Last night, I pulled up YouTube for my children to watch one of my favorite Christmas claymations--"Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey". I remember watching this special on television as a child and I've noticed over the years it is no longer shown (probably because it talks of the Christ child?).
It's the story of Nestor, a donkey born with extremely long ears. Nestor was constantly made fun of by the other animals in the stable. Through some circumstances, he and his mother found themselves on their own, kicked out of the stable trying to survive a blizzard. Nestor's mother dies in the cold and he's all alone. Tilly, a cherub, falls from a cloud and is sent on a mission to help guide Nestor out of the wilderness. On their journey, Tilly tells Nestor all he has to do is be obedient to the sounds he hears with his long ears because his ears hear sounds other won't. Tilly guides him to another land where Nestor is taken in by an animal trader. The animal trader quickly finds out he has "a dud" of a donkey in Nestor because of his long ears. However, Joseph and Mary happen upon this animal trader's tent needing a donkey to make the long trip to Bethlehem. They pick Nestor because he's short enough for Mary to climb onto; not because of his ears. Through a sand storm, Nestor hears the guidance from above and makes his way to Bethlehem. While there, it's obvious the inns are full. With ease, Nestor remembers how warm and cozy the stable used to be when he was younger and guides Joseph and Mary to a stable where baby Jesus was born.
It was a sweet story and I obviously appreciate it more as an adult than I did when I was a kid.
In your life, there will be various trials and hardships that will come. There will be plenty of nay-sayers and wrong decisions made along the way. Through all of the confusion and frustration of life, we must go back to what we know. For Nestor the long-eared donkey it was the stable. For us, it could be the simplicity of one of my favorite children's songs:
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus love me
The Bible tells me so!
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Stressed Out & No Where To Go
Stress is delivered to our front door every morning. Turn on the television and you'll get a heaping dose of it. Watch people pass you by at the local store and you'll see it written all over their face. Whether it's the rush to get Christmas lists completed, losing a job, keeping up with daily activities or just trying to pack everything you can into the day, it seems we're all stressed up with no where to go!
I Timothy 1:7 says, "For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." When you are stressed, you are filled with fear. This drains your emotional power to have peace in your circumstances (a sound mind). In I Peter 1:13, Peter urges us to "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober...." When a Roman centurion would "gird up the loins", he would pull his robe up to his knees and be ready to run and defend. It made him quick and kept him from tripping on his robe. What Peter is talking about here is the importance of being spiritually mobile or agile in order to protect your weak areas. For many, this is our mind, especially when stress comes in our life. When we wrap our minds around God's truth in knowing He cares for us and will take care of our needs and has plans to "prosper and not harm you" (Jeremiah 29:11), we are able to defend our thoughts from the devil's schemes to bring discouragement and hopelessness.
Through the stressors of the Christmas season, set your mind on being "girded", ready to do battle so when the negativity comes, you know how to bring the One who is victorious into the arena of your mind instead of allowing your thoughts to be controlled by despair.
(Barbie will be signing books Saturday from 11am-1pm at the Indianola Pecan House in Indianola. If your area store has sold out of her books, you can find them at www.barbiebassett.com .)
I Timothy 1:7 says, "For God did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." When you are stressed, you are filled with fear. This drains your emotional power to have peace in your circumstances (a sound mind). In I Peter 1:13, Peter urges us to "Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober...." When a Roman centurion would "gird up the loins", he would pull his robe up to his knees and be ready to run and defend. It made him quick and kept him from tripping on his robe. What Peter is talking about here is the importance of being spiritually mobile or agile in order to protect your weak areas. For many, this is our mind, especially when stress comes in our life. When we wrap our minds around God's truth in knowing He cares for us and will take care of our needs and has plans to "prosper and not harm you" (Jeremiah 29:11), we are able to defend our thoughts from the devil's schemes to bring discouragement and hopelessness.
Through the stressors of the Christmas season, set your mind on being "girded", ready to do battle so when the negativity comes, you know how to bring the One who is victorious into the arena of your mind instead of allowing your thoughts to be controlled by despair.
(Barbie will be signing books Saturday from 11am-1pm at the Indianola Pecan House in Indianola. If your area store has sold out of her books, you can find them at www.barbiebassett.com .)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Going Home Another Way
My 5 year old son Will and I had just left the store ordering his birthday cake for this week. The parking lot was full with cars waiting while their owners shopped and other cars were turning in to find a spot to park. The congestion was thick as smoke just in trying to get out of the parking lot. When I got to the intersection, I saw the traffic and knew what I had to do to get out--I needed to go another direction in order to get home at a decent time.
"I thought you said we were going home?" Will asked from his booster seat. "We are going home," I said. He paused for a few seconds. "But this isn't how we normally go home," Will said. "Sure, we can get home going this way," I said. "Just wait and see." Another minute passed and Will was still confused. "But mom, this is NOT the way home," he said. "Trust me, son. We can get home going this way," I answered. Within minutes, we made it to a place familiar to Will. "Oh, I see where we are now," he said. "You were right, mom. You DO know how to get us where we need to go!"
How many times in your life have you felt like God was leading you down a road that had a posted sign which read "Wrong Way"? Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
God sees what's ahead and knows the congestion, the slow downs and the delays to achieving His will in your life. He knows which detours and back roads to lead you on. We must fight the urge to jump out of the moving car, even when the scenery doesn't look right. There may be times when you look out the window of your life and think, This doesn't look familiar, God. I think you took a wrong turn in my life because this makes no sense. I thought you said you had a plan for me? A plan to prosper and not harm me?
But God is the driver and leans over to you in the back seat and says, I know exactly where I want to take you. It may be the long way around to you, but it's a direct path to Me. So, trust Me.
The next time you feel like God drove you to a dead end street, trust the One who created the map!
(There are only 1,200 copies remaining of Barbie's new book, "Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith". They are available at stores in Jackson, Kosciusko, Brookhaven, Mendenhall, Batesville, McComb & Yazoo City. Barbie will also be signing at the Indianola Pecan House in Indianola this coming Saturday from 11am-1pm. You can also purchase her books at www.barbiebassett.com .)
"I thought you said we were going home?" Will asked from his booster seat. "We are going home," I said. He paused for a few seconds. "But this isn't how we normally go home," Will said. "Sure, we can get home going this way," I said. "Just wait and see." Another minute passed and Will was still confused. "But mom, this is NOT the way home," he said. "Trust me, son. We can get home going this way," I answered. Within minutes, we made it to a place familiar to Will. "Oh, I see where we are now," he said. "You were right, mom. You DO know how to get us where we need to go!"
How many times in your life have you felt like God was leading you down a road that had a posted sign which read "Wrong Way"? Galatians 5:16 says, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want."
God sees what's ahead and knows the congestion, the slow downs and the delays to achieving His will in your life. He knows which detours and back roads to lead you on. We must fight the urge to jump out of the moving car, even when the scenery doesn't look right. There may be times when you look out the window of your life and think, This doesn't look familiar, God. I think you took a wrong turn in my life because this makes no sense. I thought you said you had a plan for me? A plan to prosper and not harm me?
But God is the driver and leans over to you in the back seat and says, I know exactly where I want to take you. It may be the long way around to you, but it's a direct path to Me. So, trust Me.
The next time you feel like God drove you to a dead end street, trust the One who created the map!
(There are only 1,200 copies remaining of Barbie's new book, "Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith". They are available at stores in Jackson, Kosciusko, Brookhaven, Mendenhall, Batesville, McComb & Yazoo City. Barbie will also be signing at the Indianola Pecan House in Indianola this coming Saturday from 11am-1pm. You can also purchase her books at www.barbiebassett.com .)
Friday, December 9, 2011
Difficulties Into Deliverance
No one wants to suffer, whether it's emotionally or physically.
In John 9:1, Jesus' disciples met a man who was blind from birth. They asked Jesus who sinned--the man's parents or the man since he was born blind. Jesus replied in verse 3, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Jesus basically told them they were asking the wrong question by asking why this adversity was allowed. The Savior then anointed the man's eyes with mud, which he was to wash away in the pool of Siloam. The man came back with his eyesight restored.
Even when Jesus rode a donkey through Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people were exuberant with excitement waving palm leaves. But Jesus didn't share in their excitement because he knew his physical suffering was close at hand. In John 12:27-28, Jesus said, "Not My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."
In literally one of the most horrific weeks of His life, Jesus didn't ask, "How can I get out of this?" but "How can God be glorified?"
God doesn't waste your suffering. The Lord knows how to turn our difficulties into deliverance and our problems into praise. He will glorify His name in the lives of His children, whatever their afflictions may be. Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief.
(Barbie will be signing books in Yazoo City at Essco's today from 11am-1pm. Her newest book continues to sell out at her book signings. Check these stores for available copies:
Jackson: Lifeway Christian Store & Lemuria Books
Mendenhall: Mendenhall Grocery & Grain
Batesville: Promises & Praise
Brookhaven: Expectations
McComb: Edgewood Interiors
Yazoo City: Essco's
Or, they can be ordered at www.barbiebassett.com)
In John 9:1, Jesus' disciples met a man who was blind from birth. They asked Jesus who sinned--the man's parents or the man since he was born blind. Jesus replied in verse 3, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Jesus basically told them they were asking the wrong question by asking why this adversity was allowed. The Savior then anointed the man's eyes with mud, which he was to wash away in the pool of Siloam. The man came back with his eyesight restored.
Even when Jesus rode a donkey through Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the people were exuberant with excitement waving palm leaves. But Jesus didn't share in their excitement because he knew his physical suffering was close at hand. In John 12:27-28, Jesus said, "Not My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name."
In literally one of the most horrific weeks of His life, Jesus didn't ask, "How can I get out of this?" but "How can God be glorified?"
God doesn't waste your suffering. The Lord knows how to turn our difficulties into deliverance and our problems into praise. He will glorify His name in the lives of His children, whatever their afflictions may be. Be more concerned for God's glory than for your relief.
(Barbie will be signing books in Yazoo City at Essco's today from 11am-1pm. Her newest book continues to sell out at her book signings. Check these stores for available copies:
Jackson: Lifeway Christian Store & Lemuria Books
Mendenhall: Mendenhall Grocery & Grain
Batesville: Promises & Praise
Brookhaven: Expectations
McComb: Edgewood Interiors
Yazoo City: Essco's
Or, they can be ordered at www.barbiebassett.com)
Monday, December 5, 2011
He Wants More
My daughter Gracie shared with us after lunch Sunday some of her class lesson on the Israelites. In listening to what she learned, I realized the Israelites suffered from the same problem many Christians do today. They enjoyed the good preaching and teaching but weren't willing to move from there. Too many of us like to sit on our padded pews in a climate-controlled building where someone else will pre-digest what God has to say and then regurgitate it back to us in a half-digested form (perhaps we're afraid it may set too heavy on our stomachs?).
I've gotten to the point in my own life where I've started praying, "God, I'm tired of everybody else hearing from You! I'm going to lock myself away in a room and stay there until I get a fresh Word from You."
The early Church didn't have access to what we call the New Testament for many years. The Old Testament scriptures were expensive rolls that stayed locked up in synagogues. The only scriptures they had were verses from the law, the Psalms and the prophets that had been passed down orally from their relatives. So what did they have? They walked and talked with Him in such a rich level of intimacy.
God said in Exodus 33:14, "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest." I Chronicles 16:37 says, "Honor and majesty are in His presence; strength and joy are in His sanctuary."
God is tired of having long distance relationships with his people. He was tired of it thousands of years ago in Moses' day, and He is tired of it today. God really wants to have an intimate, close encounter with you today.
(Barbie's book continues to sell faster than anticipated! She will be signing copies in Vicksburg Tuesday, 11:30am-1pm at Crown To Heels. Barbie will be signing at the Raleigh Library this Thursday from 11:30am-1pm. And, she'll be signing in Yazoo City at Essco's this Friday from 11am-1pm.
In Jackson, they can be found at Lemuria and Lifeway Christian Store. In Brandon, Miss Priss boutique has a few copies. The Briar Patch in Carthage, Expecations in Brookhaven, Edgewood Interiors in McComb & the Mendenhall G&G all have a few remaining copies left. Her books can also be ordered at www.barbiebassett.com.)
