Let it Stick

This morning I decided to go through my notes and look up the Scriptures given us during church last night. I've been going to do this, yet never really did. But this morning was led to it.

Many things have happened/changed in the past few weeks. I don't know how to put it into words, but the Lord has a hold of me in a major way. Praise the Lord! Since then, things keep coming that continues to teach.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,
19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

18 Is a Life Lesson in the "Life Principles Bible, by Charles F. Stanley." This is what he has to say:

God blesses us financially not simply so that we can spend His blessings on ourselves, but so that we can use the resources he gives us to help others and to expand the kingdom of God.

This really hit home! We aren't rich by any means, but we do well. We do try to give as much as possible and bless those that are less fortunate, but I realized that if I change my ways, we can probably do more.

I had a spending problem and have gotten much better about it. A person diagnosed with bi-polar; one of the symptoms is spending excessively. It hadn't gotten that bad, thanks heavens, but was close enough.

When looking back I realized that I took the way we grew up to the extremes. Because I was teased constantly, told we were poor people and I wouldn't amount to anything, I would stress over what we didn't have according to the "rich city kids" that seemed to have it all.

I so wanted to dress like them thinking it would make a difference. Therefore, jealousy took control of me.

Song of Solomon 8:6
...Jealousy as cruel as the grave; it's flames are of fire, a most vehement flame.

Ouch! If only I had known the depths of my feelings back then. Once I started working, I bought what I could, always broke shortly after pay day. I made sure I paid my car payment, but would run short of gas, and felt lucky that my parents owned a store with a gas station. I would write down what I pumped, but wouldn't necessarily pay it.

The funny thing is, even though I was getting the clothes and accessories I wanted, it didn't make me more popular, I still was teased and put down. I resorted to drinking and other things thinking that would help me fit in. Instead, I was mocked all the more.

If only I had really known the Lord then. I went to church every weekend with my grandmother. I received my first communion, went through confirmation, but still did not know what it was like to know the Lord. (I was Catholic at the time).

Now I realize that it wouldn't have mattered what I did outside of becoming a "jock" or "cheerleader" (which I did try out for), but couldn't do that stuff, as I just wasn't cut out for sports. I was clumsy. Taller than most, skinny and a klutz! But more than that, I was dealing with prideful people that came from prideful families. If only...

Proverbs 13: 10

By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

I carried that out through my adult life, looking for acceptance. Wanted to feel wanted and needed. I joined the Air Force wanting to do a job that helped people. I needed that feeling of being needed. I became a firefighter. I loved my job despite having to prove myself.

Now what was the difference? I went through school trying to prove myself and hated it. But now I was enjoying the challenge? The difference was I was out to prove that women had what it took to be in a mans world. It was a huge challenge, and it was a challenge I wanted to take head on. It took work, but some of us persevered!

I had friends, but not necessarily in the manner one should have friends. I was still spending to try to keep up with the crowd. I would fall short every two weeks and would not have money to eat, and ended up borrowing. It never set in. I was embarrassed with having to borrow from my supervisors, but none-the-less, still had to try and be popular.

Then I met my husband. I got pregnant, and got out of the military as he too was a fire fighter. Two in the F.D. raising a family just wasn't a good mix. I wanted to make sure our kids had the best of everything. But with one income, it just wasn't happening. I would get depressed and go shopping.

Eventually, my husband was tired of fighting me over money and sent the kids and I packing. We got back together in a couple of weeks after a friend shared a book with him on spending. It said what he felt.

I tried, but because there was a lot missing in life (to me) I would get depressed and spend. I was jealous of my husband, had very little self respect, had great friends, but didn't realize it as I was so insecure.

Proverbs 13:5
...But a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame.

I loathed my life, and loathed those that looked down on me. I became an alcoholic looking for something more in life. Always looking in areas that didn't have the answers. Not seeking where I needed to go. On occasion I would think I need to go back to church, the kids need it too. We would go on time and then stop. The reason being is I was so lost and thought people were mocking me.

This went on for years. Finally after my husband left me for the last time, I really started to wake up. I wanted desperately to get past where I was. I wanted to believe in myself. At first, I went off the deep end. Wanted to end my life, but then I was given the picture of our kids and knew I couldn't do that to them. I poured myself into drinking my meals and became prideful in my job.

Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.

I walked so many wrong lines. Was out to destroy those that I thought were judging me and making my life miserable. But instead, I was the one judging them.

Matthew 7:1-5
"Judge not, that you be not judged.

2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

3 And why do you look to the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck in your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank form your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brothers eye."

I had to learn to give up spending for sure now, as I had two kids both with baby's on the way and needed to find a place to live. Our daughter was working, and was going to help out. Our son was going through a lot of mental disorders and wasn't able to hold a job for very long. I was scared.

Thankfully after a little over a year, my husband and I found our way back to another. We continued to pour our lives into alcohol thinking that was going to relieve us of our faults, mistakes and misery. Spending, eh, it wasn't nearly as bad, but now I had a grand children to spoil and a wedding to plan for my daughter. I tried to keep it as cheap as possible but wanted my daughter happy.

