Once again, no matter who you are, no matter where you live, I feel quite sure that you will be able to identify, in one way or another with the words I type today. You all know a 'loser'. You all know a 'liar'. You all know a 'thief', a 'drug addict', a 'jailbird', a 'common criminal', a person who 'threw it all away', a guy 'who never stood a chance' and a woman who 'will never change.' If you think about it long enough, I also feel quite sure that a face will come to mind when you think of each "type' of person I just mentioned.
I would like to issue a challenge to anyone reading my words this morning. As a face comes to mind for each type of person I mentioned, please PRAY for that person today. I mean, really PRAY......By doing this, you will be doing the will of God, you will be obedient to the commands of Jesus, you will be walking in an act of true and perfect brotherly love.......And thats what it is all about!!!!!
If you dont already know, I was one of those people. In fact, I was several of them......The only thing that stopped my from being ALL of them was the fact that I was born a female and the fact that my parents did the best they could to raise me! I am here today to tell you that there is ALWAYS a chance!
I thank GOD today that I had people in my life who never gave up on me. I thank GOD for hearing and honoring the prayers that were sent up. I thank GOD for opening my eyes and allowing me to see that there was more to life than what I chose to settle for. I thank GOD for His forgiveness, His grace, His mercy and His love. Without ANY and ALL of this, who knows where I would be today........
I cant help but tell others about the saving grace of Jesus. I feel compelled to encourage others who may have been a wretch like me! There is a better way, no matter how bad a situation might seen. Please join me in prayer today. In the Book of Acts, Paul was struck down on the road to Damascus and SCALES were removed from his eyes. In our lives today, the same kind of people still exist. They are the people who are hurting, the ones who are lost, the ones who just need someone to care and to honestly pray for them. Lets join together in prayer that God removes the scales from many eyes today!
God is no respector of persons, if it worked for me, it can and it will surely work for countless others as well!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
A PEP TALK
Are you tired of being stressed out? Are you faced with problems, troubles, heartaches and difficulties? Do you feel whipped, beaten or smothered by life's circumstances?
Are you ready to get rid of all of the above once and for all?????
Today, I wanna give a little pep talk. I wanna be a cheerleader for God! In two seperate instances today, God came through and answered some really big prayers which were highly important to me. I wanna let you in on a little secret as to how these prayers got answered......and the best part is.................anyone can do it!!!!!
We gotta claim our victories before the outcome is even revealed....We gotta thank God in advance for our future blessings.....We must rejoice at ALL TIMES and PRAISE our way through any and ALL TROUBLES...We must speak to God and tell Him exactly what we need from Him...We must declare our position as a child of the utmost royalty!!!! By praising God through the storms of our lives, it brimgs us closer into His presence. It confuses the devil and breaks his dirty little grip over any and ALL situations. When we declare our victories, we show God that we TRUST HIM and that we BELIEVE HIS PROMISES!
Paul wrote the Book of Philippians. It is one of the smallest books in the Bible, with just over 100 verses, but it carries such a powerful message. In the entire Book, the word sin is not even mentioned once. The theme of Philippians centers around the concepts of JOY, REJOICING and GLADNESS. It is also important to mention that Paul wrote this powerful book while he was a prisoner in Rome while awaiting trial. How's that for praising through a storm?
Philippians 4 is an awesome chapter of the Bible. It centers around "The Power of Christ." It tells us stand fast in the Lord (4:1) and to REJOICE in the Lord always (4:4). We are reminded to be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God. It tells us to meditate on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (4:8). It goes on to declare, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (4:13). Towards the end of the chapter, we are told that God shall supply ALL our needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ (4:19).
If ALL these things worked for Paul, they will work for me, for you and for us all!
If you dont believe me, TRY IT!
Are you ready to get rid of all of the above once and for all?????
Today, I wanna give a little pep talk. I wanna be a cheerleader for God! In two seperate instances today, God came through and answered some really big prayers which were highly important to me. I wanna let you in on a little secret as to how these prayers got answered......and the best part is.................anyone can do it!!!!!
We gotta claim our victories before the outcome is even revealed....We gotta thank God in advance for our future blessings.....We must rejoice at ALL TIMES and PRAISE our way through any and ALL TROUBLES...We must speak to God and tell Him exactly what we need from Him...We must declare our position as a child of the utmost royalty!!!! By praising God through the storms of our lives, it brimgs us closer into His presence. It confuses the devil and breaks his dirty little grip over any and ALL situations. When we declare our victories, we show God that we TRUST HIM and that we BELIEVE HIS PROMISES!
Paul wrote the Book of Philippians. It is one of the smallest books in the Bible, with just over 100 verses, but it carries such a powerful message. In the entire Book, the word sin is not even mentioned once. The theme of Philippians centers around the concepts of JOY, REJOICING and GLADNESS. It is also important to mention that Paul wrote this powerful book while he was a prisoner in Rome while awaiting trial. How's that for praising through a storm?
Philippians 4 is an awesome chapter of the Bible. It centers around "The Power of Christ." It tells us stand fast in the Lord (4:1) and to REJOICE in the Lord always (4:4). We are reminded to be anxious for nothing, but through prayer and thanksgiving to let our requests be made known to God. It tells us to meditate on what is pure, lovely and praiseworthy (4:8). It goes on to declare, "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (4:13). Towards the end of the chapter, we are told that God shall supply ALL our needs according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ (4:19).
If ALL these things worked for Paul, they will work for me, for you and for us all!
If you dont believe me, TRY IT!
Monday, August 29, 2011
AN ENORMOUS DEBT
Imagine for a moment that you opened your mailbox today and that you received a huge, unbelievably enormous bill for something you have never even purchased. I am not talking about a $5 or even $10,000 dollar bill, I am refering to a debt of ridiculous proportion! Would you call someone and complain? Would you protest it on CNN? Would you for even one moment consider accepting the debt as your own? Would you even think about trying to pay for something so outlandish? Jesus did..................
In the Old Testament, many rituals and sacrifices involved the bloodshed of a pure, unblemished lamb. In fact, God verbally instructed Moses as to what the Isrealites must do in order to avoid the plague of the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:23). God told Moses that by applying the blood to the doorposts, that He would bypass their homes and destruction would be avoided. The Isrealites were told to APPLY THE BLOOD!
However, in the New Testament, God choses His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to become the new living sacrifice! He who knew no sin became sin for us all. By the shedding of His precious blood, Jesus paid the ultimate debt that he did not owe because we owed a debt that we could not possibly pay! His skin was whipped off by scourging, His beard was torn out of His cheeks, His head was pierced by thorns, His face became unrecognizable and spikes were driven through both His hands and His feet!!! And through it all, He never once complained, He never once protested. He accepted the brutality because of His unconditional love for us all! As the last drops of His life's blood drained out of Him, Jesus cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). With His last breath, He cried out, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
God allowed His precious son to go through this agony so that we might live. We are blood bought (Acts:20:28), justified (Romans 5:9) and redeemed (Colossians 1:14). The blood of Jesus washed away our sins (Revelation 1:5). He shed His blood so that we, who fight spiritual, mental and physical battles, can cry out on the blood of Jesus for victory. His blood set us free from the hold which sin holds over us. It sets us free from ALL that leads to death.
And for THAT, I give Him glory, honor and praise this morning!
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin
In the Old Testament, many rituals and sacrifices involved the bloodshed of a pure, unblemished lamb. In fact, God verbally instructed Moses as to what the Isrealites must do in order to avoid the plague of the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:23). God told Moses that by applying the blood to the doorposts, that He would bypass their homes and destruction would be avoided. The Isrealites were told to APPLY THE BLOOD!
However, in the New Testament, God choses His only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to become the new living sacrifice! He who knew no sin became sin for us all. By the shedding of His precious blood, Jesus paid the ultimate debt that he did not owe because we owed a debt that we could not possibly pay! His skin was whipped off by scourging, His beard was torn out of His cheeks, His head was pierced by thorns, His face became unrecognizable and spikes were driven through both His hands and His feet!!! And through it all, He never once complained, He never once protested. He accepted the brutality because of His unconditional love for us all! As the last drops of His life's blood drained out of Him, Jesus cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). With His last breath, He cried out, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
God allowed His precious son to go through this agony so that we might live. We are blood bought (Acts:20:28), justified (Romans 5:9) and redeemed (Colossians 1:14). The blood of Jesus washed away our sins (Revelation 1:5). He shed His blood so that we, who fight spiritual, mental and physical battles, can cry out on the blood of Jesus for victory. His blood set us free from the hold which sin holds over us. It sets us free from ALL that leads to death.
And for THAT, I give Him glory, honor and praise this morning!
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin
Sunday, August 28, 2011
LORD, LET ME BE CONTENT
My family and I went to the camp this weekend, and of course we brought our three year old Pomeranian named Diva with us. Her name fits her perfectly, we have really spoiled her ever since the day we got her when she was six weeks old. Well, this morning, the Lord used Diva to deliver a message to me. He really speaks to us in so many ways, if only we listen........
On a typical morning, my mom cooks breakfast for my dad. She always cooks an extra slice of bacon for Diva. Diva has come to expect it and waits for her bacon every morning. Well, my mom didnt cook a big breakfast this morning and she tried to break up a slice of ham to feed Diva instead. Diva wasnt having it. She would sniff at the ham, walk away, look around and would go back to it and sniff again.....repeatedly. My mom had to end up throwing it away. As I sat there and watched this happen, I knew what I would write about once I came home today.
So often, we become spoiled to certain things in life and demand only the best or constantly want more, more, more. We fail to realize how fortunate we are due to our own selfish behavior. For many years, I was never satisfied by anything. I always looked for whatever I considered to be better. If I had something, even if it was something I didnt need, I wanted more! I wanted to go, go, go, do, do, do and receive, receive, receive. I honestly didnt care about what the next person wanted or needed, I was on a mission of self gratification. It wasnt until my selfish behavior caused me to end up alone and with nothing that I realized what truly mattered in life!
I know that I constantly write about the forgiveness, the grace, the mercy and the love of God, but if it wasnt for all of these things, I have no idea where I would be today. It is only through the compassion of God that I am able to share these words. These days, I am learning how to be content with what I do have (Philippians 4:11). I have learned to appreciate everything that the Lord so graciously given to me. When I stop and look around at others, it doesnt take long for me to realize the great extent of my blessings!
Lord, let me be content, no matter what might happen to me on this day. Let me share your love with others, with no great expectations of personal gain. I thank you for everything you have given me and I appreciate the promises of your Word! And Lord, thank you for using Diva as a means of speaking to me today.
On a typical morning, my mom cooks breakfast for my dad. She always cooks an extra slice of bacon for Diva. Diva has come to expect it and waits for her bacon every morning. Well, my mom didnt cook a big breakfast this morning and she tried to break up a slice of ham to feed Diva instead. Diva wasnt having it. She would sniff at the ham, walk away, look around and would go back to it and sniff again.....repeatedly. My mom had to end up throwing it away. As I sat there and watched this happen, I knew what I would write about once I came home today.
So often, we become spoiled to certain things in life and demand only the best or constantly want more, more, more. We fail to realize how fortunate we are due to our own selfish behavior. For many years, I was never satisfied by anything. I always looked for whatever I considered to be better. If I had something, even if it was something I didnt need, I wanted more! I wanted to go, go, go, do, do, do and receive, receive, receive. I honestly didnt care about what the next person wanted or needed, I was on a mission of self gratification. It wasnt until my selfish behavior caused me to end up alone and with nothing that I realized what truly mattered in life!
