Where do I go?

My thoughts are clouded today.  I know that is the work of the devil trying to get me to worry, have fear and being anxious over things I have no control over. 

I get a devotional everyday except Sunday from Truthforlife.org.  It is done by Pastor Alaister Beggs, who is a Baptist pastor in Ohio and he is on the radio and I love him.  He speaks the truth about the bible.  He doesn't just tell you what you want to hear.  He is not a "feel good" pastor.  There are a lot of those types of pastors and evangelist out in the world. 

As a christian I have my own beliefs and it is based off the doctrine in God's Word.  I believe everything in the bible, not just pieces and I try never to take anything out of context.  When I have a question that I can't find the answer to, I pray and seek counsel from God, and I talk to my pastor. 

I know that there are people in the world that use the bible to justify things that aren't good to make them feel at peace.  I've made a lot of mistakes over the years.  God has forgiven me for those mistakes and sins, and I am learning to forgive myself. 

I usually move my daily devotional to a folder after I read it, however, right now in my inbox, I have many that I have read, but feel lead to leave them where they are currently.  I keep reading the titles over and over. 

Here is the first one:

Find Your Life in Christ - I received this one on 12/27/10
Follow Boldly - I received on 12/28/10
Till Now - on 12/29/10
Anticipate the End - 12/30/10
Let the Thirsty Come - 12/31/-10
The Property of Every Believer - 1/3/11
Grow in Grace & Knowledge - 1/4/11
Reflecting on Light - 1/5/11
Say Goodbye to Anxiety - 1/6/11

As I look at each one of these titles, it brings a different thought but they read like a complete sentence or a list of instructions.  Can I do these?  Can I trust? Is my faith strong enough?  Do I truly believe the word of God?  I can answer yes to two out of the four.  Is that bad?  No, its just that I'm still trying to understand and learn as much as possible. 

Someone once told me that the only thing we need to believe from the bible is that Christ was born, died and rose again, and that everything else is left up to interpretation.  I don't think I believe that.  Someone also told me not to label myself as a particular religion.  Well I can't do that, because I follow the Baptist because the doctrine is closer to the true doctrine of the true church. 

My pastor and his wife gave me a devotional journal for Christmas.  It is wonderful and I have started writing in it and reading the bible passages.  However, I've only read the first one.  I'm not sure I'm mature enough in my Christian walk with God to understand.  So today I'm seeking help from the Great Teacher.  I am going to devote time everyday to read the devotional passage, make my notes and not move on until I fully understand what it is telling me. 

"God hear my plea.  Help me to grow closer to you, understand your word and live my life for you.  Father, grant me the wisdom and knowledge to help others to know you and to let your light shine through my life.  Father you know my heart, without me having to speak the words.  You know my love for you.  Father heal my heart, open my eyes and my heart to learn all I can of you.  In Jesus precious name. Amen."

Have a God Filled and Blessed Day!
Love, L

The Calmness

Even though I haven't been sleeping well, my whole being is filled with this calmness I can't explain.  My dreams of late have been surreal and I jerk awake in the blink of an eye.  I never have a full scene in my dream.  Some how though I know that God is about to reveal something to me, us, my family something.  It is this very uncanny feeling I have that something is about to happen, not bad, something good. 

God is working and moving in our lives.  He does provide even when we don't realize it to start.  My work week or weeks will be short by 1.5 to 2 hours this pay period because of Christmas Eve and the office or church being closed.  To show that God does provide, I received an order for dog treats yesterday and it will be double the amount I would make for those 2 hours. 

Deep in my heart, I know that the move we are planning is the right thing to do.  Norman can work on the ranch or work off the ranch, whatever he prefers.  I will work on the ranch and go to school.  It is out in the country.  We will have room for Sioux to run and if I want a couple of beagles, I will be able to do that as well.  God is providing for everything except our personal bills.  There won't be housing or utility costs and we don't have to leave the place if that is our desire.

I know that God is guiding us.  Yesterday while I was cleaning, I saw the bible verse, "Be still and know that I am God."  I know without a doubt it is Him talking to me.  Don't get me wrong we are a little scared about moving, but staying here, in East Texas we will continue to struggle to survive and make a living. 

