I was driving into work today and was thinking about how to minister to one of my cousins, it's something I am very much feeling led to do, and I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how to approach it and what to say. While I was going over all that in my head I started to think of his mother that died of cancer a couple years ago, my aunt was saved and before her passing the Lord gave me a vision of her being brought up to Heaven, I keep feeling like this is where I should start with him, explaining that she's not really dead, that only her body is.
When I was trying to figure out how to explain that her body is dead, but her spirit is alive I was reminded of when we were kids and used to put lightening bugs in jars, for all those people who live outside Pa, a lightening bug is a firefly. It was a lot of fun, and something I know he will recall doing. What was placed on my heart about the fireflies and jars is this, our bodies are simply vessels to carry our souls, like the jars that held our lightening bugs as kids.
We were made from dust, and shall return to dust, but our spirits, our souls will one day return to the Creator, or burn in the fiery pit... but I'm focusing on the return to the Father because that is what applies to his mom. In this example, the jars are our bodies, and the lightening bugs our souls. From inside the jar you can see the light they provide, I remember using them as lanterns and nightlight as a little girl, that light is Jesus shining through us, the kind of light all Christians should be shining. The lights of these bugs flicker, as often our light does because there are times when we all stumble and our light doesn't shine the way it should. And just like our bodies, the jar is strong and yet fragile at the same time. The glass that the jar is made of can only withstand certain temperatures in each extreme before it breaks, just like our bodies, and can also withstand some drops or falls without necessarily breaking although maybe some cracking occurred.
Now that it I've explained my comparison by breaking down the elements let's continue with the image of a jar filled with fireflies. When the cap is taken off the jar, or it breaks, the fireflies escape and fly away. Similarly, when a follower is called home their spirit is released from the vessel that carries it, our bodies. The release of the spirit can happen suddenly in a break, our gently like the opening of the lid, but when it does happen the fireflies fly away, or the soul returns to the Father. Once the vessel is empty, the jar or the body, there's typically sadness for the lose of that light it provided, but just like the lightening bugs, the spirit is happier outside the vessel.
My final point with this imagery is that even though the jar is empty or body, the bugs or spirit, are not any less alive, in fact it could actually be argued that they are more alive because of the freedom of being separated from a confining, imperfect vessel, they are free to do what they were designed to do. This is makes sense to me as a away of explaining the 'death' of a follower of Christ, and I know to some it may not. I know some Christians believe that you go into a slumber after the body dies to wait judgment, where others believe you go directly to your reward or punishment, and I have seen scripture based arguments for both. I cannot say for certain who is right, but I know in the vision I had the Lord had two angels lift my aunts soul from her body, blessed it, anointed it, clothed her white and gave her a shining crown of glory before taking her home. To me, this could mean this is what He did immediately upon her bodies' death, or will do on judgment day, I am not sure really but I know that either way she will live in eternity with the Father and that's good enough for me.
I really hope this served to comfort someone, and I pray that it will help my cousin as well. My intentions in sharing these thoughts were for comfort to any mourning and hopefully helping them to understand that if your loved who is a follower of Christ passes on to glory that it was only the vessel that died because the spirit lives on! Christ defeated death, and because of that we are able to be free of it!
1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
Matthew 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
It's Not Just a Church Problem
Something very sad and I feel tragic happened in my area recently, and it's not the first time, I know of other people, and other churches where something similar has happened in the past. What occurred was a youth pastor abusing his position in the church to take advantage of the young girls left in his care. Thankfully, the girls' parents found out, and he was arrested and fired from the church, and the church later found out from police that this pastor had a prior offense for the same thing at another church, in another state.
I have seen a lot of coverage of this situation, and my heart breaks for the families and girls affected by this man, but some of the comments and responses from people who have been following this case bothered me. Not the angry ones, I understand the anger in this situation, it's ones where people have said in interviews or Facebook comments 'this is exactly the reason why I don't take my kids or go myself to church' this bothered me bad. I was worked up about it for a while, and my immediate thought to this comment was, 'it's not just a church problem; it's a world problem.'
I knew one of the people who said this, and I know they have been angry with God for a long time because of the life they growing up had and their own bad choices as an adult that they blame on God. This person wants better for their son though, and she is trying hard to make things better, to make good choices for him, and I realize that her comment came from a place of maternal instinct to protect her child, but I wish I could make her see that she's got it all mixed up, that this logic she presented as a 'reason' to not go to church doesn't stop her from letting her son go to other 'potentially' dangerous places .
In this past school year 4 public school teachers in our area were accused or convicted of this same kind of crime, 1 daycare was closed because the owner was accused by 14 individuals previously under his care for the same kind of crimes over a twenty year period, and I can't even count the numbers of reports of this happening by family, friends, or neighbors I have seen on the news or heard about from people I know. By the same logic she presented as a reason to not go to church, the school, daycare, and any place he isn't right beside her except their own home, (which isn't always safe from this kind of thing either) should all be off limits to him. But it's not, he goes to school, and to daycare, and has playdate with friends away from home often. I'm not judging her parenting, just the logic of her statement about the church.
See, my point is, what happened is terrible, it is an awful thing, and that it happened in the church by a pastor makes it seem all the worse, but that's not a reason to not go to church, it can and unfortunately does happen anywhere. It is a terrible thing, but you can't blame the church anymore than you do schools when it happens there. There is corruption everywhere, not just in church. And we were warned that there would be this way.
The influence of Satan is everywhere, and the only way to fight against it is to know the word, to spend time with the Father. And going to church is a good way to do that. I think part of what bothers me about the excuse made in relation to this tragedy is that I realize that some of these people are looking for reasons to not go to church, they bash on church goers and all have stories about Christians acting un-Christian (I'm not making an assumption about this, like I said I know one of the people who made that statement and some of her friends,) they avoid talking about God and when they do it's only because they are angry, or desperate. They are running from the only person who can actually help them to find what they are looking for, and it breaks my heart. This was Satan's plan though, he wants to destroy the church, give it a tarnished image in the world so people will stay away.
I'm not really sure how to end this post, my only thought is that tragedy happens everywhere, in and out of church, but it shouldn't keep you from God. The only good reason to not go to a church is if they are twisting the gospel or not preaching it at all. Please pray for the girls and families affected by the tragedy, and those who are mixed up about God by it.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
And one more, this time for hope
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son
I have seen a lot of coverage of this situation, and my heart breaks for the families and girls affected by this man, but some of the comments and responses from people who have been following this case bothered me. Not the angry ones, I understand the anger in this situation, it's ones where people have said in interviews or Facebook comments 'this is exactly the reason why I don't take my kids or go myself to church' this bothered me bad. I was worked up about it for a while, and my immediate thought to this comment was, 'it's not just a church problem; it's a world problem.'
I knew one of the people who said this, and I know they have been angry with God for a long time because of the life they growing up had and their own bad choices as an adult that they blame on God. This person wants better for their son though, and she is trying hard to make things better, to make good choices for him, and I realize that her comment came from a place of maternal instinct to protect her child, but I wish I could make her see that she's got it all mixed up, that this logic she presented as a 'reason' to not go to church doesn't stop her from letting her son go to other 'potentially' dangerous places .
In this past school year 4 public school teachers in our area were accused or convicted of this same kind of crime, 1 daycare was closed because the owner was accused by 14 individuals previously under his care for the same kind of crimes over a twenty year period, and I can't even count the numbers of reports of this happening by family, friends, or neighbors I have seen on the news or heard about from people I know. By the same logic she presented as a reason to not go to church, the school, daycare, and any place he isn't right beside her except their own home, (which isn't always safe from this kind of thing either) should all be off limits to him. But it's not, he goes to school, and to daycare, and has playdate with friends away from home often. I'm not judging her parenting, just the logic of her statement about the church.
See, my point is, what happened is terrible, it is an awful thing, and that it happened in the church by a pastor makes it seem all the worse, but that's not a reason to not go to church, it can and unfortunately does happen anywhere. It is a terrible thing, but you can't blame the church anymore than you do schools when it happens there. There is corruption everywhere, not just in church. And we were warned that there would be this way.
The influence of Satan is everywhere, and the only way to fight against it is to know the word, to spend time with the Father. And going to church is a good way to do that. I think part of what bothers me about the excuse made in relation to this tragedy is that I realize that some of these people are looking for reasons to not go to church, they bash on church goers and all have stories about Christians acting un-Christian (I'm not making an assumption about this, like I said I know one of the people who made that statement and some of her friends,) they avoid talking about God and when they do it's only because they are angry, or desperate. They are running from the only person who can actually help them to find what they are looking for, and it breaks my heart. This was Satan's plan though, he wants to destroy the church, give it a tarnished image in the world so people will stay away.
I'm not really sure how to end this post, my only thought is that tragedy happens everywhere, in and out of church, but it shouldn't keep you from God. The only good reason to not go to a church is if they are twisting the gospel or not preaching it at all. Please pray for the girls and families affected by the tragedy, and those who are mixed up about God by it.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
John 8:44
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
And one more, this time for hope
Colossians 1:13
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Don't Judge Me
This morning I decided to watch 'Unstoppable,' it's a Kirk Cameron movie; and when I got to the point in the movie where he tries to pitch the story of Noah with God as the hero to the Hollywood executives one of them tells Kirk that they can't sell a movie about killing everyone, that people don't want to hear about death or go to the movies and see death. This part of the movie got my mind and spirit stirring for several reasons, one being that I realize death isn't the real issue in selling a truly Biblical movie of Noah, the problem is judgment, God's judgment on the wicked.
It's not that people don't want to go to the movies to see death and destruction, because the reality is the theaters are always filled with gory war movies, slasher flicks, and stories of crimes like murder. Our society eats up these stories, in fact a commonly used phrase associated with the media industry is 'if it bleeds it leads,' people love to see death and violence, and are, in fact, paying to see it. But judgment is altogether different.
We, as a society, hate judgment. We hate to be reminded of what we are doing wrong, we hate to be told that the things we desire are not good for us, we hate to be reminded that we fall short. Society hates to be reminded that they are already dead. That's why its hard to get a Biblically accurate movie made, the world doesn't want to be reminded that without Christ they are already dead. Instead they prefer to go on in blissful ignorance, and deny the truth, especially when it's directly in front of them.
Even as Christians we are all guilty of this at some point and time. We all can confess about a time when someone has corrected us and we got mad about it, whether that person was right or not. So why does judgment bother us so much? Why do we get angry about people telling us what we can't or shouldn't do something? And why is it so much worse when God is the one saying that something is wrong? Pride.
