You Changed My Life

Have you ever experienced an 'Ah-Ha" moment that just really changed your life? Today I had an awesome 'Ah-Ha' moment.  A lot of emphasis is placed on trust in a relationship whether it be a marriage, a friendship, a work relationship, etc. We place all our trust in our husband, our wife, our best friend, our boss, our co-worker, so much so that when they devastate us we are damaged beyond repair.  We hold on to the pain.  We build up a wall.  We don't forgive and if we do it is only after we have made them pay for it.  Earlier today while driving home the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "Why are you so surprised? You are to trust in God, not in man."  Light bulb!!!! You see, God will never betray you, forsake you, stab you in the back, or lay you off.  As my dad always says, "All of God's promises are Yea and Amen" He has your best interest at heart always.

In His Word He tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lead not unto thy own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path'. (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Isaiah 26: 4


O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34: 8


He who deals wisely and heeds [God's] word and counsel shall find good, and whoever leans on, trusts in, and is confident in the Lord--happy, blessed, and fortunate is he. Proverbs 16: 20


He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like a green bough. Proverbs 11: 28

These are just a few of the verses that tell us we are to fully rely on God.  I love how we are not only told to Trust God, but also what benefit we will receive.  The difference between trusting God and trusting man is that man will let us down every time.  God never will.  I have found out that even when facing the biggest disappointment or heartbreak God is there waiting with open arms.  He wants you to give it all to Him.  It would be great if we got this the first time.  If we trusted God completely to lead, guide and direct our lives.  If we relied on Him to take us through those steps to help make us better even when we don't understand.  I look back over my life and thought about times when I didn't trust God for protection, for guidance.  How many times I put too much pressure on those I love expecting them to give me something they were not capable of giving.  I looked to them to provide me with security that could only come from the Most High God.  The time is now for you trust God in every area of your life.  When you fully accept that He alone can provide you with those intangibles that you have been looking for your whole life like love, acceptance, security and worth and stop seeking them in man, your life will never be the same.  Allow Him to change your life.  He is the only one who can. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I come to You first asking forgiveness for not completely trusting You.  I have relied on so many other people and things and wound up disappointed and hurt.  I put my faith in someone who has the same issues I have instead of You.  Today I am putting my trust in You.  I know that when someone does disappoint me or breaks my heart I have You right there by my side to help put the pieces of my life back together again.  To restore my soul. Help me to be an example to those around me of Your goodness and Your unfailing love.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Over and Over

Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!

 (Matthew 18:21-22, NLV)

Why am I always getting placed in these situations where I have to be the bigger person?  Having my kindness mistaken for weakness.  Just because I am a Christian and I am trying to live right, to control my temper and my tongue, I am constantly placed in situations where I am tested.  I don't ask for much.  To be loved and respected.  To be treated as those I come in contact with want to be treated.  Yet, here I stand once again in a situation where I have to forgive.  "Again, Lord," I cry out.  And in a calm but quiet voice He says, "Yes my child, again."  But it is so unfair. 

I can only imagine what was going through Peter's mind when He asked Jesus this question.  I bet He was hoping Jesus said once, maybe twice.  Instead he replied, "Seventy times seven."  490 times!  That is alot.  But today I had a reality check.  In thirty-seven years I can only imagine how many times God has forgiven me.  Let me see...at least daily. So that's 37 times 365 days a year.  That's 13,505.  Now what about those days I sinned more than once in a day.  While my heart may be sad when someone does me wrong and breaks my heart, I can't stop thinking about how my actions sadden God.  And after all that He has done for me.  Not once has He stopped loving me or turned His back on me.  Yet and still, here I am holding something over my brother or sister's head.  Maybe I did forgive, that doesn't stop the wall from being built up around my heart.

Now I am not saying that it is going to be easy but what I am saying is that 'forgiveness is possible'.  You may have to pray and ask God to help you to forgive depending on the severity of the offense.  Just remember that God specializes in the impossible.  He can do what no other power can do.  One of the most valuable lessons that I have learned is that 'forgiveness is a gift'.  This gift is not for the person who offended you but it is for you.  If you are having difficulty forgiving someone, construct a resume.  Not of your qualifications but of your imperfections.  These are the things that you pray and ask God to forgive on a daily basis.  Those things that you can't seem to shake.  When you write down those things down you remember that you are but a filthy rag.  A sinner saved by grace.  Once you really comprehend the grace and mercy of God, your heart should soften and you will be more apt to forgive those that do you wrong.  If you find yourself still struggling with this, pray about it.  God still answers prayer!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your forgiveness.  When I look in the mirror and see all my imperfections I realize how grateful I am to be a recipient of your grace and mercy.  Help me to forgive those that do my wrong.  I want to be able to keep no record of wrongs so that I can love as You love.  I want to have good relationships with my family and my friends.  I don't want to be so closed of from those who made a mistake like I have done and desire to make a change.  Help me not to judge their sincerity.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

A Love Like That

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.. I Peter 4:8 (NLV)

Because I read my Bible and study God's word, pray on a regular basis, and attend church pretty regularly does not make me any better than you.  If my attitude or behavior makes me appear to be superior than I am not behaving in a way that represents God the way He wants me to.  I am not loving in a way that shows that I am but a sinner saved by grace.  Each and every day I still fall short.  I have to confess my sins daily.  My path to heaven may not be the same as yours but that is not important. What is important is that we all make it to heaven.  What a sad day it will be if those that I come in contact with on a regular basis do not see a consistent display of God's love shining through in my life on a daily basis. Will I be responsible for hindering someone from wanting to be saved? To experience the unconditional love of such an awesome God.

Love is an important part of being a Christian.  As we aspire to be more like God in the way we walk, in the way we talk, in the way we live, and in the way we give, we cannot achieve this without giving the love of God generously.  This love is not to be withheld as a bargaining tool to try to get someone to see things our way.  It should not be given only to those that look like us or meet certain standards.  This love should be given to the homeless person on the street corner, the husband/wife you share a bed with and to the boss/co-worker that you see on a daily basis.  One of the most difficult aspects of love for a Christian is forgiveness.  After a while I believe that we become ungrateful to God for the forgiveness that we receive. His grace and His mercy as well.  We stop having compassion for those around us.  We decide when someone should be better and how many chances they have to get it right.  This is a very common mistake of believers.  I have a couple of questions for you.  "Who died and left you both judge and jury?"  Another question would be "What if God treated you the same way you are treating your brother or your sister?"  These questions should make you think.  They should prompt you to want to be better.  They should make your re-evaluate some things about your life. 

