CHRISTMAS 2011

To all my bloggy friends out there...MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I also want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone...where ever you are around the world...that reads this blog.

As bloggers...and readers...we may all live in different places but we have one thing in common...JESUS! If it weren't for JESUS being born a long time ago in that little stable, we wouldn't know the amazing love we know now. Because of JESUS we have peace...hope...joy...and love that fills our life. We all have a common bond in Him. Isn't it great how we can come together...write and read...and just simply share JESUS. We can pray for each other and help each other in our daily walk with HIM. 

If you are a reader and you don't know JESUS as your Savior there is no better time to ask HIM to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life. That's the reason HE came to earth and was born here. To bring us HIS amazing gift of salvation so one day we can go to be with HIM. If you haven't asked HIM into your heart you can do that now. Just simply talk to HIM and tell HIM you're sorry for your sins and ask HIS forgiveness. JESUS is waiting for you to do that. HE loves you so much that HE gave HIS life for you.

There's a little song I remember singing as a child...

Into my heart, Into my heart,

Come into my heart LORD JESUS.

Come in today, Come in to stay,

Come into my heart LORD JESUS.

Pretty much that's all you have to say...Come into my heart, come in to stay. I know I need YOU and I believe YOU died for me. Help me to turn my life around so that I can live for You. Thank YOU for loving me and saving me. In JESUS name...amen. 

Then have the best Christmas you have ever had! 

Here is the Christmas story.

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

 ¹ At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. ² (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. ⁴ And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. ⁵ He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.

 ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. ⁷ She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.

The Shepherds and Angels

 ⁸ That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. ⁹ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, ¹⁰ but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. ¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! ¹² And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,

 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in highest heaven,
      and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

 ¹⁵ When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

 ¹⁶ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. ¹⁷ After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. ¹⁸ All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, ¹⁹ but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. ²⁰ The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple

 ²¹ Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Tonight, while sitting and reflecting on my day, I picked up a journal that also has a devotion on each page. The devotions are from Frances J. Roberts books. This one is from Come Away My Beloved.

I definitely needed to read this.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

O My child, have I ever failed you? Have I not been your refuge and your strong defense? Fear not. My purposes will be fulfilled in spite of your weaknesses, if in your need you rely on My strength. I glory in overruling the prevailing circumstances, and I take pleasure in bringing victories in those places where no victory is anywhere in sight. Count on My coming. Ask for the victory. I will come and bring it.

Today if you're going through things that are more than you think you can handle...think about this. Has HE ever failed you? Has HE ever not been there to hold you up when you can't stand on your own anymore? Has He not given you victories that you never thought you would see? When you need more strength than you think you have, when you need someplace to go...go to the Lord. Run into His arms and let Him be your strength and your shelter. He won't ever let you down.

Psalm 61:3

For You have been a shelter for me,
         A strong tower from the enemy.

Proverbs 18:10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
      The righteous run to it and are safe.

Psalm 46:1

God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble.

Psalm 23:1

The LORD is my shepherd;
         I shall not want.




     

God Still Does Miracles Today

I was reading Child of God's blog and saw that God is doing some great miracles! December 16 Katie's PET/CT scans came back as NED (no evidence of disease) no cancer found! She was diagnosed 9/13/2011. Praise the LORD!

One year ago, 12/2010, Ansley's parents got the news she had stage 3 cancer. Today, 12/19/2011, PET scans came back...NED! Wow! Praise the LORD!

God is awesome! He is a miracle worker...The HEALER!!

When I was reading about what God has been doing I couldn't help but to be excited. Excited for Katie and Ansley and both of their families and friends. What a Christmas present!

When you hear of these things you realize just how big GOD really is! He still does mighty miracles today! We just have to have faith and pray.

A scripture came to my mind when I was reading...

Ephesians 3:20-21

²⁰Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]--

    ²¹To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

No matter what's going on in your life today remember that God is in control. He does amazing things in the lives of His children...us...everyday.

Hebrews 13:8

⁸Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).

If you don't read Child of God's blog you should check it out. There are many on there that need prayer. When we pray...God responds! Child of God puts updates up as she receives them. When there are miracles...you get to thank and praise the Lord for them. It's so exciting to read what He is doing in the lives of those that are going through these illnesses. As we read of the miracles that the Lord is doing it helps to boost our faith. We can all use a faith booster now and then and those that are sick can use your prayers.

Psalm 63

Psalm 63

¹ O God, you are my God;
      I earnestly search for you.
   My soul thirsts for you;
      my whole body longs for you
   in this parched and weary land
      where there is no water.
 ² I have seen you in your sanctuary
      and gazed upon your power and glory.
 ³ Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
      how I praise you!
 ⁴ I will praise you as long as I live,
      lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
 ⁵ You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
      I will praise you with songs of joy.

 ⁶ I lie awake thinking of you,
      meditating on you through the night.
 ⁷ Because you are my helper,
      I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
 ⁸ I cling to you;
      your strong right hand holds me securely.

⁹ But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.
      They will go down into the depths of the earth.
 ¹⁰ They will die by the sword
      and become the food of jackals.
 ¹¹ But the king will rejoice in God.
      All who trust in him will praise him,
      while liars will be silenced.

My study bible says that when David wrote this Psalm it was probably during Absalom's rebellion. The events that took place then were turbulent times for David. David really needed a friend...longed for a friend...and the only one he could really trust was God. He longed for God. David was alone, weary and probably not sleeping well. So what did he do? David cried out to God, told Him how he felt. David needed God more than he needed anyone or anything. He knew that God's love was better than anything else he could have. So he lifted his hands...sang songs to the Lord...and praised Him. 

