Carrie W.’s Journal

Recognize the spiritual intent of the gathering of the church body. Too often we gather for natural intentions....and that's why it becomes the social club, the networking agenda, the place to get some mental pats on the back or emotional "hits" so we can feel good. We can easily forget that the purpose of our coming together is to celebrate our Lord and be equipped for the work. We should prepare ourselves to partake and share equally with all brethren irregardless of how much they brought to the table. Can the church say .... OUCH!

I know this is speaking of His covenant nation, but I find hope in this for my loved ones that they will be grated in again when they let go of unbelief!

Lord help me NOT to be on fire for God and be all wrong in my expression of that fire, oh my! We can get so carried away with rituals and traditions that we miss the spirit and truth of our relationship with God. Jesus, said to "learn of me". The Psalmist said Moses knew the God's "ways", while Israel knew God's "acts" (or deeds). Lord, help me to know your ways!

We must remember that the Kingdom of God will manifest and affect every living person, whether or not they have chosen life (Jesus). Since this is so, our desire for this day to come should be tempered with our desire for those who have not yet chosen life to be given every opportunity to make that choice and be able to stand before the Son Of Man.

How often do we name our future based on our past or what is familiar? It's interesting that the people were questioning her reasoning for naming her own child as she wanted because it did not follow tradition. When we choose to act differently than people expect, it makes them uncomfortable and they will seek an alliance for their position.

The signs that accompany preaching are not to confirm us, they are to confirm His Word. God does not confirm us, He confirms HIS WORD! He signifies what He said He will do...He Will Do!

Because it was missing here, I had to find what verse 28 said. The KJV says here: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors." That continues to edify my awareness that God will keep His word. Jesus Himself says in Matt 3:15 "..suffer it to be so NOW: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." [emphasis mine] If He says it, He will make it happen! Praise God, He is one you can count on to keep His word!

How easy it is to miss the message because our focus is in the wrong place. They were looking for a reasoning in the natural [it's because we didn't bring any bread] for the spiritual warning [beware the yeast of the Pharisees and Saduccees]. Sometimes we resist the message because we think the speaker is pointing us out for some issue or wrongdoing. Have you heard someone complain after a message that they were being picked on or "preached on"? Could it be that God was giving a spiritual warning that the hearer took in a natural (carnal) interpretation? Got to be careful HOW we hear as well as WHAT we hear!

People will often question your motives, make judgments on your actions and speak negatively about you. It's expected. So don't get all bent out of shape when it happens. Just make sure that you stay in integrity and be true to God. If they don't receive you, keep it moving!

There are times when we must cut off those who would hinder us from doing God's will. Jesus put the heckling disbelievers out. No distractions. No interference. So the girl would live. I'm thinking how I've had a vision that seemed to monumental for me to achieve. How naysayers encouraged me to give up, quit, it's too much...etc. God forgive me, I have in times past given up. But today, praise God, from the message in this verse, even 'though the vision may appear dead, my Lord says put the negative thoughts out, silence the voices of doubt, close the door on the "border bullies" and get busy raising the dream.