Never lose Faith

This past year…how in the world to describe it?!?  It’s been long and hard…sometimes painful and even crushing.  It was a year that started out very dark and full of heartache and if I’m being totally honest there were days that I really wasn’t sure if I could go on.  However, it has also been one of the most joyous, life changing, faith grounding and spiritually growing years of my life.  I have become very much grounded in God and His word through the ups and downs of this past year. 

            It’s been a year where I’ve had things and people taken away from me, where others have walked into my life with genuine love and blessings and still others that have always been there shown through both strong and beautifully.  I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people, but most importantly about my relationship with God.   I’ve learned that even when I have felt or thought that I’ve had the best intentions in mind…it’s not always my place to say or do anything except trust God.   

            There have been many things that I’ve wanted to get my little fleshly hands on to “fix” or “make better”…and even some still, but God has taught me to be still and trust Him.  I have no problem with telling you that it has not been an easy road to travel, but through prayer, tears and much meditation I’m making it through.  I can honestly say it’s been a year that I am thankful for both the good and the bad because it has begun to shape me into what God has called me to be.

            There have been many new and wonderful additions to my life and that of my family; from our prayer board that hangs in the playroom to the 25 days of Christmas that we enjoyed during the month of December.  We have seen firsthand the awesome healing hands of God on my step-son.   We were also blessed to find and become a part of a church that is not only on fire for God, but totally desires that all its members not just attend church but “BE” the church.   God has blessed me with many ideas that have helped us to spiritually grow and still many more that I pray to bring to life soon.         

It is my true hope that I, as well as my family, will continue on this upward journey that God has placed before us.  I know that there will be times where we’ll fall and even times where we may feel like giving up; but through our faith, love for God and trust in Him…we will press on in His name because He will never fail us.      

For the last two years I have not made any “New Year’s resolution”, but instead have vowed to just do better.  I want to be a better wife, better mother and better friend, but most importantly a better child of God.  It is my prayer that God will continue to do His good work that He has started in me until the day that Jesus returns.  I know not everything is the way “I” want or think it should be, but it’s all happening according to God’s plan for my life. 

As I sit and type this a very large smile graces my face…I truly am blessed beyond any of my feeble attempts to try and describe it.  I am a child of the Most High God who loves, knows and takes care of me better than I could ever imagine.  For that I am truly grateful and give God all the praise.  Yes…this past year has been a road full of ups and downs…gains and losses, but in and through it all one thing I can certainly say that I have never lost…is my faith! 

I am truly looking forward to the New Year and what God has in store for both me and my family.  I pray that this coming year for all of you is prosperous, blessed and full of opportunities for you to shine God’s light and love through your own lives.  Have a safe and blessed Happy New Year. 

                 

Merry Christmas

 Matthew 1:21 (NLT) ²¹ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

 

     Too often this day is thought of in terms of gifts wrapped in paper stuffed under the largest tree we can fit into our house, stocking stuffed with tiny trinkets and candy; as well as food, fun and family.  Now don't get me wrong all those things are truly wonderful and special, but there is so much more to this day.  On this day, oh so long ago, we were blessed with the greatest gift we will ever receive.  It's a gift of life...not just the life of our Holy and worthy Jesus, but this day God blessed us with the only life that could save our lives. 

     This is the day that Jesus made His beautiful entrance into this sinful world that He may walk among us in flesh and experience what we experience in this life.  God's word, the word that He blessed us with to teach us and guide us through life became flesh in Jesus Christ.  Jesus lived among His people so that He would experience the things we experience, feel them as we feel them, see them as we see them.  So when our test and trials come and we call on Him...He will know just what we are going through. 

     This is a day of true thanksgiving...a day where we should be ever grateful and full of Praise for God's awesome love for us.  The day that our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was born.  No matter how hard we try...no matter how much money we spend....and no matter how crafty we think our ideas for happiness wrapped in wrapping paper are; we will never be able to top that.  We can't out give the greatest giver we are blessed to know. 

     My prayer for you and your family today, is that before you start  your busy day, before you open a gift or eat the wonderful spread...that you will take a moment and say a prayer.  Thank God for the blessing, changing and saving life of Jesus Christ. 

I wish all of  you a day filled with love, joy and laughs...and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Why worry so much?

Luke 12:25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his  span of life?

I used to worry ALL the time…about any and everything; I would stress any particular situation to the max.  I’ll worry did I say this the right way…will I be able to do this…should I say this or will it offend someone.  I would, sometimes still do, actually worry to the point of getting sick to my stomach and having a migraine headache by the end of the day.  Then when the time comes or it’s all said and done it wasn’t as bad as I thought and even if it was what did my worrying do to help? 

It’s crazy how I will know something is coming or know I have to do something and will run every possible scenario through my mind.  How I’ll do this or that?  I’ll even run possible conversations that may occur through my mind.  If this person says this, then I’ll say that and by the time I’m finished I’ve run close to three different conversations through my mind…good grief.  Truly, it gets me nothing and nowhere but heartache, irritation and even angry at something that hasn’t even taken place yet and my not at all.  And, more often than not it ends up turning out different than I even thought it would in the first place. According to God’s word my worrying can fix nothing…yet, I’ve done it anyway. 

