Woe to those who call evil good

As I write this post, I am trying to hold tears back from my eyes ... my heart is heavy and I am overwhelmed with sorrow. Early, early this morning I woke up for no other reason than God wanted my attention... What came to mind was the plight of the unborn. The Holy Spirit brought several things to mind and I wrote them down... I sit here now to put all of this to words. Before doing so however I went to a website that gives you all the information on abortion... how it is done, how many, etc... Grief, sorrow, and tears now flow as I think of these precious little ones.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness... Isaiah 5:20a

There are many arguments out there for women to have the right to choose... but the question is what are they choosing? The choice they have been given is to choose to give life or to take a life. You can call it what you want and try to cover it up in many ways to make it seem like something it is not... for in the end the truth is bold - when you take a life, you commit murder. As a Christian we are commanded by the LORD our God: You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13. Once our country believed this... they honored the ten commandments... however times have changed and so has this country - sadly not for the better.

For all of us that are alive, we were once a cluster of cells developing with our own unique DNA into the person we are... Did you know that by day 20 of our life our heart, brain, spinal column, and nervous system were almost complete and our eyes began to form. And by the 22nd day our heart began to beat. We are all uniquely created by God... and it is there in the womb that God forms us... He knows us and He sees us. Just as He knows and sees and forms these babies. God does not make mistakes, we do. And in this country we have made a great travesty... for "we" now call what is evil good (choice) ... Since when did it become ok to murder a child, to take their life, to cause them pain and death... How twisted has our thinking become that we can say this is ok. When is it ok to take a life for convenience sake, because we don't feel ready or want to deal with "consequences" and so on...(let us remember there are alternatives to abortion!). If what was done to these babies was done outside of the womb or even days after birth, we would all be up in arms saying "oh how horrific, how could someone do something like that to a baby?!" I could go on and on here but I think you get my point. (see Psalm 139:13; Jer. 1:5; Isa. 43:6, etc.)

I was reminded last night of the Israelite children who were killed/sacrificed in the Old Testament. They were burned to idols, slaughtered to these idols... this was sin against God and detestable in His sight. In Ezekiel when He talks about these things He calls them His children and that is what they are ... we all are, children of God... and woe to him who does what is evil in the sight of the LORD and calls what is evil good and good evil. (See 2 Kings 16:3; 17:7-9, 15-17, 31; Jer. 32:35; Eze. 16:20-21). And that is what is going on today, children are being sacrificed to the idol of (choice) self... we esteem our lives, our goals, our wants, etc. more than we esteem life.

We cannot hide sin from God... He knows what is upon our tongue before we even say it; He knows our hearts and minds, nothing is hidden from Him. Jesus said: "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matt. 5:28 - did you catch that... he didn't commit the physical act but in his heart he sinned... What is in our hearts that we can say in this country (and around the world) that to take the life of a child is ok, it is justifiable? How? How? HOW is it!?!

The Enemy has blinded many to truth & their eyes are closed & their ears don't hear and their hearts are hardened... So that they call what is evil good; they call it choice yet the unborn have no choice or voice except for ours. How I pray that hearts would be softened, that eyes would be opened and ears would hear and that this nation would turn in repentance to God ... that life would once again be sacred and that we would put an end to this sin called abortion! We would tear down the idols of self and greed... and would agree with God that this is wrong (sin).

Sadly, it is not only the unborn who are hurt by abortion... but even the women who so many fight to give this right to are hurting, and some have been killed physically while others are dying on the inside... They need hope... They need forgiveness, they need love, but most of all they need Jesus! Not the cultural Christianity but the real thing... they need a Savior, they need to know He is waiting with open arms to love and forgive them, to heal the wounds and to bring them to Himself. He is present!!! He is waiting!!! For in Christ there is no condemnation.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 8:1

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Rom. 3:23

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! Rom. 6:1-2a

(See Rom. 6:1-14)

For more information click on the words below:

Life in the Womb

Methods of Abortion

Idols of Self & Greed (statistics)

Lord have mercy and I pray that you would open up the eyes of those who are pro-choice, that you would soften their hearts ... Lord God, I entrust all to you knowing that even if there is not justice upon this earth for these little ones, there will be justice for them one day... For we will all have to stand before you and give account... Again I pray for mercy and repentance now Lord!

