Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Not a day goes by that I don't thank the Lord for His goodness. I give Him praise in everything, everyday. It is so important to do so. People run to God in times of need but it is vitally important to remember Him in the good times too. He is the most kind loving Father you could ever go to in times of trouble so I definitely understand why He is the most sought out when feeling scared. But seek Him when you are happy. Commune when there is no problem or drama. Talk to Him when you are driving, cooking dinner, running the treadmill, working at your desk. Keeping Him present in your life will provide you with a fulfilled life. Abundant living. Blessings beyond comprehension. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us we cannot even imagine the plans He has for us. Don't pray to God only at bed time as your nightly ritual. Don't limit your contact with Him to Sundays at church. Live your life everyday with Him. Change your destiny to His will for your life. You will never be sorry and you will receive the fullness of life that He always planned for you. Allow Him to work in your life. And you will be blessed beyond. Have a great day in Him!

Jeremiah 29:11

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I really feel bad for those that are stricken with fear. Fear is not of God. It is a false emotion that will only hurt you and distract you. 1 Peter 5:7 says to "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." What a powerful promise. Who else do you know would make such an offer? I can't think of one. But He will. He loves and wants you to leave all your cares and burdens with Him. Allow yourself to rest in Him. There is nothing that is currently happening in your life that is of any surprise to Him. He is already at tomorrow. When my husband thinks about owning our home sometimes he will say, "I didn't count the costs" and he gets down on himself. I always tell Him that God blessed us with this house. For He knew when we built it that our lives would change, our financial status would change. He has protected us and helped us with each and every need that has come up. And it is of no surprise to me that He has sustained us. He has given us the wisdom to handle matters that we are not familiar with. Therefore I do not worry. I cannot change yesterday, for it has passed. I place my trust of my future in His hands so I try to just enjoy today. With no angst, no fear, no doubt. Just pure joy and pure contentment. He loves you and wants you to leave all that you are holding on to at His feet and allow the Holy Spirit to work through your life. Enjoy this day the Lord has made. Let us be glad in it. :-)

1 Peter 5:7

Monday, August 29, 2011

The power of the Lord is amazing. His favor was upon us. I watched over and over how He protected us from what could have been some disastrous moments waiting for the hurricane and tornado to come and pass. We opened our home up to friends and their dog that needed shelter from their evacuated home and they were such a blessing to us. You would think we were the blessing to them, but they were actually blessings to us. It was nice to have a full house to weather the storm with. We felt safe knowing we were all in it together. The father of the family knew about pumps and repairs and was able to help us get through the first night. Our neighbors allowed us to use their generator the next day, after we lost power, for our sump pump so we could continuously keep the water out from the basement therefore protecting our water heater and air conditioner. Being a servant of God gave us His divine hedge of protection in that there were no damages to the home. We still had hot running water, gas to cook and a fabulous summer breeze to keep us cool with out missing the air conditioner. The secular expression may be "wow we were lucky, we dodged that one" but my belief? God bestowed His mercy on us and sealed up our home from all harm and sent angels to help us. So today on this beautiful sunny Monday morning, I am in awe of God and so forever grateful for His love and faithfulness through this hairy weekend. I thank Him for being so present and so in control of it all. Not a hair on our heads were hurt and not a speck of anything touched our home. I pray the same for you all and I pray you have a blessed and peaceful day in Him!

Psalm 91:4

Psalm 91: 9-11

Psalm 91: 14-15

Sunday, August 28, 2011

God is merciful and good all the time. I thank Him for being in my life and loving me as He does. It is too often that people turn to God in their darkest days. He is worthy to be praised in all ways. He doesn't want to be your temporary fix. He wants to be your permanent solution. Let Him. Ask Him into your heart and commit yourself to Him and allow Him to guide all of your days. In doing this, the Holy Spirit will dwell with you to help you through life's winding roads. He will be there with you in the good and in the bad. Keep Him in the center and trust Him always. Your life will be blessed and enriched and you will see the goodness that He is. He will be your faithful Father and Friend. And you will never be alone again. Be blessed!

