A Living Hope

I’ve been thinking about Christmas as most of us are.  So many thoughts go through our heads.  So as I’ve been praying and asking God what He would like me to share, it was more and more evident, I must share what Christmas is truly about. Actually WHOM Christmas is truly about, Jesus! 

I know this should be obvious to us all.  But in the whole world today, there are many who do not believe this.  And if there are many adults who do not believe this, then what do their children believe, and so on.  

Therefore it is up to us to be obedient and share the truth about Christmas.  Doesn’t that seem like a good idea?  How does the song go,  “singing joy for all to hear”. 

There is a verse in 1Peter that tells us of a Living hope.  

“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”

1‭‭Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

A living hope. That’s right, Jesus is our Living Hope. God loves us so much that He had His Son, born in the flesh, feel what we feel.  Think what we think.  And many other things that distract us.  He knew we wouldn’t have a chance without giving us a Living Savior, in flesh and blood. Who understands us.  Who went to battle for us, fought and won.  He now has the keys to death and life, and holds them securely for us.   You may be thinking, what am I talking about? Or what does this have to do with Christmas? Answer, everything! 

Christmas,  the day our Savior was born. Yes, born in the flesh.  Our Savior, our Living Hope.  This is what Christmas  is about.  Celebrating the birth of our living Savior, our hope, our eternal salvation .  This is what Christmas is.  It’s not all about the gifts.  There is nothing wrong with giving or receiving gifts.  Not at all.  But if we let them become more important than celebrating Jesus, then we have strayed a bit.  We took our eyes off of Jesus and had more emphasis on the “stuff”.  

So over the next several days leading into Christmas I ask you to look at the Scriptures about our Savior being born, rejoicing and celebrating Him.  Enjoy being with your family and loved ones.  

Merry Christmas to my faithful readers.  

#MerryChristmas. #HappyBirthdayJesus #WonderfulSavior  #livinghope 

Renewing of the Mind!

 In Romans chapter 12:2 it tells us to renew our minds so that we may be able to discern what is good.  

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I was thinking about this verse today.  Praying it into my life, and my family’s lives.  When I was quietly pondering over this verse what came to mind was the power there is in that single verse.  Yes, power.  Throughout the Scriptures Jesus tells us over and over that our words have power.  Think about it, if our words have power through the help of Jesus, can you imagine how strong the power of Jesus’ words are.  He speaks and it is done.  He thinks it, and it’s done.  He heals, He provides, He supplies, all through His powerful words.  

Well Jesus tells us about that power and how it can change our lives in an instant.  He tells us in the above verse in Romans to renew our minds.  I believe that doesn’t mean just do it once.  But daily, and throughout the day, read a verse, pray that verse into your mind, be pro-active with the verse.  Read it, pray it, act it out.  Make that verse come alive in you.  Whatever verse it is, Jesus has a message in that verse for you, and for others.  

Wow this is so exciting.  Jesus has a specific word for me today and everyday.  He has a specific action for me to do through that word.  The encouraging part of this is I do not have to be a Word Scholar, or a Biblical Scholar, or any other scholar.  I just have to be me, in who God made me.  I don’t have to put on a show, or try to be better than the others.  But I do have to have that relationship with Jesus, filled with His Holy Spirit, be filled with the discernment He promised to give  me, by renewing my mind through His Word, and trusting in Him.  

That may seem like a lot.  But it isn’t.  Think about all Jesus has done and continues to do for us.  I think we can spare a little time with Him everyday.  

We are entering the best time of the year to step out in faith and allow Jesus to use you.  First is thanksgiving.  Wow what a time to share about Him and how blessed we are because of Jesus, and how thankful we are.  And then the whole Christmas season.  Oh my, our script has already been written.  We just have to be bold enough to let the world know who we are celebrating.  The one day a year when the birth of Jesus is celebrated by millions of people.  That makes it quite easy for us.  

I encourage you faithful readers, beginning with thanksgiving, walk everyday of this whole holiday season with just one word on your mind.  Or a verse on your mind.  Allow Jesus to light up your face, and let others be drawn to the Light because of your obedience and openness to step out in faith, and be a servant of our Christ Jesus.  

Thanksgiving!

‬‬  “in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18

As we get more into November we get closer to the first of our “big” holidays.  Thanksgiving.  I can remember my parents and their generation often saying how they liked Thanksgiving most of all.  As a child or teen I couldn’t figure that out.  Especially the work put into Thanksgiving dinner.  We had a large extended family with lots of cousins.  So we just played all day while the adults worked hard in the kitchen.  We often gathered at our Grandparents home. We looked at thanksgiving as the countdown to Christmas.  As a child that was exciting.  

But then I became an adult.  And we had a son of our own.  And our parents became the grandparents.  Many of our aunts and uncles have passed away.  Our cousins having their own extended families.  We all were going in different directions.  Those were the days I longed for the older days.  I missed the gatherings with our large family. I then understood why they were more excited for thanksgiving.  Reliving those days of long ago when we were all together.  

I find myself today wishing for the same with our son and his family.  But he lives a great distance from us.  Two full days of travel.  It hasn’t worked out for us to get there for the major holidays.  Thanksgiving and Christmas!  And we sure miss them.  

However, just because we are miles apart, we can still make our holidays special.  We still have family close by.  And every holiday with them we cherish all the more.  

So as we gather together with those we love, let’s give thanks to Jesus for the family He has given us. 

Let’s honor Him with our conversations, mannerisms, generosity, and praise.  He is our Father in heaven.  And we should have His place setting at the head of our tables.  He has given us so very much.  We can at least invite Him to dinner.  

I pray for you all, faithful readers, that as you gear up for a wonderful season with family, near and far, you feel the love of family.  The love Jesus has for us during these  special times ahead.  Let it warm your hearts and fill you with an abundance of “Thanksgiving “.  

TIME TO PRAY AND ACT!

The times of change in a year we call seasons. When the leaves change colors in the fall we notice God’s beauty He has painted for us.  The natural beauty that occurs every year.  Then we get the first snowfall. Most of us will agree that it looks so peaceful and pristine.  For the first day anyway .  Then usually only halfway through winter we are anxious for the first signs of spring to appear. We look for the first green blade of grass to appear. We look closely for the first little flowers to pop up out of the dirt.  Then pretty soon we are snipping us a bouquet from the spring flowers.  We see new growth, and new birth with wildlife and little songbirds.  So delightful.  And finally, summer appears.   More flowers, more birds, some wildlife that can cause some destruction, some bees to pollinate, and beautiful skies to look at in the evening.  It all sounds beautiful and heavenly.  Then in an instant we hear the news, we try to fill our vehicle with gas, and pay an unbelievable amount for butter, eggs, milk, and the rest of our groceries while trying to choose only healthy options.  Reality hits us hard at times.  

Oh and there is more.  In just a couple of weeks we have the privilege of voting for men and women into the public offices that need filling.  By now most of us know who we are voting for.  I hope we all have prayed hard about our decisions.  Do not trust in everything you read and hear in the news.  But trust in our Lord Jesus in whom we pray to. He is in control.  But remember, we must ask Him.  He is not going to come barging in and make everything new and perfect unless we ask Him.  Why not?  Because He has given us the gift of praying for our needs and asking Him to help us, guide us, lead us, and save us.  He has said in Scripture to humble ourselves, seek him, and pray.  Then He will heal our land. And boy does our land need healing.

I encourage all of you, pray, seek His face, repent and humble ourselves.  And take action.  Yes take action.  He has not made us to be lazy and lethargic in our daily walk.  But to get up, get moving, and take action. This is our land God created.  This is our home for now.  Let’s come together and do what is best for our land and our people.  