I know that I constantly write about the forgiveness, the grace, the mercy and the love of God, but if it wasnt for all of these things, I have no idea where I would be today. It is only through the compassion of God that I am able to share these words. These days, I am learning how to be content with what I do have (Philippians 4:11). I have learned to appreciate everything that the Lord so graciously given to me. When I stop and look around at others, it doesnt take long for me to realize the great extent of my blessings!
Lord, let me be content, no matter what might happen to me on this day. Let me share your love with others, with no great expectations of personal gain. I thank you for everything you have given me and I appreciate the promises of your Word! And Lord, thank you for using Diva as a means of speaking to me today.
Friday, August 26, 2011
WHEN GOING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES, REMEMBER THIS...........
Do you ever get frustrated? Do you ever feel like just giving up? Have family problems gotten you down? Are you facing upcoming court battles? Is your failing health a constant concern? Could it be that alcoholism, drug addiction or a gambling problem has caused you to feel hopeless? Are you feeling smothered by your finances? I could go on and on with questions like the ones I just asked.
We all experience stress and our emotions run wild. A few of my friends are going through a particularly rough time here lately, people who are usually full of joy and happiness. I woke up with this morning with a heaviness on my heart for these people who mean so much to me. As usual, I checked my various daily inspirationals and one in particular caught my attention. I took the liberty to copy and paste it here in my 'note' today. This is what it stated:
...there will be times when you feel tossed by the tempests of your emotions. When this happens, look for that still sacred space within you. Take some time to rest in that space. After a time, when you are ready, come out of that space to face the world again.
We can CHOOSE to get caught up in the cycle of devestating emotions. We can ALLOW ourselves to be swamped by stress. We can sit around and LET the devil be amused by our sufferings.
.......OR......
We can remember that we ARE a CHILD OF GOD and that He is waiting to bring comfort to us in times of trouble. He is our refuse and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we go through deep waters, He is with us and when we go through the fires of this life, we wont even be scorched (Isaiah 43:2). He promises us these things and so much more. When the storms of life get us down, all we need do is turn to God and let His loving armshold us tight. He wants us to turn to him, to tell him about our troubles and to listen for His still, small voice.
We often put our children in time-out as a means of discipline. As children of God, we also need times of emotional and spiritual time-out too. He really does love us all so much!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous hand.
We all experience stress and our emotions run wild. A few of my friends are going through a particularly rough time here lately, people who are usually full of joy and happiness. I woke up with this morning with a heaviness on my heart for these people who mean so much to me. As usual, I checked my various daily inspirationals and one in particular caught my attention. I took the liberty to copy and paste it here in my 'note' today. This is what it stated:
...there will be times when you feel tossed by the tempests of your emotions. When this happens, look for that still sacred space within you. Take some time to rest in that space. After a time, when you are ready, come out of that space to face the world again.
We can CHOOSE to get caught up in the cycle of devestating emotions. We can ALLOW ourselves to be swamped by stress. We can sit around and LET the devil be amused by our sufferings.
.......OR......
We can remember that we ARE a CHILD OF GOD and that He is waiting to bring comfort to us in times of trouble. He is our refuse and strength in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). When we go through deep waters, He is with us and when we go through the fires of this life, we wont even be scorched (Isaiah 43:2). He promises us these things and so much more. When the storms of life get us down, all we need do is turn to God and let His loving armshold us tight. He wants us to turn to him, to tell him about our troubles and to listen for His still, small voice.
We often put our children in time-out as a means of discipline. As children of God, we also need times of emotional and spiritual time-out too. He really does love us all so much!
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous hand.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED THAT WHEN THINGS ARE GOING GREAT....
I guess this is my week to write 'notes' of a highly personal nature. I started writing these daily 'notes' in early February and I cant recall anytime since then that I have written so many consecutive 'notes' which mean so much to me. And today is no exception. Bear with me. Keep me in your prayers.
Have you ever noticed that when things are going great, something comes along and threatens to steal your happiness, kill your joy and destroy all that you have worked so hard to accomplish? Well, if you havent noticed any of these things, I can promise you that you will. I say this from recent experience. Everything had been going great. Everything was fine. I had been going about my daily business, going to church, giving praises to God and loving my life in general. I cannot blame anything on anyone except myself, but the devil caught me slippin and had a nasty little laugh at my expense.
Notice, I used the words........HE HAD A LITTLE LAUGH AT MY EXPENSE....................
People, I am not giving the devil even the least bit of glory, but his JOB is to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) He knows our weaknesses. He attacks us at our weakest point. He uses our weaknesses against us. The devil tries to steal anything and everything that is good in our lives, anything that leads us to Jesus. He wants us to feel worthless and undeserving of any and all kinds of love and respect. We were all born with a sinful nature. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) There is not one of us alive who can say we do not sin. 1 John 1:8 makes this point very clear when it states, 'if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.'
Yes, we all sin. Yes, we all let God down. But here is the good part......................
We serve a God who is tremendous, all-knowing and everloving. He knows we will sin. He knows we will fall short. But, he loves us anyway, no matter what. He recognizes our godly sorrow and is quick to forgive a penitent heart. He throws our failures, sins and shortcomings into the bottomless sea of forgiveness. God abundantly replaces everything that the devil TRIES to steal through His forgivesness, His grace, His mercy and His love. God truly loves us all and is more than willing to forgive.
Please remember this 'note' the next time the devil tries to make you feel unworthy or when your past comes back to haunt you. Recognize the tricks of the devil for what they are, his tactic in an ongoing spiritual warfare. Remember, God is on our side! Through Him, all things are possible!
Have you ever noticed that when things are going great, something comes along and threatens to steal your happiness, kill your joy and destroy all that you have worked so hard to accomplish? Well, if you havent noticed any of these things, I can promise you that you will. I say this from recent experience. Everything had been going great. Everything was fine. I had been going about my daily business, going to church, giving praises to God and loving my life in general. I cannot blame anything on anyone except myself, but the devil caught me slippin and had a nasty little laugh at my expense.
Notice, I used the words........HE HAD A LITTLE LAUGH AT MY EXPENSE....................
People, I am not giving the devil even the least bit of glory, but his JOB is to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) He knows our weaknesses. He attacks us at our weakest point. He uses our weaknesses against us. The devil tries to steal anything and everything that is good in our lives, anything that leads us to Jesus. He wants us to feel worthless and undeserving of any and all kinds of love and respect. We were all born with a sinful nature. We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) There is not one of us alive who can say we do not sin. 1 John 1:8 makes this point very clear when it states, 'if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.'
Yes, we all sin. Yes, we all let God down. But here is the good part......................
We serve a God who is tremendous, all-knowing and everloving. He knows we will sin. He knows we will fall short. But, he loves us anyway, no matter what. He recognizes our godly sorrow and is quick to forgive a penitent heart. He throws our failures, sins and shortcomings into the bottomless sea of forgiveness. God abundantly replaces everything that the devil TRIES to steal through His forgivesness, His grace, His mercy and His love. God truly loves us all and is more than willing to forgive.
Please remember this 'note' the next time the devil tries to make you feel unworthy or when your past comes back to haunt you. Recognize the tricks of the devil for what they are, his tactic in an ongoing spiritual warfare. Remember, God is on our side! Through Him, all things are possible!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A MIRACLE IN MY FAMILY
Two days ago, I wrote a 'note' which was of a somewhat personal nature. Well, today, it looks like I will be writing another one of the same sort. This one hits even closer to home and I write it with joy, happiness, relief and emormous thanksgiving to God. I love to write these daily 'notes', especially the one I am about to write today.
I come from a very close, tight knit family. We have all had our share of ups and downs, some quite recent, but when it all boils down, we love one another tremendously. Today, I wanna tell you about one of my uncles, but Lord, where do I start......
Uncle Ben was 16 years old when I was born and he, like my other 3 uncles, has always played an important role in my life. Well, nearly two years ago, my uncle was diagnosed with leukemia. To say it was devestating news doesn't even begin to tell you how it affected all of us. Uncle Ben went through all of the traditional rounds of treatment which were deemed necessary in attempt to cure this illness. He went through chemotherapy and radiation and finally had to resort to a bone marrow transplant at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. He and his wife agreed to remain in a sterile environment 24 hours a day for the duration of this treatment. They were told this could possibly last as long as 3 months.
From the get go, we have prayed diligently for his recovery. We have asked several pastors and churches to be in agreement with us for his victory over this illness. We have encouraged him in every way possible and we have believed in the power of prayer!!!
Well, my dad received a phone call from my Uncle Ben yesterday evening. He told my dad that he had seen the doctor yesterday and that the doctor told him, "Ben, we need to talk." He said, the doctor went on to say, "It seems to me that the donors cells have overtaken your own and that ALL of your cancerous cells have been destroyed! You body no longer show any signs of leukemia!"
HOW'S THAT FOR A PRAISE REPORT????????????
People, we serve an awesome God....a mighty God...a God who cures all sickness and disease....He is our strong tower....our deliverer....our Great Physician....our safety...our Creator of ALL THAT IS GOOD!!!! How can someone NOT believe? Prayer works....our faith is rewarded...God knows our hearts and has plans to help, not harm each and every one of us! All we gotta do is BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE. I am eternally grateful for the miracle that God so graciously performed for my family. His power is amazing. His love is unending. He is the GREAT I AM....THE BEGINNING AND THE END....THE GOD OF CREATION....
And I am eternally grateful this morning!
Mark 11:24 "Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them."
Exodus 15:26......For I am the Lord who heals you
Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M
I come from a very close, tight knit family. We have all had our share of ups and downs, some quite recent, but when it all boils down, we love one another tremendously. Today, I wanna tell you about one of my uncles, but Lord, where do I start......
Uncle Ben was 16 years old when I was born and he, like my other 3 uncles, has always played an important role in my life. Well, nearly two years ago, my uncle was diagnosed with leukemia. To say it was devestating news doesn't even begin to tell you how it affected all of us. Uncle Ben went through all of the traditional rounds of treatment which were deemed necessary in attempt to cure this illness. He went through chemotherapy and radiation and finally had to resort to a bone marrow transplant at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. He and his wife agreed to remain in a sterile environment 24 hours a day for the duration of this treatment. They were told this could possibly last as long as 3 months.
From the get go, we have prayed diligently for his recovery. We have asked several pastors and churches to be in agreement with us for his victory over this illness. We have encouraged him in every way possible and we have believed in the power of prayer!!!
Well, my dad received a phone call from my Uncle Ben yesterday evening. He told my dad that he had seen the doctor yesterday and that the doctor told him, "Ben, we need to talk." He said, the doctor went on to say, "It seems to me that the donors cells have overtaken your own and that ALL of your cancerous cells have been destroyed! You body no longer show any signs of leukemia!"
HOW'S THAT FOR A PRAISE REPORT????????????
People, we serve an awesome God....a mighty God...a God who cures all sickness and disease....He is our strong tower....our deliverer....our Great Physician....our safety...our Creator of ALL THAT IS GOOD!!!! How can someone NOT believe? Prayer works....our faith is rewarded...God knows our hearts and has plans to help, not harm each and every one of us! All we gotta do is BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE. I am eternally grateful for the miracle that God so graciously performed for my family. His power is amazing. His love is unending. He is the GREAT I AM....THE BEGINNING AND THE END....THE GOD OF CREATION....
And I am eternally grateful this morning!
