Don't worry... be happy!

"Worry is an act of rebellion:  doubting GOD'S promises to care for you.  whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to GOD.  HE will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.  Relax and enjoy the journey in HIS presence, trusting HIM to open up the way before you as you go.”

Introduce me to someone who hasn’t/doesn’t worry about the future. It’s our human nature to wonder/plan/worry and try to make things happen.  At least it’s MY nature….maybe you are one of those amazing people who don’t struggle with that.
It struck me that it said “worry….is an act of rebellion.”  It’s true, but i never have thought about it that way. If we worry, we are not BELIEVING the promises we have been given.

- A POSTING FROM JOANNE'S SISTER

I read this from her blog.... I thought it was very important to post.  It says it all... Joyce

A work in Progress!!!!

“Look to Me, not to people. If you look to people, you will be disappointed. My followers are faulty just as you are faulty. All of you are in the process of growing and maturing. See to it, that nobody stumbles over your life.”

Haven't we all wanted a life of victory over sin and of fruitful work? Naturally, we looked to other  Christians. They will help me and lead me to the right way!
I expected that they would love one another and build each other up. Instead... I heard them gossiping and talking about each other. I saw some were being selfish and greedy. Some were mean and judgmental. They acted like everyone else! They were just as bad as I was!!!! What a let-down! If that’s the best Christianity can do, I thought, who needs it?

I needed guidance from God's Word, His Spirit, and to look to Christ...not man. The Bible spoke of a Savior who valued sinful persons enough to die for them. Could I, like Christ, look beyond a fault to the same value God puts on each person? Was I willing to let the Holy Spirit work in my heart and my life? Could I keep my eyes on the Lord and not on people?

It is still a work in process. I work on it daily! I don't know if I can ever be who God wants me to be... but it is my joy to strive to be her! It brings me and God joy!!!! My biggest desire is to please the Lord! Then to be a good witness to everyone watching me. When people look to me... I pray my example stirs others to want to know Christ.... and to look into His Word.

Have people in church hurt you?  Maybe your focus is in the wrong place.  

God is ALWAYS thinking about us!

Charles Spurgeon once wrote: God is always thinking about us, never turns aside His mind from us, and always has us before His eyes. This is precisely what we want and need, because it would be dreadful to exist for a moment beyond the observation of our heavenly Father.
His thoughts are always tender, loving, wise, sensible, and far-reaching. And He will always think about them, and this will result in their final perseverance by which they will be brought safely to their final rest.
In all our wanderings the watchful glance of the Eternal Watcher is always fixed on us, and we never roam beyond the Shepherd’s eye. In our sorrows He observes us incessantly, and no painful moment escapes Him. In our trials He perceives all our weariness. Not a nerve or tissue, valve or vessel, of our bodily organization is uncared for. All the little ones of our world are in the thoughts of the great God.
Is this precious to you? Then hold to it. Never be led astray by those philosophic fools who preach about an impersonal God (deism) or talk of self-existent, self-governing matter (naturalism). The Lord lives and thinks about us, this is a truth far too precious for us to ever abandon.
Catching the attention of an important person is valued so highly that those who have it counts their blessings. But if that is so, how much more valuable is it to be constantly in the thoughts of the King of kings! If the Lord’s thoughts are on me, all is well, and we may rejoice evermore.

Personally this causes me such comfort. He watches me and loves me much more than I can grasp!  He also watches when I fall... which causes me sadness, embarrassment and guilt. I am thankful He is loves me, helps me up, and forgives!!!! Arent' you?

“How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17

Who do you love?

The original message - love one another. The enduring message - love one another. The most convicting message - love one another. The most difficult message - love one another. 

Why is it so easy to love others.... yet so difficult?  Besides salvation I think this is the biggest theme in the Bible.  

It is easy to love a baby! As shown in the picture....Dylan loved his little sister when she was born. It was easy for him! He still loves her ... very much. But I don't think he likes how she acts at times. I guess we are all that way with the people in our lives.  They hurt our feelings. They disappoint us the way they behave or with the choices they make. Sometimes they make us downright angry!!!!  Those are the times it seems hard to love them.  But we need to keep it in perspective.  We still love them. 


We hurt Jesus.  We disappoint him with our behavior and choices. But He loves us with a love that never ends. He would do anything for us.... even die.  Would you die for someone you love?  Of course you would.  Would you die for someone you dislike? Is Christs' love living in you?

Something to memorize and practice in our lives....

WHY DO we often struggle when we try to practice this model of unselfish affection?

