Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This mug sits on my window sill and it reminds me of so many things. First let me tell you the story of this mug. The story of the mug is short but the lessons I find within are powerful for me. One day last year we were preparing the soil for our garden and I was trying to decide what to spread the nutrients with; I eventually decided to use one of our coffee mugs. When we finished the garden it may have started to rain or maybe I was just tired but for whatever reason I left the mug. A couple days went by and I didn't even think to go back for the mug, honestly I had forgotten about it. Maybe because we had so many I didn't even notice one was gone. My husband had come across it and decided to use it as target practice; I guess it was just something to do, maybe he took some irritations out on it and didn't think we would really miss one mug. Several days later when he asked me to come see how the seeds had sprouted in the garden I was shocked to discover pieces of the mug in the dirt. Pieces are what remained of the mug. I didn't get a chance or just didn’t feel like picking up the pieces that day so there they lay. A few days passed and when my daughter came inside she tells me “I've got something for you” she hands me my mug. She said “see I fixed it for you, some pieces I couldn't find so I just made them. You could still use it if you needed to, right?” I said yes of course, thank you. I was so surprised, she hadn’t even known it was out there broken. I had been disappointed by leaving it out there in the first place, that it had been broken and I had not picked up the pieces. She had no idea how much this gift would minister to me. This mug reminds me of my own life and the lives of those I have known. When I look at this mug several things come to mind. 1. We are used by God in many ways - This was not just a “coffee” mug. The label I had given it didn’t limit the actual possible uses of the mug. - Through our own perceptions we limit ourselves and others, God doesn’t limit us. 1 Corinthians 12:14-27 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. - We have to remain aware that we are all members of the body of Christ, we have different places within that body, are used in more than one way and all are important. - Do we value every member in the body of Christ? Are we more concerned with the place others fill or are we examining our own? 2. What we pour out from within us impacts others - Are we helping people or hurting people? Are we nurturing or poisoning? -I’ve read many stories of people who planned suicide but did not follow through because of a smile or kind word of a passing stranger. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. -Are we speaking life into others or are we using our words to break others unaware that we are pushing them closer to physical or spiritual death? 3. People often pass by, leave or forget the broken Luke 10:30-35 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. - Are we like the priest and Levite that saw the man and walked away, are we wounding others and leaving them half dead or do we have compassion like the Samaritan and help? 4. Jesus doesn’t forget or leave the one, He sees the value Luke 15:4-7 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. -Don’t be so quick to dismiss the broken. Jesus sees the broken and knows they can be used. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. - We should pray for people and lead them to Jesus. Is there anyone we have forgotten or left behind? Will we help pick up their pieces or leave them broken? 5. We can all become broken -Our brokenness can be the result of our own sin or sins of others committed against us. This is what David speaks to God after he had gone to Bathsheba Psalm 51:8-10 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. -Times of brokenness often leads to growth. Have we forgotten lessons we’ve learned in our own times of brokenness? 6. Our own attempts at fixing the broken will be incomplete -Broken people can be fragile and need to see the love of God through us. 1 John 3:17-18 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. - Don’t break others in hope it will strengthen them, God may allow brokenness to come along in their lives so He can strengthen us but we need to leave that job to Him. -Broken people need compassion and to be reminded of their value. We can’t fix everything but we should help where we can. - Is our love for others just words spoken or are they shown true through our actions? 7. The broken can still be used -Many in the Bible were used of God while broken, their experiences are still being used to teach of God’s power.