I will not tell you how to vote.  That is God’s place, not mine.  But I will encourage you to pray and take action.  Vote.  Trust and believe God will take care of us.  

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The New Jerusalem, Heaven

 Revelation 21:9-27

The New Jerusalem, and Heaven. What will it be like?  The Scriptures tell us it will be glorious.  Beautiful colors of violet and white.  Streets lined with gold. And chairs made from cedars of Lebanon, seats of purple.  

For the last six or more weeks we have watched our landscape turn from green to beautiful colors of yellow, gold, orange, various shades of red, along with the left over greens and browns.  The colors have been stunning.  How can someone say God doesn’t exist, or He doesn’t care about us. Just look around.  Quietly sit and relax.  Take it all in.  Our God is a big God, who loves us with everything He has.  So much so that He paints our landscape, our trees, and even our horizons with beautiful sunsets and sunrises.  We have even had an extra treat this year.  It was about midway through summer, into September and October, we had the pleasure of seeing the “Northern Lights “ from our own backyards, parks, streets, and so on. This is the first time in all of my life that I have seen the beautiful dancing of the Aurora Borealis across our sky in the Northeast USA. My whole life.  I was thrilled, I felt flabbergasted.  Me, just a very tiny spec in this vast universe we live in.  And God let me see this beautiful and glorious masterpiece of His.   

Some of you may be thinking “no big deal”.  But it is a big deal.  Can you or I paint a masterpiece across the sky?  Can we tell the leaves when to turn colors?  Of course not. So our Lord Jesus does it purely for our pleasure.  

What does this have to do with the New Jerusalem?  I believe everything.  God knows we will be overwhelmed when we see our New Jerusalem and our new home.  So He’s giving us glimpses of what it will be like.  When we get there, Jesus will have it ready for us.  

I know for me I will do everything I can, everything Jesus asks of me, to be sure my name is written in the Book of Life, and my new address on one of those golden streets. And I pray the same for you my faithful readers.  Be excite.  God has a beautiful home prepared for you. It is our job to hear Jesus, listen to Him, and obey Him.  Be pro-active.  

Are you an encouragement to others?

 Encouragement, what exactly does that mean?  

-the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.

-persuade someone to move forward with something, or try something new. 

On the “Biblical “ aspect encouragement is quite the same.  But with some key aspects. 

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬-

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

Others see encouragement as a spiritual gift from God. Encouraging the other person to strive to be the best they can be.  

‭ Encouragement strengthens others to follow God's will.

Encouragement in Christ gives us the strength to put on our spiritual armor and remain steadfast. 

So as you can see encouragement means the same.  As Christians we definitely have an emphasis on encouraging others as much as ourselves.  We must believe in ourselves and show others it is so vitally important to have that in us, deeply planted.  Then we can pass that on to others.   

We are at the very beginning of October.  October happens to be  Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This hits me right to the core.  I have reached my 4 year anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer.  I knew right from the beginning I needed to use this to encourage others who have been diagnosed, and also encourage others to have that mammogram yearly or as the doctor suggests.  No matter what your age is.  Breast cancer can be well hidden.  It may not even be felt on exam.  Usually no symptoms noticeable unless it has been there for a very long time.  Some women complain that it hurts to have a mammo.  I’m here to tell you, cancer hurts more. 

 Ok, so I’m talking about encouragement. How does that encourage others?  That is where we must listen for the Holy Spirit.  He has to speak to us about who to share with, and how to share.  That is a huge key as to sharing and encouraging to others.  Listen, trust Him, encourage yourself. Be positive, be gentle, be kind. And always be truthful.  

Since I am talking about encouragement let me remind you it is October.  And breast cancer seems to be out there more often than ever.  Men and women, yes both can get breast cancer. I’d like to encourage you all, please start with self exams.  You may be thinking how do I know what to feel?  This is the age of the internet.  There are tutorials on everything. And I mean everything.  So that’s the 1st step.  Next, see your primary care doctor for regular check ups and yearly physicals.  Don’t forget there are other areas that need watching.  Women have their bodies.  Men have theirs.  Both have colons.  That is another very important exam to have.  I share this because it is our responsibility to take care of our bodies.  Inside and out. I know this is about encouragement. I hope it is received that way.  Our Father God created us, He has given us a call of duty to take care of our bodies.  We are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  Let us not disappoint our Lord Jesus.  

I pray for you my friends.  That we can all be more than conquerors.  We can be that person who sends those positive and encouraging thoughts out to others in need. And as we walk boldly in our victories, we can draw others closer to our Lord Jesus.  

“Don’t you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Our World Today and Who Do We Trust?

 It doesn’t take much to determine the shape our world is in today.  First let me say this is NOT a political message nor is it about politics.  Our world, no matter where you live or what country, is surrounded by disasters. Some are weather related. Some are caused by those wanting to harm others.  And some are just plain natural disasters.  Sometimes we just never know exactly what happened or why.  Many see a national crisis. Many of those crises extend throughout many nations.  And some on a much smaller scale.  I live in a very small rural town.  We saw quite an emergent incident occur yesterday in my little town.                  My question to you all is in whom do you trust to watch over you, protect you and your family, and to provide for you and your family? 

In our town yesterday it took several different fire departments in our area to come together, work together, and several hours of that very strenuous work to take care of the serious situation. Yes, many crews, many difficult hours, many different personalities to come together and work along side one another to put the fires out.  So this is one instance that the public had to trust in someone to protect them.

There are many times we rely on men and women to protect us.  However, I believe the strength, wisdom, and knowledge these men and women have comes from our Lord Jesus Christ.  You may be asking yourself at this point “how does she know that?”  I know that because I know that our emergency personnel,  whether paid or volunteers, are prayed for every single day by someone.  As a Christian and believer in Jesus I believe His Holy Spirit encourages me and many others to pray for our first responders.  They sacrifice much of their time for us.  That’s the least we can do, pray for them.  

What about other disasters?  Ones that our emergency personnel cannot help with? Then it’s so much more important to pray.  We need to rely on the promises of Jesus.  Trust in Him to watch over us, protect us, provide for us.  We have to BELIEVE in our God in Heaven.  We need to TRUST in Him.  We must walk in FAITH.  Some of you may be thinking “what does she know?”  What do I know?  I know that God promises He will always be near.  He promises to hear and answer our prayers.  I know He has walked by my side basically my whole life.  I have acknowledged this to all of you.  I have thanked my Lord Jesus publicly.  I know, without a doubt, I am a living miracle.  There should be no natural reason I am still alive.  Many doctors have told me this over and over.  But you see, I believe!  I know it is Jesus by my side.  

I believe Him for my family, my town, my state, my country, and our world.  I trust in Him for providing all of our needs.  (Needs are different than wants). I have faith He will never leave my side.  

I pray this for you, my faithful readers.  No matter where you are in our world, I believe He will protect you. If you need healing, heal you.  Hang on to Him.  Sometimes it’s a bumpy road.  So hang on tight.  He loves you with His all.  

Thank you Jesus for the victories you give us. Thank you for our hope.  

““Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, For the Lord God is my strength and song; Yes, He has become my salvation.””

Isaiah‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

 

Faith, Prayers, Blessings

 Matthew 17:20b

“For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

This is one of those “faith” verses that we are all familiar with.  I would say it is almost impossible to find someone who hasn’t heard these words spoken before.  Even those claiming they do not believe in the Scriptures have heard this spoken, or read it someplace, or may have even spoke these words themselves.

