James 1:2-3 When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (NLT)
On the shores of God’s unyeilding love we can celebrate…we can dance…we can sing…we can rejoice, even while in the midst of the storm that dashes against our battered life. God is our refuge...always.
Psalm 55:22 says, Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. At the heart of the storm there is victory for us that is just waiting amongst the waves. God rides on the water, He rides on the flood. Can't no power in hell stop God's love. We must reach for that prize, claiming it in faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not (yet) seen. I Peter 5:7 says, Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you. Joy is a deeply rooted confidence that God is in control.
Sometimes we have the burden so much in view that we can not see the Savior working—or trying to work—in our life and situation(s).
Be willing to CAST OUT today…perhaps even allow Him to take the whole rod & reel…and just see what God can do! It may be that He’s just waiting on you to give it all to Him so that He can reel in a whole passle of blessings into your life.
Be willing to sit on the shores of His unyeilding love and watch Him work it all out! Choose today to be BLESSED, not STRESSED.
Give it all
Give it all
Give it all to Jesus
yes, Shattered dreams...Wounds....Worries...
Give it all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrows into joys!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Garden
(google search picture)
Garden: yard, an enclosed place. A piece of ground appropriated to the cultivation of herbs, or plants, fruits and flowers; usually near a mansion-house; A rich, well cultivated spot or tract of country ; a delightful spot.
There is nothing like cultivating your own little spot in the sun…or shade. Having your own little sanctuary (of sorts) is such a pleasurable delight. A garden…no matter if it’s a vegetable garden, a fruit garden, a kitchen garden, a flower garden, an herb garden, container gardening…it doesn’t matter what kind, a garden brings joy to every sense of our being.
And, God knew it would too!! :-) In Genesis 2:8 we read, And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
Gardening and Humanity have been a process in union ever since.
GOD planted a garden. God planted His own little enclosed piece of space…and then He shared it with man. And He continues to share it even today. We don't get to live in Eden, but God has given to us things of beauty even still. When we go out and “play” in the dirt, cultivating beauty..there is tranquility, even if it’s hard work sometimes.
Thinking on this, when I read my promise verse for today, I couldn’t help but think, “when God walks among the beauty of His garden…the piece that He has loaned to me…is He pleased with how I’ve kept it up?” You see, I’m not talking about just the physical…but I’m talking about the spiritual.
My Beloved—God Almighty—is gone down into His garden. Am I keeping every root of bitterness, envy, strife, those things that are not like Him out of His garden [Me]? When He walks among the beds of spices, is the fragrance I am producing a sweet savor unto Him, or am I a stinch in His nostrils? When He walks among the produce part of His garden, Am I producing enough fruit of the Spirit that I’m satisfying unto Him? And when He walks among the flower garden…gathering the lilies, is it a sight of beauty that brings Him delight?
In research I have found that the Lily flower is symbolic for the spiritually advanced. (that's exactly what it said) The Lilies are also the flower of mothers, (especially new ones), fertility, and nurturing. Lilies are also used a lot in weddings because they are symbolic of unions, partnerships, and long-lasting relationships.
God longs to gather the lilies. He longs to gather us and hold us in His hands. So, if you feel cut…uprooted…do not fear…you are in God’s hands…everything is all right…He just wants to delight in you. Allow Him to enclose you in a vase of love and present you as a delight on His banqueting table.
The Beloved longs for sweet fellowship with us. Our Beloved desires to have partnership…a long-lasting relationship with us. Us!...mere mortals. He loves us with an ever-lasting love!
Feeling like a tomato or a cucumber?? Feel like your life is a bit on the spicy side? Or do you feel like a cutting-garden?? It doesn’t matter…Produce! Be productive in God’s Kingdom. Be willing to bring delight to the Garden-Master today. *smiles* …now I’m sure you’ll never look at gardening the same way again…. :-} Have some fun this weekend, dig in the dirt…plant…the harvest will come
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Keeping A Calm Heart In A Chaotic World
Psalm 37: 7,16,18 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass…… A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked…… The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.
Fret Not---do not be overwhelmed at the chaos, the evil, the ungodliness, the unfairness around you. Instead of fretting why don’t you choose to respond in such a way that you are enlightened by God’s soveriegn purposes for your life. He knows what is best. He knows the pain, the ugliness, the good, the bad, the joy, the sadnesses. He knows it all! And, He works it all for your good.
Right now I am also reminded of another scripture, Joshua 1:9, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
This world puts a premium on the amount of things you possess, how skinny you are, who you know, ect.…as if that’s the key to a good character. But God sees past all that fluff. A little that a righteous man has is far better than all the riches of many in this world, this is one of the qualities His Word reminds us of. Walking a clean, holy life before God…allowing HIM to be your truest joy…that’s priceless and so much more rewarding! The Lord shall give an eternal inheritance. As you walk here on earth,working every day, trying to make ends meet remember that you are rich! You are rich in faith and hope and love. And not only just that!...but you have more than your share! Now, it's up to you to share all that with someone else. It’s going to be worth it all some beautiful, happy day! When we see Jesus sitting on the throne, oh, what a glorious day that will be!
In the meantime…Wait…with patience. He’s not completed the work He has begun…elsewise you would not still be here. The BEST is yet to come! Believe it. Hold On, Hold On…in your darkest hour…walk by faith, not sight…Hold On…just keep holding on! Tie a knot at the end of your rope…and hold on! Keep Calm & Carry On!!
Fret Not---do not be overwhelmed at the chaos, the evil, the ungodliness, the unfairness around you. Instead of fretting why don’t you choose to respond in such a way that you are enlightened by God’s soveriegn purposes for your life. He knows what is best. He knows the pain, the ugliness, the good, the bad, the joy, the sadnesses. He knows it all! And, He works it all for your good.
