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

Are you waiting on a healing from God?

If you are one that is suffering from an illness and you can’t seem to find relief, I hope to help you find some answers as to why you may have not received your healing yet.

The first question you need to ask yourself is where is my faith? I have found that without Faith in God, He cannot bless us.

James 1:6-8 (KJV) 6But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Your faith needs to rely on God’s word, not others; you have to trust that His will is what is needed in your life, not your will. God wants to heal you, but healing sometimes has to come at a time we don’t want, we are minute people, we are impatient and if you really trust the Lord, the wait is always worth it.

You may ask where this line of writing comes from today. I have a family member who is dealing with an illness, which we are not sure of at all right now; there were scans done today, but no results till the doctor calls. I personally have faith in God’s word and I know that He will heal.

Is your heart heavy over a sick friend or family member? Do you wish you could do something to help? You can lift your friend or family member to the Lord in prayer. Here is a Bible verse and a prayer to help you ask God for James 5:15-16 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Precious Father you know my family member so much better than I do. You know her sickness and the burden she carries. You also know her heart. Lord, I ask you to be with my niece now as you work in her life. Lord, let your will be done in my niece’s life. If there is a sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, please help her to see her need and confess. Lord, I pray for my niece just as your Word tells me to pray, for healing. I believe you hear this earnest prayer from my heart and that it is powerful because of your promise. I have faith in you, Lord, to heal my niece, but I also trust in the plan you have for her life. Lord, I don't always understand your ways. I don't know why my niece even has to suffer at all, but I trust you. I ask that you look with mercy and grace toward her. Nourish her spirit and soul in this time of suffering and comfort her with your presence. Father, please let my niece know you are there with her through this difficult time. Give her strength, faith and encouragement. I give you all the Glory and Praise for this divine touch on her life and healing in her physical and mental body. I thank you in advance for your will in her life to be done in Jesus Holy Name! Amen!

When we are in pain, we can turn to the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, for healing. It doesn't matter whether we need help in our body or our spirit; God has the power to make us better. However without Trust or Faith in His mighty works, you have nothing, including that healing that you need.

Isaiah 53:5 KJV But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Messengers

Artist view of an angel who guarded the Tree of Life when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden.

The word “angel” literally means messenger. Angels are created spirit beings. God created them as spirits before the foundation of the world was ever laid, and before there was time.


I have heard my entire life when someone has died that God needed another angel in Heaven. We all think so highly of what this means, and even though God wants us to be angels, this isn’t the case, as you will find in this scripture.

Angels are not glorified human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or reproduce like humans, and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get to the heavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by “myriads of angels” and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”—two separate groups. Angels are a company or association, not a race descended from a common ancestor (Luke 20:34-36). We are called “sons of men,” but angels are never called “sons of angels.”

You may ask why angels were created. They were created for the same reason we were created…to bring glory to God!

Col. 1:16-18 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Angels~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They are stronger than man, but not omnipotent (Psalm 103:20; 2 Peter 2:11).

They are greater than man in knowledge, but not omniscient (2 Samuel 14:20; Matthew 24:36).

They are more noble than man, but not omnipresent (Daniel 9:21-23, 10:10-14).

It is so important to also realize that all angels are not good. The Bible classifies some angels as “elect” (1 Timothy 5:21) or “holy” (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38). All angels were originally holy, enjoying the presence of God (Matthew 18:10) and the environment of heaven (Mark 13:32).

Other angels oppose God under the leadership of Satan (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Ephesians 6:12). We often call these “demons.”

What I learned while reading on Angels is that their main purpose is to worship and praise our Father, they are used to reveal, guide, provide, protect, deliver, strengthen, encourage, answer prayers, and for caring for us believers at the moment of death. These things you can read about in several places in the Bible, such as the book of Luke, chapter 16, verse 22 in the story of Lazarus and the rich man; there we find that angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom when he died. We all need angels in our lives; each day I ask God to have His angels watch over and protect me, my family and friends. Even the vehicle I am driving needs protection. Satan is everywhere, I know I’m not taking any chances, for with God all I have to do is ask and He is here for me. (I love you Jesus, thank you for your divine protection and guidance today)

Spend your life learning as much as you can about our Lord and Savior and how Angels play an important part in our life. If you need an angel in your life, pray for this, and when one appears, make sure you acknowledge the love the Lord is offering.

Be like the angels and worship and Praise our Heavenly Father, ask that he provide you with strength, encouragement and guide and deliver you from all harm.