1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; -Are we viewing the broken as useless or used for God’s glory? 8. Jesus will always put the pieces back together Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. -This speaks of Jesus taking BROKEN people and making them HEALED. • the captives • those in darkness • the prisoners • those who are mourning and grieving • the poor • the blind • the oppressed Through the salvation of Jesus all broken people are made into: -trees of righteousness (A symbol of stability and strength, this describes the new condition of God's people.) -the planting of the Lord (Planted by Christ never to be rooted out, this gives us soundness and stability.) -that he might be glorified (This is the means by which God may reveal himself to the world.) -Are we trusting Jesus to mend the broken people we know? -Are we aware of the broken pieces within our own life or are we carrying them around instead of giving them to Jesus? The Broken Vessel Crash! The vessel Hit the floor Broken in pieces, Whole no more. She knelt to pick The pieces up “Oh No!”, she cried, “I won’t give up!” …Then saw the pieces Weren’t all there Yet stayed her task To mend…repair. Her heart the vessel Now so broken, Once more she knelt With words unspoken And gave the pieces All to God Her mending skills Had proven flawed. With folded hands And eyes downcast, She prayed one day Her pain would pass Her heart was never Quite the same Though patched, it seemed Some cracks remained. She called out “Lord, What shall I do? I’m still not whole I trusted You!” He answered her, “I left some cracks Once shattered You can ne’er go back.” “My Child,” He said, “I thought you knew The cracks are where Your light shines through.” -kp
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Every year I have good intentions but they tend to slip away with the dawning of a new day. Of course I've not abandoned my intentions purposely. Too many times it's only after much time has passed and I've gotten lost in the day to day when something stirs the memory and I disappointedly realize somewhere along the way I lost sight of my intention. Unintentionally this is a place we all find ourselves. We set goals, we mean well but the days, weeks and months roll by and before we know it a new year has been ushered in and we've found ourselves no closer to where we meant to be. Even more sadly we may even find ourselves further from where we envisioned. There have been times I've even purposely had no goals or intention just so I didn't have to go through the disappointment of what I deemed as failure. I would reason that doing such allowed me a pass and I wouldn't have any reason to give myself mental lashings for "failing to obtain". In reality those lashings still came because deep inside I still secretly wanted to be further. When I find myself in the exact same state I have nobody to blame but myself... When I fail to plan I am indeed planning to fail. Looking onward. Even if my plan, goal or intentions don't turn out as I hoped I will offer myself the same grace I would give to others. I would never berate someone for not achieving a goal instead I would encourage them to keep making steps to work towards their vision. I deserve the same encouragement so why shouldn't say the same to myself. So what am I going to do? I'm going to set some goals in writing. I will have categories, there will be: within 1 year, within 5 years, and before I die. Instead of just having good intentions I will with determination work towards meeting my goals. At the ending of each week or month I will (with grace) evaluate how well I am reaching my aim and readjust as needed. Everyday will offer new challenges and I may have to make allowances for change but I will be determined to not allow those challenges to become an excuse to remain stalled. Every day is new and given to us to begin again. Let's all make today and everyday count.
"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good. ~Author Unknown" We've all known at least one injustice collector and they can practically drive you insane if you accept everything they are trying to place on you particularly if you're a people pleaser. You can't successfully communicate with the irrational. Accept what's applies to you but don't keep beating yourself up or allow them to.
"Characteristics of Injustice Collectors 1. Injustice collectors are never wrong. How is it possible that they are never wrong? It’s simple: They are always right. 2. Injustice collectors never apologize. Ever. For anything. 3. Injustice collectors truly believe they are morally and ethically superior to others and that others seem incapable of holding themselves to the same high standards as the injustice collector does. 4. Injustice collectors make the rules, break the rules, and enforce the rules of the family. They are a combination of legislator, police, judge, and jury to those they consider their subjects. They forever banish from their kingdom any subject they deem disloyal, and only grant clemency if there is sufficient contrition. 5. Injustice collectors never worry about what is wrong with them as their “bad list” grows. Their focus is always on the failings of others. 6. Injustice collectors are never troubled by the disparity between their rules for others and their own expectations of themselves. 7. Injustice collectors rationalize their own behavior with great ease and comfort. 8. Injustice collectors have an external orientation; the problem always exists in the world, outside of themselves, and in their view, the world would be an acceptable place if their rules and standards were followed at all times. 9. Injustice collectors do not have a capacity for remorse or guilt. 10. Injustice collectors scoff at the idea of therapy, therapists, self- help books, and other tools used by people who struggle to live with them. 11. The phrase walking on eggshells describes life with an injustice collector. When injustice collectors are determined to hurt someone, there seems no end to the weapons and poison they can wield to cause harm. Characteristics of a People Pleaser 1. People pleasers are reactive to events, situations, and interactions, rarely taking the initiative to assert their own needs, wants, and desires into a situation. 2. People pleasers take any criticism as fact, and immediately suffer a deflation in their own self- esteem. 3. People pleasers feel an extraordinary fear of abandonment. 4. People pleasers blame themselves for everything that ever goes wrong. 5. People pleasers become more concerned with others’ feelings than their own. 6. People pleasers have an overdeveloped sense of responsibility, expecting of themselves magical abilities to fix the significant others in their lives. 7. People pleasers learned early in their lives to bury their own feelings, needs, and wants, and keep them buried until they get help for their problems. 8. People pleasers chronically confuse pity with love and self- sacrifice with caring for others. The injustice collector acts as an overgrown infant, only concerned about meeting his or her own needs for gratification. The people pleaser is locked into the vain attempt to accommodate the injustice collector. Unable to move beyond insults and slights, whether real or imagined, injustice collectors become consumed with three basic issues: 1. What they feel people did to them that was unnecessarily mean, hurtful, and thoughtless 2. What people did not do for them that they feel they should have done 3. When they feel the people in their lives have not done enough for them As with small children, it never occurs to them, ever, that not everything is about them. ~Mark Sichel" After a while you learn The subtle difference Between holding a hand And chaining a soul And you begin to learn That kisses aren’t contracts And presents aren’t promises And you begin to accept your defeats With your head up And your eyes open With the grace of a woman Not the grief of a child And you learn to build All your roads on today Because tomorrow’s ground Is too uncertain And futures have a way Of falling down in mid- flight After a while you learn That even sunshine burns If you get too much So you plant your own garden And decorate your own soul Instead of waiting For someone to bring you flowers And you learn That you really can endure That you really are strong That you really do have worth And you learn and learn With every goodbye you learn.