I've gotten to the point in my own life where I've started praying, "God, I'm tired of everybody else hearing from You! I'm going to lock myself away in a room and stay there until I get a fresh Word from You."
The early Church didn't have access to what we call the New Testament for many years. The Old Testament scriptures were expensive rolls that stayed locked up in synagogues. The only scriptures they had were verses from the law, the Psalms and the prophets that had been passed down orally from their relatives. So what did they have? They walked and talked with Him in such a rich level of intimacy.
God said in Exodus 33:14, "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest." I Chronicles 16:37 says, "Honor and majesty are in His presence; strength and joy are in His sanctuary."
God is tired of having long distance relationships with his people. He was tired of it thousands of years ago in Moses' day, and He is tired of it today. God really wants to have an intimate, close encounter with you today.
(Barbie's book continues to sell faster than anticipated! She will be signing copies in Vicksburg Tuesday, 11:30am-1pm at Crown To Heels. Barbie will be signing at the Raleigh Library this Thursday from 11:30am-1pm. And, she'll be signing in Yazoo City at Essco's this Friday from 11am-1pm.
In Jackson, they can be found at Lemuria and Lifeway Christian Store. In Brandon, Miss Priss boutique has a few copies. The Briar Patch in Carthage, Expecations in Brookhaven, Edgewood Interiors in McComb & the Mendenhall G&G all have a few remaining copies left. Her books can also be ordered at www.barbiebassett.com.)
Friday, December 2, 2011
Barbie is away doing book signings. She will be emceeing the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation's Ag Ambassador Competition Saturday along with signing her books at the Jingle Bell Market in Pearl (Trustmark Park) from 11am-12:30pm. Then she will be traveling to the Briar Patch in Carthage signing books from 2pm-3:30pm.
Her books can also be found in Jackson at Lifeway Christian Store & Lemuria and on www.barbiebassett.com.
Her books can also be found in Jackson at Lifeway Christian Store & Lemuria and on www.barbiebassett.com.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Giving God Your Time
One week ago, I set out on my book tour with "Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith". I have been overwhelmed at the sales. In just over 1 week, almost one-third of the books have sold. Every store keeps selling out. It goes to show that God's people are hungry for more of Him.
Last weekend, I spent on the farm with my family and got to attend my home church, Crowder Baptist Church. The pastor talked about the importance of sharing our talent, treasure and time with God. Now, how many times have I heard this sermon? But I was more convicted this time around than I have ever been.
Malachi 3:8 says, "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings." Then God goes on to say in verse 10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
As I looked at my own life, I began to see while I've been faithful in sharing my tithes and talents given by God in various ways to all people, I am failing miserably when it comes to the "time" part. Home schooling, speaking across the southeast, my WLBT career along with the book tour, working for American Family Radio, doing hundreds of other things that I won't list here and having a husband and being a mom, my schedule is packed. I'm lucky if I get a few hours of sleep a night. And because of all of this, I'm guilty of verse 8--robbing God---of my time.
Why do we feel like we can offer up a prayer here or there in the busyness of our life and think God is satisfied with that? Our spouse wouldn't be happy with a quick "hello" and perhaps a half-hearted hug as we ran out the door, so why do we think God is? The way circumstances around me are going, I need to be giving God the very BEST of my time--what is first, not what is left. When that happens, God promises to bless you in a was which can only be described as coming from Him.
(Barbie will be signing her books at Edgewood Interiors in McComb December 1 from 11:30am-1pm as well as being the guest speaker at First Baptist Ridgeland's ladies night out that night. On December 2, you can catch her at the Mendenhall Grain & Grocery from 11:30am-1pm. Over the weekend, she'll be in Pearl & Carthage. Check www.barbiebassett.com for specifics.)
Last weekend, I spent on the farm with my family and got to attend my home church, Crowder Baptist Church. The pastor talked about the importance of sharing our talent, treasure and time with God. Now, how many times have I heard this sermon? But I was more convicted this time around than I have ever been.
Malachi 3:8 says, "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings." Then God goes on to say in verse 10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
As I looked at my own life, I began to see while I've been faithful in sharing my tithes and talents given by God in various ways to all people, I am failing miserably when it comes to the "time" part. Home schooling, speaking across the southeast, my WLBT career along with the book tour, working for American Family Radio, doing hundreds of other things that I won't list here and having a husband and being a mom, my schedule is packed. I'm lucky if I get a few hours of sleep a night. And because of all of this, I'm guilty of verse 8--robbing God---of my time.
Why do we feel like we can offer up a prayer here or there in the busyness of our life and think God is satisfied with that? Our spouse wouldn't be happy with a quick "hello" and perhaps a half-hearted hug as we ran out the door, so why do we think God is? The way circumstances around me are going, I need to be giving God the very BEST of my time--what is first, not what is left. When that happens, God promises to bless you in a was which can only be described as coming from Him.
(Barbie will be signing her books at Edgewood Interiors in McComb December 1 from 11:30am-1pm as well as being the guest speaker at First Baptist Ridgeland's ladies night out that night. On December 2, you can catch her at the Mendenhall Grain & Grocery from 11:30am-1pm. Over the weekend, she'll be in Pearl & Carthage. Check www.barbiebassett.com for specifics.)
Monday, November 21, 2011
A 'Happy Thanksgiving' Message
The book tour kicked off Saturday in Brookhaven and what a day it was! The books sold out in just over an hour with just over 200 books sold. I was honored to meet some fine, sweet people along the way including meeting up with Rebecca Amic who I've gotten to see several times.
My website has been processing orders all weekend for the out-of-staters. And, I was able to personally give one of my editors a signed copy at church Sunday as a thank you.
Now as we gather with our families for Thanksgiving, I am praying that the "eyes of your understanding will be opened so that you would know the hope to which he has called you.." (Ephesians 1:17-22) I believe this scripture encourages us to see what God has already DONE for you and I.
Forget the turkey--I'm thankful for the Lamb!
(Barbie will be signing copies of her new book and her 1st book Tuesday at Josephine's on the square in Kosciusko. She will be signing at Lifeway Christian Store in Jackson this Friday, 10am-Noon and at Lemuria from 1pm-2pm. Both books are now available at www.barbiebassett.com .)
Friday, November 18, 2011
It's Here!
"Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith" (retail $14.02) is now available. This daily devotional for college students and men and women of all ages shares how you can continue to have faith in God's provision for you even in the "dry spells" of your spiritual walk.My first book, "Forecasts & Faith: 5 Keys to Weathering the Storms of Life" has sold almost 6,000 copies in it's final printing. There are limited quantities of "Forecasts & Faith" left.
There are only 3,000 copies my new book, so not everyone who has bought "Forecasts & Faith" will be able to get this one. With the rush of the Christmas season, I can't guarantee there will be ample copies for Mothers Day next year.
In the Jackson area, the book is already available in Lifeway Christian Stores and Lemuria. It is also available to purchase on my website for the out-of-staters.
Thus begins the book signing tour, which kicks off this weekend in Brookhaven! I would enjoy visiting with you and taking pictures with you at any of these locations:
November 19, Book Signing, Expectations from 10am-Noon, Brookhaven
November 22, Book Signing, Josephine's from 10am-Noon, Kosciusko
November 26, Book Signing, Lifeway Christian Store from 10am-Noon, Jackson
November 26, Book Signing, Lemuria Books at Banner Hall from 12:30pm-1:30pm, Jackson
December 1, Book Signing, Edgewood Interiors from 11:30am-1pm, McComb
December 1, Guest Speaker & Book Signing, First Baptist Church Ladies Dinner, Ridgeland
December 2, Book Signing, Mendenhall G & G from 11:30am-1pm, Mendenhall
December 3, Book Signing, Jingle Bell Market from 11am-12:30pm, Pearl
December 3, Book Signing, The Briar Patch, 2pm-3:30pm, Carthage
December 6, Book Signing, Crown To Heels, 11:30am-1pm, Vicksburg
December 8, Book Signing, Raleigh Public Library, 11:30am-1pm, Raliegh
December 10, Book Signing, Essco's, 11am-1pm, Yazoo City
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sometimes You Have To Keep Your Mouth Shut
When the Holy Spirit gives you a word in due season, be careful who you share that with.
Joseph learned the hard way. God gave him two prophetic dreams which excited him. I'm sure he was tired of being mistreated and talked about by his older brothers. So when he had a dream he would be someone important one day and told his brothers, the Bible says in Genesis 37:5, "they hated him all the more". When Joseph told his father Israel (or Jacob) the revelation God shared with him through his dream, his father "kept the matter in mind" (verse 11). Due to Joseph's mouth, he went through years of captivity and slavery. God brought him out of that once he changed his mouth, and you know the rest of the story.
I learned years ago when I'm given prophetic dreams or a word from God concerning myself, there are only certain people I can share that with. Those whom I thought I could share it with are the exact ones who have used it against me. At times, I've told no one and kept it to myself until the appointed time when God manifested it, or brought it to be.
The devil likes to use people who "don't get it" to spoil the word you've been given either through doubt, ridicule or through their ostracizing you. There are some people in your life who will never be happy for you and share the joy of God working in your life. Pray for discernment if God has revealed something specifically to you as to who, if any, you should share that with. Don't allow the devil to steal your joy like he did for Joseph.
(Barbie is the guest speaker tonight at Broadmoor Baptist & will be the guest speaker at First United Methodist in Clinton Tuesday. Her new book is set to arrive later this week which she'll be sharing details on an upcoming blog.)
Joseph learned the hard way. God gave him two prophetic dreams which excited him. I'm sure he was tired of being mistreated and talked about by his older brothers. So when he had a dream he would be someone important one day and told his brothers, the Bible says in Genesis 37:5, "they hated him all the more". When Joseph told his father Israel (or Jacob) the revelation God shared with him through his dream, his father "kept the matter in mind" (verse 11). Due to Joseph's mouth, he went through years of captivity and slavery. God brought him out of that once he changed his mouth, and you know the rest of the story.
I learned years ago when I'm given prophetic dreams or a word from God concerning myself, there are only certain people I can share that with. Those whom I thought I could share it with are the exact ones who have used it against me. At times, I've told no one and kept it to myself until the appointed time when God manifested it, or brought it to be.
The devil likes to use people who "don't get it" to spoil the word you've been given either through doubt, ridicule or through their ostracizing you. There are some people in your life who will never be happy for you and share the joy of God working in your life. Pray for discernment if God has revealed something specifically to you as to who, if any, you should share that with. Don't allow the devil to steal your joy like he did for Joseph.
(Barbie is the guest speaker tonight at Broadmoor Baptist & will be the guest speaker at First United Methodist in Clinton Tuesday. Her new book is set to arrive later this week which she'll be sharing details on an upcoming blog.)
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Purpose of an Angel
I was honored to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the Salvation Army's "Evening with the Angels" event last night as they recognized 4 people in the state who have acted as God's hands for others in giving their time, talents and love to other people in need. Completely unexpected, they gave me their "surprise angel" award and my husband offered the most kind tribute to me in his speech. So, I began to think more about the job of angels.
Anytime you see an angel mentioned in the Bible, they are sent with a Word from God. The word "angel" comes from the word anggelos. Angels are essentially ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). When people in the Bible saw an angel, their typical response was to fall on their face in fear out of reverence and awe. The names of the 2 most notable angels are Michael and Gabriel.
The rest of the unnamed angels in Scripture carry out a variety of tasks for God: worship, praise, revealing, guiding, providing, protecting, delivering, strengthening, encouraging, answering prayer and caring for believers at the moment of death.
In no way am I comparing Christians to angels. However, you never know when God will deputize you to bring an encouraging word, a helping hand, or even use your financial resources no matter the amount to minister to someone else at their appointed time of need.
Always be prepared act as God's messenger when you hear the call.
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at Goodwater Baptist in Magee Saturday; Broadmoor Baptist in Madison on Monday & the First United Methodist Church in Clinton Tuesday.)
Anytime you see an angel mentioned in the Bible, they are sent with a Word from God. The word "angel" comes from the word anggelos. Angels are essentially ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14). When people in the Bible saw an angel, their typical response was to fall on their face in fear out of reverence and awe. The names of the 2 most notable angels are Michael and Gabriel.
