" I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber, nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever." Psalm 121 (NASB)
While I was watching the afternoon news I saw a ten year old boy whose heart was working at a ten percent capacity. He would like a new heart for Christmas. If I could, I would give him mine. I hate the thought of a ten year old child suffering and I hate what his Momma must be going through.
Latter, I seen an older lady talking about health insurance. She said she hoped she'd never have to use her health care, but was glad it was there if she ever needed it. :) Reality is almost all of us, young or old, at some point in our life will have to go through the dying process. Very few will be ushered into a physical death without pain, or suffering. If we realize this, maybe we can accept our fate a little easier, when sickness comes calling in our life.
Knowing God holds my fate is so comforting for me. I will joyfully be here every minute He wants me to be here. Likewise, I'll depart to be with Him forever as soon as God calls my name. He will not have to ask me twice. :)
Happiness is a choice, but only God can give the peace that surpasses all understanding. I can't explain it. It's one of those things I wish I could take out of my heart- just for a few minutes and put in your heart so you could feel it, but I can't. Putting your trust and faith in God relieves the weight of the world, warms your heart and soul, and puts a song in your heart.
"Then Jesus again spoke to them saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life." John 8:12 (NASB)
If you'll read the rest of John chapter 8, I think you'll be blessed. If you haven't already ask God's Holy Spirit to come into your life, I pray you will very soon. If you'll faithfully seek God I know you'll find Him. God Bless and keep you.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, the God who is our salvation. God is to us a God of deliverance; And to God the Lord belong escape from death." Psalm 68:19 & 20 (NASB)
That's a lot to be thankful and happy about right there! Shed your worries family in Christ. Our God is still in control and He's offering to lighten your load, if you'll give Him your fears and concerns. Even if we loose our earthly body to a physical death, we will live on in a perfect heavenly body.
"Your God has commanded your strength; Show yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf ." Psalm 68:28 (NASB)
"O God, You are awesome from your Sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35 (NASB)
Be happy the God who made you, loves you and holds your fate. Faithfully stand for Him and He will help you fulfill your destiny. Make your journey to eternity a happy fulfilling trip.
That's a lot to be thankful and happy about right there! Shed your worries family in Christ. Our God is still in control and He's offering to lighten your load, if you'll give Him your fears and concerns. Even if we loose our earthly body to a physical death, we will live on in a perfect heavenly body.
"Your God has commanded your strength; Show yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf ." Psalm 68:28 (NASB)
"O God, You are awesome from your Sanctuary. The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people. Blessed be God! Psalm 68:35 (NASB)
Be happy the God who made you, loves you and holds your fate. Faithfully stand for Him and He will help you fulfill your destiny. Make your journey to eternity a happy fulfilling trip.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Find Your Captain and Stay Close to Him.
Mark and I signed up for a little two hour Cruise down by Cumberland Island. Our boat was suppose to depart at 2:30 sharp on Friday afternoon. We were in a "new area" that we knew next to nothing about. Obviously, many other of the passengers were in the same boat we were in. In fact, there were two groups of people all waiting for the same Cruise. Both groups were certain they were in the right place waiting to board.
After talking to people in both groups I decided I would go directly to the office and ask them where I should wait. As it turned out neither group was right. I was introduced to the captain and told to follow him to get on board. Walking by the two different groups I told them this is our captain. Some listened and followed, others stayed where they thought they should wait.
Life is full of choices, but we all should choose wisely. Eternity is a long time, we need to find the One and only way to God the Father-through Jesus the Son. If you haven't found Him yet, please read the book of John.
Read: John chapter 3
Then Read John chapter 5
"Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears my word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24 (NASB)
After talking to people in both groups I decided I would go directly to the office and ask them where I should wait. As it turned out neither group was right. I was introduced to the captain and told to follow him to get on board. Walking by the two different groups I told them this is our captain. Some listened and followed, others stayed where they thought they should wait.
Life is full of choices, but we all should choose wisely. Eternity is a long time, we need to find the One and only way to God the Father-through Jesus the Son. If you haven't found Him yet, please read the book of John.
Read: John chapter 3
Then Read John chapter 5
"Truly, truly I say to you, he who hears my word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life." John 5:24 (NASB)
Monday, November 21, 2011
What Does it Mean to be a Child of God?
You're a chosen person of great value to God and other believers! God will assist you in every part of life, if you'll let Him. You have a purpose-to glorify God all the days of your life!
