I want people who are sick with no cure to be cured.
I want those in pain to have no pain.
I want children with no family to be adopted and be loved.
I want people with no food, shelter and heat to have all those things and have no worries in how they will have them.
I want families to love one another.
I want everyone to forgive one another and have love & compassion for others.
I want the Golden Rule to be a part of life.
I want wrongs to be righted.
I want justice for all.
I want there to be peace in the world and in our lives.
I want love and understanding to rule our hearts.
I want those in prison to truly find God and turn their lives around and make a difference it this world for good.
I want friends and family to know they are loved, appreciated and my heart is grateful they are in my life.
I want everyone to be loved and cared about.
I want broken hearts to be mended.
I want each lesson “learned” to be remembered and carried out.
I want everyone to have joy in there heart in spite of circumstances.
I want everyone to know they are never alone; for God is always there, even people are not.
I want everyone to know God always loves them.
I want everyone to know the truth and allow the truth to set them free.
I want all Christians to truly live the life as Christians so that the world will know we are Christians by our love (fruits).
I want hearts to be humbled and pride put away.
I want hearts to be open and ready to let God’s love abound in their lives.
I want wars to stop.
I want pollution to end.
I want God to send His Son once again to take us out of this world and make things right once and for all.
I want the miracle of God to rule our hearts, bringing perfect peace…the peace that the world cannot give.
I want the Christ’s perfect joy to tickle our hearts and echo His love.
--------------------------------
Greatest man in history, named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. He had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. He had no medicine, yet they called him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. This is the greatest miracle of all. May a miracle happen in our life today.
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
~Bobby (age 7)
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
God is Love!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
IS THERE A GOD OF LOVE?
IS THERE A GOD OF LOVE?
Some days it is difficult to feel God's love for us. Some days it feels there is no God. At times, we struggle to believe there is a God who loves us and cares about what we are going through. We cry out to Him, shouting, "God where are you? Why won't you answer me? Where is the love you talk about in your word?"
It says He knows our every struggle and feels all our pain. It says He will never forsake us. But yet, life continues to happen with all its hurts and pains. Often we feel abandoned and even betrayed. We ask, "Where is God is all our trials and pain?"
Yet as we suffer, even every detail of every man's life, who has ever walked on the earth, has not impacted the world as much as the few recorded details of Jesus' life. The Word says Jesus was not just a man, He was God's son, manifesting himself in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16). He suffered and died for us so He could rescue us.
So why do we feel so alone at times...Why does He seem to abandon us? Is there really a God of love out there?
Let's take a glimpse into the life of Christ. In Acts 10:38 Peter gives a very brief, yet descriptive summary of the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus was annointed with power and with the Holy Ghost.
The Word says, He used this power to do good, not evil. This is one of the main characteristics of Christ and is one of the easiest ways to discern what is from God and what is from the devil. God is a good and therefore the devil is bad. So one good say, if it's bad, it's from the devil and if it's good, it's from God. However, this still doesn't help us know if God's love for us is real or why experience so many trials and pain in our life.
If you think of it, tragedy can come from three sources: God, Satan, and natural law. God has used nature to bring judgment to human kind. However, according to the Word, the New Testament believer is exempt from this punitive judgement of God since Jesus bore it for him at the cross. Christ says, "I have come so they may have life and life more abundantly." He also declares, "I know the plans for you and they are for good not harm.".
John 10:10 NKJV
It says He knows our every struggle and feels all our pain. It says He will never forsake us. But yet, life continues to happen with all its hurts and pains. Often we feel abandoned and even betrayed. We ask, "Where is God is all our trials and pain?"
Yet as we suffer, even every detail of every man's life, who has ever walked on the earth, has not impacted the world as much as the few recorded details of Jesus' life. The Word says Jesus was not just a man, He was God's son, manifesting himself in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16). He suffered and died for us so He could rescue us.
So why do we feel so alone at times...Why does He seem to abandon us? Is there really a God of love out there?
Let's take a glimpse into the life of Christ. In Acts 10:38 Peter gives a very brief, yet descriptive summary of the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus was annointed with power and with the Holy Ghost.
The Word says, He used this power to do good, not evil. This is one of the main characteristics of Christ and is one of the easiest ways to discern what is from God and what is from the devil. God is a good and therefore the devil is bad. So one good say, if it's bad, it's from the devil and if it's good, it's from God. However, this still doesn't help us know if God's love for us is real or why experience so many trials and pain in our life.
If you think of it, tragedy can come from three sources: God, Satan, and natural law. God has used nature to bring judgment to human kind. However, according to the Word, the New Testament believer is exempt from this punitive judgement of God since Jesus bore it for him at the cross. Christ says, "I have come so they may have life and life more abundantly." He also declares, "I know the plans for you and they are for good not harm.".
John 10:10 NKJV
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Jeremiah 29:11 New American Standard Bible
'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:10-12 (in Context) Jeremiah 29 New Century Version
I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.
Satan is the source of much of the calamity that people often ascribe to God. Many problems arise because people violate the natural laws that God put into motion. For example, if a person drives recklessly and kills himself, it's not God or the devil that killed him. He violated natural law and thus paid the price. God will not push His will upon us, we must make the choice to be in His will and to understand the natural laws. So He allows natural laws to operate on this earth and for us to make choices regarding them and how we interact with them on this earth.
Please understand God is in control, protecting us and proclaiming that He want us to have life more abundant, yet, I ask you, is it incorrect to believe that God takes controls of everything? I know He doesn't want us to be His puppet. It is clear He allows us choices...to be in control and interact with the natural laws, as well as choose to follow Him. Therefore, God surely aches when we make choices that will harm us...He wants to work all things for our good and not bring harm to us.
Many times, when bad things happen God is just waiting for us to ask Him to intervene, to work the tragedy into something good. However, we must be willing to allow Him to do so. God always has some redemptive design in tragedies. He is there to comfort....reaching out His hand. If we truly listen, He cries out, "I love you my child. I am here for you...just reach out for me and call out to me and I will answer in due time." Often the situation, the pain, and the suffering drown out His voice and we feel alone. He wants to shine light into our darkness.
2 Corinthians 4:6 New American Standard Bible
For God, who said, " Light shall shine out of darkness," is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
1 John 1:5 New American Standard Bible [ God Is Light ]
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
New King James Version
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
God's love is great for us and that is why He sent is son to this earth as a lowly child born in a manger. He wanted a way to relate to us on a human level. -A way to experience life as we know it, so He can relate to our pain and sorrow. To reach out and touch us on a human level...to make a bridge so we could know His love. If you have not watched the YOUTUBE video, you MUST see it to understand God's true love for us. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tQwI7EY4KM Please take the time to view it. It is so powerful. It helps us understand how God choose His son, just one to save many...it is how great His love is for us, that He gave His only son to reach out in love to each of us.
Be cautious about thinking God has taken control of everything because that will lead us to ignore the devil, thereby giving him a free hand to destroy our lives. We must use wisdom concerning natural laws and not think that things happen unless God wills it. He does allow us to choose. We must remember that God is a good God and God is Love. He wants us to choose His love, His protection....He wants to help us make wise choices and to be there when we fall.
1 Chronicles 16:34 The Message
Give thanks to God—he is good and his love never quits. Say, "Save us, Savior God, round us up and get us out of these godless places, So we can give thanks to your holy Name, and bask in your life of praise." Blessed be God, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then everybody said, "Yes! Amen!" and "Praise God!"
II Samuel 22:29 The Message
Suddenly, God, your light floods my path, God drives out the darkness. I smash the bands of marauders, I vault the high fences. What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him Makes it.
His love is so great that He does not force Himself on us...so during this holiday season when we remember the Christ child in the manger, take the time to listen...hear His cries...He is reaching out to us in love. He is “loving us” every step of the way and is there when we call. Let His cry this season touch your heart...Let Him hold you and comfort you...Let Him help guide your life and find the blessings He has given in each day.