I love the verse written above.  The first two words of the passage lets you know how important love is.  The writer tells us that above all else, LOVE.  True love to another makes us kind to his imperfections, charitable toward his faults, and often blind even to the existence of faults. We would not see the imperfections of those whom we love; and our attachment for what we esteem their real excellencies, makes us insensible to their errors. Have you ever been broken maybe because of the that comes from the Lord and someone extends to you the love of God. They welcome you back into the fold and let you know that everything is going to be alright. How did you feel.  We have all been in a position where we have felt unworthy to receive the love of God and oh what a wonderful feeling when He wraps his arms around us anyway saying, 'My child, I love you."  As followers of Christ we should be no different.  No matter how much they hurt or mistreat you, we are called to LOVE.  For love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (I Corinthians 13:4-5) Maybe you don't understand that why you have been mistreated and maybe in the past your response has been to get even.  I challenge you today to give it to God.  Ask God to help you to show love, real love.  Not the kind of love that is dependent upon circumstance but a love that comes from knowing that God loves you.  That should be the difference maker. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Lord help me to love like you love.  To forgive like you forgive.  To keep no record of wrongs.  To be patient with those around me.  Help me to remember that but for the love, the grace and the mercy you have extended to me, I am but a sinner unworthy of your blessings.  I thank You for Your Son, Jesus who was sent to die on the cross for my sins, because He loved me,  Let me never forget where I came from.  I will be so careful to give You all the glory, honor and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

The Best Is Yet To Come

Do you remember what your life was like before you accepted Christ as your personal Saviour? Being raised in the church, I accepted Christ at the age of twelve. I don't remember what life was like before that because it seemed like church was all we did in our house. But as an adult I do remember a time period when the Lord didn't seem present and nothing but storm after storm came and I felt so alone. A time of total destruction of the life that I had built. Now before this time period came, life was wonderful. Everything seemed to be running on all cylinders. I didn't even see the storm approaching or total destruction heading my way. I'm sure there were warning signs but apparently I ignored them. But to make a long story short....destruction came. And I had to go through the process of rebuilding. Much like the people in the book of Haggai.

Read the entire book of Haggai. (It's only two chapters) The temple had been destroyed and they had been instructed to rebuild the temple. And amazingly enough, after fifteen years, it still was not completed. Why? Because they were more concerned with building their own houses then the house of the Lord. (Let me put a footnote here - You must get your priorities straight. Spiritual house, then earthly house.) But that's not what I want to talk about. The question was asked 'Is there anyone who can remember this house - the Temple - as it was before?' In comparison, how does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all. (Haggai 2:3) That is why I asked the question at the beginning, 'Do you remember how your life was before you accepted Christ as your personal Savior? I know that there are many Christians who did not grow up in the church or accept Him at an early age. I could also ask the question 'Do you remember what your life was like before you decided to fully commit to him'? You may have accepted him as a child but you didn't really start walking with him until you were older. Whatever the case may be, do you recognize a difference? Does it appear to be better or worse? You see, in the life before Christ you may had thought you were doing alright. Life was just rolling on. You didn't have too many problems. You had a job. Your health was alright. Your children were behaving. Your marriage was doing great. Great friends all around you. Things were wonderful. You can sit here today and reminisce over the good times. Now I want you to think about life after Christ. How have things changed for you? Have things gotten better? Is there a point where you can say 'because of Christ, my life is better'. In this story in the book of Haggai, God realized that there was a small remnant of people who remembered what the temple was like before destruction. And now they were looking at the temple now and it just didn't seem as grand. He wanted them to know that this temple would be even greater not because of the amount of gold or silver or the design of the temple but because God was with them. He had promised never to leave them. Even though they had experienced captivity and the temple had been destroyed, he was still with them. He kept his promise! And let me tell you something, there is no comparison when it comes to life with God versus life without God. What tools did you have to help you stand in the time of trouble? Did you have peace in the midst of a storm? When you set out to accomplish a task, were the results everything you wanted them to be? Or 'when you hoped for a twenty-bushel crop, did you harvest only ten' , or when you expected to draw fifty gallons from the wine press, did you find only twenty. (Haggai 2:16) You see, God wants us to realize and appreciate the true impact he has on our lives. We should never be foolish enough to think we have accomplished anything, in and of ourselves. We must come to really know the meaning of Romans 8:28. And as the scripture says here in Haggai 2:9, "The future of this Temple will be greater than its past glory..." Your latter will be your greater. Don't be discouraged when you start to think about how your life used to be and that by outside appearance it seemed to be better than your life is now. Rest assured that with God in control of your life, things can and will only be better. Trust him to make it happen and be obedient to his will. Know that when you put him first EVERYTHING else will fall into place. (Matthew 6:33)



Most Gracious Heavenly Father, 


Thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you, because even though I may have experienced total destruction, trials and tribulations you have never left my side. I know that I can count on you to be with me thru it all. Help me to remember that when I look back over my life and I feel the urge to want to go back to my life before you I will stop and think and say no. I will continue to walk in your ways. Help me to rest on your promise that my latter will be my greater. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

I'm Still Standing

Standing on the promises of Christ my King. Thru eternal ages let his praises ring. Glory in the highest I will should and sing. Standing on the promises of God.


Standing on the promises I cannot fail. When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail. By the living Word of God I shall prevail. Standing on the promises of God.

God cannot lie. Whatever He has promised me, it will come to pass. I tell myself these very words all the time. Sometimes several times a day. Why? Because some days I become discouraged. Things are not turning out as I thought they would. I've grown tired of seeing others prosper. They are happy. They're married, why aren't I? They have children. I want a child. They have nice things. I deserve them to. I'm living right. I'm studying the Word. I'm praying more. I even started going to Sunday school and Bible study. Yet it seems as though God has forgotten about me.

Read Hebrew 6: 8-20. Let me begin by saying God knows exactly what He is doing. Right at a moment of discouragement, I read these verses. This is not something that I did not know. I just needed a reminder. And today I don't have any profound thoughts for you. I am simply going to let the Word speak for itself.

God sees everything. And because He sees everything you don't have to tell Him the things you do as His representative. But God doesn't honor His promises because of what you do. He honors them because of who He is. God does not change. If He has told you something it will come to pass. We all know the story of Abraham. Did you know that it took twenty-five years before God made good on that promise to Abraham to give him a son? Some of you may look at this in the negative. Twenty-five years. I may not even have twenty-five years left in my life. I want to try and help change your way of thinking. In an earlier post I shared with you that God's timing is perfect timing. I still believe that. The truth that you must look at and hold on to is that God kept his promise. The time frame should not be your focus. You must continue to have hope.


"When people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it." (verse 16) Like in the U.S. court system where the witness places his hand on the Bible and swears to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth 'so help me God'. When God makes a promise you can take it to the bank. There is no need to think the check might bounce. There is none greater than the living God. So the next time Satan tries to sneak into your mind that spirit of discouragement or defeat, fight back with the Word.