The world hates judgment because we love ourselves, and our sins more than we love God. We hate that God will judge us so we reject Him, we reject His unending truth and forgiveness because we don't want to deal with the sin in our hearts, we don't want to do the things that God wants us to do. We fear His judgment, but deny His living Word, the one thing that could spare us from death. The truth is, if you have not accepted His son and the sacrifice He made for you, you are already dead, and in your spirit you recognize that, so you try to hide from it, just like Adam and Eve in the garden after they ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
I could easily continue on from this point, I could write pages on this subject matter using stories from the Bible as examples and testimonials I've heard, but instead I will end here with this verse from Acts 13:38-39 and know that what you do with this knowledge will either lead you out of death and into everlasting life or condemn you. "Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. "
Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
It's not that people don't want to go to the movies to see death and destruction, because the reality is the theaters are always filled with gory war movies, slasher flicks, and stories of crimes like murder. Our society eats up these stories, in fact a commonly used phrase associated with the media industry is 'if it bleeds it leads,' people love to see death and violence, and are, in fact, paying to see it. But judgment is altogether different.
We, as a society, hate judgment. We hate to be reminded of what we are doing wrong, we hate to be told that the things we desire are not good for us, we hate to be reminded that we fall short. Society hates to be reminded that they are already dead. That's why its hard to get a Biblically accurate movie made, the world doesn't want to be reminded that without Christ they are already dead. Instead they prefer to go on in blissful ignorance, and deny the truth, especially when it's directly in front of them.
Even as Christians we are all guilty of this at some point and time. We all can confess about a time when someone has corrected us and we got mad about it, whether that person was right or not. So why does judgment bother us so much? Why do we get angry about people telling us what we can't or shouldn't do something? And why is it so much worse when God is the one saying that something is wrong? Pride.
The world hates judgment because we love ourselves, and our sins more than we love God. We hate that God will judge us so we reject Him, we reject His unending truth and forgiveness because we don't want to deal with the sin in our hearts, we don't want to do the things that God wants us to do. We fear His judgment, but deny His living Word, the one thing that could spare us from death. The truth is, if you have not accepted His son and the sacrifice He made for you, you are already dead, and in your spirit you recognize that, so you try to hide from it, just like Adam and Eve in the garden after they ate the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
I could easily continue on from this point, I could write pages on this subject matter using stories from the Bible as examples and testimonials I've heard, but instead I will end here with this verse from Acts 13:38-39 and know that what you do with this knowledge will either lead you out of death and into everlasting life or condemn you. "Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. "
Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Monday, July 28, 2014
My Little Princess
Last week I was asked to talk a little about whether or not I have a pet, why, and see if I could find some Bible verses to place with the post. I don't usually write on the weekends so I used that time to look for the verses. I also wanted to use the weekend and put some thought into what I would write and how I would write it. I realized the best thing to do was probably start at the beginning of how we got our pet, which we really consider to be our baby, she is the princess of the house.
We got Isabelle-Rose Lyndora Thorn at 6 weeks old and at that time she had a bad eye infection. Our neighbors little girl had taken Isabelle from her mother and siblings in the liter that was at the end of our street (Isabelle's parents were both strays), but when her parents said they didn't want to care for a sick cat they made the little girl leave it outside in hopes the cat would just go back to the liter on its own. My husband and I really didn't want another cat at that time because we already had two misbehaving male cats, but Isabelle's sad little mews broke our hearts and we ended up taking her in. I took Isabelle to the vet the next day and got her all her needed shots and medicine for her eye.
Taking in Isabelle turned out to be an excellent decision and I started to believe that was she actually the answer to prays after seeing how different our males became with the addition of the kitten. My young 'beast' of a male cat was no longer aggressive, but became very motherly to Isabelle and was a great playmate for her! Our other older and more frail male cat tolerated her well and used to make us laugh by placing a paw on top of her head whenever she got to be a little much for him. These changes were great, but the change that Nick and I liked best was our males stopped fighting, previously they brawled all the time but after Isabelle it was a rarity.
Isabelle-Rose ended up being a blessing to us in another unexpected way about a year later when both of our males passed away, one at Christmas and the other at Easter. The time they spent with Isabelle allowed her to take on some of the personality traits of each (thankfully only the good traits!) which helped us as we grieved the lose of our beloved pets. I really believe that Isabelle was as much a gift from God as any other blessing in life, she brings us so much joy and is so very loving with both of us, but most especially my husband. To us, she is part of the family, not just a pet, she is irreplaceable and we love her so much!
Proverbs 12:10“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”
Job 12:7-10 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand
We got Isabelle-Rose Lyndora Thorn at 6 weeks old and at that time she had a bad eye infection. Our neighbors little girl had taken Isabelle from her mother and siblings in the liter that was at the end of our street (Isabelle's parents were both strays), but when her parents said they didn't want to care for a sick cat they made the little girl leave it outside in hopes the cat would just go back to the liter on its own. My husband and I really didn't want another cat at that time because we already had two misbehaving male cats, but Isabelle's sad little mews broke our hearts and we ended up taking her in. I took Isabelle to the vet the next day and got her all her needed shots and medicine for her eye.
Taking in Isabelle turned out to be an excellent decision and I started to believe that was she actually the answer to prays after seeing how different our males became with the addition of the kitten. My young 'beast' of a male cat was no longer aggressive, but became very motherly to Isabelle and was a great playmate for her! Our other older and more frail male cat tolerated her well and used to make us laugh by placing a paw on top of her head whenever she got to be a little much for him. These changes were great, but the change that Nick and I liked best was our males stopped fighting, previously they brawled all the time but after Isabelle it was a rarity.
Isabelle-Rose ended up being a blessing to us in another unexpected way about a year later when both of our males passed away, one at Christmas and the other at Easter. The time they spent with Isabelle allowed her to take on some of the personality traits of each (thankfully only the good traits!) which helped us as we grieved the lose of our beloved pets. I really believe that Isabelle was as much a gift from God as any other blessing in life, she brings us so much joy and is so very loving with both of us, but most especially my husband. To us, she is part of the family, not just a pet, she is irreplaceable and we love her so much!
Proverbs 12:10“Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”
Job 12:7-10 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. Speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea tell you. Every one of these knows that the hand of the Lord has done this. The life of every creature and the breath of all people are in God’s hand
Friday, July 25, 2014
Let Go of Pride
We all have bad days sometimes, days where we aren't exactly proud of our behaviors, yesterday was that day for me. I was tired and cranky from working a night shift, something I don't usually do, and then not sleeping well and getting up early. I drank a lot of soda yesterday in a desperate attempt to wake up, but it really only served to cause me to crash later and be even more cranky. During one of these crashes after my soda binges I had to make a phone call to my bank about the mobile banking app, I was less than polite to the unfortunate lady I spoke to.
And honestly, that wasn't my only mistake yesterday. I feel like my blog post yesterday was incoherent due to my fatigue as well, and I didn't get nearly as much done as I should have on a day where I was home most of the day. I feel pretty crummy about yesterday, I know I could have done better, but I can't go back and change it. I can however do better today, I can let go of yesterday, I can ask God and those I was cranky with for forgiveness, and move on from my stumble knowing that I am not my mistake it's just a lesson to grow on.
I think it's important to admit when you are wrong, we are supposed to be humble like Christ, and holding onto pride and anger is not the way to do. This is the point I would like to make today, when you know you have made a mistake but choose not to admit it, that is pride. Pride will get the better of you if you let it, pride will blind you to your own faults and place them elsewhere. Pride will also put a barrier between you and God.
It's okay to be proud of someone for something they've done and to take pride in something you do or have done, I read many scriptures this morning where the apostles talk about pride in the church and it followers, and it is certainly ok to feel proud of someone in that manner. However, when you allow pride to stop you from doing the right thing it's not only a problem but a sin. We are never supposed to get so full of ourselves that we can't see the dirt on our own feet. We need cleansing when this happens and we need to confess it, to ourselves and most importantly to God that we need Him, we need the blood of the lamb to wash us clean, and by asking Him is how we get it.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 1:21
21 For this reason, putting away all dirty behaviour and the overweight of evil, take into. Your souls without pride the word which, being planted there, is able to give you salvation
And honestly, that wasn't my only mistake yesterday. I feel like my blog post yesterday was incoherent due to my fatigue as well, and I didn't get nearly as much done as I should have on a day where I was home most of the day. I feel pretty crummy about yesterday, I know I could have done better, but I can't go back and change it. I can however do better today, I can let go of yesterday, I can ask God and those I was cranky with for forgiveness, and move on from my stumble knowing that I am not my mistake it's just a lesson to grow on.
I think it's important to admit when you are wrong, we are supposed to be humble like Christ, and holding onto pride and anger is not the way to do. This is the point I would like to make today, when you know you have made a mistake but choose not to admit it, that is pride. Pride will get the better of you if you let it, pride will blind you to your own faults and place them elsewhere. Pride will also put a barrier between you and God.
It's okay to be proud of someone for something they've done and to take pride in something you do or have done, I read many scriptures this morning where the apostles talk about pride in the church and it followers, and it is certainly ok to feel proud of someone in that manner. However, when you allow pride to stop you from doing the right thing it's not only a problem but a sin. We are never supposed to get so full of ourselves that we can't see the dirt on our own feet. We need cleansing when this happens and we need to confess it, to ourselves and most importantly to God that we need Him, we need the blood of the lamb to wash us clean, and by asking Him is how we get it.
1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
James 5:16
16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
James 1:21
21 For this reason, putting away all dirty behaviour and the overweight of evil, take into. Your souls without pride the word which, being planted there, is able to give you salvation
Thursday, July 24, 2014
All the Time
The Pastor at the church I was baptized in started each sermon with these words from Psalm 19:14; 'Let the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer,' I really liked that he did that, I felt like it was an invitation for the Holy Spirit to inspire him, and since I started writing this I have prayed it most mornings before I begin to write.
I brought this up because there have been people in my life who would say things to me like 'God has bigger things to deal with,' 'there's more to life than just religion,' 'why does everything have to be about God with you.' And my answer is this, because everything does have to do with God, every issue in life is at it's root is a spiritual matter. Writing and reaching out to others in this way, is a spiritual matter, I am supplying other people with the encouragement they need, and I need God to help me with it so I don't lead anyone onto the wrong course. That's why I pray before I write, or do anything else, I need Him always, because without Him I am lost.
I pray about just about everything during the course of the day, because I am a spiritual being, we all are, our bodies are only temporary vessels for this earth, but we are at core spirits, or souls, and we are each playing a part in the battle for souls going on around us. Pray about everything and without ceasing, we weren't told these things that they be a hindrance on our life, but rather this was instruction on how to keep from the enemies hand. If we are inconstant communication with the King then the Prince of Lies and his minions have no way in. Just something to think about as you go through your day. Be blessed.
Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 4:2-6
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
I brought this up because there have been people in my life who would say things to me like 'God has bigger things to deal with,' 'there's more to life than just religion,' 'why does everything have to be about God with you.' And my answer is this, because everything does have to do with God, every issue in life is at it's root is a spiritual matter. Writing and reaching out to others in this way, is a spiritual matter, I am supplying other people with the encouragement they need, and I need God to help me with it so I don't lead anyone onto the wrong course. That's why I pray before I write, or do anything else, I need Him always, because without Him I am lost.
I pray about just about everything during the course of the day, because I am a spiritual being, we all are, our bodies are only temporary vessels for this earth, but we are at core spirits, or souls, and we are each playing a part in the battle for souls going on around us. Pray about everything and without ceasing, we weren't told these things that they be a hindrance on our life, but rather this was instruction on how to keep from the enemies hand. If we are inconstant communication with the King then the Prince of Lies and his minions have no way in. Just something to think about as you go through your day. Be blessed.
Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 4:2-6
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
New Family
I have a private Facebook account that I use only for my family, but sometimes getting on there can be hurtful or disappointing. I try not be an attention seeker or drama starter, I really only try to put up things I'm celebrating, or occasionally a prayer request, photographs, and sometimes post that are encouraging, in general I don't post much at all there, I'm far more active on google+. A big reason why I don't post much on there is that I find it really hurtful that the people I try to support the most, my family, doesn't often support me in return. I often feel very rejected by the majority of them. It's not like that with all of them, mostly just my cousins, those in my generation I'm talking about, but even some of my aunts and uncles leave me feeling this way too.
I have always been family minded so this is something that cuts deep for me. Then this morning when I was getting frustrated on that chain of thought, whining to myself and God about how it doesn't feel like my family doesn't cares about me the same way I do them, I was reminded of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I thought about Jesus and His reaction when His mother came to see Him while He was teaching one day, how He had said to the person who was sent in to get Him that those doing the will of God were his mother and brothers. I realized then that I do have a family that loves and supports me the way I do them, a family that I serve the Lord with, a family in the body.
Yes, my flesh and blood family doesn't support me the way I would them if the tables were turned, but my brothers and sisters of the kingdom do. I realize now that its probably the very thing that separates me from one family that adds me to the other. I realize now that it's less about whether they love me or not and more that don't knows how to take me a lot of the time. I'm different from them and always have been, but before I came to God it was never so obvious as it is now, and I think it makes them uncomfortable.
Realizing what the difference was, and why things are like this, I decided to focus on my new family, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not giving up on my flesh and blood family, but I'm not going to let their lack of support hurt me anymore either. I am just going to pray for them, love them, celebrate with them, and stop expecting them to do the same for me. God has been good to me and given me a new family, and new friends that are heading in the same direction that I am, and maybe someday, the rest of my family will join us. But until then, I realize I do have a loving, supportive family, through Jesus Christ. Be blessed brothers and sisters, and thank you so much!
Mark 3:31
I have always been family minded so this is something that cuts deep for me. Then this morning when I was getting frustrated on that chain of thought, whining to myself and God about how it doesn't feel like my family doesn't cares about me the same way I do them, I was reminded of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I thought about Jesus and His reaction when His mother came to see Him while He was teaching one day, how He had said to the person who was sent in to get Him that those doing the will of God were his mother and brothers. I realized then that I do have a family that loves and supports me the way I do them, a family that I serve the Lord with, a family in the body.
Yes, my flesh and blood family doesn't support me the way I would them if the tables were turned, but my brothers and sisters of the kingdom do. I realize now that its probably the very thing that separates me from one family that adds me to the other. I realize now that it's less about whether they love me or not and more that don't knows how to take me a lot of the time. I'm different from them and always have been, but before I came to God it was never so obvious as it is now, and I think it makes them uncomfortable.
Realizing what the difference was, and why things are like this, I decided to focus on my new family, my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not giving up on my flesh and blood family, but I'm not going to let their lack of support hurt me anymore either. I am just going to pray for them, love them, celebrate with them, and stop expecting them to do the same for me. God has been good to me and given me a new family, and new friends that are heading in the same direction that I am, and maybe someday, the rest of my family will join us. But until then, I realize I do have a loving, supportive family, through Jesus Christ. Be blessed brothers and sisters, and thank you so much!
Mark 3:31
31 Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. 32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.”
33 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked.
34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
For My Own Good
Sometimes we just don't know what's good for us, we know what we want, but that's not necessarily what we need. I started thinking about this as I am currently listening to the dear little angels I care for crying in their cribs. They are very tired and need naps, but that's not what they want, even though that's what is actually best for them. I know as a caregiver that sometimes I need to employ some 'tough love' with these guys so their needs are met before their wants. I am a long term thinker, I rarely ever look at a situation only as it appears in the present, which is a very helpful tool when you work with children, but God is beyond that, He doesn't just make a logical guess as to what's best like I do, He knows with certainty what's best for us.
Just like a child, we sometimes let our wants get in the way of our needs. And just like a child we get mad about it when we ask for something that we don't receive. I'm very guilty of this, but I'm trying to mature in the spirit and understand that if God is withholding something it is out of love and knowing what's best for me. I'm learning that not receiving a want is just as much of a blessing as receiving it, because both acts come from the same place, they are both acts of love for our benefit. It can be really hard to accept this though, to want something badly but not receive it. In those moments when I want to rant and rave, and throw my little temper tantrum because I'm not getting my way I have found that reminding myself of Romans 8:28 helps to calm my soul and better accept things. If I truly believe the Bible as truth I have to accept this verse, I have to accept that even when I'm not getting my way it's for my own good.
The word 'no' has been labeled as a negative word by today's popular psychology, but as I grow in my relationship with the Father I am learning to let go of that perception of the word. 'No' is not a bad word, but a way of protecting someone from a thing or from a behavior or a relationship that is potentially bad for them. For my own good, I have decided to start celebrating when the Lord tells me 'no' or 'not yet,' because these aren't bad things!!! It is from His love for us and His infinite knowledge that the Father either grants, withholds, or re-directs it is not a punishment or cruelness but a blessing in disguise!
Romans 8:28
Just like a child, we sometimes let our wants get in the way of our needs. And just like a child we get mad about it when we ask for something that we don't receive. I'm very guilty of this, but I'm trying to mature in the spirit and understand that if God is withholding something it is out of love and knowing what's best for me. I'm learning that not receiving a want is just as much of a blessing as receiving it, because both acts come from the same place, they are both acts of love for our benefit. It can be really hard to accept this though, to want something badly but not receive it. In those moments when I want to rant and rave, and throw my little temper tantrum because I'm not getting my way I have found that reminding myself of Romans 8:28 helps to calm my soul and better accept things. If I truly believe the Bible as truth I have to accept this verse, I have to accept that even when I'm not getting my way it's for my own good.
The word 'no' has been labeled as a negative word by today's popular psychology, but as I grow in my relationship with the Father I am learning to let go of that perception of the word. 'No' is not a bad word, but a way of protecting someone from a thing or from a behavior or a relationship that is potentially bad for them. For my own good, I have decided to start celebrating when the Lord tells me 'no' or 'not yet,' because these aren't bad things!!! It is from His love for us and His infinite knowledge that the Father either grants, withholds, or re-directs it is not a punishment or cruelness but a blessing in disguise!
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose
Psalm 62:8
8 Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Go Out and Share What You Recieved
My husband never ceases to both amaze and challenge me in our walk together, he has a knack for asking questions and making me think like no one else I know. Yesterday before church we were talking and discussing evangelism, when my husband asked me a question that I think many Christians and non-Christians have asked at some point. He asked "If God wants someone to come to Him, and He's all powerful, why does He need me to evangelize to them? Why doesn't He go to them directly?"
At first, as is typical with his faith related questions, I didn't know how to respond. So I asked him to give me a minute to think about. I took his question to the throne and was reminded of Moses and Pharaoh. Evangelism I think, sometimes feels similar to going before Pharaoh on God's behalf because God is all powerful and all knowing, we know that He can reach that person without us, just like He could have freed the Jews from Egypt without Moses if He so chose, but if he had done that would the cultures and people surrounding Egypt and doing business with them have been exposed to the proof of the power of the one true God, the God of Israel? Probably not. If God had not sent Moses and gave him miracles to preform on His behalf would any of the these other nations heard of the God of Israel? Probably not. If God had changed Pharaoh's heart to release the Jews without Moses would anyone have cared who the God of Israel was? Probably not, because all they would know is Pharaoh set the slaves free.
That line of thought took me to this conclusion, while it is true that God in all His infinite power could force His will upon us, He doesn't because love means more when it is freely given from a willing heart, that's why He doesn't just change someone to obey Him but will present Himself to a willing heart and use that heart to touch others. The second conclusion I was brought to was that this is why He uses people with obedient hearts like Moses, because through men and women like that God's glory and power can be exposed in a way where it creates a powerful testimony for Him. This testimony then will oftentimes inspire other people to follow Him. Through the miracles preformed in Egypt by Moses, God not only broke down Pharaoh's heart, which He had previsously hardened, and got him to release the Jews, but He also exposed His might to His children and gave them a testimony to touch their hearts and their offspring's hearts for generations to come in His name. As well as making Himself known to the all nations that would stand in Israel's way as they took possession of the Holy land as the stories spread of the fierce nation of Israel and their mighty God.
So, the answer I came to and gave to my husband after considering these points was, God sends us out to evangelize to others not because He couldn't reach them without us, but to expose His glory to them in a powerful and meaningful way, typically in the form of a personal testimony. This sharing of personal testimony exposes what God has done for you, what He has helped you with and gives the person you are sharing with a chance to connect on a personal level with you and understand that God is a loving caring Father, which brings about another question that often goes with this line of thought, why does God allow suffering? And the simplest answer I know is because it gives us a testimony to share about His character if we rely on Him to see us through the rough stuff as we should.
I hope this blessed you and got your mind searching today, if it did I encourage you to go into the word yourself, to pray for yourself and check me. This is just where I was brought right now, in time God may change this view as He reveals truth and understanding. But in the mean time I hope this encourages you to continue to seek God more, as it has me. Be blessed brothers and sisters.
Exodus 3:7-10
7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
At first, as is typical with his faith related questions, I didn't know how to respond. So I asked him to give me a minute to think about. I took his question to the throne and was reminded of Moses and Pharaoh. Evangelism I think, sometimes feels similar to going before Pharaoh on God's behalf because God is all powerful and all knowing, we know that He can reach that person without us, just like He could have freed the Jews from Egypt without Moses if He so chose, but if he had done that would the cultures and people surrounding Egypt and doing business with them have been exposed to the proof of the power of the one true God, the God of Israel? Probably not. If God had not sent Moses and gave him miracles to preform on His behalf would any of the these other nations heard of the God of Israel? Probably not. If God had changed Pharaoh's heart to release the Jews without Moses would anyone have cared who the God of Israel was? Probably not, because all they would know is Pharaoh set the slaves free.
