Tuesday, July 31, 2012

We plan and God laughs.  I believe it.  How often do you map out your whole day or week and nothing goes as it should?  When we place our true total trust in God, we are to surrender it to Him and all days are to be His.  I give my day to God each and every morning and thank Him for all my blessings.  I then meditate and pray in my living room where the sun is normally just rising over the trees and it is when I am most serene and at peace. The house is quiet and all I hear are birds chirping in the far distance.  And I know I am in His will.  Anything less of total submission is disobedience to God.  When we dwell or question things, we are not trusting Him 100%.  Long hard life lesson but true. When we come to the place in our life when we admit we are helpless without the Lord, the real purpose for our lives comes to be.  Give God all of you, keep Him in the center of your life and seek His counsel in every single area of your life.  Acknowledge His ways in all of your days and never second guess His authority over your life. Never allow the enemy to tell you that you are better off on your own; that life would be more thrilling doing what you want to do....they are all lies and he lives his days plotting to destroy you, to devour your existence so resist his attacks at all times and be on guard. And the best way is by daily prayer, daily submission and daily repentance. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we allow Him to do mighty things in our lives.  Let go of the past, give it all to the One who knows your every need, desire and request before it is ever thought or spoken.  Your life will have meaning, value and purpose. Simply trust, simply trust. 

In thee, oh Lord, do I put my trust. Psalm 31:1

Monday, July 30, 2012

My heart aches for my Mom.  Her loss in my life is profound and I need my Lord now more than ever. She was a very present part of my life and I am not used to the fact that I don't have to go visit her and have lunch with her and keep her company while she watches television or lately as she laid in her hospital bed.  I ponder the thought of how I would ever get through this without the love and promise of my God.  The hope that lies within me that I will one day see my Mom again along with my Dad.  They tell us my Mom was "gone" for 57 minutes and only revived for 3, yet my family and I all agree she was in glory all that time and probably said, 'I am out of here" when she was brought back.  I smile when I think how she is now my guardian angel who loved me and encouraged me to be "me".  She was my biggest fan, my greatest supporter and my best friend.  I pray that you all have that in your life and that you cherish your Mom always.  And if you are feeling estranged or angry with her, may this be the day you let the past go and call her up.  Hug those you love, tell them you love them but most of all share Jesus with them.  Share salvation with another who may not know the truth, for you will never understand how peaceful it is when you know your loved one is with Jesus. After my Mom was laid to rest we were contacted by someone my Mom used to babysit. She shared with us her testimony about how she was going through troubled times as a young girl and my Mom would share with her the love of Jesus and it comforted her. By sharing Christ with her, my Mom led the young girl to the Lord and she said it saved her life.  Because my Mom took the time and shared the gospel with another, a life is now saved. It brought me such joy to hear this and that is why I loved her so much for that is who she truly was.....a Godly woman who simply believed.  

Sunday, July 29, 2012

We all are going to face our mountains in life.  It is how we handle them that matters.  How do you react when something bad happens to you?  What kind of attitude do you display during adversity?  Do you grumble and complain or do you find the hope in all things?  We must accept the fact that our lives will have bumps because it is in those times that the Lord will mold us and make us into the image He intended for us. It is in those times when we are humbled to our knees and learn that He is all sovereign and we are nothing without Him. Note the word "reign". Our God reigns, our God is our permanent supreme authority.  He may allow something in your life to occur because He is trying to get your attention. You may be so distracted that you are losing sight of who He is. He is your provider, not your employer.  He is your great physician, not your family doctor.  He is the One that blessed you with your home and car and possessions, not you.  We tend to deny the Lord in the good times yet blame Him in the bad yet there are so many things He does not "create" nor "cause" in our lives.  He allows our free will therefore we are in need of taking accountability for a lot that happens in our lives.  We all need to accept the Lord in to our life, mean it with all our hearts and surrender it all to Him and allow Him to be the center of it all. Love God more than anything, anyone.  And when our trials come and they will, we will have the rock of Christ Jesus to stand on and know that He will get us through safely and soundly to the other side without drowning or stumbling.  Won't you let Him back in so you don't have to suffer alone? He wants to be there for you- all He is asking is that you let Him. 

