The Savage Five

I Peter 2:21-23 21  For z to this you have been called, y because Christ also suffered for you, a leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22  b He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23  c When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, d but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. We are called  to suffer because Christ left us an example of crucifying our flesh to gain eternal life as we fast we are actively partcipating in this calling.  In this suffering we are allowing God to do a greater work in our hearts and minds.  He not only notices what we are doing but He is very pleased with our meager attempts at voluntary suffering. If we volunteer then we are built up in a manner that will be lasting and will help us endure when real suffering is thrown our way.  We are given the opportunity to follow Jesus's example and in so doing we have access ...

Throughout the past year and a half the Lord has had me fast quite a bit and one thing that He showed me that is incredibly important prior to going on a fast and during your fast is to ask Him for the grace to be able to fast. I am so amazed when I do this just how intimately He responds.  One day while I was fasting I was really thinking about wanting a juicer but knew that I could not afford to purchase one.  However, my Father in heaven owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He heard my heart!  The very same day when I went to my friend's to deliver some food, she had purchased me a brand new (retro 70's) juicer!  You can only imagine how I felt when it had just been hours before hand that I was in prayer and talking with the Lord about a juicer.  This is just one of many examples where the Lord has encouraged me and sustained me through my pursuit of deeper intimacy with Him. This evening I received a call from a friend of mine who the Lord is pursui...

Philippians 4:11-13 11  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be a content. 12  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and b hunger, abundance and c need. 13  I can do all things d through him who strengthens me. Luke 14:11 11  For x everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14 14  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For n everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”   Matthew 23:12 12  m Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. The picture is clear, those who choose to humble themselves will be exalted.  Scripture is clear that God wants us to go low so that He can lift us up.  When we are lo...

Isaiah 30:18-20 (Amplified Bible) 18 And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]! 19 O people who dwell in Zion at Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. 20 And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide Himself any more, but your eyes will constantly behold your Teacher. I have been soooooo amazed as of late of God's grace. I love that He earnestly waits, longs, and looks to be gracious to us. I am so humb...