When counting your blessings this Thanksgiving, do not forget to thank God for the angels. They are always with us, always acting on our behalf, even though, most of the time, they are not noticed because they work behind the scenes and are not visible to our human eyes. This is by design, for angels do not bring attention to themselves; instead, they bring glory to God.

May Gods Angels watch over and protect you today, tomorrow and always my friends; this is my blessing for you. Nancy, Angels are around you my sister, God hears you!

Looking for God's Light

On this day of taking pictures, I was asking God to shine on me and as you see here, His Ray’s shined brightly on me through the trees.  This was a cool windy day, yet His light was bright, and all it took was me asking for it.  Praise His Holy Name!

“Let Us Never Forget”

God Bless America


I have come to learn that I am still learning that it is only with God as my anchor that I am making it in life. I write in honor today of those that lost their lives on 9/11 and those that are left behind. I know that God has given them strength to cry their tears and then helped them to find hope again, and how to be okay with each new day… He has given them the wisdom to know that He has not forsaken them nor has He left them alone. God will give them strength through other people and their issues. God will allow them to see that although they are hurting they are also growing and in that growing process they will be a testimony to others who are going thru this same trial in their life and give them the feeling that they can make it, for He shall never leave them.

I know it has been truly hard for them because everything reminds them of their lost one and the things that they shared together. I know they have had to reach out to God through tears, pain and plenty of lonely moments to get through this grief. I am sure many have found their way of speaking out through prayer, this is just another form of speaking with Jesus and I myself speak with Him daily and I keep my mind on Him and I try and stay in His cover always. My faith has gotten stronger in the Lord and I know it is only through the grace and mercy of Jesus that I can even write this today. Believing that Jesus is my Redeemer and Savior allows me to be okay with the void of the losses I have had in my life. I will always grieve for them and have love for them, as I am sure all those that lost loved ones on that September day will. Yes, my heart hurts continuously and my life has been altered drastically, but God makes everything work together for His good and I am now stronger than ever in Christ. As I hope many from that day have realized that God doesn’t let them go through this agonizing pain alone. If God can do it for me then I know and have faith that they too will get through the grief. Just lean on Him and speak with Him. The Twin Towers were buildings, they can be replaced, however the thousands of lives lost can’t be, but we as a people of this nation can keep their memory alive through our everyday kindness to each other. We have to pray for each other and continue lifting this great country up to God for safe keeping and harm from the evil of other nations; most importantly we have to ask for His divine prayers for their lost souls and for those who are harmed around the world by their hands. Prayer is a universal way of life, unfortunately not all pray to our God, those are the ones we have to keep lifting up, they are the lost sheep. God wants us all to know Him. Today as you are praying for those here that lost lives, pray for the lost countries that continue harming others. No matter how much pain you have suffered in your life from loss, please know that God has and never will leave you alone. He is there, ask for His help and guidance and He will get you through each and every trial that you face.


Revelation 21:4And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." Psalm 48:14


King James Version (KJV) 14For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Gods display of His Love

A tiny bug, as I zoomed my Camera



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Beautiful flower I captured



Bouquet of Gods love



I loved walking this path, it was so peaceful, Gods Presence was with me!

I have spent this summer getting acquainted with the beauty that has always been around me, but somehow I became blind to it all.  I wanted to share just a few of the pictures that i was able to capture on this particular day.  Please take time and walk around and share with the Lord, just a peaceful walk, talk to your best friend as I did.  He is awaiting you my friends!

I Look up at God every chance I get...A fun day in Christ taking pictures!

"Continued Study"

I continue in my strong commitment to the Word of God to transform my every day in this life. I find I want to be faithful and loyal with God with all my soul as stated in Proverbs 3:3.4. Let love and faithfulness never leave you, bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (4) Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.


Stand firm until the Lord comes, no matter what, by taking advantage of the power of prayer and by restoring whoever wanders away from the truth. In James 1:22 as James states my desire is to not be a mere hearer of the Word, but a doer of the Word.

I know that God wants me to feel His Presence and His love, as much as I know God wants me to love Him and know that He is “always” with me.

As I have learned in my study of James today, He is asking that I “be patient”, “stand firm”, and persevere. God’s word is so important to me. “I believe”. I read the Bible to know God, the truth and to find direction for my daily life.

