God Wants Me to Be Happy.....Right?

"If they obey Him and serve Him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment." - Job 36:11 (NIV)

Happiness - everyone wants it! Some people spend their whole lives trying to attain it. Some think having money will make them happy...NOT. Some think sex will make them happy...NOT. Some think drugs & alcohol will make them happy...NOT. Some think having lots of "things" will make them happy...NOT. Married men think being single will make them happy while single men think being married will make them happy...NOT. Women think having a rich husband with the biggest house will make them happy...NOT. The one person that can and will bring us happiness - contentment - is usually the last person anyone wants to turn to....JESUS!!

God doesn't care if we're happy or not. Really, He doesn't!! There's no where in the Bible that says God wants us to be happy. But it does say He wants us to be holy & live righteously. He wants us in obedience and service to Him. He wants us to be joyful in Him. Not in what we have, where we live, how much money we have or make, our children or grandchildren, our families and friends, our marriages, our lives....only in HIM!!

This verse in Job says it clearly. When I am in obedience and service to God, then He will prosper me and I will be content. True joy and happiness is only going to be found when we reach Heaven; until then, it's fleeting. There will always be something or someone in this world that will rob me of happiness, but Heaven will be different. In Isaiah 51:11 (NIV), we are told, "The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.". In Revelation 21:4 (NIV), John tells us this: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.". If that's not a promise of true joy and contentment, I don't know what is!

Finding happiness in all circumstances of life is difficult at best. That's what God expects of me, though. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) says it's God's will for me: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.". If I can live this verse, obey and serve my God, then I will know contentment in this life. I desire to be like Paul in Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV): "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." To walk in obedience and service to God, to be holy and righteous in God's eyes, is the greatest pleasure I can bring to Him and is the best thing I can do for myself. "But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV). I can find joy and contentment in this life; God has shown me the way through His Word.

"Perfect obedience would be perfect happiness, if only we had perfect confidence in the power we were obeying." - Corrie ten Boom

Dear Lord, whether in need or in plenty, I ask that You teach me to be satisfied. I don't want my happiness to rely on earthly things, which are fleeting. I desire to live as Paul did, content in every situation. May I walk in obedience and service to You. May I live my life to please You and not myself. Guide me in all that I do today. Let me be a joyful Christian and share Your joy with my family and friends. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Seeking God's Will

"The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your hands." - Psalm 138:8 (NIV)

Am I seeking God's will?

That is the question I have to ask myself this morning. Am I truly seeking His will or am I sitting back and just expecting God to reveal Himself and His will to me? I know God has a purpose for my life. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) tells me this: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." God has things for me to do and people for me to help. He has places He wants me to serve. But why should He reveal these things to me if I'm not actively seeking Him and His will? If I'm not willing to do what is necessary - praying to God, searching my Bible, journaling my findings, fellowship with other believers - why would I think I'm ready for God's will to be made known to me?

God knew me before I was even born. In Jeremiah 1:5a (NIV), the Lord says, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you". He had plans in place for me before I even drew my first breath. But He left it up to me to make the choice to accept His plans or not. If I truly, truly want to know what my purpose is, then I must choose to seek it and not just expect God to show me what it is. It's call free will and it's one of the gifts He has bestowed on me.

At my church, we have some core values for discipleship. They're called the 3 D's...discover, develop, deploy. As I grow in each of these areas, I become more and more like Jesus...I become His disciple. I believe it's while in the discover phase...which, by the way, is a phase that will last my whole life because there's always something new to discover about Jesus...that I can learn what God's purpose is for me. There are keys to this value that will lead me to know God's will...if I choose to do them. Just to be up front, the following came from the message preached at church 3 weeks ago.

Key #1 - Opening

This means being open-minded and considering something I've never considered before. God's constantly looking for me and working in me, even if I'm not looking for Him. I demonstrate this key by being willing to investigate the unknown and being responsive to God's prompting in my heart; to open myself up to possibilities and staying curious about God.

Revelation 3:20 (NIV): "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me."

Ephesians 1:13 (NIV): "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. 

Key #2 - Seeking

This means looking diligently for something with an open heart. Actively putting in an effort to find out more about God. Adrian Rogers put it this way: "An atheist can't find God for the same reason a thief can't find a policeman." It's because I'm not seeking God that I can't find Him. I demonstrate this key by being willing to pursue all the possibilities (prayer, Bible study, fellowship, church, service, etc.) available to find Him.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV): "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV): "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Key #3 - Hearing

This means truly listening for the voice of God. Spending time quietly with Him, waiting to hear Him speak to me. I tend to hear what I'm listening for. If I'm watching my grandkids and listening for their voices, I can hear them over everything else because I am truly listening for them. When I truly, honestly, openly listen for God's voice, He speaks to me. I demonstrate this key by being willing to comprehend (think deeply) about the implications God's Word has for me.

Psalm 46:10 (NIV): "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth."

Psalm 131:2 (NIV): "But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me."

Key #4 - Trusting

This means hearing with faith and acting on what I say I believe. It's taking a risk for something truly worthwhile: a relationship with a living God! Because I am a believer, I trusted Jesus when I confessed my sins, repented and was baptized. I must continue to trust Him by stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing my beliefs. I demonstrate this key by being willing to apply (receive and act on) the truth (God's Word).

Hebrews 4:2 (NIV): "For we have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith."

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV): "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

I have a choice to make: do I truly want to seek God's will for my life or not? The answer is: Yes I do! Now it's up to me to do what God wants me to do so I can find the purpose I was born for.

"I believe that in every time and place, it is within our power to acquiesce in the will of God - and what peace it brings to do so!" - Elisabeth Elliot

Lord, I want to seek Your will today and not my own. I know You have a plan for my life, Lord. I ask that You let me discover it and live it in full faith. May I never stop seeking Your will and being curious and hungry for You. Use me this day, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.





His Love Endures Forever!

"You are my God, and I will give You thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt You. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." - Psalm 118:28-29 (NIV)

"Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! For He is good, He is above all things. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! Sing praise, sing praise! With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! For the life that's been reborn, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER! Sing praise, sing praise! Sing praise, sing praise! Forever God is faithful, forever God is strong, forever God is with us, forever! Forever! (Chris Tomlin - "Forever").

I absolutely love this song. It makes my heart sing and brings me joy. It brings me into worship with my Lord. The words and the music do exactly what this verse says to do - exalt God and give Him thanks for His love.

Until recently, I was always uncomfortable when I would visit a church where some in the congregation would lift their arms and hands high in the air while they sang, clap along to the music and sway to the beat. I thought it was wrong. I thought the Bible specifically spoke against it. We just didn't do that in the church I was raised in. We sang the same hymns every Sunday morning, Sunday night and Wednesday evening. Now, please don't get me wrong, I really like some of the old hymns but we just didn't sing them with any passion. So I've always assumed that was the way it should be.