Everyday there our things in our lives that don't go the way we had planned. It might be small things that really don't matter much...middle of the road things that you know will eventually work themselves out, or...it might be things that shake us to our core. When we have trials, small or large, do we do like David or do we run the other way? When your soul is crying out for answers...peace...and you just can't seem to get a handle on things...do what David did. Lift your hands and praise and worship the Lord. Cry out to Him...sing songs to Him. Talk to Him! Grab hold of Him and don't let go until you know that He has heard your praises and your hearts cry for help! Only The Lord can fill your soul with peace and your body with the rest you need.

Reach out to Him and let Him hold you and give you the peace and rest you are longing for...thirsting for. When you do this it gives your mind a break as well as your body. God knows what you need so let Him give it to you.

A Sacrifice Of Praise

It's funny how quickly things change. Last evening God and I were talking. Work had been a little rough and I was tired. When you're tired sometimes you're just not at your best. So...I was telling God about the things that were bothering me and that's when He started giving me the post I wrote. By this time life was good again. Then just before bed I got some news I didn't want to hear. It affected me negatively...big time. Back to not being at my best mentally. So I read my Bible anyway and then put in my Scripture CD. After just a few minutes of listening I was asleep. Then this morning came...

The attitude hadn't changed a whole lot. I still wasn't happy with things. But, I had to get ready for work anyway. So wouldn't you know it, the first thing I have to do is go where God speaks to me most often...the shower. Well, don't you know, I was telling God how unfair life is when...all of a sudden...in the midst of my bad, complaining mood...a song pops into my head. One I only hear at church and that I never even think about. I don't even know it really and all I can remember is the part that kept playing...over and over...in my thoughts this morning;

Lift the name of JESUS high

Lift the name of JESUS high

JESUS let Your name be lifted high

It was as if a light went on in my very soul! The Lord was telling me to just praise Him. Lift Him up in praise and worship. So I did. Immediately the heaviness was easing. Through all of this He was saying even more to me. This is what it was...

It doesn't matter how much junk and pain has went on in my life...past and present. JESUS...who saved me from all kinds of mess...is really all that matters. HE will make everything work out. HE has my life in HIS hands and HE is in control of every aspect of it. HE will take care of everything. What I need to do is just trust and not let the "stuff" of life mess with me. Keeping my walk with the LORD going in the right direction is what I need to think about. The things of this world are of the least importance. Just keep all of that in perspective and live for the LORD. Do what HE has for me to do and just trust in HIM. HE won't ever let me down.

What I have noticed is that satan likes to remind us of all the things in life that really aren't fair. What I have also noticed is if you listen to that little devil he will get a foot hold in. That's all he needs to start his dirty work and bring you down. Don't let him. Remind him who is in control...GOD!!

One day soon, all of these trials we have will be over. JESUS is going to come back and the devil will get what's coming to him. Won't that be a glorious day!!

Hebrews 13:15

New Living Translation (NLT)

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.

Ephesians 5:19-20

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁹ singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. ²⁰ And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Linking up today with Tracy for Winsome Wednesday.    

Just Rest

Rest in Him. Sit at the feet of Jesus and rest. Let His peace flow over you until it envelops you and seeps down deep...inside of you. Ask Him to let His love overwhelm you. Then just sit there and think about Him and all that He has done and all that He is going to do...for you...in you...and through you. Just sit in His presence...bask in His light. Before long all the trials and troubles that you are experiencing will start to fade. Oh yes...they will still be there, but the enormity of them will diminish. You will gain perspective on all that is happening. Let the Lord speak to the inner most parts of you. He will speak just what you need Him to speak to you. For each of us what He speaks will be different because we are all going through things, and handling them, in our own different ways. God has made each one of us unique and yet we all have the same strong need for Him. A deep need for His peace...His love...His healing. Let His awesome healing...of spirit...mind...and body...begin to take place. Let it start first...deep within where your soul lies...and work out from there. Once He starts healing the soul holes...and your heart...everything else will be okay. You will find rest.

Just Rest...

Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NCV)

The Lord your God is with you;
       the mighty One will save you.
    He will rejoice over you.
       You will rest in his love;
       he will sing and be joyful about you."

1 John 4:16a (NCV)

And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love.

 

Proverbs 3:6

Do you ever think you hear God tell you to do something and wait to see if He tells you again? Usually I don't but there are those occasions when I do. Most of the time God speaks to me when I least expect it. Many times it's first thing in the morning when I'm in the shower. Yep...the shower. Either I'm still half asleep or, I'm talking to Him because I don't get up early enough to have the conversation in my room. Either way that's the place He usually speaks to me. Someone told me it's because He has my attention there. Just me...my thoughts...and GOD speaking!

Well, sometime back God told me to give someone a CD I have. My first response was...I must just be thinking this on my own. Why would I give that to them? Well, I kept thinking about it off and on but eventually dismissed it. But occasionally the thought keeps coming back. Today God is telling me again to do this. Give them the CD. So I will. I know it is God telling me to do this. I asked myself why didn't I just listen before and do what He asks? Why do I have to be so stubborn? The answer could be as simple as this...

The spiritual warfare that goes on around us. Satan is trying to put fear and doubt in our minds and hearts all the time. He is trying to beat us down and make us feel fearful and like our situation...what ever it is...is hopeless. On the other side we have GOD. He gives us strength...comfort...hope...joy...all the good things that we need to make it through. He is always there for us. God is our Rock...our Deliverer...our soon coming King...our All in All. God is everything we will ever need! So why do we sometimes not do what we know we are being asked to do? For me...and those times I don't obey His voice...it's because I'm afraid that people will think I've lost it. Even though every time I do what He asks it is always received well. No one has ever laughed at me and if they did it would be okay because I would still know that I have done what God asked of me.

So if God is asking you to do something...just do it! God will prepare the way before you so everything will go like He wants it too.

This verse in Proverbs came to mind to share.