We got through it all, found a house after living in an apartment for three years. Thank heavens we moved, as we had a bar right behind us. Too convenient. We still kept drinking, with that and the cost of cigarettes, we went through a lot of money that could have been used for better things. Now we both wanted things nice and were spending, but hubby only really saw it as my problem.

Then our son led us to the Lord!!! That was the start of a brand new life. Life has been good since then, but I was still wanting to spoil the grand kids. Our daughter was struggling to make ends meet, so I wanted to "help."

But finally a break through! I was getting better with spending, but coming to this Scripture and the Life Lesson; Hallelujah, my eyes have been opened! As Pastor Krist said last night. I want to be a "giver" not a "taker". Amen!!!

There are so many ways to give. Not just through money, but through giving of yourself. I realize now that I don't have to spend money on my grand kids. I need to love on them, give them security. We've planted the seed, now we need to nurture it. Our grand kids are material kids; especially the youngest grand daughter "has to have" material things.

By using what I've learned, we can in turn share this information at their level of understanding. They love to give, so finding ways for them to give back to others will instill in them the importance of not "wanting" not being takers, but rather being givers. Imagine if we were "all" to find this answer and were to start giving in all ways we have to give, how much better our world would be.

I pray this reaches out to any others that may be struggling with spending, loathing, insecurities, etc. Find solace in the Lord your God. For there will you find real comfort and real leadership.

Remember also, that as you pray, He may not answer right away, as there is a reason. I'm thankful I went through those dark trials, as now I can share what I've learned and hopefully help others who are struggling. After all, He does use things in our lives to help others not just ourselves. Our testimonies are a testimony of His great love and His faithfulness. His timing is always perfect. We just need to learn to be patient and wait upon Him for only He knows when we are ready for the next step. In the meantime; stay in prayer and in the Word. Leave all your troubles to Him.

I was going to apologize for this being so long, but as I started typing, more and more came to me. It's a lengthy posting, but feel it's well worth it. God Bless each and everyone of you. Remember: Love yourself as He loves you, as then you can love on others as we have been called to do.

Are You Like the Pharisee or the Tax Collector

I know I have talked about judgment before, but it is an ongoing struggle with many, to include myself. I found myself today asking, "Lord, am I the only one that struggles with not judging others? Am I the only one that has such a hard time controlling that sin?"

No, I'm not the only one and it is most unfortunate that we in the flesh find ourselves continuing to commit these sins. What can we do? Give ourselves fully to Him and go to Him with a repenting heart. All too often, I'll catch myself (especially while driving) chewing someone out for being an "idiot," or a "fool." Thankfully when my grandchildren hear me iterate those words, they correct me. I'm thankful they have listened to my telling them that calling others names is wrong. God is so good!

The problem being, I go to Him later to pray and have not asked for forgiveness. Most times I do automatically ask Him to forgive me when I've acted out foolishly. But on those times when we don't repent, we are going to Him with condemnation in our hearts.

While reading an article in the "In Touch" Feb. issue through In Touch Ministries, I read "The Prayer that God Hears" by Kevin Goins. In this issue he talked of the Pharisee and the tax collector.

Matthew 23:5 "They do everything to be observed by others;" (talking about the Pharisees).

Luke 18:10-1410 "Two men went up to the temple complex to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 the Pharisee took his stand and was praying like this: 'God I think You that I'm not like other people--greedy, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of everything I get."
13 "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes to heaven but kept striking his chest and saying, 'God, turn Your wrath from me--a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this one went down to his house justified rather then the other; because everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

Exalt from Dictionary.com
1. to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate: He was exalted
to the position of president.
2. to praise; extol: to exalt someone to the skies.
3. to stimulate, as the imagination: The lyrics of Shakespeare exalted the audience.
4. to intensify, as a color: complementary colors exalt each other.
5. Obsolete . to elate, as with pride or joy.

I use this reference of the Pharisee and the tax collector as it shows the Pharisee going with a heart of pride and condemnation. When we pray with that in our hearts, God will not listen to nor answer our prayers. Today I realized that there are areas where I have judged and not asked forgiveness, where I have not repented.

So when you pray, ask Him if there are areas in your life where you do not have a clear conscious and then when revealed, repent. Then and only then will He hear your prayers. I know I am so grateful for this time I've had to sit quietly, read, seek, listen and hear.

Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. I pray that we may all come to You with a clear conscious, of a forgiving heart of love, with no pride or condemnation on our hearts. I pray that each person who reads this will receive blessings abundantly in peace, joy, prosperity and grace!

Love Your Enemy

Today's message comes from Matthew 5:43-45

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,

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."

This comes after a conversation with a friend and then coming home and reading this very passage. It inspired me to use our conversation to make a point.

