my-articles

Is God Getting Our Leftovers

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:39:51 +0100

The first time I can recollect my relationship with Christ is at 8 years old. I was riding my bicycle around a campground that we were staying at. I remember sitting at the top of a very large hill that was coated in small gravel. As I sat at the top of the hill, a thought came over me. To show my love for Christ (as only an 8 year old would do) I would ride my bicycle down the hill with no brakes. I wanted to show Jesus how much I loved Him! Needless to say, I could have just shown my love by confessing, but instead I wanted to act out my love for Him with a daring feat. After the incident, I was covered with scrapes and cuts. I should have by all rights also experienced broken bones, but God protected me from that happening. How many of us show this type of “I can do anything for Christ” mentality? I must admit I have not had that same level of devotion since my childhood.

Christ says in Matthew 18:2-4, that we must “become as little children.” Childlike faith sees the world as exciting and adventurous, and worth pursuing with our faith. Giving into every opportunity to please God, and overriding our complacency and the attitude of “been there, done that,” even though we may have. God wants us to maintain our humbleness and our enthusiasm every chance we get. We are to live a life that is obedient to our purpose that He has given to us. So why do we not rise to every occasion? Sometimes it may be fear, thinking God would not call us to do an important task. The truth is that God calls even those who feel like misfits and His glory is shown perfectly through us. It can also be due to living in the world and not taking time out to give God what He deserves. But by either token, we are not living within our purpose and we are going to not reap the goodness of God leading our lives.

Simply stated...it means to do what Jesus wants you to do. It is an "action" word in response to trust.

Ephesians 6:6 says, not by way of eye service, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.

We must have that willingness within ourselves to do what God has called us to do. No one can do our purpose for us and God has given us what we need to do our calling. We have the ability to do whatever God has put in us. He supplies us with everything we need to fulfill our calling. The only thing He asks is that we have faith and do it. In Proverbs it talks about the ant, who works the harvest all year long without an overseer. They do what is right, not for selfishness or for others to boast about them. When you do whats right, when no one is looking and do it for God, you will always be victorious

Proverbs 6:5-9

5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!

7 It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?

We will never rise higher than the image we have of ourselves. With this in mind we need to remember who we are in Christ, we were created in His image. We must rid ourselves of believing we aren’t good enough or smart enough, and we can’t be too busy as well. If you are not wanting to live as God commands or not working to live as God wants, you have basically told the Lord to leave you alone. You have told him not to bother you with his rules and commandments.

Isaiah 60:1-3 (NIV)

1 “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

In this verse God tells us that our light “has” com, not “will” come. We don’t need to wait to become more of anything, but obedient. David only had 5 stones and killed a giant, Isaac was a daydreamer, Moses stuttered, Lazarus was dead, Gideon was afraid, Abraham was too old, Timothy had an ulcer, Naomi was a widow, Peter denied Christ, Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer and Job went bankrupt. So what’s your excuse? We cannot just believe in Christ we must trust Him as well. 1 Peter 1:2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure.

God will bless Christian obedience. To receive his blessings, protection, and answers to prayer, you need to be in obedience to Christ in your walk with him after Salvation. If you have accepted him as your Savior but refuse to trust him with the next steps he requires of you such as: baptism, church membership, tithing, soul winning, reading your Bible and prayer...you will not know God's will for your life. It is obeying and following God's Word that teaches men God's righteous ways.

Ephesians 3:20 Amplified Bible (AMP)

20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen

Romans 6:14-18 “For sin is no longer a tyrant over you; indeed you are under grace and not the law. So what do we do now? Throw ourselves into lives of sin because we are cloaked in grace and don’t have to answer to the law? Absolutely not! Doesn’t it make sense that if you sign yourself over as a slave, you will have to obey your master? The question before you is what will be your master? Will it be sin—which will lead to certain death—or obedience—which will lead to a right and reconciled life? Thank God that your slavery to sin has ended and that in your new freedom you pledged your heartfelt obedience to that teaching which was passed on to you. The beauty of your new situation is this: now that you are free from sin, you are free to serve a different master, God’s redeeming justice.”

God loves you too much to let you be just adequate. He is going to push you into greatness. God gives us free will and if we choose not to be used as a vessel and be obedient then He will allow us to live our lives the way we choose. God wants obedient, on fire for Him, joyous people to spread His word to those across the world. Will you lay down your fear and lean on God’s Word and trust Him? All he asks is that you come as you are, with what you have and He will equip you with what He has planned for your life.