One reason is that it doesn't come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self first (v. 5).


A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That's not what our Lord did...He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).


Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else's unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps someone has spoken impatiently to us and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out her mistake, but how hard to admit our own.


We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We've received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.


Experiencing God's affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys. Take time to memorize this verse on biblical love... and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.
-Charles Stanley  

Do evil spirits interfere in our lives????

 This is the best illustration I have read regarding this subject... written by Neil Anderson. I hope you read it all....

How do evil spirits interfere with our lives? Let me answer with a simple illustration. Imagine that you are standing at one end of a long, narrow street lined on both sides with two-story row houses. At the other end of the street stands Jesus Christ, and your Christian life is the process of walking down that long street of maturity toward Him. There is absolutely nothing in the street which can keep you from reaching Jesus. So, when you receive Christ, you fix your eyes on Him and start walking.

But since this world is still under the dominion of Satan, the row houses on either side of you are inhabited by beings who are committed to keeping you from reaching your goal. They have no power or authority to block your path or even slow your step, so they hang out of the windows and call to you, hoping to turn your attention away from your goal and disrupt your progress by tempting you, accusing you and deceiving you.
What is the enemy's goal in having his demons jeer you, taunt you, lure you, and question you from the windows and doorways along your path? He wants you to slow down, stop, sit down, and, if possible, give up your journey toward Christ. He wants to influence you to doubt your ability to believe and serve God. Remember: he has absolutely no power or authority to keep you from steadily progressing in your walk toward Christ. And he can never again own you, because you have been redeemed by Jesus Christ and you are forever in Him (1 Peter 1:18, 19). But if he can get you to listen to the thoughts he plants in your mind, he can influence you. And if you allow him to influence you long enough through temptation, accusation and deception, he can control you.

If I could influence you to believe a lie, could I control your life? Yes. Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, "the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2) and take "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Everyone has faith in something!

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.

The fact that you claim to believe is not the issue of faith. It's what you believe or in whom you believe that will determine whether or not your faith will be rewarded.

Everybody walks by faith every day. Every time you drive on the highway, you do so by faith. Are the objects of your faith on the highway reliable? Most of the time they are because most drivers drive safely. But you may have been involved in an accident because you placed your faith in another driver who proved to be untrustworthy.
What happens when the object of your faith fails you? When I was in a wreck... I trusted no one behind me!!!! 

Once faith is damaged or lost, it is very difficult to regain. Your belief isn't the problem; it's the object of your belief that destroys your faith. If your marriage partner has been unfaithful to you or a friend or relative has hurt you badly... your faith in that person is weak because he or she did not live up to your trust. When faith in a person is shattered, it may take months to rebuild it... if ever.

Some faith-objects are solid. You set your watch, plan your calendar, and schedule your day believing that the earth will continue to revolve on its axis and rotate around the sun at its current speed. If the earth's orbit shifted just a few degrees, our lives would be turned to chaos. But so far it's been among the most trusted faith-objects we have.

The ultimate faith-object, of course, is not the sun, but the Son. It is the fact that He never changes that makes Him trustworthy (Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6). He has never failed to be and do all that He said He would be and do. He is eternally faithful.

Prayer: All I have needed Your hand has provided. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

I'm sorry... I was wrong... again. Forgive me!

1 Corinthians 10:13

Today is my dad's birthday... he would have turned 88 today. All of us agree the verse above was my dad.  I need to strive to be that way... to please my God above else.

I have been feeling kind of ashamed of myself since yesterday. I ranted on my blog about being ignored by my family.... my kids.  About how much it hurts.  Which is all true.  I always wanted a closer relationship with them and they are so hot and cold with me and I find myself questioning what I did to make them this way to me. Part of me wants to turn away from them, put up my wall so I won't hurt. I feel like I give so much and get nothing back.

The problem with this thought process... it is all about me.  Not good.  This was my devotion today.  I have refocused before and will try again!!!

Love does not focus on me, but on others. Each of these qualities of love is based upon an affectionate, compassionate, and forgiving attitude that regards others of value and not just self. No wonder the old saying goes "The middle of sIn is a big I!"

Prayer:

Holy God and Sacrificial Father, teach me to notice others and value them just as you do. I know you loved me when I was not lovable, and redeemed me when I was not worthy. Help me to take my eyes off myself and see others as you see them. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.

Without faith... what do you have????

Faith! What do people do without it???  Toben writes exactly how I felt when I went through Lanny's crisis... and I want to share...

