It has been awhile since I posted, I've been busy. That is why I chose this writing to share. I've been to busy to make calls I need to make.People I need to check on I still haven't. Sadly I'm not sure what has had me so busy. It's time I take a look at priorities from God's prospective. When we get to busy to do the things that are important Satan has us to busy. Someone needs a call today, a word of "I love you." Look for what God has for you today and not the busyness of life. Hope this is encouraging to someone else.
Busy
Mathew 11:29,30 KJV
29. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; For I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your soul.
30. For My yoke is easy and My burdens light.
Busy
B------Buried
U------Under
S------Satan's
Y------Yoke
Are we buried under Satan's you.
Often we get so wrapped up in doing that there is no time to hear what God has called us to do. Running here and there, yet really not getting anywhere. Busy with work, school, friends, family, and church. Where is our time for God's calling in our lives or a personal relationship with Him? Does Satan have us to busy? By giving our time to God, the busyness of life can become easy and our burdens light.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
The Snowman
It is Christmas eve today. Want to wish all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas. May God bless your homes and family this special time of the year. This has been a crazy month so far. More snow already than we had all last season. My computer crashed, thankfully I'm back. Lost a part of my writings but hope I printed them or at least sent a copy to my sister or cousin.
A child, kin to a church member is fighting leukemia, it brought back a lot of memories. 47 years ago our family faced the same thing. My niece Liz was just shy of her 4th birthday when she lost her battle 6 months later. I still think of her often.
Our son Mike has a new job, more time for his family and church. We have 2 beautiful grandchildren Jonah and Wren. Our son James, is doing good. Learning to trust God more everyday. He has a beautiful lady in his life.
Decorations any more are outside. The manger scene has been placed in the front yard for more years than I can remember and this year is no exception. Christmas will be spent with James and his friend. Family means as much to her as it does to us and we are thankful she has opened her home to share with us. Decided I would share The Snowman, with you. It seems it has snowed all over the country this year already. My precious mentor group at church had a snowman theme for our Christmas get to gather. The Snowman, I wrote this and shared with them.
Love and Merry Christmas
Brenda
The Snowman
The snowflakes fall one by one, created by the almighty God. Each one with a design of its very own. Moment by moment, then hour upon hour the snowflakes fall. Inch by inch they pile, till everything is covered. A white so beautiful it reminds us of God's cleansing power.
Winds calm down, snowflakes cease to fall. A peaceful night for the children to dream. A snowman tomorrow will be built of the snow. Each one a creation of its own.
A breakfast of warm oatmeal and buttered toast. A cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows The children's tummies are full and their hearts are warm. Their pajamas are exchanged for warm winter clothing
Now socks and galoshes on their feet much go. No cold or dampness will get to their toes. A coat buttoned up to keep in the warmth. A bright colored scarf will keep the neck warm. Next, a hat with earmuffs to keep out the cold. Warm woolen mittens on the hands now go. The door finely opens and outside the children go.
First thing snowballs are made. Perfectly round, each one the same size. A snowball fight now to begin. Girls against boys, or neighbor against neighbor. No matter the out come it is determined that all are winners.
One snowball remains, creation begins. At the edge of the yard the rolling begins. With each turn the snowball makes, the larger it grows. Suddenly it stops. So large has it grown, no longer can the children push. The start of the snowman now has a home.
A new snowball is now formed and its journey begins at the edge of the yard. A new path it makes. Rolling is stopped before it gets home. This one is lifted, carried, and placed with care and procession, on the base of the snowman to continue its growth.
Another snowball is created with care. This one is the most important of all. It is rolled on its journey, the size must be perfect. The children all say, "That is just right." One child is chosen to carry this one. To the top of the snowman, the growing now ends. The head of the snowman now is in place.
The children stand back, inspecting their work. No change is required. Decoration time for the snowman has come. Two special wooden sticks are chosen, one on each side used as the arms. Three shiny stones on the middle now go. One above the other, only inches apart, now as buttons on a coat. A scarf is surrendered, a beautiful color it is, around the neck it goes.