Mark 11:24 "Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you will receive them, and you will have them."
Exodus 15:26......For I am the Lord who heals you
Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
HE SPEAKS TO US THROUGH SO MANY WAYS
As most of you know, I live in Louisiana. Yes, life is somewhat different here than it is anywhere else. Our food is awesome, our people are very friendly and alot of us talk with a noticable accent. For the past year or so, some of you reading this might have seen or heard about Swamp People, a weekly television program which plays on The History Channel. To most people, this program might seem somewhat ridiculous, due to the way it portrays the people of Louisiana, but I personally love to watch it. In fact, I record each episode on my DVR. I am a huge fan of Troy Landry.
I was watching a video yesterday in which Troy was speaking about cypress trees. Through this short, two minute video, I learned several things. Cypress trees are plentiful here in Louisiana and grow directly in water. The roots of a cypress tree grow as deep as the tree is tall, meaning that a forty foot cypress tree has a forty foot root! We never hear of a cypress tree being uprooted, I now see why! Cypress trees are tremendously strong, live for many, many years and are not even effected by the strongest of hurricanes!
That short video lasted only two minutes, but I am still thinking about it today. In my daily life and in my walk with God, it is my goal to become like one of those trees. I know that my roots are still tender and somewhat new, but I pray that they strengthen and grow larger on a daily basis. Through the reading of His word, through prayer and through fasting, my roots in the Lord have no choice but to become immense like that of a cypress tree. In Ephesians 3:17, we are told 'that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith and that we may be rooted and grounded in love.'
I am so grateful to have the love of God present in my everyday life. I thank Him for his care and protection and for putting an end to the shifting winds of life without Him. It is my prayer today that my roots continue to grow and that it becomes impossible for my life to be uprooted.
He really does love us all so very much!
Thank you God for using a video of Troy Landry to minister to my soul!!! He truly does speak to us through so many ways. If only we will listen........................
Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from bearing fruit
Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M
I was watching a video yesterday in which Troy was speaking about cypress trees. Through this short, two minute video, I learned several things. Cypress trees are plentiful here in Louisiana and grow directly in water. The roots of a cypress tree grow as deep as the tree is tall, meaning that a forty foot cypress tree has a forty foot root! We never hear of a cypress tree being uprooted, I now see why! Cypress trees are tremendously strong, live for many, many years and are not even effected by the strongest of hurricanes!
That short video lasted only two minutes, but I am still thinking about it today. In my daily life and in my walk with God, it is my goal to become like one of those trees. I know that my roots are still tender and somewhat new, but I pray that they strengthen and grow larger on a daily basis. Through the reading of His word, through prayer and through fasting, my roots in the Lord have no choice but to become immense like that of a cypress tree. In Ephesians 3:17, we are told 'that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith and that we may be rooted and grounded in love.'
I am so grateful to have the love of God present in my everyday life. I thank Him for his care and protection and for putting an end to the shifting winds of life without Him. It is my prayer today that my roots continue to grow and that it becomes impossible for my life to be uprooted.
He really does love us all so very much!
Thank you God for using a video of Troy Landry to minister to my soul!!! He truly does speak to us through so many ways. If only we will listen........................
Jeremiah 17:8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes. But its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will it cease from bearing fruit
Thanks for reading my "note"
Love,
M
Monday, August 22, 2011
GOSSIP IS SUCH A DEADLY POISON
Some "notes" that I write are written specifically with a particular person in mind. Well, today is one of those days. I am going to write this "note" about something that is on my mind and that hits really close to home. What I write today concerns myself and I want to share it with all of you. It might even be something you are dealing with as well.
For a very long time, I gave many people plenty of reason to talk about me behind my back. I hurt others, I was selfish and looked out for me, myself and I. These days, its a different story. I am trying my best to put the feelings of others first and to let my light shine in the best way that I know how. However, a certain someone that I have known for years seems to be unable to let bygones be bygones and makes it a point to try to drag me down. Today, I am gonna pray for this person, just like my Bible tells me to do.
Satan is the source of all gossip. It allows him to whisper into our ears. God, on the other hand HATES gossip. In fact, Proverbs 6:17-19 tells us "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. God absolutely HATES when we do these things. In fact, when we engage in any of these activities, we break the 9th commandment, Exodus 20:16, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
People gossip for many reasons, mainly because of low self-esteem. Those who gossip about others often feel bad about themselves and tend to gossip in order to try to pull others down with them, giving them a rise in self-value. These people are often frustrated and unhappy in most areas of their life. (Matthew 12:33-34) Misery loves company.....We have all heard this statement.
As Christians, we know that God doesnt want His people listening to or spreading dirty words and stories regarding others. Gossip is a sin and in the eyes of God, one sin is just like all of the rest. Words kill and gossip is much like murder. It is murder by word of mouth. It murders the character of a person. It has the potential to kill a persons witness. We must keep our mouth and our ears pure. We must refuse to take part in this deadly assassination. Above all, we must pray for those who are hell bent on using their tongue as a vicious weapon. I used the words hell bent on purpose. We gotta pray, pray, pray..........
Matthew 7:12 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good fornecessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers
Please join me in prayer today for those who insist upon spreading the deadly poison of gossip!
For a very long time, I gave many people plenty of reason to talk about me behind my back. I hurt others, I was selfish and looked out for me, myself and I. These days, its a different story. I am trying my best to put the feelings of others first and to let my light shine in the best way that I know how. However, a certain someone that I have known for years seems to be unable to let bygones be bygones and makes it a point to try to drag me down. Today, I am gonna pray for this person, just like my Bible tells me to do.
Satan is the source of all gossip. It allows him to whisper into our ears. God, on the other hand HATES gossip. In fact, Proverbs 6:17-19 tells us "These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him. A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. God absolutely HATES when we do these things. In fact, when we engage in any of these activities, we break the 9th commandment, Exodus 20:16, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
People gossip for many reasons, mainly because of low self-esteem. Those who gossip about others often feel bad about themselves and tend to gossip in order to try to pull others down with them, giving them a rise in self-value. These people are often frustrated and unhappy in most areas of their life. (Matthew 12:33-34) Misery loves company.....We have all heard this statement.
As Christians, we know that God doesnt want His people listening to or spreading dirty words and stories regarding others. Gossip is a sin and in the eyes of God, one sin is just like all of the rest. Words kill and gossip is much like murder. It is murder by word of mouth. It murders the character of a person. It has the potential to kill a persons witness. We must keep our mouth and our ears pure. We must refuse to take part in this deadly assassination. Above all, we must pray for those who are hell bent on using their tongue as a vicious weapon. I used the words hell bent on purpose. We gotta pray, pray, pray..........
Matthew 7:12 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good fornecessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers
Please join me in prayer today for those who insist upon spreading the deadly poison of gossip!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What Would He Really Do?
A few years ago, I remember seeing alot of plastic bracelets, baseball caps, t-shirts and bumper stickers, all with the initials WWJD printed upon them. People wore these everywhere. Even convenience stores had baskets of items with these initials sitting on the counter near the register. It seems like everyone had at least one item which carried the initials WWJD.
Just in case you missed out on this particular "fad", those initials stood for: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO
These days, its seldom we see those plastic bracelets, t-shirts or bumper stickers. But, we need to all keep that question forefront in our minds when faced with any and all of life's circumstances. Would Jesus get angry and scream at his little brother? Would Jesus approve of us hating our family members? Would he think a little bit of gossip is ok? Would he mind if I just refused to forgive certain people? How bout if I told a few "white" lies? If I refused to look at those homeless people? What would Jesus think about my envy of others? My lack of concern? My horrible language?
I am not certain, but, if you are anything like me, you can identify with one of the questions I just asked. I feel quite sure that Jesus would frown upon and turn away in sorrow each time we acted in such a manner. Our Bible tells us many things, but one of the underlying themes throughout both The Old and The New Testaments is that of..........................LOVE..................
As Christians, it is our mission and our goal to become more like Jesus. While He was here on earth, Jesus showed compassion for those who suffered, listened attentively, had remarkable patience, displayed universal respect, practiced forgiveness and refused to judge. Yes, I just said a mouthful. I meant for that sentence to be long. Jesus was and still is the greatest role model who ever existed! His outlook was simple, His logic was easy to understand. His message was LOVE. His message is LOVE. Without love, we have nothing. His word even tells us in 1 John 4:8, "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." I dont know about you, but to me, that scripture carries much weight!
God, I ask you to make me more like Jesus. Let His ways become my ways, let my thoughts become more like His. Let me become less like me and more like you, God. Let me grow in love in every area of my life!
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ who has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hyprocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Just in case you missed out on this particular "fad", those initials stood for: WHAT WOULD JESUS DO
These days, its seldom we see those plastic bracelets, t-shirts or bumper stickers. But, we need to all keep that question forefront in our minds when faced with any and all of life's circumstances. Would Jesus get angry and scream at his little brother? Would Jesus approve of us hating our family members? Would he think a little bit of gossip is ok? Would he mind if I just refused to forgive certain people? How bout if I told a few "white" lies? If I refused to look at those homeless people? What would Jesus think about my envy of others? My lack of concern? My horrible language?
I am not certain, but, if you are anything like me, you can identify with one of the questions I just asked. I feel quite sure that Jesus would frown upon and turn away in sorrow each time we acted in such a manner. Our Bible tells us many things, but one of the underlying themes throughout both The Old and The New Testaments is that of..........................LOVE..................
As Christians, it is our mission and our goal to become more like Jesus. While He was here on earth, Jesus showed compassion for those who suffered, listened attentively, had remarkable patience, displayed universal respect, practiced forgiveness and refused to judge. Yes, I just said a mouthful. I meant for that sentence to be long. Jesus was and still is the greatest role model who ever existed! His outlook was simple, His logic was easy to understand. His message was LOVE. His message is LOVE. Without love, we have nothing. His word even tells us in 1 John 4:8, "He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." I dont know about you, but to me, that scripture carries much weight!
God, I ask you to make me more like Jesus. Let His ways become my ways, let my thoughts become more like His. Let me become less like me and more like you, God. Let me grow in love in every area of my life!
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ who has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma
Romans 12:9 Let love be without hyprocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Something Big Is About To Happen
For those of you who dont already know, I live in Louisiana. The possibility of an earthquake or a blizzard is practically nonexistent in our area. We do however, remain on guard to the threat of a hurricane during the latter part of each summer. When the threat of a hurricane becomes a reality, each one receives a name. I feel sure that everyone who might be reading this can recall Hurricane Katrina. Yes, it was massive. Yes, it was destructive. Yes, it caused much tragedy and sorrow. Many people were caught off guard as to the severity of the storm and its potential for destruction.
I live in the central part of the state. Through news coverage, no one had to tell me to stay away from New orleans. No one had to stop me from heading south as Hurricane Katrina approached the coast of Louisiana. I knew something big was about to happen. Everyone else did too!!!!
We heard what was coming. We knew the consequences. We had expectations of a reality.......all because someone told us!
Well........................
For so long, people told me that a better way of life did in fact exist. I was told that I didnt have to be miserable, that happiness was meant for everyone, including myself. I was told that there was more to life than drinking, drugs and a constant party. People who honestly love me just could not understand how or why I refused to believe their words. The writing was on the wall, right there in black and white for me and everyone else to see. Still, I refused to listen or even consider taking anyones advise. I even had the nerve to think everyone else was wierd...that they had the problem, not me! I just had to laugh as I typed out those words....I know now that I was the one with the problem. I was the one who had it all wrong.