You see, the problem with worrying is not only the stress that it causes us, but we're rehearsing what we would say, what we would do and how we would fix this or that in our minds without even looking to God.  By doing this we’re taking matters into our own hands and leaving God out of the equation; often times ending up with a less than desirable outcome.  When we feel ourselves worrying and running over this and that we need to learn to stop, take a moment and pray for God’s peace and direction.

It’s so important for us, myself included, to understand that anything we are able to do is because of God and without Him, we are lost.  We can ask Him to help us give the situation to Him and pray that He will guide our steps, every step of the way.  Trust me I do understand that this is so much easier said than done, but the more we realize we’re doing it and stop to pray the more natural it will become.  The more natural it becomes the more we trust God and worry less…and that is a great place to be!!  Who needs all that stress, especially when we don’t really have total control of it all anyway!?!

Now, by no means am I saying that we shouldn’t plan ahead or think things through because we can certainly get ourselves into trouble if we don’t.  It’s the overthinking and wondering how we need to do this and that to the point of causing ourselves even more confusion than we had to start off with.  God wants us to use our common sense, just not to think we have all the answers and worry about what may or may not happen all the time.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

            Once we truly learn to trust God with our issues, whether big or small, we can know that they will always turn out for our good…not always easy, but for our good.  We’ll find ourselves quicker to pray and ask God what to do than to torture and stress ourselves with worry over what may or may not happen.  I think too often we forget that wonderful peace that God offers us….that peace that can keep us even in the middle of a storm.  It’s a peace that doesn’t wish the bad away, but instead knows we can stand through the storm because He is with and for us. It truly doesn’t get any better than that!!

Walking in Love

Sometimes it’s very hard to be what and who we are supposed to be at all times, especially when others around us are acting in ways that affect us.  Whether they are treating you badly simply because they don’t like you or maybe they have misjudged you.  Or…maybe the shoe is on the other foot and someone did something to upset you and now you’re acting out of sorts.  Either way, God calls us to be a certain way no matter what others are doing and no matter what is going on around us.  We can’t let others and their actions, moods or situations dictate how we act or live our own lives. 

Galatians 1:10 (TLB) ¹⁰ You can see that I am not trying to please you by sweet talk and flattery; no, I am trying to please God. If I were still trying to please men I could not be Christ’s servant.

I’ve lived through some very difficult things and have had to deal with some very difficult people in my life, but I have been determined to still be who and what God created me to be and walk in love.  I’ve often been asked how can I smile in someone’s face and act like nothing is wrong when they’ve done or said something behind my back.  My answer is simple… first, I am called to forgive and second I’m not living my life to please them.  I’m not going to do everything right and often when walking with God you will have more than your share of nay sayers and back stabbers, but we still must live according to God’s love. 

Because my God loves and forgives me and tosses my sins to the sea, so must I with everyone who hurts, offends or disrespects me.  His love, forgiveness and kindness are etched on my heart because that is what He requires of me and He blesses me with daily.  Now on the flip side I’m sure I have been that difficult person, I certainly don’t get it right all the time either.  In fact, I know I’ve thrown a side eye, stayed upset a bit longer than I should have and even run my silly mouth more than I should have too…but, once I notice it I do my best to seek God’s forgiveness and that of the other person.  Where would I be if my God didn’t forgive and turn the other cheek with me when I stray, hurt or offend Him? 

Leviticus 19:18 (NLV) ¹⁸ Do not hurt someone who has hurt you. Do not keep on hating the sons of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.

When we are wronged we have two choices, forgive as God forgives us or carry it around and suffer ourselves for lack of forgiveness.  God requires that we forgive many, many times over.  Now, I realize this still sometimes means we must walk away, but to not forgive is truly to our own downfall.  When we wrong someone else…we have two similar choices.  We can keep on as if nothing happen and allow the hurt and confusion to fester and grow deeper and deeper or we can apologize and ask that person’s forgiveness.  But, again…the outcome is the same when we fail to act as God calls us to, it is to our own downfall and misery.

We can’t control others and how they treat us, but we can control ourselves and how we treat them.  Of course this doesn’t always mean it comes out the way we want or expect it to, but we’ve done what God has required of us and can rest in that.  I would rather live my life forgiving and asking for forgiveness; knowing I’m pleasing God, than to walk around upset, angry or in discord with others; knowing this is not God’s will for me and my life.

Family Growth 7:What’s the real meaning?

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT) ⁶ For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

I sometimes think we truly forget the real reason for the season…sure we will say “Jesus is the reason for the season”…but, how often are we truly living it...myself included?  How much of the Christmas season is spent shopping verses spreading God’s love or how much of it is spent decorating verses Praising God for His most precious gift to the world?  Don’t get me wrong…I love a good deal as much as the next person and I love for my house to look and smell like Christmas too, but more and more I’m realizing that is truly not what it’s about. 

Yesterday I started a new idea and tradition at my house that God blessed me with about a week or so ago; I call it the 25 days of Christmas.  I bought each of my children and my husband a small box and placed them above the fireplace on the mantel.  I called them all into the living room to explain to them what they were all about.  I told them that each morning until Christmas day they will find a note inside the box.  This note will consist of reasons why they are so loved by God and how important and special they really are and also how important it is to spread God’s love to those they encounter.   