I picked up my journal this morning for the first time in 14 days.  I thought about that, and I guess it is because I am at peace and don't need to write my feelings down.  I've been praying, actually I'm not sure I ever totally stop.  I talk to God off and on all day.  He has done wonders in my life, our life, and it just keeps getting better. 

Do you have a relationship with God?  If not, do you need to know how to get one?  If you are a child of God, you should have a relationship with Him.  I'm not talking about going to church and filling a pew.  I'm talking about believing in Jesus, that He died for our sins, and rose again, and that He sits on the right hand of the Father.  I'm talking about believing that He was born of a virgin.  He is the son of God.  He is the word made man.  You have to study His word, believe what He tells us, and pray.  He will take care of your needs. 

May you all know God personally.  May you all have a God Filled Day!  May You receive blessings upon blessings!

Merry Christmas!

Love, L

Psalms 51:1-19 One of my readings from this week

I don't remember if it was Saturday that I read this or Monday morning.  But for some reason this one struck deep in my heart.  The sermon on Sunday by Bro. Robert seemed to go along with it.  Bro. Robert talked about the joy we have the day we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and how some of us have lost that.  We should all have a burning in our hearts, if we are children of God.   This is the Amplified Bible Translation.  May it Bless You and May you seek God's wisdom and guidance in your life.  Love, L
1HAVE MERCY upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions.


2Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin!

3For I am conscious of my transgressions and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me.

4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.(A)

5Behold, I was brought forth in [a state of] iniquity; my mother was sinful who conceived me [and I too am sinful].(B)

6Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.

7Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean [ceremonially]; wash me, and I shall [in reality] be whiter than snow.

8Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

9Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my guilt and iniquities.

10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

11Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

12Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted and return to You.

14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness and death, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness (Your rightness and Your justice).

15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

16For You delight not in sacrifice, or else would I give it; You find no pleasure in burnt offering.(C)

17My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise.

18Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

19Then will You delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, justice, and right, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then bullocks will be offered upon Your altar.


Cross Reference
A.Psalm 51:4 : Rom 3:4


B.Psalm 51:5 : John 3:6; Rom 5:12; Eph 2:3

C.Psalm 51:16 : I Sam 15:22

Is God First?

As I sat this morning reading my bible and praying and talking with God, this question came into my mind, "Am I putting God first in all of my life?"  As I prayed I asked for guidance and wisdom and the strength to live each day, one day at a time.  I do that every time I pray because I am human, and  I worry about things that I shouldn't.  We as Christians should have faith in God to take care of us, and trust Him to take care of our needs, and not worry or rely solely on ourselves to handle our problems.  We are instruct to give our burdens to Jesus, to live them at the cross and to follow Him.  I try to do that every day, and it is hard.  We want to fix things ourselves and honestly we as humans are not capable. 

We forget that God is always with us, during the bad and during the good.  So why is it we only pray the hardest when things are bad?  Because when things are good we think we are doing that and therefore we don't think we need Jesus. 

That is incorrect of course.  We need Jesus all the time and when things are going right, that means He is there handling things, because let's face it, when we try to take care of things on our own, we mess them up and most of the time cause more issues.  When things are right we should be thanking Him above all else and praising Him for what He is doing.  It is from the wisdom and knowledge that Jesus gives us that we do what is right.  Is is an easy life to trust fully in Jesus?  To have faith that He will answer our needs?  No it is not easy and when we do start to rely solely on Him, Satan is going to make our lives harder and throw obstacles upon obstacles in our way. 

Don't give up.  For He that is within us is more powerful than he that is in the World.  I read that verse in the bible this morning, but don't ask me where.  I read about six chapters this morning and I realized a lot when I was reading.  What might you ask?