I ask that you my brothers and sisters in Christ would PRAY and walk faithfully & in obedience!!! That you would do all that is within you to honor, obey and glorify the Lord...

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

My God, Who is my Strength

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

1 Samuel 30:6 NASB

The word strengthened here is chazaq - it means to fasten upon; hence to seize, to be strong [figurative] courageous [causative] strengthen...to bind.

In times of distress we must choose to strengthen ourselves in the LORD our God. We must fasten upon, seize, cling to and be strong in the LORD. Hold fast to Him, believe Him, trust Him, depend upon the One who is our Rock and our Salvation... He is God alone and there is no other. He is the supreme God; the one true God - our Creator, Lord, King...

Praise be to You our Abba Father who is our Strength & our Shield in times of distress and always. You who goes before us to prepare the way and You who is our rear guard - You who is always present, always near... who carries us ... Glory be to You!

I have been doing the scripture memory verse challenge and how it has blessed me... that combined with just being daily in God's word... and in prayer... The Holy Spirit has brought to mind exactly what I needed to remember and think upon at just the right time... I have had a peace and a joy that surpasses my understanding and I know it is from the Lord...

He has touched my life and my heart so tenderly and has been speaking truth to me and teaching me... I am so humbled and grateful. I have so much to be thankful for...

Thinking upon my many blessings - counting them one by one at night and remembering them in the morning... How it has changed my attitude, my outlook, my heart and peace.

I just want to praise my Savior who has been so good to me!

LORD lead me by Your will & in Your light & ways... Steady my feet upon Your path. You are my hope and my strength all day long... I cry out to You & know that You hear me and answer. Thank you oh my LORD & faithful Savior! All praise belongs to You ... forever and ever. Amen.

Walking in the Light

There are times that I get so upset or should I say angry about the way things in this country have changed ... taking prayer or God out of almost everything they can, abortion (which is really murder but they call it choice - which I have to say that except in the cases of rape, these women had a choice and they choose not to abstain... as in all life with certain choices come consequences... but this is the wrong way to deal with those consequences... after all we are talking about life, the life of a small baby. Even animals have more rights and protection in this country than an unborn baby). It is so sad!

On from those things to things like not saying "Merry Christmas" or "Christmas Tree" ... all these things and more have got me going... it is almost laughable because we are hated because we are viewed as intolerant... when it is those who hate us who are intolerant of Christians (not that there are not modern day Pharisees out there mind you) ... you can believe almost anything in this country and it is ok... well, unless you are a devout Christian. The irony...

But as I pause to reflect I remember what scripture tells me and why should I be so shocked...

Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you.

- 1 John 3:13

18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24 If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’ - John 15:18-25

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. " - Matt. 5:10-11

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”

- John 3:16-21

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self–control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God– 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. - 2 Timothy 3:1-5

We have been told ... why do we expect to be loved, respected, to have justice... When our Lord and Savior who was blameless, pure, without sin did not receive these things from the world. Yet when you look at his example, how He reacted and what His actions were, what does that say to you?

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons 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. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

- Matt. 5:43-48

Now I am not saying that we do not stand up for what is right and speak truth... Jesus did these things... Let's remember Him in the Temple driving out the money changers declaring "My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a ‘den of robbers.’ ” Matt. 21:13.

He always spoke truth to the Pharisees, and we are told to look after, protect, defend, help the "helpless" (widows, orphans or modern day - the unborn)... However we should check our agendas at the door and seek to do God's will and to do these things in God's way... To ask what will bring more glory and honor to God? What will show the world truth in love?

