“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”
Matthew 6:26 NLT
http://bible.com/116/mat.6.26.nlt
God knows exactly what I need and he provides it at exactly the right time. I have seen it. I am witness to his perfect timing and provision. I have been a follower of Christ for 45 years and I can tell you, directly, of the faithfulness of my Lord. When I am at my lowest point emotionally, spiritually, or physically, God shows up. He never lets me suffer beyond what I can endure. Yes, he allows some pain and suffering in my life. I know myself. I need that pain and suffering so I turn to him. I need a constant reminder to rely on the power of the creator to overcome the evil in this world.
God has provided for all my needs. No matter what your situation, God will do the same for you. God's love is with you. When you turn to him, he will be there. I can not imagine, I don't want to imagine, leading a life without God in the center. There is so much hate. There is so much evil in this world. We are surrounded by a sinful and fallen world. We can't survive on our own. It won't be our political leaders, it won't be our community, our family, or our friends, that will save us. God is the answer. We will thrive, not just survive, the more we rely on Jesus. I pray you will turn to him, now.
Thursday, August 31, 2017
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
Search for the ONE!
“We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.10.5.nlt
The number of obstacles placed before people to keep them from knowing God is overwhelming. Satan is working full time to keep us quiet and to harden the hearts of the lost. It seems our cause is hopeless. The media finds all our faults and makes them into today's headlines. Right now Joel Osteen is being attacked. I don't know the truth, but I know the world is watching and even the wrongful perception is hurting our message. Every sinful thought and ineffective deed is used against the gospel message. Barrier pop up everywhere when we take even the slightest step of the path of our Christian walk. We need to continue to destroy those barriers. The more obstacles thrown at us, the more we need to increase our efforts. The more we are persecuted, the more we are isolated from the worldview, the more bold we need to be to share the message of Christ. Our lives need to reflect the love of Jesus. We need to speak the word but our actions need to match our words. We need the power of Jesus to guide us and lead the battle before us.
No matter the hopelessness of our world, we need to search for the one, the one person open to the love of our savior. My whole life is about bringing EVEN One person to the love of Jesus. Sure it would be wonderful save hundreds, thousands, or more, but we need to start with just one.
Dear Lord, forgive me for my ineffectiveness and letting my own impure thoughts get in the way of bringing people to know you. Give me strength of purpose. Give me your power to overcome satans onbstacles so I can bring others to know you. I love you Lord and want nothing more than to serve you with my life. Amen!
2 Corinthians 10:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.10.5.nlt
The number of obstacles placed before people to keep them from knowing God is overwhelming. Satan is working full time to keep us quiet and to harden the hearts of the lost. It seems our cause is hopeless. The media finds all our faults and makes them into today's headlines. Right now Joel Osteen is being attacked. I don't know the truth, but I know the world is watching and even the wrongful perception is hurting our message. Every sinful thought and ineffective deed is used against the gospel message. Barrier pop up everywhere when we take even the slightest step of the path of our Christian walk. We need to continue to destroy those barriers. The more obstacles thrown at us, the more we need to increase our efforts. The more we are persecuted, the more we are isolated from the worldview, the more bold we need to be to share the message of Christ. Our lives need to reflect the love of Jesus. We need to speak the word but our actions need to match our words. We need the power of Jesus to guide us and lead the battle before us.
No matter the hopelessness of our world, we need to search for the one, the one person open to the love of our savior. My whole life is about bringing EVEN One person to the love of Jesus. Sure it would be wonderful save hundreds, thousands, or more, but we need to start with just one.
Dear Lord, forgive me for my ineffectiveness and letting my own impure thoughts get in the way of bringing people to know you. Give me strength of purpose. Give me your power to overcome satans onbstacles so I can bring others to know you. I love you Lord and want nothing more than to serve you with my life. Amen!
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
He didn't do it.
“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.5.21.nlt
When you make a mistake that affects someone else, you need to make it right. I wish this were the norm. Many people can't even get to the point of admitting a mistake. They certainly don't have it in themselves to correct it. Saying your sorry is just the beginning of the conversation. Healing begins when we say we are sorry, for both people. We are responsible for the pain of others through our sinfulness. We can't just let that pain remain. We need to do more than just say we are sorry in order for complete healing to occur. We need to show by our actions the depth of our sorrow.
With Christ he accepted the punishment for something he didn't do. We did it and he suffered for it. We can try but we can't even make it right. Christ doesn't care that we make it right. He accepted it before we even thought about accepting responsibility for our sin. We are made right through Christ. I am thankful. I know my sin has deeply hurt my loving Heavenly Father. I beg his forgiveness and he discards that sin like a filthy rag. Praise God for his wonderful love and the forgiveness he gives me throughout my life.
2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT
http://bible.com/116/2co.5.21.nlt
When you make a mistake that affects someone else, you need to make it right. I wish this were the norm. Many people can't even get to the point of admitting a mistake. They certainly don't have it in themselves to correct it. Saying your sorry is just the beginning of the conversation. Healing begins when we say we are sorry, for both people. We are responsible for the pain of others through our sinfulness. We can't just let that pain remain. We need to do more than just say we are sorry in order for complete healing to occur. We need to show by our actions the depth of our sorrow.
With Christ he accepted the punishment for something he didn't do. We did it and he suffered for it. We can try but we can't even make it right. Christ doesn't care that we make it right. He accepted it before we even thought about accepting responsibility for our sin. We are made right through Christ. I am thankful. I know my sin has deeply hurt my loving Heavenly Father. I beg his forgiveness and he discards that sin like a filthy rag. Praise God for his wonderful love and the forgiveness he gives me throughout my life.
Monday, August 28, 2017
Another Year Older!
“And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God,”
Titus 2:12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/tit.2.12.nlt
Well, I'm a year older. Birthdays are amazing. It always humbles me to hear from those that care about me and sometimes I hear from people who just pretend to care. But, I'm blessed either way. As a matter of fact, I am not too worried about those people that wish me happy birthday out of some type of social obligation. I love them anyway. I know from the proof of their lives the other 364 days how much they care.
