Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Courage

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

     It was 2009 when the movie came out.  A family was shipwrecked on an island and no one knew where they were.  The husband and father was severely injured, so the wife and her step-daughter fought for survival for all three of them.  The biggest problem they faced, wasn't the shipwreck, or the injury, but the grizzly bear they came upon.  A deputy and his companion were after the bear at that time, but had no idea the family was out there.  The woman and girl had to get all of them out, so they made a make-shift stretcher for the man, to travel to find help.  They even went across the river, and the man almost drowned.  I just saw this movie yesterday for the first time on Netflix and was amazed at the courage it took them to survive.  And the movie was by that name, "Courage".  It starred Jason Priestly, Andrea Roth and Genevieve Buechner. I won't tell you if the bear ate them for his supper, or if the man survived his injuries, or if they even got rescued.  If you haven't watched it, go watch it.  It's well worth it.  But I will tell you that through their ordeal, they mustered up the courage to survive.

     The Lord tells us to be courageous and not be afraid.  I doubt they weren't afraid in this movie, who really wouldn't be?  But they did have the courage to get through it.  And in the story they asked God right away for Him to get them through it.  God is with us through it all.  Through getting married, having babies, kids graduating college, car wrecks, cancer and death.  He will also give you courage to fight all battles that life brings upon you, if you allow Him to.  Putting in all we have to Jesus is what it takes to have the courage at times, when things seem bleak and we are despairing.  Joshua had to fight not only a physical battle, but a spiritual battle as well, and God told him to have the courage and not be afraid.  We may not fight in a war, like many today do, but I can tell you that all of us have either spiritual battles or battles with illness, struggles of life, and loss.  Don't give up when something comes up that you think you cannot handle.  God is there to handle it for you.

     I'm really big into inspirational movies on Netflix and on cable this time of year, whether it's about Christmas or the courage to survive.  These movies give me inspiration to write more on these things and think and reflect what is going on in this world and in my life.  I read quite a bit of course too, and find out new things daily that need working on or thought or prayed about.  I read things and watch things and wonder how we as Christians should react if we were in the characters' place.  What do you need courage for today?  Is it as simple as passing a science test in high school, which really isn't all that simple, or is it as difficult as getting your entire family out of the dangers of a shipwreck and being caught in nature's elements?  Find courage in everyday life, from the smallest to the biggest and rejoice that God has a handle on your life, no matter how it all works out. 

     

Thursday, November 15, 2012

     Luke 6:31
"And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise".

     How do you treat others?  Do we treat them with kindness or do we treat them with contempt?  Do you treat them with love or do you hate others?  Do you have patience or do you not wait on God?  And the real question here is, how do you want to be treated?  Do you want kindness, or contempt?  Do you want to be loved, or to be hated?  Do you want people's patience with you, or do you want them just to throw up their hands and give up on you?  What are you willing to do to be treated how you want others to treat you?

     I have learned the hard way, that no matter how others treat me, I need to treat them how I want them to treat me.  I sometimes fail at that.  When I don't get my way, I treat others badly at times.  I don't think in terms of how Jesus treated others in spite how they treated Him.  If we want love, we need to love.  If we want acceptance, we must accept others for who they are.  If we want others to be kind to us, we must be kind.  

     Galatians 5:22-23 states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  Against such there is no law".  We as Christians need to show Jesus' light, and we do that through the Spirit's fruit.  If we don't, we are disobeying God and not doing what's according to His Will.  I write this knowing that I haven't lived as I should, and I hope that through the Holy Spirit's conviction in my life, I will learn to treat others how I want to be treated, no matter the cost, because Jesus treated others as He wanted to be treated at the cost of His life.  I hope to learn from Christ's example.  Will you also?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Encouragement

     Just in the last year I have seen a lot of trials and sorrow in the lives of others.  I have seen loss, discouragement, illness, confusion and much more.  We go through life wondering why, and sometimes we think we go it alone.  Sometimes we do go it alone.  We go through trials so that we can comfort others.  We encourage others who are struggling.  That is what suffering brings at times, sharing comfort with others because we in some sense know what it's like.  Encourage one another when trouble strikes a friend or loved one, especially if you have "been there".  

     I have struggled with many things and I hope to encourage others, but sometimes I fail.  Just a kind word to someone who is hurting, though they may not be kind to you, will make a difference.  Step out in faith when others aren't very nice because of a situation they are in, and encourage them.  I have to be taught this daily and wonder why I haven't gotten the hint yet.  All kidding aside, we do not live on this earth alone or go through trials alone.  Encouragement is something we all need to experience and give.  

     Christmas is just around the corner and we all are out shopping for the right gifts.  How about giving something you don't shop for, how about the gift of encouragement?  Many people this time of year struggle with loss or a place to live and we are out shopping, not thinking of those who hurt.  What can we do to change the lives of others who need encouragement?  Do you need encouragement?  Would you give encouragement?  Have you been in someone's shoes that needs encouragement?  This Christmas I hope to spend more time with friends and family, just listening and caring, than spend shopping frantically for the "perfect gift".  Actually the perfect gift IS encouragement.  We all hurt at one time or another.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Thankfulness

     With Thanksgiving coming up in the United States, we find ourselves thinking of thankful statements.  We realize how God has blessed us each year.  The question is, why do we wait for Thankgiving Day or the entire month of November to be thankful?  Yes, Thanksgiving is a celebration of thankfulness, but are we thankful in January, May, July or December?  Are you thankful for the New Year?  Are you thankful for Spring after a cold winter?  Are you thankful that in the United States we have our independence?  Are you thankful that Christ was born into this world to later die for our sins?  And what about those of you in other countries?  When are you thankful and what are you thankful for?  With each passing trial and tribulation, we ask why this is happening, but should we be thankful for what God has given us, like the strength to endure hardships?  What do you think?