That line of thought took me to this conclusion, while it is true that God in all His infinite power could force His will upon us, He doesn't because love means more when it is freely given from a willing heart, that's why He doesn't just change someone to obey Him but will present Himself to a willing heart and use that heart to touch others. The second conclusion I was brought to was that this is why He uses people with obedient hearts like Moses, because through men and women like that God's glory and power can be exposed in a way where it creates a powerful testimony for Him. This testimony then will oftentimes inspire other people to follow Him. Through the miracles preformed in Egypt by Moses, God not only broke down Pharaoh's heart, which He had previsously hardened, and got him to release the Jews, but He also exposed His might to His children and gave them a testimony to touch their hearts and their offspring's hearts for generations to come in His name. As well as making Himself known to the all nations that would stand in Israel's way as they took possession of the Holy land as the stories spread of the fierce nation of Israel and their mighty God.
So, the answer I came to and gave to my husband after considering these points was, God sends us out to evangelize to others not because He couldn't reach them without us, but to expose His glory to them in a powerful and meaningful way, typically in the form of a personal testimony. This sharing of personal testimony exposes what God has done for you, what He has helped you with and gives the person you are sharing with a chance to connect on a personal level with you and understand that God is a loving caring Father, which brings about another question that often goes with this line of thought, why does God allow suffering? And the simplest answer I know is because it gives us a testimony to share about His character if we rely on Him to see us through the rough stuff as we should.
I hope this blessed you and got your mind searching today, if it did I encourage you to go into the word yourself, to pray for yourself and check me. This is just where I was brought right now, in time God may change this view as He reveals truth and understanding. But in the mean time I hope this encourages you to continue to seek God more, as it has me. Be blessed brothers and sisters.
Exodus 3:7-10
7 The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 9 And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. 10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
Matthew 28:19-20
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Friday, July 18, 2014
No Chance or Coincidence
Just because what you are doing doesn't seem big or important by the world's standards doesn't mean that where you are or what you are doing isn't important in the eyes of the Lord. If He has you somewhere, even if it's just dropping French fries into the fryer at the fast food joint, trust that there is a reason for it. You do not know what purpose your presence in a place can have, eventually though it will make sense to you. An example of this very thing is found in how my husband and I came together. I shared with you several days ago in my post titled 'For better or worse' about how Nick and I shocked our Pastor by telling him that we believed it was God's will that we be together. This was not something we just made up, it wasn't an idea that just came to us one day and we were like 'we love each other so this must be God's will,' there were actually certain events that took place that led us to going 'wow, God was bringing us together the whole time' when we looked back on the road map of how we came together. As we talked about it was evident to us that God's hand had been there the whole time pushing us in the direction we should go.
We didn't realize it at first, and honestly in the waiting at our 'boring, unimportant' jobs we were frustrated, waiting to see what God was going to do in our lives because we knew that there was more we were supposed to do than what we were doing at the time. I was working one full-time job, and two part-time jobs while going to school full-time, and volunteering at my church the first time I saw Nick. I wasn't where I had planned to be, I had passed up a good school and a great opportunity to get away from where I lived in order to stay with boyfriend who really wasn't that good to me. What I found out later was Nick, who was seeing someone else at that time as well, was actually thinking of moving to the same small town I would have been going to school in, but for some reason he decided to stay too.
Almost a year after making the decision to stay I was working the night shift at a fast food restaurant, when Nick came in. He was very handsome but didn't really notice me, I just took his order and the manager and I made his food, after he left I joked with the manger that if he hadn't of been so cute I would have been angry because we had just finished cleaning the grill and fryers. I later found out, by chance you could say, where Nick worked.
It turned out that he worked behind the counter at the gas station closest to my college. I was still seeing my ex-boyfriend at that time, so although I noticed and remembered Nick I didn't speak to him. But I started making that the gas station I would go most often when I needed something, even when I was with my boyfriend. I honestly couldn't get Nick's face out of my mind, I kept thinking about him, but I wasn't going to do anything about it because I was already in a relationship, happy or not. Then my ex broke up with me, and the strangest thing was when he did it he told me it wasn't because he wanted too. He told me that God shared with him that there was someone else I was meant for, and this man was waiting for me. I think it quite possibly could have been the strangest break up ever, and to be truthful I wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. To me it kind of sounded like a cop out, but the emotion he showed left me wondering if maybe it was true.
One month later, almost one year after I first saw him and started to think about him, I finally got to talk to Nick. Not by my choice though, Nick was actually outside the store where he worked talking to my roommate when my blood sugar suddenly started to drop and I knew I wasn't doing well. At first I couldn't get their attention so I got out of the car and tried to make it over to them, I was intending on getting my roommate to leave so I could get some food and bring my sugar back up. I didn't make it, I blacked out right in front of Nick, and he took care of me. Within in a couple days after this we exchanged phone numbers and started to hang out, our bond was almost immediate.
None of it made sense then, none of it seemed like anything more than chance until we sat down and shared all the details together, then we could see it almost as a road map of how we were brought together, and even how if we had made a different choice a couple years before we still would have been in a position where we may have and most likely would have met. It was after that revelation that I quit believing in chance or coincidence. I realized then that God has a plan and He will put you in a position to fulfill that plan, even if what you're doing or what's happening doesn't make sense now, in hindsight you can find God's hand in it through the whole thing, how He guided and put words or people in your heart or path. I hope that if you have been struggling with where you are in life that this gave you hope, trust that God is with you and guiding your steps, listen for His voice all around you, He will see you through. Be blessed.
Jeremiah 1:5
Job 42:1-2
We didn't realize it at first, and honestly in the waiting at our 'boring, unimportant' jobs we were frustrated, waiting to see what God was going to do in our lives because we knew that there was more we were supposed to do than what we were doing at the time. I was working one full-time job, and two part-time jobs while going to school full-time, and volunteering at my church the first time I saw Nick. I wasn't where I had planned to be, I had passed up a good school and a great opportunity to get away from where I lived in order to stay with boyfriend who really wasn't that good to me. What I found out later was Nick, who was seeing someone else at that time as well, was actually thinking of moving to the same small town I would have been going to school in, but for some reason he decided to stay too.
Almost a year after making the decision to stay I was working the night shift at a fast food restaurant, when Nick came in. He was very handsome but didn't really notice me, I just took his order and the manager and I made his food, after he left I joked with the manger that if he hadn't of been so cute I would have been angry because we had just finished cleaning the grill and fryers. I later found out, by chance you could say, where Nick worked.
It turned out that he worked behind the counter at the gas station closest to my college. I was still seeing my ex-boyfriend at that time, so although I noticed and remembered Nick I didn't speak to him. But I started making that the gas station I would go most often when I needed something, even when I was with my boyfriend. I honestly couldn't get Nick's face out of my mind, I kept thinking about him, but I wasn't going to do anything about it because I was already in a relationship, happy or not. Then my ex broke up with me, and the strangest thing was when he did it he told me it wasn't because he wanted too. He told me that God shared with him that there was someone else I was meant for, and this man was waiting for me. I think it quite possibly could have been the strangest break up ever, and to be truthful I wasn't sure whether to believe him or not. To me it kind of sounded like a cop out, but the emotion he showed left me wondering if maybe it was true.
One month later, almost one year after I first saw him and started to think about him, I finally got to talk to Nick. Not by my choice though, Nick was actually outside the store where he worked talking to my roommate when my blood sugar suddenly started to drop and I knew I wasn't doing well. At first I couldn't get their attention so I got out of the car and tried to make it over to them, I was intending on getting my roommate to leave so I could get some food and bring my sugar back up. I didn't make it, I blacked out right in front of Nick, and he took care of me. Within in a couple days after this we exchanged phone numbers and started to hang out, our bond was almost immediate.
None of it made sense then, none of it seemed like anything more than chance until we sat down and shared all the details together, then we could see it almost as a road map of how we were brought together, and even how if we had made a different choice a couple years before we still would have been in a position where we may have and most likely would have met. It was after that revelation that I quit believing in chance or coincidence. I realized then that God has a plan and He will put you in a position to fulfill that plan, even if what you're doing or what's happening doesn't make sense now, in hindsight you can find God's hand in it through the whole thing, how He guided and put words or people in your heart or path. I hope that if you have been struggling with where you are in life that this gave you hope, trust that God is with you and guiding your steps, listen for His voice all around you, He will see you through. Be blessed.
Jeremiah 1:5
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Proverbs 19:21
21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
Job 42:1-2
1 Then Job replied to the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Thursday, July 17, 2014
The Love Letter
Romans 15:4 reads this way in the NIV: 'For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.' I don't usually start my post this way, but this morning I found it appropriate because these words written by the apostle Paul are exactly what I wanted to say to encourage you today. It was the perfect scripture for today because I experienced what Paul is saying in my own life. I have been struggling for so long with my mental health, financial situations, family stuff, and helping my husband in his struggles with mental health, and through it all my hope was only found in the scriptures. In each story I have read I found hope that even in the darkest times God was with me. I found story after story in the Bible of great struggles, and the Lord's deliverance from them.
Every time I thought it was too hard God would remind me of these stories, and I would be encouraged. This is why it is important to study the Bible, to become familiar with the scriptures. His word is medicine to heal the hurts, a sword against the dark thoughts and plans of the enemy, a comforting hug in times of despair. But you can't call on this power of encouragement if you don't know the word. That is why the scriptures are there, exactly as Paul explained 'everything that was written in the past was written to teach us...'
Blogs and post like mine, and James Tamara's and Lara Stang's and so many others I read are wonderful resources, and often provide enlightening looks into scripture or the use of Biblical truth in daily life. But we are not your Bible, the purpose of things like this is to expose people to truth, not to be the main source of it. To combat the enemy and avoid falling prey to the temptations of this world you must spend time in your Bible, familiarize yourself with God's word and His character. And the beauty of it is, He will always reveal more of Himself to you as you read and grow in your understanding of Him. Beautiful truths become apparent to you like God never leaves things unfinished, if He makes a promise it is kept, sometimes it takes generations to be fulfilled, but it is always completed.
I encourage you today to make reading scripture a part of your daily life, come to know the Father through His word, and in knowing the Father discover who you truly are. Find your hope, encouragement, and the purpose of your life in the pages of His book, His love letter to His children, in which we come to know His promises, goodness, and mercy. May God our Father in Heaven bless you.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Every time I thought it was too hard God would remind me of these stories, and I would be encouraged. This is why it is important to study the Bible, to become familiar with the scriptures. His word is medicine to heal the hurts, a sword against the dark thoughts and plans of the enemy, a comforting hug in times of despair. But you can't call on this power of encouragement if you don't know the word. That is why the scriptures are there, exactly as Paul explained 'everything that was written in the past was written to teach us...'
