Trust Him, He will bring you through

 

I'm so amazed today of God's faithfulness. He always comes right on time with a word, with help, with your answer.  He knows just how much you can handle and He always calms the storm just in time. So, have faith in God today.  Be encouraged, stand fast. Keep running the race no matter what comes to hinder you.  Find your strength, your shelter in Him.  He'll always come right when you need Him.We serve an awesome God today, don't we.  If you're facing a storm and you think it'll bring your end-stay strong.  Go to that hiding place and find shelter and strength in Him.  Find your rest in Him.  He will deliver you. Right on time.  Just wait and see. What a glorious day that will be.

God IS In Control

Yup, one of those times again...Something great happens, you're on cloud nine in celebrating God's awesome faithfulness to you and then...bam, something just hits you from out of nowhere and you find yourself struggling to believe, condemning yourself for your hypocrisy?  C'mon, I know I'm not the only one.  But isn't that the way it works, sometimes.  You make a decision,  step out on faith, do something for God, determined to go forward and let God use you and BAM...Satan comes to knock you back. Of course, isn't that like the enemy. He's got you saying, "how can you even call yourself a christian, you messed up again, what a poor example you are because you fell into the enemy's trap again.  You'll never do anything for God, you can't even overcome your own weakness."  Maybe it's anger, maybe it's lust, maybe it's pride, maybe it's impatience, everyone has their own private battles, their own Achille's heel that they're working to overcome and the devil knows just where to strike his arrow at us, doesn't he.  BUT, let me tell you that we still serve an awesome, mighty God.  Yes, the enemy may come to hinder you and your armor may get nicked a little, but he will NOT get through to harm you if you remember who you are in God!  Don't dwell in the self-condemnation that the devil throws on you.  Remember who you are!  You're a child of the King.  Yes, the enemy may rear his ugly head and try to frighten you by his display of power, but let me tell you something...our God is GREATER!  Our God is awesome and mightier than anything the enemy tries to throw at you-any temptation, any doubt, any fear...Our God is Greater!  Put your christian music on, dig out your Bible, just start praising Him and glorifying His name.  Read about His many promises to His children and know that  you ARE a child of God if you've dedicated your life to Him.  You're not perfect, no one is, we're all striving for perfection, we're not there yet.  He's the potter and He's still exposing the air bubbles in our vessel, purging us of our impurities so that we can be a beautiful vessel that He can use.  Isn't that what we all want?  So, just start praising God and you'll soon be encouraged and strengthened and you'll see that obstacle for what it really is, an attack of the devil to try to take you out!  To take you down.  Are you going to let Him?  NO!  Throw the word of God in his face.  "No weapon that's formed against you shall prosper." "I've never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging for bread." " God is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  Find your own promise scripture and claim it.  Remind the devil who's child you are and that he's not going to win.  He's not going to be able to touch you or your family, try as he may.  Angels are guarding you, you've got God fighting for you.  "If God be for us, who can be against us."  Put him in his place...under your feet and then STOMP on him!!!!  What a difference you will feel and you can go on praising God, knowing He is going to guide your path.  Trust HIM.  Don't give in to what you see going on around you or what it looks like.  Trust God to see you through and He will.  He's an amazing God. Start thinking about all the great things He's done for you...all the times He's answered your prayers when you thought there was no hope. He WILL do it again. You don't have to know how or when He'll do it...just trust Him.  He is a miracle-working God. You are an overcomer in Jesus.  Stir up your faith. This world may be heading down the wrong path, but don't you give in to your fears.  Be like Noah...even if you are the only person left, you stand.  Know what you know and don't let anything take you off course.  Go to church, worship God and let the word of God strengthen and encourage you.  He'll show you the way and He'll never let you down.  He loves you so much.  Sometimes we just need to trust in Him, no matter what and remember that God is in control.  So, Keep on fighting because we WIN!

