Miscellaneous...

I thought I'd give an update...

• Insurance-got an extention (well I had already shared that)
• DISH network-turns out dh and I did remember we leased the first receiver, so we apologized for the confusion and will be sending it to them.
• UPS store-went for a refund, they won't grant one, contacted my bank since I used Visa debit, (my dh said I should) they can't refund, but suggested I contact UPS headquarters (which I planned on doing before contacting the bank), so I'm in the process of doing that.

I really am enjoying being here in KS.  It really is lovely.  Not what I would picture KS to be like.  Hilly, green...I've always expected it to be flat and lots of wheat fields.  I guess, from what I've been told, the west side of the state is like that, but the east side by MO is what we are seeing.  The temps have been lovely too...mid 70's!  So nice, after our negative temps this past winter in ND.  :D

The past couple of days I've had some very thought provoking devotions...maybe spirit provoking would be a better word?  Anyhow, yesterday's was on pleading the blood.  There was a discussion about this about a year ago on a homeschool site I visit. I searched to find the discussion and thought about bringing it back up, but then I sometimes think, Why bother?  Most people don't have spiritual ears of understanding anyhow.

Oh, back to the devotion...Kenneth Copeland  was saying when he first became a christian he didn't understand what pleading the blood was about, but when he finally realized....(this is where the woe, watch out part comes in-lol)

"The devil has to respect the blood. When you say, 'I plead the blood of Jesus in this situation,' that's the blood by which the covenant was ratified, and the devil can't touch it. There's protection in the blood. There's deliverance in the blood.

When you plead the blood, you have laid down your case and put your entire confidence on and oath that is coventant-sworn by Amighty God. 

When Jesus took the Communion cup in the upper room, He said, 'Take this and drink it. This is the New Covenant in My blood, ratified for you.'

That blood guarantees certain things.  It guarantees that every word in the written Word of God is a blood-sworn oath.  That blood-sworn oath is an anchor to your soul. It become an inner strength on the inside of you.  God is your Father and Jesus is your blood brother. Everything that's His is yours and everything that's yours is His.

To be afraid to act or speak before you can see or feel something is to doubt God's sworn oath, the name of Jesus, and the blood of the Lamb.

Jesus' blood shed for you obliterate your sin on the cross.  When you received Jesus as your Lord, you took your place in your part of the New Covenant and you activated your freedom.  And every time you repent of sin, it is destroyed forever and you are cleansed of its effect. That's why you can walk free of condemnation. 

If the devil acuses you, don't walk in guilt. Guilt isn't yours. You've been given freedom.  When you feel like you're in front of a judge and he asks, 'How do you plead?' say, ' I plead the bood!  I'm innocent of that.'

'Case dismissed--lack of evidence!'" ~Kenneth Copeland, Pursuit of His Presence

I thought, you know, I'm not sure I knew why we pleaded the blood, I knew it was power, but I think reading this answers many questions that I had and now I know how to answer those when people ask.  (Also, for further reading to understand more, Hebrews 9:11- 10:23 was recommended.  I recommend it too. It helps to explain and gives more understanding.)

Today's devotion is Live a Holy Life.  I really needed to hear this one today.  I've been struggling lately with remembering my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit!  I'll try to share this one tomorrow, since this post is getting too long!

Blessings until next time!