Today is my birthday. And Satan has been plaguing me non stop. I tell you this not to discourage you, but to share some of the insight God has given me through my many trials and tribulations.
My New Year's resolution was to find my joy in the Lord this year. Joy has been something that I feel has been sorely lacking in my life the last few years and I believe God wants us to enjoy the life He has given us. So, everytime that I have started feeling lonely or depressed or put upon, I am turning my mind to Jesus and away from the world for at least a few minutes. In these moments, I am finding that God is filling those empty, aching, irritated places in my soul with a joy for Him. He is showing me a comfort and peace that transcends joy. It isn't the joy born of the world, but something that gives me greater strength and direction.
I am so thankful to be a child of the most high God. He loves us and cares for us in ways we will never understand. I pray that I never find myself living outside of His wonderful mercy and grace.
I am not alone therfore, how can I be lonely? God is with us.
Depression is Satan's tool of warfare in many cases. How can I surrender to depression when God is just a prayer away when I reach out to him? He has angels camped round about us.
People reach out to me and call on me to help them for one reason or another. When I serve them, I'm serving my God. Where is my strength, but in the Lord?
May God fill you with His great spirit and dwell with you all your days.
The Narrow Way...
Friends, you do not know me and I don't know you. But I want you to know that my ministry is based on the Holy Bible. The King James version is my favorite. I have read and studied many books and philosophies, but the only real solid truths that I have found is in God's word.
I have to admit that I don't like everything that I read in His word. That part about loving those who despitefully use you is really, really hard to do when some person runs a stop sign nearly hitting you, then flips you off, and continues on his merry way while you are sitting there with your nerves shaking. But I have to because God is right. What is the alternative? To behave like those who have no love in their heart or hope for the future? The Bible offers me the hope of a better world if I follow Jesus.
(MY TIP OF THE DAY)
Pray for people who despitefully use you. Praying heaps coals of fire on their heads. Since God doesn't hear a sinner's prayers then our prayers maybe the only chance to bring God's attention to bear on these lost souls. Pray that God will touch their hearts and open their minds to Him and help them to accept His truth and light into their lives.
A Christian life will never be a picnic or walk in the park. The earth is overrun with Satan, his minions, and those he has in his grasp. Please, consider this - if you aren't serving God and following Jesus then Satan probably has you. There is no fence to straddle - no neutral ground. There is God's side. And there is Satan's side. You can not serve two masters.
Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Jesus Christ has been given all power and authority in heaven and earth. He is our saviour, our comfort, our refuge, ... Do not be fooled by the world's meager and temporary pleasures. The rewards that we seek are heavenly and eternal. We need to stay focused on what is important.
God's word is not old, out of date, or unrelated to our lives today. It is still as meaningful and important today as when it was given. The truths, guidance, and wisdom stored in the Bible can order and preserve your life and your soul anytime - anywhere. Read, study, and apply them to your life and be blessed!
I have to admit that I don't like everything that I read in His word. That part about loving those who despitefully use you is really, really hard to do when some person runs a stop sign nearly hitting you, then flips you off, and continues on his merry way while you are sitting there with your nerves shaking. But I have to because God is right. What is the alternative? To behave like those who have no love in their heart or hope for the future? The Bible offers me the hope of a better world if I follow Jesus.
(MY TIP OF THE DAY)
Pray for people who despitefully use you. Praying heaps coals of fire on their heads. Since God doesn't hear a sinner's prayers then our prayers maybe the only chance to bring God's attention to bear on these lost souls. Pray that God will touch their hearts and open their minds to Him and help them to accept His truth and light into their lives.
A Christian life will never be a picnic or walk in the park. The earth is overrun with Satan, his minions, and those he has in his grasp. Please, consider this - if you aren't serving God and following Jesus then Satan probably has you. There is no fence to straddle - no neutral ground. There is God's side. And there is Satan's side. You can not serve two masters.