Luke 2:12 New King James Version
And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
Isaiah 9:6 New King James Version
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
So you ask, "Is there a God of Love?" The answer is, "YES!" and He is right here waiting for you to reach out and take His hand...to give your hurt and pain to Him...to know you are loved!
Isaiah 41:13 NKJV
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’
Psalm 59:10 New Century Version
My God loves me, and he goes in front of me. He will help me defeat my enemies.
Psalm 59:17 New Century Version
God, my strength, I will sing praises to you. God, my defender, you are the God who loves me.
Psalm 107:1 The Message
Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by God, tell the world! Tell how he freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas.
New Century Version [ God Saves from Many Dangers ] Thank the Lord because he is good. His lovecontinues forever.
There is a God who loves you...and it all began in a manger...
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Prisons of Life
I am NOT speaking of "prisons" where criminals go to be locked up, but of those we create in our own lives. It is the choices we make or uncontrollable events in our lives that capture us and "lock us up" on the inside. It is the "prisons" from childhood models that taught us not to speak or to not be who we real are in God's eyes. It is the prisons that the world places on us to be "just so" to fit in. It is the prison's of the media images of the perfect body or designer clothes.
I have thought about these prisons for quite sometime in my life. I have worked to "reprogram my mind" against what the world and others are saying to entrap me into their prisons of life. It has been a hard fight. It is a struggle that is not yet over. I struggle each time I look into the mirror, or strike out to do something, when that small, yet powerful "inner child" voice begins to speak out to tell me I am not worth it, I am not good enough, I am not pretty enough, I am not smart enough and I will always fail!
But I choose to renew my mind against the evil one and His lies, for I am God's best! His masterpiece! YOU ARE GOD'S BEST too! We are ALL His masterpiece! We must stand against life's prisons so we can walk in the light of our Savior's love.
Did you know that when God's looks upon us, He sees His Son, His child? Yes, it is true, He sees us perfect and forgiven as His child because of having Jesus Christ in our lives. What a gift! What a victory in our lives! If we could only continue to view ourselves in that way...through the eyes of our Savior, washing us with His love and presenting us to the Father as whole and perfect, without blemish. WOW! Think of that! What a gift! Can you hold that in your mind? Can you fully grasp it? I am still trying too.
I have added a few attachments to my page because this subject as inspired my art and heart. My friend and awesome talented singer, Alisa Childers has just written a new song titled: Pretty Prison. It speaks to the image the world places upon us and much more. It talks about how woman are taught to NOT say what we really mean. How we always try to please others. I am awaiting her permission to post the blog she wrote that inspired the song. I know it would really touch your heart and speak to many of you, especially women. So until I can download Alisa's song, (you can hear it on her webpage for now.) I have added to my downloads the music of JJ Heller, called "Love Me', which speaks to our desire to loved for who we really are. I felt it was very fitting. It is a song that will touch your heart. You can hear it on Truthvine or on her webpage.
I have also attached my artwork titled: "The Gate" to speak to the gates in our lives that lock us out and hold us prisoners. You see, this painting was inspired as I took care of a child with autism. She was trapped in her world, not making eye contact with life. Each day, she would make her way to the big rugged gate in the back yard. She would reach up and touch the gate, saying, "Want out, want out!" She yet, would never look at the gate directly. It spoke to my heart deeply. It is here, she is trapped in her world and she so desperately longs to find away out, to find a way to escape her bondage...A way to be free of this world's prisons, her world of autism.
This experience began me to think of all the "gates" in our lives that keep us prisoner. I thought of the courage it takes to move forward in action as well as, the willingness to first look straight in the eyes all the gates in our own lives that stop us from being ALL that God has called us to be. One gate can lead to another gate...there may many in our lives.
I thought about the "gates" in my life and the prison it has built in my life. I have thought of how it stops me from moving forward with so many opportunities in this world. I see how it keeps me locked up inside and places a fear blocking from what I truly can be. So I began my journey by painting "The Gate" and began thinking of ways I can have the courage to look my gate straight in the eyes, to step forward and reach out to open that gate and see what God has for me beyond the gates of my prison.
If you notice in my painting, I placed a garbage can behind the little girl. I did this to remind us that has we have the courage to go forth and step through the gate and to give it all to God, allowing you with God's help to place the trash of our lives where it belongs to never imprison us again!
So what are the prison's in your life? What "gates" stop you from being all God has called you to be? Let's discuss them and encourage one another so we can go forth in boldness and touch this world with God's freedom, hope and love!
P.S.
I hope many of you will be willing to share the "gates or "prisons" in your lives. I think it can be an awesome tool in our lives to encourage one another to let go! Let's build one another up as God instructs us too! We can walk with a renewed mind, prison/gate free!
-------------------------
If you would like to see more of my art go to: http://laurieh.myexpose.com
JJ Heller's music can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/jjhellermusic
Also Alisa Childers site can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/alisachildersmusic
Be blessed!
I have thought about these prisons for quite sometime in my life. I have worked to "reprogram my mind" against what the world and others are saying to entrap me into their prisons of life. It has been a hard fight. It is a struggle that is not yet over. I struggle each time I look into the mirror, or strike out to do something, when that small, yet powerful "inner child" voice begins to speak out to tell me I am not worth it, I am not good enough, I am not pretty enough, I am not smart enough and I will always fail!
But I choose to renew my mind against the evil one and His lies, for I am God's best! His masterpiece! YOU ARE GOD'S BEST too! We are ALL His masterpiece! We must stand against life's prisons so we can walk in the light of our Savior's love.
Did you know that when God's looks upon us, He sees His Son, His child? Yes, it is true, He sees us perfect and forgiven as His child because of having Jesus Christ in our lives. What a gift! What a victory in our lives! If we could only continue to view ourselves in that way...through the eyes of our Savior, washing us with His love and presenting us to the Father as whole and perfect, without blemish. WOW! Think of that! What a gift! Can you hold that in your mind? Can you fully grasp it? I am still trying too.
I have added a few attachments to my page because this subject as inspired my art and heart. My friend and awesome talented singer, Alisa Childers has just written a new song titled: Pretty Prison. It speaks to the image the world places upon us and much more. It talks about how woman are taught to NOT say what we really mean. How we always try to please others. I am awaiting her permission to post the blog she wrote that inspired the song. I know it would really touch your heart and speak to many of you, especially women. So until I can download Alisa's song, (you can hear it on her webpage for now.) I have added to my downloads the music of JJ Heller, called "Love Me', which speaks to our desire to loved for who we really are. I felt it was very fitting. It is a song that will touch your heart. You can hear it on Truthvine or on her webpage.
I have also attached my artwork titled: "The Gate" to speak to the gates in our lives that lock us out and hold us prisoners. You see, this painting was inspired as I took care of a child with autism. She was trapped in her world, not making eye contact with life. Each day, she would make her way to the big rugged gate in the back yard. She would reach up and touch the gate, saying, "Want out, want out!" She yet, would never look at the gate directly. It spoke to my heart deeply. It is here, she is trapped in her world and she so desperately longs to find away out, to find a way to escape her bondage...A way to be free of this world's prisons, her world of autism.
This experience began me to think of all the "gates" in our lives that keep us prisoner. I thought of the courage it takes to move forward in action as well as, the willingness to first look straight in the eyes all the gates in our own lives that stop us from being ALL that God has called us to be. One gate can lead to another gate...there may many in our lives.
I thought about the "gates" in my life and the prison it has built in my life. I have thought of how it stops me from moving forward with so many opportunities in this world. I see how it keeps me locked up inside and places a fear blocking from what I truly can be. So I began my journey by painting "The Gate" and began thinking of ways I can have the courage to look my gate straight in the eyes, to step forward and reach out to open that gate and see what God has for me beyond the gates of my prison.
