I have been studying faith vs. fear for awhile now. Yesterday, my pastor made a statement that really hit home for me. I don't know if it was his own quote or if he got it somewhere else. But, none the less, it was to me profound - especially when all are fearful of what is going on in the world economically, financially, and spiritually. With struggling harder everyday to make ends meet and fighting the good fight of faith, for me, the following statement put prospective as what I should be doing. He said:
'You should not have doubts about your faith and have faith in your doubts. That leads to fear. We are told as Christians not to be fearful. Instead, we should have faith in our faith and doubt our doubts."
Doubts are the battlefield in which we fight against what is trying to tear our faith down. We must fight against the doubts to keep our faith alive and strong. Our faith is the very thing that keeps us strong and enables us to discern correctly what we should do in every situation. Our faith is the very thing that God uses to give us strength to fight the battles that beseige us. When we put faith in our doubts, we are giving power to the doubts to ultimately destroy ourselves - to destroy the one thing we have that enables God's power to overcome and have victory in battles we face.
Fight the good fight of faith. Don't let your doubts become what you have faith in. Do not give power to the one who destroys. But, have faith in what you know to be true - the love of the one who died and shed His blood by which you were saved.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Loving Others
Writing earlier this morning about knowing people you have never met, has led me to ponder this question, do we really love others?
We all have special people in our lives that we love for one reason or another. Of course we love our spouses, our children, or parents, and other family members. Some of us have close friends of whom we have learned to love as well. We may love the way they appreciate us, how they make us feel important or how they make us feel intelligent. We may love the things they do for us. There are thousands of reasons you may love others depending on who you are and what your needs may be.
Accepting all of this things are wonderful. But, do we stop to think that while we love others for all these things, in actuality, we ourselves are not loving. We are accepting their love. It is only when we return these things to the ones' who go to great lengths for us, we are giving love to them. If we fail to give the love we feel for another, the love we feel is in vain - remaining only a selfish possession that is so longed for by the ones' who give us their love so freely.
We all have special people in our lives that we love for one reason or another. Of course we love our spouses, our children, or parents, and other family members. Some of us have close friends of whom we have learned to love as well. We may love the way they appreciate us, how they make us feel important or how they make us feel intelligent. We may love the things they do for us. There are thousands of reasons you may love others depending on who you are and what your needs may be.
Accepting all of this things are wonderful. But, do we stop to think that while we love others for all these things, in actuality, we ourselves are not loving. We are accepting their love. It is only when we return these things to the ones' who go to great lengths for us, we are giving love to them. If we fail to give the love we feel for another, the love we feel is in vain - remaining only a selfish possession that is so longed for by the ones' who give us their love so freely.
Knowing The Unknown
Sometimes in life, you stumble across the most amazing people. This is one of the things I like about the internet. Although you may never meet some of the one's you may get to know via the internet, you still develope the recognition of who that person is through their writings and posstings of opinions. You can spend a whole lifetime with some people - spend huge amounts of time together and never really know anything about them at all. You may get to know what they like in their coffee, what style of clothing they prefer, what their hobbies are, but all these things are superficial. Knowing these things isn't knowing the person - it is knowing that you have the ability to observe and remember such things. Sometimes we mistake our ability to observe and remember for knowing. We are satisfied with just what we observe about others and really knowing them becomes less important.
What is in one's heart comes out in words, whether it be spoken or written. More often than not, for a lot of people, hearing is thought to be just the ability to do just that - hear with our ears only. But, I think hearing others words is much more than that. Hearing involves thinking about and meditating about the words we hear. Doing this leads to greater understanding when we hear what one has to say at any given time, meditating on it, and putting that together with words said in the future from the same person and meditating on those as well. At first the hearer may only get some understanding from what they heard, but after future meditation, their mind is capable of getting further understanding from the words.
I believe because of lack of this understanding of hearing, that it can be easier for one to really get to know another by never meeting them and reading their written word. Reading takes concentration and thought. It shows more of a desire to really want to know what others are saying because the reader has to take the action and make the effort. Most people when they read pause at various times to ponder the significance of what they read and how it relates to the whole picture thus far. They go back to it in their mind during the day giving it more thought. When they put the written words down and return to it, they first take a moment to put themselves back into what the other has written. Sometimes, even months after reading something, a new understanding with deeper meaning comes to the reader.
Sometimes we get frustrated because we don't feel as if others are talking to us and letting us know how they feel. When we find ourselves in this position, it may be helpful to look to ourselves to see how we are hearing.
What is in one's heart comes out in words, whether it be spoken or written. More often than not, for a lot of people, hearing is thought to be just the ability to do just that - hear with our ears only. But, I think hearing others words is much more than that. Hearing involves thinking about and meditating about the words we hear. Doing this leads to greater understanding when we hear what one has to say at any given time, meditating on it, and putting that together with words said in the future from the same person and meditating on those as well. At first the hearer may only get some understanding from what they heard, but after future meditation, their mind is capable of getting further understanding from the words.
I believe because of lack of this understanding of hearing, that it can be easier for one to really get to know another by never meeting them and reading their written word. Reading takes concentration and thought. It shows more of a desire to really want to know what others are saying because the reader has to take the action and make the effort. Most people when they read pause at various times to ponder the significance of what they read and how it relates to the whole picture thus far. They go back to it in their mind during the day giving it more thought. When they put the written words down and return to it, they first take a moment to put themselves back into what the other has written. Sometimes, even months after reading something, a new understanding with deeper meaning comes to the reader.