Proverbs 3:5

Saturday, August 27, 2011

The bible talks about how we are not to be borrowing money. That doesn't mean $20 from your sister, it means loans, financing, none of it. Yet all over the television are the latest ads for low interest auto loans, debt consolidation loans, credit card offers, stores opening at midnight for the big sale of the year providing you use your store credit card. All lies and traps and a direct confliction to what the bible says. Naturally there are those that use their credit card and pay it off each month. That is the exception to the rule but I don't know many that practice that standard consistently. Financing loans and charging things are designed by the enemy to bind you into bondage and enslavery. The lie is the convenience but in reality it is forbidden fruit and we all know the story of Adam and Eve and the imbalance that they created due to their sin of disobedience. The lie that these things will bring us comfort and ease when in reality there is more to learn in deprivation. We do not need to feed every craving we have. Then we tell ourselves there is not enough money to tithe because we owe to this, that, and the other . The world is the enemy of God. We are told owning a home is the American dream yet the foreclosures in this country are at an all time high. Cars are being repossessed in the middle of the night. We die to thyself when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and He shall satisfy our every need. I learned the hard way myself. I honestly never knew until I studied what the bible says about charging interest and paying interest on things. The point is to guard yourself from financial bondage and break any chains that bind you. It may take time. The Lord is still righting my financial wrongs and I am so forever grateful to Him. Let Him help you with yours as well. Really search Him and seek His counsel on your finances and the decisions you have made with borrowing/loans and He will guide you to the end of the tunnel like He did me. With sacrifice comes obedience. Be blessed and safe in Him this weekend!

Romans 13:8

Proverbs 22:7

Friday, August 26, 2011

All this technology is a distraction from the simple truths of God and His people. We are in church with our cell phones on, emailing instead of calling, hearing of the horror that people are losing their lives over another driver texting. People are addicted to technology. Having to have the latest gadget toy. Trying to feed a void that cannot be fed with an iPad or iPhone. People need to come to the realization that they know more about downloading apps to their phones than the books of the bible. We are lacking the understanding of God's truth . This world is very toxic for us and that we shouldn't have to feed/fulfill every craving. The commercials are marketing to our flesh, not our soul. I am the first to say that I believe cell phones are important for emergencies but when I am out to lunch with you and I am holding a conversation with the top of your head because you are looking at your phone ........I just am saddened by the kids today that are so into the latest model of a laptop but cannot even recall the story of Jonah and the whale. I think it is time we self exam ourselves today simply to make sure we are right with God and that nothing is coming before Him. Idolatry comes in every form and shape....just be aware and alert, at all times.

Luke 21:36

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Were you ever somewhere at the very moment someone else was and something miraculous took place? These are known as divine appointments. A meeting that was inspired and God led. Moments that are ordained and destined by God. "Planned" in other words. People use words and expressions like "it's a small world", "wow what a coincidence", "I was just thinking of you, I must have ESP", or "what luck" to try to validate what God already predestined. Another distraction. Stop looking at life through secular lenses and keep them focused on spiritual awareness and you will witness great and mighty things. Each day will bring a new blessing and gift from God if only you will see. I see His hand in everything. My husband and I had to fax some papers and it ended up costing $23+. We were then told by the receiver they did not receive the copies. Instead of getting upset, I tried to find the purpose. Low and behold I was told if we went to a particular bank branch they would fax everything for us free of charge. I called Staples and explained what happened and they were kind enough to offer a refund by returning to the store. When we went back to the store my husband was able to hand out church invites and some inspirational music to those we saw in the parking lot, including a handicapped man in a wheel chair. The point is by having to go back to the store at that moment, we were able to meet those people and the Holy Spirit used husband for the opportunity to tell them about God and church and give them some hope through the gosepl CD. A "divine appointment" planned at that very moment. When you are open to them, you will "witness" them everywhere. So open your heart, soul and mind and allow yourself to see Him through all things. Have a blessed day with Him!

Acts 16:6-10

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Having done all you can do in a situation, stand in the promise of the Lord and wait. Waiting as I have said several times before is big part of our walk. We shall wait upon the Lord. Waiting for an answer to prayer may last but for an instant, days, weeks, months, even years. Can you imagine? Have you prayed for something or someone and are still waiting for the Lord to reveal His answer to you? I have. I know my members of my family have. Sometimes we want something that is not in agreement with God and sometimes it is simply our faith being strengthened. We analyze the reason, the purpose. We can not be neutral as a believer. We are either going in reverse or forward and tests, waiting periods are all designed and ordained by God to rely on Him and not ourselves. Designed to become stronger in Him and with Him. When we lose focus our emotions can get the best of us. I say grab a hold of a great prayer partner. Keep your relationship with God moving. Read up on God's persepective on waiting and really study His word to see what He says about it. Don't just know a scripture, study on the subject. Really arm yourself with the goods so you can withstand the time. I am praying right now for something in our lives and we have been waiting for a year and we continue to believe that not only God can, but that He will. We trust Him. It is up to us how we handle the journey in waiting. How we embrace the time. How we spend the time. So I continue to pray and believe and I want you to too. Keep the Faith. Keep your eyes on the Him, not the problem and all will be as it should, in His time. Just trust Him!