"I took you from the ends of the earth, from the farthest corners I have called you. I said,"You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9-10 (NASB)
"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs." Isaiah 41:18 (NASB)
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14 (NASB)
"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 (NASB)
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:18 (NASB)
A child of God will have all they need, not everything they want, but all they need. In the Good and Bad times give God the glory! There's much to learn in every circumstance of life. Grow closer to Christ Jesus and other believers-the Best is yet to come.
"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as the members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)
"I took you from the ends of the earth, from the farthest corners I have called you. I said,"You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:9-10 (NASB)
"I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs." Isaiah 41:18 (NASB)
"Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
Ecclesiastes 12:13b-14 (NASB)
"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 (NASB)
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:18 (NASB)
A child of God will have all they need, not everything they want, but all they need. In the Good and Bad times give God the glory! There's much to learn in every circumstance of life. Grow closer to Christ Jesus and other believers-the Best is yet to come.
"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as the members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Are You a Scardy Cat, or a Warrior?
Do you think Jesus was annoyed when His disciples were so afraid when the ship was tossed about by the stormy waves? They'd seen Him take care of all kinds of problems, feeding the five thousand and healing the sick. Ironically, a lot of people still panic in adversity despite knowing all the events that took place in the Bible.
He is still the same today as He was yesterday. He still heals, feeds and calms the storms today. Yet, there are times He chooses to ride the storms with us. He calms His child while the cancer, financial and personal storms rage. If you're in the midst of one of these storms don't be afraid. God knows exactly where you are. He'll sweep you up into His loving arms, and hold you close, if you'll by faith, ask Him. Without faith, were are merely walking dead men.
Faith in Christ gives us everything we will ever need in life. :) You're equipped to handle anything this life throws at you-Press On!
Read : Matthew 8:23-27 Then Read: Psalm 146
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who can not save." Psalm 146:3
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them the Lord, who remains faithful forever.
Psalm 146:5&6 (NASB)
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?
John 11:25 & 26 (NASB)
He is still the same today as He was yesterday. He still heals, feeds and calms the storms today. Yet, there are times He chooses to ride the storms with us. He calms His child while the cancer, financial and personal storms rage. If you're in the midst of one of these storms don't be afraid. God knows exactly where you are. He'll sweep you up into His loving arms, and hold you close, if you'll by faith, ask Him. Without faith, were are merely walking dead men.
Faith in Christ gives us everything we will ever need in life. :) You're equipped to handle anything this life throws at you-Press On!
Read : Matthew 8:23-27 Then Read: Psalm 146
"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who can not save." Psalm 146:3
"Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them the Lord, who remains faithful forever.
Psalm 146:5&6 (NASB)
"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?
John 11:25 & 26 (NASB)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Gossip is Destructive, It Needs to be Confronted
Have you ever over heard two people talking about you, when they thought you were out of ears reach? It hurts doesn't it? Probably, everyone has experienced this at some point in their life. I think the best thing a person can do when this happens is to confront the gossiper at the time it's happening. This will quickly stop rumors and back biting in its tracks. Hopefully, both the gossiper and the naive listener will realize how crude they are being.
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28 (NASB)
How sad that this even needs to be addressed to brothers and sisters in Christ. We should know better and act better. Doesn't every believer have enough trouble, without added conflict from a brother or sister in Christ?
"He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and a fool will be servant to the wise." Proverbs 11:29 (NASB)
I don't think it's talking about a bad case of gas here, but that would be very funny if the gossiping lips got a bad case of the noisy tooty fruitys in the midst of their mouthy ways. Wouldn't it be the berries if along with those windy toots, came a rank odor? Maybe at that point those anxious to listen to gossip could get a good whiff of what they're listening to besides.
The next time you're tempted to gossip, or to listen to it, may God bless you with a gassy belly to help you remember how rude and counter productive you are being.
Finally, remember what 1st Corinthians chapter 13 says. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1st Corinthians 13:1 (NASB) READ ON
"A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Proverbs 16:28 (NASB)
How sad that this even needs to be addressed to brothers and sisters in Christ. We should know better and act better. Doesn't every believer have enough trouble, without added conflict from a brother or sister in Christ?
"He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind, and a fool will be servant to the wise." Proverbs 11:29 (NASB)
I don't think it's talking about a bad case of gas here, but that would be very funny if the gossiping lips got a bad case of the noisy tooty fruitys in the midst of their mouthy ways. Wouldn't it be the berries if along with those windy toots, came a rank odor? Maybe at that point those anxious to listen to gossip could get a good whiff of what they're listening to besides.