Right now I am also reminded of another scripture, Joshua 1:9, Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
This world puts a premium on the amount of things you possess, how skinny you are, who you know, ect.…as if that’s the key to a good character. But God sees past all that fluff. A little that a righteous man has is far better than all the riches of many in this world, this is one of the qualities His Word reminds us of. Walking a clean, holy life before God…allowing HIM to be your truest joy…that’s priceless and so much more rewarding! The Lord shall give an eternal inheritance. As you walk here on earth,working every day, trying to make ends meet remember that you are rich! You are rich in faith and hope and love. And not only just that!...but you have more than your share! Now, it's up to you to share all that with someone else. It’s going to be worth it all some beautiful, happy day! When we see Jesus sitting on the throne, oh, what a glorious day that will be!
In the meantime…Wait…with patience. He’s not completed the work He has begun…elsewise you would not still be here. The BEST is yet to come! Believe it. Hold On, Hold On…in your darkest hour…walk by faith, not sight…Hold On…just keep holding on! Tie a knot at the end of your rope…and hold on! Keep Calm & Carry On!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Happy Administrative's Day
TO all you sweet people out there who push papers, arrange papers, copy papers, file papers…to all you envelope-lickers…stamp-machine kickers…finger-cramping word-typing keyboardist….to all the bleary-eyed, coffee-guzzling, dress-up-every-stickin’-day kind of peoples….:-)…here is a couple of verses from the Word of Knowledge for you today. Enjoy!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Ok…so…well, really….really I do have to admit….that does sound so motivatingly good! Well…doesn’t it though??! I think employers everywhere (who read their Bible) really like this verse. It is a good one. What a motivator.
Another translation says it like this: Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with [all] your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going.
Well...at least now we know we're headed some place! :-D
But….well, I have to admit….sometimes I do view my little cubicle space like this…(**sigh, O I do hope you can share with me in my humor here)….Isaiah 38:10 I said, "In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?"
I know, I know…*sob*...someone get the dirt…I’ll bring the flowers…the song that’ll be played??….........................................
She worked hard for the money,
so hard for the money,
she worked hard for the money
so I hope you treated her right!
(Baaahhahahahahahah!!!!) :-D :-D:-D Happy Administrative Professional’s Day, ya’ll !!! Hope you had a good one!
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
Ok…so…well, really….really I do have to admit….that does sound so motivatingly good! Well…doesn’t it though??! I think employers everywhere (who read their Bible) really like this verse. It is a good one. What a motivator.
Another translation says it like this: Whatever presents itself for you to do, do it with [all] your might, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or skill in the grave where you're going.
Well...at least now we know we're headed some place! :-D
But….well, I have to admit….sometimes I do view my little cubicle space like this…(**sigh, O I do hope you can share with me in my humor here)….Isaiah 38:10 I said, "In the prime of my life must I go through the gates of death and be robbed of the rest of my years?"
I know, I know…*sob*...someone get the dirt…I’ll bring the flowers…the song that’ll be played??….........................................
She worked hard for the money,
so hard for the money,
she worked hard for the money
so I hope you treated her right!
(Baaahhahahahahahah!!!!) :-D :-D:-D Happy Administrative Professional’s Day, ya’ll !!! Hope you had a good one!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
God~Our High Priest
Just a little story from Romans…if you'd like, you can read the story for yourself from Romans 14
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess. Jesus Christ is Lord. WOW! what a statement.
We all have our faults and failures. Prior to today’s scripture promise verse, in verse #10 ,it says (and I’ll parphrase) “…why do you condemn a fellow believer…you have to give an account for yourself too. For we all stand before the judgment seat of God”.
Eventually, we all will be kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Where does that leave us when we criticize and become condescending to a brother and/or a sister—a fellow believer? I have to say it leaves us looking pretty silly—or worse. Our critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve our position one bit when we get there. We must tend to our own affairs with much carefulness as we sojourn this life. We’ve got our hands full just taking care of our own life before God.
Verse 15 (I paraphrase) “If another believer is distressed by what you do, then out of love for them, do not perform the particular action in their presence.”
Each one of us will give a personal account to God, so the condescending of each other must cease. Instead, we must decide today to live in such a way that we will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Christ died and rose again for us to give honor to Him. We must allow Him to be LORD. He is Lord to both the living and the dead. If we live it’s to honor the Lord, and if we die out to self it’s to do the same.
In our dealings with others, sometimes it feels like as if we walk on a balance beam…or a high tight-rope with no safety net underneath…but in the end we’ll most likely be better-off for it.
On the great Judgment Day, we all will bow our knee in adoration and thanksgiving to the King of all living things, knowing that it was of HIS power and not our own that we even stand a chance of entering Heaven. No flesh will glory in His presence! If we do our best then in the end we will receive a crown.
The trophy is coming, ya’ll, keep striving!!!
Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord,every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess. Jesus Christ is Lord. WOW! what a statement.
We all have our faults and failures. Prior to today’s scripture promise verse, in verse #10 ,it says (and I’ll parphrase) “…why do you condemn a fellow believer…you have to give an account for yourself too. For we all stand before the judgment seat of God”.
Eventually, we all will be kneeling side by side in the place of judgment, facing God. Where does that leave us when we criticize and become condescending to a brother and/or a sister—a fellow believer? I have to say it leaves us looking pretty silly—or worse. Our critical and condescending ways aren't going to improve our position one bit when we get there. We must tend to our own affairs with much carefulness as we sojourn this life. We’ve got our hands full just taking care of our own life before God.
Verse 15 (I paraphrase) “If another believer is distressed by what you do, then out of love for them, do not perform the particular action in their presence.”