1) I am not good at reading my bible daily.  Actually I suck at it.  So as of today, that is a new priority.
2) I do pray almost every day, but lately have been lax.  So as of today, that too is a priority.
3) Do I put God first?  Well I try to most of the time.  But what I realized today, is that I have been praying for Him to help me to use my writing to make an income, but I am not doing my part.  So as of today, until I get my website to where I want it to be, and my writing income where I want it to be, no more playing on Face book. 
4) I know the two great commandments, but do I obey them all the time.  I guess the honest answer to that would be no.  Although I am going through recovery for a lot of things, alcohol being the least of those, I still have issues.  I do hold grudges, and I have been judgemental and those are things I struggle with constantly.
So as of today, I am going to try to be totally honest with myself and I am going to strive to be a better Christian and obey the two great commandments.  Will I succeed?  Only time will tell and as I grow in my walk with Jesus, I hope to succeed without stumbling.  However, I do know that when I do stumble, I can go to God, and He will pick me up, wipe the dirt from my knees and love me anyway.  He will never forsake me or leave me.

I hope that some how in my blog post that I reach the hearts of other Christians, and maybe those that are lost.  Christians struggle every day to live for Christ.  It is not an easy walk, and no one ever said it was going to be.  May all who read this be truly blessed by God, Seek Him in your life, and place Him before anything and everyone else.  My Jesus is first!  My husband comes second!.  Love, L.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

We didn't attend the recovery meeting last Thursday.  My neighbor, a troubled 24 year old came to my house around five pm, because in a fit of anger he hit the wall with his fist, and he hit a stud in the wall.  His hand wasn't broken, but it was swelling, so I iced it down for him.  He stayed until the wee hours of the morning.  We fed him supper and he and my husband talked.  I listened and cleaned. 

The reason I write about that, is because people deal with situations in their lives differently than others.  He feels the need to hit something when his anger is out of control.  I usually get quiet at first, and then usually something will set me off and I will yell, or I have been known to throw things. 

Another thing I want to mention is this, just because someone doesn't walk around with a smile on their face, doesn't mean that they are angry, sad or mad at someone.  It could be just that they are in deep thought, or maybe they are just trying to figure something out and aren't paying attention. 

When we meet people, we have no idea what they are struggling with or going through.  We are not suppose to judge people by appearance, or I don't think we should.  If we see our brothers and sisters in Christ committing a sin, we are suppose to talk to them about what they are doing.  Not judge them, but bring it to their attention. 

We all fall short of Christ's glory.  No one is perfect on this earth. 

Someone told me yesterday that we can only own what we say, not how others take what is said.  This is very true.  Sometimes, I think, that when someone responds back to you negatively or questions something you said, it is an admission of guilt.  Maybe they see themselves in what you said, but just can't own up to what is going on. 

I know this blog is just rambling, but I felt the need to express it.  May you all have a God Filled Day!  Be Blessed in knowing that Christ's return is eminent.  Love, L

Trusting God

I've been reading and I've been thinking, those two things are not always good, especially together. Although I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 12, I don't have a relationship with Him they way a lot of Christians do. Its not that I don't want one, but I've never really understood how to have a relationship with Him. I pray, I read my bible, I attend church, I thank Him on a daily basis, and I try to display and show the kind of person I am because of Jesus. But I don't do a good job at that. I have anger issues and I have trust issues. I want to trust God with all aspects of my life, but I'm a control freak. Not as much as I use to be, but still a control freak.

People tell me all the time, to cast my burdens upon the Lord and then just forget them. That is a wonderful thing, but I'm human and as such, I still worry. I pray for God to show us where He wants us to be and what He wants us to do, but I'm afraid, not of what He might ask us to do, but what I might have to leave behind. Do you ever have these same thoughts?

My friend, posted on her blog, about if He called, what would you do? It's called At a Moment's Notice. Her blog address is www.strivingfor31.com and I highly recommend it. So I guess my question is the same, If God called me in the morning to follow Him, would I go? I would like to think that they answer would be yes, without a second thought, but would it really? Have you ever asked yourself that question. Could you leave behind your family, friends, house, worldly possessions and go to the far corners of the earth because God called you to go? Would you?