A face for the snowman is the last to be made. Five small stones places in a crescent shape, now as a mouth can be seen as a smile. The nose is the hardest to find. The size must be right for all to see. A big bright red marble is chosen, for the cold the snowman has. Two beautiful black marbles, now shine as his eyes. The children stand back, to admire their creation, but one speaks up,"Something is missing."
To the tree house the oldest boys goes, for a treasure he has hidden away. An old black top hat over the summer he found. His treasure recovered, to the snowman he returns. With care and a gentle touch, he sits the hat on the top of the snowman's head.
The children were delighted at the creation they had made. It will stand in the yard, a guard through the cold winter nights. The snowman is proud of the joy he's brought, but he knows in time he will return to his creator God.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
A child, kin to a church member is fighting leukemia, it brought back a lot of memories. 47 years ago our family faced the same thing. My niece Liz was just shy of her 4th birthday when she lost her battle 6 months later. I still think of her often.
Our son Mike has a new job, more time for his family and church. We have 2 beautiful grandchildren Jonah and Wren. Our son James, is doing good. Learning to trust God more everyday. He has a beautiful lady in his life.
Decorations any more are outside. The manger scene has been placed in the front yard for more years than I can remember and this year is no exception. Christmas will be spent with James and his friend. Family means as much to her as it does to us and we are thankful she has opened her home to share with us. Decided I would share The Snowman, with you. It seems it has snowed all over the country this year already. My precious mentor group at church had a snowman theme for our Christmas get to gather. The Snowman, I wrote this and shared with them.
Love and Merry Christmas
Brenda
The Snowman
The snowflakes fall one by one, created by the almighty God. Each one with a design of its very own. Moment by moment, then hour upon hour the snowflakes fall. Inch by inch they pile, till everything is covered. A white so beautiful it reminds us of God's cleansing power.
Winds calm down, snowflakes cease to fall. A peaceful night for the children to dream. A snowman tomorrow will be built of the snow. Each one a creation of its own.
A breakfast of warm oatmeal and buttered toast. A cup of hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows The children's tummies are full and their hearts are warm. Their pajamas are exchanged for warm winter clothing
Now socks and galoshes on their feet much go. No cold or dampness will get to their toes. A coat buttoned up to keep in the warmth. A bright colored scarf will keep the neck warm. Next, a hat with earmuffs to keep out the cold. Warm woolen mittens on the hands now go. The door finely opens and outside the children go.
First thing snowballs are made. Perfectly round, each one the same size. A snowball fight now to begin. Girls against boys, or neighbor against neighbor. No matter the out come it is determined that all are winners.
One snowball remains, creation begins. At the edge of the yard the rolling begins. With each turn the snowball makes, the larger it grows. Suddenly it stops. So large has it grown, no longer can the children push. The start of the snowman now has a home.
A new snowball is now formed and its journey begins at the edge of the yard. A new path it makes. Rolling is stopped before it gets home. This one is lifted, carried, and placed with care and procession, on the base of the snowman to continue its growth.
Another snowball is created with care. This one is the most important of all. It is rolled on its journey, the size must be perfect. The children all say, "That is just right." One child is chosen to carry this one. To the top of the snowman, the growing now ends. The head of the snowman now is in place.
The children stand back, inspecting their work. No change is required. Decoration time for the snowman has come. Two special wooden sticks are chosen, one on each side used as the arms. Three shiny stones on the middle now go. One above the other, only inches apart, now as buttons on a coat. A scarf is surrendered, a beautiful color it is, around the neck it goes.
A face for the snowman is the last to be made. Five small stones places in a crescent shape, now as a mouth can be seen as a smile. The nose is the hardest to find. The size must be right for all to see. A big bright red marble is chosen, for the cold the snowman has. Two beautiful black marbles, now shine as his eyes. The children stand back, to admire their creation, but one speaks up,"Something is missing."