The next time you're tempted to gossip, or to listen to it, may God bless you with a gassy belly to help you remember how rude and counter productive you are being.
Finally, remember what 1st Corinthians chapter 13 says. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." 1st Corinthians 13:1 (NASB) READ ON
Monday, September 26, 2011
Stay Focused on Christ and His Will for Your Life
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory, that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed in us."
Romans 8:18 &19 (NASB)
One of the most painful memories in life is watching our loved ones suffer physically or mentally. If we could, we'd gladly bare their pain for at least a while to give them a break if we could. Often, the disease or circumstance remains until God calls them home.
Those of us who know Christ as our Savior and Lord have an eternal peace because we have been justified and forgiven by faith in Christ. His grace also gives us a hope and promise that this life is not the end, but the beginning of an awesome eternity with Him in heaven.
Growing in Christ is sometimes painful, (both physically and spiritually.) Most of us will experience the pain of loosing loved ones, our own physical disease and decay and sometimes an emptiness that can only be filled by Christ. All three of these circumstances can draw us closer to Christ, if we let them.
"...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Romans 5:5 (NASB)
Ironically, there have been days my body has been stretched beyond what I thought ever possible to live through. God gives the strength, grace and love to endure a little more. Because of those times my faith, endurance, and even my peace about His Will for my life is at a deeper trusting level. Horrible storms in life have a beautiful way of developing a deep secure relationship in Christ.
Maybe when our loved ones are experiencing hard times we could encourage them to let Jesus cradle their broken bodies. If they're close enough to God and want to describe the tender lessons they're learning- absorb everything they're sharing. God may also want to comfort your hurting heart through their life and love they're willing to share. These maybe some of the most tender lessons you'll learn together.Knowing your loved one is at peace, will give you peace.
Please hug and hold them if they want to be held. I love being held by the people I'm closest to.(Honestly though, there are times when it hurts too much to be held. Most people will let you know if you ask.) Reading comforting verses may also help, ask them if they'd like to hear Bible passages.
In my own life looking back at both the good and bad that has made me who I am Paul's words describe how I feel the best!
"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 the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2 & 3 (NASB)
"For though I am absent from the body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." Colossians 2:5 (NASB)
Finally, I would encourage you to read and take to heart Hebrews chapters 12 and 13. Throw off everything that hinders and brings you down. You are surrounded by "the great cloud of witnesses." (Those treasured saints who are already in God's presence, they are cheering you on to grow and become all God wants you to be for His Glory and your true gain!)
Romans 8:18 &19 (NASB)
One of the most painful memories in life is watching our loved ones suffer physically or mentally. If we could, we'd gladly bare their pain for at least a while to give them a break if we could. Often, the disease or circumstance remains until God calls them home.
Those of us who know Christ as our Savior and Lord have an eternal peace because we have been justified and forgiven by faith in Christ. His grace also gives us a hope and promise that this life is not the end, but the beginning of an awesome eternity with Him in heaven.
Growing in Christ is sometimes painful, (both physically and spiritually.) Most of us will experience the pain of loosing loved ones, our own physical disease and decay and sometimes an emptiness that can only be filled by Christ. All three of these circumstances can draw us closer to Christ, if we let them.
"...We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Romans 5:5 (NASB)
Ironically, there have been days my body has been stretched beyond what I thought ever possible to live through. God gives the strength, grace and love to endure a little more. Because of those times my faith, endurance, and even my peace about His Will for my life is at a deeper trusting level. Horrible storms in life have a beautiful way of developing a deep secure relationship in Christ.
Maybe when our loved ones are experiencing hard times we could encourage them to let Jesus cradle their broken bodies. If they're close enough to God and want to describe the tender lessons they're learning- absorb everything they're sharing. God may also want to comfort your hurting heart through their life and love they're willing to share. These maybe some of the most tender lessons you'll learn together.Knowing your loved one is at peace, will give you peace.
Please hug and hold them if they want to be held. I love being held by the people I'm closest to.(Honestly though, there are times when it hurts too much to be held. Most people will let you know if you ask.) Reading comforting verses may also help, ask them if they'd like to hear Bible passages.
In my own life looking back at both the good and bad that has made me who I am Paul's words describe how I feel the best!
"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 the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
Colossians 2:2 & 3 (NASB)
"For though I am absent from the body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." Colossians 2:5 (NASB)
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