   

Be Still

This morning as I watched the news as I do every morning, I started to feel so burdened down about the way this world is heading.  It seems all we hear about is fighting and anger and chaos.  It seems like things have gone so far downhill so fast recently.  I can't help but be reminded that God is coming soon.  Things are really starting to fall apart in this world as our nation has rejected God and calls it "equal rights for all".  A nation that rejects God will surely fall.  If we're not careful, we can get so caught up in the news of the turmoil of this world and forget that this is only our "temporary home".  We are only on this earth for a season. Yes, I am concerned about the things going on in our nation and across the world, but I believe that if we dwell on these things constantly, we'll only get angry and bitter and forget that God is preparing a better home for us.  That's the home we should be more concerned with.  As this world deteriorates more and more, we need to look to God more and more.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, not on the storm surrounding you.  Where is your faith today?  Yes, we try to stay informed as all citizens should so we can make wise decisions and  we certainly should exercise our rights that we're fortunate to still have in this country and stand for what is right and fight to keep God in America as long as possible.  I'm not saying we should isolate ourselves by any means or be ignorant.  What I'm saying is the more we see the end time approaching, the more we need to look up-look up to Heaven, look to God.  Our God is an awesome God. This world is just a foot stool to Him.  He has a plan that's been foretold in scripture and must come to pass, but if we keep our eyes on Him, we can have that hope that we will see Him one day face to face.  He loved this world so much that He suffered and gave His life for us before we were even born so that we could have a hope, so that we could have fellowship with Him and really know him personally.  He wants to be a friend to everyone of us, but we must believe that He is and humbly ask for forgiveness from our sin and lay our lives at His feet and ask Him to come into our hearts and make us more like Him. He'll take the burden that you carry and give you a new hope, a new life. The Bible says in John 3:16-"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish but have everlasting life."  And when people truly understand all that Jesus sacrificed for us and how much God loves us, how can they not want to spend the rest of their lives showing Him how much they appreciate all He's done and sacrificed for us.  But, if they choose to reject Him...if our nation chooses to reject Him...God does not force Himself on anyone, He's given us a free will to choose for ourselves. He calls and He pleads with us, but it is still our choice to heed His call.  If we choose to ignore His voice and say "thanks but not thanks, I want to live the way I want, I don't need you", then we've made our choice to refuse God's love.  But if we turn to Him, with our whole hearts, He will keep us in this end day.  The time is truly short and God will one day say "it's time" and call his people home to be with Him.  So, let's keep our minds and hearts tuned into Jesus.  Keep our minds stayed on Him.  This world is lost and needs Jesus.  Let's redeem the time we have left and reach as many as we can with the gospel of Jesus Christ so they can have that same hope in Jesus that we do.  When things get rough and the battles come, and they will certainly still come, whether you're saved or unsaved, look to Jesus all the more...go to the word of God and get encouragement for your soul...sing a song throughout the day at work, keep joy in your heart in the midst of it all and most of all, stay on your knees, don't neglect your prayer time.  Keep in tune with God, heed His voice and keep that communication line open and just keep on praising Him.  He loves to hear the praises of His people.  Whatever you're going through, I encourage you to put your faith and trust in God-He WILL see you through.  Let your heart rest in Him and Be Still...

            

Continue On

                                                      CONTINUE ON 
        (by Roy Lessin, author of How to Be the Parents of Happy and Obedient Children)


                 A woman fretted over the usefulness of her life.
                 She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother.
                 She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband
                      and children would make a difference.
                 At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did
                      seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated.
                "Is it worth it?" she often wondered.  "Is there something better that I could
                      be doing with my time?"
                  It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard
                      the still, small voice of her Heavenly Father speak to her heart.
                  You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be.
                  Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye, but I notice.
                  Much of what you give is done without remuneration.
                  But I am your reward.
                  Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be
                      without your support.
                  Your influence on him is greater than you think
                      and more powerful than you will ever know.
                   I bless him through your service and honor him through your love.
                   Your children are precious to me.
                   Even more precious than they are to you.
                   I have entrusted them to your care to raise for Me.
                   What you invest in them is an offering to Me.
                   You may never be in the public spotlight, but your obedience shines as a
                       bright light before Me.
                   Continue on.  Remember you are my servant.
                   Do all to please me.
                

