In order to live a confident and positive life we must be sure of who we are. I know who I am because I know who God is. Because I know God, I know how He wants me to treat others. He wants me to operate in the Spirit and exhibit the fruits of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:22,23. Because I believe, I live by the power of The Holy Spirit in my life.
In Galatians 2:19-21 Paul, who was brought up and educated in the Jewish Faith, says “For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in The Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I am not one of those who treats the grace of God as meaningless. For if we could be saved by keeping the law, then there was no need for Christ to die.” The law is the Old Testament covenant. The 10 Commandments given to Moses, as written in Exodus, are a guideline for our lives. We cannot be saved by trying to obey the law. There is no perfect person. Christ was God’s plan for salvation from the beginning and the only perfect person. He came to us as sinless man to die for our sins. By believing in Christ, God has made us righteous because as believers He sees us through Christ’s righteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “God saved you by His special favor when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Christ, living in us, gives us the power to live confident lives. As this confidence manifests itself in us we can lift up and edify others.
A confident person knows:
1) I belong and am accepted
2) I am worthy and of value
3) I am competent and believe in myself
As Christ has given us confidence in ourselves, we must help others to believe these things about themselves, especially our children. We must live by example and always encourage others as we praise them, edify them, and pass on our faith to them. We will see them grow in their own confidence and faith.
As we prepare for Easter, let us prepare our hearts to love others as Christ has loved us.
The two commandments which Christ gave to us in The New Testament are found in Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus said “You must love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, and all of your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments”. May Christ work in us and through us as we love Him and others.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Being a Godly Influence
A Godly life is our greatest ministry.
When we receive God’s gift of Faith we are called Believers.
We experience SALVATION (Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your house”)
When we believe and confess our faith The Holy Spirit enters our spirit.
The gifts of The Spirit evidence themselves in our lives as He teaches us to be more Christlike (Galatians 5:25 “If we are now living by The Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives”) (Galatians 5: 22,23 “When The Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”.)
We do not produce these fruits in and of ourselves. It is The Holy Spirit working through our human spirit.
Our conduct influences the lives of our children and everyone else observing how we act and what we say. (Colossians 4: 5 “Live wisely among those who aren’t Christians and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective…”)
Our actions speak much louder than our words. We must treat others with respect. When we waiver in our faith, words, or actions we cast a shadow on The Christian Faith and compromise our witness. It is understandable that, as believers, we are held more accountable for our actions than others who live without a moral compass or profession of faith.
So as a little song which I learned in Sunday School so many years ago says:
Be careful little eyes what you see,
Be careful little ears what you hear,
Be careful little mouth what you say,
Be careful little hands what you do, and
Be careful little feet where you go!
The Holy Spirit teaches us and gives us the power to do what is right. We become convicted and committed, and we are given the courage not to compromise. We must maintain a calm spirit under fire and know that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Our obedience will result in God’s Blessings and favor in our lives. We will see our children and our loved ones following, receiving, believing, and confessing their own faith. In turn they will pass it on by example, just as my parents, and their parents before, passed their faith example on to me. God is good and so faithful!
Our life style says, “Follow me as I follow Christ”.
When we receive God’s gift of Faith we are called Believers.
We experience SALVATION (Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your house”)
When we believe and confess our faith The Holy Spirit enters our spirit.
The gifts of The Spirit evidence themselves in our lives as He teaches us to be more Christlike (Galatians 5:25 “If we are now living by The Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives”) (Galatians 5: 22,23 “When The Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”.)
We do not produce these fruits in and of ourselves. It is The Holy Spirit working through our human spirit.
Our conduct influences the lives of our children and everyone else observing how we act and what we say. (Colossians 4: 5 “Live wisely among those who aren’t Christians and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective…”)
Our actions speak much louder than our words. We must treat others with respect. When we waiver in our faith, words, or actions we cast a shadow on The Christian Faith and compromise our witness. It is understandable that, as believers, we are held more accountable for our actions than others who live without a moral compass or profession of faith.
So as a little song which I learned in Sunday School so many years ago says:
Be careful little eyes what you see,
Be careful little ears what you hear,
Be careful little mouth what you say,
Be careful little hands what you do, and
Be careful little feet where you go!
The Holy Spirit teaches us and gives us the power to do what is right. We become convicted and committed, and we are given the courage not to compromise. We must maintain a calm spirit under fire and know that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Our obedience will result in God’s Blessings and favor in our lives. We will see our children and our loved ones following, receiving, believing, and confessing their own faith. In turn they will pass it on by example, just as my parents, and their parents before, passed their faith example on to me. God is good and so faithful!