My prayer is that through this they will not only learn their truth worth in God, but most importantly that this time of year is about Jesus and His wonderful birth.  That because of Him we can be saved and adopted into His Royal family as children of God!  Some notes will be simple little things about what they do well and how they make others smile and others will include scripture to teach them about God and His plans for their lives.  I am also hoping they learn from this how important it is to be God’s hands and feet here on earth and to lift people up with loving words, kind gestures and scripture.  They were all very excited about this as smiles crossed all their faces, which brought a huge smile to my heart. 

After we came home from church, my oldest, Sade’ retreated to her room for a bit and later reappeared with a small box in her hands and gave it to me.  I looked at her and asked what was this…she told me to open it.  I did and inside was a neatly folded note for me.  I almost started crying…then once I read the note I did start to cry.  Part of my prayer had already been answered.  My baby girl realized how special and important this is and she didn’t want me to miss out; she wanted me to experience this too.  She is being God’s messenger for me and I truly can’t express how this makes me feel…as I sit here now and type this I’m ready to cry again. 

I am so very thankful that God gives me these ideas and shows me how to carry them out, I am thankful for how much my children and husband appreciate them and I’m even more thankful that they are making an impact on our lives as well as others.  It brings the greatest joy and peace to my heart to know that my family is wrapped in His arms and that we willingly and happily want to know more about Him.  We are blessed more than mere words could ever express and He deserves our time, attention and Praise just simply for loving us the way that He does. 

My prayer for you and your family is that you too will remember the true reason behind Christmas and try to bring that wonderful joy to someone else.  Through a kind word, a loving hug or even a much needed prayer, those are the gifts that truly mean something. 

Building up our children in Christ

Proverbs 20:11(NLT) ¹¹ Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

I think sometimes we may take our children for granted; that they will just always be here tomorrow or will greet us at the door when we come home from work.  Sometimes we don’t encourage them like we should or speak enough life into them, but instead unknowingly break them down.  Too often we neglect to teach them what God sees in them and wants for them so they end up straying too far away.  Now by no means am I labeling us as bad parents, but just like with anything in life, sometimes we forget that they are blessing from the Lord and we have an obligation to teach them His ways.  Blessings, which truly could be taken away at any given moment. 

My goal is not to get us down on ourselves and think we’re doing this and that wrong because the simple fact of the matter is we do make mistakes…and always will, but instead to help make us all aware.  One thing God knew, when He blessed us with our beautiful children, is that we would hit some bumps and hiccups along the way.  But, with that, He has also shown us that He is always there to help guide the way. 

Over this past weekend, in the Jesus Journals that I made up for the kids, I asked them to tell me a bit about themselves…what they liked and disliked, what they were good at and not so good at..etc.  Some of the answers made me smile and laugh out loud, while others made me wonder and even some made me a bit sad.  All of which, I will say, helped me to better understand my children and how they see and know themselves. 

My son, Keondre’, still gets upset about not seeing enough of his brother.  McKenzie doesn’t like when she can’t bring her composition notebook everywhere she goes because she may have a writing idea and need to write it down.  My oldest, Sade’, is growing more confidant in what she sees when she looks in the mirror.   These things, along with many more, are helping me to see where my children’s thoughts about themselves and ideas are and also what I need to be diligent in prayer about for them too.

Exodus 18:20 (NLT) ²⁰ Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives 

One of my most cherished gifts from God are my children and I realize that sometimes I do fail them.  However, my prayer is that more often than not I am there for them; teaching them not only right from wrong, but also how to live an encouraging and productive life.  I am learning one way to teach them this is to build them up…and I’m not just talking about the nice words of “you’re beautiful”, “you’re so smart” and “you did such a great job” either.  The type of building up I’m referring to is in Christ.  We need to teach them who they are in Christ. To show them that He loves them, is always there for them even when we sometimes fail them and how important it is to live for Him.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NLT) ¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. ¹⁵ You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Because I want my children to know how important they are and how much they mean to God, I wrote a letter back to them telling them what I see when I look at them.  I told them how talented they are and how much I appreciate their help. I told them how much love is in their hugs and how their smiles are infectious and heartwarming.  I also told them how good they were at the things they love to do, but most importantly, I made it very clear just how precious and loved they are simply because God loves them. 

This is a small part of what I wrote and you can use it with your babies too…

…you’re a child of the Most High God, a prince/princess in His royal family who is loved and cherished by family and friends, but most importantly by God.  He loves you better than anyone else ever could.  He has placed special gifts inside you that He will teach you how to use and develop throughout your life.  Gifts that will not only be a blessing to you, but to those you come in contact with.  He is going to use you to help build up His Kingdom…

We may not be profound writers or have the gift of putting words together like some of the authors we read from, but we all love our children enough to say something.  My prayer for us today is that we will begin to and continue to build up our children.  Telling them what wonderful blessing from God they really are and that they have special gifts to offer and most importantly how truly loved they really are.