If you notice in my painting, I placed a garbage can behind the little girl. I did this to remind us that has we have the courage to go forth and step through the gate and to give it all to God, allowing you with God's help to place the trash of our lives where it belongs to never imprison us again!
So what are the prison's in your life? What "gates" stop you from being all God has called you to be? Let's discuss them and encourage one another so we can go forth in boldness and touch this world with God's freedom, hope and love!
P.S.
I hope many of you will be willing to share the "gates or "prisons" in your lives. I think it can be an awesome tool in our lives to encourage one another to let go! Let's build one another up as God instructs us too! We can walk with a renewed mind, prison/gate free!
-------------------------
If you would like to see more of my art go to: http://laurieh.myexpose.com
JJ Heller's music can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/jjhellermusic
Also Alisa Childers site can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/alisachildersmusic
Be blessed!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Curve Balls of Life's Journey
Life's Journey continues and boy oh boy is it full of "curve balls"! I continue to learn how to allow God to take the bat in every circumstance of life, but it isn't that easy. If you are like me, you have preconceived ideas of how to right a problem, find a solution or the steps it will take to make things o.k. again. It is not often I want to just sit back and roll with the punches. No, not me! I must find the answers, search for the solutions and take some control of the situation. If you are truly honest with yourself, I bet there a few of you out there who can relate to what I am saying.
We are the "doers", the ones who get into the game and strive to win at all costs. We do not want to just sit at the sidelines as a spectator. Most of us want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. We are the ones asked to join the team. We do not sit idle as we see the curve balls of life pass on by. Instead, we are determined to catch the curve ball no matter how difficult it is to catch. We do not easily give up, but welcome the challenge.
We are the ones that have experienced success in finding solutions, whether others notice or not. If by chance someone does notice, it is like a bonus win that cheers you on to do it again. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward to find the answers, the solutions and to never give up.
Personally, I think God loves cheering us on to never give up, to face the trials of this life and to meet each challenge with open arms. Yet, I also believe that there comes a time in life we must surrender and take a backseat. We must face the fact that we do not have all the answers and that sometimes in this life there isn't a solution. We must admit that we are merely human. It is time to let God be the solution, to let Him be the hero and allow Him to bring victory.
During these past years, this is exactly what God is teaching me. He has allowed me to strike out, to miss catching the curve balls of life and to finally realize in my human weakness He is made strong. We all know life is not a game, but we often live it as one. We view the problems and trials of this life as the curve balls of life. We allow ourselves to believe that if we only try harder and keep practicing that we can win over any life's challenge. We don't stop to listen to God still small voice saying, "You don't have to go it alone. You do not need to have all the answers. You can rest in my strength and let me grant the victory."
I am no exception, for as each curve ball has headed my way, I have stretched out my arm with mitt in hand, determined to catch that curve ball and stop it dead in its tracks - never to affect my life again. Other times I have readied myself with a solid bat, determined to hit each ball out of the park. But to my surprise as I looked up to deal with the first curve ball, there before my very eyes was a second curve ball and then a third, a fourth and even a fifth! Soon it looked like a hailstorm of curve balls and my mitt and bat became the only shield to block each balls blow to my head.
Fear over whelmed me as I questioned how I could have the strength to continue to block each curve ball from their blow. No longer was I thinking how to catch them or hit them out of the park as they rocket down from the sky like an intense meteor shower. I felt this was the end. I could see no hope in sight. I had no answers, no solutions or strength to continue at such a pace. I had to look beyond myself and ask for help. I had to reach out to other believers and lend on them for strength, for encouragement and to borrow their hope. I had to say to God, "Here I am, I must trust in you to met my needs, to help me survive this storm."
It was time for me to surrender my mitt and hand over my bat. It was time for me to sit on the side lines, to rest in my saviors arms and let Him have control...trusting fully in Him for the outcome no matter what it may be...To know He does work all things for good for those whom love Him whether or not the storm continues for a time or stops to shine forth a ray of light.
My storm is not yet over, there are more dark clouds ahead as the curve balls continue to fall. Yet, I will not give up, but I also know my in my weakness He is made strong. He will protect me, grant me hope and bring the victory. I must know with Him there are answers and solution, but I must patiently wait, for His timing is perfect. He knows how many curve balls I can handle. He knows that each one serves a purpose and will bring blessing for all those who wait.
So as I sit here with all my bumps and bruises of lessons learned, I patiently wait...God is my strength, my victor and I will hide myself in the shelter of His wings. I will not be afraid of the curve balls ahead, I will not go it alone, but trust in each moment of life God has given me...to count my blessings and to rest in Him, trusting that He has the answers. God is on my side. He is the captain of my team. He has victory over every storm. Aaaah, peace be still...catch some joy and let the curve balls reign for I will not fear...I am journeying on!
We are the "doers", the ones who get into the game and strive to win at all costs. We do not want to just sit at the sidelines as a spectator. Most of us want to be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem. We are the ones asked to join the team. We do not sit idle as we see the curve balls of life pass on by. Instead, we are determined to catch the curve ball no matter how difficult it is to catch. We do not easily give up, but welcome the challenge.
We are the ones that have experienced success in finding solutions, whether others notice or not. If by chance someone does notice, it is like a bonus win that cheers you on to do it again. The bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward to find the answers, the solutions and to never give up.
Personally, I think God loves cheering us on to never give up, to face the trials of this life and to meet each challenge with open arms. Yet, I also believe that there comes a time in life we must surrender and take a backseat. We must face the fact that we do not have all the answers and that sometimes in this life there isn't a solution. We must admit that we are merely human. It is time to let God be the solution, to let Him be the hero and allow Him to bring victory.
During these past years, this is exactly what God is teaching me. He has allowed me to strike out, to miss catching the curve balls of life and to finally realize in my human weakness He is made strong. We all know life is not a game, but we often live it as one. We view the problems and trials of this life as the curve balls of life. We allow ourselves to believe that if we only try harder and keep practicing that we can win over any life's challenge. We don't stop to listen to God still small voice saying, "You don't have to go it alone. You do not need to have all the answers. You can rest in my strength and let me grant the victory."
I am no exception, for as each curve ball has headed my way, I have stretched out my arm with mitt in hand, determined to catch that curve ball and stop it dead in its tracks - never to affect my life again. Other times I have readied myself with a solid bat, determined to hit each ball out of the park. But to my surprise as I looked up to deal with the first curve ball, there before my very eyes was a second curve ball and then a third, a fourth and even a fifth! Soon it looked like a hailstorm of curve balls and my mitt and bat became the only shield to block each balls blow to my head.
Fear over whelmed me as I questioned how I could have the strength to continue to block each curve ball from their blow. No longer was I thinking how to catch them or hit them out of the park as they rocket down from the sky like an intense meteor shower. I felt this was the end. I could see no hope in sight. I had no answers, no solutions or strength to continue at such a pace. I had to look beyond myself and ask for help. I had to reach out to other believers and lend on them for strength, for encouragement and to borrow their hope. I had to say to God, "Here I am, I must trust in you to met my needs, to help me survive this storm."
It was time for me to surrender my mitt and hand over my bat. It was time for me to sit on the side lines, to rest in my saviors arms and let Him have control...trusting fully in Him for the outcome no matter what it may be...To know He does work all things for good for those whom love Him whether or not the storm continues for a time or stops to shine forth a ray of light.
My storm is not yet over, there are more dark clouds ahead as the curve balls continue to fall. Yet, I will not give up, but I also know my in my weakness He is made strong. He will protect me, grant me hope and bring the victory. I must know with Him there are answers and solution, but I must patiently wait, for His timing is perfect. He knows how many curve balls I can handle. He knows that each one serves a purpose and will bring blessing for all those who wait.
