Tag: faith

Disablility, faith, God, Life, Spirituality

What to Do When Life Changes and You End Up Disabled

There will be times of pruning in our lives. Times after Harvest, where God will till the fields of our lives. He is a Good Father, and wants to help us produce more fruit, more wine.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV

faith 7

I guess this is the season where I get to use that Faith Muscle. Not sure I like it. Next month it will be a year since I have been out of work. It definitely is not what I had planned. I was happy working my way up the ladder of Corporate America when BAM, life took a left turn I didn’t expect.

So, here I sit a year later. Last week I was granted Social Security Disability after my first attempt. People told me it would never happen, that I would have to go through at least 3 appeals, hire a lawyer, etc. They were wrong. I did use a service to help me with the paperwork. (If you need help, email me and I’ll send you a link).

Today I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I never wanted to be labelled as Disabled.

Is God mad at me? No, not according to the book of Job. He lost a lot in one day. Did I do something to deserve this? Is it punishment? No, I don’t think God punishes us like that. Jesus took the wrath that we deserved at the Cross. “It is finished.” He said. Well then, I don’t need to carry that wrath.

But why? Isn’t it funny that we as humans always want to know why? Sometimes I remind myself of a toddler. Why Daddy why? As a Good Father, He has vision way beyond my meager view of the world. I guess in this season, I have learned to stop asking Why, and just trust and believe that My Daddy knows what He is doing. I may not know all the answers, but I think I’ll stop my whining at the checkout aisle and see what God has in store for me next!

 

The True Vine

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. – John 15:1-6 

faith 6

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faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

And Then She Got Up – One More Time

What if you got up – just one more time? I understand being stuck. The last 9 months I have been stuck in my recliner due to a multitude of illnesses. I had pretty much given up hope of ever having a normal life again. But then God came to visit.

The presence of God surrounded her with peace and love and mercy. God covered her and loved the illness out.

Romans 12:2
– And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things

faith, God, Hope, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Hold On Quotes to Give God a Minute

One of my husband’s favorite sayings is, “Give God a Minute.” Yeah, I know. I am not the most patient person. I’ll admit it. In this world of drive through food and instant internet access I really have to practice my patience. Here are a few quotes to help us all hold on!

holdon

Hold On Quotes to Give God a Minute

  • “When God is ready for you to move, He will make your situation uncomfortable.” ― Germany Kent
  • “Feed your faith and starve your doubts.” – Kenneth E. Hagin Sr.
  • To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings. – George Mueller
  • “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” – Corrie Ten Boom
  • “Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG
  • “There is no ongoing spiritual life without this process of letting go. At the precise point where we refuse, growth stops. If we hold tightly to anything given to us, unwilling to let it go when the time comes to let it go or unwilling to allow it to be used as the Giver means it to be used, we stunt the growth of the soul. It is easy to make a mistake here, “If God gave it to me,” we say, “its mine. I can do what I want with it.” No. The truth is that it is ours to thank Him for and ours to offer back to Him, ours to relinquish, ours to lose, ours to let go of – if we want to find our true selves, if we want real life, if our hearts are set on glory.” ― Elisabeth Elliot
  • Faith isn’t faith until it’s all you’re holding on to.” – Unknown
  • “Your true love for God is demonstrated through your ability to hold onto your faithfulness in the midst of Prosperity and Poverty, Happiness and Hardships, Sickness and Success; in whatever is Appealing or Appalling!” ― Israelmore Ayivor
  • “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words — And never stops at all.” -Emily Dickinson
  • “ So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” Galatians 6-9-10 MSG
  • “Where God guides, He provides. No matter how things look, God is still in control. Stay in peace and be hopeful. Your blessing is coming soon.” ― Germany Kent
  • “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:26-28 MSG

weary

 

faith, God, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

This Life is Only Temporary

Hey all, been a while. I have recently broken my right arm so typing has been a challenge. No worries, God is more than able to heal. I will be back to my normal sassy self soon, lol! During this process I have to admit I have taken my health for granted. I never really got that sick so I never really thought about it much.

Then, I fell outside, landed on my right elbow. I broke my radius and 3 breaks in my shoulder in the humerus. Ouch! I’m in a sling and the Doc says with Occupational Therapy and time I will heal, but he said my shoulder will never be the same. Great.

