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“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong but always strive to do what is good for each other and everybody else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15

Our actions are being watched by others around us. Most people probably know if you profess to being a Christian. They are wanting to see if you are different. Our actions speak louder than our words. Do we react with anger, a bad attitude, or sarcasm. Do we complain and grumble. You may just think that is normal but if you are a Christian those are sins. We are to love all others better than ourselves and we should be humble and calm. Treating others with love and respect. You only have one chance to say and do the right thing. Once you react it’s done. you are no different than me, people feel that you are no different and they aren’t interested in Christianity. If you look deep into every one you interact with there is something good in them. They were made on purpose in the image of their maker and they are important to God. We shouldn’t say or do anything to hurt them. Words are so important and they have the power of life or death. They are also somebody’s sister, brother, son or daughter and they matter. Even when they say or do something we don’t like or even hurt you ,you shouldn’t try to hurt them back. Try to find a purpose in their life just waiting to come out and encourage them in it.

The Wonder of God

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“When I consider the heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” Psalms 8:3-4

God is so amazing and powerful. There is nothing that he does not know. Even the very thoughts of all mankind. Even though we have many silly thoughts. He created everything that ever was. The stars in the sky to the fish in the oceans. I just got back from a cruise and as massive as that ship was, I couldn’t help but think of oceans, lakes, ponds, and streams all over the world and all the millions of different kinds of fish it took to fill them. That’s just fish and not plants, animals and foods. I also went to the aquarium museum and took my grandson with to see all the different fish. This place is huge and they cover so many different fish but still that’s only a small portion of all there is. But we had so much fun looking at such different and unique and strange fish. There were otters that were fascinated by wheels on strollers to my wheelchair. Tiny sea horses that danced around in the water. Weird and funny looking fish. From microscopic to huge whales and sea monsters. My grandson loved the rescued turtles that had special needs that they had to adapt to. His brother had special needs so it was interesting to him. Then there is food and I love so many different foods. My motto is variety is the spice of life. I could eat something different every meal and never get tired of anything. Fresh foods that grow in nature are the best because God thought of everything. We just complimented what was already there with spices and recipes. I was always interested in the space program and the amazing things man was able to do (with Gods help by the way). I enjoyed the movie documenting the women who used their mathematical abilities to solve so many problems and hurdles for the space program. Back when women were supposed to only be good for making babies and dinners. God still loves people best of all and the other stuff was just for us to enjoy.

Great Power

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“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being ,…”. Ephesians 3:16

Jesus told his disciples that it was better for them if he left them to return to his Father. They didn’t understand why he had to leave but we know in hindsight that he overcame death, hell and the grave that day when he went to the cross. A better gift no one could give. Then when he overcame death and rose again great power was achieved. The Holy Spirit now dwells within us and gives us so much power. That same power resided in Jesus and he did so many miracles. Healing many and feeding thousands with a few scraps. He even spoke to the angry seas to be still. He knew that he just had to speak a word and he believed that better than anyone. He tells us that if we ask believing and not doubting that we have what we ask. We have been given the authority to do that. The more you pray believing the more you will believe because God loves to answer bold prayers with bold answers. There is no holding you back when you see just what God will do. I’m reading a book about miracles that would totally amaze you through very simple and very unlikely people throughout history. He will use anyone. He likes to use foolish things to astound the wise. He gives strength, wisdom, and comfort. We can’t really do it on our own, at least not well. And isn’t it great to know we don’t have to. He is always be there with us. He will never leave us. When you see with spiritual eyes and not just actual eyes so much is going on and available to us. So live boldly and see what God can do.

Pray Without Ceasing

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving , present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Have you ever thought of being anxious as sinning? If you should do something and you don’t do it, it is sin. God has told us to pray always. If we don’t ask then we don’t get. We should trust that if we ask he hears us and will answer. Not always exactly what we want, but what is best. I find myself lately asking a lot of things that I used to never think of asking. But if I’m thinking about it or upset about it I need to address it. From wisdom to healing to help for someone I care about. It doesn’t matter what but why. God is the only one who can help and I know he is willing so why not ask. As a child we never hesitated to ask our parents what we wanted. So many things were not really good or necessary but we wanted them so we asked. God is the perfect Father and will always take care of us. His are always the best answers even if it may not seem like it. Our thinking is not perfect and we shouldn’t rely upon ourselves. He is right on time with the best answers even though sometimes they are delayed. Life is hard and not always easy but in the end we can see Gods wisdom. I’ve gotten things that I didn’t know I needed when I just trusted in his Devine wisdom. He will always answer prayers that aren’t spoken when we can’t pray or don’t know how to pray or are resting in his peace. He does know our needs all the time. Then we have to be thankful. Someone said that we aren’t thankful because we think we are entitled to things. No matter how simple or even if you don’t need it or want it, you should be thankful that your needs, not always your wants, are met. This time of year spend more time thinking about what you have and a little more time being grateful and then let that become a habit.