At the beginning of this post I wrote the words to a hymn we used to sing at church, Standing on the Promises. This hymn says exactly what I am talking about. God's promises are secure ground to stand on. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this hymn, I'll quote one of my favorite songs performed by Donnie McClurkin. This song does something to me every time I hear it. The song is called 'Stand'. Now Donnie doesn't say that anything about standing on God's promises, but it does say this:

What do you do when you've done all you can and it seems like it's never enough. And what do you say when your friends turn away, you're all alone. What do you give? When you've given your all and seems like you can't make it thru. Well you just stand. Stand. When there's nothing left to do. You just stand. Watch the Lord see you thru. After you've done all you can. You just stand.

So let me paint a picture of what is playing in my mind when I am listening to or singing this song. God's promises to me. This song is talking to the discouraged, disheartened believer. The one who is trying his/her best to live life the way God wants them to. This song is talking to the believer who may have just hit a rough patch and is thinking what's the point of all this Christianity anyway. The believer who made a mistake and even the people in the church have turned their backs on him. Ever been this believer that I am talking about. I have? And God's Word pulled me up out of my own pity party every time. I picked up my head and stuck out my chest and planted my feet. I stood firmly on the Word of God.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father:


Today I don't feel much like praying. Today I am just thankful that you already know what I am going thru. Today I just want to say thank you for your Word. Thank you for the promises made to me. I am now standing on those promises. Satan can't steal my joy. I will not be defeated. I will no longer be discouraged. I will trust you. Thank you Lord for your Word that cannot and will not return void. In you, Oh Lord, I have hope. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

Our Father

'The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust'.  Psalm 103:13-14

I sat for a while today and thought about where my life would be if I had given up on myself. There have been days and nights that were simply unbearable. Plans that I had made were crushed. Certain dreams that I had never happened. Days when I just did not want to get out of the bed. Sound familiar to anyone? While I know each person has his or her own story, I believe everyone has thought about giving up.


If you have or have had those thoughts, I have a question for you. Have you every stopped to think what your life would be like if God gave up on you? Life sometimes can deal us a horrible hand. We make plans and those plans never happen. We love and we get our heart broken. We raise our children and they disappoint us. We get laid off. We get sick. We watch loved ones die. Many days we feel all alone. There are also days when we are striving to do our best to live right and still we fall short and disobey God. Yet and still He keeps right on keeping his promises. He keeps right on making a way for us. Not because of who we are but because of who He is. And today that's the best news in the world.

Yes, there are times when God must discipline us. Some behaviors we continue to display must be broken. But don't you realize that, even more so than a disciplinarian, he wants to comfort us. He knows how weak we are, even on our best day. Mistakes are going to happen but don't let that discourage you. There are times when I'm rolling along so well. Everything seems to be moving along on all cylinders. I've just had great quiet time or my own little praise and worship session and then I step out of my bubble and life happens. My reactions aren't always the best. When I'm hurt I put up a wall and can be downright mean to the person on the other side of that wall. It's my defense mechanism. When I really want something, even though God has told me that it's not for me right now, I still go after it, bumping my head time and time again. But none of that matters. He continues to love me. He holds his arms out and says, "Come my child and rest on my shoulders. I still love you. You will make it. I'm right here by your side. I never left." And those words to me, at just that right moment, are worth more than all the gold in the world. Simply because the One who is in control of everything is still on the throne and he hasn't given up on me.

My brother and my sister, as a child of the most high, it gets discouraging to know that we continue to let God down. We don't do the best with the talents he gave us. We are going to fall sometimes but we don't have to stay down. The scripture says, "Two are better than one because if one falls the other is there to pick him up." Now don't get me wrong I am thankful for the people who have helped me to get up again. However, let's look at this verse from a different perspective. I concur that two are better than one, especially when the 2nd person is God himself. He has all the power to help us get back up again. And He will continue to be there for us because He will never give up on His children. Thank you Lord!


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


I praise you today. I thank you for loving me. I thank you even more today because you have never given up on me. I've let you down and I am so sorry. Yet even with all my faults you continue to make a way for me. There are so many things that I don't do as I should. So many things I know I need to do better and with your help I know that I can and will do better. I just can't thank you enough Lord for your forgiveness, your compassion. I love you so very much Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

God is Working

Keep on praying.  Don't give up on God for He is at work.  He is faithful and He will make good one each and every one of His promises. Stop trying to see everything beforehand.  There I sat today pondering a simple question.  "Do you realize the investment that God has made in your life?" This question made me think really hard because so many times we do not see or acknowledge God at work in our lives. Now don't get me wrong we don't have a problem seeing God or acknowledging Him at work when it is something phenomenal or supernatural. But God doesn't work like that all the time. And even though He doesn't work like that all the time I hope you know He is definitely always at work in your life. He has made an investment in you. An investment that won't go bad when the market declines.


What do I mean by investment? He sacrificed his only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins. He went all the way down to hell and snatched the keys. He left us a road map...the Word... for us to follow. We are surrounded by a most awesome cloud of witnesses cheering us on every day as we run our race. Not a day goes by that God himself isn't rooting you on to victory. We often give honor and praise to our parents, our spouses, our closest friends for investing time in us, supporting us and being there for us in our time of need. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But don't forget to give God the glory and honor and praise for what He does for you on a daily basis. I look at it this way if my parents were able to help me financial or emotionally, it was because God allowed them to. The tender moments you receive from your spouse just when you needed a little extra love, it was because God's love was showing through him or her. When your friend calls you out of the blue just to check on you or sends you an encouraging message or card, it is because God decided to use them as the instrument to bless you.

Think about when you got up this morning. Do you know that it was because God allowed you to get up this morning? Did you thank Him for it? Did you praise him for the job that you have to go to, even if it is a job you don't care for too much. What about the house you live in, the car you drive, the food you eat, a drive to work without traffic, a ride to work without any accidents? While you may not see these things as investments, they are definitely the hand of God at work in your life. You see, as God does for you, the more you acknowledge him, the brighter the light shines from you so that others might see and they may come to know the God that you know and love and serve. Isn't that what it's all about anyway....bringing others to Christ? Take time this week to look for the hand of God at work in your life and when you see him at work, stop and thank him for it.


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,



I must admit that I do not always see you at work in my life. I am asking you to open my eyes so that I might see you in my everyday life. Help me to feel your presence all day long. I want to take a moment to thank you right now for everything that you have done and are going to do in my life. It brings me great joy and I love you. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

Spiritual Conditioning

But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. Ecclesiastes 9:11a

What makes an athlete great? Is it his/her desire to be great? A lot of people desire to be great athletes but very few achieve this status. Are they simply born with great physical ability, so that one day they just get up and win the gold medal in the 500-yard dash? I don't think so. They may start out okay at the beginning but pretty soon you will see them on the sideline, breathing heavy, bent over and begging for water. Why? Because they have not had the right kind of conditioning.


