New Year-New Beginnings. Facing Fear and Starting Again

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.Romans 8:28(ESV)

If God closes a door AND a window, consider the fact that it might be time to build a whole new house." ― Mandy Hale

Fear of something bad happening in the future is one of the things that make us human. I know when I contemplated starting over in a new career, with new relationships, thinking about a totally new plan for life - fear of the unknown was "stifling", "paralyzing". I have friends that are in the beginning stages of "starting over". What makes us fear starting over so much? Here are a few guesses:
failure
abandonment/rejection
intimacy
success
being broke
not being good enough What can help us "battle fear" and bring all things to good? Many of the writers I interact with in the "blogosphere" do not have a true belief in "God". Very sad to not have a belief/relationship in God. FAITH in Him is the true weapon against fear of the unknown and "starting over".

The Truth About God
(taken from http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=expecting_the_good_that_god_wants_to_give_you)

God is good. Everything He does is good and wonderful. Everything God gives and offers is greater than what the devil offers, so shouldn’t our expectations come from God? God wants to do something outrageously wonderful in your life every moment of every day. But you have to be ready and expect it to happen.

Isaiah 30:18 (AMP) says it perfectly: "Therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you…. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him…."

God is looking and longing for someone who’s waiting for Him to be good to them. God wants to be good to you, but you have to be expecting Him to move in your life.

Today is your day to start believing something good is going to happen to you! God is working in your life right now, and when you get your breakthrough, it will be the result of what God has been doing for a long time. Whether you see it or feel it or not, keep praying and expecting because God is longing to be gracious and good to you.

Father God - Thank you for wanting to give us "good things" if we have faith and expect "good things" from you. Remind us that all things work together for your purpose for our lives. Point out that you want GOOD things for our life if we have faith and communication with you. Help us to lean on you when we are fearful. Help us to rejoice in our baby steps that we achieve through You. Help us to continue to pray for a break through when we aren't seeing results. Thank you for your continual faith and love. Amen.

New Beginnings for the New Year

 

 Some of you say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to some city. We will stay there a year, do business, and make money." 14 But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away. 15 So you should say, "If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that." 16 But now you are proud and you brag. All of this bragging is wrong. James 4:13-17

"Tomorrow, is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one." ― Brad Paisley

I think we have ALL made grand, huge New Years Resolutions only to break them within the first few months, haven't we? Why was it so hard to stick it out? I'm beginning to learn that setting goals, with God's guidance; is ONE part of the equation. Attaining them requires daily work and mindfulness of the goal we want to attain. Baby steps.

Goals, with God's guidance give us direction. They put a powerful force into play on a universal, conscious, and subconscious level.
]So I pose these questions to you as we get close to another New Year:
.
With God's guidance, what would you like to have happen in your life this year? What would you like to do, to accomplish? What good would you like to attract into your life? What particular areas of growth would you like to have happen to you?

With God's guidance, what problems would you like to see solved? What decisions would you like to make? What would you like to happen in your career? What would you like to see happen within your family life?

Write it down. Take a piece of paper, a few hours of your time, and write it all down - as an affirmation of you, your life, and your ability to choose. Then let it go and pray to God for support daily to attain what you seek in His will.

Father God - Thank you so much for your guidance and teaching as a "compass" of where to head in the next year. Help us daily to read, pray and act on what we would like to attain, within Your will. Help us to relax and know that some of these goals require daily baby steps. If we get off track, we can get back on track - with Your help and love. Thank you for new beginnings. Amen

GOD'S GIFTS- CHRIST'S BIRTH

Luke 2:9-14
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Father God - Thank you so much for the miraculous birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you so much for the bright star of Bethlehem. This star is a symbol of our only source of true hope, true love, true salvation-Jesus Christ. Help us to remember the importance of "Christ's birth everyday and share this with others. Amen

Taking Care of Family/Loved Ones in Need

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

These verses were on my mind for a few days now. I think this is a good biblical example of how God views the role of family. When family are physically sick, are in emotional downturns, going through "storms", God points out through verses and parables how we are to care for them as example of his Love. This has been especially on my heart since my parents have been "under the weather" and deailing with illness.

Our extended family "strives" to hold Christian values. We have had very many good role models DESPITE our society that provides a mindset of independence. A mindset based on "me and mine" versus "us and ours". I remember my paternal grandpa caring for his mother when she was in need of care at an older age. My mother was able to provide care to her elderly father despite conflicts in their relationship. My father, very much a "caregiver" has given care to my mother, my stepmother, to me, to my child when sick and other family members when in need.

