A good cause....no a magnificant cause

I was watching a movie and my mind went off on its own. Do you ever notice how willing people are to donate to a good cause? Whether it is money or time, if they feel it will help someone, they will donate. Then of course there are those who put together foundations for specific causes. It's either out of an occurrence that has happened in their lives or they know someone close to them and are moved to do it for them.

While I believe these causes are worthwhile, I know a cause that you can't even put a price tag on. A cause worth more than all the money in the world. A cause that promises eternal life for those who take part. Almighty God. He's a healer. He's a provider. He's a protector. There are times when I just sit back and think about the magnificence of our Father. He's everywhere and in so many things.

To come to Him, you need no money. You need nothing but you. What you get in return is love, peace, joy.....and so much more.....all the things money can not buy. At this point in time, I can not imagine my life without Him. I am thankful for those who shout His name, those who talk about Him. He has done so many great things for me....even when I did not deserve it......what does He ask for in return? To love Him, trust Him, obey His commandments. For us, at times some of those things seem impossible...especially in this world.....but all things are possible with God.

Donation: My life
Cause: Almighty God
I promise you will never be the same....

God Bless!

Whose work is it?

Acts 5:35-39 ^"Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

I enjoyed reading this passage. Because if it doesn't speak the truth, I don't know what does!  There are some people who start up things claiming they are doing it in Jesus' name. However, when it falls apart, that means it was never His will to begin with. Sometimes things are wanted so badly, people actually think that God is giving them the go ahead sign. When we line our lives up right with God, have that truly intimate relationship with Him, then we will definitely know when something is His will and not our own. God knows our hearts and He definitely knows when we do things for selfish reasons. And when there is selfishness involved, it will not work. We are here not to do what we want to do, but to do His work.

Follow God and not yourself or things of this world. Nothing in this world ever lasts and our feelings can be decieving. God is the way, the truth , and the life. I'd rather have His gift of eternal life than any temporary thing! So thank you Jesus and continue to use me for what You will have me to do.

God Bless!

His commandments....

Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV) ^"Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

A sermon I was listening to hit on a very good point. It was concerning those who professed to be Christians in the church. Some seemed to be more judgemental and unloving than those in the world.

I used to work at this insurance company. Some people put together a group, at lunch time, where we could come together and talk about God. It was good in the beginning, but then it became very apparent after awhile, that God was no longer in it. There were people who were at different levels of their walk. That's cool. To me, that gives those who have not been in their walks that long, the opportunity to learn from the ones who had been walking longer. People were given the opportunity to open themselves to talk about their pain or hurts, but unfortunately some others began to tell others outside of the group about what those on the inside of the group were saying. That made alot of people uncomfortable and people started to leave because they no longer had that confidentiality trust.

What really burned me up was the 3 or 4 that had been in their walk longer, ended up sort of seperating themselves from those who had not walked that long. They felt 'superior' if you will, because they had been walking longer. They started pushing on others what they felt and where they felt they should be in their walk. It was really becoming a place no one wanted to be. We still wanted to talk about God, however, those few people made it difficult.

That's how some people feel when they come to church. I am pretty sure it happens in all churches. You have those that have walked so long, it's like they actually forget how to treat people. You are never supposed to act superior to others. You're not supposed to judge others who are seeking the Lord. What they end up doing is having people look at them and walking away. They feel like "if that's what a Christian is like, I don't want to be one". Or they end up walking away because they feel rejected.

Two of God's greatest commandments: Love God and love your neighbor. None of us are perfect and none of us have the right to be judgemental or think we are superior to anyone. I guarantee, as I witnessed of those few, you will be knocked off your high horse. And as it says in the bible, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Hide and Seek

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"

When things are turned upside down in our lives, what do we do? Some people get angry and lash out at others. Some try to cover up by acting like nothing bothers them at all. Some, depending on the situation, become ashamed and hide from all. They feel like they can't show their upside down lives to anyone because they used to have it all together.

Hiding....when I had went through my depression, I hid. I hid because I was hurt, in pain, embarrassed. How could this have happened to me? Was it some sort of punishment? I couldn't allow people to see that what I thought I was and portrayed to others.....a strong person.....wasn't really what I was as I was going through. When I look back on that time, I am amazed at the fact that it was all part of God's plan to show me something I hadn't been listening to from Him. No it wasn't a punishment, it just felt like one. But God had been trying to get my attention for quite a while. I just wasn't hearing or listening to Him.