Blogs and post like mine, and James Tamara's and Lara Stang's and so many others I read are wonderful resources, and often provide enlightening looks into scripture or the use of Biblical truth in daily life. But we are not your Bible, the purpose of things like this is to expose people to truth, not to be the main source of it. To combat the enemy and avoid falling prey to the temptations of this world you must spend time in your Bible, familiarize yourself with God's word and His character. And the beauty of it is, He will always reveal more of Himself to you as you read and grow in your understanding of Him. Beautiful truths become apparent to you like God never leaves things unfinished, if He makes a promise it is kept, sometimes it takes generations to be fulfilled, but it is always completed.
I encourage you today to make reading scripture a part of your daily life, come to know the Father through His word, and in knowing the Father discover who you truly are. Find your hope, encouragement, and the purpose of your life in the pages of His book, His love letter to His children, in which we come to know His promises, goodness, and mercy. May God our Father in Heaven bless you.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
What's Fair, What's Right
Yesterday I was on Facebook and received a note from one person, and an invitation from another. I was upset and offended by both. My head saw these things and said "Don't respond, why should you care at all? When you reached out to them they used you or ignored you. It's only fair that you don't respond now to what they want or need." And that's where I left it last night. But my heart didn't feel good about my behavior, or my attitude.
I was really bothered by how I acted actually and woke up several times throughout the night feeling bad about it. Then this morning I heard a song on the radio, in it there was a line about how it didn't matter if things were fair or not, that what was important was to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, even if it's hard or painful. I knew yesterday my attitude was wrong, but I was angry and offended that they would dare contact me after I asked for their help and got ignored. I felt completely justified in my actions, and many people would probably agree that I was, but right and fair are often not the same thing.
After hearing that song and thinking about my actions and why I was upset with myself by my behavior I realized what I had to do to make it right with God. It's not fair for people to ask for help from someone who they denied helping, but it's not right for me to deny them because I'm angry when they are reaching out. In Matthew 5:38-47 Jesus tells us how we are expected to treat others. I wanted an eye for eye because that seems fair, but what He tells us is right is to turn the other cheek and pray for those who hurt us.
So, this morning I responded to both people. I don't know how things will play out now, it could be that they will still not do right towards me in the end, or they could and things will be better, but that's not really the point. It doesn't matter what they do or what happens now, what does matter is doing what's right in the eyes of God, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing.
Not a single one of us is perfect, we all will fail from time to time, and if you're like me probably several times a day. But thankfully our Father is merciful, and if we realize we make a mistake He is always willing to forgive us and give us a second chance to make it right, even if its not with the same person. Doing what's right isn't always easy; often it's hard or painful but the reward is so much better. There is a peace when you do the right thing that you just don't get when you try to convince yourself that you're doing what's fair.
Matthew 5:38-47
I was really bothered by how I acted actually and woke up several times throughout the night feeling bad about it. Then this morning I heard a song on the radio, in it there was a line about how it didn't matter if things were fair or not, that what was important was to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, even if it's hard or painful. I knew yesterday my attitude was wrong, but I was angry and offended that they would dare contact me after I asked for their help and got ignored. I felt completely justified in my actions, and many people would probably agree that I was, but right and fair are often not the same thing.
After hearing that song and thinking about my actions and why I was upset with myself by my behavior I realized what I had to do to make it right with God. It's not fair for people to ask for help from someone who they denied helping, but it's not right for me to deny them because I'm angry when they are reaching out. In Matthew 5:38-47 Jesus tells us how we are expected to treat others. I wanted an eye for eye because that seems fair, but what He tells us is right is to turn the other cheek and pray for those who hurt us.
So, this morning I responded to both people. I don't know how things will play out now, it could be that they will still not do right towards me in the end, or they could and things will be better, but that's not really the point. It doesn't matter what they do or what happens now, what does matter is doing what's right in the eyes of God, that is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing.
Not a single one of us is perfect, we all will fail from time to time, and if you're like me probably several times a day. But thankfully our Father is merciful, and if we realize we make a mistake He is always willing to forgive us and give us a second chance to make it right, even if its not with the same person. Doing what's right isn't always easy; often it's hard or painful but the reward is so much better. There is a peace when you do the right thing that you just don't get when you try to convince yourself that you're doing what's fair.
Matthew 5:38-47
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Sample from my upcoming Novel!!!
“Eric I’m so glad that you wanted to have this little
chat with me. I was afraid that I wouldn’t have any more time alone with you
since you brought in that new girl.” Jessica said smiling at him as she rested
her head against the trim around the door and brushed a long dark strained of
hair behind one of her ears.
“I believe this was Braden’s idea actually. He seemed
to think you were upset.” Eric said as he pushed open his office door and
stepped aside to let Jessica enter first.
“I wonder whatever would have given that silly old man
that idea!” she said with a sly, playful smile as she stepped into his office
and took the chair across the desk from Eric’s seat.
“Perhaps it was all that racket you made last night
that had something to do with it.” Eric answered through gritted his teeth. He
had more than enough of this little game of
hers; it hadn’t been his intent to scold her tonight but somehow at this
point that seemed more appropriate than giving her an extra day off each week
just to appease her for a moment.
“Racket? What racket? I think Braden mislead you. I
already told you, I was just simply afraid that we wouldn’t have time to chat
anymore.” She replied twirling another loose piece of her thick dark hair around one of her
long slender fingers in a flirtatious manner.
“That’ll be
quite enough of that, Jessica. I’ve had more than enough of this cat and mouse.”
Eric stated in a tone that was stern and left no mistake that he was sincerely done with her games.
“Eric?” Jessica’s expression was innocent and clueless
but Eric wasn’t going to let her deceive him again. If the months since his
wife’s death had taught him anything it was not all women are sweet and
innocent, it had been made plain to him that some females are simply beguiling,
Jessica being one of them.
“And that’s actually
what I want to talk to you about. That kind of behavior is no longer going to
be tolerated. I’ve been overly patient with you, but if you can’t do your job
anymore without the flirtation, attitude, and tantrums we may need to come to
some other arrangements.” He continued
as though she had never interrupted him.
Jessica’s red hot temper flashed in her dark eyes. All
pretenses of being sweet and innocent were gone as she realized this was not
the kind of meeting she had been hoping for, and not only was it not what she
wanted, but she was now being told that she was going to have to change her behaviors.
Jumping to her feet Jessica began shouting across the desk at him. “This is all
because of that new girl isn’t it? What do you expect for me to do prance
around pretending to be all meek and holier than thou to get stuff, like
flowers from the boss! Do I have to pretend that isn’t something between us because you got another woman in your house!”
“Jessica, there isn’t anything between us and there never was, you are my
employee, that’s all you have ever been to me, and as for the flowers; what I
buy or how I treat another member of my staff is no concern of yours. This has
nothing to do with anyone but your own performance, this little show being part
of that.” Eric answered as he sat calmly and spoke to her in the same stern, unwavering
voice, while she continued to berate him, only now in Spanish. “Jessica, settle
yourself now or you will be dismissed, permanently.
With the threat of losing her job Jessica took
several, deep, heaving breaths as she sat herself back down in the chair
opposite Eric’s and straightened herself out again. Eric said nothing else as
he waited patiently for her to get grips on herself. When Evelynn had been
alive it was nothing for him to stand up for the way he felt his household
should be run, he had often had Jessica in his office for these kind of talks. But
since then he had gotten lost and allowed things to get out of hand, he was
only now beginning to realize how much he had let things slip and how important
his being fully present was.
“Is that
all, sir!” Jessica retorted with
sharpness emphasized on the word ‘sir.’ Eric suppressed a smirk and thought a
minute before carefully answering her
“No, that’s not all.” He answered carefully weighing
each word as he continued. “For now until the beginning of the next quarter you
will be on probation. If there is even one incident of behavior that I deem
unacceptable, including your continued flirtations, I will be forced to
re-evaluate your position. That is all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get
the boys ready for bed. I’ll see you tomorrow, Jessica.” Eric finished and got up from his desk to
leave, stopping at the door and holding it open for the fuming dark haired
beauty.
Eric felt wonderful as he followed Jessica out the
door and down the hall as she rushed out of the house in a rage. He hadn’t
intended for things to go that way earlier, but he didn’t regret it now,
instead he felt free. He felt like he was finally getting control of his life
again.
Look for more excerpts each month as I continue to work on this project. If you're enjoying this story please consider reading my first published book on Kindle at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXNCPIU
Also, please consider that with each book sold a percentage of the profits (50%) will go to families or individuals in financial need, and in the first month I gave away all profit to one family and have not sold any since. I'm not sharing this because I want to make money for me, but because I know personally many families struggling and I want to help them but at this time am not in a financial situation where I can. Thank you, and God Bless.
Monday, July 14, 2014
By Faith, it Can be Done
I want to give thanks today, and I want to share with you why. Over the weekend my husband and I had many major concerns, most of them effecting our finances and our vehicles. The way things looked we were convinced Friday night that we would have to pay out tons of money to get both of our vehicles fixed, and on top of that we were concerned whether or not my husband would be able to get his anxiety medication before today so that he could go to work.
I prayed morning, noon, and night for these situations, I knew we needed a miracle to happen, I knew that in the natural, without God this was a hopeless situation. But my prayers were answered. Nick got his medication yesterday, despite all the hassles we'd been having trying to get it, what should have been hundreds of dollars for repairs and an oil change, which is what we were told by another mechanic it would be, ended up just being a twenty dollar oil change. What we thought was a bad alternator in my husbands car, another $200 repair, turned out to be a missing belt. Everything that shouldn't have worked out, by God's grace did.
Not only that, but the Father revealed to me that one of my cousins is ready to hear the word. His mother died two years ago of cancer, but had great faith in the Lord. One month before she passed away, God gave me a vision of her passing, He showed me that she was to be with Him, given a crown of glory and a new beautiful, healthy body. I shared this only with my dad, grandmother and husband until now. Now, I feel it's time to share with it with her sons, starting with the oldest who I feel the Lord is telling me to talk to right now.
I am asking that my followers please pray with me for this, and praise also for what has already been done. I know that it will take time, but I also know that if it is the Lord's will that nothing is impossible, a weekend of miracles reminded both my husband and I of that. Be blessed.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
I prayed morning, noon, and night for these situations, I knew we needed a miracle to happen, I knew that in the natural, without God this was a hopeless situation. But my prayers were answered. Nick got his medication yesterday, despite all the hassles we'd been having trying to get it, what should have been hundreds of dollars for repairs and an oil change, which is what we were told by another mechanic it would be, ended up just being a twenty dollar oil change. What we thought was a bad alternator in my husbands car, another $200 repair, turned out to be a missing belt. Everything that shouldn't have worked out, by God's grace did.