Matthew 12:30
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
Jesus Christ has been given all power and authority in heaven and earth. He is our saviour, our comfort, our refuge, ... Do not be fooled by the world's meager and temporary pleasures. The rewards that we seek are heavenly and eternal. We need to stay focused on what is important.
God's word is not old, out of date, or unrelated to our lives today. It is still as meaningful and important today as when it was given. The truths, guidance, and wisdom stored in the Bible can order and preserve your life and your soul anytime - anywhere. Read, study, and apply them to your life and be blessed!
Inspirational Speakers...
I am not a public speaker by any twist of the imagination. If I have something written down, I can usually get up and read my message. But there is a world of difference between reading and speaking. Which leads me to my point...
I enjoyed listening to a wonderful speaker on the way home yesterday. I have heard this man speak via the radio previously and he is just a wonderful speaker. He is a very dynamic speaker who delivers a clear and direct message. He inflects his own passion without overwhelming the message. This man is a pastor at a local church with the wonderful gift of speaking.
It is inspiring and humbling to see God's gifts serving Him and His purpose; not merely to our own benefit. God bestows gifts as He sees fit. I am afraid too many times we use those same gifts to our purpose without considering that we should be first using them to serve the One who gave them to us.
I have several gifts that God has given me. I teach Sunday School. I teach in our homeschool. I have a discernment of spirits. I am a prayer warrior. I write this ministry. I am comforted and guided by the Holy Spirit...
Do I use these gifts to serve my God who gave them to me as well as I should or could? No, I don't. I am human and I get caught up in my busy, little life. I don't even think about it until something hits me (usually over the head). Hearing this gifted man speak about Christ yesterday was one of those moments. It hit me what an impact this man was making with his gift. It, also, made me wonder how many others were using their gift(s) or just merely plodding along making a token effort to serve God.
I would like to encourage each of you to examine if you are using your gifts in God's service as well as you could be. I can only imagine the difference that each of us could be making if we served God first before our own interest.
Have a inspiring and blessed day!
I enjoyed listening to a wonderful speaker on the way home yesterday. I have heard this man speak via the radio previously and he is just a wonderful speaker. He is a very dynamic speaker who delivers a clear and direct message. He inflects his own passion without overwhelming the message. This man is a pastor at a local church with the wonderful gift of speaking.
It is inspiring and humbling to see God's gifts serving Him and His purpose; not merely to our own benefit. God bestows gifts as He sees fit. I am afraid too many times we use those same gifts to our purpose without considering that we should be first using them to serve the One who gave them to us.
I have several gifts that God has given me. I teach Sunday School. I teach in our homeschool. I have a discernment of spirits. I am a prayer warrior. I write this ministry. I am comforted and guided by the Holy Spirit...
Do I use these gifts to serve my God who gave them to me as well as I should or could? No, I don't. I am human and I get caught up in my busy, little life. I don't even think about it until something hits me (usually over the head). Hearing this gifted man speak about Christ yesterday was one of those moments. It hit me what an impact this man was making with his gift. It, also, made me wonder how many others were using their gift(s) or just merely plodding along making a token effort to serve God.
I would like to encourage each of you to examine if you are using your gifts in God's service as well as you could be. I can only imagine the difference that each of us could be making if we served God first before our own interest.
Have a inspiring and blessed day!
Voting...
I would like to encourage and bless all those who step out to help govern our great nation from the candidates to each and every person that votes their conscience in the upcoming elections.
I do believe that every decision we make and every prayer we pray can make a difference. Please, pray for God's guidance and then vote your conscience. Perilous times are upon us today, but there have been perilous times in the past. Prayer and God's guidance preserves His people. Voting isn't just our civic duty and a privelege. It is a spiritual opportunity to stand for God and all that He teaches us.
Please, don't allow Satan to belittle you or tell you that your actions don't matter, bacause they DO! Satan would like for God's people to sit down and shut up, so, that he can run things the way he wants to. I pray that the American people - God's people - will not allow Satan to run rampant, but instead will stand up and be counted with God during this election.
May God watch over and protect each of you. And may God bless our nation with freedom and security forever.