My Desire to know God better

This is my first post on this blog for the new year as well as my others. It is true that we only turned to God in prayer when we are struggling the most and I was no different for other people who pray, but as long as things are going okay, forget that God is still in control. There is nothing we do on this earth, during the day, that God does not have His hand in. The very air that we breathe, the food that we eat, and the water that we drink, would not exist if it were not for God. We as Christians and even those that are not christian forget that God is the creator. We as Christians should pray and talk to God all the time, not just when we are in need or are struggling, or are sick. We should strive to know His word fluently and it should be our goals to bring others to know God intimately. Although I know God, my relationship with Him is not where I want it to be. I have days when I am a sponge and cannot soak up His word enough or learn enough about the times and what was happening when God inspire Paul to write books in the bible. The history of the Old testament amazes me! Knowing that the New Testament was written my men inspired by God during the days that Jesus walked this earth. I want to walk the ground that Jesus walked. I want to visit Bethlehem, and see the Jordan. I want to pray at the wall. One of my desires is that I can develop a deeper relationship with God this year, to read and learn as much of His word as possible. I am a child of God and I want to help others to become a child of God. I ask God for the wisdom and the knowledge and the instructions and the words to talk to others because it is here that I stumble. I'm sure there are other Christians who although they know God's word, they have a hard time, showing others the way. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that struggles. I want God to give me the wisdom to understand the differences in religion among my friends and families. I want to know God better. May God Bless you in 2010.

The Benefits of Wisdom

This was my devotional reading today. My bible just kind of fell open to this one and so this is my prayer for the day. May God Bless you with this reading..

Proverbs 3
1My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
19The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
26For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.
30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.
32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.

Today's Words

Psalm 6

1O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
2Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.
3My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?
4Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.
5For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?
6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
9The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.
10Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.

If you could ask God one question....

I've been thinking about this for a while now and I'm not sure I still know only one question to ask God. If I can only ask one, it would be one that ask in a wide sense of the word, "Why?" I have the need for much knowledge and understanding from God. Why is the word that would start my questions. Why is there so much evil in the world? Why do some women have baby after baby, and some women try so hard to conceive and never do? Why do some people who are faithful have one hardship after another? Why does it appear that some people who don't care about anything, have life laid at their feet on a silver platter? Why do some Christians, just stand by and watch people struggle? Why does the church support overseas missions when there is so much to do here in our own country? Why are there so many different religions when we all have the same bible? Why, why, why????? I know some of those whys can probably be answered with out asking God, but I want to hear it from God's lips. I want to sit beside God and just have a normal conversation about everyday life. I want to look at God and say, "Please tell me why," and I want Him to reach out and take my hand and pull me to sit beside Him and hear Him say, "Because child......".... May God Bless you all... I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas... Please remember why we celebrate Christmas... Love, L

I Struggle

I struggle that my walk with Jesus is not where I want it to be, but I try daily to improve it.

I struggle everyday as a believer. I struggle with temptation and some days the devil wins, but Jesus forgives me.

I struggle on how to be a witness for others. Can you look at me and see that Christ lives in my heart?

I struggle with a past that still plagues my future. Past transgressions that took place after I asked Christ into my life. But through repentance and because of the Grace of God; I have been forgiven.

I struggle with a thirst to consume the entire word of God, but cannot read and study fast enough, but I push on.

I struggled with doubts about my salvation and faith recently, but Christ has reassured me, that I am His.

I struggle with worry for my friends and family who don't know Jesus, who have been led astray, and who let the world retain a hold on them, but I pray for God's intervention.

I struggle to live a life for the Lord and know that He hears my pleas, and knows my heart, and sees my needs and my desires. I know that only He can fulfill me.

I struggle with my place in this world, but I know my Lord is in control. I know as I struggle and stumble, God picks me up, dusts me off, wipes away my tears, and says, "Ssh my child. I hold you in my arms. No harm come to one of my children."

Logic Dictates

Recently on one of the police shows I watched, I heard a profiler make the following comment: Logic dictates that if you believe in one, than you must believe in the other. They were talking about believing in God and the devil.

I had never really thought about that statement but it is true. If you confirm the existence of God, then you must confirm the existence of Lucifer. The bible tells us that Lucifer rebelled against God and he and his minions were cast out of heaven. Lucifer took a a third of the angels. You can read this in Revelations Chapter 12.