It's great how God changes our heart through out our lives if we let him. I have done some crazy things in my life that I'm not proud of. I've treated family and friends poorly, fallen from grace, and let my sinfulness rule my life. But God is helping me turn from those sinful activities and really continues to fill me with a desire to serve him. I am completely devoted to him. I am trying to live in this evil world with his wisdom and his righteousness inside me. I'm trying. I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way. When I let his love take over, thats when life really gets fun. I feel freed from having to do dumb things. I am free to live life without being affected by the negative , hateful, selfish, sinful people that impact my life. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Titus 2:12 NLT
http://bible.com/116/tit.2.12.nlt
Well, I'm a year older. Birthdays are amazing. It always humbles me to hear from those that care about me and sometimes I hear from people who just pretend to care. But, I'm blessed either way. As a matter of fact, I am not too worried about those people that wish me happy birthday out of some type of social obligation. I love them anyway. I know from the proof of their lives the other 364 days how much they care.
It's great how God changes our heart through out our lives if we let him. I have done some crazy things in my life that I'm not proud of. I've treated family and friends poorly, fallen from grace, and let my sinfulness rule my life. But God is helping me turn from those sinful activities and really continues to fill me with a desire to serve him. I am completely devoted to him. I am trying to live in this evil world with his wisdom and his righteousness inside me. I'm trying. I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way. When I let his love take over, thats when life really gets fun. I feel freed from having to do dumb things. I am free to live life without being affected by the negative , hateful, selfish, sinful people that impact my life. Praise God! Praise God! Praise God!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
Lewis & Clark
““But forget all that— it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.43.18-19.nlt
It's easy to forget what God has done in my life. I have traveled this Earth for 57 years and I have seen his mighty hand throughout my life. But, it's nothing compared to the future and what he is about to do. He's leading me to something new. I can't wait.
In my Design Your Life Seminar, I shared an example about Lewis & Clark. We forget they didn't have a map of where they were going. There were no maps of the great northwest. The only thing they knew was a direction and a desire for adventure to "See what was out there". They carved a pathway through the wilderness, found food, made friends, and explored. All the while they kept heading Northwest. Oh, to be an explorer like that.
I have no idea where I am going to be in three years, or five, or ten. I do know which direction I'm going. I'm following Jesus. He is my "Native Guide". He is my constant companion and we are on a wonderful adventure. The last few months have brought about change in my life. My passions are in flux. The important things of the past seem less important now. God is directing my attention elsewhere, the path is opening in a new direction. Praise God! I can see. The change has already begun!
Isaiah 43:18-19 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.43.18-19.nlt
It's easy to forget what God has done in my life. I have traveled this Earth for 57 years and I have seen his mighty hand throughout my life. But, it's nothing compared to the future and what he is about to do. He's leading me to something new. I can't wait.
In my Design Your Life Seminar, I shared an example about Lewis & Clark. We forget they didn't have a map of where they were going. There were no maps of the great northwest. The only thing they knew was a direction and a desire for adventure to "See what was out there". They carved a pathway through the wilderness, found food, made friends, and explored. All the while they kept heading Northwest. Oh, to be an explorer like that.
I have no idea where I am going to be in three years, or five, or ten. I do know which direction I'm going. I'm following Jesus. He is my "Native Guide". He is my constant companion and we are on a wonderful adventure. The last few months have brought about change in my life. My passions are in flux. The important things of the past seem less important now. God is directing my attention elsewhere, the path is opening in a new direction. Praise God! I can see. The change has already begun!
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
I have a weird thought!
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”
Romans 5:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.5.5.nlt
I often get some weird thoughts. I want to blame the Holy Spirit who lives inside me. I'm not sure that's always fair! LOL! But maybe right now........
I am sure we can all agree "There is an abundance of hate in this world!" I have to admit my anger rises when I think of certain people in my life. It even rises to an unhealthy level. I think I'm not to hating anyone, but none the less, I do feel anything but love for some in my circle of influence. I hate that about myself and, thus, my weird thought.
Do I really Love myself?
I have noticed in my 57 years of life, I am a pretty harsh critic. I rarely cut my self any "slack". Yes, there are many times I look back and hate what I've done and hate what I've said. Yes, I often hate myself. God knows everything about me. He knows all my stupid mistakes, my sinfulness, and my hate. Yet, he still loves me beyond measure. He fills me with his love to push out the hate inside me. Even as a declared follower, I resist the filling of my life with his love.
How can I love others if I don't even love myself? How can I serve others until I fill myself with the word and heart of God? The world hates others because it doesn't even know how to love itself. We think people are mean to each other, the abuse we give ourselves is infinitely more severe. Lord help me love myself. Help me to honor the presence you have in my heart by serving only you.
Romans 5:5 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.5.5.nlt
I often get some weird thoughts. I want to blame the Holy Spirit who lives inside me. I'm not sure that's always fair! LOL! But maybe right now........
I am sure we can all agree "There is an abundance of hate in this world!" I have to admit my anger rises when I think of certain people in my life. It even rises to an unhealthy level. I think I'm not to hating anyone, but none the less, I do feel anything but love for some in my circle of influence. I hate that about myself and, thus, my weird thought.
Do I really Love myself?
I have noticed in my 57 years of life, I am a pretty harsh critic. I rarely cut my self any "slack". Yes, there are many times I look back and hate what I've done and hate what I've said. Yes, I often hate myself. God knows everything about me. He knows all my stupid mistakes, my sinfulness, and my hate. Yet, he still loves me beyond measure. He fills me with his love to push out the hate inside me. Even as a declared follower, I resist the filling of my life with his love.
How can I love others if I don't even love myself? How can I serve others until I fill myself with the word and heart of God? The world hates others because it doesn't even know how to love itself. We think people are mean to each other, the abuse we give ourselves is infinitely more severe. Lord help me love myself. Help me to honor the presence you have in my heart by serving only you.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Ok, Ok, I'm working on it!