I say amen to that.  We all need those encouraging words at times in our lives.  It may be for your personal relationship with Jesus, or your relationship with your spouse, maybe for healing in your own body or  a loved ones life.  Then it could be for financial reasons. Or many other reasons we encounter in a lifetime.

Do you think those of us that hang on to this verse more than others are more apt to receive our answers than someone who barely believes in faith?  I don’t believe that.  That would mean the Lord puts your requests ahead of mine because you memorized a verse. I do not believe God does that.  He loves us all equally as the next.  He has made us in His image.  We are fearfully and wonderfully made. He likes your blonde hair as much as my red curly hair. He likes my freckles as much as your pale skin.  Ok, that’s our physical appearance.  What about our hearts?  He desires us to all be filled with His love in our hearts.  But I may have a little bubble in mine, where yours is filled to the brim.  That makes no difference to Jesus.  What He wants most of all is for us to rely on Him, in faith, for all of our needs and wants.  He doesn’t measure our prayers.  He already knows what is in our hearts.  We don’t need to plead with Him.  No matter our need or request, He will be there for us. 

Sometimes we think we know the answer and how Jesus will respond.  Well why would we need faith and trust in Jesus if we knew the answers.  It all comes down to this.  Jesus loves  us more than anything.  He wants to supply our every need.  He wants to answer every prayer.  But those answers are coming from Jesus’ heart and His mouth.  He knows what’s best.  

It comes down to us reading the Scriptures, letting them stick in our hearts.  And having that faith, even if it’s only the size of a mustard seed.  Just sit back, put your feet up, and talk to Jesus.  Let Him hold you in His arms, console you, speak His love to you.  He wants that relationship with you.  It is often in those times that I find my greatest moments of peace and comfort.  For that I am so very grateful.   

As we start a new season, autumn, we get to see God’s magnificent masterpiece of the brilliant colors of the landscape.  But also we can settle down some, rest a little, and prepare for the coming of a new year.  

May you all find your rest and your peace in Jesus.  Be rejuvenated.   

Is This Your Miracle?

 As believers in Jesus Christ, as a follower of Him, our natural self wants to see real life miracles.  When someone is ill, we pray and ask Jesus to heal that person.  And that is what Jesus wants us to do, ask Him.  When our budgets have been stretched too thin we pray to Jesus to help us.   

This is absolutely the right thing to do. Jesus wants us to pray, seek Him, listen for Him to answer.  The problem is us.  Are we asking in faith? Are we willing to accept the answer Jesus gives us?

Answer? What answer?  Isn’t it true that Jesus wants to heal us? What is going on here?  There are so many answers to the questions.  But there is one big answer.  That is the fact Jesus may have healed us in a different manner than we expected.  Here are some examples.

My husband has an aortic aneurysm. It was a beautiful sunny September day.  Paul was sleeping before he had to work that night.  When he got up he yelled out to me in pain.  Upper back pain and abdominal pain.  He then collapsed back on the bed. He was fading very fast.  I could not get any vital signs on him.  I called 911.  Paramedics were here within one minute. (Thank God for small towns).  When the two of  them came in and saw Paul they knew just as I did, the aneurysm was leaking.  They tried getting an IV in, his veins were collapsing.  As not to waste time, they called the helicopter which was at the fire station waiting when we got there.  They packed him up and told me where he was going..  The hospital is one hour from here.  The copter had him there in 14 min.  The paramedics got the IV in, and many other things.  His pulse was beating ONE time per minute.  No BP could be detected. Their ultrasounds confirmed and showed the blood pooling into his abdomen.   I called for prayer. People praying all over the world.  God please heal Paul.  Save his life. That was all I could think of.  I got to the hospital in an hour.  Ran into ER looking for my husband.  They took me to him.  I walked in to his cubicle, he was sitting up drinking some juice.  And he was nice and pink.  He said wow, power of prayer.  I should say so.  

The doctors explained to us they could see him bleeding from the aneurysm .  When they were getting ready for surgery to save his life the doctor decided on one more CT Scan.  They whipped him out of the scanner and put him back in.  3-4 times.  They told us during the CT Scan they visibly saw the blood go back into his heart and the aneurysm close up.  The moment Paul’s miracle occurred.  But wait, the doctor told us the aneurysm is still there and is the same size it was prior to the incident.  They couldn’t explain it.  But they knew something happened. They called it a miracle. 

Well how was there a miracle then if the aneurysm is still there?  We prayed and asked God if we got it wrong. We both clearly heard the Holy Spirit.  The Lord saying “ I did heal him”, “I am healing him”.  

Some miracles can be done instantly and over with.  The Lord  is to be glorified. This isn’t something that can be seen with the naked eye.  Therefore Paul’s miracle is on going.  When he sees his cardiologist every six months they measure the aneurysm.  It has consistently shrunk in size .  It is smaller than it was.  Yes, there is his miracle.  Still going on.  Jesus explained that more people will believe this way.  

You see that is what is important.  That our Lord Jesus Christ is glorified in all of this.  So there are times for that instant miracle that everyone can see.  And then you have a miracle like Paul’s.  It is in stages. 

Either way, when we pray, earnestly seek Him, for His glory, then He will hear us, and give us what we need.  Jesus says believe in Him and trust Him.  He is always with us. 

Jesus is always moving on our behalf. He wants you to receive your miracle, but it may not be time yet.  But don’t give up.  Keep praying to Him.  He says to believe and trust in Him.  

“He has made everything appropriate in its time. “

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Endurance!

 I will begin with a very familiar verse we all have heard at some point in our lives.

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I want to concentrate on verses 2-3 mostly.  Going almost word by word.  “Consider it all joy”.  All joy?  Now why would I consider my trials or hardships all joy?  I must admit, often in the beginning of a great trial, do I seldom consider it joy.  Even going through the process of the trial,  joy is the last thing  that comes to mind.  I’m often on my knees pleading to God to take this trial from me. I am sure if we plead to Him enough, He may give in and take that trial from us.  

Now let’s look at the next verse.  It talks about the endurance we gain from going through the trial.  Our faith increases, then we will gain the endurance we need to continue on.  From there it says how endurance must complete what it set out to do. It sets out to complete the work so that we may mature and become complete so that we lack in nothing. 

WOW!  Does that even sink in?  We mature and become complete, lacking in nothing. Let me remind you, this is for that specific incident.  Our endurance is a work in progress. But to have that victory for that one time is enough to bring me joy.  I want to be dripping with joy being poured all over me.

I want to trust Jesus with my everything. I want His Holy Spirit fill me everyday so that my joy will be made complete for that very need of that moment.  Or that very thing i am praying about or the person I am praying for.  I want my joy dripping all over me. 

Do you think that’s what verse 2 meant when it said “consider it a great joy”  when going through our trials.  Our trial is a work in progress.  We go through it step by step.  Learning , gaining strength, gaining endurance as we go through each step.  Until we reach that final step.  We see the end in sight.  We can see that finish line.  Then we cross that finish line and jump and shout with joy.  It is finished!  It is complete!  

I believe Jesus has that for all of us.  No matter your circumstance, He wants you to have that joy.  

T

AND THEY SAY THERE IS NO GOD!

 A few weeks ago I posted about praying for your country. I used a very familiar Scripture. 

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

This is proven to be so. clear to us over and over again. I am not referring to just my country.  I can think of numerous countries in need of prayer.  Whether you agree with the turmoil of your country or not, the only way to save your country , and protect your freedoms is to pray.  