     God created man in His own image.  That's enough for me to be thankful everyday of my life.  God loved us so much that He made us in His own image!  Wow!  That is amazing and we know from that, that we are special.  Whatever the day brings, find something to be thankful for. When I wake up each day, I thank God.  Each day we live has a promise and we all should be thankful for that.  In James it says to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials".  Be thankful that God uses trials to ultimately give you true peace and joy and victory over Satan's darts.  To be thankful in hard time takes courage and faith.  It is very tough, but God doesn't give us what we can't handle.  

     Take the courage and have faith that "all things work together".  Many people in the Bible had the courage and faith to thank God in the midst of tribulation.  Will I?  Will you?  Pray for it daily that you can find thanksgiving in every situation.  God gave us life for a purpose.  Trust Him that He will bring you through anything you go through.  I have struggled with several things this year and have wondered why at times.  But I think now how God has strengthened me and has showed me His love and comfort.  My faith has increased because I went through the things I did, and I am thankful for that.  He wants to draw us closer to Him, and sometimes that means going through hardships.  Thankgiving Day brings us to that realization that we are blessed everyday.  How about we realize that all year?  Let's be thankful at all times.



Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Pray For Your Enemies

     It's easy for anyone to pray for those who they love and care for, who have been a blessing and loved them back, who haven't denied their freedom or have never harassed or persecuted them in any way.  But who prays for their enemies?  Should we?  Yes, indeed we should.  Jesus says we should.  It may be difficult to pray for those who abuse and mistreat you, or for those you don't agree with, but we must.  We all need Jesus' forgiveness.  No one is immune to sin.  We've all been there and are there daily.  Everyone needs prayer, and everyone should pray for one another.

     Pray for the salvation of those who don't believe.  Pray for pastors and preachers.  Pray for your country.  Pray for those who lead your country, whether or not you agree with them.  Pray for murderers and rapists and thieves.  Pray for your enemies.  Pray without ceasing.  When Jesus was on the cross, there were two thieves on both sides of him.  He forgave those who put Him on the cross and prayed for the thieves.  One thief went to heaven for believing that He was the Messiah.  Jesus ministered to murderers, thieves, prostitutes and such, and some turned their lives around.  That's what it is all about.  Bringing people to the Truth of Jesus.  "Go out into the world and make disciples", Jesus tells us.  If we pray first, then people will turn from evil to righteousness.

     Praying should not be our last resort, it should be our first priority.  Praying can sometimes be difficult, especially if we are called to pray for those we want to hate or we just don't get along with.  Please by all means not only pray for those you love, but also do as Jesus said, and pray for those who persecute you.  Be blessed today.   

Monday, November 5, 2012

Let Freedom Ring

Galatians 5:1
Christian Liberty ] Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

     On the eve of the United States election, we as Christians and all Americans should stand for our freedoms.  I don't want to make this a political blog, but point out that God gave us the freedom to choose between good and evil and when Christ came upon this earth, we now have freedom in Him.  America is based on the biblical freedoms we need to follow.  We do have the right to choose, but at what cost?  Do we stand firm on the beliefs of God's Word or do we defile the name of Jehovah by going against what He stands for and what is written in the Bible?  Choose wisely.  Yes, you can have the desires of your heart, but need to also consider first, God's desire for your life.  If we choose righteousness, we have our freedoms.  If we choose sin, we are in Satan's bondage.  

     How ever you believe is not for me to judge.  God accepts us for who we are, but He also wants to mold us to go according to His will for our lives.  It may seem like God is forcing us into His submission, but yet, He gives us freedom to choose because He loves us that much.  It is our choice to follow Him or not.  He doesn't hate us, but He hates our sin.  John 3:16 states that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall have eternal life", and that's our freedom in Him.  It's not about Republicans, it's not about Democrats, it's about Jesus.  It's not about our views, it's about what Jesus stands for.  Our own selfish desires that are not what God wants for you causes us to give up our freedoms, whether in a nation or in our own personal spiritual walk with Him. 

     Freedom always comes with a price.  Men and women fight for our freedoms for our nation, and many have died.  Jesus fought for our freedom from sin by dying on that horrible cross of Calvary.  Yes, sometimes the cost is our lives, but in the end it's worth it.  Let's not take for granted our freedom of speech, press, religion and so on.  And let's not take for granted our freedom in Christ by choosing to disobey Him.  Those of you who are in countries with limited freedoms, rejoice that Christ gives you freedom, and the suffering you endure because of your belief in Him will give you a crown in Glory.  Praise God for the freedoms we have, especially in Jesus.  Vote tomorrow if you are able.  Pray for your country and God bless America and you! 

     

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Seeking the Truth

     I having been seeking the truth earnestly for six years now and have been trying to blog about truth for the last year.  I've struggled with the truth the whole time, asking and seeking.  From time to time, I have said and thought some things that may have not been the truth and for that I apologize.  Taking a stand for the truth takes courage, patience and risks of ridicule.  It is also a journey of seeking what God has in store for you.  It is a daily struggle in a world that is so wrapped up in sin, that the lies that Satan tells us, seem to be the truth.  We live in a world that rejects Jesus at times, so those of us that believe in Jesus must stand up and be heard.  Christians are not perfect and have failed at times in doing what Jesus told his disciples to "Go out into the world and make disciples."