 

Proverbs 3:6 (AMP)

In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.

My study Bible says this about this verse...

You may already acknowledge God in many areas of your life but the areas where you attempt to "restrict or ignore" Him will cause you grief. Make Him a vital part of everything you do; then He will guide you because you will be working to accomplish His purposes.

From the first time I ignored what He asked me to do I have been feeling uneasy. Now that I have made the decision to obey I know there will be peace within me. God is good!

Philippians 4:4-8

New Living Translation (NLT)

 ⁴ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! ⁵ Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
 ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
 ⁸ And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

These verses are so good. They remind me that no matter what is going on in my life, if I will only focus on the Lord I can still be full of joy! The joy of the Lord. In Him we will find His strength which in turn gives us our strength. If you're going through hard times right now...think about all the good times and all that the Lord has done for you. Praise Him for those things and He will give you peace and joy.

The joy of the LORD is our strength!

God Answers Prayer

This morning I woke up with a song playing in my thoughts. In fact I kept thinking about it all day. A song I hadn't even thought of in years. This is what it was...

God answers prayer in the morning,

God answers prayer at noon.

God answers prayer in the evening.

So keep your heart in tune.

I knew there was more to it but I didn't remember what it was. I was thinking that maybe this was the only part God wanted me to remember but, curiosity got the better of me so I Googled it. Here is the rest of the song. Actually, this part is first.

Whisper a prayer in the morning,

Whisper a prayer at noon.

Whisper a prayer in the evening,

He will keep your heart in tune.

My first thoughts this morning were...

Why would I be thinking of this song? As a kid we would sing it at church but to my recollection not since. Then it came to me why. I have always thought that when it came to Prayer 101...I failed the class. When trying to pray out loud, with or for people, it's as if my vocal chords break and I get a brain freeze! What I want to say to God just vanishes from my thoughts. Even if my thoughts didn't, my voice leaves me and it's all down hill from there. But...that doesn't stop me from praying and lately it seems I've been doing a lot of that. So I think that God just put that song in my thoughts to let me know to just keep on praying. No matter what. Because you never know when He is going to answer your prayers. The answer could come any time of the day or night so be ready. Keep your heart right with the Lord.

Then this afternoon when I saw the rest of the song I thought of how it fit with the post from yesterday. Just whispering the name of Jesus. Sometimes over and over. That can be a prayer in it self. Jesus...Jesus...Jesus. His name brings such peace and comfort and sometimes that's what we need. We can pray and pray for a person, or a situation, until we just don't know what else to say to God about it. That's when we can just whisper His name and He will come and give us that peace and comfort that we need about the circumstance we are praying for. So, just continue to whisper your prayer...anytime of the day.

In time He will answer our prayer. It may be at morning...noon...or night...but He will answer. Until then...just whisper a prayer to Him. Do it continuously. He is always listening.

Psalm 5:3
My voice You shall hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning I will direct my prayer to You, and I will look up.

Psalm 55:17
Evening and morning, and at noon, I will pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice.

Psalms 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Linking up today with Tracy for Winsome Wednesday.

Something About That Name

Today I'm re-posting  something I wrote in 2009. I don't know why but since Saturday this post keeps coming to my mind. I do know that lately I find myself just calling on HIS name. Sometimes just saying it quietly over and over to myself...JESUS...JESUS...JESUS.  And lately I hear others just whispering...JESUS...JESUS...JESUS. Could it be that we all just need HIM more and more...everyday! I'm thinking that is true. I know that with every moment that passes I need HIM more. How about you?

I'm thinking this must be for someone out there who needs to just get closer to JESUS. With that in mind, here's an old post and I hope you all enjoy it.


Is there something going on in your life today that is difficult? There is an answer. JESUS is that answer. HE might not make your problems go away, but HE will give you the help you need to get through them. There's a quote I heard recently that says...Whatever brings you to your knees is good for you. I think, sometimes, GOD allows things to come into our lives to draw us closer to HIM. If things always went great, and we didn't have any obstacles to overcome, some of us might not talk to GOD as often as we should. It becomes easy to rely on ourselves for everything. Sometimes we need to be reminded that we need HIM. On your knees, talking to HIM, is where you'll find the help you need. No matter what your problems are, there is where you will find peace. It's a peace that is beyond all human understanding.

There's an old song called "Something About That Name"...

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus there's just something about that name.
Master, Savior, Jesus like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus let all of Heaven and earth proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away.
But there's something about that name.

Just think about those words for a minute. Say HIS name...JESUS...what happens to you when you say it? How does, softly, saying the name "JESUS" make you feel? What is it that happens inside of you when you call HIS name out? For me, it is like a spring rain shower. If you go outside, and breathe in the fresh air, you feel clean. After the rain, the air is lighter and you can smell all of the plants blooming. The birds start singing. The flowers stand taller. It's as if you can almost see them growing. That's how it is when you just whisper HIS name. JESUS...just say HIS name and breathe in...you feel peace, calmness and clean. When your sick and you call out HIS name...JESUS...it is like a healing balm that flows over you. You might still be sick but...somehow...you just feel better. If you are feeling heavy, and your problems are weighing you down, HE takes the weight from you. You can begin to stand up straight again. Somehow, your spirit is just lighter. Just like the song says, we need to proclaim the name of JESUS! One day soon everything, as we know it today, will pass away. It will all be gone. But the ONE that will always be with us is JESUS. There is no one else like HIM. If you haven't taken the time to talk to HIM today, do it. Whisper...JESUS...and see what happens. HE will be right there to answer you in whatever way you need HIM too. There is...just something about that name...

Philippians 4:6-7

  ⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 2:9-11

⁹ Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
      and gave him the name above all other names,
 ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father.