Let us also remember forgiveness, mercy and love... Anyone can come to Christ and be saved... their sins forgiven and walk in the light... a child of God, loved and cherished - ANYONE! It does not matter what sins you have committed - in Christ you become a new creation... a new person, cleansed, free, loved!

Hummm - things to ponder, things to believe, things to live for... choices to make!

Obedience is better

Take a look at 1 Samuel 15. As I was reading several things came to mind... so I want to highlight some key verses for you and do a sort of commentary as we go...

We see in verse 3 the command of the LORD given to Saul.

3 ‘Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

Maybe this seems pretty harsh to you but remember we are not God and we do not know fully or know what is ultimately best. This command is in keeping with the promise God had made to avenge the Amalekites (see Ex. 17:14-16). The time had come for this to take place and Samuel gave this command to Saul to utterly (totally) destroy them, that is, to "place them under the ban (herem) of holy war".

8 He captured Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.

Here we see that Saul did not follow through on what he had been commanded to do... This is where it hit me. How many times have we been led, called or commanded to do something by the Holy Spirit and yet maybe we did it in part but not fully... and we thought well at least I did something ... and that is ok. But as we will continue to read and see no it is not... it is better to obey! Half way measures are not obedience... it is like telling our child to come here and they come half way and then decide they want to stop and sit... well yeah they did start to come but they didn't ever actually come to you.... and maybe where they decided to stop half way was a dangerous place (like the middle of the road)... to them they don't see the danger in not fully obeying us but we can. Like my poor example here God can fully see, and He fully knows what is best for us, where we can fall into a dangerous trap, etc... There are reasons we are called to do things or commanded and it is for what is ultimately best... we might not can see it in the here and now or yet but one day we will.

11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” And Samuel was distressed and cried out to the LORD all night.

In a moment he (Saul) choose to turn his back and not follow the LORD but to do things his way, for his glory... he chose self/pride over God and obedience.

12 Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul; and it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, then turned and proceeded on down to Gilgal.”

See here is where maybe we will start to see more of the "heart" of the matter... Because you see in bringing back Agag, king of Amalek, as prisoner and all of the other stuff... well this would enhance his own glory and prestige... they would be exhibits of his leadership... you can see this intent more clearly as you look at verse 12, in which it tells us that Saul went and set up for himself a monument to his own honor (not God's).

Look at me, look at what I have done, what I can do... When really it isn't about us, but is all about what God has done... it is all for His glory not our own. And when we are obedient that is exactly what happens God is honored, God is glorified and God is praised. However, when we seek to do things our way... half-heartedly following God, and acting on selfish, prideful motives... well that is when we, like Saul, turn and go our own way and stop following God. We are disobedient, sinful... When we think we know better than God, we know best, glorify self... NO, NO, NO... it is SIN, it is wrong!!!

13 Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the LORD! I have carried out the command of the LORD.”

Here I have to say "oh, come on", Saul knows he has not carried out the command of the LORD. It is like the water example... Let's say I have a jug of pure water and a jug of urine.... and let's say you ask for a glass of pure water and I pour you one half way but because that I don't want to run out of the pure water & have plenty of pure water for myself, I then decide to put oh just a splash of the "other" jug into your glass... and say here you go, this is just what you asked for... well is it? NO, of course it's not! It is disgusting and you wouldn't event think to drink it!!! Well, that is sin, & it is disgusting... and half measures don't measure up.

17 Samuel said, “Is it not true, though you were little in your own eyes, you were made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the LORD anointed you king over Israel, 18 and the LORD sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are exterminated.’ 19 “Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD, but rushed upon the spoil and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD?”

Here we have it again... disobedience, rushing upon the spoil (selfishness/pride)... doing what is evil in the sight of the LORD!

20 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I did obey the voice of the LORD, and went on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and have brought back Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 “But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal.”