Father God, I thank you that you love us so much. Lord I voluntarily come to you as a subject of Christ and willingly and cheerfully submit myself to You. I pray that you will lead me with wisdom and discernment as I live my life for You. I want nothing more than to live each day within Your will and I humbly pray that you will allow me to be a vessel that you can work through for all Your glory. I am willing to be obedient and fear nothing as you call me to do whatever Your purpose is in my life. In these things I pray, in Your Holy Name. Amen.

Don’t Be a Dim Wick

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:07:47 +0100

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

I walked the streets of Cincinnati this week doing a fundraiser for the homeless located there. Much to my suprise, I found that many I encountered were not receptive to helping those who are less fortunate than themselves. Not to say there weren't those who were willing to help, but there was a difference between those people groups willing to help.

I sold coupon booklets for $5.00 each to raise money for the feeding of the homeless, which allows us to fund the feeding for a local organization downtown. Many times during my quest to help the homeless that day, the "business" men and women were the most apathetic in listening to my spiel. There were literally numberous occasions where I only got out the words "Sir" or "Maam" before they looked the other way and said a resounding "NO"! Others I found would just walk past me as if I wasn't even there. Being from a small town in Indiana, this completely shocked me. I wondered how people could be so uncaring. As far as they knew maybe I was just wanting to ask for directions, nevertheless, they were unwilling to help me regardess of what I was wanting to ask. Eventually, I was able to reach some of the people. Those people were the ones that had little to give. One lady I had spoke with gave me $5.00 which was probably all she had. This lady sat outside a building everyday waiting for her husband to get done working, because they couldn't afford to drive back and forth from their home. She also asked me to pray for her 4 month old twin grandchildren who were diagnosed with cancer. Others I found empathized with our ministry stating that they were not far from the streets themselves and gave what little they had; almost as an insurance that their donation would give them a ticket from that ever happening.

I realize some are probably desensitized to seeing homeless as they pass by homeless on a daily basis. But I wonder if that is even a good excuse? Can we literally become so uncaring just because of seeing the same thing over and over. Or should help out in spite of it? God commands us to help those who are less fortunate. The bible has many verses on this subject. Not to mention God's two greatest commandments is to love God and to love others.

Hebrews 13:16 ESV Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Philippians 2:4 ESV Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
1 John 3:17 ESV But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?
Matthew 25:35-40 ESV For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

Statistics for Cincinnati:

25% of the homeless are children.
45% of children who are homeless are 5 or younger.
Single men comprise 49% of the homeless population.
Single women comprise 16% of the homeless population.
Unaccompanied children make up about 4% of the homeless population.
31% of the homeless population are families.

The homeless population is 68.5% African-American, 27% Caucasian, 1.5% Hispanic, 0.6% Native American and 0.25% Asian.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT CINCINNATI

In the last 15 years, the homeless population has increased 150%.
The top two reasons people report for becoming homeless in Cincinnati are the lack of affordable housing and loss of income.
18% of homeless women in Cincinnati are homeless as a result of domestic violence, the third highest reported cause of homelessness for women.
60% of homeless men in Cincinnati work at least part-time.
Almost 60% of homeless men here are high school graduates; almost 5% have college degrees.

Cincinnati Homeless Statistics

8,295 – number of confirmed homeless people including supportive housing
2,454 – number of confirmed homeless men
1,482 – number of confirmed homeless women
35.4% suffer from mental illness
11.4% are veterans
28% are chronically homeless

Do we not care that there are people among us that don't have the money to eat? Not to mention I am not even discussing their need for housing, medical care, and basic other needs. I thought this was America? The richest nation for wealth, prosperity, freedom, and rights to name a few. Or are we being rich with self-centeredness in forgeting that there are men, women, children, and elderly, who are in need of our help? These homeless consist of children, women, mentally ill, and men who fought for the rights of even those who said "No". When did we stop caring about our brothers and sisters around us?

Homeless beds are card board boxes, alleys and make-shift homes under bridges. How can we sleep at night in our warm cozy beds each night? We should feel uncomfortable that there are others who sleep in conditions that we would not even think about being in for a moment.