What I went through I would never wish on even my enemy. Had a hard time sleeping, eating, taking care of my kids.....I was crying almost all the time. Lost weight and even started looking older. Didn't really want to talk to anyone. So my home became somewhat of a refuge for me. My shield from the world. Spent so much time there either sleeping or watching movies. (Movies were my escape from reality.....sleeping, I didn't have to think about anything....at least until I woke up and faced reality again). Don't you know when you hide, it's like walking into the enemy's playground? You are secluded. Hiding allows the enemy to put thoughts in your mind about yourself and your situation that makes it worse for you. You never think it's going to get better. A period of time passes and then you start to want things to change, but you just don't know how to do it.

The help I sought from others didn't help me. It was only temporary. Until I began to seek help from God. It wasn't an instantaneous healing either. But as God is my witness, He helped me and healed me like no one else could. I know people who are in places of hiding and as much as I've tried to help, I now realize, I really can't do anything. ( well, that 's not entirely true...I can pray for them, which I constantly do) Only God can help them. And that's even if they really want to be helped. God knows our hearts and if we truly seek Him to be helped, He will. But we can't just sit back and expect Him to do everything. We need to put in some work too. By work I mean talking to Him, reading His word, spending time with Him to see what He wants us to see and before you know it, He will have changed you all around. No longer are you in the deep pit of despair as your were before.  I can say this because I have been through it. it's not a fun place to be but I guarantee you, He will bring you out and you will be a much stronger person with the wisdom and knowledge He has shown you.....if you just seek Him......

Everything we go through is used as a testimony for someone. So I thank God.......

Romans 5 (KJV) ^"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Only God can bring you out of hiding if you strive to seek His face...


God Bless!

Roaming charges.....

1 Peter 5:8-9 "8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. "

Well, when it comes on my mind, there is a need for it. This verse came to mind as I was listening to a sermon. Here's the part of the sermon where it came from:

"There are women who have been violated, held down, and taken advantage of from someone who is weak. The reason why they are weak is they want to dominate their (the woman's) strength. They try to take control of one thing because the rest of their life is out of order..........(if I could have shouted Amen at the top of my lungs, I would have....AMEN)....Don't let anyone have so much authority over your life that they begin to block you from growing, developing, and having happiness!!!"

Man oh man was I seriously preventing myself from jumping out of my seat! That's when the above bible verse came to mind. The enemy is so bent on stealing from us and will use anyone and anything possible to do it. Things, people.....you name it. But when the enemy is on you.....call on the name Jesus.....Philippians 2:10 "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth".....YES....thank you Jesus!!!

Why roaming charges?
Roaming: the enemy
Charges: JESUS....get behind thee satan!!! I have the Lord on my side.....Because He is at my right hand, I will not be moved!!! (From Psalm 16!)

Be Blessed! (cause I sure am!!)  :-)

 

Thirsty....and now I am satisfied!

We as people can never really be satisfied, can we? We buy this and are amused with it for awhile then get bored. People get into relationships with others and after awhile, get tired and start looking for someone new. A new job, a new toy, a new hobby......it's all exciting when it's new, but in the end people get tired of their things and seek out something which they think is more exciting....only to wind up being tired of that too.

Yes as I heard in a sermon "Just like Mick Jagger says...I can't get no, satisfaction"
This theme of thirst has been so prevalent to me lately. It pops up everywhere I turn. Why? Because that's how I am feeling....thirsty! However, it's not for a new job, a new toy, or a new hobby. It's for Jesus! I have been praying everyday for the Lord to make me thirsty and wouldn't you know it......He's blessing me. This prayer has caused me to increasingly enjoy the sermons I hear, the music, and to really enjoy the bible more than I ever have before.......it's a wonderful thing.

Funny thing is....( I got joy, joy, joy, down in my heart) sorry I felt it and had to say it.......unlike worldly things, I am being satisfied! He is filling me which in turn is making me seek Him more. He's changing me, He's opening my eyes to so many things. Unlike worldly things, I am not tired of Him and looking for another god......He's all I need. He's my everything. Without Him I am nothing.