I am sort of laughing at him here because I can see myself maybe trying to plead my case, and make myself feel better... "but I did do that but these people..." oh it isn't me it is these people.... I was obeying the Lord.... Blame, blame, blame... it is as old as Adam and Eve (seriously). And it isn't even just the blame but hey really we had good intentions for not fully obeying... we didn't fully obey God because we thought it best to offer these things up to Him as a sacrifice, hum yeah that sounds good; yep that is why we did it. LOL - get real here people! Can you see how ludicrous this is! Well, Samuel has a few words for us when we do that ... it is better to obey!

22 Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
He has also rejected you from being king.”

To obey is better than sacrifice... even if we like to think that what we are doing is ultimately going to be a gift for God by not fully following Him ... He doesn't want it! He wants obedience! Rebellion, insubordination... it is sin!!! And you guessed it, God hates sin! That is why we need a Savior... and praise Him because He sent us one! Thank you Jesus! Thank you for redeeming us, thank you for forgiving us, thank you for you loved us even in our sin!

24 Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have indeed transgressed the command of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and listened to their voice.

Ok, I am sure you can think of a time (I know I can) when we have let the fear of other people (what they might think or want) influence us from doing what we know we should do... from what God has commanded or called us to do.... Maybe if I say that then they won't want to be my friend any more, maybe if I tell them that it will keep them from coming to the Lord... on and on we can come up with stuff... but the truth is, well the truth ... and what sets us free??? The truth! How can a person come to salvation if you don't tell them the truth? Well any way just an example... There are many, many more...

29 “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind.”

I am so thankful that God is nothing like me because if He was well people would probably still be dying in sin... God's ways are sooo much higher than ours, His thoughts are... He is not like us and He does not change His mind. Praise you Lord!

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; but please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and go back with me, that I may worship the LORD your God.”

Ahhh, and here is again another struggle... recognizing our sin and desiring to worship the LORD but at the same time still concerned over what others will think... We have to really get this... it does not matter what any other person thinks... what matters is what God thinks about you!!! Thankfully, in Christ we know that we are accepted and loved! Cling to that and walk faithfully with the always present and ever faithful, loving and merciful God!!! To His glory - Amen!

Friendship

My heart is heavy as I write tonight... I am not even sure what I came on here to write about except that I felt compelled to come here tonight and write... I guess what I am thinking about on a positive level is the great friendship that God has extended to us... that we can come and know Him; love Him; fellowship with Him... talk with Him (pray), on and on... Also, I feel so blessed by the godly friends that the Lord has brought into my life... being that we are eternal beings in Christ... I know that we are linked together and will share this love (of Christ); this fellowship for eternity even if on this earth they have been brought into my life for but a brief time... there are others however that the Lord has placed, etched deeply into my earthly life, into my heart... they are a treasure... a joy and a blessing.

Have you ever experienced such deep and true friendship? The kind that encourages; the kind that helps you become the you God created you to be; they speak truth in love to you; they celebrate with you; mourn and grieve with you; it does not matter the distance that may separate you, for they are in spirit there with you.... They pray for you; stand up for you; laugh with you; rejoice with you; cry with you... and they desire the absolute best for you (what the heart of God desires for you). Precious, precious are these treasures... those who come along side you in prayer, fellowship, bible study, encouraging you always in Your walk to keep your eyes, your heart focused upon Christ.

These friendships are a true treasure, a special gift... they are what the Word calls us to and a glimpse of the something more than the ordinary in our human lives. And the thing is that with God we have been given even more than this... what He offers us is so much more than this, that it is mind boggling! Praise be to the Father who has blessed us His children with every good thing in Christ Jesus. Praise be the Savior who laid down His life for us... that we might be saved, that we might know Him. Praise be to our Lord Jesus who intercedes for us ... Who has bathed us in prayer, who knows our names, who knows our hearts, who knows our needs, and who listens to us when we call! Praise be to Him for He is worthy of all praise!