I do believe that every decision we make and every prayer we pray can make a difference. Please, pray for God's guidance and then vote your conscience. Perilous times are upon us today, but there have been perilous times in the past. Prayer and God's guidance preserves His people. Voting isn't just our civic duty and a privelege. It is a spiritual opportunity to stand for God and all that He teaches us.
Please, don't allow Satan to belittle you or tell you that your actions don't matter, bacause they DO! Satan would like for God's people to sit down and shut up, so, that he can run things the way he wants to. I pray that the American people - God's people - will not allow Satan to run rampant, but instead will stand up and be counted with God during this election.
May God watch over and protect each of you. And may God bless our nation with freedom and security forever.
Psalm 37
"Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb..."
With all the evil goings on in the world today, this verse gives me comfort and hope. I don't have to pointedly or vigorously oppose every form of evil that I run across. My God does it. He will take care of these things in his time, not ours.
That isn't to say that I should accept evil things. Far from it, I am called by God to spread His light and goodness. But if I were to spend all my time talking about all the wrong being done and trying to stop the spread of evil then I wouldn't have time to be doing good and spreading God's word, would I?
I am not not going to keep worrying myself about what others are doing. I am not going to envy those who are walking in sin. Because God's judgment will be upon them who oppose him and I certainly don't want to be in that number.
Have a blessed weekend full of the Holy Spirit of God!
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb..."
With all the evil goings on in the world today, this verse gives me comfort and hope. I don't have to pointedly or vigorously oppose every form of evil that I run across. My God does it. He will take care of these things in his time, not ours.
That isn't to say that I should accept evil things. Far from it, I am called by God to spread His light and goodness. But if I were to spend all my time talking about all the wrong being done and trying to stop the spread of evil then I wouldn't have time to be doing good and spreading God's word, would I?
I am not not going to keep worrying myself about what others are doing. I am not going to envy those who are walking in sin. Because God's judgment will be upon them who oppose him and I certainly don't want to be in that number.
Have a blessed weekend full of the Holy Spirit of God!
Of Trials and Tribulations ...
Friends, Brothers, Sisters, Countrymen, I pray you will lend me your ears for a moment. I feel a great burden for our world. Our country is in financial ruin and the rest of the world isn't far behind. Our environment is unstable. Animals are going extinct. We are at war. People are starving. And all this in an age of enlightenment and scientific advancement!
The Lord is trying to get people's attention, but folks are looking everywhere but at the truth. No matter how great our achievements, no matter how scientific we become, no matter how great we are in the eyes of ourselves or others, we still need God. God is who we are not. We never will be and we will can never change the truth that HE IS.
We need GOD. We are incomplete and often flawed and easily broken without His Spirit dwelling in us. But with Him all things are possible. Christ was given all power in heaven and earth, but we fail to apply His truth to our lives.
If you love Him, keep His commandments. God's promises are great if we just seek Him and do His will. He is holding out His hand to each of us in our hour of need. I pray you will reach out and take that hand and draw yourself nigh unto the presence of our most high and holy God, Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed and spirit filled day!
The Lord is trying to get people's attention, but folks are looking everywhere but at the truth. No matter how great our achievements, no matter how scientific we become, no matter how great we are in the eyes of ourselves or others, we still need God. God is who we are not. We never will be and we will can never change the truth that HE IS.
We need GOD. We are incomplete and often flawed and easily broken without His Spirit dwelling in us. But with Him all things are possible. Christ was given all power in heaven and earth, but we fail to apply His truth to our lives.
If you love Him, keep His commandments. God's promises are great if we just seek Him and do His will. He is holding out His hand to each of us in our hour of need. I pray you will reach out and take that hand and draw yourself nigh unto the presence of our most high and holy God, Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed and spirit filled day!
A lesson on lessons ...
It is human nature to resist instruction. A nature that as Christians we have to learn to lay down.
God chastens those whom he loves. But we really don't want anyone telling us we are wrong or need to clean up our act. So, we get puffed up. We deny any wrong doing. We lie. We blame someone else. We blame God. We blame our parents. We dredge up other peoples' sins and failings. We get mad. We pick a fight. We run away. We find some place where no one knows us and set up business as usual in a new location.
