Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving

Psalm 95:2

Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.

Psalm 100:4

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Psalm 116:17

I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the Lord.

Phillipians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Today is a day to reflect on all that we are thankful for. It's not just about what we are going to eat. It's not about preparing for "Black Friday." Rather it is to show and be thankful for all that we have.

I'm thankful for so many things that it would make a huge list, so I will hit the major things I am so thankful for.

First and foremost, I'm thankful that I'm blessed with the presence of the Lord. I'm thankful that some of my family is walking with Him as well and we are walking together.

I'm thankful for having such a strong, good church family. For our Senior Pastor and his family, as they are filled with the Holy Spirit and lead our family. For all the pastors and their families for always being there and helping us through our dark times and to fill us with the Word.

I'm thankful for having a loving, godly husband. He is a good leader and provider for our family. The works of the Lord in Him just astounds me each and every day. My husband has done a complete 360 degree turn around in his life through Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord! I couldn't ask for a better husband. You always provide!

I'm thankful for family and friends. Without each other, life would really be tough and boring. Family brings such joy. Watching your children grow to become adults and then have families of their own, often giving us grandchildren. Grandchildren bring such joy, watching them learn, grow, and bring much laughter. Could not imagine life with out children.

I'm thankful for all the gifts the Lord has provided us. A roof over our heads, food on the table, transportation, a good job for hubby, clothes on our backs, our health, and loving hearts.

We all go through our dark moments, and that's okay, as He is working on us, drawing us nearer to Him during our weakest moments. It's this time that we need to listen. It's this time that we should be grateful for His great works. "Bring the Rain" song; everytime I sing it with conviction, He brings the rain, and I wonder, "what in the world was I thinking;" forgetting the whole reason for that rainy season. Then the miracle forms and I'm thankful. If only we can learn to be thankful when He does "bring the rain."

I'm thankful for this day, reflecting on the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrams and Indians coming together. What a beautiful picture that is. Let's all come together, be thankful, and pour our thanksgiving on our Creator and Savior.

Father, Thank You for all your great treasures you bestow upon us. For family and friends. For providing this time for family to come together. For the bountiful meal that is about to be set before us today. Father, I pray that you provide happiness, love and provide for those without on this beautiful day that You have provided for us. Draw those that are lost and wandering to You Father, that they might come to know of Your grace and mercy. For You are a wonderful, loving Father, always providing, teaching, and drawing us to You. I Love You Daddy! Happy Thanskgiving. In Jesus sweet and holy name, Amen.

Be blessed everyone. Have a wonderful day and pour your love onto your family and friends as He does with us. Shine with His love, grace, and mercy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! <3

Phil 4:13

Received this through an e-mail. Have heard of something like this before. Amazing!

Phil. 4 : 13

This will give you chills......

No matter how religious you may or may not be,

this can give you chills.

Phil. 4:13 states:

'I can do all things through Christ

which strengthen me..'

Here's the story:

A young man who had been raised as an atheist

was training to be an Olympic diver.

The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken
Christian friend.

The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's
sermons,

but he heard them often.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he
attended.

The lights were all off,

but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright,
there was plenty of light to practice by.

The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he
turned
his back to the pool on

the edge of the board and extended his arms out,

he saw his shadow on the wall.

The shadow of his body,

was in the shape of a cross..

The man felt a strange feeling,

like someone was speaking to him.

Instead of diving,
he knelt down and

finally asked God to come into his life.

As the young man stood,

a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.

The pool had been drained ! for repairs.

Remember this story and send it to a friend.

Yes, I do Love Jesus.

He is my source of existence and Savior..

He keeps me functioning each and everyday.

'Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without him, I am nothing

but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens
me...'

Phil 4: 13.


THE LORD WORKS IN AMAZING WAYS TO GET OUR ATTENTION! He's always on time!!!!!!!