The LORD...Our Source

Have you ever noticed how sometimes your life seems to start spinning out of control and there's nothing you do can stop the spin?! You even know all the right things to do, the things that you know will help, but sadly...you don't always do them. That's me...spin...and spin...and spin some more, until finally...I just can't take one more spin. So instead I give in to what I know is right and good. 

The last couple of weeks have been that way. When things go bad I tend to retreat inside myself...hide as much as possible. Well, I have found out...again...just how much more painful things can be when you do that. So a couple of nights ago I picked up my bible and opened it to the Psalms. I have 33:20-22 and 34:17-19 highlighted. This is what they say;

Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT)

²⁰ We put our hope in the Lord.
      He is our help and our shield.
 ²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
      for we trust in his holy name.
 ²² Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
      for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 34:17-19 (NLT)

¹⁷ The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
      He rescues them from all their troubles.
 ¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
      he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

¹⁹ The righteous person faces many troubles,
      but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

It always amazes me how the Lord shows me the scriptures I need to read when I just can't seem to get my focus where it needs to be. These verses are so great and they spoke to me just what I needed to hear.

We put our hope in the Lord because where does our help come from...the LORD! We rejoice in HIM...we praise HIM...we trust HIM...because our hope is in HIM alone...the LORD! And HIS love...HIS unfailing love...surrounds us, like nothing else can. Our hope is in HIM alone!

The LORD is there for us. HE listens to us. When we are in trouble...our hearts are broken...we are sick...people we love are sick...the LORD is there for us! HE reaches down and wraps HIS arms around us. HE comforts us when no one else can. HE dries the tears after we have cried all we can cry. The LORD lifts us up and carries us when we can't walk our path alone any longer. HE...the LORD...is there for us.

In this life we will have many troubles and trials of all different kinds. But, there is one thing I have learned...GOD is faithful! We just have to have faith and trust HIM. Put our hope in the LORD. HE will never fail us. The LORD will be right beside us all the time and when we need HIM to...HE will reach down, pick us up, and carry us! 

HE is our source of strength and courage when life hits us hard. We just have to remember to hang tough when troubles hit. Stay close to the LORD and praise HIM and thank HIM no matter what is going on.

FATHER GOD, thank YOU for walking with us through the trials of this life. Keep us strong and keep our joy in YOU flowing. Let others see YOU, and the strength that YOU alone can give, in our lives. Help us to face any trial that we are going through with YOUR grace and give us courage. Help us to praise YOU no matter what and to let others see YOUR light shining through us. Thank YOU for loving us and healing us, spiritually and physically. We love YOU so much. In JESUS name we pray...Amen.

There is a very special person that I know and his name is Wayne. He has just found out this past week that he has lung cancer. I would like to ask you all to pray that the cancer has not spread any where else and that the doctor can do surgery to remove it. They will be doing tests this next Wednesday to find all of this out. Also, please pray for his wife Marge and their family. I know they would really appreciate all of your prayers. Thank you all.

If there is ever anything that any of you need prayer for please just ask.

Give HIM Thanks

Psalm 100

A psalm of thanksgiving.

 ¹ Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
    ² Worship the Lord with gladness.
      Come before him, singing with joy.
 ³ Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
      He made us, and we are his.
      We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
 ⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
      go into his courts with praise.
      Give thanks to him and praise his name.
 ⁵ For the Lord is good.
      His unfailing love continues forever,
      and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

My first thought when I sat down to write this morning was...
What should I say about Thanksgiving? Immediately Psalm 100 came to mind.

There are so many things in my life I have to be thankful for. The best and most awesome is having Jesus as my Savior!

Today, and everyday, we need to do what verse 4 says. Enter into HIS gates...go into HIS courts...and above all...Give HIM thanks! Without the LORD I am nothing...we are nothing! HE loves us unconditionally. Forever and ever. HIS love never changes and HE never fails us. HE is faithful to us through everything. We need to give HIM thanks everyday for without HIM...we wouldn't have any days.

Let us acknoweldge HIM today in everything we do and above all...Give HIM thanks!

Thankful For His Love

Romans 5:8

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Why would God do that for us? Give His only Son to die an excruciating death for us...you and me!

Most of the time, in our own eyes, we are nothing. But to God...we are everything! Before we ever thought about Him...He loved us! We could never be good enough to deserve His love. We could never earn His love or win it in a contest. The only thing that we can do is accept His love. That can be hard at times because we feel so unworthy. But God doesn't look at us that way. He sees us as His beautiful children. All He wants from us is that we love Him back and live for Him. He won't ever turn His back on us. He loves us.

As you go through your day today be thankful for His love!

Linking up with Tracy @ Winsome Wednesday

Flatlining

Today I am so thankful for Gods grace, His understanding, and His love! I am truly blessed.

Last Sunday I stepped back from blogging for a while. I really didn't have any idea when I would start again. In fact, I wasn't even sure if I would. It was so hard for me to do that but at the same time I knew it was the right thing. The last few posts I had written were flat. To me they didn't have any inspiration behind them because I had lost mine. The words just weren't coming anymore and the feeling was gone. For me, the feeling being gone is a scary thing. Emotion and feelings have never come easy and once I started having them, just to think I might be without them in my life again, was hard! After I had posted that I needed to regroup I was so sad. When I went to bed I heard God talk to me for the first time in a while. What He said made me think about a lot of things. His words to me were...You are flatlining! The picture that was immediately before me was...a hospital room and a bed. I couldn't see who was in it but they were hooked up to the machine that shows your heartbeat. I could see the line going up and down. It became less and less until...it flatlined! I was thinking it was me lying there. I wasn't physically dying but spiritually...I was there. I know that sounds dramatic but that's what happened. I believe God let me hear from Him and see that in my minds eye to wake me up! You would have thought that I would have hit the floor on my knees...but I didn't. Literally, I just felt dead inside. I had no idea what I was going to do or how it would turn out. I just knew that something had to change in me. I picked up my bible and opened it and thought...what will I read. I said...God help me to read what ever it is I need to hear right now. Well, I don't read in the Old Testament a lot but my fingers just went to Joshua. This is what I read...