  We need to stand at all times for the Truth, even when it is unpopular and we get ridiculed for it.  Stand up to the Truth in love at all times.  I post this blog daily and would like your input with the truths of Jesus, and if i stray from the truth, challenge me in it.  I am seeking as much as the next person and the best way for us to seek is to make each other accountable, be in the Word, and pray.  Tell God your sorrows, concerns and desires when it comes to His Truth.  There seems to be many truths out there, but there, in reality, is one Truth: The Word of God.  There may be some who read this blog and disagree with me and say that the Bible is just fairy tales.  I respect their opinion and will pray for them to seek the Truth as it states in the Bible.  I will not cower to those who criticize the truth.  I will take a stand in seeking the Truth.

  There are many opinions out there, but there is only one constant; God and His Word (which is, in fact, one).  His promises are true and I have seen miracles in my life and the lives of others.  You don't have to agree with me and that is OK.  I want to seek the truth and share it with others, in love, at any risk.  We live in a world where Christianity is conforming to the world, and we must not conform to worldly matters, but stand for the Truth.  We have to work, go to school, shop at the grocery store and eat at restaurants.  We must live in this world but not be of it.  We must take responsibility and stand.  We must fight the good fight, to the finish.  If we don't, the truth will not be known to the next generations and we will stop going out and making disciples.  Are you seeking the Truth?  I am willing to seek the Truth.  As it was said in the popular TV show, The X-Files, "The Truth is Out There", the meaning may be different in the Truth that we need to seek, but, it is true that the Truth IS out there.  Seek it today!  God bless!

   

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Love Your Neighbor and Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

     In this time of unrest in the world with terrorism, persecution, war and in the United States, the presidential election, we tend to hate our "enemies" instead of loving them and praying for them.  Jesus says to bless those who hate you and curse you, and pray for those who are spiteful to you and those who persecute you.  I take that stand now.  I'd like to walk the path of Jesus as He walked and He still does.  Ephesians 6:10-13 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  We are not to fight among ourselves.  It's the devil we are up against.  Jesus gave His life for all of us, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Republicans and Democrats.  He also gave His life for murderers, rapists, thieves, homosexuals and those who have abortions.  He gave his life for Adolf Hitler, Charles Manson, Ted Bundy and Jim Jones as well as Sadam Hussein and Osama Bin-Laden.

     "Wait!", you say, "These are enemies of God!"  But Jesus said love them, bless them and pray for them.  Whatever your beliefs are, these that I mentioned may have you reeling in anger.  And to say to love those who have terrorized and killed many may have you reeling as well, but we must love them.  Do you agree with them?  Do you condone their behavior?  It doesn't matter.  God created us, whether or not we follow Him or not and He wants us all to believe in His Son, Jesus.  How can those people, who are our enemies believe on the Lord Jesus Christ?  By believers everywhere loving their enemies to the point of praying for them and blessing them.  Yes, they need to pay for their actions, but also they need a Savior to change their hearts and minds, and that's why Jesus came.  1 Peter 5:8-9 says, “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.”  I know it's a hard thing to do and they need to take their responsible part and resist evil, but Jesus loves all of us, including those who we don't agree with or those who are clearly evil.

     Agreeing or disagreeing with others actions doesn't matter, Matthew 7:12 says to treat others like you want to be treated.  Jesus went among the murderers and thieves and adulterers.  He wanted them to have eternal life in spite of what they did to others and to Him.  In politics in the United States today, we have those who love Romney and those who love Obama.  We also have those who hate Romney and hate Obama.  We should all show respect and love for both no matter our political view.  Jesus didn't come to save us politically, He saved us from our sins.  He also instructed us to go out and spread the gospel to the world?  Are we doing that?  In a loving manner?  If not, think again and repent and pray.  This may not be popular to some, but as this blog's title says, it's Truth In Life.  Wherever you stand, Jesus came to die for you.  Don't hate.  Love.

Monday, October 29, 2012

The Storms In Life

     I have been doing a devotion from Open Doors called Standing Strong Through the Storm, which deals with the Persecuted Church, also we are in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a potentially massive storm.  Throughout my life I have seen a few other hurricanes like Andrew and Katrina and how destructive they were.  Reading through the devotion and seeing how people have been given the strength to withstand the storm of persecution and going through personal "storms" in my life, which one of them is that both my kids are in the path of destruction from Hurricane Sandy, I ask you, how do you stand strong through your storms?  There are many I know who are now struggling through the storm of illness.  There are some that are going through the storm of taking care of those who are sick.  Children rebel.  Marriages crumble, and people mourn the death of family members and friends.  There are many storms we face each day in our lives.  None of us are immune.

     Lives are changed each day by trials and tragedy that leave those feeling empty, alone and afraid and feeling there is no hope, but there is hope.  Knowing there is hope doesn't make these situations any easier, but in a sense, if you know there is hope, it will give you peace.  Jesus was in the midst of the storm when He and Peter walked on water.  Peter took his eyes off Jesus and Jesus saved him from certain death.  What is your storm?  And how do you deal with your storm?  Do you have the faith of the mustard seed?  Do you trust that Jesus uses these storms to strengthen you against Satan?  Do you trust Him to bring you through the storms?  We wonder why things happen to us and how it will all be OK in the end.  "How?", we ask.  Jeremiah 29:11 tell us that God has a plan for us.  It also says in the Bible that our ways are not His and His plan is right for all of us.

     It's easy to say "do not worry" or "don't be afraid", it's easier said than done.  No one ever said or been through a "storm" that was easy, but, Jesus is there to carry you through the storm.  You cannot stand up against the storm on your own strength.  In the weather storms we get each year, there are those who help others who are caught in them.  In the "storms" of life, Jesus rescues you.  Remember that when you are in the midst of a storm, you are not alone.  Those of you who are being persecuted for your faith, in the paths of tornadoes, blizzards or hurricanes, you who are mourning a death or struggling with illness, wayward children or broken relationships, know that God is there.  He will never leave you or forsake you, no matter what you have done or who you are.  Just trust Him and have faith.