I've heard people say why does God let that happen? Or Why does God let people get sick or keep them from having babies? Why does everyone automatically assume God is at fault for these things? Evil has free reign in our world and we have free will. We are responsible for our choices and temptation is always in front of us. Even as Christians we are still tempted by sin and commit sins. God can step in when we ask for His help, His forgiveness. He knows our needs but we have to ask. The devil introduced sin into this world and although his reign will be short, he is allowed to roam this earth.

Evil is the handiwork of the devil and his minion of demons. The dragon was thrown out of Heaven because he started a rebellion against God. God is not to blame for our maladies, illnesses or the diseases of this world - Man and evil are the ones responsible. If we as Christians have the ability to heal the sick, cure disease or raise the dead, why is there still all of that in the World? Remember God is not responsible for the evil of this world.

God's Message Today

I've not been up long this morning and it was a very long and sleepless night last night. My best friend is sick and I don't know what to do for her. Dixie, my cockerbeagle stopped eating Sunday night and threw up a couple of times last night and has been running in and out of the doggie door with stomach problems. Her stomach was cramping last night. I gave her Pepto twice yesterday and some pain reliever last night. She slept outside most of the night and that is not something she ever does. She is not a young dog. I've had her for almost 10 years and we have been through some rough times. The thought that I might lose her is upper most in my mind and has been since late last night. I will be taking her to the vet today, this morning as soon as I can get in. On top of this, we have no work, so no money is coming in. So my stress level is very high. I pray every day and sometimes four or five times a day. Maybe not a prayer that is 5 or 6 minutes long. It may just be words like "Thank You God", "Help me Lord", "I love you God", or "Show me God", or lately, "Help me to Understand God." Sometimes when we think all is lost, and there is no hope, we forget to go to God. Sometimes we think we are too insignificant to really matter. Or maybe we think we are being punished for something we did or didn't do. My devotional today was a message from God, directed to my insecure feelings. The message came from Acts 9:11, it ends with "Behold, he is praying." Simply said, direct. The message said that even if the words are unable to be spoken, and only tears and sighs can be uttered, that God knows what we need and that heavens sings with music. Our tears are caught by God, and He loves that we have come to him for help. Remember that prayer is a very strong tool and can get us through the darkest times. We don't have to say anything for God to hear our cries and pain. We just have to bow in prayer. I have done this at least twice this morning already, and know without a doubt that it will not be the last time today that I go to God. Talk to God. Tell him your needs. Ask for His help. May God Bless You all today. Love, L. Read Pslam 56:8

Matthew Chapter 5

I know this is long, but this has been one of my favorite chapters out of Matthew. I'm not sure why it means so much to me, but it does. I hope you enjoy this post. May God Bless You!, L

Matthew 5 (King James Version)

1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:
35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Part 2 - Marks of The New Testament Church

Hi everyone, I know I'm a day late posting these, but here are the last 5 marks of the New Testament Church:

7. It's Officers: Pastors and Deacons

1 Timothy 3:1-16 (King James Version)

1 Timothy 3
1This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

8. Its works are getting people saved, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God's Word), and teaching them. Matt 28: 16 - 20

Matthew 28:16-20 (King James Version)
16Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

9. Financial plan: Tithes and Offerings. I Cor 9:14

1 Corinthians 9:14 (King James Version)
14Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

10. Its weapons of warfare - spiritual, not carnal. II Cor 10:4; Eph 6:10-20

2 Corinthians 10:4 (King James Version)
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Ephesians 6:10-20 (King James Version)
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

11. Its Independence: separation of Church and State. Matt 22:21

Matthew 22:21 (King James Version)
21They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

Here they are! I hope you enjoy studying and reading these. I've read the above verse many times and never thought about it being the separation of Church and State. It amazes me daily the thing you learn after years of reading a verse. May God Bless you all. L

Reprint of the Post - Your Faith - Can you Defend it?

I deleted this originally after I received a harsh email. Maybe I should not have used the word persecution, although that is what I felt, and that I was being forced to make choices, with no real back up. So after words of guidance and wisdom from family and friends, I'm re-posting this entry. May God Bless you always.