These days, I wake up to joy, happiness and excitement. My life is nothing like it was in the past. Looking back, I sometimes dont even recognize the person I had become. The Lord has been so good to me. I just cant help but try to spread His word to others. There is joy to living. Happiness is for everyone. Matthew 19:26 has become one of my favorite scriptures. It tells us to BELIEVE AND ALL THINGS BECOME POSSIBLE! Allowing Jesus into my heart and into my life was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made. God loves me for ME. He has plans to help me, not harm. Through Him, my future is glorious! I go to bed at night with such peace and I wake up in the morning with a feeling of excitement and purpose. I just know something BIG is about to happen......and I cant hardly wait!
No one has to live a life of misery. God didnt intend for it to be that way. Trust in the Lord and lean not toward your own understanding. He has great and mighty plans for your life. He gave me strength through his forgiveness, his grace, his mercy and his love.
If he did it for me, He can and He will do it for you as well!
1 Corinthians 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"
I live in the central part of the state. Through news coverage, no one had to tell me to stay away from New orleans. No one had to stop me from heading south as Hurricane Katrina approached the coast of Louisiana. I knew something big was about to happen. Everyone else did too!!!!
We heard what was coming. We knew the consequences. We had expectations of a reality.......all because someone told us!
Well........................
For so long, people told me that a better way of life did in fact exist. I was told that I didnt have to be miserable, that happiness was meant for everyone, including myself. I was told that there was more to life than drinking, drugs and a constant party. People who honestly love me just could not understand how or why I refused to believe their words. The writing was on the wall, right there in black and white for me and everyone else to see. Still, I refused to listen or even consider taking anyones advise. I even had the nerve to think everyone else was wierd...that they had the problem, not me! I just had to laugh as I typed out those words....I know now that I was the one with the problem. I was the one who had it all wrong.
These days, I wake up to joy, happiness and excitement. My life is nothing like it was in the past. Looking back, I sometimes dont even recognize the person I had become. The Lord has been so good to me. I just cant help but try to spread His word to others. There is joy to living. Happiness is for everyone. Matthew 19:26 has become one of my favorite scriptures. It tells us to BELIEVE AND ALL THINGS BECOME POSSIBLE! Allowing Jesus into my heart and into my life was undoubtedly the best decision I have ever made. God loves me for ME. He has plans to help me, not harm. Through Him, my future is glorious! I go to bed at night with such peace and I wake up in the morning with a feeling of excitement and purpose. I just know something BIG is about to happen......and I cant hardly wait!
No one has to live a life of misery. God didnt intend for it to be that way. Trust in the Lord and lean not toward your own understanding. He has great and mighty plans for your life. He gave me strength through his forgiveness, his grace, his mercy and his love.
If he did it for me, He can and He will do it for you as well!
1 Corinthians 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him"
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
SAY IT, BELIEVE IT, RECEIVE IT
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU HEARD OR SAID THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:
I AM SO TIRED OF MY LIFE. I WONT EVER HAVE ANYTHING. I DOESNT LOOK LIKE I WILL EVER BE HAPPY. I AM SO IN DEBT. HE DOESNT APPRECIATE ME. ALL SHE DOES IS COMPLAIN. MY KIDS WONT EVER ACT RIGHT. I GET SICKER BY THE DAY. IF IT WASNT FOR BAD LUCK, I WOULD HAVE NO LUCK AT ALL.
YOU GET THE PICTURE. THIS LIST COULD GO ON AND ON...................
WE OFTEN GET CAUGHT UP IN NEGATIVITY. WE BECOME SATISFIED TO LIVE IN MISERY. OUR SELF WORTH IS SOMETIMES NON EXISTENT AND WE SEE OURSELVES AS UNWORTHY OF RESPECT, LOVE AND HAPPINESS. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN MISERABLE FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. MISERY SEEMS TO BE PASSED DOWN THROUGHOUT GENERATIONS IN SOME CASES AND IF WE DONT PUT A STOP TO IT NOW, OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER STAND A CHANCE!!!! STOP AND THINK FOR A MOMENT, DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO EXPECT TO HAVE NOTHING? DO YOU WANT THEM TO SIMPLY EXIST? I THINK NOT................
ONCE AGAIN, I AM GOING TO COMPARE GOD TO A LOVING PARENT. HE WANTS WHATS BEST FOR US. HE WANTS US TO BE HAPPY, TO THRIVE, AND TO EXPERIENCE VICTORIES. WE CANNOT DO THIS BY SITTING BACK AND KEEPING OUR MOUTH SHUT. WE MUST SPEAK HIS BLESSINGS AND HIS PROMISES INTO OUR LIVES! WE CANNOT JUST SIT BACK AND THINK OF A VICTORIOUS LIFE. WE GOTTA CLAIM IT!!!!! ONE OF OUR LOCAL TELEVISION STATIONS HAS A SLOGAN CALLED "SEE IT, SHOOT IT, SEND IT", WELL, WE GOTTA "SAY IT, BELIEVE IT, RECEIVE IT!"
IN THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE BIBLE, GENESIS 1:3, GOD PROVED THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD WHEN HE SAID, "LET THERE BE LIGHT." IN FACT, BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW TESTAMENT ARE FILLED WITH INSTANCES WHICH PROVE THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD. IF WE WANT VICTORY IN OUR LIVES,
WE MUST SPEAK IT. THERE IS SUCH A GREAT POWER IN THE SPOKEN WORD! ONCE WE NAME IT AND CLAIM IT IN JESUS NAME, WE WILL SEE MIGHTY CHANGES TAKE PLACE. STAND FIRM....BELIEVE IN HIS POWER...TRUST IN HIS WORD...CLAIM IT, CLAIM IT, CLAIM IT......GET PREPARED TO SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE!!!
I AM SO TIRED OF MY LIFE. I WONT EVER HAVE ANYTHING. I DOESNT LOOK LIKE I WILL EVER BE HAPPY. I AM SO IN DEBT. HE DOESNT APPRECIATE ME. ALL SHE DOES IS COMPLAIN. MY KIDS WONT EVER ACT RIGHT. I GET SICKER BY THE DAY. IF IT WASNT FOR BAD LUCK, I WOULD HAVE NO LUCK AT ALL.
YOU GET THE PICTURE. THIS LIST COULD GO ON AND ON...................
WE OFTEN GET CAUGHT UP IN NEGATIVITY. WE BECOME SATISFIED TO LIVE IN MISERY. OUR SELF WORTH IS SOMETIMES NON EXISTENT AND WE SEE OURSELVES AS UNWORTHY OF RESPECT, LOVE AND HAPPINESS. I KNOW PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN MISERABLE FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS. MISERY SEEMS TO BE PASSED DOWN THROUGHOUT GENERATIONS IN SOME CASES AND IF WE DONT PUT A STOP TO IT NOW, OUR CHILDREN WILL NEVER STAND A CHANCE!!!! STOP AND THINK FOR A MOMENT, DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO EXPECT TO HAVE NOTHING? DO YOU WANT THEM TO SIMPLY EXIST? I THINK NOT................
ONCE AGAIN, I AM GOING TO COMPARE GOD TO A LOVING PARENT. HE WANTS WHATS BEST FOR US. HE WANTS US TO BE HAPPY, TO THRIVE, AND TO EXPERIENCE VICTORIES. WE CANNOT DO THIS BY SITTING BACK AND KEEPING OUR MOUTH SHUT. WE MUST SPEAK HIS BLESSINGS AND HIS PROMISES INTO OUR LIVES! WE CANNOT JUST SIT BACK AND THINK OF A VICTORIOUS LIFE. WE GOTTA CLAIM IT!!!!! ONE OF OUR LOCAL TELEVISION STATIONS HAS A SLOGAN CALLED "SEE IT, SHOOT IT, SEND IT", WELL, WE GOTTA "SAY IT, BELIEVE IT, RECEIVE IT!"
IN THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE BIBLE, GENESIS 1:3, GOD PROVED THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD WHEN HE SAID, "LET THERE BE LIGHT." IN FACT, BOTH THE OLD AND THE NEW TESTAMENT ARE FILLED WITH INSTANCES WHICH PROVE THE POWER OF THE SPOKEN WORD. IF WE WANT VICTORY IN OUR LIVES,
WE MUST SPEAK IT. THERE IS SUCH A GREAT POWER IN THE SPOKEN WORD! ONCE WE NAME IT AND CLAIM IT IN JESUS NAME, WE WILL SEE MIGHTY CHANGES TAKE PLACE. STAND FIRM....BELIEVE IN HIS POWER...TRUST IN HIS WORD...CLAIM IT, CLAIM IT, CLAIM IT......GET PREPARED TO SEE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE!!!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Nothing Is Ever Hopeless
Have you ever felt like your situation might be hopeless? Have you ever been clueless as to how you might have reached a certain point in your life? Have you ever thought your life was destroyed and could never be fixed? Endless problems? Constant confusion? No where to turn and no one to turn to?
I feel sure more than one person reading this might actually be able to identify with some of these questions. I know I sure can. At one point, I felt my life was over, even though I was still in my thirties. I had messed up, screwed up and destroyed everything in my life. I created a massive web, which seemingly grew by the hour. There was no end in sight to the personal, emotional, financial and legal problems which I had so carelessly created. The harder I tried to fix things, the worse the situations became. My life was completely out of control and I reached a point where I no longer cared. I knew I could never repair the damage I had created! It wasnt until I reached rock bottom that I was forced to look up.
The forgiveness, the grace, the mercy and the love of God restored and rebuilt the fragments of my life. God showed me that nothing is impossible, even in the worst of cases. No matter what we do, how long we do it and who we do it with, nothing is ever hopeless. God is the answer to misery, heartache, drama and confusion! He is the physician of our soul! He only wants whats best for us and will never lead us in the wrong direction. What we tear down, He builds back up! We have all made bad decisions and careless mistakes, but as long as we are still breathing, its never too late to turn to Jesus! God has a plan for our lives! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Nothing is impossible for God.
Jeremiah 32:17 'Lord, God behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you'
I feel sure more than one person reading this might actually be able to identify with some of these questions. I know I sure can. At one point, I felt my life was over, even though I was still in my thirties. I had messed up, screwed up and destroyed everything in my life. I created a massive web, which seemingly grew by the hour. There was no end in sight to the personal, emotional, financial and legal problems which I had so carelessly created. The harder I tried to fix things, the worse the situations became. My life was completely out of control and I reached a point where I no longer cared. I knew I could never repair the damage I had created! It wasnt until I reached rock bottom that I was forced to look up.
The forgiveness, the grace, the mercy and the love of God restored and rebuilt the fragments of my life. God showed me that nothing is impossible, even in the worst of cases. No matter what we do, how long we do it and who we do it with, nothing is ever hopeless. God is the answer to misery, heartache, drama and confusion! He is the physician of our soul! He only wants whats best for us and will never lead us in the wrong direction. What we tear down, He builds back up! We have all made bad decisions and careless mistakes, but as long as we are still breathing, its never too late to turn to Jesus! God has a plan for our lives! (Jeremiah 29:11)
Nothing is impossible for God.
Jeremiah 32:17 'Lord, God behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you'
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Gina's Rainbow
How often do you pray for something and sit back and wonder if God even heard your prayer? We all know that prayers are heard and will eventually get answered by our loving God. We also know God answers our prayers according to His own timeline and as He sees fit. Some of my prayers have been answered with a quickness, while others have been awaiting His response for quite some time now. Surely, we can all identify.
