Life Lessons

Higher are God’s Ways

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Than Mine & His Thoughts than Mine.
Isaiah 55:8-9
 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
As I sit here this morning, I am humbled because God has made me realize that His thought and ways are higher than mine. I am thankful that God is not like me. If God were to treat me the way that I have treated those I love, just this morning, I would be hurt. God does not tell me to ‘go away I am busy right now’ when I seek Him nor does He limit His time with me. Father, forgive me.
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15
God is patient, gracious, and abounding in mercy and I am not, however, He has the power to help me to do better. I, first, have to admit that I am not God and that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing. If I will voluntarily submit to every change that God wants make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects, this is where true change will happen because I matter to Him and He has the power to help me change. Now I need to evaluate all my relationships and make amends to those I have hurt just this morning. God is faithful and just and will forgive me of all my sin if I confess and repent by choosing to turn to Him.
My Prayer: Father God, I am thankful that You are not like me and that You have the power to help me make changes. Grant me the courage to change the things I can and the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Amen. 
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Life Lessons, The Silver Miner

In The Compassion of God

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You Find Forgiveness & Mercy
Theses are just a few of the examples.
There are several places in the Bible that describe God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love. Everyday is an example of His compassion as well as a gift. God forgave King David when the King repented of his sins before God. God called many people who did not seem to fit the picture of a prophet but He showed mercy by equipping them for the task that they were called to. Yet, the greatest show of His compassion was sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins that we could not, for the wages of sin is death. He sends rain to everyone and answers the prayers of those who love Him. 
Mercy is not receiving that which we deserve – punishment for our sins.
Grace is receiving that which we do not deserve – forgiveness through the cross.
Embrace God’s compassion and mercy for it is to all who believe in His son. 
Nothing on earth or in heaven can separate you from the love of God. When times are tough and the way seems too dark remember who is on your side. He will see you through it to the other side while at the same time helping you to grow and to learn to trust Him more. Believers were not promised a rose garden but a God who is closer than any friend or brother and who will provide grace and strength to the weak. Once forgiven, He remembers our sins no more. He rejoices over us with singing. 
When I look back over my almost 50 years and I see numerous times that God’s compassion was there. I have lost loved ones but I am forever grateful for the times that I had spent with them. Some I have regrets for not having spent more time. If it were not for the tough times in my life I would not be where I am today. He sustained me in the valleys and brought joy on the mountaintops. God is good all the time.
Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who trusts and takes refuge in Him.
My Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I am forever thankful for Your compassion in my life. For You have sustained me many a time and have changed me from the inside out through it all. To Your glory. Amen.
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Life Lessons

What is Fear to a Believer?

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It is False Evidence Appearing Real!
 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6 AMP
 Casting the [a]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [b]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [c]watchfully. 1 Peter 5:7 AMP
 
Today, I struggled with anxiety over that which I have no control. An old tape was playing in my head and my fear was irrational. I was fearful over someone’s, dear to me, reaction to something I am creating for my son. This fear seemed to hang on for quite a long time too. I am reminded by a good friend to take it to the Lord, thus the above scripture. God cares for me and everything about me, my hurts and my fears. This project I am working is for my son and it is important to him and how someone else may see it is not for me to fret over. I give thanks for the young man I am blessed to have given birth to and though there are some regrets, I need to be thankful for all that I am blessed to have received. I can take my concerns to God that He would mend the broken places not only in my heart but also in that heart of someone dear to me. I so desire that this creation will be a wonderful gift of remembrance for my son.
 
What false evidence appearing real are you letting hold you back?
 
My prayer: Dear Father in heaven, You know my heart and thus You know my fear. Please mend the broken places not only in my heart but also in someone dear to me. Bless this gift for my son that it would be one of remembrance and joy. Amen.
 
Footnotes:

  1. Philippians 4:6 Joseph Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon.
  2. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  3. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.
  4. 1 Peter 5:7 Marvin Vincent, Word Studies.

 

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Life Lessons

Find Rest for Your Soul

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Jesus Said,
 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
Matthew 11:28-30

This world keeps me busy and there are times when I need rest. That is when Jesus’ words come to mind. My soul longs for rest as did David’s did in Psalm 62:5-6,  
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from Him.
6 Truly He is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
 and David mentions rest again in Psalm 91:1-3,
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely He will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
  One of my challenges is to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10). The Amplified reads To let be and be still. I like that because it reminds that I cannot control others and I am to be still before the Lord. It is all too simple. I find myself needing more direction but none really is needed when I do as the Word says, Be still. This is the rub. Being still takes patience. Yet, there is great reward. It says so in Isaiah 40:30-31,
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint. 
The last part of Nehemiah 8:10 tells me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. So why is it that I struggle to find time to be still before the Lord? Yes, it is the struggle between my spirit and my flesh. It is much like a child not wanting to take medicine in order to get better. God has proven Himself time and time again, therefore, I am the one who needs to make the change and be obedient.
May you, too, find rest for your soul in God.
 My Prayer: Father in heaven, forgive my reluctance to be still before You and let things/others be. You know me better than I do. Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your mercies. Put in me the desire to be still before You and help me to create the habit. Amen.
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Just 4 Fun, Life Lessons

What is in a Name?

