“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

What we think about and what we let in our lives is what we become. Sin brings troubles and thinking negative thoughts brings bad things. What we say and dwell on is so important. If you want a blessed and good life then you will listen to the creator of life. He knows his creation well. When you speak scriptures over your life it encourages and helps you remember what’s important. Thinking about how great things are in your life, even if it was just a delicious meal or a beautiful sunrise will bless your soul. Being thankful is a learned habit that takes your focus off the bad things in life and back to God who gives all good things. God makes all good things for us to enjoy and appreciate but not so we can get things to fill our homes and our lives with stuff. Then we let them bless us and not God which is no blessing at all. God doesn’t want us to not have nice things because we need them to live. But if God helps you to have a fancy car or a big house be sure to thank God for them and just remember that God gives the job that helped you buy them. Get involved with a good Bible believing church and attend regularly, in person not online. We need the fellowship of other believers to encourage us and rub off on us. The more you do things God’s way the more blessed your life will be.

Faith To Believe What God Can Do

“So we fix our eyes on what is not seen, but on what is unseen, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

So much in this life cannot be seen with our eyes. It takes eyes of faith from our hearts. There are so many things going on behind the scenes that most people just haven’t experienced because they get focused on what’s going on right in front of them. The sad thing is they are usually focused on the negative things happening and they miss the good things. God is always working in our lives and unless you expect to see miracles all around you then you don’t. There are miracles in God’s creation that people just don’t think about. Just the human body is so intricate but amazingly resilient and can adapt to the challenges they face such as handicaps. Even outer space and all the stars and planets but God knows them all by name even though man can’t even number them all. Physical miracles happen every day all over the world and when you pray bold prayers you get to see so many. Things that just don’t make sense are happening everywhere because God isn’t limited by the laws of nature because he has complete control over all nature. When you start focusing on the good things and begin thanking God for all the wonderful things he does for us the more good things you see. Think of all the wisdom God has given us to do so many great things. Things like heart transplants and microcomputers. Going to the moon or building skyscrapers. So unless you take your eyes off of what’s all around us you will miss what’s really important.

Real Life

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.” Romans 8:11

Jesus Christ gave his life for the world. And after he gave his all he was resurrected to new life. Now he sits at the right hand of the Father. As King of kings and Lord of lords. Not a bad promotion from the life of struggles and pain he had here on earth. But all mortal man struggles and suffers pain. That is life in this world but after we, his children, give our all in this life we too get resurrected bodies in heaven where there is no more evil, death, pain and all that is negative that was in the world ruled by Satan and his followers. There will be only perfection forever and ever. And special rewards for a life lived for the Lord. I don’t know about you but I can’t wait. I have read books about people who have gone to heaven and returned for whatever reason to continue life on earth and it sounds amazing. I know nobody can even imagine the things God has planned for us in our forever home. Pretty exciting stuff. All the good things we treasure in this lifetime but it never stops in heaven it just goes on and on. People don’t really like to give up the good stuff here on earth. To deny themselves and take up their cross to bear sounds harsh but the more you give up in this life the greater heaven will be because I know God rewards richly. The funny thing about not wanting to give up things is that most people don’t understand Godly riches. Even here I have found Godly riches and they aren’t stuff, but joy, peace, wisdom and strength. Things I can’t get on my own. Things only God can give. Things like Gods presence all the time, miracles, divine encounters and relationships with different people he plans. Stuff too exciting to miss.

Integrity

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10

Can God trust you to do the right things? It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just simple actions added together can make a big difference. God doesn’t need us. He could do it all on his own. But it grows us little by little. When everyone just puts their little bits together with others it can make a huge difference. Consider how many Christian’s contribute, and that’s not always all of them, but added together, wow. All you are given is a test by God. Because if he doesn’t test us he can’t see how much we grow from it. It doesn’t need to be a big commitment or a lot of faith to change someone’s life. You can change your life and the lives of those around you by consistently showing you care and are faithful. Doing the good thing and saying what God has for you to say. Once you say something or do something it’s in the past but your words and deeds speak volumes about your character. Acting out of emotions can get you in trouble and hurt others when we want to be loving and caring. People don’t always hear what they say it just comes out and it may even be doing harm to them as well as others. We need to be encouraging and uplifting to others by the little things we do. If somebody says or does something we don’t like maybe it’s because they are hurting or in need. If we are compassionate we will try to help them. Changing their attitude. Bring a smile to someone’s life today by the things that you do and you may make a big difference in their lives.