Sometimes we get frustrated because we don't feel as if others are talking to us and letting us know how they feel. When we find ourselves in this position, it may be helpful to look to ourselves to see how we are hearing.
Contentment
A happy man finds joy in what is his, not wanting something because someone else has it. He never loses his desire for what he has acquired. A discontent man finds fault in all that is his, forgetting his labor which was put into gaining what he has. It is not that the possessions of the discontented man has changed. The discontent loose the desire for the very thing about his possessions that made him want them in the first place.
Being discontent with what you have is a result of ourselves changing. This doesn't apply to just material possessions but also to relationships. Some say they have grown as their reasoning for changing relationships. We perceive growing older and lack of committment within ourselves for growing. But, growing up is realizing the fact that keeping a committment is the true growth.
Lack of committment to others results in a change in our hearts and minds. As love is a gift given for no other reason than it is ours to give, so is committment. Committment from one is not dependent on another keeping their committment. It is not a reward which is earned by another than is to be taken away if they fall short to your expectations.
The one who keeps their committment to another regardless of others lack of committment in return gains respect and leaves the one lacking committment in the relationship with humility. The uncommitted witness and learn from the committed the need for growth in their own life and heart.
Sometimes we don't realize that if we ask for conditions to be met for us to commit to something, we are not really committing to anything at all. We are only asking for someone else to commit to us.
Being discontent with what you have is a result of ourselves changing. This doesn't apply to just material possessions but also to relationships. Some say they have grown as their reasoning for changing relationships. We perceive growing older and lack of committment within ourselves for growing. But, growing up is realizing the fact that keeping a committment is the true growth.
Lack of committment to others results in a change in our hearts and minds. As love is a gift given for no other reason than it is ours to give, so is committment. Committment from one is not dependent on another keeping their committment. It is not a reward which is earned by another than is to be taken away if they fall short to your expectations.
The one who keeps their committment to another regardless of others lack of committment in return gains respect and leaves the one lacking committment in the relationship with humility. The uncommitted witness and learn from the committed the need for growth in their own life and heart.
Sometimes we don't realize that if we ask for conditions to be met for us to commit to something, we are not really committing to anything at all. We are only asking for someone else to commit to us.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Blessings From God
Some look at life and see all the problems and complications that are before them. I guess you could say they can look at my life and see the same things. There are a lot of problems and things that need to be overcome in my life. Physical problems, financial problems, relationship problems - some major, some minor.
But when others look at my life and at their own lives I want them to see what I see.
I have a wonderful husband. Eventhough there are battles to face and hills to climb, God has blessed me with a loving man that I care deeply about. I have two wonderful daughters, and I can't stress the word wonderful enough when it comes to them. My oldest is the apple in one eye and the youngest is the apple of the other eye. They both love the Lord with all their heart. They are caring, generous, loving, compassionate and support me even when things are rough. I have a wonderful son-in-law, also. He too is caring and loving to others but more than that he serves the Lord along with my daughter in their church. He is more than a son-in-law to me - he is a son.
I have my mother, who lives with me and I admit at times there are battles and hills to climb on that front as well. But, she is always there for me when I need it helping me whatever the need may be.
I have a loving, caring, and compassionate church family and friends who are always there praying and lifting my needs up and give a shoulder whenever I need one.
But, most of all I have the Lord. On Him I can depend and trust. He is always here and never leaves. He not only gives me a place to go with my concerns, but he bears them for me and holds me up and leads me each step of the way while He's doing it.
God has given me these blessings in life. And no matter what mountains I have to climb or what difficulties come along, they can not compare to the blessings I have. When I look at the blessings, all the difficulties just seems so small. The blessings remind me that if God loves me enough to give such wonderful gifts, I am foolish to let the difficulties of this life concern me. After all, He is there to bear them for me. When I put my trust and faith in him and remain faithful through all that comes along, I can smile and know that all is well with my soul.
But when others look at my life and at their own lives I want them to see what I see.
I have a wonderful husband. Eventhough there are battles to face and hills to climb, God has blessed me with a loving man that I care deeply about. I have two wonderful daughters, and I can't stress the word wonderful enough when it comes to them. My oldest is the apple in one eye and the youngest is the apple of the other eye. They both love the Lord with all their heart. They are caring, generous, loving, compassionate and support me even when things are rough. I have a wonderful son-in-law, also. He too is caring and loving to others but more than that he serves the Lord along with my daughter in their church. He is more than a son-in-law to me - he is a son.
I have my mother, who lives with me and I admit at times there are battles and hills to climb on that front as well. But, she is always there for me when I need it helping me whatever the need may be.
I have a loving, caring, and compassionate church family and friends who are always there praying and lifting my needs up and give a shoulder whenever I need one.
But, most of all I have the Lord. On Him I can depend and trust. He is always here and never leaves. He not only gives me a place to go with my concerns, but he bears them for me and holds me up and leads me each step of the way while He's doing it.
God has given me these blessings in life. And no matter what mountains I have to climb or what difficulties come along, they can not compare to the blessings I have. When I look at the blessings, all the difficulties just seems so small. The blessings remind me that if God loves me enough to give such wonderful gifts, I am foolish to let the difficulties of this life concern me. After all, He is there to bear them for me. When I put my trust and faith in him and remain faithful through all that comes along, I can smile and know that all is well with my soul.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Being A Light
If you light a candle in the dark, it drives the darkness away. But, no matter how much darkness you pour on the light from a candle it is impossible to drive the light away. In fact, the light seems to get brighter the darker it gets.