John 4:13-14 "Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Amen....Amen...Amen!!
God Bless!

Why I am here

"My heart is empty and my souls thirsts"...is my thought as I wake up in the morning. I have no idea what time it is, but it still very dark in my room. The night before, I was doing all this sneezing so I took some medicine which in turn made me drowsy. That in turn, made me feel like I wasn't grasping my bible study like I had the previous night.

So I lay there and I begin to talk to God. I still go through the "I don't understand" phase of being so overjoyed one day, then feeling weighed down the next. But I have learned when that happens, immediately start talking to God. I used to turn to others to say what was on my mind. To get a feel for what they thought as to why I was feeling that way. Crazy, right? How would they know? I know more about myself then they do and I don't even know. So how would they? So I continue to talk and question some things and before I know it, I'm sleep again. I wake up and apologize to God for falling asleep on Him, but I guess it was supposed to happen. He was giving me peace so I could rest.

More and more lately I have been hearing so many things about focusing less on yourself.  I used to focus more on myself before than I do now. He has shown me my issues and I thought, how in the world can I help anybody else when I feel so messed up? But He showed me about that too. Whatever issues I had, whatever trials and tribulations I went through, are testimonies to others. How else would I be able to identify and talk about something I saw my son going through if I hadn't gone through it myself? Or hear and empathize with a girl who is having issues within herself? Or even know what a person feels like after going through a divorce? Many times I wished I didn't have to go through the things I have gone through, or realize the issues I've had or have, but thanks be to God for showing me that all of these things were really not in vain. I am here, not for me, but for others. He does His work in me and I do His work towards others. The world would wonder, 'what do I get out of it?' (yes, I used to wonder that). But the God in me says, "Yes, I am bringing glory to Him!"

I don't have to worry, I don't have to fear, because He will take care of me and supply all my needs. He promised and His word does not come back void.

Isaiah 55:11(NIV) "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

Thank you Jesus! 

God Bless!

Jonah

I happened on the book of Jonah. Not sure why I wanted to read it but I did.
Not that I need to break it down for anyone, but here's what I got out of it.

Jonah was told by God, to preach against the city of Nineveh for their wickedness. But Jonah was disobedient and ran away from God. He ends up on a ship headed for Tarshish. While he's on the boat, a storm comes a raging. They find out it is Jonah that has caused this storm and he gets thrown overboard. Where, of course, he gets swallowed up by a big fish. What's interesting to me is that even though Jonah was disobedient to God, God still protected him. Kept him from drowning in the sea.

Jonah is in the fish's belly for three days. Ha! Here's another thing noticed. When you get called by the Lord, you will have some days when you are utterly alone. Yeah, Jonah might have been in the fish's belly for only 3 days, but some of us.....it's a bit longer than that. That definitely gives us time to 'seek' God, which is what Jonah did. Prayed a very nice prayer. God heard him too and out of the fish's belly Jonah came. The Lord told Jonah again what He wanted him to do and lo and behold, this time he did it.

Jonah preached to the Ninevites and they repented and turned from their sin. So God showed them compassion and didn't bring the destruction He originally planned for them. Yeah, that didn't make Jonah happy. Not at all. He sulked because God didn't do what He said He was going to do. What right did Jonah have to be angry? Hadn't God forgiven him for his disobedience? Hadn't God even protected him during his disobedience? God was showing how His grace and mercy extended to everyone. He is a fair and just God.

Which of course, as if I didn't know it already, lends to the understanding that it makes no sense to feel or think someone deserves something just because they did wrong. Especially if they truly repent and turn away from their sins. We all fall short of the glory of God. We've all messed up at times. We've all been given grace and mercy by Him. But He loves us. All of us. Not one more than another....all the same.

Funny....when Jonah went and sulked, God provided for him, once again. Gave him a vine to shade his head. Jonah was happy about it, until it was taken away. (Isn't it interesting how we don't always appreciate the gifts that God gives us? Even if it is for a time, we need to appreciate what He provides for us....because not all the time do we deserve what He gives!)

Jonah 4:9-11^"9 But God said to Jonah, "Do you have a right to be angry about the vine?"  "I do," he said. "I am angry enough to die." ¹⁰ But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. ¹¹ But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

I love it! How....what's the word....ridiculous is it to be concerned over something as little as a vine then to be concerned over something as immense as the city of Nineveh......is the vine more important than people's lives? (Never pays to run from God....never pays to be petty!)

