Nuggets of Truth

“He sought God during the days of Zechariah who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” 2 Chronicles 26:5

So many times the Bible tells us of people who served and followed after him and were blessed and successful . Proof that he is good.

“Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God.” 2 Chronicles 27:6

More proof.!

“… he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2 Chronicles 31:21

More proof!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because the king of Assyria and the vast army with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us fight our battles.” 2 Chronicles 32:7-8

If God be for us, who can be against us. We may have enemies but who is greater than our God? Can anyone beat him? I know who I want on my side.

“Who of all the gods of these nations that my predecessors destroyed has been able to save his people from me? How then can your God save you from my hand?” 2 Chronicles 32:14

This just boggles my mind. How the Israelites keep turning to false gods, after the one true God did so much for them. Even the people against them knew God was fighting for them and they didn’t stand a chance. But they still sought false gods. Peer pressure?

“And the Lord sent an angel, who annihilated all the fighting men and the commanders and officers in the camp of the Assyrian king. So he drew to his own land in disgrace. And when he went into the temple of his god, some of his sons, his own flesh and blood, cut him down with the sword.” 2 Chronicles 32:21

God wins in the end. The bad guy loses and all is right again.

“In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.” Nehemiah 9:33

The people are beginning to see a pattern. They keep screwing up. But God keeps showing up to bail them out. He is good.

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to a royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

God can and will use anyone. We do not always have to accept his plan, but if he has a plan it will prevail. Our church has a prayer pavilion that prays 24/7 for needs around the world. It is becoming a well known place and people have visited it from around the world. Those in charge just said yes to God. They weren’t Gods first choice but they said yes when others didn’t. They didn’t doubt God’s plans even though it took years and thousands of dollars.

If goodness is always rewarded how can we know if it’s from a true love of God, or desire for gain?

This is something Satan brought up to God in Job. Well since God knows every thought, would he not know our motivations? But I do believe that even when non believers show compassion and do good things for others they are rewarded. There is a fact to giving, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Some evil people have found this out, too. It is also a fact that when you are blessed for doing the right things , you just do more out of thankfulness.

“He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” Job 5:9

God is at work always. Remember he promised to always work everything out for our best. And he is doing so much mighty stuff that we just can’t fathom.

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the almighty.” Job 5:17

Just as a loving parent only disciplines out of love, he only wants the best for you. If he didn’t love you so much, why would he care? Just do what you want, pay the consequences, it doesn’t matter to me. Well you do matter so much to God, so be grateful.

Nuggets of Truth

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve , whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the god of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

God had proven himself to Joshua and he wanted to convince the others but it was their choice. They could see God was good and all that he had done but would they serve him?

“It was the Lord our God himself who brought us and our parents up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.” Joshua 24:17

The people said it themselves. God did it all for us. But would they serve him? They were a stiff necked people.

“Lord the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or on earth— you who keep your covenant of love to those who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 2 Chronicles 6:14

One thing is true. God does keep his promises. When he says something it can be trusted. It may not be in our time frame, but it’s right on time in his perfect time frame.

“Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple? People will answer, because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping them and serving them-that is why he brought all this disaster on them.” 2 Chronicles 7:22

We bring so much trouble onto ourselves and yet we quickly blame God. God is always good and just. His ways we just can’t fathom because he knows the beginning from the end.

“The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2

The more you seek him the more he will be revealed to you. I heard someone explain this to me in relation to children. The dad is being chased round and around by the kids, but just before they give up he lets them catch him. Because that kind of love brings so much joy. He just wants them to earnestly seek him. Or have you ever played hide and seek with children. When they count you hide, but not very good, so they will not give up too easily.

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:7

God will reward us when we try. He loves us and loves giving us good things. But people who don’t know God think he is a taskmaster. But since they don’t know him, they will never know how much you will do for someone you love who loves you.

“All Judah rejoiced about the oath because they had sworn it wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 15:15

God’s people would come to him and confess their sins, just to go back to sinning again. But every time he forgave them just like he said he would. Giving them a peace that comes from true repentance. It says I really was wrong and I really wish to do right. But as the world gets hard we often slip back into our sins. But God is always ready for us to come back to him no matter how bad we’ve been.

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and now you will be at war.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

God is perfect and he is just. So when we sin we will pay the consequences. If we run back to him though, he is loving, and will take us back. As a parent I can remember grounding my kids for bad behavior but as they show true repentance, I sometimes forgot about my threats and let them slide because I loved them and wanted to see them happy.

“Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

God is our champion. He loves his own and he will fight for them. We so often let things get to us. Every trial and difficult thing we need to take to God. The sooner the better. It may be that he is using it to strengthen us. But he uses everything for our good and he will be with us through everything. Sometimes God will work out impossible situations that we never imagined in his special ways.

“…men went to carry off their plunder, they found among them a great amount of equipment and clothing and also items of value-more then they could take away. There was so much plunder it took three days to collect it.” 2 Chronicles 20:25

In this instance God sent his angels to thwart their enemies, who turned on each other and annihilated themselves. And because God is a God of abundance he gave them such a great victory. They not only received the spoils of war, but there was so much plunder that it took three days to collect it all.

Nuggets of Truth

God made heaven and earth and everything that ever was or ever would be in them. Everything we could ever need or want. And it was very good. He is perfect, could he do anything less. I am amazed at all the intricate and unique animals and plants. I believe God was excited to create them. The gorgeous environments and majestic scenery.

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number’; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and every living creature that moves upon the ground.” Genesis 1:28

He was so happy to have people to love and he wanted so much more. Everything was just for them. He thought of everything we could enjoy. It was theirs to rule over and nurture. Nothing was too good for them.

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning- the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

It had to be perfect and everything we could desire was thought of. At times I just sit and ponder the things in my immediate surroundings, which isn’t much, but each little thing brings so much pleasure and memories. Pictures of my family and simple things like my clock. How God created time and seasons that come and go regularly.

“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, that brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:7

If he could just have a special people all his own he would do everything for them and they would love him and obey him out of love and devotion. But we are selfish and wicked and we don’t deserve anything, but that doesn’t stop him. He still wants that special people to bless

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“I will do it! I’m willing to do the hard work. I just want your love,” says God

“The Lord is my strength and defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2

We really need to realize just what we have. He is everything and he does everything and he promises us a future because he is our future salvation through his precious son.

“Who is like you- majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11

The more you get to know him the larger he becomes in your eyes. Just like the jumbo jet looks tiny when you look up from 30,000 miles away. But when you stand beside it, it’s massive. Draw closer to God and see how big he becomes.

“The Lord reigns for ever and ever.” Exodus 15:18

This is the reason I am at peace. Bottom line is that God does have us all in the palm of his hand and he is working. His will, will be done.

“Then the Lord said to Moses, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” Exodus 16:4

His provision is promised but he had a million whining people to take care of. He has storehouses of supplies and fed them each day miraculously with bread from heaven and even meat. There were no stores or crops and the animals they had were required for sacrifices. Everything they needed was up to him. Their clothes and shoes did not wear out. They always had enough.

“The Israelites ate manna for forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna till they came to the border of Canaan.” Exodus 16:35

For forty years he took care of over a million people and they thrived and grew in numbers. I liked camping out and I did it for many years with my family, but there was so much to pack and then to clean up once we were done. But they had what they could carry on their backs and that was enough.