I noticed this the other night while sitting on my porch. We don't have candles on the deck but we do have four solar lights on the posts of the deck. It's funny what you notice when everything is quiet and you concentrate on what is around you.
This just made me realize, all the more, how important it is for believers' in Christ to be a beacon of light. No matter how desperate a situation, or how many around us are trying to extinguish our light, it is impossible to put it out as long as we ourselves don't let it go out.
Even nature itself proves to us that things are drawn to light in the darkness out of instinct. I have never seen an outside light that was shining when bugs weren't flying around it. Human nature also teaches the same thing. When someone is stranded, they go to the house where the light is on. If you're looking for a restaurant late in the evening, you pass by the ones whose lights are off. Whether we realize it or not, most people are looking for the light that shines in the dark, because where the light is, is where all can find their need - whatever it may be.
Not only have I noticed that one single light in the darkness draws things to it, but I have also realized that in any one given place, if there are several lights the more you can see. But the best thing I have realized is that if there is an abundance of lights in that one given place, the clearer one's sight is.
So, I am writing this post to be an encouragement for others to always keep their light shining. Never let it go out. Be vigilant and keep watch over it and see that nothing diminishes it's flame.
I noticed this the other night while sitting on my porch. We don't have candles on the deck but we do have four solar lights on the posts of the deck. It's funny what you notice when everything is quiet and you concentrate on what is around you.
This just made me realize, all the more, how important it is for believers' in Christ to be a beacon of light. No matter how desperate a situation, or how many around us are trying to extinguish our light, it is impossible to put it out as long as we ourselves don't let it go out.
Even nature itself proves to us that things are drawn to light in the darkness out of instinct. I have never seen an outside light that was shining when bugs weren't flying around it. Human nature also teaches the same thing. When someone is stranded, they go to the house where the light is on. If you're looking for a restaurant late in the evening, you pass by the ones whose lights are off. Whether we realize it or not, most people are looking for the light that shines in the dark, because where the light is, is where all can find their need - whatever it may be.
Not only have I noticed that one single light in the darkness draws things to it, but I have also realized that in any one given place, if there are several lights the more you can see. But the best thing I have realized is that if there is an abundance of lights in that one given place, the clearer one's sight is.
So, I am writing this post to be an encouragement for others to always keep their light shining. Never let it go out. Be vigilant and keep watch over it and see that nothing diminishes it's flame.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Great Quotations
I love to look up quotations from Spurgeon, Moody, etc. Today I happened across these quotes. This has turned into one of my favorite past times and has been extremely encouraging.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows,
but only empties today of it's strength.
- Charles Spurgeon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrent is the Word of God --
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is one greater than my heart
Whose Word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever,
For, though all things shall pass away,
HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!
- author unknown
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It can be said:
That using one's time in this manner and fashion is a "truly teachable moment."
- B. Harless
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows,
but only empties today of it's strength.
- Charles Spurgeon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My warrent is the Word of God --
Naught else is worth believing.
Though all my heart should feel condemned
For want of some sweet token,
There is one greater than my heart
Whose Word cannot be broken.
I'll trust in God's unchanging Word
Till soul and body sever,
For, though all things shall pass away,
HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!
- author unknown
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
It can be said:
That using one's time in this manner and fashion is a "truly teachable moment."
- B. Harless
Thursday, July 23, 2009
When Confustion Is Added
I have another Christian blog on another social network. Two days ago I posted a blog about salvation from God's Word. I was bombarded immediately by criticizers. It was very hard for me to answer questions from those who really had interest. It took some time thinking about what had happened to realize that posting these blogs were truly a good thing.
Eventhough some didn't believe at least they took the time to read it. Some were suprised upon learning some of the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words that had gotten them so upset. Some were suprised to learn some of the Jewish customes that explained some verses clearer to them.
I also learned practically that "soft answers turn away wrath". Most became very polite after awhile possibly realizing they had leaned up to their own understanding of some scripture. Some were irritated from answers given they had no idea about. Some, I am sure will go to the bookstore and purchase concordances and commentaries to check for themselves. One imparticulat appologized for hi-jacking my blog because I had been so compassionate in my answers to him/her.
I have to say, I was suprised to see how fellow Christians were so quick to ridicule and jump in on the free for all. I was also suprised that most of them also came across as angry and bombardant. This confuses and turns away those that don't believe so they won't even listen. This has also made me realize that I need to show genuine concern and compassion to unbelieves so they too will hear the Word.
I feel sure that they are at least hearing and considering scripture. This is all I can hope to accomplish through these blogs. God will do the rest.
Eventhough some didn't believe at least they took the time to read it. Some were suprised upon learning some of the Greek and Hebrew meanings of words that had gotten them so upset. Some were suprised to learn some of the Jewish customes that explained some verses clearer to them.
I also learned practically that "soft answers turn away wrath". Most became very polite after awhile possibly realizing they had leaned up to their own understanding of some scripture. Some were irritated from answers given they had no idea about. Some, I am sure will go to the bookstore and purchase concordances and commentaries to check for themselves. One imparticulat appologized for hi-jacking my blog because I had been so compassionate in my answers to him/her.