We've heard the saying 'the race is not given to the swift, neither the battle to the strong but to the one who endures until the end". (taken from Ecclesiastes 9:11 and Matthew 24:13) So how do we make it to the end - with the right kind of conditioning! This life we live is a marathon, not a sprint. We have to pace ourselves daily. We have to know when to pick up the pace and when to run slow and steady. We must rely on the Holy Spirit within us to guide us and direct us.

What is conditioning and why is it necessary? Conditioning is a process of behavior modification where a subject comes to associate a desired behavior with a previously unrelated stimulus. Some people believe that you can get in shape just by playing a sport. Not true. Just as in our Christian walk there are those that believe that things will be okay if I go to church on Sunday, read my Bible every now and then and pray sometimes. Now don't get me wrong, those things are necessary to your Christian walk. But the question that I want to ask you is are they going to get you across the finish line? If you only desire to get by with a passing grade then continue to do the bare minimum, but if you want to achieve greatness then you must put in the work. The bottom line in conditioning is stress, not mental stress but adaptive stress. As more pressure is applied your muscles become stronger and your build up the necessary stamina for endurance. You come to a hill, you know how to adjust your speed. You see when trials come in our life they are to make us better. They are teaching us to rely on God. These trials apply just the right amount of pressure at the right time to build up our strength so that the next time the devil throws something our way we are not easily swayed and ready to give in. We pray more. We read our Bible more.

Conditioning is a necessary part of your race. My challenge for you today is to work on your consistency so that you will be ready when the trial comes. There are times in this life when Satan will think he has you defeated. It's the end of the third quarter and you're down by fourteen points. Most teams give up. They go into the fourth quarter with a defeated attitude. But not you! You know that the secret to making it to the end and winning the race comes down to your conditioning and defense. When you know that you've been in the gym and exercised your faith, been a connoisseur of the Word and maintained a regular prayer life, you have no doubt that you are gonna be victorious! Your endurance is measured not by how you start the race but how you finish.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


I'm running this race called life and I need your help. I'm trying to get to the finish line but I've grown tired. Sometimes I just feel like giving up. I know I need to work on my conditioning, so I can achieve my goal. Thank you for the trials in my life. I know that they only come to make me strong. Help me to keep my eye on the prize. In Jesus' Wonderful Name. Amen.

Trust God

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

Do you trust God? I mean really trust God. When times are tough and you can't see your way out do you pray about it and leave it in God's hands? Or do you take it upon yourself to try and fix the situation. If I am being completely honest I would have to say that I often times pick it back up and try to handle it myself.


By the time I was five years old I had learned Proverbs 3:5-6. My parents were really big on scripture memorization, so right along with our school work we had to learn scriptures. (Thank you mom and dad for that.) This verse was an easy one to learn but I have to say that I didn't learn the true concept of trusting in the Lord until I was in my 30's. I said I trusted him but most of the time that was just words. If there was something that I ultimately believed I could do myself then I said I trust you Lord. Like when I had a bill due that I knew I wouldn't be able to pay this month but I knew that I could call the utility company and get an extension until the next month when my bonus check was coming. But what about the things I didn't have control over - like when I lost my job and wasn't geting any hits on my resume for months and the bills started piling up. Sure I could call and get the extension but I didn't have that bonus check coming in. As a matter of fact, I didn't even have a paycheck coming in. Or when I went to the doctor and the initial results were okay but then two days later I received a call from the doctor with not so favorable news. I didn't have any control over that. What was I supposed to do? I didn't realize that true trust in the Lord came when I realized nothing was in my control. I had to get to the point that no matter what, and in everything, I came to rely completely on the Lord.

Let's take a closer look at Proverbs 3:5-6. These two verses are full of verbs - action words. That means you need to do something. First you need to trust. Trust is defined as assured reliance on the character, ability or strength of someone. Let's take a logical look at this. It means that you have looked at the gains and losses, calculated the expected utility based on hard performance data, and concluded that the person in question will behave in a predictable manner. In laymen terms, it means you looked at your life with and without the Lord, you thought about what he has already done for you and you decided that he is faithful to do what he has promised. Then we are told to 'lean not unto thy own understanding'. I'll say it again - sometimes we are our own worse enemies. Sometimes we don't see things clearly. We have a one-sided view. When someone has done me wrong, I just want to get them back. Not realizing that I am only making matters worse. When you lean on something, you place all your weight on that object. My mom just had knee surgery and has to use crutches. It was funny because she had to be taught to use the crutches. Why? Because she was used to relying on the use of both her legs. We are no different. We have come to rely on our own ability, even in times of crisis. Instead of putting our trust in God, we continue to worry. We are in pain, yet we think we can make it on our own, when all we have to do is lean. Then we are told to acknowledge him in all our ways. This means in everything we do. We give God credit and 'carte blanche' permission to act on our behalf. Now I don't know about you but if there is anyone I feel comfortable giving this kind of access to every facet of my life - it's the Lord.

So after trusting, leaning and acknowledging, God then tells us what he will do for us. He will direct our paths. That's good new ya'll. Because I don't know about you, but as I travel along this journey called life and I think about how many times God has directed me around some roadblocks, over some mountains and thru some valleys, I am so grateful. He didn't leave me to my own devices. He told me when to stop, when to yield and when to move forward. And each and every time I came out victorious. Now when I say I trust you Lord, I mean it. I believe Jesus can work it out, if you let him. You see that problem that I had, I could not seem to solve I tried and I tried, I just kept getting deeper involved. Then I turned it over to Jesus. And I stopped worrying about it. I gave it over to the Lord and he worked it out!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I admit that I struggle with trusting you with every aspect of my life. I still want to have control. Today I am turning everything over to you. I'm not gonna worry about it anymore. I believe you will work it out for me. Thank you for your guidance. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

A Season For Everything

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-5



Do you really believe that God has a purpose for everything that you go through in life? The good, the bad and the ugly. I became a Christian at an early age. I grew up in the church. But there was a period in my life where I was sure that what was going on was working against God's plan and was not a part of God's plan.

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. The very first verse of this passage says, 'There is a season for everything, a season for every activity under heaven'. Really?!?!? The writer goes on to contrast different things that made me think about my life. For instance, 'a time to be born and a time to die'. I thought about that for a moment. Before I could be born again, I had to die to self. 'A time to plant and a time to harvest'. Another pretty simple concept for me to see. Throughout most of my life I had to agree that what I planted in my spirit and my mind is what I received in return. But some of the other concepts listed were a little harder to swallow, 'a time to kill, a time to tear down, a time to cry, a time to grieve'. All of these things sounded rather painful. Nevertheless, I do believe God's word is true, so I had to figure out what all this meant and how it applied to me.