JOSHUA 1:8-9 (NLT)

⁸ Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. ⁹ This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

At that point my thoughts were how amazing God is. I knew that He knew I was struggling but...my old mind set had come back. I didn't think He really cared.

He does. I know that now more than I did before. Throughout this week many things have happened. Good things. God has been working in my heart and doing more healing in me. In the coming days I will share some of the events of this week as the Lord leads me to. I know that many of you in my blog world have prayed for me and I appreciate it. You are all blessings in my life and I am thankful for each of you!

Regrouping

Do you ever find yourself unsure about things? Maybe your job...where you live...things you do...just stuff in general??? Well that's kind of where I'm at right now. So today I've decided that after this post I'm going to take a few days away from blogging. That is writing mine...I will still be keeping up with all of yours. I'm not sure how long but I'm thinking a week or two. It's time to regroup my thinking so when I write it's coming from Him! Time to get back to the basics.

Find It In His Word

Sometimes life just seems to get to be too much. When that happens I always tend to go back to the same verses.

Psalm 46:10a

Be still, and know that I am God;

John 3:30

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
      and a light for my path.

Psalm 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
      I have all that I need.
 ² He lets me rest in green meadows;
      he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    ³ He renews my strength.
   He guides me along right paths,
      bringing honor to his name.
 ⁴ Even when I walk
      through the darkest valley
   I will not be afraid,
      for you are close beside me.
   Your rod and your staff
      protect and comfort me.
 ⁵ You prepare a feast for me
      in the presence of my enemies.
   You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
      My cup overflows with blessings.
 ⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
      all the days of my life,
   and I will live in the house of the Lord
      forever.

I just always tell myself to just be still and remember that God is in control of every situation in my life. He is God and I am not. God needs to be at the fore front of my thoughts. His ways are better than mine. I need to rely on Him and not on my own self. He will guide me and I just need to follow the path He has for me. Don't get distracted by what's going on. Regardless of the situation He will give me rest and peace if I will let Him. Even when I think the situation can't get any worse He's there before me taking care of it. I just need to talk to Him about it and let it go. Rest in His arms and let His love flow over me.

These are some of the verses that get me where I need to be when things go crazy in my life. The first two remind me of what I need to do. The third one reminds me that He is there lighting my way. The 23rd Psalm reminds me that He is all I need and that He is always right beside me, taking care of me and loving me.

I don't know what kind of encouragement you need today but whatever it is you can find all you need in His Word.

Linking up today with Tracy for...Winsome Wednesday.

Above All Else Seek Him

In every circumstance we find ourselves in there is one thing we should do first. Talk to our Father God and ask Him what He would have us do. We should always ask guidance from the one who loves us more than anyone else.

2 Chronicles 18:1-4
 Jehoshaphat enjoyed great riches and high esteem, and he made an alliance with Ahab of Israel by having his son marry Ahab’s daughter. ² A few years later he went to Samaria to visit Ahab, who prepared a great banquet for him and his officials. They butchered great numbers of sheep, goats, and cattle for the feast. Then Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to join forces with him to recover Ramoth-gilead.

 ³ “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

   Jehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.” ⁴ Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.”

Think about it. If even the Kings asked the Lord for guidance shouldn't we?

Matthew 6:33
³³ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Matthew 6:33 is a wonderful promise from God. If we seek Him first we are set. Everything we will ever "need" will be supplied!

Today is Sunday...the Lords day. Worship Him...Talk to Him...Seek His will for your life.
Live close to Him and He will be all you ever need or want!

God Is Bigger

Earlier today I talked to a friend on the phone. There was something that I thought was important that I was going to say to her but I couldn't remember what it was. Well, not long after hanging up I remembered so I decided to send an e-mail because I really wanted to just tell her and praise God for just how Awesome He is! As I was writing to her a post just started forming in my thoughts. The last thing I said was this...

God is bigger than anything that comes against us. You know that is so true. I know that all of us have things come up in our lives that sometimes seem insurmountable. Sometimes it's sickness...divorce...abuse...addictions...

or maybe problems at your job. For each of us it's different. But there is one thing that as Christians we all know...faith can move mountains and nothing is impossible when we have God on our side. He will take care of us.

What came to mind for me was the story of the children of Israel when Pharaoh was chasing them. (Exodus 14) God had Moses lift his rod, raise his hand over the sea, and the waters parted. They actually walked between two huge walls of water! Can you imagine? They all crossed to the other side on dry land and were all safe. Not as good for Pharaoh and his army. Once they got in the middle God messed with their chariot wheels so they had trouble driving them. Then God told Moses to stretch his hand back over the sea again. When he did the water all came back together and drowned all the men and horses that belonged to Pharaoh and his army. Not one escaped!! 

That was a miracle. God still does miracles for us today. Maybe He's never done one quite that dramatic in your life but a miracle is a miracle! He heals sicknesses...puts marriages back together...heals our minds and bodies from past abuse...delivers us from addictions...just solves everyday problems in our lives!! HE is so good!!! We just have to ask Him for His help in our lives. He wants us to do that. It's true that He doesn't heal everyone but He will give us the strength and the courage we need to walk through the sickness...yours or someone elses...no matter what the outcome. 

I kind of look at Pharaoh in the lives of the children of Israel the same way I look at satan in the life of Christians. Pharaoh was relentless in his attacks on the children of Israel. Satan is relentless in his attacks against Christians. The Lord God took care of the Israelites and He will take care of us. What we need to do is also be relentless. Relentless in talking to God and relentless in reading His Word. Then God will put a wall up around us. It might not be a wall of water but it will be a wall of protection.