So, here I sit, day after day, waiting for my body to heal. I admit, I really don’t like pain. I don’t know of anyone who does. Bone break pain sucks. It keeps me up at night. Then I turn into Cruella Deville. Yep, I’m cranky! Just ask my husband. And there is not a dang thing I can do about it.

I am taking my meds, doing my approved exercises, and wearing this sling and I have to sit and wait. You know me, I don’t like waiting. I love the drive throughs in places. You don’t even have to get out of your car! Can I have a drive through new shoulder please? Yes, and a side of elbow with that. I know, laugh or cry!

Anyway, this time has given me time to reflect. I would get so caught up in the little things that really didn’t matter anyway. This life is only temporary.  This world is not our real home anyway. We are Citizens of Heaven and children of the King of Kings!

citizen

So I set my thoughts on things above and do my best with what I have. It’s not perfect and I would rather be more comfortable, yet I press on to the goal God has set before me. I had to let go of what was, surrender to what is, and have faith in what will be. God is with me and as long as I stick with Him I know I’ll be alright.

I have many sisters in Christ who are helping me. A few of us text each other a Bible Verse every morning. I can’t tell you how this has helped me hold on to my faith during this time of difficulty. Today’s declaration was:

“I am blessed and it’s only a matter of time before things change. What I see now is only temporary. ” 2 Corinthians 4:18

This one got to me. Hallelujah, this too will pass!  This arm thing is only temporary!  Woohoo! I pray you have a blessed day and week, and let’s talk soon!

2corin

behavior, Hope, Life, Quotes, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

14 Quotes on Fear and What to Do with It

Fear. We have all felt it. That paralyzing monster who stops us in our tracks. It comes from different places and each of us have different things that we are fearful of. Dread, terror, fright, dread – you know. But what do we do when we feel afraid?

fear is a liar

14 Quotes on Fear and What to Do with It

  1. Fear can paralyze us and keep us from believing God and stepping out in faith. The devil loves a fearful Christian! – Billy Graham
  2. You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along. – Eleanor Roosevelt
  3. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. -Jack Canfield
  4. Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter. -Francis Chan
  5. Don’t allow fear to hold you hostage, let your faith rest in God! – Lisa Osteen Comes
  6. I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. – Nelson Mandela
  7. If you want to conquer fear, don’t sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. – Dale Carnegie
  8. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. -Yoda
  9. Fear is the thief of opportunity! God hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but He’s given you power, love and a sound mind. Be bold because He is with you! – Victoria Osteen
  10. The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never be overcome. He knows there is no such thing as a fearless warrior or a dread-free artist. – Steven Pressfield
  11. The enemy is fear. We think it is hate; but it is fear. -Gandhi
  12. Fear is a sickness. – Peter Nii Korley
  13. He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
  14. Have no fear, God knows what He is doing. What was meant for evil, He will use to make Himself glorified IN YOU. That means, their evil plans will not work. You’re coming out of this. – Paul A. Adefarasin

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior – Isaiah 43:1-3 NKJV

afraid

faith, God, Music, Religion and Spirituality, Spiritual warfare, Spirituality

My Life is in Your Hands

Saturday mornings I usually stay in my jammies until at least noon. It’s a great way to de-stress and just be. It’s a good time to clean house and listen to music. My Saturday playlist? The Kirk Franklin Radio station from Pandora. Yep, it was a Black Gospel Saturday morning for me!

Every once in a while you hear that song that melts your heart. This Saturday it was “My Life is in Your Hands” by God’s Property.  I heard it and the tears just came. Guess I needed to let it out.  You know, we try and be strong and make it through on our own.  That doesn’t work out so well usually.  Then God puts a song on your playlist and you lose it. That was me on Saturday morning.

It’s been a long few months. There have been many including myself who are fighting battles. Sometimes when you are in the front line you get hit by one of Satan’s Arrows. It happens. But what do we do about it?

ephesians 6

This verse teached me that when  I get hit by one of those arrows from the wicked one, I need to do one thing STAND.

“ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” – Ephesians 6:14-20 NKJV

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13

STAND on the promises that God gave us. He PROMISED to HEAL. He promised to BLESS. He promised to never leave us nor forsake me. He promised to DELIVER us. The LORD wil fight for us!