"Who are you to tell me how to live?!" If you are waiting for a sinless person to come to you and correct your errors, you are about 1000 years too late. He has already been here.
Jesus told the people what they were doing wrong and how to live righteously when He came and walked among us. They didn't listen to Him then either, but instead crucified Him. He sent out His apostles to teach and preach to the people. They didn't listen to them either and many of them were martyred for telling people what they didn't want to hear. Is it little wonder that they still aren't listening today even with the Word of God in their hands?
If you find yourself led by God to speak to someone or pray for someone about a problem in their life, please, don't hesitate to follow His calling. Where would we be today if the apostles had abandoned their calling or given up on doing God's will? What if Paul had not written his letters to church at Corinth? What if your mother/brother/sister/friend had not prayed you through a difficult time? What is God didn't have strong men and women in church to teach those that are weaker? God uses those who are open and willing to His direction.
Don't be surprised or hurt if you are rebuffed or rejected when you offer correction to a brother or sister. Count yourself as blessed to be used by God. If He gives you the message and the means to deliver it, then He will see to it that His will is brought to fruition.
I pray that this message touches someone's heart and lifts them from the darkness of this world and shines God's healing light into their life. Have a blessed, blessed day!
God chastens those whom he loves. But we really don't want anyone telling us we are wrong or need to clean up our act. So, we get puffed up. We deny any wrong doing. We lie. We blame someone else. We blame God. We blame our parents. We dredge up other peoples' sins and failings. We get mad. We pick a fight. We run away. We find some place where no one knows us and set up business as usual in a new location.
"Who are you to tell me how to live?!" If you are waiting for a sinless person to come to you and correct your errors, you are about 1000 years too late. He has already been here.
Jesus told the people what they were doing wrong and how to live righteously when He came and walked among us. They didn't listen to Him then either, but instead crucified Him. He sent out His apostles to teach and preach to the people. They didn't listen to them either and many of them were martyred for telling people what they didn't want to hear. Is it little wonder that they still aren't listening today even with the Word of God in their hands?
If you find yourself led by God to speak to someone or pray for someone about a problem in their life, please, don't hesitate to follow His calling. Where would we be today if the apostles had abandoned their calling or given up on doing God's will? What if Paul had not written his letters to church at Corinth? What if your mother/brother/sister/friend had not prayed you through a difficult time? What is God didn't have strong men and women in church to teach those that are weaker? God uses those who are open and willing to His direction.
Don't be surprised or hurt if you are rebuffed or rejected when you offer correction to a brother or sister. Count yourself as blessed to be used by God. If He gives you the message and the means to deliver it, then He will see to it that His will is brought to fruition.
I pray that this message touches someone's heart and lifts them from the darkness of this world and shines God's healing light into their life. Have a blessed, blessed day!
A Shoulder To Lean On...
"Jesus is a friend who watches day and night..." The words of this song ring in my ears reminding me that Jesus is always with me. I am never alone. I have a shoulder to lean on and an ear that always listens.
We all need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend occassionally. Sometimes we talk to a friend. Sometimes we talk to our pastor. Sometimes we talk to a counselor. It is good that we have people that we can turn to. We need to remember to be people that others can lean on, too.
Most of all, we need to remember that it is God that blesses us with people in our lives that care and will share our burdens, but in the end they are just human. We need to lean on Jesus first and lift our cares to Him in prayer. He provides for our every need when we seek after Him. And His is the widest, strongest shoulder that I have ever known.
Jesus is waiting and anxious to hear you. Have a blessed and fruitful day!
We all need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to bend occassionally. Sometimes we talk to a friend. Sometimes we talk to our pastor. Sometimes we talk to a counselor. It is good that we have people that we can turn to. We need to remember to be people that others can lean on, too.