To the tree house the oldest boys goes, for a treasure he has hidden away. An old black top hat over the summer he found. His treasure recovered, to the snowman he returns. With care and a gentle touch, he sits the hat on the top of the snowman's head.
The children were delighted at the creation they had made. It will stand in the yard, a guard through the cold winter nights. The snowman is proud of the joy he's brought, but he knows in time he will return to his creator God.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Stressed
With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years just around the corner, we are all facing stress of some kind.
Hope this will help you. Have a wonderful and grateful Thanksgiving. A blessed Christmas, remember who we are honoring, and it is not ourselves. A New Year filled with hope for the future. Love your family, you may not have tomorrow. Prying everyone has a stress free season.
Stressed
On Face Book you can learn so many things. There are hundreds of post a day. I try to watch who I am connected to. If language or content becomes offensive, I simply unlike them. I have that control.
A few days ago someone posted, "stressed turned around is desserts." I had never realized that before and I liked it very much. It gave me a lot to think about.
When we are stressed, often a friend will show up with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a piece of cherry pie or chocolate cake. What a difference that act of kindness makes. Our stress level is suddenly more bearable.
The stress causer may not be gone, but knowing someone cares and that they are there for you, makes a world of difference. So next time you are stressed or know someone who is, reach out and turn it into a time for desserts. A favorite dessert, a cup of coffee or tea takes the stress level way down.
Learn to turn stressed times into times for desserts with a special friend.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Hope this will help you. Have a wonderful and grateful Thanksgiving. A blessed Christmas, remember who we are honoring, and it is not ourselves. A New Year filled with hope for the future. Love your family, you may not have tomorrow. Prying everyone has a stress free season.
Stressed
On Face Book you can learn so many things. There are hundreds of post a day. I try to watch who I am connected to. If language or content becomes offensive, I simply unlike them. I have that control.
A few days ago someone posted, "stressed turned around is desserts." I had never realized that before and I liked it very much. It gave me a lot to think about.
When we are stressed, often a friend will show up with a hot cup of coffee or tea and a piece of cherry pie or chocolate cake. What a difference that act of kindness makes. Our stress level is suddenly more bearable.
The stress causer may not be gone, but knowing someone cares and that they are there for you, makes a world of difference. So next time you are stressed or know someone who is, reach out and turn it into a time for desserts. A favorite dessert, a cup of coffee or tea takes the stress level way down.
Learn to turn stressed times into times for desserts with a special friend.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
A Winter Day
I don't write a lot of poetry but once in awhile things just come together. At our December ACW meeting, we share stories about Christmas or winter and I was having a hard time finding anything to write. But, I have learned from our group that we can come up with something a lot faster than we think. All it takes is a word or a phrase to get us started. So I started by listing words that pertained to Christmas or winter. To my delight within an hour I had written 3 pieces and working on another. At least one I will share with the group next month.This is one that I wrote about winter. I'm not a fan of winter or hot summer time. This is alternatives to being out side in the winter cold. I'd rather celebrate winter in other ways. I'm thankful for the Ozark Chapter of American Christian Writers, for all I have learned and what I learn each month. When sharing and critiquing one another's work I find it to be very constructive encouragement. Find a group in your area even if all you do is journal. You may find a writer hidden inside. Hope your day is beautiful and warm.
A Winter Day
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
Wrapped in a warm fleece blanket.
Sipping a cup of hot coco and marshmallow cream.
Watching the wildlife play in the new fallen snow.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
Dressed in warmth from head to toe.
A cup of hot tea and homemade cookies.
Our favorite games waiting for us to play.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
The table covered with a 500 to 1,000 piece puzzle.
Family gathered all around, sorting the puzzle piece
by piece, with lots of laughter and love.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
A good time to bake. Pecan pie, chocolate chip cookies,
or a loaf of fresh banana bread. The fragrance in the house
is a reminder of a childhood of long, long ago.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
The fireplace releasing its fire light and heat. Snuggled
back in a recliner, with tissues ready when needed.
