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“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

There is so many reasons to be hopeful and joyful. God loves us so much and has done so much for us. God gives us grace and mercy new every day that we don’t deserve. His precious son has redeemed us with every drop of blood he shed and all of our sins have been forgiven completely. We get to spend eternity in paradise with them. If we ask anything believing we can have it. If we need anything he will see that we get it. There is nothing that they won’t d do for us. We will have afflictions and difficulties but he will carry us through them, making us over comers. All we need to do is pray about all the things he leads us to pray about and continue to spend time with him daily so we can be led to pray about things that come up. I just don’t understand how people can do life without them. To be on my own without their amazing help. I see needs all around me and and don’t even think twice about asking God for at least wisdom to know what to do. I do know if I don’t ask I won’t have God’s help so I do ask a lot more than I ever have in the past. Faith is such a big thing in my life now because I know how faithful God is and I have complete trust in his sovereignty. I’ve done things my way and I’ve done things his way and I know which works best. That is why knowing his words in my heart is so important because I always know his battle plans with whatever I’m facing.

Instruction

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“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will councel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalms 32:8

We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us and he will give us everything we need. God never takes his loving and protective eye off of us and he is in control even though Satan likes to think he can cause all the trouble he chooses to. But what he will never admit is that God has to allow it. He has allowed evil to exist on earth for thousands of years even though he could change that if he really wanted to. He has told us to pray for the countries that discipline us, because we want them to come to know you and his love for them. To make a difference in our world. But I have thought a lot about this over the last several years and it definitely makes him the better man because he is smart enough to make any and all evil good in his ways. Ways that don’t make sense to our finite minds. He can make Satan think he gets away with it but he also doesn’t see the good things God is doing in us. Our greatest growth comes in difficult times not in comfortable times. We don’t necessarily enjoy struggling with anxiety and fear but it can definitely make us better if we don’t get bitter. It takes trust on our part because it takes time for God to work it all out. His ultimate goal is to make heaven crowded so he has all his family home with him. He loves all people in all nations and places on earth. He gives us wisdom to do our part right where we live. He never gives up on the plans he has for our lives and even as we stray from our path he is there drawing us back to himself. Give all you have for his kingdom because eventually it is our kingdom.

Child of God

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“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who did believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God — children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” John 1:12

Believing that he is, is all it takes to become a child of the King. Precious and dearly loved. He loves everyone he has ever created and he makes only good just the way he planned them to be. Never a mistake was made because they are perfect for all they were made to do. People may tell them they are imperfect and we all are but we were made perfectly by a perfect God. But as his child he is always working to make you holy and complete everything about you is good because even hard things he will use for your good, strengthening and equipping you for his purposes. Do you realize just how much he thinks about you? He wants a deeply personal relationship with you where you can share everything with him even things you may not like but they are still part of his plan. He wants to give you so much but he loves to hear you ask even though he knows what you really need. He is working all the time for you he never stops. Whenever you ask for something he is already making a way. He rejoices over you and delights in you. Just like any daddy he loves to give you things that are good for you. He probably brags about all of his children just like most parents do. He knows everything about you, your thoughts and intentions. There is no way you can hide from an omnipresent God. Your life is all written down before your first day began. And he loves you anyway. Nothing could change his mind about you. He knows when you will mess up and when you will make him proud but he wouldn’t change you. He looks forward to the day that all of his children will be home for eternity and he can spend time with them.

King of kings

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“The Lord will be King over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” Zechariah 14:9

