DO WE GET LAX WHEN EVERYTHING IS GOING RIGHT?

When everything is going the way we want it to go we are happy, joyful, have great attitudes, and on and on. We even tend to get lax in our devotional time with the Lord.  Things we might say - oh it's nice out, I will read later. Or- I want to go shopping, I will pray later.  They are just a couple of examples. There are plenty more, I'm sure. 
Then all of a sudden a crisis comes our way.  We have health issues, maybe struggling financially, or car problems, and so-on. So the first thing we might do is call out to God, asking Him where He has been. Asking Him, why did He desert us. We pick up our Bible and madly search through the Psalms or other Scriptures until we find one that fits our need.  
Truth is- God never left our side, He was speaking the whole time. But we were ignoring Him. We decided to go through the good times without Him. We are the ones who close the door.  
Do we really believe that is the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us?  I do not! I want to be close to Him everyday. 
I always start my day reading the Word and praying. It may vary the length of time I spend in the Scriptures.  Am I perfect at this, of course not.  But I sincerely set out every morning to first spend time with the Lord. 
Then anything that may come at me during the rest of my day, I am more prepared to handle. I equip myself with the armor of God. I am more aware of things that may not be the best choice for me.  The Lord God fills me anew every morning with His Holy Spirit.  And that, my friends, is how I stay on track. When I do stumble, the Lord is right there to help me. I can feel His touch and I can hear His voice. 
I pray for you all that you can find your balance and feel the touch of God on you.  I pray you can hear Him speak to you. 
Have a good week ahead readers. 

In just 3 days!

Yes, that's right, in just 3 days.  Now that is a loaded statement. It could mean anything.  But I won't leave you to try to guess. Let me explain. 
It has been 9 days now that I've been taking chemo. As you know from my earlier blogs I battle Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.  How is it different than acute? It is always brewing.  I do not have episodes of severe exacerbation.  I do not have periods of remission.  But it is much more manageable because it is always active.  With all of that said, there are times to treat vs observe.  When things start changing or too many symptoms are occurring it is time to treat. 
And that is where I am at.  My immune system is pretty much non functional, my blood counts changing rapidly. Therefore time to treat. 
Those of you that see me often know how I have looked like a chipmunk with no neck from the swollen lymph nodes. So are you ready, I'm about to address the 3 days.  I began the chemo 9 days ago.  I take it orally everyday.  After the 3rd dose I noticed my swollen nodes were greatly diminished. Someone said to me, you actually have a neck. I had an appointment with my primary dr.  She said this happened after just 3 doses?  Yes it did!  This is one sign I am responding to treatment. 
Now we have to be careful, does this mean I'm all better. No!  So I cannot let my guard down. I must stay aware of my situation and continue to persevere.  But I am extremely encouraged. 
This can apply to any area of our lives. Just because I started chemo, that doesn't mean I don't have faith.  It is the faith that has given me the strength to persevere through my situations. And I do not stop praying.  The Lord has given me a sign in 3 days that we are on the right track.  He used that to encourage me.  
What ever you are dealing with, don't stop praying, don't give up, hang on to God's promise to you. He will be faithful and encourage you through the process. 
If there is anything I know about our Lord Jesus, there is nothing too difficult for Him. After all, He rose from the grave in just 3 days, for us.  
Have a wonderful week full of encouragement readers. 

WHAT DO I WRITE?

As I have searched my heart and prayed for the topic if this blog, I kept drawing a blank.  Well not really a blank, but just how to express my thoughts appropriately. Sure I can go on about my health. Or I can encourage you all about how the Word of God strengthens us. And so on.   But that doesn't seem to be "clicking". But what I know is heavy on everyone's heart is the state of our country. 

It seems as though everyday there is another horrible tragedy in our country. Or another corrupt scenario has been uncovered.  It is sickening, and at the same time frightening. What has happened to our country founded on God's principles? I can give you all my opinion, but I'm not going to do that.  There are enough opinions out there already.  But I will try to encourage you all from my heart. 

Lately the more I have started my day praying and reading as I normally do, the more my thoughts were turning to our country, our freedom.  So I decided that was to be my focus.  I don't know all of the answers, or even what may be your calling, but I do know mine. I know I am to intercede for our country, and for every person in this country.  As much as the mere thought of some turn my stomach, I know it is that much more important to pray for them. Is it easy, absolutely not! I have to first prepare myself by reading God's Word, and praying God's Word.  Then I can continue on with the heart to want to see others changed for the glory of God. 

For me, when I start praying God's Word on behalf of someone else, my heart tends to see them differently.  Does this mean I all of a sudden develop a great love for our enemies? NO!  But it reminds me that our Lord Jesus died on that cross for every single person, good or bad. His desire is that He will see all of us in heaven, and spend eternity together.  

I have to admit, I am not always successful at this.  Especially after the events in Dallas this week, and seeing people get away with corruption and lies against our country and freedom.  But I have to continue to pray and try.  This is my calling. To intercede for all, including the enemy.  Do I want justice, absolutely! 

I cannot pretend to have answers, because I don't.  But I can, without a doubt, believe that our Lord Jesus loves us, will guide us, and can change us. He alone can change this world by Himself. That is what I can encourage you with. That all of God's Word is true, He is all power, He is in charge, and He keeps His promises to us always.  It may not improve overnight, or anytime soon.  And then it may.  We just have to believe in God's love for us. Hold on to faith and hope, in Jesus. 

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14