1Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
It's time again. Time to make huge decisions that will affect the next four years of our lives. No pressure, right?
We have heard all the negative talk and all the promises. Unfortunately it goes with the territory of competition in politics. Soon it will be over. We will have elected our President and other governing officials. Then the talk will take a turn and focus on who did not keep their promises and people will be tempted to give their opinion of what should be done.
Granted, we have probably not had all great Presidents or governing officials at some point since the first President was elected. Of course not everyone can be satisfied at once. We all have our opinions as to how this country should be ran. And unfortunately not every President or governing official has submitted to the will of God, which makes it harder to respect them.
We are going to be tempted to voice our opinion and show disrespect to those in authority. The Word of God says to do otherwise though. And it says to show respect for the Lord's sake.
It is our duty to pray for those in authority, to respect them even if they do things that don't deserve respect, and to hold our tongue when we are tempted to say things that do not lift them up. Does that mean we have to agree with their decisions, especially if the decisions they make are against the Word of God? No! We are to obey the laws of the land as long as these laws do not disrespect the Word of God. And even then, we are to respect the one in authority.
To show respect is NOT to agree with everything that person supports but to refrain from talking negative about that person. To show respect is NOT to ignore that person in authority and just wait out his term in office, but to daily lift him up in prayer.
Most people say they hate the negative campaigning and the commercials that do such. Yet at the same time many of these same people are discussing with everyone that will listen all the reasons we shouldn't vote for the other guy. I hear more negative campaigning from common man than I do on TV.
Verse 18 says for us to submit to our masters (meaning those in authority) with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. We may not want to do it but for the sake of the Lord we need to. God Bless~
Friday
Tuesday
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived
1PETER 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressable and glorious joy.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called him Master.
Jesus had no degree, yet they called him Teacher.
Jesus had no medicines, yet they called him Healer.
Jesus had no army, yet kings feared him.
Jesus won no military battles, yet he conquered the world.
Jesus commited no crime, yet they crucified him.
Jesus was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today.
What an awesome Savior! There is none like him, nor will there ever be.
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressable and glorious joy.
Jesus had no servants, yet they called him Master.
Jesus had no degree, yet they called him Teacher.
Jesus had no medicines, yet they called him Healer.
Jesus had no army, yet kings feared him.
Jesus won no military battles, yet he conquered the world.
Jesus commited no crime, yet they crucified him.
Jesus was buried in a tomb, yet he lives today.
What an awesome Savior! There is none like him, nor will there ever be.
Monday
Overlooking Offense
PROVERBS 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Oh how easy it is to let the tongue fly as soon as someone offends us! James 3 talks of how evil the tongue is and how we cannot tame it. Proverbs 18 says the tongue has the power of life and death. I believe we prove these scriptures everyday.
Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Why is it so hard to control such a small part of the body?(James 5:5) It is lack of patience. How do we increase our patience? Proverbs 19:11 says that wisdom brings patience and in that we can overlook offense. How do we increase our wisdom? We get into the Word of God and meditate on it day and night.(Joshua 1:8) Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
If we are truly focusing on God's Word continually then it is less likely that off-color words will fly out of our mouths. The latter part of Luke 6:45 says, "for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh(KJV). My youngest son's Children's Church teacher told him a while back that if we say bad things then our mouth is ugly and that means we have an ugly heart.
Get into the Word, increase your wisdom which will increase your patience, allow God to cleanse your heart, overlook offenses. God Bless~
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Oh how easy it is to let the tongue fly as soon as someone offends us! James 3 talks of how evil the tongue is and how we cannot tame it. Proverbs 18 says the tongue has the power of life and death. I believe we prove these scriptures everyday.
Proverbs 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are deep, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Why is it so hard to control such a small part of the body?(James 5:5) It is lack of patience. How do we increase our patience? Proverbs 19:11 says that wisdom brings patience and in that we can overlook offense. How do we increase our wisdom? We get into the Word of God and meditate on it day and night.(Joshua 1:8) Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
If we are truly focusing on God's Word continually then it is less likely that off-color words will fly out of our mouths. The latter part of Luke 6:45 says, "for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh(KJV). My youngest son's Children's Church teacher told him a while back that if we say bad things then our mouth is ugly and that means we have an ugly heart.
Get into the Word, increase your wisdom which will increase your patience, allow God to cleanse your heart, overlook offenses. God Bless~
Friday
Let Us Be Generous
PROVERBS 22:9
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
The holidays are right around the corner. The excitement, smells, fellowship, decorations, all help get us in the mood to celebrate. My favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love to cook and I love to see my children excited.
I know everyone may be a bit apprehensive about the holidays with the economy unsteady and we may not be able to celebrate as extravagantly as in the past. But let us not forget the needs of those who have little or nothing to celebrate with. It is in these times that they need us even more.
So as you are setting money aside to gear up for the holidays please consider taking a portion of that to give to those in need. God Bless~
A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.
The holidays are right around the corner. The excitement, smells, fellowship, decorations, all help get us in the mood to celebrate. My favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Christmas. I love to cook and I love to see my children excited.
I know everyone may be a bit apprehensive about the holidays with the economy unsteady and we may not be able to celebrate as extravagantly as in the past. But let us not forget the needs of those who have little or nothing to celebrate with. It is in these times that they need us even more.