Yes, my heart is heavy for I am grieving for a loved one right now but I am not defeated ... I am thankful for I know my God is in control; I have joy because I know He works all things out for good and that nothing can ever separate us from His love; I am content despite circumstances because I know He knows what is needed and He is our Provider and our Rock... I choose faith, I choose love, and I have hope... My God is a mighty and an awesome God... there is no other - He is the Great I AM! Praise you Father, Praise you!!!

And if you are one of those treasured friends in my life reading this right now... know that you are loved, you are treasured and you are prayed for... Our God is good, all the time - Our God is good!!!

Praise Him,

Living beyond our Flesh

Have you read in the OT about God bringing His people out of Egypt and taking them through the wilderness? ... They were headed to the Promise Land. However, not all of them made it... because even though God provided for all their needs and was with them, even though He had rescued them, even though He was going to greatly bless them... they didn't appreciate it, they didn't appreciate Him, they grumbled, they complained, they worshipped other gods, and they didn't believe... just to name a few.

Have you read the book of Hosea? In it is represented the story of God and His people... The Lord & His Bride - Hosea represents God and Gomer represents God's people... The book tells of Hosea being told to find a wife, and even beforehand he is warned that she will be unfaithful... and yet he will take her back. If you have a chance check out the Francine Rivers book called Redeeming Love, it is a fictional account based upon the book of Hosea and is so good. Any way... maybe you can see where I am heading with all this???

It is amazing to me the love and faithfulness of our God! His ways and thoughts are so much higher than our own! Because if that had been me I would have long ago said let me forget these people and move on... I wouldn't have wanted to take my unfaithful spouse back... no in our flesh we want what is easy, what makes us feel good even if it is just for the moment... we do not have an eternal grasp/big picture here... it is the here and now and I want, I want, I want... I don't deserve this, gratify me, serve me, please me, I am right, on and on I could go...

I have been reading James MacDonald's book LORD, CHANGE MY ATTITUDE - Before it's too late. If you have a chance it is a very good read and more importantly has a lot of biblical & applicable truth in it. He talks in the book about how God is displeased with (our unholy) attitude (our heart), and how we can never enter His rest, or our promised land when we are continually bringing this sin before Him. It is not just enough to see & recognize these attitudes that displease God but we also have to replace them with godly attitudes or we are worse off than before... Out with the "sin" in with the "spirit" so to speak... any way...

I have been thinking about all these things and I confess I need the Spirit to do some work on me... I can see now how I have been like these Israelites in my heart, attitude... when things are not the way I want them, when things are hard going through the "wilderness"... I want, I want. When I should be so thankful for what I have, for what God has done, is doing and is going to do!!! I have decided to believe God, not my flesh, not the lies of the enemy but God who is truth and love. God who is faithful, God who has promised me so much more than I can ever deserve... GOD IS FAITHFUL!!! Believe Him and hold tight to the promises He has given! Believe Him for your promised land and do not get waylaid now or permanently in your wilderness time...

The world and our flesh tell us differently... we are so temporal... but this life is nothing, and I mean nothing if we can grasp that, compared to eternity with our Heavenly Father! Oh the riches of that!!! I know someone going through a difficult time right now... and she was given some advice that just stopped me in my tracks... she was told to pray (yes that is good) but then she was told she deserved better and she should get a divorce! Whoaaaa! Wait a second... When we get married (in a Christian marriage) it is a vow, a COVENANT between you, your spouse and GOD!!! God takes this very seriously... this is not something to take lightly. God HATES divorce... When you vow to love, honor and cherish for better or for worse ... well God expects you to mean it. It doesn't mean as long as it is convenient for you, as long as you are happy, as long as you feel "love" .... Remember you vowed for better OR WORSE. Well right now might be a worse time... it might be an unbearable time to you but I tell you please take it to God... pray, pray, pray... pray blessings over the one who has hurt you, I ask you to do this not just for their sake but mostly for your benefit that you do not become bitter and hardhearted. Arm yourself .... put on the full armor of God. Take memory cards with verses that speak to you every where you go... and pray them! Do not let the enemy have a foot hold here... as much as you can - love that other person. We are commanded to love our enemies, we are told to preserver... it will not be easy!!! But you are not doing it for them... you are doing it for God and for you! Remember that you can do ANYTHING through Him who gives you strength - anything!!!! (See Phil. 4:13)