There is coming a day where everyone will bow before the true King and that will be an exciting day. It will also be a terrible day for those that lived however they wanted thinking they were the only God they needed. We will no longer be thought of as weak and crazy. Things we tried to tell them would finally make sense and fear would be widespread. Maybe I was good enough? Even Christian’s need to fear if they weren’t living how God commanded in his words because there are no more do overs. Forgiveness is the greatest gift we have been given and God will forgive anything if you mean it. We are all called to something with the gifts and talents we have been given. If God called you to be a bookkeeper he doesn’t want you to be a doctor or minister. He has a plan and purpose for everyone and it will impact our world. Maybe he just called you to be a father, so do it with all your heart. Lead by example and be strong to make a difference in the lives of your family. Being a Godly man has so many rewards. What we do this side of heaven is so important. Were you loving, compassionate, a person of integrity, honest and respectful. When you look into those eyes of fire from the Lord of heaven and earth, you will want him to be proud of who you became. Not ashamed of what you thought was so important that will be burned up as you realize it had no importance in the kingdom of. God. Thousands of people will be facing the worst horror movie ever to be for an eternity. The lake of fire is worse than you could ever imagine. A good God isn’t sending you to hell, you choose that path all by yourself by rejecting his drawing over and over again saying, “ I don’t need you!”. You missed out on some of the most exciting things God had to give you if you had just asked. Don’t have regrets for an eternity. Start today to make a change for the better.

Righteousness By Faith

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“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentle. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, for it is written: “”The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Our God is very Holy and Righteous for he is perfect. But he chose to cooperate with mere humans that are not righteous anyway. It is through the work that Jesus began on the cross. We were lost and hopeless as soon as Eve took that first bite of the apple. Before that time earth was good. God said so himself every time he created something. But as sin entered the world all mankind sinned. We couldn’t not sin because it is our nature just like God’s nature is righteousness. Now we won’t be perfect until we get to paradise. Because there is no sin in heaven. You have to be perfect in heaven or it wouldn’t be heaven. The work has been done and God will finally have the huge family he always wanted and his children will be perfect just like he is. There will be no more sin, pain or death. Only every good thing forever and ever. Only the best for his family. We are heaven: just like he tried to do in Eden before the fall of man. Now he loves us very much and he would do so much to see that day. Right now he does so much for us here on earth but we are surrounded by imperfect people. But if you have faith, so much is possible. The more faith you have the more is possible. So you don’t want to have just a little when you can have a whole lot. I spent most of my life living on crumbs until I wanted more now I eat like a queen at God’s table because I have tasted and won’t go back to scraps. What a difference. It is impossible to please God without faith but with God he pleases me always. You still have free will to choose how you will live but if you want to live by faith you can have everything you ever wanted.

Holy Family Power

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“For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid , but gives us power, love, and self discipline.” 1 Timothy 1:7

Remember when the spirit fell upon the disciples in the room while they waited. They all began to speak in languages they didn’t know but God knew. Because there were people visiting from around the world who spoke different languages and they could understand their speaking and it was with power praising God and giving him glory. They also knew that these fishermen from Galilee were uneducated and would not know what they were saying but it had a large impact on them because it spoke of this amazing God. They knew just what to say and they said it directly to the people God wanted them to. It made such an impact that many came to know the Lord. That is power. To be able to open your mouth and say things you don’t know to people you can’t talk with because of a language barrier. I know someone who speaks Spanish but very few can understand a word he is saying but he keeps talking till they get someone who can understand it. I know our church has headphones that you can hear the service in their language but in Jesus time they wouldn’t have been able to be ministered to any other way. But they spoke just the right languages at just the right time to tell them about Jesus. Now that’s being led by the spirit. Most people wouldn’t be able to understand tongues. To me it makes no sense but just like when my friend speaks Spanish it makes no sense to me. But to the right person it can bring life. We are now sons and daughters of the highest King there is and his blood flows through our veins. That gives us amazing power.that we need to take ahold of and use. That blood flowing through our veins totally changes things and until you know your daddy like I do you don’t understand what you are missing. We have been given a weapon and we need to know how to use it properly. This weapon is not carnal but it is very powerful.

Our Own Way

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“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 1::17

Think of Jesus hanging on the cross willingly in pain and suffering emotionally and physically. Look into his eyes full of compassion. And consider that he was doing it for you.Think of all your mistakes and failures that he is carrying. They are all gone, totally wiped away with his selfless act. We need to think about everything we do because he is paying for them. Or better yet consider the day we stand at the judgment seat of Christ and explain our actions as we stare into his eyes. That careless word spoken, the anger and unforgiving attitude we carried, thinking about ourselves first. They may not be big mistakes but we will feel shame and remorse. We’ll wish we acted differently and could change things. Times we’ve hurt those we loved as well as those who did worse to us. But all our poor choices will hurt while we look on his face. Yes he has forgiven us and yes we still get to heaven but I don’t want regrets. I still can’t thank him near enough for all he has done. Every time I say thank you I feel like it will never be enough. But I just want to say thank you more often. It is never wasted time.