So as you are setting money aside to gear up for the holidays please consider taking a portion of that to give to those in need. God Bless~
Thursday
The Sacred Sanctuary
PSALMS 73:16-17
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
“When it rains it pours.” I dislike that saying. I feel it just admits defeat and invites more trouble when you least need it. Yet, I understand why people say it. When something goes awry it seems that before it can be remedied another issue arises. Then another, yet another. Before you know it you are in water over your head.
It is easy to sit back, fold your arms, stick out your bottom lip and then say, “Well the Jones’ aren’t having any problems. They are wealthy, their vehicles are new, they are healthy, etc. Why do I, who am a Christian, have all the problems?” Admit it, you have said it, or at least thought it. It seems like all our non-Christian friends are doing just fine without God. So what is the problem?
Psalm 73 addresses this issue deeply. I want to point out a few verses though. See, verses 27 &28 explain the end of our lives. Those who are far from God will perish. He will destroy them. David then goes on to say, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” Why? Our final destiny is in a place that far out ways what this world has to offer. The Jones’ may have a nice house here but what awaits us is a mansion that supercedes anything man can build. God knows how to bless His children.
Another point I want to make is verses 16 & 17. It is hard to understand the ways of the world. It is even hard to understand at times why God does what He does. Proverbs 3:5 says to trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. He will direct our paths.
There are many things we can understand, though, if we would just stop and listen. It can be oppressive and overwhelming if we try to understand with our own understanding. David said in 16 & 17 that he was oppressed until he entered the sanctuary of God. Then it all became clear to him. In that sanctuary is the Holy of Holies, the place where we can really meet God. God has much to tell us. We can no longer continue our quest of trying to do everything under the sun and still maintain a healthy relationship with God. We need to make time to go before the Almighty, worship Him and seek His face. He deserves our praise and He deserves to be heard. He has secrets to tell us in the sanctuary. Go there! God Bless~
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
“When it rains it pours.” I dislike that saying. I feel it just admits defeat and invites more trouble when you least need it. Yet, I understand why people say it. When something goes awry it seems that before it can be remedied another issue arises. Then another, yet another. Before you know it you are in water over your head.
It is easy to sit back, fold your arms, stick out your bottom lip and then say, “Well the Jones’ aren’t having any problems. They are wealthy, their vehicles are new, they are healthy, etc. Why do I, who am a Christian, have all the problems?” Admit it, you have said it, or at least thought it. It seems like all our non-Christian friends are doing just fine without God. So what is the problem?
Psalm 73 addresses this issue deeply. I want to point out a few verses though. See, verses 27 &28 explain the end of our lives. Those who are far from God will perish. He will destroy them. David then goes on to say, “But as for me, it is good to be near God.” Why? Our final destiny is in a place that far out ways what this world has to offer. The Jones’ may have a nice house here but what awaits us is a mansion that supercedes anything man can build. God knows how to bless His children.
Another point I want to make is verses 16 & 17. It is hard to understand the ways of the world. It is even hard to understand at times why God does what He does. Proverbs 3:5 says to trust God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. He will direct our paths.
There are many things we can understand, though, if we would just stop and listen. It can be oppressive and overwhelming if we try to understand with our own understanding. David said in 16 & 17 that he was oppressed until he entered the sanctuary of God. Then it all became clear to him. In that sanctuary is the Holy of Holies, the place where we can really meet God. God has much to tell us. We can no longer continue our quest of trying to do everything under the sun and still maintain a healthy relationship with God. We need to make time to go before the Almighty, worship Him and seek His face. He deserves our praise and He deserves to be heard. He has secrets to tell us in the sanctuary. Go there! God Bless~
Tuesday
In Memory Of Gary
In memory of my dearest friend Gary~
I lost a dear friend to the Lord this week. He was one of the sweetest men I knew. He always greeted me with a hug and asked how I was. If he saw me in town he would go out of his way to stop and check on me. I had the blessed opportunity to minister to him through the local mission. Many times he and his buddy Richard would stop in just to say hi and give me a hug. They didn't want anything but to visit.
Gary started going to church not long after he was diagnosed with cancer. My prayer is that he truly knew the Lord. I remember the first time he dropped into the mission to tell me that his tumor was shrinking. We praised God together. I could see a gleem in his eye.
God bless you Gary. You have truly touched my heart eternally.
I lost a dear friend to the Lord this week. He was one of the sweetest men I knew. He always greeted me with a hug and asked how I was. If he saw me in town he would go out of his way to stop and check on me. I had the blessed opportunity to minister to him through the local mission. Many times he and his buddy Richard would stop in just to say hi and give me a hug. They didn't want anything but to visit.
Gary started going to church not long after he was diagnosed with cancer. My prayer is that he truly knew the Lord. I remember the first time he dropped into the mission to tell me that his tumor was shrinking. We praised God together. I could see a gleem in his eye.
God bless you Gary. You have truly touched my heart eternally.
Psalm 73
Today I just want to focus on a scripture that is powerful and doesn't need me to expound on. Read it and meditate on these words.
Psalm 73
Surely God is good to Israel, to those wo are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
That is what the wicked are like-always carefree, they increase in wealth.
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was sensless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
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.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
God Bless~
Psalm 73
Surely God is good to Israel, to those wo are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
That is what the wicked are like-always carefree, they increase in wealth.
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was sensless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
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.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
God Bless~
Monday
Every Season Has Its Purpose
ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
Oh how the seasons change! Although I love Spring and Summer because I like warmth over cold any day, I absolutely love the colors of Fall. I like driving through the countryside and taking in all the beautiful colors that God has created. It is breathtaking.