I realize that the economy has been rough on many of us. But those people who can't afford to give; give and don't even think twice. Maybe its because they know that whatever you have and you release it will be given back and multiplied by the Lord. Let's have some faith and allow God's glory and grace to work through us and lend a helping hand. Cincinnati, Let Your Light Shine!

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven."

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:42:24 +0100

I write my blogs not only to share God's Word and promises, but also to bring light to my walk with the Lord myself. Being a Christian does not mean I'm perfect, it only means I'm forgiven. Although, I can not escape my imperfections I am loved by Jesus all the same. Because we are forgiven, we must not yield to an attitude that is hurtful to others. Forgiveness does not pave a way for us to act in ways of retailiation. We must continually hold ourselves to a higher level of accountability as "keyholes" to Christ. Displaying Christ-like behavior in spite of what others have done.

I want to speak today about those who hurt us. Hurts come from strangers, a family member, a friend, co-worker, or even a church family. The common numerator here are people. No matter who imparts the hurting, these actions lead to feelings of, resentment, trust issues and even physical pain. Nothing penetrates our being as much as someone who disregards our feelings and causes us to hurt. I myself have been battling hurts from people who I have trusted and there is no better place to go then to God's Word to give my life answers.

I have gone through an array of emotions recently, from sad, to angry, to confused, and hurt. I am human and God has given me my emotions as part of my creation, but how I react to these emotions is what is important. I know emotions are a knee-jerk reaction to what occurs in our lives, but we need to learn to process our emotions before much time has gone by and we contribute to more hurt ourselves.

As I began to read His Word, I not only found the two things which I already knew to be so important to God:

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)- 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And The second is, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself'.

But I was intrigued on how many other verses there were also, here are just a few:

Ephesians 4:32 ESV -Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 ESV -Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV -If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;
James 1:19 ESV -Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Matthew 18:22 ESV -Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

The last one, can be perplexing; what if these same people continue to hurt over and over? Aren't we allowed to feel anger or judgement to those who repeatedly offend and hurt us? God says No.

God knows best, and I know from experience that holdiing on to bitter emotions only allows the offender to "own" pieces of us far past the actual offense. We must learn to let go of hurts so that we may heal. I have learned to look at my offenders as God's creations. Through His eyes I no longer see a person who has hurt me. Instead, I see someone who was created in God's image, like myself. As Christians we must make this a priority, a must in our lives. Even as important as topics of apologetics and studies of revelations are; forgiveness is even a higher priority. God's two most important commandments both involved love. How can we not sow what is most important to Him?

No matter what you have endured or will endure in the future, God can help us through the pain. If you have been hurt, give it to God. He is the great Healer and Comforter, he not only heals, he gives us a new heart and new eyes to see others.

Downplaying Adversity

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:22:02 +0100

While doing my devotionals this week I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to write a note on adversity. Knowing that my own personal walk, is a life that has also been dealt the pains of the world. I do my best to maintain a Christian spirit, but Christians also need to be reminded to keep in close contact with God's Word and His promises.

We all go through many trials, myself included. Often, I have found that I would go through trials and when the "trash" needed taken out, I would "then" pray for perserverence, cleansing, strength, patience and often forgiveness on how I dealt with things. I was purging my emotions on a not-so-regular schedule. I took everything to the Lord, only after I felt the pressure of not being able to carry the load any farther myself. How many of us have done the same?

God doesn't want us to deposit our hurts, feelings, and prayers like a weekly paycheck. God wants us to deposit our cares and fears on a daily basis. I began to figure this out after being so heavy laden repeatedly, that something was amiss. I dove into God's Word to be reminded of His promises.

First I was reminded that we only go through "light affliction". (2 Cor 4:17- For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;). Our present troubles are only temporary, we are not going to remain there, we are but going through it. God is in control and is working behind the scenes.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; 4 who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even so our comfort also aboundeth through Christ.

For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. I learn to embrace adversity with each one I face. What a joy to see and feel what a Great Comforter my Lord is. Without these trials how else would I be shaped and molded into the work that God has planned for my life. We must learn to deposit our daily desires and hurts to God on a daily basis. He reminds us that we need only worry about today-that tomorrow is in His hands (Matthew 6:34 NLT "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.) Furthermore, there is nothing that God can not handle.

