Two Volumes In Your Life?

Tonight's sermon was very good.  One thing that really hit tonight was the pastor stated that everyone should have two volumes or be two volumes in a book.  First volume, your life before you knew Christ.  Second volume, your life after becoming a Christian.  I've thought about that a lot since he said it.  I love Brother Joe and his sermons.  Sometimes it might take a day or two for it to sink in, but when it does, I usually come up with other questions.  Tonight is the first time I've been to service in about three or four weeks.  Too much life in the way, and I know that is no reason to miss, but pain killers that knock you out and pain you can't deal with is. 

Back to the two volume set.  I'm not sure my first volume would be very big.  I was about 11 or 12 when I first asked Jesus to live in my heart.  At 14 things happened that sent me far away from God, and I never really made it back until the last three years.  Oh don't get me wrong, there were years or times that I never missed, but it didn't change the things I was doing, or saying or the way I was living.  In the last five, I have attended church more than in my whole life. 

I guess my question is this...If volume one is my life before Christ and volume two is my life after Christ, what do I call the section in between?  It is the past and for the most part I can leave it there, but occasionally, the devil likes to trip me up and throw something in my head, that makes me think what if.  Does he win?  Not very often, does he make me have regrets, fears and worries?  Absolutely. 

So when you look at your life, do you have two volumes?  Is there a section in between that you aren't sure what to call?  Do you only have one volume?  If you only have one volume, my prayer to you is this, that you meet someone you can show you how to have someone love you unconditionally for the rest of your life.  My prayer is that you meet Jesus Christ, accept Him as your savior, and start living, instead of dying in a lost world. 

I hope that who ever reads this will share it with others.  I do try to live my life for Christ, but self does get in the way.  I try to be good, real, and honest.  I don't like fake people or those that pretend around you.  I fight be judgmental constantly, I think part of that comes back to a trust factor. 

Search your heart, search your soul.  Where is your path headed?  Do you have fire insurance?

Love, L

Faith

As a Christian, I often question the depth of my faith.  I have weeks where I constantly have the Bible open or I'm reading something on line about religion or Christianity, and then there are the other weeks.  What happens on those weeks?  Well I read a daily devotional, on work days I listen to christian music, and mini sermons, and other than on Sunday, I may not even open my bible.  So does that mean I don't have faith?  Or does that just mean that I'm not a committed Christian. 

Faith to me means believing in God's word, and relying on the promises of God.  Faith means being thankful to Him, turning to Him not only in times when we need Him, but every day.  I talk to God all the time.  I'm always asking Him questions, or making statements to Him.  So does that mean I have lots of faith?

Being a good Christian is attending church, worshipping God, praying, reading His word, helping others, bringing others to know Jesus, and having a constant walk with God, right?  Some times these questions haunt me.  I am intrigued by those people who know that no matter what all will be okay.  They constantly walk around telling you everything is good, and that God will provide for your needs, you just have to have faith. 

So here's the big question, if God doesn't provide for my, our needs, does that mean we don't have enough faith?  I know for a fact that right now, our needs are overwhelming, and I've laid it all out and prayed.  I'm not asking God to prove Himself.  I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.  I believe in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I believe that the bible is the Word of God, and that Jesus was the Word made man. 

As Christians when we are in dire needs or dire straits as I've heard it said, and we don't receive answers to our prayers, what does that say about us?  I know that God answers all prayers and that it is just not always the answer we are wanting, but when it is to be able to survive, what exactly does that mean.

L

As a Christian I try

As Christians we all stumble at times.  I never purposely hurt some one, say anything bad, or and this is the hardest, think bad thoughts about something someone did, or just about a person.  I hope that makes sense. 

I don't do drugs.  I don't drink and haven't since 12/31/2009.  I try to always be courteous, and not sarcastic, and to mind my manners and say things like yes sir, no sir,  thank you, your welcome, and please. I know we all have bad moments and a slip of the tongue.  However, I find it very offensive to get on Facebook and read postings of people who use curse words trying to drive home a point.  Some one told me that people who curse don't have a very big vocabulary. 

Something else I find offensive is people who claim to be Christians, but go out and get drunk, smoke, do drugs, and curse and post all their activities on Facebook and brag that they out drank everyone at the party or at a club or whatever. 