Psalm 57:2

Isaiah 26:4

Saturday, July 28, 2012

When life gets too hard to stand....kneel. 

Prayer works!

Friday, July 27, 2012

Psalm 30:11-12 The words of this scripture, typed below, truly depicts the power of God that can take something so devastating and restore our spirit to joyfulness and gladness. I am empowered my His love and never ending faithfulness and I will praise Him always. This scripture came to my heart this morning and I wanted to share it with all of you who may be hurting in some way. The Lord wants you to know He is watching over you and will turn your tears to smiles and will lift your heavy heart. Rest in Him and trust in Him and no matter how sorrowful you are, give thanks and praise to your Almighty Father, now and always. Be blessed and allow the Holy Spirit to grant you peace and thanksgiving at this very moment. 

Psalm 30:
11 
You turned my wailing into dancing; 
    you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 
¹² 12

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
    Lord my God, I will praise you forever.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

As I type this I am reflecting to myself about the passing of my Mom and death and heaven and wondering how you could know if your loved one entered the kingdom. I am blessed with the peace and assurance of knowing my Mom loved Jesus and knew He was real. But people struggle with it all the time, they question and they worry about their loved one's salvation all the time. As I was thinking it all through I looked up over my desk and on my bulletin board is a pinned pic of Jesus and my late Father's pic and tucked in the corner out of view is a picture my brother took of my Mom on her 86th birthday, just 3 short months ago. She is smiling and looking like herself. It was as if the Lord was reassuring me that He has them "both" home with Him and the scripture plaque immediately to the left of their 3 photos....."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." -Proverbs 3:5

"I thank you Lord for this confirmation and how you reveal all to me. You are my saving grace during this difficult time and I do trust you and I love you with all my heart. Take good care of my Mom and Dad and tell them hi from me".

The Saddest Day of My Life...July 25, 2012

Mom, today may be the day we say goodbye in ritual but I know it is only a matter of time when we will be reunited again. And that is the truth that brings me both comfort and joy. So today we will celebrate your life and share stories about you Mom. This day we will laugh and we will cry, but one thing we will all consistently do today and every day is miss you and think of you. Til that day I see your face again simply know .... I love you and will cherish you always Mommy!

Psalm 23

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, 
³     he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths 
    for his name’s sake. 
⁴ Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,^[a] 
I will fear no evil, 
    for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; 
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than jewels... 
Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. 
She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 
Her sons rise up and call her blessed. 
He husband also praises her: 
Many women are capable, but you surpass them all! 
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised. 
~Proverbs 31:10, 25-30

I will love you always Mom. Thanks for being you. Til I see you again.....

Monday, July 23, 2012

Lord,

My heart is so heavy today and I need you. I know You are all authority and when You call us home, it is best. But it is still hard for us left behind. We all know Mommy is with you and Daddy and her sisters and at rest and at peace but we miss her here. We thank you for such a wonderful gift in her. For blessing us with the sweetest woman who we so proudly called Our Mom. I will miss her everyday but I find strength in you and comfort in you. I lift up my family, especially my brother Ken, and I ask that you grant Him mercy and peace beyond all understanding so that he can rest in knowing he provided our Mom with a wonderful life filled with good food, great trips and a loving home. May she watch over us each and every day and may we all find comfort in You, Lord. Thank you for calling her home-she is probably walking the streets with you taking the grand tour in her new Reeboks. Give her a kiss from us!

Love, Cynthia

Proverbs 1:8-9

Sunday, July 22, 2012

I dedicate this page today to the passing of my Mother, Bianca. She was loyal, kind, loving, strong, beautiful, a wonderful supporter to me but above all that she was truly a Godly woman who loved Jesus so much. May her presence always be around me and may my memories bring me comfort during this devastating time. 