The conversation started out with me talking about my hubby having been sick for over two months now. His first attack was his right shoulder area on his back hurting. His muscles were extremely tight and causing great pain. He went in and the doctor put him on muscle relaxers and pain pills. He was bed ridden the for a few days then seemed to be getting better.

During this time he hadn't been to church but one time. This was a concern. Not to mention his whole being had changed. His coloring was poor. I just kept praying. Shortly after he started experiencing pain in the left side. I found a not the size of a tennis ball at the base of his neck. I kept prompting him to go in and get it checked as I was concerned that it may be a herniated disc. He finally went in and we were shocked with the diagnosis.

While the doctor was checking him out, she found some vertebra's that were very tender further down his back which caused concern. She ordered an x-ray. When she returned with the results, she was shocked as well. He had pneumonia and also told us that he has advanced osteoarthritis. Wow!

So he was kept on the muscle relaxers as his muscles were tight from the pneumonia and the pain pills. I took him off of those, as I could see him going down hill fast. The doc said that the pain medication would keep him from coughing, which he needed to cough to get the junk out. He was bed ridden for a few days again.

But there was something else too. I could tell something just wasn't right. He had only been to church a couple of times. Was despondent often, coloring was poor. Just not himself at all.

After one of the services I talked to a Pastor who is a good friend of ours. I explained all that was going on and he prayed and then mentioned something I never thought about. One of our friends who was a pillar in the church, a godly man by all means who basically was a mentor to my husband had done something shocking to many. It really had an impact on us. We just couldn't believe it. How could a man like this do such a thing?

Well it never occurred to me the full impact it had on hubs. It really brought him down. It affected his faith and all. The illness came at the same time and totally reflected on the illness alone, thinking it all had to do with that.

So I shared with a friend that hubs has been sick and needed prayer as he still is, but also talked without mention of name or situation just the shock that something bad had happened to such an awesome couple.

What she said was profound. "He's a man. We all have our moments when we fall short." She then shared of a church where the Pastor had been with this church for years and one day it was found that he liked pornography. Oh the horror! She was amazed at the congregations reactions. How they just put him down, he needed to be put out of the church. He was labeled. Why? She was wondering why the people weren't praying and lifting him up and helping him overcome that addiction.

This Scripture says it like it is. We are to love our enemies. Except he should not have been viewed that way. He messed up. He had an addiction that should have been approached, prayed about, and received help and support to over come this addiction.

This is where so many of us fall short. Does God walk away from us when we mess up? No! Instead He puts people in our midst to help us become better people. Instead he prods us and urges us to try harder to be better people.

But plain and simple, we are of the flesh. We will have our short falls. So the next time we find ourselves judging someone, ask yourself how you would feel if you were in that person's shoes and were being condemned. Would you deserve that kind of treatment, or would you rather people reach out and try to help you walk through it, over come it and become a better person for it by learning and stopping that problem?

Remember the Scripture: Matthew 7:1-5

1: "Do not judge, so that you won't be judged.

2: For with judgment you use, ou 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 your eye,' and look there's a log 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."

I'm guilty of judging others at times and am trying so hard to over come that. It's a trait I do not like.

Let the Spirit lead you and guide you. Before reacting to a situation, ask yourself how you would feel if someone responded to you in the way you were thinking of reacting. Let's get better at holding each other accountable for our actions/reactions. None of us are above one another. We are all equal.

Should we hold our leaders accountable? Of course, but with love and understanding just as our Father does with us. When they fall short, remind them, but don't turn away from them. Instead pray for them, give them a reminder in a manner that the Lord leads you to do. If you catch others condemning them, give them a gentle reminder of the proper attitude to have. Have a Christ like attitude! I know I sure want that more than anything.

Let's be the brothers and sisters we were meant to be. Our nationalities, skin color, age, sex, what ever the case doesn't matter. What matters is we are all God's children and should love one another, uphold one another, support one another through the good and the bad. Not just during the good.

Blessings to all of you. May your walk with the Lord be glorious and may we all glorify His great name!

Taming that Tongue

I'm going to start this with Scripture and then tell a good piece I read today that led me to this very subject.

James 3:3-12

3 Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.

4 And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

5 So too, though the tongue is a samll part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites.

6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.

7 For every creature--animal or bird, reptile or fish--is tamed and has been tamed by man,

8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness.

10 Out of the same mouth come blessings and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way.

11 Does not a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

12 Can a fig tree porduce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

"With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness."

I've read this very chapter over and over and it never hit home until recently just how serious this is. This very verse never hit until lately. Think about it. When we talk poorly of someone, curse, shout or ridicule, we are putting our Lord down! We may bless Him but we still curse Him. How sad is that. Not to mention what we are doing by gossiping, sneering at, ridiculing, etc what that does to a person. Why do we continue to insist on bringing one another; our brothers and sisters; down?

Our tongue is an evil vessel when we do not control it. I'm soooo guilty of having an evil tongue that has started many a fire. This all while being in the flesh, not connected to the Lord. Now I have better control, but still balk at some of the things that escape my mouth. I really believe we all need to remind ourselves daily about how we use our tongue. Keep it in check.

