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.

The One Way

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“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

You really need to read every word to get this into your head. Do you want to live with God for eternity in paradise? Not separation from God and everything good. Then you better do something about it quickly because we may not have tomorrow. Accidents happen every minute and it could be your last minute. There is only one way and that is by believing Jesus died for you and then doing something about it. Without asking for forgiveness you can’t have forgiveness. There is no other name under heaven given as a gift to all mankind but you must accept that gift or you don’t get to use it. You can’t take the gift and stuff it under your bed for later, you have to open it and start using it. You cannot really live this life without it, at least not happily. Jesus gave all he had for you by being tortured horrendously and then hanging on the cross all day and finally dying. Just so you could have life after death. Oh, you still have life in hell but you will wish you could die but eternity is forever and ever. That is an unfathomable amount of time to think about mistakes. It only takes a second or two to ask for forgiveness. You can then start enjoying that gift and it is the gift that never stops giving. The more you know and start trusting the more you will see. I’m 66 and my eyes weren’t opened till I was about 50 and boy is it amazing more every year.

Gospel

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“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17

We are told to go preach the gospel to all nations. Something happens when we speak the gospel. A seed is planted in someone’s heart and starts to germinate. They may ignore it at first but overtime it will grow in their hearts. But if someone doesn’t share the good news with them they may never know of this hope that can save them and if they die in sin it is our fault for not sharing (sin of omission). One day we will have to look God in the eyes and tell why we didn’t share that good news when we had the chance. Chances come all the time to let our light shine but we need to be looking for them. It is God who helps our seed get planted to grow but if we don’t plant a seed how will it grow. We plant, God makes it grow. Sometimes all we need to do is share our love and people can see we are different and there is something special about us. People may not be ready to hear the gospel till they know how much you do care. But they will know it by your love. You also need to show great compassion when you are sharing because depending on how they were raised and what they have been through in life they may have been taught differently and have hurts that are hard to change, so don’t take it personally if they seem unreceptive at first. The seed is still planted and can begin to grow slowly. Most people are trying to fill the void they have in their lives with things and they do not know that there is any other way to give them peace or freedom from their pain and troubles. It’s also a relationship not just information you need to share with them because they may have heard about all the rules and regulations that are involved but not how much God loves them and wants to show them it right where they are at. They don’t have to be perfect for God to forgive them. People can think that God could never forgive them for their mistakes. But it is usually themselves that needs to forgive their past. God never holds our past against us. There is always a chance to make a fresh start. We are all called to be ministers, once the Holy Spirit is living in our hearts he is there to guide us and help us. So don’t miss the chance to be light to a lost world today.

Responding to Life

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“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13

There is a response for everything that God is looking for. If you have problems do you dwell on them and complain? Well they won’t get better if you complain, actually that’s telling God you aren’t talking care of me and you could do better. They don’t get better till you ask the one who knows how to change things and enjoys to. There are so many answers to prayer in the Bible, I always complained about things I had no control over. Saying things like, it’s not you God it’s them. Because I didn’t like the food that was prepared for me I would complain to anyone but God because how could he do anything about their menus. Well someone preached on complaining once and I felt convicted so my New Year’s resolution was to bite my tongue if I started to complain. Either pray or just don’t eat it and eat food I bought for backup. But I also thanked God for anything good I did have to eat. God gave mana and quail to the Israelites now I have restaurant quality food and plenty of it, I learned to dwell on the Lord and his goodness. Thankful, grateful people are happy people so I stop and say thank you for everything I can think of. Especially people in my life because people are what makes life worth living. I always wake to a praise song stuck in my head but that’s good because I can never say thank you enough for all God has done. I love to listen to praise music it lifts me up. Miriam sang praise when God parted the Red Sea, We are to rejoice always. God didn’t say that just once but many times because the joy of the Lord gives me strength and boy do I need it. The stories in the Bible aren’t just to fill a book they teach us Gods ways, Many miracles come from saying not today Satan, We don’t have to take it as Gods children, Just ask.because God can!

