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.

You Matter

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“You created me in my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13

God loved you so much that even before you were born he knew everything about you and every minute of your life. Even if you don’t survive out of the womb or live to be 100. He has a perfect plan for your life and he made you on purpose. God doesn’t make mistakes and he makes everything good. When I was a little girl I was the first born so I got to do things like ballet, learning to sew and cook and one summer I got to take art appreciation and got to make things with clay, painting, and even paper mache. Of course three kids later and they had no time to do that for the others. Everything I made was important to me because I made it. My grandson can build a tower and is devastated when it crashes to the ground and it can ruin his whole day. Well God loved all he had made too. He even said, it was good! He really wants an intimate relationship with each and every one of us. Remember we are made in his image and nothing else ever made can say that. Even the angels are made to do good, it’s like their job. We were given freedom to choose how we would live. The minute he created us he fell in love with us and there is nothing we could ever do to make him stop loving us. He could never love us more than he does right now, flaws and all. He rejoices over us. I couldn’t make this up, it’s in his words. He made everyone so uniquely different on purpose. That is what makes the world alive. Different colors, nationalities, personalities and looks. These make us who we are. We all want and deserve to be loved. I have a really bad habit of noticing the differences in other people but that is what makes them so special and unique. It’s really the heart that matters most anyway. That is why he sent his only son to die in our place because he said, you are worth it.

God’s Word

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“All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, “. 2 Timothy 3:16

God’s word is so important for anyone who wants to be more like God. It is powerful and rich and every word of God is so valuable. God would not waste words and he only says the truth and what we need to know. I start in Genesis and don’t stop till I hit Revelations. I know some people have favorites and read them over and over and I will admit that some chapters can be tough to get through but the more you try the more God will reveal to you. A couple years ago I felt God say, slow down, are you reading to get it done or do you really want to know what I’m saying? So now I’m reading a chapter a day and really dwelling on what God’s saying and then when he gives me something I journal what he’s telling me. I am amazed at so many things I’m learning that I never saw before. In Numbers for example with all the names and numbers. He told me that each person he has ever created matters to him and he knows their name and he loves them all even when he hates to see them doing things that will eventually hurt them. They were made on purpose and he has plans for their lives even if they choose their own. Choosing Gods plans brings so much freedom, life, peace and wisdom. There is so much power available to us that we don’t realize, when we know Gods ways intimately. I have seen God’s character becoming so much deeper and everything he does is very intentional and his words also. Because everyone everywhere who reads it gets meaning specifically for them. God’s promises will always be true and they are fulfilled over and over in lives for thousands of years. Try it for yourself.

The Rose

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“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7

My 40’s was a wild time. Everyone always treated me well and I became proud and conceited. I had always been told I was special and it went to my head, I guess, because I began to want what I wanted all the time. It was up to me to make sure my life was great and only I mattered. At least that is how I acted. Well I really feel that God needed to bring me down a notch or two before I destroyed my life completely. Well at 45 I had a major stroke. When I woke up I couldn’t speak, or move at all. The doctors said I probably wouldn’t make it. But I did and even improved by leaps and bounds, but it took years. It was a very difficult time for me but God was patiently working. I eventually moved into a nursing home in another city. Several divine encounters and I began to seek more and more of what God had for me. When we are struggling and seeking God and nothing is happening God is probably working on our hearts. God will allow Satan to bring trials that God will use for our good, in his time. It usually takes longer than we would like but we are the one taking too long. At first I thought God would heal me and I really believed and expected it. But after years I gave up. I would just have to get used to my new normal. But I did seek God with my whole heart. The joy and peace came by leaps and bounds and I became a blessing to others. Just like God did for Job he blessed the latter part of my life more than double. When you see a rose the bigger the thorns are, the bigger the rose is. You also don’t get thorns and no roses. Another reason for the thorns is protection. The delicate rose needs to be kept safe while it’s growing. Now when people ask if I want to be healed, I say I was. God knew what I needed more than anyone else ever could. I am so thankful and grateful for everything I have now because of my stroke. Without it where would I be? Well I probably would have made it to heaven but with a mediocre life and not near as fulfilling and joyful as it is now.