One thing I do not like about the changing seasons is the cold. I am not fond of late Fall and any of Winter one bit. It’s gloomy outside, makes me feel achy, and everyone seems in a rush to get where they are going. I think it’s because they know if they stay still long enough they may turn into an icicle. But God made these seasons for a purpose. Each one works to balance out our lovely Earth and its atmosphere.
I am sure you all have your favorite and least favorite seasons, what you like and what you don’t like about each. Spring is when flowers begin to bloom, but it rains too much. Summer is full of beach time, but it’s too hot. Fall is pretty, but it gets too cold. Winter has lovely blankets of snow in some areas and everyone loves Christmas time, but it’s just way too cold and gloomy and just looks ugly in the flowerbeds.
We also go through spiritual seasons in our lives and each one serves an important purpose. We need rain(trials) so we may mature in Christ. Sometimes the heat turns up(even more trials) so that God may refine us in the fire and we can be pure as gold. And then comes those gloomy times when we realize there are things in us that don’t belong (sin). They need to die in order for God to plant in us new fruit (His fruit).
In between all these seasons are hidden the beauties of God’s work. Hidden only because we tend to focus on what we don’t like in the season rather than realizing that with each season comes beauty resulted from the harshness of that season. A flower cannot grow without proper rain and food and neither can we spiritually. Nor can God place new Fruit of the Spirit inside us unless we allow old things to die. There is no room for joy inside us if we are filled with anger. We must get rid of the anger first.
Some seasons can be really painful for us. We wonder when/if we will get a break to even breath before the next heat wave comes in. It seems like trial after trial finds us. I think David says it best in Psalms 71:20-21 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
God will not leave us in a season. We will push through and come out even more beautiful and stronger than before. God Bless~
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die,
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
Oh how the seasons change! Although I love Spring and Summer because I like warmth over cold any day, I absolutely love the colors of Fall. I like driving through the countryside and taking in all the beautiful colors that God has created. It is breathtaking.
One thing I do not like about the changing seasons is the cold. I am not fond of late Fall and any of Winter one bit. It’s gloomy outside, makes me feel achy, and everyone seems in a rush to get where they are going. I think it’s because they know if they stay still long enough they may turn into an icicle. But God made these seasons for a purpose. Each one works to balance out our lovely Earth and its atmosphere.
I am sure you all have your favorite and least favorite seasons, what you like and what you don’t like about each. Spring is when flowers begin to bloom, but it rains too much. Summer is full of beach time, but it’s too hot. Fall is pretty, but it gets too cold. Winter has lovely blankets of snow in some areas and everyone loves Christmas time, but it’s just way too cold and gloomy and just looks ugly in the flowerbeds.
We also go through spiritual seasons in our lives and each one serves an important purpose. We need rain(trials) so we may mature in Christ. Sometimes the heat turns up(even more trials) so that God may refine us in the fire and we can be pure as gold. And then comes those gloomy times when we realize there are things in us that don’t belong (sin). They need to die in order for God to plant in us new fruit (His fruit).
In between all these seasons are hidden the beauties of God’s work. Hidden only because we tend to focus on what we don’t like in the season rather than realizing that with each season comes beauty resulted from the harshness of that season. A flower cannot grow without proper rain and food and neither can we spiritually. Nor can God place new Fruit of the Spirit inside us unless we allow old things to die. There is no room for joy inside us if we are filled with anger. We must get rid of the anger first.
Some seasons can be really painful for us. We wonder when/if we will get a break to even breath before the next heat wave comes in. It seems like trial after trial finds us. I think David says it best in Psalms 71:20-21 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.
God will not leave us in a season. We will push through and come out even more beautiful and stronger than before. God Bless~
Friday
From Shack To Mansion
COLOSSIANS 3:2-10
verses2,3,5,7-11 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God... Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry...You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But you now must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self and its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Do you remember when you first made your commitment to Christ, when you accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Do you remember what you were like before you were a Christian and what you had become afterward?
I remember my experience. It wasn’t the typical traditional commitment experience. I had just gotten home from a crusade with my youth group and was sitting in my bathtub. The crusade had given me a lot to think about but I wasn’t ready to jump up and run to the altar just yet. God and I had to talk first.
So there I was, soaking in the tub, talking to God, and realizing I couldn’t go on any longer without allowing God to take over. And it was there that I gave my life to the Lord. Later on I got plugged in to a church and was baptized and continued reading the Word of God and building my life in Christ.
There is one mistake many Christians make that cannot only affect their eternity but the eternity of those who watch them. That is forgetting to leave the old person at the altar when they become the new person in Christ. Just saying I am a Christian is not enough. Paul said we must put to death our old selves. There is no room for both our old nature and our new.
Look at it this way: You start out living in an old run down shack. It’s falling apart, full of junk, everything in it is used and most of it doesn’t work. The roof leaks. The faucet drips loudly. It’s drafty in the winter and has no cool air in the summer.
Then, a man walks up and freely gives you the keys to a mansion. There is no catch. It’s all yours. He leaves you a book that gives you directions on how to freely furnish the mansion. All you have to do is read the directions and follow them. The furnishings are free. All it costs is your time to read. Awesome!
You take the man up on his offer. You begin moving in. Now you have a choice. You can do one of two things. You can do exactly what the man says and follow all his directions and live in luxury. But, the book is rather loooong and will take years to read to get all the furnishings you need. They will be new furnishings though. Nothing like what you had to contend with in the shack.
