Is Your Light Shining?

Is Your Light Shining?

What God would want us to know is that we need to let our light shine in the darkness of this world?  I know that God placed me in this world so that I could help gather his lost sheep and bring them back home.  While Jesus walked here on earth, He was the light of the world; so when he left us and went back to Heaven, He left us to stand as the light for Him.  I don’t know about you but I don’t want to let Him down.

Matthew 5:13 ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and trodden under foot of men.

If you are one who just sits back and doesn’t reach out, your light will never shine, so the world will just get darker and darker, as we are seeing at this time in our world.  We are so overcome with darkness, and so many are scared to get involved.  I want to please God and let my bright light shine into this darkness.  One day we will stand before God and He will ask what happened to your light when I needed you to shine?  What will your answer be?

John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

I take a look at John the Baptist and see that he was a good example of a shining light; he had a vision and followed it.  He was obedient to God; he turned hearts over to him by testifying and shining bright when he needed to.  John was able to bring many into the waters where they repented, got baptized and Praise God they gave their hearts back to God.  Are you ready to shine for God, to step into the depth of the world, close and far to bring those sheep home? 

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Let others see the light in you; let others see your good works and what happens when you do.  We are the only light this world has to show others; what a gracious God we serve and what He did for us during His walk here on earth and that day on the cross.  He is the only light there is, don’t walk alone in darkness. 

It makes God so happy to see His children burning their lights and on fire for Him, excited to tell others about Him.  Think about how proud you are of your children when they do something good, rather it’s a good grade, or hitting a home run.  Don’t you want God to be proud of you; if so don’t be ashamed of God, He is the all sufficient one, He will provide for all your needs.  If you feel your light is dim, then get into His light; His Word, and get recharged.  It’s that simple, God loves you, He realizes we all feel burned out sometimes, but He is there to give us rest and nourishment so that we can shine again.

It is time we get off our tush and witness more for God, the darkness of this world is swallowing up good people, and your light might have been all that was needed to have kept them from drowning.  Do you want that on your shoulder?

Even in the coldest day of winter, Gods Son Shines through and allows His heat to touch us.

 Do you know anyone in your life that is facing a dark time right now?  Have you taken time to sit and listen to the pain they are going through, and then asking if you could possibly pray for them?  There are so many that surround us that are hungry for someone to reach out to them, and I like some of you have walked away, when I knew that maybe I could help, but I let fear enter into the situation.  God has promised His blessing and His protection upon those of us who would place their faith and trust in Him.  God has also commissioned the faithful to serve as His hands, His feet, and His voice as they spread the good news to a world that is so lost. God has promised to lead us through the storms of this life.  We may be reminded of the testimony of the apostle Paul who had seemingly great courage when continually faced with dramatic risks as He remained faithful to God’s calling, and wrote:

Philippians 4:13.  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 Why do we sometimes live life in fear of its storms when we know that we have a LORD who has both commissioned us to engage them and promises He will be with us all the way?  We find encouraging examples of Jesus’ power to protect us as we look into the Holy Scriptures.

Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV) 18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

“Sometimes I cry”

God is good all the time; there is no doubt for me; however I still feels lost and cry.

Have you ever received false accusations from someone who doesn’t even know who you are? You, like me are probably just an easy prey for them to attack. Or maybe it’s because they know you are happy and they can’t steal your joy and it makes them angry. Then there are times that even as a Christian I just feel sadness coming over me, and there seems to be no exact reason for it. Or is there?


God gave us our emotions. There is almost always an underlying reason why we are sad. Sometimes when I don't understand what I'm sad about, I pray and ask God to show me. He always does. God can't help you with what you're sad about until you understand what it is about. He wants you to talk it over with Him. He wants to be your best friend and have an intimate relationship with you. And sometimes all it takes is talking over things that make you sad, for it does matter to your Heavenly Father.


Being sad in and of itself is not sin. It depends what we do with our sadness. Look at this passage where Jesus' sorrow was so deep that He asked the Father if he could just be lifted out of the sadness.


Matthew 26:36 -39 "Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told the disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow--to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake with Me."


Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will."


Jesus' best friends, the disciples, weren't there for him. They said they would be, but they really weren't. Often it is like that for us, too. As Christians we have to know that Jesus will be there for us, He won’t fall asleep while we are praying to Him or just having a general conversation with Him. He loves when we take time to visit with Him, just as our family and friends do here on earth.


Psalm 34:17-20 (KJV) 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. re the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. 20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.


Romans 8:28 (KJV) 28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


Right now you may feel you don’t know why you are sad or broken spirited, but believe me if you look deep enough into yourself you will find the answer and I know for me when I feel this way I have to turn to Jesus to help me for the feeling of sadness is sometimes too strong for me to fight it myself.


Then there are those times when I do know why I am sad, and 99% of the time it is because I allowed others to get to me because of their lies and false accusations, or maybe I just felt they were speaking about me to others. In reality, does it all really matter? Aren’t you responsible for your own truths and isn’t it you who will report to God when time here on earth is done. Shouldn’t we just walk away from it and not let them take over our spirit, isn’t that just falling prey right into their hands. See as Christians we have to be on guard at all times, Satan can’t stand for us to be standing for Christ. I have cried many a night, including last night as I allowed others to influence my own feelings and truths that I know. All it did was make me sadder that I let God down by giving them opportunity to see that it did hurt. All I can say is shame on me for allowing this.