God’s Word is Important

The Bible is such a wonderful book read by so many people around the world every day. It is also the most misunderstood book. It is full of some absolutely astonishing facts and well loved promises. Stories of strength and courage. But it is about completely normal people, even weak people. People like you and me who screw up often and deserve rebuke but are used in some mighty ways. People say, “Oh, that’s impossible.” But what if it is possible, what if it’s all accurate. What if miracles really do happen every day and you are missing out on some of the greatest possibilities that could ever enter your life. People have a hard time reading through the Bible from cover to cover. But by picking and choosing what you prefer you are missing so much. Fifteen years ago after my stroke I was laying flat on my back feeling a little sorry for myself. I had lost so very much in my life. I had been a mother to three beautiful daughters and happily married to my high school sweetheart. I was a pilot just for fun, going here and there wherever I wanted and whenever I wanted. My husband and I owned our very own business that did very well. But after that fateful day I wasn’t able to do much. My body and my mind were broken. Now what? A woman I knew of, and one I greatly admired, came to my door one day. I had worked with her years before. She just felt led to help me somehow. She came in and offered to pray for me and maybe read some scriptures to cheer me up. Well I had grown up in a Christian home so I could have done that for myself but I hadn’t, I was too busy struggling hour to hour. I said sure and decided to see how it went. The words were comforting and she came back a few times. I was being polite to sit and listen but I began thinking. She has since died from cancer but she gave me something special. I decided to start reading my Bible every day, I had plenty of time. I was living at home and getting some therapy but it became apparent that I was going to need way more help than I was getting, if I ever wanted to get any quality back to my life. I agreed to give a care home a chance. One with full time rehab. They would be there for whatever I needed. It was very hard being away from my immediate family and friends. I could not really talk so I was misunderstood. I was so anxious for what laid ahead of me. God speak to me! I began reading every Christian book I could get my hands on. I was searching. I met a woman chaplain who loved God. I wanted what she had. I loved hearing her speak of her and God. They were close. The more I read the more my heart opened. I met someone who came to share songs he had written from scriptures. I began learning so many scriptures and they brought such peace. I began attending church when they offered to bus me there every Sunday. It was a really great church. I met so many great people there. Even though I was broken I belonged in the special needs ministry and got to know so many other handicapped friends. We went to a special camp for a week every summer. We got to do things like normal people. Swimming, playing games, a zip line through the forest, and singing. I loved it, and went back every year. We had an opportunity to try preaching so I tried it. I was pretty good at it. I had written a book about my stroke and all I had gone through. People liked it and encouraged me to write more. Me a writer? But God has given me four books so far and this will be my fifth. I learned that God has a calling on my life to write. I was meant to be an encourager. I gave my books to anyone and everyone. My daughter told me I should have a blog to advertise my writing, so I learned about blogging and started my own. My last book was a year long devotional. I started sharing this daily with people and it was very well received. All of this taught me so much. God has shown me so much throughout. It bolstered my faith and taught me so many scriptures. My life was amazing and my love for God was through the roof. I realized how important reading all God has for us in his word is. I made a requirement of myself to start in Genesis and go completely through taking my time till I got through Revelations, then start all over. It was hard but I have been so blessed through it. I will start sharing the nuggets I have uncovered each week.

God’s Provision

“I am the vine; and you are the branches. if you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV

This verse has so much to say about our walk with God. Who God is and how he sees his awesome plan for us. God is the one who made us and we are a part of him. We were never meant to be apart from him. Our need of him is so very important in every aspect of our lives. If we want to be all we can be, we will need to cooperate with him. He does know what is best. He has great plans for us. To be people for himself that will bear much fruit, this fruit is the traits and characteristics that will further his kingdom. We will be loving, peaceable, joyful, long-suffering, gentle, good, meek, temperate, and faithful. These are the fruits he desires to see in us. He uses the example of a grape vine for good reasons. If God is a grape vine then we are connected to him and will produce his fruits. Grape vines produce grapes. We can not decide on our own to produce something other than grapes, like tomatoes. We are to be more like him every day. He decides what we need to be and what is best for all. We also need to be connected to him. He is our power source. If we do what we want and not what he has asked us to do we will be weak, and ineffective. We need to spend time with him. A relationship with him is very important. Anyone you ever have a relationship with is important to you. You spend time with them, share, talk about the good and the bad together and become closer together all the time. Another thing about a grape vine is to be connected every day. If you are not connected to his vine, you are disconnected. If you are disconnected you will die. It may be a slow miserable death, but with no nutrients you will die. When a vine dies it is burnt up and cast away.. You don’t want to be cast off or dead do you? You are not going to be very productive if you are dead. As I was reading my Bible today I was in Deuteronomy. The Israelites had just spent 40 years wandering around in the wilderness and the whole time God was providing for them. They were brought out of Egypt in such a mighty way. Even when they faced their first struggles God was strong. Splitting the Red Sea so they walked right through, in the mud, no. They walked on solid, dry, ground. He provided water when they needed it, and food for many thousand men, women and children. They demanded meat and God sent quail. Their clothes and shoes held up for forty years and never wore out. During this time they married and had families. He kept them safe and strong. Because there was as many people after the forty years as when they began and the previous generation had all died in the wilderness. Only Joshua and Caleb remained from the original bunch. When they came into the promised land God fought for them. No matter how big or how strong their enemies were, they did not stand a chance. But he warned them to leave certain people alone. Because he had already blessed them, such as Esaus family and Lot’s family. Those who God has blessed shall remain blessed.

Do yo want to be one of God’s blessed people?

