Warning** Do Not Do the following or allow your children to do this!
Frazzled, shaken, unstable, wobbly and obviously fluffed! This is what my poodle Angel looked like after coming out of the dryer. Not the blow dryer either! When I was a young girl I had two brothers Doug and Keith. Keith decided one day that he was going to give Angel a little ride in the dryer. He did have mercy and put the dryer on fluff. It wasn’t long, but long enough that when she came out after her ride, that she stumbled around like a wobbly newborn deer. All she wanted was to get her balance back!
Have you ever felt like that? I know I have!
Maybe it was the trauma or she was just a little strange but she never seemed to ever get her nerve back. Every time she would see Keith or get near the dryer she would start to shake. Obviously Keith felt bad, and so I had to forgive him and show him mercy.
It’s been a while since I’ve thought about Angel. but, As I listened to the message in church this morning I realized like Keith, we all do things that sometimes we regret. Like Israel we get caught in situations where we either lose our way or we stumble and shake and lose our nerve. In this case Micah was called to share with the people how they had forgotten all the wonderful things He had done and they got caught up in their own delights, or as in Angel’s case, her own bad experience.
“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains; let the hills hear what you have to say.
“Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel.”
Micah 6:1-2
The religious priests were the worst! Instead of pointing them to the only one who could save, deliver and heal them, they were telling the people what they wanted to hear in order to increase the offerings in the temple. Does this sound familiar in our pluralistic, self-centered and abusive society?
Justice – Hebrew word Mishpat “The way prescribed, rightful action.”
Mercy – Hebrew word Chesed “Kindness, goodness, loyal deeds, compassion.”
God is so relentless in His pursuit of us. He sent Micah to tell the people the truth. They had taken the wrong road and were pursuing things other than things that were unrighteous and deceitful. They had become cold, uncaring for the less fortunate, mean and arrogant.
There are times when I find myself in situations where if I’m not careful I begin to do and say the wrong things. I don’t set a good example of justice and mercy. In my mind, I can put people in the dryer and intenionally turn the temperature to high heat.
God wants us to be humble and upright before Him. He wants us to exhibit His character and to help those in need, the widows, the orphans, the backslidden and distressed. He wants us to love our enemies and not expect anything in return. The amazing thing about God is that He knows we can’t do this on our own. So when we come to Him and ask Him for help, He is faithful to supply and empower us with His love. This is what Micah was trying to get through to the people.
“God opposes the proud but shows favor tothehumble.”
I’m sure some of us can say, can’t believe this happened to me! Our world gets rocked and shaken. We are trembling, fearful, and weary. We are out of balance and maybe we can’t even think straight. We need to help one another to get back on God’s track. We need each other.
God has got us! He is pursuing us relentlessly, no matter what. The enemy is defeated and there is no way he can overcome us if we abide in Jesus.
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. 20 You will be faithful to Jacob, and show love to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our ancestors in days long ago.
What makes, clay pottery,
cow’s milk buttery,
butterflies fluttery?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, bologna lunchmeat,
a cane of sugar so sweet
a loaf of bread from whole wheat?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, dark clouds roll away,
the rooster crow at dawn each day,
us doubt and turn to God to pray?
It’s something in the process.
What makes, us lift our eyes toward the sky,
an eagle soar so high,
laugh aloud – when we want to cry?
It’s something in the process.
What makes us want to cleave to earth,
wonder how God planned our birth,
see the world in such a dearth?
It’s something in the process.
Why then, do we question the Potter’s plan,
the turn of His wheel,
the choice of His sand,
His pressure applied,
the crush of His hand?
It’s something in the process.
So then,
How can we look at all God’s done,
understand the truth,
yet feel so alone,
after all,
Isn’t the battle won?
It’s in the process.
My son(s) and daughter(s), if sinners entice thee,
consent thou not.
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
Our sinfulness causes us sometimes to follow the wrong crowd. Sometimes that crowd looks good, sounds good and gives the impression that their cause is good. In fact you can see “good fruit” or profitable results and success come from some of the works that are being done. We must be careful not to be deceived.
Proverbs cautions us from the very beginning of this book that knowledge without wisdom is deadly. I’ve learned too many times it is very easy to be deceived, by what looks and sounds good. By seeking the LORD and His wisdom we can rest assured that He will protect, provide and care for us and help us navigate in this world filled with knowlege and deception. His plan is always for our good and not for evil.
We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.