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Everything When the Name is Jesus!
Philippians 2:9-11 (AMP)
9 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has [a]freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name,

10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee [b]should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 And every tongue [[c]frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Think about it! There is power in the name of Jesus. Look at how it easily empties a room or causes division. For a believer, it means everything and has power in prayer. For the unbeliever, it causes people to become hateful or critical of those who believe. The name of Jesus has the power to heal and bring reconciliation. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His name is wonderful, counselor, prince of peace. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is more than just a prophet or good teacher. For He died a horrible and excruciating death yet rose again so that believing in Him we have everlasting life and will spend eternity with Him. If there were no power in His name, there would be no conflict and His name would be forgotten. Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Rejoice in the Lord again I say rejoice! Sing praise to His Holy Name!
Interesting Bible Fact: The name of Jesus is in the New Testament 1058 times in the ESV according to Bible Gateway.
My prayer: Dear Father in heaven, I praise the name of Jesus. All glory and honor be Yours. Amen. 
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Life Lessons, The Silver Miner

Testify to the Truth

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What Does It Mean?
According to dictionary.com 
Testify means to make solemn declaration.
To declare, profess, or acknowledge openly.
 
I am called to testify to the truth of Jesus Christ and what He means to me. There are a number of passages in the Bible that speak to testifying. Telling my story is important because it cannot be denied. It is mine and therefore is my experience to the life change that Jesus has done in me. I am to proclaim it to others so that they, too, can receive eternal life in Jesus. For I cannot deny Him or He will deny me before the Father. Jesus is real and He is life. I am not who I used to be and as long as I am on this earth I will continue to abide in Him because He has given me His Holy Spirit (1 John 4:13). My attitude should be like Paul in Acts 20:24, But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
As I tell my story, may it be seasoned with grace and gentleness. There is power in the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will put the words in my mouth to say. It is for His glory and not mine that I wish to speak for Him.
 
May you also be called to testify to the truth with grace and gentleness by the power of the Holy Spirit. To God be the glory.
 
Interesting Bible Fact: 2 John has the fewest number of verses of any book in the Bible – it is the shortest book in the Bible.

The word “Christian” appears only three times in the Bible: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

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The word “Christian” appears only three times in the Bible: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

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Life Lessons, Mining 4 Silver

What God Requires of Me

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Evidence of True Religion & Divine Requirements
I really enjoy using my Thompson Chain Reference Bible. I looked up one of my favorite verses, Micah 6:8, and found a couple of themes, true religion and divine requirements.
  1. Love God, walk in all His ways, and love and serve Him with all your heart and soul. Keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 
  2. Fear God and keep His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13
  3. Love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8
  4. Render true judgements, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart. Zechariah 7:9-10
  5. Visit the fatherless and the widow. Keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:27

As I read it, it is evident that my life as a Christian should be distinct from the world. Receiving God’s love and forgiveness in Christ gives me the ability to love God with all of my being and then love others as myself. I love because God first loved me. Hiding His word in my heart not only keeps me from sinning but also helps me to love others. With the prevailing changes in our society, it is vital that I know God’s word more and more so that I am not lead astray by wrong thinking. Sin is still sin and people are still in need of a savior. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God’s word still holds true today and has the answers to all life’s troubles. I had someone tell me that she thought that the Old Testament was not important but I disagree because I have learned not only to appreciate God’s grace but also what God requires of me from reading and studying it. Being a Christian is more about being than in doing. As a dear friend once told me, it is not what you do that is important but what you be. In other words, be real, be honest, be authentic, and be forgiving as well as loving.

If according to the world, I am wrong in putting my faith in Jesus, I have nothing to lose. But if I am right then I have everything to gain. I would rather err in believing than not. God has proven Himself to me over and over again. His love is real.

Interesting Bible Fact: Malachi, written about 400 BC, is the youngest book in the Old Testament.

My Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank You for making me Yours through Your Son, Jesus. May others come to know You as I do. Amen.

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Life Lessons

Biblical Basis for Friendship

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Friendship

What I Found in God’s Word to Support True Friendship

I looked to the Bible to find wisdom for building a great friendship. I found each of the following verses to encourage and inspire friends on to good deeds. With the Lord’s help, I want to improve upon each of these with each of my friends. One of the biggest things for me is for both of us to be real with each other and to pray for one another. This is the way to acceptance and love for one another. This makes a great basis for friendship. I am blessed to have a number of friends that are special and unique as well as a gift of God to me. To those I call friend, blessings to you and may God give you peace.