Over the last few weeks I feel that I have been persecuted for what I believe or was taught to believe as I was growing up in the Baptist Church. It is being done with love, but does that make it better? Does it make it okay that it comes from people you are close to? Today was the first time I have stepped inside a church in almost a year. I left the last church with a bitter feeling. The feeling is gone and it was probably all me and not where I originally placed the blame. The sermon today brought me to tears. I'm sure it was conviction for knowing that I fall short of the perfect will of God and even though I have been saved, I still sin from time to time. I used the word sinner in an email just as an explanation of that we all still sin in some form or fashion even after being saved. No one can do the perfect will of God. We all strive to do that, but we all fall short. Anyway, I digress.. when I used the word sinner, I received a paragraph stating that I was saved from being a sinner, washed clean and that by saying I'm a sinner, I'm calling Christ a liar. In no way, form or fashion was that what I meant. My life has not and is not sinless. I strive to have a relationship with Christ, to learn His Word, and to do my best to live the perfect will of God. Do I fall short? Everyday. Do I repent of my sins? Yes. Do I wish for more of a life with Christ? Absolutely. Do I question what I have been taught all my life? Never. Can I defend what I was taught? I'm not sure. This is where I have been studying. I've pulled the Trail of Blood from the Internet. It follows bible doctrine back to the first church in Jerusalem. It is a wonderful website, and I have only begun to study it. Revival starts at my mother in law's church tonight. The sermon by the pastor this morning was on what revival is. It is reviving the relationship you have or seek with Christ, as a Christian. John 1:38 Jesus asks the questions, "What do ye seek?" Do you know what you seek? May God Bless you all. L

My Christian Testimony

I first accepted Jesus Christ as my savior, in April of 1974. I wasn't saved in the church but at home, with my mother and the pastor at that time, whose first name escapes me, but his last name was Chenault. Names are not important here. What is important was that at the age of 12, I realized that I needed Jesus to save me. What I didn't know was as a new christian, there were things that I wasn't suppose to do any more, that I was to set an example for lost people and bring them to Jesus as well. Things happened in that church that caused me to feel that I was to blame. I turned away from my savior. Needless to say, no one tried to get me back. I stopped reading, praying and other than my mother telling me that what was happening was not my fault, no one tried to counsel me, a brand new flailing christian. If you fast forward a few years, lets say about 20, I was lead back to God by my daughter of 8 years old. What kind of life did I have in that 20 years away from God? One of drugs, adultery, alcohol, profanity and many other things that are not important any longer. What is important is that my daughter, yes born out of wedlock, was used to bring me back to God. I became very involved with church, attending Sunday school, bible studies, church every time the doors were open. I was asked if I wanted to teach a class for unwed mothers. I gave it a try, but then it was decided that I was not the right kind of teacher. That a man need to teach the class. That was okay, I stepped down. There was a time at this church, Tripp Baptist Church, that for a month of Sundays I walked the aisle to ask for forgiveness and prayer that I would know what God was asking of me. I felt as though I was being led towards a life as a missionary. I attended Criswell College for a semester. I completed the semester, lost my grandfather, finished building a house, and life continued. Once again after the pastor leaving and church pastor less, I left. I didn't totally leave God. I still read my bible, and prayed, but I fell back into some of my old life. I was lonely and wanted someone to love me. I started a prayer journal. I prayed that God would send me a man that would accept me and my daughter just as we were. I was actually pretty specific. That entry in my journal was April 19, 2001. Did God answer my prayer? Yes but it was four years after I asked. During that four years, I did go back to church for awhile, but it was a flailing church with leadership that was not so good. God was still growing that church and I left. I continued to pray to God, and occasionally read my bible. But in November of 2005, God answered my pray for a good christian man, one that would love me and my daughter unconditionally. We both have lead rough lives, but know we are each others soul mates. We went to church together right after we met, hoping to find a church home. We did. His brother was music minister there, and his sister in law played the piano. They still attend the church. I know that in recent days, weeks and months, God is showing my husband and I what we need to do. We rely on God to provide for our needs and He always comes through. I'm learning to walk by faith and not by sight. My thirst for more knowledge of the bible and God is overwhelming. I'm like a sponge and I want to soak it all in and up. My husband and I have spent hours in the last three weeks discussing, talking and him answering my questions. Do I still sin? Of course, I'm human. Do I got to God for forgiveness? Every day, all day long. I guess my hope with sharing my testimony, is that someone will read it and know that just because you accept Jesus as your savior, your duty doesn't just stop there. As new Christians, seek out help for saints in your church, learn how to lead others to God, strive for a life of holiness, purity, and witnessing to others. Do I fall shortly? Most definitely, but I keep trying. I want to learn how to do what the bible teaches us. Will I get there? Only God knows, but that's okay, I know He will continue to send me and show me what and where I need to be. May God Bless you all beyond your hopes, and may He strengthen your faith and walk with him. Love to all, L