So as I sit here with all my bumps and bruises of lessons learned, I patiently wait...God is my strength, my victor and I will hide myself in the shelter of His wings. I will not be afraid of the curve balls ahead, I will not go it alone, but trust in each moment of life God has given me...to count my blessings and to rest in Him, trusting that He has the answers. God is on my side. He is the captain of my team. He has victory over every storm. Aaaah, peace be still...catch some joy and let the curve balls reign for I will not fear...I am journeying on!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Death's Door - All Things Become New
Time passed, it looked I was closer and closer to death. It felt as if I would meet my maker soon. Nevertheless, God reached out and touched me with His healing hand. It was a few days before Easter, April 16th to be exact. I had caregivers around the clock to move me and tend to my needs. My breathing stat of 42 was not compatible with life. Pain racked my body. Every joint felt as if it was on fire. The joints felt like they were fused together by the “molten-lava” that seem to flow through my body. My muscles ached and hurt so badly I wanted to rip them off my bones. My breathing was labored and thinking was not clear, but God’s peacefulness and joy filled my heart.
It was on this day that a friend of mine brought by a person with the ability of healing prayer. Many people had been praying for me, it was clear I had not been physically healed; although, much emotional and spiritual healing had occurred and that was wonderful…I was in a place of acceptance. I knew God would heal me when I was with Him if He did not heal me on this earth. There was such peace in that thought. My friend asked if her friend could pray for me and I agreed. There is never any harm in turning to God in prayer…it brought me comfort. However, this time, things were different, I was comforted, but I could feel my body changing…the “molten-lava” flowing in each joint was melting like ice; I began sweating as my body cooled. My joints became freed up and the muscles been to understand the messages of nerves to move. My breathing began to work without a struggle. My lungs began filling with air and working as they were intended. I knew God was healing me here on this earth this very moment. Every cell within me praised Him and shouted with joy! It was a miracle! I was so thankful for all those who helped me - friends, school staff, medical staff and the church family of believers. I had so much to be grateful for…my heart was full of joy! God had become real through the “hands and feet” of others. My life was beginning to change. I shared my story with many. God gave me a vision of using the art talent he had given me for Him. I was setting forth to serve Him with all my being. I wanted to reach the world with His love and message of hope. Doors were opening and I knew God would put the talent He gave me to work to help others, especially abused and hurting “at risk” children, as well as orphans. It was the beat of His heart flowing through art. His heART in ART…His life-blood flowing… It was a miracle! I was even able to return to teaching while continuing to plan missions and art for the summer! In addition, more healing work was taking place as I worked on “Restoring the Foundations” and breaking the curses and bonds of death Satan held on me. It was like having a new life! “Behold in Christ I am a new creation, old things are passed away; behold all things become new.”
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Here's the Bat
When life throws us a curve ball it feels impossible to hit it or to even make it to first base, let alone to make a home run. We all want to succeed in life. We want to be ready for the curve balls in life. We want to win.
God has given me plenty of new opportunities to trust Him. There have been many times to practice hitting the curve balls of life. I wish I could say that I have always succeeded, but I have missed the ball and struck out many times. I wish I could say I consistently and fully trusted God each step of the way, but I haven't - I have missed the mark. The fact is, I had to learn it is because I was relying upon myself and not pulling my full trust in God. I was pushing away all those He sent to help me. They were sent as a part of the body of Christ to bless me but, I wanted to prove I was strong and I could win on my own. I didn't allow others to help me and be the hands and feet of Christ.
But the fact is, I have been scared, uncertain, and at times, very anxious. I knew many times I could not do it on my own. I knew I needed to trust God with health, healing, finances, my well-being, my relationships and the everyday journey of life. But I had much to learn. I had to strike out many times before this stubborn brain of mine would stop and listen to reason. Interestingly enough, all along the way, God has been faithful, as He patiently waited for me to acknowledge His present and keep on asking His help. Yes, although, I took life into my own hands, He remained trustworthy and ready to step in to assist me. He journeyed beside me even when I did not acknowledge Him.
It is humbling to realize you are in need of help and to have the full realization that you are not strong enough to make it on your own. You get discouraged when answers do not come quickly. Other times you wonder if God is even listening to your plead. Yet, His truth reigns, "...for in our weakness He is made strong." He is faithful and desires to answer our prayers. The question is, am I willing to to place my life in His hands, to give Him the bat, to take full control once I place make my need known? Can I trust fully in Him. Is He really cheering for me to win? Can I believe His word? Will He truly answer my prayer? Is He really listening?
Amazingly enough, God is a God of integrity. He does not lie. He is the Promiser who keeps His promises! It matters not how long you try it on your own, He is always there ready and waiting for you to stop and acknowledge Him and simply ask for His help. He as our heavenly Father wants to provide our needs. He wants us to feel and know His great love. He is a God of infinite strength. His ability to pass all abilities. There is none like Him. He is the Creator of the universe and rules over all, yet He allows us to choose. We can choose not to ask for His help in our lives. We can ignore His Word and the words He gave us to encourage our heart. He communicates through His Word and in His still small voice if we only stop to listen. He is faithful in all He does. He WILL answer our prayers in His time. However, why is it so hard for us to believe these truths? In our humanness we linger our suffering by choosing to ignore the fact God is right there waiting to lean a hand. It must hurt Him to see us suffer needlessly. I can hear Him say, "My child, I am here for you...just reach out and I will help you...just ask me...My child I am here, I will wait, I will remain here for as long as it takes...I love you."
So as life journeys on, I strive to hear God still small voice, to remember He is here to help me if only I call upon Him. I must ask for His help and let my needs be known. Still, I am learning to trust Him and let Him take control...for I may not be able to see what is coming at me in life, but I know I have a faithful, capable and trustworthy team leader. One who has a keen eye, a steady hand and knows all the angles. I can trust Him know matter what lies ahead. He WILL answer in due time, so I cannot give up! As His word says, "Ask and it will be given to you!"
As I seek to continue this journey in life, there will be plenty of opportunities to trust God anew. So what about you? Can you take that chance to place your life in the hands of God? Can you trust Him to know the next move? Are you willing to ask Him for your needs and not give up?
Though I don't know fully the plans that God has for me, I am learning to step out in faith. For He does know the plan and I can TRUST HIM every plan of my life. For He has said, "For I know the plans I have for you," declare the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So for now, I ask God to join the team, teach me the swing of the bat to trust His keen eye and know His heart is alway cheering for me. He will answer my prayers and guide my life. Can you let yourself hear His cheers? Will you give Him the bat? Come on, I know you can do it...TOGETHER, with God we will WIN the game, for in Christ we are victorious throughout eternity! OK, I am asking...I am ready - Here is the bat God, I am ready to never give up! Let's play ball!
God has given me plenty of new opportunities to trust Him. There have been many times to practice hitting the curve balls of life. I wish I could say that I have always succeeded, but I have missed the ball and struck out many times. I wish I could say I consistently and fully trusted God each step of the way, but I haven't - I have missed the mark. The fact is, I had to learn it is because I was relying upon myself and not pulling my full trust in God. I was pushing away all those He sent to help me. They were sent as a part of the body of Christ to bless me but, I wanted to prove I was strong and I could win on my own. I didn't allow others to help me and be the hands and feet of Christ.
But the fact is, I have been scared, uncertain, and at times, very anxious. I knew many times I could not do it on my own. I knew I needed to trust God with health, healing, finances, my well-being, my relationships and the everyday journey of life. But I had much to learn. I had to strike out many times before this stubborn brain of mine would stop and listen to reason. Interestingly enough, all along the way, God has been faithful, as He patiently waited for me to acknowledge His present and keep on asking His help. Yes, although, I took life into my own hands, He remained trustworthy and ready to step in to assist me. He journeyed beside me even when I did not acknowledge Him.