Each one of us will give a personal account to God, so the condescending of each other must cease. Instead, we must decide today to live in such a way that we will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Christ died and rose again for us to give honor to Him. We must allow Him to be LORD. He is Lord to both the living and the dead. If we live it’s to honor the Lord, and if we die out to self it’s to do the same.
In our dealings with others, sometimes it feels like as if we walk on a balance beam…or a high tight-rope with no safety net underneath…but in the end we’ll most likely be better-off for it.
On the great Judgment Day, we all will bow our knee in adoration and thanksgiving to the King of all living things, knowing that it was of HIS power and not our own that we even stand a chance of entering Heaven. No flesh will glory in His presence! If we do our best then in the end we will receive a crown.
The trophy is coming, ya’ll, keep striving!!!
Monday, April 23, 2012
True Worshipers
"In the deepest heart of every person God planted a longing for Himself, as He is: A God of love."
I don't know Eugenia Price, but she's the one that coined this phrase. I think she is right. There is a part of our being that only Jesus can fill.
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
The true worshipers of God worship in genuineness of spirit. They worship Him according to HIS will and with all their heart. They put their soul and mind into their worship--they give their all.
It is a privilege to serve and worship the GOD of the Universe, the GOD that sees and knows it all, the GOD who KNOWS me...yet has allowed me access into His mighty, holy presence. O, how awesome!! O, how unfathomable and incomprehensible is His goodness!
He's seeking a worshiper! Seek with your whole heart and you will find Him. Knock and the door shall be opened unto you.
Hey...today...why not??...Before this day is over, Bask in---lie exposed, revel in, and make the most of---the wonderment of Him!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Our Sustainer
Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Giving our burdens to the Lord is one of the benefits of being God’s child. What a rejuvenating feeling it is to talk to the Maker of all living things and know that He cares even about the seemingly trivial things in our individual lives!! God is so good!
When we give our burdens to the Lord the benefits don’t stop there. His Word says…and he shall sustain thee. Sustain means: to strengthen and support physically or mentally; to keep in existence, maintain; to supply with nourishment; provide for. Aren’t you glad of the fact that God, not only does He have the ability to take care of our burdens, but while he’s taking care of them he also keeps us?! He gives us strength. He supports us. Through His steadfast love and through the passages of His Word, He nourishes our minds from going crazy. In His good time He always provides the answer to our situation.
It’s not a “maybe” thing with God, but a “shall” thing. Shall means: expressing a strong assertion or intention; something that will take place or exist in the future. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He can do today, He can do tomorrow and the next and the next and the next. Doesn’t that make you want to give a shout of praise?!!
This verse goes on to say, “he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved”. This simply means that He is not going to put more on us then what He knows we are able to bear. He is not going to allow something to come into our life that He knows will make us stumble and lose out regarding our relationship with Him. It doesn’t matter what we think of the issue, He knows. Trials come to make us better, not bitter. That’s His intention. When we don’t lean into His grace and mercy, that’s when we make our own self stumble and lose out. It’s not God’s fault. It’s our fault. The trials do come…they shall come…for they are meant so serve a good purpose. If we can keep that in mind, then we’ll be just fine. *smiles*
In the midst of the trial:
We can stand and fight in the battlefield.
We can run and not be weary.
We can walk and not faint.
We know in WHOM we believe.
We know that He is able to keep us.
When we remove all question…all doubt…about God’s sovereignty in our life, then we can walk in assuredness of faith, girding our minds in the truths of His WORD.
Cast your cares. God is just a prayer away. This day is made for rejoicing! Choose to see through the eyes of faith
Giving our burdens to the Lord is one of the benefits of being God’s child. What a rejuvenating feeling it is to talk to the Maker of all living things and know that He cares even about the seemingly trivial things in our individual lives!! God is so good!
When we give our burdens to the Lord the benefits don’t stop there. His Word says…and he shall sustain thee. Sustain means: to strengthen and support physically or mentally; to keep in existence, maintain; to supply with nourishment; provide for. Aren’t you glad of the fact that God, not only does He have the ability to take care of our burdens, but while he’s taking care of them he also keeps us?! He gives us strength. He supports us. Through His steadfast love and through the passages of His Word, He nourishes our minds from going crazy. In His good time He always provides the answer to our situation.
It’s not a “maybe” thing with God, but a “shall” thing. Shall means: expressing a strong assertion or intention; something that will take place or exist in the future. Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He can do today, He can do tomorrow and the next and the next and the next. Doesn’t that make you want to give a shout of praise?!!
This verse goes on to say, “he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved”. This simply means that He is not going to put more on us then what He knows we are able to bear. He is not going to allow something to come into our life that He knows will make us stumble and lose out regarding our relationship with Him. It doesn’t matter what we think of the issue, He knows. Trials come to make us better, not bitter. That’s His intention. When we don’t lean into His grace and mercy, that’s when we make our own self stumble and lose out. It’s not God’s fault. It’s our fault. The trials do come…they shall come…for they are meant so serve a good purpose. If we can keep that in mind, then we’ll be just fine. *smiles*
In the midst of the trial:
We can stand and fight in the battlefield.
We can run and not be weary.
We can walk and not faint.
We know in WHOM we believe.
We know that He is able to keep us.
When we remove all question…all doubt…about God’s sovereignty in our life, then we can walk in assuredness of faith, girding our minds in the truths of His WORD.