So what brought me to this was a saying I came across today that really touched me. It is sooooo very true. This is the jest of, not the exact wording.

Although a persons reputation may have been repaired, it doesn't take away the fact that people still remember and carry with them, that which brought the scar upon the person in the first place.

So this to me says, control what you say, for you may ruin a person for life. A physical hurt can heal, a mental scar is there forever. Once you have said something you shouldn't have, it's there for good. You can't take it back no matter how hard you try.

Remember to use the "Fruit of the Spirit" when talking and in your actions. Be loving, share a smile, use kindness, love on one another. We never know what is going on in a persons life fully. Don't be their judge, be their friend, or their prayer warrior, or what ever it is that they need. Those that seem wicked, seem dirty, are doing something we don't agree with; need our prayer more than those that we see and know and have befriended. For does it not say in Matthew 5:43-48: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.

Hmmm, we are called upon to love our enemies. Do we do anything out of the ordinary? Or are we able to live "extraordinary" lives?

Be blessed everyone. Go out there and love on your neighbors, your "brothers and sisters." As I've heard for years; "If you have nothing good to say, then don't bother saying it at all." Boy was that ever good advice. Better to keep the tongue silent than to start a fire. :)

Letting the Light Go Out

When we let our light go out, our song die, we lose hope; we open the door to the enemy. It is an open invitation to come take over and cause trouble. We then become more frustrated, distracted, make mistakes and the list goes on.

If we continue on this path, not relighting that flame, putting that song back in our hearts, times get worse. Our dark moments become even darker. Sinking further and further into that sense of hopelessness and/or wrecklessness.

What brings me to this subject. The past two days have seemed rather distant between hubby and I and I became frustrated. I tried talking to him and he stated that nothing was wrong. Now I know we are going to have our moments, but because of past history, I let that dark side creep in.

Going to Black Friday only added to the frustration with lack of sleep. Tried to sleep last night, but couldn't. Had maybe a total of a half hour of sleep, but felt good. Once I got home and sat down, fatigue set in, but I fought it knowing I had a lot to take care of. So I pressed on. Hubby seemed fairly cranky which brought on more frustration. Then we started to snap at one another.

I instantly went into panic mode thinking of the past and became angry. The reason being, I was letting the light go out. I was losing my song. The door was opening wider and wider inviting the enemy to take over. Finally when taking a shower tonight--gotta love those shower moments--it came to me what was happening. Then I heard, I want you to share this revelation with others. So here I am.

The best part; hubby and I are joking around with one another and talking to one another again. So when you feel the flame starting to go out, you are losing that song in your heart, you are feeling hopeless, grab hold of the Lord, pray, talk to Him, get in the Word and keep that light lit. Once I put that song back in, listened to the Lord tell me why it all was happening, I grabbed hold of Him, listened, put the song back in my heart, and low and behold that light is shining again. Praise God!!!

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

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.

Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

May you all revel in the blessings of the Lord!

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.

Health Update

Saw the neurosurgeon today. As for the neck pain and headaches, he's thinking it is caused from stress and tension which is causing a pinched nerve, but wants to rule out other possibilities first. So had a neck x-ray done.

I tell you, I must be literally glowing by now with all the MRI's and x-rays taken in a years time.

Then we went on to the feet. This is a downer, but am trusting and believing in the Lord. (more below about my feet, felt compelled to add Scriptures here). This thought just come into my mind when it was filled with the words, Come Lord Jesus come, won't you come my Lord. The song on the next post just seems so befitting for today. Wow! How good is He!

Hosea 6:1
"Come, let us return to the Lord,
He has torn us to pieces;
now He will heal us.
He has injured us;
now He will bandage our wounds."

Matthew 4:23-24
23"Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And He healed every kind of disease and illness."
24 News about Him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to Him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon-possessed or epileptic or paralyzed--He healed them all."

Matthew 8:16-17
"That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and He healed all the sick. 17This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said,

'He took our sicknesses

and removed our diseases."

Matthew 15:30

"A vast crowd brought to Him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who couldn't speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and He healed them all."

Mark 1:32-34

32"That evening after sunset, many sick and demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. 33The whole town gathered at the door to watch. 34 Jesus healed many people who were sick with various diseases, and He cast out many demons. But because the demons knew who He was, He did not allow them to speak."

Luke 8:50

"But when Jesus heard what had happened, He said to Jairus, 'Don't be afraid. Just have faith, and she will be healed."

Luke 17:19

"And Jesus said to the man, 'Stand up and go, for your faith has healed you."

James 5:16

"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest power of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

1Peter 24

"He personally carried your sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed."

All verses were taken from the NLT

There are so many references to God healing in the Bible. I only listed a handful of them. The one most important to remember I believe is 1Peter 24. Because of Jesus' great sacrifice we will be healed. Better known for "by His stripes we are healed." This is why I believe in healing. The Lord is mighty to save. He is the God of Love. The Lord of healing.