I will be the first to admit that at one point in my life I did drink and get drunk, and do drugs.  I had a child out of wedlock. I lived with my husband before we were married.  So I am no stranger to those things.  However, it was not right then and it is not right now, Christian or not.  I rededicated my life to Christ.  He has forgiven me all my transgressions. 

If you are truly a Christian, believe in God, attend church, then maybe you need to examine your life.  If you are doing anything that is not the will of God, then you need to stop, and ask God to forgive you and make it right with Him.  You can't be a Christian, and go into the beer store or liquor store and buy from them and give your testimony.  You have lost all credibility.  Think about it. 

I try to spend time in the Word everyday.  I pray everyday.  Some days more than others.  We attend church, and we try to live a life  that shows others how Christians live and act.  If you see your brother and or sister in Christ doing something they shouldn't do, then you need to approach them about it.  I would expect one of my sisters or brothers in Christ to approach me if they see me doing something they feel is not Christian.  We should all expect that, but we don't because we don't want to upset family and friends, we just ignore it.  That is not right and we should all take a better stand. There has only been one perfect person to walk this earth.  He currently sits at the right hand of God.  One day I will kneel before Him and I want Him to say to me, "Well done." 

This may sound very judgemental or critical, and may not be politically correct, but it is something I feel needs to be said.  If I have offended you, hurt your feelings or stepped on your toes, maybe you need to look at yourself, and see if there are areas that you can improve.  I know I can.  Have a God Filled day, every day.  Love, L

Thankful For Thorns

I received an email from my mother in law this morning called simply, "Thorns."  It was a forwarded email, there was no author, no signature and it is not one I have seen before.  It has a lot of meaning, but have the Kleenex close by.  I'm posting it for whoever.... Read the words carefully...

THORNS


Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss.



Troubles had multiplied.



Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer. "She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended me? For an airbag that saved my life, but took my child's?"



"Good afternoon, can I help you?"



Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk. "I . . . I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.



"For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories, " she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"



"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."



Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."



Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer...



"Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly s nipped: there were no flowers.



"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk.. Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.



"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest.



Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with . . . uh . . . she left with no flowers!"



"That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."



"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.



"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!' It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."



Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."



Just then someone else walked in the shop.



"Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man.



"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement . . twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.



"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"



"Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems.. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."



As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"



"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too . . fresh."



"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love....Don't resent the thorns."



Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.



"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."



"Thank you. What do I owe you?"



"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart...The first year's arrangement is always on me."



The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."



It read: "My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."



Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.



God Bless all of you. Be thankful for all that the Lord does for you.



"Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God."



We often try to fix problems with WD-40 and Duct tape.



God did it with nails.

Chrisitan Movies

My husband and I don't have cable television but we do belong to Netflix and we rent from block buster express.  We were quite surprised this last week when one of the movies we rented turned out to be one that was made by Sherwood Church in California.  The name of the movie is "To Save A Life"  or "Save a Life".  It is about young boy that is a senior in high school and how his starting to go to church transforms his life. 

The movie does contain some cursing which when we found out it was produced by church shocked us just a little.  Nothing outrageous but some.  It centers mainly on the youth at this church and the background and problems of the students and how the young boy takes a stand as a christian to make a difference. 

I wish we all had the strength and courage to do this.... but alas, we let the world dictate who we send our religious emails to, our religious view in blogs to, and who we share our testimony of faith with or so it seems. 

Writing is a gift I was given by God and I have been writing for years and I just keep honing my skills.  My writing dream is to be a published writer.  I would love to write for a Christian website and to get a book with a Christian base published.  I want to reach others and bring them closer to Jesus. 

If you have seen other movies like Fireproof, Left Behind, Apocalypse, and this one to Save a life, share them in your comments.  I love watching these types of movies and sharing my views on Christianity.

Be Blessed!  Have a God Filled Day!  Love, L

Trust and Faith in God

I am not sure I can put this in terms that make sense to anyone other than me.  Sometimes I think God uses my dreams to send me messages (okay stop laughing).  When I dream I hear worship and praise songs in my dreams, I don't see people or hear people most of the time.  This happens more than not lately.  However, I still fight my demons in some of my dreams.