It is humbling to realize you are in need of help and to have the full realization that you are not strong enough to make it on your own. You get discouraged when answers do not come quickly. Other times you wonder if God is even listening to your plead. Yet, His truth reigns, "...for in our weakness He is made strong." He is faithful and desires to answer our prayers. The question is, am I willing to to place my life in His hands, to give Him the bat, to take full control once I place make my need known? Can I trust fully in Him. Is He really cheering for me to win? Can I believe His word? Will He truly answer my prayer? Is He really listening?
Amazingly enough, God is a God of integrity. He does not lie. He is the Promiser who keeps His promises! It matters not how long you try it on your own, He is always there ready and waiting for you to stop and acknowledge Him and simply ask for His help. He as our heavenly Father wants to provide our needs. He wants us to feel and know His great love. He is a God of infinite strength. His ability to pass all abilities. There is none like Him. He is the Creator of the universe and rules over all, yet He allows us to choose. We can choose not to ask for His help in our lives. We can ignore His Word and the words He gave us to encourage our heart. He communicates through His Word and in His still small voice if we only stop to listen. He is faithful in all He does. He WILL answer our prayers in His time. However, why is it so hard for us to believe these truths? In our humanness we linger our suffering by choosing to ignore the fact God is right there waiting to lean a hand. It must hurt Him to see us suffer needlessly. I can hear Him say, "My child, I am here for you...just reach out and I will help you...just ask me...My child I am here, I will wait, I will remain here for as long as it takes...I love you."
So as life journeys on, I strive to hear God still small voice, to remember He is here to help me if only I call upon Him. I must ask for His help and let my needs be known. Still, I am learning to trust Him and let Him take control...for I may not be able to see what is coming at me in life, but I know I have a faithful, capable and trustworthy team leader. One who has a keen eye, a steady hand and knows all the angles. I can trust Him know matter what lies ahead. He WILL answer in due time, so I cannot give up! As His word says, "Ask and it will be given to you!"
As I seek to continue this journey in life, there will be plenty of opportunities to trust God anew. So what about you? Can you take that chance to place your life in the hands of God? Can you trust Him to know the next move? Are you willing to ask Him for your needs and not give up?
Though I don't know fully the plans that God has for me, I am learning to step out in faith. For He does know the plan and I can TRUST HIM every plan of my life. For He has said, "For I know the plans I have for you," declare the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So for now, I ask God to join the team, teach me the swing of the bat to trust His keen eye and know His heart is alway cheering for me. He will answer my prayers and guide my life. Can you let yourself hear His cheers? Will you give Him the bat? Come on, I know you can do it...TOGETHER, with God we will WIN the game, for in Christ we are victorious throughout eternity! OK, I am asking...I am ready - Here is the bat God, I am ready to never give up! Let's play ball!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
So Much in Life Leaves Us Wondering...
There is so much in life that can leave us wondering. There is so much pain in life, so many injustices and so many situations that leave us questioning, is there really a God? How can a God of love let all of this go on? If He loves me why do I hurt so much? Why do I see so many suffer? Yes, it all leaves us wondering...especially in this economic situation that is bringing about more suffering for so many.
There is no getting around the fact everyone suffers, some more than others. But "why" is a good question. In fact, "why" is one of the most important questions a person can ever ask in their life. Most of us question "why" when we are in the face of extreme hardship or constant pain. In response a college professor wrote in his book: "Our questioning is not really from a desire to know the particular meaning of the particular event. More importantly, it is from a desire to be assured that it has any meaning at all." In other words, does my suffering serve some purpose? Is there meaning behind it? Or rather is it pointless and arbitrary? Is it simply another random occurrence in this mixed up hurting world? Bottom line does suffering serve a real purpose?
According to one cultural view of "Why do pain and suffering exist?" It has been estimated that more than 300 million people adhere to Buddhism, embracing what they describe as The Four Noble Truths:
1. All is suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by desire/attachment.
3. If one can eliminate desire/attachment, one can eliminate suffering.
4. The Noble Eight-Fold Path can eliminate desire.
The proper Buddhist response to suffering is to attempt to eliminate desire by pursuing The Noble Eight-Fold Path: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Hence, if one can control his own mind and behavior, circumstances need not change in order for the individual to overcome suffering.
Please understand, I am not a Buddhist but I certainly understand their logic. So hang in there with me to see where I am going with this thought. The Path, it seems, was designed with the intention of eliminating the emotions related to desire and those ignited by detachment from the object of desire. As for me, I have often been encouraged by fellow Christians to follow a similar path with statements of their guidance such as:
"You shouldn't feel that way, we are all called to suffer."
"Don't be angry, you are letting the situation get the best of you."
"Just let it go. God will take care of it!"
The fact is Christians are not perfect. Sometimes they say things that are roadblocks to our healing. God in His Word does tell us we can renew our minds, (...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ( Ephesians 4:22-24) for He has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-8) He says, :" When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:18-20)
For all of us, whether Christian or not our mind gets the best of us. It can control much of our emotions and the outcomes in our life. As a Christian, we can lean on Christ and trust in His Words to give us strength and encouragement. This gives us more strength, an outlet; something to lean on in hard times.
It is a fact, we can allow our emotions to get the best of us in hard situations, (even if we are Christians) and as a result, we sink into despair and often feel stuck in our situation with no way out. It happened to many in God's word as they doubted in their circumstances, "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper..."(Romans 1:27-29) They allow the things of this world trap them. The stress discouraged their hearts and minds and they shut God out of their lives. As a result, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:4-6) "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-7)
God does have purpose in our sufferings. Thus, He wants us to renew our minds. So we will continually look to Him. He encourages us by saying, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." God promises, "...and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..."(Colossians 3:9-11) The fact is, you see, God will use our sufferings as we renew our minds to help others. For as we have been comforted us ourselves; we will then be able to comfort others through the knowledge God has given us.
Yet, as humans we will continue to ask "why" whether we are comforted or not. Even in our renewed mind, we will want answers. It is just human nature. We want to understand. The word says, "The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." (Proverbs 18:14-16) "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;" (Proverbs 22:16-18)
However, God reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways not our ways. In our humanness, we cannot understand fully why God allows the things He does. Have you ever stopped to think, if we did understand "all" we would become God ourselves.
God does want us to question and to cry out to Him, especially in our time of need. He wants to know our hearts and all the emotions we carry inside. In crying out to Him we learn to trust and let go of what is troubling us inside. Just look at David in the Psalms, he didn't hold back. He spilled his guts out to God. In turn, God placed praise and thankfulness upon his heart. Holding “it” in, gets us nowhere, yet dwelling on “it” gets us stuck!
We can choose to dwell on the negatives of our life or on the hurts of the lives of others, but how will that help us in the long run? Even the Bible speaks to this, "All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt." (Ecclesiastes 8:8-10) We can seek revenge for the hurt we have encountered or try to find a way to make things right in our own eyes, but in the long run we will not find peace. The fact is, unless we fully set our mind on God; to rest in Him and trust Him with everything in our lives we will never have true peace.
God promises, "I will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on me, because he trusts in God."(Isaiah 26:2-4) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8) This is not an easy task. It takes practice. It is like the story a dear elderly friend once told me. She said, "Honey, when we turn things over to God and not worry we fully let go. You see, it is like writing a letter to God expressing all that is on our heart and mind, then we fold it, put it in an envelope, seal and stamp, but then when we take it to the mailbox we must let go. If we hang on to even one corner it will NEVER get mailed. When it doesn't get mailed we take the burden back and worry surrounds us." So I ask, are we letting go and letting God?
The Word says, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:30-31) Often when I am overwhelmed with worry or overcome with the stresses of this life I feel weary. I do not have the strength or motivation for the tasks at hand each day. I may find myself continuing to question God. I may even begin doubting Him and feel He is not hearing me. But God promises to be our strength in the time of need. He says He knows our need before we even ask. All we need to do it to call out to Him. He promises to hear our call. He wants to demonstrate love to His child...we are all His children and He loves us more than we can comprehend.