Deposit of the Spirit

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV

To all who have been called, and trust in the name of Jesus Christ to be saved, you are special. We know that we were made with great love in the image of our creator to fellowship with him. We our precious children of our King. But what else? So much has been said about who we are in Christ. When we come to him his arms are open wide and there is great rejoicing in heaven. It is a big deal. We are no longer a slave to Satan, sin, longing, and striving. God has wiped the slate clean and we are now a new creature. The old person we used to be is gone. At that point God says he anoints us, he wants us to go out and spread his message to the lost in the world. He has also set a seal upon you that tells the enemy that you are his and nothing bad can happen to you without his okay. He works everything, both good and bad for your best. He is perfecting you every day for the rest of your lives. You are a jewel to him, priceless and valuable. He is working at drawing you closer. He wants to know you and for you to know him more and more every day. A close relationship of love, trust and respect. He has made a deposit into your life. Just as Jesus made a promise before he left this earth he has given his Holy Spirit to be with us always. That Spirit comes with great power and the guarantee of the future we will have with our father in his kingdom. To be heirs with Christ to all he has. Upon death we are no longer in this earthly body but given a brand new heavenly body that is perfect and we will live with him forever. While we are on this earth he promises to be with us always helping us and edifying us. Whenever we want anything he wants us to run to him. He does not want us to be anxious or worried. If it is important to us it is important. When we need wisdom and guidance he wants us to ask. He does not expect us to do this on our own. Actually he knows that we can’t do this on our own. He will give us words to speak when we need them. He has made everything just for us. The world is so full of wonderful things to discover and they are ours. Everything we will ever need. Every good gift comes from him. He really is a very good God. There are many gods in the world that people serve and worship but they don’t do anything but tell you how to live your life and none can offer eternal life. Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

Do you want an abundant life with power?

God’s Food

“Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures for eternal life, which the son of man will give you. For on him God the father has placed his seal of approval.” John 6:27 NIV

Why do we feel that we need to strive for all we need. We have a loving Heavenly Father who knows what we really need and wants to give it to us. He does a really good job of supplying needs for billions of people every day. All he asks is that we love him first and best. He wants a real relationship with us. He has also asked us to love others. We don’t need to worry or demand what we want. God has promised to give us our daily needs. This world has created people who are consumed with their needs or wants. To have more than everyone else. We are very self centered and self absorbed. Do we really need just to be happy? I have met homeless and poor people who are very content and thankful for what they have. I also knew a very wealthy man who lived poorly because it was more than what he needed. I don’t need a big fancy car, fancy clothes or a mansion. I have all I need and that makes me happy. Just having more does not make you happy. Things will not make your life. We should be going after things that truly bring happiness like peace and joy. God gives that freely to those who seek him. These are not worldly things but things that he has told us in his word that we need. First and foremost is a relationship with the one who has everything we need and can give us eternal life. This should be our top goal because everything comes from him. Then if we follow his commands and his ways he will meet our needs. There is something so rewarding about caring for others. Loving others is fulfilling. As we help to meet the needs of others we receive love in return and our needs are surprisingly being met. I am still so amazed every time I shower that my shampoo is always enough and never runs out. It has been that way for months. Praise God. Miraculously I don’t need much. There is so much joy in not thinking about it but seeing God provide. Do you know that God, the creator of the universe, has told us that Jesus has his stamp of approval and that he will be our everything. I can tell you how great Jesus is but who am I? God, the main guy, now he is everything and has everything. He wants us to know his son. He has given everything to him and he wants to give everything to us.

Do you want to strive or know the one who has everything you need?

Where You Are

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord you are serving.” Colossians 3:23 NIV

How do you know if you are where God wants you? It’s more how you react to where you are than really where you are. I know my brother always says there are no women in his town. “ Maybe I should move.,” he says. Well if you are following the Lord and keeping his commandments then he will bless you right where you are. If God wants you in a relationship then that person will cross your path. I do believe we can position ourselves where good people are. Like a church, a class on something you enjoy, or just getting yourself out where people are. I know myself, I never thought I would be living in a nursing home at 59. A friend of mine overcame a hard past, met God and then his past life got him in prison. It was not where he wanted to be but God still has a plan. I became a writer, yah who knew? I never liked writing as a teen. It was hard and I struggled. Now I know what to say and can’t type fast enough. The words I write are God’s words. They inspire me just as much as others. My friend always liked to encourage people and who needs more encouragement than a prisoner. I’m sure God can use him too. Last night I watched a movie about a teenage boy dying from a bad heart. He was waiting for a donor heart. His church, best friend, and girlfriend were doing everything they could to raise money and awareness of his illness. He got a heart and his body rejected it. Things were bad and his friends wished they could do something, anything because he only had two more days to live. That night there was a terrible car accident and maybe a possible heart. It proved to be a perfect match. The hard thing was that it was his girlfriend who died. God used her in death and God used her life. God only knows how we can make a difference in the world. He can and will use us wherever we are if we will let him. We don’t always necessarily decide where we are but we can always decide to let God use us. Right where we are and just how he chooses. We just need to be willing. The girl that died was in an accident. But with God there are no accidents, he knows the day and hour that you will die and he can use that to greatly affect people in your life. Both families were very close and were blessed to see this young man live even if their daughter got to go to heaven.