My friends Jesus loves us, and He forgives us for making stupid mistakes like the above, but do as I plan too, learn from it. Stand tall and stand your ground, for me, no-one will take my heart from loving God. He is my best friend.


Nahum 1:7 (KJV) 7The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

He knows me my friends, can you say the same?

Friends forever: now and when I am invited into Heaven, Jesus and me.

He opened His arms for me and you on that cross; will you run into His arms?  Jesus here I am, I gladly run towards you into your open arms.  I ask for forgiveness for allowing others to come into my heart and disrupt what you gave to me on that cross.  In Jesus name I ask this and pray, Amen!

Wits End

Sometimes in life we reach the point where we can’t even focus, we feel as if we are drowning or we have lost or exhausted any possibility of finding a way out.



Have you already done everything possible to change your situation? Have you given up? If you find this is where you are, and then my dear friend, Psalms 107 has a beautiful message for you, you will find awesome testimonies of lost, sick, imprisoned and even of those lost in a storm.


We seem to wander around hopelessly from one thing to another, not even sure what it is we are seeking. If only we had something to hold on to. Have you cried out to the Lord and ask Him to deliver you from the endless pain and or suffering not knowing if you will just disappear over the edge; or are you just wandering around aimlessly? Have you succumbed to sin, allowing the worldly chains hold you from receiving your blessings? What are your storms of life? Let me tell you what is needed, first and foremost, hold on, tie a knot, and don’t’ give up; never let go, let hope sustain you. Cry out to the Lord, continue to pray to Him, but also you must work towards a new beginning, and even if you don’t see it or feel it, give thanks for the breath the Father gave to you. Never ever let your troubles get in the way of you allowing God into your heart and life. When at wits end surround yourself with Godly people-visit a church, find safety, reach out to the elders. Then let all your sins, troubles, pain, illness be cast into the depths of the sea. Don’t let Satan defeat you any longer, quit allowing him control over your mind, quit being restless in emptiness and fill your life with love and hope and watch as that dark cloud that has been looming over you dissipates.


I looked wits end up in the bible dictionary, and you know what it means, or talks about, the ship’s deck… Who is the head of you my friends, are you going to be mopped out to sea or fall overboard because you were just too stubborn to reach out and ask God for help?


In John 16:33, Jesus said, “…In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”


God has equipped you to handle the storms of life by trusting in Jesus.


Similar to Job in the Bible, there are times when challenges hit us on all sides and we don’t always feel like responding with the Word of God; but rest assured that God’s Word is the solution to any problem. When you allow your responses and decisions to be founded on God’s Word, you open the door for God to come in and turn your situation around.


One of my favorite reads in the Old Testament is about a man who was faced with some of the most terrible situations ever known.


His children were killed, his livestock were destroyed and he was struck with painful boils on his entire body. Job had lost everything and I’m sure he was tempted to completely give up and turn his back on God. Even his wife told him to just curse God and die because he was in such a pitiful state. But Job didn’t do that. While he did go through a time of complaining and questioning, he never gave up on God. As a result, God restored everything he lost.


There are no challenges too great for God to handle. He can cause all things to work out for your good when you pray and seek Him. Maybe you feel you have tried everything, but I promise you that God can perform miracles, and if He can restore Jobs life, what makes you think He can’t yours, and even effortlessly at that.


If you have reached your wits end, then fellow friend this is the place where you have to allow God to take over and guide you.

In the midst of the storm even the disciples were scared, but take a close look at who reached out an arm and calmed the mighty roaring sea. My friend Jesus will do the same for you. Jesus is waiting to hear from you, Will you ask Him to still the storms in your life today?



Seek understanding and believe in what the Word will do for you. Everything you need to survive the storms of life is in your Bible; but you must trust and believe and let go of the worries that slow God down, don’t get in His way once you ask for His help, Trust Him, for it was He that gave your life.

This is the same sea, that Jesus quieted, the Sea of Galilee. Storms will come and go in your life, but be prepared by knowing Christ Jesus, so that you will be prepared to deal with them, and Trust Jesus to walk with you through them.


God bless you my dear friends, May all your storms be quieted as God enters into your soul, spirit and heart. Love you in Christ!

Temptation-Satan~JESUS-LIFE

Temptation-Satan   

  

  

LIFE-JESUS

  

Satan’s fault, he is continuously tempting me, putting before me things that I just don’t know how to say no to. He confuses my every thought, telling me oh it will be ok, go ahead.

This is what I hear from so many people who say they can’t seem to get God to hear them. What they don’t realize is God wants them to put Him first, to submit their selves to Him. He plainly tells us in His word to resist the devil and he will flee. However, the problem is so many times we don’t tell Satan to flee; we let him continuously flaw our judgment. Let me tell you; if you allow Satan, he will completely take over your life, and what is sad is that you won’t even realize how fast he has done so. You have to find the power and strength within to resist temptations. You will have to work at having God in your life, so that you are safe. Sure Satan is going to attack, but when you have the armor of the Lord on, you can’t be defeated.