Keeping Perspective

                                                                              LOVE
                                                                        by Jim Fowler


                       If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
                           but have not love--I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
                      If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
                           but have not love--my children learn of cleanliness, not godliness.
                      Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
                      Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
                      Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
                      Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
                      Love is present through trials.
                      Love reprimands, reproves and is responsive.
                      As a mother there is much I must teach my child,
                           but the greatest of all is.......LOVE.


Good one to post somewhere in your house to remind yourself everyday of what's the most important thing we can give our kids, especially if you're having one of "those" days.

A Mother's Heart-Teaching Love

As mothers, our plates are so full with all the things that must be accomplished in a day.  We have to work, have appointments, errands to run, a daily schedule to follow, etc. I don't know about you, but I'm certainly guilty of rushing my kids out the door, or telling them we'll do something they want to do LATER because I'm just so busy.  My patience has worn thin many a day.  But who am I really disappointed with? Myself.  If I had just planned things better, gotten up earlier, did this or that, I wouldn't be snapping at the kids, right?  That sets the tone for the day-disappointment and frustration with who? myself.  But who gets the brunt of it? the kids (and sometimes my poor husband).  As mothers, we carry a big weight around-a weight of responsibility.  We want to be the perfect mom perfect house, perfect kids, home-cooked healthy meals, homemade costumes, playful, patient, calm, loving, and supportive, etc.   You get the picture, right-the Beaver's mom.  In reality, we can't do this all on our own.  We have good intentions, yes, but we're human with human weaknesses.  We need God's help to give us strength and to help us overcome these areas.  Michelle Duggar describes her defining frustrating prayer this way: " Father, I don't want my children to remember me as a mama who was constantly fussing at them and raising my voice at them.  I want them to remember me as a joyful and happy mama who loves being with them.  God, please help me in those difficult moments to have the right response to the anger I feel welling up inside me."  Isn't that the prayer of all moms?  God answered her prayer and showed her a better way to handle these situations.  She is still struggling with that issue, because she's human, but she's reminded of the damaging effects that anger has on the kids and so she continues to work at it.  I think that's as honest as they come.  That pretty much sums up my situation exactly.  Stumble, feel bad, apologize to the kids, then stumble again, a continuous cycle, and I wonder what my kids are learning from me exactly.  Now, I've never seen Michelle yell at her kids on their TV show, but it's nice to see that there's hope for moms like me-but she didn't overcome instantly.  She had to work at it. It's a daily struggle that she goes to God in prayer with and He helps her.  We have to do the same thing.  Don't beat yourself up because you fall or have a bad day.  Go to God, talk with your kids, apologize (yes, apologize) be honest with them about your struggle, then go on.  Your kids know you're not perfect.  But if they know you keep picking yourself up, that you're seeking God for help with it, it's hope for them, too, when they face their own struggles. When they see you improving and overcoming, it'll encourage them as well.

Though the following was Michelle's answer and it may indeed help you, I encourage you to seek God for yourself and let Him guide you for the answer to your own  personal situation-He may have a different answer for you.
A soft answer turns away wrath; but grievous words stir up strife. (scripture reference) I'm not going to bicker, not going to nag, not going to ask the kids ten times to do something.  I'm going to lovingly say it once, and if they don't obey, then I'll quickly correct them in love, encourage them in a soft voice to do what's right, and then move on.  I'm going to use a soft, low voice, no matter what.  If they don't listen, I'll follow through with correction, but even then, I'll stay calm and speak softly.

Believe me, this sounds impossible to me right now.  I see my inadequacies and failures, BUT, our God is a God of impossibilities.  Is anything too hard for the Lord?  So, I will put my trust in the Lord and let Him make the change in me.  All He requires is a willing heart, right?  He is the potter, I am the clay.  Who says the potter cannot knock out all the bubbles that are causing imperfections in my pot and mold me into something beautiful.  Who am I to say it's not possible.  If God saved you, forgave your sins, healed your broken heart, filled you with His Holy Spirit and set you on a new course in life, can't he shape you into a wonderful mom, too?  He can do ANYTHING!  All we have to do is trust and believe.  You trust Him with your soul, your family, your finances, your healing, your marriage, why not this?  It doesn't matter what your family background is or what things you experienced as a child, you are not doomed to repeat the mistakes of your parents/caregivers.  You may never have experienced the love of a parent and don't know how to love a child. He can heal you of those hidden hurts, the low self-confidence and fears and replace them with understanding, loving kindness, gentleness, patience, etc.  He can mold you into something beautiful, something after His own heart.  Isn't that what we all want to have-a clean heart, a right spirit.  I challenge you-Give it all to Jesus and watch what He will do with your life.    