We must place our confidence in God instead of relying on ourselves and our abilities. The peace that comes from allowing God to work in our life brings a peace that surpasses all comprehension, allowing outcomes that will bring long term happiness and joy. No matter what the emotion or trial, God is in control of it.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10- 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

As you build your relationship with Him, you will "hear" the Holy Spirit's whispers, guiding, leading, and prompting. We need only to live by faith, not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see., (Heb 11:1). We can be assured of God's promises in our lives, and rest comfortably that He is as close as we allow Him to be.

Matthew 6:25-34- 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Someone once said, that you are either entering a trial, going through a trial or just coming through a trial. No truer words were ever spoken, I don't believe. Whether these trials are for strengthening our faith, discipline, trials for witnessing or from living out of God's will, we are not alone.

By putting on your armor of God we are fighting our adversity with the promises of our Lord and Saviour. We have made Christ our pilot and armed ourselves with any battle that life has thrown our way.

Ephesians 6:10-18- 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

If you have not accepted Jesus as your personal saviour, I pray that you will accept Him today. If you are already a Christian, I hope this brings a reminder of depositing your cares to the Lord. Remember to make your daily deposits to Christ, and you will be at peace, even through the whatever trials come your way.

Coping Through Rejection

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:22:09 +0100

Most of this is things I have felt during my own trial and thought maybe it would be a blessing to someone else as well.

Coping Through Rejection and Divorce

By Betty Troyer

I am thankful for the healing and restoring work of Jesus in my life. Going through the trauma of separation and divorce is indescribable! There was a time I could not have shared an encouraging word with others regarding my experience. I was torn inwardly to bits and pieces. I wondered why me? Why our marriage? Why our family? I wondered why God didn't come quickly to change everything. Many times I felt like Job when his family was ripped apart in death. Life seemed so hopeless, so meaningless. What did life have to offer now? What was left for me to do?

Because of the mercy and grace of God, I truly rejoice to tell you that God is greater than any problem. I marvel how God has had so much patience with me in my healing process. I promised the Lord that if He would keep me from going into deep depression, and would keep my mind sane, that I would be faithful to Him in helping others who may be in need. I prayed, "If I have to go through this, and then work through it to make me a blessing." Realizing that God had previously spared my life when I was at death's door, I knew God must have a purpose for my life.

My most severe trial came when I realized that there was someone who was coveting my treasured one — my husband. She was bold and out to get him. She did not seem to care who she was hurting or what family she may be tearing apart. I soon realized the rejection of my husband was real.

Rejection and Divorce

Rejection is a cruel and degrading experience. Self-worth goes down the drain. You are torn to bits and pieces and you wonder if any of the pieces will fit again. I wondered who cares, who understands? I'm a failure, and why do I exist?

Let me tell you, though, very honestly: rejection is one thing, but divorce is another. It is everything of rejection and still more. It is a cruel death to marriage. No funeral service is held. No friends gather to express their heartfelt sympathy. Really, how could anybody know what to say to me? I was at my wit's end; I wanted or wished to be put eight feet deep and out of this hurt. I blamed myself; how could I have worked on the situation differently?

Divorce is one of the most humiliating things that can happen, as your life seems to be a complete failure and you believe that everyone else sees you this way, too. It seems that all eyes are looking at you condemning, I felt like a misfit in any group or public occasion I was hurt so severely by many sermons. In fact, it was easier for me to go to a funeral than to a wedding. Often I didn't want to go to church, but the realization that I must keep on and not give up, kept me going. These are some of those things one must give over completely to the Lord. Rejection and then divorce are such negative experiences and can become very depressive. A heavy spirit must be dealt with. We must allow God to take charge and completely take over in our lives or else we may be completely devastated.

God Is Bigger

Even though I felt unloved and unwanted, God seemed to call my name. He longed for me to turn my eyes on Him. As I meditated on His Word and prayed for Him to move the mountain of pain as well as the obstacles in our marriage, He revealed Himself so clearly that I no longer saw the mountain, but I saw Jesus. He took my hand in His and He began to lead me. He wanted me to lean on Him. God brought me to my knees as I cried for mercy, His forgiveness, and His presence. My emotions had to be brought under control and given over to Jesus. I needed the reality of His presence and nearness for the long lonely hours and nights that followed. When I was willing to see God as bigger, greater, and stronger than my burdens and problems, I was able to see a ray of hope as I turned my eyes upon Him, as the song goes: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace." Just lately one of my friends who is feeling rejection from her husband, said, "Oh, I've prayed to God, but where is He? I don't feel Him; I don't hear Him, and where is He now when I need Him most?" This is a typical feeling at a time when the enemy attacks us, but God is right beside us and we need to recognize His hand, His nearness. God brought many things to my mind during the long lonely hours of the nights and days.