Until I started going to Central. Now I'm one of those people who used to make me uncomfortable. I'm the one with my hands and arms in the air, worshipping my Savior. I never realized, until the last few years, that I feel closest to God when I'm worshipping Him with songs filled with passion and that speak directly to my heart. I can't help but stand with arms outstretched, giving myself over to God and allowing myself to be filled with His presence and His love. I realize this isn't for everyone and I'm not saying other ways of worship are wrong. I'm just saying that, for me, give me some contemporary Christian music and a great message and I'm filled up. During the week, I listen to KLOVE online or on the radio in my vehicle, just to keep my heart full. When I'm feeling down or things aren't going very well, it's the music that reminds me that God loves me and how good He is to me.

His love is deeper than I can ever imagine; so deep, in fact, that He sent His Son to earth to die for  my sins. I can't fathom loving someone else enough, ever, to sacrifice one of my children or grandchildren for. Yet, God did that for me. He continues to love me, showers me with His grace and mercy, forgives me of my sins. HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!!!

"To love God is the greatest of virtues; to be loved by God is the greatest of blessings." - Author Unknown

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for the sacrifice of Your Beloved Son for my sins. A love like that is hard to imagine but that is the way You love me. Your love for me is limitless, deep, strong and eternal. I can never earn it; all I have to do is accept it. It is a gift from You. I accept Your love today and ask that You help me to share it with every person I come into contact with. I praise and exalt Your name and Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.





No Problem Is Too Big for MY God!

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." - Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

It's been a crazy few days. Too much to do; not enough time. October through April, my life is out of whack. Tax extensions, holidays, birthdays, year-end reports for clients, getting ready for and then tax season itself....excuses, excuses, excuses! Really, I have no good excuse for not blogging the last 3 days. I've been doing my Bible study but not the blog. The problem lies in not giving my days and my time over to God to handle. I make my problems bigger and my days shorter than they are or ever should be just because I want to be in control.

God is perfect - "His way is perfect" - He is able to take my problems and handle them. My way is flawed and leads to more problems and difficulties.  So, why don't I give Him my difficulties until I've totally screwed them up? Until they are out of my control? Until I am an anxious, worried mess? Not only have I been asking myself these questions, but in every verse I'm studying, every song I hear, every devotion I read, even in the message this past weekend, God is bringing these same things to my attention. Give everything to Him, He is ready to take on all challenges, get back on track, He is a forgiving God, He loves me, He is bigger and more powerful than any problem or challenge I will EVER face.

I don't know how many of you have heard or know of Joni Eareckson Tada. She has a devotional website called Joni and Friends, has written books and devotionals and is a gifted speaker. But, in 1967, at age 17, she became a quadriplegic after a diving accident. She belongs to an organization that delivers wheelchairs, free of charge, to children and adults around the world. She travels extensively, speaks all over the world and has a faith in God that is just amazing. I'm telling you all of this because Joni did not allow her challenges, which are more than many of us will ever have to face, stop her from serving and having faith in God, even though she couldn't see what God's purpose was for her life at the time of her accident. My everyday challenges and difficulties are nothing compared to hers. Yet, she knew and still knows that there is no problem too big for God to handle.

Let me say that again and again and again: there is NO problem too big for my God. There is no PROBLEM too big for my God. There is no problem TOO BIG for my God. There is no problem too big for MY GOD. THERE IS NO PROBLEM TOO BIG FOR MY GOD!!! Thank you, Lord.

"As God's children, we are the recipients of lavish love - a love that motivates us to keep trusting even when we have no idea what God is doing." - Beth Moore

Dear God, I know You are bigger and more powerful than any challenge I will ever face in this life. I know You love me and Your way is perfect. In You I will find strength, courage & wisdom. Please keep reminding me that there isn't any problem too big for You to handle. I trust You with this day and give You total control over my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. 





God's Wisdom, Not My Own

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." - James 1:5 (NIV)

I believe I'm a fairly smart person. I have common sense. I'm good with numbers (I better be, I'm an accountant and tax preparer!). I love to read and learn. I follow directions well. Given time, I can figure out a solution to most problems. I have knowledge but I lack wisdom. I lack God's wisdom.

It's not because God doesn't want me to have His wisdom; He says here in James that I should ask Him for His wisdom. The problem is I don't ask for it. Well, that's not exactly true. I do ask for God's wisdom but it's usually when I'm in the middle of a crisis or after I've made a bad decision. Maybe I've said or done something I shouldn't have and hurt someone because of it. Maybe I gave into temptation and had that second (or third!) doughnut. Maybe I bought something I didn't really need and now I can't pay one of my bills. Could be any number of things! That's when I usually think to myself, "Why did I do that? What was I thinking?", realize that I wasn't thinking at the time and then ask God to give me His wisdom in how to repair the damage, if possible, and guide me back to His will.

What I should do is ask God for His wisdom and guidance BEFORE I make any decisions and get myself into trouble. I need his help, his wisdom and guidance in every aspect of my life. I need His wisdom to remind me to ask for His wisdom!! How crazy is that!? Praise God for the words in this verse "who gives generously to all without finding fault"! He doesn't find fault with me in my craziness, how comforting is that phrase!!

All I have to do is ask God for his help. "But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord." (James 1:6-7 NIV). When I ask, in faith, believing, God will answer. He will give generously of His wisdom, so that I don't have to rely on my own.

"God does not guide those who want to run their own life. He only guides those who admit their need of His direction and rely on His wisdom." - Winkie Pratney

Dear Lord, I am asking for Your wisdom and guidance today. May I turn to You first in all aspects of my life. Give me Your wisdom in my thoughts, my words and my actions.  Lead me in Your ways, Lord. May everything I do today be pleasing and glorifying to You. In faith and Jesus' name I ask this, Amen.







Who Do I Think I Am?

"You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgement do the same things." - Romans 2:1 (NIV)

I believe I've said this in past blogs, but I've been making a concentrated effort to be less critical and judgemental. My effort is not always successful, though. There are times I'll see someone and, immediately, criticism will pop into my thoughts: "I can't believe they left the house wearing that!" or "Doesn't she realize how heavy that makes her look?" or "What were they thinking when they had their hair done like that?" or....any number of judgements. Or, someone will say something and I'll immediately think, "They're just making excuses." or "That's a lie." or "I can't believe they just said that!". I don't always catch myself when I judge someone, but when I do, I immediately ask God to forgive me and allow me to see the other person as someone He loves. God is the only righteous judge (Romans 5:2 NIV) so who do I think I am to make judgements against others?