It was just one week ago that my country experienced a horrific event of an assassination attempt to one of our presidential candidates.  But God said NO! We witnessed this take place on live television.  In a split second it could have all changed our freedom as we know it. But God said NO! It was a miracle before our very own eyes.  Was it a poor shot?  I do not believe that. What I do believe is it was “divine intervention “. Only God could change the path of that bullet.  Only God could hold President Trump’s head in His hands and move it to change the target of that bullet.  And why did God do this?  There are many answers to this question.  One very important answer is in that Scripture above.  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and PRAY…

Yes, pray! This is not about politics.  This is about good vs evil.  This was a horrible act of evil.  The enemy had its pawns in place. That is clearly visible.  And they failed. Some are asking “how could they miss?”  They missed because God said NO.  He has heard the prayers of His people and answered them.

As I said before, this is not about politics.  This is a battle between goodness and evil. Darkness and light.  Take politics out of this and think to yourself, do I really want my world to change because of some heinous crime?  I certainly don’t.  

We all have our opinions of who is behind all of this.  The truth will be revealed as it has been before.  That is way above me to figure all of that out.  Even though I have my opinions.  But I choose to pray and seek God’s face.  I believe He can save our people and protect us, and heal our land.  Just as He promises in the Scriptures.  

I ask you faithful readers to continue to pray for our world.  Let us all come together with the help of the Holy Spirit, and seek God, and pray.  Let us ask for that incredible peace only God can give us.  Let us ask for divine intervention against the evil that wants to destroy us. Let us pray for His protection over us.  

What is Your Purpose in Life?

 Have you dreamt all of your life for your purpose in life?  By purpose I mean God’s calling in your life. 

As little children we often dream of what we want to be when we grow up.  Some want to be auto mechanics, some nurses, some singers, some musicians, or some want to be what their Mother and Father are.  We seldom as children know what it means “to be called by God”. Therefore we do not even know to dream or pray in that way.  

My goal, or dream was to be a nurse.  From a very early age when my best friend and I would play with our dolls I was the nurse, assisting the imaginary doctor, my friend was always a hair dresser.  I continued to dream that dream of being a nurse.  I did just that. I became a nurse.  When I became a Christ follower I learned about being called by God.  I thought about that.  I can honestly say I never felt I should be anything but a nurse. So I then prayed everyday how I could honor Jesus through my work. And how could I minister to my patients.  As the world continues to change I knew I had to keep the boundaries placed in my job.  It is very difficult to just ask that patient if I can pray for them.  I could have lost my job.  But I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I had to get creative.  Every time I took a patients blood pressure, or pulse, I was touching that patient.  I called it laying on of hands. So I would pray silently for my patients.  Every time I changed a dressing, gave a bath, had to do some treatment I would pray for that patient.  I saw people’s hearts change.  I saw healing in their lives.  I considered it truly an honor to serve God in this way.  

How do you serve the Lord?  Have you asked him how you should serve?  Sometimes it is totally different than our profession.  Sometimes we may ask God to explain.  You may be thinking “I know nothing about that”.  How can God use me like that?  We forget, God is in charge. 

There was a time when I was in the Creative Arts Ministry in our church. I had no prior experience to anything like this. But I wanted to be used by God to encourage and build up His church. I certainly wasn’t  the most talented.  But I sure had fun.  This was allowing myself to be used by God.  

We all can be used by Him.  Our circumstances do not have to hinder us.  They can make us stronger instead.  I encourage you all, seek God’s face.  Listen for His voice.  Follow His direction.  You will feel so fulfilled.  I promise you that. Don’t be afraid of change. Jesus is with you all of the way.  

“There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope at your calling — one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

#Godiscallingyou  #yourcalling  #God’spurpose #yourlifehaspurpose  #obedience  #changedlives 

Graduation Time! Or Moving Ahead Time!

 This is the time of year we celebrate students of all ages, race, religion for pressing on and pushing forward.  Whether it be graduating from High School, college, post grad school, and on, they deserve our praise for their hard work.  Others may be moving forward in work with a promotion they have worked towards for many years.  And even more, some may be ready to become full time missionaries.  With all of these it takes, faith, hope, and trust in our Lord Jesus. 

 Here are a couple of verses that spoke to me.  

“I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Both of these verses stood out to me as I was thinking of the graduates and praying for them.  Then I realized, it’s not just for graduates. It is for all of us at different times in our lives.  Whether our careers, or furthering education as we are older, or something simple we are facing. 

Jesus is always with us.  He walks through the fire with us, even before us.  He clears the path for us to walk straight and not veer off of that path.  Jesus has plans for us.  But those plans are not to be done alone.  We must include Jesus. He gives us those visions, those dreams, those goals.  Do we have to include Him?  No.  But He sure would like to be included. After all, He gave you the goal.  

Think about it this way.  If you and your best friend make plans. You decide to go home and change your clothes.   You run back to your friends and her mother tells you she isn’t there. When you asked where she was her mother explained where she went with someone else.  The very same plans you had just made with her. You were extremely hurt.  She went without you, and went with someone else.  The idea you came up with.  You were heart broken. Just think of how Jesus feels when we do that to him.  He loves us so much.  He wants to be a part of our lives.  

He doesn’t just give us the strength to go alone, or to press forward alone.  But to be comforted knowing He is right there with us.  

As you go out and press forward graduates, remember Jesus.   Don’t leave Him behind.  He loves you. 

A Day of Rest

 “Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. For the person who has entered His rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from His. Let us then make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

For most of us, all of our lives we’ve learned about one day a week is set aside for our day of rest. For some it is Saturday, and others it is Sunday.  It depends on what our belief is within the church we call home.  

I never thought too much about it. I knew people that chose Saturdays, and others Sundays.  But I’ve also heard many get hung up on that.  When in reality, if you are following Jesus as your Lord and Savior, does it matter that much.  Well, it may for you.  I know for me and my family the day we choose is very important.  But we also choose to live every day for Jesus. My husband worked most of his working years on shift work.  What that means is every week his days off would be different.   So he worked either 2 or 3 weekends a month.  That meant he would have to miss our weekly gathering for our sabbath day at church.  Did this mean he was not walking with Jesus? Of course not.  But what it did mean is he had to be very disciplined to choose one of his days off to study God’s word, and worship him.  

Was he distracted or farther away from Jesus because of that? Absolutely not.  Unless he got lazy with being in the Scriptures, praying, and worshiping Him.  Then it would be very easy to get distracted. 

Is this only for those on shift work? No, this is for every single one of us.  We all must be disciplined and diligent in our walk with Jesus.  We all are responsible for asking Jesus to forgive us.  Nobody else can do this for you.  

I know there are days we get very busy and distracted. But we are not excused from that day.  We need to be close to Jesus more on those days.  Even if we do not have a big block of time that day. We can still pray to him.  It doesn’t have to be an hour long.  But it does have to be from the heart.  

So I encourage you this week readers, always remember to stay close to Jesus.  Wherever you are in this world, I pray you have a home church that helps you stay on track.  I pray for you all that you have your time with our Lord every day. We need His word in our lives.  We need His Holy Spirit filling us and guiding us. Then enter into that Sabbath Day feeling full, and ready to receive the rest the Lord has for you that day.  

God bless you faithful readers.

#sabbath #rest #walkwithJesus #savetimeforJesus 

Pray for Our Country! Pray for Your Country! Pray for the Land that is Important to You!

 I am continuing on with my focus of praying for our countries we call home. My homeland is the USA.  Your homeland may be Australia.  And so on.  It doesn’t matter where we are or what country we call home.  But what matters to God is that we call on Him, seek His face, and pray.  