Sharing God's Love

I’ve been going to write this post for about a week now and finally have the right words for it all. Its funny how we are lead on our paths and wait until the right moment. We often wonder why at times we wait and put things off. It’s not always procrastination, but rather our Father telling us to wait until He has given us the exact tools we need to carry on.

Tonight I received word that my best friend from H.S. mother passed away. Her dad is seriously ill battling cancer. I’ve lost contact with her since she married around 1983-84 there about. I’ve often thought of her and wondered how she is doing. I’ve missed her and reminisce all the great times we had together.

Tonight hit me hard. It was an awakening. At first it was hard to breathe. I just wanted to bawl, but only allowed a few tears. I had so many emotions flowing through me; I didn’t know how to feel. I decided to work on more organizing of the house. That wasn’t helping. So I thought I would go straighten up my desk. I looked at all the inspirational books we have and thought I need to read that one…not that one…oh wait a minute, that’s the one I really need to read. Then I came to Charles Stanley’s Life Principle Bible and was going to work on it…then I thought, no, I need to listen to a pod cast. I haven’t done that in ages.

Well, that’s what I needed and then it hit me as I’m listening to the end of one I had started months ago. The words…the exact words I needed to fit in with what I’m going to write about. By now you are probably thinking, “You just wrote several paragraphs now. You have a story to tell yet?” Yes indeed. It’s a story I pray will stir the hearts of those that need it and strengthen those that already know. So here goes.

It all started over a week ago. I went to pick up the kids to take them all to school as usual. The oldest girl was in a foul mood and was not happy. I tried to keep my cool until she started taking it out on the van. I snapped at her; and then reminded myself that anger on top of anger gets one nowhere, so I gained control. We were all loaded up and on our way, and the grumbling with the children continued. I reached down and grabbed a worship CD. The first one, “God is Good!” They grumbled a little more and I started to pray. I kept on praying asking for peace and restoration. It got quiet. The next thing I knew, they were singing, well all but one, but the grumbling subsided. By the time we dropped the first boy off at his bus stop, everyone was giggling and happy. Thank you Lord!

The next song they like to hear each morning, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” then “I Can Only Imagine.” This part of the story shows how God’s Love for us can be so calming. We only need to let Him in and learn to love as well.

Okay, that’s just the beginning. At first I thought, ugh, this day is starting out just great, then He showed me, don’t be so negative. Put on that positive attitude, be a builder and bring peace. Obey, and good things come of it.

Later that day I got an excited call from my husband. He had been going through problem after problem on one of the buildings they had plans for. He prayed on the way to work that morning and said, “Father, I need you to do something about this today. We need to get these problems solved so that this project is no longer delayed.” He no more than got into the office before he even had a chance to take his coat off, and the phone rang. It was one of the people working on solving the problems to tell him that “all” the problems had been solved. The project was moving forward!” Praise God.

And it just keeps getting better. He’s been praying for more work to come in since taking over the company completely. Each time he prays and asks for help, He shows up. The problems are solved, the money comes in. He’s been flabbergasted and stated he doesn’t know what is going on and that he doesn’t know how much more he can handle.

I reminded him to be careful with what he says. The answers came to us in church a week ago this past Sunday. “Tithing;” yes you read right; tithing. It’s right in the Bible that we are to give 10% of our goods to the Lord. I kept feeling empty when we would not give our full amount. Now mind you, we are in a church where they do not keep track of what we give. Our Pastor knows that’s between the Father and us.

Well I knew we were not doing the right thing and kept telling hubby my feelings on this. Then without my knowing it, he started giving 10% sometimes more. He’s been faithfully tithing for some time, and giving more when needed or prompted to do so. He knew it was right and knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.

Then came the picture at the “Men at the Cross,” that he was instructed to buy. He knew he was supposed to do it for the church, and it happened. It was money I didn’t think we had, then the Lord reminded me, “do not worry child, I will take care of you.” You know what? He has done just that.