Your favorite old movies ready to play.
A beautiful end to this cold winter day.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
(C) Copy write 2013 All rights reserved.
A Winter Day
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
Wrapped in a warm fleece blanket.
Sipping a cup of hot coco and marshmallow cream.
Watching the wildlife play in the new fallen snow.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
Dressed in warmth from head to toe.
A cup of hot tea and homemade cookies.
Our favorite games waiting for us to play.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
The table covered with a 500 to 1,000 piece puzzle.
Family gathered all around, sorting the puzzle piece
by piece, with lots of laughter and love.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
A good time to bake. Pecan pie, chocolate chip cookies,
or a loaf of fresh banana bread. The fragrance in the house
is a reminder of a childhood of long, long ago.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
The wind, the snow, a cold winter day.
The fireplace releasing its fire light and heat. Snuggled
back in a recliner, with tissues ready when needed.
Your favorite old movies ready to play.
A beautiful end to this cold winter day.
That's the way to celebrate, A Winter Day.
(C) Copy write 2013 All rights reserved.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Cartoon Phone Call
For a change I want to post a short story about Linda and I when we were little girls. I had not thought about the incident in years and one day I saw a cartoon that brought the memory flooding back into my thought. We have a wonderful God that brings back to our memory those special times if we are willing to listen and open to hearing from him. Go with me as I tell the story of the time mom was on the phone and we decided we could leave home.
Cartoon Phone Call.
It is often the little things in life that trigger a memory. In the newspaper yesterday, June 24, 2013, there was a cartoon for Family Circle by Bill Keane. The mom was on the phone, the three kids were looking at her and the little girl said, "It's gonna be a lot longer wait now. Mommy just changed ears."
A priceless cartoon for me and I had to laugh. Linda and I must have been about 7 and our cousin Gordon was at our house playing. His mom, Reaven, called for Gordon to come home. The three of us didn't want to stop playing. We were having fun the the field west of the house. So Linda and I went to ask Mom for permission to go home with Gordon. The problem was, Mom was still on the phone talking to Reaven. We kept asking, but, mom never answered. So we finely said, "Bye Mom, we're going home with Gordon."
We made it to Gordon's house, several blocks away and across the main highway through town. When the three of us went in the house, Reaven was waiting. Gordon's mom said, "You girls are to go straight home"
On the return trip home,we had a lot to think about and worry about. I don't remember what kind of trouble we got into, but, we never pulled that again. You didn't interrupt Mom when she was on the phone and you certainly did not leave home.
That cartoon is now taped to the corner of my computer. A wonderful reminder of a special time in my life, when a lesson was learned, almost 60 years ago.
© Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved
Cartoon Phone Call.
It is often the little things in life that trigger a memory. In the newspaper yesterday, June 24, 2013, there was a cartoon for Family Circle by Bill Keane. The mom was on the phone, the three kids were looking at her and the little girl said, "It's gonna be a lot longer wait now. Mommy just changed ears."
A priceless cartoon for me and I had to laugh. Linda and I must have been about 7 and our cousin Gordon was at our house playing. His mom, Reaven, called for Gordon to come home. The three of us didn't want to stop playing. We were having fun the the field west of the house. So Linda and I went to ask Mom for permission to go home with Gordon. The problem was, Mom was still on the phone talking to Reaven. We kept asking, but, mom never answered. So we finely said, "Bye Mom, we're going home with Gordon."
We made it to Gordon's house, several blocks away and across the main highway through town. When the three of us went in the house, Reaven was waiting. Gordon's mom said, "You girls are to go straight home"
On the return trip home,we had a lot to think about and worry about. I don't remember what kind of trouble we got into, but, we never pulled that again. You didn't interrupt Mom when she was on the phone and you certainly did not leave home.
That cartoon is now taped to the corner of my computer. A wonderful reminder of a special time in my life, when a lesson was learned, almost 60 years ago.