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

This is so encouraging and hopeful.  Knowing Jesus hears our prayers.  Not only that but He forgives us.  He truly cares about the things that are so important to us. 

“My eyes will now be open and My ears attentive to prayer from this place. And I have now chosen and consecrated this temple so that My name may be there forever; My eyes and My heart will be there at all times.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

He will be there forever.  Just think, whatever we are praying for our country Jesus will always be there with us.  I totally believe He answers every one of our prayers. The answer just may come in a different way than we expected.  We may be expecting a total restoration immediately.  But Jesus may answer differently. The answer may take weeks.  And it may be a completely different answer than we expected.  But  that’s ok.  Because Jesus answers in the best way so that we see the fruition coming from our prayers.

Wow, that’s amazing!  Jesus loves us so much, and He cares about all of our concerns .  

As you recall I had some major shoulder surgery one month ago.   I wanted the pain to go away instantly.  When it didn’t I prayed more, please Lord, take it away.  I knew He would.  Just not in my timing.  And as I look back, if that pain wasn’t there, and in some instances still is there, I probably would not have been obedient to the do’s and don't s of post-op  care and use.  My Physical Therapist is very strict about that.  Because of this, I am thankful Jesus is healing my shoulder His way.  

I encourage you all, seek His face, listen for His voice, and follow His leading.  He will hear your prayers.  I believe He will heal my country when He believes it is time.  Pray for your country, pray for your leaders, pray for your neighbors.  Jesus promises He hears us and will answer us.  

We know Jesus is faithful. We know He is true. And we know He loves us.  Amen! 

#pray #country #neighbors #yourself #prayforwhatmatterstoyou 

It has Been Awhile!

 Hello to all of you faithful readers and more.  I am sorry for the delay in a new blogpost.  I had to have some major shoulder surgery. It took me out longer than I expected.  My hopes were to get a Memorial Day post out.  But I’m struggling with getting my thoughts together.  Pain from a shoulder replacement is very significant.  It hurts!  

I do have a brief thought though.  This is our country’s (USA) national elections this year.  Regardless what your political views are, the Lord desires us to pray for our country and its leaders. I have a Scripture I like praying when it comes to our country.  It is:

“and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

There is much more in this chapter. But I like to dwell on this one.  I decided to try my best, and pray this verse every day for the rest of this year for my country.  

I encourage you all to do the same.  Whatever your country is going through, or what you’d like to see the Lord do for you and your country, take time and pray this verse over your country.  I truly believe we can see miracles come to our land through the power of prayer and our Lord Jesus hearing us.  

I hope to be back to my form in writing again very soon.  Thank you for understanding. 

The Peace of God

 What does it mean to have the peace of God, in our minds, hearts, spirits?  

That is a loaded question.  I like to think of it as being unique to your situation, my situation, and others.  I’d like to think that whatever we are going through as individuals is unique to us as individuals. For you it may be you have an overwhelming peace in God for His provisions for all of your needs and your family’s needs.  For our neighbor it may be having God’s peace for their job. For me, it may be several different things that I feel God’s peace in my life. 

Throughout my life I have faced some very serious, even life threatening illnesses.  Most of them came into my life as a result of one major illness/injury.  All of these resulting in surgeries to save my life.  And again I am facing a major surgery that is not related to the past illnesses.  It is just a result of normal circumstances in our lives.  However, the thought of another major surgery is hard to swallow.  That is, it is hard to swallow alone.  

You see I haven’t faced any of these alone.  I have my husband and my family with me, and my church family praying.   But most importantly I have the comfort and peace from God.  Jesus promises us we will have the understanding and peace we need to face our situations.  When His peace pours over you, it is awe inspiring, a magnificent feeling of being held by our Almighty God, and a knowing deep in your heart that all will be okay. 

”Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.“.    Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

 The peace of God…..  people have often commented to me or asked “how do you do it?”  I do not do it, but it is Jesus and His Holy Spirit alive in me.  Does that mean I’m not nervous before surgery?  Of course not, I am definitely nervous or anxious about it. But that nervousness or anxiousness does not control me.  I have chosen to walk with Jesus, and follow Him.  I have asked Him into my life.  He is invited, I invited Him in.  That means I have chosen Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.  And with that invitation to Jesus also came all that He has for me.  The miracles, the provisions, the answers to prayers, His protection over my life, and many many more promises from Jesus.  

Whatever you are struggling with,  hand it over to Jesus.  Whatever fear you have, give it to Him.  He wants to pour His love into us.  He wants to comfort us.  He loves us so very much!  

Give your cares over to Jesus.  Let him comfort you always.  

Faith in Your Salvation

 As I was praying about this blog post I had so many topics going through my head.  Things we need to do, or things that have to be done.  This could be spiritual or just regular things in our daily lives. I was praying for several people on my heart.  And the list could go on.  So I decided to be still while praying and listen for God’s voice.  Wait and let God speak to me.  And what spoke very loud and clear to me, FAITH.  Okay then, faith.  That is certainly a wide open topic.  

The Scripture I have is 1Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)

”Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.“

We love Jesus. I can say that with total confidence. I‭‭ love Him! I know that deep in my heart.  Even though I have not seen Him in the flesh, I still love Him.  I do that in faith.  How can I love someone I have never seen? By faith.  And this brings me so much joy.  To be able to trust in someone in every aspect of my life.  Wow!  That’s faith.  

Then the second part of the Scripture comes in verse 9.  The end result of our faith is our salvation.  Why does the verse say the “end” result?  Because what is more important to us other than our eternal salvation through Jesus Christ?  For me, nothing!  What I want the most in my life is to spend eternity with Him in heaven.  It will be glorious, beautiful, timeless, full of joy. And most of all Jesus is there all the time, forever and ever, Amen.  

I know I want to live forever in a place where there is no more evil, no more pain, no more sickness, no more suffering, no more hatred, no more hopeless, no more helpless.  You might think, that sounds like a perfect place.  It is perfect.  Jesus is perfect.  His love for us is perfect.  I want that!  And I know how I can get it.  By loving my Lord Jesus with my whole heart.  By asking Him for forgiveness of my sins, and knowing, by faith, that He loves me unconditionally, forgives me, and promises me I will be with Him forever, in eternity, and in that glorious place we call heaven.  

Jesus died for our sins on that cross.  Yours, mine, and so many many more.  He rose again as He promised.  He then ascended into heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit to be with us on earth. To help us, guide is, speak to us, and reassure us that FAITH is real. Jesus said He will never leave us or forsake us.  He will not abandon us.  There is so much more I can think of to add.  But I must remember this is a blog, not a book.  😉

How can I be so assured in someone I have never seen? How do I know these things are true?  How do I know I will be with Him forever in heaven?  Because of the faith I have in Jesus.  Ever hear the saying “I know in my knower”? Well that’s me, I know in my knower.  Jesus is Lord.  He is faithful and true.  If  you feel doubt creeping in, call on the Holy Spirit for help and reassurance.  

I hope this encourages you my friends and reminds you just how important faith is.  

Faith is the foundation of our salvation 

Praying with Compassion

 This week when I heard of the earthquake in Taiwan I felt so much compassion for the people there.  An earthquake is such a devastating thing to go through.  No matter who you are, it is a very scary horrific event.  This made me start thinking about what my attitude is like when I am praying. Do I pray just because someone asked me to?  Do I pray because I know someone who was directly affected by the event? Was it God who placed the prayer on my heart? 