I've been trying to trust God more and rely strictly on Him for our needs, my needs and I try to build my faith in Him by reading His word, studying His word and praying daily if not more than once a day.  I know that God is working in our life and I know that He will provide what we need, when we needed, but is that the end?  Does God grant us or provide us with some of our dreams?  I've been listening to some CD's that talks about having faith in God and that your dreams or life goals will come to pass.  One of the scriptures that is quoted is Habakkuk 2:2-4 (Amplified Bible)

2And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.


3For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.

4Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall [a]live by his faith and in his faithfulness.

So I took this to heart and wrote down 19 things that I want to see happen in my lifetime.  I have even put dates down.  One of the things I wrote down, did not come to pass and that is okay, because I am pretty sure that God will send me where I need to be.

In my dream last night it was almost like one of those secret agent movies.  I don't remember the worship/praise song that was running through my head, but it was quite plain in the dream that God was telling me to Trust Him and have unwavering Faith and that although I was being tested, things would come to pass.    In the dream, it was someone who was suppose to be me and may have been, and another agent.  The control person looked at me and said, "Push the blue button."  The button would set off a bomb and blow up the building.  The other half of my team was in the building.  It was a test of Faith.  I stood there but for a second, because the controller (God) said push the button.  I pushed the button, the building exploded and the rest of my team emerged unhurt. 

Okay I know you are rolling on the floor laughing but it was so real in the dream.  Was God talking to me?  Is He about to ask me to step out in Faith?  I don't know.  The question is can I do it.  I think so. 

So I know this post is kind of weird and no I don't need to be committed.  However, I wonder if and how God talks to other people.  I know He does or otherwise we wouldn't do the things we do.  Right? 

I hope you all don't think I'm crazy and if you do, so be it.  I know that God is leading me and my faith grows stronger everyday.  Recovery is teaching me to Trust and I am trying to Trust with all my heart.  God is there for me when no one else is....  remember that in your life as well.  Love, L.

October 11, 2010 - Monday Evening

It has been awhile since I've posted anything and to be honest, I'm not sure exactly what to write about tonight.  I am dealing with some things that are threatening my joy, and I'm praying for God to rid me of the issues or things or whatever you want to call it.  I've had many negative thoughts in the last month, and I have lost some of the joy I had, but know that all this is in God's hands.  I've been neglecting writing in my journal  and have let people and things get between God and me.  Today is only the second time in a two week period that I have started and completed my journal entry in a single sitting. 

I feel that God is closing a door and about to open up a new one.  I'm ready for that!  I want my peace back and I don't feel it or have it completely right now.  It is sad when a single tiny thing can disrupt your whole being like it has done.  I know I need to let it go and let God.  I've written in my journal, prayed and handed it to Him, only to pick it up again.  Why you ask?  Because I'm put back in front of it constantly. 

I have had an issue with "Trust" for many years.  It comes back from things in my past and even though I'm much better than I was, I still have issues with trusting and if I'm betrayed, I can't give the person a 100% of my loyalty because of the betrayal.  That probably doesn't make sense.  Anyway, I am making an effort to attend my recovery meeting this week.  I'm still sober, nothing to drink, but a piece of the old me did show up in the last few weeks.  I don't want that person back.  I'm not that person, and it makes my heart hurt, that I have let an incident bring up those old feelings. 

I will continue to pray and ask for God's guidance and wisdom to get me through all of this.  My sponsor is helping and I need to learn to call her when I need to talk.  May you all have a God Filled Day and be Blessed by God's grace and mercy.  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?

God Has Sent An Angel

It is an understatement that 2010 has had a rough start. At the beginning of the year, I started doubting my faith again. I even told one of my friends that maybe I was doing something wrong and God was punishing us for it. It just seems like the harder we pray the less God listens. I set goals two or three days after the 1st of January, not resolutions but goals. No one ever keeps resolutions that they make so I thought with goals it would be easier. So far, so good. Things have become a little grim, but I've been determined not to give into my doubts and fears. I continually scour the Internet looking for something that would benefit my husband and I, and hopefully that would allow him to stop hanging siding. Last Thursday was particularly grim as I looked at bills, and at the checkbook. I prayed that God would send some help. Well God sent me an angel. We have been working together since last Thursday and He is a godsend for sure. He is a christian and together we are working towards my goal of making an income from the Internet. It is not a MLM or commission based, but a legitimate business that will eventually provide us with an income. I'm so totally excited. I've not shared everything with my husband yet, but I know already that he is supporting my efforts. I know that God hears our prayers and that it is in His time that they are answered and not ours. I had just said that I wish He would at least let me in on the game plan some, when I received an email from this gentleman. So for those of you out there with doubts and a feeling of hopelessness, don't give up. God is listening! God will answer! Let Jesus take the wheel!