Not only that, but the Father revealed to me that one of my cousins is ready to hear the word. His mother died two years ago of cancer, but had great faith in the Lord. One month before she passed away, God gave me a vision of her passing, He showed me that she was to be with Him, given a crown of glory and a new beautiful, healthy body. I shared this only with my dad, grandmother and husband until now. Now, I feel it's time to share with it with her sons, starting with the oldest who I feel the Lord is telling me to talk to right now.
I am asking that my followers please pray with me for this, and praise also for what has already been done. I know that it will take time, but I also know that if it is the Lord's will that nothing is impossible, a weekend of miracles reminded both my husband and I of that. Be blessed.
Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
What if it's All Part of the Plan?
My husband has often asked me a question that I have struggled to answer for awhile. He would ask 'if God knows everything, then he knew Adam and Eve were going to fall from grace, so why didn't He just stop it from happening, why did He allow this happen to this world? Why didn't He just not give us free will?"
I've never known quite how to answer this question, I see his point and have wondered the same thing myself many times. Then this morning as I was praying I was struck with the thought, what if it was always about the choice? What if the point of allowing all this to happen was to find those individuals who were willing to give their whole hearts to God, those who would love Him first, purely even in their impurity? Those who could recognize their need for Him and desired so strongly to reside in paradise with Him that they would forsake the temptations of this world? Could it possibly be that He has allowed Satan to run wild in this world to find those who are righteous and will love Him purely and for all eternity?
I am not saying this was divine inspiration or anything like that, but this kind of makes sense to me. It seems to fit with God I read about and am coming to know more everyday. It seems to me that all those who are looked up to in the Bible had one thing in common, a deep, passionate love for God that led them to either obedience or repentance in times of disobedience. But male or female it was their love and unrelenting faith for Him that got God's attention.
I don't have all the answers, and I don't know that I'm right, I'm human and I get stuff wrong all the time, but like I said this makes sense to me. Pray about it and ask the Father if it makes sense to you too. Seek His wisdom, and allow Him to lead you to the answers you desire.
Romans 9:19-26
I've never known quite how to answer this question, I see his point and have wondered the same thing myself many times. Then this morning as I was praying I was struck with the thought, what if it was always about the choice? What if the point of allowing all this to happen was to find those individuals who were willing to give their whole hearts to God, those who would love Him first, purely even in their impurity? Those who could recognize their need for Him and desired so strongly to reside in paradise with Him that they would forsake the temptations of this world? Could it possibly be that He has allowed Satan to run wild in this world to find those who are righteous and will love Him purely and for all eternity?
I am not saying this was divine inspiration or anything like that, but this kind of makes sense to me. It seems to fit with God I read about and am coming to know more everyday. It seems to me that all those who are looked up to in the Bible had one thing in common, a deep, passionate love for God that led them to either obedience or repentance in times of disobedience. But male or female it was their love and unrelenting faith for Him that got God's attention.
I don't have all the answers, and I don't know that I'm right, I'm human and I get stuff wrong all the time, but like I said this makes sense to me. Pray about it and ask the Father if it makes sense to you too. Seek His wisdom, and allow Him to lead you to the answers you desire.
Romans 9:19-26
19 One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” 20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ ” 21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory— 24 even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
25 As he says in Hosea:
“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”
26 and,
“In the very place where it was said to them,
‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’ ”
Friday, July 11, 2014
Reassurance
Several days ago a woman whose post I follow on G+ put up a post that read, 'Do not mistake her quiet and gentle spirit for weaknesses... She is a mighty warrior princess child of God and her prayers move mountains!' Ever since I read that I can't get it out of my head.
Coincidently, or perhaps not so coincidently, I had that morning been asking the Father to tell me who I am to Him, I was feeling a little insecure and frustrated that day and needed a reminder. I asked Him to remind me how He sees me, because I don't often see myself as valuable and had been beating myself up pretty bad that day. I had expected something would jump out at me in a song or in the scriptures like it usually does when I ask our Father for encouragement. Then that post showed up. I read the words over, and over again, tears started to run down my face. Suddenly, I didn't feel sorry for myself anymore. I felt as though I could hear Him speaking to my heart, saying to me 'Beloved daughter, pray and I shall listen, be obedient and serve; do not fear or listen to your doubts, you are mine and I love you.' I praised Him in that moment, and thanked Him, He had yet again provided.
I wanted to share this, and have been thinking about doing so for days now because I think it's important to realize that the way we see ourselves often is not a reflection on how God sees us, after we were washed clean by the blood of lamb our sins and our past no longer mattered to God, but our hearts do and that is what He sees, that is what He judges us by. We will never be perfect, and God knows that, that is why He sacrificed His Son for us. Living in this world is hard, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better and because of that there are days where we all need encouragement, we all need a reminder sometimes of who we are in God, and that with Him there is nothing that can stand in our way. I think that was actually my favorite part of that post, the reminder that because of faith prayers we have the ability to move mountains.
Romans 15:4-5
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
Coincidently, or perhaps not so coincidently, I had that morning been asking the Father to tell me who I am to Him, I was feeling a little insecure and frustrated that day and needed a reminder. I asked Him to remind me how He sees me, because I don't often see myself as valuable and had been beating myself up pretty bad that day. I had expected something would jump out at me in a song or in the scriptures like it usually does when I ask our Father for encouragement. Then that post showed up. I read the words over, and over again, tears started to run down my face. Suddenly, I didn't feel sorry for myself anymore. I felt as though I could hear Him speaking to my heart, saying to me 'Beloved daughter, pray and I shall listen, be obedient and serve; do not fear or listen to your doubts, you are mine and I love you.' I praised Him in that moment, and thanked Him, He had yet again provided.
I wanted to share this, and have been thinking about doing so for days now because I think it's important to realize that the way we see ourselves often is not a reflection on how God sees us, after we were washed clean by the blood of lamb our sins and our past no longer mattered to God, but our hearts do and that is what He sees, that is what He judges us by. We will never be perfect, and God knows that, that is why He sacrificed His Son for us. Living in this world is hard, and it doesn't seem to be getting any better and because of that there are days where we all need encouragement, we all need a reminder sometimes of who we are in God, and that with Him there is nothing that can stand in our way. I think that was actually my favorite part of that post, the reminder that because of faith prayers we have the ability to move mountains.
Romans 15:4-5
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had
Matthew 17:20
20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Thursday, July 10, 2014
For Better or Worse
I remember when my husband and I were doing our pre-marital counseling the first question the Pastor asked us was "Why do you want to get married?"; he had expected us to say because we loved each other, which was of course part of it, but the answer we gave him took him by surprise. He was an older Pastor, in his 70's and had been obviously doing the work of the Lord for a long time, he told us when we answered him that in all his years of doing pre-marital counseling no one had ever told him what we did, let alone been adamant about it.
What could we have possibly said that would have shocked such an experienced pastor? We answered that we felt and believed with all certainty that God had led us to one another, had prepared us for this union and that it was God's plan for us to be together. We still feel this way, and after what we have been through since the exact day of our engagement I am more convinced than ever that it was His divine will that we be united as man and wife.
The day we got engaged we and came home to share the good news with our family my mom acted as though she didn't care, not because she wasn't happy for us, but because she had just gotten a phone call that a dear friend of our family had died. In the 16 months that followed his death 11 more people we cared for or knew from our life before each other died. There was even a point where my aunt, one of my cousins, and my grandfather all passed in one week. This alone would take an emotional toll anyone, but add to the mix depression, anxiety, parents separating, planning a wedding, adjusting to married life, financial worries, trouble at work for both of us, difficulty moving forward, school, and a few mental or emotional break downs from us and some members of our family and it was a rather heavy burden and trying experience.
The last few years have been challenging because of all of that, and many other little things. During all of that there were times where one or both of us wanted to give up, sometimes we were ready to give up on life all together and other times it was just our marriage we wanted to give up on. We never did though because in our hearts we always believed that God brought us together for a purpose. Sometimes on my hardest days satan would whisper that 'D' word in my ear and God would remind me of my vows, my conviction that I would never divorce, and that He brought us together for a reason, for a purpose that we may not be able to see right now but would someday understand.
For the last few months or so now though, the dark cloud that has been following us, and trying so hard to break our spirits is lifting! With a lot of prayer and dedication, as well as encouragement from family, things are changing for the better, we both are showing signs that our spirits have been or are being restored. My husband is today a stronger man than when I met him, he is more caring, and compassionate, and is more understanding of my needs than he ever was before. I now have a faith that is stronger than it ever has been in my life, and I have a love for God and the man he created me to be a helpmate for that is more than I could have dreamed was possible!
I shared all this today for several reasons, first sometimes when we are in the middle of a storm and you are being hit by waves from all sides life seems hopeless and like giving up is the only option, that God isn't listening, but if you stand in faith and keep declaring the Lord's name He will see you through and help you to stay afloat. Second is, in today's world it is completely acceptable to break your marriage vows, in fact I had people around me say things to me when it was tough like why don't you just leave? Why are you hanging on if nothing is changing? I wouldn't stay if I had to deal with what you are. This is our culture, the attitude we have developed as a society, if it isn't easy don't bother just get a divorce and try again with someone else, but that is not how God sees marriage. Marriage is a promise and a covenant not only between you and your spouse but with God Himself! Marriage was meant to be a lasting bond, which is why it is so important to not marry just anyone, yes things will go wrong, you will fight and disagree, you want to give up at times, but when you have God you can see it through and He will make you and your relationship stronger for it. That knowledge and understanding of His view of marriage was enough to make me keep going when I didn't want to, because I understood that by keeping that covenant I was honoring and obeying Him.
We have had our 'worse' for a while now, and I can see our 'better' on the horizon, I can see us walking in some of it right now. The fact that we made it through all these situations and things we had to deal with is a testament to God, and the hope found when you surrender to His will.
Mark 10:5-9
5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
What could we have possibly said that would have shocked such an experienced pastor? We answered that we felt and believed with all certainty that God had led us to one another, had prepared us for this union and that it was God's plan for us to be together. We still feel this way, and after what we have been through since the exact day of our engagement I am more convinced than ever that it was His divine will that we be united as man and wife.