Or was it like this, when I heard the need I felt compassion for the people? I prayed because I truly cared for the people.  When I felt the need for prayer from the Holy Spirit I felt a deep “ache” inside knowing that God wants us to care for His children, and pray in earnest for them.  Pray like you truly mean it.  

And then we have this scenario.  God has placed it on your heart to pray for a specific individual.  Turns out this person has a great need.  But it also turns out that you know the person, and you do not really care for that person.  How will we pray for that person?  Say a quick “Lord bless them” type of prayer, and say amen.  Is that really what the Lord desires in our prayers?  I would say no.  At least for me, that is not how God wants me to pray.  He wants my heart clean before Him.  He wants me to confess my sins before Him so that I am clean before Him. So that I am not a hypocrite praying.  

So how do I deal with not liking the person very well.  It is not up to my liking a person or not.  It is up to me being obedient and praying for anyone, regardless of race, color, male or female, where they live, how wealthy are they, and so on.  When Jesus reveals a need to me, it is up to me to be proactive and pray for that need.  You may say, I don’t have the words to pray.  That is when we need the Holy Spirit. Let Him put the words in your heart.  Or simply just pray and ask the Lord to touch that situation and minister to those involved.  

I am sure there are many times that I will not know how to pray for someone.  It is during those times that I must lean in and ask God to move on the behalf of those involved.  And while we are at it, why not ask God to put compassion in your heart for the person you don’t like very much.  

Our Lord Jesus died on that cross for all of His children. Not just for you or for me, or for those we are friends with.  He loves us all.  He asks that we show His love to all people.  We do not have to like what they are doing or who they are to pray for them.  

Next time we hear of a need, let’s all pray for the need.  I am confident Jesus will honor those prayers regardless of who they are.   It is not up to us to judge.  God will take care of that.  

”When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. “Therefore, you should pray like this: 

Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.“

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬-‭13‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

#prayforTaiwan

#Taiwan

#prayer

#praywithmeaning

Happy Easter!

 When I was praying about this blog post I couldn’t seem to focus.  I wondered how can I write something short that would adequately reflect my thoughts about this special week and special Sunday.  It took listening to a very familiar song that had its words changed so it was about Easter and Jesus.  

I still don’t have a lot to write.  But my heart is, as you hear this song and follow the words being sung, it hits you deeply in your heart.  Easter, or Resurrection Day as I like to say, is the most important day for our salvation.  Why would I say that?  Because this whole week is about our forgiveness, redemption, and salvation.  It is about the hope we have in Jesus.  

Jesus was arrested for loving us.  He was tortured for us.  He made the way for our salvation , eternal salvation.  He forgave us of our sins.  He hung on that cross, bleeding and tortured for our forgiveness and redemption.  He died so that we can live.  Finally, on Easter, he rose from the dead.  He left that tomb, leaving it empty, all because He loves us.  Forever! 

Listen to this song, read the words.  I pray it ministers to your heart.  

Happy Resurrection Day, and Happy Easter week.  May you all be filled with the hope we have in Jesus.   

#Easter  #ResurrectionDay #redemption #salvation

There Were Three Crosses

 As Easter approaches we are always more mindful about the cross.  Jesus having to carry His own cross down that road.  And those roads were not smooth and paved.  They were rocky, rough, and mostly dirt.  This all taking place after He was beaten and tortured.  He was bleeding  with that HUGE crown of thorns on His head.   It wasn’t full of little tiny thorns, but big thick thorns.  The cross wasn’t made of thin little sticks or branches. But of a large solid piece of wood.  I am not sure if it was any specific wood.  Some say cypress, others say a mixture.  My point being, Jesus already physically hurting, had to carry heavy wood to the place He would be nailed to it and hung to die.  

The cross, we think of Jesus dying for us.  But that is one cross.  I might add the most important.  There were two other crosses.  One on each side of Jesus.  Folks would say those other two men deserved to die.  Jesus did not!  I very rarely think of the other two crosses.  

There was Jesus, nailed to that cross, slowly dying a very long and painful death.  What does He do?  He speaks to the other men.  Telling them if they just believe and ask forgiveness, they too will be with Him that day in paradise.  Jesus was giving them to the very last moment to believe in Him.  

The criminals were taunting Him. But towards the end one of the criminals began to believe and respond to Jesus.  Jesus told him he was forgiven and would be with Him in paradise forever.   The other criminal, let’s just say he won’t be as comfortable like the other forever.  

Even to the very last moment of Jesus’s life His love for the lost was unmeasurable.  He gave that man every chance.  He still denied Jesus.  

Every day of my life I ask Jesus to forgive me.  I am a sinner until I get to heaven to be with Jesus forever.  We are not perfect. We are in the flesh.  I know Jesus loves me and wants me with Him in heaven. 

”They crucified two criminals with Him, one on His right and one on His left.“

‭‭Mark‬ ‭15‬:‭27‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

”Then one of the criminals hanging there began to yell insults at Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself and us! ” But the other answered, rebuking him: “Don’t you even fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? We are punished justly, because we’re getting back what we deserve for the things we did, but this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom! ” And He said to him, “I assure you: Today you will be with Me in paradise.”“

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭39‬-‭43‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Let’s take time this Easter season to remember this.  It is never too late to accept Jesus as Lord of your life.  He gives us all the time we need.  Until our last breath.  At that point I pray we all have accepted Jesus and believe in Him and His promises to us.  After that, it is

# thecross #threecrosses #forgiveness #paradise #heaven

RUN THE RACE!

 I have written many times about perseverance and running the race set before us.  But I am passionate about this word from God.  It is so vitally important that we persevere, gain strength, focus with our eyes on Jesus, and finish this race Jesus gave us, in victory. 

“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.“

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

As the Word of God tells us, “ we have a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us.” What does that mean? It means we live in a world that has Christians under a microscope.  The world wants to see us fail.  They want us to suffer for the works we do for Jesus.  Many feel threatened by Christians.  Many have no specific reason, except they believe differently from us.  And the list goes on. Why do others feel so threatened by us? To me it makes no sense.  But the Word tells us we will be persecuted.  

That’s very sad.  Jesus commands us to love one another.  You may ask how can we when they hate us.  We can through the power of Christ.  We love others, but we do not like the sin.  Or we don’t like the persecution.  How does this fit into running the race?  Our life is part of our race. I have had to fight hard for my health.  That is one portion of my race.  The next portion, learning to accept those who have done wrong to Christians.  They are just some examples. Everyone’s race is different.  We have different goals.  

But we all must run the race to the finish. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus while running our race.  We must persevere and push through no matter how difficult the race gets.  Persevere no matter how many times you are mocked. Do not run the race to receive a medal, but run so Jesus receives the glory.  

I want to encourage you all.  We have our races to run. We come upon stumbling blocks.  We may even stumble at times. We may get slowed down, or even veer off course.  That’s okay.  Jesus knows us, He knows our limitations.  That is when we focus on Him more than ever before.  He didn’t give us our race to fail.  He is right by our side to help us when we need it.  Wow, what more can we ask for?  Our Lord, our Father, our Teacher, our Coach, running with us and helping us.  

My friends I pray that when your race is getting very difficult, you lean on Jesus.  Call out to Him for help.  And run with your eyes on Him, and your heart focused on the mission He has given you.  

He loves you, and me, and even those who condemn us.  I pray we all can love others the way Jesus does.  

Run your race friends. 

Fear! Being Afraid!

 Do you struggle with fear?  Like you have a fear of something specific. Or do you fear you are not capable of doing your job properly.  How about fear for your health?  The list can go on and on.  I think we all have something we struggle with. That’s just a common struggle of life.  However, what do we do to get beyond those fears?  How can we walk victoriously and not let those fears pull us down? 