WHY ARE WE TO HAVE LOYALTY AND FAITHFULNESS TO FAMILY AND LOVED ONES DURING TIME OF SICKNESS?

God points out through many passages and parables. Luke 10:30-35 - describes a Good Samaritan coming by a man, beaten stripped and robbed. He took him to an inn, asked the innkeeper to take care of him and paid him what was required to stay. And said "'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return, I will repay you.'

Matthew 25:35-40 God wants us to feed the hungry, clothe the poor and unfortunate, take care of the sick. God states 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'

As individuals, we never know when we are going to be the "ones that are cared for" or "the caregivers". However, as family/loved ones, to be faithful and caring to our other loved ones in need is a fundamental belief that God reminds us to uphold. When we do we are making sure that are family is taken care of. Also, its very rewarding to take care of others when we have been taken care of in some point in our lives.

　

Father God - Thank you so much for taking care of  us during times of need through the care of special loved ones and friends. Help us to learn to give back and to be loyal, faithful and compassionate to those in need. Help us to uphold family as a gift that you give us. Thank you for your blessings and unfailing love. Amen.

God's Gifts - Unconditional and Unfailing Love

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.1 Corinthians 13:7

Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves Romans 12:9-10 (NCV)

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace Ephesians 4:2-3
(ESV)

Unconditional love in relationships. How many of us experience that? How many of us "practice" that? If we haven't experienced, how do we give that to others?

Jesus set himself as the standard for how to love. His standard is the greatest act of unselfish love humanity has ever seen – as God entering Mary to come as a child to save us. Laying down his own life for the salvation of humanity. And that is how he showed us the meanings of ‘what is love’ and ‘how to love’.

When we have experienced "unconditional love" from others, isn't it wonderful? Loving each other through thick in thin? Sickness and health? When we are angry, disagree - knowing we can still know we can count on our partner, friend, parent, brother/sister? So difficult to strive for, maintain, even feel from someone else but worth it. God teaches us this is the greatest gift that HE gives to us.He wants us to give this wonderful gift to others.

Father God-Thank you so much for you wonderful unconditional love for us. Help us to not take for granted our partners, friends/family members that we live experience "everyday" life with. Remind us that you are the most true example of the "gift of faithful love" that we can strive for. You love us though we are flawed, selfish, quick tempered. You hang in there with us when times get tough. Please help us be more like you. Amen

Assertiveness for the Christian Women

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ". Ephesians 4:15

Can a Christian woman be assertive? I believe that we, as women, get mixed messages from society. It is so easy to believe in the peace-making, loving, loving others more than self example that mostly we strive to be.I reflect on my mother. Wow, was she ever assertive Christian mother lol. But, for the most part, she had a level head but spoke her mind if she felt things weren't right. Family and friends truly "respected" her for that quality. There is a time for being assertive. Assertiveness is standing up for dignity, self worth, service and true spiritual values in the face of a worldly, self-seeking system in today's society. It is refusing to be to be walked all over, or to be a "Christian doormat" because there is work to accomplish, for God, for things in our lives. Sometimes, its "standing up" for yourself or something you strongly believe in when others are looking after themselves. Its having values and believing in them . There are several examples of "strong women" in the Bible. It would be great to highlight them more, wouldn't it?

Someone that caught my eye this morning is Deborah, only female judge and prophetess in Israel. Deborah, with the help of a man named Barak, led Israel to victory over the Canaanites. The leader of the Canaanite army was a man named Sisera and Deborah played a major part in defeating him. (Judges 5) Deborah is one of the oldest examples of fighting women. The story of Deborah shows that a woman can have a mind and can help others in hard times and that she could stand up for what she believes in. She is a leader for women everywhere, proving to us that women can do everything that men can. While her people were in battle Deborah still praised the Lord and kept in mind that it was God who was helping her people fight. The balance of assertiveness and "prayerfulness" and "" helped Deborah to fight and to succeed for what she felt God wanted her to "fight for".

　

Challenge for today: With prayerfulness, ask God to help you be bold and truthful with your words. Think about the values that you hold most high. Ask God if these values are "self seeking" or truly things that he would want you to stand up for as a Christian. If you feel peace and an urging to speak boldly about what you truly believe in, do it. Pray for the right time. Pray that others will understand and do what they believe is truly what God would have them to do. Pray that this honesty will help the relationship grow in respect, love and consideration. Amen

　

　

God's Gifts - A New Beginning with each New Sunrise

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness,
but shall have the light of life."John 8:12

SUNRISE---

Oh, Lord today I was breathless, when I saw the beauty of Your love
while gazing at the sunrise peaking through the skies above.