© Copyright 2013 All Rights Reserved
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Personal God
As I considered what to post this week, I decided to post what I am currently working on. As I have dealt with issues the past few weeks, I went back to a writing from several years ago. I have found that there is a deeper meaning to a Personal God. When we allow God to deal with our hearts, he gives us a deeper understanding of who he is. I know as time goes on a Personal God will become deeper still. Journey with me as I share what a Personal God meant to my life then, and I share a much deeper understanding for today. God is not only my Personal God, but, he is yours also. Hard to grasp, that the creator of all, is concerned about my life and deals with me on a personal level as he does everyone. God will meet you where you are at, and take you where there is no pain or sorrow, but, peace, joy, and love and give you a life in eternity with him.
Yesterday I planned to post this, but,ran out of time. We went to the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson to see Joseph, with our youngest son and his dear friend Laurie. What an amazing show. I thought about this writing after the show, it fits so well. It was about forgiveness and our personal heart attitudes when we have been wronged or mistreated. How did we respond, did it bring glory to God?
Personal God
One of the hardest things I had to learn was that God is a very Personal God.. When dealing with me concerning any situation, He is concerned with my response, actions, reactions, and my attitude. What was my behavior? That is what I must answer to Him for. In my humanity, I yell, "But I was the one hurt, I am the one that was done wrong. Deal with them, it is not my fault. I want justice, I'll be OK once You deal with them." But God looks into my heart and asks, "Did you glorify Me with your response? I'll deal with them, but in My time, not yours. At this moment, I am concerned about you." That is hard to grasp and most of the time does not seem fair. Yet, I can be comforted that He is concerned just about me. It is hard to take in that God is one on one with each of us, every moment of our lives, God is a Personal God.
I was once approached after a support group meeting by a person who wanted to talk to me. They felt they could trust me and asked if I would help them find a sponsor. They shared with me a major behavioral issue, wanted to know if there was someone in the group that had medical training and would be willing to work the twelve-step program with them. I wanted to run from the room; I did not even want to talk to them. I just sat there stunned. Suddenly, the Lord spoke directly to my heart. I turned to see who else was in the room and had spoken. It was clear, He said, "Brenda, accept them as a person, not their behavioral problems. Their problems are My business not your."
I was able to talk with them and knew someone that had medical training and would help them. They were grateful and were able to connect with a sponsor. I learned a major lesson from the Lord that day; I can accept anyone as a person, without accepting their problems or the sin they have committed. That is God's business. Those are two different issues. Their problems are none of my business. How I treat them is and that is what God will deal with, concerning me. Did my response to them glorify God?
My behavior, my attitude, and my response should always bring glory, honor, and praise to my Lord. The lost are looking to me for acceptance.They want me to acknowledge that they are a person too. Accept a person and let God deal with the sin and problems in their life.
I wrote this several years ago and have worked on it from time to time. Thought I was finished, but the last few weeks, I have taken another look at my Person God. I saw a deeper reality.
When my Lord and Savior was on earth as a human, God did not give Him a free pass, but expected Him to deal with life as I do. When it came to people calling Him names, it was His response to them that mattered most to God. How did He glorify his Father? Did He respond in anger and whine or accept with the grace of love and forgiveness, those that slandered His name and ministry? He showed grace in love and forgiveness for His enemies.
Luke 2:49 And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? KJB "Authorized Version" , Cambridge Edition
How did Christ respond when accused of being evil? He showed grace in love and forgiveness. When He faced satan in the dessert for forty days, His Heavenly Father was more concerned with His response to satan, than He was of the lies satan was telling. Christ knew He must be about His Father's business.
As our Lord and Savior was arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified on the cross, it was His response to those involved that mattered to God. Did He glorify His Heavenly Father? I think we would all respond, "YES" He glorified His Father.