Cast your cares. God is just a prayer away. This day is made for rejoicing! Choose to see through the eyes of faith
Thursday, April 19, 2012
God, My Advocate and My Judge
Galatians 4:19-21 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now,and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
I’m thankful for a preacher in my life. I am thankful for Pastoral Leadership,the Overseer of my soul, the one person that can help me better understand God’s Word and how to apply it's instructions to my life. I’m thankful for men of God, who don't have to personally know my faults, yet God uses them as HIS mouth-piece, and annointed by God, they have pointed me to Jesus' redemptive blood. They have pointed me back to Calvary. The blood that has the power to cover me and make me white as snow. They point me back to the One who has the right to forgive or condemn, back to the only One that has the power to determine my eternal destiny (besides myself).
I’m so thankful that God is my “confession booth”…because when I come clean before HIM, He casts all my confessed wrongs into the sea of forgetfulness. It is remembered by Him no more. Man has a hard time doing that.
So,here is a thought to ponder:
Those that we rub shoulders with every day…ummm, well, uh...they just might not be the ones we need to be confessing our deep dark secrets to. There are no secrets with God. He knows everything. But, He wants us to be open with Him anyway. Being open with HIM is good for us, because...When we break down our pride and self-control and we come clean before Him—-prayerfully acknowledging what we know to be true about our self to Him—-then that’s what helps determine the “turn-around” in our life…here and for the hereafter.
And, if we have a "flair-up struggle" over an issue it's either because we have not fully let go of the issue--not truly repented---or/and we have not forgiven our self of the particular situation. No human-being can put us in Heaven or Hell. We must needs believe in the power of the blood of Christ.
(Just a little something to think about…I’ll elaborate no more).
I John 2: 1 My little children,these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
III John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
I’m thankful for a preacher in my life. I am thankful for Pastoral Leadership,the Overseer of my soul, the one person that can help me better understand God’s Word and how to apply it's instructions to my life. I’m thankful for men of God, who don't have to personally know my faults, yet God uses them as HIS mouth-piece, and annointed by God, they have pointed me to Jesus' redemptive blood. They have pointed me back to Calvary. The blood that has the power to cover me and make me white as snow. They point me back to the One who has the right to forgive or condemn, back to the only One that has the power to determine my eternal destiny (besides myself).
I’m so thankful that God is my “confession booth”…because when I come clean before HIM, He casts all my confessed wrongs into the sea of forgetfulness. It is remembered by Him no more. Man has a hard time doing that.
So,here is a thought to ponder:
Those that we rub shoulders with every day…ummm, well, uh...they just might not be the ones we need to be confessing our deep dark secrets to. There are no secrets with God. He knows everything. But, He wants us to be open with Him anyway. Being open with HIM is good for us, because...When we break down our pride and self-control and we come clean before Him—-prayerfully acknowledging what we know to be true about our self to Him—-then that’s what helps determine the “turn-around” in our life…here and for the hereafter.
And, if we have a "flair-up struggle" over an issue it's either because we have not fully let go of the issue--not truly repented---or/and we have not forgiven our self of the particular situation. No human-being can put us in Heaven or Hell. We must needs believe in the power of the blood of Christ.
(Just a little something to think about…I’ll elaborate no more).
I John 2: 1 My little children,these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
III John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Thoughts of Peace
Isaiah 26:3, 12 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee…LORD,you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
I just need to say this first…”GOD’S WORD is extremely comforting!” It really is.
This morning I awoke with conglomerate feelings. I felt pulled “this way” and “that way”. It’s awful. I had various questions and thoughts in mind. These being the ones at the forefront:
What a degenerately sad state of affairs.
Are we walking in the Spirit as He would have us walk?
Are any one of us really walking out, talking out, living out the life of real Christianity?
What does it really mean to be a Christian?
I’m afraid some of us have some rather warped, lop-sided ideas concerning this subject. Upon Christ return...I sometimes wonder who won't be surprised? *sigh...It would be so much more tranquil for everyone’s journey if all of us obeyed Matthew 7:12
(the golden rule).
Thankfully we can take refuge in JESUS. His Word shall forever prevail. He stands glorious and triumphant. His way is real. His way is perfect. There is no flaw in Him.
In those times when I’m fighting…not so much against flesh and blood, but rather, principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness…I am grateful for words such as the following:
Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s PEACE…wow!, it envelopes you…it softly cocoons you…the tension in your shoulders that is as tight as a banjo string,subsides…...your mind can think more clearly…you feel at rest. There is NOTHING like the peace that passes all understanding.
We can stand on the covenant and promises of God! His Word is sure! He is faithful and powerful. All our needs, distresses,concerns can be fulfilled by Him. There is nothing too hard for God. Isaiah 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Thank you, Lord, for a dwelling place of refuge. Lord, if You have decreed so, then Your purpose cannot be changed. Great is Your faithfulness!!
I just need to say this first…”GOD’S WORD is extremely comforting!” It really is.
This morning I awoke with conglomerate feelings. I felt pulled “this way” and “that way”. It’s awful. I had various questions and thoughts in mind. These being the ones at the forefront:
What a degenerately sad state of affairs.
Are we walking in the Spirit as He would have us walk?
Are any one of us really walking out, talking out, living out the life of real Christianity?
What does it really mean to be a Christian?
I’m afraid some of us have some rather warped, lop-sided ideas concerning this subject. Upon Christ return...I sometimes wonder who won't be surprised? *sigh...It would be so much more tranquil for everyone’s journey if all of us obeyed Matthew 7:12
(the golden rule).
Thankfully we can take refuge in JESUS. His Word shall forever prevail. He stands glorious and triumphant. His way is real. His way is perfect. There is no flaw in Him.
In those times when I’m fighting…not so much against flesh and blood, but rather, principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness…I am grateful for words such as the following:
Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation: I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;he has become my salvation.
Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
God’s PEACE…wow!, it envelopes you…it softly cocoons you…the tension in your shoulders that is as tight as a banjo string,subsides…...your mind can think more clearly…you feel at rest. There is NOTHING like the peace that passes all understanding.
We can stand on the covenant and promises of God! His Word is sure! He is faithful and powerful. All our needs, distresses,concerns can be fulfilled by Him. There is nothing too hard for God. Isaiah 32:18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Thank you, Lord, for a dwelling place of refuge. Lord, if You have decreed so, then Your purpose cannot be changed. Great is Your faithfulness!!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The 2 Needful Ingredients That Go Hand-in-Hand
Proverbs 3:21, 23-24 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:…Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
The New Living Translation says it like this: My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment….They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
Common Sense and Discernment. These are the 2 needful ingredients a person needs to live a more peaceable existence in this life.
Common Sense means good sense and sound judgment in practical matters; good judgment in action, conduct, and the handling of every day matters
Discernment means the ability to judge well; the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong.
It always is a blessing to live life with a good conscience…most people sleep better that way (although I have known a few that could sleep right on regardless). The most helpful way to live life in good conscience is to have some good-common sense and have a heart that leans toward pleasing the Lord.
Just to walk with Jesus…that should mean everything to us. Hope you have a great day today! ~md
The New Living Translation says it like this: My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment….They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
Common Sense and Discernment. These are the 2 needful ingredients a person needs to live a more peaceable existence in this life.
Common Sense means good sense and sound judgment in practical matters; good judgment in action, conduct, and the handling of every day matters
Discernment means the ability to judge well; the ability to decide between truth and error, right and wrong.
It always is a blessing to live life with a good conscience…most people sleep better that way (although I have known a few that could sleep right on regardless). The most helpful way to live life in good conscience is to have some good-common sense and have a heart that leans toward pleasing the Lord.
Just to walk with Jesus…that should mean everything to us. Hope you have a great day today! ~md
Monday, April 16, 2012
A Lesson From My Fortune Cookie
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers Galatians 6:10
(God’s Word Translation [1995])Hebrews 13:1 Continue to love each other.
A Fortune Cookie Truth: Be Careful! Bees with honey in their mouths have stings in their tails
Recently I dined at a local restaurant where they serve these types of cookies….when I read my “fortune” I just had to throw my head back and laugh! How true it is.
The bee…especially those cute little bumble-bees…oh, aren’t they just so cute?!!...all furry and colorful, flittering and fluttering about…? They almost look really cozy as they’re doing their day’s work. They look so harmless. After reading this fortune cookie I had to do some research concerning the bumblebee. What better place to look than Wikipedia?? So I went there. This is what I found.
The bumblebee is any member of the bee genus Bombus, in the family Apidae. I found it astonishing that there are over 250 known species…I had no idea! These are social insects that are characterised by black and yellow body hairs (although there are some that are characterised by other colors), often in bands. They are soft and feel fuzzy. Their relatives are the honey bees. Queen and worker bumblebees can sting..and can do so more than once.
So, they may be all flitter and flutter…doing their job from flower to flower, lapping up “honey-making product”, but touch them at the wrong time or anytime….and you’d better be ready for a stinger!! Bumblebees will also tend to visit the same patches of flowers every day…as long as they continue to find nectar and pollen.(Think about that)
I found it interesting that there is a name for certain bumblebees. There are certain types that are called Female Cuckoo Bumblebees. (Ever been around some people like this?) These types will aggressively attack host colony members, and sting the host queen, but will ignore other animals and humans unless disturbed.
Experiments have shown that bumblebees are able to us a combination of colour and spatial relationships in learning which flowers to forage from. Many species also exhibit what is known as “nectar robbing”: they do not insert the mouth parts into the flower as they normally would, but bite directly through the base of the corolla (the juglar) to extract nectar, avoiding pollen transfer. These bees obtain pollen from other species of flowers that they “legitimately” visit.
Okay…Now apply all these characteristics of the bumblebee to some people you know.
Isn’t your first instinct to be repulsed? Almost the first thought that comes to mind concerning people like this is: “forget how good, comfortable, warm, friendly they appear…they are dangerous!! I don’t like them…and, really, I could hate them!!”.
But the BIBLE tells us we should do otherwise. It reminds us that we have to go beyond our self…that we have to walk the high-road…that we have to live an over-coming life. Verses like the following teach us that we should love others inspite of “such-n-such” and “this and thats”,etc.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
The Bible even teaches us to make melody in our heart regarding such circumstances/people we may face…
Psalm 133:1 A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
The Bible teaches us to avoid the act of harboring resentment, ill-will, and bitterness against those that hurt us.…
I Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
The Bible gives tall orders sometimes. But, the orders are needful.
Yes, sometimes it is best to be cautious...maybe even leave the “bumblebees” alone...however!...we must still love them. No matter what our assumption…opinion…of them is from time to time…they have a purpose…a work to do in God’s Kingdom. Let God take care of the rest. Perhaps God allowed them in your life to serve a purpose FOR YOU...to build in you a better character...to see your own self as you really are...to
(God’s Word Translation [1995])Hebrews 13:1 Continue to love each other.
A Fortune Cookie Truth: Be Careful! Bees with honey in their mouths have stings in their tails
Recently I dined at a local restaurant where they serve these types of cookies….when I read my “fortune” I just had to throw my head back and laugh! How true it is.
The bee…especially those cute little bumble-bees…oh, aren’t they just so cute?!!...all furry and colorful, flittering and fluttering about…? They almost look really cozy as they’re doing their day’s work. They look so harmless. After reading this fortune cookie I had to do some research concerning the bumblebee. What better place to look than Wikipedia?? So I went there. This is what I found.