     My prayers go out everyday for those who are struggling in any storm.  Be safe and prepared if you are in the path of Hurricane Sandy or whether the trials in your lives are weighing down on you.  Be blessed

Monday, October 15, 2012

Pride

     For the last few weeks my mom and I have been in the middle of moving, and in that process, I have not felt all that well.  I have a condition called Chiari Malformation and it can be very debilitating.  A year ago I collapsed at church while having a seizure because of my illness.  It was the first time in years that this condition flared up and I wasn't sure at first what it was, but soon realized the culprit in all this.  I had surgery to stop the progression of Chiari back in 1998 and had difficulties for awhile, then I got "better".  I thought my days of being ill from that were over, but I was wrong.  I came back to California from Illinois, where I had lived for 14 years, to be with my mom, because she needed me to be there.  She didn't think so at first, but she soon realized differently.  I did whatever she wanted me to do and tried my best to help her out.  God wanted me to go live with her not only to help her with things around the house and yard and when we was sick, but also to show her the love of God.  I got so wrapped up in helping her with things I shouldn't have been doing and not focusing on what God wanted.

     There was a spiritual battle going on, and a battle with me sharing with her the "truth", so I gave up.  I started to believe that I wasn't there with her for the reason I thought.  My patience was almost non-existent and God wasn't working fast enough, so I thought.  Then came last year, 2011.  I went back to see my son graduate college and when I got back, my mom got very ill and had to have surgery.  I had to be the one to take care of business as usual, while she was recovering.  She got better and we both made a trip back to see my son get married.  About a week later I got a cold or flu or something, then I got migraines.  I was sick for awhile and then it happened.  I collapsed.  No one knew what was happening and it took months to see a neurologist and get tests done.  The neurologist wasn't sure at first what was happening and in the meantime I was telling every doctor about my condition.  Finally after all the tests were taken, we found I had a seizure.  I had to slow down.  I still continued to help my mom with things I shouldn't have been doing.  And I refused to look at the truth.  This wasn't going to go away.

     So now it's about a year later and I had another seizure and I wanted it to be fixed.  I already knew it couldn't be, but denied it.  I was proud in the fact that I could take on work on my own strength and continue in my denial that I needed to not do too much.  I was proud in the fact, while moving this year, that "I" could do this.  I recited "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me", but denied the fact that I wasn't the only one who could help my mom and I move.  We did have help with friends and a moving company, but my excuse for pushing myself was that I didn't want to disappoint my mom.  She had no clue as to how bad this illness could be until last week, because, again I was too proud.  Yes we can do all things...through Christ, and He does give us strength, but we as humans do have limitations and I hadn't accepted that.  "I" wanted to be there to help my mom.  "I" wanted God to heal "me".  "I" wanted answered prayers quickly in my time.  

     Proverbs 16:18
"Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."
     And that's what happened.  I fell.  And literally.  God has shown me that I need to humble myself and to trust Him in everything.  He's shown me that things are done in His timing, not mine.  We have to realize our strengths and weaknesses and realize that God can use those for His purpose, in His time.  I practically fought with my doctor when he said there was nothing he could do but just monitor me and my medication.  "I" wanted an answer.  I did get an answer though.  Through over the course of this year, especially in the moving process, my mom is coming back to God.  God has shown Himself to her and she notices.  That is awesome!  If I would have done what I was suppose to do, it may have been a little different, easier.  Like Jonah in the Bible, I strayed and lost focus.  I wanted it all "my" way, not God's way.  

     When God calls you to do His service, do not take it upon yourself to do it.  Let Him work in His way and His timing.  Be patient and wait and be faithful.  I not only gave up on ever showing my mom the love of God, but I gave up on God showing Himself to her.  He showed Himself to me also through all of this.  When we get to a place where we think we have all the answers, we need to think again.  God is definitely in control and when we control a situation, we end up like me, falling, or like Jonah, being swallowed by a whale.

     It's good to be back, but I still don't know how many times a week I will blog, but I will leave it up to God.  God bless and just trust Him!

Friday, September 28, 2012

I'm Back! Here and There

     I haven't been blogging lately because I have been busy moving and also dealing with health issues in the middle of all this moving business.  Needless to say, it's been difficult.  I don't know how many times a week I'll be blogging for awhile, but when I have the time and health I will.

     Now, with that said, difficult times and changes in life can wear on a person.  We get tired and weary.  Angry and frustrated.  We tend to lose focus on the bigger picture.  Change and difficulties happen to all of us.  We don't like change at times and we never like difficulties, but they are ever present.  The biggest problems I have are, "What will happen next?" and "How will God work it all out for good.  The move was great, let me say, but the process is painstaking and time consuming, nevertheless, stressful.  Thank goodness it was just down the street.  Living with my mom for four years now, then moving from a house to an apartment is very interesting, considering my mom has collected over fifty years of stuff.  I also have way too many clothes and shoes and the stuff in the my bathroom has two bagfuls of stuff, and I didn't think I had that much!  With each move I've made in my life I've had to let go of stuff.  My mom is learning she has to let go as well and it has been tough. All change is like that.  There are things we have to let go of.  