One of the verses I quote to myself quite often is Matthew 7:1 (NIV): "Do not judge, or you too will be judged." This is Jesus saying this. He goes on to say, "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (vs 2). Ouch!! I can be pretty harsh in my judgements but I sure don't want to be judged harshly. Yet, that's exactly what's going to happen. When I stand before God on Judgement Day, He's going to judge me in the exact same way I stood in judgement of my fellow man. And, I find it funny, that when I look at the judgments I have against others, it's because they are doing, saying, thinking, or acting in the same way I do or have done in the past. Reminds me of the saying, "When you're pointing your finger at someone, remember that you have four other fingers pointing back at yourself." Jesus reinforces this saying in John 8:7 (NIV) when He says this about the woman caught in adultery, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

I believe the Bible and it says I WILL be judged by God and by the same token that I judge others. I have to remind myself of this daily. I'm not perfect so who am I to expect everyone else to be? It's God's will that I love those I come into contact with each day. Jesus said it's the second greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God will all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12: 30-31 NIV).  This commandment applies to everyone: my husband, my kids, my grandkids, my family, my friends, my enemies, complete strangers....EVERYONE! No matter what they say or how they act or what they do, there's no good reason, NONE!, EVER!, that I should judge them. Who do I think I am? God?

Some things I'd like to point out that we may not think of as judging others. The guy on the corner begging for money - do you say to yourself, "I'm not giving him any money. He's probably just going to buy booze with it." JUDGEMENT!! A teenager with a baby - do you think, "Well, that's what happens when parents don't control their children." JUDGEMENT!! The stranger who says something hateful to you - do you complain to everyone you know about what was said? JUDGEMENT!! Here's a good one - Casey Anthony! When she was acquitted, did you rant and rave about the unfairness and that she would get what was coming to her eventually? Did you wonder what in the world the jury could have been thinking? JUDGEMENT!!

We are sinners; I AM a sinner. It's very, very difficult to love everyone and not sit in judgement of their actions. Sometimes it makes us feel better about ourselves, but God says it's wrong. That's why I have to keep reminding myself: Who do I think I am?

"The habit of judging is so nearly incurable, and its cure is such an almost interminable process, that we must concentrate ourselves for a long while on keeping it in check. We must grow to something higher, and something truer, than a quickness in detecting evil." - Frederick W. Faber

Dear Heavenly Father, I am sometimes very quick to judge others. Keep me mindful that I, too, am a sinner, saved by grace, and You have commanded me not to judge. Please make me aware of when judgement comes into my heart so that I can ask for Your forgiveness and Your help in changing my attitude to love the person I had judgement for. Teach me to love and help others without judgement. It's in Jesus' name I ask, Amen. 

Living In Hope

"To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27 (NIV)

This is a fabulous verse!! Christ - the hope of glory - is in me! Alive, willing and able to see me through whatever disappointments life throws at me.

I have no reason not to expect problems in my life. God did not promise me an easy life as a Christian. I will have just as much, if not more, troubles than a non-believer. In John 16:33 (NIV) Jesus tells me, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" Jesus has overcome the world and all the problems that are in it. He came so that I'll have peace when my problems seem overwhelming, so that I can live in hope of an eternity spent praising and worshiping Him. No more adversities, no more fears, no more worries and no more tears.

Satan wants me to live without hope. He wants me defeated and deflated. He wants me to look at all of the problems in my life, in the lives of my friends and family, in this country and around the world and just throw my hands up in the air and say, "Lord, why? Everything is hopeless. There's nothing I can do to make this better. I give up." I know people who think like this. They complain and say our world is getting worse all the time. They've lost hope for this and future generations.

But there is hope and His name is Jesus! He offers us security in an unsecure world.  He has overcome the despair, the trials and tribulations, the poverty, the suffering and the pain of this world. When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, He brings a peace and joy into our hearts and souls that has no explanation or understanding. He allows us to live in hope, knowing we always have someone on our side that will walk beside us and see us through to the other side of our troubles. Someone who took on a human form and knows the temptations and pain we face on a daily basis. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus....my Friend, my Hope. Satan doesn't stand a chance against Him!!

"Jesus gives us hope because He keeps us company, has a vision and knows the way we should go." - Max Lucado

Precious Jesus, I will live in the hope You provided when You took my place on the cross. If I become discouraged or fearful, I will turn to You and lean on You for strength and comfort. I know You walk beside me through this life and, at times, You carry me when I'm too weak to move on my own. I thank You for the peace that passes all understanding that fills my heart and soul. Because of You, I know the day is coming when there will be no more despair or pain. Thank You, Lord! In Your name, Amen.





The Bondage of Unforgiveness

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." - 1 John 2:9 (NIV)

Hate - that's a strong word. It goes right along with anger and resentment. These three feelings can do more to stunt my spiritual growth than anything else. When my heart is filled with them, there's no room for love. There's also no room for light. When I'm angry or filled with resentment, it's not only my soul but my whole life that feels dark. The only way to get rid of the darkness is to forgive.

Forgiving someone when they hurt me or make me angry isn't an option. It's a requirement to become closer in my walk with Jesus. He was a sinless, perfect, innocent man who was beaten and hung on a cross...for MY sins. Yet He forgave me and continues to forgive me daily because I continue to sin daily. There is nothing anyone has ever done or can ever do to me that is worse than what I did to my Savior, yet he forgave me. I am required to do no less. 

Unforgiveness binds me to the person who I feel has wronged me. Thoughts of them and what I could do for revenge consume me. Wishes of harm to them fly through my mind throughout the day. My heart becomes hardened against them. I want to constantly talk about and revisit the harm they've done to me so that I can hold onto my anger. They are in control, not me. The bondage of unforgiveness keeps me imprisoned and in darkness. Jesus is the farthest thing from my thoughts.

Forgiveness frees me! When I forgive, Jesus brings light back into my world. I'm no longer held hostage by the feelings of anger, hurt, resentment or hatred. My heart is free to be filled with God's love and kindness. It allows me to grow in my spiritual walk instead of becoming stagnant. It allows Jesus' love to shine through me. I'm able to let the words and actions of others against me just roll off my back. What a wonderful way to live!!

How do I know when I've truly forgiven someone? I don't think about them in terms of what they've done to me anymore. I pray for them instead of getting angry about what they did or didn't do. They aren't constantly in my thoughts and my actions aren't defined by them. I don't talk and complain about them every chance I get. When I do think about them, I don't feel anger or hatred toward them. It's amazing what being free from the bondage of unforgiveness can be like.

If there's anyone you haven't forgiven....a parent, a child, a spouse, a sibling, the stranger who ran you off the road or stole your parking spot at the store....then I pray you learn to forgive. Colossians 3:13 (NIV) tells us this: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." And, in Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), Jesus tells us why we need to forgive: "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Let's not be in bondage to unforgiveness but be free by forgiving as God forgives us.

