Notes from a quiet time with the Lord in August

These are thoughts I wrote back in August, 2006, when the Lord provided several things at once. I re-read the entry this morning and thought that it would be encouraging, so I’m putting it here for you to read. (I edited out some names for privacy reasons.)
*************************************
Aug. 5, 2006

From Ps. 68:28, I prayed and asked You to summon Your power and do Your thing...

Well, Lord, I don’t know why I continue to be amazed by Your works, but I am!

Thursday, You brought the funds for the car to the bank just moments before I went to withdraw them. Through a brother, you worked out 50% discounts on the required insurance and also the full-coverage insurance.

It appears that the missing wardrobes are still out at the camp facility and it also appears that the piano may actually fit into the back of our car.

Thank You for doing all of this for us.You’re an amazing God and still bring me to my knees in submission, admiration and honor.

Ps. 68:32-34
“Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth.
Sing praises to the Lord.
(Interlude)
Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens,
his mighty voice thundering from the sky.
Tell everyone about God’s power.“

Lord, is it just because I bought a new car yesterday that I am noticing this verse now or did You plan it from the beginning? ”Sing to the One Who rides across the ancient heavens...“ Are You delighted in the purchase of the car as we are? Do You find joy in ”riding across Your heavens“ Your ”mighty voice thundering from the sky“?

Because we sure are enjoying this new car and driving it around is a pleasure. We dedicate it to You for Your use, Your honor, Your glory and the blessing of many, many others. Father, let it be a sign of Your blessing and not a point of envy or jealousy or any other sinful response/reaction. Bless it with long life, please. Bless it with low maintenance cost, please. And bless it with minimum breakdowns, please. Thank You so very much for faithful servants who help to make things like this car come true. Bless them, please, with extra time for their families or rest and bless them with extra finances. I ask this in my Lord Jesus’ name. Amen.

Afraid of dying a 2nd time...

I’m putting this up because it was such a refreshing thought for me, today, that I thought maybe it would bring you some encouragement as well. No editing, just my raw thoughts from my quiet time (personal Bible study) this morning...
**************************
Afraid of dying a 2nd time?

John 12:1-11 is the follow-up to Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead by Jesus.

Vs. 10 states that the religious leaders had decided to assassinate Lazarus as well as Jesus because his resurrection was causing people to believe in Jesus.

I wonder what kind of thoughts crossed Lazarus’ mind after finding out that he was on the Pharisees’ hit list?

Did he fear the 2nd death more than the 1st? Or was he much more comfortable with the idea since he had already died once? Did he have a new vision for life after his resurrection that caused him to not want to die so that he could long serve Jesus on earth? Did he struggle with arrogance afterward? Or was it such a sobering experience that he was more humble than he’d ever been? How did the “assassination” news affect his relationships - i.e. with his sisters?

Did he sneak through town or did he walk confidently - or something in between?

Lord Jesus, I cannot fathom how You impacted Lazarus’ life when you resurrected him. I cannot begin to imagine what changes he made in his priorities, relationships, beliefs, behavior, habits, etc.

My guess is that he would become fearless of death - mainly because he had been there and had “survived” it.

How about that? I have been resurrected in Jesus! Rom. 6:1-11 tells me the same thing! So, what is it that I fear more than anything that I don’t need to fear because - at worst - it can only kill my body?

You truly are amazing, Lord, here I thought I was going to brainstorming about Lazarus and, instead, You have reminded me of my own resurrection IN YOU! Thank You so very much for that! I love You!

Installation of new elder board

I was blessed today to be a part of the “installation” of the new elder board at our church during our worship service this morning. In the photo, we are being addressed by Albin Masarik, former chairman of the elder board as he challenged us to carry out the responsibilities and tasks of elders with care, dependence on the Holy Spirit and as taught in God’s Word, the Bible.

I was voted by the elder board to be chairman of the elder board and Milos was voted as vice-chairman. Please pray for us as we serve & lead this body of believers! Thank you!

Click here to see a picture of the installation: http://www.bighouse.org/kellyblog/elder_installation.html