John 16:33

Saturday, July 21, 2012

"You my brothers were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather serve one another in love. " Galatians 5:13 The bible tells us that "Christ has set us free and we are to stand firm and not allow ourselves to be burdened again by a yoke of slavery". Galatians 5:1 Be very aware of who is in your life. The bible warns us that all it takes is one person to infect many others. It is always a good thing to inventory your life, your circle of friends, even your family members and rebuke bondage or any form of slavery back in to your life. God came so we would be free.  I learned this very lesson two years ago when the Lord commanded me to leave my job. The very place that I was employed for over 20 years; the vessel to which God used to bless me beyond measure for 2 decades and yet in a moment's time, I was called to lay it down. For the money that was my blessing and my freedom were used to buy things and those things became my slavery and I was heavy laden with financial burdens. I was out of whack in every spiritual area of my life. I needed my life "cracked" like a chiropractor does to align your spine, the Lord came and had to realign my life back to the order I once was. I had to give up all security, all the things that were separating and distracting me. My God was calling upon me to trust Him and walk on faith in to believing what I could not see and to give up all things I once relied upon. My Lord was angry, jealous for He was slipping further and further down my "pole of importance" and it happened all so fast and all so slow at the same time. But I am so honored and so grateful that today I can say that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am in the will of God and I feel His presence so close to me. I chose to draw near to Him and He came to me. No slavery; all freedom. So for those that still call my decision to leave my job in this economy as irresponsible and immature; I would say to the natural I suppose they may be right but in the super natural it is called survival and breaking free of all things and all the people that enslaved me. Today I am free and living as what God created me to be.  And what a wonderful gift He has given me.

 I lift all of you up in prayer right where you are if you are struggling like I was with your faith, with your walk. May today be the day you commit your life back to His will and ask for the gift of freedom. And may your life once more glorify Him and may you live each and every day in the way He created you to be. And it is in His name I ask these things, Amen. 

Friday, July 20, 2012

There is no compromising our faith.  We are either the light or the dark.  We are either growing or we are dying.  We are moving forward or backward.  There is black or white, there is no gray in Christianity and our beliefs. The bible tells us when we begin to compromise our faith, there lies trouble. And the enemy will throw things at you very subtly and you won't even realize it. An invite that can't be denied therefore we skip church services for it. A skipped tithe because an urgent matter came up and you needed every dime to put towards it. Attending an R rated movie because all your friends are going. Hanging at a club/bar because it is happy hour on a weekday, not a weekend night. You only intend to be an hour. Do any of these seemingly innocent scenarios sound familiar? They do to me. My sin that took me down was not attending regular church services and it compounded in to years. All because I did not want to get stuck late at work for coming in late. So I chose my own needs and selfish desires instead of doing what I knew was right and I compromised my faith. Yet I know now that God would have honored my obedience and I never would have gotten stuck late at work because He would have blessed me. But my own control, fear, pride or lack of faith did me in. The bottom line is we all need to exercise out faith which is putting our total trust in Christ Jesus and not ourselves. We make decisions based on what we want, not what is God's will therefore we instead must rejoice in Him and in His ways and surrender 100% of ourselves each and every day. Church is not enough, a half hour bible lesson on tv is not enough, nor is reading a Psalm a day. We are to commit to Him every day and be ready to receive Him every day and watch your life transform, it will become sound, tranquil and steady. And you have peace that beyond understanding. So stay in the light and turn away from all things and all people that are dark and not of God. For they will be punished for tempting you to stray. And guard your heart and your mind. And do it each and every day. May God be with you. 

1 Peter 4:19

And take the time and read the book of Jude today.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

It is vital that we rest in Him.  When we rest, God works but when we work, God rests. The saying that God only helps those that help themselves is a distorted truth and has done more damage than good and in my opinion that is when the evil one is present. John 6:29 says "that the work of God is this... to believe in the One He sent". As children of God we are to bring our petitions to Him and then rest in knowing His will shall be done. Resting in Him is one of the true acts of faith and shows our trust in Him.  Allow Him to do good work in you today. And be blessed in Him.

"Heavenly Father, I know you have begun a good work in me and I believe that you will bring it to full completion. I trust in your perfect work in me and I rest in you". 