Galatians 5:7-10 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
For more than a week after reading this passage it would come to mind and became a question about my own walk. What happened? “Ye did run well” That was me, I had ran well until something caused me to stumble. It was easy to point the finger at situations or persons and say they were at fault, to allow that to be an excuse or reason to act out to give into being a person I no longer recognized. If I were to be completely honest with myself I knew I had nobody to blame but myself I went that direction. James 1:13-15 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [1]It’s easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions. Excuses include: (1) It’s the other person’s fault; (2) I couldn’t help it; (3) everybody’s doing it; (4) it was just a mistake; (5) nobody’s perfect; (6) the devil made me do it; (7) I was pressured into it; (8) I didn’t know it was wrong. A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself to something or someone else. A Christian, on the other hand, accepts responsibility for his wrongs, confesses them, and asks God for forgiveness. Even with my mind filled of all the excuses for my actions my heart remained troubled because I knew the truth. The truth was I knew right and I didn’t obey God. I had allowed myself to focus on troubles and while it was good to reflect on them to learn from and release them to God, I had in fact allowed them to consume me and control me. Galatians 5:24-26 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Did my actions reflect Christ or His character, would my example result in a desire for others to turn toward Him? Sadly I know the answer is no. I made excuses and didn’t crucify my fleshly desires instead I walked my own way and not in the Spirit. I had allowed pride, vengeance and excuses to creep in. To get them out I had to confess it as sin and ask God’s forgiveness. I had forgotten who I was and who I belonged to, I am Christ’s but I hadn't reflected anything more than fleshly attitudes and desires. I had thought wrong, I had done wrong, I had fallen. My focus seemed to quickly turn from God’s forgiveness and moved forward to self-condemnation, shame, depression, and almost defeat. Then I heard a message that reminded me life is a spiritual battle and I remembered that not only am I a child of God but I’m a soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. There was my answer, life would be tough and I’d likely continue to endure hardness but to be a good soldier for Jesus Christ I would have to stop entangling myself with the affairs of this life. I would have to make that choice to acknowledge the person I had been but realize in Christ I could pick up and move on. My focus would need to remain on Him and I would have to be engaged in this battle. In battle soldiers are given orders they must hear and then do. James 1:22-25 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. I’d have to be sure I had on armor. (Ephesians 6:11-17 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:) I would also have a code of conduct. Colossians 3:12-17 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Though I may be tempted by things of this life and possibly stumble in battle I can be certain that His strength will always be available to me and I can do all things through Him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. This will be a long battle that will require me to daily choose to lay aside every weight and I will have to continue to look to Jesus for direction. Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [1] Note from Tyndale Life Application Study Bible, King James Version Just came across this one, I wrote it a year and a half ago but it's just as true for today.
Many adults are in fact bullying others under the frequent disguise of expressing themselves, in doing so their children are learning that this is the acceptable way to treat others. It should really be no surprise we hear about cases where children in schools are being bullied, many of us witness this behavior everyday though many others. There are three types of bullying:
T~Is it true? H~Is it helpful? I~Is it inspiring? N~Is it necessary? K~Is it Kind? No life isn't perfect, as a matter of fact we all make poor decisions. If you think your decisions and actions don't impact the lives of others around you then you are fooling yourself and allowing yourself to remain blind. We all have hurts and have experienced moments when our peace is attempted to be shaken and at times the attempt was successful. We all value our privacy but forget to respect another's privacy. What happens too frequently is most make judgements based on what little they think is known by things heard, seen or according to the degree of sin we see in another. Fact of life is there is probably a thing or two we all wouldn't like others to know about our life. If you don't want to be placed under a microscope don't place others under one. Love one another and accept that we all have weakness, we stumble and at times fall. If you can't help, encourage or be happy for someone then at the least don't contribute to their undoing.