As for the results. The neck pain and headaches with the one day of numbness in the left side is still unknown for sure. The feet, I have something neuropathy. It is worse than he first thought. Basically my nerves are about shot in my left foot and pretty much so in the right foot. I have no feeling (which was a shock to me) from the tip of my toes to the top of my ankle on the left and almost as bad on the right.

He feels I have the onset of Type 2 diabetes if I don't already have it. I have to get rid of my belly fat. The way it was explained, when we age, we all will start to get a belly bulge. This happens as our bodies start to decompose inside. The first place it sends the extra toxins is to the base of the body, our feet. It is very important to keep the body fat in the belly down. So an important life style change has to happen quickly. I'm prone to heart attacks and strokes now as well. He is concerned about my feet and told me we are going to have to be very careful.

Also, when we carry the excess weight and the diseases start to occur, we are taking years off of our lives. Basically, I'm setting myself up for an early death in as early as 10 years if I don't start acting now. Talk about getting someones attention! That hit home. Well it all did, but that especially. Hubby and JJ are taking it much harder than I am. I just have to hold onto faith that the Good Lord is going to heal me. He will help me with the hunger pains. He will walk this journey with me. If I don't hold fast to Jesus, then I'm setting myself up for failure, as we can never take the journey on our own.

So there you have it. Change of lifestyle and eating habits, or miss out watching my grand kids grow and enjoy them. I chose to be around for many more years and make my body young again. It's all hereditary darn it. :( Okay, I know, no whining and no negativity. It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...Hee hee, no, no crying here. The Lord has given me a warning, and I'm blessed that He has told me now instead of when it's too late to do anything about it. Thank you God!!!

I so wanted to share this information with you all so that none of you ever have to experience this. Take good care of yourselves. Keep that darned bulge of aging away. I wish you all good health, healing for those who are facing health issues, strength for those facing other trials and tribulations and ask that the Lord fills all areas of weakness in your lives. May he bless you in every way. May you stretch out your hands to Him to give Him thanks and praise!

Thank You Father God for Your wonderful blessings You have shown me today. Thank You for all the wonderful people You have introduced to me through here, building a wonderful community of friendship that goes beyond. You are an awesome God! Thank You!!!

Faith and Trust

This post is to discuss faith and trust in the Lord. The reason for this choice is there has been so much going on in so many peoples lives lately that has had many questioning why would this happen, why aren’t my prayers being answered, is He listening…The list goes on.

Our Pastor has been talking about Faith and Trust a lot. I’ve heard others talk about one or the other or both often. It’s been a big subject more than usual lately. It’s been placed on my heart to take my time and really look at this subject in the Bible and share what I find and learn. One could say, “Well if you’re a Christian, a believer, then trust and faith should not be a problem.”

Well in a sense it seems it should be this way. When we read Scriptures, we know it is stated over and over again how we are to trust our Lord God for everything. We should have faith in the Lord as well. How could we lose it? Why should this be a subject that needs to be discussed?

For one, we are of the flesh, like it or not. We are not perfect, nor will we ever be. There are events in our lives that can leave us wondering, questioning, doubting, etc. For instance, this is something that happened recently to someone. They prayed for safety for their son when driving for the first time. Shortly after that, the son had an accident, (not his fault). Thankfully he was not hurt, but it put the family in a worse financial situation than they had been in. The question came, how can this happen right after praying about it? Why would God do this?

This is where faith and trust comes into play, but we fail to see it as naturally we are confused, and it’s hard to see at the time. This is when it is good to talk with others we know that are in the Lord. It is easy for someone that is not going through that situation to remind them that even though it doesn’t seem right, it’s confusing; God has a plan in our lives. We are a works in the making. He may have done that to teach the son something, or the parent, or the family. We don’t know and may never know.

The important thing here is we need to hold onto our faith in knowing that God is there. He already knew this situation would happen. He had it planned for a reason. The good thing is the Lord was thanked for keeping the son safe and not injured. Blessings, count our blessings. When we are able to wave off the negative aspects and look at the blessings, we can overcome our displeasure's and questionings a whole lot easier. Have faith and trust that He is doing what is needed to be done. He has a good reason for what happened. Perhaps even it happened to teach the other party involved a lesson and you were used as He knew you could handle it. You were the one with the faith and they are not. We never know. Just believe, trust, and keep the faith!

I’m going to do this subject in a series. I don’t know how many days I’ll do this, but what ever it takes without making it too long each time. And then there will be other subjects to follow. It was placed on my heart to pick a different subject from the concordance and discuss it here. I thought okay. I know I’ll learn more from this, and hopefully it will help others and prayerfully lead at least one, but hopefully more to the Lord. I would like to know how you all feel about this. Be honest.

I’m going to end today’s post with this Scripture from Matthew 6:25-34 (NKJV) and the definitions for Faith and Trust taken from Merriam Websters On-line Dictionary.