"I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one." - Henry Ward Beecher

Heavenly Father, I don't want to be in bondage to unforgiveness. Teach me to forgive, just as You forgive me. Let me keep my heart free from anger, hatred and resentment by keeping it full of Jesus' love, mercy and grace. If there is someone I am holding resentment or anger towards, please make me aware of it and allow me to forgive them. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. 

Band of Believers

"My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ." - Colossians 2:2 (NIV)

We were not meant to live our lives as believers by ourselves. We are meant to be in fellowship, not only with Jesus, but also with fellow believers. Now, hear me clearly...I'm not saying we cannot and should not have friends who are not Christians. The Bible doesn't say that, either. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 (NIV), Paul tells me that I could not live in this world if I didn't have friends who were non-believers. My best friend isn't a believer. However, in order to grow and become more Christ-like in my spiritual walk, I need to surround myself with fellow Christians.

Until 3 or 4 years ago, my instant reaction to my last statement would have been, "No way!" Why? Because of the type of Christians I grew up around and met in my early adult life. I always felt they were looking for a reason to judge me and tell me that what I was doing, the things I was saying, the clothes I was wearing or the places I was going were not Christ-like and God would punish me for them. Maybe that was true and maybe I needed to be told these things, but it was the way I was told that really pushed me away. I never felt I was told these things out of love or encouragement, in order that I might become closer to God, but more out of the need to exude control and also so that the person telling me would feel superior and more God-like in their own life. At least that's the way it felt to me.

But, within the last few years, I have become surrounded by Christians who are real. They aren't ashamed to talk about their own imperfections. They aren't afraid to admit they're still learning what this walk with Jesus looks like. Just like me. At church yesterday, the pastor spoke about discipleship and the "exercises" needed to be a disciple of Jesus. One of them was fellowship. Fellowship means to share experiences and companionship with a group of like-minded persons. It means being active in, not just attending, church. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching." In my church, because it is so large, this means serving and being part of a Life Group.

A Life Group is a small group of believers who get together at least once a week to discuss the message, pray for each other, encourage each other through life's rough spots, hold each other accountable for our spiritual walk and just love each other. It is an essential part of my life that I rarely miss. I require the company of these fellow Christians just as much as I require food and water. They hold me accountable in my daily walk with Jesus. I absolutely adore each and everyone in my Life Group. They are my band of believers. And that is a statement I never thought would come out of my mouth much less that I would write about!!

My relationship with Jesus is personal but it's not private. It's meant to be shared with others. With believers, so that I may continue to grow in my daily walk with Jesus. With non-believers, so that they may come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ and become one of the band of believers I so look forward to spending eternity with.



I was unable to decide on just one quote today, because all of these spoke to me!

"Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays." - Andrew Murray

"Fellowship means among other things that we are ready to receive of Christ from others. Other believers minister Christ to me, and I am ready to receive." - Watchman Nee

"Aloneness can lead to loneliness. God's preventative for loneliness is intimacy - meaningful, open, sharing relationships with one another. In Christ we have the capacity for the fulfilling sense of belonging which comes from intimate fellowship with God and with other believers." - Neil T. Anderson

"He (God) usually prefers to work through people rather than perform miracles, so that we will depend on each other for fellowship." - Rick Warren

"There is a brotherhood within the body of believers, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the common denominator. Friendship and fellowship are the legal tender among believers." - J. Vernon McGee

"Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God's people." - Charles Spurgeon

Awesome God, I lift up praise to You for the wonderful companionship I have with Jesus through fellowship with other believers. Thank You for the encouragement we give each other and the accountability we hold each other to. May we continue to grow closer in our relationship with Jesus as we study, learn and walk this walk together. May we be vulnerable, open and honest with each other. May Jesus always be at the center of everything we say and do. In His precious name I pray, Amen.

In Times of Tragedy

"For I am the Lord, who heals you." - Exodus 15:26b (NIV)

Tragedy hits when we least expect it. And, as we age, we are faced with more and more of it. Illness, divorce, natural disasters, lost jobs, death....each and every one of us has been or will be faced with tragedy at some time in our lives. I don't know about you, but I struggle with finding the right words to say to someone whose heart has been broken. "I'm so sorry." projects my feelings, but beyond that, I don't want to compound the pain by saying or doing the wrong thing.

Thankfully, God is available and present. In Psalm 34:18 (NIV) He tells us this: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." And in Psalm 147:3 (NIV) He says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Lastly, God promises never to give us more than we can bear: "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV). God is the Great Healer and Comforter. He is the one to turn to in times of pain and tragedy. Through Him comes strength to face each day. When we think we can't take the next step, He will carry us until we're able to stand on our own again.

So, it's not up to me to know what to say and do. I don't need to spew platitudes that aren't welcome or aren't needed. What I need to do is pray, turn to God during these times and trust in Him to bring the comfort and healing that is necessary. He will show me what I need to do or say at the right time. Maybe it's just being with that person, loving on them and letting them grieve. To give them support and show them God's love through listening and crying with them. Maybe it's running their errands for them or cleaning their home or feeding them. Maybe, when they're ready, it's praying with them. Whatever the need may be, God knows what it is. He is available and able to bring healing, even to the most broken heart.

"No matter what you're going through, there's no pit so deep that God can't reach in and get you out." - Joyce Meyer

Dear God, Your Word promises me that You will heal the brokenhearted. I pray for those who are hurting today, Lord. Whether it be from an illness, from a job loss, from financial difficulties, from the loss of a loved one...whatever is causing the pain, God, I lift them up to You for comfort and healing. May they feel Your Presence and love surrounding them during these difficult times. And, Lord, I ask that You use me as You see fit to help in the healing process. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.





An Opportunity to Grow

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey Your word." - Psalm 119:67 (NIV)

I don't like difficulties or setbacks. I hate to make mistakes. Failure is not an option for me. Yet I know I'm an imperfect human and a sinner. I can forgive others pretty much anything, but I tend to beat myself up when I screw up. However, I know this one thing - every difficulty I encounter, every mistake I make, is an opportunity to learn something.

I recently posted the following on Facebook: "When something bad happens you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you or you can let it strengthen you.". The choice is ours. I can honestly say that I don't run from my mistakes. I own up to them; I take responsibility for them. But, many times, I play them over and over and over in my head afterwards - what I could have/should have done or said or thought differently. I ask myself, "Why did you do/say that? What were you thinking?!" Then, believe me, I do my best to make sure I NEVER do or say that thing again! Yet, at no time have I ever said to myself, "It was a mistake, forgive yourself." And now I have to ask myself, "Why haven't I?".