     That now, brings me to health issues.  I have what's called Chiari Malformation and Syringomyelia, which means that my brain stem has been pushed down into my spinal column and has cause holes in my spinal cord.  There are things I had to let go of when it began to affect me fourteen years ago.  Today while riding in the car with my mom, we drove by the bowling alley.  Bowling was one of my favorite things but can no longer do it.  I was also reminded in my devotions about how I use to play volleyball and no longer can do that either.  About the only exercise I can get is to walk.  I use to walk about two miles about three or four times a week, but have had some difficulty in that even, lately.  BUT, I CAN walk, and that is amazing considering my first neurosurgeon I had was very surprised that I could and that was fourteen  years ago.  It was hard to let go of the things that I use to do and it's still hard to deal with the fact that I have limits.  Lately I've learned that no matter what we go through in life, God takes care of us and He provides ways for us that are unbelievable to most people, and everyday is good, in spite of circumstances.

     We must endure to the end and do it gracefully, not kicking and screaming, which I have done.  I have kept thinking of Philippians 4:13 all week.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  That keeps me going lately.  I want to take "I can't" out of my vocabulary and replace it with, "I can...through Christ."  We can not do it all, I have found out, but we can do all things through Jesus Christ.  Life will bring pain and strife and there will be changes.  It's how we look at life that makes the difference.  It's also trusting in God that He will supply all you need.

    God bless to you all!  Have a great weekend!

Sabrina

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Things We Just Don't Understand

     Today I'm at my wit's end.  Several older friends have had or have illnesses, some worse than others.  I have battled with an illness for the last year.  I think to myself, "God's got it under control".  I supposedly have "faith" that it will all work out, but do I really believe it?  Today it all came to a head when I got a call about a young friend who is really sick.  I really don't understand any of this nor do I like it at all.  People always ask why and for good reason.  No, God does not want us to worry.  He wants us to trust Him when things go wrong, but that doesn't mean He doesn't understand us and how we work.  Bad things happen in life, and no, we don't understand.  The two most powerful words in the Bible or even in all language are "but God".  But God is there with us to help us through pain.  But God comforts us.  But God gives us strength.  But God brings us to Himself.

     It's never easy and for awhile I thought it was.  Just trust, just have faith.  But God gave us emotions for everyday life, our ups and our downs and our sideways too.  I am an emotional person and either let everyone know it when the emotion comes or I stuff it and call it faith, then I really let everyone know all at once---all my emotions.  Picture that if you will.  Not a pretty picture, huh?  In my life lately there have been a lot of troubles, mostly with illnesses and when we don't understand what's going on we sometimes doubt.  Honestly, I don't doubt God's plan, I just don't understand it, but I have doubted before and so do many others.

     I guess what I'm trying to get across is this; though it says in the Bible not to worry or doubt and count it all joy when we suffer, we still wonder why and don't understand, but God does know why and He understands it all.  My heart is heavy with all that is going on, but I do trust Jesus will be there when we need Him.  I may cry a little, but knowing that I can count on Jesus, gives me hope.

Monday, September 17, 2012

T*R*U*T*H* in Our World

     I just want to say that I am finally back blogging after a 12-day absence.  I have been battling an ongoing illness that through me for a loop.  I'm glad to be back.  I still may not blog daily because I am in the process of moving and am quite busy, but here is my blog post for today.


     Isn't it amazing how the Truth of the Bible has been so twisted in our times?  Lies become truths and truths become lies, in the eyes of the world.  Muslims are not to be treated harshly, but Christians can be treated badly.  This is in no way a political blog today, but in view of the times, I thought I would bring it up.  No one should be treated harshly for their beliefs, at no time.  God gave us free-will to be used as we want it to be used.  The Bible also states that Christians will be persecuted as Jesus was.  Some even killed, as Jesus was.  Should we hate Muslims?  No.  We need to love them and pray for them as Jesus loves them. From the beginning of time, people of different nationalities and religions have hated one another.  Jesus says to love one another and He also says to love our enemies.

  Some people say we are in the end times, and some people say, "Well they have been saying that for centuries."  We, in reality do not know when Jesus will come again, but we should be ready.  If we as Christians are persecuted, so be it.  Stand firm in your beliefs as followers of Christ.  Don't back down, but do so in love.  Let's not hate those who hate us.  Let's love each other as Christ loves us.  The truth in this world is that the world is full of hate, and we as Christians must be ready for the battle ahead.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

More of The Word

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.


Our own understanding of life is not the same as what God does for us.  Trust Him and He will direct your path, whether or not things go well or not.  There are a lot of things I just don't understand, but I trust God knows what He is doing.  If you are discouraged or dismayed, don't worry, lean on Jesus and trust Him through your pain.  

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

God's Word

Psalm 139:13-15

13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully andwonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.



     I thought, that once in awhile, I would just share a verse to encourage others in the journey called life.  If you feel that you were a mistake and are worthless, remember these words.  God bless each and every one of you!


Sabrina

Monday, September 3, 2012

Uncertainty

     Life is full of uncertainties.  It's a journey we all need to go through.  You have the uncertainties that are of good, like being a spouse, a parent or maybe even winning the lottery.  When you are about to get married, you wonder how well you will do as a spouse.  When expecting a baby, you wonder if you'll be a good parent.  When you buy that one lottery ticket, the uncertainty of winning is overwhelming.  The good things in life can leave you feeling uncertain of the outcome, just as the bad things leave you feeling the same way.  You may have come down with an illness and don't know where it will leave you.  You may have lost your job and don't know where your next meal will come from, or you may have a child in need of some sort.  For those going through these things, you are left helpless and sometimes in despair.