Joanne had a stroke a month ago .... here are her husband, Toben's thoughts:

But I can also tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has provided a peace that passes understanding. Sometimes I think some people expect me to be a train wreck and that somehow I must be really stuffing it all in order to keep it together for Joanne and the girls and the family. But that's not the case. Yes, I have struggled with anxiety, fear, doubt, shock and exhaustion. I have cried, I have felt tightness in my chest like I can't breath, I have felt like I am outside my body looking in at a situation that is so bad that it can't possibly be real. But there is a peace there too and I know that it can only be coming from one place, because I know for a fact that I would be that train wreck without my relationship with Jesus.
A dear friend of mine when through an equally difficult time over a year ago and I remember him saying that it was so bad, he probably wouldn't have lived through it if it weren't for his faith. Now I know exactly what he means. The pain is too much to bear without faith. Simple as that.

I know that faith. I know that peace. I remember when Lanny was in crisis... my mom told me she was so proud of me... but I knew the praise went to Jesus!  For those that don't know... in the summer of 2007... Lanny had a heart attack (which we didn't know he was having until I drove him into the hospital.. and he still denied). He was in the hospital 3 weeks. He had 2 more heart attacks in the hospital and one was having more on his way to his final surgery. They tried stints 3 times which all failed. They thought about drilling and breaking the stint they put in that wasn't working...  but then it could go to the brain and cause a stroke or kill him. They were giving him heperin which they found out he was allergic to after a week and his platelet count went so low he almost died! Each heart attack he could have almost died!  So they did bypass... his heart was so angry they thought he wouldn't make it. 

He went through sooooo much.  As his wife and soulmate... so did I. God was with Lanny. God was with me. If you know how emotional I can get... it is a true miracle!!!  But God!!!! If it wasn't for my faith in Him and His care.... I don't think I could have handled it all.  So this morning I am so thankful for my faith and praise Him!!!!

My verses during time of struggle... be blessed!
For more on Joanne's blog... please pray!
http://thesimplewife.typepad.com/

Do you love your enemies???

 Sometimes people are mean! Life is hard.  It doesn't seem fair how people treat you.  I experience it. But what does God say?

 Sometimes this is soooo hard!!! But it isn't a suggestion from God... he TELLS us to!
I think enemy is such a strong word... like hate. To me an enemy is someone who wants to do me harm. I cannot believe I have enemies... or hate in my life. I don't see anyone as an "enemy" ... maybe people see me that way though.  I've wronged people ...and have been forgiven by God. This is where the love of God comes in.... to forgive others, forgive myself, and pray for the person who hates me....  and the people I have forgiven but I need to let go of what they did or are still doing in my life. I do believe there are times I automatically think the worst of certain people...things that are probably not true. I believe others do that to me too.  I have to remember MOST people have good intentions. And like Dr. Phil says "People don't think about you half as much as you think!" lol! When these thoughts come to mind I need to pray for them! My friend, Ernestine told me once when you are angry with someone to stop and pray for that person! It is tough... but she was right! I miss her!There are so many privileges of being a child of God... forgiveness, salvation, a future in heaven with Him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, a personal relationship with God, and victory when Christ comes. But I think another huge privilege is we get the opportunity to act toward those who dislike and hate us in a way that reflects the character of God himself. Anyone can return hate for hate, but it takes a child of God to return a blessing and a prayer for their enemies. Am I willing to let God shine through me???

Matthew 5:43-48 (New International Version)

Love for Enemies

     “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father
in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

He is always there ...no matter what!

Do you really realize God is ALWAYS with you????
When you "feel" alone.... you're not. He is there.
When you "feel" weak.... you're not. He is there.
When you don't "feel" Him... He is STILL there!!!

When you are happy... He is rejoicing with you!
When your heart is breaking... His is too.
When you sin.... He is sad.

He is with you ALL THE TIME!

Not just when you "feel" Him.
He will NEVER let go of you!!!
You cannot do or think any thing without Him there!
Praise God for His presence in your life... through the good and bad!