You are probably already thinking ahead and saying I know what she’s going to say.  You are probably right.  My trust is in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. 

”When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not fear. What can man do to me?“       Psalms‬ ‭56‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

The Word of God is our manual of how to get through our troubles in life and walk victoriously.   Yet we all still resist and walk in our troubles.  All the while still complaining about it and asking God where He is.  

I can tell you from my own experience God is right here with me.  Not only that, He is alive in me, through His Holy Spirit.  He is all powerful, mighty, omnipresent.  He is the most powerful being alive, who was, who is, and who is to be.  Yes, that means nothing can defeat Him.  Not death, not persecution, not anything.  That means if our faith is in Him, He can protect us with everything He has, everything within Him. He is our GOD!  

So how do I tackle my fears?  I have faced death, I have faced struggles and fears.  The best way I know how to walk in my faith is to do it.  Don’t procrastinate, don’t argue with yourself, don’t make excuses, just do it.  Grab ahold of your Bible, God’s proven Word, start to worship Him with your favorite song, and lastly pray.  And repeat these steps over and over again, until you feel that faith getting stronger and stronger.   Then, do it all over again.  

You see our faith can easily be diminished again if we allow the enemy’s lies to come into our heart again.  Be strong and rebuke those thoughts.  Call on Jesus,loudly and boldly, to help you through.  

And don’t just do this when we face trouble. Instead do this daily, everyday, all day long.  There is always a word in our heart, a song in our thoughts that can lift us up and help us to remember Jesus is alive in us.  Trust Him, rely on Him, and love Him. 

Respect!

 I’ve been coming up with several topics for this blog.  I try to relate it to something that is relevant for today.  That may pertain to all of us.  Or one of us.  This week I haven’t narrowed it down.  I’m getting all jumbled in my thoughts. If that makes sense.  

Well this morning something that really has nothing to do with anything I was thinking about popped out to me when I was reading a devotional.  I began to pray and ask the Lord what this was about. Was it something in my own life?  Was I just being picky?  Then I got the message very clearly.  It is about respect! 

I will write this just how it was written.  The writer was quoting a Scripture .  

God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne.  The rulers of the world have gathered together      with the people of the God of Abraham.  For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.   Psalm 47:8-9 (NLT)

When you read that, and truly ponder what is written, do you really see what is written? It took me a few times before I really saw it.  But this is something that has always bothered me.  I have no idea why, but it does.  

During our early school years we are taught in English class how to write, how to use nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, and so on.  And when and how to use capital letters.  I totally understand that.  However, in my mind, I have one strong exemption.  That is when it comes to our Lord Jesus, and respecting Him.  I was taught early on in my walk with the Lord to always show Him respect when speaking about Him, or to Him. To honor and respect Him always.  Respect!  

Do you notice the above Scripture, it is written “his holy throne”.  His is obvious.  But why holy?  Because Holy is because it is referring to Jesus, and His Holy Spirit.  Now to be clear this is my idea of respecting Jesus.  Many will not agree with me and that’s okay,  For me, I cannot compromise in that part of respect.  

When I saw that written that way it clouded my mind.  I could not finish that devotional for today.  It’s a devotional I’ve enjoyed.  I’m sure I will continue to enjoy it.  It truly showed me how I am affected by disrespect.  How many times have we not shown Jesus respect.  And didn’t even realize it.  

When respect is lacking in our own lives, what kind of message is that sending to our children, our grandchildren, or other young people in our lives?  How will they learn respect if we fail at it?  We often wonder how the younger generations have learned it is ok to be disrespectful. I’d say this shows us a bit of the inside as to how the younger generations learn these inappropriate behaviors.  

So this is how I got the idea for this blog, Respect.  It affects me deeply.  I want Jesus to be respected and honored all of the time.  And I want people to be respected as well when they are deserving.  I want it to be a reminder to myself, to treat others with respect.  

#respect #personal #thoughts #respectfulness 

DO YOU HAVE YOUR ARMOR ON?

 It’s been awhile since I’ve heard anyone speak of this topic.  The  “Armor of God”.  It is a very important topic, but we often put it on the back burner.  We just plain forget.  

A little refresher, what is the armor of God?  Remember this is speaking of our spiritual armor.  It isn’t something we actually wear everyday in the natural.  We are not walking around with a costume of  a suit made of metal on.  That would be a sight.  Let me refresh you with the verses about the armor.    Ephesians 6:14  NIV). ”Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.“

The  BELT OF TRUTH, ‭around our waste. The truth of God is in our core.  The BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. It covers our vital organs needed to survive.  Our feet prepared with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  SHIELD OF FAITH.  The shield was able to extinguish the flaming arrows the enemy shot at them.  HELMET OF SALVATION. Protects our brain and minds from the enemy’s attack on our minds.  SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.  The sword is the Word of God.  The all powerful Word of God.  

There is so much to say about this topic.  But that is for a Bible study, not a little blog.  I am just reminding us how important it is to be covered by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word.  Everyday!  

We see it, hear it, feel it, every day.  The works of the evil one roaming about the earth.  Right now we see it trying to destroy Israel.  We see it in every one of our countries, states, cities.  It is disgusting, pathetic, and horrific.  The sights, sounds, and smells of what we witness everyday is disgusting.  And a lot of the spiritual attacks we don’t even see.  This is why it is so important to be ready and prepared with God’s armor.  Many believe we are in the last days.  Or at least coming to that era.  I want to be as prepared as I can be.  Jesus has given us everything we need to be protected.  Yes at times, the enemy will get through a space and try to destroy us.   But it will not be victorious!   We will face trials. But keep that armor on and tightened up.  We will have a much better chance.  

I want to encourage you, write out the Armor of God.  Explain what each piece is for. Take a moment or two and read the Scripture out loud.  Then actually step into your armor.  We need this every day.  My trials are my health battles with two cancers, and a spinal cord injury.   There is a lot I go through every day physically.  But I will not let that consume me spiritually.  God has given me my armor.  And the areas I am weak in, Jesus will strengthen me.  He will do the same for you.  

Trust Him, lean on Him, call out to Him.   He is near!  

#bestrong  #armorofGod  #strongGod 

We Must Work For The Good of Others

 ”Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.“

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I recently heard someone say that we must work for the good of others.  I started to ponder this.  What exactly does this mean in my life, in the life of others?  It seems self explanatory. But it may not come so easy for many of us.  

All of my life, from the time I was a little girl I wanted to be a nurse.  I achieved that goal.  I worked as a nurse for over 40 years.  I absolutely loved it.   I still miss taking care of others in that way.  I wanted to be a nurse to help others.  I would like to think all nurses think this.  But sadly, that is not true.  For me,every task I did, every treatment I gave, every medication I administered, was for the good of that patient.   I took pride in my work.   I was proud of my accomplishments.  I was proud of my profession.  And I like to believe others saw me as that professional person caring for them.  I often went a step further and prayed for that person. 

So let me ask you, what is your profession?  What has God asked of you?  Do you treat your job as a professional person who performs your duty out of respect and care for the other person?  This may be hard for some who do not like their job.  It is just a means to supply for their family.   Not everyone has their dream job.  I worked hard to achieve mine.  However, I know many who have worked even harder and they are stuck in a very unpleasant situation.  You may ask, if God wants us to care for others, why would He put me in this situation?  God didn’t put you there.  You put yourself there.  It doesn’t mean God cannot use you.  Think of the other person first. There is no job less important than another.  Preparing food for someone is just as important as being a nurse.  Cleaning for someone is also just as important.  It is your ministry. .  