When I stop and think about it I’m often amazed at how things can make a connection for me and tie together. I began thinking about something a friend once told me, “Don’t stare at the closed door for so long that you don’t notice the window God opened for you”. I would see the closed door and stand there for so long waiting for it to reopen that I would fail to see the window and realize that the door was only what I wanted not what was best for me. I begin to understand that life may not have went the direction I wanted it to go or been as straight a road as I would have liked but it’s what was needed and I had to take some of the turns or I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I still have a long journey ahead of me but I see that God had a window open, a window that would put my focus directly on Him. The Ark Noah built had one window at the top so they would keep focused on God instead of the storm, I too need to remain focused on Him not my storms. That status got me to thinking of one of the lessons I've had to learn and prompted me to reflect over this past year and my life as a whole. We should always strive to be better and doing our best even when it isn’t easy. It's always good to clean up, reevaluate a few things and move on. Love ain't always easy or pretty but sometimes we are the only examples to a lost world. It's our choice, showing love will be modeled in our daily behavior, wither saved or unsaved. How can I win someone to the Lord if I can't say hey, I've struggled too, and show I genuinely care. How can people believe the love of Christ if you don't show them you love them first. God either sends or allows everything in our life, I've had joy and I've had heartache and trouble. Choices made by me and made by others around me are all developing me and teaching me what God would have me too know. All our experiences will teach us if we are willing to learn the lesson that is in them. The above status is my prayer for my own personal life. I pray it applies to all I come in contact with. I pray everyone will set goals and strive to meet them. Don't just make a resolution to change in the upcoming year. Set some goals and work toward them. Judge whither you are meeting them in God's sight and continue moving on; do better where you need to and repent where you need as well, be honest with yourself. God knows your best and if you listen He will tell you what your areas of strength are and what needs improvement. Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:1-29 ) I don't know why he sends or allows certain situations into our lives but we are allowed to choose how we react to it. I myself know I haven't reacted very well during certain times but He has sent or allowed these things to teach me. (1 Corinthians 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;) Because I've had to go through it, someday I can help someone going through the same things. The lesson I'm learning is it begins at home and within our church families (John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.) Can people see and know you love them, can you see you love and value your family members? In the church we are family and we are all members of one body that God has designed. (1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.) 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. Follow God's leading. We may fear an outcome, people may fail us but we have to trust in His ways and do what's right even when it hurts. We are living to please God and point others to Christ. We have to have faith and know Christ will get us through because in our weakness He is shown strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.) He knows the way and His judgment is best. Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (Matthew 9:4) I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:5-9) We will be known by our fruit. It can be seen in our lifestyle and our family. Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. (Matthew 12:33) Is your fruit good? (Galatians 5:22&23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.) Or is it bad? (Galatians 5:19-21Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.) "If you have a bad attitude with a capital A what kind of fruit do you have? -Eddie Kelso" Are you reproducing, have you won anyone to the Lord, talked about Jesus and led them toward the Lord. Are you unreachable or reachable, like Jesus? Are we saved and have a relationship or are we merely following law and keeping appearances? The situation can be bad but we aren't in it alone when we are saved. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5) We all need to work on making our fruit better and it will start with our family (Matthew 16:25-27 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.) What does it profit if you win the world and lose your family? How can your family believe you love them if you can't show you love them, how can they believe what you say about Christ is true if they cannot see it in your life and behavior toward them. Will they know what you say is true because it's modeled in your life or will they laugh at you like Lot the one who seemed as if he mocked. (Genesis 19:14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.) Don't fear the outcome, trust God and follow Him. It won't be easy but you'll never be alone. (Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.) (1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.) He didn't say it wouldn't hurt! As a matter of fact sometimes hurt is just how you will reach others. It is only then that they can see what we've come through and witness that Christ has carried us in His strength. We aren't perfect all we can do is strive to be like Jesus and let Him live through us. We can show others our hurts but also show that in His strength we carry on. (Psalms 43:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?) Can others see your God in you or do they see your gods; do they know where your strength comes from? Stranger, family, church member, homeless, indebted, rich, free, prisoner he died for us all. We don’t think we deserve the uncomfortable times of life but neither do we deserve blessings in our own merit. (Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.) We deserve death but instead He died so we could be saved; that's our greatest gift. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:1-21) It's all in God's hands. Trust in the Lord. (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. Joshua 1:9) For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. (Hebrews 10:30) If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (Romans 8:15) Christ died for us, He didn’t have to but to He valued us as His sons and daughters. (To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Galatians 4:5) Examine yourself and get your priorities straight. Have you put anything in your life above God? Whither it be yourself, your family, your possessions, your health, anything before God is like an idol. (Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:) & (Isaiah 42:8 I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.) God will do what it takes to get your attention and help you grow. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. (James 4:14)
Lord willing this will not be my last year, day, minute or second. Thank you Lord for both your blessings and testings, in both I am blessed. I am His child. Are you His child and are you making the most of your time on this earth? We never know when our time is up, so live as if your time is up, get things right and don’t wish you had or hadn’t done something. Today is the present so enjoy and make your tomorrows something to be proud of. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. "Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already. -Dave Willis" Is your life a positive example? Are you modeling the right things? We all have to answer that question for ourselves. Were we a positive influence or were we a negative one? We all go through struggles in life and whenever we believe we are strong the devil will find whatever our weakness is and attempt to use it to destroy us. The devil made an attack on our family and almost succeeded in destroying everything I held dear. I had finally released my own past and old hurts and had grown stronger in Him so the devil used this to invoke anger at God for not protecting us or stopping it and attempted to prove to me that I just wasn't valuable to God. The fog and bitterness I was in for a time because of the pain was almost unbearable but being a good example for my kids and others around me was my driving force to not give in and not give up. The teachings I heard in the past and during this time run through my mind over and over again and helped me to forgive and strengthened my resolve to continue the fight to hold my family together, my heart would not be whole without them. God allowed the tough times to make me stronger, show me what was important in life and so helped me better understand what others go through so that someday I may help them through the fog too. I'm no longer merely getting through day to day but I am living and I know without a doubt I am valuable to God and Christ is my strength. So the words of the poem I wrote ring just as true now as the day I wrote them.