There are so many other stories in the Bible that keep coming to mind of how God protected His own when people came against them. I think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace and how God protected them...Noah and his family...the stories are many. How about in your life? Do you recall when God protected you or healed or delivered you from something? I think we all have those times in our lives. I do and I am so thankful!!

Maybe this weekend you could tell someone that might not know Jesus as their Savior about one of those times in your life. If you share, it just might be the story they need to hear that will turn their life around.

Matthew 21:21 (NLT)

Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.

Luke 1:37 (NLT)

For nothing is impossible with God.

Exodus 14:29-31 (NLT)

²⁹ But the people of Israel had walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, as the water stood up like a wall on both sides. ³⁰ That is how the Lord rescued Israel from the hand of the Egyptians that day. And the Israelites saw the bodies of the Egyptians washed up on the seashore. ³¹ When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.

What's The Catch

Ever wonder why you're here

when all of life seems quite unclear

Everyday is all about

ups and downs and crying out

People running here and there

never really do get anywhere

What's the catch of it all

life has never been a ball

All we see is pain and strife

loss and death upon a life

Souls in turmoil hearts in fear

what on earth are we doing here

Reality is quite unlike

what you thought was ever right

People come people go

never care if they hurt you so

What do we do to right it all

can we do it before we take the fall

The answer lies to all of this

somewhere above in heavens bliss

Can you find it do you care

what's the catch is He there

I'll Take Jesus

There is a song Jason Crabb recorded that is one of the best I have heard...of course, I really like to listen to Jason sing! But the words are so good and I can so relate to them. It talks about making a choice. One day I had to make that choice and I haven't regretted it yet...I never will! In the song Jesus is asking...Me or the world my child, which one will you take? There is no question for me. I will take Jesus! There isn't anything in this world that is better. I have tried what they call "those earthly pleasures" and they have failed! Every time. Nothing...Nothing...Nothing...can take the place of what I have now! Life is still hard sometimes...I still mess up...but Jesus is always there waiting with His arms open wide. Jesus has never failed me. I am learning more and more...time and time again...He is faithful! I finally get it Marge! No matter what...HE is Faithful! Praise the Lord!! 

Here's a link to the video. I think you will enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_hvNIihG5I&feature=related

Slip Slidin' Away

Remember the old Paul Simon song, Slip Slidin' Away? The chorus goes like this...

Slip slidin' away, slip slidin' away

You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip slidin' away.

I was just sitting and thinking about my week and those words just came to mind.

Kind of funny really because I was never a Paul Simon fan. I didn't even know it was his song.

So...I Googled the words slip slidin' away and there it was. I am a fan of Google!

So, I was thinking how sometimes I just feel like that. Like I'm slippin' and slidin' away from everything,

and everyone, that I know is good for me. It's like my old self comes back and tries to take over.

Then my world starts spinnin' and before I know it I'm on that old slippery path and I'm...

Slip Slidin' Away right on down it! Yes, I've noticed little things popping up, here and there, the last couple weeks but didn't really think there was a problem. Then this morning I received a call...

My wake up call came in at about 11:30 last night. I was asleep but remember trying to fight my way out of it. When I finally did I was filled with unbelievable fear. It was so bad I could hardly breathe. Then all these thoughts started pouring into my head. Thoughts like...you are totally alone...everyone is gone...your friends are gone...your family is gone...you are alone. So I thought about it for a minute and the next thing that popped into my head was...do you hear how quiet it is? It's quiet because Jesus has come back and you were left here because He didn't really love you. You have been too bad! Your whole life time was a mess and nothing has really changed...you have not really changed! Well...fighting to wake up from a bad dream and then feeling nothing but total fear...I started to believe it! I turned on the stereo to find there was no dj on the Christian station. It was just taped segments. Wow...not good! Went to the computer and saw that there had been nothing changed on it since about 10 p.m. More bad news! Just as I really started to panic and wonder what I was going to do my thoughts changed. I said just a couple of words...help me! Then the new words in my head were...

Stop and think about this. Everything is okay. Just go back to bed and go to sleep. It's all okay. Your okay. It was like PEACE just sort of fell over me. All the fear was gone! I went to bed...turned off my light...and next thing I new the alarm was going off! 

I believe that was just the devil trying to shake me up...rock my boat a bit. For a few minutes I let him...I played right into his hand. Then I turned to the One that has my life in His hands and I called out to Him. That's when it all changed. Jesus took over and satan had to flee! All you really have to do is just...call on Him.

What I'm saying in all of this is you don't have to be afraid. God is always with you.

Joshua 1:9

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
      so why should I be afraid?
   The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
      so why should I tremble?

Isaiah 43:13

Isaiah 43:13

“From eternity to eternity I am God.
      No one can snatch anyone out of my hand.
      No one can undo what I have done.”

I was flipping through my Bible this morning and came upon this verse. Isn't that a good feeling? To me He is saying this morning...

No matter what...No matter what you have done or what you do I am still God! You can mess up and make mistakes. You might
even try going your own way but...I am still God and what I have done won't change. I will still love you.

Psalm 100:5

For the Lord is good.
      His unfailing love continues forever,
      and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

God is all about love. He "is" love. We are the object of His love...His unfailing love.

No matter what you are going through today. No matter how you feel about yourself.
Even if you think no one loves you. You can rest assured that someone does.
GOD does. Just be still and rest in the assurance of God's love!