“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.”
Philippians 2:13-16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/php.2.13-16.nlt
Ok, Ok, I get it! I'm working on it! Twice in the last week my daily devotions have centered around being thankful and NOT complaining. I really am trying. For those that have been around me, THAT is the reason for my silence. I stand by the solid theory, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." I have taken that approach to social media since December and since the end of May, I have been quieter face to face as well. Every once in a while I just can't hold it in and I rant. For the past 3 months there have been fewer and fewer rants.
Praise God he is helping me! I am spending much more time listening, praying, and biting my tongue. When I feel a "blurt" rising to the surface, it takes all of my own energy and the power of God to swallow my words. I have chosen this path for several reasons. First, no one listens anyway. Second, many times my leadership skills end up dividing more than uniting. In my opinion, when I speak, I am greatly misunderstood. When I don't speak, people still misunderstand me, but I don't give them fuel to feed their vision. Lastly and most important, I am afraid my boldness, my personality, might get in the way of someone getting to know Christ. The last thing I ever want to do is to build a case against Christ because of my words.
I am learning to be quiet and just lead from behind. I have always thought my boldness and my aggressive, tell it like it is attitude, was an asset. Not anymore. God is pushing me to be a better leader. I feel his presence and praise him 100%, no complaint, no grumbling, and a lot more silence. I LOVE YOU LORD!
Philippians 2:13-16 NLT
http://bible.com/116/php.2.13-16.nlt
Ok, Ok, I get it! I'm working on it! Twice in the last week my daily devotions have centered around being thankful and NOT complaining. I really am trying. For those that have been around me, THAT is the reason for my silence. I stand by the solid theory, "If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all." I have taken that approach to social media since December and since the end of May, I have been quieter face to face as well. Every once in a while I just can't hold it in and I rant. For the past 3 months there have been fewer and fewer rants.
Praise God he is helping me! I am spending much more time listening, praying, and biting my tongue. When I feel a "blurt" rising to the surface, it takes all of my own energy and the power of God to swallow my words. I have chosen this path for several reasons. First, no one listens anyway. Second, many times my leadership skills end up dividing more than uniting. In my opinion, when I speak, I am greatly misunderstood. When I don't speak, people still misunderstand me, but I don't give them fuel to feed their vision. Lastly and most important, I am afraid my boldness, my personality, might get in the way of someone getting to know Christ. The last thing I ever want to do is to build a case against Christ because of my words.
I am learning to be quiet and just lead from behind. I have always thought my boldness and my aggressive, tell it like it is attitude, was an asset. Not anymore. God is pushing me to be a better leader. I feel his presence and praise him 100%, no complaint, no grumbling, and a lot more silence. I LOVE YOU LORD!
Monday, August 21, 2017
Can you feel it?
“They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority.”
Luke 4:32 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.4.32.niv
I am amazed at what God has done in my life and even more amazed at what he is still doing. I can 100%, actually feel his presence and his guidance. Can you feel it? If not, why not? When you invite God to take charge, he will. If you truly let go, God will take you to amazing places.
Right now I feel his preparation, getting me ready for the next phase of my life. He is molding me and directing my decisions. Sure retirement is still three years away, but it is on my thoughts and I feel it is more than a coincidence. God is getting me ready for something new. He is full of surprises. Many people are stuck in lives they hate. They dread the day. Turn to God. He is the master of life and can take your life, like he has mine, and make it a wonderful adventure. He's in charge and his power and majesty can be seen in your life. Praise God!
Luke 4:32 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.4.32.niv
I am amazed at what God has done in my life and even more amazed at what he is still doing. I can 100%, actually feel his presence and his guidance. Can you feel it? If not, why not? When you invite God to take charge, he will. If you truly let go, God will take you to amazing places.
Right now I feel his preparation, getting me ready for the next phase of my life. He is molding me and directing my decisions. Sure retirement is still three years away, but it is on my thoughts and I feel it is more than a coincidence. God is getting me ready for something new. He is full of surprises. Many people are stuck in lives they hate. They dread the day. Turn to God. He is the master of life and can take your life, like he has mine, and make it a wonderful adventure. He's in charge and his power and majesty can be seen in your life. Praise God!
Sunday, August 20, 2017
The Challenge of Confidence
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.6.12.
Have you ever had a time when you lost your confidence? I certainly have. It seems like the world has torn me down enough that I start questioning myself. Then I wonder if I am going to do anything right. My motives are questioned, my methods are questioned and then I doubt my God given talents and personality. It has happened to me and I am sure many others have shared those thoughts. The moments of doubt sometimes are fleeting and other times they persists. Right now, in some areas of my life, my doubts can not be shaken.
God is constantly at work in our lives. Even through times when my confidence is shaken, God is building me up. These verses assure me of one thing. God has confidence in me. He has so much confidence in me that he has guaranteed my eternal life. He wants me to know at the end of life's struggles is a beautiful eternal life. My fight of faith is the ticket. God is also with me here, today, to tell me that he has unwavering, grace filled confidence in me. It's not that he is satisfied with the person I am. He is always molding me, twisting my life in order to serve him. But just because he is trying to change me doesn't mean he doubts me. Praise God for his perfect love and his faith in me to do his will. Praise God that when doubts creep into my heart, I can turn my thoughts to Jesus. I can talk to my best friend and listen to his thoughts, let him mold me into someone better than I am today. Lord I invite you today to continue to mold me, love me, and I praise you now for everything I am and will be. Amen!
1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.6.12.
Have you ever had a time when you lost your confidence? I certainly have. It seems like the world has torn me down enough that I start questioning myself. Then I wonder if I am going to do anything right. My motives are questioned, my methods are questioned and then I doubt my God given talents and personality. It has happened to me and I am sure many others have shared those thoughts. The moments of doubt sometimes are fleeting and other times they persists. Right now, in some areas of my life, my doubts can not be shaken.