The day we got engaged we and came home to share the good news with our family my mom acted as though she didn't care, not because she wasn't happy for us, but because she had just gotten a phone call that a dear friend of our family had died. In the 16 months that followed his death 11 more people we cared for or knew from our life before each other died. There was even a point where my aunt, one of my cousins, and my grandfather all passed in one week. This alone would take an emotional toll anyone, but add to the mix depression, anxiety, parents separating, planning a wedding, adjusting to married life, financial worries, trouble at work for both of us, difficulty moving forward, school, and a few mental or emotional break downs from us and some members of our family and it was a rather heavy burden and trying experience.
The last few years have been challenging because of all of that, and many other little things. During all of that there were times where one or both of us wanted to give up, sometimes we were ready to give up on life all together and other times it was just our marriage we wanted to give up on. We never did though because in our hearts we always believed that God brought us together for a purpose. Sometimes on my hardest days satan would whisper that 'D' word in my ear and God would remind me of my vows, my conviction that I would never divorce, and that He brought us together for a reason, for a purpose that we may not be able to see right now but would someday understand.
For the last few months or so now though, the dark cloud that has been following us, and trying so hard to break our spirits is lifting! With a lot of prayer and dedication, as well as encouragement from family, things are changing for the better, we both are showing signs that our spirits have been or are being restored. My husband is today a stronger man than when I met him, he is more caring, and compassionate, and is more understanding of my needs than he ever was before. I now have a faith that is stronger than it ever has been in my life, and I have a love for God and the man he created me to be a helpmate for that is more than I could have dreamed was possible!
I shared all this today for several reasons, first sometimes when we are in the middle of a storm and you are being hit by waves from all sides life seems hopeless and like giving up is the only option, that God isn't listening, but if you stand in faith and keep declaring the Lord's name He will see you through and help you to stay afloat. Second is, in today's world it is completely acceptable to break your marriage vows, in fact I had people around me say things to me when it was tough like why don't you just leave? Why are you hanging on if nothing is changing? I wouldn't stay if I had to deal with what you are. This is our culture, the attitude we have developed as a society, if it isn't easy don't bother just get a divorce and try again with someone else, but that is not how God sees marriage. Marriage is a promise and a covenant not only between you and your spouse but with God Himself! Marriage was meant to be a lasting bond, which is why it is so important to not marry just anyone, yes things will go wrong, you will fight and disagree, you want to give up at times, but when you have God you can see it through and He will make you and your relationship stronger for it. That knowledge and understanding of His view of marriage was enough to make me keep going when I didn't want to, because I understood that by keeping that covenant I was honoring and obeying Him.
We have had our 'worse' for a while now, and I can see our 'better' on the horizon, I can see us walking in some of it right now. The fact that we made it through all these situations and things we had to deal with is a testament to God, and the hope found when you surrender to His will.
Mark 10:5-9
5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied. 6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Truth Hurts
Have you ever said something to someone that was true but they got really mad at you? They didn't want to hear what you had to say, the truth of their actions or the situation hurt them, so they turned away from you or they picked a fight over it. It may have been something hard to hear like smoking cigarettes will kill you, your significant other is cheating on you, that money isn't yours even if someone left it laying out. People don't like to hear what they are doing is wrong, or hear hard things, even when they are true.
Before I met my husband I was seeing a guy I worked with and we attended the same church, a lot of people at our church told me things about him that I didn't want to hear, that I didn't want to believe, and even when evidence of certain things were directly in front of me, I would go on with life pretending that everything was fine. I used to tell people all the time how great our relationship was, but in all honesty I was hurt, and depressed. It wasn't a good situation for me and I had people in my life at that time who told me that, but I couldn't see or hear the truth, I didn't want the truth. At that time accepting the truth of the situation I was in was too painful and I knew that to change it, meant I had to change my life and most likely myself, something I just wasn't ready to do then.
Taking the truth, God's word, to people in the world is a lot like that. People often don't want to see, hear, or believe in Him because it means they have to change. They don't want to accept that the way they are living life is wrong. We as Christians were warned that many would not listen, that we would be hated and persecuted for speaking the Living Word, but we were also given the Word and commanded to share it, to bare witness and testify in His name the wonders and love of our Father and salvation through His son and living sacrifice Jesus Christ.
Eventually truth always comes to light, darkness and lies can not hold it back forever. With my situation I mentioned above I did eventually see that those who hurt me with the truth were the ones who truly cared. The seeds they planted with their words eventually helped to heal my heart and accept the truth. Do not be discouraged if people aren't listening today. Don't let their angry, dismissive, or disinterested responses deter you, keep proclaiming God's truth, even when it hurts. You never know what that seed may blossom into. Be blessed and seek the Lord.
John 8:42-47
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
Before I met my husband I was seeing a guy I worked with and we attended the same church, a lot of people at our church told me things about him that I didn't want to hear, that I didn't want to believe, and even when evidence of certain things were directly in front of me, I would go on with life pretending that everything was fine. I used to tell people all the time how great our relationship was, but in all honesty I was hurt, and depressed. It wasn't a good situation for me and I had people in my life at that time who told me that, but I couldn't see or hear the truth, I didn't want the truth. At that time accepting the truth of the situation I was in was too painful and I knew that to change it, meant I had to change my life and most likely myself, something I just wasn't ready to do then.
Taking the truth, God's word, to people in the world is a lot like that. People often don't want to see, hear, or believe in Him because it means they have to change. They don't want to accept that the way they are living life is wrong. We as Christians were warned that many would not listen, that we would be hated and persecuted for speaking the Living Word, but we were also given the Word and commanded to share it, to bare witness and testify in His name the wonders and love of our Father and salvation through His son and living sacrifice Jesus Christ.
Eventually truth always comes to light, darkness and lies can not hold it back forever. With my situation I mentioned above I did eventually see that those who hurt me with the truth were the ones who truly cared. The seeds they planted with their words eventually helped to heal my heart and accept the truth. Do not be discouraged if people aren't listening today. Don't let their angry, dismissive, or disinterested responses deter you, keep proclaiming God's truth, even when it hurts. You never know what that seed may blossom into. Be blessed and seek the Lord.
John 8:42-47
42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
Monday, July 7, 2014
Standing in Faith
For a long time now I've been praying for a miracle over a certain situation, and I have seen great improvement over the last few months, but something big has happened and I am not sure how it will affect things. It seems in this world to be something bad, something that should be upsetting, and in many ways is a very emotionally unsettling thing. Part of me wants to be afraid, upset, and worried over the situation, part feels as though I should be panicked but I honestly have peace.
To tell the truth though, I was feeling all those negative things yesterday. I knew a head of time what the phone call would say when it came, and worried for hours before it did come. I prayed a lot, wondering how this could possibly fit into His plans, how it could help to put His promises into fulfillment, and I still wonder that because right now I don't see how. This morning though, as I prayed I was reminded of a verse, Romans 8:28; 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' As I prayed and started to write in my journal that verse echoed in my heart, I thought on it, and how I've seen that to be true in other parts of my life, sometimes it looked like everything was going wrong, that the opposition that was occurring would set us off course, but it actually, in the most unexpected way turned out to aid in the advancement of His promise.
The example of what came to mind is a moment that I'm not proud of, I'd been praying for several months that things at work would change, my personal life was very tough at that time and all the drama at work made things worse for me. The depression I had struggled with for years was at it's very worst, and I was starting to have uncontrollable emotional outburst at work, I was completely losing it. My boss decided to give me a leave of absence because of it. As I sat in her office crying and thinking "God what can I do, how is this possibly going to fit into the plans of my life," I suddenly felt peace. I knew in that moment that although my life looked like and felt like it was falling apart all around it was really just a set up for the next chapter in my life, a better one.
That same day I started going to therapy, and started applying to better paying, less stressful jobs; I got one in less than 2 weeks. My life has taken off in a hugely positive way since then, since that moment, I have had a better relationship with God and a better understanding of His love than I ever did before, my mental and emotional health have never been more stable, I'm making twice as much money now, plus I finished and published my first book! Something that seemed like it should have been a disaster was really a push forward, and with faith that this is what the current situation will be like too. I have the same kind of peace about it in my heart, and I know where there is peace there is God.
I don't know what will happen from here, but I am standing in faith that whatever happens will be for good. I trust Him and the peace He has placed in my heart. God has never failed and never will; even if it doesn't make sense now, doesn't look good now, doesn't mean that God can't make it good.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
To tell the truth though, I was feeling all those negative things yesterday. I knew a head of time what the phone call would say when it came, and worried for hours before it did come. I prayed a lot, wondering how this could possibly fit into His plans, how it could help to put His promises into fulfillment, and I still wonder that because right now I don't see how. This morning though, as I prayed I was reminded of a verse, Romans 8:28; 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' As I prayed and started to write in my journal that verse echoed in my heart, I thought on it, and how I've seen that to be true in other parts of my life, sometimes it looked like everything was going wrong, that the opposition that was occurring would set us off course, but it actually, in the most unexpected way turned out to aid in the advancement of His promise.
The example of what came to mind is a moment that I'm not proud of, I'd been praying for several months that things at work would change, my personal life was very tough at that time and all the drama at work made things worse for me. The depression I had struggled with for years was at it's very worst, and I was starting to have uncontrollable emotional outburst at work, I was completely losing it. My boss decided to give me a leave of absence because of it. As I sat in her office crying and thinking "God what can I do, how is this possibly going to fit into the plans of my life," I suddenly felt peace. I knew in that moment that although my life looked like and felt like it was falling apart all around it was really just a set up for the next chapter in my life, a better one.
That same day I started going to therapy, and started applying to better paying, less stressful jobs; I got one in less than 2 weeks. My life has taken off in a hugely positive way since then, since that moment, I have had a better relationship with God and a better understanding of His love than I ever did before, my mental and emotional health have never been more stable, I'm making twice as much money now, plus I finished and published my first book! Something that seemed like it should have been a disaster was really a push forward, and with faith that this is what the current situation will be like too. I have the same kind of peace about it in my heart, and I know where there is peace there is God.
I don't know what will happen from here, but I am standing in faith that whatever happens will be for good. I trust Him and the peace He has placed in my heart. God has never failed and never will; even if it doesn't make sense now, doesn't look good now, doesn't mean that God can't make it good.
Romans 8:28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Would You? part 2
If you read my blog post yesterday, you undoubtedly noticed that it was a little different from my normal post. I shared with you that I had been asking myself a tough question, and asked you to consider that question too. Now I want you to think about your answers, if it was a straight away yes then praise be to the Father, you are a better person than I and God will bless you for your unwavering heart! But if like myself you were second guessing, or the answer was simply no, look into your heart and ask what's keeping you from saying yes? What's keeping you from fully giving everything you have to him who suffered and died for you?