     Life isn't about how good things will turn out in the end, it's about how you go through those times that end up being not so good.  We never know what will happen in the next year, the next month, the next week or day, or the next moment, but Jesus knows and He is in control of all of it.  There is a certainty in that.  It is certain that Jesus loves you, takes care of you and provides for you---in all things.  The plans that Jesus has for you is a certainty that He will give you hope and a future.  The greatest thing we can give Jesus is praise in the midst of trials.  Giving Him glory in any situation is the greatest gift to Him.  People praise God for healthy new-born babies, but some, blame God for death and destruction, and that my friend is the farthest from the truth.  God is love and Jesus gives us peace.  It is the enemy that wants death and destruction for everyone so that they may perish, and he wants that especially for believers so that we will not have joy.

     The best defense to have against the enemy is to have joy through your problems that could become obstacles in your life.  To persevere through the muck and mire of life.  A journey through life always has pain, but not all the time.  We may suffer little, we may suffer much, but to God be the glory, He does not keep us there in the filthy pit.  He brings us out of the deep hole we fall into with grace and mercy and love.  In my young adult life I experienced the mire, and in my mid-life for awhile as well, but God gave me the victory in His salvation and restoration from the pain I went through.  When I feel like my life is chaotic at times and it brings on too much stress, Jesus says, "Peace be still".  In your life you can have the same peace, no matter what you are going through, and that is for certain. 

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Weekend Update

     God is so great!  I just have to share my week with you.  I have been writing a book called, "I Never Loved Dogs Until I Met My Husband".  It's a parody on sticking your foot in your mouth.  Well the great thing about it is that the first publisher I went to wants it.  I am in awe of how amazing God is!  I have a lot of work ahead and am excited about it.  I know that if I put Jesus first in this, He will supply all my needs.  My life is in His hands.  I have to share one of the stories about my book; one reason why I wrote it.  When a was about 10 or 11, I started writing short stories.  I loved getting into a fantasy world of someone else's lives.  Later, while going through some emotional turmoil I thought I would write about my life.  Now into the future, back in November I decided to start a 50's list.  I would soon be 50 in May.  I made a list of 10 things I would accomplish in my 50s.  The first was to finally write my life story.  That's not what happened.

     The second reason I wrote this book; I'm always on Facebook making crazy comments and two times in a week I stuck my foot in my mouth and was very embarrassed and upset because I said something that seemed to sound really bad.  Now, 10 months later I finally accomplished my first book.  The reason I am so excited about this is that I have never finished anything in my life, when it came to something like this.  God was truly in this.  I praise Him when the good comes, and I hope I would praise Him even when the bad comes because He teaches me in the bad times.  I grow in the bad times.  Then, like now, He shows me how well He takes care of me, in spite of all my sins I have committed along the way.  

     There are many obstacles in my life as I write this, but I know that God has His plan and will always be right here with me, when I fall, to pick me up and hold me tight.  If we just wait on the Lord and look for times in our lives when He has shown us amazing things, we would have abundant joy in our lives and always be thankful.  Have faith and trust to believe that God is able to do anything in your life.

     Tune in tomorrow for a Sunday addition of T*R*U*T*H* In Life and have a great Labor Day weekend!

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Another Song For the Week

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares theLord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.




THE PLAN

God has a plan, a plan for you.  His grace and mercy reigns.  He prospers you in ways beyond your knowledge, to give a hope and a future.

When life seems utterly impossible to deal with, and you don't see a way to get out.  When your plans fail and life seems doomed, and you are at your wit's end.  When loved one die or get very ill and you feel lonely and afraid.  When you don't know which direction to turn, and you are lost in the midst of confusion.  Go to Jesus, He has a plan.  He will give you strength to endure.

God has a plan, a plan for you.  His grace and mercy reigns.  He prospers you in ways beyond your knowledge, to give a hope and a future.

Are you hurting, and life seems at its end?  Are you in pain, and nothing helps?  Are you desperate for love and companionship?  Are you in despair, and wanting it all to end?  Go to Jesus, He has a plan.  He will give you strength to endure.

God has a plan, a plan for you.  His grace and mercy reigns.  He prospers you in ways beyond your knowledge, to give a hope and a future.

When your plans go awry, who do you call?  When things don't fall into place, who do you count on?  When you plan your future and all falls apart, who comes to rescue you?  When the tunnel seems long and dark and there is nowhere to turn, who is your savior?  Go to Jesus.  He has a plan.  He will give you strength to endure.

  God has a plan, a plan for you.  His grace and mercy reigns.  He prospers you beyond your knowledge, to give you a hope and a future.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.




All Things

When a friend is crying for a loved one who is suffering and you don't know what to say, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".  

When financial troubles are in front of you and you don't know what to do, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".

When relationships fail and you don't know where to turn, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".

Friend, don't be discouraged, don't lose your hope, look to the future and know it will all work out.  Be content with you past, your present, and things to come, because all thing will work out.

When children you raised go down the wrong path, and you don't know how to cope, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".

When you lose someone that you never wanted to let go, and are lost without them, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".

When you have nowhere to lay your head at night, and don't know where to go, God says, "All things work together for good, for those who love Me".

Friend, don't be discouraged, don't lose your hope, look to the future and know it will all work out.  Be content with your past, your present, and things to come, because all things will work out.


*I apologize I wasn't blogging much last week.  I was busy all week.  Today I reflect on how things all work out in my life, after something great happened today.  I wrote this above as a song.  I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Bible Trivia Time

What Is the Last Battle in the Bible?