Wonderfully Made

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“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:13-14

God only makes good things and each person is special. But have you ever pondered how amazingly perfect we were made? From the minute of conception the heart begins to beat, nobody has to cause it to beat it just does. Blood and oxygen flow through our veins supplying what our bodies need especially in the womb. Our DNA tells the body what we will become, From just a speck a person is formed. That has everything it will need for a long life whether black or white, tall or short, blue or brown eyes. Oxygen flows in and out of our lungs every day without even thinking about it. Our skeleton is designed with every bone perfectly made to help us move and walk. Nervous systems and lymphatic systems and muscles to help us function. The brain is something amazing and we can learn so much no matter how big the brain muscle is. We have emotions and feelings, Six senses, needs, wants and desires. We need to be loved and to love in return to be truly happy. The eye ball and ear are so detailed. When we eat our body knows just how to digest the food and turn it to liquid and waste to get it out of the body to make room for more food. Everything works automatically. Doctors have been studying the human body for thousands of years and they keep finding new discoveries. People just don’t think about it because they were told that we just evolved. But God says to be like a little child. And what does a child do- they ask a lot of questions. Why? They want to know everything and we should really think before we just accept things that are so complex and wonderfully done.

Light

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

We are here to be a bright light shining in this dark world. To be totally set apart and different than others in this world. People are watching everything we do to see if we are really different and what is so special about us. People may know we are Christian’s but do we act differently? Do we have something they desire. Is there peace in trials, is there greater love and compassion, do we really care about people? Are we people of integrity and reliability. We are called to share the gospel with people but sometimes actions speak louder than words and you don’t really have to say anything. I had a stroke so people don’t always understand me or I speak too quietly. Sometimes a quiet person can speak the loudest. It isn’t what you say but what you do that counts. People who make a name for themselves are people who leave a lasting impression, not necessarily preaching or teaching but just being different in a good way. I think of people I admire and their lives say it all. They are unforgettable. You have to be focused on Jesus and spend time abiding with him. When you are spending time in his presence he will rub off on you and you will be more like him. His behaviors will become your behaviors. Something drew people to Jesus and it was his great love and compassion. Peace was in his life. People wanted to be around him. Do people know you are God’s kid? Will they thank God for someone like you in their lives?

The Temple of God

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“Don’t you know that you yourselves are Gods temple and that God’s spirit dwells within your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16

One very special gift God has given us is the Holy Spirit. He is our closest friend and confidant. Giving us everything we need from strength and wisdom to awesome power. Back in the early 1900’s a handmaid was there for a woman’s every need from dressing to styling hair. But even more they were usually a close confidant. Someone they could confide in and it would go no further. They gave advice like a close family member. The spirit is similar but so much more. When Jesus died on that cross the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom as Jesus breathed his last breath and cried, ‘It is finished.’ Prior to that time only the selected priest could get behind that veil. It was still dangerous because if he was not right with God he might end up dead. This was a very holy place. Remember when God told Moses take off your sandals because this is holy ground, the presence of God is holy and should be respected. You also don’t want to grieve the Holy Spirit because bringing great sorrow to the spirit is not forgivable. Just as the spirit fell on those in the upper room seeking and praying this power came upon them and they preached boldly and the church began. Without the spirit dwelling within them they were unable to keep from making mistakes and putting their foot in their mouths. But because the spirit fell upon them they were then able to do the same things Jesus did while he was walking on earth. Jesus was human like us and could understand what we deal with every day but he overcame it all because of the spirit working in his life. We have that same help, something so precious we should never take it for granted, and we can pray for the sick and see them get healed. God did it for Jesus and we are also his children. So he will do it for us. The more time you spend with the spirit the more of that power he imparts. He prays for you when you don’t know how to pray and he knows Gods heart and can pray Gods will in any situation. We don’t always know what is best for everyone but he does. There is nobody better to have on your side. One day Jesus is coming back and he will take us home and we will be together forever. What a glorious day.