While writing up a Bible study for my family from Life Principles Bible by Dr. Charles F. Stanley, I came across the following:
Why do so many people not enjoy God's presence? Because they do not really know Him.
That made me realize that so many out there think that because He can not be seen or touched that He is not real. There are many other reasons used as well, but am thinking this is a big issue, as I've heard others state, "How can you believe in something you can not see?"
Good question. Until you have actually experienced the presence of God, you may never know. I pray for those that are afraid to trust in the unknown, will give God a chance. When you receive the Lord and start enjoying experiences with Him, you end up with no doubt in your mind that He is very much real. It's an experience like none other.
Is the walk always beautiful? No, due to His using difficult times to teaching us, drawing us nearer, and to keep us from taking a wrong path. I've personally experienced the presence of the Lord many, many times, in many various ways. From being saved from what should have been a deadly outcome, to visions, touches and hearing. He lets you know that He is there. You can feel His presence in so many ways.
If one would sit back and think about different situations that should have turned out way different that was out of ones control, and pondered how it did not make any sense, the answer would be your loving Father saved you from that moment in your life.
I challenge you to pick up the Bible and start reading His promises for you. Start reading His love letters to you; as basically it's God telling you how much He loves you and wants to be a part of your life. God wants a personal relationship with you. After all, what do you have to lose?
I know I've said it before, but believe it is worth repeating. What do you have to lose by believing in the Lord your God? Absolutely nothing. If He's real and you believe and follow Him, you will live a wonderful life of eternity with Him. If you don't believe and He's real, you have everything to lose.
Personally, I choose to believe as I know in my heart He is very real. I challenge you to give Him a chance to prove to you that He is real. If you go into this challenge with an open mind and faith, you won't be disappointed. Then get yourself in a good "Faith-based" church that teaches the Holy Bible, not one that has been written to meet the needs of the church, and walk that beautiful walk.
My heart aches for those that are lost. I pray that you will find Salvation in Him and soon. You will not be disappointed. I'm sure glad I came back to Him. It's been a beautiful walk, even during all the trials and tribulations we have been through. I look forward with great joy to meeting more of those trials and tribulations, as each time I grow closer to Him and have a stronger understanding. Often times receiving correction on things I've been doing wrong at just the right time. For you see, God's timing is always perfect, and His love for us is perfect. Imagine having a Heavenly Father who loves you no matter what and never gives up on you. He waits for you with open arms always welcoming you.
Showing posts with label understanding. Show all posts
Showing posts with label understanding. Show all posts
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Seeing Things in a Different Light
Today while driving into Boise via the connector, I looked upon the valley in a whole new light. I've never seen it in this manner before. It took on a whole new, beautiful look. It is impossible to explain it exactly other than the Lord has been moving me in new directions and taking me to knew levels. I just drove in awe at this new found beauty of our surroundings. Thanking Him the whole time for this new light.
I made it to hubs appointment and then went to coffee with him. The mood had changed. Concern came over me for my husband. He seemed to have something troubling him and wouldn't open up, as he does often.
We parted, he headed for work, myself heading to pick up two of the grand kids; one of which is home sick. I was pondering over hubs, wondering what must be going on in his mind, when I all of a sudden focused on worshipping the Lord. On my way home was the usual crazy driving of some, slow from some, excessive speeds by others, and then there is that one that seems to want to join you in your lane. But this time it didn't bother me so much. What was going on?
I look in my review mirror after picking up the kids and see a young girl smiling from ear to ear, blowing a bubble from her gum and talking on the phone. At first I was thinking, great, watch her run into the back of me as she's not paying attention. Then all of a sudden the Lord took hold of me, and I was reminded not to judge.
Then I saw her as a beautiful girl, smiling, happy, childlike the way He wants us to be. I thought you know, we are all different in so many ways, but are all alike as well. We are all sons and daughters of the Lord our God. We all have a special place in this crazy world. Then I really got to looking at people as they drove by.
What did I see? People of all walks of life. Then I thought about how some were obviously not well off financially and some were well off. I thought back to a time when finances were bad. We didn't know if we were going to be able to keep our house, our vehicles needed work done on them, were we going to lose them too? How would we get to work. What about our kids, what would happen to them.
That's when I thought; we have so much to be thankful for. It doesn't matter what we have. It doesn't matter whether or not we are rich or poor. It doesn't matter what we wear. What matters is how we treat one another. What matters is what is in our heart. What matters is do we accept our Father and walk in the manner in which He desires for us to walk? Are we shining His light? Are we kind, gentle, loving, full of grace and mercy, thoughtful, joyfull, living with the Fruit of the Spirit in us?
Gratefulness, Thankfullness and Joy filled my heart. Gone was any worries. Gone was the comtemplations of, we need this or that, the worries about how to handle this mess, what should be said or done about this or that problem. I was reminded to hand all my cares to the Lord and let His light shine through. I had a heart and soul that understood and realized the value He was showing me and placed right in front of my face.
A new energy came about. No more frustration over things not getting done. Gone was the irritation over how busy life has become and how it seemed I needed to drop something of which I was involved in doing, but where and what to choose as I knew that I needed to be in the groups that I am to learn and come closer to Him. I knew that volunteering is where I'm suppose to be. I know the importance of watching the grandkids; then of course the house has to be cleaned...how was I going to do it all. Laughter filled my head. "Silly one, has He not always provided? Has He not always walked you through those difficult times? Has it not been good to get home and feel wonderfully exhausted knowing full well good things came from the day?