There's Hope Written January 3, 2012 by: Helena I was a shell of a person I was struggling to cope But as I grew closer Lord, you showed me there’s hope I tried so long to do it on my own, I struggled to be strong The fumbling and stumbling was allowed to show me I was doing it all wrong All I had to do was turn it all over to you and let it all go Now I have more peace than I ever thought I’d know Drawing closer to you brought me such joy I will remain alert and not fall for Satan’s ploy Satan promises so many things that will never be true It robs us of all hope and joy in all that we do But Jesus you are a faithful, loving and kind friend You will forever be with us with a love that does not end Help me to help others so through you I can show them the way That through your salvation and closeness to you we are conquerors every day Mark 4:37-40 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Just like the disciples we can be moving forward in our journey through life serving Christ and feeling everything is going well but without warning the storm suddenly appears. Everyone experiences a storm sometime within their lifetime and for each person it’s different. Our storm may be a health problem, financial difficulty, personal loss, death of a family member or turmoil within a relationship. We may have experienced a difficult trial or test and in the pain we didn’t look at the purpose God had for it in our life instead we attempt to avoid experiencing pain again. We may be looking around at others for too long and we cannot see their storm so we may feel we aren’t as valued or good as them and falsely believe we can’t be of service to God. We may temporarily feel defeated and believe lies the devil tells us or we allow our own thoughts to become exaggerated in focusing on the worst. In these times we begin to become unsettled and begin to fear much like the disciples on the ship during the storm. When this occurs we can respond in two ways: 1. Choose Fear: Become afraid and give in to the feeling of fear or anxiety that someone or something is dangerous and is likely to cause us pain; then we’ll begin to worry that something undesirable will occur. 2. Choose Faith: Have faith in God and put our complete trust in Him and maintain our hope with complete confidence in God’s plans for us. How do we combat this fear and choose faith? 1. Seek God - Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 2. Rest assured God is listening - Jeremiah 29:11-13 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 3. Stop and listen for God - Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. 4. Believe in God’s word (God is faithful) a. When He is calling you - 1Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. b. When you face difficulties - 2Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 5. Ask for God’s help and practice self-control with your thoughts - 2Corinthians10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; - Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 6. Evaluate where it’s coming from and reject untruths - 2Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 7. God sees our value, look at yourself through His eyes - Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8. Remember you are God’s child - Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 9. Know God is with you and He is helping you - Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. 10. God will protect you from destruction - 2Samuel 22:31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 11. Through God you can overcome - 1John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 12. Be still and trust God - Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. - Isaiah 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: 13. Rely on God’s strength - Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14. Let it go and follow God commands - 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. 15. In all times praise God - Psalm 56:3-4 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. “God is always good. God is always present. God is always faithful. God is always greater than whatever we face. Therefore, we can always rejoice in Him.” –Paul Chappell It’s our decision we accept fear or faith. Which do you choose? FEAR: False Evidence/Emotions Appearing Real OR FAITH: Full Assurance In Trusting Him From our beginnings we have not wanted to be wrong or to admit fault for our part in things or our decisions. Whether it be our not wanting to fall out of favor or our pride we will often find something or someone else to point the finger in attempt to displace blame in one way or another. When God confronted Adam He knew what had been done but He gave Adam the chance to confess, instead Adam defensively pointed the finger at Eve saying she gave him the fruit to eat. (And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. Genesis 3:12) Now I'd imagine Adam knew the garden well and he knew exactly where the fruit came from but he choose to eat it anyway and instead of owning up to his decision he was almost blaming God for giving him the woman Eve because she gave him the fruit. Eve did the same thing by blaming the serpent. (And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:13) While it's true she was deceived to think it really wouldn't be so bad she ultimately was disobedient to God and made the choice to eat the fruit instead of calling upon God and standing strong. Thus the beginning of the "blame game" and the entrance of sin into humanity. God knew what they had done and as a result of their choices consequences were to be faced. If you read Genesis 3 you will see the punishment still came as a result of their choices both for Adam & Eve and the beguiling serpent. We like to say well if he/she hadn't done this I wouldn't have done that or if he/she had done this I would have been better and done this. What it really boils down to is choices and the decisions we make. Clearly the Bible tells us, "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17", so we deceive ourselves when we try to convince ourselves it's alright to hurt someone that hurt us. Whatever it is we think we are getting away with or justifying in our own mind will be answered for one day. (For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:11-12) God will know what our decisions were and what we refused to confess, there will be no excuses to be made or shifting of blame when we are standing in judgment before Him. We have the chance now to honestly look at our lives and see the results of our choices and where we were wrong and fell short of God's glory. Don't think you have done no wrong, you are human and I am human we are imperfect and only when Christ is living through us are we closer to being perfect but we still fall and fail. All have sinned, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23", last I checked all means every single one of us. We can try to find excuses for what we did or did not do and in our minds denial can be pretty powerful but it still doesn't change the error of our ways and the decisions we have made. Regardless of where we've been along our life's journey, the decisions we have made and what we have or haven't done if we will take a good personal inventory and confess to God, that's what He is asking of us. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9"