We have learned to be faithful to our Father, our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave His all for us. We are asked to do a small thing for Him. I mean seriously, it is small when you compare it to giving your life for everyone! My husband has faithfully been giving what we are suppose to for several months now, and wow, the blessings keep coming.

He asked some of the pastors and myself if it was bragging to tell people about this. We all told him that the Lord wants us to share the good news, just not in a boastful manner. This is why I’ve waited. I wanted to make sure I wrote this with the right words.

Two things to share with you that drove me to write this. One is from words we heard from Oral Roberts at church this past Sun: “If you don’t give a harvest, why do you plant a seed?” Those are some powerful words.

Then last but not least from Charles Stanley:
“If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God; then you’re climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is more than it’s measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.”

Wow! How true that is. We need to really grasp hold of this message that He is sending us. We were talking with some of the pastors and they have seen others experiencing similar testimony’s. We were struggling, worried where the money was going to come from, business was slow and low and behold, faith kicked in and He’s answered every call. Other’s have had the same experience. Faith! Plant the seed! We talked of how many are struggling and afraid to take the plunge. All I can say is do it with your heart in it! Have faith! Be true to Him and He will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. Don’t do it wanting and expecting, but do it in faith, with Love and a giving heart. He’ll know if you are doing it for personal gain or not.

Long story short: Ever since hubby started planting the seed faithfully, life has improved. Ever since I grabbed hold of all that was happening and got back to the Bible, life has improved more. We have become builders with the grand children and joy has surrounded us. We find it much easier to handle difficult situations. When the enemy strikes, we say NO! We pray and life returns to normal. We still go through out dark times, but they are much easier to walk through now. When one of us starts to stray, the other grabs hold and reels us back in. I can't begin to describe the way life has become other than it is so much more of a positive atmosphere, and we feel His presence. It's beautiful! It's beyond beautiful. There are no words to describe it; you just have to experience it yourself. Don't give up! He never does with us.

Be blessed everyone. Walk in the light of the Lord. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Have faith in Him to walk you through. And remember, we come closer to Him in our weakest and darkest moments. He’s molding us and preparing us. Love and blessings to you all!

Been Away Far Too Long

I have been away from blogging for far too long. I finally received my nudge to come back home to here. I've missed blogging. I got too wrapped up in Face Book. :( What an addiction that was. I am going to keep the account, but mainly for keeping in touch with friends and spreading the word. I am coming back to here to do what the Lord has planned for me. I only wish I had listened a long time ago. I hope you will accept me back and am looking forward to catching up.

Click on the following link to enter a drawing for a Thanksgiving Planner. It's a very nice gift.

http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/giveaway-thanksgiving-planner/

60 Seconds for Jesus

60 Seconds with God...
For the next 60 seconds, set aside what ever you are doing and take this opportunity! Let's see if Satan can stop this

The Scientific Death of Jesus

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.

At the time, crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the wost criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion Jesus was nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.

Every nail was 6-8 inches long.

The nails were driven into His wrists. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed. There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder. The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist, that tendon would tear and break forcing Jesus to use His back muscles to support Himself so that He could breathe.

Both His feet were nailed together. Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support Himself with His legs because of the pain He was forced to alternate between arching His back and then using his legs just to continue to breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage.

Jesus endured this torture for over 3 hours.

Yes for 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding.

He was simply pouring water from His wounds.

From common images we see wounds to His hands and feet, and even the spear wound to His side. But do we realize His wounds were actually made in His body? A hammer driving nails through His wrist, the feet overlapped and an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear, Jesus was whipped and beaten. The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body. The beating so horrific that His face was torn and His beard ripped from His face. The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have survived this torture.

He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds.

The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters (just less than on gallon) of blood.

Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of His blood; He had 3 nails hammered into His members; a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His chest.

All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crown spat in His face and threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for it's higher part, where His hands were nailed).

Jesus had to endure this experience, so that you can have free access to God.