Each "note" that I write is important to me, but the one I am about to write holds extra special meaning. My daughter, Gina, and I went to the camp with my mom and dad this past weekend and we really enjoyed ourselves. The four of us went fishing in my dad's boat yesterday evening. Not long after we had started fishing, the sky really clouded up and it started to rain. We pulled up to the bank of the river and all got out of the boat because of the lightning. Once the worst part of the rainstorm was over, we got back into the boat and something amazing happened.
Gina is 15 years old. She has often been told to pray to God for all things. We have always told her that no prayer goes unheard and that God is in the prayer answering business. Well, yesterday evening, as we got back into the boat, the rain was still coming down. Out of the blue, Gina said, "Lord, would you please make this rain stop?" As soon as she got those words out of her mouth, the raindrops became smaller, the sun began to shine through the clouds, and it stopped raining completely!!!! You should have seen the look on her face! She was in shock!
Gina was amazed at how quickly God answered her prayer. You should have seen the look on her face. She really couldnt believe what had just happened. I blew her mind even more when I told her to look up into the sky. Right after the rain stopped, a beautiful rainbow appeared before our eyes. The end of the rainbow appeared to be right near the tree under which we had sat in order to not get rained on during the storm. As if the quick answer to Gina's prayer and the beautiful rainbow was not enough, a double rainbow even appeared! This blew all of our minds! We were all amazed by this show of glory!!!
Gina is now a firm believer in the power of prayer! I really wish that I could share the actual experience with everyone! Words really dont do justice to what we saw yesterday evening. It was as though God gave us a sneak preview of His power and glory. He let us know fast, quick and in a hurry just exactly who He is and what he is capable of doing. Believe me when I say, it was an afternoon that none of us will ever forget!
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you"
Genesis 9:16 "The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth"
Each "note" that I write is important to me, but the one I am about to write holds extra special meaning. My daughter, Gina, and I went to the camp with my mom and dad this past weekend and we really enjoyed ourselves. The four of us went fishing in my dad's boat yesterday evening. Not long after we had started fishing, the sky really clouded up and it started to rain. We pulled up to the bank of the river and all got out of the boat because of the lightning. Once the worst part of the rainstorm was over, we got back into the boat and something amazing happened.
Gina is 15 years old. She has often been told to pray to God for all things. We have always told her that no prayer goes unheard and that God is in the prayer answering business. Well, yesterday evening, as we got back into the boat, the rain was still coming down. Out of the blue, Gina said, "Lord, would you please make this rain stop?" As soon as she got those words out of her mouth, the raindrops became smaller, the sun began to shine through the clouds, and it stopped raining completely!!!! You should have seen the look on her face! She was in shock!
Gina was amazed at how quickly God answered her prayer. You should have seen the look on her face. She really couldnt believe what had just happened. I blew her mind even more when I told her to look up into the sky. Right after the rain stopped, a beautiful rainbow appeared before our eyes. The end of the rainbow appeared to be right near the tree under which we had sat in order to not get rained on during the storm. As if the quick answer to Gina's prayer and the beautiful rainbow was not enough, a double rainbow even appeared! This blew all of our minds! We were all amazed by this show of glory!!!
Gina is now a firm believer in the power of prayer! I really wish that I could share the actual experience with everyone! Words really dont do justice to what we saw yesterday evening. It was as though God gave us a sneak preview of His power and glory. He let us know fast, quick and in a hurry just exactly who He is and what he is capable of doing. Believe me when I say, it was an afternoon that none of us will ever forget!
Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you"
Genesis 9:16 "The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth"
Friday, August 12, 2011
PLEASE READ THIS ONE
I WONT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH TODAY. I HAVE NOTHING FUNNY OR CUTE TO SAY ABOUT WHAT I AM GOING TO WRITE. THIS "NOTE" IS ONE THAT MEANS ALOT TO ME AND IS COMING FROM MY HEART. I FEEL THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE, THAT NEEDS TO BE SAID AND THAT NEEDS TO SERVE AS A REMINDER TO US ALL ..................
WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES, PEOPLE THAT WE PROFESS TO LOVE VERY MUCH. WHEN TIMES GET HARD, THE PEOPLE THAT WE CALL "FAMILY" ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE RUN TO IMMEDIATELY. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ALL IS WELL? DO WE STILL REMEMBER THE ONES WHO LOVE US UNCONDITIONALLY? DO WE TREAT THEM WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT? DO WE HARBOR RESENTMENTS AND REFUSE TO FORGIVE THEM FOR WHAT WE SEE AS AN INSULT?
I AM WRITING THIS TODAY AS A REMINDER TO EVERYONE THAT THE TONGUE IS VISICIOUS AND FULL OF DEADLY POISON. (JAMES 3:6) IF I HIT YOU WITH A BASEBALL BAT, THE KNOT ON YOUR LEG WILL EVENTUALLY GO AWAY. IF SOMEONE CUTS ME WITH A KNIFE, THE STITCHES WILL COME OUT AND MY WOUND WILL HEAL. A SLAP WILL STING AND BRUISE WILL FADE. BUT..................
WORDS DIRECTED TO SOMEONE IN ANGER PIERCE THE HEART AND SOUL OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND WILL NEVER GO AWAY. WE NEED TO ALL BE MINDFUL OF THIS FACT. WE CANNOT GO AROUND HURTING PEOPLE. WE CANNOT REFUSE TO FORGIVE. EPSHESIANS 4:32 DIRECTLY TELLS US, "AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU." I DONT KNOW HOW THAT SOUNDS TO YOU, BUT IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE A DIRECT COMMANDMENT TO ME!!!!!
I HAVE NEVER ASKED ANYONE WHO READS MY "NOTES" TO DO ANYTHING, BUT I AM ASKING YOU NOW TO PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEARTS OPEN TO OTHERS WHO ATTEMPT TO SETTLE DIFFERENCES. WE ARE ALL REFLECTIONS OF GOD. WHEN WE INFLICT HARM ON ONE ANOTHER, WE ARE INSULTING HIM AS WELL. THE DEVIL COMES TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY, BUT GOD WANTS TO BRING US TO A POINT OF LOVE EVERLASTING.
PLEASE KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN MIND!
EXODUS 20:12 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER, THAT YOUR DAYS MAY BE LONG UPON THE LAND WHICH THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GIVING YOU
THANKS FOR READING MY "NOTE"
LOVE,
WE ALL HAVE FAMILIES, PEOPLE THAT WE PROFESS TO LOVE VERY MUCH. WHEN TIMES GET HARD, THE PEOPLE THAT WE CALL "FAMILY" ARE THE PEOPLE THAT WE RUN TO IMMEDIATELY. BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ALL IS WELL? DO WE STILL REMEMBER THE ONES WHO LOVE US UNCONDITIONALLY? DO WE TREAT THEM WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT? DO WE HARBOR RESENTMENTS AND REFUSE TO FORGIVE THEM FOR WHAT WE SEE AS AN INSULT?
I AM WRITING THIS TODAY AS A REMINDER TO EVERYONE THAT THE TONGUE IS VISICIOUS AND FULL OF DEADLY POISON. (JAMES 3:6) IF I HIT YOU WITH A BASEBALL BAT, THE KNOT ON YOUR LEG WILL EVENTUALLY GO AWAY. IF SOMEONE CUTS ME WITH A KNIFE, THE STITCHES WILL COME OUT AND MY WOUND WILL HEAL. A SLAP WILL STING AND BRUISE WILL FADE. BUT..................
WORDS DIRECTED TO SOMEONE IN ANGER PIERCE THE HEART AND SOUL OF AN INDIVIDUAL AND WILL NEVER GO AWAY. WE NEED TO ALL BE MINDFUL OF THIS FACT. WE CANNOT GO AROUND HURTING PEOPLE. WE CANNOT REFUSE TO FORGIVE. EPSHESIANS 4:32 DIRECTLY TELLS US, "AND BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, EVEN AS GOD IN CHRIST FORGAVE YOU." I DONT KNOW HOW THAT SOUNDS TO YOU, BUT IT SURE SOUNDS LIKE A DIRECT COMMANDMENT TO ME!!!!!
I HAVE NEVER ASKED ANYONE WHO READS MY "NOTES" TO DO ANYTHING, BUT I AM ASKING YOU NOW TO PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE KEEP YOUR HEARTS OPEN TO OTHERS WHO ATTEMPT TO SETTLE DIFFERENCES. WE ARE ALL REFLECTIONS OF GOD. WHEN WE INFLICT HARM ON ONE ANOTHER, WE ARE INSULTING HIM AS WELL. THE DEVIL COMES TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY, BUT GOD WANTS TO BRING US TO A POINT OF LOVE EVERLASTING.
PLEASE KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN MIND!
EXODUS 20:12 HONOR YOUR FATHER AND YOUR MOTHER, THAT YOUR DAYS MAY BE LONG UPON THE LAND WHICH THE LORD YOUR GOD IS GIVING YOU
THANKS FOR READING MY "NOTE"
LOVE,
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
SOMEBODY LIED TO YOU
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER, SOMEONE HAS LIED TO YOU. BIG LIES, LITTLE LIES, HURTFUL OR HARMLESS, A LIE IS STILL A LIE. IN FACT, WE OFTEN COME TO EXPECT CERTAIN PEOPLE TO LIE TO US............USED CAR SALESMEN, "AVAILABLE ONLY ON TV" COMMERCIALS AND UNSCRUPULOUS ATTORNEYS, TO NAME A FEW. WE ALSO HAVE A TENDENCY TO LIE AS WELL, BUT THATS A DIFFERENT TOPIC. TODAY, I WANNA POINT OUT TO SOMEONE THAT "SOMEBODY HAS LIED TO YOU."
TO THE PERSON READING THIS, IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY, I FEEL SURE THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN. WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE WHO "WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING." WE ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE "ONCE A DOPEHEAD, ALWAYS A DOPE HEAD." WE MIGHT LIVE NEXT DOOR TO THE PERSON WHO IS "NO GOOD, JUST LIKE HIS DADDY WAS." WE MIGHT HAVE A COUSIN THAT "WONT EVER CHANGE. SHE HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER." THE KID DOWN THE STREET MIGHT BE THE ONE WHO "WILL END UP IN THE PENITENTARY CAUSE THATS HOW HE WAS RAISED." I COULD GO ON AND ON..........WE ALL KNOW THESE PEOPLE.....IF ONLY THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH. WE MIGHT NOT HAVE EVER LAID EYES UPON THE PEOPLE BUT INSTANTLY KNOW "OF" THEM BY THE MENTION OF THEIR NAME.
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE PEOPLE I JUST MENTIONED HAVE BEEN TOLD A LIE!!!!!
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THERE IS NO NEED TO BE ASHAMED! NO ONE IS PERFECT...WE HAVE ALL DONE WRONG...NO ONE HAS ANY REASON TO POINT THEIR FINGER IN YOUR DIRECTION. FOR THE LONGEST TIME, I HAD A HARD TIME FORGIVING MYSELF FOR THINGS I HAD DONE WRONG. I WAS SO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT OF ME. I SEE TODAY THAT THE DEVIL USED THOSE VERY THOUGHTS IN ORDER TO KEEP ME UNDER HIS CONTROL. HE HAD ME DOWN, RIGHT WHERE HE WANTED ME. UNTIL THE LORD STEPPED IN AND REVEALED TO ME A BETTER WAY................................