Mark 11:25 (NIV)  Jesus tells me this, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." Against ANYONE! Including myself!! I have to really think on this one. Maybe that's why I lose weight only to gain it back...I have to forgive myself! Maybe that's why I get irritated and angry with other people when I see things in them that I don't like in me...I have to forgive myself! If I'm not forgiving myself, I'm not obeying God's Word and if I'm not obeying God's Word, then I'm sinning, and if I'm sinning I'm not forgiving myself.....vicious cycle!!

It's my choice: do I forgive myself and look at my mistakes and difficulties as opportunities to grow or do I continue the vicious cycle? I'd say the choice is obvious, isn't it? What about you? Do you look at life's difficulties as opportunities to grow and learn? Jesus forgives us of our sins whenever we ask Him to. We should do no less for ourselves.

"To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." - Lewis B. Smedes

Dear Lord, I know I'm imperfect and I make mistakes on a daily basis. I am so grateful for Your unconditional love and forgiveness of my sins. Teach me how to forgive myself. Let me use each mistake and setback as an opportunity to learn and grow in You. May I grow each day in Your wisdom, and in faith and love. In Jesus' name, Amen. 



Expectations

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)

Expectations. Anticipation. Outlook. Hope. Do I start each day looking forward to what the day might bring? Do I anticipate that God is going to do wonderful things for me today? Is my outlook on life sunny and full of hope? Some days yes; some days no.

It all depends on my plans for the day. If, like today, I have a day full of fun things planned, I wake up excited, anticipating spending time with family and friends. If I have a day full of work planned, not so excited. Yet, in this verse, God tells me to "hold unswervingly to the hope" I profess. In other words, I should expect His best for me today and everyday.

Today is God's gift to me. He didn't promise today to me; He gave it to me. And, since He gave me this day to treasure, who am I to be unhappy with it? Psalm 118:24 (NIV) reminds me that, "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." He doesn't tell me to just think about rejoicing about the day ahead. He doesn't say be happy only if I have something good planned. There are no caveats or excuses. I should be expecting blessings, should be actively looking for them.

God intends for us to live each day to the fullest, whether it's working overtime at a job we really don't like or spending the day with people we really do like. Whether we wake up with the "blahs" or we wake up overflowing with joy. If we profess to be Christians, we really have no excuse not to celebrate the day. Jesus is alive and well and sitting at the right hand of God, isn't He? He gives us the hope of eternity in Heaven and life everlasting, doesn't He? Everything else in our life is bonus!!

God is faithful. God loves me unconditionally. God keeps His promises. God is awesome, all-powerful, benevolent, merciful and gracious. God is hope. Everyday begins and ends with Him. There is always something to be thankful for. It's up to me to expect it and be looking for it.

"Put your expectations on God, not on people." - Joyce Meyer

Awesome God, You've gifted me with another beautiful day. Let me celebrate it and expect blessings from You. I pray that I will live today to it's fullest; tomorrow is not a given. May I share the hope that You've given me, in the form of Your Son, Jesus, with all those I come into contact with today, so that they may also begin to expect Your blessings in their lives. Thank You for being such a faithful, loving God. In Jesus' name, Amen.





Having an Attitude of Gratitude

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18b (NIV)

There's a book out by M. J. Ryan called Attitudes of Gratitude. I haven't read it yet but it's on my list of "to be read". The title says it all, though, and goes right along with this verse.

I'm to have an attitude of gratitude in ALL circumstances in my life. Yes, ALL!! Not just when things are going smoothly and life is grand. I'm also to have that kind of attitude when everything in my life is in turmoil and heading straight down the toilet. There are several verses in the Bible to back this up.

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."

Psalm 100:4 (NIV): "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."

1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV): "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone."

Psalm 107:1 (NIV): "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."  

I'm sure you're thinking to yourself, "God doesn't really mean that I'm supposed to be thankful no matter what, does He?" My answer to you (and to myself) is, "Yes He does". It's His will for us, just as this verse says. "My husband lost his job, our house is in foreclosure, we have bills we can't pay and I'm supposed to be thankful!?" Yes! "My kids won't listen, my boss is a jerk, my husband ignores me and I'm supposed to be thankful!?" Yes! "My health is terrible, I don't have good insurance, I can't pay my deductible and I'm supposed to be thankful!?" Yes! Whatever scenario is playing out in our lives, we make the decision to have an attitude of gratitude....or not.

If you can't find anything to be thankful for in your life, then you've chosen not to have an attitude of gratitude. You've closed yourself off to the miracles God performs each and every day. There's always, ALWAYS something in your life to thank God for, if you choose to open your eyes and mind to the blessings He has bestowed upon you.  

Just like you, I have a choice of two different attitudes. Choice #1: moan, whine and complain. Choice #2: pray, laugh and praise. I don't know about you, but I know which choice makes me feel better and I also know I'd rather be around someone who chooses to be thankful. There is nothing worse than being around someone, who, no matter how good they have it, thinks they have the worst life ever. They never have enough of anything good in their life. And they sure don't want to hear about your problems, do they?

I want to be a woman with an attitude of gratitude to my Lord. No matter what circumstances I find myself in, I want to be able to find the blessings. Right now, as all 5 grandkids are here, fighting and arguing loudly with each other, I am thankful that they are all here and healthy. I am thankful that they keep me on my toes. I am thankful that they keep me young. I am thankful that, even as they frustrate me sometimes, they make me laugh even more often. An attitude of gratitude makes all the difference!!

"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances." - Martha Washington

Dear Lord, let me be a woman of gratitude. I have been so blessed by You in my life. Let me be humble and thankful in all circumstances. Let me praise You in word and deed today and every day. May my attitude bring You all the glory. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. 





Give It To God

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

This is one of my favorite verses. I have this one memorized and it's one I love to quote. It's the verse I fall back on when life is handing me worries, fears and anxieties.

God is telling me I have nothing in this world that I should be worried about. Not my finances, not my health, not my relationships, not my kids or grandkids.....absolutely NOTHING!! I wish I could say I always do as this verse tells me, however, as a human being and sinner, I do let my fears and anxieties take hold of me. I am learning, though, to "let go and let God" much sooner than I used to.

In 1 Chronicles 28:20b (NIV), David tells his son, Solomon, "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you." These words also apply to me today. God is always with me. He won't distance Himself or turn His back on me. I'm the one who does that to Him. When I do, He waits patiently for me to get my act together and lay my troubles at His feet.

But it's not just my troubles He expects. He also expects me to see, even in the midst of disappointment or tragedy, that I still have things to be thankful for. Sometimes it's very difficult to see the blessings He has bestowed on me but it's not because they're not there. It's because I refuse to look for them. Sometimes, I want to be the victim. I want others to feel sorry for me because of this awful thing I'm going through, whatever it may be. However, if I may paraphrase this verse, God says, "SUCK IT UP!! Turn to me, give me your problem. I'm here, let me help you!!"