So that your sins could be "washed" away. All of them! With no exception! Don't ignore this situation. JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU! For you who now read this. Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to church, or for pastors, bishops, etc.)

He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes, or foolish photo's by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried of what they may think about you.

Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THE WORLD.

God has plans for you. Show all your friends what He experienced to save you. Now think about this! May God Bless your life!

60 seconds with God...

For the next 60 seconds, set aside what you are doing and take this opportunity. Let's see if Satan can stop this!

All you have to do is this:

1. Simply pray for the person that posted this message: Lord, You know the life of __________. I ask You to bless him/her all the things that make him/her prosperous. Take care of his/her family, his/her health, his/her work, and all his/her future plans. Lead him/her not into temptation, but deliver him/her from all evil.

In Jesus name, Amen!

2. Then notify others of this post. (You may copy and add this to your own blog if you wish, or link back to here, which ever is easiest).

3. Those that you notify will pray for you, and make that many people pray to God for other people.

4. Take time to appreciate the power of God in your life, for doing what pleases Him.

If you are not ashamed to do this, please follow Jesus' instructions:

He said, (Matthew 10:32-33): "Everyone therefore who acknowledge Me before others, I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whosoever denies Me before others, I also will deny before My Father in heaven."

If you believe, pass this message on, but only if you believe in Christ Jesus is your Lord and Saviour.

Yes, I love God. He is my source of life and my saviour. He keeps me alive day and night. Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13.

This is the simple proof. If you love God, and you believe and trust in salvation through Christ Jesus, then pass this on to all whom you love.

Our Pastor's son, Pastor Krist had talked on this. He went into more depth and scientific aspects of it all. I felt this is such a good reminder of Jesus great love for us. Would you be willing to make that sacrifice for the world? May the Lord bless each and everyone of you.

I Can Read...and Will!

Just visited Kim's blog at Homesteaders Heart where she has posted a challenge for reading. Like her, I have tons of books to read. I'll start them, but never finish them. I never make the time to read, but love to read, so why am I not reading them.

Any hoo, this challenge was stolen by her from Lisa, who stole it from another person--yes, brain farting here again--who stole it from another and who knows how far it goes back. ;) So I'm stealing it from Kim and am encouraging all of you to go ahead and steal this idea from me and keep it going! All you have to do is read one book a month.

Kim is doing a theme reading, 3 of one type, 3 of another of four different categories, which is one idea. You can do it how ever you like. Just asking that you comment to say you are accepting the challenge and post about what you plan on reading. Mine will all be devotionals since that is the main collection of books that we have. So here is my list for a year of reading!

For two of the books, I need to finish (am going to start from the begining so as not to miss anything)
1. Breaking Intimidation and
2. Honor's Reward by John Bevere.
3. How to Listen to God and
4. So You Want to be Like Christ? by Charles Stanley.
5. The Power of a Praying Woman and
6. Praying God's Will for Your Life by Stormie Omartian.
7. Trusting in the Names of God by Catherine Martin.
8. The Battle Belongs to the Lord by Joyce Meyers.
9. It's Not About Me by Max Lucado.
10. God's Power to Change Your Life by Rick Warren.

Happy reading everyone, and don't forget to comment and let us know that you are accepting the challenge and will keep this going!

He's Moving!!!

God was in the House, oh yes He was! We are having Sacred Assembly or Solemn Assembly this weekend. It started last night. The presence of God is strong. He's moving volumes. The anointing is strong. I love having these encounters.
Psalm 80:1-19

1 "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel. You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
2 Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up Your strength, and come and save us!
3 Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry against the prayer of Your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tea, and given them tears to drink in great measure.
6 You have made us a strife to our neighbors , and your enemies laugh among themselves.
7Restore us, O God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!
8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations, and planted it.
9 You prepared room for it and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and the mighty cedars with its boughs.
11 She sent out her boughs to the Sea, and her branches to the River.
12 Why have You broken down her hedges, so that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
13 The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.
14 Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts; Look down from heaven and see, and visit this vine
15 and the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
17 Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
18 Then we will not turn back from You; revive us, and we will call upon Your name.
19 Restore us O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved!"
Sing, sing a song, sing along, God of Heaven come down, Heaven come on down...
Don't know if that's the exact words.
This song came to me tonight while we were praying and asking for God to rain down. Third Day...Cry out to Jesus.