I have to say, I was suprised to see how fellow Christians were so quick to ridicule and jump in on the free for all. I was also suprised that most of them also came across as angry and bombardant. This confuses and turns away those that don't believe so they won't even listen. This has also made me realize that I need to show genuine concern and compassion to unbelieves so they too will hear the Word.
I feel sure that they are at least hearing and considering scripture. This is all I can hope to accomplish through these blogs. God will do the rest.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Fear and Faith (Part 2)
I have continued in my study once again because I feel it has been laid upon my heart to dive even further. So many questions by so many are being asked because of the fear they have in their personal lives due to these economic times. My study has led me to 1 John 4:16-18.
v. 16 And we (have known and believed) the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
v. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
v. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
These verses further convinced me further that fear is a tool used to diminish our faith. If we truly have confessed that Jesus is the Son of God (v.15), then God lives in us, His love abides in us, we have experienced the love of God and believe in His love toward us. There is no fear in love. God is love. His love casteth out fear.
Also, these verses have further convinced me that fear comes from unbelief. These verse say
to me that, If I believe that God's love is perfect toward me then I can believe that I can have no fear. This also means that, If I don't believe that God 's love is perfect toward me then I will have fear because of my unbelief in God's perfect love. This is perhaps something I will never completely master. But I can spend an abundance of time striving to overcome by studying scripture, meditating, and referencing.
This also is futher convincing that we desperately need to spend more time in scripture; reading, studying, meditating, asking the question to ourselves about what we don't understand about God and His love toward us, but more importantly than asking the questions to ourselves, we desperately need to make the time to SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH the scriptures for the answers to our questions. It will bring you closer to God, bring clearer understanding, bring lasting peace and comfort. It will also bring a desire to know more and to understand more.
v. 16 And we (have known and believed) the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
v. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
v. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
These verses further convinced me further that fear is a tool used to diminish our faith. If we truly have confessed that Jesus is the Son of God (v.15), then God lives in us, His love abides in us, we have experienced the love of God and believe in His love toward us. There is no fear in love. God is love. His love casteth out fear.
Also, these verses have further convinced me that fear comes from unbelief. These verse say
to me that, If I believe that God's love is perfect toward me then I can believe that I can have no fear. This also means that, If I don't believe that God 's love is perfect toward me then I will have fear because of my unbelief in God's perfect love. This is perhaps something I will never completely master. But I can spend an abundance of time striving to overcome by studying scripture, meditating, and referencing.
This also is futher convincing that we desperately need to spend more time in scripture; reading, studying, meditating, asking the question to ourselves about what we don't understand about God and His love toward us, but more importantly than asking the questions to ourselves, we desperately need to make the time to SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH the scriptures for the answers to our questions. It will bring you closer to God, bring clearer understanding, bring lasting peace and comfort. It will also bring a desire to know more and to understand more.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Fear and Faith
2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind."
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It first took hold of my heart in 1994 while my father was undergoing heart by-pass surgery for the second time. I was afraid that he may not make it at that time. I remember picking up a Bible on the table in the waiting room and skimming through the pages while family members talked among themselves. It was very difficult to focus on any scripture with all the talking going on around me. But, God somehow allowed me to focus on this one scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7. Since that time, I continue to return to this scripture time after time. It has been a great help to me. It has given me great peace.
All through the scriptures I have noticed time after time phrases such as "fear not" and "do not fear". Each time I read a passage with these phrases, my mind comes back to 2 Timothy.
If fear didn't come from God, why did I have fear? This is a question that baffled me for a long time. It took a lot of searching through scripture for this verse to make sense to me.
I began to look at people in the Bible and saw that in many instances they had failures due to fear. I discovered that my fear came from my unbelief. An unbelief that God wasn't able to do all that He said He could do. I began to realize that fear is a tool that is used to diminish my faith. At this point I knew that they only was I could ease my fear was to deal with my unbelief. I still work daily at growing my faith through reading scripture, prayer, meditating on God's Word and trying to, with the abilities that God has given me, to tell others about Christ. I figured that if fear comes from unbelief, it would be very difficult - if not impossible for God to work within my fear. Now, I go to God in faith when I pray instead of fear.
There is a lot of fear today in world. News casts are filled with overwhelming reports on how bad the economy is and what it will mean for us in our own lives and families. It is good to know what is going on in the world around us. But, we need to realize that we who are saved are not of the world but rather are in the world. Instead, we should focus and have belief and trust on the promices that God gives us while we are still in the world. For most of us, if you are like me, our focus should be working on our fear by striving to rid our unbelief.
of a sound mind."
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It first took hold of my heart in 1994 while my father was undergoing heart by-pass surgery for the second time. I was afraid that he may not make it at that time. I remember picking up a Bible on the table in the waiting room and skimming through the pages while family members talked among themselves. It was very difficult to focus on any scripture with all the talking going on around me. But, God somehow allowed me to focus on this one scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7. Since that time, I continue to return to this scripture time after time. It has been a great help to me. It has given me great peace.
All through the scriptures I have noticed time after time phrases such as "fear not" and "do not fear". Each time I read a passage with these phrases, my mind comes back to 2 Timothy.
If fear didn't come from God, why did I have fear? This is a question that baffled me for a long time. It took a lot of searching through scripture for this verse to make sense to me.