Being a light

Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

After studying and reading from an online Bible study I was thinking about being filled with the Spirit or God’s light. Now I’m not just talking about when we feel like singing, dancing and shouting but, maybe just filled with a good sermon or worship song from a Sunday morning church service. We felt like we’ve learned something or were blessed by seeing something differently….then what do we do with it?  I know for myself personally, while I try to walk in God’s light and love daily, I don’t know that I spread it around like I should.  I get filled up in Sunday worship and maybe a weekday service then it’s almost like I sit on it.  Yes, it may change some of the things I do, think or feel, but I think a lot of the time that may just be the extent of it. 

I’ve noticed that I am pretty good and content with sharing what I believe and God’s word with my own little close knit family and friends but, don’t usually go much further beyond that.  Yes I do write on my blog but, I think here I almost feel like I can’t be SEEN so it’s kinda like a safe place for me.  This tells me that part of my not stepping out and sharing the light that God has placed in me is out of fear…possible a fear of face to face and just feeling like I wouldn’t say or do the right thing.  Coming to this understanding I really want to change this.

Just like this scripture says….God doesn’t fill us with His light for us to sit on it.  We need to step up and out of our fear and onto our faith.  God gives to and blesses us so that we will give back to Him; and we give back to Him by sharing His word and our gifts with others.  I’ll be the first to say that I understand how hard this can be sometimes.  We may fear looking silly or that what we have to offer isn’t anything worthwhile, but the Holy Spirit blesses each one of us with our own special gifts and personalities; ones that are fit just for our purpose in life.  God didn’t make us to all be alike, unlike we sometimes think by trying to be what we see, but instead He wants us to be different because we all play a very important role in the body of Christ just by being us!  

This past Tuesday, I will admit with much anxiety and fear of feeling out of place, I attended a prayer meeting at church and it was a wonderful experience.  I believe that one of my gifts is intercessory prayer and while I use it often for my family, friends and things that come up I don’t exactly push it out further as I feel God wants me to.  While there, I felt like it wasn’t just about me and mine…and in fact for the most part, I left that at the door.  I was there to use the gift that God blessed me with to join with church family and lift up prayers for others and their needs.  I truly plan to become a regular with this ministry…I am blessed and I am called to be a blessing. 

Maybe it is in a ministry at our church, something at our child’s school or a part of something in our community; I believe with my whole heart that God calls us to shine our light.  God does not fill and bless us just sit on it…that’s selfish and does nothing for His kingdom.  Instead we are filled that we might share it with those we come in contact with…our journey and testimony isn’t just for our growth, but to help and encourage someone else along the way.

Provision

Provision- the act of providing or supplying something for use; an amount or thing supplied or provided

I’ve been hearing, through God’s word, readings and church sermons, about God’s provision and while I know what it means; I’m wondering if my heart truly grasps how wonderful it really is.  There have been many times in my life when I wondered…how?  How am I going to make it through this?  How am I going to be able to support or take care of that?  How am I going to heal and let go of this pain that seems to invade my heart even when I try my best not to let it? 

I will be totally honest and admit that many of those answers have come from my own thoughts and efforts.  I’ve tried to figure it all out myself…even manipulating certain things in ways that I thought would “help” the cause or situation.  I will also be honest and say that many, many of those times I have failed miserably and with much frustration! 

Things right now in my life are not exactly as I have pictured them to be.  There are things I wish I could fix, people I wish I could heal and even past or current situation I wish I could change, with still yet more being added, but I’m attempting to take a step back and recognize all that I have endured and come through already.  I’m realizing that none of it; no good or bad day, no breakthrough or victory has been of my own doing but, instead at the mighty hand of my Heavenly Father.  Philippians 4:19 says ¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. So while everything may not be as I think they should be or as I would like them to be, I do realize I am blessed and have been taken care of more than I will ever truly know.

There are times I am overjoyed to say that when something arises I take it straight to God and leave it there but, sadly, more often than not I took my own chances and ideas for a spin and another spin and another spin and well…. you get the idea.  Many times it’s not until I feel like I’m at my lowest mental, emotional and physical point that I finally realize that I can’t do this through my own will.  It’s then that I come to God humbly asking Him to fix my mess and restore in me what He already gave me in the first place. 

Matthew 6:33 (NLT) ³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if we learned to take every situation and pain to God in the first place?  I mean He has already made a way; He has already written our victorious story from beginning to end and He’s just waiting for us to walk it out. All we can see is the here and now, so why can’t we trust the one who is the Arthur of our stories?   When I look back over my life and see all the ways that He has made for me and my family…I can’t help but to praise and thank Him, but I also wonder why it sometimes takes me so long to realize it with each situation that arises!?!? With that, I realize that I am a work in progress and as I am seeking His will above my own and I am doing better…day by day.  For that I am truly thankful!

Now, going back to the word Provision…I broke it down from the two words.  Pro-meaning In favor of, supporting; takes the affirmative side in a debate.  Now I think we all know that God is always for us…always supporting and on the best side of our lives.  He truly favors us!  Vision-meaning something that is or has been seen; unusual competence in discernment.  God has more than unusual competence in discernment…He wrote the book on it.  He sees all and knows all, therefore when we trust Him and His provision for our lives we will always come out victorious.  Does it mean it will always be easy, no…of course not.  How can there be growth without some pain and trials…but, because we trust in Him we know it always works out for our good. 