            

"But I'm a good person"

If you're my age (40ish), I'm sure you remember Candace Cameron from the television series Full House. I'm sure you're also aware that her brother, Kirk Cameron, is one of the best-known christian actors in Hollywood.  As I was browsing the net, I found this testimony and thought it really made a point.  How many of us judge ourselves by what we see going on around us?  There's so much evil in the world, so many doing such horribly disgusting things, so many with seemingly no morals or values at all and we say to ourselves, "I'm not THAT bad...at least I'm not doing what THEIR doing."  We consider ourselves to be good people.  No, we're not perfect, but we try to follow the golden rule and hey, we're only human, right?  Well, like Candace mentioned in a separate video: when a sheep is viewed against a background of green grass, it looks strikingly white, but when a sheep is put next to a cotton-white sheet hanging on a clothesline, you see how dirty the sheep really is.  It's the background that you hold it against that determines how white the sheep really is.  There's a scene in the movie, Left Behind:Tribulation Force where a man doesn't think he's a sinner, but Kirk Cameron's character shows him just what God's word says a sinner is and he realizes he is one, after all.  When we line ourselves up with God's word, the Bible, the holy scriptures, and really examine our lives, and our secret sins, we realize that we have come short, that we indeed have sinned and are guilty of violating God's laws.  We, too, are in need of a Savior to forgive us, set us free and help us to live for Him.  What you're doing may not seem as bad as what someone else is doing, but sin is still sin.  Have you lied before, even once?  You're a liar.  Have you stole something, even something small?  You're a thief.  Have you lusted after a woman/man that you've seen?  You're an adulterer.  The Bible says even if a man looks at a woman to lust after her, he's already committed adultery with her in his heart.  A liar and a murderer are both sinners and neither will have any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ. (Eph. 5:5) (Rev. 21:8) We've ALL sinned and come short of the glory of God. We ALL need Jesus to forgive us of our sins. God hates the sin, but he loves the sinner.  That's why He sent Jesus-to give us a way out.  He provided the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. He wants to take all the pain, all the hurt, all the guilt that you have and He'll wipe it all away.  In His eyes, you will be a new creature.  All we have to do is ask Him.  Accept the gift God's given to us.  Ask Jesus to forgive you and come into your heart and make you a new person.  Like the woman in the Bible, who was a harlot, Jesus said to those who would've stoned her to death for being caught in the act of adultery, "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone."  No one did and they walked away.  But what did Jesus do then? He said "Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?"  and Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:1-11 KJV) What an awesome gift!  How can we ever repay Him for what He's given for us? 

So, who are we trying to impress?  Who's approval are we really looking for?  Does it really matter that other people seem to be getting away with things or that they've turned their backs on God yet seem to be thriving? It'll only be for a season. God is the final judge.  We're all going to stand before God one day and be judged for all we've done.  What will you say then as your defense?  So-in-so did it so I thought I could too?  It wasn't that bad of a sin? The Bible says in Phil. 2:12, that we must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Take it seriously. Read and Know what God wants for yourself.  It doesn't matter what someone else does, all that matters is what God says about it.  No matter how long you've been serving the Lord or what title you hold in church, we are all human and we need to choose to serve Jesus everyday and stay spirit-filled and stay in communication with God or sin can easily "beset" us too and we'll lose out on Heaven and wonder how that could've happened when we were "good, christian people".

Candace's testimony really spoke to me and I hope it helped you too.  No matter how good a person we think we are, we always need to make sure our lives are lining up with God's word-with His commandments and how He says we should live our lives.  We make that choice everyday-to listen to God or give in to the temptations of this world.  Keep in prayer and reading your Bible daily, examine your self and say "God, show me if there be any sin in me."  so you can deal with it and become pleasing in God's sight-He's the only one who's opinion really matters in the end.  How white will your garment be?