The rest of the unnamed angels in Scripture carry out a variety of tasks for God: worship, praise, revealing, guiding, providing, protecting, delivering, strengthening, encouraging, answering prayer and caring for believers at the moment of death.
In no way am I comparing Christians to angels. However, you never know when God will deputize you to bring an encouraging word, a helping hand, or even use your financial resources no matter the amount to minister to someone else at their appointed time of need.
Always be prepared act as God's messenger when you hear the call.
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at Goodwater Baptist in Magee Saturday; Broadmoor Baptist in Madison on Monday & the First United Methodist Church in Clinton Tuesday.)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Try Not To Lose Your Focus
Yesterday afternoon, my husband and I spent the day shooting skeet and targets.
Focusing is key, even with my bad eye sight. If I keep my hand steady and line the sight just so, all the while knowing what I'm shooting at, I'm a pretty accurate shooter.
Focusing is key, even with my bad eye sight. If I keep my hand steady and line the sight just so, all the while knowing what I'm shooting at, I'm a pretty accurate shooter.
But after shooting skeet with the shotgun, my shoulder took a beating. My accuracy wasn't the best.
It's still a good "pattern", but I could definitely tell the difference in what being tired and not focused will do for your trigger finger.
Romans 8:5 says, "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."
In other words, when you try so hard at fixing the issues in your life and you don't rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you lose your focus. You begin operating in the flesh instead of operating in the Spirit. The devil knows when you make that conscience choice because you become a threat to him and what he's trying to accomplish.
Don't let your weariness prevent you from focusing on the cross of Christ. Keep your eyes on God's Word and increase in your daily walk with Him and you won't miss the mark!
(Barbie will be the guest speaker tonight at the First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven. She'll also speak at the Salvation Army's Angels event Thursday night & she's the guest speaker at Goodwater Baptist in Magee Saturday morning.)
Friday, November 4, 2011
Gone But Not Forgotten
It's been such a tragic week in central Mississippi this past week with the deaths of children and young people. I talk more about my brother's experience noted here in this video in my 1st book, Forecasts & Faith: 5 Keys to Weather the Storms of Life. Although there isn't much that can be said at a time like this, perhaps this video I did several months ago will bring peace to someone who has lost a loved one and also answer some questions.
http://vimeo.com/17366543
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at Trinity Baptist Church in Vicksburg Saturday morning. She'll also be doing an "Aging With Style" event in Natchez at 1pm.)
http://vimeo.com/17366543
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at Trinity Baptist Church in Vicksburg Saturday morning. She'll also be doing an "Aging With Style" event in Natchez at 1pm.)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Barbie is away hosting the Halloween Blood Drive with editorial cartoonist and radio talk show host Marshall Ramsey. The blood drive started at 6am this morning and will continue until 6pm tonight. She will return to the blog this Friday.
(Barbie is also the guest speaker of the Mississippi Singing Churchmen's banquet in Jackson.)
(Barbie is also the guest speaker of the Mississippi Singing Churchmen's banquet in Jackson.)
Friday, October 28, 2011
This & That
Central Mississippians have a chance this weekend to be the FIRST to screen a new movie that will be released in the Spring 2012. Jackson and a couple of other cities were pre-selected to "test market" the movie called "Octoberbaby". This movie is from the creators of "Facing the Giants", "Fireproof", and "Courageous". "Octoberbaby" is about a naive college student who embarks on a road trip to find her biological mother and discovers hope, love and forgiveness in the process.
Doors open at 6am Monday at Mississippi Blood Services. I look forward to seeing you there!
(Barbie will be signing her first book, "Forecasts & Faith: 5 Keys to Weathering the Storms of Life", Saturday from 1pm-2:30pm at Apricot Lane at the Renaissance in Ridgeland. This book has sold out of the retail stores & limited quantities are available for the next few months.)
The limited release of this movie will occur tonight, Saturday and Sunday at Tinseltown Movie Theatres in Pearl and the Malco Grandview Theatre in Madison. Check those theatres for times. If you're interested in supporting a movie that has a meaning and purpose, check it out and show up:
Monday is Halloween and a day I always look forward to because of the opportunity we have to make a difference in the lives of many by donating blood. This year's Halloween Blood Drive at Mississippi Blood Services proves to be another fun one as each donor receives Marshall Ramsey's limited edition t-shirt, free pizza provided by the Pizza Shack and is entered to win Malco movie theatre passes and an inflatable movie screen! Here is this year's commercial (oh, what a blast this was to work with Marshall & Dracula!):
Here is a sneak peak at the t-shirt Marshall has created just for the blood donors. As always, Marshall exceeds the expectations of his fans:
Doors open at 6am Monday at Mississippi Blood Services. I look forward to seeing you there!(Barbie will be signing her first book, "Forecasts & Faith: 5 Keys to Weathering the Storms of Life", Saturday from 1pm-2:30pm at Apricot Lane at the Renaissance in Ridgeland. This book has sold out of the retail stores & limited quantities are available for the next few months.)
Monday, October 24, 2011
Trusting God Is Not A Feeling
I had a blast speaking at a room packed with women at First Baptist Raleigh Saturday. We had lots of laughs and hugs and I got to see some faces I hadn't seen in a while.
I was told about a young girl in the church who had recently made a public profession of faith and been baptized only to be bullied and made fun of my her classmates at school. It brought back old memories for me and just some of taunting I went through as a child and continue to go through as a grown woman. I even have the 'anonymous' posters to this blog who like to call me a religious freak every now and then.
To that young girl and anyone else who is made fun of because of their being a Christ follower, I say to God be the glory! Psalm 112:6-8 says, "A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have not fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." Isn't that why Christians are persecuted anyway--those who see them living out their faith are fearful of their own future here and in eternity?
Trusting God is not a feeling; it's a decision, even when the doubt and adversaries come.
(Barbie will be speaking at the Mississippi State University BSU Tuesday night.)
I was told about a young girl in the church who had recently made a public profession of faith and been baptized only to be bullied and made fun of my her classmates at school. It brought back old memories for me and just some of taunting I went through as a child and continue to go through as a grown woman. I even have the 'anonymous' posters to this blog who like to call me a religious freak every now and then.
To that young girl and anyone else who is made fun of because of their being a Christ follower, I say to God be the glory! Psalm 112:6-8 says, "A righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have not fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes." Isn't that why Christians are persecuted anyway--those who see them living out their faith are fearful of their own future here and in eternity?
Trusting God is not a feeling; it's a decision, even when the doubt and adversaries come.
(Barbie will be speaking at the Mississippi State University BSU Tuesday night.)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Abiding
My parents have a small vineyard in their backyard with muscadine grapes. Those vines are always so full with grapes they begin to sag close to picking time. My children love to pick them off the vine and eat the fruit right there on the spot. What's happening on the inside of the vine is what counts.
Jesus said in John 15:9, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." Jesus was suggesting we find real love in His love. If we really abided in His love and time with Him, we would come away feeling so full, so cherished, that we would rush back to Him whenever we could.
You can read all of the devotions and Bible reading for years without actually abiding in the love of Jesus. Reading a book about a person isn't the same thing as knowing the person who wrote the book. Our challenge in abiding is to go from dutiful activities to a living, budding relationship with God.
Just as with the vine, in abiding, what happens on the surface doesn't count; what's happening inside does.
(Barbie will be speaking at First Baptist Raleigh Saturday morning & to the Mississippi State University BSU Tuesday night.)
Jesus said in John 15:9, "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love." Jesus was suggesting we find real love in His love. If we really abided in His love and time with Him, we would come away feeling so full, so cherished, that we would rush back to Him whenever we could.
You can read all of the devotions and Bible reading for years without actually abiding in the love of Jesus. Reading a book about a person isn't the same thing as knowing the person who wrote the book. Our challenge in abiding is to go from dutiful activities to a living, budding relationship with God.
Just as with the vine, in abiding, what happens on the surface doesn't count; what's happening inside does.
(Barbie will be speaking at First Baptist Raleigh Saturday morning & to the Mississippi State University BSU Tuesday night.)
Monday, October 17, 2011
Do You Have Peace?
Peace is hard to define, but if you have it, you know it.
Even when the hounds of hell are belittling you, Psalm 91:1-2 spells it out: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'"
Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." The Bible says God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). That means even through your darkest days of conflict with others, God blesses you for your enemies to see. (He did it all through scripture for His children; He's not finished yet!)
God's peace transcends the human resources you and I may try to use to bring ourselves peace.
God cannot fill a cup that's already full with everything else going on in your life. So how do you have peace in the presence of every circumstance? You allow God to be your refuge. Psalm 32:7 says, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
If that doesn't make you want to shout "Amen!", then your shouter is broken!
(Barbie will be speaking at First Baptist Raleigh's ladies luncheon this Saturday. Dates for 2011 are almost gone! If you are interested in getting Barbie booked to speak at your event, go to www.barbiebassett.com and click on "Contact".)
Even when the hounds of hell are belittling you, Psalm 91:1-2 spells it out: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'"
Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." The Bible says God prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies (Psalm 23:5). That means even through your darkest days of conflict with others, God blesses you for your enemies to see. (He did it all through scripture for His children; He's not finished yet!)
God's peace transcends the human resources you and I may try to use to bring ourselves peace.
God cannot fill a cup that's already full with everything else going on in your life. So how do you have peace in the presence of every circumstance? You allow God to be your refuge. Psalm 32:7 says, "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."
If that doesn't make you want to shout "Amen!", then your shouter is broken!
(Barbie will be speaking at First Baptist Raleigh's ladies luncheon this Saturday. Dates for 2011 are almost gone! If you are interested in getting Barbie booked to speak at your event, go to www.barbiebassett.com and click on "Contact".)
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stop Caring What Others Think of You
How long as it been since you've been so hungry for God that it consumed you to the point where you couldn't care less what people thought of you?
A lady viewer recently called the tv station and complained, "The blouse Barbie is wearing is too revealing. A Christian woman such as herself should never wear something like that." I think the producer who answered the phone was so shocked and offended by HER complaint, that the producer hung up on her!
It's time to rise up and pursue His presence and chase after God. God is uncomfortable with our self-righteous selves. We aren't as "all together" as we think we are. So what are we to do? John the Baptist suggested one thing: repentance.
Matthew 3:1-3 quotes him saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"
Repentance prepares the way and makes the road of our hearts straight. You cannot live in His presence without repentance. Repentance permits the pursuit of His presence. It builds the road for you to get to God or for God to get to you!
So here it is: how long has it been since you said, "I'm going for God"? How long has it been since you laid aside everything that ever occupied you and ran down the road of repentance to pursue God?
(Coming Soon: Barbie's new book, "Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith")
A lady viewer recently called the tv station and complained, "The blouse Barbie is wearing is too revealing. A Christian woman such as herself should never wear something like that." I think the producer who answered the phone was so shocked and offended by HER complaint, that the producer hung up on her!
It's time to rise up and pursue His presence and chase after God. God is uncomfortable with our self-righteous selves. We aren't as "all together" as we think we are. So what are we to do? John the Baptist suggested one thing: repentance.
Matthew 3:1-3 quotes him saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"
Repentance prepares the way and makes the road of our hearts straight. You cannot live in His presence without repentance. Repentance permits the pursuit of His presence. It builds the road for you to get to God or for God to get to you!
So here it is: how long has it been since you said, "I'm going for God"? How long has it been since you laid aside everything that ever occupied you and ran down the road of repentance to pursue God?
(Coming Soon: Barbie's new book, "Carry An Umbrella When There's No Rain in the Forecast: 365 Days of Living by Faith")
Monday, October 10, 2011
Prophetic Words
The Lord is not against you. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
I believe in the prophetic word. When I was given a prophetic word, I knew it was for my future and not my present. My mother and others have spoken prophetic words over me at a particular time and I knew it was coming from God. It propels you forward and repels things off like the attacks of the devil, temptations and other things designed to make you stumble (all the more reason for you to prophesy over your children, your home, your marriage and yourself).
A few weeks ago, we totaled my husband's truck in a head on collision with a black bear on our way to Florida. Last week, I had a head on collision with a deer at night. Having had a few days to think about both instances, I remembered some prophetic words spoken over me years and even weeks ago.