Today we are flooded knowledge and technology through every means possible. Hours and hours of gigabytes and terabytes of information is coming to us in a way that can’t possibly be processed logically, much less with wisdom or allowing us to get wise counsel. I often find myself in this “net” and powerless to escape, except for the mercy and grace of the LORD. These traps are laid before us all. We are helpless without the help of G-d.
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.
And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
When we get caught up in lies and deceit, we find ourselves naked walking around like the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes. His greedyness, pride and arrogance eventually destroyed his life and in the eyes of all who saw him he became a fool.
We can all get caught up in these traps if we don’t seek wisdom. It is critical to keep our hearts focused on the only one who can save, deliver and keep us from the many traps that are set before us.
Promise – Life Lesson # 2 The Promise of an Eternal Covenant:
“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah — not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Jeremiah 31:31-34
God’s purpose is to keep His promises to His children. I’m going to step on some toes here because most people don’t like to talk about money, except to say they don’t have enough. How do I know this? Because I’m one of those people!
I’ve sowed, I tithed (and still do), I give offerings (and still do) and I’ve even called the 1-800 number for the “Let’s Make A Deal With God”evangelist (don’t do anymore). I’m learning that God wants us to love and honor Him, not believe He is going to help us strike it rich, or strike us dead if we don’t do something we just assume is God. God WANTS to bless us. This is why He has created principles of giving. These principles work because they are God’s principles not mens. Some men and women take them and use them as tools to extract money from others. But, I even though it appears some are prospering, God will always take care of those that know and love Him.
When I was living in the world I foolishly flushed a lot of money down the drain. I also opened the door for Satan to sift me dry. Many times I blamed God because I didn’t listen to Him when He was trying to talk to me. I was also trustworthy and loyal which made me an easy mark for preditors. This is one reason why we can’t be double minded. It makes us unstable.
Accumulating wealth, and keeping it are two differnt things. You might say in my case, “it was gone with the wind!”
But, the day came when I had the responsibility to take care of my two little boys. I learned really fast how to earn, preserve, spend and save money. My sister-in-law helped me learn how to budget and save. God taught me about sowing and reaping and staying in His Word. Practicing these earthly and spiritual principles, I began investing in others and the works that God was calling them to.
We began having Bible studies in our home. I would get the main course, “Buy One Get One” whatever was on sale. Our friends would bring side dishes, chips, dip, soft drinks and desserts. We had leftovers for days! My friends began to multiply and we began to go and do things for God’s Kingdom. Our kids grew up having fun instead of feeling like they didn’t have anything. God always takes care of His children.
I remember one night going to a women’s retreat and an evangelist asked me to get my checkbook out and she prayed over me. She took my check book right out of my hand and said,
“You have sown and sown and sown into other’s lives. The enemy has tried to steal the blessing, the promise and the covenant God made with you concerning you and your offspring. He is your husband and so I say to you today. You will be a giver and you will receive back not 100 nor 200 but 300 fold what you have given..
She then slapped me with my checkbook not once but three times each slap saying, “See it done, in Jesus’ name, see it done, see it done! – in the name of Jesus!”
Now, deep down after this woman prayed over me and being a broke single mom I have to say I was more than a little excited! Somehow I did wonder if God was going to give me a million dollars. If He did at that time it would have been a mistake. God’s economy can not be measured by your bank account, but if you have a large one, I know the Lord can use you to help others in a mighty way by sowing into good soil. I’ve watched my daddy when he was alive sow many a seed into the ground. He never doubted a young plant would come up from it.
Some would look at me and say, “Marlene you are not a wealthy woman, but I say, No, not so… I’m the wealthiest single woman on the planet. I’m married to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and my wealth is not of this world but of a world that is not seen. God has blessed me through my offspring!
Joel 2:25 – “I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the canker-worm, and the caterpillar, and the palmer-worm, my great army which I sent among you.”
Some of my brothers and sisters know what I’ve endured, or the doubts, thoughts and insecurities that plague me at times. When I take my eyes off of my Redeemer I begin to sink.
But, when I have the courage and declare God’s glory and move by His Spirit I am invincible, indestructible and unmovable not by my own strength but by the Spirit of the living God.
“Do I walk in this daily?” “No, but God has given me the courage and the boldness to go and do things, I can’t believe that I’ve done because I couldn’t have done them any other way!”
His promises are “yes and amen”. They are not just for me but available to every soul on this planet who will choose to receive them. They are available regardless of race, creed, culture or bank account.
The gift of God’s love does not cost us anything, and it is priceless. Once we truly receive His love and forgiveness for our own sinfulness, we begin to walk in a truth that can not be overshadowed by doubt, fear and unbelief. We are able to share God’s love and plan of salvation with others.