Impossible?

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“For with God nothing (is or ever) shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

I had a stroke in 2005 and I have never been the same. Now 20 years later as I’m getting older I find myself falling apart. I used to think, what can I do to make a difference in the world? I’m in a wheelchair and I only have my right hand that works somewhat. But God has helped me to stay pretty independent. I don’t need much after I am in my chair and am still able to help others. I keep my mind sharp and love to read. I have written 5 books over the last 20 years. I also write a blog of Christian encouragement to help others. My first book was about my life and stroke and all I was learning about the disabled as I learned my new normal. My stroke saved my life. I didn’t know I was destroying my life and also those around me until I looked back. I met a chaplain when I moved here and she loved the Lord so much. I wanted to know more. As I watched her I realized that I knew of the Lord but I didn’t really know the Lord. So I read everything I could about God as well as the Bible. Slowly my faith and love for God grew. I began memorizing scriptures so I could do all God told me to do in his words. I am able to share all God is teaching me with my friends and family as well as my blog. I try to stay organized so I can have everything ready for those who take care of me. God assures me that he doesn’t expect any more from me than he knows I can do. Just be available and ready to help. He does the rest. I used to go to a special needs camp every summer for a week and I learned that I am good at encouraging others. I don’t have to have all the answers because God gives me what I need to say when the time comes. What he gives me to say oftentimes lifts me up more than others. So don’t short change yourself you were created for a special purpose designed just for you and you can make a difference.

Jesus

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“In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.” John 1:1

Jesus was always with God and working with God to do everything that was ever done. The trinity is a tightly woven bond that has always been there and always will be. Nothing happens without them. This should bring you so much comfort and peace to know that such wisdom, strength, and power are always available to you. God the architect of this perfect world designed the perfect plans with his omnipotent abilities. But Jesus just spoke a word and that perfect plan came into being. They were always working together in harmony so it still amazes me that God would let Jesus give all that up to become a human being like you and me. A poor simple human that we could relate to. Then to give his life willingly as a sacrifice for our sins, to a selfish, prideful, bunch of sinners. I know if one of my children was facing death even after just some years, not forever, it would be devastating. It was the perfect plan they hatched and even Satan couldn’t see it coming. He thought he had finally gotten the upper hand. But when Christ rose from the grave early that morning they proved him wrong again. That will never stop him from trying to take as many as he can to hell himself. If he can cause the least little bit of doubt he knows our feeble minds get to worrying a little, and over thinking, and then feeling sorry for ourselves and he can cause us to make a rash decision and he wins again. That is why you need to keep reminding yourself of all God is always so faithfully been doing for you and always will be. Be your own cheering section. Praising God can also confuse the enemy and it is building our resolve. Then doubts don’t come so easily. The enemy is a liar but he gets you to think that maybe you just don’t know God as well as you think you do and questioning things you know are true, but. He never comes right out and lies because you would see it coming. We are warned to flee from evil for a reason. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. He will never stop trying and he has many helpers. The more you stay away from sin and just keep doing the next right thing. Standing strong and persevering the better. Remember many will give up before they see heaven so don’t be one of them.

Anger

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“In your anger do not sin.”: do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, …”. Ephesians 4:26

Everyone gets angry. It’s a natural response to a hurt. Oftentimes the other person does not even realize they said or did anything that hurt you. Careless words get spoken when you cannot control a situation or a reaction by another. I live in a nursing home so some people have pain and challenges they are dealing with and have no control over their reactions. Mental illness can be so cruel because the person may not even know how they are behaving or acting. Or they get angry and bitter because they are suffering with pain and discomfort. Good people work at the home where I live and they have to deal with so much . But they realize that person cannot really help their reactions. In the real world, pressures and deadlines can set people off and they blow up. A haggard mother can loose control when their child acts out. We don’t really know what sets people off because we don’t know exactly what they are dealing with. Maybe they just lost a job or a loved one died. That doesn’t justify anger but it would explain it. Some people have mental problems where they just can’t control themselves. Some people have been treated badly all their lives and so they act the same way out of habit. But if you just take a minute to think that this is one of God’s precious children and he deserves great respect and so do his children. Maybe your response will be different. This world would be a whole lot better place if we could just take a moment to think before we say or do something we will regret later. It never hurts to take a deep breath or count to ten first, whatever works because once it’s out of your mouth you can’t take it back. Have you ever had to go to someone and ask for forgiveness? It’s much easier to hold it in. You never want to hold it in your heart because it will destroy you just like a disease. The sooner you can forgive and let it go the better you will feel. So quack like a duck and let it roll off your back. God knows it will do more damage to us than to the other person so that is why he told us to forgive before you go to bed. And it will help you sleep better also.

