Author: margiwintermute

A Penny’s Worth of Trust

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Today, I want to share a sweet story with you. A young woman had just lost her 6 year old son and was one her way home from his service. The young boy used to collect pennies and had done this for several years. On pulling into the driveway, she saw several pennies lying on the ground by the front door. She had not seen them there before. And upon entering the house, she noticed even more pennies that led her straight to his bedroom. She began to cry and thank God for His presence, feeling this was a sign specifically meant for her.

Now, every time I find a penny,  I feel it is God letting me know He is there. I find them everywhere and in the oddest places.

Yesterday, in my Be Still and Known Time, I heard the Lord tell me to pull out the pennies in my wallet and look at them. It was like He was saying, “Margi, what do you see?” Well I saw dates and the side view of Abraham Lincoln. But I also saw the inscription: IN GOD WE TRUST. Then He asked me how much a penny is worth. I knew that it wasn’t much – just one little cent.

You see, in that penny find – that little penny – was His hand, saying to me and to all of us: I am concerned even about the smallest things in your life – even to the smallest details! And I will be there!

So remember, the next time you reach down and find a penny on the ground – know God is there. He can be trusted – even in the smallest of smalls in your life!

Freedom Given

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I recently ran across a writing regarding speeches by Patrick Henry and former President Bush.  Both of their speeches dealt with the topic of freedom.  We celebrate Memorial Day – a day in which we honor those who gave their lives for the freedom we now enjoy.

There is another freedom from one who gave it all and this is our freedom in Christ.  When I recognized who I am in Christ, I then began to walk in the true freedom that only Jesus can give. Sadly, many old friends and even several family members turned from me.  When we first come to Christ, we may all experience separation from the world.  But nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

There is always a price to pay for freedom, but it is always worth it!  Our freedom came with a huge price tag Jesus willingly paid.  The only price we paid is loss of self.  And by losing we did win.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  I did not learn freedom by reading this verse or others.  I learned by living it!  My ways lead nowhere.

Now I truly understand Patrick Henry when he said, “Give me liberty or give me death.”  Without the freedom that only Jesus can give, we will never be free.

More Than A Conqueror!

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Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! Romans 8:37

In my time with the Lord yesterday, I confessed my defeat – I have felt useless and worn out lately.  I have had a severe back strain which has kept me from doing much of what I love to do,  I have not been able to help many who I feel could have used the help. AND I have not had much success in my witnessing to others about the Risen Lord.

Then I again read of Paul’s accounts in the New Testament.  Paul was a history changer.  Think of it – He was thrown in prison more than once.  There was fighting among the other apostles and believers, and many people were only out for gain and money.  Corinth and Ephesus where he spent much time, were places of sexual immorality.  Many of His friends just walked out on him.  He appeared to have trouble with his sight and did not have many brothers to send encouragement his way.

Did he feel discouraged?  Did he have doubts?  Did he feel useless and unproductive for the kingdom at times?  He could have – he should have for his life was not moving on the easy road.  Yet Paul was a history changer.  He was a stand out, never give up kind of guy.  He fought, he cried and he bled.  But he conquered.

The bible tells us we are more than conquerors.  Why?  Because of Jesus – yes we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  Paul knew this love – he had seen Him and everything in Paul was ready to be more than a conqueror.

And today so can I.  I can be a conqueror – I can keep going – I can keep speaking out for the One who speaks for me.  I can love, I can give, I can profess.  I am and will be more than a conqueror!

And yes so can you – we all can – because of the One who loves us.  Today, do not harden your hearts to discouragement, but hear the words of your Savior as He urges us on to victory!  We are conquerors!

Father Forgive Them!

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On a day like any other day, over 2,000 years ago, Jesus, the Son of God, was beaten and mocked.  THEN He was crucified – and how did He respond?  Father forgive them for they know not what they do.  He said this at His own crucifixion, and He says it today:  Father forgive them.

He was beaten beyond belief, He was mocked and yet He still said, Father forgive them.  His words ring in our ear as we enjoy the fruit of His crucifixion, forgiveness, and union once again with our Heavenly Father.

With His death, our lives, for those who believe, are now written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Because of what He went through, we are set free from guilt and made white by the blood of the Lamb.

Today, He still says Father forgive them.  We can walk in His forgiveness because of the blood of Jesus shed on that cross.  He was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities, and He still says Father forgive them!

Upon Him was the chastisement that made us whole and by His stripes we are healed.  So today, remember always His words – words of acceptance, words of healing, words of love – for these words are yours – FATHER FORGIVE THEM!

Lent – Are you prepared to give?

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IMG_0023Lent began March 1st and ends April 13th, the Thursday before Easter.  Lent is a season of preparation – preparation for this Holy season.   Many prepare by giving something up during that time.  Some give up sweets, others may fast from a meal and still others may give up their favorite past time like going to movies.  Some may sacrifice television, some shopping, and many refrain from using the Internet.

But Lent is not just about giving something up.  It’s more about giving ALL up for Him.  In Romans 12:1, we read  – we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.  We are not to be conformed to the ways of the world but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

There is nothing wrong with giving up sweets or movies for Jesus during this time.  But, He wants more from us than just a season of simple sacrifice.  He wants us!  Giving all is not easy I know, for I still struggle.  However, I start with prayer and my Be Still and Know time.  There I ask and there He answers.  There I see and there He is seen.  There I learn for there He is the teacher.  And, there I can begin for He is the beginning!