Are we promised to be a millionaire? I don’t believe so, but inside we will feel like we are more than a millionaire. When we truly follow Him, our concerns will not be so much on earthly things, but on truly listening, loving and giving to others what God says to give. He knows exactly what each of us needs to help us be wealthy. This is how true treasure is found and wealth is accumulated.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:58
When I was in Africa preaching the church was packed. People walked for hours to get to church every night. The church Pastor Mary and I were at was in a slum. Little children and people were standing outside. The “offering” was taken up to buy our dinner. The people gave all they had to bless us with a home cooked meal. We were so blessed. Pastor Laban’s mother and father prepared it and we went to their home and fellowshipped. God showed up there and blessed us, but He showed up in everyone’s life who was there those days and nights.
Below is a man that had a gnarled foot, He came in the first night on a cane. We prayed for him and he came back the second night without his cane. By the third night his foot was completely healed. Don’t you know this man was blessed! He became a wealthy man that night, able to work and walk without a limp. He was jumping and shouting for joy.
For the past 4-5 months my left hip has been out. The doctor’s couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I finally went to the emergency room and they took Xrays. I was in so much pain that I couldn’t lift my foot to put on my socks without crying out loud.
I prayed and told God, “I know you are the healer. If I’m to walk with a limp for the rest of my life, then please just take away the pain so I won’t be miserable and make everyone else miserable that lives with me.”
I felt God had heard my prayer, but I went on to the emergency room. The ER doctor said I had arthritis and would probably need a hip replacement.
I told the Lord, “I don’t have time for surgery or a hip replacement. You are going to have to fix this, especially if you want me here.” My appointment was for 10 days later. For the next 10 days, I had no pain. None whatsoever. I almost canceled my appointment but I wanted to here what the doctor said.
When the doctor came in he questioned me. He had seen the XRays. I told him that I had been healed. I didn’t think I needed surgery. He agreed, “You don’t have very much arthritis. It’s not bad at all.”
I told him my whole story. I fell and twisted my foot when I was in Ohio. I thought I had snapped it in half. The Lord reminded me of when Paul had been beaten and left for dead. He was thrown outside the city gate. Paul got up and walked away. I got up that day and walked away. No swelling, no pain, just a black ring around my ankle for a couple of months.
Then I moved back to Florida and was walking on the beach, I felt this pull, snap and sharp pain. I said, “That’s not good.” I kept on walking and didn’t think anything of it. For about 8 months I had trouble walking. I finally went to the doctor, and he took XRays. He said your Achilles tendon has come off the back of your heel and it’s healed back over with bone fragments in it. Surgery will be 6-7 weeks off your feet.
I said, “I can’t afford that.” I went back to work. So then, walking with a limp pulled my hip out of alignment. I went to the doctor and he fixed me up. Then I moved to Alaska. A couple of months after I moved to Alaska the pain and the limp started and you know the rest of the story. My King reigns and made me the wealthiest single mom on the planet!
My King
My King was born King; the Bible says He’s the seven way King.
He’s the King of the Jews – that’s a racial King
He’s the King of Israel – that’s a national King
He’s the King of righteousness, He’s the King of the ages,
He’s the King of heaven, He’s the King of glory,
He’s the King of Kings and He is the Lord of Lords,
Now that’s MY KING.
Well, I wonder if you know Him, do you know Him?
Don’t try to mislead me – do you know MY KING?
David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God
and the firmament shows His handiwork.”
MY KING is the only one, whom there is no means of measurement
which can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline
of His shore less supplies.
No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.
He’s enduringly strong, He’s entirely sincere, He’s eternally steadfast,
He’s immortally graceful, imperially powerful and impartially merciful.
That’s MY KING!
He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Savior.
He’s the centerpiece of civilization, He stands alone in Himself.
He’s awesome, unique, unparalleled – He’s unprecedented.
He’s the miracle of the age. He’s the superlative of
everything good that you choose to call Him.
He is the only one able to supply all of our needs simultaneously.
He supplies strength for the weak.
He’s available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathizes and He saves. He for guards and He guides.
He heals the sick. He cleanses lepers. He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors. He delivers the captives. He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.
Do you know HIM?
Well, MY KING is the King of knowledge, He’s the wellspring of wisdom.
He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway
of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.
He’s the Master of the mighty. He’s the Captain of the conquerors.
He’s the Head of the heroes, and He’s the Leader of the legislators.
He’s the Overseer of the over comers. He’s the Governor of governors.