I OFTEN MENTION THE SEA OF FORGIVENESS....I LOVE THAT CONCEPT! I ALSO FIND STRENGTH IN THE WORD OF GOD! IT LIFTS ME UP WHEN I AM DOWN....SETS ME STRAIGHT WHEN I LOSE DIRECTION...REASSURES ME IN EVERY WHICH WAY. JOHN 1:12 TELLS ME THAT GOD GAVE ME THE RIGHT TO BECOME HIS CHILD WHEN I BELIEVED UPON HIS NAME. COLOSSIANS 1:13 REMINDS ME THAT GOD DELIVERED ME FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS AND CONVEYED ME INTO HIS KINGDOM. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (ROMANS 8:1)....AND THAT MEANS ME...THAT MEANS YOU...THAT MEANS TO ALL WHO CALL UPON AND BELIEVE IN HIS HOLY NAME!!!!
FORGET THE LIES WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD....CALL UPON GOD'S TRUTH....TELL YOURSELF, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!!!" BELIEVE, RELY UPON AND TRUST IN HIS WORD!
TO THE PERSON READING THIS, IF YOU CANNOT IDENTIFY, I FEEL SURE THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN. WE ALL KNOW SOMEONE WHO "WILL NEVER AMOUNT TO ANYTHING." WE ALSO KNOW PEOPLE WHO ARE "ONCE A DOPEHEAD, ALWAYS A DOPE HEAD." WE MIGHT LIVE NEXT DOOR TO THE PERSON WHO IS "NO GOOD, JUST LIKE HIS DADDY WAS." WE MIGHT HAVE A COUSIN THAT "WONT EVER CHANGE. SHE HAS BEEN THAT WAY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER." THE KID DOWN THE STREET MIGHT BE THE ONE WHO "WILL END UP IN THE PENITENTARY CAUSE THATS HOW HE WAS RAISED." I COULD GO ON AND ON..........WE ALL KNOW THESE PEOPLE.....IF ONLY THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH. WE MIGHT NOT HAVE EVER LAID EYES UPON THE PEOPLE BUT INSTANTLY KNOW "OF" THEM BY THE MENTION OF THEIR NAME.
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THE PEOPLE I JUST MENTIONED HAVE BEEN TOLD A LIE!!!!!
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, NO MATTER WHAT YOU HAVE DONE, BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY THERE IS NO NEED TO BE ASHAMED! NO ONE IS PERFECT...WE HAVE ALL DONE WRONG...NO ONE HAS ANY REASON TO POINT THEIR FINGER IN YOUR DIRECTION. FOR THE LONGEST TIME, I HAD A HARD TIME FORGIVING MYSELF FOR THINGS I HAD DONE WRONG. I WAS SO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT OF ME. I SEE TODAY THAT THE DEVIL USED THOSE VERY THOUGHTS IN ORDER TO KEEP ME UNDER HIS CONTROL. HE HAD ME DOWN, RIGHT WHERE HE WANTED ME. UNTIL THE LORD STEPPED IN AND REVEALED TO ME A BETTER WAY................................
I OFTEN MENTION THE SEA OF FORGIVENESS....I LOVE THAT CONCEPT! I ALSO FIND STRENGTH IN THE WORD OF GOD! IT LIFTS ME UP WHEN I AM DOWN....SETS ME STRAIGHT WHEN I LOSE DIRECTION...REASSURES ME IN EVERY WHICH WAY. JOHN 1:12 TELLS ME THAT GOD GAVE ME THE RIGHT TO BECOME HIS CHILD WHEN I BELIEVED UPON HIS NAME. COLOSSIANS 1:13 REMINDS ME THAT GOD DELIVERED ME FROM THE POWER OF DARKNESS AND CONVEYED ME INTO HIS KINGDOM. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION TO THOSE WHO ARE IN CHRIST JESUS (ROMANS 8:1)....AND THAT MEANS ME...THAT MEANS YOU...THAT MEANS TO ALL WHO CALL UPON AND BELIEVE IN HIS HOLY NAME!!!!
FORGET THE LIES WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD....CALL UPON GOD'S TRUTH....TELL YOURSELF, "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST, WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!!!!" BELIEVE, RELY UPON AND TRUST IN HIS WORD!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
STUCK IN A RUT
AS USUAL, I WAS HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH A FRIEND THIS MORNING AND A FEW SIMPLE WORDS BECAME AN OBSESSION. IT WAS THE TERM "STUCK IN A RUT" THAT HAS BEEN PLACED UPON MY HEART THIS MORNING. THIS "NOTE" IS AN EASY ONE FOR ME TO WRITE....LORD KNOWS I CAN SURELY IDENTIFY!!!! I FEEL SURE THAT ANYONE READING THIS WILL BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER. WE ALL GET STUCK IN SOME SORT OF RUT IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER....SOME OF US IN WAY MORE THAN ONE!
I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND GRAVEL ROADS ARE VERY COMMON AROUND HERE. MOST OF THESE GRAVEL ROADS HAVE ENORMOUS RUTS AND DEEP MUD HOLES. IF SOMEONE HAPPENS TO SLIP OFF INTO SOME OF THESE RUTS, THATS WHERE THEY WILL STAY, NO MATTER HOW HARD THAT PERSON MIGHT TRY TO GET OUT. USUALLY BY SPINNING TIRES AND TRYING TO GET OUT, A PERSON ONLY DIGS DEEPER AND ENLARGENS THE MUD HOLE.
STOP FOR A MOMENT AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE JUST READ......
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN DOWN A GRAVEL ROAD IN THE COUNTRY, I FEEL SURE YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN FIGURATIVELY STUCK IN ONE RUT OR ANOTHER. YOU MAY HAVE EVEN BEEN COMFORTABLE THERE, I KNOW I SURE HAVE BEEN. THE "RUTS" IN OUR LIVES BECOME COMFORTABLE. THEY BECOME SAFE AND OFFER SECURITY. WE LEARN TO LIVE IN OUR "RUTS" ONCE WE BECOME CONVINCED THAT THERES NO WAY OUT........................
MARK 10:46-52 TELLS US THE STORY OF BARTIMAEUS. HE WAS THE BLIND BEGGAR WHO COULDNT WALK. TO SIT AND BEG WAS HIS ONLY MEANS OF SURVIVAL, DAY IN DAY OUT. HE WAS TRULY STUCK IN A RUT. WHEN BARTIMAEUS HEARD THAT JESUS WAS COMING THROUGH, HE KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT HIS LIFE WAS ABOUT TO CHANGE. HE CRIED OUT "JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!!!!" JESUS HEARD HIS CRY, TOLD HIM TO RISE AND IMMEDIATELY, BARTIMAEUS STOOD, THREW ASIDE HIS FILTHY RAGS AND CAME TO JESUS!!!!! BARTIMAEUS CAME UP OUT OF HIS RUT!!!
THATS WHAT WE ALL NEED TO DO....HAVE FAITH LIKE BARTIMAEUS...CRY OUT TO JESUS....COME UP OUT OF OUR RUTS....STEP OUT FROM WHATEVER IT IS THAT HOLDS US BACK....JESUS DID IT THEN....HE DOES IT NOW!!!!!
AND FOR THAT, I AM GRATEFUL THIS MORNING!
I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND GRAVEL ROADS ARE VERY COMMON AROUND HERE. MOST OF THESE GRAVEL ROADS HAVE ENORMOUS RUTS AND DEEP MUD HOLES. IF SOMEONE HAPPENS TO SLIP OFF INTO SOME OF THESE RUTS, THATS WHERE THEY WILL STAY, NO MATTER HOW HARD THAT PERSON MIGHT TRY TO GET OUT. USUALLY BY SPINNING TIRES AND TRYING TO GET OUT, A PERSON ONLY DIGS DEEPER AND ENLARGENS THE MUD HOLE.
STOP FOR A MOMENT AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE JUST READ......
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN DOWN A GRAVEL ROAD IN THE COUNTRY, I FEEL SURE YOU MIGHT HAVE BEEN FIGURATIVELY STUCK IN ONE RUT OR ANOTHER. YOU MAY HAVE EVEN BEEN COMFORTABLE THERE, I KNOW I SURE HAVE BEEN. THE "RUTS" IN OUR LIVES BECOME COMFORTABLE. THEY BECOME SAFE AND OFFER SECURITY. WE LEARN TO LIVE IN OUR "RUTS" ONCE WE BECOME CONVINCED THAT THERES NO WAY OUT........................
MARK 10:46-52 TELLS US THE STORY OF BARTIMAEUS. HE WAS THE BLIND BEGGAR WHO COULDNT WALK. TO SIT AND BEG WAS HIS ONLY MEANS OF SURVIVAL, DAY IN DAY OUT. HE WAS TRULY STUCK IN A RUT. WHEN BARTIMAEUS HEARD THAT JESUS WAS COMING THROUGH, HE KNEW WITHOUT A DOUBT THAT HIS LIFE WAS ABOUT TO CHANGE. HE CRIED OUT "JESUS, SON OF DAVID, HAVE MERCY ON ME!!!!" JESUS HEARD HIS CRY, TOLD HIM TO RISE AND IMMEDIATELY, BARTIMAEUS STOOD, THREW ASIDE HIS FILTHY RAGS AND CAME TO JESUS!!!!! BARTIMAEUS CAME UP OUT OF HIS RUT!!!
THATS WHAT WE ALL NEED TO DO....HAVE FAITH LIKE BARTIMAEUS...CRY OUT TO JESUS....COME UP OUT OF OUR RUTS....STEP OUT FROM WHATEVER IT IS THAT HOLDS US BACK....JESUS DID IT THEN....HE DOES IT NOW!!!!!
AND FOR THAT, I AM GRATEFUL THIS MORNING!
Monday, August 8, 2011
WE CANNOT GO WRONG
I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT MY PARENTS WERE PRETTY STRICT ON ME WHEN I WAS GROWNING UP. I DIDNT OPENLY QUESTION THEIR AUTHORITY BECAUSE THAT WAS JUST SOMETHING YOU DIDNT DO. I CAN RECALL ASKING MY DAD, "WHY" A FEW TIMES AND HIS RESPONSE WAS "BECAUSE I SAID SO", AND THAT PRETTY MUCH ENDED THE CONVERSATION. I FIND MYSELF GIVING GINA THE SAME RESPONSE AT TIMES. AS A TEENAGER, I RECALL TELLING PEOPLE, "I WONT EVER TELL MY KIDS WHAT TO DO" OR "I CANT WAIT TIL I TURN 18 AND CAN DO WHATEVER I WANNA DO." DOES ANY OF THIS SOUND FAMILIAR? I BET IT DOES!
WELL, I AM HERE TO TELL YOU TODAY..............
ONCE I GREW UP, I DID EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO DO. I WENT WHERE I WANTED TO GO, WHENEVER I CHOSE TO GO AND WITH WHOMEVER I DECIDED TO BE WITH. I MADE IT A POINT TO HAVE NO LIMITS, NO BOUNDARIES AND NO RESTRICTIONS. AT FIRST, IT SEEMED GREAT. I HAD A BLAST! I ALWAYS HAD FUN AND WAS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY! I LOVED MY LIFE. IT WAS ALL ABOUT FUN!!!!
BUT.................