We are not alone in our wonderings. We are not alone in our "whys" for even in God's word we find those who questioned. In Jeremiah 12 It asks, "Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?" You see, when we get stuck in the "whys" and allow worry and depression to overtake our mind we cannot bare good fruit. We feel stuck, as if we are frozen in our situation. At that time, it is difficult for us to put any good into action. God says, "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-11) Amazingly, we will find if we push ourselves outside of our situation and take action to believe God's Word, we begin to “do good” and in doing good we begin to feel better inside. It is quite the principal God has set up, give it a try; it is life changing, but it doesn't mean we will never struggle again.
The fact is many of us have struggled more than we care to recall. We may have searched for answers in this world. We may have trusted God at times, while other times we floundered. It is during these hard circumstances God wants us to remember the times He has pulled us through. He wants to encourage our hearts and give us hope. It is at these times, we must push our mind to recall what is good and to remember what God has done for us. "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope." (Lamentations 3:20-22)
The evil one however, knows our minds can be weak. In fact, he knows our every weakness and so that is the place he will attack. In our humanness, we may not at first recognize that is what is happening, but with practice we can learn to protect our minds. God's Word tells us to call Satan on his lies and demand he leave us alone! "... “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-24)
You must know the evil one will not give up easily. He will continue his attack to try to get us to wear down, especially when times are tough. Satan doesn't want us to trust God for all our needs and rest in Him for the answers to every situation. The evil one wants us to doubt God and not believe His word, especially when finances are tight and everything seems to be going wrong. But God tells us, “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." (Luke 12:28-30) It is true, at these times it can be so hard to put our trust in Him and not feel anxious, especially when troubles are mounting!
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" (Luke 24:37-39) It is so human to be troubled and to let the evil one attack our minds. He wants us to fail, to doubt and to suffer. I encourage you to look up to Christ; lean on Him in these times. Don't be like the verse of unbelievers, "They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand." (Isaiah 44:17-19) Don't allow yourself to fall into that trap. Don't allow the evil one to win! And for goodness sake, don't down yourself when this happens; instead see it for what it is or the evil one will gloat in your face. Work to renew your mind and lean on God. Ask for His help. Call out to Him and He will hear your cry. It is time to give the evil one a "kick in the butt" and don't fall into the trap of his schemes. God will work all what Satan has meant for bad and change it for good. He will use these trials to strengthen us and build strong character in us so we can use it for good.
So again, I encourage each of us to look to God. For it is He who will give us comfort and lead us to understanding. He doesn't promise we will understand everything on this earth, but He will give us peace. We can be sure His Word will comfort us and help us through the hard times. God tells us, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Colossians 3:1-3)
As I stated before, we can't begin to understand the things of this earth. In our humanness, we can't fully know the "whys" of our circumstances, but we can have the assurance that God is here for us every step of the way. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Luke 24:44-46) He has promised, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:26-28) Oh that we might know such peace! He tells us if we seek it we shall find it.
You may ask, how can we know such peace? How can we make it through these difficult times? What can we hang on to in this world? The fact is, this world shall pass away and material things will someday have no value, but what is in the heart will remain. God word tells us, "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:36-38)
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment."
(Mark 12:29-31)
"So he answered and said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:26-28)
So you see, to have true peace we must humble ourselves and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. At that point we can begin to learn what it means to love Him with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our mind and as a result we will have perfect peace.
But it doesn’t stop there, once we are in Christ, God provides us extra help to make it through the rough times. He tells us that His Spirit intercedes for us. "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."(Romans 8:26-28) So at that point, we will find we are a new creation, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God will direct our paths and help transform our minds. He will help us find the blessing in each day, even when everything seems bleak. He will encourage our hearts. He will help us see more clearly and become all we can become in spite of our questionings, in spite of our wonderings and in spite of our doubts.
For as His children, "...as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—these things God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:8-10) You see, we may wonder and question all sorts of things in this life. As humans, we will continue to ask "why" and have our doubts. But yet we can be encouraged because there is hope! There is an answer to all this suffering in this world. All we have to do is believe!
For it is true those in this world will disappoint us and let us down. They will hurt us and discourage us, even while circumstances will weigh upon us and leave us with no hope. There will be little peace and rest for our souls. But remember, God is always with us cheering us on. He calls each of us to be encouragers too. He calls us to love one another through the good and bad times. So “brothers and sisters in Christ, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:10-12)
“Finally, may all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; “ (1 Peter 3:7-9) Encourage one another in these hard times. Share the message of hope. Lift one another up. For "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-3) For He has overcome the world! He is our hope! He is our strength! It is in our weakness He is made strong; thus it is then He holds us up and carries us. So rest in Him and have peace for today and all your tomorrows, for someday, we will have all the answers to all our "whys" and our wonderings.
There is no getting around the fact everyone suffers, some more than others. But "why" is a good question. In fact, "why" is one of the most important questions a person can ever ask in their life. Most of us question "why" when we are in the face of extreme hardship or constant pain. In response a college professor wrote in his book: "Our questioning is not really from a desire to know the particular meaning of the particular event. More importantly, it is from a desire to be assured that it has any meaning at all." In other words, does my suffering serve some purpose? Is there meaning behind it? Or rather is it pointless and arbitrary? Is it simply another random occurrence in this mixed up hurting world? Bottom line does suffering serve a real purpose?
According to one cultural view of "Why do pain and suffering exist?" It has been estimated that more than 300 million people adhere to Buddhism, embracing what they describe as The Four Noble Truths:
1. All is suffering.
2. Suffering is caused by desire/attachment.
3. If one can eliminate desire/attachment, one can eliminate suffering.
4. The Noble Eight-Fold Path can eliminate desire.
The proper Buddhist response to suffering is to attempt to eliminate desire by pursuing The Noble Eight-Fold Path: right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Hence, if one can control his own mind and behavior, circumstances need not change in order for the individual to overcome suffering.
Please understand, I am not a Buddhist but I certainly understand their logic. So hang in there with me to see where I am going with this thought. The Path, it seems, was designed with the intention of eliminating the emotions related to desire and those ignited by detachment from the object of desire. As for me, I have often been encouraged by fellow Christians to follow a similar path with statements of their guidance such as:
"You shouldn't feel that way, we are all called to suffer."
"Don't be angry, you are letting the situation get the best of you."
"Just let it go. God will take care of it!"
The fact is Christians are not perfect. Sometimes they say things that are roadblocks to our healing. God in His Word does tell us we can renew our minds, (...and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ( Ephesians 4:22-24) for He has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:6-8) He says, :" When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. (Psalm 94:18-20)
For all of us, whether Christian or not our mind gets the best of us. It can control much of our emotions and the outcomes in our life. As a Christian, we can lean on Christ and trust in His Words to give us strength and encouragement. This gives us more strength, an outlet; something to lean on in hard times.
It is a fact, we can allow our emotions to get the best of us in hard situations, (even if we are Christians) and as a result, we sink into despair and often feel stuck in our situation with no way out. It happened to many in God's word as they doubted in their circumstances, "And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper..."(Romans 1:27-29) They allow the things of this world trap them. The stress discouraged their hearts and minds and they shut God out of their lives. As a result, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit." (Romans 8:4-6) "For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." (Romans 8:5-7)
God does have purpose in our sufferings. Thus, He wants us to renew our minds. So we will continually look to Him. He encourages us by saying, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." God promises, "...and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..."(Colossians 3:9-11) The fact is, you see, God will use our sufferings as we renew our minds to help others. For as we have been comforted us ourselves; we will then be able to comfort others through the knowledge God has given us.