Sometimes it almost surprises me when I see someone I would closely consider an enemy hurting and I feel bad for them. The human flesh in me at times wants them to hurt as bad as they have hurt me but then compassion and a little empathy will peak through because they too have had their share of hurts. We all have painful situations we face and often those are results of choices we have made but I don't enjoy seeing anyone struggle. Maybe this is an area of growth and I'm learning as the Bible says to love my enemies, I'm not perfect at it by any means and sometimes it's a daily battle. Still trying to get to where I can pray for them but I know it's something I should do, I believe ultimately it will bring me some peace through being obedient to God
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44 KJV) Dear Lord, I come to you today confessing my sins and asking your forgiveness. I am claiming your word "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 KJV)" In the storms of my life I have often lost my focus and became focused on the situation instead of on you. I have forgotten that even during the most intense and painful situations you have been right beside me often carrying me when I could go no further. Though at times I've misunderstood and been angry and hurt because I feared I was left unprotected I am so grateful you see the big picture and know what greater good the trials will work in my life. Forgive me for too often being a poor example of your grace when I have taken matters into my own hands and hastily have attempted to obtain the vengeance against those that have wronged me. I ask that you extend your grace and forgiveness to those individuals as well as myself. Where your salvation has not been received I pray I did not hinder them from one day coming to know the power of your saving grace and I pray they find forgiveness in their heart for me one day. Forgive me Lord for stubbornly holding onto the hurts, irritations, bitterness and unforgiveness instead of fully releasing them to you. I have hindered you from working through my life and on my life and I ask you to take complete control of every aspect that has been hindered. I ask for your strength to get me through the challenging times, ask you to help me love as you love, and to provide your healing of my heart and the hearts of those I have hurt. Please help me to view others how you view them. I have many flaws and am so thankful you love me despite them and you have not given up on working on me. Please forgive me and help me, I am nothing without you. I love you Lord and I give every aspect of my life over to you, I am your child and need your guidance today and everyday. Thank you for all you have done and all that you are going to do in my life. I ask all these things in Jesus name. Amen
We all have so many emotions that can change from moment to moment sometimes leaving us wondering why we really felt that way. Positive emotions are always welcomed and often not questioned but there are times anger or sadness can pop up when least expected. If not dealt with properly our anger can lead to bitterness and hostility and our sadness or disappointment can lead to depression. Looking back on my own life I have found that feeling “less than” has been the primary trigger of these negative emotions for me. Through the times I have stumbled and struggled I would see others that seemingly had or did everything perfectly and the feelings of inadequacy or being “less than” would come pouring in. Other times I would wonder how some people could do so much while I was only able to do so little. I could find myself spiraling into anger or depression if there was a difference of opinion or even the slightest indication of disapproval, at some point I linked disapproval with not being loved or being thought of as unworthy or “less than”. The change in my focus along with the strength and power of God has helped me overcome the toughest of these emotions and over time it has improved. Every now and then the struggle reappears and I have had to remind myself this is going to be a daily battle considering the fact we are not always in control of circumstances or other people and the devil is going to do anything possible to defeat and discourage us. We will often unconsciously find supporting evidence for our thoughts and then begin to believe it must be true.
One phrase we should refuse to allow when endeavoring in our Christian walk is, “I Quit”. With all the pressures and times of discouragement we can easily feel defeated. The devil will tempt us with discouraging thoughts and ask us why we don’t just give up. We were never promised it would be easy we were promised He would never leave us or forsake us. “Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” We have to remain focused on Christ and realize we couldn’t make it on our own but He will give us the strength to make it through, “Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” People will say or do things that hurt us, we may scrutinize our own faults or agonize over our past or present failures, and we can even be feeling unworthy of carrying out the purpose and will God has for our life believing someone else is better for the task. This is all part of the devil’s plan to give you “proof” that you should just give up. Don’t listen to the devil, remember how valuable you are, “Matthew 10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” If God takes care of sparrows and is concerned for their lives, we need to realize how much more care He will take of us, His children. Realize that Christ would have never died for you if you weren’t important to God. Ignore the devil and the people or situations he uses to form his lies and discouragement, “James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Take it all to God and realize He has already decided to use you. Don’t let the devil defeat you! Focus on God and don’t allow yourself to be discouraged to the point of saying “I Quit”, instead resolve to forbid the statement or thought.