Won’t you give God your life to use in his way?

What Love

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV

Love is God and love is perfect because God is perfect. How far do we fall short in this area? I know I try very hard to show love but cannot help but think bad thoughts when someone does or says something I don’t like or that isn’t correct. I live in a nursing home so most people just can’t help the way they act. They don’t always remember things either. But no one is perfect but God. He is the inventor and creator of pure love and that is how he loves everyone. I know he has shown me such perfect complete love. He once told me he loved me like his son David and David was a man after Gods heart. But he loves everyone that way, unconditionally. Not just me, but everyone, everywhere, each and every day for thousands of years. Now that’s billions. We’re all his favorites. I watched a show last night about different women who overcame hard pasts to become courageous women of God. It was that overpowering great love of God that accepts us right where we are and showers us with love that we could never get anywhere else. But a love that is so strong that it can completely transform lives. A love that you can trust so much and want so much to be like. I don’t know if you have ever been a parent but there is no greater love than for that little life you helped bring into the world. As your child grows it just grows deeper. You would die for that life. Don’t mess with one of my kids or you will pay. A mother is like a bear protecting her cubs. With a fierce love. Our God’s love can not be equaled. Just look at the awesome world he gave us. The many different wonders we can only begin to explore. I know when I was married my husband felt safe if he never had to leave this country. I’ve missed so much. The fact that he let his one and only son go through so much at the hands of humans. Just so we could spend forever with him in paradise. It was the only way but what love. Lately I have been so blessed financially. I have very minimal money for disability so I am very cautious in my spending. My supplies like shampoo and soap just keep multiplying and I have used it for months. Or I will get a gift of something I really need. I wanted to buy a baby gift for a friend and I found out I had a large credit in my account so everything I needed was free. God always amazes me how all my needs are met. I am not the only one. I hear others tell me how he miraculously helped them and I get all choked up. Man he must be busy. I wish everyone could know the love I have found.

Have you felt that love?

The Spirit Brings Power

The Holy Spirit is the most understood part of the trinity but by the spirit we as followers of Christ receive the most power. Not just in our spirit but in every area of our lives. Everything that God wants for us is possible and the Holy Spirit helps. Let me explain. When Jesus was here on earth he was perfect. His life was to be admired and emulated. He explained to everyone that he had come to do the will of his father first and foremost. Whatever the Lord had for him he would do it. He spent many hours in prayer with his father for strength and wisdom. He was God made human and gave us a awesome example to follow. If he was perfect and we are just lost sinners don’t we need to do the same? After he was resurrected from the grave and before he ascended into heaven to his rightful place on the throne to reign forever, he told his selected few, the disciples, to wait for the power to come, which was the Holy Spirit. Waiting on the Lord is an important part of our power. After they had been locked into a room, out of fear, and had been praising, singing and praying the spirit came in power. The spirit came upon then in power and the began speaking in tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. When were born again into this family of God his spirit came to live with each of us forever. We have been adopted by God. Chosen. We are no longer alone in this hard, lonely, and corrupt world. We have an advocate that is with us to help us in every area of our lives. This power has been in me so much lately. I am overwhelmed by all he is doing in my life. The first area is prayer, this is so important for my relationship with God and strength. The more you pray the more effective you become. The more you pray for others , the more you get blessed when you see those prayers being answered. I may pray for something for months, but the greater that answer is when it does come. Time spent in prayer talking to God is never wasted time. When you are quiet and listening he can and will share so many great things with you. He gives me great things to write about, what to do in certain situations, and what to say to people. Just that morning he told me to listen to praise music and it helps so much. Lately it is so necessary with all our problems. Now I am filled with his power and am unstoppable. I don’t know how people who reject him and his power get through life in this difficult world. But it can’t be good. I’m so thankful for the power he has given me.

Do you want to know this same power?

“Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6 NIV