Encouragement – Page 9 – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

Spy Wednesday and Thirty Pieces of Silver

Posted on March 28, 2018March 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

We all know about Easter week starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter. Do you know what happened the other days? Traditionally today is called “Spy Wednesday” because on this Wednesday before the crucifixion Judas conspired to give Jesus to the soldiers. Judas became a spy, an agent for those wanting to hurt and kill Jesus. He made a deal to betray Jesus. Judas was paid, given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true. Have you ever thought of Judas as a spy? We don’t know exactly why Judas did what he did, but some guess he was trying to force Jesus to use His power and take control.

Scripture doesn’t say what Jesus did on that Wednesday. Scholars speculate He and His disciples probably spent the day in Bethany resting up from the activities of the past few days. Most likely the all were exhausted and Passover was soon. He might have spent it with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and the people of Bethany believed He was the Son of God. Mary of Bethany went to Jesus and anointed Him with costly perfumed oil. Judas, the treasurer of the group, objected to the extravagance saying that the money could have helped so many poor people, hungry people. Jesus rebukes Judas and says Mary has anointed Him for His burial. Wow. That would make the room quiet and minds start to spin.

The disciples are saddened to think about Jesus dying and leaving them. They believe He is God’s Son, and they love Him. They don’t want anything bad to happen to Him. Scholars believe Judas was trying to force Jesus into claiming His kingdom now. They guess Judas didn’t believe anything bad would actually happen to God’s Son. It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ. Ironically Judas threw down the money. He didn’t want it. Judas wanted Jesus to have His kingdom and power now. Giving up control is hard but God’s way and time are best. That lesson cost Judas everything.

Have you sold Him out for something? Do you try to change His time and replace it with yours? I am so guilty of that. Has something taken His place as first priority? Maybe you treat Him like royalty and the Son of God that He is. Sometimes it is easy to let things get in the way of worshipping Him. It is easy to put our own wants before what we really need to do.

Me? When I was younger it was easier to skip church. The desire to be outside with family seemed to outweigh being inside a stuffy church. Ahh, then my soul grew up. Now I need to worship our Savior. The One that suffered, was beaten, crucified, died, and rose from the dead so that I might claim eternal life with Him is the One I long to worship. My soul needs to sing His praises more than my body needs an extra hour of sleep or to be outside in the sunshine. I need Him to know He is my priority since I was His. His love is priceless.

“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?” So they counted out for Him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” Matt. 26:14-16

Teaching through Parables and by Example

Posted on March 27, 2018March 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you ever thought about what happened after Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem. That was on a Sunday, but what happened the rest of the week? How did He spend Monday and Tuesday? He taught.

“Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.” Mt. 21:19

Jesus spent much of His time teaching. On Monday He taught His disciples a parable about faith when He cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. Do you remember that one? They were hungry and saw a fig tree with many leaves. When they looked for the fruit, none could be found. It was barren. There was just leaves on the tree and no fruit. Many believe the tree being cursed represents God’s judgment on those that are spiritually dead. Parables are an effective way to teach lessons.

Jesus also went into the temple and cleared it out of the dishonest money changers. Jesus went through overturning tables and saying: “Scripture says ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” He drove the money changers and their animals out of the temple. How angry He must have been, but Jesus took time to really think about the situation. Before He acted Jesus made sure He didn’t just react.

“So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:15

What stayed with me about this is that Jesus stopped and braided a whip so that He could ponder what He was going to do. He didn’t fly off the handle but took time to think about the situation. His anger was righteous. Maybe He prayed. I would think He did. Asking for guidance and God’s will were probably foremost in Jesus’ mind. Jesus taught us through His actions to think first before we jump into any situation, especially emotional ones.

Could you do this? Wait and cool off so that you reacted in a Christian manner? Make certain the anger you feel is real and not just a reaction? I can’t tell you how many times I have flown off the handle in anger and later saw how wrong I was. Acted quickly without thinking things through. My mama calls it having a short fuse. It is something I need to work on not doing. Not so with Jesus. He reacted in a Christian manner toward what was happening. They were desecrating God’s holy place of worship and needed to be stopped. It needed to be done. How many times have I corrected things that didn’t need to be? Multiple. I would just go off on my own without asking Abba to guide me. If I waited, prayed and listened a lesson would have been learned. My lesson.