Cry out to Jesus! Ask Him to come down, bring heaven down to earth. Be blessed everyone and know that He loves you!

Revelation

Tonight while watching the news, there was report of a seven year old boy who was kept behind a false wall by his grandmother and mother. Turns out the news report was different than the one on-line, so not sure what the whole story is. I was instantly upset, as mistreatment of kids just makes my blood boil. Then I started thinking of the family that lives behind us. That's all I'll say, as anything else would be just accusations. I have only sound to go on. My point is, there are so many children that are abused, be if physical, verbal, and/or sexual. I don't understand it at all.
We were eating at the time we heard the report. I sat there thinking of how I wish I could go all over the nation/world and check on all children and remove those that are being abused and place them in safe homes. Children's advocates are so overwhelmed that many cases are being swept under the rug. Yes, I know this for a fact. My litter sister while going after custody of her grand daughters was told so by the agency. So sad. So very sad.
But while thinking of this--I love how He talks to us--He told me, "I am here to take care of the children, but it's on my time." I realized that when it hit me that the boy was found and rescued, and how so many other children are found and rescued. So instead of worrying, being upset and angry (which is what God doesn't want us to do), I realized that it's important to pray even harder and more often. Then hubby told me to read:
Revelation 21:4 (CSB)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.
They may not be saved while on earth. They may be taken early, which none of us want to see, but I do know one thing, if their suffering is not going to end here, then take them young so they won't have to suffer any more. I also realize now that God will take care of those that harm children, in His time.
Pray for all the children out there that are treated in a wrong way, that they may find peace. Pray for the parents or whom ever may be doing the damage will be reprimanded and hopefully brought to the Lord to be saved. People can change. I've heard so many times, that person is so rotten to the bone, he/she will never change. Never say never, as with Him all things are possible. Remember a previous post on love they enemy. I pray for release of all harm on children that they no longer are abused.

Comment Problems

This is just to let you all know that for some reason I am not able to comment most of the time. I do read, but can not comment. I have a hard time responding to those that comment on mine. I'm not ignoring any of you, just have no control. Hope to be able to work on cleaning up and fixing my computer tonight and this weekend. Hope to be back in business here soon. Love and Blessings to you all!

Praying for the Lost & Unsaved

God is so good! My heart hurts for those that do not know our Savior. I pray that someday soon they will come to know Him and realize how empty life is without Him. Those that know me know that I deal with chronic pain and illnesses at times (often). But you also know that I'm not going to give in to it, for I know there is a reason and God is taking care of me.
Talking with a beautiful woman from CCC; she offered a great testimony of this very thing. She had suffered from chronic pain and illness for years and had prayed, had others praying for and over her. She was in bad shape at times to where she could not even make it to church. She was battling with something out of her control and it had to be broken. Through faith and never giving up, she was finally released. For our God never gives up on us.
He also allows us to go through our trials and tribulations for good reason; to teach us and bring us closer to Him. I have family members that are struggling greatly--yes, we have a generational curse to be broken--and can not understand and tell me that they believe but can't help but wonder why they are allowed to endure so much. I keep reminding them that He never gives us more than we can handle and God is not the one that brings the pain of sin to us, we do that, with help of our ancestors. This all goes back to the very beginning of time with the creation of Adam and Eve, where sin first began. I wish I had the knowledge and the right words to comfort them more, but encourage them to read the Bible. Without the knowledge and reading of the Bible, they won't understand.
Do I ever get frustrated? Sure at times, but stop and remind myself that the frustration isn't going to help. I need to hold to faith and trust in Him to walk me through it. If it is a curse, then I'm going to fight it, rebuke it, and "never" give up. As my friend from church has proven, prosperity will prevail. My dear friends, never give up on Him. He will never forsake us. He loves us and wants us to be with Him. I encourage those that question Him, and/or don't believe in Him to give Him a chance. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Despite the trials, I for one have never been happier. I'm not a true show of how great He is, as I still wander way too much, that's when you see me going through some strange stuff. That's because I'm living the worldly ways and not God's way. Learn from my mistakes please those that know me and have not accepted Him that without Him, that's when live seems dreary.
This brings me to:

James 1:2-6 and James 1: 12-15 (CSB)
2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you
experience various trials,

3 knowing that the testing of your
faith produces endurance.

4 But endurance must do it's complete
work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

12 Bless is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him.

13 No one undergoing a trial should say, "I am being
tempted by God." For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn't tempt anyone.

14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and
enticed by his own evil desires. 15 Then after desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

His words are so beautiful! Finally can not get enough of His great word.
The only way you can fully get to know God is to read the Bible. It's the book of His instructions. When you start living by His word, you will experience something so beautiful. Ask Him to come into your hearts now. Get on your knees and pray and ask Him to come into your hearts! For there is no greater strength than to be on ones knees. GOD LOVES YOU! Never doubt it. Believe Him, Trust Him, Follow Him and you will never be disappointed. When your trials come, accept them, knowing that He is growing you and molding you into what He needs you to be to complete His great plan for us all!
For all you beautiful people that do believe, please take a stand with me and pray for the prodigals that He will go and find them and return them to His flock, and for those that are unsaved that they will come to know Him and believe in Him. Pray for Salvation over all our brothers and sisters so that we can all unite and rejoice in His great Name. Thank You Father for never giving up on us; for if you had, I for one would be living in misery. Since coming to you, there has been no greater peace, joy, and harmony. I thank you Father for leading hubby and I to you, for we have become a unit, we have become one in you. Our marriage was once falling apart, and now it is so strong all because of YOU! All the glory is YOURS! Jesus Saves! Believe it! Just ask anyone that has been saved. May the Lord Bless You!