I watched as the stars disappeared, fading with the dark of night
the morning first rays beaming with Your glorious eternal light.

As the beauty rose up before me, a crimson glow was all I could see
oh, Lord today I was breathless as Your beauty surrounded me.

How I love these early mornings, when I get a glimpse of You
watching Your love spread outas Your glory shines through.

Lord, You gave me this sunrise, with just the stroke of Your hand
oh, Lord today I was breathless as You lit up the whole land.


Copyright 2013
Deborah Ann Belka

With all the hussle and bussle of "getting ready for Christmas" : buying presents, getting menus together, shopping, Christmas parties; its difficult to realize how many daily gifts we receive from God. It was on my mind today that "every sunrise/morning" is a true blessing from God. NOW, do I think that EVERY morning?? No lol. Sometimes its hard to get up, think about bus duty on a cold morning, bills that need to be paid, etc. But with each day He allows us to "start again" and meditate our hearts on Him and love for others. No matter what we are going through, he is consistent and faithful like "the morning sunrise" to give us new hope and beginnings for the day.

 Challenge for this day/every morning: Will all of our hearts, let's thank God and praise Him for His immeasurable love and grace. Let us look at each new day as a new beginning, and an opportunity to show Him how grateful we are for all He has done for us. Recognize that the trials in our lives have been orchestrated out of love and for a reason. They are meant to refine and transform us. Let's thank the Lord for each new day, and each new challenge, and each new person He sends our way.

 

Standing Strong During Life Changes

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)


"Your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left. Isaiah 30:21

It's time to care; it’s time to take responsibility; it’s time to lead; it’s time for a change; it’s time to be true to our greatest self; it’s time to stop blaming others."
― Steve Maraboli

The problems in our life are often blessings in disguise. It helps us to learn to view them from this spiritual point of view. The greater the burden placed upon us, the greater the faith required to "hang-in-there." It takes faith to continue living for God when things turn for the worse in our life. As an example, new muscle in the human body is built (strengthened) by exercising the existing muscle to the point of exhaustion.

Likewise, the exercising of our faith (ie or testing our faith) will make us more mature and stable in the Lord if we will be patient and not give up. Sometimes our faith falters for a while, but the righteous man who falleth seven times rises up again (Proverb 24:16). We will fail - its inevitable! However, God understands and he wants us to get up and try again. An example of this could be an argument with a loved one, stress being particularly bad one day, giving into negative thoughts or actions when life seems unfair. God knows that we are human. He just wants us to "believe in Him" and "strive to do better". He promises us strength, love, protection if we believe in His power to "get us through the storm"

Father God - Thank you so much for being Our Rock during times of change and testing. Guide us in decision making that is of sound judgment and according to Your Plan for Us. When we fail, give us strength to rise again and strive to survive the day.. We are your children and deserve any and all happiness through You. Help remind us that We are STRONGER than anything, any activity, any person that is hindering us from peace. Thank you for giving us that strength. Amen
　

　

Knowing when to LET GO

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)

Eventually all things fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moments, and know EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON." ― Albert Schweitzer

Isn't it hard to discern when we should "hang on" or "let go" of certain circumstances, people, unfruitful activities we put so much time in? I know its easy for me, when I'm excited about an event, an activity a person, etc that I will put all my energy into "making it work". Thus, leaving God out of the picture.

 
First, when we are still involved with something that God wants us to be done with, then we are missing God’s next big thing for us. If our attention is where WE want it instead of where GOD wants it, we are definitely off track.




Second, if we aren’t letting go of something God wants us to be done with, we are no longer operating under His grace. We are in fact, on our own. If it didn’t get completed with God in it, what makes us think that we can finish it on our own? Sometimes it is only silly PRIDE that keeps us from moving forward. And pride can be a dangerous thing.
 
Here are some examples of things we may need to let go.

 A business that isn’t making any profit or is operating in the red with no prospects for improvement.

 A hobby that is no longer enjoyable or relaxing.

 Something that makes us too busy to spend one-to-one time with God.

 We are trying to help someone get their life together for the 5TH year and they are still not helped.

 An activity that bears no fruit or mostly bad fruit.

 Something we do that makes us look good instead of God.