Yes Or No

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“do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No”. Otherwise you will be condemned.” James 5:13

Have you ever known someone who just says whatever comes out of their mouths without thinking first. Sometimes in a nursing home people just say things and they are angry, hurting and disrespectful. They may not realize that words are very damaging and can bring death. They can be upset because they think someone isn’t being fair but many times there are laws or rules that have to be followed for the safety and wellbeing of them and of others. There are over 100 people living in this home and some have mental deficits to consider but have you ever really thought that you would be condemned for what you say? I know I don’t want to hurt someone else and especially have God condemn me for something I say. I can realize that foul language and cussing are wrong and offensive to others and to God and yes we should watch what we say. God is my boss and I am his servant and I want to make him proud and pleased with me. Have you ever started to say something and just felt that you shouldn’t say anything. Or maybe you think something is funny and it might offend the other person or maybe they say something that hurts you and they don’t realize it. Because they were raised differently. Tell the truth yes or no sometimes it’s as simple as that. A person who uses few words can be thought of as wise but someone who uses many words can look like a fool. Taming the tongue is not easy and for non Christian’s it isn’t normal. Or even considered necessary but it is God’s way. He loves everyone and does know that your words do affect what they think. Someone may say or do something that you don’t agree with but don’t judge them because we don’t agree with everything everyone does. Nobody is perfect even me and I try to be. By using God’s wisdom we can be better. So think before you speak.

Woman of God

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“She is clothed with strength and dignity. And she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26

I want to be the strongest woman I can be. My daughters are always giving me plaques and I have one for each of these scriptures. Some people are afraid of death. Well in 2005 I had a massive stroke while I was at the doctor’s office of all places. I was just about to leave when I blacked out for a few minutes and I told the doctor something was very wrong. The next thing I knew I couldn’t move or speak and in my head I was screaming call 911. He thought I was unconscious because I wasn’t responding but I was very aware of everything. He did call 911 and I just remember feeling such peace. I could feel God saying it is ok I’m in control. For the next few hours I don’t remember much but when I did remember everyone was coming to see how I was doing if I was going to be ok. The doctors said I probably wouldn’t make it and if I didn’t want to live to let them know. At first I just thought take me home to heaven because I had accepted Christ as my savior as a teenager but then I realized I have three daughters and a husband who need me so I told them I chose to live by shaking my head. Now I laugh about dying and say I’m ready whenever you want me. I will probably live to be 100 because longevity runs in my family. I’m looking forward to that day. I’m also mindful of my words and always try to say what Jesus would say not what I think people want to hear. I pray that God will give me the words I need to say. I want him directing my thoughts. Another plaque says, ‘she talked to God and this made her lovely.’ I want people to like me because I speak what God tells me to say. I will always try to do the next right thing. I know that I can’t be perfect but God knows I have a perfectionist mentality and I want to do all that I can. I think all people should be the best they can be and never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. What do you think?

Courageous

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‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Do you know who you are? When we are called we are given the authority to do everything we need to do. The highest King in any land has gone before me and given me the authority to represent him. Just like any king who delegate’s authority it’s as if the king himself is going. It’s as if he stamped a document with his ring and sent it with you to do whatever he commands. Legal and binding. If a king sent his son to do something people would jump to do his bidding. Well as a child of Gòd you are his son or daughter, He has commanded us to be strong and courageous because as his child it’s like God is going. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is living within us and all the power,wisdom and strength with authority is with us so we do have everything we need. We have already won because he always wins. We might need to muster the strength in our minds because our minds are battle fields but we’ve already won the war. You may think you can’t but you have overcome by the blood flowing through your veins that says, it is done. My Father says so! He doesn’t lie, As a soldier in the military your commanding officer is who you report to. If he says jump, you say, yes sir how high sir. You don’t think on your own, you just obey. Can you think of anyone who outranks God? We’ve been commanded to go make disciples of all nations and be strong and courageous while doing it because I am with you and I will tell you what to say. Any questions? You’ve been given the authority and the strength to use it so what are you waiting for?