Faith: 1 allegiance to duty or a person; fidelity to one's promises; sincerity of one's intentions.
2 belief and trust in and loyalty to God; belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion; firm belief in something for which there is no proof
3 Something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially: a system of religious beliefs.

Trust 1 assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something; One in which confidence is placed.
2 Dependence on something future or contingent; reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered.
3 a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another; a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition.
4 a change or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship; something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another; responsible charge or office

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink: nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more that clothing?”
26 “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
27 “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toll nor spin;”
29 “and yet I say to you that even Solomon, in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
30 “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ Or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”
32 “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”
33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.”
34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Matthew 6:25-34 (Message Bible).

25-26 “If you decide for God; living a life of God-worship; it follows that you don’t fuss about what’s on the table at mealtimes, or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds.”
27-29 “Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.”
30-33 “If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think He’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do His best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way He works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how He works. Steep you life in God-reality, God-initiative, and God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
34 “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

Life As It Is

I felt compelled to write this tonight as there is a lesson in it all, so please bear with me.

For about a month now, I've been up and down with emotions; doing battle with the enemy. I was trying hard to figure it all out. Asking the Lord to shed some light as to which way to go, what to think, what to do. I'll start this with one week at a time.

The first week was the beginning of the fight. I'm a grandmother that loves her grandchildren more than I could ever explain. They bring so much joy to life. So when I see things going on that can be harmful to them, that teaches them the wrong path in life, I let it fester until I have a hard time dealing with it all. I want so bad to shake my kids and say, what are you thinking? Why are you letting this happen? Don't you care?

Then I hear a small voice say, remember, I'm in control, or a message will come my way to remind me. I keep reading message after message about not worrying. I've even written some that I've read as a reminder. But the worry continues on. So there's a struggle in itself.

As time goes on, I read about many others struggling. It bothers me that so many are, but for some reason, I have a strong faith that all will be well with them, and find the strength to be supportive. So then I think why can't I do that with my own family. I have a dear friend that is really struggling, and have been worried about here. Here again is the worry. I keep repeating over and over again, don't worry, don't worry, don't worry. I can even hear Charles Stanley saying those very words over and over, as he had done a podcast on that very subject.

My little sister is getting worse. She's having a lot of numbness, shooting pain, can't sit at all. When she has to it's excruciating pain. The pain pills don't help much. Out of a job, a husband who is burnt out on taking care of the little ones, kids that don't want to help. Auuggghhh. I can't do anything to help. I feel trapped. I have to be here for the kids, but I'm needed there too. Lord, why is this happening? I want to scream, cry, whatever. Then I recount all the blessings that have been bestowed upon many and tell myself, this is a storm that will pass too.

Things look like they are going to look up and wham, another storm! What is going on? I've been getting sick often. Can't seem to get over this upper respiratory garbage, kids (that is grand kids) are struggling, sister is worse, dad is having more problems. And then we get the news our friend battling cancer; they find out that it's in his brain, lungs, and bones. Well right then one say, "He'll never make it." But...God is so good, he's healing him! So Glory to God, there is beauty and light and we must hang onto that. Spirits are lifted, worry is disappearing, this is a testimony that storms do past, and we get through them.

But then more bad news about my sister. It seems she just isn't going to be cut a break. It's one thing after another for her. I become very frustrated as why is this happening to such a sweet person that would give her life for another. She would do anything for anyone. Why Lord? Then I'm reminded that we should never ask why. He has the plans all laid out. I remind myself that Satan has been sending his dark angels to attack left and right. What am I doing? I can't let him win! No way! Then I see the grand kids picking themselves back up, and wham, they are down again. Ughhh, when is it going to stop!

Tonight, sitting and watching the Gaithers and their Heaven episode. I'm touched with such warmth of thinking of that glorious day when we go home. Then these two precious little girls come on and the oldest says, she thinks about how she wants to go home a lot. Instantly I think of all the little children that suffer, I think of my grand kids and a load is lifted off my shoulders as He whispers, "They may be suffering now, but remember, someday they will suffer no more!" Oh what a beautiful thought that was. Then it dawned on me, someday my sisters struggles will be no more. She too will go home and be pain free, stress free, with a smile that warms the heart. Someday we too will be there. The spell breaks, I'm free! Tears of joy stream down my face as I think about all the glory He brings, and worry shall be no more.

Thank you dear sweet Jesus for rescuing me from that constant plunging into the depths of nowhere where worry dwells.

Matthew 6:25-24 NKJV

"25 Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat
or what you will drink; not about your body, what you will put on. Is not life
more than food and the body more than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather
into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than
they?

27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

28 So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field,
how they grow; they neither toil nor spin;

29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed
like one of these.

30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and
tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of
little faith?

31 Therefore do now worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we
drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. for your heavenly Father
knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these
things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore do now worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about
it's own things. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble."