Psalm 46:10

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

There is such power in our words.  Let us think before we speak.  Let us not react in haste.  I am learning slowly over the years how not to speak everything that is on my mind.  I am learning to be mature and control my words when someone says something that makes me want to respond.  I am learning the power of my words.  I need to encourage, not discourage.  I need to offer guidance, not demands.  I need to be kind, not harsh. I need to be more sensitive and not so defensive.  I am a grown woman who was raised to be a tough, independent, vocal and defensive.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit and asking the Lord to make me more in His image, I am learning to be more peaceful, mature and not so quick to "be right" or "get the last say".  It is hard, it is humbling and it is trying however I must share with you that when you learn self control of the tongue, you are more at peace for there is no conflict.  I instead talk it out with God and He gives me the wisdom to let it go and He softens my mind and frees my heart up. I feel softer and more at ease with myself and with others. I no longer want conflict, discord or unpleasantness in my life.  I will seek out someone I offended and ask for their forgiveness. Once I have done that, I now know that I cannot make everyone forgive me but I know the healing it offers me. To not hold on to anger, strife, resentment or grief. To longer hide behind the self preservation attitude but instead let go and allow others in. The Lord has healed me of my past and the hurt and pain many have caused me and He has forgiven me for the things I have done that were wrong.  He wants all of us to choose peace and joy, not hate and pridee.  Live to love not live to get even.  Instead of allowing this life and this world to overtake us, let us over take it and show the world how to be.  Let's choose God and His ways and let's share the gospel with one another. If you tell one person about the Lord, and then they tell someone, and then they tell someone......our world will change, one person at a time. Thanks be to God!

Proverbs 18

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Thank the Lord in advance for answering your prayers. Praise Him and rejoice in His riches and glory. He moves by our faith and I am asking the Holy Spirit to grant us enormous favor as we walk in faith in knowing He will take care of us. I have an important bill coming up that is due by Friday and I am writing that check and exercising my faith knowing that He will provide what we need. And I know He will. That doesn't mean we are to go out and write checks we cannot cash or make an expensive frivolous purchase and then tell Him to find a way to pay for it. We are to use wisdom and seek His discernment. I am speaking of women who have to feed their children and don't know where the funds will come. Or the person who tithes their last dollar instead of paying for the electric bill. That faith where we know that our Lord will make a way when there seems to be no way....that is the kind of faith that moves the hands of God. So if you, like me, are in dire need of an answered prayer, then thank Him today right now for it. Thank Him for granting the favor and making the impossible possible. And watch what He does. My Lord can do exceedingly abundantly beyond what you or I could ever imagine and He wants us to trust Him, all the way, no matter what the circumstance we are facing. Super natural faith. Will you stand with me today in agreement that our God is an awesome God and that He will provide all of our needs according to His will?

Hebrews 11:1

Monday, July 16, 2012

There are days when we need to just rest in Him and shut out the world. Life is stressful no matter who you are. People suffer from anxiety, worry, fear, financial woes, loneliness, depression, relationship cracks and child care issues. Life is hard and I cannot imagine how anyone gets through it without the Lord. He is the rock eternal and my constant. Isaiah 26:4 He is who I turn to when I need rest from all the headaches of the world and He grants me peace. And He is there for all of His children. No matter what you are facing, He wants you to take time for yourself and to simply be still. Give the reins to Him and ask Him to lead and He will. What a wonderful gift to accept yet so many deny, mock and put down. All I can say is I pray for those that choose to go it alone for God did not intend that for any of His own. And may they find out before it is too late that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life and there is no other way to the Father but through Him. John 14:6 In fact, I pray that this be that day they decide to say yes to Him and no to this world. And for the believers who know the truth but still worry, the Lord wants you to always remember this one truth and that is ..... The will of God will never lead you where the Grace of God cannot keep you.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Obedience is what moves the hands of God. When you hear the voice of the Lord and He is calling upon you to do something, be sure to move. I cannot tell you the results of so many friends and family of mine that I know that have heard His voice and yet denied His command. Their lives took serious detours and their fruit did not bear good fruit. You will think you have control over your life and yes He gives us all free will however be very aware that if you are a child of God and disobey Him, there will be consequences. It may appear as though there aren't any at first, but wait....and you will see. I speak from first hand experience and I would not want you to underestimate the wrath of God. My pastor said in church that people fear man more than they fear God. Yes our Father is a loving God but He is also just God and if we do not do as He says, there will be consequences, very similar to the relationship you have with your earthly Father and Mother. Our parents loved us unconditionally but that did not come without discipline. Therefore do not fear man for there is no harvest in that. But instead do right and leave the consequences to God for He is the One we should praise and give glory to with our actions, words and lives each and every day. Simply live your life listening for His voice and then obeying His word. And you will live a fruitful life filled abundantly of joy and love and most of all you will have tremendous peace that surpasses all understanding, even through the storms. So say yes to God and all His plans for your life and get ready for the ride of your life!