The following are some of them.

Isaiah 53:3-4 says that Jesus was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows and familiar with grief. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. Jesus had a real healing ministry when He lived among men. He wept. He prayed and showed His love to children, to the sick, to the widows, to the Mary’s and Martha’s. Now, He's right here to touch and heal our hurts also — physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We know He is touched by our hurts and rejection, because He too experienced this from His very own. He too suffered when He was tempted (Heb. 2:17-18). Through all this He is able to help those who are tempted.

He will not give us more than we can bear and He will provide a way out so we can stand up under it (I Cor. 10:13). I needed these verses. I needed to know someone really understands and cares when I was feeling unloved, unwanted, and rejected by the one I had entrusted my life to — the one closest to me.

My dear companion turned his back to me and rejected my love and all commitments ever made, and chose to leave me all alone. But, just as I assured my friend who wasn't feeling Jesus' nearness, God is always beside us with outstretched arms ready to enfold us and love us and heal our hurts. Our feelings are so unstable. We need to continually focus on Jesus. He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you". He dwells within us by His spirit. His promises fail not!

Jesus will remove many a mountain for us when we focus on Him and realize He is greater than any of our hurts or problems. He is greater. He is with me. We need to assure ourselves of this constantly. No human, regardless how dear he or she may be to us, should ever mar or destroy our relationship with Jesus Christ. Nor should we feel our life cannot go on without them, or without their love and support.

We can soon feel sorry for our circumstances and for ourselves, and see others who have it so much easier or so much better. The devil loves self-pity. He can produce sin in us such as bitterness, resentment, also anger against those who have hurt us. We dare not allow this to take place.

My children were also going through many struggles and hurts. This was almost unbearable for me. I was so blessed as a child by a strong Christian family with much love and acceptance. Never had I thought of my children facing such a trauma as this. I prayed many, many times for God Himself to be a father and mother to them when I could not be with them. God could meet their needs so much better than I. It was very comforting to me to know my heavenly Father was watching over them. God has proven Himself so faithful and true to me. He has now given me the joy and closeness of my children and grandchildren.

Choices

There are some choices we must make. We can choose to go on carrying our heavy hurt, refuse to smile through it, and refuse to let God do a new work in us. Or we can make choices to move forward. I knew I had the freedom to choose to go forth with a smile, or live in defeat. We need to choose to guard our subconscious minds at all times. We need to choose to practice the presence of Jesus with us constantly. Even though I could not understand why God allowed this to happen to me, our marriage and to our children. I knew God had not left me, nor turned His back on me. Forgiveness is another choice we need to make: forgiving ourselves as well as forgiving those who hurt us. I blamed myself on many shortcomings as having caused my marriage to fail. I am grateful to one particular friend who prayed me through on this one! Jesus did do the forgiving for me. A deep settled peace and acceptance followed when I experienced the freedom of forgiveness. The Lord led many Christian sisters and brothers into my life to encourage me during this time. I needed to choose to listen to them and receive their counsel. I didn't want people to pity me but to pray for me! The self-pity comes so easily anyway.

Positive Steps to Take

I'd like to share some additional ways I coped as an encouragement for those who are struggling with life's hurts:

Be very open with God — tell Him your feelings, your needs. David in the Psalms is a good example for us.
Read your Bible and mark promises or anything that strikes you. Find verses of God's nearness, His power, and guidance.
Write down your prayers on paper. It may be easier to concentrate on paper, especially when it seems impossible to concentrate to pray.
Be willing to have others pray for you and with you.
Collect quotes, poems, and songs which are an encouragement to you.
Be open to God to give you a new outlook in life. Be open to His leading. Entrust yourself to new opportunities He may have for you.
Praise the Lord through it all!

Fear and Faith

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:30:08 +0100

Satan doesn't want you to use your spiritual gifts. He doesn't want you to talk about Jesus, and he wants you to be afraid of the suffering that you may or may not experience if you do talk about Jesus. Looking around at many Christians, it seems that Satan has succeeded to stop many from moving forward by means of this one evil power alone.