Our Master

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”.

1 Peter 3:15

Jesus is Lord over our lives because we have been purchased by his extraordinary gift of salvation. He deserves our everything. People just don’t understand what they are giving up by not knowing him. He offers us so very much by just believing that he is who he is. Accepting that he does want our very best. And that he is very capable of delivering. I spent over half my life believing that he existed but not knowing him. It took someone being so passionate and sure of what she had and being willing to share it to wake me up. Now I could never imagine my life without him. From the moment I wake up until I fall asleep at night he is always on my mind. I cannot say thank you enough for all that he has done and keeps doing. He is not just my boss that I work for, because now that I’m retired he is my boss for he is my closest companion. I try very hard to listen for that small whisper of do this or try this and to jump to do it.There is nothing to good for me or anything that I don’t deserve. He feels that about everyone, too. We are supposed to do all he commands and run from the past sins with his help. We are called to live righteous and holy lives just as Jesus did. Our work is also furthering God’s kingdom and loving others. We should do everything excellently as to the Lord. Go the extra mile.

Grace

“Grace and peace to you from God and Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2

As Gods precious children we have been chosen since before the world began by God to receive every personal blessing. Everything we will need to finish strong. That encompasses so many things because God is gracious. Elegance and beauty, effortless, pleasing and attractive, favor and goodwill, especially favors by our superior. Clemency and pardon, temporary immunity, freely given and unmerited favor of God, influence by the Holy Spirit to give strength, the virtue of excellence, one of the elect. Moral strength, royalty. Wow that is a lot of blessings. Those are all things that should be said about Gods children. I’m sure the world would love those things to be said about them but they don’t necessarily have Gods grace in their lives. But even though God is willing to do so much there is one thing he can’t do for us. That is to believe. Without believing it is impossible to please God and receive his blessings. The biggest blessing is when Jesus paid off our incredible debt with his blood so God could forgive us. He didn’t have to but he gladly did. For every single person God has called he would have died just for them alone. But there are millions. So many brothers and sisters that we may never get to know them all. No matter how far gone you think you are, if you were called by God he will keep working on you till you get it right. He has never lost one of his beloved. There is nothing we can do to be forgiven or nothing we do will keep us from being saved because God will get it done in his time. We have been washed in Christ’s blood. Whatever it takes he will do because he loves us so much. Some people he has to smack up the side of their head and say wake up, what are you doing? Because we are pretty stubborn at times. We also seem to think we have so much time to waste. But one minute we’re a kid and the next someone is calling us grandma. Life goes by fast.

Presence of God

“Then Moses said to him, ‘If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Exodus 33:15

The presence of God is one of our most amazing gifts. If you have ever felt God with you all throughout your day you will never want to be without it. Knowing that you are not alone and that someone is there who loves you more than everyone and has the wisdom and power to make your life better is so comforting. When a mountain stands in my way and I start to worry, I know God’s got it under control. When problems arise I know I can talk to him and know he listens. When I am frustrated by my abilities, he gives me strength and wisdom to overcome. I can feel his wisdom, strength and joy all around me. I never want to be in charge because God does know me better than me. My way is not always the best way. Something I’ve come to realize is that people with different challenges such as birth defects, accidents, strokes, different handicaps and autism were given an extra dose of Gods presence to accomplish great and mighty things. He uses the weak to amaze the wise. I met someone with a handicap from birth who has learned to do great things and people like this can greatly touch lives for the glory of God. They may just be trying to get by day by day but their lives matter to others. Some have angels sent to them from God to let them know how much they matter and to give them strength. When you can’t do many things you rely on God and his presence spurs you on. Some day all of God’s children will be in the presence of God forever and what a great day that will be.