Romans 8:28 (NLT) ²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NLT) 3 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. ² A time to be born and a time to die.  A time to plant and a time to harvest. ³ A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. ⁴ A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

Fall is truly one of my favorite times of year; from the cooler temps to the wind-blown trees.  As I am all about comfort, I love the chance to wear my sweatshirts, jeans and comfy socks… and this time of year presents just that opportunity.  As I was riding down the street the other day the trees and their colorful changing leaves caught my attention.  It’s such a beautiful sight to see the greens, oranges and browns mixed together as the wind blows through them.  You can see some of them falling to the ground while some are still hanging on for dear life.  It’s a time of death but, with the promise of new growth…a season we are guaranteed to see every year. 

Once I got home, I thought back to the scenery and it reminded me of our growth in and through Christ.  I thought about how we go through seasons of death, but if we are steadfast in Him then we are promised new growth.  Like the trees, we go through a process of thriving in our lives  and our spirituality starts to grow.  Little by little we’ll see the new faith and strength until we feel full of life and beauty.  Then, as time passes we begin to feel as if we are stuck and things are starting to fall apart again or we can’t find that fullness that we once had.    

Sometimes in our Christian walk we have times of great growth; where we feel filled with the presence of God and ready to do His will.  As time passes we soon become content and too comfortable and we attempt to stay right where we are instead of continually growing; shedding the old and renewing ourselves with the new.  Because of that we sometimes get into these ruts where we can’t feel God like we used to.  Our passion begins to wither and we even sometimes fear we have lost Him altogether.  So we try to continue on in the things that once made us happy or try to force those old familiar ways to bring back that same happiness we once had.  The problem is it doesn’t work because we are not spiritually in that same place anymore; it becomes time to move on.

Just as the leaves on the trees that go through the process of being full and beautiful to withering and falling…but, then onto re-growth of full and beautiful again…so must we.  God doesn’t just call us to a level of spirituality or people and places, then expect us to stay there.  He wants us to be continually growing and seeking Him and His will for our lives.  Reaching new and deeper levels of His presence as well as touching new people He has placed in our lives.  However, in order to obtain this we must sometimes be willing to let go of the old things…even things that once felt good or we worked very well.

When we live our lives for God, we don't always stay in one place for too long.  There will always be seasons of thriving where we’re at, shedding the old and even times of just standing still.  Staying close to God through prayer and reading as well as trusting Him helps us to determine which season we are in. I would like to caution, from my own personal experience, that when we’re in those times of shedding and stillness it’s important to not lose focus on God.  Even when we can’t “feel” Him, we must learn to still trust Him and stay diligent in our faith. 

I can totally relate to how difficult it can be to grow in Christ, especially when we think we’ve reached a place and time in our lives that seems to work so well and we just want to stay where we’re at.   However, God is faithful, true and has infinite wisdom…He will never leave us nor forsake us! 

He Knows You

John 10:14-15 (NLT) ¹⁴ “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, ¹⁵ just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

I am, once again, a part of an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 OBS and in my studying the other day they gave us this verse…John 10:14-15.  This verse tells us that Jesus is our shepherd, our caregiver and protector.  He knows us and will sacrifice His life for our sake.  The book goes on to tell us what the Greek word for ‘know’ is; which is Yada.  The meaning for Yada is a deep emotional experience, a bonding between two people when one truly feels the emotions of the other.  

I had to pause after I read that and re-read it again.  We often say we know someone, but just how much or how deeply do we really know that person?  I have close friends and family that I believe I understand and “know” pretty well.  I would even say that I have such a close connection with my husband that I can feel his pains and frustrations, but do I know them on the same level that Jesus knows them?   To actually think about the depths of that is truly humbling.

The truth of the matter is if we look at this from our side…our knowledge and capacity for love and acceptance of others is ever evolving and growing because we are human and must daily seek God.  BUT...God IS love; He is perfect never needing to evolve or grow any more than He already is.  So for Him to know us is something far greater than we could ever realize or imagine.  Verse 15 goes even deeper by comparing Jesus’ knowing us to God knowing Jesus.  Which should really help us to realize just how much He understands us because Jesus is of God; He’s a part of Him.  It truly can’t get any closer or deeper than that!

God knew what we would do and what we would become.  He knows our deepest, most personal thoughts, fears, plans, desires and dreams.  He knows our shortcomings, our sins...even down to our sometimes ill intents.  However, even with all of that knowledge; with knowing the deepest, darkest parts of our being He still loves us fully and completely!!  He freely sent His only son to die for our sins…now that is truly shouting grounds right there.  I'm so thankful this morning that in spite of myself; my wrongs and my sins...God still KNOWS AND LOVES ME.

Can we really say that about anyone else?  I mean if we all knew everything about everyone, would we still be totally unconditional with them?  I would love to say, without a shadow of a doubt, YES…but, I think when being totally honest it would be difficult to do so.  We are only human and as sad as it may be some things are beyond us to understand let alone look past.  Now, by no means am I saying that we can’t forgive, let go and not be judgmental because with God’s help we can…but, because of our sinful human nature it’s impossible for us to be as unconditional as our loving Father is towards us. 