I began to look at people in the Bible and saw that in many instances they had failures due to fear. I discovered that my fear came from my unbelief. An unbelief that God wasn't able to do all that He said He could do. I began to realize that fear is a tool that is used to diminish my faith. At this point I knew that they only was I could ease my fear was to deal with my unbelief. I still work daily at growing my faith through reading scripture, prayer, meditating on God's Word and trying to, with the abilities that God has given me, to tell others about Christ. I figured that if fear comes from unbelief, it would be very difficult - if not impossible for God to work within my fear. Now, I go to God in faith when I pray instead of fear.
There is a lot of fear today in world. News casts are filled with overwhelming reports on how bad the economy is and what it will mean for us in our own lives and families. It is good to know what is going on in the world around us. But, we need to realize that we who are saved are not of the world but rather are in the world. Instead, we should focus and have belief and trust on the promices that God gives us while we are still in the world. For most of us, if you are like me, our focus should be working on our fear by striving to rid our unbelief.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Thanks
Recently, as you know, we have gone through some difficult financial situations. We are still facing them somewhat. I know and believe with everything in me that God always provides whatever you need. I am thankful to God that He has provided all our needs and know that He will continue to do so in the future.
Saying that, I would also like to thank my mother. She has been extremely instrumental in God providing for us. She has gone above and beyond providing our needs. She has also made it possible for improvements in our yard making it more comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Eventhough at times, life can be difficult, God uses others and their unique circumstances to help in times of difficulties.
I also am thankful for the new roof and driveway the owner of the house we live in has provided as well. This also has made our yard more pleasing to the eye. His graciousness is greatly appreciated. We know that God also has used the owner's unique circumstances to provide these things as well.
I am thankful for the many prayers from family and friends regarding the lack of work we had during the winter months. The phone is ringing again and if it be God's will, we will once again be back on track with our business. I know that God is also using our customer's to provide our needs as well.
I know things look down at times especially in this economy and with all that is going on in our world. But, I also know if you look up and focus on things above that God is faithful. He never leaves or forsakes you. He is always with you and able to carry you through.
Saying that, I would also like to thank my mother. She has been extremely instrumental in God providing for us. She has gone above and beyond providing our needs. She has also made it possible for improvements in our yard making it more comfortable and pleasing to the eye. Eventhough at times, life can be difficult, God uses others and their unique circumstances to help in times of difficulties.
I also am thankful for the new roof and driveway the owner of the house we live in has provided as well. This also has made our yard more pleasing to the eye. His graciousness is greatly appreciated. We know that God also has used the owner's unique circumstances to provide these things as well.
I am thankful for the many prayers from family and friends regarding the lack of work we had during the winter months. The phone is ringing again and if it be God's will, we will once again be back on track with our business. I know that God is also using our customer's to provide our needs as well.
I know things look down at times especially in this economy and with all that is going on in our world. But, I also know if you look up and focus on things above that God is faithful. He never leaves or forsakes you. He is always with you and able to carry you through.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Praying
I have prayed constantly for my friend in the previous post. I have prayed when I rose in the morning, when I've been busy about my work, when I eat lunch, when I'm doing errands, when I cooking dinner for my family, before and after my study time and when I lie down at night. I have prayed with tears for this friend. I have been sorrowful for the friend but more than that my tears have been for the hurt I know God must have had for the position my friend was taking. It was hard to hear my friend say those harsh words but it was harder to know that if those words hurt me to the core, how much more they must have hurt God. After all God has done for me and my family, I couldn't bare to hear that someone would turn from him.
After all of my praying and crying, I was happy to know that my friend returned to Church on Sunday and is still planning to carry out their duties they had already planned. Though feeling wounded and let down somewhat in their circumstances it is good to see that they are continuing to run the race they began. I know they may not be walking on their own right now because God is carrying them through. This alone is comfort to me to know that when we fall, God still cares enough to not let go and keep us afloat.
I do know that my friend feels embarrased because of their earlier statement. But, if they are encouraged and feel loved and given just a little help they will be alright. We all get embarrassed by our lack of faith at times. My comfort in that is, God shows his strength in our weakness. We are not alone.
After all of my praying and crying, I was happy to know that my friend returned to Church on Sunday and is still planning to carry out their duties they had already planned. Though feeling wounded and let down somewhat in their circumstances it is good to see that they are continuing to run the race they began. I know they may not be walking on their own right now because God is carrying them through. This alone is comfort to me to know that when we fall, God still cares enough to not let go and keep us afloat.
I do know that my friend feels embarrased because of their earlier statement. But, if they are encouraged and feel loved and given just a little help they will be alright. We all get embarrassed by our lack of faith at times. My comfort in that is, God shows his strength in our weakness. We are not alone.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
What To Do?
What do you do when someone you love and care about deeply stands up and says they are done with God because they have been wronged. Yes I can truly say they were wronged. My response would have to be:
I understand you have been wronged and I agree with you on that point. However, making such a bold statement doesn't end the matter. Just because you feel that God has hurt you because of circumstances doesn't mean he is done with you. He is still the one in control and the decision of whether or not things are done between you and God is in his control not yours. I believe that such a statement would mean you will probably be feeling his presence even more...and maybe not in such a favorable manner. If you are so weak in faith that you can't take what circumstances comes at you with God on your side, then I seriously doubt that you can take circumstances better without him on your side.