The devil may try to get you to second guess what God is doing in your life or the direction in which God is leading you. But this is not a time to be conferring with flesh and blood, but a time to get a Word from Heaven.
I think of the Passover story and how the Angel of Death passed over the homes and families of those who had the blood over their doorpost.
In the same way, God still has a future for you!
I believe in the prophetic word. When I was given a prophetic word, I knew it was for my future and not my present. My mother and others have spoken prophetic words over me at a particular time and I knew it was coming from God. It propels you forward and repels things off like the attacks of the devil, temptations and other things designed to make you stumble (all the more reason for you to prophesy over your children, your home, your marriage and yourself).
A few weeks ago, we totaled my husband's truck in a head on collision with a black bear on our way to Florida. Last week, I had a head on collision with a deer at night. Having had a few days to think about both instances, I remembered some prophetic words spoken over me years and even weeks ago.
The devil may try to get you to second guess what God is doing in your life or the direction in which God is leading you. But this is not a time to be conferring with flesh and blood, but a time to get a Word from Heaven.
I think of the Passover story and how the Angel of Death passed over the homes and families of those who had the blood over their doorpost.
In the same way, God still has a future for you!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
High Entertainment Worship
It seems like our church services today are designed to be more man-pleasing services set to itch a tickling ear and to be full of entertainment. Unfortunately, these kind of meetings have very little of our sacrificial love poured out to God who alone deserves our praise and worship.
I believe God would rather have moments with a few people who really love Him than for everyone to come and be entertained. It's like we're hosting a party for God in which we trade presents with each other while totally ignoring His presence.
Psalm 103:1 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul." It doesn't say "O Lord, bless MY soul." God is tired of reaching into His pocket to dispense the blessings of His hand. He wants us to enjoy the fellowship with His face.
(Barbie will be speaking at MADCAAP's Hope for Today event Tuesday night & First Baptist Church of Vicksburg Thursday night. This event is SOLD OUT.)
I believe God would rather have moments with a few people who really love Him than for everyone to come and be entertained. It's like we're hosting a party for God in which we trade presents with each other while totally ignoring His presence.
Psalm 103:1 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul." It doesn't say "O Lord, bless MY soul." God is tired of reaching into His pocket to dispense the blessings of His hand. He wants us to enjoy the fellowship with His face.
(Barbie will be speaking at MADCAAP's Hope for Today event Tuesday night & First Baptist Church of Vicksburg Thursday night. This event is SOLD OUT.)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Manifested Presence of God
I traveled to San Francisco last week to be honored at the Rodan & Fields national convention.
I was fortunate enough to get a window seat on the flight to California. Looking at the cloud formations, there is no way a person cannot be moved in feeling God's presence. To know God's eye was on that cloud as it was building higher and higher into the sky was an overwhelming thought.
Psalm 32:8-9 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you."
God is everywhere, but He doesn't turn His face and His favor everywhere. That is why He tells us to seek His face. Yes, He is present with you all of the time but how long has it been since your hunger for Him caused you to crawl up in His lap like a child and take the face of God to turn it toward you? God desires intimacy with you and His face should be our highest focus.
The Israelites referred to the manifest presence of God as the skekinah glory of God. When David talked about bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, he wasn't interested in the gold-covered box with artifacts inside it. He wanted the blue flame that hovered between the wings of the cherubim on top of the ark. That's what he wanted because it signified that God Himself was present. And wherever that glory or manifested presence of God went, there was victory, power and blessing.
I want the restoration of the manifested presence of God in my life. Just as when Moses was exposed to the glory of God, the residue of that glory caused his face to shine so much that when he came back down from the mountain, the people said, "Moses, you must cover your face. We can't bear to look at you."
Whatever or whoever is exposed to the manifested presence of God begins to absorb the very matter of God.
Who or what are you allowing yourself to be exposed to today?
(Barbie will be speaking in Oxford Saturday at Noon for "Girls Day Out" sponsored by Baptist Memorial Hospital. This event is SOLD OUT.)
I was fortunate enough to get a window seat on the flight to California. Looking at the cloud formations, there is no way a person cannot be moved in feeling God's presence. To know God's eye was on that cloud as it was building higher and higher into the sky was an overwhelming thought.
Psalm 32:8-9 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you."God is everywhere, but He doesn't turn His face and His favor everywhere. That is why He tells us to seek His face. Yes, He is present with you all of the time but how long has it been since your hunger for Him caused you to crawl up in His lap like a child and take the face of God to turn it toward you? God desires intimacy with you and His face should be our highest focus.
The Israelites referred to the manifest presence of God as the skekinah glory of God. When David talked about bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem, he wasn't interested in the gold-covered box with artifacts inside it. He wanted the blue flame that hovered between the wings of the cherubim on top of the ark. That's what he wanted because it signified that God Himself was present. And wherever that glory or manifested presence of God went, there was victory, power and blessing.
I want the restoration of the manifested presence of God in my life. Just as when Moses was exposed to the glory of God, the residue of that glory caused his face to shine so much that when he came back down from the mountain, the people said, "Moses, you must cover your face. We can't bear to look at you."
Whatever or whoever is exposed to the manifested presence of God begins to absorb the very matter of God.
Who or what are you allowing yourself to be exposed to today?
(Barbie will be speaking in Oxford Saturday at Noon for "Girls Day Out" sponsored by Baptist Memorial Hospital. This event is SOLD OUT.)
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Barbie is away on business for a few days, but will return on Friday, Sept 30. You can check out www.barbiebassett.com to see where she will be next!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Are You A Hot House Christian?
When I was growing up, my aunt had a greenhouse business. We often referred to it as a "hot house" because it was! During the busy planting season, or just to play around some days, I would help transplant tomato, marigold, periwinkle and numerous other vegetable and flowering plants in her hot house.
We would usually start by opening old pint sized milk cartons, fill them with soil, then separate the "baby plants" individually which had been grown in a larger container and place them into the milk cartons to grow bigger on their own. It didn't take me long to realize how easy it is to uproot one of those baby plants. Why? Because their roots weren't sturdy and deep yet.
Joshua 1:8 says, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." And just before Joshua was about to go into battle, God told him in verse 5, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life."
If you aren't staying in the Word daily and reading books that increase your faith, your roots can't grow deep. When the winds of change and criticism blow, you are easily uprooted just like those plants in the hot house.
There was a time in my life when the anonymous emails, letters, voice mails and even posts right here on my personal blog bothered me and hurt my feelings. Now that my roots in God's Word and my faith in Him is stronger, those critics don't bother me anymore because I know who they are and more importantly, who they are being manipulated by.
It's time we stop being hot house Christians!
(Barbie's speaking schedule is booking up quickly! Go to www.barbiebassett.com and click on "Contact Info" to contact her publicist if you're interested in Barbie speaking at your church conference, convention or banquet.)
We would usually start by opening old pint sized milk cartons, fill them with soil, then separate the "baby plants" individually which had been grown in a larger container and place them into the milk cartons to grow bigger on their own. It didn't take me long to realize how easy it is to uproot one of those baby plants. Why? Because their roots weren't sturdy and deep yet.
Joshua 1:8 says, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." And just before Joshua was about to go into battle, God told him in verse 5, "No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life."
If you aren't staying in the Word daily and reading books that increase your faith, your roots can't grow deep. When the winds of change and criticism blow, you are easily uprooted just like those plants in the hot house.
There was a time in my life when the anonymous emails, letters, voice mails and even posts right here on my personal blog bothered me and hurt my feelings. Now that my roots in God's Word and my faith in Him is stronger, those critics don't bother me anymore because I know who they are and more importantly, who they are being manipulated by.
It's time we stop being hot house Christians!
(Barbie's speaking schedule is booking up quickly! Go to www.barbiebassett.com and click on "Contact Info" to contact her publicist if you're interested in Barbie speaking at your church conference, convention or banquet.)
Friday, September 16, 2011
This Kind of Faith
Faith is trust.
God responds to your faith. He doesn't respond to need. If that were true, God would wipe out sickness and poverty in the blink of an eye. Neither does God respond to our pleading. But God responds to the faith He sees in our heart---to those who are 100% committed to trusting Him in all situations, at all times and for all things.
James 1:6 says, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Faith is not about what we can do for God. Faith is about what God desires to do for you, in you, and around you. Faith is believing God will act in His infinite wisdom and power on your behalf.
The devil's fiery darts are no match for this kind of faith.
God responds to your faith. He doesn't respond to need. If that were true, God would wipe out sickness and poverty in the blink of an eye. Neither does God respond to our pleading. But God responds to the faith He sees in our heart---to those who are 100% committed to trusting Him in all situations, at all times and for all things.
James 1:6 says, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."
Faith is not about what we can do for God. Faith is about what God desires to do for you, in you, and around you. Faith is believing God will act in His infinite wisdom and power on your behalf.
The devil's fiery darts are no match for this kind of faith.
Monday, September 12, 2011
It's Time To Trust Him
I've been away for a while and had quite the adventure including hitting a black bear, meeting Christian singer Kari Jobe, spending time on the beaches of Destin and speaking to a sold out crowd of over 300 at Clear Branch Baptist Church in Wesson! It's good to be home.
I was able to have plenty of quiet time while away which was good for my spirit--moments to reflect and press ahead to where I feel God is leading. That doesn't come without some questions and thoughts of worry and anxiety, though.
One of the simple past times we enjoyed on the beach was watching the birds and their daily activities. The cutest were these younger birds which would race close to the water when they receded, but run as fast as their little legs would take them away from the surf when it pushed to shore. They would peck at the sand for their meal and the children had fun watching them operate.
All I could do was think of how anxious I was in knowing what the next step was for me in many different areas. In watching this little bird, I felt the Lord say "Trust me." When I tried to negotiate with the Holy Spirit and convince the Lord that I've always trusted Him and surely there was something else I needed to do? I kept hearing, "Trust me. If I provide for this little bird, I know the plans I have for you."
Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he not speak and then not act?" Whoa! When God speaks to you about a situation in your life or a promise that He's given, be sure He will act upon it.
So, why don't you trust Him!
I was able to have plenty of quiet time while away which was good for my spirit--moments to reflect and press ahead to where I feel God is leading. That doesn't come without some questions and thoughts of worry and anxiety, though.
One of the simple past times we enjoyed on the beach was watching the birds and their daily activities. The cutest were these younger birds which would race close to the water when they receded, but run as fast as their little legs would take them away from the surf when it pushed to shore. They would peck at the sand for their meal and the children had fun watching them operate.
All I could do was think of how anxious I was in knowing what the next step was for me in many different areas. In watching this little bird, I felt the Lord say "Trust me." When I tried to negotiate with the Holy Spirit and convince the Lord that I've always trusted Him and surely there was something else I needed to do? I kept hearing, "Trust me. If I provide for this little bird, I know the plans I have for you."Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he not speak and then not act?" Whoa! When God speaks to you about a situation in your life or a promise that He's given, be sure He will act upon it.
So, why don't you trust Him!
Friday, September 2, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Lesson in the Rubber Snake
Never let your 5 year leave his toys in your bathtub.
As I was preparing to clean house last week, I gathered my supplies together. I leaned over the tub to commence with my can of scrubbing bubbles when I almost jumped out of my skin!
As I was preparing to clean house last week, I gathered my supplies together. I leaned over the tub to commence with my can of scrubbing bubbles when I almost jumped out of my skin!
I took a second look and realized it was Will's rubber coral snake. Silly! We don't have coral snakes in this area, I thought. I picked up the snake, put it in the small basket where he keeps the rest of his bath toys and got back to business.
Has something caught you off guard recently? Perhaps it was bad news at the doctor's office or at your work, your finances are looking bleak, or maybe even the relationship you thought was stable is on shaky ground.
When Joshua succeeded Moses, he had quite the daunting task ahead of him. He looked out and saw all of the nations before him and, no doubt, was overwhelmed with fear. Moses told Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Forsake means to 'leave entirely; to abandon'. If you've read Joshua's story, you know how it ended.
It is so easy to let fear grip you when you encounter something unexpectedly. Before you let that happen, take comfort in knowing God is with you and he will not abandon you. Don't let your fear get in the way of your faith.