I often ask myself why is it so hard to live a good life and quit blaming others for my mishaps; we often just go with the flow, even to think well I know they are going to heaven so I know it can’t be too bad. Hmmmm, think about that! Just how do you know they are going to heaven? Are you living in their soul? Let me tell you this for certain, NO ONE< I mean NO ONE can get you to heaven except for you going through Jesus Christ to get to His Father. How you live and the lifestyle you choose in life is no one’s but your choice.


The Bible tells us over and over that we must choose. We have the power of God to help us when we choose to ask and accept his power. Why is it so hard to live right? We have an evil nature. We also can go with the flow and live as we please. Or we can call on Christ and come to him with our temptations and receive the power that he gives to all who are saved. We can’t hide behind excuses forever, for when is forever? Will you have tomorrow?


James 4:7-10 (KJV) 7Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 9Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.


Ephesians 6:10-11 (KJV) 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.


Even Jesus was tempted by Satan for Forty Days in the Desert. Mat 4:1-11(KJV) .


Matthew 4:1-4 (KJV 1Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. 3And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4But he answered and said, it is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.


This temptation was used against Jesus’ hunger, but as we know the story, later on Jesus would feed five thousand others with the five loaves of bread and two fishes. Jesus is our example and whom we are to follow always, and when we are being tempted we have to pull our armor out (The Word) and let those tempting know that we belong to our Heavenly Father.


There are many different occasions where Jesus was tempted, he walked these same streets that we walk, His love for His Father was greater than anything put before Him. He wore His armor at all times. Will You?


In the end Satan will be consigned to the lake of fire, will you be joining him, or will you choose life with Jesus Christ?


We need the full armor of God to take our stand at Satan's temptations. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Keep on your full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be le to stand your ground and not falter to Satan. Its biblical folks just check out Eph 6:10-17 as well as many other scriptures.

Jesus is the Way to Heaven!

I trust that each of you will take time and pray for guidance and ask God to shed His light on you that you may seek Him all the time, not just when Satan is on your curtails.  God bless you my friends!

Destructive Lies

Who is really in control of your thoughts?



Satan often uses his lies to take over our minds. Your mind is a battlefield, you have to realize this and learn how to control what it is saying. If we take a second and remember that through Jesus Christ, God has provided us with everything we need to stand against Satan’s plans then you can control your mind against him. As stated in Ephesians 6:11-17, Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Put on all of God’s armor. Then you can stand against Satan’s evilness.


Before God created our world, He created angels (Job 38:4-7). God made a magnificent angel named Lucifer. He was beautiful, powerful, and good. But Lucifer became proud, and he wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-14). His pride was sin. It is the first sin that we know of. Because of his sin, Lucifer could no longer live with God, so he was thrown out of heaven (Ezekiel 28:17). Lucifer chose to become God’s enemy. His name was changed to Satan, or the devil. Satan has no power to battle God, so he has chosen to battle against God’s best creation, us, Gods children. I am telling you this because I need you to see why there is a war going on within our minds, we have a powerful former angel who knows he cannot battle with God, for he (Lucifer) was defeated and thrown out of Heaven, so what he does is prowl around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and when we allow our minds to wander from God, we are giving Satan the power to take over, because he is stronger than we are in our own. However if we look back in the bible at the story of David facing Goliath, we see that we do not fight with our own power. God is always with us and He has given us HIS weapons to battle with. The truth is what God gives us so that we can tell what the devil’s lies are. If we know God’s truth inside and out, we will never fall for one of Satan’s lies.


“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We cannot put on truth until we have put our trust in the One who is Truth - Jesus (Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.)


By abiding in Him and in His word, our minds become lined up with truth. We will be armed against the devil’s lies.

You can either believe Satan’s Lies or God’s Truth.

The Choice is Yours!

Wasted Time

Wasted Time


  As I reflect on the day that just passed, I wonder just where did it go?  That precious thing called time that we misuse on a daily basis, as we wish half our lives away just watching the clock, is it time to go home yet seems to be the biggest thief of my time.  Oh come on you watch the clock too as you are at work waiting for the minute you can head home.  Yesterday I was off, so of course time went to warp speed as I visited with my mom, nieces and their precious new babies Zella and Andy.

I wonder how God feels about us wasting so much of time here on earth?  How would He like to see you spending your time?  There are many differences  in the world, but one thing we all have in common is the same amount of time each day. God has allotted twenty-four hours to each one of us.   It is not uncommon to hear comments like, “There just isn’t enough time in a day to do everything I need to do.” “I just don’t know where the time goes.” “I’ll try to find time, but I’m hard pressed for time at the present.”    Life with all its demands is far too busy.

The bible tells us to not waste time, especially when it's used to worry.   
Matthew 6:31-33 KJV
 31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

  We need to examine our lives to see where we are wasting our time that could be used to
develop our relationship with God.  We can see our hearts when we take a long look at where we been expending our time.   We need to recognize our need of God's power and
 righteousness to help Us organize our lives around spiritual things and religious God fearing people.  Do not waste time with those that do not accept God as their Father.  Pray for them continually that they may also quit wasting time and give their lives over to our Heavenly Father.  When we quit worrying and wasting time we will see that God will fulfill all our needs.  