Most of all, we need to remember that it is God that blesses us with people in our lives that care and will share our burdens, but in the end they are just human. We need to lean on Jesus first and lift our cares to Him in prayer. He provides for our every need when we seek after Him. And His is the widest, strongest shoulder that I have ever known.
Jesus is waiting and anxious to hear you. Have a blessed and fruitful day!
The Lost Ones...
I am sure that we all have loved ones that are not walking with God. I worry over them about the everyday things, but most critical of all - I worry about their souls. A fatal accident or illness doesn't just take their lives here, but they have lost their chance at eternal life. I know that they don't realize their peril. I didn't when I was lost. I, also, know they don't realize the grief and worry for them that we have that know God and His truth. If our lost ones truly understood they would be standing in line at the alter to make a change.
So many people are misled by the "but I'm a good person" argument or the "surely God will give everyone another chance" theory. Let me assure you these are not Biblical doctrine. The Bible is our guide and we all need to study it carefully. Otherwise, worldly ideas and Satan's lies will deceive even the very elect.
If you are lost, take some quiet time to search your heart. I'll bet God has been calling, but the world has been drowning out His voice. Jesus came for those that are lost. As long as you still have breath, you still have hope. God loves you and He sent His only begotten son to save you. He is still trying to save you.
If you are one who has lost loved ones, let me encourage you to PRAY for them. God can move in their hearts where we sometimes can't reach. DO NOT give up on them! If you give up and stop praying or loving them, then Satan wins. I know this may be harsh, but if (God forbid) they were to die lost, then you will know that you did everything that you could. We have to save ourselves from this untoward generation. Accepting Jesus Christ as our saviour is a personal choice that each of us must make; no one can make it for us. Remember God is on throne and He is in charge and He loves us.
Have a blessed day and keep the faith.
So many people are misled by the "but I'm a good person" argument or the "surely God will give everyone another chance" theory. Let me assure you these are not Biblical doctrine. The Bible is our guide and we all need to study it carefully. Otherwise, worldly ideas and Satan's lies will deceive even the very elect.
If you are lost, take some quiet time to search your heart. I'll bet God has been calling, but the world has been drowning out His voice. Jesus came for those that are lost. As long as you still have breath, you still have hope. God loves you and He sent His only begotten son to save you. He is still trying to save you.
If you are one who has lost loved ones, let me encourage you to PRAY for them. God can move in their hearts where we sometimes can't reach. DO NOT give up on them! If you give up and stop praying or loving them, then Satan wins. I know this may be harsh, but if (God forbid) they were to die lost, then you will know that you did everything that you could. We have to save ourselves from this untoward generation. Accepting Jesus Christ as our saviour is a personal choice that each of us must make; no one can make it for us. Remember God is on throne and He is in charge and He loves us.
Have a blessed day and keep the faith.
Mini Bible Lesson
Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For living to the dead?
Lord, I have studied many things in my life; most of them false and with many dead ends. This reminds me of such. I was seeking the truth and the right way anywhere I could, but until I heard your calling I was as lost as the geese were this winter. One day they’d fly north because it was warm to the south. The next day they’d fly back south because they ran into cold weather up north. Some days they would fly over going south and a few hours later here they came again flying north. They would just go round and round in a circle because they were confused and lost as the truth evaded them.
The truth evades people depending upon them selves for it, because they are looking in the wrong places. They are seeking answers in a dead world that doesn’t accept the truth.
Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Let’s face it, Jesus. Without you - we are dead. If we have no faith in God, he wants none of us. Jesus, you showed us the truth and offered hope to those who had none. You showed us the truth of the resurrection – that there is life after death. But without faith, we are lost and blinded to the truth. We are stumbling around in the dark with no light; falling into whatever mire that Satan has created.
Isaiah 8:21
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
Who do we blame when things go wrong in our lives? God? The president? Family? Neighbor? We blame everyone but ourselves. We look all over, but not inside for the cause of trouble.
Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
There is no truth to be found in this world. I have looked high and low for it. It just doesn’t exist in the darkness of this world. If you live in the darkness of this world, you will be miserable and lost and you will surely die. The only goodness and truth that you will find in this world is God’s light being shone onto and reflected around those who are his. He will not suffer his children to wander in darkness because they believe and seek him and the truth.