Tuesday the disciples walked back by the fig tree. It was now withered and dead. Jesus used that to teach them about faith, true faith. A person or nation that does not produce fruit for God, do His work, will wither and die all the way down to its roots. The tree had leaves so by first sight it looked like it was producing. A closer look revealed no fruit. Then Jesus cursed it. Makes me wonder about our nation. Are we producing fruit for God? Ponder that for a bit.

Are you personally producing fruit? Are you leading people to God? Helping them find salvation? Everyday is a new chance to teach and be an example. Are you using the new day to share fruits of the spirit by being loving, kind, selfless, good, joyful, and peaceful to others? Don’t wither away. Grow tall and produce fruit. Increase in your faith. Flourish in your faith. You will be amazed at the things that will happen when you believe and have faith. You will a beacon to others longing for Him.

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” My. 21:21-22

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s Talk About it. . .

Posted on March 17, 2018March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

A sea of green will be flowing everywhere today because most everyone wears green clothes, Irish or not, on this day. It is the day many foods turn green on purpose. Even the river in Chicago turns green. This is also the one day of the year that we all put a “Mc” or “O” in front of our surname and become Irish. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick was a soul saver. A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.

It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. No fictional little leprechauns with rainbows and pots of gold were there. This is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, pagans that were saved and became Christians.

Irish are supposed to be lucky among a lot of other things. You’ve heard of the “luck of the Irish,” right? Hmm, I am not sure about that. Well, I guess you could say the ones that met St. Patrick were lucky, or could you? Was it luck that drew them to St. Patrick or something else? Perhaps the Holy Spirit.

Do you believe in luck? Do you think there is gold at the end of the rainbow? Personally, I don’t really believe much in luck or leprechauns. Maybe if I keep losing when playing a game I say I have bad luck, but outside of that I don’t put belief in luck. My faith and trust are in Jesus. He is the one that guides and directs me just like He did St. Patrick.

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He was the Way or rainbow to my riches. I followed Him. My gold happens to be where Jesus prepared a place for me at the end of my earthly life – in Heaven. That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold. My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

1 lb. potatoes peeled white or unpeeled red potatoes
½ lb. bacon (cut into small 1-inch squares)
1 T. Kosher salt
6 cups thinly sliced cabbage (approximately a head)
6 T. butter (four for the cabbage and two for the potatoes)
½ cup whipping cream (or milk)
Fresh parsley chopped finely-a few sprigs will do
A large onion, chopped
5 or 6 scallions or a clump (handful) of chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash potatoes and peel if you’re using thick skinned.
Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot of boiling water.
Add the Kosher salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes.
Stick one of the potatoes with a fork to see if they’re cooked. They should be tender and easy to penetrate with the prongs.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
When they’re finished cooking, add 4 T. butter.
Add the cabbage and onions.
Sauté the cabbage mixture until almost done, with the onions translucent and cabbage a bit crispy. Some people prefer to cook the mixture until everything is soft. It just depends on whether you like a bit of crunch or not. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.

Why Do We Have Sundays?

Posted on March 11, 2018March 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I love Sundays. Actually, I need them. They just have a different feeling about them, don’t they? It is day of the week our Father gave us to rest, recharge, and most importantly worship Him. I am sixty now and Sundays are extremely different than in “my day.” How about you? Do you see any difference in them? What were and are your Sundays like?

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” Exodus 20:8-11 KJV

Growing up all of the stores were closed. Even restaurants were closed, too. People treasured this Sabbath day to spend time going to church and with family or friends. It was my and many other’ favorite day of the week. Gradually stores would begin to open at noon for a few hours. That was scandalous but tempting so people slowly went. The half days expanded into full days and restaurants had jumped aboard the train. That made for a lot of Sunday workers taken away from church and family, but don’t forget the shoppers, too. You can’t have family time in a store, just ask my hubby. I’m not innocent in the Sunday shopping situation. It is so convenient to go out to eat with family after church and even swing by a store on the way home.Before you start fussing at me, I realize there are people that must work on Sundays. Where would we be with hospitals that closed on Sunday? That would be a disaster!

When I was a child we went to big family Sunday dinners after church almost every week at my Mammaw’s farm. Those times in the “country” were precious and memorable. That’s where my cousins became my closest friends and almost like siblings. I learned to respect my elders, asked to be excused from the table, and held hands during Grace. We ate dinner together as a big, happy (yes, we were) family and played outside afterwards.