Deuteronomy 33:25 Thy shoes [shall be] iron and brass; and as thy days, [so shall] thy strength [be].

Jesus teaches us to quit worrying  and trust in Him.  God is the author of time and the performer of miracles. If we would look to the wisdom found in His Word, and apply it, we can release His miracle working power in our lives so as to enable us to make the most of our time.  God speaks of time in the bible on several occasions:  Psalm 90:12
12 So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.   

Isaiah 49:4 KJV
 4Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.

Are you wasting or investing the time God has given you?

  Ecclesiastes 11:4-6 KJV
 4He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.

If you sit around and watch time pass you are going to miss out on what God has for you.
There are no “rewind” or “delete” buttons in our life. The life we live, minute by minute, remains with us. It cannot be changed. However, if we messed it up, it can be forgiven and forgotten by God.  Even as christians we have to make better use of our time.  Serving God should come first and foremost in our lives.  Taking TIME for GOD is curtail in being a good Stewart.

Lord, I realize that you love me just the way I am, and only you can take a broken life and make it brand new. Only you can provide the right direction. From this day on, I may trip and fall occasionally, but I’ll immediately reach out for Your hand and get back up and follow You.” Lord, please direct me in using my time constructively and with my heart focused on you.  Anytime I find myself reflecting on the past and wishing I could change things please keep me online with the present, and help me to not worry about tomorrow, for you have not promised me that.  I thank you for this present time.  I lift you ip Father and give all the glory to you. Amen!

“Selfishness or Selfish less”

In the Lords work there is no room for selfishness. In my daily walk and studies I have found that you must set aside your own wants and desires for the interest of others in need. It doesn’t matter what that need is, whether it is prayer, physical or financial help.


Psalm 119:36 (KJV) 36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

James 3:16-17 (KJV) 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Most of the sins we commit have somewhere down deep underneath too great a concern for ourselves and too little concern for others. In the teachings of Christ we come to the very root of this matter of selfishness. A good example of this is when Jesus speaks. Do you remember in the Bible the story of the rich young ruler: “And as he was going forth into the way, there ran one to him, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me, good? None is good save one, even God. Thou knowest the commandments, do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, Honor thy father and mother. Teacher, all these things have I observed from my youth. And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shall have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. But his countenance fell at the saying, and he went away sorrowful: for he was one that had great possessions.” (Mark 10:17-22).

This ruler loved his material possessions more than he loved the possibility of being eternally saved. That is self-centeredness of a kind which is very common in our world today. How many of you would go and sell everything to know that you one day would have a home in Heaven beside God? That’s a difficult question for most all of us; we have fear of the unknown.

Selfishness is the way of the world. The world’s way is dog eat dog, the strong overpower the weak. Christ taught his disciples to turn the other cheek. He was willing to be crucified rather than destroy his enemies even though he could have called twelve legions of angels to do so. It wasn’t Christ’s way. Look at those people who crucified him. Look at his enemies. They selfishly killed him to get him out of their way. For the moment they won the battle, but it was only for the moment. As time has come and gone it has become ever more obvious that Christ really won the hearts of the people. His is the permanent victory. Selfishness never makes friends. Selfishness never brings happiness. When Jesus came into the world unselfishly to give himself for man he was demonstrating that the best way is the selfless way of serving others. Love one another. Christ still demands, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.”

My friends this is a selfless act. He gave it all for us, what a mighty God we serve.

When was the last time you stepped out of this act and reached out to someone, maybe giving up a day off of resting, to go do something nice for someone else? Let me tell you, what a feeling of pure joy in your heart you will receive. Selfishness leads us to do whatever it takes to look out for number one—even if it means lying to God. We will lie, pout, manipulate someone, distort the truth—anything to get our own way. God doesn’t honor a life like that. It doesn’t please him. Because when He comes into our lives He radically changes our hearts where there is a love for people and a lesser love for things.

2 Corinthians 5:15 (KJV) 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

 There was no tomb that could keep Him, for HE WOULD RISE from the dead, His selfless act gives us hope for eternal salvation, for on that cross He showed the most selfless act there is, and that is giving His life for us.


The definition of selfishness is acting or thinking of one’s own well-being alone. The opposite of selfishness is “JESUS CHRIST”.

As Jesus said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23).

If you feel you are ready to accept Christ into your life you can do so right now by telling God you are sorry for your past mistakes, putting your trust in Him and asking Him to make you into the person He created you to be. It is as simple as saying this short prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open my heart to receive you as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Lord please take control of my life and make me the kind of person you want me to be. Lord please take the selfishness out of me and help me to follow you and give willingly to others. I ask this all in Jesus Christ name. Amen!