Living Holy

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“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit .” Galatians 5:25

As children of God we are to be like him. We are not to try to earn our salvation by doing works but we need to be changed. Think about how Jesus acted while he was here on earth. He was to show us God. He was here to do just what his Father had for him to do, just how his Father wanted. If you ask yourself what Jesus would do in any situation, then you would know what the Spirit would do also since they are all one. Would he hang out at the local pub? He may have drunk wine but he didn’t get drunk or disorderly. He never got angry and yelled at somebody. He wouldn’t look at a hungry, homeless person and walk the other way. He wouldn’t even use the word hate about anything let alone one of God’s creation. He would heal, encourage, and take care of those who couldn’t care for themselves. He would spend time with God in prayer. Go to the synagogue and read God’s word to others. He got upset with priests that were not doing God’s will. He told people to sin no more, because bad things would happen if they kept sinning. He wanted people to have an abundant life and to do God’s will so they would be blessed. He taught many things that should be done because he wanted us to know God’s will. It was all done with great love and respect, not in a bossy way. Just because the Spirit dwells in us because we asked God into our hearts doesn’t mean we no longer sin. We need to do things God wants us to do even if it’s not always easy. It makes God happy and we will be blessed.

Seeing Is Believing

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“…to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:7

What we see with our natural eyes is not always the truth. When our eyes become dim because of sin or just a wrong focus they can be deceiving. When I was in my 30’s i was trying to drive in a snow storm one night and just couldn’t see clearly. My husband told me I probably needed glasses. Well I went to Costco and got me some and when I put them on I couldn’t believe the difference. When our focus is not on God and his ways we can get confused. We can see all that God does for us every day and miracles are always around if we look for them. Blindness is not just a physical condition and being captive is not just where you are at but mental. Being Christian’s makes us God’s children and he equips us to deal with the lies of our enemies, namely satan. He always loves to twist the truth to confuse us. To make us think we are fighting a loosing battle but that’s not true. He who is for us is greater than he who is against us and Jesus has already won our victory. We can constantly be afraid of what may not happen to us and keep us in bondage in the right now, because God can take care of us and he knows the devils plans and tricks. Don’t worry about tomorrow because God already has that covered, let the world worry about those things. Most of what they face is negative because of sin and poor choices. When you are serving the Lord and studying his words and praying over your life and the lives of your family. God is watching over you. He’s got your back and he will never stop.

Forgiveness

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“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile- The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13

Everyone is different and some have done terrible things but whether you are rich or poor, black or white, or young or 99 you matter to God. One sin isn’t blacker than another but sin is sin. He has no favorites but loves everyone the same. He loves you before you are even born and right up till you die. When he said Everyone it was capitalized for a reason. Someone may have murdered and had stolen and committed adultery many times but he didn’t say if you’re good enough you might be saved. He said Everyone Will be saved. The second you call on the Lord, in the blink of your eyes, it is done. He forgives everything and doesn’t even remember it anymore so don’t keep dragging it up. He said, “as far as the east is from the west.” You can go west and never stop. It goes forever. Jesus bled and died and his blood is enough. He wasn’t murdered, but it was an intricate played out plan so that one day when we breathe our last breath we will instantly be in the presence of the Lord, forever. You do not have to be perfect, Jesus did that for you. You will still sin, because nobody’s perfect. Sin hurts you more than it hurts God because it gives a foothold for satan to bring terrible things in your life and it blinds you to Gods goodness. But you will want to walk differently because of all your life could be, and because if you love your savior you’ll want to show it. But it does take faith, believe that you truly are saved and you will please God, knowing that Jesus is enough and you believe it is done. His grace and mercy are extended to you every day and they are more than enough. The more you believe the more exciting life gets here on earth. So let’s bring as much heaven down to earth as we can.