Fear is faith in reverse. But, it is faith in the devil, whether we know it or not. God wants Christians to be free of such fear. He wants us to trust in Him.

I have over the last few years prayed more fervently that God would reveal to me how to use my spiritual gifts more fruitfully. There had been a burden on my heart for sometime on how I could be most useful to God's Kingdom for Him. It has been recently (the last few months to be exact) that I quit running with all these ideas in my heart and in my head to the Lord. It was only through hindsight that somewhere along the way I had quit running to him with all kinds of notions and just remained more still in mind. I look back now and realize that is where I got my answer, the time when I was listening and not asking God so many questions. I have found that during that silence I have been able to hear so much that the Lord has been preparing me for.

Sometimes I thought I was perhaps closer to the back of the prayer line to God in getting my questions answered than other more "educated" Christians. But this is so not the case! Through my quietness of mind, I began to hear God's voice and direction in my life. What a wonderful thing that is!

I had finally gotten my answer and I was now going to get to work on making a difference for God! So I began a thrift store with a concept that I was going to reach out to the community and show them Christ's love. I wanted to make a difference for God and show God's love through the ministry of our thrift store by helping those who were in need. But I still had some doubt on how to go about it or what all needed to be done.

This is where the moral of the story comes in, even though I knew what God wanted me to do, Satan didn't like me heeding God's plan. He at times made me doubt what I believe that God had prepared me to do.....But I did not listen. Family members who couldn't believe that I left a "once in a lifetime" job to do this ministry could have kept me from doing God's plan.....But I did not listen. My feelings of my own capability of being used by God could have stopped me.....But I did not listen. What I DO listen to is God's voice directing me in His plan for my life. What we sometimes forget is God is always at work behind the scenes in our lives. No matter what we may be facing, God has a plan to turn things around in our favor. He is orchestrating the right people, places, opportunities to work in our lives to bring Him glory. All I have to do is be a willing vessel that God can work through and to listen, be ready and available.

Verses to think about:

Romans 9 (NIV)17 For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.

21 Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
33 As it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”

Romans 12

A Living Sacrifice

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Humble Service in the Body of Christ

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;

if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil: cling to what is good
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Spiritual Food

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 11:25:40 +0100

I headed to the kitchen to make myself a sandwich, eagerly looking for something that would curb my cravings. I hadn't eaten for a few hours and couldn't wait to find something to fill my stomach.

Many of us do the same thing, without even thinking about it. Some are on specific diets, eating only certain kinds or types of food. While others may eat whatever they see in front of them. There are those who eat five or six small meals a day and others who eat the basic three meals a day. But whatever our food, or the frequency of our meals, we do so to curb our hunger. Our bodies remind us that we are hungry and most of us concede to these hunger pains without even giving it a second thought.

Spiritual food is far greater than the meals we feed our bodies. It is a must for every person to live a joyous life. Sadly though, most do not even realize that they are need of it. We tend to only feed our spirits when the need becomes so great that we can no longer deny its presence.

John 6:27- "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
John 6:55- For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink.
John 6:27- Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Japanese Boy Misses Breakfast

At a school in Japan a teacher asked the children if there were any who had not had breakfast that morning, thinking thereby to discover some needy family. A boy of nine years put up his hand. Knowing that he came from a comparatively well-to-do family, the teacher asked why he had not had his breakfast. The boy replied: “In our home we do not eat till we have partaken of spiritual food. As I was late in getting up this morning I had to leave immediately after the spiritual food, so I have not had any breakfast.

How many can say that we have done what the Japanese boy had done that morning? We live in a world where our lives are dictated by our jobs, hobbies, interests, deadlines and our commitments. We run a race that tires us and we often wonder why we have no happiness even though we feel we are doing all we can to achieve just that. The truth is we will never find true happiness by living and being in the world. True happiness is only achieved when we take time for spiritual food. We were created by our creator, without a life of spiritual food consisting of prayer, fellowship and the Word of God we will never reach our full potential. Our full potential comes from our creator and it is only strengthened by having a relationship with Him. Without us feeding our spirit we cannot expect to have a joy that surpasses all understanding.