 Something we know is not of God, but we are too stubborn to stop.



Don’t get me wrong. There are times we need to hang on and have faith. The question is :

HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN TO LET GO AND WHEN TO HAVE FAITH AND HANG ON?

Pray and seek discernment regarding what you might be holding onto when God says it’s time to move on. Ask God to give you His peace and make it really clear when it’s time to act.

Ask God to point out scripture when you are studying to confirm what it is HE wants you to do.


Father God - Please show me anything or anyone that you want me to let go of at the end of this year, in order to make way for Your plan to be accomplished in my life. Give me the words I need at that time to make the appropriate changes. Help me to be discerning about anything I take on in the future so that I am continually operating under your grace. Thank you for guiding me in the direction you would want me to go. Amen.  

Perserverance - "Keep on Keeping On"

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. . Galatians 6:9 (GNT)

If you will only obey me, you will eat the good things the land produces.Isaiah 1:19(GNT)

It always seems impossible until it's done." Nelson Mandela

Isn't it easy to "give up/give in"? There is a REASON why it is so easy! Temptation, being overwhelmed, thinking that the problem is impossible to overcome are tactics that are to get us off course. What happens when we get off course? I think everyone has experienced this. I know I have :)We lose peace, lose confidence, lose heart and most importantly lose connection with God. The bible mentions many times that God promises good things for people who strive to do His Will. He has plans for us. He wants us to overcome and give us good things for "His Glory". What is our part in this process? Keep on keeping on. If you get off track, get back on track. If times get hard, pray that God will make a way and a time for things to get better. Believe in His promises. Have faith that our "endurance" will produce strong character and good things for ourselves and our loved ones.

In due season we shall reap - As the farmer, in ploughing, sowing, and variously laboring in his fields, is supported by the hope of a plentiful harvest, which he cannot expect before the right and appointed time; so every follower of God may be persuaded that he shall not be permitted to pray, weep, deny himself, and live in submission to his God's will, without reaping the fruit of it in life and eternal glory" (Clarke's Commentary of Galatians 6:9)

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US IN DECISIONS AND HELP US TO ENDURE TRIALS AND RUN FROM TEMPTATION. HELP US TO REMEMBER IF WE PERSERVERE THAT YOU PROMISE US GOOD THINGS. YOU HAVE A PLAN FOR US. HELP US TO HAVE FAITH WHEN THINGS ARE OVERWHELMING THAT THIS, TOO; IS PART OF THE PLAN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR AWESOME LOVE. AMEN.

GOD'S LOVE - EQUAL AND UNCONDITIONAL FOR ALL BELIEVERS

" for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".Romans 3:23 (ESV)

" There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1 (ESV)

" And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose."Romans 8:28(ESV)

 

When thinking about a topic to study, I had an urge to study how God provides/ promises provision and good things to Christians who believe and follow Him. Christians being same as "humans" who make mistakes, get off track, at times act unwisely. Thus, describing "all of us" at some point/s in our lives:). My dad has always told me that "everyone" has had down times in their lives when things didn't always go smoothly. Soooo.... I researched (which I love:) and found many verses related to this in Romans. I decided to dig into the context of Paul and the letter to the Romans. Why was he highlighting "everyone, who are believers, have fallen short and is equal in the eyes of God.

It seems that there was a tension between the Jewish and Gentile elements of the Roman church. In the book of Romans, Paul is critical of the Gentiles for their lack of respect for the Law, and their condemnation of their Jewish brethren. We also see Paul reprimanding Jewish believers for their attitude of "being better than" their Gentile brethren. In my opinion, the main message of Romans is to remind Christians that everyone, regardless of their background, is guilty before God and in need of a saviour. Jesus is that saviour, and the work of salvation wrought by Him was all of Him, and all of grace. As a result, there is no reason anyone has for considering themselves better than anyone else. All Christians everywhere should, therefore, love God, love their their Christian brothers/sisters, and live their lives to glorify Him.

So.... the main point is our judgement is between God and us alone. What is our responsibility when we make mistakes? When we get off track, make amends if we have hurt someone, ask God for forgiveness and strength to move forward. Leave judgment and wrath for God to sort out. He, in turn, will provide for our needs and give us contentment in our circumstances.