Obedience

“Obedience”

Obedience starts as a child, when our parents ask us to do something and we learn the word NO, it seems to come so easily to us. Our parents strive to teach us right from wrong and how truthfully we don’t get a choice, we are going to do what they say or we are going to get our little bottoms spanked, or even worse we will lose one of our favorite games or have to go to bed early. This is what I remember as a child. We were taught to respect our elders, and most importantly that a child is to be seen not heard.

I wonder if we can even recall the number of times we were told to stop or come here right now growing up. I know now as an adult all this obedience taught me something valuable, as all thru life we have to be obedient to someone. For me it’s the learning process of being obedient to the most important person and that is Jesus Christ. I was blessed growing up to have parents who kept us in church so that we could be taught to love God, or even what stuck to my heart more was that Jesus loves me. As I grew and matured and got to study the bible more with some understanding I ran across a scripture that really speaks of obedience and that is Genesis 22:8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.

Abraham is a beautiful example of obedience to his Father. He was tested by God to the limit of obedience. God called his name, “Abraham.” Abraham stopped and replied, “Here I am, Lord” Then God instructed Abraham to take his only son to Moriah. There Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering on one of the mountains. I just wonder what Abraham thought. This was a son whom he loved so much, see Isaac was the son of Sarah, who had prayed and ask God for years for a child, and not God is asking Abraham to offer him up. But you know Abraham knew God intimately, he had a personal relationship with God, so he trusted that if this is what God wanted he would have to be obedient. He knew that he and Sarah had experience the love God had for them when he gave them Isaac in their later years of life. And if God now wanted him as a sacrifice, who was he to keep him from God.

Early in the morning after God had spoken to Abraham, He took Isaac, saddled up his donkey, and along with two servants headed up to the mountain in Moriah. After cutting enough wood for the burn offering, they set out as God had told him. “On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said to his servants; Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you” (Genesis 22:5, emphasis added).

“We will worship. We will come back.” Abraham believed God, his trust in God was assured and he kept moving ahead in obedience to God. Can you even imagine what was going thru the servants or Isaacs mind at this time. Where was the sacrifice? Neither the servants nor Isaac asked. “Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife (verse 6). Isaac obviously wasn’t a small child, he had to of been big enough to carry heavy wood up a mountain, so maybe in his teen years. As father and son walked up the mountain Isaac said to his father, ‘Father? ‘Yes my son, ‘Abraham replied. ‘The fire and the wood are here, ‘Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Verse 7). I can’t even comprehend what Abraham had to be thinking. Where will we ever find a lamb up here in this vast wilderness? Get this, I love it, Abraham’s reply was. “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering my son” (verse 8). The two of them went on together, when they reached the place God had told Abraham about, he went to work, removing the wood from Isaac’s back. He build an altar for worship and then arranged the wood on top. This was the ultimate of worshiping God-an altar built by hand and an offering of obedience.

Then Abraham went on and said, “Come,” to his son Isaac, and he placed him on top of the wood and bound him on the altar. Tears as I write this, I can’t even imagine, and what is so amazing is that Isaac was obedient too. His father Abraham must have taught him about being obedient to him and his heavenly Father. So Isaac came to his own father who he loved and trusted. I didn’t find anything in the Bible where it speaks of anything that Isaac was thinking or saying. I don’t know, however there was Isaac bound on top of the wood that he had carried himself, he was willing to die for God that is obvious by the scripture.

Abraham with knife in had was prepared and ready. “Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.” (verse 10). When an animal is being offered up to God as an offer it is bound on the altar of wood and the knife is plunged into the throat and sliced down the middle through the stomach. Abraham had lifted his arm ready to plunge the knife when the Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven. ‘Abraham! Abraham! (Verse 11). Abraham stopped. “Do not lay a hand on the boy he said. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son Isaac. (verses 12-13). Can you only imagine what was going thru Isaac’s mind or Abrahams for that matter, I can, Pure Rejoicing. That mountain became known as “The Lord will Provide.” This is the name Abraham gave to it; there was no doubt in Abraham’s heart that God would provide.

If you go back to the beginning you will see that I put the words we in bold, to emphasis that from that point Abraham had no doubt in his heart that both his son and himself would return off of that mountain that day. Friends, that is Faith, and more importantly it is pure obedience. They went that day and they worshipped and they returned as was spoken.

When the angel of the Lord calls upon you, will you be obedient and come? Is your trust in God really as strong as it needs to be today? When called will you stop and trust for the Lord to provide for you, would you come to His altar today and lay down all your problems, worries, sufferings before Him and trust Him with them. Take time today to worship God and trust that being obedient to Him will bring you peace. Obey His word today. If you don’t have

A heart after Christ, it’s not too late, if you are reading this, please take just a few minutes to ask God into your heart, ask for His guidance and let Him know you are ready to be obedient my friends. Read this in the Bible and read the following scriptures as well…Galatians 4:28, Hebrews 11:17-19.

Let Gods strength and wisdom land in your heart today.

Sensitivity

Today, has been such a sad day for me, I have cried my eyes out and don’t know which direction to turn. It has been one disappointment after another. I have been in constant prayer for friends and family, there seems to be so much pain and sickness going around. I want to be a blessing to all and just reach out and touch those that are sick and make it go away. I want the lost to find their way to God. And, today has just been one of those days that I can’t seem to help anyone, including myself. I reach out to God for guidance today, a touch for my spirit and my soul. I am just so sensitive today, and I have let it hurt me. This is why I have chosen to get into God’s word on this subject today. I know I can’t be alone in this world when it comes to being sensitive.