The Ultimate Picture of Love

Sometimes, well most times, I'm truly amazed when God sends something my way. I'm growing daily in His word and sometimes I get the education where I'm not really expecting it. My little sister, I call her Brat, sent this in an email today. I wanted to share it with everyone. I'm so overflowing with the Holy Spirit and God today. I'm truly amazed that there are people who do not believe in the Almighty God. I feel sorry for them and truly hope I can touch someone with my writings. Here is the email, my sister sent, Enjoy and feel free to copy and send out from my post or email me and I'll forward you a copy. May God smile upon each and everyone who reads this or shares it with someone else. My sister's real name by the way is Mara. Please say a little prayer that she will continue to help me grow in my journey with God. Love, L.


What is the ultimate picture of love? It is Jesus Christ hanging on the cross for our sins. How are his arms placed? Open wide, as if to reach out and wrap us in his arms for a hug. How do we show people we love them? By giving them a hug. Every time we open wide our arms to hug someone, we are telling them we love them, just as Jesus showed his love for us. We don’t have to give people hugs. I’ve never seen someone being forced to give a hug. Sure, they can go through the motions but their arms never open wide to receive the other person in to their space. An open armed hug, is saying to people, “I am opening myself up to you. I can be hurt, but that’s ok. I’m receiving you and anything you bring into my space with acceptance and love. I am making a sacrifice for you. I want you to know I am giving you a part of me that I can never get back. I am making myself vulnerable to you.
That’s what Jesus was showing on the cross. He was saying, “I am opening my arms wide for you, all of you. You can step into my arms and receive my love. I don’t hold it back from anyone who takes it. It is my gift. Some of you will hurt me, but that’s ok. I accept you and anything you bring into my arms. I love you unconditionally. I am your refuge from all the pain in the world. My arms will never close.”
Every time I see arms wide open, I now see Jesus on the cross. It is a picture of love beyond our human understanding. It is a picture of something I want to learn to give and receive. When we stand and praise the Lord, we raise our arms open wide to Him. We are telling Him, we love you and want to give and receive a hug today. How many times have you looked at someone close to you, and said “I need a hug today”. Did you feel their love? How much greater the love when you stop in your day, look at the Lord, and say, “I need a hug today”. As a parent, have you ever told your child, “No, I’m out of hugs today.” God won’t tell us that either. Sometimes, when I feel I’ve been battling hard, I just go to my prayer bench, lie across it, and ask God to wrap me in his arms and hug me close. It’s soft as cotton and cool as a breeze in spring. It is sweet as candy and fragrant as flowers. I can rest in the comfort of knowing that all I have to do is ask Him for a hug. I will find rest.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Trust - Today's Bible Verse

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, His way is perfect;The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

I've added this verse to my email signature today. I have issues with trust. I don't trust easily and in the past I have trusted people who violated that trust. It is hard for me to develop relationships because of my past experiences. Once my trust has been violated, it takes me a long time to trust that person again, and usually it is not to the same extent that it was in the beginning. I pray that God will help me with this issue. I trust in the Lord, He has never let me down, and although, we are going through tough times now, I know he is protecting us. May God bless you today! L