It's important to ask questions like this now and take advantage of the time we have now to get our hearts right. It is important to understand that is not enough to simply say you love Jesus and do good works, but you must love him with a pure and obedient heart, you must be prepared to say 'yes Lord I will serve you,' even in the face of incredible suffering. So, if you are like me and that word suffering made you stumble, look at your answer and those feelings about suffering and ask why did it make me question/falter? And then ask yourself how can I change it? What do I need to do, or let go of in order to say unflinchingly yes.
We do not know the day or the hour of his return, but we do know it is coming. We need to prepare ourselves now for it. We have to change our hearts and our actions now to reflect Jesus. Our constant, consuming thoughts should not be worries, but what can I do to be more like Jesus. Everyday it needs to be our position not to think of ourselves first, but those around us, and treat them with the same love and compassion our Father shows to us.
We may never be called on to suffer torment in His name as others have, but regardless our hearts and mouths should be ready to answer with a resounding 'yes Lord, your will be done!' if ever called upon. God needs to be first place in our lives, we need to serve Him in all we do and strive to be obedient loving children. In John 15:13 Jesus states 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.' Jesus laid down his life and suffered for us, what are we willing to endure for him?
Work on letting go of whatever is holding you back, learn to sacrifice in your love for others, and to give love to all freely. Know that life here is short and we will be judged by our hearts. We must use each day given to us to know Him better, to follow the example of Christ better, and to have hearts that are obedient to all that is commanded of us.
1 Peter 1:13-21
It's important to ask questions like this now and take advantage of the time we have now to get our hearts right. It is important to understand that is not enough to simply say you love Jesus and do good works, but you must love him with a pure and obedient heart, you must be prepared to say 'yes Lord I will serve you,' even in the face of incredible suffering. So, if you are like me and that word suffering made you stumble, look at your answer and those feelings about suffering and ask why did it make me question/falter? And then ask yourself how can I change it? What do I need to do, or let go of in order to say unflinchingly yes.
We do not know the day or the hour of his return, but we do know it is coming. We need to prepare ourselves now for it. We have to change our hearts and our actions now to reflect Jesus. Our constant, consuming thoughts should not be worries, but what can I do to be more like Jesus. Everyday it needs to be our position not to think of ourselves first, but those around us, and treat them with the same love and compassion our Father shows to us.
We may never be called on to suffer torment in His name as others have, but regardless our hearts and mouths should be ready to answer with a resounding 'yes Lord, your will be done!' if ever called upon. God needs to be first place in our lives, we need to serve Him in all we do and strive to be obedient loving children. In John 15:13 Jesus states 'Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.' Jesus laid down his life and suffered for us, what are we willing to endure for him?
Work on letting go of whatever is holding you back, learn to sacrifice in your love for others, and to give love to all freely. Know that life here is short and we will be judged by our hearts. We must use each day given to us to know Him better, to follow the example of Christ better, and to have hearts that are obedient to all that is commanded of us.
1 Peter 1:13-21
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Would You?
I read a story, an autobiography actually, that my husband let me borrow when we first started dating, I've read it several times now and think about it often. It was written by a man under Soviet rule during the Cold War who was imprisoned for his faith. He was tortured and had vile acts committed against him, but would not renounce God. Eventually, after several years he was set free and I'm honestly not sure what happened from there because the book was published in the 1960's and I never thought until this moment to look into what happened to him since the book was written, but I brought up this man, and the torture he endured because I find myself asking a very intense question, "Am I willing to endure suffering for Christ?"
As a citizen of the United States I am promised religious freedom, and the threat of being tortured like the man I mentioned above has never been too real for me. The worst I have had to face is rejection from my peers, resentment from some people, and sometimes pretty nasty name calling. But torture is not something I have had to face. Its not something I have thought about facing in this country, but this thought keeps echoing in my mind lately especially with the stories that I have seen in the news, am I willing to endure for Christ as he endured for me?
I think this is a question all believers get to at some point or another. The first questions I asked myself in this walk of faith were easy, do you love Jesus? Do you accept him as your Lord and savior? Are you willing to serve him? Are you willing to be hated? This things were easy to answer, for me anyway, loving Him and believing in Yeshua as my Savior check and check, serving Him in God's will, often pretty hard but I try, being hated? No biggy, people have always hated me and looked down on me. But am I willing to suffer, to endure physical pain or emotional trauma?
When I truly think about that word, when I think about what others have endured for the name of Jesus my heart cries, 'yes Lord I will suffer for you,' but my mind fears, and my flesh is weak. I hate pain so I doubt myself, because I have not faced suffering of this kind I can not honestly answer but I keep asking and thinking about it.
I'm not writing any of this to brag, I'm not writing to confess my fears either, I'm writing this to make you think. Christianity in many places has become watered down, we have lost in the compliancy of our so called 'religious freedoms' what it really means to believe in Jesus and follow after Him. We talk about God's love and deeds, and we ask for miracles and blessings, but is our heart really in it? Are you willing to suffer for your God? I don't ask you if you are willing to die because death is easy, I ask about suffering because it is hard.
I know this is pretty different from most of my writings, but I think it is important. We all know that this world won't last forever in its current state, and with each passing year it becomes worse, more corrupt. We were told to be watchful and wait in readiness for Yeshua's return, to take up the cross daily and follow Him. The Lord God, knows our hearts, and to serve Him we must give our hearts, and our selves to Him fully. So, I am asking you to think and pray. What are you willing to endure for Christ? How true is your love? If the tribulation started today would you still want to be a Christian? Would you pick up your cross and walk with Him anyway? Ask yourself, and if you feel the same doubts, fears and uncertainty that I do in the face of these hard questions, take it to the Father, read His word and decide for yourself what is important.
Luke 9:23-27
As a citizen of the United States I am promised religious freedom, and the threat of being tortured like the man I mentioned above has never been too real for me. The worst I have had to face is rejection from my peers, resentment from some people, and sometimes pretty nasty name calling. But torture is not something I have had to face. Its not something I have thought about facing in this country, but this thought keeps echoing in my mind lately especially with the stories that I have seen in the news, am I willing to endure for Christ as he endured for me?
I think this is a question all believers get to at some point or another. The first questions I asked myself in this walk of faith were easy, do you love Jesus? Do you accept him as your Lord and savior? Are you willing to serve him? Are you willing to be hated? This things were easy to answer, for me anyway, loving Him and believing in Yeshua as my Savior check and check, serving Him in God's will, often pretty hard but I try, being hated? No biggy, people have always hated me and looked down on me. But am I willing to suffer, to endure physical pain or emotional trauma?
When I truly think about that word, when I think about what others have endured for the name of Jesus my heart cries, 'yes Lord I will suffer for you,' but my mind fears, and my flesh is weak. I hate pain so I doubt myself, because I have not faced suffering of this kind I can not honestly answer but I keep asking and thinking about it.
I'm not writing any of this to brag, I'm not writing to confess my fears either, I'm writing this to make you think. Christianity in many places has become watered down, we have lost in the compliancy of our so called 'religious freedoms' what it really means to believe in Jesus and follow after Him. We talk about God's love and deeds, and we ask for miracles and blessings, but is our heart really in it? Are you willing to suffer for your God? I don't ask you if you are willing to die because death is easy, I ask about suffering because it is hard.
I know this is pretty different from most of my writings, but I think it is important. We all know that this world won't last forever in its current state, and with each passing year it becomes worse, more corrupt. We were told to be watchful and wait in readiness for Yeshua's return, to take up the cross daily and follow Him. The Lord God, knows our hearts, and to serve Him we must give our hearts, and our selves to Him fully. So, I am asking you to think and pray. What are you willing to endure for Christ? How true is your love? If the tribulation started today would you still want to be a Christian? Would you pick up your cross and walk with Him anyway? Ask yourself, and if you feel the same doubts, fears and uncertainty that I do in the face of these hard questions, take it to the Father, read His word and decide for yourself what is important.
Luke 9:23-27
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Wait On the Lord
Waiting on a promise, waiting on a dream can be a challenge. It's something we all struggle with from time to time, whether it's a promotion, a new house, new job, or a baby. We all have things we want, and dream about. A promise or desire God placed in our hearts. Waiting on it, on His timing, can be so hard though, especially when you aren't seeing the proof of it being fulfilled at the present.
It's those times that I am most grateful for His word and the miracles He has shared with us in it. That is our proof when the world tells us it can't or won't happen, it is our evidence that there is hope. His word is a testimony to the fact that God never fails, and the more familiar you become with His word the more you can stand against what the world would have you believe. Even with that proof it can still be hard though, we still hear the doubt, we still get hurt, disappointed, and even angry when or if it doesn't happen on our time table. But as believers we need to let those feelings go. Take them to the Lord in prayer, give them up, asking for God's peace and reassurance instead.
Know brothers and sisters that we all go through times of waiting, and there will be many periods of it throughout your life. Let the Bible be your comfort in those times, red the word and meditate on it, think about the many individuals who waited on the Lord, you're in good company. God did not fail Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jacob, Esther, Ruth, or anyone who ever gave their heart and trust to Him.All of His promises are fulfilled, in the perfect timing.
Waiting is hard, and in this fast paced crazy world where almost every thing is at our finger tips in a seconds time, I really think it's becoming harder for us to learn to wait on Him. But if you are patient, and steadfast with your faith, God will provide, He will see you to the fulfillment of His promise. And it'll be worth the wait when you look back, each step will make sense then. So wait and fill yourself with the truth of His word, guard your heart from the deception of the world, and know the plans of your Father are worth waiting on.
Psalm 27:13-14
It's those times that I am most grateful for His word and the miracles He has shared with us in it. That is our proof when the world tells us it can't or won't happen, it is our evidence that there is hope. His word is a testimony to the fact that God never fails, and the more familiar you become with His word the more you can stand against what the world would have you believe. Even with that proof it can still be hard though, we still hear the doubt, we still get hurt, disappointed, and even angry when or if it doesn't happen on our time table. But as believers we need to let those feelings go. Take them to the Lord in prayer, give them up, asking for God's peace and reassurance instead.
Know brothers and sisters that we all go through times of waiting, and there will be many periods of it throughout your life. Let the Bible be your comfort in those times, red the word and meditate on it, think about the many individuals who waited on the Lord, you're in good company. God did not fail Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jacob, Esther, Ruth, or anyone who ever gave their heart and trust to Him.All of His promises are fulfilled, in the perfect timing.
Waiting is hard, and in this fast paced crazy world where almost every thing is at our finger tips in a seconds time, I really think it's becoming harder for us to learn to wait on Him. But if you are patient, and steadfast with your faith, God will provide, He will see you to the fulfillment of His promise. And it'll be worth the wait when you look back, each step will make sense then. So wait and fill yourself with the truth of His word, guard your heart from the deception of the world, and know the plans of your Father are worth waiting on.
Psalm 27:13-14
13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
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