Isaiah 40:31

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Too much attention is focused on money and status in this world. Did you ever notice one the first things most people ask you when getting to know you is "so what do you do for a living?" Many are defined by their occupations, what kind of cars they drive and the square footage of their houses. We really need to see it all for what it is....a distraction. God will get your attention if He sees your focus is getting cloudy. He will definitely let you know when your possessions are becoming your obsessions. Trust me I know this for He did it to me. I was very successful in my career and made close to 2 million dollars at my young age. I acquired many things but also ended up getting so caught up in paying for them all. More money, more things, more responsibilities, equalled more time spent at work, including Sundays. My entire Sunday was spent at work including my two hour a day commute. I was not attending church. I lost complete focus on church. Yes I continued to tithe but God wanted ME not my money. He tried to get my attention when I was given a devastating pay cut last year and although I vowed to continue to tithe as if I did not lose such monthly income, I missed the whole point.....He always blessed me and protected me from all the goings on at that company. I always was the only one left standing after lay offs, pay cuts and firings. This was the first time any of this actually effected me. It happened because God allowed it to happen to get my attention. And I missed it. 7 months passed before God tried again when I was demanded to work a 6 day work week through the entire summer. No one else, just me. It wasn't until I truly began to fight this action and question everything, did God finally get my attention and spoke directly to me through a friend. He made it extremely clear that the pay cut was to get my attention, period. That my eyes were off Him and on the kittens, my husband, my pool and every other blessing He gave me. Can you imagine placing the importance of your pool before your Lord? Well I am ashamed to say, I did. I share my story because He wants your attention. It is not a sin to be successful. It is not a sin to have money. It is not a sin to drive a nice car or live in a nice house with a nice pool. What is a sin is when we place these things above God. When these things take our focus off of Him and the importance of our life. When we lose sight of our real purpose for being one of His children, then we really need to get on our knees and make it right. Self exam yourself today. Believe me I shutter at what would have happened to me if I had disobeyed God and continued to work there serving my bosses and that office above Him. Where would I be today if I ignored His voice that day ? For He told me to quit my job right then and there and trust Him. And I did and from that day on I live for Him. For I live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7

Hebrews 11:1

Monday, August 22, 2011

Our God reigns! Focus on that and know that no matter what is happening around you, He is in control. So many not only know this truth but have witnessed it yet they still show fear and react when something "bad" happens to them. The last thing we ever want to do is panic and allow fear into our lives. Feelings can get us into trouble. We need to truly do the old fashioned methods of counting to ten before speaking and taking deep breaths before reacting. Please know that many times the Lord will allow things to happen to test you. If you react in the right way, you are displaying your faith which strengthens your relationship with God. When we act in anger, doubt or frustration we are not allowing the Holy Spirit to move through our lives during this trial. The enemy is very aware of your hot buttons and if it knows you have issues with anger he will throw situations at you that will bring this out. It is up to you to show restraint and allow your faith to be the reactor, not your emotions. Just try not to act in the flesh. I know many believers that are worry warts and they sleep terrible and I pray for them because our God is the Prince of Peace and we are to be One with Him. When we know He is in control and that nothing will happen that He does not allow than we can really stay in a place of assurance. I mean if He promises to handle things with you than why do you panic? Why do you feel alone? Why do you question God's presence during a storm? STOP the tug of war between your faith and your flesh. And stay in the arms of God. He wants you to trust Him and He wants you to know He loves you and He will help you through, just let go and allow Him.

Luke 8:25

Sunday, August 21, 2011

What matters to us, matters to God. He will be the constant in your life. No moodiness, no fickleness. He will be loyal and faithful, always. There will be storms in our lives, expect them. But we have something greater on our side than anything....Jesus! With God, comes the rainbow at the end of the storm. How we react to the trials that come is vital. Just stay focused on God and His promises and as hard as it may be, try not to think about what is happening around you and in your life. It will distract and often times, discourage. Just know that no matter how great the storm or how long the waiting is to get through, He is with you and me the whole way. So enjoy each and every day. Value them for what they are. Gifts from God. Love your family. Support your friends. Serve your church. And above all, glorify God. And trust He will be with you always.