Your faith is a beacon to God; letting him know where you are. He shines his light upon you that you may see and that you may reflect the light and the truth to others. We were created in his image. What image is your mirror reflecting to the world?
Jesus, please, forgive me. My mirror isn’t reflecting your image like it should. Please, continue to shine your light on me that I may see the truth. Please, continue to teach me that I will learn and grow and be a better mirror for you.
Jesus, thank you for your word and the truth. Thank you for holding onto me when I am dull and my light is low. Please, help me to be more pleasing to you. Please, hear my prayers and remember all your children, Lord. Even those wandering in the darkness. Help me, Lord, to be a beacon for them to find you.
I pray that you will see the light today and every day.
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? For living to the dead?
Lord, I have studied many things in my life; most of them false and with many dead ends. This reminds me of such. I was seeking the truth and the right way anywhere I could, but until I heard your calling I was as lost as the geese were this winter. One day they’d fly north because it was warm to the south. The next day they’d fly back south because they ran into cold weather up north. Some days they would fly over going south and a few hours later here they came again flying north. They would just go round and round in a circle because they were confused and lost as the truth evaded them.
The truth evades people depending upon them selves for it, because they are looking in the wrong places. They are seeking answers in a dead world that doesn’t accept the truth.
Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
Let’s face it, Jesus. Without you - we are dead. If we have no faith in God, he wants none of us. Jesus, you showed us the truth and offered hope to those who had none. You showed us the truth of the resurrection – that there is life after death. But without faith, we are lost and blinded to the truth. We are stumbling around in the dark with no light; falling into whatever mire that Satan has created.
Isaiah 8:21
And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.
Who do we blame when things go wrong in our lives? God? The president? Family? Neighbor? We blame everyone but ourselves. We look all over, but not inside for the cause of trouble.
Isaiah 8:22
And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness.
There is no truth to be found in this world. I have looked high and low for it. It just doesn’t exist in the darkness of this world. If you live in the darkness of this world, you will be miserable and lost and you will surely die. The only goodness and truth that you will find in this world is God’s light being shone onto and reflected around those who are his. He will not suffer his children to wander in darkness because they believe and seek him and the truth.
Your faith is a beacon to God; letting him know where you are. He shines his light upon you that you may see and that you may reflect the light and the truth to others. We were created in his image. What image is your mirror reflecting to the world?
Jesus, please, forgive me. My mirror isn’t reflecting your image like it should. Please, continue to shine your light on me that I may see the truth. Please, continue to teach me that I will learn and grow and be a better mirror for you.
Jesus, thank you for your word and the truth. Thank you for holding onto me when I am dull and my light is low. Please, help me to be more pleasing to you. Please, hear my prayers and remember all your children, Lord. Even those wandering in the darkness. Help me, Lord, to be a beacon for them to find you.
I pray that you will see the light today and every day.
Satan's Snares
This post is for those out there that are angry, frustrated, scared, tired, irritable, and just down right fed up with everything. I hear you and feel your pain.
I was talking to a friend who summed up how I was feeling, but was talking about herself and I realized -- WOW! I am not the only one! She mentioned how by the time she got everyone up, dressed, fed, the chores done, and got to church on time on Sunday morning that she felt like she needed to be walking in on her knees - praying for forgiveness. That was me in a nutshell.
My life is chaotic and stressful everyday like that not just on Sundays though. I know there are those super efficient, organized folks out there saying that I need to prepare better and not take on so much. But I have a news flash for them, it just doesn't always work that way.
I have situations in my life (crosses to bear, so to speak) that you can't just toss aside like worn out shoes. You can substitute your own crosses here, but these are a few of mine for example.
I was talking to a friend who summed up how I was feeling, but was talking about herself and I realized -- WOW! I am not the only one! She mentioned how by the time she got everyone up, dressed, fed, the chores done, and got to church on time on Sunday morning that she felt like she needed to be walking in on her knees - praying for forgiveness. That was me in a nutshell.