I know that no matter what is put before me, even death, I will cope because I have Jesus Christ in my life. I want to be able to inspire and encourage others to “Believe” and “Trust” so that they too will find this peace and am able to find their self with a compassionate heart, and that their heart is full to the brim with kindness and goodness. I truly believe that you can be touches as it is stated in Ephesians 2:8, 9. I believe a person comes into a right relationship with God by His Holy Grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Take this next scripture my friend and know that God is love, and you are the intended receiver. Psalm 121:1, 2 I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life.

I hope the Lord will allow me to continue fellow ship with other Christians so that I may be filled with His word to continue this journey in my life of serving my Heavenly Father and Savior and serving Him and finding and bringing the lost sheep home to Him. In Proverbs 3:13 it reads, reaching forward to those things which are ahead… I plan on going on and on and on, whatever path the Lord leads me down. Folks I know where I am going, I already have a sense of Gods calling on my life, Do you? My focus is on God and His God given goals which will make it easier for me to say no to trivial things in my daily life, to choose wisely my many options to choose from so I can stay on track with God. Paul writes on staying focused and reaching goals. I hope you will find its time in your life to start making goals so that when Jesus returns you will be ready. He has laid a path out there for each of us, my path is driven, I will move forward and let my feet carry me towards the finish line, which my dear friends is Heaven. This journey I am proudly on isn’t always easy, there have been many obstacles thrown in front of me, and I am sure many new ones to come. I know I have to remain spiritual, focused, mental, and emotional and have a continued drive, but this is one race I am committed to, all the way to the end. I pray to see you along the way. Please don’t be one of those that sits back and waits to see what will happen, focus on what’s before you and recognize Gods purpose for you in your life. I have truly enjoyed writing these past two years and am looking forward to writing this 3rd book for my Lord and Savior. I look forward to meeting many new Christians this year as well as introducing many lost souls to my best friend, Jesus Christ. Thank you for following me, I hope you too are now on track with God. By Gods Amazing Grace and Love I shall meet you one day in Heaven.

"The Presence of His Light Beyond the Clouds"

Yesterdays Dreams
Today's Reality
Hand in Hand
Yes? No?
Clouds in life:  sometimes slight,
sometimes dark and frightening
whatever clouds you faced today
Did you ask God?
He is the Light of the world, after all
Ask God! 
Is He not the light that consumes the darkness?
For are we not in our own understanding, hindered by the clouds of our own doing?
He is the Light of the world after all.

Clouds in Life
Behind each cloud in your life, is the Son still shining?
Ask God?
For the clouds in life are those that either blind us to uncertanity or shade the truth from our sight
Is not darkness the foe and not the light?
Ask God?
Because radiance is not found in the darkness
Nor is darkness found in the radiant light
Is it not because He is after all the Light of the World!

Be still sad heart
For behind those clouds the Son still shines on you
For He is the Light of the world after all
Those once darkened, gray, dangerous and scary clouds have now gone
and have given way to the Sons light
Does the Light embrace your heart?
Will you let the light of God pierce those darkened places in your heart?
May you heart no longer be content in the darkness of the clouds, for the Son will fill it
with His almighty light, for remember He is the Light of the world after all.

Will you not walk away and leave the shutters of your heart closed
and cling not to the darkened past, oh saddened heart...for the Sons glorious Light
hath reflected through those dense clouds to make your heart now see.
For He is the Light of the World after all.

Brenda Redmond
Septmeber 2011

“Children are a gift from God”

Psalms 127:3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.


What did you learn from your childhood that helped you to see that you are a gift from God? Do you instill God’s love unto all children? It all starts as a child, this is when we can learn bible verses that will stay with us forever, and also it’s the time in our young life when we are taught children’s bible stories to help us grow and be better adults.

Jesus has such a deep love for us. I remember as a child being told about a shepherd and his 100 sheep and when he counted them 99 of them were on the hillside, but looked like one had wandered off. I was asked if I thought the shepherd was more concerned for the 99 or for the one. Of course as a little child I thought it was probably best to report back that 99 were safe. What excited me was to find out this was real, that it came straight from the bible: Matthew 18:12-14 (King James Version) 12 How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.