Sensitivity is a wonderful thing as long as it is not misdirected. We should be sensitive to the physical and spiritual needs of others. We should be sensitive to our personal needs. It is a wonderful thing to see Christians sensitive to their problems. This is what I do know, but why can’t I get a grip on it today? Our feelings are like red lights hanging in front of us in life. When we began to become sensitive with jealousy, hurt feelings, and a feeling of rejection these are red lights lighting up telling us that we have not got our lives properly focused

In Matthew chapter 21 verse 21 thru 28 we find a story that I just love. I feel this is the story God would want me to share with you.

21. Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying; Send her away; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table. 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

If you notice in this story God didn’t answer the woman right away, but she chose to stay and not run away. Would you be able to do that? Most of us would just stick our tail between our legs and run as fast as we could. When Christ did not answer, his disciples struck at her feelings. They said, "Send her away; for she crieth after us." This would have been enough to send most of us away with wounded feelings. But, did she leave? No, her need was too great to let Christ's disciples stand in her way. She would not let them rob her of blessings needed. I have goose bumps as I write this for I know myself I let Satan take hold of me today and steal some joy that didn’t belong to him. Would you stay or leave? If you, like this woman, knew your needs and why you came, you would remain in spite of what they said. If you turned your back because your feelings were hurt, would you not be the one to lose?

Of course you would be and I know that God would not be pleased with the actions of any of us that would try to turn away. Are your soul and the soul of others not more important than your feelings? What did I lose today by letting Satan attack, let me tell you, I lost hours of time that I cannot get back; most importantly I lost time I could have used to help someone else who was hurting today.

We must remember that our souls are in danger, and Christ is our safe place. He is the answer to all of our needs. He is the all sufficient one.

To continue the story, Jesus said to her, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." What would you do if someone should say the blessings of the Lord are not for you? Would you get all ruffled up and leave without them? Not this woman? "Then she came and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."

She didn’t back down, she continued to worship the Lord, oh the mighty faith this woman had. She could have just ran home with her feelings hurt, but she came on this day with a purpose and she withstood the attacks, she didn’t let her sensitivity get in the way of her receiving this day. All that know anything about the Bible, know that they would be lost if they couldn’t talk to our Father and get His guidance each day. Is your soul worth losing over someone hurting your feelings?

Then Jesus continues and says, "It is not meet to take the children's bread and to cast it to dogs." this woman simply said, "Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat the crumbs."

That is saying, "I know how unworthy I am; I do not ask for anything but the crumbs." This woman obtained the mercy she sought." I can see so many crying when Jesus says this and running for the high mountain. Earlier today, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have run myself, for Satan tested me to my limits. But I knew I had to stop in my tracks and start talking to God, for I want what this woman wanted, to keep my soul intact and receive all the blessings God has to offer. It would have been so easy to let her feelings rob her and her daughter of the healing God had for her, but she didn’t’.

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour."

Are you a quitter because you have had your feelings hurt? Are you walking by faith, even though your feelings have been hurt? Most importantly are you missing out on a healing because you are too sensitive today? Friends I hope you will do as I did today and get into God’s word when this happens to you, for in His Word I found peace and comfort today. I am not a quitter, I am God’s daughter, made in the resemblance of Him, and I give Him all the Praise and Glory.

Take a walk of faith today and give your issues including sensitivity to God. God bless each of you. I ask for a healing hand on each of you as you have read this today. May you be like this woman in Matthew and find that waiting for God is so worth the wait. Patience pays off.

Lost in a World of Pain and Suffering

Hear their cry Father! There are so many Precious Father that are lost today, homeless, hungry, sick, and they just don’t know you. They have heard about you, but they don’t know how to reach out, they are scared of the unknown.

This is a cry that I hear as I pass by people, lifeless forms just getting by, struggling to hold their heads up high. The breath that comes from within is all that is keeping them alive.

Each day just brings another disappointment to them, the cold runs through their veins as they withstand the cold temperatures and the thoughts of warm meal just angers their souls. My spouse or loved one is very ill and no one helps them, who is this one that everyone says can help us. Why hasn’t he shown his face? Why does he let this happen if he is so good?

I am worthless, , useless human garbage that has been thrown out. I do little or nothing to get by anymore. I was kicked out by family, I have been disowned. I opened the door and in came sin, it looked so good, I haven’t been able to let it go.

If this is you or you know someone who is going thru this scenario? There is an old saying that goes, "What you don’t know can’t hurt you."

What you don’t know can hurt you. Ignorance is not always bliss. This is the case in many areas of life but it is especially true when referring to the things of God. What you don’t know about God can hurt you!

Yet it seems these days that less and less is known about God and His word and people care less and less about each other. It is so much easier to just keep walking than to stop and lend a helping hand.