The bumblebee is any member of the bee genus Bombus, in the family Apidae. I found it astonishing that there are over 250 known species…I had no idea! These are social insects that are characterised by black and yellow body hairs (although there are some that are characterised by other colors), often in bands. They are soft and feel fuzzy. Their relatives are the honey bees. Queen and worker bumblebees can sting..and can do so more than once.
So, they may be all flitter and flutter…doing their job from flower to flower, lapping up “honey-making product”, but touch them at the wrong time or anytime….and you’d better be ready for a stinger!! Bumblebees will also tend to visit the same patches of flowers every day…as long as they continue to find nectar and pollen.(Think about that)
I found it interesting that there is a name for certain bumblebees. There are certain types that are called Female Cuckoo Bumblebees. (Ever been around some people like this?) These types will aggressively attack host colony members, and sting the host queen, but will ignore other animals and humans unless disturbed.
Experiments have shown that bumblebees are able to us a combination of colour and spatial relationships in learning which flowers to forage from. Many species also exhibit what is known as “nectar robbing”: they do not insert the mouth parts into the flower as they normally would, but bite directly through the base of the corolla (the juglar) to extract nectar, avoiding pollen transfer. These bees obtain pollen from other species of flowers that they “legitimately” visit.
Okay…Now apply all these characteristics of the bumblebee to some people you know.
Isn’t your first instinct to be repulsed? Almost the first thought that comes to mind concerning people like this is: “forget how good, comfortable, warm, friendly they appear…they are dangerous!! I don’t like them…and, really, I could hate them!!”.
But the BIBLE tells us we should do otherwise. It reminds us that we have to go beyond our self…that we have to walk the high-road…that we have to live an over-coming life. Verses like the following teach us that we should love others inspite of “such-n-such” and “this and thats”,etc.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
The Bible even teaches us to make melody in our heart regarding such circumstances/people we may face…
Psalm 133:1 A song of ascents. Of David. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
The Bible teaches us to avoid the act of harboring resentment, ill-will, and bitterness against those that hurt us.…
I Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.
The Bible gives tall orders sometimes. But, the orders are needful.
Yes, sometimes it is best to be cautious...maybe even leave the “bumblebees” alone...however!...we must still love them. No matter what our assumption…opinion…of them is from time to time…they have a purpose…a work to do in God’s Kingdom. Let God take care of the rest. Perhaps God allowed them in your life to serve a purpose FOR YOU...to build in you a better character...to see your own self as you really are...to
Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Fruitful Home
To properly grow anything one must follow a process. It is no different with children. While listening to the radio today I was reminded of the scripture in Psalm. The one that speaks of the wife being a fruitful vine and children being like olive plants round the family table. I believe that God's Word doesn't just randomly throw words, so I knew that the olive plants must hold some significance elsewise, the Word would not compare children to them. I decided to take a moment and do a small bit of research on olive plants.
Olive tree plants originate in warmer climates, it is then perhaps surprising that the olive tree is an adaptable & hardy plant, suitable for growing in a wide range of climates. This explanation brought to mind the age-old saying: Children are flexible. And so true that is. If the child is taken care of, the right conditions present, the child will adapt to life and the circumstances given.
Once the seed of an olive tree is planted, one must keep the mixture of the soil damp, not soaking wet, and in a warm place that receives plenty of sunshine.
Germination may take up to several weeks, but just remain patient and keep the conditions optimal for germination by maintaining constant watering and steady warm temperatures. Children require constant patients and for optimal maturity they also, so require a lot of watering; such as praise and affirmation--the steady warm temperatures of love.
To transplant the seeds, as soon as they've germinated, the plant must be put into a quick-draining soil. An optimal soil preparation is to mix 1 part normal potting soil with 3 parts of cactus potting soil. This reminded me that for optimal maturity a child must have a mixture of things in life: blessing & trial. A well-balanced individual can not have normalicy alone, but other conditions are made present to put one to the test..so that the fiery, prickly things in life make a character that is worth gold.
In the continuity of care for the olive plant, watering the seedling well and placing it in a warm, sunny area is needed. During this initial stage, it's best to continue growing the olive tree indoors, in order to protect it, even if warm conditions exist outdoors as well. Isn't that how we as God-fearing Mothers are in the care for our children? We want them safe and protected from the the conditions of this world.
The process of growing the olive tree continues. One must prune the lower leaves off of the olive tree as it begins to grow, encouraging upward growth and its development into a tree instead of a shrub. We, as mothers have to prune our children. In our training them for something good they, meanwhile, can only feel the cutting. They don't understand that it's for their growth that we must tell them the do's and don'ts. This part of training children to be as "trees planted by the Water" is not the fun part of our job, but it is an absolute must.
After a bit of time passes for the olive plant, one must only water the plant after the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. One must also make sure that it stays in warm conditions and has good access to the sun. This reminds me of Teenagers. The "plant" is placed in all the right conditions and we must trust in those conditions. Constant watering at this point is only bothersome and if the mother continues to pry, to water, the teenager becomes withdrawn. All the Mother can do at this point is make sure the tender child stays in warm conditions never, doesn't become dry in the Spirit, and has good access to the SON--Jesus Christ.
Psalm 128:3, The wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
What a beautiful descriptive portrait that God's Word paints for our view in regard to the Home. We must live our lives and not be afraid to try to leave this world a better place. We must live life with passion and with as few regrets as we can. Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Lose, and Nothing to Hide.
Olive tree plants originate in warmer climates, it is then perhaps surprising that the olive tree is an adaptable & hardy plant, suitable for growing in a wide range of climates. This explanation brought to mind the age-old saying: Children are flexible. And so true that is. If the child is taken care of, the right conditions present, the child will adapt to life and the circumstances given.