And if you look a bit closer, you may see what you thought was worth being afraid of...really isn't after all.
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Power of Joy
A viewer sent an email recently with a question:
"I know everything in your life can't be going as good as it appears it is. You're always smiling. How do you smile and seem so happy all of the time?"
This viewer is correct. We all have bad days, trials, hurts and various things that weigh heavy on our mind. However, joy is a choice you make.
You have God's promise, but it seems like nothing is changing--nothing is happening. You keep waiting, but you keep your joy level set on high because you are expecting to receive. James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Joy gives you staying power. It helps you stay in a position of faith while God is working a miracle. If you rejoice and praise God while you are waiting for the answers to your prayers, you can smile through the dark days.
Your joy is a demonstration of your faith in the supremacy of God and His Word. Rejoicing is a demonstration that you believe God's promises and trust His faithfulness to do what He has said He will do. David said in Psalm 119:162, "I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil." How would you act if you discovered a treasure chest of gold? When we get thrilled with the Word of God is when it comes alive and we see supernatural results.
There is serious business being done in heaven when we rejoice in the Lord continually. There are answers to prayer, healing, and provision found in the amazing power of joy!
"I know everything in your life can't be going as good as it appears it is. You're always smiling. How do you smile and seem so happy all of the time?"
This viewer is correct. We all have bad days, trials, hurts and various things that weigh heavy on our mind. However, joy is a choice you make.
You have God's promise, but it seems like nothing is changing--nothing is happening. You keep waiting, but you keep your joy level set on high because you are expecting to receive. James 1:2-4 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Joy gives you staying power. It helps you stay in a position of faith while God is working a miracle. If you rejoice and praise God while you are waiting for the answers to your prayers, you can smile through the dark days.
Your joy is a demonstration of your faith in the supremacy of God and His Word. Rejoicing is a demonstration that you believe God's promises and trust His faithfulness to do what He has said He will do. David said in Psalm 119:162, "I rejoice at Thy Word, as one that findeth great spoil." How would you act if you discovered a treasure chest of gold? When we get thrilled with the Word of God is when it comes alive and we see supernatural results.
There is serious business being done in heaven when we rejoice in the Lord continually. There are answers to prayer, healing, and provision found in the amazing power of joy!
Friday, August 19, 2011
God Uses Burned Stones
Nehemiah had watched the walls of Jerusalem crumble in fire at the hands of the Babylonians and felt called to rebuild the wall. With nothing left but rubble, he approached the throne of King Artaxerxes to ask for favors--Nehemiah wanted the King to send letters of recommendations to the area rulers for timber and supplies so the rebuilding could begin. Although the King did, the governors didn't oblige and were angry Nehemiah was helping the Israelites. Nehemiah pressed on with what was left of the wall.
Instead of using new building supplies, God wanted Nehemiah to use the burned rubble to rebuild the wall. After 52 days, the wall was completed. Nehemiah 6:16 says, "When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."
If God has called you to do something, He will give you the faith in His promise to see it through. But He may want you to start with the rubble of what's left. He may want you to rebuild with the burned stones in your life. However, He will make your faith stronger than it was before where you can say, this work has been done with the help of my God!
Instead of using new building supplies, God wanted Nehemiah to use the burned rubble to rebuild the wall. After 52 days, the wall was completed. Nehemiah 6:16 says, "When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God."
If God has called you to do something, He will give you the faith in His promise to see it through. But He may want you to start with the rubble of what's left. He may want you to rebuild with the burned stones in your life. However, He will make your faith stronger than it was before where you can say, this work has been done with the help of my God!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Running Toward Or Running Away
I remember growing up in our home how we would have to watch the number of long distance calls we made. A few minutes here and there would really add up! Now with various calling plans, we can now call people who were once considered long distance with no extra charge.
God is tired of having long distance relationships with His people. He was tired of it in Moses' day and He is tired of it today. He wants intimate, close encounters with us so that when people walk through the doors of our home, they feel His presence and begin to weep with wonder and worship Him the moment they enter.
Exodus 20:18 says, "And all the people saw the thundering, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off." It's obvious what the people did, isn't it? Verse 21 says, "And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." One ran in and the other ran away!
God was wanting the once close relationship He had with them before when they used to walk in the cool of the desert, when they used to sit and share His heart with them. God wanted more than just a long distance relationship with them but they said in verse 19, "let not God speak with us, lest we die." By running away, they were stating they weren't ready to live up to what God wanted for them.
It is a sad reality that many Christians don't have a real sense of the everlasting presence of God because they refuse to clean up the clutter in their lives. While God is calling them up to the mountain, they run in the opposite direction.
(Barbie's speaking is filling up fast for the last quarter & inquiries are being taken now for 2012. If your church or organization is interested in booking Barbie, please go to www.barbiebassett.com ).
God is tired of having long distance relationships with His people. He was tired of it in Moses' day and He is tired of it today. He wants intimate, close encounters with us so that when people walk through the doors of our home, they feel His presence and begin to weep with wonder and worship Him the moment they enter.
Exodus 20:18 says, "And all the people saw the thundering, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed and stood afar off." It's obvious what the people did, isn't it? Verse 21 says, "And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was." One ran in and the other ran away!
God was wanting the once close relationship He had with them before when they used to walk in the cool of the desert, when they used to sit and share His heart with them. God wanted more than just a long distance relationship with them but they said in verse 19, "let not God speak with us, lest we die." By running away, they were stating they weren't ready to live up to what God wanted for them.
It is a sad reality that many Christians don't have a real sense of the everlasting presence of God because they refuse to clean up the clutter in their lives. While God is calling them up to the mountain, they run in the opposite direction.
(Barbie's speaking is filling up fast for the last quarter & inquiries are being taken now for 2012. If your church or organization is interested in booking Barbie, please go to www.barbiebassett.com ).
Friday, August 12, 2011
Pruning Time!
I have a few rose bushes I love watching bloom. My carpet roses take off this time of the year, but my most mature rose bushes are having a hard time this season. They are growing like crazy with tall stems and beautiful leaves but they aren't producing any roses. Although I don't like to prune in the hot summer months, it looks like I may have to do it to get them revived again.
We can have the outward appearance of being a mature Christian as we "look" the part. But maybe we haven't been tested to the point of it being evidently clear that we are or we haven't grown in our faith. We seem to know all of the answers but it's time for some growing to take place. James 1:3-4 says, "the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.." By the time the disciples wrote their epistles, they had learned to see every trial as a chance to perfect their trust in the Lord and multiply their effectiveness for Him.
God's pruning will intensify as His "shears" cut closer to the core of who you are. But God isn't trying to take anything away; He's trying to make room to add strength, productivity and spiriual power in your life. His goal is to bring you closer to the "mature and complete" image of Christ.
Pruning isn't fun and it often times removes things I thought were important, but I grow stronger every time I'm pruned and unessential parts are removed.
I don't know about you, but I welcome His pruning shears!
We can have the outward appearance of being a mature Christian as we "look" the part. But maybe we haven't been tested to the point of it being evidently clear that we are or we haven't grown in our faith. We seem to know all of the answers but it's time for some growing to take place. James 1:3-4 says, "the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.." By the time the disciples wrote their epistles, they had learned to see every trial as a chance to perfect their trust in the Lord and multiply their effectiveness for Him.
God's pruning will intensify as His "shears" cut closer to the core of who you are. But God isn't trying to take anything away; He's trying to make room to add strength, productivity and spiriual power in your life. His goal is to bring you closer to the "mature and complete" image of Christ.
Pruning isn't fun and it often times removes things I thought were important, but I grow stronger every time I'm pruned and unessential parts are removed.
I don't know about you, but I welcome His pruning shears!
Monday, August 8, 2011
It's Time to Deal With the Culprit
Have you ever been hurt by someone? Maybe it was something they said or did. I get it every day. I even have those who write vicious comments right here on my own personal blog. Exodus 22:9 says, "The one who the judges declare guilty must pay back double to his neighbor." Who is the judge in our life? Jehovah God. To keep from being hauled into see the judge, Satan tries to make you think it was Sally that made an offense to you, not Satan, or Larry instead of Lucifer. We don't nail the devil; we nail everyone else. You can find it all through the Bible.
Luke 13:10-17 tells the story of the crippled woman who had been crippled "by a spirit for eighteen years". Jesus healed her and the synagogue ruler was furious because Jesus healed her on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded them that they would untie their own livestock to lead them to water. "Then should not this woman, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" (verse 16). Jesus napped the culprit.
Jesus said it again in Mark 8:33 when Peter said Jesus didn't have to die on a cruel cross. Jesus told Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Jesus called Satan out.
When Job began to lose everything, everyone else got blamed for it except the one who caused it. Job 1:13-19 puts the blame on the Sabeans, fire of God, Chaldeans, and a strong wind for taking away everything Job had. Not one person mentioned the REAL culprit--the one behind it all--Satan.
We stay puffed up and mad at people whom the devil used and not mad at the devil. Worse yet, don't lend yourself to the devil to use you in anyway to hurt or offend someone else. Satan will use your mouth, your money, your energy and your mind. He'll use it to condemn you. Release those who have hurt you! Deal with the devil. It's easier to have reconciliation and restitution when you realize the one that hurt you didn't do it anyway.
Luke 13:10-17 tells the story of the crippled woman who had been crippled "by a spirit for eighteen years". Jesus healed her and the synagogue ruler was furious because Jesus healed her on the Sabbath. Jesus reminded them that they would untie their own livestock to lead them to water. "Then should not this woman, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" (verse 16). Jesus napped the culprit.
Jesus said it again in Mark 8:33 when Peter said Jesus didn't have to die on a cruel cross. Jesus told Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." Jesus called Satan out.
When Job began to lose everything, everyone else got blamed for it except the one who caused it. Job 1:13-19 puts the blame on the Sabeans, fire of God, Chaldeans, and a strong wind for taking away everything Job had. Not one person mentioned the REAL culprit--the one behind it all--Satan.
We stay puffed up and mad at people whom the devil used and not mad at the devil. Worse yet, don't lend yourself to the devil to use you in anyway to hurt or offend someone else. Satan will use your mouth, your money, your energy and your mind. He'll use it to condemn you. Release those who have hurt you! Deal with the devil. It's easier to have reconciliation and restitution when you realize the one that hurt you didn't do it anyway.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Has The Devil Taken Something From You?
I've been away for a few weeks spending time with my family at the Neshoba County Fair and my mother's re-election campaign. What a whirlwind it's been!
If you're like me, you feel a greater intensity when it comes to spiritual warfare. Where there is warfare, there is a fight to the finish. Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus knew the thief personally as Lucifer in heaven. The thief isn't always violent. He is slick. The things he gets, he gets by fraud and by deception. The thief is empowered by you. Therefore, he has no power unless he gets it from you. But God said the thief must give it back in Exodus 22:1-9. If your joy has been stolen, your good name, your self-confidence or anything else has been taken from you, God is a judicious God and He will give it back to you.
Most people want to negate the Old Testament. They don't like what they read and they don't think it's relevant. There is so much to reveal about who God is in the Old Testament. God said in Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change." Therefore, God takes theft seriously.
I Peter 5:8 says, "...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Notice the word "as". The cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz acted like he was a roaring lion, but he wasn't. Stop believing in a big, bad devil and start believing in a bigger God!
If you notice, the devil starts out as a serpent in Genesis and ends up as a dragon in Revelation. How does he do that? By humans empowering him. The more attention and emphasis we give Satan, the bigger he grows. It's time to put an emphasis on the Lord who has already defeated him. Christ de-fanged the devil, so act like it!
If you're like me, you feel a greater intensity when it comes to spiritual warfare. Where there is warfare, there is a fight to the finish. Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Jesus knew the thief personally as Lucifer in heaven. The thief isn't always violent. He is slick. The things he gets, he gets by fraud and by deception. The thief is empowered by you. Therefore, he has no power unless he gets it from you. But God said the thief must give it back in Exodus 22:1-9. If your joy has been stolen, your good name, your self-confidence or anything else has been taken from you, God is a judicious God and He will give it back to you.