Perfect God

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“…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” Titus 1:2

God is perfect because he is constantly doing things that speak of his awesome power and omnipotence. If he says he can’t lie and nobody can prove differently, then who could know more? God knows more about everything than we do and he knows what will work in every situation. He knows how to have an awesome and abundant life. Character is proven over time. He has been proving himself for thousands of years over and over again. Have you ever known anyone who would never lie, even a little innocent lie? If every word is true and every fact that happened in his words is true, isn’t that amazing? I see things around me every day that blow me away and billions of people are seeing even more. Just some of the miracles I’ve seen just this year, not to mention for the last thousands of years, are unbelievable but true. Just look at everything around you. Now imagine them just appearing in all their perfect intricacies and abilities. No we didn’t just evolve from dust, and where did the dust evolve from? I know what I’m capable of and I’m not downplaying my abilities but some things I think of just aren’t coming from my brain. There is no way I knew that. I have to much reason to believe God is just what he says he is and believe everything is true.

Overcomes

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“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

We are extremely special because we have been chosen and called by God. That means we are Gods children and we are royalty. Just as kings and queens have their people all around them we also have our entourage around us. We don’t have to do it on our own anymore. Life can be difficult and challenging and we don’t always feel up for the task but that doesn’t mean we give up. I often feel inadequate because my body just doesn’t do what I ask it to do anymore. But when those times come, and they do all the time, I tell myself that I can do all things with Christ who gives me strength. Then I pray for a little help and God does. It might just be reaching for something just out of my reach or something I don’t really think I can do. But I really hate to ask for help, I like being independent. But then sometimes it’s good to let others help too. To be humble enough to ask. God has really helped me stay independent though. He gives wisdom and perseverance when you just can’t go on. Those in the world don’t understand how great it is to have insider information and help that is always there for you. Someone who loves you so very much and is always a shout away. When you are struggling with a mountain that seems to be right in front of you such as a cancer diagnosis or loss of a job or worse when someone you love dies how can you go on? Gods always there and the answer is just around the corner. He always comes through for you. The world has a lack of hope and strength. And suicide is on the rise especially with younger people. But there is hope and there is an answer for everyone can have that help if they just ask and believe.

I’m Made New

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“…to be made new in the attitude of your mind; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23-24

When we are born again we are to be changed. We are not meant to be the person we once were. If we don’t change, are we really saved? I once thought I was a Christian, but it did not change how I lived my life. I know so many people who say they are Christians but they still do all the same things they did before they accepted the Lord. They still live as if this world is all there is. The thing about being a child of God is that you know you aren’t apart of this world but are made for greater things. You want to be just like your dad. He is Holy and Righteous so you should also want to be holy and righteous. On our own we can’t be, but with God in us all things are possible and being holy is one of them. He gives us a new heart. This heart changes us making us want to do everything differently. First we want to live up to his commandments. To always do the next right thing. You want to live as Jesus did. You are continually asking yourself if God would be happy with your actions or not. I don’t ever want to be separated from my father ever again and I could never knowingly hurt him. The very last thing I ever want to hear is, “depart from me, I never knew you.” I do a lot of things that most people don’t do. Not because I have to, but because I really want to make my daddy proud of me. All these other people may be in heaven one day with me but that’s up to God and not me. I’m a perfectionist, I know I’ll never be perfect but that won’t stop me from trying. That also means that I want everything God has for me in this life and I’m willing to work for it even if I don’t have to. I know I can’t do anything to make God love me anymore than he already does but I still want to be new. I look at a worm versus a butterfly and say which would I rather be? They both get by in life but one is more pleasant to be around than the other. So ask yourself what do I really want to be? Well I can be all that I can be with Gods help or just good enough to get by?