If you are struggling in your marriage or in any other difficult situation take it first to God and if you get counsel, make sure it is from a godly Christian and that what they advice you lines up with scripture!!! If it doesn't well think again... Do not take your commitments, vows, covenant lightly... God had told us as much as we can on our part to forgive, to love... He made the allowance for divorce in the case of adultery but even in that it was only because of our hardheartedness... He still doesn't want divorce... “I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel" Mal. 2:16a. "Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning." Matt. 19:8. Notice Moses permitted it... because of what? Their hearts were hard! These are the same people who grumbled and complained and worshiped other gods and did not enter into the Promise Land!!!!

Remember that this life really isn't about us - you or me... It is all about GOD!!! We are not promised that living on this earth will be easy... However we have promises that we can take to the bank... Memorize scripture, pray it, pray, pray... God's word does not go out and come back void... Remember you have a mighty God who can do ANYTHING... believe Him, trust Him... and walk faithfully and obediently with Him no matter what circumstances you are in. Remember that what we do we are doing for God! Not to please man, not to make ourselves look better, etc... Please do not think that I do not understand how hard and difficult many of the circumstances are that surround the body of Christ - marriages, sickness, death, persecution, on and on... Go to the Word, get on your knees and pray... Remember that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God - not trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, death, life, angels, demons, on and on... nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39). He is always near... however we can by our thoughts, actions, hard hearts distance ourselves from the Lord.... we do it, not Him... if we turn around (repent) He is right there, open arms, loving, forgiving. But when our focus is not on Him, we should be careful... it is easy to stumble or fall. The great news is He is there waiting to lift us back up... arm out stretched and waiting ... Oh that we could just keep our eyes on Him!

Remember none of us are perfect, all have sinned... Yet in Christ we are forgiven a debt greater than we can ever repay... how can we then not forgive another (see Matt. 18:21-35). Love one another, pray and encourage one another, forgive... and give your burdens over to the Lord leave them with Him. We can not change another person, we can not even change ourselves - we need the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us for that. Honestly it is not our job... we are to called to love - yes that means speaking truth to others (in love), but we are not called to change them, we can not save someone, we cannot make them repent... all of that is between them & God. We are just called to be witnesses, to love - to do our part... we cannot do God's.

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you today... I hope that this may encourage you or benefit you in some way.... all to the glory of God!!!

Are YOU up for Change?

I want to encourage you to go over to Beth Moore's blog and think about doing something that I am sure will be life changing... if you will do it and stick to it! It starts today but I am sure if you don't read this till tomorrow you can still jump in... even if it is next week - do it!

You say - what is this all about? It is about arming ourselves with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph. 6:17). Pray about doing this!!! The challenge is to memorize (or meditate) a verse of your choosing (one that speaks to you and what God is doing in your life right now) for two weeks. You check in on the 1st & 15th of the month with your name, city and verse (version of your choice)... and you do this for all of 2009. So at the end of 2009 you will have memorized 24 verses! (You don't have to have a blog to do this but can set up an anonymous account or such). Or even do it with a friend - that way you can both hold each other accountable!

I just know that if you do this, it will be life changing! God's word is life changing... and storing it in your mind and upon your heart is powerful!!! (check out Isa. 55:11).

Let's start this year off as we should every day... and let's focus our hearts and minds, our eyes upon what is TRUE and what is lasting!

Blessings to you,