Linking today with Tracy

You Decide

Does fear ever seem to overtake you? When it does how do you handle it? React by shutting people out, maybe even God out? Sometimes we don't understand why life is the way it is. Maybe you just feel like you are alone. Oh yea...there are people all around you but you're still alone. Why is that? You have family...but it really doesn't feel like it. You have some friends...but they all have their own life. And your life, well...it just seems to go on. Maybe you're just hanging on at the end of your rope and...it's starting to fray. Have you been there in that never ending struggle of...do you keep pressing forward or...?

It seems to be some crazy battle you're in for your life at times doesn't it?

Fear...Peace  Sadness...Joy  Depression...Happiness  Dark...Light  Death...Life

What it comes down to is basically this... 

Forward...Backward  New Life...Old Life  Truth...Lies  God...satan 

Which one are we going to choose to listen to today?

Joshua 24:15a (NLT)

But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve.

Think back to how your life was before.

Psalm 143:4-5 (NLT)

I am losing all hope;
      I am paralyzed with fear.
I remember the days of old.
      I ponder all your great works
      and think about what you have done.

Then really think about...ponder...all God has done for you in your new life. Do you really even want to think about going back?
It's really up to you.

Relax and Rest

Psalm 55:16-17

¹⁶ But I will call on God,
      and the Lord will rescue me.
 ¹⁷ Morning, noon, and night
      I cry out in my distress,
      and the Lord hears my voice.

When I read this tonight my thoughts were...

It doesn't matter where we are or what we are doing the Lord is right there with us all the time. When things go wrong...when we're sick...lonely...afraid...have received bad news...whatever your going through at that moment...the Lord is always right beside you. All you have to do is just call out His name, loudly or in a whisper, and He will answer. I read in my Jesus calling devotional that all you have to do is just whisper the name...His name...Jesus. What happens when you do that is He comes in and calms you down. He takes away the fear...feels the lonely places in your heart...lets you know that everything will be okay...helps you to rest when your sick or in pain...He's just there for you through everything. Call on Him and He will be there.

I have trouble sleeping a lot of times so I do something that may seem kind of odd to you. There is always a Bible by my bed and when I can't sleep, or I'm just feeling restless for one reason or the other, I lay it on my chest, wrap my arms around it and talk to God. Most of the time before I know it I'm falling asleep. Now when I know things are bothering me, instead of waiting for two or three hours, I pick it up as soon as I lay down. It's amazing how much more sleep I get these days.

As I read on down through Psalm 55 I got to verse 22a.

²² Give your burdens to the Lord,
      and he will take care of you.
    
Sometimes there are things that go on in our lives that really we can't do anything about on our own. We can pray and have others pray but only God can change what's happening. Really, that's okay because He knows the best way to take care of the problem anyway. So if we just do what that verse says...He will take care of the problem and He will take care of you!  You can relax and rest in Him knowing that His ways are best. He will do what is best because He cares for you and what you're going through.

1 Peter 5:7

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Watch What You Say

Today I got one of my bibles out that I haven't used in a while. I opened it up and started reading in the book of Psalm.

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
         Be acceptable in Your sight,
         O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

For the last couple of weeks I have been being reminded how important it is that I watch what I say. A lot of the devotions I have read recently are about complaining and talking negatively. When I read this verse today God reminded me that it is so important to not have a negative or complaining attitude. If Jesus were in the room with us would we change the way we were talking? We need to ask the Lord everyday to help us with how we think so that our words are guided by Him.

Something that I try to pray everyday is this...

Father God help me to be more like You today. Help me to see with Your eyes, to think Your thoughts, to say Your words so that people I am with will somehow see You.

Sometimes, that's not exactly how it all works out. So...for that reason this will be my "memory" verse for the week.

It's Not All About You

Many times I have been told...It's not all about you. Do people think we really don't know that? It's usually pretty clear that there are other people who are far more important than you. But...wouldn't you really like it if just one time it was all about you?! You know you would. On a scale of one to ten where do you think you usually rank in everyone else's life? Maybe...15? I'm sure you aren't alone in feeling that way. Most of us feel like that at least some of the time. If this sounds like you there's some good news out there for you...

There's someone's list you're on that always thinks of you as number "1". No one else means more to Him and no one else is above you. To God you are always at the top...the center of His attention...the "apple" of His eye!

Deuteronomy 32:10

“He found him in a desert land
      And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness;
      He encircled him, He instructed him,
      He kept him as the apple of His eye."

In the original Hebrew apple is really, pupil of the eye. So pretty much if we are the center of His eye we must be the center of His attention. First in His thoughts. That's a great place to be. Who really cares if we don't make other top 10 lists. Gods is all that really matters anyway!

Then how about the verse that says He knows how much hair you have!

Matthew 10:30

But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

Wow! Who would have thought hair matters so much? Too God...everything about us matters.

Wherever you are today...whatever problems you're having...whether you think no one really cares or not...GOD does.You're at the top of His list. Number one!! Share His love with someone else today that needs to know how much He cares. There's always someone else that's having a worse day than you. Lift them up by sharing with them how much God loves them!

Lessons

Lessons...seems like I have to learn them all the time. This week has been no exception. In past posts I have mentioned that I really like music. Christian music mainly, but I still enjoy other types occasionally. When at work, I have my earbuds in listening to Christian music about half the time. It helps to keep me grounded and my thoughts on the Lord.

Last week that didn't happen. I was on the phone a lot so I just didn't have the opportunity. Then this week I wasn't feeling well so I didn't listen. By last night I was really sick and had to go to the doc. Today...I found myself home in bed. Besides being physically sick I was laying there feeling sorry for myself. But isn't GOD good!

This afternoon I turned the tv on and saw there was going to be a Jason Crabb special on. Jason is one of my favorite singers. You know...about 15 minutes into it I found myself worshiping the Lord. HE definitely started working inside of me and the dark heaviness I had been feeling just lifted! Praise GOD! I'm still sick...there was no miraculous healing of my body. But...my soul was refreshed.