Most people want to negate the Old Testament. They don't like what they read and they don't think it's relevant. There is so much to reveal about who God is in the Old Testament. God said in Malachi 3:6, "I the LORD do not change." Therefore, God takes theft seriously.
I Peter 5:8 says, "...Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." Notice the word "as". The cowardly lion in the Wizard of Oz acted like he was a roaring lion, but he wasn't. Stop believing in a big, bad devil and start believing in a bigger God!
If you notice, the devil starts out as a serpent in Genesis and ends up as a dragon in Revelation. How does he do that? By humans empowering him. The more attention and emphasis we give Satan, the bigger he grows. It's time to put an emphasis on the Lord who has already defeated him. Christ de-fanged the devil, so act like it!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The Pharisee or the Sinner: Which Are You?
Gracie has a small gift box in which she keeps sheets of small paper with her writings on them. She has termed it as her "Jesus box". Will took it from her room yesterday and she had a fit. "Will has my Jesus box! It has all of the things I've given to Jesus!" she said. After scolding Will to give Gracie's box back to her, I found him sulking on his bed with tears streaming down his face. "I want to give Jesus a present, too, but I don't have anything. And Gracie's not gonna let me use her box!" Will said. Needless to say, it was a grand opportunity for me to explain to my five year old son how giving his heart to Jesus is the best gift he could give.
In Matthew 26:6 we read the story of a lady who entered the house owned by a Pharisee named Simon. She had an alabaster box made of marble with perfumed oil in her hand. Wordless and with many tears, she cleaned the feet of Jesus with the oil and wipe his feet with her hair. "Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor," the Pharisee said (verse 8). The disciples were just as shocked. But Jesus said ever since the lady walked into the house, she had been ministering to him while Simon had done absolutely nothing. Simon was too busy pointing out the lady's faults.
There are 3 noted in this passage: the Pharisee (Simon), the sinner (the lady) and the Savior. The Pharisee is happy with their religion; they are comfortable and don't see the need to change. After all, they take great pride in looking like they have it all together and pointing out the negativity in others. The sinner is tired, broken and ready for change and realizes their need for the Savior.
Of the two, which one are you? Are you content in your relationship with Christ and have just enough of the Savior to get by or are you ready to give up everything you have to get more of Jesus?
In Matthew 26:6 we read the story of a lady who entered the house owned by a Pharisee named Simon. She had an alabaster box made of marble with perfumed oil in her hand. Wordless and with many tears, she cleaned the feet of Jesus with the oil and wipe his feet with her hair. "Why this waste? This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor," the Pharisee said (verse 8). The disciples were just as shocked. But Jesus said ever since the lady walked into the house, she had been ministering to him while Simon had done absolutely nothing. Simon was too busy pointing out the lady's faults.
There are 3 noted in this passage: the Pharisee (Simon), the sinner (the lady) and the Savior. The Pharisee is happy with their religion; they are comfortable and don't see the need to change. After all, they take great pride in looking like they have it all together and pointing out the negativity in others. The sinner is tired, broken and ready for change and realizes their need for the Savior.
Of the two, which one are you? Are you content in your relationship with Christ and have just enough of the Savior to get by or are you ready to give up everything you have to get more of Jesus?
Monday, July 18, 2011
That's What Friends Are For
I want to say a sincere 'thank you' to all of you who posted comments on this blog, posted on my Facebook page and sent emails regarding last Friday's blog. I won't share some of the negative comments sent to me in regards to last Friday's blog, but know that Satan is hard at work. However, I appreciate each and every one of you basically letting me know "you are not alone"!
I traveled to my parents over the weekend for a short visit. It is always good to get away and I look forward to disappearing for a while in the coming days.
While visting my home church, we sang a song I've sung for years growing up in Crowder Baptist. This time, the words made more sense to me than they ever have before:
Jesus is all the world to me;
My life, my joy, my all
He is my strength from day to day
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go.
No other one could cheer me so.
When I am sad, He makes me glad.
He's my friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore.
I go to Him for blessings and
He gives them o'er and o'er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest golden grain.
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better Friend.
I trust Him now, I'll trust Him when
Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end.
Eternal life, eternal joy
He's my Friend.
(Barbie will be hosting a summer blood drive at Mississippi Blood Services this Thursday, July 21 called M*A*S*H in honor of our troops. Lunch will be provided free of charge from 11am-1pm by Applebees. Please come out and donate blood in honor of our military!)
I traveled to my parents over the weekend for a short visit. It is always good to get away and I look forward to disappearing for a while in the coming days.
While visting my home church, we sang a song I've sung for years growing up in Crowder Baptist. This time, the words made more sense to me than they ever have before:
Jesus is all the world to me;
My life, my joy, my all
He is my strength from day to day
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad, to Him I go.
No other one could cheer me so.
When I am sad, He makes me glad.
He's my friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
My Friend in trials sore.
I go to Him for blessings and
He gives them o'er and o'er.
He sends the sunshine and the rain,
He sends the harvest golden grain.
Sunshine and rain, harvest of grain,
He's my Friend.
Jesus is all the world to me,
I want no better Friend.
I trust Him now, I'll trust Him when
Life's fleeting days shall end.
Beautiful life with such a Friend,
Beautiful life that has no end.
Eternal life, eternal joy
He's my Friend.
(Barbie will be hosting a summer blood drive at Mississippi Blood Services this Thursday, July 21 called M*A*S*H in honor of our troops. Lunch will be provided free of charge from 11am-1pm by Applebees. Please come out and donate blood in honor of our military!)
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Hurt
I have cried so much, I don't think I have any tears left.
Every day this week, I have received anonymous voicemails, letters, emails and Facebook messages from viewers commenting on my clothes, my hair, my weight and even my jewelry. Just when you think viewers have "moved on", they feel the need to share their critiques. I shared with my husband how I'm getting to the point of not wanting to go out in public for fear of what someone is going to say to me, not to mention having to pray myself into work every day. For just one day, I'd like for what I look like to NOT matter.
Several have told me how I need to develop thicker skin, ignore them, or delete them. That is so much easier said that done. Even the big name celebrities have assistants who read all of their fan mail and throw about 99.9% of it, so the celebrity doesn't have to read what is written to them. I don't have that luxury. In fact, we are encouraged to respond to every communication we are sent.
Why do we feel the need to give an opinion about something as mindless as superficial things? Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, "I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." This convicts me knowing the things I've said or emailed about others in the past and Jesus makes it clear how God feels about it.
Satan can't demand any changes from you. When you are being criticized, he's just a gnat in your ear trying to get you off course and distract you. The only one who can demand any changes in your life is Jesus Christ because he paid the ultimate price for you.
Every day this week, I have received anonymous voicemails, letters, emails and Facebook messages from viewers commenting on my clothes, my hair, my weight and even my jewelry. Just when you think viewers have "moved on", they feel the need to share their critiques. I shared with my husband how I'm getting to the point of not wanting to go out in public for fear of what someone is going to say to me, not to mention having to pray myself into work every day. For just one day, I'd like for what I look like to NOT matter.
Several have told me how I need to develop thicker skin, ignore them, or delete them. That is so much easier said that done. Even the big name celebrities have assistants who read all of their fan mail and throw about 99.9% of it, so the celebrity doesn't have to read what is written to them. I don't have that luxury. In fact, we are encouraged to respond to every communication we are sent.
Why do we feel the need to give an opinion about something as mindless as superficial things? Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, "I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgement for every empty word they have spoken." This convicts me knowing the things I've said or emailed about others in the past and Jesus makes it clear how God feels about it.
Satan can't demand any changes from you. When you are being criticized, he's just a gnat in your ear trying to get you off course and distract you. The only one who can demand any changes in your life is Jesus Christ because he paid the ultimate price for you.
Monday, July 11, 2011
God's Leading Hand
William and I had only been dating for 2 months when he asked if I would like to come spend a few days with his family at the Neshoba County Fair. I had always heard of the Fair, but thought it must've been some sort of raunchy gathering. I was nervous just in thinking of all of the infamous stories I'd heard about the Fair over the years. I just knew there wouldn't be anyone there I knew. But because I was in love and willing to do whatever I could to spend time with William and officially meet his parents, I agreed to go. There was one condition---I wanted reassurance he wouldn't leave me in a place I didn't know much about or with people I didn't know.
When Israel faced a serious threat from their enemies, Moses asked the Lord in Exodus 33:15, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here." Moses knew the value of having God lead him and the Israelites forward. In fact, Moses wanted to stay put if there was an outside chance that God was not going to go with them.
Obedience to God's will for our life teaches us to want the same thing as God wants. We want to be in God's will and not off on some winding trail that leads to serious trouble and disappointment.
If you aren't sure about the direction you're about to take, pray as Moses, "If Your presence does not go with me, then do not lead me up from here. Block my path and guide me so I will be in the center of Your will."
When Israel faced a serious threat from their enemies, Moses asked the Lord in Exodus 33:15, "If Your presence does not go with us, do not lead us up from here." Moses knew the value of having God lead him and the Israelites forward. In fact, Moses wanted to stay put if there was an outside chance that God was not going to go with them.
Obedience to God's will for our life teaches us to want the same thing as God wants. We want to be in God's will and not off on some winding trail that leads to serious trouble and disappointment.
If you aren't sure about the direction you're about to take, pray as Moses, "If Your presence does not go with me, then do not lead me up from here. Block my path and guide me so I will be in the center of Your will."
Friday, July 8, 2011
Fall Into Grace
I've always liked the word "grace". It has a pretty sound to it, if there is such a thing. Growing up in the church and singing "Amazing Grace" for many years, we named our first child in honor of it.
We've witness famous preachers and celebrities make detrimental choices in their personal lives and have often said they fell from grace. I've made my share of unwise decisions over the years and had to deal with some of the same questions. However, I believe if you're a Christian, you don't fall OUT of grace but you fall INTO grace.
The book of Galatians is all about grace. Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia, which is modern day Turkey, and tried to get them deprogrammed from the spirit of religion they had been caught up in. False teachings had convinced the early Christians they had to keep the ritual laws of the Jesus. Not to mention, many of them were having a field day throwing personal attacks toward Paul, but Paul chose to exhibit grace.
Galatians 1 & 2 tells of the history of the gospel and the opposition of the gospel. The true gospel is always opposed and will always be offensive. That's one way you can tell if it's the true gospel. The gospel will always slap a non-believer in the face and the Christian in the behind!
Galatians 3 & 4 tells of the doctrine of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Paul even tells them in Galatians 3:1, "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified!"
Galatians 5 & 6 tells how we can apply what Paul has shared in the previous chapters. Paul was encouraging them to get ahold of the freedom Jesus brings and to walk in that freedom.
Proverbs 24:16 says, "...though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." The world doesn't understand grace. Why? Because they don't have it. You can't give away something that you don't have as a non-believer.
When I fell out of grace, I found out I've got help. There was no need to stay on the ground wounded and depressed. The crutches God uses to get you walking again is grace.
(Barbie will be the guest speaker and singer at the Woodville Methodist Church's women's conference Saturday.)
We've witness famous preachers and celebrities make detrimental choices in their personal lives and have often said they fell from grace. I've made my share of unwise decisions over the years and had to deal with some of the same questions. However, I believe if you're a Christian, you don't fall OUT of grace but you fall INTO grace.
The book of Galatians is all about grace. Paul wrote to the Christians in Galatia, which is modern day Turkey, and tried to get them deprogrammed from the spirit of religion they had been caught up in. False teachings had convinced the early Christians they had to keep the ritual laws of the Jesus. Not to mention, many of them were having a field day throwing personal attacks toward Paul, but Paul chose to exhibit grace.
Galatians 1 & 2 tells of the history of the gospel and the opposition of the gospel. The true gospel is always opposed and will always be offensive. That's one way you can tell if it's the true gospel. The gospel will always slap a non-believer in the face and the Christian in the behind!
Galatians 3 & 4 tells of the doctrine of the new covenant through Jesus Christ. Paul even tells them in Galatians 3:1, "You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified!"
Galatians 5 & 6 tells how we can apply what Paul has shared in the previous chapters. Paul was encouraging them to get ahold of the freedom Jesus brings and to walk in that freedom.