I came to one very important conclusion. Timing is important. After everything I had been through, I realized that God did not take me through those things until I was ready. Each and every trial, heartache and rocky situation had come at a time when I could handle it. Of course, I didn't think that I could. But I remembered a prayer that I had prayed a very long time ago for the Lord to use me in any way he wanted. At the time that I prayed that prayer I did not realize what that would mean. I lived a few more years and I saw that while I was changing there were times when I would look in the mirror and still see an image of myself and not one of God. So God had to try me and test me, put me in the fire, remove some people away from me, take away those things I had come to rely on more than him. But the timing of all this had to be strategically planned by God, all in his perfect will. If it came too soon then I would have given up and ran away. If it came to late then I might not have had the opportunity to help my brother or sister along the way. He had to get rid of some distractions. He had to remove some barriers.

You see every year there are four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. During each one of these seasons a different activity takes place. In the winter it becomes bitter cold and has the shortest days and the longest nights. It is often compared to a time of death. Then there is spring, the transition season. This is usally a time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. It is also the season with the most unstable weather, because although summer is peaking in, there are some cold days still lingering on. Next comes summer. Summer is known as the wet season and during this time there are often food shortages before crops reach their full maturity. And then there is fall when we think about harvest time and enjoying the fruits of our labor. We usually forget about how much work takes place at harvest time. You see because right along with the good crops there are some weeds growing right next to them that must be pulled out at the root. But notice how all the seasons work together. One would not survive and serve it's true purpose without the one preceding it.

That's how our lives are. In order to move to the next season of our life we have to go through the season before it. There are no shortcuts. If you plant during the winter, it will die. If you try to harvest before the crop reaches maturity, you cut off the growth. It is not as valuable. There is a purpose to your life. Believe it! Receive it! No matter what situation you are facing, go on through it. I promise you will be better because of it!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


Thank you for choosing me as a part of your plan. Right now I am in the ____________ season of my life. And I admit I don't fully understand what it is that you are doing. But I trust you Lord. I trust you with this process of molding me into the person that you want me to be. Help me to see your divine hand working on me and help me to walk in my purpose. In Jesus' Name Amen.

The Right Connection

I am dwelling in the secret place of the most high. I am abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God in him I am trusting. Surely he has delivered me from the snare of the fowler and the noisome pestilence. He has covered me with his feathers and in his wings I am trusting. His truth is my shield and buckler. I will not be afraid of the terror by night, nor the arrow that flieth by day, nor the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at my side and ten thousand at my right hand but it will not come near me. Only with mine eyes will I behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because I have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the most high, my habitation. There shall no evil befall me, neither shall any plague come near my dwelling... Because I have set my love upon him, therefore will he deliver me. He will set me on high because I have known His name. Psalm 91:1-10;14

There is something to be said for knowing the right person. Have you ever been around a person that loves to name drop. I have and actually I find it quite annoying. People think that if they say they know a certain person than that will open doors for them. Well I have stopped by here to tell you today that there is only one name that you need to know and that is the name of Jesus. When you make Him your number one priority than doors will open. You have the favor of God. Did you know that at the name of Jesus every knee has to bow. Is someone standing in the way of your next move? Don't worry, my friend. Call on the name of Jesus. Psalm 91:14 says, 'because you love Him, He will deliver you. You will be elevated because you know His name. Not President Obama. Not because you play golf with the President of the company. Not because you go to the same nail shop as the bank manager. Your bright future is because you know God. And not just on a casual basis. This is on a personal basis. You have made the Lord your dwelling place. He knows your most intimate details and still loves you. Made a mistake? Doesn't matter. God has given you favor. Your position right now may be a mystery to others around you. You may not have the right education or experience. You may have been raised on the wrong side of the tracks. But God!!! Anybody want to shout right now! I do! Let them talk about you and wonder...You know the secret. None of the credit belongs to you. It all belongs to God. Praise Him now, not for where you are but where you are going. God has the power to open that closed door. Break down those manmade dividers and elevate you to a position where He can be glorified.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Eyes have not seen, ears have not heard.  No mind has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love the Lord. And I do love You with all my heart. Help me not to be discouraged by what I may see with my human eyes. I trust You Lord, knowing that all things work together for the good of them who love You. As I continue to follow the path and walk into the destiny You have prepared for me, help me not to lose sight that every good and perfect gift comes from You. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

Quiet Submission

For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken," says the LORD, who has mercy on you. Isaiah 54:10

I am in the process of teaching my nine year old (soon to be ten) daughter about submission.  She believes that every conversation needs to be a debate.  Her opinion must be heard and that I should even be persuaded to change my mind.  She says that they teach her this in school.  Her fourth grade teacher lets them choose.  My response is simple.  "Well that's great for your fourth grade class, however in this house you abide by my rules.  I am not going to discuss everything with you. I don't have to explain. It's because I said so."  I know that as a parent I only want what is best for her life.  I've been around the block a few times myself and want to help her avoid some of the same mistakes I did.  I keep asking myself when is she finally going to get it and just give in, say 'yes maam' and not talk back.  At the same time I was asking myself this question, the Holy Spirit said to me, "When will you Ramona?" 

I have been a Christian for many years.  I have read the Bible, memorized scripture, taught Sunday School, spoke at Women's Day programs and conferences.  I am no stranger to the Word of God and the promises within.  I know that there are guidelines by which I should live.  There are things that are supposed to happen to help make me a better person.  Nevertheless, just like my daughter there are times when I stand ready to square off in a debate with God.  I sit there wondering, 'Why me?  Why now?'  I haven't learned how to quietly submit to God's will and His way.  God doesn't need my permission to do anything.  Everything He does is for my good and for His glory.  Simple obedience to His Word brings about a great reward.  You see, God's promises cannot fail.  Patient waiters cannot be disappointed. Believing expectation shall be realized.  Sometimes it's just good to be quiet and say 'Yes Lord'.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I just want to say 'Yes Lord'.  I submit to Your will and Your way.  I give myself away so that You can use me.  I don't have to understand all that is going on in my life as long as You are in control.  And You are in control.  You are the source of my strength and the strength of my life.  As long as I have breath in my body I will praise You.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

To Save A Life

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere--in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

So I watched a movie tonight called "To Save A Life". The movie was about a teenage boy who committed suicide.  He committed suicide because he felt judged and that no one heard him.  He felt that no matter how loud he yelled he would still be invisible.  The night before he committed suicide he went to church.  Maybe he went there looking for answers. The sad part about it was that he didn't feel welcome there either. It really made me think about how approachable I am. Do I go out of my way to smile, say a kind word, recognize a visitor, introduce myself? I gave myself a grade of about a 'C'.  Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't.  Sometimes I can't see past my own problem to see the needs of others.  I  believe alot of us are like that.  Which brings me to a question I want you to think about today. "What good is all this if you're not going to let it change you?"