Once the seed of an olive tree is planted, one must keep the mixture of the soil damp, not soaking wet, and in a warm place that receives plenty of sunshine.
Germination may take up to several weeks, but just remain patient and keep the conditions optimal for germination by maintaining constant watering and steady warm temperatures. Children require constant patients and for optimal maturity they also, so require a lot of watering; such as praise and affirmation--the steady warm temperatures of love.
To transplant the seeds, as soon as they've germinated, the plant must be put into a quick-draining soil. An optimal soil preparation is to mix 1 part normal potting soil with 3 parts of cactus potting soil. This reminded me that for optimal maturity a child must have a mixture of things in life: blessing & trial. A well-balanced individual can not have normalicy alone, but other conditions are made present to put one to the test..so that the fiery, prickly things in life make a character that is worth gold.
In the continuity of care for the olive plant, watering the seedling well and placing it in a warm, sunny area is needed. During this initial stage, it's best to continue growing the olive tree indoors, in order to protect it, even if warm conditions exist outdoors as well. Isn't that how we as God-fearing Mothers are in the care for our children? We want them safe and protected from the the conditions of this world.
The process of growing the olive tree continues. One must prune the lower leaves off of the olive tree as it begins to grow, encouraging upward growth and its development into a tree instead of a shrub. We, as mothers have to prune our children. In our training them for something good they, meanwhile, can only feel the cutting. They don't understand that it's for their growth that we must tell them the do's and don'ts. This part of training children to be as "trees planted by the Water" is not the fun part of our job, but it is an absolute must.
After a bit of time passes for the olive plant, one must only water the plant after the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. One must also make sure that it stays in warm conditions and has good access to the sun. This reminds me of Teenagers. The "plant" is placed in all the right conditions and we must trust in those conditions. Constant watering at this point is only bothersome and if the mother continues to pry, to water, the teenager becomes withdrawn. All the Mother can do at this point is make sure the tender child stays in warm conditions never, doesn't become dry in the Spirit, and has good access to the SON--Jesus Christ.
Psalm 128:3, The wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.
What a beautiful descriptive portrait that God's Word paints for our view in regard to the Home. We must live our lives and not be afraid to try to leave this world a better place. We must live life with passion and with as few regrets as we can. Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Lose, and Nothing to Hide.
Friday, April 13, 2012
A Woman of Charity
My scripture promise today comes from the New Living Translation regarding the example of womanhood all women of God try to attain unto. I have to admit…it’s no easy task. At least not for me. Womanhood…Motherhood…Wifehood…neither of these roles are for the faint of heart. Often times we “do”only because we “love”. Loving others, that is, not ourselves. Sometimes the role(s) can make her want to run and hide…can make her sit alone and cry…and then there are those times when she stands and feels strong and proud (in a good sense) for she senses and she sees that much has been accomplished…and there are also those moments when she throws her head back, allowing the wind to sail through her hair, teeth shining, and she laughs…for she does not fear the days to come. Her trust is not in what she can do or in what she sees at the moment, but in what GOD can do.
Proverbs 31:25-27,30 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness….Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
The greatest strength a woman can possess is when she walks in the strength and love of the Lord. It is of the Lord’s strength that she endows herself in courage, tenacity, vitality…she knows it’s the LORD’s strong arm that holds her up so that she can walk in good character, excellence of spirit, virtue. She laughs without fear of the future because she knows in Whom she believes! She truly believes that He holds all the world in His hand and if He can hold something as big as that, then He has no problem holding her and her cares.
To be a Proverbs 31 woman of God this woman speaks words that are thoughtful,perceptive, tactful…her instructions are performed with affection,tactfulness, patiences. She oversees her household with much diligence.
Whew…if this passage is read in the right spirit, it will bring one down to their knees! Do you feel about an inch tall now?! I do. It’s not every day that I have my act together like this woman does…actually truth speaking here…most days I don’t. This is a character that we must aspire to though. It really is a must. We must strive. Never give up!
We say, “I love you” but do we show it? LoVe is a vErB…action verb. We may not feel like being nice…we may want to be left alone…but we press onward in the “doing” anyway…why?...because LoVe is a verb. To truly love takes action.
Those stained underwear your husband left in the bathroom, those shoes of family members left by the door (instead of in the closet) that you keep tripping over because it’s “their job” to pick up, those sticky wrappers on your child’s dresser…all that laundry you wash…all those meals you cook…all that vaccuming/dusting/etc. you do…that’s LOVE.
Love is a verb. Love is the putting on of work-boots. When someone does a simple act of kindess, an act that you knew it took some of their time to do…that is the best romance, that is the best action of love.
You are never more beautiful as when you are clothed in His wardrobe. Charm is phony and fake. It makes a person unreliable…and makes those around these kind of people truly “sick”. The outward beauty of a woman does not last (trust me—the wrinkles and bags show up one day!:-D), the batting of the eyelashes (so to speak) is deceptive…but she who possesses true beauty—the woman who truly is alluring, appealing, classy, radiant, refined—is so because she has put her trust in the Lord…and allows it to show to those around her without pretense. This woman walks her days out in assurance,confidence, and faith in the GOD of whom she has relationship with and does not have to put on airs to show it.