Proverbs 24:16 says, "...though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." The world doesn't understand grace. Why? Because they don't have it. You can't give away something that you don't have as a non-believer.
When I fell out of grace, I found out I've got help. There was no need to stay on the ground wounded and depressed. The crutches God uses to get you walking again is grace.
(Barbie will be the guest speaker and singer at the Woodville Methodist Church's women's conference Saturday.)
Friday, July 1, 2011
Shake Off The Dust
Our oldest, Gracie, turns 8 years old today. Someone asked me yesterday if I ever spank Gracie? Very rarely....she's a very obedient child, has a tender heart and seems to think through the consequences before she acts. This person was shocked that "I" spank and told me how horrible corporal punishment is and the damage I've done.
Not everyone will agree with your beliefs, convictions or calling. Nevertheless, you must move on just as Paul and Barnabas did.
Persecution followed these men everywhere they went. There was nothing they could've done to make their opponents believe their message of hope in Jesus Christ. But that didn't stop them from pressing on. Acts 13:51 says, "So they shook the dust from their feet in protest again them and went to Iconium." That means they didn't let their enemies stop them from preaching, but they made the choice to move on and not linger in a place filled with hatred. Did they leave bitterly or with disdain in their hearts? The answer is no. Acts 13:52 says they were "...filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." They didn't let their opponents break their spirit. They saw moving forward as an opportunity to experience new blessings, not failure.
Maybe there is a situation you need to leave behind you or perhaps it is an unfruitful relationship. Don't look back with hurt feelings and unforgiveness. See this as your chance to enter into a fresh season with a new opportunity ahead. But you won't know until you shake the dust off!
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Best Discovery To Make
As I was driving back from last week's photo shoot and thinking about the release of my second book, my mind began to wander. Has my first book made that much of an impact on people's lives? Why do I think my second book will? Have I spent all of this time working on the writing structure and pouring my heart into sharing spiritual insights for it all to be wasted? After mulling over this uncertainty for several hours, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Moses' burning bush experience.
Moses was tending sheep when he went to Horeb, the mountain of God (also called Mount Sinai, where he would be given the Ten Commandments much later). Moses' first step gives insight that he was looking for answers in going to the mountain of God. Moses saw the burning bush and looked deeper.
God spoke to Moses through the burning bush and told Moses he had been chosen to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. But Moses began to doubt. In Exodus 3:11 Moses asked, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God responded in verse 12, "I will be with you." God's answer wasn't good enough for Moses so he pressed in further. It's almost like you can hear Moses saying, "That's all nice and kind of you, God, but I need to know how I'm supposed to explain this to your stubborn children. You've gotta give me something else to get their attention." God cleared it up for him in verse 13, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'.."
You can be fired from your position. Your performance can fail. Your popularity can fall. Your possessions can fade. When this happens, you better know who you are in Christ. Just like Moses did, the best question we can ask is "who am I?" But the best discovery we can make is who God is.
God wanted wanted to change the world through Moses--and He did-- but God had to change Moses first. God has not changed in His pursuit of a personal, intimate, transparent relationship with His children.
God is ready to change the world around you through you, but He has to change you first. Discover who He is today.
Moses was tending sheep when he went to Horeb, the mountain of God (also called Mount Sinai, where he would be given the Ten Commandments much later). Moses' first step gives insight that he was looking for answers in going to the mountain of God. Moses saw the burning bush and looked deeper.
God spoke to Moses through the burning bush and told Moses he had been chosen to lead the children of Israel out of Egyptian slavery. But Moses began to doubt. In Exodus 3:11 Moses asked, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God responded in verse 12, "I will be with you." God's answer wasn't good enough for Moses so he pressed in further. It's almost like you can hear Moses saying, "That's all nice and kind of you, God, but I need to know how I'm supposed to explain this to your stubborn children. You've gotta give me something else to get their attention." God cleared it up for him in verse 13, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM'.."
You can be fired from your position. Your performance can fail. Your popularity can fall. Your possessions can fade. When this happens, you better know who you are in Christ. Just like Moses did, the best question we can ask is "who am I?" But the best discovery we can make is who God is.
God wanted wanted to change the world through Moses--and He did-- but God had to change Moses first. God has not changed in His pursuit of a personal, intimate, transparent relationship with His children.
God is ready to change the world around you through you, but He has to change you first. Discover who He is today.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Finally Friday!
This week I had a few fun days shooting the cover picture of my next book set to release in October. Photographer Clay Spann in Dothan, Alabama shot my first cover and I wanted him to do the next one as well. What girl doesn't enjoy someone else doing her hair and makeup? Here are some behind-the-scenes snap shots:
This morning from 10:15am-11am (Central Time), I'll be interviewed by Marvin Sanders & Tim Wildmon on "Today's Issues" on American Family Radio. If you want to know which station is your local AFR radio station, click here for a list of their national affiliates. Just click "station list".
The Lord has taught me quite a bit this week about positioning in Christ. I hope to share that with you Monday!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Those Comments
Have you ever gotten one of THOSE emails--the kind that hurts your feelings and makes your smile drop? With the advent of social media, we are all more accessible through email, Facebook and Twitter. Someone is always offering "constructive" criticism (is there really such a thing?) or making a comment about you that cuts to the core. Immediately, you feel the need to defend yourself.
Some of the criticism lately involves my hair, my clothes, wearing a cross necklace and not to mention, a peanut butter stain on my pants given by one of my kids' good-bye kiss--thanks to the viewer who HAD to point it out to me, just in case I didn't know.
The next time someone offers you some friendly advice on how YOU need to change, here are several things to keep in mind:
1) Not every critic needs a reply, especially when they are sent anonymously. Don't let their comment derail you from the position God has placed you in and concentrate on that. Satan likes to throw stones and hide. Even more so, he enjoys using Christians to do his dirty work. 1 Peter 2:15 says, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."
2) Respond in the spirit and not in the flesh. It is so much easier to hurl an insult back, isn't it? When people say hurtful things to you or about you, they are dealing with something much bigger in their own life. Hurting people hurt other people, so don't take it personally. 1 Peter 2:23 says, "When they hurled their insults at Jesus, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." God sees. God knows who is honoring Him, so leave room for His wrath.
3) Show mercy to the offender. How many times have I said something that didn't come out quite the way I wanted? Then again, maybe it did and I've found myself needing forgiveness. If it hasn't happened in your own life yet, one day you will need mercy from someone who you have hurt deeply. The only way to receive it when you need it is to practice showing mercy to those who have hurt us. Psalm 103:17 says, "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto children's children."
Some of the criticism lately involves my hair, my clothes, wearing a cross necklace and not to mention, a peanut butter stain on my pants given by one of my kids' good-bye kiss--thanks to the viewer who HAD to point it out to me, just in case I didn't know.
The next time someone offers you some friendly advice on how YOU need to change, here are several things to keep in mind:
1) Not every critic needs a reply, especially when they are sent anonymously. Don't let their comment derail you from the position God has placed you in and concentrate on that. Satan likes to throw stones and hide. Even more so, he enjoys using Christians to do his dirty work. 1 Peter 2:15 says, "For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men."
2) Respond in the spirit and not in the flesh. It is so much easier to hurl an insult back, isn't it? When people say hurtful things to you or about you, they are dealing with something much bigger in their own life. Hurting people hurt other people, so don't take it personally. 1 Peter 2:23 says, "When they hurled their insults at Jesus, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." God sees. God knows who is honoring Him, so leave room for His wrath.
3) Show mercy to the offender. How many times have I said something that didn't come out quite the way I wanted? Then again, maybe it did and I've found myself needing forgiveness. If it hasn't happened in your own life yet, one day you will need mercy from someone who you have hurt deeply. The only way to receive it when you need it is to practice showing mercy to those who have hurt us. Psalm 103:17 says, "But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him and his righteousness unto children's children."
Monday, June 13, 2011
Is Your Soul Prospering?
Everyone wants to be blessed but fewer want to be obedient.
God told Abram (later to be called Abraham) in Genesis 12:2 "I will make your name great and you will be a blessing." God not only wants to bless you but He wants you to be a blessing to others around you! And many times, God will bless you just to see what you'll do with it.
I dearly love each one of my children. I will do everything I can for their good. But some of my blessings are based upon their obedience. Some of the blessings they want may not be what I deem to be good for them, so sometimes I have to protect them from what they may want. Why? Because I know how they'll use it if I were to give it to them.
The devil has blinded the world so much when it comes to the Lord's blessings. The world seems more concerned with what they'll have to give up instead of what they'll gain.
Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it." When God blesses your soul, you have peace in the middle of crisis.
God is a covenant God. He has not changed since the day He made a promise to Abram. Allow Him to prosper your soul today!
God told Abram (later to be called Abraham) in Genesis 12:2 "I will make your name great and you will be a blessing." God not only wants to bless you but He wants you to be a blessing to others around you! And many times, God will bless you just to see what you'll do with it.
I dearly love each one of my children. I will do everything I can for their good. But some of my blessings are based upon their obedience. Some of the blessings they want may not be what I deem to be good for them, so sometimes I have to protect them from what they may want. Why? Because I know how they'll use it if I were to give it to them.
The devil has blinded the world so much when it comes to the Lord's blessings. The world seems more concerned with what they'll have to give up instead of what they'll gain.
Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it." When God blesses your soul, you have peace in the middle of crisis.
God is a covenant God. He has not changed since the day He made a promise to Abram. Allow Him to prosper your soul today!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Coincidence or Intentional?
Earlier this year, I commited to giving offerings during the 3 Jewish festivals: Passover, Shavuot & Sukkot.
This week, Shavuot was celebrated in Israel. And, you've probably noticed increased violence in the Middle East over the last few days, too.
When you deal with the church, you're dealing with God's grace. But when you deal with Israel, retribution is swift because it is the apple of God's eye. Despite what we may think about Israel and their actions, they cannot be intellectually understood but are to be discerned. And should our leaders and President mishandle Israel, America will pay the price. Don't take my word for it--read the Bible for yourself.
God is not a happen-stance God, nor a God of coincidence. He is, however, intentional
An article written in World Net Daily was passed on to me last week. You can see it here by clicking on this link. Although the natural disasters may not be related, the author certainly makes an interesting argument. I've also pasted it below.
Bible prophecy may have a bad name in the light of Harold Camping's misguided date-setting, but the biggest sign of the end may have been overlooked in all the rapture hysteria of last weekend.
Once again, we've seen the U.S. hit with a series of deadly superstorms following Barack Obama's pledge to return Israel to pre-1967 borders.
Just days after Obama insisted Israel must give up lands it won through military victory with its enemies, some 200 people were killed by a tornado in Joplin, Mo.
There's a pattern here.
We saw it in Katrina, when George Bush forced Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. In fact, as everyone from Israeli rabbis to U.S. senators have noted, it seems to happen every single time the U.S. pressures Israel to divide the land.
The phenomenon was best documented by Bill Koenig, author of "Eye to Eye: Facing the Consequences of Dividing Israel."
Koenig points out that nine of the 10 costliest insurance events in U.S. history followed dramatic calls by U.S. officials for Israel to make land concessions in bids for peace with its neighbors. He points out with startling detail how six of the seven costliest hurricanes in U.S. history followed such events. He points out how three of the four largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history followed such developments.
Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, even terrorist attacks have hit America often within 24 hours of calls by U.S. officials for Israel to withdraw from Jewish land.
What does this have to do with prophecy?
It goes right back to Genesis and God's pledge to bless those who bless the children of Israel and curse those who curse them.
That is a prophecy that has seen every empire of the world come and go – yet Israel remains. It may be chastened by God. It may be dispersed. It may be divided according to His will. But God has punished every nation that has come against Israel. Each one has been judged.
You can choose to believe it or not. It won't make any difference.
But he that touches the apple of God's eye will pay a price: "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." – Zechariah 2:8
If you want to understand prophecy, don't listen to Harold Camping – keep your eye on Israel and study your Bible.
In God's economy, there is Israel and then there are the other nations.
It was through Israel He chose to reveal Himself to the world – eventually through the birth, life, death and resurrection of His own Son.
And His Son is coming back to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It's no surprise where He will return and where He will reign – in Jerusalem.