Deuteronomy 30: 10-14

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Stop groveling and complaining about your circumstances and your life. Your actions and words are not pleasing to God's ears for He asks us to be more grateful. No matter who we are, we will face adversity. Expect it then accept it. I am so turned off by people that complain about every little thing. They lack joy, they lack peace and they lack compassion. If you have been experiencing trials in your own life, give them to God instead of complaining about how sick of it you are. Those words will not stop the tests in fact they will increase them. That is how God is. Instead rejoice ... rejoice in Him. Rejoice in life. Rejoice for the gifts you have. Be thankful. Be grateful. Stop reacting to everything in a negative way. Stop being so annoyed when something does not go your way. Be mature in spirit and be of good cheer. It will do your soul good. Trust God more and yourself less. Look what the bible say of this exact subject in James 1: 2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Amen? Amen!

Friday, July 13, 2012

We truly need to pray for one another and not always think of just our own needs.  The Lord commands that we live for others and bless others and praying is a big factor.  Selfish mind sets do not bear fruit yet when we give of ourselves in all ways whether it is with our time, finances, service, prayers and physical support for another, then we will sow hearty seeds for the kingdom.  So many have been effected with what is happening in the world today and the economy and job situations that we cannot ignore them.  I know a person that readily admits she chooses "to keep her head in the sand so what she doesn't know won't hurt her" and others say, "I have to take of myself..that is what they get for picking a hopeless line of work"...my ears! How dare any of us judge another let alone ignore another. That mind set boggles me. The Lord is very displeased for we are all His children.  When you give of yourself to lend a hand to another, you will feel rewarded. When we take the focus off of ourselves, there is truly a  peace that comes over you. I remember a Sunday morning I was serving in the children's ministry signing in kids and my life was crashing down around me. I was crying on the inside yet smiling on the outside. I felt like I was out of my own body and in a coma and I wanted to scream out, "don't you know what I am going through right now? Don't you care?!" and yet life continued on so I chose to serve and give of myself.  I have to tell you it helped me and no one ever knew how I was hurting inside and that  I could have used a prayer or hug. My point in sharing this is we are surrounded by people who are silently hurting whether it be emotionally, financially, physically or most of all spiritually. It is time we get our heads out of the sand and take action. They are not going to tell you out of pride, fear or even shame. But the bible tells me that "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame" and it is up to us to take control. So today I challenge you to pray for another, then stop and look around you for there is someone near you that is experiencing what I was experiencing that day in church and they are quietly suffering on the inside and the Lord is calling you to help. Be a lamp for their feet and be a vessel for God to bless another. And it is my prayer that you honor Him and give Him glory and do this in His name today. 