It is impossible for me to keep the Ten Commandments. Only Christ was able to do that. What I can do, respond to others with the grace of love and forgiveness. It is in my response and actions I take towards others that God is most concerned about. That is where God can be glorified and honored. I can respond to evil with evil or hate with hate. I can become bitter, resentful, angry, and unforgiving, but it would not honor God or bring Him glory.
Do I feel cheated when others get discounts and free passes, but I never do? God never promised me entitlements here on earth. My entitlements are awaiting in Heaven. So great is His gifts awaiting me that my minds cannot fathom what is to come.
It is learning to respond to others with the grace of love and forgiveness, that God has poured into my life that shows I have His love in me.We are all sinners, some of us thankfully, recognize that and turned to God for forgiveness and seek a personal relationship with Him.
To a degree I can obey the Ten Commandments. Some are easy or I think they are. What Christ had to deal with as a man, and what I must deal with is my heart attitude. Is It lined up with God? Do I show the same grace of love and forgiveness that my Heavenly Father has shown to me? Our Lord and Savior chose to follow His father, that is something I can do. Love my enemies and those that have hurt me, as my Savior taught me by example. I can have peace in my hearts and say, "It is well with my soul." God's grace will always take me deeper still if I will allow Him to work in my hearts. As I grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God, the Holy Spirit will grow stronger in my life.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Yesterday I planned to post this, but,ran out of time. We went to the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson to see Joseph, with our youngest son and his dear friend Laurie. What an amazing show. I thought about this writing after the show, it fits so well. It was about forgiveness and our personal heart attitudes when we have been wronged or mistreated. How did we respond, did it bring glory to God?
Personal God
One of the hardest things I had to learn was that God is a very Personal God.. When dealing with me concerning any situation, He is concerned with my response, actions, reactions, and my attitude. What was my behavior? That is what I must answer to Him for. In my humanity, I yell, "But I was the one hurt, I am the one that was done wrong. Deal with them, it is not my fault. I want justice, I'll be OK once You deal with them." But God looks into my heart and asks, "Did you glorify Me with your response? I'll deal with them, but in My time, not yours. At this moment, I am concerned about you." That is hard to grasp and most of the time does not seem fair. Yet, I can be comforted that He is concerned just about me. It is hard to take in that God is one on one with each of us, every moment of our lives, God is a Personal God.
I was once approached after a support group meeting by a person who wanted to talk to me. They felt they could trust me and asked if I would help them find a sponsor. They shared with me a major behavioral issue, wanted to know if there was someone in the group that had medical training and would be willing to work the twelve-step program with them. I wanted to run from the room; I did not even want to talk to them. I just sat there stunned. Suddenly, the Lord spoke directly to my heart. I turned to see who else was in the room and had spoken. It was clear, He said, "Brenda, accept them as a person, not their behavioral problems. Their problems are My business not your."
I was able to talk with them and knew someone that had medical training and would help them. They were grateful and were able to connect with a sponsor. I learned a major lesson from the Lord that day; I can accept anyone as a person, without accepting their problems or the sin they have committed. That is God's business. Those are two different issues. Their problems are none of my business. How I treat them is and that is what God will deal with, concerning me. Did my response to them glorify God?
My behavior, my attitude, and my response should always bring glory, honor, and praise to my Lord. The lost are looking to me for acceptance.They want me to acknowledge that they are a person too. Accept a person and let God deal with the sin and problems in their life.
I wrote this several years ago and have worked on it from time to time. Thought I was finished, but the last few weeks, I have taken another look at my Person God. I saw a deeper reality.
When my Lord and Savior was on earth as a human, God did not give Him a free pass, but expected Him to deal with life as I do. When it came to people calling Him names, it was His response to them that mattered most to God. How did He glorify his Father? Did He respond in anger and whine or accept with the grace of love and forgiveness, those that slandered His name and ministry? He showed grace in love and forgiveness for His enemies.