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GRACE, MERCY AND PROTECTION. THANK YOU FOR LOVING US DESPITE BEING "HUMAN" AT TIMES:) PLEASE REMIND US THAT IT IS YOUR JOB TO JUDGE OTHERS, NOT OURS. HELP US TO KNOW THAT WE CAN ALWAYS MOVE BEYOND MISTAKES AND YOU WILL WELCOME US WITH OPEN ARMS. YOU WILL PROVIDE FOR OUR NEEDS AND GIVE US CONTENTMENT IN ALL THINGS. AMEN.

CHANGE - FINDING PEACE BY LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." - Helen Keller

Change. It happens every day, every moment, everywhere. To live fully we must learn to embrace change and honor it. Sometimes change forces us to live day to day instead of dwelling on the past or worry about the future. Belief in God can help us with worry by "letting him take control" of what happens. Belief in His Promises to take care of us and that He wants to give us good things if we stand firm in Him.


Start living in the NOW
The worst part about living in the past or the future is that you’re giving up your personal power. If you’re not living now, you’re giving up your life. You’re surrendering your power to create. If there are changes you’d like to make in life, it’s best to do it now. If you’re living in the past, you can’t do anything about it, it’s gone. If you’re worrying about the future, you’re living somewhere that doesn’t exist. It hasn’t happened yet. If you want to change your life, the only place you with God's strength is in the present. But first you need to accept life as it is. When it comes down to it your mind is the only thing keeping you from living in the present and enjoying daily blessings sent from God to comfort us.


FATHER GOD - THANK YOU SO FOR BEING OUR ROCK THROUGH TIMES OF CHANGE. HELP US TO REMEMBER TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT AND APPRECIATE DAILY BLESSINGS THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED. HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT YOU WANT BETTER THINGS FOR US. CHANGE PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES, HAPPINESS AND CONTENTMENT IF WE STAND FIRM IN YOU. AMEN

How to Deal with Disappointment and Obtain Peace Again

My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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 4:6-7

“Peace of mind comes from not wanting to change others but to embrace life changes that are taking place.”
― Gerald G. Jampolsky

Disappointment (noun): the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the defeat of one’s hopes or expectations

Examples of disappointments: Have you experienced these? Why did I lose my job? What is the reason that I don't have a close relationship with my children? Why did I have to experience heartbreak and loss of a relationship? Why do I have to deal with this illness now in my life? Etc., etc.

Our disappointments are different, yours and mine, but we all have them. Yours are as real and crushing and painful to you as mine are to me, and they linger, needling our hearts, despite our best intentions to leave them behind.

When disappointments happen in life, what are ways we could move past them? I know I wish I could instantly make them disappear from my heart and mind. "Poof" and they are gone in a nanosecond. :)

However, I believe that God that allows disappointments in our life to grow from. Why do disappointments happen? Maybe we chose a different way than God wanted us to go. Maybe He wanted us to grow and learn from a disappointment to recognize when we obtain rewards and happiness later in life. Maybe He allowed things to happen so we could be molded into a stronger person and Christian "depending on Him for peace" (Philippians 4:6-7)

Focus on the learning that can come from any situation in your life. Yes, you can learn and find strength from anything that happens to you. Extremely difficult at time? Most definitely! I certainly learned from and found strength as a result of my own experiences with cancer in my family and divorce. If you see ALL situations in life as a way of learning and growing, it helps you let go of your need for things to be a certain way.

War............a way of learning

Heartbreak..a way of learning

Peace..........a way of learning

Illness..........a way of learning

Poverty........a way of learning

Depression.....a way of learning

Joy.............a way of learning

So despite what is happening in your life and in the world, constantly remind yourself "I can learn from this." When you can see the opportunities inherent in all situations, good or bad, it truly helps you embrace all the uncertainty in your life.

　

Embrace the thought "It's all happening according to God's Plan."

This is another affirmation I use over and over. And it truly helps me let go of my needing things to be a certain way. "Shelley, how can things be happening through God when there is possibility of heartbreak, war, illness, poverty, and violence?" My answer to that is that we cannot know the "God's Plan," the great mystery of it all, and as we say "It's all happening because of His Will for my life," we begin looking for the good in any situation that life hands us. When we look for the good, we always find it. Yes, so much good can come from so much that is bad. In that, it truly is happening perfectly according to His Plan.

Focus on the blessings. I have learned from the people I look up to, that, no matter how horrible life may seem on the outside, it is so important to focus on the beauty. As we go about our daily lives, we take so many wonderful things for granted. It's now time to notice. Strangely, this is hard to do, especially when we have our eyes focused on the bad. It sounds ridiculous, but we actually have to train ourselves to notice all the beauty in our lives. And train ourselves, we must…because focusing on the blessings is an absolute necessity for diffusing our fears about the future.