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1  Follow me as I follow Christ!    Happy following my friends.   Margi

Facing the Storms and Hurricanes of Life

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IMG_0069 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalm 46:1-2

Storm and hurricanes – it seems like every time I look at the paper or hear the weather, I read of storms.  We’ve all experienced them – thunderstorms, windstorms, and even those nasty hurricanes!  Storms may disrupt our  life plans, and can fill us with fear!  BUT, in the midst of these storms, God is there.  He is with us always!

As Christians, we are to be a lighthouse in the storms of others.  Though we may feel like just a tiny flicker, it is still our responsibility to shine.  Light dispels the darkness and many will follow the light.

We are to be a kindling fire.  A storm can be cold just as the world is cold and full of hatred and selfishness.  Our fire may be small, but we are to keep burning for others.

We are to bring bread to the hungry.  The world feeds on so many other things.  They need to taste the Bread of Life only found in Jesus.

We are to share Living Water for the thirsty.  This world is so dry and parched, tired and angry.  They need His water to really see and feel what true living is like.

If we keep our eyes on the storms out there, they will always overtake us.  BUT if we keep our eyes on Jesus – we can make it through our own storms and even help others through their storms in this life.  Be still – know He is God and can work in and through us.  Margi

He explained everything!

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Mark 4:33,34  With many similar parables Jesus spoke the Word to them, as much as they could understand.  He did not say anything to them without using a parable.  But when He was alone with His own disciples, He explained everything.There are some pretty hard sayings in the Bible.  And with that, many ask, “Who can understand?”  I know, for I am one of them.  However, the Word of God was never written for the Intellectuals and Textual Critics.  It was written for us, for every day people like you and me.

Listen to the last part of Mark 4:34 – He explained everything.  Many times I would try and understand a particular verse and always came up with at least 2 0r 3 different ways to interpret it.  And then I would find myself reaching for every commentary I could find.

But one day, while studying for a class, I came across this portion of Mark – But when He was alone with His own disciples, He explained everything.  I realized this was the key!  Getting alone with Jesus, having that Be Still and Know time with Him was the answer!  We only have to set time aside to be alone with Jesus and He will explain everything to us.  He wants His people to understand His Word and know His will.

Have you put that time aside to be alone with Him on your agenda?  You will always be grateful you did!  Smiling today, Margi

Love is…

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Valentine’s Day – This is the time of year when a great deal of attention is put on the word love.  We are all full of high hopes and great expectations for that special day! The word love is displayed in cards, candy and flowers – maybe even a special night out on the town.  Yet, in the midst of this occasion and all this world displays it to be, many lose sight of one very important aspect – the word love.

 Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it i not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Husbands and wives, even our children want to feel the joy and presence of true love in their lives.  In turn, we all want to give love in huge ways and this day is a great time for it.  But, we need to realize there is more power in the small acts of love given throughout the year!

Just a moment of patience with a small child, a simple kindness to a stranger or even one small selfless act of love is worth more than all the candy and flowers in the world!  Sometimes letting all be done in love may seem like an impossibility and it is, if Jesus is not in each gesture.  For only with Jesus is love truly manifested!

In your Be Still and Know time today, Ask Him to be  present in your giving this Valentine’s Day.  Ask Him to guide you in small acts of love throughout the year.  Then begin to see changes in your relationships and even the changes in you!

 

This Kind of Thinking

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A pastor is invited to a family’s home for Sunday dinner.  Before anyone says grace, the children begin to eat.  The embarrassed mom gives them a quick reprimand, and the kids stare being a bit confused.  The pastor then offers grace in strange silence.

“We do not always say grace before meals,” the mom explains.  “We just take it for granted that God knows how grateful we are!”

Why should we pray?  After all, God knows how grateful we are.  The trouble  with this kind of thinking is that it never stays at the dinner table!  It leaves the table and roams over the rest of our lives.  And soon, we find ourselves wondering why we should pray at all.

Why do we pray?  Why do we need a Be Still and Know time?  We pray to deepen our relationship with Him.  We pray  we may know the one True God and His Son Jesus.  We pray  we may grow to be more like Him and for others to share this life with their heavenly Father.  We pray for His joy and the strength it brings, for peace in the midst of every storm, and for great guidance.  We pray He may know we take nothing for granted!

And today, I pray for you.  Sit and Be still and know His will, His perfect and wonderful will for your life.  Margi

Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and  thankful. Colossians 4:2

The Absolute Life

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The disciples went to Jesus to talk about how to split up their inheritance – instead, Jesus talks to them about greed.

A woman was caught in adultery – Jesus deals with  forgiveness.  He asks her, who are your accusers, and then tells her she is forgiven.

Friends ask Jesus which one of them will rule along side Him.  Instead of getting into a discussion about the kingdom, He explains to them that the least among you will be the greatest.

Jesus dealt with pride issues. If you want to rule with me then walk with me, and you will see ways to serve people; to wash their feet and feed them, to take care of their babies and  learn to give the clothes off your back.

What is an absolute? An absolute is something complete, perfect or final.  An absolute then is the perfect meaning, the completed picture or the final word.  To me then, the one absolute is Jesus.  In John 14:6, we read, Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  

In every situation, Jesus speaks of absolutes.  He explains to us that a life  should be free of greed and selfishness.  He talks of giving, sharing, sacrifice, goodness and love. And in every way He exemplified this life!

I want this kind of absolute life.  I want my life to be that example.  And to understand this absolute life, I need to KNOW Him –to  be still and know.  So daily, I ask to know Him more.  What absolutes about Jesus can I learn today?  And what absolutes will I share with others?  Today it may be pulling the tares of bitterness from my life.  Tomorrow I may see this girl a little less critical.

Take your Be Still and know time to talk with the Father about His absolutes for you.  And together we can share a life filled with the one we call our absolute – Jesus!