I got to know each family member through personal interaction. Today families are going in all different directions making Sunday dinners near impossible. There are school activities, work schedules, hobbies, clubs, groups, and overnight sleepovers that get in the way. I miss big family gatherings on Sundays where we talked, played games, and just were. It was relaxing and gave me a sense of safety and belonging. Maybe I will slowly bring that back for my family.

Sundays are a time to rest and nurture my body, mind, and spirit. I love listening to a sermon and singing hymns and praises. That helps not only my spirit but puts my mind at ease. Sunday is the one day I strive not to work. If it can wait, I let it. I love reading my Bible or an inspirational Christian fiction. Design When the weather permits, the perfect place for reading is on my back porch on my swing. Listening to nature, feeling sunshine and a breeze with a good book while in my swing is a great way to recharge for the coming week. It is a wonderful place to pray, also. How about you? What relaxes you?

This Lent I have been under conviction about Sundays. Not for you, but for myself. Why do we have Sundays? Am I really keeping the Sabbath holy? Everyone has his own idea on Sunday, and this is just mine. What is easy or right for others might not be right for me. Jesus has done so much for me. He has given His life for us, even me – you, too. Jesus is there every minute of every day. If I am under conviction about Sundays then I need to listen and change. It won’t be easy, but once I have done this and given the Sabbath back to Him, oh what joy I will feel!

However you choose to spend your Sundays, I hope they provide you the rest and peace that God planned them to give. Spend some of your day with Him. It will be time well spent.

Design

Are You Running Out of Time to Help?

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Time slips away from all of us. Once it has gone we may never get it back. It is easy to plan on doing something tomorrow and never finding time. Maybe it isn’t finding time that’s the problem but forgetting. I’m guilty of that. Are you?

The other evening I was watching television with my husband when the phone rang. It was a cell phone number I did not recognize but I answered it. The conversation went like this:

“Hello”
Caller: “Oh, good you’re still there. Do you have rosaries?”
(I owned a Christian bookstore for ten years that closed in December 2012. That number was one digit off of my home number.)
“Are you looking for Heaven Help Us Christian Bookstore?”
Caller:”Well, yes. That’s what I dialed.” (Actually she didn’t)
“I used to own it but we closed it years ago.”
(Crickets. Nothing for several seconds.)
“Why, why that’s not possible. I shop there all of the time. I love that shore. When did y’all close?’
“December 2012.”
“No! That can’t be. I know I was there since then.”
“Yes, ma’am, that’s when we closed.”
“I kept meaning to invite my friend but now it’s too late. I told her about it, but time just got away, I guess.”

We agreed time flies and ended the call with me promising to contact her if I ever opened another store. (Very doubtful this side of heaven). She even reminisced about my store and lamented not following through with another invitation to her friend. My store was a safe haven filled with God glorifying material and beautiful Christian music. Never any “ugly” language as my Grandmother would say.

Just as this lady missed the chance to invite her friend to my store before it closed, I wonder how many family members and friends will miss out on Jesus and Heaven because I didn’t make the time to tell them more about Jesus and asking Him into their hearts? Once they are gone or I am, I am not able to do that anymore. Honestly, I don’t want a single friend or family member missing Heaven especially if I could be a part of helping them make that decision. Time is precious and should be used to help others not for just ourselves.

What about you? Tell us your story about running out of time and missing something important. How about now? Do you have someone you have been praying for to receive salvation? Are you running out of time with them?

These Shoes Don’t Feel Good Any More

Posted on February 6, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you heard the saying that you can’t judge anyone until you walk a mile in their shoes? This is so true. Advice is so easily given and judgment quickly rendered on a situation others cannot totally understand. If they would wear my shoes for a day or even a few hours it would be apparent my shoes didn’t feel well at all. At times I cannot totally understand either and my own shoes hurt my feet.

My situation is different yet like so many others’. It is not one I chose. Not many people choose trials or struggles. Do I blame God for it? Absolutely not. He is the Righteous, Perfect One. Will He turn the bad in a situation for good. Every time. There are many like me and perhaps you’re one. Have you ever heard “Well, I know what I’d do if it was me”? Me, too. I hear that a lot. Ironically the majority of my critics and advisors aren’t devout Christians. If I am going to take counsel, it needs to be credible, Biblically based, and from someone who prays.