AS THE YEARS WENT BY, THE FUN FADED. THE PARTIES LOST THEIR APPEAL. THE PROBLEMS ACCUMULATED. I ENDED UP BACKED INTO A CORNER. I GOT TO THE END OF THE ROAD. I HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL......IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!!! I REALIZED THE NEED FOR LIMITATIONS, THE NECESSITY OF RULES AND THE SECURITY OF GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION. I TURNED TO THE LORD AND BECAME OBEDIENT TO HIS COMMANDS.
I HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE BY HIS GUIDELINES, TO WELCOME HIS RULES AND TO LISTEN TO GODLY COMMANDS. JUST AS A PARENT SETS RULES AND STANDARDS, SO DOES OUR GOD! WE CANNOT GO WRONG BY BUCKLING DOWN AND BEING OBEDIENT. HIS PLAN IS FOR PEACE, NOT EVIL. LOVE, NOT HATE. HAPPINESS, NOT SORROW. SUCCESS, NOT FAILURE. GOD TELLS US TO BE PATIENT, STEADFAST AND UNMOVABLE, TO BE FILLED WITH HIS SPIRIT, ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING AND GENTLE TO ALL. HE COMMANDS US TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT WE HAVE, TO RESIST THE DEVIL AND TO WITHDRAW FROM DISORDERLY PEOPLE. WE CANNOT GO WRONG WHEN WE LIVE BY HIS SIMPLE DIRECTIONS.
I SEE MY GOD THIS MORNING AS A LOVING PARENT. I THANK HIM FOR HIS GUIDANCE, HIS PROTECTION AND MOST OF ALL FOR HIS LOVING COMMANDS WHICH I HAVE LEARNED TO FOLLOW. WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD AND I AM GRATEFUL THIS MORNING!!!
WELL, I AM HERE TO TELL YOU TODAY..............
ONCE I GREW UP, I DID EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO DO. I WENT WHERE I WANTED TO GO, WHENEVER I CHOSE TO GO AND WITH WHOMEVER I DECIDED TO BE WITH. I MADE IT A POINT TO HAVE NO LIMITS, NO BOUNDARIES AND NO RESTRICTIONS. AT FIRST, IT SEEMED GREAT. I HAD A BLAST! I ALWAYS HAD FUN AND WAS THE LIFE OF THE PARTY! I LOVED MY LIFE. IT WAS ALL ABOUT FUN!!!!
BUT.................
AS THE YEARS WENT BY, THE FUN FADED. THE PARTIES LOST THEIR APPEAL. THE PROBLEMS ACCUMULATED. I ENDED UP BACKED INTO A CORNER. I GOT TO THE END OF THE ROAD. I HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL......IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!!! I REALIZED THE NEED FOR LIMITATIONS, THE NECESSITY OF RULES AND THE SECURITY OF GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION. I TURNED TO THE LORD AND BECAME OBEDIENT TO HIS COMMANDS.
I HAVE LEARNED TO LIVE BY HIS GUIDELINES, TO WELCOME HIS RULES AND TO LISTEN TO GODLY COMMANDS. JUST AS A PARENT SETS RULES AND STANDARDS, SO DOES OUR GOD! WE CANNOT GO WRONG BY BUCKLING DOWN AND BEING OBEDIENT. HIS PLAN IS FOR PEACE, NOT EVIL. LOVE, NOT HATE. HAPPINESS, NOT SORROW. SUCCESS, NOT FAILURE. GOD TELLS US TO BE PATIENT, STEADFAST AND UNMOVABLE, TO BE FILLED WITH HIS SPIRIT, ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING AND GENTLE TO ALL. HE COMMANDS US TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT WE HAVE, TO RESIST THE DEVIL AND TO WITHDRAW FROM DISORDERLY PEOPLE. WE CANNOT GO WRONG WHEN WE LIVE BY HIS SIMPLE DIRECTIONS.
I SEE MY GOD THIS MORNING AS A LOVING PARENT. I THANK HIM FOR HIS GUIDANCE, HIS PROTECTION AND MOST OF ALL FOR HIS LOVING COMMANDS WHICH I HAVE LEARNED TO FOLLOW. WE SERVE AN AWESOME GOD AND I AM GRATEFUL THIS MORNING!!!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
WE GOTTA HAVE A VISION
EACH DAY, WHEN I SIT DOWN TO WRITE, I WAIT FOR INSPIRATION. I USUALLY HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT IT WILL BE OR WHERE IT WILL COME FROM, BUT WHEN THE INSPIRATION ARRIVES............IT HITS ME QUICK AND SUDDENLY AND I BECOME SOMEWHAT OBSESSED AND CANNOT SEEM TO REST UNTIL I GET THE WORDS TYPED OUT! THATS WHAT HAPPENED THIS MORNING. I LOVE WHEN IT HAPPENS LIKE THIS!
I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I LIVED A LIFE OF CONFUSION AND DISCONTENT FOR WAY TOO LONG. I WAS CONTENT TO BE DOWNCAST, BORED WITH LIFE IN GENERAL AND SETTLED FOR A LITTLE BIT OF NOTHING. ONE DAY WAS JUST LIKE ALL OF THE REST AND MY NIGHTS FOLLOWED THE SAME OLD PATTERN. I BELIEVED IN FALSE HAPPINESS AND LOOKED FOR ANSWERS IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES. BOY, WAS I FOOLED....I HAD IT ALL WRONG....I WAS ROBBED OF THE REAL JOY OF LIVING!!!!!
I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT THE SCALES WERE REMOVED FROM MY EYES! TODAY, I CAN DARE TO DREAM! I HAVE HOPE FOR TOMORROW! I CAN HAVE A VISION. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT REAL HAPPINESS AND JOY UNSPEAKABLE ACTUALLY DOES EXIST!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO EACH MOMENT AND I AM BLESSED TREMENDOUSLY THROUGHOUT EACH AND EVERY DAY. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE TO THE THE FEELING I GET WHEN I DESCRIBE THE LOVE OF THE LORD!!!
OUR BIBLE TELLS US THAT ABRAHAM, JACOB, MOSES, EZEKIEL, PAUL, JOHN AND SO MANY OTHERS HAD REMARKABLE VISIONS. WELL FOLKS, SO CAN WE! THE GOD THAT THEY SERVED BACK THEN IS THE SAME GOD WE SERVE TODAY. HIS WORD IS UNCHANGING!!!!! WHAT HE DID FOR THEM, HE DOES FOR US TODAY! I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT WHAT GOD IS DOING IN MY LIFE THROUGH HIS UNDYING LOVE FOR ME! HE HAS GIVEN ME HOPE! HE HAS DESTROYED THE STRONGHOLDS WHICH HELD ME BACK FOR SO LONG! HE HAS GIVEN ME A GLIMPSE OF A WONDERFUL FUTURE! GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS......HE WILL DO THIS FOR US ALL! IF ONLY WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO DREAM!!! WE GOTTA HAVE A VISION!
PROVERBS 29:18 WHERE THERE IS NO DREAM, PEOPLE PERISH
I DONT KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I LIVED A LIFE OF CONFUSION AND DISCONTENT FOR WAY TOO LONG. I WAS CONTENT TO BE DOWNCAST, BORED WITH LIFE IN GENERAL AND SETTLED FOR A LITTLE BIT OF NOTHING. ONE DAY WAS JUST LIKE ALL OF THE REST AND MY NIGHTS FOLLOWED THE SAME OLD PATTERN. I BELIEVED IN FALSE HAPPINESS AND LOOKED FOR ANSWERS IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES. BOY, WAS I FOOLED....I HAD IT ALL WRONG....I WAS ROBBED OF THE REAL JOY OF LIVING!!!!!
I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT THE SCALES WERE REMOVED FROM MY EYES! TODAY, I CAN DARE TO DREAM! I HAVE HOPE FOR TOMORROW! I CAN HAVE A VISION. I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT REAL HAPPINESS AND JOY UNSPEAKABLE ACTUALLY DOES EXIST!!! I LOOK FORWARD TO EACH MOMENT AND I AM BLESSED TREMENDOUSLY THROUGHOUT EACH AND EVERY DAY. THERE IS NOTHING THAT I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE TO THE THE FEELING I GET WHEN I DESCRIBE THE LOVE OF THE LORD!!!
OUR BIBLE TELLS US THAT ABRAHAM, JACOB, MOSES, EZEKIEL, PAUL, JOHN AND SO MANY OTHERS HAD REMARKABLE VISIONS. WELL FOLKS, SO CAN WE! THE GOD THAT THEY SERVED BACK THEN IS THE SAME GOD WE SERVE TODAY. HIS WORD IS UNCHANGING!!!!! WHAT HE DID FOR THEM, HE DOES FOR US TODAY! I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT WHAT GOD IS DOING IN MY LIFE THROUGH HIS UNDYING LOVE FOR ME! HE HAS GIVEN ME HOPE! HE HAS DESTROYED THE STRONGHOLDS WHICH HELD ME BACK FOR SO LONG! HE HAS GIVEN ME A GLIMPSE OF A WONDERFUL FUTURE! GOD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS......HE WILL DO THIS FOR US ALL! IF ONLY WE ALLOW OURSELVES TO DREAM!!! WE GOTTA HAVE A VISION!
PROVERBS 29:18 WHERE THERE IS NO DREAM, PEOPLE PERISH
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
THIS ONE MEANS ALOT
EACH "NOTE" THAT I WRITE HERE ON FACEBOOK MEANS ALOT TO ME, BUT THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR HOLDS SPECIAL MEANING. EVERY NOW AND THEN, I WRITE SOMETHING WITH A CERTAIN PERSON IN MIND AND THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION. I AM WRITING IT FOR SEVERAL PEOPLE AND I LOVE EACH ONE OF THEM VERY, VERY MUCH. THIS ONE MEANS ALOT TO ME.....THEY DO TOO!
WE ALL STAY AWAY FROM A DOG THAT IS KNOWN TO BITE. WE MAKE IT OUR BUSINESS TO NOT DRINK SPOILED MILK. WE DONT HAVE POISONOUS SNAKES AS PETS. WE WONT DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH WITHOUT BRAKES AND WE SURELY DO NOT PUT OUR HANDS INTO A BLAZING FIRE. WHY IS IT THEN THAT WE CONTINUE TO DO OTHER THINGS WHICH WE KNOW WILL ONLY HURT US IN THE LONG RUN? I AM NOT POINTING ANYONE OUT.....I INCLUDE MYSELF IN THIS STATEMENT. IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF DOING THIS. WE ALL FIGHT BATTLES IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM. WE ALL GO THROUGH TRIALS. WE ALL SIN. IN FACT, THIS POINT IS ADDRESSED IN 1 JOHN 1:8, 'IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.' WE ALL SIN AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. (ROMANS 3:23)
THE DEVIL KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES. HE KNOW HOW TO HIT US WHERE IT HURTS. HE KNOWS HOW TO BRING US DOWN. WE AS HUMANS HAVE SO MANY WEAKNESSES. IT IS IN OUR NATURE TO SIN. ROMANS 7:18-20 ADDRESSES THIS VERY FACT BY TELLING US, 'FOR I KNOW THAT IN ME (THAT IS, IN MY FLESH) NOTHING GOOD DWELLS; FOR TO WILL IS PRESENT WITH ME, BUT HOW TO PERFORM WHAT IS GOOD I DO NOT FIND. FOR THE GOOD THAT I WILL TO DO, I DO NOT DO; BUT THE EVIL I WILL NOT TO DO, THAT I PRACTICE. NOW IF I DO WHAT I WILL NOT TO DO, IT IS NO LONGER I WHO DO IT, BUT SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME.' I KNOW THIS SCRIPTURE IS WRITTEN IN VERY CONFUSING WORDS, BUT IF YOU READ ITS WORDS SLOWLY, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE. IN SIMPLE WORDS, OUR FLESH CAUSES US TO SIN EVEN WHEN WE DONT WANT TO.