If you’re having a hard time loving today…instead of wearing your house-coat and bunny slippers, sitting on the couch letting the mess pile up around you, feeling sorry for yourself, and eating dorito chips and bon-bons…why not go into your ‘closet of prayer’ and pull out of the ‘closet of prayer’ your clothes of strength and dignity. You will feel blessed. You won’t be able to keep a smile from your face or out of your heart…even while you pick up the messes around you that were created by someone else. Do something,today, that you know will be pleasing to those you say you love. Even if it goes unnoticed by those around you…God sees…He knows it…and He loves you for it.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Bearet hall things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth
Proverbs 31:25-27,30 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness….Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
The greatest strength a woman can possess is when she walks in the strength and love of the Lord. It is of the Lord’s strength that she endows herself in courage, tenacity, vitality…she knows it’s the LORD’s strong arm that holds her up so that she can walk in good character, excellence of spirit, virtue. She laughs without fear of the future because she knows in Whom she believes! She truly believes that He holds all the world in His hand and if He can hold something as big as that, then He has no problem holding her and her cares.
To be a Proverbs 31 woman of God this woman speaks words that are thoughtful,perceptive, tactful…her instructions are performed with affection,tactfulness, patiences. She oversees her household with much diligence.
Whew…if this passage is read in the right spirit, it will bring one down to their knees! Do you feel about an inch tall now?! I do. It’s not every day that I have my act together like this woman does…actually truth speaking here…most days I don’t. This is a character that we must aspire to though. It really is a must. We must strive. Never give up!
We say, “I love you” but do we show it? LoVe is a vErB…action verb. We may not feel like being nice…we may want to be left alone…but we press onward in the “doing” anyway…why?...because LoVe is a verb. To truly love takes action.
Those stained underwear your husband left in the bathroom, those shoes of family members left by the door (instead of in the closet) that you keep tripping over because it’s “their job” to pick up, those sticky wrappers on your child’s dresser…all that laundry you wash…all those meals you cook…all that vaccuming/dusting/etc. you do…that’s LOVE.
Love is a verb. Love is the putting on of work-boots. When someone does a simple act of kindess, an act that you knew it took some of their time to do…that is the best romance, that is the best action of love.
You are never more beautiful as when you are clothed in His wardrobe. Charm is phony and fake. It makes a person unreliable…and makes those around these kind of people truly “sick”. The outward beauty of a woman does not last (trust me—the wrinkles and bags show up one day!:-D), the batting of the eyelashes (so to speak) is deceptive…but she who possesses true beauty—the woman who truly is alluring, appealing, classy, radiant, refined—is so because she has put her trust in the Lord…and allows it to show to those around her without pretense. This woman walks her days out in assurance,confidence, and faith in the GOD of whom she has relationship with and does not have to put on airs to show it.
If you’re having a hard time loving today…instead of wearing your house-coat and bunny slippers, sitting on the couch letting the mess pile up around you, feeling sorry for yourself, and eating dorito chips and bon-bons…why not go into your ‘closet of prayer’ and pull out of the ‘closet of prayer’ your clothes of strength and dignity. You will feel blessed. You won’t be able to keep a smile from your face or out of your heart…even while you pick up the messes around you that were created by someone else. Do something,today, that you know will be pleasing to those you say you love. Even if it goes unnoticed by those around you…God sees…He knows it…and He loves you for it.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked,thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Bearet hall things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth
Monday, April 2, 2012
The Action That Brings the GREATER Response
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
(NLT) James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
As I was fixing to step out the door this morning, I grabbed my little promise-box and pulled a card. This is the scripture that I pulled. I am so thankful for God’s desire to be close…to pull me in…that He desires (longs) to have pure relationship with those that He has made…what a good, gracious, loving God!! Thank you, Lord, for your sweet reminder of love….
Letting God work His will in us is the best laid plan. Yelling a LOUD “NO” to the devil and watching him scamper away is always best. Saying “YES” to Jesus will bring Him running to our side in no time. Our God is quick and powerful, just as the mention of His name.
Just as in natural relationships, He too likes to have our heart. No one likes it when they are a recipient of a “player”. It’s deflating and hurtful. Playing the field leads us nowhere…at least not to a good place. The Lord desires pure relationship, a pure inner life. So many times when one goes their own way and attains their own desire they must hit rock bottom to find themselves again…but when they cry out to the Savior, realizing that He is really all they need….then that is the moment…the only way…one can truly get back on their feet again.
I’m so thankful that (even after my “mess-ups”) God was willing to help dust me off…clean me up…and put my feet back on solid footing. He is the Way-Maker…the Miracle-Worker…the Sustainer.
So let God work His will in you today….it’s so worth it! NO matter what it looks like right now...The BEST is yet to come!
Looking(Beholding) God’s BEST in my life…. I see Canaan-Land in sight!!!
(NLT) James 4:8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
As I was fixing to step out the door this morning, I grabbed my little promise-box and pulled a card. This is the scripture that I pulled. I am so thankful for God’s desire to be close…to pull me in…that He desires (longs) to have pure relationship with those that He has made…what a good, gracious, loving God!! Thank you, Lord, for your sweet reminder of love….
Letting God work His will in us is the best laid plan. Yelling a LOUD “NO” to the devil and watching him scamper away is always best. Saying “YES” to Jesus will bring Him running to our side in no time. Our God is quick and powerful, just as the mention of His name.
Just as in natural relationships, He too likes to have our heart. No one likes it when they are a recipient of a “player”. It’s deflating and hurtful. Playing the field leads us nowhere…at least not to a good place. The Lord desires pure relationship, a pure inner life. So many times when one goes their own way and attains their own desire they must hit rock bottom to find themselves again…but when they cry out to the Savior, realizing that He is really all they need….then that is the moment…the only way…one can truly get back on their feet again.
I’m so thankful that (even after my “mess-ups”) God was willing to help dust me off…clean me up…and put my feet back on solid footing. He is the Way-Maker…the Miracle-Worker…the Sustainer.
So let God work His will in you today….it’s so worth it! NO matter what it looks like right now...The BEST is yet to come!
Looking(Beholding) God’s BEST in my life…. I see Canaan-Land in sight!!!
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