A small sacrifice for all that He offers us and gives us each and every day. He "always" provides; even in those times we feel it's not what we wanted. He knows what is best for us, what is "needed" at the right time.
Step back/sit back and really look at your surroundings. Look at those that are around you. See the uniqueness each one of us has to offer. Look at all the beauty He has provided us. What a wonderful world it really is. There may be some darkness in your life, but His light will shine through eventually when the time is right. For it is by His plans and His perfect timing that all comes together for the good of all. Take in a deep breath, smile, let your heart sing joyfully. Know that He is near. Never will He forsake you. Never will He leave you. Blessings to All!
I made it to hubs appointment and then went to coffee with him. The mood had changed. Concern came over me for my husband. He seemed to have something troubling him and wouldn't open up, as he does often.
We parted, he headed for work, myself heading to pick up two of the grand kids; one of which is home sick. I was pondering over hubs, wondering what must be going on in his mind, when I all of a sudden focused on worshipping the Lord. On my way home was the usual crazy driving of some, slow from some, excessive speeds by others, and then there is that one that seems to want to join you in your lane. But this time it didn't bother me so much. What was going on?
I look in my review mirror after picking up the kids and see a young girl smiling from ear to ear, blowing a bubble from her gum and talking on the phone. At first I was thinking, great, watch her run into the back of me as she's not paying attention. Then all of a sudden the Lord took hold of me, and I was reminded not to judge.
Then I saw her as a beautiful girl, smiling, happy, childlike the way He wants us to be. I thought you know, we are all different in so many ways, but are all alike as well. We are all sons and daughters of the Lord our God. We all have a special place in this crazy world. Then I really got to looking at people as they drove by.
What did I see? People of all walks of life. Then I thought about how some were obviously not well off financially and some were well off. I thought back to a time when finances were bad. We didn't know if we were going to be able to keep our house, our vehicles needed work done on them, were we going to lose them too? How would we get to work. What about our kids, what would happen to them.
That's when I thought; we have so much to be thankful for. It doesn't matter what we have. It doesn't matter whether or not we are rich or poor. It doesn't matter what we wear. What matters is how we treat one another. What matters is what is in our heart. What matters is do we accept our Father and walk in the manner in which He desires for us to walk? Are we shining His light? Are we kind, gentle, loving, full of grace and mercy, thoughtful, joyfull, living with the Fruit of the Spirit in us?
Gratefulness, Thankfullness and Joy filled my heart. Gone was any worries. Gone was the comtemplations of, we need this or that, the worries about how to handle this mess, what should be said or done about this or that problem. I was reminded to hand all my cares to the Lord and let His light shine through. I had a heart and soul that understood and realized the value He was showing me and placed right in front of my face.
A new energy came about. No more frustration over things not getting done. Gone was the irritation over how busy life has become and how it seemed I needed to drop something of which I was involved in doing, but where and what to choose as I knew that I needed to be in the groups that I am to learn and come closer to Him. I knew that volunteering is where I'm suppose to be. I know the importance of watching the grandkids; then of course the house has to be cleaned...how was I going to do it all. Laughter filled my head. "Silly one, has He not always provided? Has He not always walked you through those difficult times? Has it not been good to get home and feel wonderfully exhausted knowing full well good things came from the day?
A small sacrifice for all that He offers us and gives us each and every day. He "always" provides; even in those times we feel it's not what we wanted. He knows what is best for us, what is "needed" at the right time.
Step back/sit back and really look at your surroundings. Look at those that are around you. See the uniqueness each one of us has to offer. Look at all the beauty He has provided us. What a wonderful world it really is. There may be some darkness in your life, but His light will shine through eventually when the time is right. For it is by His plans and His perfect timing that all comes together for the good of all. Take in a deep breath, smile, let your heart sing joyfully. Know that He is near. Never will He forsake you. Never will He leave you. Blessings to All!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Life's Lesson
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him. And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
This is a lesson that I slipped on recently. "And lean not on your own understanding." It never occured to me that I was doing that until Friday night. And then God spoke to my heart and told me what I had been doing and woke me up! Praise the Lord.
We have to be aware of our actions, our words spoken or written. My problem has been speaking and acting first then thinking. Now I think first then act/speak. I know I've spoken a lot about walking in faith, and keeping my eyes on Jesus. I'm not sure if it's more to make sure it sinks in with myself, but am believing it is to help others as well not make the same mistake.
Believe me, it's not worth losing a friend(s) because of what you say and or do.
God did not create us to be what we want to be, he created us to be like Him.
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
He created us in His image.
This is a lesson that I slipped on recently. "And lean not on your own understanding." It never occured to me that I was doing that until Friday night. And then God spoke to my heart and told me what I had been doing and woke me up! Praise the Lord.
We have to be aware of our actions, our words spoken or written. My problem has been speaking and acting first then thinking. Now I think first then act/speak. I know I've spoken a lot about walking in faith, and keeping my eyes on Jesus. I'm not sure if it's more to make sure it sinks in with myself, but am believing it is to help others as well not make the same mistake.
Believe me, it's not worth losing a friend(s) because of what you say and or do.
God did not create us to be what we want to be, he created us to be like Him.
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
He created us in His image.
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