He’s the Prince of princes, He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords.
That’s MY KING!
His office is manifold and His promises are sure. His light is matchless.
His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting and His love never changes.
His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and His burden is light.
Well, I wish I could describe Him to you, but He’s indescribable!
He’s incomprehensible, invincible and irresistible.
I’m trying to tell you the heaven of heavens can not contain Him,
let alone a man explain Him!
You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hands.
You can’t outlive Him and you can’t live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him.
Pilot couldn’t find any fault in Him. The witnesses couldn’t get their
testimonies to agree and Herod couldn’t kill Him.
Death couldn’t handle Him and the grave couldn’t hold Him.
That’s MY KING!
CHOICES – People may often misunderstand your goals, your vision, your mission ~ but keep going, keep striving and continue to push, having faith in the specific calling you have been given! (While at the same time being open for Godly accountability and constructive criticism) FB Post by Maverick Hoenig June 3, 2017.
CHOICES
When I read this today the Holy Spirit quickened my spirit. In the area of crisis and trauma care, I see every day where hurting individuals are faced with choices that they weren’t expecting to make or having to live with choices that were made for them.
I recently talked to one of my spiritual sons who was in an accident where a semi-truck made too close a turn and drug him and his motorcycle down the road. It not only caused him to literally being run over and left critically injured and badly broken. He now has to walk with a cane and has severe health issues. He said to me,
“Mom” I can either choose to give up, gripe and B**** about my life. I’ve got to get up and live life to the fullest.”
Throughout his life, I’ve watched this young man battle through many obstacles, some self inflicted and we have had many conversations about his walk with God. He’s still sorting through his life’s purpose and I have no doubt that God is already using him in ways even he can’t see or understand. But, even through his difficult times he has been there for me when I felt like giving up. He has walked with me through crisis, trauma and hopelessness.
Today happened to be one of those days where I was questioning why things happen and if I should have made different choices.
Our conversation helped steer me and get my mind back to where it should be… on choosing to living and loving myself & others “God’s Way” – not my own.
I’ve got so much to be thankful for. Looking back I see the hard choices I had to make at times, especially when I wondered at the time if they were the right ones. God has always redeemed even my poor choices into life giving miracles….
CHOICE – **Note – FB Post from 12/19/2015 – Maverick Hoenig, Father
Wow! Jonah David Hoenig has arrived!!! 7.12 lbs! God is great and the miracle of life astounds me today!
“When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.” John 16:12
Amy did such an amazing job in labor and I am so proud of her!!
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8
Blessings on your day, Choose Wisely…
Marlene
from ashes to beauty…
P. S. If you or someone you know is battling with their choices, or is suffering from crisis and trauma in their life. I am available 24/7. Please check out my website for ways to contact me. Website LinkContinue reading “Choices… we all have to make them”
The past few weeks have been very exciting as the snow in the Matanatsu Valley has melted and you see campers, four wheelers and the landscape change from white to green!
Or not quite yet…
This week a fresh blanket of snow has draped the mountains like a polar bear coat. It hasn’t stopped the hikers, bikers and campers flooding into the state.
Crisis & Trauma Care
I’ve been blessed the past few months to meet with many groups and individuals who share my passion for crisis and trauma care. There are so many warriors God is using to shine His marvelous light through to overcome the darkness that cause Alaskans so much trauma.
Heroin Overdoses
During the month of May, there has been a dramatic increase in heroin overdoses in Anchorage. Emergency personnel are arriving on the deadly scenes but have also saved many lives using a drug called Narcan. Please pray for hope, restoration and recovery for those who have overdosed and those who have lost family members and friends to overdoses.
God’s word is true and it is certain.
It divides between the soul and spirit,
that which is temporary or eternal.
God separates the darkness and the light,
and upholds what is truth and what is right.
God is true and He is certain. He never tells us a lie, He created the world and He loves you and I. He will never change his mind.
God sent His Son – the Messiah our King.
He reveals His mighty plan and purpose,
to those who will believe and worship him.
He picked me up from my fall, healed,
delivered me, now calls me his own.
He will never change his mind…
No, My God will never ever change his mind.
I am certain that He said,
“I will never ever change my mind
and I am not a God, that I should lie.”
Trust Me my child, I will never change my mind.
God is true and He is certain.
He never tells us a lie,
He created the world and He loves you and I.
He will never change his mind.
Cinderella Released May 26, 2011
Seeking God’s Treasure,
Marlene Baggs Hoenig Cinderella Released from ashes to beauty to declare His Glory!