I'm so grateful to know that I don't have to face anything alone. God is here, He is available, He is waiting....the rest is up to me. He's more than able to lead me through my fear, heartache, uncertainty, frustration, anger....I just have to give it all to Him.

"We must lay our questions, frustrations, anxieties and impotence at the feet of God and wait for His answer. And then receiving it, we must live by faith." - Kay Arthur

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to me when I am so unfaithful to You. I love this verse, Lord. Remind me of it when I am going through adversity. May I turn to You first instead of last. You are always with me and for that I am grateful. Teach me not to fear, Lord, but to leave everything at Your feet and trust that You will take care of me. In Jesus' name, Amen.





Finding Enjoyment

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." - John 16:24 (NIV)

I woke up this morning still feeling "blah" (I'm sure there's a better word to describe the feeling but this one works best for me!). Thought it was going to be another day of not wanting to get anything done. I sat down at my desk to check my emails, delaying opening my Bible and doing my morning reading. God had other ideas for my day, though. 

I receive daily devotions in my email so, as I was checking them, I came across one from Joni & Friends. It was about taking by force that which is promised us in the Bible, no matter what obstacles Satan places in our paths. Then, I read one from Proverbs 31 Ministry about being tired of waiting on God. About praying the same thing every day and feeling like God's not hearing the prayers. It gave Isaac as an example of someone in the Bible who prayed, pleaded and begged God, daily, but never lost faith that his prayers would eventually be answered. And it started to hit me, that's what's been going on with me. I've allowed Satan to place obstacles in my path and have been expecting God to just reach right down and take them out of my life. I want Him to fulfill His promises without any work on my part. That's not going to happen.

Then the strangest thing happened: the "blahs" started to lift. They lifted even more when I read today's passage in "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. It talked about how, if I focus on the obstacles, I'll go off course, but if I focus on Jesus, before I know it, the obstacles will be behind me and I'll hardly know how I passed through them. Another devotion on obstacles? Wow! That's it!! I've been focusing on the obstacles; I've gotten off course!! So, now what? Well, thank God these devotions are fairly short because I still hadn't gotten to the one I do my daily Bible study on. And when I opened up that book, this verse in John is what God gave me. I haven't been looking for enjoyment in anything. Not prayer, not the Bible, not my grandkids, not my husband, not my friends....not in anything! I've been able to laugh but it had to be something so obvious that I couldn't help but laugh. But, just to see the joy in everyday living...hasn't been happening. So, I bowed my head and had a heart-to-heart with God. I cried (we women have to do that from time to time, no matter how much we don't want to) and I asked Him to help me to find my joy again. I told Him I wanted to take back by force the enjoyment in life that I have allowed Satan to steal from me. I intend for my focus to get back on Jesus and get back on course. But I can't do it alone and I asked Him to strengthen me and to help me find the things today that will make me smile and laugh and bring joy into my heart. Things that I've overlooked in my focus on Satan's obstacles. My intention today is to find enjoyment in the little things...my granddaughter's giggle, the dogs chasing each other through the house, a clean kitchen, a beautiful sunshiny day, a cleansing shower, my sister's encouraging text message and even Dennis' corny jokes! I'm thumbing my nose at Satan and his "blahs"!! Now that's something that's bringing me enjoyment!

"I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God gave life that I might enjoy all things" - Author Unknown

Heavenly Father, You knew just what I needed today and everyday and for that I am truly thankful. Please open my eyes and heart to the joy You provide for me daily. I want to find enjoyment in all aspects of this life. Help me to focus on Jesus and not on the obstacles Satan places in my way. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Overcoming the "Blahs"

"Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me." - John 12:26 (NIV)

I've been feeling a bit "blah" about things lately and today seems to be extra "blah". I've released right at 40 pounds over the last 10 months but for the last 3 weeks or so, I've just been stuffing my face with doughnuts, candy, cake, fattening foods...whatever. Usually, clutter and a messy house drive me crazy (just ask Dennis!!) but, lately, I don't care if the dishes are piled in the sink, there's dog hair all over the place or there's an inch of dust on everything. For months, I've been excited and enthusiastic about getting up in the morning, having my prayer and Bible study time and then writing this blog. Maybe (or maybe not) you've noticed that I've been posting at odd times for the last couple of weeks. I've been finding "other" things to occupy my thoughts and time, instead.

I haven't quite been able to pinpoint what's going on with me. I'm not exactly sure where this lack of desire to eat properly, take care of myself and my home and spend time with God is coming from. But I know from whom it's coming. Satan, the devil, the enemy....whatever you want to call him...is doing his best to give me the "blahs". I also know who is working to help me to overcome these feelings. Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God...He's more than capable of overcoming Satan and the "blahs". So, the question for me is: who am I serving?

If actions speak louder than words, as my last blog stated, then the answer would have to be that I am serving Satan. As much as I don't like that answer, I have to admit that I sure don't feel that my current actions have been pleasing to Jesus. I still pray first thing in the morning but I feel lately like it's selfish prayer. It's seems to me that I pray for the same things every morning. God help ME be more like Jesus, keep ME from giving in to discouragement, let ME be a testimony.....with a little bit of praise, worship, help others and thank You for my blessings mixed in. Then all I want to do is "veg out" - check emails, play games on my phone, get on FB, watch TV...ignore my conscience that is telling me there's Bible study to do, a house to clean, dishes in the sink, laundry piling up, phone calls to return, work to be done. For example: Dennis & I belong to a game night group that meets at each others houses once a month....kind of like Bunco. This month it's our turn to host and it's in two days. So I'm house cleaning today, right?...No. I've figured out what game we're playing, right?...No. I've figured out and grocery shopped the food I'm serving, right?...No. I'll get it all done and figured out before 6:30 PM Wednesday, right?...Yes I will. I always do but not usually at the last minute.

I don't want to serve Satan. I don't want him getting any satisfaction from my actions. I want my actions to be pleasing to God. So, how do I get rid of these "blahs"? How do I get back the excitement and enthusiasm for this life I've been given? How do I get back on track with my food choices? How do I get back on track in taking care of the home God has blessed me with? The answer is in this verse: follow Jesus. Walk with Him. Talk with Him. His love has the power to change everything. He'll get rid of the "blahs" in my life. Then, when my actions speak, they will be saying: she serves Jesus!

"It's your heart that Jesus longs for: your will to be made His own with self on the cross forever, and Jesus alone on the throne." - Ruth Bell Graham

Dear Jesus, I don't want to continue to live with the "blahs" and serve the enemy. I want to be serving You with excitement and enthusiasm. I want a heart filled to the brim with love for You. I know You have the power to change my life: the way I feel, the way I think, the way I speak and the things I do. Please, dear Lord, have Your way with me. Make me a follower and a faithful servant to You. I ask in Your name, Amen.