”We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.“

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

I truly believe our Lord Jesus will help us through the hard times, and help us through the situations we do not like, or prefer.  He wants to use us in every situation.  Let me ask you again, are you putting forth your efforts for the good of others?  

We all have been in dry times.  We all have been tested and gone through trials.  But Jesus is by our side the whole time.  He never leaves us alone to face hard times by ourselves .

The world is in hard times right now.  Every country has their issues. Those issues look different to all. Can we still pray for them.   Absolutely .

”Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.“

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Can we do so?  Can we think of others during our trials?  Can we do our jobs to help our families, and those we are serving?  I pray we can.  He is calling us.  He is calling us to do His will, to love His children.  He is using us all in different ways.  

I pray for you my friends, that you can see the blessing in giving of your labor.  I pray that as we serve our Lord Jesus we can praise Him for putting someone in our path that needs His love.  And I thank Him for using me and using you to help others.  Amen. 

We Are STRONGER Than We Realize

 Do you ever wonder where your strength came from? Especially when we were faced with a very difficult situation or dilemma.  After everything calmed down, the situation was taken care of, and it seemed to be fairly easy. I know I have.  I remember one very drastic situation, and I came through without “falling apart”.  Actually I have a few of those situations but I will talk about one today.  

This is actually a testimony of my husband’s.  I will talk about it after I post his very memorable situation that neither one of us will forget. 

My husband was doing a special Bible Study on the 12 days of Christmas .  When it came to the last day his heart was to share about this miracle that happened in his own life.  I feel it is so important that I should share on here as well. 

                                                      Day #12 of the 12 Days of Christmas:

I was going to list a scripture and a short message like I have the past 11 days but I think I will end it differently.

Like I said before, I am not talking about religion, I am talking about a relationship with the Creator God.

We are living in a time of great uncertainty. Many people are suffering, wars, sickness is greater, crime is on the rise , and it goes on.

But, as much as the bad is happening, there is still a lot of good that is around.  I can get overwhelmed at times with all the bad that I have to tell myself that I can do a lot of good by praying for people. 

Prayers do work! I am an example of it!  Some of you know that I have a heart condition. An Aortic Aneurysm. Some years ago, I got really sick at home and my wife had to call the emergency squad because she knew something was really wrong. I had no vital signs. My color was ashen.  I was in extreme pain in abdomen, upper chest and upper back area.  I was bleeding to death internally.  I was flown to Albany Med by helicopter with only a few beats per minute and two large pockets of blood in my abdomen.  Ultra sounds and CT scans showed the bleeding and the blood pooling in upper abdomen and this was confirmed by the CT scans, and I had little time.  My wife let a few people know what was going on and those people started to tell other people and there was a prayer chain spreading out into the area, into other states, and even into other countries.  

These people believed in the power of prayer. And they were really praying! Our son was in Colorado, at a prayer group gathering.  They set him in the middle, and those folks prayed.  

My wife got down to the hospital and I was in the ER, awake, and the doctors were standing around scratching their heads!  They had their surgical scrubs on because they were ready to try to save me!  But the pockets of blood were gone and my aneurysm in my heart had stopped bleeding!

There was a big investigation and they couldn’t explain it! The equipment was checked and checked again! The paramedics visited me in the hospital and at home.  They said they needed to see me and talk to me.  They have never seen anything like this before.  The doctors and paramedics, and anyone else involved in my care all said this is a MIRACLE!  No other explanation.  A full sized, adult man, who loves Jesus and believes in Him is a real miracle.  Proven! 

So, you see, prayer does work. I know some don’t get answered and others do.  I don’t have the answers.  I am not a Pastor or an Elder or have any Theological schooling behind me.  I just know that there is a God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

So, I pray that this new year will bring health and happiness to all of you out there that follows us.  Please share if you like my story. 

Thank you for reading all of this and may God Bless you and your families. Paul & Kathy

This is a huge miracle.  Yet so many still do not believe.   I remember the moment this happened, how my husband looked, his skin was cold and clammy.  I feared I was losing my husband. I prayed “Jesus”. I honestly could not get any words out.  So I called out to Jesus. I had to collect my thoughts and call our son.  He told me where he was.  When I called him back, I could hear the room erupt in praise and thankfulness.  

After things calmed down, I was reflecting on what had happened.  All that I had to do, and reality hit me, I was a tiny spec from becoming a widow.  Oh Lord, please help me, help my husband.  

That was the moment I asked Jesus, how did I get the strength to know how to handle this awful event.  Jesus clearly told me, it isn’t my strength it is His strength.  He filled my heart, my mind with His own strength. Think about that.  Trust in Him, lean on Him, call out to Him.  Jesus is always by our side.  He never leaves us.  

”He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.“. Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

”but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.“ Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

For all of you, thank you for reading.  I hope you are encouraged and realize Who we get our strength from. Without even asking, our strength has increased .  Far beyond what we could imagine. We are never alone. This blog is a little different from my usual.  But way too important not to share. This doesn’t mean we will never have a crisis again.  But what it does mean is that you will always have enough strength to face it.  There is so much more to write about this topic. But this is a blog, so I try to keep it that way. Feel free to share with someone who needs encouragement.   Thank you. God bless you all.  

#strength  #faith  #ourhelper  #Jesusoursupplier  

Did You get What You Wanted for Christmas?

 Greetings friends, 

Well here it is, the first new blog post in a couple of years.  I needed to take some time to refuel after my health battles.  I now am hopeful I have plenty of positive and encouraging words for you.  

As the title asks, were your expectations filled for Christmas?  Where does your mind go when you read this?  To gifts, let’s be honest, we all like to receive gifts.  Now for clarification.  I am not talking about monetary gifts, or other types of gifts that are usually given.  I’m speaking of the ONE gift that is truth. The ONE gift that is always available to us. The ONE gift that has been bought and paid for.  And this gift is for you, and me, and anyone else that asks for this amazing gift.  This gift I’m speaking of is the gift  of salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Now let me ask you again, did you get what you wanted for Christmas?  Our Christmas gift, our Lord Jesus was born over 2000 years ago for us.  He came to seek and save the Lost. He came for you and me, and all of the people on earth.  From the beginning of time.  

”For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭10‬ ‭HCSB‬‬                                                      

All He asks in return is for our love.  That we would serve Him, that we would share His love with the lost.  He doesn’t ask us to give up all of our desires or pleasures.  He doesn’t ask us to do the impossible.  He asks for our love.  Can we do that?  Can we believe in His love, His unselfish love for us.   We can still receive gifts for Christmas, and our birthdays, and other special occasions.  We can celebrate Christmas with special gatherings. We can decorate our homes the way we like.  And yet in all of those pleasures, we can still honor our Lord Jesus.  I’d say that’s really special.  

I ask you, after reading this, did you receive everything you wanted for Christmas?  It is ready and available to you.  Just ask Jesus to come into your life, and forgive you of your sins, and save you. Then you can spend eternity with Him.  That is the most fulfilling gift you will ever receive.  Then find a church that speaks of Jesus’ love for us.  And believes in the Holy Spirit that Jesus gives us and fills us with. Find a church and a pastor whom you trust and can talk with easily.  

You see Jesus didn’t just give us Himself, but He sends His Holy Spirit to be with us always. He doesn’t ask us to do this alone.  We have the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

My prayer for all of you, that you start this new year feeling renewed, rejuvenated, and totally loved by our Lord Jesus. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.