Yet, as humans we will continue to ask "why" whether we are comforted or not. Even in our renewed mind, we will want answers. It is just human nature. We want to understand. The word says, "The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge." (Proverbs 18:14-16) "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your mind to my knowledge;" (Proverbs 22:16-18)
However, God reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways not our ways. In our humanness, we cannot understand fully why God allows the things He does. Have you ever stopped to think, if we did understand "all" we would become God ourselves.
God does want us to question and to cry out to Him, especially in our time of need. He wants to know our hearts and all the emotions we carry inside. In crying out to Him we learn to trust and let go of what is troubling us inside. Just look at David in the Psalms, he didn't hold back. He spilled his guts out to God. In turn, God placed praise and thankfulness upon his heart. Holding “it” in, gets us nowhere, yet dwelling on “it” gets us stuck!
We can choose to dwell on the negatives of our life or on the hurts of the lives of others, but how will that help us in the long run? Even the Bible speaks to this, "All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt." (Ecclesiastes 8:8-10) We can seek revenge for the hurt we have encountered or try to find a way to make things right in our own eyes, but in the long run we will not find peace. The fact is, unless we fully set our mind on God; to rest in Him and trust Him with everything in our lives we will never have true peace.
God promises, "I will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on me, because he trusts in God."(Isaiah 26:2-4) "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-8) This is not an easy task. It takes practice. It is like the story a dear elderly friend once told me. She said, "Honey, when we turn things over to God and not worry we fully let go. You see, it is like writing a letter to God expressing all that is on our heart and mind, then we fold it, put it in an envelope, seal and stamp, but then when we take it to the mailbox we must let go. If we hang on to even one corner it will NEVER get mailed. When it doesn't get mailed we take the burden back and worry surrounds us." So I ask, are we letting go and letting God?
The Word says, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:30-31) Often when I am overwhelmed with worry or overcome with the stresses of this life I feel weary. I do not have the strength or motivation for the tasks at hand each day. I may find myself continuing to question God. I may even begin doubting Him and feel He is not hearing me. But God promises to be our strength in the time of need. He says He knows our need before we even ask. All we need to do it to call out to Him. He promises to hear our call. He wants to demonstrate love to His child...we are all His children and He loves us more than we can comprehend.
We are not alone in our wonderings. We are not alone in our "whys" for even in God's word we find those who questioned. In Jeremiah 12 It asks, "Yet let me talk with You about Your judgments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?" You see, when we get stuck in the "whys" and allow worry and depression to overtake our mind we cannot bare good fruit. We feel stuck, as if we are frozen in our situation. At that time, it is difficult for us to put any good into action. God says, "I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-11) Amazingly, we will find if we push ourselves outside of our situation and take action to believe God's Word, we begin to “do good” and in doing good we begin to feel better inside. It is quite the principal God has set up, give it a try; it is life changing, but it doesn't mean we will never struggle again.
The fact is many of us have struggled more than we care to recall. We may have searched for answers in this world. We may have trusted God at times, while other times we floundered. It is during these hard circumstances God wants us to remember the times He has pulled us through. He wants to encourage our hearts and give us hope. It is at these times, we must push our mind to recall what is good and to remember what God has done for us. "This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope." (Lamentations 3:20-22)
The evil one however, knows our minds can be weak. In fact, he knows our every weakness and so that is the place he will attack. In our humanness, we may not at first recognize that is what is happening, but with practice we can learn to protect our minds. God's Word tells us to call Satan on his lies and demand he leave us alone! "... “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-24)
You must know the evil one will not give up easily. He will continue his attack to try to get us to wear down, especially when times are tough. Satan doesn't want us to trust God for all our needs and rest in Him for the answers to every situation. The evil one wants us to doubt God and not believe His word, especially when finances are tight and everything seems to be going wrong. But God tells us, “And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind." (Luke 12:28-30) It is true, at these times it can be so hard to put our trust in Him and not feel anxious, especially when troubles are mounting!
He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?" (Luke 24:37-39) It is so human to be troubled and to let the evil one attack our minds. He wants us to fail, to doubt and to suffer. I encourage you to look up to Christ; lean on Him in these times. Don't be like the verse of unbelievers, "They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds closed so they cannot understand." (Isaiah 44:17-19) Don't allow yourself to fall into that trap. Don't allow the evil one to win! And for goodness sake, don't down yourself when this happens; instead see it for what it is or the evil one will gloat in your face. Work to renew your mind and lean on God. Ask for His help. Call out to Him and He will hear your cry. It is time to give the evil one a "kick in the butt" and don't fall into the trap of his schemes. God will work all what Satan has meant for bad and change it for good. He will use these trials to strengthen us and build strong character in us so we can use it for good.
So again, I encourage each of us to look to God. For it is He who will give us comfort and lead us to understanding. He doesn't promise we will understand everything on this earth, but He will give us peace. We can be sure His Word will comfort us and help us through the hard times. God tells us, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." (Colossians 3:1-3)
As I stated before, we can't begin to understand the things of this earth. In our humanness, we can't fully know the "whys" of our circumstances, but we can have the assurance that God is here for us every step of the way. "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." (Luke 24:44-46) He has promised, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid." (John 14:26-28) Oh that we might know such peace! He tells us if we seek it we shall find it.
You may ask, how can we know such peace? How can we make it through these difficult times? What can we hang on to in this world? The fact is, this world shall pass away and material things will someday have no value, but what is in the heart will remain. God word tells us, "Jesus said to him, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:36-38)
"And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment."
(Mark 12:29-31)
"So he answered and said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:26-28)
So you see, to have true peace we must humble ourselves and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. At that point we can begin to learn what it means to love Him with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our mind and as a result we will have perfect peace.
But it doesn’t stop there, once we are in Christ, God provides us extra help to make it through the rough times. He tells us that His Spirit intercedes for us. "And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."(Romans 8:26-28) So at that point, we will find we are a new creation, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." God will direct our paths and help transform our minds. He will help us find the blessing in each day, even when everything seems bleak. He will encourage our hearts. He will help us see more clearly and become all we can become in spite of our questionings, in spite of our wonderings and in spite of our doubts.
For as His children, "...as it is written: What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—these things God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:8-10) You see, we may wonder and question all sorts of things in this life. As humans, we will continue to ask "why" and have our doubts. But yet we can be encouraged because there is hope! There is an answer to all this suffering in this world. All we have to do is believe!
For it is true those in this world will disappoint us and let us down. They will hurt us and discourage us, even while circumstances will weigh upon us and leave us with no hope. There will be little peace and rest for our souls. But remember, God is always with us cheering us on. He calls each of us to be encouragers too. He calls us to love one another through the good and bad times. So “brothers and sisters in Christ, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind; live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:10-12)
“Finally, may all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; “ (1 Peter 3:7-9) Encourage one another in these hard times. Share the message of hope. Lift one another up. For "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:1-3) For He has overcome the world! He is our hope! He is our strength! It is in our weakness He is made strong; thus it is then He holds us up and carries us. So rest in Him and have peace for today and all your tomorrows, for someday, we will have all the answers to all our "whys" and our wonderings.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Love is Amazing...
Love is amazing...
It is all around us if us if we just take the time to look.
Love comes in many different shapes and sizes. It comes in the little things we do. It comes in the words we speak. It comes in the way we treat each other. It comes in hugs and kisses. Love can come with a bonus, a gift from the heart. But love is not things, although we might think so. Love hopes all things and helps us conquer the things that hold us down. Love helps us have legs to stand and the strength to do what is right. Love carries us through the storms of life and comforts our hearts. Love is amazing. Love is God. The amazing thing is He places others in our lives to manifest His love, to reach out and touch us and to show what love feels like. Love has been here all the time. Love waits...for love is patient and never seeks it's own way. Yes, love is amazing! I am so thankful God brought the gift of my soul-mate into my life. My soul-mate isn't perfect but he knows how to love me. He tells me I look beautiful even when I am sick or my face looks like a pizza. He tells me he appreciates me. He supports my dreams, encourages my talents and holds me when I am weak. He is listens when I am sad, angry or just need to talk. He holds me when I feel unsure or sad. He makes me laugh, even on a rainy day. He doesn't always understand why I do the things I do, nor do I always understand why he does the things he does, but one thing is for sure our love is strong. Before we married I asked God if I was making the right choice and I heard God whisper into my heart, "He is you gift, accept it!" I am so glad I did! He is my 4ever Valentine! My love 4ever true! I thank God I have him. God you are amazing! You are the greatest love. Thank you for the gift of love!