Jesus loves all his children, he really don’t want to lose any of us. It is up to each of us to teach the children of the world about Jesus and His word (the Bible) Deut. 6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

When your children are small, bible school at church is so important; this is where the stories come to life. Such as this story: Once Jesus was passing through a town called Jericho. Many people were following Jesus. They had heard about the wonderful things Jesus had done. They all wanted to learn about God's kingdom from Jesus. Man, whose name was Zaccheus, also wanted to see who Jesus was, but he was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So Zaccheus climbed a tree and waited for Jesus to come that way. When Jesus got to the tree, He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down, I must stay at your house today." And Zacchaeus climbed down and gladly took Jesus to his home. Many people around Jesus didn't like this. Most tax collectors were dishonest and took too much money from the people. Nobody likes tax collectors. The people didn't think Jesus should be friendly with such sinners. But Zacchaeus said to Jesus, "I will give half my possessions to the poor, and anyone whom I have cheated, I will give them back four times as much as I took." Jesus blessed Zacchaeus saying, "Today salvation has come to this house." And that is why God sent Jesus His Son, to help sinners understand about God's love.

This story comes from Luke 19:1-10. I just love to teach children about this story, as kids they have a much bigger heart to hear with than some of us adults. Please take time and tell you children about Jesus and all the many stories that you will find in His word.

Remember Jesus is always with you, even at the dinner table, so don’t forget to answer when He knocks.

God bless you and your family!

Physician

We learn in Colossians 4:14 that Luke is a physician. In this book Luke refers many times to sicknesses and diagnoses. Luke was a faithful friend and travel companion of Paul. He wrote the book of Acts as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Luke is one of the most significant of the early church evangelists who were not among the Twelve, yet little historical data survives about him other than a few references to him in Paul's writing, which describes him as a “dear and beloved physician.”

Nowhere in the Bible will you find where Jesus sent anyone to a physician, when He walked this earth, those that came to Him and believed in Him was healed by Him, and only Him. God is the Mighty Physician Luke was very loved by many, he was gentle and kind to the sick, and he was schooled in medicine. But nowhere does it say that He claimed to be Jesus, the Healer.

"He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed". (Isaiah 53:5) This is our Healer; Jesus Christ!


James 5:14-15 (King James Version)
14 Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

I tell you folks, our Father in Heaven is the answer to all our needs, He is the all sufficient one, He has the power and the authority to heal all disease against you, cleanse your heart and soul and ask Him in to help so that you too can receive your healing. The Bible says, “With men this is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible”. (Mark 10:27) It may seem impossible to you but with God NOTHING is impossible. There is only ONE HEALER, Jesus Christ. He alone is the Great Physician. Seek Him and worship Him, and turn from every known sin. Seek the Healer and not the healing!

Focus your attention on Jesus. Worship, praise and glorify His Name and I promise you His love, forgiveness and healing will automatically flow your way!


“And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will, be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed”. (Matt. 8:2-3)

By seeking God through Jesus Christ, you will establish a vital contact with the Great Physician and receive your miracle! If you think you can only seek a healing or a miracle without worshipping God, you will be greatly disappointed.

We receive healing from God because of His grace and mercy on us and because of His word’ not because we deserve it, for we don’t…it is a true gift from God. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:11-14)

It’s time we took a stand and started trusting and believing in what is right in front of our own eyes. Jesus loves us, and He wants to heal us, we have to quit being stubborn and get on our knees and ask for forgiveness so that we can receive the healing that He has waiting for us. I hope that when you read this, if you are suffering for anything, rather it be financial stability, healing of your health, or love in your family, that you will realize God loves you and would love to help you, JUST ASK!

God bless you my friends!

Who is Your Best Friend?

Tonight I lay here thinking about the number of people who have come and gone in my life. As I think of those who proclaimed to be my best friend, where are they now? What is it any way that makes a real friend?

A friend is someone who accepts you just the way you are, believes in you and encourages you. Someone who is trustworthy, who never forsakes you, who forgives your mistakes, who enjoys being with you, and who makes you laugh. When things go wrong, we need friends, don't we. Mary of Bethany was not famous for the great things she did or said, but she goes down in history as a woman who truly loved Jesus with all of her heart and she was not embarrassed to show it despite criticism from others. Mary of Bethany loved to hear the stories of God's Kingdom from Jesus, and she spent numerous hours at the feet of Jesus just listening and learning more about God. Most women would busy themselves in the kitchen preparing the meal and cleaning up afterwards. The men would usually sit around and listen to Jesus. Mary was different, she treasured every word that Jesus spoke and sat at His feet so that she would not miss anything Jesus said.