The Word or the World

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power." - 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV)

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 

Time did not allow me to get my blog done Saturday so I'm playing catch up tonight, but God has made it very clear to me why that was. My studies for both of those days had to pretty much do with the same thing: being a role model.

There's an old saying, "Actions speak louder than words." and it's very, very true. Another old saying is "Talk is cheap". I can profess all day long to be a Christian but if my actions don't back up my words, who's going to believe me?! I'm a role model for the love and saving power of Jesus Christ and, like it or not, people are watching me. Am I living in the Word or in the world?

God really wants me to get this concept of how He expects me to live my life. Not only have several of my Bible studies been about this topic lately, but we've been doing a series about discipleship at church over the last few weeks that is just hammering this home to me. What exactly does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? It means I am an apprentice, a student of this man called Jesus. It means I will do everything to learn to become like Him. It means that, unlike the world -- which, for the last few decades has been plagued by this disease called selfishness -- I must learn to deny myself and put others wants and needs before my own. Philippians 2:2-5 (NIV) says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.". Am I living in the Word or in the world?

 

I would love to say I live in the Word from the time my eyes pop open in the morning to the time I collapse in bed at night but I'd be lying. I start every day with very good intentions....until my feet hit the floor. Then Satan goes to work. And there are days when I find it extremely difficult to stay out of the world. My "it's all about me" attitude rears it's ugly head and off I go! Me, myself and I are out to play!! And, if I'm not careful, if I don't nip my self-centeredness in the bud, if I don't get into a conversation with God and get my head back into His Word, then I become a role model for Satan. Unfortunately though, because I do profess to be a believer, Jesus is the one who gets the bad rap when I live in the world, not the devil. There's one more old saying that I want to quote: "It's good to be saved and know it! But it's better to be saved and show it!".

My actions should back up my words. My behavior should serve as an example of who Jesus really is - the Beloved Son of God who offers salvation to everyone who just reaches out and accepts Him into their heart as their Savior. Barbara Johnson observed, "In your desire to share the gospel, you may be the only Jesus someone else will ever meet. Be real and be involved with people.". That's the role model I want to be. I am making a conscious effort, daily, with God's help, to be a disciple of Jesus. I am striving to be kinder, more compassionate, more joyous and hopeful. I am striving to walk in Jesus footsteps and not look out for #1 but to make others #1 before me. Am I always successful? No. Am I getting better at it? Yes! With God's guidance and wisdom, I can live more in the Word and less in the world.

"Living life with a consistent spiritual walk deeply influences those we love most." - Vonette Bright

Lord Jesus, I want to be a role model for you; a genuine example of Your love and righteousness. I know that, as a believer, others see You through my actions and my behavior. May I be ever conscious of the image of You I project. Lord, help me to keep my heart and eyes focused on the Word and not the world. In Your precious name, Amen.



Dare to Dream

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)

We all have dreams...big dreams, small dreams. A big home, a new car, being debt-free, a great job, perfect children, wonderful friends, no worries....on and on. I'm no different. I have dreams, too. Things I long for, hope for, yearn for. I can talk about them at length with my friends. But, when it comes to talking about them with God...do I dare to ask God to fulfill my dreams? This is something I struggle with a lot.

What are some of my dreams? For the longest time I've wanted to travel to Australia. No time constraints, no money constraints. Just to go and enjoy the country with my husband and our best friends...a once in a lifetime trip! I also want to take my children and grandchildren on a Disney Cruise and spend additional time at Walt Disney World with them....making memories. I'd like a new home...it doesn't have to be huge. A place with enough room for people to come and feel welcome. A big enough place so my friends and family would never have to worry about where they'd live if hard times hit. I dream about being completely out of debt and having plenty of money in the bank. No bills except for the monthly grocery and utility bills. Then I could contribute more to worthwhile charities, to the needs at church, to friends down on their luck. I could do more than just pray for them, although prayer is vital. I could spoil my grandchildren more! I would love to be a size 8! I haven't been that size in 20 years!! I dream of having a yard that could be in Better Homes and Gardens. With green grass and a nice, safe play area for the grandkids. Most of all, though, I dream about all of my friends and family knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Now, I believe some of my dreams are pretty selfish and that's the part I struggle with. I have no problem asking God to open the hearts and eyes of my unsaved friends and family to the salvation that Jesus offers. I have learned to be satisfied with the wonderful blessing of the home he has provided and I know He will make room for as many people as necessary under my roof. But asking for more money than I really need to live on, asking for Him to provide fancy trips, asking to be thinner, asking for the things I think of as selfish....whole other story. Do I think He can't fulfill my dreams and wishes? No, I know He can. I just don't feel like I have the right to ask God for things for myself.

But, you know, whether or not I ask God for them, He knows my dreams. He knows my desires. He knows my heart. Jesus tells me to ask: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:7-11 NIV). He makes it very clear in this passage that I should ask. I should also put my trust in Him to answer my prayers. In Mark 11:24 (NIV), Jesus gives me what I believe is the key to everything I pray for: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." I don't know God's plan for me but I know it's bigger than anything I can think of. My dreams are actually small compared to what God can do and will do in my life. And that leaves me free to trust Him and dare to dream!!

"Allow your dreams a place in your prayers and plans. God-given dreams can help you move into the future He is preparing for you." - Barbara Johnson

Dear God, You know my heart. You know my dreams. I want my first desire to be to serve You with my life. I dream that all those I love will come to know Your Son as their Savior. Give me the courage to dream and to trust in Your plan for me. Remind me of Your love and that it's okay to ask for things for myself. In Jesus' name, Amen.





New in Christ

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

I don't know about you, but I think there are some things that are better old. An old pair of jeans that fit just right. Old friends who know you inside and out. An old pair of shoes that are so comfortable it's like being barefoot. Then again, new is nice. I love the smell of a new car! It's wonderful to make new friends. Moving into a new home is exciting. And, being made new in Christ is the best "new" of all!!

How are we made "new" in Christ? By accepting Him as our personal Lord and Savior. You can't help but be changed when that happens. It's like being given freedom after a long prison sentence. It's like coming into the daylight after a long time in the dark. It's like craving chocolate and getting Godiva instead of Hershey's. It's like taking a shower after a long, sweaty, stinky day at work. If we have truly accepted Jesus into our hearts, we can't help but be changed. And the difference in us should not only be noticeable to ourselves but to those around us, too.

What does being made "new" look like? The Bible gives us plenty of examples of what it is to be new in Christ. However, I think the best example is found in Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV): "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator." I think these verses make it very clear as to how we are to be changed when we accept Jesus into our hearts.