I still believe that all things work for the good for those who love him. People can make mistakes to hurt you personally, financially and in all manners of ways but we have to remember that God gave man free will to choose to do things the right way or the hurtful way. God can't interfer with free will. If someone hurt you in any manner it is not because of anything God did, it was simply because they exercised their free will and chose the wrong way. But we have to forgive them. Not blame God. If we don't forgive them and blame God, we are exercising our free will also in the wrong way as the one who hurt you did. That fact alone should give compassion and forgiveness for the one who hurt you.
Please let me know any comments you have about the matter of what to tell others in this circumstance.
I understand you have been wronged and I agree with you on that point. However, making such a bold statement doesn't end the matter. Just because you feel that God has hurt you because of circumstances doesn't mean he is done with you. He is still the one in control and the decision of whether or not things are done between you and God is in his control not yours. I believe that such a statement would mean you will probably be feeling his presence even more...and maybe not in such a favorable manner. If you are so weak in faith that you can't take what circumstances comes at you with God on your side, then I seriously doubt that you can take circumstances better without him on your side.
I still believe that all things work for the good for those who love him. People can make mistakes to hurt you personally, financially and in all manners of ways but we have to remember that God gave man free will to choose to do things the right way or the hurtful way. God can't interfer with free will. If someone hurt you in any manner it is not because of anything God did, it was simply because they exercised their free will and chose the wrong way. But we have to forgive them. Not blame God. If we don't forgive them and blame God, we are exercising our free will also in the wrong way as the one who hurt you did. That fact alone should give compassion and forgiveness for the one who hurt you.
Please let me know any comments you have about the matter of what to tell others in this circumstance.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Joy
I have to praise God for the joy, happiness, contentment and peace He has brought into my life. There are a lot of things going on in our life that we could worry about.. some major things. But, I am greatful that through reading scripture and studying and spending time with God, He brings all things into perspective. Staying focused on Him instead of the other things of life makes life so much happier. I am thankful also that I can go to God in prayer and speak to Him as my closest friend. Knowing that He will not only listen, but hear with an understanding far better than I can speak with words. I just wanted to voice my thankfulness for His faithfulness.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Spring Is Here
Spring is here. I love this time of the year. It's a time of awakening for the trees, flowers, grass. The birds sing outside my window, squirrels scamper about the yard, rabbits are playing in the early morning, and if you're fortunate you may catch a few deer playing tag in the field. All of these things seem to bring forth new energy and life from people as well. Neighbors working in their yards, cookouts, picnics, softball games, children playing in the yards. All creation seems to rejoice in the renewal of life this time of the year.
This is a quite a contract from the cold, dismal winter days when everyone stays inside and no one is visible to others except for their needed trips to the store and to work or school. But, now it is spring. Everywhere you go there will be others crowding to do as much as they can while the weather is so beautiful.
As I've already said, I love this time of the year. Not just for the reasons I listed above. There are other reasons as well. It reminds me that God gave me new life as well. Just as the birds and the squirrels I love watching so much this time of the year, it is the best opportunity I have as well to let the joy of salvation show for all who are out and about. It gives more opportunity for conversations to enable me to tell others what Christ has done for me.
Just as the rabbits, birds and squirrels that are so showing their joy for this time of renewal, we too as believers in Christ should show the joy he has given us. We should shine as bright as we can. Just as the trees and flowers show the difference the change in the season has made to them, we should be able to show the difference Christ has made in our lives evident to all at their first glance.
This is a quite a contract from the cold, dismal winter days when everyone stays inside and no one is visible to others except for their needed trips to the store and to work or school. But, now it is spring. Everywhere you go there will be others crowding to do as much as they can while the weather is so beautiful.
As I've already said, I love this time of the year. Not just for the reasons I listed above. There are other reasons as well. It reminds me that God gave me new life as well. Just as the birds and the squirrels I love watching so much this time of the year, it is the best opportunity I have as well to let the joy of salvation show for all who are out and about. It gives more opportunity for conversations to enable me to tell others what Christ has done for me.
Just as the rabbits, birds and squirrels that are so showing their joy for this time of renewal, we too as believers in Christ should show the joy he has given us. We should shine as bright as we can. Just as the trees and flowers show the difference the change in the season has made to them, we should be able to show the difference Christ has made in our lives evident to all at their first glance.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Christian Rights
I want to know your thoughts about the new amendment being introduced to congress this week on the Hate Crime law. If it is true that now you can be prosecuted for simply preaching the gospel, in a non-violent manner, and receive a charge of conspiracy to commit a hate crime, we are all in danger of the prosecution of up to 5 years. Any pastor, Sunday school teacher, Bible study teacher, or street preaching about sin could be targeted under this amendment. I urge everyone to contact your representatives and the White House concerning this amendment and let them know you do not want this amendment to pass. We only have a few days before the vote. Will you raise your voice or stay silent?
I have difficulty understanding why there is no amendment to declare hate crimes against Christians when we are targeted as a group as well. Maybe we should push congress for such an amendment for our protection.
I have difficulty understanding why there is no amendment to declare hate crimes against Christians when we are targeted as a group as well. Maybe we should push congress for such an amendment for our protection.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Faith or Experience?
I had a conversation earlier today trying to explain what faith is. It was difficult. Any discussion on this subject is welcome. I was basically asked the question, "It is hard for me to depend God will fix the problems in my life. He hasn't shown me anything so far to show me the way out of my situation. How can I have faith when I haven't seen answers to my prayers? I pray everyday for answers." The problems in this instance are financial difficulties in case you were wondering.