Or, you can take the mansion and toss the book aside, move in some of your junk from your shack and only pull out the book when you really need it. Wait a minute! The mansion has just become tainted. Who would put torn up, broken down, smelly junk in a brand new mansion? Especially when we can freely replace it with brand new, top of the line furnishings. That would be insane. It would no longer look like a mansion. Visitors would come in and wonder what happened and would probably not return.
Yet, as Christians this is what we are doing. We accept Christ as Savior and forget that we are supposed to destroy the junk that we housed beforehand and then try to stuff it all in our “mansion” as we live for Christ. It looks awful to the visitors who are looking in.
When we accept Christ as our Savior we are supposed to be stepping out of our shack and into His mansion. We are supposed to be laying down all our baggage and allowing Him to replace it with His blessings, His gifts. No more double life! It looks insane to those looking in. I challenge you to look into your mansion. What did you bring into it that does not belong? If you brought something in besides yourself then it doesn’t belong. Get rid of it. I promise you, God promises you, He has something better to replace it with. God bless~
verses2,3,5,7-11 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God... Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry...You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But you now must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other since you have taken off your old self and its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Do you remember when you first made your commitment to Christ, when you accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Do you remember what you were like before you were a Christian and what you had become afterward?
I remember my experience. It wasn’t the typical traditional commitment experience. I had just gotten home from a crusade with my youth group and was sitting in my bathtub. The crusade had given me a lot to think about but I wasn’t ready to jump up and run to the altar just yet. God and I had to talk first.
So there I was, soaking in the tub, talking to God, and realizing I couldn’t go on any longer without allowing God to take over. And it was there that I gave my life to the Lord. Later on I got plugged in to a church and was baptized and continued reading the Word of God and building my life in Christ.
There is one mistake many Christians make that cannot only affect their eternity but the eternity of those who watch them. That is forgetting to leave the old person at the altar when they become the new person in Christ. Just saying I am a Christian is not enough. Paul said we must put to death our old selves. There is no room for both our old nature and our new.
Look at it this way: You start out living in an old run down shack. It’s falling apart, full of junk, everything in it is used and most of it doesn’t work. The roof leaks. The faucet drips loudly. It’s drafty in the winter and has no cool air in the summer.
Then, a man walks up and freely gives you the keys to a mansion. There is no catch. It’s all yours. He leaves you a book that gives you directions on how to freely furnish the mansion. All you have to do is read the directions and follow them. The furnishings are free. All it costs is your time to read. Awesome!
You take the man up on his offer. You begin moving in. Now you have a choice. You can do one of two things. You can do exactly what the man says and follow all his directions and live in luxury. But, the book is rather loooong and will take years to read to get all the furnishings you need. They will be new furnishings though. Nothing like what you had to contend with in the shack.
Or, you can take the mansion and toss the book aside, move in some of your junk from your shack and only pull out the book when you really need it. Wait a minute! The mansion has just become tainted. Who would put torn up, broken down, smelly junk in a brand new mansion? Especially when we can freely replace it with brand new, top of the line furnishings. That would be insane. It would no longer look like a mansion. Visitors would come in and wonder what happened and would probably not return.
Yet, as Christians this is what we are doing. We accept Christ as Savior and forget that we are supposed to destroy the junk that we housed beforehand and then try to stuff it all in our “mansion” as we live for Christ. It looks awful to the visitors who are looking in.
When we accept Christ as our Savior we are supposed to be stepping out of our shack and into His mansion. We are supposed to be laying down all our baggage and allowing Him to replace it with His blessings, His gifts. No more double life! It looks insane to those looking in. I challenge you to look into your mansion. What did you bring into it that does not belong? If you brought something in besides yourself then it doesn’t belong. Get rid of it. I promise you, God promises you, He has something better to replace it with. God bless~
Thursday
A Proper Time For Harvest Time
GALATIANS 6:9
Let us never become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
I love the ministry. What I love even more is seeing the benefits from it. Last night I received such a blessing that no earthly thing could have replaced it. I had recently began teaching Sunday School class for K-2nd grade and at first wasn't sure I was going to like it. I am not too hip on teaching kids. A month into teaching two young boys began coming. They are being fostered by a wonderful couple in the church. The boys are full of energy and were at first a bit unruly. You could tell they were not used to church. And they weren't too hip on affection either. When my husband poked one of them in the rib the little one yelled out in surprise, "Hey, you tickled me!"
Well, as time has gone on the boys are doing well. They are learning and, I believe, going to be great men of God some day. But last night for the first time these boys found me from across the building, ran to me with the rest of their foster crew, and they ALL hugged me. I think I received hugs from 6 or so children. It was awesome! Most of the little ones looked at me wondering why they were hugging me since they didn't know me but they were just following along with the two boys that did know me. I then shared a pack of gum with them all and sent them on their way.
I haven't always seen the harvest. Many times I have sown for countless hours with sweat that seemed more like blood pouring off me wondering why I was even there. I wondered if God even knew if I was there. I praise God that He doesn't live by my timing because in His time, the proper time, the harvest will come in. What He has asked us to work so hard on has not been in vain. Nothing He asks us to do is in vain.
When we are weak and feel we can no longer give anything else it is those times we must realize we have given and forgotten to take. We can not give something we do not possess. That is why it is so important to consistently stay in the Word. If we aren't drawing from God's Word to be refreshed because we are too busy working His kingdom then we will burn out. That is like expecting a farmer to work his field from beginning to end, from sowing to harvest, without eating or rest. That would be insane. Yet in the ministry we can easily find ourselves doing the same thing. We deplete ourselves of the necessities to stay alive spiritually and go full force to further His kingdom. Yes, the world needs us. We need to spread the Word. We can't if we are burnt out.