Let's think about this for a minute.  Most of you reading this go to church on a regular basis. You pray and you  read our Bible  But how do you act when you are out in the real world?  Do you stand out in a crowd or do you just blend in?  Each day you are faced with decisions of good versus evil.  How do you respond?  Do you do your part to include others, even those that don't fit into your mold?  They may not carry a designer purse or drive the best car.  Maybe they don't wear the best clothes.  Maybe they are struggling just to make ends meet. Maybe all they need is a smile.  You could be the person that changes their entire outlook on life just by saying "hello". I am not saying that you have to be best friends with them but that doesn't mean you have to talk about them either.  You never know what another person is going through.  You never know how they may be hurting on the inside.  Even the  most well put together individual feels pain sometimes.  It is your job as a child of the Most High God to be that light that shines in darkness.  You are supposed to stand up for what it right in all situations.  You should be selfless.  I know that you, like me,  may be carrying your own set of burdens right now but it doesn't give any of us the right to mistreat another human being.  To treat them as if they were invisible.  God sent His only begotten Son to save your life.  Why not show your gratitude by saving another life?  There is a motto out there that says 'Each one, reach one'.  Take some time today to smile at the person you walk by everyday at work. Smile at the person in line behind you at Target.  Say hello to the person riding on the elevator with you at the doctor's office.  You never know what impact this simple acts of kindness may have on someone's life.  Jesus left instructions that said you and I are to be witnesses all over the world.  You may not be doing it in the traditional sense as I did at a very young age. We went door-to-door asking complete strangers if they were saved.  You may not go to that extreme but you can show everyone the love of God.  You just might save a life.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I come to You today Lord a bit ashamed.  I know that I have missed opportunities to be a witness for You.  I have not shown the love of God in the way that I know how.  Help me to be a better Christian.  I want to be the type of Christian you want me to be.  Please forgive me for my disobedience.  I thank you for your grace and mercy that give me another chance daily to be what you want me to be.  I will always give your name the praise for You are worthy.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

God Is A Good God

Over the years I have learned to take criticism.  I realize that I am not perfect and I fall short. I know that there are times when I can be insensitive, cold, a poor communicator and a bad listener.  I know that I have a low tolerance for ignorance and I can be very impatient.  This is not an all-inclusive list but just some things that I have noticed this week.  Now that I have gotten all this out of the way, let me say something positive.  God is a good God!  Why?  Because He knows all this about me and loves me anyway. 

Let's stop for a moment and think about God's goodness.  When I have been criticized in the past it has not always been in love.  Yet, God who is faithful, takes the time not to criticize but to compliment me.  He compliments my faults with His grace and mercy.  He allows storms to come into my life to make me better.  He doesn't just do bad things to me just to see me suffer.  'For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison'.  II Corinthians 4:17  My translation ~ These temporary setback is making me stronger, wiser and better in order to be of service for God and that is better than a million dollars. I got heaven in my view'.  God could have left us in our terrible state.  The original problem is resolved through salvation.  You accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and He washes away all your sins.  Now if you died right then and went to heaven things would be great.  However, we all know that is not case.  Instead you are allotted a certain amount of days, selected by God, to live on this earth.    You try to live the best life that you can but even at your very best, you still fall short.  You may, as I do, recognize some things that need changing.  But you don't recognize all of them.  Your Heavenly Father does. This fact alone makes Him a good God.  Not to mention, He is faithful.  He gives us grace.  He grants us mercy.  He provides for us.  His gives us chance after chance after chance.  He doesn't write us off. 

I know you may be feeling discouraged right now.  Maybe you have been working on some things and you thought you were changing.  No sooner than you thought you were getting better, you slip up.  Not a minor slip up, but in a major way.  Maybe you find yourself on the constant cycle of in the storm, out of the storm, then back in the storm, etc. Some you created and some allowed by God. Whatever the case, God has the situation under control.  Know this... 'the testing of your faith develops perseverance'. And it doesn't stop there. 'Perseverance must complete its work so that you are mature and complete, not lacking anything'.  (James 1:3-4) 


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I praise You today because You are a good God.  You are holy.  You are faithful.  Thank You for Your grace and for Your mercy.  Help me to accept the storms that come up in my life as an expression of love.  Help me not to lose heart.  Even though it seems like I won't survive, let me fix my eyes on You.  Let me renew my mind with the promises in Your Word.  I want to finish the race in preparation for my eternal glory in heaven with You.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Stress Management

I have a confession to make. "I do not deal well with stress."  I am by nature someone who internalizes things.  I keep things built up on the inside and then I have days where I tend to explode.  Now this is not a typical explosion where I blow up on everyone around me.  This explosion is usually in the privacy of my car or my bathroom where I just cry uncontrollably.  I've tried different methods to deal with this stress, i.e. massages,self-help books, therapy, boxing...none of which worked.  The massage felt great and it felt good to talk to a total stranger without being judged, I still went home stressed.  The boxing was the best because it helped me to lose a little weight and have great energy...but still not the cure for my stress.  But the time has come for me to stop carrying around this burden. 

Stress has become a regular part of our lives.  We take on the stress of our families and our jobs.  We stress about finances and the future.  We carry stress around like a hump on a camel.  The difference is that a camel is meant to have a hump.  The hump is necessary to the camel for survival.  As Christians we are not meant to carry stress.  Jesus said, 'I have come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)  But do we live life abundantly?  I know I don't always.  I sit around and worry sometimes just as those who have no hope even though I know better.  I am saved.  I trust God.  I have faith.  In fact this past year has helped to grow my faith.  I have been placed in certain situations and instead of stressing to the max, I prayed.  I turned it over to God and let Him handle it.  After all, He is much more capable.  Over and over again in the Bible we are told to turn it over to Jesus. You know the verses.

I Peter 5:7, 'Cast our cares upon him for he careth for you'.

Psalm 55:22, 'Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall'.
 
Hebrews 4:15-16, 'For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need'.
 
Matthew 11:28-30,  "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
 
So how do we deal with the stress of life.  Give it to God!  Stop carrying around unnecessary burdens.  We fill up our time in an attempt to give ourselves peace and contentment and for what?  Without God our life has no real purpose.  Have you noticed that no matter how much you work to achieve your heart's desire, you only want more?  That's why we must prioritize.  Seek ye first the kingdom of God...Matthew 6:33. No matter what you facing God has the answer.  There is no problem too big or too small.  Let Him work it out.  And remember it is not always about God removing the storm even though He has the power.  I believe that God shows His power best when He sustains you through the storm.  Stop stressing and start seeking....God is not a man that He should lie.  All of His promises are Yes and Amen.  Trust Him.  The God you serve is faithful!
 
 Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
 
Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change. I need to remember that there is a purpose behind the pain. No matter how big the mountain, you O Lord have the power to move mountains.  Help me to stand on Your promise that says 'all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord'.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.  

Time For A Makeover

So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel.  But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Jeremiah 18:3-4

I have a question for you?  Are you happy with your life right now?  Good, bad or indifferent...it is your life.  Or is it?  As a child of God I could make a pretty convincing argument that your life is not your own. I'll start by telling you part of my story.  There I was going through the motions of life when all of a sudden I ran smack dab into the walls of change.  Little by little everything I had come to know and tolerate was shifting.  It wasn't just that expected shift of growing up.  It was more like crack, drop, break, mold and reshape.  Kind of like the Rice Krispie theme...'Snap, Crackle, Pop'. I know that when I accepted Christ as my Savior that He became Lord of my life.  I knew that some things were going to have to change.  What I didn't know (or like very much for that matter) was that He was going to change some things that I thought were alright.  Actually I had grown kind of comfortable with these things.  I know my moods and how to handle them.  I had developed a pretty good method of how to deal with my pet peeves and those little things that irritate me.  Now my methods may not have all the 'Christian' way but it worked for me.  I didn't ask Him to change my friends or my job.  As a matter of fact I remember praying for the specific things I wanted to be changed. 

The older I get the more I go through these phases where I don't like anything about myself.  I get tired of the way I look.  I don't like anything in my closet. So I call my beautician.  I cut my hair off and then I grow it back.  I call my guy at the MAC make-up counter and schedule a session.  I buy a new outfit and a pair of shoes and the makeover is complete.  Now only if my life were that simple.  Unfortunately there are some things on the inside of me that need a lot of work.  These things are not easily identifiable so I must leave the work in the hands of the one who knows the most intimate details of my life. The good, the bad and the ugly. You see when I have control over my own makeover I may change something that may not need changing.  I might also keep something the same that needs to be removed.  I can't see that friend who stabs me in the back, but God can.  I may not be aware of the way I speak down to my husband, as if I am a know-it-all, but God is.  After all, He made me.  He knows just what I need to be the vessel He designed me to be.  I may not always be on the right track.  I need some extra guidance.  I need those people around me who are going to encourage me to do the right thing.  Those that know that I am stubborn and the only way I am going to change is through prayer. 

So let me ask the question again that I asked in the beginning?  'Are you happy with your life right now?  Even if the answer is YES, just know that at any point in time the Master Builder has the right to change anything about you anytime He sees fit.  So be prepared for a makeover.  Although it may be a painful process, the results will be 'runway ready awesome'!  All you have to do is submit to His will. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I stand before You today, humble.  I admit that the plans that I have for my life have not always been the best.  I have been stubborn and disobedient.  Today I submit to Your will.  Mold me and make me after thy will.  For your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.  Examine me Lord and whatever You find that is not like You please take it away.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Thank You Lord

'Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise.  Be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good.  His mercy is everlasting and his truth endureth to all generations.  Psalm 100:4-5

Thank you Lord!  If I had ten thousand tongues I couldn't praise Him enough.  He's been just that good.  When I look back over my life and think things over, my soul looks back and wonders how I got over.  There are just so many things God has done for me.  I know that things may not be perfect right now.  But every morning the Lord wakes me up and I get another opportunity to praise Him, I am going to do just that.  What about you?

Sometimes it is just the little things that remind you of the touch the Master has had on your life. Waking up with activity of your limbs.  Praise Him!  Breath in your body.  Praise Him! A roof over your head.  Clothes on your back.  A car to drive.  A job to go to. Praise Him! Maybe you have survived a significant illness or maybe someone close to you has.  Maybe you have seen your marriage revived or maybe you survived a bitter divorce.  Maybe you were on the verge of losing your house or maybe you did lose your house but you still have a place to lay your head.  Maybe your job went through layoffs and you lost your job or maybe your job went through layoffs and your department didn't get hit.  Maybe you remember how bad you were and how nothing but God's grace and mercy has gotten you to where you are today.  Whatever the case may be, sometimes you just have to stop and say, "Thank you Lord."  If it had not been for God on your side, where would you be?  I am realizing every day that it doesn't take a whole lot to make me praise the Lord.  I look myself in the mirror each day and I know how unworthy I am.  I know that each and every day I fall short and He still forgives me.  He gives me grace each and every day.  His mercies are new every morning.  Just knowing this ought to make you want to be better.  To do better.  To live a life that is pleasing in His sight.  He is the one that matters.  It is not about putting on a show for others to see.  It is about your personal relationship with God.  He alone knows your heart.  It is not for me or anyone else to judge.  There is a saying that I am sure you have heard that says, 'people don't have to be nice to you, but when they are you ought to say thank you'.  God didn't have to send His only begotten Son to the world to die for our sins, but He did.  He hung on that old rugged cross for a sinner like you and me.  What a perfect sacrifice!  I don't know about you, but even as nice as I am I don't know if I could give my life for anyone.  That is why not a day should go by that you don't stop and thank the Lord, first of all for who He is.  Then stop and thank Him for what He has done.  It is never an inappropriate time to praise Him.  I know that things may not look the best right now but even on your worse day, God is still God and He is still good.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I just wanted to stop and say, "Thank You."  Thank You for who you are.  You are holy.  You are faithful.  You are a righteous God. You are a forgiving God.  You are a just God.  I thank You because You look beyond my faults to see my needs.  Wherever I go You are there.  I just want to praise You.  I thank you for Your loving kindness and your tender mercies.  Each and every day, for as long as I shall live, I will continue to praise Your name.  In Jesus' Wonderful; Name Amen. 

Interruptions

I do not like to be interrupted.  When my mind is set on completing a task whether it be reading a book or writing a paper, watching a movie, eating dinner, I want to finish what I started.  Unfortunately this is not the way my life has been.  Instead there are times that I feel like my life is just one big interruption.  The minute I start down one path or make plans to do something new, life throws a curve ball.  Now normally I would have thrown a big tantrum and let every one around me know how unhappy I was.  But I have learned over time that an interruption is a setup for divine intervention.  It is at this moment that God shows up and reminds you that 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty (Zechariah 4:6)  I can do nothing by my own strength but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)  I had to learn that even though my short-term goals may say this and my long-term goals may say that, if it is not what God has planned for my life at that moment then get ready for an interruption. 

When I think of interruptions I am reminded of one of the most important moments in history.  You know the story.  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise,when his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph,  before they came together she was found with child by the Holy Spirit.  (Matthew 1:18)  Talk about an interruption. Think about Mary sitting at home one day working on wedding details and all of a sudden she starts having morning sickness and her body starts changing.  She starts thinking.  "How am I going to be able to fit into my wedding dress?"  Then real panic kicks in.   Engaged to be married and then you have to go to your husband and say, "Oh by the way, I'm pregnant and the baby is not yours."  You may not have had anything as drastic happen in your life but I think that I can stand on firm ground saying that you have had some interruptions.  Maybe a child out of wedlock.  A sudden illness.  A divorce.  In-laws have to move in.  Child has to move  back home with your grandchildren.  None of these things planned. 