God is constantly at work in our lives. Even through times when my confidence is shaken, God is building me up. These verses assure me of one thing. God has confidence in me. He has so much confidence in me that he has guaranteed my eternal life. He wants me to know at the end of life's struggles is a beautiful eternal life. My fight of faith is the ticket. God is also with me here, today, to tell me that he has unwavering, grace filled confidence in me. It's not that he is satisfied with the person I am. He is always molding me, twisting my life in order to serve him. But just because he is trying to change me doesn't mean he doubts me. Praise God for his perfect love and his faith in me to do his will. Praise God that when doubts creep into my heart, I can turn my thoughts to Jesus. I can talk to my best friend and listen to his thoughts, let him mold me into someone better than I am today. Lord I invite you today to continue to mold me, love me, and I praise you now for everything I am and will be. Amen!
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Life without Jesus
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2co.12.10.niv
Right now I feel weak, insulted, down, and certainly persecuted. But, I feel the pure strength of the Lord. The world is depressing me. Even from areas I count on, my support has been weak. But I can and I am counting on the Lord. He always comes through. That's why when life seems at its worst, I remember how I arrived where I am today. It's not me . It's the power of Jesus.
I just don't understand how people travel through this life without Jesus. Life is not easy. The world is evil and can bring anyone down. People fall to drugs, gambling, sex, or other things to escape. Nothing works like the power of the savior. I'm blessed to be his. Life without Jesus is not an option.
2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2co.12.10.niv
Right now I feel weak, insulted, down, and certainly persecuted. But, I feel the pure strength of the Lord. The world is depressing me. Even from areas I count on, my support has been weak. But I can and I am counting on the Lord. He always comes through. That's why when life seems at its worst, I remember how I arrived where I am today. It's not me . It's the power of Jesus.
I just don't understand how people travel through this life without Jesus. Life is not easy. The world is evil and can bring anyone down. People fall to drugs, gambling, sex, or other things to escape. Nothing works like the power of the savior. I'm blessed to be his. Life without Jesus is not an option.
Friday, August 18, 2017
Ghosts
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.14.27.niv
I had a great evening last night going for a walk. I got a couple miles in while listening to some Mercy Me. On their new album they have a song called Ghost. It's a good one. These verses made me think of it.
I have to admit I never liked calling the Holy Spirit , the Holy Ghost. I think it has to do with the connotation of a Ghost. You know the graveyard, spooky type of Ghost. I never was afraid of ghosts, but I'm not sure I could walk through a graveyard at night without freaking out! But MY Ghost is so different than that. My Ghost fills me with peace when I need it the most. My Ghost is active in protecting me, guiding me, and being my constant companion. That is WAY different than the "Casper" type Ghost.
God does not do things like the world does, like Satan does. God brings a peace which is not connected with external things. He is not a Ghost we see. He is a Ghost we feel inside our being. He gives peace from the inside. He fills me with his spirit and my own spirit can rest. Thank you Lord for loving me, giving me peace and rest from a dark and sinful world.
John 14:27 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.14.27.niv
I had a great evening last night going for a walk. I got a couple miles in while listening to some Mercy Me. On their new album they have a song called Ghost. It's a good one. These verses made me think of it.
I have to admit I never liked calling the Holy Spirit , the Holy Ghost. I think it has to do with the connotation of a Ghost. You know the graveyard, spooky type of Ghost. I never was afraid of ghosts, but I'm not sure I could walk through a graveyard at night without freaking out! But MY Ghost is so different than that. My Ghost fills me with peace when I need it the most. My Ghost is active in protecting me, guiding me, and being my constant companion. That is WAY different than the "Casper" type Ghost.
God does not do things like the world does, like Satan does. God brings a peace which is not connected with external things. He is not a Ghost we see. He is a Ghost we feel inside our being. He gives peace from the inside. He fills me with his spirit and my own spirit can rest. Thank you Lord for loving me, giving me peace and rest from a dark and sinful world.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
24 hr Challenge - Thankful ALL DAY
“They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening”
1 Chronicles 23:30 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ch.23.30.niv
I was challenged in my new devotional to be Thankful for the entire day today. No complaining, just thanksgiving. I'm going to give it a try. I was challenged to be outrageously thankful. Oh boy, I'm not sure about that one. No! It's not thanksgiving day. Hopefully, we have a couple more months of riding weather before we celebrate that day! And these verses don't designate a single day to giving thanks. We should give thanks daily, every day. But, ONE DAY IS A START. Praise God! For those that have noticed my grumpiness, this is NOT a cure. My attitude toward some of my enemies probably won't change. But, I will be THANKFUL God is protecting me from them. I might still harbor some bad feelings, but I PRAISE GOD he has brought me through the attacks and praise him I can overcome the challenges.
So here's my plan. I will be thankful and not complain to anyone and every time I hear a negative thought resound in my head, I will substitute a word of praise for my loving Heavenly Father. One day? Really if I can't do this one day, I'm worse off than I thought.
Dear Lord, you are amazing. I feel your presence every day. I am humbled by your love for me with all my flaws, sins, and stubbornness. Forgive me for not praising your name more and more. The energy I have to walk through a valley of evil every single day, only comes through you. I promise Lord to honor you throughout my day. My love is yours. Amen!
1 Chronicles 23:30 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ch.23.30.niv
I was challenged in my new devotional to be Thankful for the entire day today. No complaining, just thanksgiving. I'm going to give it a try. I was challenged to be outrageously thankful. Oh boy, I'm not sure about that one. No! It's not thanksgiving day. Hopefully, we have a couple more months of riding weather before we celebrate that day! And these verses don't designate a single day to giving thanks. We should give thanks daily, every day. But, ONE DAY IS A START. Praise God! For those that have noticed my grumpiness, this is NOT a cure. My attitude toward some of my enemies probably won't change. But, I will be THANKFUL God is protecting me from them. I might still harbor some bad feelings, but I PRAISE GOD he has brought me through the attacks and praise him I can overcome the challenges.