1 Peter 4:12-13

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Don't become disheartened with the world. Try not to let people's closed minds discourage you. I know how frustrating it can be to share God with someone and they don't or won't listen. They find every excuse in the book not to give their lives over to God, yet their existing lives are in disarray. I tell my husband all the time that no one should ever be surprised by the advice we give because if you ask my husband and I for help, we will only give Godly advice and counsel. I also will not defend my testimony and/or justify my character. I will not try to "convince you" that I am "right" and you are "wrong". God is not a debate with me. He is the constant in my life and the most important person to me. So I understand how you feel when you are so willing to share the gospel of Jesus Christ because you are so grateful to Him for what He has done in your life. But understand that if the person is not ready to receive, then you must accept their wishes and simply continue to pray on their behalf and pray that the seeds of God's word grows in the soil. I believe that no word of God goes void so all things come in to place as they should. But make no mistake about it to those that refuse to accept the truth and something happens to them, they will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but live in eternal flames of fire and despair. And no one deserves such heartache. So keep the faith. Continue to pray for those you have recently witnessed to. As the Lord to open their eyes and ears to the words that were spoken. And leave the rest to Him. He's got this!

Acts 1:8

Friday, August 19, 2011

Grace is a gift from Jesus. It can not be earned. It can not be bought. Grace is the light away from the darkness of sin. I am so thankful to my Lord for loving me enough through all of my sinning and acts of shame to take me into His kingdom of light. I love Him and will live the rest of my days sharing the story of Him and letting people know there is Hope amongst their despair. God is waiting for us and is right behind us ready to catch us when we fall. I love Him for His kindness and mercy. Thank Him today. Love Him today. Honor Him today.

Ephesians 2:4

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Depend on God. He will never disappoint you. He will never leave you. He will never criticize you. He will never judge you. He will never mislead you. He will never deny you. He will never lie to you. He Is Who He Says He Is. He Does What He Says He Will Do. Live as He lives. Love as He Loves. Be More Like Him. Share His love with someone in need. So many people are hurting around you. Be sensitive to it. Take your focus off yourself today and allow the Holy Spirit to show you who needs a touch of Him today. Show someone God's love. That is how lives are changed. That is how people are saved. We are called to be disciples for God. We are saved so we in turn will share our story with someone who needs God and they then accept Him. And then their lives are changed and they then share their love of God with someone so the next person can be saved. My husband is so grateful to the Lord for what He has done in his own life that it fuels His spirit to share that news with everyone. Strangers in the park, parking lots, super markets...everywhere. He is so in love with God for all that He is and all that He has done in saving His own life from addictions and despair that He wants to spend all his days simply spreading the word of God so other people can know the freedom and joy and have an abundant life with God. A true Christian is selfless in that they simply want to share what they know. Nothing more, nothing less. We aren't paid commission. We do not receive any financial compensation when we talk to you about Jesus. It isn't a sale's pitch about religion. We aren't Jesus freaks or radicals. We are simple people who were lost and now are found. We found the road to success and peace and we love you enough to want to spare you anymore pain in your own life and we want you to have what we have......and this is the meaning of life. To pass on the news so you can be saved and then you can share to someone so they can be saved and then on and on and on and on and on......................................

Acts 13: 38-39

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

God is love. Not selfishness. Help your brother or sister in need. God will make us accountable if we knew someone we loved was in trouble and we did not lend a hand. The reasons? I was too busy....I have my own problems to worry about....what have they ever done for me?.....what can I get out of it? Shame shame shame if we have ever thought those things. I am saddened by people that are so ready to ask of others but have short arms when it comes to extending of themselves. I am disappointed sometimes at man and I get angry when I feel no one is there to help us. But I can always rely on Jesus for He is always there. He is who I depend on and He is the only one I need. Nothing can happen to me or my husband that God cannot handle. I thank Him for helping us through these very difficult few days and He will continue to get all the glory. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

In the midst of the storm, there you are. In my happiest of occasions, there you are. There is none like you Lord. I trust you and I honor you. I thank you for being so faithful and loyal. I was reading a friend's FB page and she mentioned a specific scripture and I read it and meditated on it and hours later as I ruffled through a drawer for a pen there on the top of some note pad was a post it in my writing with the exact book, chapter and 2 verses so I knew the Lord was speaking to me. He is so compassionate and His tender mercies are new every day. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is in His hands therefore He wants me to simply enjoy today and be comforted in that. I know He is with us during this difficult time as we tend to many "emergencies" in our home. From the basement, to no hot water, no air conditioner, we know God is in control and He will work everything out with us. I am not a mechanically inclined person and we do not have deep pockets so when troubles come, my husband and I rely on the only One that can fix and repair. He calls on His children and He sends His angels to us to help and we know that He is in control. So today I will rejoice in that the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want for anything. Have a blessed day in Him!