We say we love God but how are we showing Him that we love Him? Love isn't just a feeling it is an action, the Bible shows us this in 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” God loved us so much He sent His only begotten son to die in atonement for our sins. (John 3:16) God created us to fellowship with Him but our sin separates us from Him. How amazing it is when you realize He gave His son so we could be saved and continue in fellowship with Him. God showed us He loved us “Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Yes, we are saved when we accept Jesus as Saviour but it must be heartbreaking to God when that becomes the only true fellowship we have with Him. We agonize when we do not hear from our relatives, sometimes we wonder if we have done something wrong or if perhaps they love their busy life more than us. God KNOWS we love Him just as we know our family still loves us but when we are too busy to pray or read our Bible we aren't as close to God as we should be and we aren't putting our love into action. While it is true that God knows our needs He still wants us to talk to Him through prayer and He talks to us through His word the Bible. Being close to God is how we gain our strength (Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.). This means that we need to go to Him in prayer at all times not just when we need something. “1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.” Most of us have experienced a time when we know that someone contacts us only when they want something or we hear I love you and just know a request is soon to be made. We don't need to get to that point when we say I love you God and He asks what is it you want. Talk (pray) to God about everything you won't bore Him, He wants to hear from us. He doesn't expect us to use our own strength so pray even if you are ashamed of whatever it is because you cannot surprise God. Through His word (the Bible) God speaks to us; He has the best guidance, counseling, comfort and provision but we have to read it and listen to Him. We often get frustrated when people don't listen to what we say, won't hear us or they treat our say as worthless. When we don't read God's word and aren’t praying isn't that exactly what we are doing to God? When we get too busy aren’t we really showing that everything else in our life is more important to us than God. Show God you love Him by making sure that you pray and read His word. You gain your strength from God and if you don't do these two things your works for Him aren’t as effective and are being carried out in your own strength. So in all the busyness we need to remember to pause and show God we love Him. Are you showing Him that you love Him?
One of Satan’s tricks to promote disunity is to provoke feelings of envy or jealousy either separately or at the same time. His goal is to keep souls from heaven and you aren’t off the hook if you are already saved. He will do his best to tear down your testimony and weaken you spiritually so you cannot reach others for Christ. Envy and jealousy are two different things although both result in building resentment toward others leading to destruction and separation in all types of relationships. Envy is a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another, either their possessions or qualities, resulting in spite and resentment at seeing the success of another which causes feelings of discontent. Jealousy is an emotion typically referring to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection. Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, resentment, inadequacy, helplessness and disgust. Psychologists claim the jealous person "perceives that he or she possesses a valued relationship, but is in danger of losing it or at least of having it altered in an undesirable manner," whereas the envious person "does not possess a valued commodity, but wishes to possess it."
The experience of jealousy for many people may involve: · Fear of loss · Suspicion of or anger about a perceived betrayal · Low self-esteem and sadness over perceived loss · Uncertainty and loneliness · Fear of losing an important person to another · Distrust The experience of envy may involve: · Feelings of inferiority · Longing · Resentment of circumstances · Ill will towards envied person often accompanied by guilt about these feelings · Motivation to improve · Desire to possess the attractive rival's qualities · Disapproval of feelings We have to combat these feelings by changing the way we think about things. “Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We can’t accept every thought that may come along because our thoughts are often incorrect when our thought life is not in submission to God. Feelings may be triggered from past experiences, our flesh gets in the way and we may be allowing the devil to whisper untruths into our ears. “James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Our peace will grow when we learn to be content with what we have and with the circumstances of our life. “Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The Apostle Paul could have given into envy or jealousy but instead he tells us, “Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” We are taught to give and one of the benefits we have is receiving.“Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” We have to focus on ourselves and be happy with what we have and not judge the worthiness of another’s blessings or begrudge another of what they have received. The other person may be giving in secret just as we give in secret and it’s not up to us to determine how they deserve to receive; we are to trust God’s judgment. “2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” So the next time one of those feelings sneak up on us we need to stop, step back and determine if we are viewing it correctly. Bring it to God in prayer and trust Him because His plan is far greater than we could ever imagine. “Romans 8:27-28 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Where I have been has brought me to where I am today, good and bad. Though I’ve made some bad choices along the way and surely life would have been easier if I hadn’t made those choices, I’m not who I once was. I can’t even begin to count how many times I have gotten upset when someone brings up something I’ve done wrong in the past. The irritation of knowing that there are times I’m not given a chance because of something I’ve done before. The anger and hurt that sets in because I feel not good enough, condemned and rejected. If I’m not careful the flesh takes over and I start to go over all their imperfections and mistakes in my mind and think “who do they think they are fooling themselves thinking they are without fault”. It’s then that I have to remind myself that I’m doing the exact same thing the other person was doing. I also have to wonder how many times I’ve not given someone a chance because I’ve held their past wrongs against them and I have to remind myself that maybe they aren’t the person they once were either. I have to remember that people can change as I myself changed. How do people change? Don’t we often hear the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? In reality people can change. The Bible teaches us that once you become saved you are a new man because you are born again of the spirit, “2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” As long as we are in Christ we are a new man and old things are passed away. Sometimes when we can slip away and become distant from God we can find ourselves going back to the way we were before because we are no longer in Christ. The remedy of that problem is easy, go back to God and be renewed. “Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” We can decide daily to resist going back to the way we were and determine to not make the same mistakes. What we do today and this day forward is what rebuilds our past. We are not without flaws and neither were the people in the Bible. Many of those named in the Bible committed some devastating sins yet they went on to be used in great ways by God. We shouldn’t get discouraged by our past, instead we need to determine to keep moving forward through the power God provides us. “2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” Are you a new man and is your inward man renewed day by day or are you stuck in your past? I’m not who I once was.