So here's my plan. I will be thankful and not complain to anyone and every time I hear a negative thought resound in my head, I will substitute a word of praise for my loving Heavenly Father. One day? Really if I can't do this one day, I'm worse off than I thought.
Dear Lord, you are amazing. I feel your presence every day. I am humbled by your love for me with all my flaws, sins, and stubbornness. Forgive me for not praising your name more and more. The energy I have to walk through a valley of evil every single day, only comes through you. I promise Lord to honor you throughout my day. My love is yours. Amen!
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
The Battle Rages On
“for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.2.16.ni
This was a great two week devotional by Joyce Meyer, "the Battlefield of the Mind." I really love the theme. I think all of us struggle with our thoughts. I am no different. Lately, I have struggled more than ever before with my own thoughts. Even when I feel broken, I need to continue to focus on the Lord.
I'll be honest. I have been battling with some depression. This fight has been off and on for a few months. I have rarely felt closer to the Lord through this entire process. I believe the changes happening in my life are from him. So, I'm not fighting them. I feel his presence when my patience wears thin. With his power I've been able to control the urge to lash out. I feel his presence when I have felt rage welling up inside me, it passes quickly and then I am filled with peace. I feel the Lord is preparing me for greater things to come. He is making me a better person. I'm excited about that. But I still feel a great loss in my life like I've lost a dear friend. When you lose someone, or in this case something, it takes a while to heal. I can wait. The Lord knows what he's doing. He loves me. His shield of protection is over me. I feel his love and his presence. Praise God he loves EVEN a sinner like me.
The battlefield in my mind is raging, but I feel the army of the Lord is on the front lines just for me. Victory is imminent!
1 Corinthians 2:16 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1co.2.16.ni
This was a great two week devotional by Joyce Meyer, "the Battlefield of the Mind." I really love the theme. I think all of us struggle with our thoughts. I am no different. Lately, I have struggled more than ever before with my own thoughts. Even when I feel broken, I need to continue to focus on the Lord.
I'll be honest. I have been battling with some depression. This fight has been off and on for a few months. I have rarely felt closer to the Lord through this entire process. I believe the changes happening in my life are from him. So, I'm not fighting them. I feel his presence when my patience wears thin. With his power I've been able to control the urge to lash out. I feel his presence when I have felt rage welling up inside me, it passes quickly and then I am filled with peace. I feel the Lord is preparing me for greater things to come. He is making me a better person. I'm excited about that. But I still feel a great loss in my life like I've lost a dear friend. When you lose someone, or in this case something, it takes a while to heal. I can wait. The Lord knows what he's doing. He loves me. His shield of protection is over me. I feel his love and his presence. Praise God he loves EVEN a sinner like me.
The battlefield in my mind is raging, but I feel the army of the Lord is on the front lines just for me. Victory is imminent!
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Love with NO Boundaries!
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV. http://bible.com/111/1co.13.6-7.niv
There is so much evil in this world. The recent events in Charlottesville is a perfect example. Evil thrives on lies. It is the fuel that sustains hate in this terribly lost world. The lies blind us. How you can logically hate someone because of the color of their skin is WAY beyond me. It is utterly ridiculous. Satan wants to tie that kind of hate to Jesus and his followers. We need to stand up and fight this with our lives. Christians can not sit in silence, our passiveness can not be construed as endorsement. We must protect the innocent, the persecuted, and the lost. We must provide truth and hope for a world that is close to giving up.
We can't condemn hate from one group and not all! Jesus wants us, more than ever in these historical times, to love our neighbor. We love with absolutely no boundaries. If you can't do that, don't follow Jesus! It's that simple!
There is so much evil in this world. The recent events in Charlottesville is a perfect example. Evil thrives on lies. It is the fuel that sustains hate in this terribly lost world. The lies blind us. How you can logically hate someone because of the color of their skin is WAY beyond me. It is utterly ridiculous. Satan wants to tie that kind of hate to Jesus and his followers. We need to stand up and fight this with our lives. Christians can not sit in silence, our passiveness can not be construed as endorsement. We must protect the innocent, the persecuted, and the lost. We must provide truth and hope for a world that is close to giving up.
We can't condemn hate from one group and not all! Jesus wants us, more than ever in these historical times, to love our neighbor. We love with absolutely no boundaries. If you can't do that, don't follow Jesus! It's that simple!
Monday, August 14, 2017
A moment in time.
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.””
James 4:14-15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.4.14-15.
It was foggy yesterday morning. As a teacher, I have a completely different view of fog than the normal person. Fog in the morning usually means a delay for school and an extra two hours of sleep. I love sleep! When I got up to go to church, the fog was gone. Fog never lasts very long.
Stephanie and I are nearing retirement. We have plans. We will be downsizing. We will be stripping away the stuff we own and moving to a smaller place. We would love to continue traveling but our main goal is to simplify our lives and continue to serve the Lord. I think this is the will of God. We will find out. We have placed our faith in the Lord. If he has different plans, we're ok with it. Our life on this earth is fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow. We welcome his plan. It's perfect. It always has been. It always will be. Praise God or his love.
James 4:14-15 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jas.4.14-15.
It was foggy yesterday morning. As a teacher, I have a completely different view of fog than the normal person. Fog in the morning usually means a delay for school and an extra two hours of sleep. I love sleep! When I got up to go to church, the fog was gone. Fog never lasts very long.
Stephanie and I are nearing retirement. We have plans. We will be downsizing. We will be stripping away the stuff we own and moving to a smaller place. We would love to continue traveling but our main goal is to simplify our lives and continue to serve the Lord. I think this is the will of God. We will find out. We have placed our faith in the Lord. If he has different plans, we're ok with it. Our life on this earth is fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow. We welcome his plan. It's perfect. It always has been. It always will be. Praise God or his love.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
People sent by God
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.8-9.