The only response I could think of was, faith is the substance of things hoped for and not of things seen. If you see the solutions to problems, it is not faith in God, but rather experience. Even when we experience something we have trouble believing and trusting in it. The Israelites saw (experienced) God's miracles of being freed, the parting of the Red Sea, the cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night, manna being provided for food and so on. Eventhough they saw (experienced) all these things they still turned away from God and built idols to worship, griped, grumbled, and complained. That's what human's do.
Faith is more than experiencing something. It is hard to explain to others what faith is. Most of us go to bed everynight not thinking about or worrying that when we get up the next morning if the sun will rise. It is just a given to most of us. Yes we experience it over and over again. I don't believe this confidence in the sun to rise is faith however. I believe that we have confidence in the sun rising daily because we are involved with what it brings. We wait for the sun to rise to start our day. We set our clocks by it. We schedule activities by it such as going to the pool for a swim, working in our yard, or simple things like visiting others at times. We wouldn't want to show up at someone's house at 3:00 am and explain we were there to visit at that time because we didn't know if the sun were coming up at it's regular time or not.
I believe if we invest our time around God's word in such a way as we do other things, such as the sun rising and setting, and become involved with what God tells us in the Bible, and schedule ourselves around God's Word, we will have more confidence in what it says and in the process increase our faith. We have to practice, make a conscious decision to live how it says we should live, and discipline ourselves to obey God. We schedule and obey so many things. We schedule time for rest, for play, for television shows, for dinner, for vacations, for doctor appointments. We obey our work schedules, school schedules, sports rules, etc. How can it be that we struggle with scheduling time with God and obeying him?
We must get to the point where we believe God has a purpose for everything that happens to us and to be content with the situations we are in... to be able to trust in him... without having to wonder or worry if he will answer us. We must have faith that he will, without doubting, no matter what. We must believe that his plan is perfect, no matter what our circumstances.
Honor God in all that you do. In your time, in your committment, in your words, in your life both public and private, and in your actions. God is faithful. It is not possible for God to have a faulty plan for your life. You may not see it. It may not be what you would rather have. But his perfect plan is there for you. If you believe, trust and obey him, he will not let you down. He is always with you.
Again, I encourage you to leave your comments as to what faith is to you.
The only response I could think of was, faith is the substance of things hoped for and not of things seen. If you see the solutions to problems, it is not faith in God, but rather experience. Even when we experience something we have trouble believing and trusting in it. The Israelites saw (experienced) God's miracles of being freed, the parting of the Red Sea, the cloud by day, the pillar of fire by night, manna being provided for food and so on. Eventhough they saw (experienced) all these things they still turned away from God and built idols to worship, griped, grumbled, and complained. That's what human's do.
Faith is more than experiencing something. It is hard to explain to others what faith is. Most of us go to bed everynight not thinking about or worrying that when we get up the next morning if the sun will rise. It is just a given to most of us. Yes we experience it over and over again. I don't believe this confidence in the sun to rise is faith however. I believe that we have confidence in the sun rising daily because we are involved with what it brings. We wait for the sun to rise to start our day. We set our clocks by it. We schedule activities by it such as going to the pool for a swim, working in our yard, or simple things like visiting others at times. We wouldn't want to show up at someone's house at 3:00 am and explain we were there to visit at that time because we didn't know if the sun were coming up at it's regular time or not.
I believe if we invest our time around God's word in such a way as we do other things, such as the sun rising and setting, and become involved with what God tells us in the Bible, and schedule ourselves around God's Word, we will have more confidence in what it says and in the process increase our faith. We have to practice, make a conscious decision to live how it says we should live, and discipline ourselves to obey God. We schedule and obey so many things. We schedule time for rest, for play, for television shows, for dinner, for vacations, for doctor appointments. We obey our work schedules, school schedules, sports rules, etc. How can it be that we struggle with scheduling time with God and obeying him?
We must get to the point where we believe God has a purpose for everything that happens to us and to be content with the situations we are in... to be able to trust in him... without having to wonder or worry if he will answer us. We must have faith that he will, without doubting, no matter what. We must believe that his plan is perfect, no matter what our circumstances.
Honor God in all that you do. In your time, in your committment, in your words, in your life both public and private, and in your actions. God is faithful. It is not possible for God to have a faulty plan for your life. You may not see it. It may not be what you would rather have. But his perfect plan is there for you. If you believe, trust and obey him, he will not let you down. He is always with you.
Again, I encourage you to leave your comments as to what faith is to you.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Back To The Basics
Everyone is nervous. Some are frightened.
What am I takling about?
The economy, the world, crime, foreclosures, big companies failing, job layoffs, no work for small businesses, disobedient children, uconcerned spouses, children being aborted, wives being killed, drive by shooting, strings of arson fires, mudslides, earthquakes, bombing, attacks on Israel, fighting in Gaza, children taken over by drugs, adults taken over by alcohol and drugs, people being cheated out of their investments, deaths being faked. There is more but you get the idea.
It seems as though when I was growing up the coutry was striving, growing, content. There were struggles yes. But when I look at the comparison of today it doesn't seem to compare to the turmoil our country is facing now.
Forgive me if I insult you by not being politically correct, but it doesn't seem to me that being politically correct has help any of the situations we are facing today. Everyone wants their own way. Everyone wants things to change to suit their own agenda. Everyone wants everything to be accepted. The only thing that happens when these things occur is that nothing works, nothing is accepted, and complete and utter confusion comes about. This is what I feel has happened to our country. I believe there will be a day when my comments will seem of extreme insignificance to others when compared to the offense they will feel in the future.