Loosed by Faith

First off, let me point out that I do not feel I'm a saint, perfect, or above anyone; far from it. I'm praying that this will help others find their way that have been through the same experiences. With that out of the way, please read on.
Ever since 5th grade, I've been overly insecure, living with low self-esteem until finding my way back to the Lord. I still suffer, but not nearly as bad. Although there are times when it kicks back in. What brought this up? I signed up for Forbes online messages. I want to learn and understand more. When reading responses written to others that had commented, I was reminded of how cruel and uptight people can be. I was reminded of how judging one another is a sin.
Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, so that you won't be judged. 2 For the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but don't notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and look, there's a long in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 Don't give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces."
This comes from the mouth of Jesus, and yet many of us still judge, ridicule, look down our noses, call others all sorts of names, etc. Why? Why is there so much coldness towards others so often? What good comes of it? Not one thing, yet we continue to hurt our brothers and sisters.
I grew up with hearing I would not amount to anything, I was stupid, a string bean, toothpick, wore falsies and stuffed, ugly, worthless, stupid, (yes, I repeated that for a reason), as so many use that term so loosely. We are not suppose to let words hurt us, yet they do. They can and do cause damage. Especially to those that live without the Lord for so long. Those hurtful acts of wickedness leave deep scars when left there to fester. I know, I've lived it and still continue to experience it.
I used to want to get revenge of all the so called, "popular" kids from school and their parents. Now, I pray that they have found the way and their hearts have been softened. Do the words, the looks of disapproval still affect me? Yes, but not nearly as much. Unfortunately the ones that do still cause hurt are the ones from church. I'm slow, I'll admit it. I'm not the brightest bulb in the bunch, but I give it my all. God created me to be who I am. I try to do the best I can by Him. If you don't like who He created, take it up with Him. But please, those of us that don't meet "your standards," stop snubbing us, stop turning up your noses, stop whispering and making snotty remarks, because it does still hurt.
I watch my oldest grand daughter going through the same thing. At age 5 she was already worrying about her hair not being just right. She was already worrying about how she dressed. The clothing she had picked out when we went school clothes shopping; half of them she didn't wear after one time, because she was made fun of. How sad is that??? I keep trying to build her confidence and teach her that what they say and think doesn't matter as the only one she has to answer to is our creator. Does that stop her from worrying? Does that stop her from hurting? NO, it doesn't. My heart breaks for her, as I know just how she feels. This year due to her parents moving, she started in a new school. She's cried going to school and doesn't want to go. She used to love school. Thank you to all those that have taught your children to look down their noses and make fun of others. I do seriously believe that we are a product of our environment.
As I said at the very beginning; I'm not perfect, I do sin--although I try very hard not to--I do judge at times--but am very quick now to stop and pull that log out of my own eye. Boy does that hurt too. I put myself in their situation and ask myself what right do I have to judge them? I don't know the whole picture. I've also learned that those that are rude are nine times out of ten, insecure with themselves, so they use others to make themselves feel better. Others, well, they are just--I'll let the Lord decide. :)
Ever since I can remember--thank you mom & dad for teaching me to think of others--I look for the good in everyone. I honestly believe that there is good in everyone, it's just deeply buried in some and you have to really look hard and pray that the good in them is brought to the surface and they are saved and come to know Jesus, the one who gave it all for us. Are there some completely consumed by the enemy. I hate to say it, but believe it is true, but still pray that they are released and rebuke the enemies strong hold on them so that they may be saved. For to be consumed by the enemy is a sad, sad, ordeal. Believe me, I have had light experiences of being held strongly by the enemy, and it's not a pretty picture.
So I'm asking for you all to take a stand with me and pray, pray, pray, for those lacking the heart and soul of the Lord, for they are hurting, and need Him more than ever. Do I hate my enemies? No, I don't. Instead, I hurt for them. For being without Him, you are a hollow shell living a life of misery, even though you don't realize it. This brings me to:
Matthew 5:43-48
43"You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (as I'm typing this out, I can hear His voice saying these very words!) 45 so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary? Don't even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
I'm realizing more and more just how important it is to be in the word every day! I'm realizing just how wonderful and awesome the word is, the great lessons to be learned, and the beautiful feeling you get when you do. I pray for release for so many from the enemy and to come to know Christ; for there is no greater release than to be in His presence. Hold fast to the One Who gave it all for us. You will be blessed and find truth and release in His word.
Father, thank You for the words you give us, for direction in our lives. Thank You for saving us from the enemy that wants nothing more than for people to hurt. Thank You for sacrificing Your Son to save us all. Thank You Lord Jesus for Your great sacrifice. There are not enough words to show the gratitude for all that You have and continue to do for Your children. All the glory is Yours Father. We lift up our praises to You. We worship You with gladness. Father, we stand here together today to ask for a song to be placed in the hearts of the lost, for them to be bonded to You and rebuke the enemy that has a hold of them. We ask that you place a kind heart in those that are so quick to judge and hurt others. We ask for release of the hurt brought to those who have been struck by those that are lost and cold. Father, please place a hedge of protection around your children. Watch over them and go after those that have wandered. Pick them up and swaddle them to be returned to the flock, so that they will no longer be lost. Thank You Almighty Father, God and Creator of all! You are mighty and wonderful. We lift up our praises to You. Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom come, They Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever and ever. Amen!
I know the "Our Father" prayer is different than the one in the Bible, but instead, I recited what I remember reciting everyday as a child when I did have faith before losing it for so many years. Well, I never lost the faith, but strayed from Him for so many years. So many precious years lost. I pray that many are saved from that treacherous path of worldly destruction.