbler.  I have my babbling moments at times too.  It sounds like they really didn't want to listen to him.

Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
They just couldn't grasp who this, "Jesus," could be.  They were ready to dismiss him.  But they decided to listen to him instead.

19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
This is actually pretty great!  The Athenians loved to hear new things.  So, Paul must've been delighted to tell them.

22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.
Paul saw an altar to the "Unknown God."  God always provides words when we need them.  Sometimes I pray for words to say.  Paul was immersed in sharing the gospel.  God must've been very pleased with Paul's ability to be flexible and learn about his surroundings before diving in.  Here's how he described God.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring. ’ 
This is a beautiful summary of our God.  I really like verse 26, "He has made from one blood every nation of men."  God knew we would fight and not get along.  Yet He has never given up on us.  Our awesome Father!  So Paul went on to explain more.

29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
That would be, "Jesus."  God isn't a statue, or a picture hanging on a wall.  I'm sure He loves the color and texture of gold.  But to Him, it's just one of His beautiful creations.  I imagine God having all sorts of fun designing the sunsets, running through the clouds.  He loves color.  We're having fall colors now in New Jersey.  God's personality might be a surprise to some people.  

The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, And will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet.
(Nahum 1:3 NKJV)

Can't you just imagine two giant feet running through the clouds!  I hope He'll take us on a tour in Heaven : )   I read that astronauts have heard sounds like music in outer space.  God's not bored, He's got His own Heavenly band.

32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Some of the men and women believed.  Paul shared the gospel.  The rest is up to the men and women and God.
(Acts 17:16-34 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for all You do that we can't see.  You never sleep or forget our needs.  I pray for wisdom as we elect a new President in the USA.  Help us make good choices and be able to help those in need.  It's humbling to know we are all created by You.  I pray You will be with Europe as they deal with all the people coming into their countries.  Guide them with wisdom and provide their needs.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a song from Hillsong, Touch the Sky (link)

Daily Quiet Times (Acts 17:1-15, Matthew 10:14, Psalms 18:28)

"When I am afraid, I read my Bible and pray, the Lord restores my joy"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Acts 17

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.” 4 And some of them were persuaded; and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the leading women, joined Paul and Silas.
So it sounds really good doesn't it?  They accepted Jesus as their Savior.  But, by now we all know there's always a catch...  Something that brings a challenge to us so our faith will grow.

5 But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. 7 Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
It seems like a good idea.  The leaders could either fan the flames of hostility in the crowd by attacking, or... simply let them go.  There wasn't a strong enough reason to hold them captive.  Out of sight out of mind.  Simple really.

10 Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair- minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
This is why it's good to study the Bible everyday.  So we can tell the difference between truth and a lie.  I usually read a paragraph or a Psalm in the morning.  Everyone is different though.  My husband is a night person, so it's best for him to study at night.  I worked so many years in Corporate Businesses, I still don't wake up after 6:00 AM.  So mornings are a good time for me.  I believe marking up your Bible  is an awesome way to learn and find the faith, hope and love of Jesus.  I bought an old traditional Hymnal and like to sing to the Lord.  As you've noticed I also love contemporary Christian music too.  

12 Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the crowds. 14 Then immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 So those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed, they departed.

14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.
(Matthew 10:14 NKJV)

There's a good reason that Jesus told the disciples this.  If we treat people who are not Christian in a mean spirited, or forceful way, we may actually keep them from believing.  If we are loving and respectful, a person can have time to think about it and change their mind.  When I was a little girl, some of the neighbors took me to their Church.  The experience was so great, I never forgot.  And accepted Jesus as my Savior much later (age 16) lol.

(Acts 17:1-15 NKJV)

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for providing our needs.  Just whispering Your name, "Jesus" brings peace.  You are never too busy for us, although sometimes I'm too busy for You.  Your love never ends.  I pray for the nations, that You will protect and save those who are in harms way.  Bless us all to be a light in the darkness.  Heal and restore those who are brokenhearted and lost.  Provide food, and water and set the captives free.  

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a new song from the Newsboys : )  Guilty (link)

An Annoying Girl (Acts 16:16-40, Psalm 143:8)

Ocean Grove Cathedral

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

We got to go to the Tenth Avenue North concert in Ocean Grove.  It was really good.  The main musician told us how God doesn't live in Cathedrals (like the one in Ocean Grove).  He lives in the hearts of those who love Him.  Sidewalk Prophets were also there.  It was a really great time.  The Ocean Grove "Good Old Auditorium" is amazing with an organ that stretches all around the inside.

16 Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune- telling. 17 This girl followed Paul and us, and cried out, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 And this she did for many days.
Well, she was just trying to help...  sometimes "helping" isn't a good thing.  You can ask my husband.  The interesting thing is that the spirit must have been taunting the Apostles.  An evil spirit would definitely not be on the side of the Most High God.  Then there's the girl who was possessed.  She wasn't able to control herself.  That would be pretty scary for sure.  What a terrible thing to wake up to, the way people must've looked at her and treated her, like an outcast.  I can hear the whisper's of Mom's telling the kids to stay away from her.