After dinner, Jesus said something that must have made Mary realize that His time here on Earth was coming to an end. She remembered that she had been saving her very best perfume for the burial of her Best Friend Jesus. Mary brought out her bottle of expensive perfume that was sealed inside of an alabaster box. The perfume was a precious treasure and was often used to prepare the body of a person after they died. Mary opened the alabaster box and poured the expensive perfume over Jesus' head and then poured the rest of the perfume on Jesus' feet. She then wiped His feet with her long, beautiful hair. The room became filled with the sweet smell of perfume. When Judas Iscariot saw what Mary had done he complained that she wasted the expensive perfume. Judas said the perfume could have been sold for a whole year of wages and the money used to feed the poor. Jesus replied, "Leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. I tell you the truth whenever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her."


(John 12: 1-9; Matt. 26:6-13; Mark 14:1-10) Mary loved Jesus with all of her heart. She was willing to give everything she had to Jesus. She was thankful for His friendship and love, and for the miracle of bringing her brother back to life. How beautiful, to know that you are loved, that Jesus is our best friend, that He won’t forsake or leave us, ever.


John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.


This is exactly what Jesus did for you and me; He gave His life on that cross so that we wouldn’t have to suffer eternally, what a friend we have in Jesus. Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.


Listen my friends, when all others run away, and hurt you, there is one friend who will still be there, so I know for me, I am crying out to him, I need His friendship, I am hungry for His understanding and love, kindness and mercy. I hope you too will reach out and ask Jesus into your heart.


God bless you my friends…

"Poverty Stricken"

You may look normal on the outside. But, what do you think your soul looks like? Without the Lord there is poverty in one’s soul. What is your level of poverty? Why do those around you have a different quality of life than you do? With all your hard earned success you look into the eyes of those with nothing and find happiness, yet you can’t seem to find it no matter what you achieve in your life. Do you ever wonder what it is you are missing in life?


Do you remember being a child and knowing that if your parents were home you were safe. To go to bed was never a thought, it was a safe place. In spite of the Satan’s that were there, you wasn’t scared. Do you remember going to church as a kid and learning that song, Jesus loves me.

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

As a child you trusted that your parents would protect you, as well as knowing that Jesus loved you. You would kneel down by your bed and say your prayer at night and thank Jesus for your mom and dad, and whatever else your little heart would tell you to say. Are you aware that you are still that little child to God? That He is still protecting you from harm, and is still there to listen to your prayers, no matter how short or long that they may be.

The sun rises, the sun sets, the seasons come and go, and we have no control over those. People that have given us comfort throughout our lives may no longer be around, but there is one person who is the ALPHA AND THE OMEGA in our lives; who has always been there and never will leave us and that is JESUS CHRIST!
It is in your hands to change your own poverty level that lives within your soul.

Helping others is out of the question when your soul is lost, there is only one way to be released from this poverty stricken place in your heart and that is to accept Jesus into your life. DON"T GIVE UP!!!! There is a solution for everything.

His name is JESUS! The son of GOD. He was born, died and raised again from the dead. He sacrificed his life for YOU! He died so that your sins may be forgiven, if you will repent of your sins, believe in and accept Him as your lord and savior, you will not go to hell. He will SAVE you. He will fight for you. He will comfort you. He will clean what is dirty. He will restore or make new what was broken. You will never be alone again. You will finally be safe. You will experience true joy. He will never abandon you. All you have to do is ask him to save you and become your lord. In Him you will find rest. In Him, you will find a safe and happy place. You will become part of GOD's family. You will go home.


Yes, Satan will be there, in every corner or turn that you make in your life, for it’s his place to turn you against Jesus; Satan is the poverty that lies within your soul. Ask Jesus today to help you clean him from your spirit, to cleanse you with His blood, to make you whole in His eyes, so that you too can live a life of helping others and a life that matters. Jesus is the means to deliver you from this poverty stricken heart. All that is needed of you is to ask Jesus to please come into your heart, and trust and believe that He will and accept that God does love you so much, that He even sent His only begotten Son to live on earth and to die on the cross for each of us. If you will except Jesus into your heart and ask for His forgiveness His word tells us that we will one day live eternally with Him in Heaven. John 3:16 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.

Father in heaven, by Your Word we acknowledge that you sent your Son to intercede for us. So now we ask that you open our eyes, so that we see that without you, we will remain lost, and poor in soul. Father please lifts our hearts in anticipation of your ability to help those who are in our hearts . . . even as we go to our knees for one another. Father helps us to ask you into our hearts, help us to fulfill our lives with your presence.