I have a lovely daughter with two sons. She taught elementary school and was in her element at a Christian school. When her second son was born, he had a multitude of health issues beginning with his brain, heart, kidney, digestive system, and going on and on. He has many three ring binders full of doctors, procedures, appointments, and anything needing documented. Isaac is the happiest boy I have ever known even though he cannot walk, eat, or talk. My daughter, son-in-law, and elder grandson shower Isaac with love and see to his every need, but still she gets judged. “I wouldn’t stay home if I had a teaching degree.” “I would not send him to therapy or school.”

Before passing judgment or offering unwanted advice, please put yourself in their places. Really put yourself in their day to day shoes. Seek Biblical counsel. Don’t steer them off track. Sometimes the best advice you can offer is none.

A friend that works with special needs children has one herself. Her sweet daughter has sensory issues with clothing and even shoes. Sure there are other things, too. Don’t all kids have issues with something? During a particularly stressful morning her daughter was melting down because she didn’t want to wear anything socks. It was an extremely cold day, and she couldn’t stand a heavy coat either. Dee decided it was more important to give in than let things escalate out of control so after warming her van she drove the kids to school. Later all over Facebook she read what a horrible mother she was. There were even requests for clothes donations. More judging without understanding. If they would just switch shoes with her for one day.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1-2

That’s what Jesus says about judging. It’s hard to do, but we must show mercy and grace to those who unfairly judge our difficulties. They could try to walk in our shoes for a day, but they wouldn’t last. Our shoes would hurt their feet, but “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.” Our feet keep going because Jesus helps.

Read A Book: “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” by Shellie Tomlinson

Posted on January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Did you get a devotional for Christmas? If you are like me, you read more than just one per day. I have one for when I have my coffee, one in the afternoon, and another at night. Design Often I will be given other to add to my library, like this one. “Devotions for the Hungry Heart” is the first book that I have read by author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, but I am certain it will not be my last. I fell in love with this 20 week devotional immediately and devoured it within a few days. (I know! I couldn’t help myself.) This sweet 272 page hardcover book is published by Shiloh Press. The padded cover is inviting and feels nice to the touch. There are glossy full color pictures which adorn the center which are beautiful and have yummy recipes. I love recipes in books.

In the introduction, the author says, “Whether you have a healthy craving for more Jesus, or the barely discernible taste for a relationship with Him that seems beyond your reach, the glorious truth is that God put that hunger in your heart in the first place, and He is more willing to fan that flame than you or I could ever be.” How is that for encouragement? Do you see why I fell in love so quickly? She had me at “craving for more Jesus.” The older I get the more my soul craves to be closer, near to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This book gave me daily servings of that.

Author Shellie has a very nice style of writing. Her devotions are only one to two pages long, but she loads them with powerful words. The way she writes is smooth and her message just flows easily from the pages into my heart and mind. Using topics that are relatable to us she inspires us in her open and honest way. Reading it is like chatting with a friend, prayer partner, Design or Sister in Christ over a cup of coffee. One that just gets you. I found the author to be witty, humorous, God glorifying, encouraging, approachable and transparent. She taught me what being hungry for Jesus meant. Dividing that up into six topics: Sharing, Needing, Celebrating, Praying, Surrendering and Being Intentional, the author explained in her sweet Southern style. I have continued pondering them long after finishing her book. Have you ever thought what an example of being hungry for more Jesus liked like? Think about it a minute. Better yet, just get this book.

One of the great things about this devotional is that it isn’t dated. Readers do not need to worry they are missing out by not starting it on a certain date. It has daily devotions, Monday through Saturday, that could be started at anytime. There is an illustration along with the scripture and message. A ribbon bookmark is sewn into the book so that your place will be kept. The recipes in the center are from the author’s cookbook, “Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce.” After the devotions, there is a Scripture reference page. Very helpful for future use or when counseling a friend.

This book is definitely a keeper and one to give away. It gives encouragement to all Christians whether you are a new seeker or older seasoned one. Everyone will glean something from this beautiful, delightful food for the soul book. The only problem you will encounter is where to keep it – on the breakfast table or nightstand! Well, that and limiting yourself to one devotion per day. I will be buying many for gifts. A definite 5 star recommendation from this hungry for Jesus gal.