But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And he came out that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.
Finally Paul couldn't take it anymore so he cast out the evil spirit.  I would think her masters would be happy, but nope they wanted her for their money.  Paul's face must've turned red and his cheeks puffed out when he finally got rid of the spirit.  Then there's the masters.  All they could think of was money and not the poor girl's health.  She may have been embarrassed to realize what she had done all this time.  I wish I could say we are much better about using people today.  But it's not true.  There's still human trafficking.  Young kids being sold as prostitutes for someone's income.  I should pray more for these kids.

20 And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; 21 and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe.” 
So the girl's owners went to the leaders and complained.  You notice they didn't say that they were using a possessed girl to earn money...  Just that they didn't like Paul and Silas' teaching.  Soooo... the whole city rose up in anger.  Don't you just hate when that happens?  It's amazing how these men who were using a girl suddenly became really really good Romans...  Yup.

22 Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. 24 Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Ok so we have another robe ripping event.  That sounds like a really bad day for Paul and Silas...  It just seems like when we stay in our safe places where everyone agrees with us, it becomes easy to get stupid doesn't it?  The leaders actually trusted these thieves.

So what did Paul and Silas do? Hide in a corner and eat rats?  Nope! They started singing hymns.  I love to sing Christian music.

25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 

It reminded me of this verse:

8 Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
(Psalms 143:8 NKJV)

And then...
26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. 
Our God is awesome at unlocking doors.  Even in real life.  There was a man that sat on the other side of my cubicle at work.  One day he told us he had cancer.  The Lord prompted me to ask if I could pray for him.  He wasn't real pleased but then said, "Whatever, it might help."  When he came back to work, he thanked me for praying for him.  His cancer was gone.  It wasn't my mastery of prayer.  It was God's, "Yes."

So the prison guard was a bit worried when he woke up and the prison doors were open.  All their chains  were released and he had no way of explaining it.  
27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. 
Romans were not kind to people who didn't follow their rules.

28 But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
So the prison guard started job hunting?  Nope!  He wanted the kind of faith Paul and Silas had so he asked how to be saved.

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.


35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.”

36 So the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore depart, and go in peace.”
37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, uncondemned Romans, and have thrown us into prison. And now do they put us out secretly? No indeed! Let them come themselves and get us out.”
Ok to be quite honest I would've run out, but Paul had a right.  Paul was Roman and Jewish.

38 And the officers told these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39 Then they came and pleaded with them and brought them out, and asked them to depart from the city. 40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.
So they went back to Lydia's house.  Wish I could hear what they all said.  And to think this all started by an annoying girl.  God can fix anything or anyone.

Heavenly Father,
As I read the story of Paul and Silas, I am reminded of Pastor Saeed, in a prison, in Iran.  Father, You are so awesome at turning terrible situations around.  I pray You will step in on his behalf and allow him to be free.  Please send the angels to help him out and tend to his needs.  I pray for those caught in human trafficking.  Please remove their chains and set them free as well.  

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a song from Sidewalk Prophets, The Words I would say (link)

(Acts 16:1-40 NKJV)

Reaching up, Reaching out, Reaching in ( Acts 16:1-15, 2 Chronicles 7:14)

This week we watched a Christian movie, "Behind the Mask."  This one is set in the Revolutionary War period, Benjamin Franklin is in it.  It has romance (clean) and good vs. evil choices. It's another good one.  It turns out, right now in America, Christian movies (faith based) are the most popular.  I never thought I'd see the day.  Our country is experiencing a faith lift : )

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV)

Things are looking right for a miracle, all over the world.

Acts Chapter 16:1-15

Timothy joins Paul and Silas
1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
(1 Timothy 1:1-2 NKJV)

Paul loved Timothy and called him his son in the faith.   It's nice to see that Paul took time to encourage him.  Paul wrote 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy to him in his travels.  In these books he gave Timothy some wise advice on being a Pastor or Missionary.

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
I know I'm on the wrong track when I listen to what I think is best and don't pray for the Holy Spirit to give me words to say.  The Holy Spirit has helped me stop arguing with my husband and also say the right things in other awkward situations at work.  He makes me sound so good!  One of my Pastors called it, "Intense Fellowship."  (hahaha) I believe we receive the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as our Savior.  There are lots of other opinions out there.  In my experience, He's usually most helpful when I ask Him to.

I really like Lydia, she was artistic like me, and sold purple linens.  That would make her a crafter with linen and dye.  She also opened her home to the apostles.  I always smile when I see her name in the Bible.

11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gifts and talents You've given us.  I believe You love to see us doing crafts, exercising, helping others, and using our time wisely.  We are faced with so many temptations.  I pray You will bring peace to those in the middle east who are struggling to survive.  Please be with leaders in Europe, guide them with wisdom with so many refugees.  I pray You will pour out Your love in Israel.  Joseph wrestled with You to become Israel a nation.

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

(Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Here's a song from Tenth Avenue North, Where the healing begins (link)

We are looking forward to going to a concert with them next Saturday : ) in Ocean Grove, NJ.