How do we not grow weary? One, consistently feed on the Word of God and pray. Two, rest in His presence. Three, have patience. You may not see the harvest of your hard work in an instance. It may take time. Keep doing what God has asked and at the proper time the harvest will come. God bless~
Let us never become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
I love the ministry. What I love even more is seeing the benefits from it. Last night I received such a blessing that no earthly thing could have replaced it. I had recently began teaching Sunday School class for K-2nd grade and at first wasn't sure I was going to like it. I am not too hip on teaching kids. A month into teaching two young boys began coming. They are being fostered by a wonderful couple in the church. The boys are full of energy and were at first a bit unruly. You could tell they were not used to church. And they weren't too hip on affection either. When my husband poked one of them in the rib the little one yelled out in surprise, "Hey, you tickled me!"
Well, as time has gone on the boys are doing well. They are learning and, I believe, going to be great men of God some day. But last night for the first time these boys found me from across the building, ran to me with the rest of their foster crew, and they ALL hugged me. I think I received hugs from 6 or so children. It was awesome! Most of the little ones looked at me wondering why they were hugging me since they didn't know me but they were just following along with the two boys that did know me. I then shared a pack of gum with them all and sent them on their way.
I haven't always seen the harvest. Many times I have sown for countless hours with sweat that seemed more like blood pouring off me wondering why I was even there. I wondered if God even knew if I was there. I praise God that He doesn't live by my timing because in His time, the proper time, the harvest will come in. What He has asked us to work so hard on has not been in vain. Nothing He asks us to do is in vain.
When we are weak and feel we can no longer give anything else it is those times we must realize we have given and forgotten to take. We can not give something we do not possess. That is why it is so important to consistently stay in the Word. If we aren't drawing from God's Word to be refreshed because we are too busy working His kingdom then we will burn out. That is like expecting a farmer to work his field from beginning to end, from sowing to harvest, without eating or rest. That would be insane. Yet in the ministry we can easily find ourselves doing the same thing. We deplete ourselves of the necessities to stay alive spiritually and go full force to further His kingdom. Yes, the world needs us. We need to spread the Word. We can't if we are burnt out.
How do we not grow weary? One, consistently feed on the Word of God and pray. Two, rest in His presence. Three, have patience. You may not see the harvest of your hard work in an instance. It may take time. Keep doing what God has asked and at the proper time the harvest will come. God bless~
Wednesday
Foolish Arguments
2 TIMOTHY 2:14-26
verse 23-24 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel;
I recently talked my son into a trap and when done he looked at me with such confusion. I would like to blame this one on my pastor also. By the way, it is Pastor Appreciation Month. Let your pastor know how much you appreciate his dedicated work. Back to the story. My pastor had previously plugged into one of his wonderful sermons that he can’t stand to hear a parent argue with their children. Whatever the parent says should be a done deal, no arguments. That definitely caught my attention because every conversation with my oldest child seemed to end in argument. I couldn’t wait to pull that one over on him, I mean discuss that one with him.
It wasn’t long before I had the opportunity. My wonderful but outspoken son felt the need to voice his strong opinion on an issue. I said, “No.” That should have been it. He didn’t think so. I found myself falling into the same routine of arguing then I stopped myself. The conversation took a turn and went something like this.
“Son, the pastor said something recently. He said a parent should never argue with their children.” I said.
He looked at me with astonishment. Then puffed his chest and with what he thought was the backing of his pastor said, “That’s right so give me….”
I interrupted, “So, the next time I say no you shut up. No arguments, no more discussion, no buts. It’s over. Understand?”
Oh the look he gave me! It was all I could do to not crack a smile. I had to keep it together. He thought for sure he had one over on me. At first he was confused. Then surprised. Then he realized what just happened. And as much as my son talks and loves to talk, he was actually speechless.
Read all of today’s scripture. Realize how important it is not to argue, to not throw words around. It’s not a choice. The Word of God says the Lord’s servant must not quarrel. Parents, you will save yourselves many headaches and earaches by living out this scripture. Show your children the scripture. Don’t make them think you are just trying to be a bully. Help them understand the foolishness of arguing as a child and as an adult. Show them that by holding their tongue they are obeying God. What an awesome gift to pass down the Word of God to our children. God Bless~
verse 23-24 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel;
I recently talked my son into a trap and when done he looked at me with such confusion. I would like to blame this one on my pastor also. By the way, it is Pastor Appreciation Month. Let your pastor know how much you appreciate his dedicated work. Back to the story. My pastor had previously plugged into one of his wonderful sermons that he can’t stand to hear a parent argue with their children. Whatever the parent says should be a done deal, no arguments. That definitely caught my attention because every conversation with my oldest child seemed to end in argument. I couldn’t wait to pull that one over on him, I mean discuss that one with him.
It wasn’t long before I had the opportunity. My wonderful but outspoken son felt the need to voice his strong opinion on an issue. I said, “No.” That should have been it. He didn’t think so. I found myself falling into the same routine of arguing then I stopped myself. The conversation took a turn and went something like this.
“Son, the pastor said something recently. He said a parent should never argue with their children.” I said.
He looked at me with astonishment. Then puffed his chest and with what he thought was the backing of his pastor said, “That’s right so give me….”
I interrupted, “So, the next time I say no you shut up. No arguments, no more discussion, no buts. It’s over. Understand?”