My life is chaotic and stressful everyday like that not just on Sundays though. I know there are those super efficient, organized folks out there saying that I need to prepare better and not take on so much. But I have a news flash for them, it just doesn't always work that way.
I have situations in my life (crosses to bear, so to speak) that you can't just toss aside like worn out shoes. You can substitute your own crosses here, but these are a few of mine for example.
- An elder parent to care for with doctor appointments, illnesses to nurse, feelings to consider, and affairs to keep in order
- A teenage child to provide for (solely) with doctor appointments, illnesses to nurse, hormones to weather, education to manage, friends to monitor, an un-supportive un-helpful other parent to make up for, and a future to help plan
- A home that is constantly needing repairs (leaking pipes, stopped up toilets, etc.)
- A laundry pile that seems to multiple every night
- A multitude of pets that have been rescued from abandonment to crippling vehicle accidents
- An aging vehicle that needs replaced, but who has time to car shop
- Shopping with a salary that has not been increasing at the same rate as the prices at the gas pumps and grocery stores
- Working with cranky, irritable people who are dealing with as much stress (sometimes more) than you are and many who do not know Jesus
I have to curtail the list because it is truly endless, but you get the point. These are things that can't be organized into tidy little cubicles or pared out of our lives.
This is all part of God's plan! He is using us to make a difference in some else's life or to care for his creations or helping us to grow beyond what we thought that we could. He isn't looking for perfect people. He is looking for the lost. And personally, I am very grateful.
I pray God has a place and a use for each of you. Remember to count those blessings, too.
God's Promise
I, for one, am thankful for God's promise to not destroy the earth with water again. Here in the midwest we have had upwards of 10-11 inches of rainfall in the last day or two. I can not imagine what 40 days of water would look like and I know that I don't want to see it.
Please, remember us in your prayers. There are many people who are likely to have lost all they had when these flood waters recede (which isn't expected for several days). Some have even lost their lives already.
God knows us by our prayers and is moved by our prayers and supplications. Please, lift up yourself, your loved ones, your lost ones, and even those you don't personally know, but see that are in need. Jesus is alive and that tomb is empty! Call on Him that is greater than any of us in faith believing.
I pray that you are all warm and safe and dry and that God is holding your hand.
Please, remember us in your prayers. There are many people who are likely to have lost all they had when these flood waters recede (which isn't expected for several days). Some have even lost their lives already.
God knows us by our prayers and is moved by our prayers and supplications. Please, lift up yourself, your loved ones, your lost ones, and even those you don't personally know, but see that are in need. Jesus is alive and that tomb is empty! Call on Him that is greater than any of us in faith believing.
I pray that you are all warm and safe and dry and that God is holding your hand.
Fellowship
We are called by the Bible to enjoy fellowship with our brothers and sisters. This isn't empty, pointless directive. Like all God's instructions, there is purpose behind His words.
Fellowship with other Christians gives us positive reinforcement. We can lift one another up. We can discuss difficult issues. We can seek or give advice. We can laugh or cry together. We can share God's love with one another.
Enjoy your relationships with other Christians as God has ordained. Loving and caring for one another makes us all stronger!
Love and peace to you!
Fellowship with other Christians gives us positive reinforcement. We can lift one another up. We can discuss difficult issues. We can seek or give advice. We can laugh or cry together. We can share God's love with one another.
Enjoy your relationships with other Christians as God has ordained. Loving and caring for one another makes us all stronger!
Love and peace to you!
Troublesome Times ...
We sing a song at church that speaks about troublesome times being here. The song goes on to call Christians to awake. I think this song is so appropriate into today's world.
Christians need to wake up and see what is really going on around them. We have been lulled into a false sense of peace and safety. Everybody has there own agenda and is pushing their ideas on us and our children, but we are afraid to stand up for our rights and beliefs.
So many times we hear that one person can't change things. WRONG! Jesus was just one! And one by one we build and make the body of Christ (the church) when we follow his examples.