Our life style says, “Follow me as I follow Christ”.
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel well, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up..
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, and it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up..
When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
May the Gifts of The Holy Spirit shine through us, resulting in God using us in the lives of others. When we exhibit these gifts, as found in Galatians 5:22,23, God is glorified and our actions are passed on to others, especially the children in our lives.
This is a message every adult should read. I do not know who wrote it but it was emailed to me by my sister Jane. She is a parent, grandparent, aunt, teacher, and friend and practices this message in her life. It is evident in her children, grandchildren, and student’s lives.
I wanted to share this message with all. Always be aware that children, and others, are watching us. They copy what we do, not what we say.
How will you touch the life of someone today?
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel well, and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up..
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, and it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up..
When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend) influences the life of a child.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
May the Gifts of The Holy Spirit shine through us, resulting in God using us in the lives of others. When we exhibit these gifts, as found in Galatians 5:22,23, God is glorified and our actions are passed on to others, especially the children in our lives.
This is a message every adult should read. I do not know who wrote it but it was emailed to me by my sister Jane. She is a parent, grandparent, aunt, teacher, and friend and practices this message in her life. It is evident in her children, grandchildren, and student’s lives.
I wanted to share this message with all. Always be aware that children, and others, are watching us. They copy what we do, not what we say.
How will you touch the life of someone today?
Sunday, March 21, 2010
LIFE'S PATHWAY
I want to share a poem with you.
It is an inspirational message by Emily Matthews.
At times, life’s path seems filled with things
that make the going rough,
And we wish there were a smoother road,
for we feel we’ve had enough…..
But, if we pause a moment and remember Who’s in charge,
The hills that loom ahead of us no longer seem so large,
And every rock before us, when we know we’re not alone,
Becomes, not just a stumbling block,
but one more stepping stone.
When God is walking with us, we are given the strength and perseverance to be over comers. Sheer determination and wisdom, knowing that God is guiding us, will help us to face our journey. God wants us to be in constant communication with him. God does not always answer our prayers by taking our trials away. He has promised that He will supply us with the strength and wisdom that we need to walk THROUGH our pain and suffering. In the dark moments of our lives, as we search for meaning and answers, He will find us. We will grow and move into a deeper understanding and relationship with Him.
Christ has promised us that if we share in His suffering, we will also share in His glory.
I would not have chosen my times of suffering but those times were the stepping stones into a greater faith. I praise the Lord and thank Him for growing my faith and filling me with His Holy Spirit. I will continue to read and study His word so He can keep filling my spirit with more of His Spirit!
Fill me, Grow me, and Use me Lord. To God be the Glory!
It is an inspirational message by Emily Matthews.
At times, life’s path seems filled with things
that make the going rough,
And we wish there were a smoother road,
for we feel we’ve had enough…..
But, if we pause a moment and remember Who’s in charge,
The hills that loom ahead of us no longer seem so large,
And every rock before us, when we know we’re not alone,
Becomes, not just a stumbling block,
but one more stepping stone.
When God is walking with us, we are given the strength and perseverance to be over comers. Sheer determination and wisdom, knowing that God is guiding us, will help us to face our journey. God wants us to be in constant communication with him. God does not always answer our prayers by taking our trials away. He has promised that He will supply us with the strength and wisdom that we need to walk THROUGH our pain and suffering. In the dark moments of our lives, as we search for meaning and answers, He will find us. We will grow and move into a deeper understanding and relationship with Him.
Christ has promised us that if we share in His suffering, we will also share in His glory.
I would not have chosen my times of suffering but those times were the stepping stones into a greater faith. I praise the Lord and thank Him for growing my faith and filling me with His Holy Spirit. I will continue to read and study His word so He can keep filling my spirit with more of His Spirit!
Fill me, Grow me, and Use me Lord. To God be the Glory!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
God Said It, I Believe it, That Settles It
When we give our hearts to Christ, we become inheritors of the hundreds of promises God gave to us in His Word, The Bible. We will not know these promises if we don’t hear, read, and learn what those promises are. As a child of God, we must learn them, claim them, believe them, and act upon them.
2Peter 1:4 says “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature”.
Romans 4:21 says “Being fully persuaded that, what He has promised, He was able to perform”.
How do we make these promises our own?