Forgiving——Colossians 3:13

Reliable——–Colossians 3:13

Interdependent–Ecclesiastes 4:9

Empathetic—-Romans 12:10

Nurturing—–Ephesians 4:29

Devoted—–1 Corinthians 13:4

Supportive—-Ephesians 4:32

Humble—-Ephesians 4:2

In Harmony—-Ephesians 4:3

Patient——-1 Thessalonians 5:14

A really good example of friendship can be found between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 18-20. I, especially, like 1 Samuel 18:14 where Jonathan loves David as his own soul. The two of them make a covenant with one another. Reading further you will find that Jonathan tries to protect David from his father, Saul, who wants to kill David.

Much later in 2 Samuel, I read about Jonathan’s death and in chapter 9 David remembers his covenant with Jonathan and sent for Mephiboseth and restored to him all that was Saul’s. Therefore friendship goes a long way and it runs deep. You can’t find a better example than this.

Encouragement for how to be a better friend.
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My prayer: Dear God, thank you ever so much for the people in my life that I am blessed to call friend. Grant each of them an extra measure of grace and peace today. Have mercy on them. Amen.

 

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Life Lessons

Faith is More than Believing

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It is in How We Live Our Lives in a Way that Reflects 
that We Cherish God and Rejoice in His Grace.
Hosea 13:4
But I am the Lord your God
    from the land of Egypt;
you know no God but me,
    and besides me there is no savior.
I have wrongfully neglected my blog. God used the words of a friend to encourage me to return to my first love, God and His word. I have recently read through Hosea. It was not an easy read at first. It left me not wanting God to think of me in the same light. In Hosea, God lamented over Israel’s unfaithfulness to Him. Hosea pointed out Israel’s sin to them and wanted to shock them to repentance. The imagery was rough but it had to be to make the point that rejecting God’s love hurts Him. Hosea wanted them to see God in a new light. God felt like a man whose wife was unfaithful to him. God remained faithful to Israel and He remains faithful to me.
I had to come to terms with the fact that there were times in my life since I had come to know Jesus that I was unfaithful. When I was in my 20’s I dabbled in things that were not God directed such as tarot cards, dungeons and dragons, and numerology. I did not see it then as being unfaithful but having read through Hosea I see it for what it is. Presently, business (busy ness) had become an idol and has kept me from time in His word and this blog. I have to look at these as God sees it so that I can confess my unfaithfulness and return to Him. I have to face the truth about myself in order to know God for who He is. As I come to know myself better, I can experience His grace and in turn love Him with all of me. This is His desire for me as it was for Israel in the book of Hosea.
Faith is more than mere belief. It is living my life in way that shows that I cherish God and rejoice in His grace. I have been attending Celebrate Recovery for more than 4 years and I see it as means to face my sins before God and someone I trust in order to embrace God’s grace and live a life that is pleasing to God.
The last chapter of Hosea paints a beautiful image of God’s love for Israel as for all who believe in His Son. So I leave you with the last verse.
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;
    whoever is discerning, let him know them;
for the ways of the Lord are right,
    and the upright walk in them,
    but transgressors stumble in them. Hosea 14:9

My Prayer: Forgive me, Oh Lord God, for allowing other things to take Your place in my life. Let me return to Your love and grace so that I may live my life in a way that reflects Your grace and is pleasing to You. May others be encouraged to examine themselves before You and embrace Your amazing grace. Amen.
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Life Lessons, The Silver Miner

My Flesh Contends with God’s Spirit in Me.

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My Spirit is Willing but My Flesh is Weak.
Galatians 5:17
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.  

Mark 19:38
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
 
This has been my quandary for this week since my surgery last Thursday. I was depressed yesterday. I knew what I needed to do but I found myself reluctant much like a sick child not wanting to take her medicine in order to get well. With all of the sundry things that have challenged my health so far this year, I am not happy with the changes in my body. I am feeling my age and lamenting over how things used to be, therefore, the struggle between my flesh and God’s spirit in me has become more noticeable. Please forgive me for my pity party. 
In order to turn things around, I need to remind myself of the many things that I have to be grateful for, which to name a few are healthcare to be able to take care of myself, house and home, loving husband and family, and the resources to shake off this mood. Praise be to God for He loves me just the same. Learning to admit this is the first step to a healthy recovery. It is much like following doctor’s orders to improve and get better, therefore, I need to sing praises to God, pray, read my Bible, and confess my sins.
Isn’t God great?! He is full of mercy and grace for He knows that I will fall short more than once in my lifetime. Victory goes to God!!

My Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, forgive me for feeling sorry for myself and being reluctant to turn to You for help. Restore to me the joy of Your Salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen.
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