The Banquet

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“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” Psalms 23:5

Our God is surely good to us. And yes, everyone is watching. That is why we are persecuted. People are jealous and envious. If they can’t be blessed, then why should we. They don’t understand us and they think we are crazy but the proof is that we are happier and full of peace and favor. God doesn’t hide it either, he loves to show love and goodness to those that love him and are called according to his purposes. If they only knew exactly how much they are missing out on. They think they have more stuff, friends, money, or whatever but they are only living on crumbs. Drugs, alcohol,sex, and stuff can’t buy true happiness and peace. The more I learn about God’s true power and amazing miracles , that I couldn’t believe if I didn’t see it every day, the more I just want to shout, “did you see that?”. God is good to everyone because everything good comes from him , everything we could ever wish for in places and things. A breath taking sunset, or a fancy meal. Good friends and family. Think of all the good things we will one day have in heaven. Only perfect days forever more. No pain, death or sadness. Everything waiting for you to explore. God does good things for everyone but their eyes are only on the negative and they miss out because they aren’t grateful for what they do have. There is beauty and wonder around us every day but they take it for granted and don’t enjoy it. I remember a time when I thought I had to make my own good (emphasis on I) by doing what I wanted. It didn’t matter who it might affect along the way. I probably hurt other people to get what I wanted. Now I don’t have to strive or push to get my way. God’s ways are my ways and he blesses me all the time. Or maybe I’m just grateful for what I do have and I am thanking him all the time.

Praying

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Praying is one of our most valuable gifts. There is so much power in prayer. But. There are many things we need to do if we expect God to answer our prayers. He isn’t a genie that gives us everything we want. There is an exact way to ask. And he spells it out in his word so we will succeed in our asking. First he asks us to pray about everything important to us. He likes to hear them all because we can’t get answers without the asking. Then we need to ask specifically and not generally. Now that doesn’t mean we get everything we want or how we want or even when we want it. God does know what is best and he can and will do it. He also wants and deserves thanksgiving for all he has already done and continues to do. Ungrateful askers can’t expect much. Ask with boldness and knowledge that he can do anything if it is best for all parties. You may not think something is possible but it is so possible with God. Don’t underestimate him ever. Never stop asking because persistence is rewarded but sometimes the answer is no, not right now, or I have something better for you. We may not always see it as better but trust me he does. Someone we don’t want to die, but does. But maybe it is just time for them to experience heaven and all it has to offer them. God knows. He works some amazing things out in peoples lives that I’m praying for every single day. I’m amazed at some answers I could never have predicted. I see so many incredible and awesome answers and I only see a tiny bit of all God is doing. He’s working behind the scenes all the time and sometimes the enemy tries to get in the middle of it. But we need to relax and let him take control.

The Soldier

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“For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’, and he goes, and that one, ‘Come’, and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this’, and he does it.” Matthew 8:9

A soldier is only concerned with doing the will of his commander. We are soldiers in God’s army and we should do everything unto the Lord our King. I am retired so I can do whatever I want but God is my boss and I follow his lead. I follow his commands and try to be like him. A good soldier is sure to wear his uniform proudly and always has his weapons at the ready. He wouldn’t go into battle without them or he would end up dead. Others lives depend on him and a careless soldier is not an honorable soldier. We follow commands and when God tells us to do something it is extremely wise to heed his call. Sometimes his commands don’t always make sense because we don’t know everything and we don’t have to. God always does what is best for us, as does any good commander. They know things that we don’t. They are responsible for the safety of their soldiers. The ultimate commander is God himself and we all should take his lead. A good commander would give his life for his soldiers and God gave the most important thing to us that he could. The life of his one and only son. I know I could take a bullet before I could watch one of my children suffer and die. That says so much for the leader of the world. He leads by example. That is why he sent his son. Because as we watched Jesus, we got to know the Father better. He will do whatever it takes to make sure his children are safe, healthy and happy.