It is all around us if us if we just take the time to look.
Love comes in many different shapes and sizes. It comes in the little things we do. It comes in the words we speak. It comes in the way we treat each other. It comes in hugs and kisses. Love can come with a bonus, a gift from the heart. But love is not things, although we might think so. Love hopes all things and helps us conquer the things that hold us down. Love helps us have legs to stand and the strength to do what is right. Love carries us through the storms of life and comforts our hearts. Love is amazing. Love is God. The amazing thing is He places others in our lives to manifest His love, to reach out and touch us and to show what love feels like. Love has been here all the time. Love waits...for love is patient and never seeks it's own way. Yes, love is amazing! I am so thankful God brought the gift of my soul-mate into my life. My soul-mate isn't perfect but he knows how to love me. He tells me I look beautiful even when I am sick or my face looks like a pizza. He tells me he appreciates me. He supports my dreams, encourages my talents and holds me when I am weak. He is listens when I am sad, angry or just need to talk. He holds me when I feel unsure or sad. He makes me laugh, even on a rainy day. He doesn't always understand why I do the things I do, nor do I always understand why he does the things he does, but one thing is for sure our love is strong. Before we married I asked God if I was making the right choice and I heard God whisper into my heart, "He is you gift, accept it!" I am so glad I did! He is my 4ever Valentine! My love 4ever true! I thank God I have him. God you are amazing! You are the greatest love. Thank you for the gift of love!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
It's a New Year!
It's a New Year and so many of us resolve to do something to change our habits, life's journey or follow a dream. What is your resolution? Personally, I have given this much thought and I have come to the conclusion that I can make all the resolutions I want but if I don't have enough motivation and clear goals internalize I will never make it. Bottom line, it all begins with accepting myself as a valuable human being worth achieving my goals. For me that means fully grasping the fact I am a child of God and He would have died ONLY for me if one else existed. He loves me that much. He sees me as that valuable, that lovable and that close to His heart. He created me right from the start and knows everything about me. In reality, He loves you that much too!
The fact is if you go back to the beginning of time by reading Genesis you will notice that God spoke and things came into being. There were the sun and moon, the plants and animals, etc all created by His words. How mighty His words are to perform such wonders! Yet, please notice when it came to "human life" He did not just speak us into being. No! He personally touched us and formed us with His very hands. Then He went a step further, He breathed into us the breath of life and we became a living soul. Just think of that...that time to fully grasp that thought.
So WHY? Why did He not speak us into being like all other life? He very well could have, but our God wanted a personal relationship with us. He wanted to show His love and compassion with His mighty touch to show His great love for us. Isn't that amazing? Just think of it...Our God truly loves us and wants to personally be in your life, as well as mine! He could not have shown this more clearly than putting His love into His actions. This was His first step in showing His great love and care for us.
Back in the 70's there was a saying, "God doesn't make junk." Well, take that to heart because He formed you in your mother's womb and added His own personally touch right from the beginning of time. He loves you and cares about you. He wants the very best for you. He wants you to have a life more than abundant. He knows the plans He has for you and they are for good not harm. So remember each time you put yourself down and doubt yourself, it is then you are telling God He made junk. It is the "evil one" who wants you to believe that...so kick him in the butt and choose to believe God's words for your life!!!
Ok, what does all this have to do with our New Year's Resolution? Well, I realize that if we can't grasp God's love for us and see ourselves as victorious in Him then we will often fail. So I challenge you today to begin the New Year claiming your spot as a child of God and knowing He is the one who makes you strong. He made you in His image and wants the best for your life. So make Him a part of your New year's Resolutions and you will be victorious! resolutions are an inside job. So remember you are God's child, His best! You are His winner! Happy New Year! Be blessed!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Hold On...Season's Greetings!
'Tis the season to be jolly, so that is what they say. But what if life has handed you a bad wrap? What if the only thing that is jolly is a jolly rancher just because of its name? During this season you may be wondering, is there meaning to life? Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Believe me I have "been there" and have "done that," and I am here to encourage you to hold on. You will be able to ride out of the snow storm. I am not about to pretend the ride will be easy, but I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that there is a reason and there is an answer...you can find hope.
What ever you are going through you must hang on to the fact there is a reason and it WILL work out for good in the long run, but you MUST believe. There is an answer for your every problem, but you must seek so you can find. There is HOPE for tomorrow...there is HOPE for YOU!
Again I say, you must believe! You must hang on to all that is true and find what blesses your life. You must begin to focus on the good in life instead of the problem. The fact is the more you find the good the more good will come to you. The more you focus on the problems the more problems will come to you. I am not saying don't take action to resolve your problem, but I am saying do not make it the focus for it will steal your joy and rob you of your blessing.
You see, if you keep searching you will discover that God had a plan and is began by creating a world to bring blessings to those He loves and created. That means YOU! He loved you so much that He sent His son to come into this world as a baby and to live as a human so we could relate to Him and He could personally know our pain. He has a plan for our future and it is not for harm, but for good. He doesn't want us to struggle with life, although He knows the evil want to destroy us and will do everything in his power to cause us heartache and pain.
You see, 'tis the season to be jolly and celebrate because starting right now you can begin to see the good in your life. You can begin to count your blessings and rid yourself of focusing on the problems that weigh you down. How? Just decide right here and now that you believe there is hope for you...there is an answer...a reason to live. You are loved beyond measure and it is up to you to accept the gift God is placing before you. It is the gift of HOPE...His Son who came to this world to give you eternal life so you can have JOY and life filled with blessings.
If you need someone to talk to, I am here to listen and journey with you. So hold on...open your eyes..make a choice...search for the answers...for love has come in the form of a baby...for 'tis the season to be jolly. Celebrate your life and let God's Son love you! Season's Greetings!
What ever you are going through you must hang on to the fact there is a reason and it WILL work out for good in the long run, but you MUST believe. There is an answer for your every problem, but you must seek so you can find. There is HOPE for tomorrow...there is HOPE for YOU!
Again I say, you must believe! You must hang on to all that is true and find what blesses your life. You must begin to focus on the good in life instead of the problem. The fact is the more you find the good the more good will come to you. The more you focus on the problems the more problems will come to you. I am not saying don't take action to resolve your problem, but I am saying do not make it the focus for it will steal your joy and rob you of your blessing.
You see, if you keep searching you will discover that God had a plan and is began by creating a world to bring blessings to those He loves and created. That means YOU! He loved you so much that He sent His son to come into this world as a baby and to live as a human so we could relate to Him and He could personally know our pain. He has a plan for our future and it is not for harm, but for good. He doesn't want us to struggle with life, although He knows the evil want to destroy us and will do everything in his power to cause us heartache and pain.
You see, 'tis the season to be jolly and celebrate because starting right now you can begin to see the good in your life. You can begin to count your blessings and rid yourself of focusing on the problems that weigh you down. How? Just decide right here and now that you believe there is hope for you...there is an answer...a reason to live. You are loved beyond measure and it is up to you to accept the gift God is placing before you. It is the gift of HOPE...His Son who came to this world to give you eternal life so you can have JOY and life filled with blessings.
If you need someone to talk to, I am here to listen and journey with you. So hold on...open your eyes..make a choice...search for the answers...for love has come in the form of a baby...for 'tis the season to be jolly. Celebrate your life and let God's Son love you! Season's Greetings!
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