So how do you deal with interruptions?  What does the Bible have to say about situations like the ones listed above?  Above all else, TRUST GOD.  He has His hands on you.  Whatever the situation He will see you through and your life will be better.  I know that it doesn't seem like it right now.  You had plans.  But right now your plans don't matter.  You must learn to look at the big picture.  'For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans to prosper and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and a future'.  Mary and Joseph may have sat around thinking how are we going to deal with this.  Mary was probably embarrassed.  Joseph upset.  But they dealt with it.  They trusted God and stuck it out.  I can only imagine the bond that was created.  An even deeper bond than the one they had before.  I can hear Joseph saying, "Baby it was rough but I'm glad we are hear together.  Our love is stronger.  Now we know we can make it through anything."  You have to be the same way.  It is not about understanding everything.  (Say it again...aloud this time)  "It is not about understanding everything."  When God created the heavens, where were you?  He know what He is doing.  All you have to do is trust Him.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I must admit that I don't know what is going on right now.  Things were going so smoothly and now this.  But I am going to trust You Lord.  I know that you have plans to prosper and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future, so I am calling on You Lord.  I give You complete control.  Thank You for caring enough about me to order my steps and direct my path.  I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise.  In Jesus' Name I pray Amen. 

Be Careful What You Say

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.  Proverbs 18:21

As a child I remember singing a song called 'Oh Be Careful'.  It was a simple song with a powerful meaning.  It reminded me to 'be careful little mouth what you say for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little mouth what you say'.  Now one person may see this as a children's song with no real meaning.  However, I disagree.  When you are a child you can still be shaped and molded into the image of the one who influences you the most.  As an adult once you are saved you are influenced by God but a little more work has to take place because we have learned to really exercise our free will.  A recent experience in my life speaks to this very subject.  I was reminded how quickly a simple conversation can turn into a huge forest fire.  How the words I speak can do more damage than intended?  Maybe you can relate.  There I was responding to a question.  Simple enough.  The problem was I didn't  think the question needed to be asked.  So immediately I became defensive and a simple conversation turned into a heated argument.  I begin to say things that were hurtful to protect myself. It wasn't until later that day, after I had prayed about it, did I realize the damage that had been done.  There I was instead of encouraging and building up, I was tearing down.  Instead of blessing, I was cursing.  There I was putting a nail in the coffin one word at a time. 

But thank God for the throne of grace where I can find mercy in my time of need.  I begin to pray and while praying I was convicted.  I knew what had to be done.  I had to apologize and ask for forgiveness.  This situation right here was one of my more positive experiences.  I have had many other experiences where instead of praying and turning it over to God I let things fester. I let the situation grow into something a lot bigger than it was.  I knew that I was right and the other person was wrong.  It was there job to come to me and apologize.  It was my job to tell them what I thought, no matter how damaging.  Maybe you have had a similar experience where a simple conversation grew into a heated argument with words being said that did more damage than you intended.  Or maybe you intended to do the damage and feel no regret.  Whatever the case may be I want to encourage you to talk to God about it.  Ask Him to examine your heart.  What were your motives?  Whether you believe it or not your behavior influences somebody.  It might be a child, your spouse, a friend, or a babe in Christ.  They are watching to see what your response will be.  So 'be careful little mouth what you say for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little mouth what you say'.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Examine my heart and reveal those things that are not like You.  Bridle my tongue and let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight.  Show me those that I may need to apologize to and help me not to be stubborn and to take the first step.  Help me to use words that build up and not tear down.  All these things I ask in Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen. 

Time and Opportunity

'I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time'.  Ecclesiastes 9:11

Each one of us whether black or white, rich or poor, Jew or Greek is afforded the same opportunity.  Now before you start to argue with me, let me explain.  Each one of us has been given the opportunity to do what is right.  There are those of us who try to do things our own way and have to repeat lessons over and over again, putting a hold on the blessings of God.  There are those of us who have grown in age but not in spiritual maturity and are just not ready to receive all that God has prepared for we would not be good stewards.  But these facts are neither here nor there.  We all have a time and space in which to operate and opportunity has it's chance to run its course.  Now with 'time and opportunity' this thing called 'circumstance' may step in and cause us to become frustrated.  But that does not mean that time and opportunity have passed you by.  It just means that this may not be your time. Nevertheless,  while you have time and opportunity, try your best to always choose to do what is right but never count out circumstance (also known as hindrances, roadblocks, opposition).  Make the most of every day while it is day.

I love Mary Mary's new song 'Walking'.  It reminded me that it is not always good to be in a hurry.  Sometimes you get so busy trying to get where you are going that you don't care how you are treating other people. You don't seem to mind who you are knocking down on your way to the top.  The verse above reminds you that you should never rely on your own strength and abilities.  As a Christian you should know that 'every good and perfect gift comes from the Lord'.  You should also remind yourself of the providence of God.  He gives success and wealth to whomever He chooses.  He hasn't made me wealthy because I like to participate in too much retail therapy and I have three daughters who are growing up to  be worse than me.  Does He still supply every one of my needs?  Absolutely!  That is why when you do succeed you should give God the praise.  On the other hand when things don't work out according to your plans, submit to His will and give God the praise anyway. You may be burdened down with slow progress, disappointment, disfavor in spite of an abundance of opportunity. Maybe your marriage has failed or simply a long-term relationship with the person you thought was the one.  Economy took a downturn, you lost your job and haven't been able to get back on track.  In spite of all you have done to be successful, you still feel like a failure.  My task today was to stop by and tell you to stop beating yourself up.  You are not a failure.  You are still in a place to receive the favor of God.  You must simply trust and believe that God knows what He is doing.  He has not left you out on a limb by yourself.  You must be obedient to the Word.  Meditate on it day and night.  There are so many hidden treasures hidden inside those sixty-six books for you to discover.  Treasure that will help you through every situation of life.  Remember what I said, "No matter what is going on use the 'time and opportunity' given you wisely and realize that 'circumstance' will interrupt your best laid plans.   Even when this does occur remember you serve a God who sits high and looks low....just look up to Him!   He got you covered.  'For we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, who are the called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Here I am Lord submitting myself  to Your will.  I have been walking around disappointed in myself and frustrated with my life.  Every time I take one step forward it seems circumstance comes along and knocks me two steps back. I know that You are still working behind the scenes on my behalf so today I am giving my struggle to You.  Help me to be obedient to Your Word and stand on Your promises.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.