How do we do this?: As you go about your day, stop for a moment and notice when something wonderful happens. Then say to yourself while still in the glory of the moment, "I have had this." This is the acknowledgment that "No matter what happens tomorrow, I have had this today." It is in the noticing of the little things that you truly get the feeling of a life well-lived … that wonderful hot shower, that kiss from a loved one, the fact that your car started, that great dinner you are eating, the warm rays of the sun, a candy bar, a wonderful television show ….

　

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU FOR THE REWARDS AND PEACE WE OBTAIN FROM YOU GOING THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES. REMIND US WHEN WE ARE GOING THROUGH DIFFICULTIES THAT IT IS ACCORDING TO YOUR PLAN. IT IS TO STRENGTHEN US AND MOLD US TO BE STRONGER THROUGH YOU. HELP US TO FOCUS ON THE BLESSINGS THAT YOU PROVIDE TO US ON A DAILY BASIS. HELP US TO REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE GOOD AND HOPEFUL PLANS FOR OUR FUTURE. HELP US TO LEARN FROM OUR DISAPPOINTMENTS. AMEN.

When the Holy Spirit Speaks to Us

Proverbs 20:27. The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

2 Corinthians 13:14“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.


Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be led or spoken to by the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, with me at times, literally feels like something outside of yourself is sending you a message. It’s that moment when, despite all logical evidence sitting in front of us, our instincts are screaming just the opposite. This is very new to me. Since I've been studying in the Bible more and praying regularly these gut feelings/messages are stronger. I spent the first half of my life with "head knowledge" (ie going to college, spending lots of time studying man made theories, etc). Listening to our gut, listening to the Holy Spirit's voice is a "totally different" type of experience that will lead you into what God wants you to experience and do for him.


A witness is a ‘knowing’ or a ‘spirit connection’ that God is confirming an answer.
 It is like a light bulb turned in our spirit man.
 Can be descried as a tremendous lightness or flooding peace.
 There is such a thing as a positive and negative witness.
 Instead of feeling lightness or peace you sense a sudden heaviness or deadness in your spirit man.
 Some describe this as sinking or evaporating feeling concerning what they are hearing.
 It is not a feeling, it is a knowing in your spirit.


How do we get a stronger spiritual connection with God? In my life, getting to know Him through consistent Bible study and praying for guidance. Its a daily exercise that can get stronger with consistency, maturity and knowledge in His Word.

My uncle, Gary Morris, introduced me to John Piper and his inspirational books. This is a detailed account of how he heard the Holy Spirit ...speaking to him. Dr. Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. . He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem. John is the author of more than 50 books. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/the-morning-i-heard-the-voice-of-god

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU FOR SENDING US OUR COMFORTER, THE HOLY SPIRIT. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING US TO BE LED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT AND DIRECT OUR DECISIONS FOR OUR WELL BEING. HELP US TO "GET OUT OF OUR HEAD" AND INTO OUR SOUL AND HEART. THANKS FOR CREATING THIS WAY TO COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH YOU. AMEN.

"That Will Be a Glad Reunion Day"

I am noticing that inspiration/messages (from the Holy Spirit) come from many places. It can come through a phrase or an idea that "won't leave my mind" or many times songs that I will hear early in the morning in my mind. I've learned these are messages that I ought to take hold and figure out what God is wanting me to share. This morning the old song "That will be a glad reunion day" was playing. I could hear our old choir at church singing it. I could see the scene in my mind's eye. My father was the choir director at that time and I could hear my mother and old friends who had passed a long time ago singing all the parts (ie alto, soprano, tenor, etc).

It was comforting to hear that old song, to see friends from long ago. I hadn't heard that song in YEARS:). I did some research on what it will be like when we are reunited with loved ones and friends. I came across a couple of passages:

1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not go ahead of those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.:17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord

Context of Paul's letter to the Thessalonions: This letter was written (estimated) about 20 years after Jesus's death. Timothy came back to Corinth with news about the church at Thessalonica. He told Paul and Silas that the church was strong but that there was much persecution. Some people were saying bad things about Paul and his friends. These people claimed that Paul’s intentions were false. Then the Christians had many questions and were in need of more teaching.

