Open our Hearts Lord

We've all been there-frustrated over family members, or close friends that never accept Jesus. They hear the message, see the walk and are loved by people who show them compassion and understanding, yet they choose to turn away. Time runs out, the unbeliever dies. They are eternally separated from God and their believing loved ones.

"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing they do not hear or understand."

In them is fulfilled the prophet of Isaiah:

"You will ever be hearing, but never understanding; you will ever be seeing, but never perceiving."

For this peoples heart is calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they close their eyes." Matthew 13:13-15 (NIV)

"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This seed was sown along the path." Matthew 13:19 (NIV)

Even if the seed is sown sometimes it springs up among the weeds. Christians living among unbelieving friends and family, become weak from lack of nourishment of God's word and other believers. They get just enough spiritual food to exist, but they never thrive. Often they feel choked out by Satan's plot to keep their beloveds soul from God. The threat of your loved ones entering eternity without Christ is a huge weight on your heart. Rightfully so- Your family's eternal life is more important than their earthly life. (See Matthew 13:24-30)

Staying away from God's house and your Bible may cost your loved ones security in heaven. Although accepting Christ is a personal decision everyone must make for them self, what parents teach by doing is vital to how a child sees God. How horrible to consider your children never accepting Christ as their personal Savior, (especially if you neglected to live for Christ.) Personally, I'd rather die ten times over.

Then there are the believers who spring up so quickly in rocky soil. Gun hoe to be a "Christian" because everyone else around them is one. They want what others have , but are not willing to grow in faith through trial, or circumstance. Believer beware, in every life a little rain must fall. They cry out, "Why did God let this happen? He doesn't love me!" So ends their adventure in the "Christian Life." Bad times do fall on "good people." Would any of us ever grow without trial and error? I couldn't have. (See Matthew 13:20-23)

God is the only One who can give sight, hearing and belief to the unbelieving heart. We need to pray hard for those we love who are not grounded in Christ. We all need good soil and food to grow. For Christians that consists of a Godly group of believers, grounded in God's Word daily to thrive. Studying your Bible alone is even more important. Remember this is a "personal relationship with Christ." Groups and friends are wonderful, but you'll soon fall if there's not a one on one relationship with Christ.

If you're living with a non believer or weak Christan, try reading your bible daily. Do Not force it down your spouses throat. Quietly consume it on your own, until they want to share it with you. When he/she asks why you're reading and trying to live it out, explain how you want to live for Christ. This might be a good time to express your love and desire that all your family would know Christ. Most true believers see Christ in a loved one, or friend prior to becoming a believer. The peace which surpasses all understanding is inviting and intriguing. God designed the human heart with a void only He can fill.

Imagine the joy in your home if Christ became the center of every one's life. No it doesn't mean you'll never fight. Believe me, married believers fight-I know this first hand. Growing together and knowing your spouse and children will be in heaven is an awesome blessing.

The Church is far from perfect. In fact, it's just a group of forgiven sinners who meet and try to encourage each other to try to follow Christ. There is sin in every part of Christ's church, some of it is down right ugly, but the good far out weighs the bad.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he went out and hid it again, and then in his joy he went and sold everything he had and bought that field."

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."

Matthew 13: 44&45 (NIV)

I hope what you've found in Jesus is worth sharing especially with those you love. We only have one life, but if it is lived well, that's enough to glorify God. Life is short; don't leave earth without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. :) Love ya

When you think Jesus doesn't know Consider these things...

If you've ever doubted that Jesus knew what you're going through read what he says in the New Testament. He knows everything that has and will happen. Don't be afraid because He has sent the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you.

"Be on your Gard against men; they will hand you over against the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." Matthew 10:17-20 (NIV)

"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. " Matthew 10:26 (NIV)

"Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body but can not kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell."

Matthew 10:28 (NIV)

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." Matthew 11:27 (NIV)

"Come to me , all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

If you are one whom the Son has chosen to reveal salvation to I pray you'll have the strength to endure as long as He gives you breath. Life can be hard but it is well worth the journey with God on our side. Grasp every thing you can learn from God. He's preparing you for eternity!

Jesus is the bridge to God the Father.

Don't be Way Laid by False Prophets

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world rather than on Christ." Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

Colossians 2:16 & 17 (NIV)



"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch! These are all destined to parish with use because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." Colossians 2:21-23 (NIV)



Isn't that interesting? When Paul wrote this he was warning his Christian brothers and sisters to stay away from people who worshiped different phases of the moon. Today we still have people celebrating these things. They are FALSE doctrine-stop it.



He also warned against people who make a big fuss about what others may eat, such as pork, or drink, such as wine. In fact, there are at least three different verses in the Bible that I can think of that say that a little bit of wine is good for the stomach. There are SEVERAL verses on gluttony, which is a sin, but that is rarely addressed in the church today.



As time goes by, it is especially important to read your Bible and follow what it says. You will not be accountable for man's laws, but we are all accountable to God's laws.



Paul hit it smack on the head when he said, "with their self imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."



In other words they were distracting others from real problems such as sexual immoralities to focus on non-sense. Christian, do not get caught up in the non sense and political correctness of this day and age; you are accountable for what God says.



See these: Psalm 104:15 (How true!) :)

Isaiah 55:1 (Wine isn't the issue- problems come when you don't know when you've had enough.)

1 Timothy 5:23 (Wine is good for both the stomach and your heart-research the facts.)

Fear the Lord First...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise." Psalm 111:10 (NIV)

"Choose instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare to her."

Proverbs 8: 10& 11 (NIV)

"Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him."

Proverbs 23: 23 & 24 (NIV)

Train up a child in the way he or she should go and when he is old he will not depart from it-how true. I'm so thankful that when I was little, before I could read my mother let me look at the pictures in her Bible. I wanted to know the stories, so she took me to Sunday School.