Pilgrimage

What is pilgrimage? A long journey made to a sacred place. That describes this life we live very well. It can be a struggle and there are bound to be hurdles in our way. We need to keep our eyes on the prize just as Jesus did. We may not be facing the same problems Jesus did but we need just as much strength and wisdom as he needed. It is a very long road and there are winding turns and things that we can’t see coming and there are so many rocks in the road. But with the help we receive from our savior we can overcome. Each day there are new troubles and everyone has different troubles. But God promises that he will be with us each and every day helping us get through. Some problems don’t seem so bad but unless you have walked that way before you don’t know. Sickness, disease, handicaps and accidents can derail you when you least expect it. Learning to overcome each one takes time. You might be fine one day and are on top of the world. But you have something unexpected happen and you need to trust that God is already working out tomorrow’s difficulties. He is the only one in complete control of tomorrow and he does care very much for all of his creation. He only asks that we trust him because every hurdle does have an answer but sometimes it seems slow to come. God may tell you what the future holds but it is slow in coming and we can try to do it on our own strength but only God can get it done. Satan try’s to convince you that God doesn’t care and that you are on your own. Which of course is a lie. So which angel are you going to trust for your pilgrimage, the angel of darkness or the one who knows what is best for you and the one who created you?

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Psalms 84:5

Needs Met

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

This is my God, he is very personal for everyone who knows him. He isn’t just a God, but the only true God who created heaven and earth and all that dwells in them. He wishes for you to trust him completely and rely on his faithfulness. It doesn’t matter what your needs may be, he is more than capable to meet them. Daniel in the lion’s den, or Israelites crossing the Red Sea. Wherever you need the mountain moved God is there. Are you facing something insurmountable well God knew it was coming yesterday and he is already working it out in his unique way. There is nothing that God cannot do or won’t do. Maybe you are faced with cancer and you are overwhelmed by the circumstances. He can miraculously heal you or you can grow stronger throughout the time you have it. He will give you strength and peace through it all. Even if he calls you home and your healing comes after you pass, you still will have no more pain, tears or grief. Living in perfection in paradise with Jesus forever is my heart’s desire and doesn’t sound bad. All of our needs are unique to our situations and everyone faces different giants. It depends on how God is working in your life and how he is growing you personally. Maybe you are raising a handicapped child. Well I know many handicapped individuals who are so different and special, sensitive and caring, and their families wouldn’t trade them for anyone because they are a blessing. I know someone who adopted several handicapped children from around the world and they are all so special and amazing. I am forced to live in a nursing home because I cannot care for myself at all. But I wouldn’t trade my life for any other because Jesus has become my best friend a gives me purpose. I still wake up every day ready to embrace the day and rejoice because it’s always a special day with Jesus. We can dwell on the problems or we can embrace the journey and it is up to us. I still wake up everyday to a new sunrise and new challenges to get through but I have help Evan if I sometimes get frustrated God will never leave me or forsake me and together we can overcome.

Jesus Paid It All

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Jesus was brought here to free his children but if they don’t know the truth they will never be truly free. God’s truth is very important if you want to do right and not wrong. Once you become a child of God your freedom is purchased. The blood he shed for the sins of the world paid your debt in full. There is nothing to do because God did it all when he forgave you of all your sins. He doesn’t even remember them anymore. You don’t need to keep asking to be forgiven because once is enough and there is nothing you can do to be more forgiven. There will be evidence in your life because you will love God and want to do all he has asked. I know myself, I’m a perfectionist and I will never be perfect but I’ll keep doing all that I can because they have done so much for me. But we will keep sinning because we are human and we have a sin nature. We should be sorry when we do sin and know it. And we should ask forgiveness for that sin. Doing all I can to get closer to perfect will give me more peace and more joy. It will not get me into heaven because of what I have done, but because I have the golden key which is Jesus Christ. He paid it all for me.When I die I do know that I will be resurrected to a new heavenly body just like my savior was. There is no reason to wonder if I have done enough to get in. I have total faith in God’s promises. Having a holy fear of God is knowing that you can never do it without him and you never want to. Having complete respect and awe for everything he keeps doing and always will. Knowing without a shadow of doubt in your spirit that he is more than enough to get me safely home to my mansion in paradise. That I could never imagine what is waiting for me. It’s so exciting trying to imagine but I know it will be so much better than anything I can envision.