AS I SAID EARLIER, EACH ONE OF US HAS OUR OWN PARTICULAR WEAKNESSES. IT IS "OUR FAVORITE SINS THAT DO US IN." WE MIGHT ALL HAVE CERTAIN WEAKNESSES, BUT WE ALL ALSO SHARE ONE AWESOME, MIGHTY, TREMENDOUS GOD!!! A GOD WHO LOVES US ALL, WHO REMOVES OUR SINS AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST AND WHO WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE US WITH MUCH NEEDED SERENITY AND PEACE.....IF ONLY WE ALLOW HIM TOO! WE NEED ONLY FOLLOW HIS DIRECTION. PROVERBS 3:5, 'TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART. AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. WE LEAD OURSELVES ASTRAY. HE PUTS US BACK ON HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD IS SO FORGIVING OF ALL OUR SINS. HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM, BAGGAGE AND ALL. MATTHEW 11:28, "COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."
NO MATTER HOW BAD WE BECOME TEMPTED, NO MATTER HOW EASY IT MIGHT SEEM TO RESORT TO OLD WAYS........GOD IS ON STANDBY, WAITING WITH OUTSTRETCHED HANDS. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 TELLS US THAT GOD WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE TEMPTEDBEYOND WHAT YOU ARE ABLE, BUT WITH THE TEMPTATION WILL ALSO MAKE THE WAY OF ESCAPE, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR IT.
WHERE WE ARE WEAK, HE IS STRONG! READ THAT BIBLE....STAND ON HIS WORD...ALLOW GOD TO FULFILL HIS MANY PROMISES IN YOUR LIFE!
WE ALL STAY AWAY FROM A DOG THAT IS KNOWN TO BITE. WE MAKE IT OUR BUSINESS TO NOT DRINK SPOILED MILK. WE DONT HAVE POISONOUS SNAKES AS PETS. WE WONT DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH WITHOUT BRAKES AND WE SURELY DO NOT PUT OUR HANDS INTO A BLAZING FIRE. WHY IS IT THEN THAT WE CONTINUE TO DO OTHER THINGS WHICH WE KNOW WILL ONLY HURT US IN THE LONG RUN? I AM NOT POINTING ANYONE OUT.....I INCLUDE MYSELF IN THIS STATEMENT. IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF DOING THIS. WE ALL FIGHT BATTLES IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM. WE ALL GO THROUGH TRIALS. WE ALL SIN. IN FACT, THIS POINT IS ADDRESSED IN 1 JOHN 1:8, 'IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US.' WE ALL SIN AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD. (ROMANS 3:23)
THE DEVIL KNOWS OUR WEAKNESSES. HE KNOW HOW TO HIT US WHERE IT HURTS. HE KNOWS HOW TO BRING US DOWN. WE AS HUMANS HAVE SO MANY WEAKNESSES. IT IS IN OUR NATURE TO SIN. ROMANS 7:18-20 ADDRESSES THIS VERY FACT BY TELLING US, 'FOR I KNOW THAT IN ME (THAT IS, IN MY FLESH) NOTHING GOOD DWELLS; FOR TO WILL IS PRESENT WITH ME, BUT HOW TO PERFORM WHAT IS GOOD I DO NOT FIND. FOR THE GOOD THAT I WILL TO DO, I DO NOT DO; BUT THE EVIL I WILL NOT TO DO, THAT I PRACTICE. NOW IF I DO WHAT I WILL NOT TO DO, IT IS NO LONGER I WHO DO IT, BUT SIN THAT DWELLS IN ME.' I KNOW THIS SCRIPTURE IS WRITTEN IN VERY CONFUSING WORDS, BUT IF YOU READ ITS WORDS SLOWLY, IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE. IN SIMPLE WORDS, OUR FLESH CAUSES US TO SIN EVEN WHEN WE DONT WANT TO.
AS I SAID EARLIER, EACH ONE OF US HAS OUR OWN PARTICULAR WEAKNESSES. IT IS "OUR FAVORITE SINS THAT DO US IN." WE MIGHT ALL HAVE CERTAIN WEAKNESSES, BUT WE ALL ALSO SHARE ONE AWESOME, MIGHTY, TREMENDOUS GOD!!! A GOD WHO LOVES US ALL, WHO REMOVES OUR SINS AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST AND WHO WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE US WITH MUCH NEEDED SERENITY AND PEACE.....IF ONLY WE ALLOW HIM TOO! WE NEED ONLY FOLLOW HIS DIRECTION. PROVERBS 3:5, 'TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART. AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING. WE LEAD OURSELVES ASTRAY. HE PUTS US BACK ON HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. GOD IS SO FORGIVING OF ALL OUR SINS. HE WANTS US TO COME TO HIM, BAGGAGE AND ALL. MATTHEW 11:28, "COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST."
NO MATTER HOW BAD WE BECOME TEMPTED, NO MATTER HOW EASY IT MIGHT SEEM TO RESORT TO OLD WAYS........GOD IS ON STANDBY, WAITING WITH OUTSTRETCHED HANDS. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 TELLS US THAT GOD WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE TEMPTEDBEYOND WHAT YOU ARE ABLE, BUT WITH THE TEMPTATION WILL ALSO MAKE THE WAY OF ESCAPE, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR IT.
WHERE WE ARE WEAK, HE IS STRONG! READ THAT BIBLE....STAND ON HIS WORD...ALLOW GOD TO FULFILL HIS MANY PROMISES IN YOUR LIFE!
Monday, August 1, 2011
CLEANING OUT MY CLOSETS
I HAVE DECIDED TO HAVE A GARAGE SALE THIS COMING WEEKEND. MY CLOSETS AND CABINETS ARE FULL AND I AM OVERDUE TO GET RID OF THE EXCESSIVE CLUTTER. I AM BY NO MEANS A HOARDER, BUT IT IS STARTING TO LOOK THAT WAY....LOL. THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL BE SOMEWHAT BUSY FOR ME. I WILL BE LITERALLY CLEANING OUT THE CLOSETS OUT HERE ON NORRIS.
WHEN WE STOP AND THINK ABOUT IT, EVERYTHING WE DO IN LIFE CAN HAVE SPIRITUAL CONNOTATIONS. JUST THE THOUGHT OF CLEANING OUT MY CLOSETS MAKES ME THINK ABOUT THE AREAS OF MY LIFE WHICH GOD HAS SO GRACIOUSLY CLEANED UP, THINNED OUT AND SEPERATED. I JUST "THINK" I HAVE A BIG JOB AHEAD OF ME!!!! IN GOD'S EYES, I MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE MOST WRETCHED HOARDERS EVER SEEN. I HAD STORED UP YEARS AND YEARS OF JUNK, GARBAGE AND CLUTTER INSIDE EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF MY LIFE. I WAS CONTENT TO LET THE CLUTTER PILE UP, STACK UP AND TAKE OVER. GET THE PICTURE?
THAT ALL CHANGED ONCE I INVITED GOD OVER TO MY HOUSE................................
HE SHOWED UP JUST IN TIME AND WENT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY!!! HE THREW OUT ALL OF MY RESENTMENTS, HE WASHED AWAY MY SORROWS, HE BOXED UP ALL OF THE JUNK AND HE THREW MY SINS INTO THE SEA OF FORGIVENESS! HE SORTED THROUGH MY RELATIONSHIPS, TOLD ME TO FORGET MY PAST, WALKED THROUGH THE HALLWAYS OF MY LIFE AND FILLED MY HOME WITH HIS COMPASSION. HE SHOWED UP EMPTY HANDED, WITH A GLOW OF LOVE ON HIS FACE. HE USED HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD AS HIS ONLY CLEANING AGENT AND EVERYTHING APPEARED AS WHITE AS SNOW! HE TAUGHT ME TO USE HIS WORD AS A GUIDE FOR ANY SITUATION WHICH MAY ARISE AND INSTRUCTED ME ON HOW TO USE GODLY REPENTANCE DAILY.
THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY BEATS ALL I HAVE EVER SEEN. NO HOUSEKEEPER OR CLEANING SERVICE COULD EVER HOPE TO BE AS THOROUGH.
AND HERES THE BEST PART........................
IT DIDNT COST A DIME! HIS SON PAID FOR IT ALL!!!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!
JOHN 15:2 "EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT HE TAKES AWAY; AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT HE PRUNES, THAT IT MAY BEAR MORE FRUIT"
PSALM 51:2 WASH ME THOROUGHLY FROM MY INIQUITY, AND CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN
WHEN WE STOP AND THINK ABOUT IT, EVERYTHING WE DO IN LIFE CAN HAVE SPIRITUAL CONNOTATIONS. JUST THE THOUGHT OF CLEANING OUT MY CLOSETS MAKES ME THINK ABOUT THE AREAS OF MY LIFE WHICH GOD HAS SO GRACIOUSLY CLEANED UP, THINNED OUT AND SEPERATED. I JUST "THINK" I HAVE A BIG JOB AHEAD OF ME!!!! IN GOD'S EYES, I MUST HAVE BEEN ONE OF THE MOST WRETCHED HOARDERS EVER SEEN. I HAD STORED UP YEARS AND YEARS OF JUNK, GARBAGE AND CLUTTER INSIDE EVERY NOOK AND CRANNY OF MY LIFE. I WAS CONTENT TO LET THE CLUTTER PILE UP, STACK UP AND TAKE OVER. GET THE PICTURE?
THAT ALL CHANGED ONCE I INVITED GOD OVER TO MY HOUSE................................
HE SHOWED UP JUST IN TIME AND WENT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY!!! HE THREW OUT ALL OF MY RESENTMENTS, HE WASHED AWAY MY SORROWS, HE BOXED UP ALL OF THE JUNK AND HE THREW MY SINS INTO THE SEA OF FORGIVENESS! HE SORTED THROUGH MY RELATIONSHIPS, TOLD ME TO FORGET MY PAST, WALKED THROUGH THE HALLWAYS OF MY LIFE AND FILLED MY HOME WITH HIS COMPASSION. HE SHOWED UP EMPTY HANDED, WITH A GLOW OF LOVE ON HIS FACE. HE USED HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD AS HIS ONLY CLEANING AGENT AND EVERYTHING APPEARED AS WHITE AS SNOW! HE TAUGHT ME TO USE HIS WORD AS A GUIDE FOR ANY SITUATION WHICH MAY ARISE AND INSTRUCTED ME ON HOW TO USE GODLY REPENTANCE DAILY.
THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY BEATS ALL I HAVE EVER SEEN. NO HOUSEKEEPER OR CLEANING SERVICE COULD EVER HOPE TO BE AS THOROUGH.
AND HERES THE BEST PART........................
IT DIDNT COST A DIME! HIS SON PAID FOR IT ALL!!!!!
THANK YOU JESUS!
JOHN 15:2 "EVERY BRANCH IN ME THAT DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT HE TAKES AWAY; AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT HE PRUNES, THAT IT MAY BEAR MORE FRUIT"
PSALM 51:2 WASH ME THOROUGHLY FROM MY INIQUITY, AND CLEANSE ME FROM MY SIN
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