Is all this going to happen immediately, as soon as we become a follower of Christ? No, but, as we study God's Word, associate with other believers, learn what it means to follow Jesus, we become more aware of these things and begin to make the effort to get them out of our lives. When I rededicated my life to the Lord a few years ago, I began to clean out some of the "old" stuff I'd been allowing into my life. And, as I study my Bible, I am throwing off more of the "old" me. I'm more careful of my language - not only what I say, but how I say it. I'm more aware of my actions and how they affect those around me. I pray more often. I look for ways to serve Him. I rarely miss a church service or small group meeting. I ask others for forgiveness more often. And, I pray that others notice the difference!

Now, don't get me wrong. I am so far from perfect I'm amazed God hasn't given up on me!! I still have problems with my temper and being impatient. I have a hard time giving God control of my finances and my plans. I find myself making decisions without consulting Him first. I forget to pray before my meals. I still lack faith. I still don't feel worthy to ask Him for help for myself. I cannot completely fathom how much He loves me. I still fear sharing my faith with others because of what they might think of me. I am a work in progress, with progress being the operative word. I am moving forward in my Christian walk, slowly but surely. Only with God's help can I continue to become "new" in His Son.

"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion - it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ." - Billy Graham

Dear Precious Jesus, when I accepted You into my heart, You changed me forever. You made me whole and transformed me. May I continually become "new" in You. Show me how my life is to look now that I am Your follower. Give me the desire to share You with others - Your love, Your suffering, Your sacrifice on our behalf. May Your light shine so brightly through me that those around me can't help but see You in me. I ask this in Your name, Amen.

God is Watching Me!

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." - Proverbs 11:3 (NIV)

What is character? Dictionary.com gives several meanings: moral or ethical qualities; qualities of honesty, courage  or the like; reputation. There are six pillars of character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship. I think the following anonymous quote explains it best: "Character is doing what's right when no body's looking." I want to break down the six pillars of character and see if I do these even when nobody is looking. Although, there's never a time when someone isn't looking. God is always watching me.

Trustworthiness - deserving of trust or confidence; dependable; reliable. Am I trustworthy? I'd like to think I am but I know there are times when I'm not. I've made promises in the past that I haven't kept. I made commitments that I've backed out on. Oh sure, when it's something I really want to do, I'm there! But, what about the times I've committed to do something I really didn't want to do in the first place? I can think of something right now. I promised my mom I'd study to take the manager's test for her care home. I don't really want to do that. It's not something that appeals to me. So, I've been putting it off, finding other things to do instead. Nothing important, mind you. Just stuff so I don't have to pick up the booklet, study it and take the test. I'm not worried about the test. I'm a good test taker. I'm just resistant to the whole idea of managing her home. But, I promised, and, in this instance, I haven't been trustworthy at all. "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." (Luke 16:10 NIV). God is watching me!

Respect - esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered a manifestation of a personal quality or ability. Am I a respecter of persons, myself included? I'm not just talking about adults, either. Children deserve to be respected. I can't say I'm always respectful of others, especially children or those who I disagree with. I know I'm not always respectful of myself. My sense of self-worth isn't the best sometimes. If it was, I would know how much God loves me, no matter what, and that He will forgive me everything if I am truly repentant. I would watch what I eat, exercise and take better care of myself. I would be able to see others the way that Jesus sees them - as worthy of love and kindness. If I want to earn the respect of those I have contact with, then I must show also show respect to them. No matter who they are or what their circumstances may be. I desire to show my respect for God by living in order to please Him. "So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (1 Thessalonians 4:12 NIV). God is watching me!

Responsibility - involving accountability, reliability and dependability. This goes right along with trustworthiness. I must take responsibility for my actions, my thoughts and my words. If I hurt someone, intentionally or unintentionally, it's my responsibility to ask for forgiveness. If I make a decision to eat a doughnut instead of a salad, it's my responsibility to do a little more exercise that day. If I make a promise or commitment, it's my responsibility to see it through. I AM NOT A VICTIM! Everything that happens in my life, I am responsible for. It's because of choices I have made or will make that the things in my life happen. Think about that. "Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." (Galatians 6:4-5 NIV). God is watching me!

Fairness - free from bias or injustice; evenhandedness. Whoa...tough one here. I've always told my kids...life isn't fair. And, it's true. However, that doesn't give me the right to treat anyone else unfairly. It doesn't give me the right to be judgemental or hateful or angry. It doesn't give me the right to be partial or show favoritism to those I like over those I don't. It doesn't give me the right to wish revenge on anyone who has wronged me. Being fair - nonjudgmental, loving, kind, evenhanded - is something God does for me on a daily basis. How can I do any less toward others? "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly." (Leviticus 19:15 NIV). God is watching me!

Caring - to be concerned or solicitous; have thought or regard. My compassion and empathy meter is set on low. I know this about myself and I pray about it every day. When I say it's low, I mean that, unlike other people I know, I don't always see the need to be caring until it's pointed out to me. For example - do I think to pray for others who are affected by war, famine, starvation, floods, drought, etc.? Not until someone says we should pray for these people! I'm not proud of it, believe me. If it's in my face, someone I know or a friend or family member knows, who is hurting, in need, grieving...I'm on it. I have compassion and empathy. I care. I'm praying and lifting them up to God. But, I don't think outside of my small little circle of life and that's what bothers me. This is an area of my character that I really need to pray about and be aware of. I want to care for others as I care for myself. "After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church." (Ephesians 5:29 NIV). God is watching me!

Citizenship - an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations and functions of a citizen. I have duties as a citizen - to vote, to serve on jury duty, to get involved in my community plus many others. Do I do all that....yes, I can say I do. Being a citizen means I belong and I should be proud of the country I am a citizen of. I am proud to be American. I know around the world we are hated, looked down on, made fun of, hunted, persecuted.....but so was Jesus. I am even prouder to be a citizen of God's house, a person saved by the grace of Jesus. God desires is that everyone becomes a citizen of His house and, as such, it is my responsibility to tell others about His Son and the salvation that is so freely given and offers us citizenship into Heaven. That's a better citizenship than any we could ever find here on earth. "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household." (Ephesians 2:19 NIV). God is watching me.

God sees our true character, even if we can fool everyone else. He knows our darkest thoughts and deepest secrets. My intention is to become more aware of His presence in my life so that I will have the kind of character that is pleasing to Him. God is watching me!

"Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are, to some extent, a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece...by thought, choice, courage and determination." - John Luther

Amazing God, You know me inside and out. You know my deepest feelings. Help me live with integrity; to have character that pleases You. I want to be Your worthy servant and live according to Your instructions. Remind me continually that You are always near and watching me, Lord. May my words and actions be a testimony to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.