Romans 10:11

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Prayer should never be your last resort, it should be your ONLY resort....always! Prayer is such a vital part of the Christian life. It stimulates, motivates and moves your soul and heart and mind. It truly is "food for the soul". The Lord will speak, guide and direct you as you commune with Him. I was praying just yesterday in earnest for something in regards to my Mom's hospital stay and within 15 minutes my prayer was answered. Does He always respond so quickly? I wish I could say yes but the truth is the answer is no for all prayers are answered in His time according to His will. There is no room for our pride, our control nor our input. He simply wants us to bring all petitions to Him and allow Him to move in our lives. We recently went to the altar at our church for prayer and the pastor said when you humble yourself before God, His power moves and He will show us where to go and I claimed it and within hours we were acutely made aware of my Mom's declining health and within four days the Lord directed me to take her to the emergency room in the hospital and that move saved her life for she was within days from septic shock from a deadly infection in her blood and urine and no one knew so believe me prayer works and it moves the hands of God. I am forever grateful the Lord intervened in His divine way to save my Mom's life and we believe she has a lot more life in her so we are thankful and hopeful and we give God all the glory. So please keep prayer and God in the center of your life. He is the way and the truth and the life John 14:6 and we all need Him so stop wherever you are and pray and give thanksgiving for He is good and worthy to be praised. Have a wonderful day in Him .

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Philippians 4: 4-9 comes to my mind and I want to share it with all of you who worry and suffer from anxiety. Those that worry endlessly about their lives, their children, their families, their future.....stop! The bible tells us .. "do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Yes His peace can miraculously replace anxiety with peace. Peace that may not even make sense to you or anyone around you. I ask the Lord to make me a channel of His peace so others can know His peace can remove all those thoughts that are not of God. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 He wants you to....He is waiting for you too. Just try it...so if you are having these bouts right now and are in fear of something or are anxious about a situation at work or with your child, call unto the Lord and He will grant you peace. Amen?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Short prayers are just as effective as long prayers. In fact sometimes they can be more effective. I believe when you seek the Father and His holy wisdom with a pure heart, He hears the prayers of the righteous. He knows your words before they are spoken and He hears your cries before they are shed so no need for fancy prayers in order to get the Lord's attention. I love to pray in the morning and just talk to Him and thank Him and praise Him for all He has done and sometimes it is nice just to be grateful and tell Him so. Prayer changes lives. There is power in prayer. Prayer works and we all must have a healthy active prayer life and we must pray for one another. Our church likes to say when someone says they need prayers or when someone says, "pray for me", we should pray on the spot. That way the person knows you mean it. Never doubt your own prayers. Be bold. I have to admit as outward as I am with my faith, I am very shy when it comes to outward prayer. I have always struggled with public speaking so I get very nervous to pray out loud. I pray for my own boldness in that area. So if you like me, feel shy, ask Him to remove that spirit and replace it with a spirit of boldness and assurance. It is okay to be honest, we are all human. But never let it stop you for furthering God's work. And always remember to believe that you will receive and it shall be done. Have a blessed day in Him. 

Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Mark 9:29  And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Mark 11:24  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

John 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it

Monday, July 9, 2012

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation —
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Fear nothing in this life for the Lord is our light and shining grace. He is all any of us or need. We are in this world but not of it and we are not to be so shocked and dismayed when we feel like outcasts at our place of employment or even in social settings. Many people avoid any conversation that is about spirituality for they do not want to be lectured or as they say, "preached to death". Most people that know my husband and I know we are a Christian couple that live our life by the Word and His commandments. We desire to listen and obey and do what is right according to His Word. And we do not compromise our faith for anything nor for anyone. If someone is offended by my faith, then I will pray for them but distance myself for I will not allow any influence that is not of His will in to my life or that of my husband's. Are we looked upon as holier than thou? Probably. Do people think we are boring now or are we excluded from socials because we don't drink or smoke or involve ourselves in worldly things? Everyday. But we both agree that He is worth it and we are living more wholesome and meaningful lives now. The bible should never be viewed as "a book of don't's" for there are many rewarding things to living a life for God. And one of the greatest is His gift of peace and no fear. I am not afraid for I know if God can be for me than who on earth can be against me and if He has me in the palm of His hand, then to whom or what could I ever be afraid of? If something goes our way, then we win and if the Lord decides it wasn't best for us, then we win because we know it was of His will. Therefore we live very serene and peaceful lives now, uncomplicated and void of stress. So someone you know may see a child of God as boring or weird, but we see ourselves as loved and highly favored and we pray each and every day for those that are in the dark. And may this be the day they say yes to Jesus!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 

 Let's simply praise the Lord today for all He has done and all He is going to do.  Let's rejoice in His presence and be grateful to Him for His love and faithfulness and for His word always being true. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and we can put our trust in Him. Let's come to Him with a repentant heart and a repentant spirit and seek His kingdom and His love will endure forever. I love you Lord and I give it all to you. 