“And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” – Exodus 14:13-14 NKJV

Standing with you my friends. Here’s the song that melted my heart yesterday:

 

My Life is in Your Hands by God’s Property

You don’t have to worry
And don’t you be afraid
Joy comes in the morning
Troubles they don’t last always
For there’s a friend in Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
And if your heart is broken
Just lift your hands and say
Oh
I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands
With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

So when your tests and trials
They seem to get you down
And all your friends and loved ones
Are nowhere to be found
Remember there’s a friend in Jesus
Who will wipe your tears away
And if you heart is broken
Just lift your hands and say

Oh
I know that I can make it
I know that I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands
With Jesus I can take it
With Him I know I can stand
No matter what may come my way
My life is in your hands

 

warrior2

 

faith, God, Healing, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Getting Up After You Fall

We have all fallen. Some of us have fallen physically, some mentally, some emotionally, some spiritualy. I was down and out today. Messed up my leg tyring to lead an exercise class. Yeah, sometimes I think I am Superwoman and forget to use wisdom. Long story short, spent the morning at the Dr. making sure I didn’t refracture the 2 previously broken bones in my left leg.

I threw out my crutches after I thought I was done with this. Got rid of the cane too I believe. Yesterday my leg was swollen to over twice it’s normal size. What do I do? Ignore it. Yeah, real smart there right? I go to bed thinking it will all be better in the morning.

Wake up and try to walk. Nope. Not a good day to put weight on it. So I limp myself around, admit the truth, call in to work, and head to the Dr. to see if I fractured it again. Back in 2012 I was on a ladder and the ladder broke – broke both the bones in my lower left leg and got a metal rod put in then. I have been through the whole ordeal – the wheelchair, the crutches, the cane, and 3 times in physical therapy. It was a long year, but I recovered. God was with me then and He is with me now.

There is that moment of panic, when all the bad thoughts you have run through your mind as you sit and wait to get in. I hate that part. My mind was going back to those hard days sitting in a wheelchair, trying to make it to the bathroom, and shower, and just get around. Uggh – no, please no – not again.

Finally after 1 1/2 hours I get in, then the nurse, the Dr., the xray – and wait again. Why do we always think the worst in times like that? For me it was probably fear. I didn’t feel like I had control of anything going on, and I certainly didn’t want any bad news. Finally, the Dr. comes back in…

Good news – it’s not fractured! I spent the day with my leg elvated and ice. I don’t like ice, but I did it anyway. I bought a new cane to get around on the way back from the Dr.  Yes, I thought I was done with this stuff but – thank you Jesus, it’s not broken.

I don’t like it when I fall down. I don’t like it when I am hindered in this body. It’s humbling. Maybe that’s why. Maybe I’m just little ‘ole me, and I fall and have to get up. Hey, my crown is crooked and my cape fell off, lol! We like to think we can do all things all the time, and then here comes life and knocks you on your butt.

Has that happened to you?

How did you get up?

Thought I’d look up some verses to hold on to while I get up. I’m way to stubborn to sit here for long, that’s for sure.

Jesus whispers

God’s Word for You:

 “You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:32 NKJV

“So the Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? ” – Joshua 7:10 NKJV

“Shake yourself from the dust, arise;
Sit down, O Jerusalem!
Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck,
O captive daughter of Zion!” – Isaiah 52:2 NKJV

“But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. ” – Acts 26:16 NKJV

“But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Little girl, arise.”” – Luke 8:54 NKJV

jesus-heals

 

faith, God, Hope, Life, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Stand Strong in the Storms of Life

Life can be a storm sometimes. Sometimes it seems like storms come for no good reason. Life doesn’t always make sense. I have had one of those months. I had the flu and was out of work for 4 days. One of my kids was in an accident due to the winter road conditions and my truck got totaled. They were ok, thank God. God protects His kids, that’s for sure. But not the vehicle. Total loss is what they said. The GAP insurance I thought I had didn’t carry over when we changed insurance companies. Ouch. And hey, I just got a bill for the telephone pole that was broken in half, ugh… it’s been a month.

These are the times I have to stand strong and believe that God is with me during the storm, in the waves of trouble and turbulence. Just stand Diana, God knows, God sees, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way. One of my friends made a generous offer for us to buy her deceased husband’s truck. A man I played music with for over 10 years. She is such a blessing to me. My best friend, I love her.