Lamentations 3: 22-23

Monday, August 15, 2011

Life will throw us curve balls. It just will. It is how we react to them that God wants to see. Do we grovel and complain? Do we get mad at God? Or do we handle them with a grateful heart? I try my hardest to handle things that happen with a positive attitude because I know that God is with me. And I know that He will work everything out for me. This is when we should lean on God most and not try to fix things on our own. This is not the time to be angry or negative about life. Things are going to happen. A life with Christ is not all lollipops and rainbows....I have said this before. It is going to be filled with challenges and obstacles and it is how we react to them that matter the most. Our attitude and response, when correct gives glory to God. It pleases Him to see us trust Him, even in the most trying of circumstances. Due to the recent storm yesterday our basement flooded, our pool over flowed then turned green and our back door shattered...all in one hour. But I watched my husband still go to his night church service without interruption. And he took two teenagers with him and that is what mattered most. There was nothing we could have done last night. I rejoiced in that the basement is unfinished, the pool is easily treatable and the back glass that shattered, shattered on the outside, not the inside so the house was secure and the glass landed on the back patio where it is easily swept up. So we thank the Lord for being with us. We thank the Lord no one was hurt and we rejoice that today things are being repaired and we kept Him in the center. We leaned on Him for help and we kept our Faith intact. And that is all God asks or wants from any of us. Just trust Him in ALL things... the good, the bad and the unexpected! And know that He is for us and with us.

Romans 8:28

Sunday, August 14, 2011

We are all on a spiritual journey. It is up to us whether or not we choose to embrace it and be in God's will for it. Our days are blessings from God and when we are thankful for each and every one, we please the Lord. Our obedience each day unlocks His power and this is what allows us to be blessed. He loves us all but I believe He knows our hearts and He sees everything. I was teaching the Sunday school class the story of Jonah and the whale and what happened to Jonah because He would not obey God and what God asked him to do. Instead Jonah said no and tried to hide from God. God sees all and we cannot hide anything from Him. Your neighbor may not know your secrets but He does. Your co worker may not know you take things from work but God does. The store attendant may be too busy to see you helped yourself to something without paying for it, but God sees. And just like we cannot hide from God, we cannot disobey Him either. You may think you got "your way" because something God has been convicting you to do has ceased. But when we disobey, we miss out on God's blessings for our life. We didn't get away with anything. When we choose sin and not light, we hurt our spiritual walk. So stay in His presence. Be obedience and walk in His goodness. I promise you, your life will be blessed beyond measure and you will not be able to contain all He has in store for you. Stay dry on this rainy day!

Deuteronomy 13:4

Saturday, August 13, 2011

When we accept Jesus into our hearts, we die to thyself. My life has changed in the way I think, who is in my circle of friends and how I conduct myself. I have learned that I gave up my right to be sensitive to other's opinions of me or my Faith. That I can no longer fight back with my words or tongue. That my initial reaction is to defend or justify. All those feelings and emotions and actions are of my flesh. When I asked the Lord to come in to my heart and change me, He did , therefore all those things of this world can no longer be a part of me. A true witness of a life of Christ is a changed life. Someone ran into my husband who knew him for years and could not get over how great he looked and she actually said, "you look the best you ever have." For what she saw was the peace in the face of a changed and rested man. No longer a worldly man who fought hard and lived hard. And she saw the change right before her eyes. How we live, act, speak and react is our testimony. We cannot share with people our new life and still conduct ourselves as our "old self". Whether it be swearing, lying, drinking, cheating, temper tantrums etc... Those behaviors do not bear good fruit and they no longer live in us . Be the one who shows others how to be, how to live, how to love. Share your God with others and always be on guard and aware of yourself. For you never know who is watching and whose life is about to be saved. Have a great day in Him!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Friday, August 12, 2011

My Lord has everything under control and I will trust Him today, tomorrow and always. My God is bigger than any storm that may come my way. It doesn't matter what anyone else may think, say or do....I am following Him. I pray that you have the strength to trust Him during your trial. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it so we must stand together in agreement that He will do what He says He will do. Matthew 18:29 reminds us that when 2 or more agree on earth about anything that they may ask, than it shall be done for us by our Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in His name, there He is with us. Don't ever think He isn't with you. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us and I believe Him. Keep the Faith and Keep the Hope. This valley will one day be your testimony that you will share with someone and it will bless them through their similar storm. God allows these things to happen so we can become stronger in Him and in our Faith. He loves you and I so much that when these bumps occur, we can rejoice for we know He is with us. Have a fabulous and blessed day in Him.