Solomon said in Proverbs 8:10 that one should take instruction in wisdom and knowledge even before he seeks silver and gold. In the next chapter of Proverbs, chapter 9, verse 10 he said that "knowledge of the Holy One is the beginning of understanding." Thus, we conclude from his words that one who doesn’t know about God hasn’t even begun to understand what life is about.

My precious Brothers and Sisters, please allow me to introduce you to my best friend, JESUS CHRIST! GOD LOVES YOU AND IS SEEKING TO HAVE A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU.

"In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to remove the barrier of sin." (1 John 4:10)

God loves you and planned a wonderful, full life for you. He wants to enter a personal and intimate relationship with you that will include inner peace, happiness, guidance in your life and power to fulfill His special plan He has for your life.

SIN HAS CREATED A BARRIER BETWEEN MAN AND GOD, this happened in the beginning with Adam and Eve, but my friend, God didn’t stop loving us.

“All have sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

JESUS CHRIST came to remove the barrier between God and us.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)



You see, God so loved us that He stepped out of eternity into time and became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life as a man and thus qualified to die for the sins of the world. He then willingly died in our place to purchase a pardon for sins and satisfy the demands of His own perfect justice. When He did, He tore down the barrier of sin that separated us. See my friends this is TRUE love. He is always thinking about you and me. He wants the best, He wants you, and it’s so easy my friends. Jesus Christ has removed every barrier that stood between you and God except one; you must receive the pardon He purchased for you by an act of your will. You see, a pardon is not a pardon until it is received. There is a pardon with your name on it in heaven, but you must receive it to make it valid.

It is not a matter of how good you are, or even how bad you are. The issue is, will you talk to God and tell him you receive the pardon he purchased for you. He wants you to come just as you are and confess your sins.

It’s up to you my friends; YOU can change your eternal destiny right now. Wherever you are, just bow your head and tell God you receive His pardon for your sins. Ask Jesus Christ to come into your life and begin to give you a new heart with new desires. He will come into your life and bring a new power and motivation for living you never dreamed possible.

Jesus gave us this invitation, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

It is this simple, just invite Jesus into your heart today and start your new journey.

What can you do to make God smile?

Have you ever just sat and wondered if God smiles at things you do in your life? David in Psalms was one who always wanted to make God smile; He was always looking at ways to make God smile. When was the last time you tried to make God smile for something you have done? David was a man who was after Gods own heart. Psalm119: 135 make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.



David was one who felt Gods smile upon Him. What can you and I do to have God smile down on us?


God smiles when we love Him with all our heart and put him first in our lives.


Making God Number 1 in our life is not necessarily an easy thing to do because many things come to crowd out our commitment to Him. We have to choose to follow Jesus. We have to choose to not allow the cares of our life to crowd Him out. Satan will work hard against this, he will tell you that you don’t need church, that you don’t need to be around other Christians. Satan will play with your mind. God sees this and will work for you if you are putting Him first and making wise decisions. You do need church, Bible, Christians to surround you. God gives each of us special abilities and expects us to be faithful in using what we’ve been given. If we use these to the best of our ability and follow Him, He will surely smile down on us.


Knowing that Our Lord’s coming gives me a real reason to smile; the joy He brings lasts forever, it’s not temporary like the things Satan will throw at you. God smiles when we love Him wholeheartedly, He smiles when we put Him first, God smiles when we trust Him fully, God smiles when we praise Him and lift Him up, God smiles when we receive His joy and spread it to others.


Will you make pleasing God a bigger part of your life and find that making Him smile will in turn make your heart soar with happiness. We glorify God by loving him, by obeying him, by trusting him and walking with him. We honor God when we have faith and trust in him, when we love him, and when we truly desire to know him, obey him and please him in all that we do. We were created to glorify God, enjoy him and walk with Him. When we glorify God and honor God, we get closer to him and enjoy him immensely. God is really pleased and rejoices over us when we glorify him and live for him. This is what makes God smile…


Keep smiling my friends and give God all the Glory so He in turn smiles back at you.

Jesus loves His Children

Gods Comfort at the time of Sadness

As of lately I have found so many people who are sad, broken hearted or just tired. Life has thrown them so many curve balls and the sadness is overwhelming them. Each day as I try to reach out to those that are sad and sick I have found difficulty in doing so in the manner in which I want to. It took some stiff looking at myself to realize why I haven’t been my best, I had to let go of issues that I knew God wasn’t happy with me for, and in one case I had to let a friend go, because I knew this friendship wasn’t what I needed to stay in a relationship with God and do work for Him. Sometimes our own sadness comes from our inner soul and the thoughts that we have when we are sinning and we know it.

This afternoon I took a walk around my house, it was a beautiful winter day, with the sun shining and a mild wind blowing. As I was reflecting on a sermon I had heard from Joel Osteen this morning I realized what I had been doing to myself and why I wasn’t finding a peace that I needed. As I walked I was asking God for forgiveness for my sins and thanking Him for all that He has blessed me with. His presence was with me today, my head was turned up quickly as I heard His voice, it was simple, do you see the wind my daughter? I responded no Lord I don’t, do you feel the wind my daughter? Yes Lord I surely do, then know my daughter that I am like the wind, you don’t see me, but I am always there with you, seek me and you will feel my presence just as you feel the wind. Tears as I write this down on paper, for I have known sadness and I have fault off making changes in my life and giving up what I know was wrong, but today I knew I had to ask God to deliver me from this sadness before I let Satan take over my heart. Yes sadness will do that. God showed me today again, just how much He loves me.