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.

As I wipe away tears

This has truly been a year of struggle, trials and tribulation for us. I struggled most of the year with my faith, and my belief that God answers our prayers. I was angry at myself for the first 5 months of the year. Angry because I quit a job that was taking care of making ends meet, but would have killed me before the year was over. Angry because I felt like I had failed everyone. I even apologized to my husband for quitting my job. In May, my husband blacked out behind the wheel of his truck and by the grace of God, and his brother, pulled them to safety off the road. We still don't really know what caused it... I was angry at first, because after a cat scan, they found a little black dot at the base of his brain... And like most normal people I thought the worse, cancer, brain tumor, God was punishing me and going to take my husband away. A husband I had waited a long time for, that was a gift from God. I began to pray, and pray harder than I ever had, and now as I look back, I guess I was being tested. I'm not really sure if I failed or passed at this moment, but things have turned around, not without trials or struggle mind you.



As Christmas approached and our money became really stretched, I became angry and sad that I cannot buy gifts for anyone this year, not even my daughter, parents, inlaws, or my husband. I'm making some small things, but not enough to go around for everyone, and in my heart I fear that some will not appreciate or want what we have made. In the middle of the night, I awoke to a scene in my dream of the Christmas show, The Little Drummer Boy. I just sat and listened to that song sung by Josh Groban, and silently the tears rolled down my face. I have no gifts for my king, but my faith and belief that He will take care of us. I have no gifts but to pray and leave my burdens and the heaviness of my heart to Him. I have no gifts but my love for Him who died so that I might have eternal life. I have no gifts but to pray for health, wealth, and happiness for my family, friends and loved ones. Jesus is the reason for this season, not the gifts we give to each other, or the money that is spent. I thanks Jesus for the opportunity to be a live and to be with my family, both sides, and enjoy the fellowship with my new brothers and sisters at our church, and to feel loved by my family. I pray that you will take a moment and thank God for all that you have and to remember that He answers our prayers and sometimes, we may not understand, but God does and that is all that matters. God is in control, let Him take the wheel. God Bless you all, and May 2010 be a year of spiritually growth for us all. Merry Christmas and Have a Happy New Year. L

Two Postings

I actually have two things to post to this blog, but I'm not sure I want to at this time. One is entitled, "I am a child of God," the other doesn't have a title, but it comes from a sermon from about two weeks ago and the pastor stated that Calvary pictures all mankind. It made me think, but I have his illustration for the posting. Today, I'm all confused inside and filled with questions. We can't seem to get on our feet and stay on them. We pray, study, worship, try to do what is right, but I feel we are being tested and I'm not sure for what, where, or why.

Brother Joe, my new pastor, stated that man's spirit is made alive when he responds to God in faith. God grants us the freedom to repent, and exercise faith. Man's freedom also makes him responsible for his choices. God's sovereignty doesn't cancel man's freedom, we still have free will. Man was created to have a relationship with God. Our souls are unique. As a child of God, we are saved, have a glorified body, soul and are spiritually alive. If we are not children of God, we are lost, have a resurrected body, a soul, but are spiritually dead. Man is made of three parts, Body, soul and spirit.

As Christians we still have free will, still sin and don't always do what God wants us to do. He still loves us. Still calls us to come to Him, and we long for Him to come for us. May God Bless you all today...

Post#2

Calvary pictures all of mankind. Christ hung between two men - each had the choice of asking for salvation. One chose to continue to live in his sin - One chose to respond to faith and was saved. We all have that choice. Whoever hears the gospel will either believe in Christ or Reject Him. Which one will you do?