Proverbs 27:17

Thursday, August 11,2011

God is so good to us all the time, not just sometimes. It is too often we miss the opportunity to see a blessing from God because we are too busy thinking of the bigger picture instead of enjoying life each day as a simple frame of the picture. Like the old cartoons that flashed the cards real fast to see the image moving...that is how we need to view God's blessings. One flash card at a time. It may appear to be like we are not moving or changing but with each frame of each day slowly turning, in the end we went from here to there. All with God's love and guidance and blessing. Allow Him to lead you according to His will, not your own and your life will be a success. Success in that you will be enriched with love, peace, joy, contentment with a lot or a little, satisfied, patient and most of all happy. You won't be dwelling on the past nor having anxiety over tomorrow. You will be able to enjoy today, today's "frame" of the picture. Let God lead you. Stop fighting it. He loves you so much and wants to do so much for you, please let Him. Won't you?

Isaiah 26: 3-4

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

May I just take a moment today and wish my beloved husband a happy birthday. I am so blessed to have him in my life and I am in awe of what the Lord has done in his life. I have watched a life transform before my eyes. I have watched the power of God heal a man of so many afflictions in front of my eyes. He has called my husband to do His work now and I watch in love as he serves so many churches, ministries and individuals. The call comes and he is there. I am so proud of his accomplishments and his fervor for God and the love he has for Jesus. I am so grateful to the Lord for answering my prayers and granting me my heart's desires, which was to be with a God loving man. Someone who I could share my faith with and someone I could pray with and share my life with. For all you women out there thinking time has run out for love and it is hopeless to find a good man.....keep believing! Keep praying to the Lord and stay faithful because He can do it. I prayed for years for my husband to come back to the Lord and the Lord was faithful and answered all my prayers and I am the happiest I have ever been. I share this out of love for you and out of compassion, not bragging for I know everyone wants someone they can love and share their days with. So know I am praying with you and for you! God can do it and He will!

Psalm 37: 4,5

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

I surrender all! I just cannot do it on my own anymore. No matter what I have tried to hold to the Lord has asked me to leave at His feet and walk away. So I have surrendered it. Relationships, individuals who have rejected me for my beliefs or choices, my thoughts and my future are all in the Lord's hands. And the trade off? Contentment and deep rooted peace. Such assurance. Such BLESSED assurance that Jesus is mine and all that is in my life is now in His. Who else would offer to take on your burdens or troubles? Seriously. Aren't we heavy laden with selfish people who love to talk your ear off about themselves and what is bothering them and all their problems. Who ever asks you, "How are you?" It is sad but a true statement. So here is a Man who is offering to take my hand and not only walk with me but carry through the toughest paths ahead and continue to guide me all of my days. Someone who is going to love me through sickness and health, richer or poorer and in the valley or in the peak. Wow! Our God reigns and He is worthy to be praised! So whatever it is you are facing, you are not alone!!!! He is with you and He wants you to let it go. You are holding on to the bag of stress, nervousness, fear, anger, broken relationships, unsteady job, family problems, financial burdens. He wants it ALL. He wants all who are weary and He will give us rest. Amen to that!

Matthew 11:28-30

One of the most beautiful and comforting promises the Lord can ever give us!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Are you down today because of what you see on the TV or what you read on the computer this morning about the economy and our credit rating and our future? Just remember this .... God will supply all of our needs. He will! Seeing the world news can make the strongest weak. Sometimes I just cannot watch it but it is the current events and our reality, right? In my world, no. For they don't promote the One who has over come this world and through His power, we can over come anything. The news is doom and gloom and there is no hope displayed and I just cannot condone it. I know some view that as naive or in denial but to me it is self preservation. I made a vow to God and myself that I would never allow distractions in my life again. That I would never take the focus off of Him and begin to look elsewhere for answers. When we stop reading the Word and trusting in Him for what we need then we begin the slippery slope of secular thinking. It is wise to be aware of our country and the state of it, I agree, but I am not going to lose faith and hope because of what the TV tells me. Is my head in the sand? Absolutely not. But I choose to live in the promise of the Lord and He tells me that He can do what man can not do and I don't care what the bank book says. I don't care what the stock market says and I don't care what the news columns print. The only news I want to read is the gospel of Jesus Christ and He is our Redeemer and He is our Healer and there is nothing that anyone can say or do that can make me lose sight of that. Don't you lose sight either! Keep the Faith and keep Him front and center and don't listen to the voices or the distractions that the enemy wants to throw at you to make you lose hope. For the Lord knows our needs and He will provide all that we need all of our days. So when you are at the water cooler today, don't feed into the conversations of the world. Promote your news .... share the promise of eternal life. And if someone asks you how you can be so optimistic in today's world? Just tell them you are "just passing through".