When I was growing up we learned Bible verses in school, we had a clear definition of what was right and wrong. When I finished my work for one subject while waiting for others to finish, I sat and looked at the Ten Commandments posted on the classroom wall and thought about what they meant. It never bothered me that I should not kill, steal, covent. It never bothered me that I should love my bother as myself or that I should love God with all my heart. Honestly I always thought that if being told not to steal, cheat or covent did offend someone they had a real problem to begin with.
Some may think that I am just romanticizing past days. No. This is fact. History, when I was in school was the basics of this country was founded on God. Our fight to be able to worship God without interference from others. And it wasn't that so long ago. Another fact. Now we can't even mention God eventhough we carry around currency with God written on every piece of it in our pockets. We spend this same currency with God written on it to acquire everything else that we worship.
How did we get away from the beliefs this country was based on? An even more important question is, how do we get back to those principles and beliefs? It is obvious that the beliefs now held are not working. It is time to get back to the basics and our pledge for our country. It was not just a poem written down as something to be said for the lack of anything else to be said. It is in all honesty our country's pledge to God. To be one nation, under God, indivisible. Under God... to be under his authority and rule......indivisible.... unable to be divided from his authority and rule. If we do not stand up to our promice to God things will only get worse. This is our country's pledge. It is yours?
What am I takling about?
The economy, the world, crime, foreclosures, big companies failing, job layoffs, no work for small businesses, disobedient children, uconcerned spouses, children being aborted, wives being killed, drive by shooting, strings of arson fires, mudslides, earthquakes, bombing, attacks on Israel, fighting in Gaza, children taken over by drugs, adults taken over by alcohol and drugs, people being cheated out of their investments, deaths being faked. There is more but you get the idea.
It seems as though when I was growing up the coutry was striving, growing, content. There were struggles yes. But when I look at the comparison of today it doesn't seem to compare to the turmoil our country is facing now.
Forgive me if I insult you by not being politically correct, but it doesn't seem to me that being politically correct has help any of the situations we are facing today. Everyone wants their own way. Everyone wants things to change to suit their own agenda. Everyone wants everything to be accepted. The only thing that happens when these things occur is that nothing works, nothing is accepted, and complete and utter confusion comes about. This is what I feel has happened to our country. I believe there will be a day when my comments will seem of extreme insignificance to others when compared to the offense they will feel in the future.
When I was growing up we learned Bible verses in school, we had a clear definition of what was right and wrong. When I finished my work for one subject while waiting for others to finish, I sat and looked at the Ten Commandments posted on the classroom wall and thought about what they meant. It never bothered me that I should not kill, steal, covent. It never bothered me that I should love my bother as myself or that I should love God with all my heart. Honestly I always thought that if being told not to steal, cheat or covent did offend someone they had a real problem to begin with.
Some may think that I am just romanticizing past days. No. This is fact. History, when I was in school was the basics of this country was founded on God. Our fight to be able to worship God without interference from others. And it wasn't that so long ago. Another fact. Now we can't even mention God eventhough we carry around currency with God written on every piece of it in our pockets. We spend this same currency with God written on it to acquire everything else that we worship.
How did we get away from the beliefs this country was based on? An even more important question is, how do we get back to those principles and beliefs? It is obvious that the beliefs now held are not working. It is time to get back to the basics and our pledge for our country. It was not just a poem written down as something to be said for the lack of anything else to be said. It is in all honesty our country's pledge to God. To be one nation, under God, indivisible. Under God... to be under his authority and rule......indivisible.... unable to be divided from his authority and rule. If we do not stand up to our promice to God things will only get worse. This is our country's pledge. It is yours?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A New Year!
It's a new year, 2009. We don't really make resolutions for the new year. But, this year seems to be different. God seems to be moving us in a different direction. Work has come to a stand still for us being that we are self employed. We don't know what is in plan for us. So this year we can only wait on God to give us direction as to what he will provide for us for income. We will be patient in our waiting, depend on him for courage while we are waiting, and constantly pray for the answer from him as to what to do.
This can make you anxious. But we know that God is in control. He has promised not to leave us or forsake us. He promises if we keep praying and asking he will answer. The answer may not be what we would prefer but we know God wants us to be confident in what he has planned for us. He wants us to be content in every situation. He wants us to keep serving him and to let our lives be a light that points others to him ... even (especially) when we are waiting on him. This is our plan for the new year.
Also, we can wait with anticipation with excitement. To see what the creator of all that has been created, especially for us in our individual life leaves us humble. He is so wonderful and we are not. I am thankful that he cares so much for us that he promises we can depend on him. I am even more thankful that he is faithful to his promises.
This can make you anxious. But we know that God is in control. He has promised not to leave us or forsake us. He promises if we keep praying and asking he will answer. The answer may not be what we would prefer but we know God wants us to be confident in what he has planned for us. He wants us to be content in every situation. He wants us to keep serving him and to let our lives be a light that points others to him ... even (especially) when we are waiting on him. This is our plan for the new year.
Also, we can wait with anticipation with excitement. To see what the creator of all that has been created, especially for us in our individual life leaves us humble. He is so wonderful and we are not. I am thankful that he cares so much for us that he promises we can depend on him. I am even more thankful that he is faithful to his promises.
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