Design

Writing Our 2018 Story

Posted on January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

We have closed the last page of our life story for 2017. I hope it was a best seller in your eyes. A new year brings a new beginning or book. It comes in with a blank page or clean slate. Are you hoping the year that begins today is better than the one that just finished?
A new year carries endless possibilities with it. I read posts on Facebook stating that New Year’s Day was the beginning of a blank 365 page book for each one of us, and that we should write a good one. Some claimed 2017 to be the worst year on record for them. Others wrote about the things they wanted to improve upon or change starting today.

Let me challenge you. Get a brand new journal and write down an outline for your 2018 story. I know it hasn’t happened yet, but think about what you would like to happen. For me reconnecting with some old, dear friends is very important and long overdue. My Christian novel remains half written so 2018 is the perfect year to complete it. Cookbook #2 is a little closer to being finished but needs work. Any year past, present, and future is the time to deepen my relationship and walk with Jesus. Of course I need and want to get healthier, too. In August 2017 I began a new venture selling a Pampered Chef. It is my hope to improve on that this year. How about those goals? Pages and chapters for me to live and write.

Will you partner with me? We could try it together and encourage each other. Over our blank pages we need to speak and pray positivity. Begin by asking God’s will to be done. Thank Him for guiding and directing. No more “I can’t lose weight, I am stressed and too busy, or it is never gonna happen.” Replace those with “absolutely I will lose weight, there is time, and yes, it will happen!”

Get your inspiration from your Life’s Rule Book or Holy Bible and your Heavenly Father. Design Scripture will give you the help, peace, and strength you need. Remember the verse in Matthew that says “With God all things are possible?” How about in Philippians where it tells us “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Proverbs gives great counsel “Trust in the Lord with all your heart….” We need to commit Bible verses to memory and claim the promises they give.

Keep me updated on your happy story. Working together we can make a positive difference in 2018. We will start with each other and see what trickles down from there. I think it is time to turn a “no” into a “go”! It is exciting to realize that we have the pen and blank paper for our 2018 story, not to mention the best Editor ever. I am ready to start my new story. Are you?

God Has 2018 and You

Posted on December 31, 2017December 30, 2017 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Goodbye, 2017 and hello, 2018! Here we are again. Another year is winding down to a close. Don’t worry. There is a brand new one just waiting to take 2017’s place. Whether this has been your best, worst, or just an average year, it is time to take inventory and plan for the next one. Do you have expectations for 2018 or yourself? A new year is wonderful. It’s like getting a blank piece of paper to begin a new chapter in your story. Exciting, isn’t it?!

Do you have a tradition for New Year’s Eve or Day? Many people start the year with a resolution or two. Not a bad idea, but how many resolutions make it all year? Grand plans and hopes turn to ashes when someone offers a piece of homemade fudge or favorite cookie. Even a 75% off sale and crash plans for saving more money. My hubby made a resolution a decade or more ago that he continues to keep……”to stop making New Year’s resolutions.” Perhaps I should try that one. My resolutions don’t seem to make it very long.

Let me offer another thing to try along with your resolution. One tradition that I love to do is to think about my prayer list. Design On it is usually one item that seems greater than any of the others. If you have a prayer list you know the one I mean. It is the one you give over to Jesus to handle and take to the Father. Then later that day you start fretting over it again and try to tell Him how to work it out. (How silly!) You pick it back up and cannot seem to give it away. The problem is so big and seems unsolvable. Oh, but I have great news for you. God is bigger and more powerful than anything. Period. He is also in the business of miracles.

This is all I do. I will take a piece of paper and jot down that problem which has now become a mountain. When I pray about it now, I completely surrender it to Jesus, throw it in the fireplace and watch it burn. Design As it is eaten up by flames and disintegrated, I give thanks that the problem is out of my hands and into His. I have totally surrendered it. He is doing what needs done according to His perfect will. Before my prayer ends the paper has turned to ashes, tears stream down my cheeks, and my worry has vanished. I am at peace.

Try it with one of your problems that has grabbed onto you and won’t let go. God said not to worry. We can do that only by praying and turning things over to Him. He is good and He is faithful. God won’t let us down. Go into 2018 with one less issue hanging over your head, and with you holding on to Jesus’s hand. Give it to Him. Trust Him. He has this, He has 2018, and He has you!

Design