Oh the look he gave me! It was all I could do to not crack a smile. I had to keep it together. He thought for sure he had one over on me. At first he was confused. Then surprised. Then he realized what just happened. And as much as my son talks and loves to talk, he was actually speechless.
Read all of today’s scripture. Realize how important it is not to argue, to not throw words around. It’s not a choice. The Word of God says the Lord’s servant must not quarrel. Parents, you will save yourselves many headaches and earaches by living out this scripture. Show your children the scripture. Don’t make them think you are just trying to be a bully. Help them understand the foolishness of arguing as a child and as an adult. Show them that by holding their tongue they are obeying God. What an awesome gift to pass down the Word of God to our children. God Bless~
Tuesday
Holy of Holies
PSALM 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
I find that I am happiest when I am before God spilling out Praises of love to Him, not asking Him for anything or crying for help but just praising Him. It’s a feeling that is almost unexplainable. It’s better than a drug high, better than a drunken feeling (before the hangover). It’s better than the feeling of receiving a huge check in the mail or a promotion at work. The joy of praising God is so fulfilling, yet I don’t do it enough.
I love my Pastor. He is only one of very few that I will allow to say things to me that can hurt so deep, yet be so true. Of course, when he says them he is saying them to the congregation. It just feels like I am the only one in the room at the time. He was saying the other day that many of us during worship don’t enter into that Holy of Holies. We stay in that outer circle where it’s safe. Or we may venture into that inner circle where we are almost there but we stop. We don’t fully go into the Holy of Holies and truly meet God into the Holy of Holies. Why? Is it because we are afraid of what others around us will think? Do we not want to take the time? Do we not know how? I don’t know about you but I know my own reasons, or should I say excuses. A pastor friend of mine once said years ago that, “Excuses are like armpits. Everyone has a couple and they stink.” Oh so true!
I remember a while back when God had my husband and I ministering at another church. My greatest times were when I would sneak into the church when no one else was scheduled to come in. I would lock the doors behind me, keep the lights off, put on some praise music, then spend the rest of my time at the alter. It was awesome! It was there I found myself in the Holy of Holies. It was most holy!
May we all find ourselves entering into the Holy of Holies worshipping the most Holy God who is truly worthy of all our praises. God Bless~
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
I find that I am happiest when I am before God spilling out Praises of love to Him, not asking Him for anything or crying for help but just praising Him. It’s a feeling that is almost unexplainable. It’s better than a drug high, better than a drunken feeling (before the hangover). It’s better than the feeling of receiving a huge check in the mail or a promotion at work. The joy of praising God is so fulfilling, yet I don’t do it enough.
I love my Pastor. He is only one of very few that I will allow to say things to me that can hurt so deep, yet be so true. Of course, when he says them he is saying them to the congregation. It just feels like I am the only one in the room at the time. He was saying the other day that many of us during worship don’t enter into that Holy of Holies. We stay in that outer circle where it’s safe. Or we may venture into that inner circle where we are almost there but we stop. We don’t fully go into the Holy of Holies and truly meet God into the Holy of Holies. Why? Is it because we are afraid of what others around us will think? Do we not want to take the time? Do we not know how? I don’t know about you but I know my own reasons, or should I say excuses. A pastor friend of mine once said years ago that, “Excuses are like armpits. Everyone has a couple and they stink.” Oh so true!
I remember a while back when God had my husband and I ministering at another church. My greatest times were when I would sneak into the church when no one else was scheduled to come in. I would lock the doors behind me, keep the lights off, put on some praise music, then spend the rest of my time at the alter. It was awesome! It was there I found myself in the Holy of Holies. It was most holy!
May we all find ourselves entering into the Holy of Holies worshipping the most Holy God who is truly worthy of all our praises. God Bless~
Monday
Ugly Sermons Turned Awesome
Yesterday was Sunday. Did you find a church service and go? I pray so. It’s like trying to go all week without putting gas in your vehicle. You eventually end up having to push it with your hands. It would have been much easier to have stopped at a gas station and filled up. It’s not as harsh on the body.
My pastor preached a sermon that was awesome, yet ugly. Now I know that doesn’t sound nice but let me explain. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” I don’t know about you but if a sword penetrated my heart it would look rather ugly and messy. The sight of blood doesn’t intrigue me.
God’s Word is meant to penetrate our hearts and our minds. It is meant to dig out and take out what was not given by God. It’s a spiritual surgery. The only difference is that we don’t undergo anesthesia during the process. God wants us to be fully aware of what He is doing in us. He wants us to be fully aware of what we need to be rid of so we don’t make the same mistake again by falling into the same sin.
Think about it, the reason we need surgery is because something in us doesn’t belong. It is usually some type of infection or a part of our body has gone bad. If it is not taken out then eventually we would die because the infection would spread or the part of the body that isn’t functioning properly is beginning to affect the other parts around it.
So it is with our spiritual bodies. Sin spreads in our spiritual lives. If we don’t allow God’s Word to penetrate our hearts, our thoughts, our souls, our attitudes, then the sins we hold so dear will begin to spill over into other areas in our lives and eventually we will die.
The awesome part of it all is that when the surgery is over you realize how much better you feel having all that junk out of your body. You realize that before the surgery you had grown accustomed to carrying all that junk around. It is such freedom and totally worth it all.
Allow God’s Word to change you. Allow it to take out what doesn’t belong. Yesterday’s sermon was on John 3:30 He (God) must increase, but I must decrease. You know, there is more room for God to increase in us if there is less junk in us. God Bless~
My pastor preached a sermon that was awesome, yet ugly. Now I know that doesn’t sound nice but let me explain. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” I don’t know about you but if a sword penetrated my heart it would look rather ugly and messy. The sight of blood doesn’t intrigue me.