1-Accept each promise as it is written
2-Hide God’s promises in your heart (Psalm 119: 11)
3-Pray to have your mind and heart in condition to believe the promises
4-Be ready to do your part when the promise depends upon your action
If it says pray; pray!
If it says believe; believe!
If it says trust; trust!
5-Now wait on the Lord for His answer in His perfect time and perfect plan for your life
The following are some Scripture promises which I have hidden in my heart:
“Lo, I am with you always” and “I will never leave you or forsake you” (I claim God’s presence in my life)
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose” (our part is to love God) Romans 8:28
“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen”. (our part is to pray) Jeremiah 29:11,12
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will give you the desires of your heart” (We are to trust and acknowledge Him before He can fulfill His promise of our desires) Proverbs3:5
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (When we seek spiritual things first, He will give us the material things which we need) Matthew 6:33
“God will supply all of my needs according to his riches in glory, in Christ Jesus” (my part is to believe in the Lord) Philippians 4:19
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (When I am weak He is my strength) Philippians 4:13
Thank you Lord for your promises, You said it, I believe it, and that settles!
2Peter 1:4 says “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature”.
Romans 4:21 says “Being fully persuaded that, what He has promised, He was able to perform”.
How do we make these promises our own?
1-Accept each promise as it is written
2-Hide God’s promises in your heart (Psalm 119: 11)
3-Pray to have your mind and heart in condition to believe the promises
4-Be ready to do your part when the promise depends upon your action
If it says pray; pray!
If it says believe; believe!
If it says trust; trust!
5-Now wait on the Lord for His answer in His perfect time and perfect plan for your life
The following are some Scripture promises which I have hidden in my heart:
“Lo, I am with you always” and “I will never leave you or forsake you” (I claim God’s presence in my life)
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose” (our part is to love God) Romans 8:28
“For I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen”. (our part is to pray) Jeremiah 29:11,12
“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding, acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will give you the desires of your heart” (We are to trust and acknowledge Him before He can fulfill His promise of our desires) Proverbs3:5
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (When we seek spiritual things first, He will give us the material things which we need) Matthew 6:33
“God will supply all of my needs according to his riches in glory, in Christ Jesus” (my part is to believe in the Lord) Philippians 4:19
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (When I am weak He is my strength) Philippians 4:13
Thank you Lord for your promises, You said it, I believe it, and that settles!
Monday, March 15, 2010
PRAYER
I want to share with you some thoughts about prayer.
Prayer, speaking to God, is such an important part of my life, and of each moment of my day. I start each day thanking God for that day and everything He has given me. I have His assurance that nothing is going to happen to me in the next 24 hours that together we cannot handle. He is my strength. I am His vessel. He gives me wisdom and direction.
Prayer is communication with God through conversation; a dialogue, not a monologue.
I frequently lift up a prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving; sometimes in thought, sometimes spoken out loud in words, and sometimes in song.
Worship and Praise are the purest form of prayer.
Psalm 29:2 says; “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
I pray daily for myself, Richard, my children (Erica, Trevor, Christa, and Kris), my grandsons (Trevor and Hunter), our sisters and their families (including all of our nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews), and friends. I name them and pray that God would bless them and bring each one into the peace of having a personal relationship with our Lord. I bring the specific individual needs, which I am aware of, to God in prayer asking for His help, healing, and direction in their lives.
I know He hears me and He is with those whom I love even when I cannot be physically with or near to them. This is such a comfort to me. I don’t feel helpless when I can put them in God’s hands and I know that He is working in their lives.
I know that I can speak to God anytime, anywhere, and in any situation. I am never alone. He is always with me as He has promised in His Word.
When we Pray we should:
1-Start with Songs or words of Praise, Worship, and Thanksgiving
2-Be Specific
3-Be Sensitive to God’s direction and His will for your life
4-Be Serious – Know that God hears and will answer
5-Be Submissive – Submit to God’s will, not to your own selfishness
6-Be Still – Set aside a quiet time to talk with God
7-Be Scriptural – Know the Word and pray back, repeating, Scripture Promises to Him
8-Be Sure - Believe
9-Be Steady- Consistent; pray without ceasing
10-Be Silent – Listen for His answers
Pray Believing
Pray Expectantly
Pray Boldly
Be honest, direct, repent, and seek God’s presence.
Come to Him with a Thankful Heart in Worship and Praise
Petition your needs. Know the difference between needs and wants. God will not answer selfish, self-serving prayer. God delights in your conversation with Him. You are pleasing to Him and you give Him joy when you believe and are in communion and fellowship with Him.