Luke 1:37

Sunday, August 7, 2011

God knows what is best for us! We cannot love Him only when He answers our prayers and be mad when things don't go our way. I know of people that get so mad and turn their backs on God when things just don't seem to be happening the way they wanted them. Can you imagine? Do you know anyone that is not patient with God's time table? Just not happening fast enough for them? Do you get mad at God when it feels like the waiting is just too much? He does understand when your heart is pure and you have a weak moment. But when your heart is bitter and you feel like you would be better off doing it on your own....you need to get on your knees before Him and you need to do it quickly! We get in our own ways so many of the times and the Lord is always the one to blame. It is very sad and He loves us despite all of our selfish and ungrateful ways. He is always the One ready to right our wrongs and console us no matter what. What a mighty and loving Father we serve. He wants you to stop taking the focus off of Him. Sin is in and of this world. Fact. Bad things happen to good people. Fact. Our lives will have sadness in it. Fact. Our lives will never be perfect. Fact. Simply embrace life and live in the moment of the journey. Love Him like you never loved Him before and trust Him in all things and in all ways like you never trusted Him before. He wants to do great things for you and He is ready to bless you immensely but your heart and mindset must change to His and then be ready to love and trust Him no matter what He has in store for you. Be blessed today and be ready to follow God!

Ephesians Chapter 1

......worth the read!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Peace is an inner quality that flows out of a right relationship with God. Although these are words on my monthly calendar, they are true and real to me. For it is the greatest gift God gave me. To feel His presence and blessed assurance is comforting to me and more precious than diamonds or gold. I don't need to be surrounded by worldly possessions in order to feel loved or favored by God. My inner spirit is my "tell" and since surrendering it all to Him, I know He has got it all under control. And for me, the self professed "control freak", that speaks volumes. I let Him lead me and then I step. But throughout all the storms, trials, and unknowns, I have never lost my peace. And I know that all is right with God and myself. My prayer today is that you find your peace within your soul and heart today. That you feel the presence of the Lord upon your life and home. Just rest in Him, be still in Him and know that He is with you always and forever. And just remember nothing that is happening to you is of any surprise to Him. Let Him help you through this difficult time and allow the gift of peace to dwell on you. Have a blessed weekend!

John 14:27

Friday, August 5, 2011

"There is absolutely no obstacle God is unable to overcome". - Charles Stanley

I absolutely love that and I claim it!! There really is nothing that He cannot do. I was thinking some things through yesterday afternoon on my sofa and the Lord immediately told me "be anxious for nothing" and I thanked Him and meditated on the rest of the verse back to Him ... "and in all things, pray". What an awesome God we serve. Allow Him to work it out in your life. Let go of whatever it is you are holding on to. Remember His promise to you that nothing is impossible with Him. I know when the pile of junk seems stacked up against you, it can be daunting but He is there to tell us that all He wants us to do is pray pray pray. Rebuke any emotion of worry or doubt! Be anxious for nothing, not be anxious sometimes ... NEVER worry or be anxious! It really settled my mind yesterday and I want you to be at peace too. Just love God, rest in His presence, allow Him to do what He needs to do and just trust and rest and most of all.....PRAY!