God is there. For you. Today. Always. Forever. He is there... For you! And He wants you to know it. He wants you to live in this reality. It does not depend on your feelings or your thoughts. He is there, for you. Always. He is your Friend. He listens to your complaints and He is full of attention when you are hurting. He is there. For you. He listens and He is full of understanding. Don’t doubt that. He is there. He knows. He listens. He understands. He will help you. He is the One who never leaves you. He is faithful. He is the One who helps you. He is your Friend. You can share your heart with Him. Your joys and your griefs. Your dreams and your fears. He is your Friend. Your faithful one. Trust Him. He is there. For you. I am with you... I am with you. Always. No matter what your life looks like. No matter what you are thinking. No matter what is happening around you. I am. I am with you. Always. I made the decision to serve and love you. Always. My hand is upon you, my child. My hand will guide and lead you. My hand will protect you. My hand will strengthen you. My hand will never leave you. I have made the choice to help you. I have made the choice to love you. I have made the choice to be there. For you. So rest in Me. So rest in My presence. So rest in the assurance that I do not leave you. Rest, my child and find healing. Rest and find life. Rest and find Me. I am. With you. I love you. Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

What GOD says...

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:5, 6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalm 73:23, 24 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19, 20 In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever. Psalm 41:12 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD . They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness. Psalm 89:14-16 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Christian lyrics - YOU NEVER LET GO LYRICS - MATT REDMAN

Constraining or Protecting?

Some people think of the Christian life just a bunch of rules ... that you can't have any fun..... you're restricted. But it makes you wonder which of God's commandments they are struggling with. Does the fact that God forbids stealing, lying, and murdering people really bother them?

There is this story of a man who found a brightly colored little bird nestled in the grass of our backyard that looked like someone's pet. When my son borrowed a cage from a neighbor, the little bird hopped in, jumped on the perch, and started swinging away. He didn't see the bars of that cage as a prison that kept him in, but as walls of protection that kept predators out.


In the same way we can either look at God's commandments as constraining... or we can see them for what they really are: a barrier of protection.

Are you a sinner saved by grace? Really????

1 Corinthians 15:10
By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain

If you believe that you are part light and part darkness, part saint and part sinner, you will live in a very mediocre manner with little to distinguish you from the non-Christian. You may confess your proneness to sin and strive to do better, but you will live a continually defeated life because you see yourself to be only "a sinner saved by grace" who is hanging on until the rapture. Satan knows he can do nothing about who you really are, but if he can get you to believe you are no different from the natural person, then you will behave no differently from the natural person.

Why does this profile describe so many Christians? Because we are ignorant of our true identity in Christ. God's work of atonement in changing sinners to saints is His greatest accomplishment on earth. The inner change is effected at the moment of salvation... this is justification. The outer change in the believer's daily walk continues throughout life... this is sanctification.  But the progressive work of sanctification is only fully effective when the radical, inner transformation of justification is realized and appropriated by faith.

"But didn't I read somewhere that Paul referred to himself as the chief of sinners?" you may ask. Yes, but he was referring to his nature before his conversion to Christ (1 Timothy 1:12-16). He made a similar statement in 1 Corinthians 15:9, but continued by saying: "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain" (verse 10). Paul knew that who he was before Christ and who he became in Christ were two separate identities.

If you claim to be just a sinner, what will you do? You will sin! You are professing that sin is at the core of your identity. That's not what the Bible teaches. Why don't we just believe God that Jesus is at the core of our being and then begin to live like it by His Spirit?

Are you out of control? No? Think again!

Have you figured out yet that a lot of times you are your own worst enemy? It’s your own reactions, your own fears, your own inadequacies that cause you to act in foolish ways. I know that’s true for me.
I need to be saved from myself because there are things I don’t like about me – things I wish I had done differently, things I’d like to change. But I can’t change them, not on my own power. I need an outside power source.
You may be saying, “I can change.” I hate to say this, but you can’t. Every year about this time, we make a list of New Year’s resolutions. But, by the end of January, that list will be in the dumpster. Why? Because you can’t change on your own; you need God’s power. You need a Savior, someone who can make the changes you can’t make yourself.
God never wastes energy. He doesn’t waste effort on things that are unnecessary. In other words, if you didn’t need a Savior, he wouldn’t have sent one. The very fact that God sent a Savior means you need one.
The truth is, if you are honest about it, sometimes you feel like your life is out of control. That’s a pretty common feeling. Welcome to the human race!
The apostle Paul felt that way 2,000 years ago. Paul says this in the Bible: “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does” (Romans 7:24-25, The Message).That’s the answer!
You may be looking for salvation in the wrong places, that’s why you’re frustrated. You’re looking for that one thing that’s going to give you fulfillment and meaning and peace in life.
Some of us think that if we could just get married, or if we could just get a certain job, or a promotion, or attain a certain level of wealth, or have a baby – or if our babies would grow up and graduate! – things would be great.
You’re looking in the wrong places. The answer is not in a place. It’s not in a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life is never going to make sense.