You see, my downfall was that I was not always holding onto faith. I wasn't always seeking the kingdom of God. I was relying on myself. Many a time when the worry got so intense I would be nudged and reminded, "You can't do it alone." So I give myself fully and completely to Him. Thank you Father for rescuing me once again when I did not follow. Thank you for knowing my heart. Forgive me Father for not keeping the full faith of you, for walking alone. By your perfecting timing, by your plans, we shall wait upon the Lord. So off to read through Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah once again to be reminded of all I need to do. His word is mighty, and gives us strength.

May the roller coaster rides of everyone else cease right now. May the strength of the Lord walk with you and guide you. How many times have I written, "Face forward, keeping your eyes on Jesus?" Hmmmm, makes you think. It's easy to know, it's easy to write, but to follow isn't always easy. May the enemy be tromped and stomped back down, the armor of God put to work to block those poison arrows of deception. May we all be clothed with the gift of discernment. Stay in the light and out of the darkness. The Lord is our Savior! Be blessed each and everyone of you.

NOTE: I will be away again for a few days. I'm going to go help out my sister. Please keep Sarah in your prayers. Thank you, and God Bless!

It's Just That Simple

I love how He leads us. I receive many devotionals in my e-mail and look at the list and then He tells me which one to read and share. How sweet is that? God is awesome!

This is what He lead me to today. It comes from Christianity.com: Daily Inspirations. This is the begining of the message:

"Today's Reading: Genesis 10-12; Matthew 4

Today's Thoughts: It's Just That Simple

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

The "He" and the "Him" in these verses is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He came to earth to save His people, but many of His own people rejected Him. For those who "received Him," Jesus gave them inheritance into the kingdom of God. All they had to do was "believe in His name." There was nothing else to do, not even their best religious works would be good enough to earn salvation. The same is true for us today as we have the Word of God to teach us about Jesus. The Gospel of John was written so that we would believe in Him, a simple message that requires simple faith. But is it really that simple?

Yes it is really that simple. He is an all loving Christ, Son of God, who loves us so much. I'm mean seriously, He gave His life for us. How could He not be an all caring Christ. For Jesus so loved the little children (I don't remember where this comes from, but love it!)

Matthew 5:44 reads: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45so tht you may be sons of your Father in heaven." That right there says a lot. If we are to love our enemies, then He obviously does not give up on us. He loves all and wants us to give ourselves to Him.

Holding on to Hurts/Grudges

"If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)

"Devotion:Yesterday I swept the mahogany dark wood floors in my house. I worked with so much energy it might have looked like I was a clean freak or, at the very least, industrious. I am neither of those things. In fact, I really didn't even notice the dust bunnies flying through the air. I was hurt, trying to sweep away harsh words spoken the day before by a friend."

Have any of you done this. I have. I felt like a fool later. My hubby had learned quickly that if I was upset, our house would get cleaned faster and extra good. :( I've always been sensitive, so cruel words would effect me instantly. Sometimes it was just gossip that I'd over hear.

For instance, while volunteering at the church, a woman was sitting there in the volunteer central room talking of an incident that had happened with my grand daughter and I to another woman. I don't know why, but it really upset me. So instead of confronting her and clearing the situation up, I stormed around, bawled, and embarrassed myself which upset me even more.

Lesson: It doesn't pay to let things fester and boil. It is better to confront the situation.

This piece came from Crosswalks Encouragement for today. It's a great reminder packed full of sensible information on how to care for hurts of the past and present.

Prime Time with God

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt 5:43-46).

This is so true. To read the full message about this scripture, simply click on the Prime Time with God link on the side bar. I did finally add this site to the bar. ;)

Rest

Matthew 11:28[Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

This came from Crosswalk's Heartlight. You can click on the link on the side bar to go there and read the whole message.

Hmmm, this is a good one to ponder. We must allow ourselves rest in order to do the Lords work. After all, did He not say, "on the seventh day rest?" If we are tired, we tend to become cantankerous which can give off some very bad vibes. This is counter acting what we are suppose to be doing.

If we are tired out, we are opening ourselves up to allowing the enemy to enter much easier.

God's timing is perfect as always. I for one needed this verse, as for some reason I've been extremely tired. Although this could be do to being woken at 3 am. ;) I'm too stubborn to go back to bed and instead fall asleep in my chair which does not allow me to sleep continuously. Therefore, I'm tired, I tend to be shorter on patience, become cranky, and do not share the light of the Lord in this manner, instead, allowing the enemy to break in and take over what should be a beautiful time with family and grand kids. They then become irritable which only enhances the problem.

Lesson learned. Get plenty of rest. Your body is telling you to rest, hmmm, actually, God is saying, hey, slow down, rest and take care of your body so you can carry on by My will. Part of my problem is thinking I have to do it all to relieve pressure from others. Feeling like I'm failing if I don't try to help and much as possible where ever I can, and then becoming stressed, tired...you name it, and it just doesn't work that way.

For the first time in years, I sat down, allowed my son to clean up the kitchen and realized how nice it was to allow someone to help. He actually thanked me for allowing him to help. Eye opener? Oh yeah, big time. Oh I love how He works in our lives. Thank you Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit! You're Awesome!!!!