God’s Word is meant to penetrate our hearts and our minds. It is meant to dig out and take out what was not given by God. It’s a spiritual surgery. The only difference is that we don’t undergo anesthesia during the process. God wants us to be fully aware of what He is doing in us. He wants us to be fully aware of what we need to be rid of so we don’t make the same mistake again by falling into the same sin.
Think about it, the reason we need surgery is because something in us doesn’t belong. It is usually some type of infection or a part of our body has gone bad. If it is not taken out then eventually we would die because the infection would spread or the part of the body that isn’t functioning properly is beginning to affect the other parts around it.
So it is with our spiritual bodies. Sin spreads in our spiritual lives. If we don’t allow God’s Word to penetrate our hearts, our thoughts, our souls, our attitudes, then the sins we hold so dear will begin to spill over into other areas in our lives and eventually we will die.
The awesome part of it all is that when the surgery is over you realize how much better you feel having all that junk out of your body. You realize that before the surgery you had grown accustomed to carrying all that junk around. It is such freedom and totally worth it all.
Allow God’s Word to change you. Allow it to take out what doesn’t belong. Yesterday’s sermon was on John 3:30 He (God) must increase, but I must decrease. You know, there is more room for God to increase in us if there is less junk in us. God Bless~
Friday
I'm In The Book
PSALMS 139:16
...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
My desire is to write 5 days a week and give some bit of fresh insight but some days I find myself laying before God and crying, "I have nothing to give. My heart is broken." It is those days my heart is heavy and I am trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders instead of moving out of the way and allowing God to move "in the way."
I can truly say that those days aren't wasted though. Getting before God and into His Word is the best place to be. I long to be there everyday. We should be there everyday. Why? All of our days from beginning to end are in there. Therefore, all we need is in there. God places a high value on Wisdom. Proverbs 2-4 gives a list of benefits for attaining wisdom. It's a powerful tool and the Bible is full of wisdom.
So why aren't we reading it? There is more treasure in that one book than any you could obtain in the whole world. Read! God Bless~
...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
My desire is to write 5 days a week and give some bit of fresh insight but some days I find myself laying before God and crying, "I have nothing to give. My heart is broken." It is those days my heart is heavy and I am trying to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders instead of moving out of the way and allowing God to move "in the way."
I can truly say that those days aren't wasted though. Getting before God and into His Word is the best place to be. I long to be there everyday. We should be there everyday. Why? All of our days from beginning to end are in there. Therefore, all we need is in there. God places a high value on Wisdom. Proverbs 2-4 gives a list of benefits for attaining wisdom. It's a powerful tool and the Bible is full of wisdom.
So why aren't we reading it? There is more treasure in that one book than any you could obtain in the whole world. Read! God Bless~
Monday
Toys Or Terrorists?
2 CORINTHIANS 11:13-14
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Saved by the bell! That was this morning's nightmare. My alarm awakened me just as the doom began. I was relieved yet disappointed because I wanted to know the outcome. I definitely wanted to know why it happened.
It was a beautiful day. We were at what looked like a marina or some odd air base. There were little sub-stations planted everywhere encased by a small wall of glass. Inside was a chair and a panel of buttons. My youngest boy was in one and my husband was in another. I was out wandering about.
Suddenly, a slew of toy helicopters and airplanes came from nowhere in formation. They were flying about and I ran to get my son thinking he would love to see this. I scooped him up in my arms and walked toward a chair in the middle of the way about 500+ feet away. After capturing his attention with the planes I sat him on the chair to watch. I stepped back. I noticed that the airplanes and helicopters had a formation that each one kept to and it became very disturbing to me. They would fly around toward my son, stop, point their nose toward him as if he were a target, then fly off. I figured they were just practicing using him as target. They were just toys mind you. I didn't like it though. I scooped him up to get him out of targets way.
Just as I scooped my son up then came the real mcoys. Real airplanes came. I then thought it was an airshow. These airplanes were rather low. As they would round the bend where my son and I were they would then head behind us where my husband was, still in the sub-station. Then the worst happened. One airplane seemingly lost control. It did a nose dive right into the ground where my son had first been. My first thought was, "That is too close to my husband. The debris might clip him." Then all of a sudden one after the other each airplane began to nose dive. There were three before my alarm awakened me. The second one came even closer to my husband. The third, I believe, hit his sub-station.
Wow! What happened? It started as a harmless beautiful day. We were enjoying the view of harmless air toys. What a diversion! It was enough to catch us off guard before the attack came. That is totally Satan's tactic. He has never been one to drop in and say, "Hello, I am here to make your day miserable today. I am sending some of my friends to sway you the wrong way. Enjoy!"
We can make anything sound good. We can make anything sound right. We can make anything sound real. It only takes words and pictures. Only God's Word is truth. Only God's view is real. If we don't know it we will easily be decieved. We need to hide His Word in our hearts, meditate on it day and night, be ready to give an answer in season and out of season...these are all scriptures God has given. He values His Word because He knows the importance of it and the power behind it. We need to know it too. God Bless~
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Saved by the bell! That was this morning's nightmare. My alarm awakened me just as the doom began. I was relieved yet disappointed because I wanted to know the outcome. I definitely wanted to know why it happened.
It was a beautiful day. We were at what looked like a marina or some odd air base. There were little sub-stations planted everywhere encased by a small wall of glass. Inside was a chair and a panel of buttons. My youngest boy was in one and my husband was in another. I was out wandering about.