Revelation 16:16-17
And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.  Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"

Armageddon is the last battle where Christ takes His final stand and takes His rightful place on Earth.  Satan and his minions are defeated.  Christ wins in the end and we can all praise Him for that.
Know that in trials of uncertainty, Christ wins in the end.  "All things work together for good..."
When your troubled, call out to Jesus who is the defender of your faith and will stand between you and the devil and defeat the devil in the end.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Listening to God

     So you are sitting in your favorite chair, in your favorite room, and it is so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.  No one is around and your TV and phone is off.  What do you  hear?  Do you hear children playing outside?  Dogs barking?  Emergency vehicles sirens or car horns honking?  Do you hear birds chirping or rain dancing on the roof?  The wind blowing through your wind chimes, making sweet melodies in your ear?...Do you hear God?  Or are you even listening to Him?  You could be hearing all of the above noises in a quiet setting and not even be listening to God's quiet voice, and why?  Because you are too focused on what is going on around you, not what's going on inside you.  When it's quiet, listen for His voice and savor His message to you.  Don't let a moment pass where you hear God and really listen.  We all hear things, but do we listen?

     When you pray, what does God tell you?  When you are crying out to Him, what does He say?  Sometimes we get so focused on telling God what we want, like a spoiled child, that we don't listen to Him.  When struggles come, we may think we know what's best for us, but only God does, and He is speaking to us everyday.  Don't let that moment pass.  God is greater than anything or anyone in the universe, and we, as humans, are only a small portion of that universe.  He can and will take care of your life, in His time, in His way, for His purpose and your own good.  Just listen to His instructions for your life.  We talk and talk and plead for things when we pray, but do we really listen for God's voice?

     The next time you pray, just be quiet and listen.  Let the Lord lead the way in prayer and in every situation.  We may not understand what He is doing or saying, but just listen, obey and trust.  You may be facing a broken relationship, a financial crisis, an illness or a death, but just listen to His still small voice for the answers in your life.  "Be still and know that I am God."  He tells us.  They key to any relationship or conversation is a listening ear.  Remember, God gave us one mouth to speak, but two ears to listen.  I think there is a good reason for that.  Next time it is quiet in your favorite room of your home and in your favorite chair, just listen...for God...He is always there for you...

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Meditate On These Things

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy---meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.  (NKJV)

     My blog is based on Philippians 4:8 and I also want to add to this, verse 9 today.  The things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report and the things that have virtue and are praiseworthy, we do need to meditate on these every day if we want to experience God's peace.  Trials may come and trials may go and we are left empty if we don't rely on the goodness that God gives us.

  The things of this world are temporal, but the things of God last an eternity.  Live a life of truth.  Live a noble life.  Live just and pure.  Be lovely and of good report.  Have virtue in your life, and all things praiseworthy, think of these things and remember this is how God wants us to be.  No matter what happens to us or how people treat us, we need to remember these things that God gives us to live a holy life in Him.  That is the truth in life and we must meditate on the Truth.




Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Prayer

     God always answers prayer.  He answers it the way that is best for us.  We may not agree with the way He answers, but He always answers for our own good.  We may not like the way He answers but He always has us in mind when He answers.  There are three ways He may answer.

1.  He answers Yes.  We ask for something that we want or need and if it's according to His Will, He graciously gives it to us.  It may not be the way we want it to be but He does give it to us.  He loves us so much that He loves to give us what we want, but sometimes what we want may not be the right thing.

2.  He answers No.  You say, "What?  God answers no?"  Yes, if it's not His Will, He will say no.  A lot of people ask for things that are shallow or not important, like millions of dollars are a very expensive car.  Those are not things that necessarily will be best for us.  We then might even pray for something that is important, like the healing of a loved one with a serious illness.  Yes, He might answer, "Not your will, but My Will."  It is not God's Will necessarily for us to suffer and die, but God uses tragedy for His glory, not necessarily our happiness.  God, if you let Him, will give you joy, not happiness, through your trials.  Happiness is dependent on what good we have in our lives.  Joy happens, even in the midst of something terrible.

3.  He answers Wait or Not Now.  Patience is something that God gives us to use in our daily lives as we rejoice, as well as struggle.  Waiting on God is essential in our walk with Him.  It's God's timing that is the best.  We may never see a prayer answered in our lifetime, but it will be answered.  We may have to wait years, and God may want you to always faithfully pray, whether we feel like giving up or not.  We need to endure through every pain in order to gain victory.  God will answer, we just may have to wait.

     Remember to never stop praying for the needs or wants in your life and be faithful in doing so, whether or not the thing you want or need looks impossible to get.  Nothing is impossible with God, even when things look impossible from man's point of view.  Hang in there, trust God and have faith.  The best in life is waiting for you and God is waiting for you to respond to Him.

Friday, August 10, 2012

The Two Paths

   There were two young men walking along a path.  They were best friends since grade school.  Their names were George and Ned.  Their path led them together the first part of their journey.  They looked at the scenery the same way and followed each other along the way, until they came to a fork in the path.  There were two ways to go.  One was a narrow way that looked difficult to walk.  The other was a wide path filled with all kinds of possibilities.  Both George and Ned looked at each other in confusion.  They had to make their decision on which way to go.  It was tough to make.  Would they go along the same path or would they go their separate ways for the first time in 13 years?The decision was very difficult, but it was finally made.  George went one way and Ned went the other way.  They hugged and cried and said their goodbyes, never to see each other for a long time, if ever again.

     George saw both paths at a distance and saw that the wide road was an easy path.  Nothing was obstructing the way, and very few obstacles getting in the way, the only thing was that it seemed darker than the other path, but George took that path.  He said goodbye to Ned and went on his way.  Ned wasn't sure that George was making the right decision, but he let him go on his way without an opposing word.  He knew that if George didn't choose the right path, he'd have to learn the truth about the path on his own.  George started the path and at the time, the path seemed brighter than it did at a distance, so he continued with a big smile on his face.  He thought to himself, "This is the life I want.  I wish my buddy Ned was with me."  He saw all the possibilities on this path.  All the possessions he could have  and all the pleasures he would enjoy.  