God encourages us to:
Know Scripture-Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart…”
Pray Scripture back to God- Remind Him of His Promises
Ask- Matthew 18: 19 “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they Ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven”
Believe-Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”
Thank Him and visualize the answered prayer while praying because you believe it will happen. You can take God at His Word!
Receive- Matthew 21:22 “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive”
Trust Him to answer our Prayers- Matthew 7: 11 He will answer with what Heknows is best for our lives. “If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Persevere and Thank Him for the Victory which is expected.
There is Power in Prayer- James 5: 13-18
Prayer releases God’s power in our lives
Prayer can be limited by our prayer life
God wants us to Praise Him, Petition Him, Remind Him of His promises, and Receive His power. As a result, He will give us, as believers, the desires of our hearts through answered prayer.
Prayer, speaking to God, is such an important part of my life, and of each moment of my day. I start each day thanking God for that day and everything He has given me. I have His assurance that nothing is going to happen to me in the next 24 hours that together we cannot handle. He is my strength. I am His vessel. He gives me wisdom and direction.
Prayer is communication with God through conversation; a dialogue, not a monologue.
I frequently lift up a prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving; sometimes in thought, sometimes spoken out loud in words, and sometimes in song.
Worship and Praise are the purest form of prayer.
Psalm 29:2 says; “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
I pray daily for myself, Richard, my children (Erica, Trevor, Christa, and Kris), my grandsons (Trevor and Hunter), our sisters and their families (including all of our nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews), and friends. I name them and pray that God would bless them and bring each one into the peace of having a personal relationship with our Lord. I bring the specific individual needs, which I am aware of, to God in prayer asking for His help, healing, and direction in their lives.
I know He hears me and He is with those whom I love even when I cannot be physically with or near to them. This is such a comfort to me. I don’t feel helpless when I can put them in God’s hands and I know that He is working in their lives.
I know that I can speak to God anytime, anywhere, and in any situation. I am never alone. He is always with me as He has promised in His Word.
When we Pray we should:
1-Start with Songs or words of Praise, Worship, and Thanksgiving
2-Be Specific
3-Be Sensitive to God’s direction and His will for your life
4-Be Serious – Know that God hears and will answer
5-Be Submissive – Submit to God’s will, not to your own selfishness
6-Be Still – Set aside a quiet time to talk with God
7-Be Scriptural – Know the Word and pray back, repeating, Scripture Promises to Him
8-Be Sure - Believe
9-Be Steady- Consistent; pray without ceasing
10-Be Silent – Listen for His answers
Pray Believing
Pray Expectantly
Pray Boldly
Be honest, direct, repent, and seek God’s presence.
Come to Him with a Thankful Heart in Worship and Praise
Petition your needs. Know the difference between needs and wants. God will not answer selfish, self-serving prayer. God delights in your conversation with Him. You are pleasing to Him and you give Him joy when you believe and are in communion and fellowship with Him.
God encourages us to:
Know Scripture-Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart…”
Pray Scripture back to God- Remind Him of His Promises
Ask- Matthew 18: 19 “If two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they Ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven”
Believe-Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them”
Thank Him and visualize the answered prayer while praying because you believe it will happen. You can take God at His Word!
Receive- Matthew 21:22 “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive”
Trust Him to answer our Prayers- Matthew 7: 11 He will answer with what Heknows is best for our lives. “If you…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in Heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Persevere and Thank Him for the Victory which is expected.
There is Power in Prayer- James 5: 13-18
Prayer releases God’s power in our lives
Prayer can be limited by our prayer life
God wants us to Praise Him, Petition Him, Remind Him of His promises, and Receive His power. As a result, He will give us, as believers, the desires of our hearts through answered prayer.
Friday, March 12, 2010
THE WORD, FAITH, POWER, OBEDIENCE, RESULTS
When we study The Word, our Faith increases.
When our Faith increases, we listen for God’s instructions.
We choose to be Obedient because we believe and want to please God.
We can see God working in our lives through The Holy Spirit.
We become more Christ-like and experience His Power in our lives.
Prayer and Communication with God bring His Word, our Faith, and our Obedience together and result in His Power, provisions, blessings and favor in our lives.
The gifts of The Spirit evidence God’s power in our lives. Galatians 5: 22,23 tells us that “when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”
As I read and study the WORD, my FAITH grows. I experience the POWER of my faith. I want to stand out in my faith by being OBEDIENT to God. When I listen to God’s direction and do or say the right thing, sometimes the hard thing, God proves His faithfulness to me and in turn I find my faith getting stronger. As a RESULT, God manifests Himself in my life with the gifts of The Spirit. Again, these are gifts, not a result of our own good works but evidence of God’s power working in us.