That was the lesson for me to learn today. Praise and worship the Lord no matter what circumstance you find yourself in. He doesn't always make you well. He doesn't always change your circumstance. What He does do is...He always comes in and meets us right where we are. Sometimes, we just have to take the step towards Him. Reach out to Him.

God has been speaking to me a lot about worshiping...praising...and trusting Him no matter what is going on in my life. If I do that He will help me to deal with what's going on in my life. He will help you to. There's an old song I remember from when I was a kid.

Reach out and touch the Lord as He passes by. You'll find He's not to busy to hear your hearts cry. He's passing by this moment your needs to supply. Reach out and touch the Lord as He passes by.

Matthew 11:28

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Psalm 100

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
    Worship the Lord with gladness.
      Come before him, singing with joy.
 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
      He made us, and we are his.
      We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
      go into his courts with praise.
      Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good.
      His unfailing love continues forever,
      and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Take A Timeout

There is a story in the bible that I can't seem to get out of my mind lately. It's the one where Jesus visits Martha and Mary...

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary was devoting all of her attention to Jesus. Nothing was going to pull her away from worshiping Him. That's the one thing that Jesus wants most from us...our attention. Why is it we let other things distract us and keep us from sitting at Jesus' feet? Because most of us are like Martha. We see things that need to be done so we do them. We get distracted by things. Sometimes it's not things it's issues, or problems, in our lives. We all have them. What we need to learn to do is sit at Jesus' feet and talk to Him about them. He can take care of them much better than we can. He longs for our attention...praise...and worship!

So, today I encourage you to give yourself a timeout! Sit at Jesus' feet and worship Him...talk to Him...give Jesus all of your attention. He's waiting for your time.

Linking with Tracy today at her Winsome Wednesday Bloghop

Luke 11:24-26

Sunday...the first day of a brand new week. What a day it has been so far. Our church service today was absolutely awesome! There was a guest speaker today and he was definitely all fired up. When I left for church this morning I wasn't sure what to expect but I sure wasn't expecting what I got. It all started with a great band playing for worship. It was loud but it was really good. Then the speaker...who is a youth speaker...got up and started talking. It was geared for men but he incorporated everyone into the message. It was so good I still haven't wrapped my head around it all...even after staying for both services! I will be getting a copy of the service when I go to church next week to listen to again...and again...and again! There is one thing that keeps playing over and over in my mind that I know God really wants me to get. He told this story and this is what I got from what he said...

Luke 11:24-26

²⁴ “When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ ²⁵ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. ²⁶ Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before."

When God frees you from something...delivers you...then you ( I ) need to basically not take it for granted. God has done amazing...miraculous...things for me and I need to be more diligent. Satan is going to get in my mind and tell me lots of things. For one...how hard it is to sit and read the Word everyday. There are other things I could be doing. What I need to do is to be stubborn...like I am...and do it anyway. Spend time soaking in the Word and talking to God. Not just occasionally but...diligently. God has delivered me from things in my life that I don't ever want to go back to. However...as bad as they were...there are even worse things out there that satan could send my way. I don't want other things coming to my thoughts to take the place of what God has set me free from already! I want my mind to be filled with the things of God all the time.

We all need to be careful not to let "things" take the place of our personal devotion time. God speaks to us through His word. Sometimes He even speaks to us when we talk to Him. Whenever He speaks to me...and in whatever way He chooses...it always is so exciting.

I'm not sure if this post even makes much sense. My mind is just so full of good...GOD...things right now. The most important thing I have to say is...

God is an awesome God. He loves us all so much and only wants good things for us. He really just wants us to spend time with Him. When we do that He shows up. He comes in to our everyday life. Our good times as well as our bad times. He is with us all the time. We just know it more when we spend time with Him.

Does Anyone Care?

Do you ever feel helpless...think no one cares? Sometimes your life just jumps up and slaps you and you realize that you are helpless to change situations you find yourself in. It could be that you're the reason for the situations. Could be that someone else is. Or maybe, it's a combination of the two. Whatever the case...at this point there is nothing you can do to change it and no one cares...or so you think. That's really not so. Things can change...anything is possible. 

There is a verse that says this...

Matthew 19:26 (NASB)

And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

And though you may not think so...someone does care. 

Another verse I like is ...

1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Though it may be hard for you to wrap your mind around it all...there is Someone who cares. He cares about what you're going through and how you feel. He cares about every aspect of your life. What you consider to be the small stuff and what you think to be the big stuff. Really it's all the same to Him. Nothing is to big or to small for Him to care about. You know why? Because He loves you. He loves you with all of your problems...your doubts...your fears...your restlessness...your lack of faith...your feelings of helplessness...your sadness...your lack of trust...your general overall feelings of depression. WOW!! Isn't that a list? I could probably think of some more things to add but really...why do that!? The point is this...

No matter how far down you let yourself sink...if you will only look up for an instant, you will see the hand of Jesus reaching down to you! If you reach out, just a bit, He will take hold of your hand and pull you to Him. I know that sometimes, that can be a really hard thing to do. You have to set aside your doubts and fears and take the step. Jesus is always telling us to not be afraid. Kind of like when Peter saw Jesus walking on the water. Peter had to take the first step out of the boat. And yes...he did get scared and start to sink. But what happened then? Jesus reached out His hand and took Peters hand and kept him from sinking. That's exactly what Jesus will do for you if you give Him the chance. You just have to take the first step. Reach up from the place you are and take His hand. 

Matthew 14:27-33 (NLT)

 ²⁷ But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”

 ²⁸ Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
 ²⁹ “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

   So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

 ³¹ Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

 ³² When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. ³³ Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.

So today it's your choice. Stay down where you are or...take that first step. Reach up and take the hand of Jesus! He cares!!