notes from lisa...

25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing.       26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.       27 And he said unto him, `Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.'       28 And he was angry and would not go in; therefore came his father out and entreated him.       29 And he answering said to his father, `Lo, these many years have I served thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment; and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.       30 But as soon as this thy son was come who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.'       31 And he said unto him, `Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is th...

These days, we run into a lot of people who seem to feel "entitled". Without consideration for others, they make decisions, and do what pleases them. That sense is an ugly, arrogant, selfish, pompous one. You probably have come in contact with people who have no regard for others--in fact, they don't even notice that you're standing in line already (as they walk right in front of you). You may have come across the person who steps in front of you while you are having a conversation, without an "excuse me". Maybe right in your own home, you have the television hogger who walks in the house and changes the channel to suit him/herself (usually himself, I have a feeling). I don't know if they still do, but Europeans used to call us the "Ugly Americans" for our brash, take control, know-it-all, demanding ways--we annoyed them; perhaps many of us, still do--and don't care. I remember one day being in the gym where I live--and I live in apartm...

    Have you ever been on the spiritual treadmill trying to "get" more faith for the walk--afraid that doubt was going to keep you from your godly purpose, and blessings? It's time to get off, take a cleansing breath and put the guilt aside.      Read this verse: " And when they saw Him, they fell down and worshiped Him; but some doubted. " This is found in Matthew 28:17. It might surprise you to know that, these words were written of the disciples just after realizing that the Lord was risen, and just prior to receiving the "Great Commission". We are told that doubt will keep us from every good thing--and every purposeful thing, in God's Kingdom, but how can that be so?      The problem is we tend to overspiritualize ourselves, while God recognizes our humanity. God acknowledges our doubts, and our fears--and doesn't reject us because of them. He still uses us--as quiet as its kept, all of us , no matter how great we may appear, have the...