I was reminded this morning in my devotion that sometimes we put too much emphasis on the battle or the enemy in our life. We make Satan bigger than he is. I also noticed something these verses do not say. The verse says he is looking for someone to devour. It does NOT say he finds anyone. Be strong. We are not going to lose. God wins! It's not even a fight. The faithful are protected. Praise God! There really isn't even a battle. God wins! We are saved!
It has been several months that I have felt under attack. I really feel the battle. Satan is trying to destroy my faith. Yet, here I am praising God. While I feel under attack and in many ways battling the world, I can feel his presence and his wonderful protection. Much of the challenges I have been facing are dealing with people. Its not been friends, it's not been family, it's been from people that, frankly, could care less about me. Those people just don't matter. Through it all I have received overwhelming support from those that really care. God has placed those people in my life to show HIS POWER AND GRACE. While I am still dealing with my feelings towards the attackers, my day is hopeful because of former students, close, dear colleagues, family, and friends. God is amazing. Just at the right time, he knows what I need. Praise God!
1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.8-9.
I was reminded this morning in my devotion that sometimes we put too much emphasis on the battle or the enemy in our life. We make Satan bigger than he is. I also noticed something these verses do not say. The verse says he is looking for someone to devour. It does NOT say he finds anyone. Be strong. We are not going to lose. God wins! It's not even a fight. The faithful are protected. Praise God! There really isn't even a battle. God wins! We are saved!
It has been several months that I have felt under attack. I really feel the battle. Satan is trying to destroy my faith. Yet, here I am praising God. While I feel under attack and in many ways battling the world, I can feel his presence and his wonderful protection. Much of the challenges I have been facing are dealing with people. Its not been friends, it's not been family, it's been from people that, frankly, could care less about me. Those people just don't matter. Through it all I have received overwhelming support from those that really care. God has placed those people in my life to show HIS POWER AND GRACE. While I am still dealing with my feelings towards the attackers, my day is hopeful because of former students, close, dear colleagues, family, and friends. God is amazing. Just at the right time, he knows what I need. Praise God!
Friday, August 11, 2017
Withdrawal
“But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Psalms 1:2-3 NLT http://bible.com/116/psa.1.2-3.
When things aren't going well, my "go to" is withdrawal. When I feel anger towards someone, silence is my response. I have always used these coping mechanisms to solve my problems. Sometimes it works. Sometimes, not so much. When I withdrawal, it gives me time to think, it suppresses my urge to lash out, and most importantly it gives me time with the Lord.
The more stress in my life, the more turmoil packed into my day, the more I desire to bury myself in the word of the Lord. I take so much comfort in studying, reading, and internalizing the Word of God. I treasure our time, quiet, time together. I praise God for his word. I praise God he allows me to come to him through the storms of life. I praise him for loving me enough, not just to walk by my side, but to carry me when I can't take a step forward on my own.
Dear Lord, I love you. I praise you. I thank you for the word you have given us to get us through our lives. I promise to share that word with others. I will serve YOU alone through my thoughts, my words, and my deeds. I need you Lord. I can not do this life without you. Thank you for always being there. AMEN!
Psalms 1:2-3 NLT http://bible.com/116/psa.1.2-3.
When things aren't going well, my "go to" is withdrawal. When I feel anger towards someone, silence is my response. I have always used these coping mechanisms to solve my problems. Sometimes it works. Sometimes, not so much. When I withdrawal, it gives me time to think, it suppresses my urge to lash out, and most importantly it gives me time with the Lord.
The more stress in my life, the more turmoil packed into my day, the more I desire to bury myself in the word of the Lord. I take so much comfort in studying, reading, and internalizing the Word of God. I treasure our time, quiet, time together. I praise God for his word. I praise God he allows me to come to him through the storms of life. I praise him for loving me enough, not just to walk by my side, but to carry me when I can't take a step forward on my own.
Dear Lord, I love you. I praise you. I thank you for the word you have given us to get us through our lives. I promise to share that word with others. I will serve YOU alone through my thoughts, my words, and my deeds. I need you Lord. I can not do this life without you. Thank you for always being there. AMEN!
Thursday, August 10, 2017
No reason for Hope
“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!””
Romans 4:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.4.18.
There have been many times in my life that I could not see a reason for hope. It seems like the whole world is gainst me, nothing seems to be going as planned, and I just want to crawl into a cave and hide. It is at those times, my faith grows the most. I have not lost my faith in the sovereignty of the Lord. He is all powerful. He does not waver from his perfect plan. I turned my life to him and I have never seen a reason to take it back. If God says it, count on it. God has told me he is always with me and he will watch over me and protect me. Praise God!
Dear Lord, I have been facing some challenges lately. I have never lost hope in you. Even as I struggle with my thoughts and feelings, I can rest in knowing you are guiding my decisions and the path before me is yours. I praise you for your perfect love. I praise you for all the joy I see in my life. Everything I have and everything I am is because of you. You are my Lord. Amen!
Romans 4:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.4.18.
There have been many times in my life that I could not see a reason for hope. It seems like the whole world is gainst me, nothing seems to be going as planned, and I just want to crawl into a cave and hide. It is at those times, my faith grows the most. I have not lost my faith in the sovereignty of the Lord. He is all powerful. He does not waver from his perfect plan. I turned my life to him and I have never seen a reason to take it back. If God says it, count on it. God has told me he is always with me and he will watch over me and protect me. Praise God!
Dear Lord, I have been facing some challenges lately. I have never lost hope in you. Even as I struggle with my thoughts and feelings, I can rest in knowing you are guiding my decisions and the path before me is yours. I praise you for your perfect love. I praise you for all the joy I see in my life. Everything I have and everything I am is because of you. You are my Lord. Amen!