Suddenly, a slew of toy helicopters and airplanes came from nowhere in formation. They were flying about and I ran to get my son thinking he would love to see this. I scooped him up in my arms and walked toward a chair in the middle of the way about 500+ feet away. After capturing his attention with the planes I sat him on the chair to watch. I stepped back. I noticed that the airplanes and helicopters had a formation that each one kept to and it became very disturbing to me. They would fly around toward my son, stop, point their nose toward him as if he were a target, then fly off. I figured they were just practicing using him as target. They were just toys mind you. I didn't like it though. I scooped him up to get him out of targets way.
Just as I scooped my son up then came the real mcoys. Real airplanes came. I then thought it was an airshow. These airplanes were rather low. As they would round the bend where my son and I were they would then head behind us where my husband was, still in the sub-station. Then the worst happened. One airplane seemingly lost control. It did a nose dive right into the ground where my son had first been. My first thought was, "That is too close to my husband. The debris might clip him." Then all of a sudden one after the other each airplane began to nose dive. There were three before my alarm awakened me. The second one came even closer to my husband. The third, I believe, hit his sub-station.
Wow! What happened? It started as a harmless beautiful day. We were enjoying the view of harmless air toys. What a diversion! It was enough to catch us off guard before the attack came. That is totally Satan's tactic. He has never been one to drop in and say, "Hello, I am here to make your day miserable today. I am sending some of my friends to sway you the wrong way. Enjoy!"
We can make anything sound good. We can make anything sound right. We can make anything sound real. It only takes words and pictures. Only God's Word is truth. Only God's view is real. If we don't know it we will easily be decieved. We need to hide His Word in our hearts, meditate on it day and night, be ready to give an answer in season and out of season...these are all scriptures God has given. He values His Word because He knows the importance of it and the power behind it. We need to know it too. God Bless~
Thursday
I Asked, He Gave
PROVERBS 17:19,27
He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Yesterday was one of those days...yes, just one of those days. I couldn't wait for it to be over, yet I knew it wouldn't matter. It was a day that would unfortunately spill into many more to come. Therefore I knew I had to wake up and dive into some Proverbs for some much needed wisdom before I dive into the not-so-much-needed problem that arose yesterday. And as usual God never fails.
I have a saying that goes something like this: "You mess with me you will regret it, you mess with my children watch your back." That saying goes for Satan, sickness or people. I don't like it when anyone or anything attacks my children. They were given to me to protect and if I fail it's my responsibility. It is no different than a wolf attacking a shepherd's flock. That shepherd will do what he needs to protect his flock from danger.
I won't go to the extreme of killing the "wolf" as the shepherd would but I will make my case known and do what I can to protect my children.
In saying that, there was an issue yesterday that arose and threatened the health of one of my children. It was due to the ignorance and lack of communication of the party involved. I was livid! Needless to say I went in shepherd's mode and began attacking the wolves verbally. No one makes my child sick, especially when it could have been avoided. Laziness has attacked this nation all too easily!
Anyway, I didn't get far due to the fact that not all needed parties were there. I have a meeting today with the rest. I came to God this morning needing advice and He gave me these scriptures above. I was ready to go in and argue, more ready than I should have been. My children even sensed it. They asked me a number of times "Mommy, are you going to go yell at the "said party" today?" I realized then that I had been too eager to quarrel.
A man of knowledge uses words of restraint...Now that will take a miracle, one I am willing to accept (the miracle that is). I will need it today. I am not one to handle anger well. An issue God is still helping me with.
Today's challenge isn't for you today. It is for me. Do know this, when you need advice God is always willing to give it. And Proverbs is full of wisdom. God Bless~
He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction.
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.
Yesterday was one of those days...yes, just one of those days. I couldn't wait for it to be over, yet I knew it wouldn't matter. It was a day that would unfortunately spill into many more to come. Therefore I knew I had to wake up and dive into some Proverbs for some much needed wisdom before I dive into the not-so-much-needed problem that arose yesterday. And as usual God never fails.
I have a saying that goes something like this: "You mess with me you will regret it, you mess with my children watch your back." That saying goes for Satan, sickness or people. I don't like it when anyone or anything attacks my children. They were given to me to protect and if I fail it's my responsibility. It is no different than a wolf attacking a shepherd's flock. That shepherd will do what he needs to protect his flock from danger.
I won't go to the extreme of killing the "wolf" as the shepherd would but I will make my case known and do what I can to protect my children.
In saying that, there was an issue yesterday that arose and threatened the health of one of my children. It was due to the ignorance and lack of communication of the party involved. I was livid! Needless to say I went in shepherd's mode and began attacking the wolves verbally. No one makes my child sick, especially when it could have been avoided. Laziness has attacked this nation all too easily!
Anyway, I didn't get far due to the fact that not all needed parties were there. I have a meeting today with the rest. I came to God this morning needing advice and He gave me these scriptures above. I was ready to go in and argue, more ready than I should have been. My children even sensed it. They asked me a number of times "Mommy, are you going to go yell at the "said party" today?" I realized then that I had been too eager to quarrel.
A man of knowledge uses words of restraint...Now that will take a miracle, one I am willing to accept (the miracle that is). I will need it today. I am not one to handle anger well. An issue God is still helping me with.
Today's challenge isn't for you today. It is for me. Do know this, when you need advice God is always willing to give it. And Proverbs is full of wisdom. God Bless~
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