Don't be afraid to stand on the Bible. It has stood the test of time and God's word is alive today. If we don't know what we believe and stand up for it, we will be blown about by any wind of doctrine. Please, take time to read your Bible and apply it to your life. Let God's light reflect into the world around you.
Have a blessed day and remember God loves you!
Christians need to wake up and see what is really going on around them. We have been lulled into a false sense of peace and safety. Everybody has there own agenda and is pushing their ideas on us and our children, but we are afraid to stand up for our rights and beliefs.
So many times we hear that one person can't change things. WRONG! Jesus was just one! And one by one we build and make the body of Christ (the church) when we follow his examples.
Don't be afraid to stand on the Bible. It has stood the test of time and God's word is alive today. If we don't know what we believe and stand up for it, we will be blown about by any wind of doctrine. Please, take time to read your Bible and apply it to your life. Let God's light reflect into the world around you.
Have a blessed day and remember God loves you!
Just another day...
It is another beautiful day that the Lord has made! I pray that the Lord is with you and that you are well.
May I recommend that you take time to smell the roses. The Lord gives each of us an allotted number of days on this earth. Let's not let them be wasted with Satan's poison - worry, anger, hate, fear, hurt, etc. Today is a new day! Step up and resolve to make it different and better.
God loves for us to step out on faith. He will not let us fail. He will not leave us. He will not forsake us. Trust God and bask in His love today!
May God watch over and keep each of us.
May I recommend that you take time to smell the roses. The Lord gives each of us an allotted number of days on this earth. Let's not let them be wasted with Satan's poison - worry, anger, hate, fear, hurt, etc. Today is a new day! Step up and resolve to make it different and better.
God loves for us to step out on faith. He will not let us fail. He will not leave us. He will not forsake us. Trust God and bask in His love today!
May God watch over and keep each of us.
My Favorite Bible Passage...
Many people have heard The 23rd Psalms, most at a funeral. But The 23rd Psalms is my mantra. I have memorized. I carry it in my heart wherever I go.
The 23rd Psalms is a passage for the living, not the dead. It re-focuses my mind on God when I am stressed. It gives me peace and hope. Consider these words for a moment...
"The lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
I love the hope that faith in Christ brings into my life. I hope of eternity - peace - righteousnes - guidance - a forever home.
May God watch over and keep you.
The 23rd Psalms is a passage for the living, not the dead. It re-focuses my mind on God when I am stressed. It gives me peace and hope. Consider these words for a moment...
"The lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
I love the hope that faith in Christ brings into my life. I hope of eternity - peace - righteousnes - guidance - a forever home.
May God watch over and keep you.
Beginnings...
I guess I need to issue a mission statement in the beginning for readers to understand what this site is about. I am here to share my faith and hope in Jesus Christ with God's people. I am here to reflect His light into the darkness. I am here to share the truth of the Holy Bible. I am here to do God's will.
I pray that you will receive this ministry in the spirit that it is intended. I pray that you will come to know Jesus Christ and accept him as your saviour (if you haven't already). I pray that you will have your faith strengthened and your hope renewed. I pray that you will be kept safe by the hand of God watching over you. I pray that you will come to know God's love and want a closer walk with Him.
"...thy rod and thy staff they comfort me..." Psalms 23
Hopefully, this new ministry will grow into something more worthy over time, but I will follow the Lord and trust that He knows, even when I don't. Until next time, may God watch over and keep you safe.
I pray that you will receive this ministry in the spirit that it is intended. I pray that you will come to know Jesus Christ and accept him as your saviour (if you haven't already). I pray that you will have your faith strengthened and your hope renewed. I pray that you will be kept safe by the hand of God watching over you. I pray that you will come to know God's love and want a closer walk with Him.
"...thy rod and thy staff they comfort me..." Psalms 23
Hopefully, this new ministry will grow into something more worthy over time, but I will follow the Lord and trust that He knows, even when I don't. Until next time, may God watch over and keep you safe.
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