Sometimes we search and search for that unconditional love and acceptance simply because we are wired to need it, but we never truly find it.  That’s because we really aren’t looking in the right places.  What we need to understand is that we really don’t have to look that far to find that Yada type of love.  It’s in God…He loves us and accepts us for who we are.  He knows us best and yet…. He still loves us best!

What’s your praise?

                I’ve always loved gospel, praise and worship music; singing of God’s goodness and unmatchable love.  It’s a wonderful thing to hear a song that speaks to a current situation or feeling in my life.  I feel blessed and encouraged by those songs because they always offer hope by assuring me that with God I can make it through.  I also love to sing the songs that talk about how awesome our God truly is; songs that talk about His grace and mercy, His mighty yet gentle hand and His unchanging ways.

                Some days you can catch me in the bathroom getting ready for the day or in the car on my way to where ever listening and singing at the top of my lungs.  I’m having my only little praise session for God.  There is just something that touches my heart to worship God through listening and singing songs of praise; it’s my way of praising Him that reaches deep within my soul.  This is a time when I can feel His anointing and presence on my life and it feels good to acknowledge that to Him by singing and glorifying Him.

                Now, knowing this I have to admit that sometimes I hold back.  I hold back out of fear of being looked at like I’m silly or maybe just because I don’t want to embarrasses those around me.  However, lately I have noticed myself really letting go and praising God in church during Sunday praise and worship time.   I’m no longer a stranger to standing, even if no one else is, to offer up my praise as the choir sings to God and to us.  You may find me with my arms extended in the air, hands clapping and even swaying from side to side.  I no longer want to stifle my praise…I know God knows my heart, but if I can’t walk it out then what true purpose does it serve? 

                There are so many ways we can feel God’s presence and offer our praise to Him…we just have to find our own personal way and allow ourselves to give in to it.  My oldest daughter often praises God through her art.  She has made beautiful murals for her youth group at church because she allowed herself to let go and praise Him through her hands and drawings.  There are dance and mimes teams at church that worship and feel His presence through their moves and yet others that play the instruments for those singing and dancing.   

                We all have a praise inside of us and what a blessing it is for not only God and ourselves, but for others when we release it.  Through our praise others can see just how wonderful God really is.  Whether things are going good or we are in the midst of a trial, our praise shows our trust, belief and need for God to make it through.  I will also say that it’s a time of true release…a time when I feel close to Him.  It’s a time when I’m not clouded by the ways or issues of this world, but instead I’m entering into His presence where there is peace and unconditional love; not to mention the fact that He is so worthy of all our praise!!!

I sincerely encourage you to find your praise, find a way of acknowledging Christ and the amazing impact He has on your life.  Through this worship I know you will find yourself coming closer and closer to God.  It will teach you to trust and love Him more as well as give you a joy so deep and so pure that no one can take away. 

Life’s Manuel

You know, God knew just how much we would need His day to day help in life.  He knew that we would need a place to turn to so we can see, with our own eyes, His instructions to life.  It’s a place that will teach us about His loving kindness, grace and mercy, but also about the importance of our obedience to Him.  It’s somewhere we can go that gives us instructions on how to face all situations and circumstances in life; both good and bad.  Simply put, it’s our manual to life.   This place is the Bible!

Sometimes I think we look at the Bible as just a learning tool and by that I mean a place to just learn OF God.  Something we can read from time to time to teach us about Jesus and His life and maybe a couple of rules and commandments.   Oh, but hear me when I say to you that the Bible is so much more than just a book!  It’s where we can see how much God truly loves us and how He has supplied an answer and door for our every need and concern.  It is a place of truth, the ultimate truth, which can help to guide our paths, choices and decision in life.  It’s a place of love and compassion, restoration and grace and also of necessary correction and conviction. 

How often do we run to a loved one, friend or even a self-help book for the answers to life’s problems?  I know, at times, I am very guilty of this…thinking I need to always talk whatever the issue is out with someone so they can help me see the right answer.  I won’t lie, sometimes it’s helpful and effective, but sometimes it’s just not.  There isn’t anything of this world; no circumstance, situation or pain that has not already been dealt with and talked about in the Bible…so why wouldn’t we look there?  The bible is where we can find God’s word, His answers for our lives. 

Now, I will also say that I can identify with you if you’re saying that sometimes it can be confusing and often times hard to even know where to start to read.   Through my searching I’ve found that there are many avenues that we can utilize to point us in the right direction for our need.  I will often Google a particular word to help me find scripture that pertains to my current issue.  For example:  scripture on frustration, and then read through the verses provided until I find one that I can understand and identify with.  I also have a Bible that list different types of areas that I may need help with in the back and they direct me to certain books and verses.  Yet, another avenue I use is by turning to the book of Psalms…where there are many different chapters and verses listed with different focuses to help me through. 

I’m also learning, through experience, how important it is to know and identify with God’s word.  If I’m going through a particular issue or a friend comes to me, when I’m knowledgeable of His word, I can point out a verse that will comfort, give insight and help us through it.  It also helps us to prove or take God at His word, not to mention it sure frustrates the enemy when he tries to bind us up.  We can call on God’s word to help us and rebuke Satan. 