Philippians 4:6

Thursday, August 4, 2011

I believe that the answer to most of our problems is to keep God first in our lives. I personally have found that since I vowed to do this, my life has completely changed. Spiritually, financially, personally, physically and mentally. I just feel at peace and secure. For I know that God has total and complete control and He advises me day by day, decision by decision. My role is to walk in Faith each and every day and allow the Spirit to guide me. I can think of something I wanted to do last summer and I was sure of it and the first time I did it, I felt the stir in the pit of my stomach and I knew immediately that it was not in God's plan. Now did He punish me for the step? Of course not for He knew I was stepping out in Faith. He will always reward us when we trust Him enough to take that step. I acknowledged the stirring was the Holy Spirit who dwells within me and knew right then and there, "nope this is not something I was meant to be doing." Was I at all disappointed? Honestly? Not one bit. I instead was so grateful that I was living right with God so that He spared and saved me so much time. See when we live by our own "gut instincts" and live our "own lives" we will take so many wrong steps and it may take some people years before they realize it. But when we seek God's will and truly "wait for it", it always comes. May take a long time or the answer may be instant like the one particular area I just shared with you. Is it always like that? No. But I have learned that no matter what happens, God has got me in the palm of His hand and I am spiritually mature enough to know that it will be a bumpy road but it is His road and I am blessed to be on it. And I know that there is no better route to take. So if you are struggling in an area of your life, or you are having troubles in several areas, really make a vow to place God first above and before all things and all people and allow Him to do great and mighty things. If you will genuinely seek His counsel in everything you do BEFORE you do it, He will reveal His plan and will and lead you to it....every time for God is Faithful! I pray that today is the day you make that committment to Him.

Matthew 6:33

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

You may know the bible from an academic stand point but do you live by the principles of the bible? Many may know the bible stories and even impress you with a memorized scripture or two but how effective is it when they know the truths but do not live them in their own life? I can think of many who attended bible schools from grade school and up yet they lack compassion and love. They take the stance that anyone experiencing a tough time was brought on themselves. Or they choose ignorance because they feel the less they know, the less they are obligated. Do you know anyone that may not have made the smartest financial choices but they work hard and sometimes come up short? Do you say it is their fault they are short on cash or do you empathize with and for them and help them? The Lord commands us to help those less fortunate than us. I would be so ashamed if I did not do anything to help someone when I knew I could. I love my husband not only for his kindness but his obedience to the Lord. Our blessings are given to us so that we can bless others. The Lord has really helped us financially in many ways and we feel very led to help others. Does that mean we are well off and can afford it? No, it is quite the opposite. We are to give from our poverty not from our excess. Anyone can hand over a check to someone for $100 when their bank account says $5000. It is quite a different story to write that same check when your account may say $200. But the Lord very well may tell us to do such and we must obey. I just want you to think about this and really search your heart. Pray and ask the Lord to show you and lead you to someone that needs your help. I promise you that you will feel so good and even more the Lord will be so pleased.

Luke 21: 1-4

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

My heart gets sad when I see division. Whether it be church divisions, friends parting ways, family fall outs or marriage break ups. I know first hand about how it feels and I pray that the Lord can someday heal the hurt and lonely. The Lord despises discord and dissension and we as Christians are called to be peacemakers not promoters of strife. I just cannot be subjected to it. I rather remove myself and pray for everyone than be a part of it. Gossip, resentment, any of it is wrong in every case. The ones that accuse others are usually the ones doing it themselves. The Lord wants us to prevent these actions , not allow ourselves to participate in them. If you are experiencing strife in your life, ask the Lord for healing and surrender it to Him. Remove yourself from it and pray yourself through it. It is what I have to do for my own spiritual walk. I can no longer be around people that are anxious and fearful and angry at everyone. If I have offended someone I try to work it out and apologize and ask for and/or receive forgiveness. But when someone wants to hold grudges or choose sides or perpetuate it, I know it is not the Spirit of God and I will not allow it in or near my life. Choose peace. Guard your tongue for words can not be taken back. Pray for peace in your heart if you are holding a grudge over someone. Ask the Lord to heal and repair your broken relationship(s). He can and He will.....

Matthew 5:9

Monday, August 1, 2011

Jesus is Lord. There is no one greater than He. People may deny Him. People may mock Him. People may run from Him. But the truth is, He is King and He will reign forever. For those that choose not to walk with Him and have decided to live life their way will one day realize they made a grave mistake. Hell is real. It is described as a lake of fire and a place where there is never ending turmoil and endless suffering. Heaven is described as a joyful place where there is eternal peace because we are King of Glory. As for me and my family, we choose to believe in the promise of eternal life. My husband and I have never been shy about sharing our Faith and the love of our God because no one should live in darkness. But we have seen many choose not to follow Him and we can only see the visible effects of their life today. But we know what their future will be if they do not change their mind and decide to believe, commit and follow the living God. So I will pose you this question. How do you choose to spend you eternal life?

John 3:16