Are you tired of your life having no joy? I challenge you to take time to feed your spirit. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus ask Him into your life. If you already have a relationship, then rededicate yourself to Him. Jesus is only as far away as you allow Him to be. It doesn't matter what you have done or who you are, he loves you regardless. He is just waiting to give you joy in your life and circumstances.

Father God, we sometimes get busy and do not understand why our lives become so hectic. I ask you now to come into my spirit Lord and lead me in my purpose that You have for my life. I know that I alone cannot do it by myself and I need you to make sense of my life. I pray Lord that you will guide me in my path that you have for me and keep me from Satan and his temptations. I pray that I keep my eyes on you Lord and that through Your word I may find that peace that only You can give. In these things, I pray in Your Holy Name...Amen.

Approval Addiction

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:44:45 +0100

The causes of fear of rejection stem from the belief that approval equals worth, or conversely, disapproval equals worthless. Since we don’t want to be worthless, we become super careful to avoid criticism or rejection. We have convinced ourselves that it will be terrible if someone disapproves.

Two problems emerge with this faulty thinking. First, we spend too much time and energy trying to please others, and neglect doing creative, productive things in our life. Fear of rejection freezes us when we should be focused on successful performance.

Secondly, we will never win, because there will always be someone who will disapprove of things we say, do, or are. It is impossible to please everyone.

Finally, the ultimate cure is our faith. Paul said, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The writer of Hebrews said, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). Our worth comes from Christ, not what other people think of us.

Sometimes when people criticize or reject us, it may be their problem. They may be thinking irrationally or wrong when thy react negatively to you. It is their problem, and you don’t need to let their problem become your problem. If someone mocks you for your faith in Christ, then their issue is with God, not you.

If someone yells at you for driving too slow, then the anger issue belongs with them – not you. Even if the other person’s criticism is valid, this need not destroy you. You can pinpoint your error and take steps to correct it. You can learn from your mistakes, and you don’t have to be ashamed of them. If you are human, then you should and must make mistakes at times. Mistakes are things you learn from.

Have you lifted anyone up today?

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:45:30 +0100

Have you lifted anyone up today? Or, the opposite? Each day is a day to find the chance to be a blessing to someone. We never know what another person could be enduring, and we could make a huge difference in their lives. Have you lifted anyone up today? Or, the opposite? Each day is a day to find the chance to be a blessing to someone. We never know what another person could be enduring, and we could make a huge difference in their lives.

A lady came into my store one day and was very picky on certain things that she was looking at. She found faults in the merchandise, and appeared as if there was nothing in the store that was suited for her. It would have been very easy to be apathetic to her needs just by the way she acted and spoke to me.

Upon seeing this, I knew there had to be a reason for her hard shell. What could she have gone through that would make her so difficult to deal with? I prayed to Jesus and asked Him to help me "love her to death" while she was in my store. As she walked around and shopped in the store, I tried to make conversation with her, but to no avail. She finally found something that she was interested in and proceeded to check out, still not engaging in any conversation. I thought that everything I tried to do failed and that if anything I had planted a seed.

As she began to leave, she stopped by the jewelry case that sat at the entrance to the store. She fixated on a sun catcher and looked at it as if she wanted to buy it. I asked her "do you like it" and she replied, "yes, but it’s not something I can't afford right now". I saw the look she had and told her to take it with her. She immediately began to cry and expressed to me that she surely couldn't do that. I could see that she had wanted it just by the look on her face and expressed my sincerity on how much I wished that she would take it. She finally did, and it was during that time that her shell finally cracked and the real person came out from behind her walls.

She began to tell me all the trials that she had been going through, a divorce, abuse and a life of pain. I was so glad that I had looked at her as a person that God had created and that He allowed me to love her despite her "outer shell". If we all look at others as God's creation, it makes it easy to love others. So many people appear as their "outer shells" which is not truly who they are in Christ. May we always take the time to see them not as walls, but who they were created by in Christ himself.

Father God,

I pray Lord that you will bring me appointments each day that I may share your love and kindness to others. May I always see them as your creation and not what they may portray on the outside. There are so many who have been hurt in this world and I pray Lord that you will use me as an instrument to help each person that I may cross paths with. Help me to show them your love and your hope for them, even if they do not see it. We all endure trials, may we be the difference to those who need it at that very moment, help us to show love, empathy, respect and kindness in every situation. God make me approachable and sincere in all I do as you work through me. These things I pray in your Great Name. Amen.