I've been told before that I'm too sensitive. Really what is being too sensitive? By definition sensitive is being quick to detect or respond to slight changes, signals, or influences. Being a sensitive person isn't a bad thing as long as it moves you to react with compassion. To have compassion is to have deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it. Often when you are more sensitive than the person pointing out your sensitivity "fault" they will consider you too sensitive. Sometimes you can be perceived as too sensitive because you voice getting your feelings hurt or because things get to you more quickly than it does others. Often the lack of compassion people have can be tied directly into their lack of sensitivity. People may not be sensitive because they haven’t allowed themselves to learn how or they may have hardened their heart due to past hurts. I believe we should be sensitive and that allowing your sensitivity to direct you into the right actions is admirable and directed by God. Jesus spoke of having compassion to a servant who's debt was forgiven but had demanded payment of a debt owed him, "Matthew 18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" The Bible tells us God has compassion, "Psalms 145:8 The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy." We are also taught how Jesus was moved with compassion and healed the sick, He was moved with compassion and taught the multitude of over 5,000 and fed them with 5 loaves and 2 fishes having compassion on them, He had compassion for the widow of Nain whose son had died and He raised the son from the dead. If Jesus is our example and He showed compassion then shouldn’t we do the same? Consider "Romans 12:15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." How can you rejoice or weep with others when you are not sensitive to them and have compassion for them? “1 John 3:17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” How then can we justify shutting up our bowels of compassion? While we do need to exercise the spiritual discernment that comes when we are close to God and using His spirit to see the circumstances in the right light we also need to realize it's not up to us to pick and choose who is deserving of our compassion. "Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." If we want others to have compassion for us then we should likewise have compassion for them. Jesus tells us, “Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” We should exercise caution how we allow our sensitivity to affect us and not react the wrong way; “Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:”, these were are all examples of ways we can improperly respond to our sensitivity. Allowing our sensitivity to result in compassion helps us properly respond and allows the following actions to be easier to follow, “Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” So how do we allow ourselves to be sensitive? “1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
I was a shell of a person I was struggling to cope
But as I grew closer Lord, you showed me there’s hope I tried so long to do it on my own, I struggled to be strong The fumbling and stumbling was allowed to show me I was doing it all wrong All I had to do was turn it all over to you and let it all go Now I have more peace than I ever thought I’d know Drawing closer to you brought me such joy I will remain alert and not fall for Satan’s ploy Satan promises so many things that will never be true It robs us of all hope and joy in all that we do But Jesus you are a faithful, loving and kind friend You will forever be with us with a love that does not end Help me to help others so through you I can show them the way That through your salvation and closeness to you we are conquerors every day 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
We must be vigilant because Satan is trying to destroy us. In order for us to be able to recognize his plans we must remain alert. In Satan’s Plan he will use at least one or all of the 5 D’s of Deceit
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Don’t let the devil fool you, we can obtain victory through Christ! How do we obtain victory over our setbacks?
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Philippians 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
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Authentic Helena
I'm a wife of 20 years to a husband that consistently chooses to love me despite my flaws and a mother of 3 wonderful, loving and giving children. I have 6 babies waiting for me up in Heaven. I'm imperfect, often broken and learning; you will see many aspects of what makes me the person I am throughout this blog. You will find no condemnation from me. I have my fair share of problems and battles, I win some and lose some but by God's grace I'm continuing in the good fight. I'm attempting to live life authentically and I enjoy the many blessings God has given both in happiness and pain. I don't have any formal education in Biblical Studies and I don't claim to be an expert. I'm just sharing experiences and lessons I am learning or trying to learn as I go through life. Archives
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