Do you hunger or thirst for the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour? Are you living a poverty stricken life? Please contact me at msmorgantou2@yahoo.com for prayer.

"Worldwide Hunger"

On a recent vacation I travelled to Guatemala where I was brought back to a sense of reality and a realization of just how blessed we are , yet at the same time how we trivialize things in our own country and take for granted each other. When I was face to face with the people and the lifestyle I was first in tears, then I realized these people are happier than we are. They don’t know all the riches of the earth; they live simple, hard lives. It wasn’t until I saw the state of their living arrangements that I got sick, no running water, no septic’s, children who were hungry, dogs that were starving. 80% of people in Guatemala live in poverty, and two-thirds in extreme poverty. This country has the fourth-highest rate of malnutrition in the world.

5,000 children living on the streets there are drug dependent and most come from a broken family. We learnt that more girls are moving on to the streets because of the violence and abuse they face at home. A total of 1.5 million children in Guatemala spend at least part of their day working and not in school, and unfortunately many children are selling their bodies.

These young children have to work from a very young age, just to help provide for their own food and clothing.

Though we often forget poverty and oppression, it is clear from the Bible that they are always on God's mind.

Deut. 26:5-9. The Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, and imposed hard labor on us. Then we cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and saw our affliction and our toil and our oppression; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and with great terror and with signs and wonders; and He has brought us to... this land flowing with milk and honey. Is 41:17. The afflicted and needy are seeking water, but there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them myself, as the God of Israel I will not forsake them.
Luke 6:20-21. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours in the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

James 2:5. Did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

My thought is if God loves the poor so much, shouldn’t we too. Shouldn’t we quit judging them and start supporting them. Prov. 29:7. The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor; the wicked does not understand such concern.

This journey in life has taught me that I need to be kind, considerate and a whole lot more patient with understanding to those less fortunate and help out as much as possible. One thing I can do without lifting a finger is pray. Is that too much to ask? I want this message to reach out to your heart so that you too realize you don’t have to be in Guatemala to see hunger, filth, desperation, sometimes it could be your next door neighbor that is struggling. Reach out with extended arms my friends; take a moment to see if you can be someone’s angel today. I know myself I have had days that I know without God I wouldn’t have survived, for no one was there but Him. Give Him all the glory today and ask that He give you strength and courage and take away all your fear of helping in an area that is unknowns’ to you. God bless you my friends.

“Getting back inline with God”

Proverbs 27: Like a bird that wanders from its nest is a man who wanders from his place.

When someone reminds us of behaviors that aren’t consistent with being a Christian we slump into a very deep place and wonder which way should we turn? It’s very hard to face.

When we turn around and walk alongside others who are in pain, it’s possible to allow ourselves to suffer physical and mental distress and find it easier to turn our backs on God. I don’t have to wonder if Jesus suffered as we do, for it is written. If you look in the bible in John chapter 18 you will find where Jesus was betrayed in Gethsemane, where he was mocked by the soldiers, and then later beaten. The bible shows us that Jesus was human and he does love us and have feelings as we do. Did you know that Jesus wept, John 11:35. This gave me better understanding to knowing that Jesus understands me and knows how my heart hurts when I know I turned against Him. As I began being someone I wasn’t.

Facing someone telling you that you didn’t walk the walk that you was preaching about is much harder to accept, and not because they felt the desire to tell you, but knowing it was truthful. James reminds us, “If you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.” (James 1:22-24) We must walk away from the word of God believing what it says about us as a new creation and act like it is so. James calls the Gospel, the Law of Liberty. James tells us how to grow in this faith that results in doing: “Look into the Perfect Law of Liberty, continue to study God’s perfect teachings that make free. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law – the law that sets you free – and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it”

I walked away briefly, living in a world outside of God’s word and for that I am sorry. I needed the wakeup call, and now I feel the Love of the Lord again. Each day is a struggle but I know with each daily walk with Jesus, that all things are going to be good. Please don’t ever just keep going in the wrong direction if you feel you have gotten off track. Reach out to God, get back into His word, and know the following.

Psalm 94:14-19 God will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people. 15 Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right. 16 Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? 17 If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. 18 The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. 19 When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up.


To the one who felt they needed to remind me how my behavior had been, Thank you! My heart never left God, and I will continue to grow as I get back into daily study and worship… God bless each and every one of you.