Hebrews 13:5c-6 "I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’"
These verses where related to when Paul said that at his first defense, no one stood by him and everyone had abandoned him but only the Lord stood by him. Even when believers abandon us at our time of need, the Lord will not ever leave us and never will He forsake us. Some Christians in other nations where persecution is severe, even to the point of death, may forsake their faith or they deny the Lord but the Lord will not forsake His own even if they’re the last one standing.

These passages say to me that we will be reunited with loved ones when the time comes as we pass OR when Christ comes to bring us home. The passages were meant to comfort Christians who were severely persecuted for their faith.

Are we (in America) severely persecuted for faith currently? Not really. We can worship, read the Bible, attend nice churches and can usually openly talk about our faith. We are blessed. Is this slowly changing? Will it change? Yes. This is my opinion only. There will come a time that we will have to choose to stand for Christ - in the midst of great persecution. And our reward that He promises us is that we will be with Him, our loved ones and holy angels to rejoice in Heaven. The question is: Will we have the strength to stand strong for Him?

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PROMISES OF HEAVEN, BEING REUNITED WITH LOVED ONES AFTER DEATH . HELP US TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE WITH US ALWAYS - THROUGH IT ALL. GIVE US STRENGTH TO STAND FOR YOU WHEN WE FEEL TARGETED FOR OUR FAITH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ABUNDANT LOVE AND OUR SALVATION. AMEN.




 

Cari Norris- "That will be a Glad Reuinion Day"

TRUE BEAUTY= LOVING OURSELVES AS GOD LOVES US.

"Sometimes the hardest part of the journey is believing you're worthy of the trip." Glenn Beck

God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to live our lives doing.Ephesians 2:10(NCV)

I was thinking of ideas to do for group this week with the teens at school. Self esteem kept "popping up" in my mind. For most of us, we have good "self esteem" days and bad "self esteem" days where we struggle with our self worth. This could be due to have an argument with our signficant other, eating too much dessert at a get together, PMS, comparing ourselves with others, bad hair days, and the list goes on..... (lol). When I was researching bible verses of "self esteem", I came across 1 Peter 3:3-4:

Let your beauty not be external—the braiding of hair and wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes— 4 but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (NET)

 I liked the verse. I liked how it empathized our "heart' VERSUS our outward appearance. But I wanted to find out more about the "beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit". I know how some of my girlfriends and I are :) We have gentle days but we also have alot of "sassy" days. Gentle seemed so docile, benign....boring. So I decided to do a little research (which is SO much fun :)

The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit - Of a calm temper; a contented mind; a heart free from passion, pride, envy, and irritability; a soul not subject to the agitations and vexations of those who live for fashion, and who seek to be distinguished for external adorning. The connection here shows that the apostle refers to this, not only as that which would be of great price in the sight of God, but as that which would tend to secure the affection of their husbands, and win them to embrace the true religion (Barnes, 1870)

But a man has a real interest in what constitutes the ornaments of the heart. His happiness, in his contact with his wife, depends on these. He knows what is denoted by a kind temper; by gentle words; by a placid brow; by a modest and patient spirit; by a heart that is calm in trouble, and that is affectionate and pure; by freedom from irritability, fretfulness, and impatience; and he can fully appreciate the value of these things No professional skill is necessary to qualify him to see their worth; and no acquired tact in discrimination is requisite to enable him to estimate them according to their full. The one can never be a substitute for the other; and whatever outward decorations she may have, unless she have a gentleness of spirit, a calmness of temper, a benevolence and purity of soul, and a cultivation of mind that her husband can love, she cannot calculate on his permanent affection (Barnes, 1870).

As we can see, the context of the verses in 1 Peter was how God would like to see a wife interact with a husband. God sees this as "precious" and "powerful" in winning souls to him. However, can you see how this type of strong character, patient personality would be attractive to friends, family, others who are searching for contentment through Christ? I believe God would rather us develop our heart and character versus focusing on superficial appearances to WIN souls for him. Does this mean we can't have sassy days? lol NO. Does this mean we can't be excited to go shopping for new clothes/jewelry? Absolutely not! Gentle/sassy/funny/pretty /sentimental/ strong/vulnerable/ nurturing/unique etc are words to describe what a WOMAN is. This is how He created us:)

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU FOR CREATING US AS PRECIOUS BEINGS THAT WE ARE. HELP US TO FOCUS ON BUILDING OUR CHARACTER AND OPENING OUR HEARTS TO HELP WIN OTHERS TO YOU. REMIND US THAT WE ARE MADE FROM YOU AND ARE DESERVING TO BE TREATED WITH LOVE AND KINDNESS. WE ARE ALSO TO STRIVE TO TREAT OTHERS WITH PATIENCE, LOVE AND KINDESS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. AMEN.

Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on 1 Peter 3:1". "Barnes' Notes on the New Testament". "http://www.studylight.org/com/bnb/view.cgi?book=1pe&chapter=003. 1870

Rebuilding Family Relationships After Change or Loss

^{Understanding, Supporting, Loving=Belonging} 

 ^“ complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 (ESV)

⁸ And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”^[a] 1 Peter 4:8(NKJV)

“Love is stronger than differences. We all live on the same planet.”-Louise Hay

 

We seek love in many places. When we love someone we have so many feelings and emotions for that person. When we fall in love we feel loved, happy, valued, accepted, honored, wanted and protected and we want this person to be in our life all the time and we will reach to the point that we can not live without them. We think of them all the time and we trust them to share our feelings. This person becomes our entire world and we long and desire to be with them. We love them with all our heart, soul and mind. The said love could be for our parents, spouses, family members, children, neighbors, friends, pets, etc.

God has made us and our loved ones completely different people, and the many differences between us can prove frustrating when we are struggling to understand each other. But if we accept the differences between us and learn how to work with them effectively, we can build the close family/ relationships that  God wants us and our family members to enjoy.

How do we get “beyond differences” with loved ones?

Walk a mile in the other’s shoes”. The reason for many of the problems in our relationships is that we don’t take the time to stop and study the other person. We have been hurt, feel judged or defensive due to problems in the past. Understand the needs of your loved one.  Sounds self sacrificing right? In worldly terms, YES. In spiritual terms,  NO. God wants us to love one another as Christ loved the church. Difficult and impossible? Sometimes. I believe that if God knows we are striving to understand our loved ones and support them, we will be living according to His Will for us.  If we will follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, He will show us what others need. And the end result is an unconditional feeling of loving and belonging to others through “thick and thin”.

FATHER GOD – THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING US DIFFERENT IN OUR INDIVIDUAL WAYS. HELP US TO CONNECT AND SUPPORT OUR LOVED ONES DESPITE DIFFERENCES. HELP US HAVE THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE THAT YOU GIVE TO US. REMIND US TO HAVE A HEART OF UNDERSTANDING WHEN FACED WITH CHALLENGES INVOLVING LOVED ONES. THANK YOU FOR CREATING US TO “BELONG” TO OTHERS. AMEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a Heart of Gratefulness for WHAT IS and WHAT IS TO COME

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" Thessalonians 5:18

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”  Thornton Wilder

Buster Morris, my grandfather; used Matthew Henry’s commentary many, many times when researching sermons. I feel privileged to use his book today. Mr. Henry, who was the eighteenth-century Puritan preacher whose Bible commentary remains among the most popular of all time, was once accosted by robbers while living in London.

We all have had things that happen to us that are considered “traumatizing, shocking, scary”—whether by having a car broken into or coming home to discover that our house had been burglarized. It’s among the most unsettling things that can happen to a person. I’m sure it was, as well, Mr. Henry. This is how he responded:

Let me be thankful, first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”

What a perspective! As someone has said, “If you can’t be thankful for what you receive, be thankful for what you escape.”

PRAYER PLUS THANKSGIVING EQUALS PEACE

I know a lot of women who suffer from a noticeable deficiency of peace. We are hurried from one activity to the next, work, children, housework, and the list goes on. I’m one of them sometimes. I’m not talking about a peace that equates to having a day with nothing on the calendar, plopping down on the sofa with a cup of hot tea, good book or a couple of hours of Netflix (lol). Not that this doesn’t sound inviting, but let’s be honest—that’s a rare occasion for most of us. The peace I’m talking about doesn’t require a mountain cabin or a getaway weekend. It can happen anywhere, even in the most hectic moments and places of your life.

FATHER GOD - THANK YOU FOR YOUR BLESSINGS EVERYDAY; THE ONES THAT WE NOTICE IMMEDIATELY AND THE ONES WE TAKE FOR GRANTED. IF THINGS AREN'T PERFECT IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, HELP US TO HAVE FAITH AND BELIEVE THAT BLESSINGS ARE COMING OUR WAY. YOUR WAY IS STEADFAST AND TRUE. HELP US TO ENJOY OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS HOLIDAY. GUIDE US TO BE A BLESSING FOR OTHERS. AMEN.

 

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