God Bless!

Thank You...praises to Him

Last week was a very trying week. So many things going on. But today, more than any other day, I had to stop and thank Jesus. I thanked Him for giving me the words to say to the young lady in my family that is going through an agonizing situation. I thanked Him for my oldest son and the transformation that is taking place in him and with our relationship as mother and son. I thank Him for the word that was brought forth at my church. I thank Him for giving me the heart to pray for those, that without Him, I would not be praying for. I thank Him for the time spent with my family. I thank Him for allowing another turn this weekend....I could sit here and continue to list all the things I am thankful to Him for, but I'll just sum it up by saying....thank You Jesus!

Through last week, my faith was tested and because God is.....much more than I can put into words right now, I have come through it with a deeper faith than I had before.

Romans 5:1-5(NIV) "¹Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ²through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. ³Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Yesterday is gone...today is ending....tomorrow is a brand new day.....

God Bless!

Live life in the moment

Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I'm almost tempted to not write anything and just meditate on this passage. It says so much! I had a long conversation with an awesome woman of God and so many things that were said opened my eyes. See I have this unfortunate habit of always trying to look ahead. To the future. Where will I be? What will I be doing? Why am I not where I think I should be? When will I get to where I think I should be? On and on and on. Well in our conversation, I was told to live life in the moment. Don't worry about where you think you are supposed to be. Live, love, laugh.....especially laugh.....I've been told by too many people, that I am too serious. Well, the love is there, but how effective can it be without the living and laughing? 

 There was alot of things said. Alot of things she saw in me without me even having to say it. But after all was said and done, the most powerful thing I grabbed a hold of, was live life in the moment. And as I was driving home, the above scripture came to mind. I don't need to worry about my future. Actually I don't need to worry about alot of things according to His word. He knows what I need, He knows what I want, and what I need to do is to continue to focus on Him and all else will fall into place. "Live life in the moment".......
Hmmmmm.....thank you Jesus!

God Bless!

First down, then up

Where shall I start? Yesterday felt like one of the worst days imagined. There was a situation that occurred that just shook me. It didn't happen to me but it happened to someone in my family. A young lady was violated. I was angry and cried, cried ,and cried. For her. I couldn't do anything. I prayed and thank God He allowed her to come home. However, I couldn't grasp how things like this are sometimes allowed to happen. Everything I had read in God's word and what I had heard in sermons, was flying out of the window. All sense was shutting down. How was it I was able to tell her mother, it is a blessing she came home and is safe? Then turn around and start losing what I had been taught?

This morning I awoke and cried again. I kind of felt numb today. Trying to pray to God and feeling at the same time "What's the point?" I realize, now, that during this day, when I couldn't pray because I couldn't find the words, a verse in a song would play itself in my head. "God is able to do, just what He said He would do. He's going to fulfill ever promise to you. Don't give up on Him, cause He won't give up on you...He's able!" God knows why He put it there.....

Part of the reason it played was the times where I was so angry, I thought about just giving up. ( I just kept thinking how can people intentionally hurt other people? What would possess them to do such things? key word: possess.....we either give control over to God or over to the enemy)
I went to bible study tonight and I am so glad I did. Being in church, the right church, can be so soothing to the soul. Plus my family was there to also bring God's words to me. I am able to sympathize and have compassion for others, however I have never felt sympathy and compassion to this degree before.

Sometimes, in order to hear God calling us, we have to be torn down. It's necessary in order for us to pay attention to God. To give ourselves to Him and allow Him to mold us and change us and build us back up in His image. The tear downs are never, ever pleasant and there is always a chance that it will cause us go under instead of coming up. However, God knows what is going to happen. He knows which way the tear down will turn us.

Matthew 10:28-30 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

God always knows what He is doing. Even when it is something so unexplainable to us.....He knows.....Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

I pray for God's comfort and healing in this situation.  I know He will take care of it all. Because He is a loving, caring, and merciful God. And He cares for us. Thank you Jesus for bringing her home and keeping her alive. Praying she will turn to You for You to provide her with all that she needs...... In Jesus' name I pray...Amen