ASK

Matthew 11:28[Jesus said,] "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

This comes from Crosswalks Heartlight daily verse. Is this good or what. What the message says about this verse is good. Just simply go to Crosswalk.com. Jesus is there and will provide. Which goes with a verse I read yesterday:

A Keep asking and it will be given to you.
S Keep seeking and you will find.
K Keep knocking and the door will be opened to you. Mat. 7:7

So what should we be doing?

ASKING!

Glorifying God in Our Christmas Shopping

Yeah, I'm able to get on here and do a post tonight. I should really be in bed though, as I have to be back up early and then off to the church. :)

I just wanted to share another good message I came across. It's a littel late for this one, but there are still some that have shopping left to do. Besides, I think the message is important whether it be Christmas shopping or normal shopping (what ever that is). ;) Define normal! J/K

The message comes from Tony Reineke at Christianity.com

The title of the message is; Glorifying God in our Christmas shopping. Some of you may be thinking how in the world can one glorify God when shopping. Easy, be frugal when shopping. Only get those things that are beneficial and hold meaning.

Tony gave three questions he asks himself when buying gifts:

1. Does the gift serve the soul of the recipient?
2. Does the gift promise life transformation?
3. Does the gift encourage faith?

Those are three very good questions to ask. Instead of getting someone just any old thing, or something you like rather than thinking about the needs of the person.

To view the rest of the message click on the link above. Then click on the article. It's a great read.

This subject has a lot of meaning to me due to the fact I used to be a spend-aholic so to speak. I loved to go shopping, and bought things I wanted and for others as well. It didn't matter if it was "needed;" I just knew I liked it and wanted it, or liked it for someone else.

Now I do not like to shop, as I know it is real easy for me to slip back into that rotten habit. But...I've learned that by praying, asking to be filled with the Holy Spirit; for guidance, and for the Lord to walk with you, you will be led to do the right thing.

33 "But seek first the kingdom fo God and His righteousness, and all these things well be provided for you." Matthew 6:33

7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

9 "As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart anda willing mind, for teh Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake hHim, He will reject you forever." 1Chronicles 29:7

Hypocrisy

In today's Prime Time With God it talks about being a hypocrite. How we often believe in things that aren't real. The title of the message is, "Being the Real Thing." The title alone makes you stop and think.



A scripture used is: Matthew 15:7-9 when Jesus was prophesying. "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men."



Ah, the world rules. Are they the rules of the Lord? Some follow Him, but not all. Now this is not saying go out and break the law. No, there are laws for a reason; but this means do not fall before the Lord. Obey His rules to the best of your ability. Avoid living in the flesh of the worldly ways. But rather follow Christs path. He will lead us to righteousness.

The Prodigals

Tonight I am asking for prayer for the Prodigals.

As parents we want nothing but the best for our children. There are those of us that want that without realizing just what the best is. I was brought to the Lord by my grandmother. Attended church and Sunday school growing up. But then wandered when I left home and went into the military. Married a man that did not believe. I still believed, and talked to the Lord, but was not a true Christian.

Our two children had followed friends into Christianity which was a blessing. I wanted to be involved, but for some reason just couldn't do it. Now our kids are grown adults, 25 and 26. Our son, the oldest came to Christ and led us to Him as well. Our daughter once moving back to the states lost her Christianity. We've tried to bring her back, but to no avail. We continue to pray for her, as we believe she will return. Our son has waivered in the past due to medications and illnesses. He has been doing so good and now we may be losing him again.

My message is to all that have young children. Involve them in church and the word right away. We currently take some of our grand children to church with us. Sometimes they attend services, other times they go to Sunday school. They love it and crave it. One is 6, one is 4 and the other is 4 months. The baby is captivated by our Pastors voice! Ocassionally the 7 year old goes with us as well. He craves learning about Jesus as well. They may venture as they get older, but are much less apt to, and will come back much easier.

I wish I had stayed involved, but perhaps I went through what I did to teach me some important lessons in life. Regardless, I know what it is like to be without the Lord. Life is a struggle more than we could ever imagine until we find our way back. I can not imagine what it would be like to walk away now. I don't want to know.

So I'm asking that we all pray for the prodigals of the world, that they will be brought back, their faith will grow strong, they will stay with their walk in the Lord. Let's ask for the lost souls to be saved. They need us; they neeed Him. Luke 15:11-32 talks of the prodigal son.

Luke 15:31-32 NLV, "His father said to him, 'Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!" Amen. I'm believing the prodigals will come to life again and will be found again.

Matthew 18:12-14 NLV, "If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won't he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the nintey-nine that didn't wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father's will that even one of these little-ones should perish."

I so enjoy reading the Jesus's parables. Some can be confusing, but when we take the time to read different translations it often helps. Also reading the commentary helps one have a deeper understanding. We have so much at our fingertips to teach us what the Bible says. God is good!
Thank you Father God for all the good you do. Thank you for never leaving us, standing by, waiting for us to come to you. Amen