When we take the time to take God’s word in (not just reading it to say we’ve read it) and try to understand it as well as apply it to our lives, our relationships with Christ are strengthened.  The deeper our relationship grows with God the less wiggle room we give to the enemy to cloud our minds, add doubt to our self-esteem and to try and defeat our purpose.  I do understand and totally agree that this is not always easy but, like with anything, the more we do it the more we trust it and it becomes a part of our daily lives.

Dying to self

Galatians 2:10 (NLT) My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

            You ever hear someone say that you have to die to yourself or your flesh, well I don’t think I’m alone in saying this is truly one of the hardest and often times most painful things we have to do.  However, I will also say that it is a very necessary part of our Christian growth.  There are so many things we say, do and think that are not of God, but are of our flesh and cause us to stray from God and His will for our lives. 

            This verse says that when we give ourselves to Christ, we must give up or crucify our old selves on the cross too.  Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice when He shed His blood and died for our sins, so now we must live for Him by allowing Him to live in us.  The bible tells us that light and dark cannot exist in the same place; the light being God and the dark being the enemy and the world.  When we are not, at the very least, striving towards what God is calling us to be then we are living in darkness. 

Now, I will be the first to admit that I have my days where I'm a bit selfish, emotional and driven by what I think is right, but I'm really at a point in my life that I'm realizing just how important it is to be as much like Christ as I possibly can.  I truly want what He wants for me; even if I don't like it and even if it hurts my flesh…simply because I know in my heart He has my best interest in mind. 

Lately, each morning, I’m finding myself telling God that I give myself to Him today.  I’m praying that He will help me die to, or let go of, the things of my flesh so that I can be more like Him. This is not always easy or pleasant; in fact I will say that sometimes God and I differ in what we think is best for me.  Even to the point that I can honestly say that sometimes I fight Him on it and end up going through the same mess over and over again until I surrender.  But…finally, at some point I realize that He is all knowing and I must let go of my stubbornness and let Him have His way.    

The second half of this verse gives us some comfort and hope in knowing that while we are in these earthly bodies’, striving to be what God wants us to be, we can trust Him.  He loves us better than we could ever love ourselves in that He gave Himself for us.  It’s with this knowledge that we can trust and believe that He will never lead us in the wrong direction.  He will never want to change or take away anything from us that would not cause us to be better in the first place.    

I may not always be happy with what needs to be stripped away or changed, but I am always thankful when God opens my eyes.  The fact that God loves and cares enough about me to pay such close attention to me and my life in detail, not only blesses me, but it also encourages me to want to be the best I can for Him. 

Dealing with frustration

Psalm 43:5 (MSG) 5 Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God” soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God.

The last couple of days have seemed to be pretty frustrating for me and with that frustration comes a bit of anger towards myself.  I mean really, with the way the Lord has blessed this family, what right do I have to be upset about anything…AT ALL!  Yet...here I sit, frustrated, emotional and even a bit angry.  I don’t think I’m a huge whiner and for the most part even if something is wrong I try not to complain about it much, but there are times when things tug at my heart to the point of wanting to just sit in a corner and cry for a while. 

I was searching the bible to find some scripture to help me through these times and I came across Psalm 43:5.  It seems to understand that right now I feel down…that my soul is lacking and filled with some sadness.  However, the fact that it goes on to say that soon I will be Praising God again fills me with encouragement and hope.  It reminds me that I will not stay in my sorrow and sadness, but will again have a smile on my face put there by my Heavenly Father. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

            Trying to climb out of my rut I reach to Isaiah 40:31 because it’s here that I’m comforted with the knowledge that trusting in the Lord will bring me new strength.  It’s a strength that I know I cannot obtain or have through anything I can do for myself.  While I sometimes try to get through things on my own, with my own will and power, this verse helps me to realize that it’s God’s almighty strength that will carry me through these tough times.  All I need to do is trust Him and let Him lead me through.   

Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

            Now, Philippians 1:16 has always been one of my favorite verses.  I can say that even though it may not be as much as it used to but, sometimes I truly doubt my purpose or that I even had one.  Some days I will feel like I screw it up and other times I simply just think that I don’t have much to offer, let alone anything to glorify God’s kingdom.  A couple years ago I came across this verse and I realized that because I am a child of God and He created me, I have a purpose for my life.  He started His good work when He created me and He will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

            It really is a wonderful blessing to realize that He’s not finished with you yet  That no matter what it looks like around you, no matter how frustrated or upset you can get He will not let you go.  You know that saying…He didn’t bring you this far to leave you now; well, that’s the encouragement I find in this verse.  As long as we submit and keep our minds stayed on God, He will not leave us incomplete and will work in and through our lives as well as others.   