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
The Challenges of a Changing Life
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
http://bible.com/116/pro.3.5-6.nlt
These couple of verses have been on my heart a lot lately. I don't always understand life. If I really think about it, I rarely understand life. Life changes for seemingly "random" reasons. It changes unexpectedly. I am so thankful I have my faith. Even now through the storms in my mind, I find myself leaning on the Lord. My world is changing right now and I'm becoming more at peace with the direction it is heading. God is at work. In my 57 years of life I have so many experiences where God showed up in big ways. I hear his voice. I think it is clear he is asking me to take more Leadership in some areas and taking a back seat in areas where I have led in the past. It is not in my nature to give up a fight and I have struggled with suppressing those thoughts. I believe God is helping me and he is directing my path. I will learn from the trials and challenges. I will be better because of them. God knows what he is doing.
I love the Lord and his ACTIVE role in my life. I praise him because of his love. I praise him because I feel his presence and I praise him for his perfect plan he is laying out for me.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
http://bible.com/116/pro.3.5-6.nlt
These couple of verses have been on my heart a lot lately. I don't always understand life. If I really think about it, I rarely understand life. Life changes for seemingly "random" reasons. It changes unexpectedly. I am so thankful I have my faith. Even now through the storms in my mind, I find myself leaning on the Lord. My world is changing right now and I'm becoming more at peace with the direction it is heading. God is at work. In my 57 years of life I have so many experiences where God showed up in big ways. I hear his voice. I think it is clear he is asking me to take more Leadership in some areas and taking a back seat in areas where I have led in the past. It is not in my nature to give up a fight and I have struggled with suppressing those thoughts. I believe God is helping me and he is directing my path. I will learn from the trials and challenges. I will be better because of them. God knows what he is doing.
I love the Lord and his ACTIVE role in my life. I praise him because of his love. I praise him because I feel his presence and I praise him for his perfect plan he is laying out for me.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Healing through Serving
“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.”
1 Peter 5:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.10.nlt
I had a great but tiring weekend serving the members of ABATE Region Zero. It was great to spend time with our dear friends, Marlene & Phil Bontrager, while serving others. I have mentioned since May that I feel Stephanie and I have been under attack by Satan. I can still feel it. The suffering we have been going through is easily defeated when we get the chance to serve the Lord. There is healing through serving. When we went to this event this weekend, we were serving others FOR the Lord. Although I am physically tired, I am also greatly strengthened because I see the Lord is with us. I want SO MUCH to just crawl into a hole and quietly live out my days. I know that is not what I am called to do. I will serve the Lord even through the storms of life.
I pray the Lord continues to make his presence known in our lives. I pray he helps us get through these stressful times. I pray for rest and restoration. I pray for strength and that we will remain on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. I love you Lord. I love you and honor the grace, mercy, and love you provide in my life every single day. Amen!
1 Peter 5:10 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1pe.5.10.nlt
I had a great but tiring weekend serving the members of ABATE Region Zero. It was great to spend time with our dear friends, Marlene & Phil Bontrager, while serving others. I have mentioned since May that I feel Stephanie and I have been under attack by Satan. I can still feel it. The suffering we have been going through is easily defeated when we get the chance to serve the Lord. There is healing through serving. When we went to this event this weekend, we were serving others FOR the Lord. Although I am physically tired, I am also greatly strengthened because I see the Lord is with us. I want SO MUCH to just crawl into a hole and quietly live out my days. I know that is not what I am called to do. I will serve the Lord even through the storms of life.
I pray the Lord continues to make his presence known in our lives. I pray he helps us get through these stressful times. I pray for rest and restoration. I pray for strength and that we will remain on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. I love you Lord. I love you and honor the grace, mercy, and love you provide in my life every single day. Amen!
Friday, August 4, 2017
Choose Wisely
““Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
http://bible.com/116/deu.30.19.nlt
Our lives are full of choices. I choose God.
We are in control of our own lives. WE are in control of how we treat others. WE are in control of our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. It is so easy to blame others. We can blame our parents, our financial situation, or our employment. When it comes down to it, we need to look in the mirror for our life's circumstances. OUR CHOICES determine the quality of our lives.
Choosing God overcomes all. This choice doesn't make my life perfect. This choice gives me the power and strength to overcome my life's circumstances and have a wonderful outlook through eternity. Rejecting God leads to a life without the power and strength of the creator of the universe and ultimately leads to death, FINAL death.
I praise God he gives us control of our own lives. I am honored to be one of his servants. THAT is the best choice I have ever made.
Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT
http://bible.com/116/deu.30.19.nlt
Our lives are full of choices. I choose God.
We are in control of our own lives. WE are in control of how we treat others. WE are in control of our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. It is so easy to blame others. We can blame our parents, our financial situation, or our employment. When it comes down to it, we need to look in the mirror for our life's circumstances. OUR CHOICES determine the quality of our lives.
Choosing God overcomes all. This choice doesn't make my life perfect. This choice gives me the power and strength to overcome my life's circumstances and have a wonderful outlook through eternity. Rejecting God leads to a life without the power and strength of the creator of the universe and ultimately leads to death, FINAL death.
I praise God he gives us control of our own lives. I am honored to be one of his servants. THAT is the best choice I have ever made.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Tired: Giving up!
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.6.9.nlt
I'm tired and I'm giving up.
Not really!
But, I sure feel like it sometimes.
I'm tired and when I'm tired I really feel like giving up. I'm physically tired and mentally weary of life. It's not that I want to do evil. I just get tired of the battle. The battle is fought everyday between good and evil. Christians all over the world are misunderstood, misrepresented, persecuted, humiliated, and attacked. Those attacks come in a variety of forms from a variety of people. Friends, family, coworkers, all are capable of some pretty vicious attacks. The armor protects us but it gets pretty "dinged up" in the heat of battle. We all get tired in the midst of the battle. That's the place I'm in right now.