These are the days I have to trust God and believe what He says, even if I don’t see it yet. Guess it’s time to use this faith muscle I have and trust God. I struggle with trust. I have been betrayed, cheated on, rejected…we all have. Trust is a choice. I have chosen to trust the wrong people in my past. I was so naive. I trusted everyone and got hurt. Time and wisdom teaches you to test the spirits. Not everyone should be trusted. There are a lot of liars out there.

But what about God? Truthfully, I am still learning to trust Him. It’s new. He is faithful, that is new. He is honest, that is new. He is truthful, that is new. Yeah, kinda blows my mind sometimes! I am learning to stand on His Word, just cause He said it.

What about you? How do you learn to trust God and stand strong?

Bible Verses About Standing Strong

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” – Ephesians 6:11

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 5:5-11 NKJV

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NJKV

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV

“Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.” – Philippians 4:1 NKJV

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:19-25 NKJV

“But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Anxiety, faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

6 Ways to Overcome Anxiety in the Chaos of Mass Shootings

We live in perilous times. Anger and evil are rising. There are so many psychos out there taking innocent lives. It can be sobering. We feel so out of control as evil people kill innocent victims. There is no reason. They are psycho. But how can we react in times of chaos and senseless violence? How do we overcome our anxiety in these days of shootings?

dont be afraid

6 Ways to Overcome Anxiety in the Chaos of Mass Shootings

1. There is good and there is evil in this world. There will be chaos and confustion. God told us ahead of time.  These are the beginning of sorrows. We are in the last days.

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will bethe sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?”

And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.  And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” -Matthew 24:3-14 NKJV

2.  Whether we live or whether we die we belong to the Lord. Trust him with whatever happens next.

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. – Romans 14:8-9 NKJV

3. Have faith that God will get you through these last days. Jesus has faith in you and your family and He will be with you here and in Heaven. This world is not our home. We were made for eternity and to live with Jesus in Heaven.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:1-6 NKJV

4. Our days are numbered in the Book of Life. Trust God that He knows when we are coming home to live with Him. He has put eternity in our hearts. We are citizens of Heaven just trying to make it through this world. We are only passing through. This is not the end, just the beginning.

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. – Psalm 139: 13-16 NKJV

5. Limit your news time and phone time. Whatever you feed will grow. I know people who watch every news story and read every article out there. They feed their fear. The more you feed it the bigger it will grow. Instead, feed your faith. Read the Word, pray, meet with other believers. Strengthen yourself in the most holy faith.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what isthat good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:1-2 NKJV

6.  In uncertain times, remind yourself of one thing that stays the same – God and His love for you. God is faithful. God is true. God will never leave you. God is true. God loves you now and forever. He will lead the way when it is time to leave this world and join Him in Heaven. Trust Him.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.  – Lamentations 3:22-23 NKJV

anxiety psalms

faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

God is Looking to Bless You and Your Family

Sometimes I wake up really early.  Not by choice, my time clock just goes off. So what is a girl to do at 4:30 am? I don’t want to turn the TV on and wake up everyone in the house. So usually I read.  I meet with God and read His word to get some peace and direction for the day. Call me weird I guess. I know not everyone does this, that’s ok. It’s what I do to learn more about God and His ways.

So, the other morning I am in 2nd Samuel. Not like I knew where to go, it was the verse of the day in BibleGateway.com. I like that app. Sometimes I’ll read a new version to get spice things up a bit. So I went to the Message version. Remember, it’s 4:30 in the morning. Idk if I would get the King James Version that early. The coffee has just started flowing!

It’s a story about David and how he was looking for someone to bless. He asked if there was anyone in Saul’s house he could bless. Yeah, Saul, the dude who tried to kill him. And yes, Saul had a son. So David blessed him. He asked him to come on over to the palace and move in. He asked him to come and eat with him everyday from that day forward.

The Old Testament is like a shadow. To me this story of David is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Jesus wants to bless even your enemies and your enemies children. They are invited to the table.  No wonder God says to bless your enemies and return good for evil. David was honoring Jonathan in this. 

GOD is so good He is looking for someone to bless!

This also tells me that God will hunt down your children and bless them, just because you have chosen to follow God and His ways. I have seen it in my life. Our children are blessed. Our children are provided for and have many opportunities that only the King of King could have provided!