            Through these three scriptures I seem to have built a step by step spiritual method to helping myself overcome frustration and hard to get through times.  A method, that I’m not ashamed to admit, I have to revisit often.  With Psalms 43:5 I feel like God is telling me He understands that I will have rough times, but staying focused on Him will once again bring a smile to my face.   Isaiah 40:31 reminds me that I don’t have to try to come through, complete or be anything through my own strength because in Him I find NEW strength.  It’s a strength which will not allow me to give up.  And, finally Philippians 1:6 shows me that because He created me and nothing He does is wrong, He will not leave me incomplete.  That through Him I will come to, walk in and complete my purpose for His kingdom. 

Slow to speak

Proverbs 14:29 (TLB) ²⁹ A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.

Proverbs 14:29 (VOICE) ²⁹ Whoever is patient and slow to anger shows great understanding, but whoever has a quick temper magnifies his foolishness.

I'm realizing how quickly I can dig a hole for myself with my words, whether they are "justified" or not, sometimes they are just not necessary.  Jumping off of my emotions doesn't even allow myself time to fully understand the entire situation itself...then I've said or done some things that I can't take back.  The MSG version says; 29 Slowness to anger makes for deep understanding; a quick-tempered person stockpiles stupidity.  This version stuck out to me because sometimes after allowing anger or irritation to spew from my mouth, that is what I’m thinking to myself; that was just wrong and STUPID.    

It’s so easy to become angry or irritated and before we realize it we are saying the first thing that comes to our mind as a response. I don't know my bible from front to back but, I don't think it says that we are to say everything that comes to our mind; even if it is true and especially if it's going to cause dissention or hurt. True enough we may very well be right, or what we would call justified in our anger and possibly even what we say however, what good is it to just blurt it out and act in the moment...most times none! Before we know it many hurtful things are said that can’t be taken back and sometimes even relationship are destroyed as a result.    

We also need to consider the fact that maybe who ever we are getting irritated or angry with, may possible just be having a bad day…I mean, we all do.  I’ll be the first to admit that some days are just not the best for me and I’m acting off of my emotions; sounding and looking like a real pain in the butt.  Next thing I know, the person I’m being difficult with says some not so nice things back.  Soon more and more anger is being built between us as well as more and more foolish words and actions; before too long many hurtful things are said.   

 Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) ¹⁵ Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Whether we’re the one in the wrong or the other person is; the real point is that we can only control ourselves; our own actions and our own words.  Truly, our reactions to what is going on or what someone is doing can be just as damaging as the original act itself.  So we need to learn to sometimes keep quiet or at the very least pray about it before we just lash out.  Whether it’s a bad day or, in my personal opinion, something just isn’t right; there are many things I wish I could control, change and even fix but, the truth of the matter is I can't.

So today I am truly praying that God will help me to control my emotions; whether in actions or words.  I am trusting God to transform my mind to help me think before I speak and act and also to be uplifting and encouraging as much as I possibly can.  My prayer is that I will not only learn to control my own emotions, but that I will learn to accept some things as they are.  I don’t mean to allow “wrong” to happen to me or what I inflict on others but, instead that I will understand that I can only control what I can and that I have to allow God to take care of the rest. 

Our way or God’s way

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. ⁶ Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Have you ever thought to yourself, if I could just get this together or if I could just stop this, then all would be right with the world?  Or, maybe…if someone you know would just do something this way or that way, they wouldn’t have such problems or issues.  Sometimes we even think if God would just fix this or change that then we could get our lives in order or at least on the right track.  But, how often is that the truth?  How often does a particular situation get resolved and yet we still seem to struggle; somehow it didn’t change us the way we thought it would or things the way we wished it had.

The truth of the matter is, more often than not we are relying on our own thoughts and ideas to “fix” our lives and issues.  We think up these wonderful plans, steps and easy to do’s to get our lives as well as someone else’s life in order, and even if they do work, most times it’s not a lasting solution or remedy.  More often than not our answers are just to fix the problem instead of what we are doing to cause the problem in the first place.  We rely too much on our own thoughts and ideas instead of the one who created us; the one who is supposed to be our all in all.  So I truly believe that if we would take our problems and situations; in fact our whole lives; to God in prayer then we wouldn’t suffer half as much as we do now. 

Psalm 55:22 (NLT) ²² Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Shortly after we started our prayer board at home, one day my daughter said to me…”mom, do  you think I need to slow down because so many of the prayers on the board are mine?”  I quickly told her no way…God hears and wants to help with all your prayers.  My conversation with her brought me back to an old hymnal that we used to sing when I was growing up, called “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”.  The chorus part sings….O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. It occurred to me that my baby has figured out at such a young age, what we as adults still struggle with every day; that the things we battle with, need delivered from or need to change are only truly transformed and healed when we allow God to be at the forefront of our lives. 

I don’t doubt that even something we do take to God; we will still sometimes struggle with.  However, if we are truly trying to focus on hearing from Him and allowing Him to lead the way…these struggles won’t always be as painful or as long.  When we allow God to have His way and follow His will the changes that need to occur are lasting and pure.  Now, I also realize that sometimes we take our burdens to Him, then sadly pick them back up again…I’m certainly a living witness to that.  It’s then that we must realize that sometimes until we truly let go or turn it over to the Lord; we must wake up and give it back to Him daily.  He is a God of faithfulness and when we seek His ways above our own, He will not let us fall. 

Proverbs 30:5 (NIV) ⁵ “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.