But, just at the right time, an unexpected blessing will appear. Just when I want to give up, God shows up. My 57 years of life have taught me to never give up, God will show up in powerful ways. Sometimes I don't understand why he waits. Sometimes it feels like and eternity until he shows his face. But, I trust him just the same. So right now in the midst of my inner turmoil, I wait on the Lord. I will continue to do good and wait for his response. I will continue to fight for the lost, the forgotten, and those that can not fight for themselves. Come Lord Jesus, fill my heart. Show your face.
Galatians 6:9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/gal.6.9.nlt
I'm tired and I'm giving up.
Not really!
But, I sure feel like it sometimes.
I'm tired and when I'm tired I really feel like giving up. I'm physically tired and mentally weary of life. It's not that I want to do evil. I just get tired of the battle. The battle is fought everyday between good and evil. Christians all over the world are misunderstood, misrepresented, persecuted, humiliated, and attacked. Those attacks come in a variety of forms from a variety of people. Friends, family, coworkers, all are capable of some pretty vicious attacks. The armor protects us but it gets pretty "dinged up" in the heat of battle. We all get tired in the midst of the battle. That's the place I'm in right now.
But, just at the right time, an unexpected blessing will appear. Just when I want to give up, God shows up. My 57 years of life have taught me to never give up, God will show up in powerful ways. Sometimes I don't understand why he waits. Sometimes it feels like and eternity until he shows his face. But, I trust him just the same. So right now in the midst of my inner turmoil, I wait on the Lord. I will continue to do good and wait for his response. I will continue to fight for the lost, the forgotten, and those that can not fight for themselves. Come Lord Jesus, fill my heart. Show your face.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
I'm not like you!
“Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies. They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.”
Proverbs 23:6-7 NLT
http://bible.com/116/pro.23.6-7.nlt
Yesterday morning I had breakfast with a very caring group of people. Quite innocently, a biker friend organized a support ride for a young boy who was being bullied. He posted on Facebook that any bikers could meet him for breakfast and then we would ride Phil to his first day of school. He wanted to show support for this young man. Little did he know that God would touch nearly 50 bikers to come and escort him to school. It was a great morning
Bikers and bullied students have a lot in common. Both are greatly misunderstood. The stereotype of a biker has a heartless, gruff, alcohol, or drug crazed member of society is just not accurate. Bikers are outcasts much like those bullied in school. I can sure relate to these two geoups of people. Our society likes to label people and we like to do it with one look or a brief encounter. We label people based on reality tv or fictional characters. Rarely do we ever care to take time to get to know someone.
I know the biker community. What we did yesterday is the norm, not the exception. The biker community might interfere with you while we block roads on a ride most weekends. But, we are nearly always riding to support a cause. This year I have been on rides to support suicide awareness, homes for vets, Breast cancer, horses for troubled teens, downed bikers, domestic violence, and many other worthwhile causes. These people give up their resources and their time to serve others.
My advice, DONT JUDGE. GET TO KNOW THOSE THAT ARE REJECTED BY SOCIETY. COME TO THEIR DEFENSE. SUPPORT THEM. SHOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST TO EVERYONE, NOT JUST THOSE THAT ARE LIKE YOU!
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Freedom today!
“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””
John 8:31-32 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.8.31-32.nlt
I can't thank the Lord enough for my great summer. The challenges were secondary to the great joy and blessings I received through my time away from the "Rat Race". That is real freedom.
My problem with this verse is the first sentence. I can't say I am always FAITHFUL to the teachings of Jesus. It's not that I don't try. It's not that I intentionally disregard those teachings. I am just not as strong in my faith as I should be. I am not perfect and my failings bother me. It's worse when those failings get in the way of my ministry or building relationships with people. But, THAT is where the second verse is so important. I know of my weakness. I see my shortcomings every day. But my imperfections don't rule my life.
I know of something called GRACE.
I know the TRUTH. The TRUTH is GOD does not expect perfection in us. He accepts us just as we are. The WORLD doesn't accept our failings. The world criticizes my weaknesses, my flaws and my shortcomings. They take joy in bringing me down and seeing me fail. It doesn't bother the world when they steal my joy. GOD doesn't see me as imperfect. He only sees me through the GRACE and LOVE that fill his eyes. He restores my JOY. My sins and my failures are blinded by his love. PRAISE GOD! That TRUTH helps me to enjoy REAL FREEDOM! I am set free through the LORD!
The truth has set me free. The truth of God's perfect love, even through the trials of my life, the criticisms of this world, has set me free to just be me. I can not praise him enough. I'm still working toward being a better person. I want to be the best disciple I can be, but I experience FREEDOM TODAY because of the LOVE OF JESUS!
John 8:31-32 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.8.31-32.nlt
I can't thank the Lord enough for my great summer. The challenges were secondary to the great joy and blessings I received through my time away from the "Rat Race". That is real freedom.
My problem with this verse is the first sentence. I can't say I am always FAITHFUL to the teachings of Jesus. It's not that I don't try. It's not that I intentionally disregard those teachings. I am just not as strong in my faith as I should be. I am not perfect and my failings bother me. It's worse when those failings get in the way of my ministry or building relationships with people. But, THAT is where the second verse is so important. I know of my weakness. I see my shortcomings every day. But my imperfections don't rule my life.
I know of something called GRACE.
I know the TRUTH. The TRUTH is GOD does not expect perfection in us. He accepts us just as we are. The WORLD doesn't accept our failings. The world criticizes my weaknesses, my flaws and my shortcomings. They take joy in bringing me down and seeing me fail. It doesn't bother the world when they steal my joy. GOD doesn't see me as imperfect. He only sees me through the GRACE and LOVE that fill his eyes. He restores my JOY. My sins and my failures are blinded by his love. PRAISE GOD! That TRUTH helps me to enjoy REAL FREEDOM! I am set free through the LORD!
The truth has set me free. The truth of God's perfect love, even through the trials of my life, the criticisms of this world, has set me free to just be me. I can not praise him enough. I'm still working toward being a better person. I want to be the best disciple I can be, but I experience FREEDOM TODAY because of the LOVE OF JESUS!
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