Luke 2:49 And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? KJB "Authorized Version" , Cambridge Edition
How did Christ respond when accused of being evil? He showed grace in love and forgiveness. When He faced satan in the dessert for forty days, His Heavenly Father was more concerned with His response to satan, than He was of the lies satan was telling. Christ knew He must be about His Father's business.
As our Lord and Savior was arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified on the cross, it was His response to those involved that mattered to God. Did He glorify His Heavenly Father? I think we would all respond, "YES" He glorified His Father.
It is impossible for me to keep the Ten Commandments. Only Christ was able to do that. What I can do, respond to others with the grace of love and forgiveness. It is in my response and actions I take towards others that God is most concerned about. That is where God can be glorified and honored. I can respond to evil with evil or hate with hate. I can become bitter, resentful, angry, and unforgiving, but it would not honor God or bring Him glory.
Do I feel cheated when others get discounts and free passes, but I never do? God never promised me entitlements here on earth. My entitlements are awaiting in Heaven. So great is His gifts awaiting me that my minds cannot fathom what is to come.
It is learning to respond to others with the grace of love and forgiveness, that God has poured into my life that shows I have His love in me.We are all sinners, some of us thankfully, recognize that and turned to God for forgiveness and seek a personal relationship with Him.
To a degree I can obey the Ten Commandments. Some are easy or I think they are. What Christ had to deal with as a man, and what I must deal with is my heart attitude. Is It lined up with God? Do I show the same grace of love and forgiveness that my Heavenly Father has shown to me? Our Lord and Savior chose to follow His father, that is something I can do. Love my enemies and those that have hurt me, as my Savior taught me by example. I can have peace in my hearts and say, "It is well with my soul." God's grace will always take me deeper still if I will allow Him to work in my hearts. As I grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God, the Holy Spirit will grow stronger in my life.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
The Race
Today I want to share about the race of life. Who is in control? Who are you following? We are in a race that ends when Christ returns for his own. We daily fight an enemy that only has destruction for us. Know who you follow and why. I continue my journey with my eyes on God, knowing I cannot face the trials of this life without him. Learn to know what it means to say, "It is well with my soul." Run the race with God leading.
The Race
Satan had made a race out of life, to see how many lives he can destroy. Often we are told to stand firm in our faith. Some will say, "I can't." They run from their problems, others deny they even have a problem. A few ill stand and hold onto God. Others stand firm, but, keep God at arms length. Many times we run ahead of God looking for our own answers. We have little patience to wait on God. All we can see is destruction ahead, as we continue in the race that Satan is leading.
Then, one day we hear, "Stand and know that I am God." Stand still /stand firm, doesn't sound much different. When you stand firm, as I have often done, we are rigid and stiff, almost in a stance of arrogance. Grabbing at anything to help us stand. But, when we stand still, we are relaxed and at peace. We feel safe and unafraid. That is when God can step ahead of us and we can see Him working in and through our lives. The struggle to run the race is no longer a burden for us. God is the Victor and the race, we know he has already won.
Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV
Finelly, my brethern, be strong in the Lord,and in the power of his might. Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
The Race
Satan had made a race out of life, to see how many lives he can destroy. Often we are told to stand firm in our faith. Some will say, "I can't." They run from their problems, others deny they even have a problem. A few ill stand and hold onto God. Others stand firm, but, keep God at arms length. Many times we run ahead of God looking for our own answers. We have little patience to wait on God. All we can see is destruction ahead, as we continue in the race that Satan is leading.
Then, one day we hear, "Stand and know that I am God." Stand still /stand firm, doesn't sound much different. When you stand firm, as I have often done, we are rigid and stiff, almost in a stance of arrogance. Grabbing at anything to help us stand. But, when we stand still, we are relaxed and at peace. We feel safe and unafraid. That is when God can step ahead of us and we can see Him working in and through our lives. The struggle to run the race is no longer a burden for us. God is the Victor and the race, we know he has already won.
Ephesians 6:10-11 KJV
Finelly, my brethern, be strong in the Lord,and in the power of his might. Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
© Copyright 2013 All rights reserved.
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