Saturday, July 7, 2012

I learned that to stay positive during these dark days is to lean on Him. The one who has brought me out of the darkness.

Friday, July 6, 2012

We must make a choice every day how we are going to live our day. We must choose to speak positive words. We must choose to think with a sinless mind. We choose our actions, words, and thoughts every day and yet how many of us truly take God into consideration? I read the statement that God should be first in our lives and everything else must work around Him. And we must live our lives dedicated to giving Him glory in all we do and all we say and even in all we think. All we think you wonder? Yes, for God is very interested in our thought life and if no one else knows what you are thinking, He does. He knows our motives and our intent. He will know if we are doing something for gain or if it is a true act of selflessness. I know someone that is caring for an older person who does not have much family and I think..are they truly there helping in a genuine sense or are they hoping in the end there is a financial gain for them. One never knows but God will always know our heart. The bible tells us in Matthew 5:8 "blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." So next time you are thinking no one is looking or listening, remember the one and true God is. So for every day you live ... choose love. Choose compassion and selflessness. Choose to not sin. Choose peace and joy. And above all else choose to live for Him and choose to give glory in all ways to Him. For we can not do this on our own, but only by the grace of God.  

Ephesians 2:8

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Mark 11:22-24

22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 23 For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

I believe to receive. The Lord is my Healer and my Maker and He is yours too. Pray to receive and believe in His power. Faith is believing in what we cannot see. Therefore ask the Lord to move the "mountain in your life and cast it into the sea".  And know not just that He can but that He will. Trust and believe!

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14: 27

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Today we celebrate our independence as a country and as Christians we get to celebrate our freedom thanks be to God everyday. For there is no greater thing than to serve our Almighty God and receive His free gift of grace and bask in His love.  His love transcends your life into a peaceful state of being because you can rest your mind in knowing that He is in the center of your life and will work everything out for your good according to His purpose. And when you surrender your will to His, this is what you desire. So my prayer today is that everyone reading this will share the gospel with one friend or family member today and show them how they too can receive God's love and grace in their life. And if you have never known love like that...love that surpasses all understanding, trust that tells you no matter what is happening, you will believe and have faith.....you can too by asking the Lord into your heart, confess you are a sinner to Him and ask Him for His forgiveness and commit your life to Him and He will "save" you from an afterlife of damnation and in an instant add your name to the Book of Life and you can live the rest of your life knowing you are a child of God. It is my prayer that you receive this gift and that you do it today so you will now live the life He intended for you. Be blessed and happy 4th of July everyone!

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 7

Monday, July 2, 2012

Turn your eyes upon Jesus.  And do not look around you.  Life will scare you.  The news, weather, stock market, unemployment rate, housing market, economy predictions....all of it is of man.  But God's economy is bigger and stronger.  His word tells us the righteous will not fall nor go hungry.  That we will not be disgraced. So live in victory each and every day.  Learn from the chaos that God has allowed in your life and rebuke any sin from it that may be causing any calamity.  Having done all you can do based upon God's word then stand. Ephesians 6:13 Stand on His promise.  Stand on His victory.  Stand on His truth.  Nothing is impossible for God.  Declare it and know it.  Amen?Amen!

Luke 1:37

Sunday, July 1, 2012

The bible tells us that "we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us". Phil 4:13 And we can. So many people know God but fail to know His power. And the Lord's power is our power. By knowing God and having Him in the center of our life, He is our life line. He is our life generator. If you are looking for a job call out in His mighty name the power of the blood. I laid hands on my critically ill Mother 2 short days ago and I asked the Lord to use His power to heal her and push out her infected blood and replace with His pure blood of the Lamb. And He did. He healed my Mom and she is off the breathing tube and breathing on her own, talking and eating. And she was deemed an "hour by hour gravely ill situation". So never lose faith and never forget the power of the blood!