There are so many people that for one reason or the other, are sad, alone, and are in need of comfort. We tend to ignore the sad, thinking to ourselves who wants to be bothered with their depression, let’s find someone who is happy. When a person is in a desperate need of comfort we should reassure them to keep hope and faith in their hearts and let them know they aren’t alone, that maybe we don’t have the comfort they need but we surely know someone who does, and then tell them about Jesus. You don’t have to guilt them for being sad, we all have been at one time or another, but we do need to let them know that Jesus loves them and is there for them.


Jeremiah 29 :( 11-13)11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.


Psalm 34:17-20 (KJV) 17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. 20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.


Philippians 4:19 (KJV) 19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.


Those are all scriptures from the Bible that are to comfort us when we are sad, to let us know that we are loved and are never alone.


Did you know sadness was first seen in the very beginning of the bible, fall of mankind (Genesis 3), when Eve ate of the fruit that she wasn’t supposed to, and then Adam followed? The serpent had told her it was ok, they both disobeyed God which would bring sadness to us all for our lives, because now women would suffer during childbirth and men would suffer thru the thorns and thickets to provide food. So my friend know that sadness started early, but thru it all Jesus never left Adam and Eve just as He hasn’t left us. He loved them and He loves us. It is up to you if you want to turn your sadness upside down. Choose God and you will find that the sadness will dissipate. God is so happy to love you and get you through the difficult times; I hope you will allow Him too.

I will be a friend who will not run away when you are sad, but will try to give you words of encouragement, so my friends, know that I too am here if you need me, for I will pray and give your problems to God and encourage you to do so too.






Choose Gods (Son) shine over Satan’s sadness and tears!

"Purity"

I think of the White Robe of Christ when I see these beautiful flowers; they say purity to me. 

There is no purity like that of God.

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) 9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

These flowers are grown under special care of people who specialize in their growth under the right temperatures and nurturing, just as we grow under the one who specializes in our growth and He has been nurturing us since before we were born as He created us in His likeness. In the beginning we had hearts that were pure and snow white as these flowers, however as you see in the second picture some stain evolved when colors were mixed, just as we became stained when Adam and Eve were mixed, as they sinned, we became stained.

2 Corinthians 7:1 Paul says, ". . . Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. . . "

Genesis 34 teaches us about the need to maintain spiritual purity, how to maintain spiritual purity and how not to respond to spiritual impurity. Our beliefs and thoughts have to remain pure if we are to be with Jesus one day.

(Psalm 18:26) With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Ezekiel 36:25-27(KJV) 25Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you and heart of flesh. 27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Jesus stands for purity, He is there to cleanse your soul, spirit and heart if you only ask and give your life to Him. He is so worthy my friends. The next time you look into the puffy white clouds or see a beautiful white flower, or a new born baby, think of what God stands for, and what He wants for you. It is His beauty that stands before us. Jesus is amazing, let Him in.

“God is the Answer, It’s never too late”

If you want results, do not ask God to deal with the devil for you. Just as God told Moses to drive out the inhabitants of the land (Numbers 33:52), He instructs you to drive out the demons or evil spirits (Mark 16:17). "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).



Are you having difficulty getting Satan off your back? Is he jumping at you every which way you turn, if so, say this simple prayer?


Satan, in the Name of Jesus By the blood of Jesus and through the power of the cross, I bind you and command you to get out of my life. Get out of my home Get out of my family Get out of my body Get out of my mind Get out of my spirit, out of my finances. Forgiveness is mine, Joy is mine, Peace is mine Salvation is mine, Health is mine Prosperity is mine. It's all mine. In the name of Jesus and by the blood of Jesus Christ Lord, I repent and curse you Satan, in Jesus Name and Blood, Amen!


Mark 16:17-18 (KJV) Mark 16:17-18 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.


There are all kinds of things that tempt us, hurt us, and confuse us. The devil loves nothing more than using these things to keep us down so he can have the upper hand! Yet God has given us everything we need to keep the devil in his place, beginning with the Word of God. To win over the enemy and live in victory, we must do more than know His Word - we must put it into action and live it daily! You are in control of who controls you, not Satan; it’s up to you to walk a life for God, God wants to bless you.


It is a time in all of our life’s to put Satan in His place, to use spiritual warfare on Him, and praise our heavenly Father and get back to the basics of studying the real word of God, the King James version of the Bible, Where God’s word is still in red. Like I said before Satan will attack us, but we have to put a stop to this wrestling around with him and trust in God’s word as it states in Ephesians 6:12-13(KJV) 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.


It’s never too late to serve God……Get Satan off your back today, don’t wait another second.


God bless you my friends.

This flower reminds me of God’s Beauty and yet the washed out stains of His blood that He shed for us.  Picture taken by Brenda Redmond at the Van Wingerden Nursery in Mills River NC