You are invited to the table my friend, warts and lameness and all. God wants to bless you and show you His loving kindness. It’s not about us and what we do or don’t do. It’s His nature, ots who He is, He is Blessing! 

Come and eat!

God’s Word For You:

An Open Table for Mephibosheth

“One day David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family? If so, I’d like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan.”

It happened that a servant from Saul’s household named Ziba was there. They called him into David’s presence. The king asked him, “Are you Ziba?”

“Yes sir,” he replied.

The king asked, “Is there anyone left from the family of Saul to whom I can show some godly kindness?”

Ziba told the king, “Yes, there is Jonathan’s son, lame in both feet.”

“Where is he?”

“He’s living at the home of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.”

King David didn’t lose a minute. He sent and got him from the home of Makir son of Ammiel in Lo Debar.

When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan (who was the son of Saul), came before David, he bowed deeply, abasing himself, honoring David.

David spoke his name: “Mephibosheth.”

“Yes sir?”

“Don’t be frightened,” said David. “I’d like to do something special for you in memory of your father Jonathan. To begin with, I’m returning to you all the properties of your grandfather Saul. Furthermore, from now on you’ll take all your meals at my table.”

Shuffling and stammering, not looking him in the eye, Mephibosheth said, “Who am I that you pay attention to a stray dog like me?”

David then called in Ziba, Saul’s right-hand man, and told him, “Everything that belonged to Saul and his family, I’ve handed over to your master’s grandson. You and your sons and your servants will work his land and bring in the produce, provisions for your master’s grandson. Mephibosheth himself, your master’s grandson, from now on will take all his meals at my table.” Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.

“All that my master the king has ordered his servant,” answered Ziba, “your servant will surely do.”

And Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, just like one of the royal family. Mephibosheth also had a small son named Mica. All who were part of Ziba’s household were now the servants of Mephibosheth.

Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem, taking all his meals at the king’s table. He was lame in both feet.” – 2 Samuel 9:1-13 MSG

 

faith, God, Hope, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

God Will Restore All that has been Lost in the Hurricanes and Fires and Earthquakes

God will restore all that has been lost this past year in the midst of the hurricnes, fires,and earthquakes in our land. It has been a season of natural disasters. As Sister Bonnie taught us last week, the Earth is getting tired, just like us. The Earth is longing for  a Savior, just like us.

 

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
Then look to the earth beneath;
For the heavens will be torn to pieces and vanish like smoke,
And the earth will wear out like a garment
And its inhabitants will die in like manner.
But My salvation will be forever,
And My righteousness (justice) [and faithfully fulfilled promise] will not be broken.” – Isaiah 52:6 AMP

And it is your FAITH that will get you there.

Faith

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6

By faith Moses belived, by faith Noah Believed, by faith Abraham believed, by faith…Remember Hebrews 11? The FAITH chapter!

Now, a moment of truth, it may be restored in the world or you may have to wait – but it will be resotred in the world to come.

Are you ready for the next chapter of your life? God is with you.

Seem impossible right now? God is with you.

Just like He was with the Disciples in the boat during that storm He is with you.

Remember what He said – we are going to the OTHER SIDE!

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“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]. For by this [kind of] faith the [a]men of old gained [divine] approval.
By faith [that is, with an inherent trust and enduring confidence in the power, wisdom and goodness of God] we understand that the worlds (universe, ages) were framed and created [formed, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose] by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” – Hebrews 11: 1-3 AMP

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Besides, this is not the end of God’s story.

He is not finished yet – with us or with his plan.

Yeah, this part kinda sucks. Nobody likes disasters. Nobody likes hardships, or no electricity, or floods, or fires. That is not from God. He didn’t send it. He is for us, not against us. He is WITH US in the storm. And the new Earth will look way different than this one – way better – He promised!

Do you know Him?

Have you met Him, this Jesus?

He’s kinda a big deal…

 

New Heavens and a New Earth
“Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth;
And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.

“But be glad and rejoice forever over what I create;
Behold, I am creating Jerusalem to be a source of rejoicing
And her people a joy.

“I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people;
And there will no longer be heard in her
The voice of weeping and the sound of crying.” – Isaiah 65: 17-19 AMP

 

God will restore.jpg

 

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