     A strange man in a dark cape came up behind him and he was startled at first.  "Hello young man.  I have something valuable for you to have.  Would you be interested?"  the strange man asked.  "What is it?", George inquired.  He took it from the strange man's hands.  It was gold!  Millions of dollars worth!  George just pushed the strange man's hands away.  "I can't take your riches from you!", George insisted.  "What is mine is now yours", the strange man told him, so George took the millions in gold from the strange man and went merrily on his way.  The funny thing was that the path was getting darker as he went down it.

     He later came to a young man about his age.  He wore a black hoodie and was covered in tattoos.  He kind of stunk, but he did have something to offer to George as well.  "Here, take this, it will make you feel on top of the world!  Like a king!," the young man told George.  "I can't take that.  It's yours," George said.  "What's mine is now yours.  Go on, it will make you feel great!", the young stinky man prodded.  George took the substance from him and went on his way.  He felt like a king, but only for a moment, then he felt like he was in a dark endless hole, so he looked for that stinky young man in the black hoodie for some more of what he had, but never found him.  He felt like he could die right there.  The path got darker.

     He was practically crawling on the ground in agony when this beautiful young woman came up to him and wanted to grant him the most pleasurable experience he could ever imagine.  He told her he had never done anything like that, but was anxious to feel pleasure again, so they went into a cave and she seduced him.  He felt total ecstasy and wanted more of what she had to offer but she had left him with an empty feeling and he yearned for her and went looking for her, but never found her.  He found more women in more caves but never got enough of them.  They all told him what was their was his, but the offer was empty.  He felt shame and devastated.  The path got very dark where he could no longer see.
     
     Ned on the other hand went along the narrow path.  It wasn't much to look at and he couldn't see very well, but he continued on.  He found this little old lady that was injured and helped her.  She was lying in the middle of the path, moaning in agony and bleeding.  he bent down to help her and she was very thankful.  "Ma'am, you are injured badly and I need to get you to a doctor, come with me", Ned told her, and carried her on the path.  The path got brighter as they went on their way.  They came to a doctor and she got better so they parted their ways.
     
     Ned got further along the path and there was a severe storm.  He didn't know where he could get cover so he continued on the path.  He had to walk up a steep hill with thunder and lightning all around him and it got hard.  He thought to himself, "This is not what I though this path would be, I may die on this path."  An old man came up to him with a comforting voice.  "You are doing well, my son.  Continue on this path and you will find ultimate joy.  There may be trials but you will find ultimate peace in the end", the old man said.  Ned went on and trouble came and went.  He fell ill with a serious disease that almost killed him, but when he got well, he still stayed on the narrow path.    His cell phone rang one night.  It was his father.  He hadn't heard from him in years.  His father said that his mother and brothers died in a terrible train accident.  Ned was devastated and very weary.  He wanted to just go home, but the old man said to keep going, so he did.  He was laden with burdens he could not bear on his own, but he found a man that walked with him up the hill.  The man told him he must go to the end.  This man glowed like an angel from heaven itself.  He trusted this man, and had known him from the beginning.  It kept getting lighter as they went up the hill together.

     All of a sudden the lights went dim and he couldn't see his friend that stayed with him.  He got afraid and stopped to rest.  He saw sheep ahead and continued after his rest.  One of the sheep offered him treasures beyond his imagination if he would only follow him.  Ned was suspicious at this animal.  It didn't look like a normal sheep when he got closer.  The lone sheep said that Ned could have anything he wanted, provided he followed the lone sheep.  Suddenly it became light again and he saw his friend once more and felt safe.  The lone sheep ran away.  As the sheep ran, Ned looked closer and saw that it was actually an evil wolf trying to lead the young man astray.  All his friend said was "Follow me.  What's mine is yours".  So Ned continued and it became so bright that he was almost blinded, but he felt extreme joy coming from it.  

     George was at the end of his rope at journey's end and gave up and died.  Ned had everything when he fell asleep one night at an old age, and never woke up.  They both saw each other at the end of their lives.  They were so excited to see one another.  Ned knew from looking at George that he had a terrible life.  He felt a little sad looking at his best friend.  George asked Ned, "Hey Ned, how was your life?"  Ned answered him, "George my friend!  It was rough but in the end I had all I wanted and needed!  I was very blessed!  How was your life, my friend?"  George answered him sadly, with shaking hands and said, "My dear friend, George, I had it all!  Fame, fortune, pleasures from my wildest dreams, and lots of women at my command!  I...I just lost it all in the end.  My life got so dark and I gave up.  I had nothing in the end."  They walked down the hallway that they were in, but down two different paths.  They finally approached the King.  They were waiting to see which door they would go through.  The King came up to Ned and said, "Go through the pearly gates into everlasting life.  Well done, my good and faithful servant."  Ned opened the door to pure joy and was elated beyond what he expected.  George felt a sudden terror in his body as the King bellowed out his name.  "George!  I never knew you! Go through that door to your demise!  You gave up without trying when life got hard and didn't trust the friend I sent to you!"  George had a questionable look on his face and said, "But King, where was this friend?  I never saw him."  And the King answered,  "He was right beside you all the way and you didn't even notice!  Now go through that door immediately!"  And the smoke and fire beyond that door consumed him.

     Which road would you take?  The wide, easy road, with everything imaginable and pleasurable at your command, but end up with nothing but darkness and despair?  Or would you take the hard, narrow road that brings troubles you can't face without a friend, but continue to the end, and get everything imaginable?  Think about it the next time yo want something that looks so good, but in reality is deadly.  If we help others in need and not think of ourselves first, and tread through illness and loss with victory with the friend who watches over you and guides your way, you will have it all and have an eternity with that friend forever.