Trying to understand God and His Son Yeshua apart from Israel is a tall order – because that's how He revealed Himself to us.
His ways are not our ways, and our ways are not His ways.
We can only understand Him through His revelation.
I don't know exactly what date He will be coming back.
I'm not sure exactly when He is going to call out His children.
But I do know it's near.
I know it's near because Israel has been rebirthed as a nation – a prerequisite that simply wasn't in place until 63 years ago.
The Bible predicts all kind of turbulence and chaos surrounding Israel in the latter days. It will nearly be destroyed. But Israel's long-awaited Messiah will save it. He will destroy Israel's enemies. He will reign for 1,000 years.
As Zechariah 12:8-10 reveals: "In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.
"And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn."
And one shall ask Him, "What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends" (Zechariah 13:6).
Monday, June 6, 2011
Don't Be a Giant Offender, But A Giant Killer
I wrote last Friday how I'm tired of wimpy prayers. I'm wanting the spirit of might to rest upon me.
You and I are not called to be a giant offender but a giant killer.
When David set out to face Goliath, he didn't care whether or not he offended the giant--he was there to take care of him once and for all. David said in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, "You come at me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
The iron shaft on the end of Goliath's spear weighed 15 pounds alone. Anyone willing to kill a giant who has that is no wimp, friend! But David had the spirit of might on him.
God gives us circumstances, or giants, to practice on every day. If David would've been scared off by the lion and the bear when he was younger, he wouldn't have been able to face a giant later in life.
So, how do you stand in the face of adversity? You ask God to give you the spirit of might.
You and I are not called to be a giant offender but a giant killer.
When David set out to face Goliath, he didn't care whether or not he offended the giant--he was there to take care of him once and for all. David said in 1 Samuel 17:45-47, "You come at me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves, for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands."
The iron shaft on the end of Goliath's spear weighed 15 pounds alone. Anyone willing to kill a giant who has that is no wimp, friend! But David had the spirit of might on him.
God gives us circumstances, or giants, to practice on every day. If David would've been scared off by the lion and the bear when he was younger, he wouldn't have been able to face a giant later in life.
So, how do you stand in the face of adversity? You ask God to give you the spirit of might.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Authority in Prayer
I'm tired of wimpy, namby-pamby prayers.
Mark 1:22 says, "The people were amazed at his (Jesus') teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority.." Some people mistake authority for loudness or being boisterous. When you speak with authority, you have power; what you say backs up who you are. You truly KNOW what you know!
When Joshua prayed, his prayers had authority only because Joshua had an intimate relationship with God and the Holy Spirit knew it! Joshua 10 tells the story of when the sun stood still. Word had gotten around to the Amorite kings how successful Joshua had been at Jericho. When the kings of the Amorite cities heard Joshua had made friends with the people of Gibeon, they became worried because they knew how big Gibeon's army was. So the king of Jerusalem, Adoni-Zedek, convinced the other kings to join him and attack the city of Gibeon.
Joshua received word from the people in Gibeon that they were being attacked and needed help and Joshua headed west with his army to assist. God told Joshua not to worry, that He would defeat the Amorites for him. God rained large hail stones on the Amorites and many of them died without even being touched by a sword. But Joshua needed a bit more time to defeat the last remaining fighters. Allow me to let my imagination take over for a second....
God, we've almost got the devil whooped, but it's getting late in the day and we need to get this over and done with before it gets dark. Can you give me a little more time and do something for me?
Joshua prayed in verse 12, "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." And God stopped the universe just for Josh to give him more daylight! Verse 14 says, "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!"
Joshua already had the spirit of wisdom. You can read about his early beginnings as a spy for Moses and the children of Israel and see wisdom written all over him. But Joshua also had the spirit of might. How did he get these? By spending time with God, being led by the Holy Spirit and asking for it!
So, I'm no longer praying "sissy-fied" prayers. I'm praying with authority for wisdom and might!
Mark 1:22 says, "The people were amazed at his (Jesus') teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority.." Some people mistake authority for loudness or being boisterous. When you speak with authority, you have power; what you say backs up who you are. You truly KNOW what you know!
When Joshua prayed, his prayers had authority only because Joshua had an intimate relationship with God and the Holy Spirit knew it! Joshua 10 tells the story of when the sun stood still. Word had gotten around to the Amorite kings how successful Joshua had been at Jericho. When the kings of the Amorite cities heard Joshua had made friends with the people of Gibeon, they became worried because they knew how big Gibeon's army was. So the king of Jerusalem, Adoni-Zedek, convinced the other kings to join him and attack the city of Gibeon.
Joshua received word from the people in Gibeon that they were being attacked and needed help and Joshua headed west with his army to assist. God told Joshua not to worry, that He would defeat the Amorites for him. God rained large hail stones on the Amorites and many of them died without even being touched by a sword. But Joshua needed a bit more time to defeat the last remaining fighters. Allow me to let my imagination take over for a second....
God, we've almost got the devil whooped, but it's getting late in the day and we need to get this over and done with before it gets dark. Can you give me a little more time and do something for me?
Joshua prayed in verse 12, "O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon." And God stopped the universe just for Josh to give him more daylight! Verse 14 says, "There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!"
Joshua already had the spirit of wisdom. You can read about his early beginnings as a spy for Moses and the children of Israel and see wisdom written all over him. But Joshua also had the spirit of might. How did he get these? By spending time with God, being led by the Holy Spirit and asking for it!
So, I'm no longer praying "sissy-fied" prayers. I'm praying with authority for wisdom and might!
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Monday to Remember
Thank you to the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so that I may have the freedom to express my most intimate, spiritual lessons on my blog. And thank you to the countless mothers, fathers, spouses and children who have loaned their loved one to serve our country, not knowing whether they would return. I honor you all today and every day!
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at the Flowood Chamber's Ladies Breakfast this Wednesday.
Barbie has been encouraged to expand her business to other parts of the state and beyond its borders. If you know of anyone who may be interested, email barbie.bassett@comcast.net for more information.)
(Barbie will be the guest speaker at the Flowood Chamber's Ladies Breakfast this Wednesday.
Barbie has been encouraged to expand her business to other parts of the state and beyond its borders. If you know of anyone who may be interested, email barbie.bassett@comcast.net for more information.)
Friday, May 27, 2011
A Mother's Concern
The tragedies from the last few weeks' weather events are taking a toll not just on the victims but on the younger viewers. Yesterday I received this email from a parent:
"In 2008, a tornado came through our area. My daughter's grandmother had taken her to Northpark Mall. While they were there, a man came over the loud speaker and told everyone to take cover. The lights went out, people were screaming and she was very upset and scared. Since that time, we have done everything we can to tell her God is in control. When she sees disasters like Smithville (MS) and Joplin (MO), it is hard for her to understand why God does the things that He does. And honestly, as an adult, I sometimes wonder myself. Don't we all? It broke my heart the other night when we were enduring another round of severe weather when she turned to me and asked, "Momma, I'm losing my faith in God." Barbie, I cried. How do you explain this to a child? She watches you constantly and you seem to calm her down more than another other meteorologist on television. Please pray for her to overcome this debilitating fear of the weather. It is so bad, her teachers are concerned she may never get over it."
This viewer's daughter is not alone. Even our own 7 year old Gracie has gotten quite emotional over the last few weeks seeing the devastation on the news. So much so, I've become more alert to turning the television off!
I don't fully understand why God allows this to occur to seemingly innocent people. However, I think about how merciful He has been in many other cases. For instance, even though this spring has been full of severe weather, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has only had 1 reported tornado this year, which is unusual. I also think about how much more destruction we would be dealing with if God would to take His hand of mercy off us.
When Gracie gets upset, we stop what we're doing and we all say a prayer so she hears us ask the Lord to grant peace to the hurting and show us how we can help. Instead of asking why God allows bad things to happen, perhaps He is putting the rest of us in a position to minister to those who have been affected? Many questions we won't get the answers to this side of heaven.
Psalm 125:2 says, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever more."
Even through the destruction and fear, God is still in control.
"In 2008, a tornado came through our area. My daughter's grandmother had taken her to Northpark Mall. While they were there, a man came over the loud speaker and told everyone to take cover. The lights went out, people were screaming and she was very upset and scared. Since that time, we have done everything we can to tell her God is in control. When she sees disasters like Smithville (MS) and Joplin (MO), it is hard for her to understand why God does the things that He does. And honestly, as an adult, I sometimes wonder myself. Don't we all? It broke my heart the other night when we were enduring another round of severe weather when she turned to me and asked, "Momma, I'm losing my faith in God." Barbie, I cried. How do you explain this to a child? She watches you constantly and you seem to calm her down more than another other meteorologist on television. Please pray for her to overcome this debilitating fear of the weather. It is so bad, her teachers are concerned she may never get over it."
This viewer's daughter is not alone. Even our own 7 year old Gracie has gotten quite emotional over the last few weeks seeing the devastation on the news. So much so, I've become more alert to turning the television off!
I don't fully understand why God allows this to occur to seemingly innocent people. However, I think about how merciful He has been in many other cases. For instance, even though this spring has been full of severe weather, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has only had 1 reported tornado this year, which is unusual. I also think about how much more destruction we would be dealing with if God would to take His hand of mercy off us.
When Gracie gets upset, we stop what we're doing and we all say a prayer so she hears us ask the Lord to grant peace to the hurting and show us how we can help. Instead of asking why God allows bad things to happen, perhaps He is putting the rest of us in a position to minister to those who have been affected? Many questions we won't get the answers to this side of heaven.
Psalm 125:2 says, "As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever more."
Even through the destruction and fear, God is still in control.
Monday, May 23, 2011
More To Come
My heart breaks for the people in Joplin, Missouri. My husband and I listened to the scanner traffic with the help of the internet last night. Some things I could decifer on my own in figuring out what the police, fire and EMTs were saying. At other times, I'd have to ask him what they were referring to. Each time, I just shook my head and walked away.
According to the NWS, the Joplin tornado was the deadliest single tornado with 89 deaths (so far) in the U.S. since June 10, 1953 when 94 people died in Worchester, Massachusetts. In the years 2000-2010, there were 605 tornado fatalities in the U.S. So far in this year, there have been 450+ fatalities.
I spoke at Leaf River Baptist Church in Pineville yesterday and talked about the intensity in which events will happen--not just with the government, bombings and financially, but with the weather. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes have always been, but the frequency and strength are about to increase; some in places that have never experienced such disasters. Some people call me crazy for even mentioning that, but I've been asking the Lord for the spirit of revelation for quite some time. I'm quickly learning God will give you what you ask for!
So what do we do? We pray. We pray for those who have been affected in asking God to heal their hurts and hearts. We pray for Him to use us in some way in the tragedies. And, we pray for a hunger in reaching the lost like we've never before.
Jesus said in John 16:22, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
Meantime, northwest Mississippi will run the risk of seeing severe weather Wednesday night and Thursday from the same system causing severe weather across the midwest. Please stay tuned to the weather updates and I'll be keeping you informed on WLBT, on Facebook and Twitter @BarbieBassett .
According to the NWS, the Joplin tornado was the deadliest single tornado with 89 deaths (so far) in the U.S. since June 10, 1953 when 94 people died in Worchester, Massachusetts. In the years 2000-2010, there were 605 tornado fatalities in the U.S. So far in this year, there have been 450+ fatalities.
I spoke at Leaf River Baptist Church in Pineville yesterday and talked about the intensity in which events will happen--not just with the government, bombings and financially, but with the weather. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and tornadoes have always been, but the frequency and strength are about to increase; some in places that have never experienced such disasters. Some people call me crazy for even mentioning that, but I've been asking the Lord for the spirit of revelation for quite some time. I'm quickly learning God will give you what you ask for!
So what do we do? We pray. We pray for those who have been affected in asking God to heal their hurts and hearts. We pray for Him to use us in some way in the tragedies. And, we pray for a hunger in reaching the lost like we've never before.
Jesus said in John 16:22, "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."
Meantime, northwest Mississippi will run the risk of seeing severe weather Wednesday night and Thursday from the same system causing severe weather across the midwest. Please stay tuned to the weather updates and I'll be keeping you informed on WLBT, on Facebook and Twitter @BarbieBassett .
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