Post #1 I am a Child of God

I am a child of God, but I still fall short
I am a child of God, but I have free will
I am a child of God, and I am responsible for my choices
I am a child of God, saved by His grace and cleansed by His blood
I am a child of God, but I fall short of His perfect will
I am a child of God, I strive to live by His word
I am a child of God, and I want the Father to be proud of me
I am a child of God, I await His return
I am a child of God, Are you?
I am a child of God, You can ask Him to live in your heart.
I am a child of God, It is not too late, you too, can be a child of God, Ask Him to live in your heart.

Merry Christmas, Jesus is the reason for the season... Remember!

Matthew 7:7-8 - Ask and ye shall receive

This post is simple today. I know these verses but sometimes have a hard time focusing on this... I know that all I have to do is ask and God will provide, but having the faith that He will truly do this some times escape me. However, I've read two devotionals in the last two days... stating this exact thing... I'm sure it is a sign, so today with renewed strength and faith, I share these bible verses with you... May God Bless you all, Merry Christmas, and remember what the reason for the season really is...

7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

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

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.

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.

Marks of the New Testament Church

If you have never heard of a book called "The Trail of Blood", by J.M. Carroll, you should look it up. There is a website called http://www.biblepreaching.com/, where you can print off a copy or it will give you an address where you can purchase as many copies as you want up to 24 for $2.00 each. This is church history from the first church of Jerusalem created by Christ. If you want to find a true church in the town in which you live, one that follows the teachings of Christ, these are the marks you take and compare the church you are considering to see if they are a true church. I will list the marks and the verses below. May God Bless you with your reading of God's word and your search for a true church.

1. Christ is the head and founder. His is the lawgiver and the church is the executive.

Matthew 16:18 (King James Version)
18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Colossians 1:18 (King James Version)
18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

2. The bible is its only rule of faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (King James Version)
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3. Its name: Church or Churches. Matt 16:18 (see Mark 1)

Revelation 22:16 (King James Version)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

4. Its polity, Congregation - all members are equal.

Matthew 20:24-28 (King James Version)
24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 23:5-12 (King James Version)
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

5. Members are only saved people.

Ephesians 2:21 (King James Version)
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord

1 Peter 2:5 (King James Version)
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ

6. Ordinances of the church - believer's baptism, followed by the Lord's supper.

Matthew 28:19-20 (King James Version)
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

These are only the first 6 Marks of The New Testament Church. There are 11 altogether. I will post the other 5 tomorrow. Please read the scriptures and check out the website. In these times, don't be lead astray by false prophets and churches, and teachers.

May God Bless you all and do so all the day long...L

Back on Track - God's Word

Over the last three weeks I fell away from writing in my journal and going to God everyday. Not that it is an excuse, but with the schedule at the movie theater and trying to keep things going and taking care of my husband, I lost track and just didn't seem to have time. I know that was Satan, stepping in and trying to get me away from God. I do strive to live by the Will of God and in His word. I don't always succeed and I know not everyone does every day, every minute. If we did, we would live in a perfect world, and that is not possible. However, yesterday after an exhausting search to look for a place to live, and after an emotional realization that without God's help we are not going to find a place, I sat down and had a long talk with God and wrote in my journal. So today, here is my bible verse. My goal is to post a new verse everyday, learning the word of God as I go along. I know that He is leading us to where we need to go. I'm praying that He will strengthen the faith of my husband, Norman and myself as we go forward. May God Bless you in everything you do. Go to the Lord each day and thank Him for what He has provided. L

1 Thessalonians 5:17-19 (New King James Version)
17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Directions - Bible Verse

I posted in my other blog "Which direct am I going?" Here is a bible verse that came up when I was reading. Hopefully it will give someone some inspiration and help some one along the way.

Hebrews 13:7 (New King James Version)
Concluding Religious Directions 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.

God's Masterpiece

My sister sent me an email this morning. She knows that I am trying very hard to learn to live in the word of God. In the email was the following bible verse:

Ephesians 2:10 (New King James Version)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Also in the email was a link to a video by two guys who played out the verse above. I thought it was worth sharing and hopefully it will help some one. I've included the link below. May God Bless you all! L

"God's Chisel" by the Skit Guys:http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=849dc7c803281df74bb2&sp=1&SOURCE=DBV