I'm thankful for all the wonderful teachers I've had in and out of schools. They hold a special place in my heart. The great ones taught so much more than just book knowledge. Your love and kindness will always be appreciated!

I know the joy of my children's salvation! As a mom I consider their salvation one of my very best blessings from God! It's a gift even better than my own salvation, because I love them more than my own life. It's easier to live and die knowing one day we'll all meet up in heaven again.

Wisdom should begin at home. Where ever it begins, I hope you'll seek wisdom, grace and love in God, all the days of your life.

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Colossians 2: 2 & 3 (NIV)

Forgive and You will be Forgiven

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2ND Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

"Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Matthew 7:1 & 2 (NIV)

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins , your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:13-15 (NIV)

That old familiar pain shoots straight to our heart, riping betrayal, abrupt stabbing pressure because what we did wasn't "good enough," or that stinging slap of rudeness, after you've tried so hard to please someone. All of those things are horribly painful. If they didn't go straight to your heart, then they're sure to shoot under your skin like a sharp fat thorn. Roses and Love have so much in common. Roses like love are beautiful, but roses and love both have thorns. You have to be very careful and patient with both. If you want a long stemed rose you have to cut it very carefully. If you want Love you'll have to forgive the thorns of pain.

The arrows of emotional hurts left untreated will literally kill you. The slivers and thorns can fester and become infected. It's better for you and the person who hurt you to confront them in a gentle matter. Outbursts only add gas to an already hot flame.

So often, I don't think people really even know when they've hurt anyone. I mess up daily, but often don't even realize what I did until someone says something. I seldom want to hurt others, especially the ones I love. When you love someone there will be times you offend and hurt each other, we're human-we sin.

Holding grudges hurts yourself worse than anyone else. Satan loves to fling those daggers that conquer and divide, don't let him. Forgiving others is more important for you than it is for those that sinned against you. Grudges are sin that can cause depression, which can lead to physical illness.

"Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37 (NIV)

"Do to others as you'd have them do to you." Luke 6:31 (NIV)

We often Ask Why-But God Knows

"For He said to Moses,

"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,

and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."

Romans 9:15 & 16 (NIV)

"One of you will say to me, "Then why does Gos still blame us? For who resists His will? But who are you, oh man, to talk back to God?" Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for a nobble purposes and some for common use?" Romans 9:19 & 21 (NIV)

"What if God did this to make known to the objects of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for His glory-even us whom He also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?" Romans 9 : 23&24 (NIV)

"It will happen in that very place where it was said to them, "You are not my people, they will be called the sons of the Living God." Romans 9: 26 (NIV)

I'm going to share something with you I thought I'd NEVER share publicly. About eleven years ago Mark and I were in a horrible fight that lasted three horrible days. On the third day he threw me on the bed and was going to take what he wanted. I rolled back over and dug him as deep as I could with my finger nails across his chest.

He went to the emergency room for superficial wounds. The incident was reported and I went to jail. (Before this, I had never been to jail for anything.) I cried so hard from my shame, I could not make my one phone call. After falling asleep on that December 23rd, I awoke to a guards slithering hand moving down my jump suit, while another guard held my hands back. As the tears rolled, I was plotting how I'd hang myself from the bars with a sheet.Psychologically my mind and will were spent.

Two other inmates prevented my rape. One "crazy" lady jumped on the guards back who was touching me. She bit him until he bled and stopped touching me. Another lady pleaded with the other guard, until he took her in my place. To this day I don't know why they interceded for me.

A few hours before this happened I found a Bible and a copy of Our Daily Bread over in a corner. I picked it up and started reading, for my own comfort. The little crazy lady came over and asked if I'd read to her. I said, "sure." Before I knew it there were ten other women out of sixteen women gathered around me listening to Bible verses and stories from Our Daily Bread. I read until I got horse. Then I laid down and fell asleep. (Mark and I had been fighting so much; I was really tired.)

The little crazy lady was taken out and heavily medicated. She was still sleeping when I was sent home the next day. The lady who pleaded for them not to rape me was orally and anally raped. It still makes me cry to think about her. She only knew me for a few hours, but was willing to endure my pain and shame.

As bad as all this was, I have no doubt that regardless of whatever happens to this body, in this life, God is ALWAYS with me. I also learned that there are "good people" in bad places. More importantly I saw how much love God gave when He sent His sinless son to die for a broken sinful world, more than we can ever imagine.

Are you living for God?

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined then you are illegitimate children and not true sons." Hebrews 12:7 & 8 (NIV)

I remember reading that when I was about twelve years old, about a year after I had accepted Christ as my Savior. Flashing red lights seemed to go off in my head. "Well I must really belong to God because every time I even think about doing wrong I am caught and punished."

Through the years though I can honestly say that correction has kept me on the "straight and narrow for Christ," for the most part. The dangers of getting off God's path is that your life can take major dives, which sometimes can lead to mortal and even spiritual death. Such would be the case if you chose to totally deny God.

God is a Holy God. He expects us to accept Him and live as He asks. When we get to heaven there will be certain things God will not tolerate there either. Think about it- would you want sin and ugliness in a Holy and perfect place? God will not tolerate either.

"But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

See to it you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him when they warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us in heaven?" Hebrews 12:25 (NIV)

"Therefore , since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)

When I was a child I couldn't understand why a loving God would send people to hell. Over time there have been some horribly wicked people who do unspeakable things to others. Some people choose to live a life of pure sinfulness. They have no regard for God or even other human lives. I totally understand why they can not spend eternity in God's light. They came from the darkness and would hate God's purity, light and love. Heaven would not be a blessing to God or His sons or daughters with these souls there. Hell does have a purpose.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of God.

Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart." Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)