I pray for myself and each of you. May we experience God’s Word, increased Faith, the Holy Spirit’s Power, the ability to hear and be Obedient, and the Results of the Gifts of the Spirit, blessings, and favor in our lives. Amen.
When our Faith increases, we listen for God’s instructions.
We choose to be Obedient because we believe and want to please God.
We can see God working in our lives through The Holy Spirit.
We become more Christ-like and experience His Power in our lives.
Prayer and Communication with God bring His Word, our Faith, and our Obedience together and result in His Power, provisions, blessings and favor in our lives.
The gifts of The Spirit evidence God’s power in our lives. Galatians 5: 22,23 tells us that “when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control”
As I read and study the WORD, my FAITH grows. I experience the POWER of my faith. I want to stand out in my faith by being OBEDIENT to God. When I listen to God’s direction and do or say the right thing, sometimes the hard thing, God proves His faithfulness to me and in turn I find my faith getting stronger. As a RESULT, God manifests Himself in my life with the gifts of The Spirit. Again, these are gifts, not a result of our own good works but evidence of God’s power working in us.
I pray for myself and each of you. May we experience God’s Word, increased Faith, the Holy Spirit’s Power, the ability to hear and be Obedient, and the Results of the Gifts of the Spirit, blessings, and favor in our lives. Amen.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Reminiscing: My Journey Through The Past Decade
I live in divine hope born in the promises of God. In Jeremiah 29:11 God tells me that He knows the plans He has for me; “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me”.
I know, without doubt, that God is always with me and hears me when I talk to Him. He guides me, answers my prayers, and directs the circumstances of my life. He is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I can have plans, but I can only see the moment I am walking in. When I am seeking to be in God’s will He makes my path clear. I know that He is working all things for my good because I love Him and I trust His promises.
I have seen many of my prayers, dreams, goals, and plans become realities over the past 10 years. Sad and unexpected events have also occurred. My Mom died, followed by Maynard, Richard’s Dad in 2000. Heidi, a best friend, died in 2009. The pain of 9/11/2001 touched all of our lives. Richie was in the building across the street and men he worked with were in the towers. They all were fortunate and able to exit the city safely but each of their lives was forever affected. There have been illnesses and disappointments as well. God gives me the strength to walk through the difficult times. My joy and hope is internal even when external circumstances are hard. I thank God for working in my life at all times and in all circumstances. He wants us to be thankful always as He tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22. God rewards a thankful heart.
I am so very grateful and do not take for granted all of the good things that have occurred in Richard’s and my life through the past decade to bring us to where we are in 2010. Our first grandchild, Trevor Richard was born on July 9, 2003. Erica and Trevor had purchased their first home and relocated to Orefield, Pennsylvania the previous year. In 2005, our youngest daughter, Christa Grace graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. The following year, 2006, brought the happy event of her marriage to Khristopher. They had graduated together and were married in the Muhlenberg Chapel. It was very rewarding to see both of our girls happily married with their college years completed. Now we could think about retirement plans. Another event in 2006 was the birth of our second grandson, Hunter Ryan, on March 6. God is good and the boys are so precious. With the birth of the children, the three hour ride between Allentown and Long Island became a routine run.
Richie retired in 2005. He had built our home in Dix Hills and now had the full time job of completing the unfinished construction so we could put the house on the market, down size, and move on. We purchased a house in the Florida Keys in 1992. We planned to have it for retirement in the future and vacations until then. We love The Keys and are glad that we had the foresight and ability to buy the house when we did. But we also knew that when we retired we did want to have a little home near our girls and their families. Destiny found us a lovely, little home in Orefield, one mile away from Erica and Trevor and the boys. In the spring of 2008, I retired from Huntington Hospital, we sold our home of 35 years in Dix Hills, and we moved to Pennsylvania. We are now “snow-birds”. Our primary residence is Florida but we are back and forth between The Keys and Orefield, PA. Last summer, 2009, we were able to realize another of our heart’s desires. We took a wonderful trip to Norway. We visited family, toured, took a cruise up the west coast of Norway through the majestic fjords, and visited friends in London. Now that we are retired and settled in our new life we pray for continued health and the ability to enjoy our family and do some more traveling. It is good to make plans and have goals. I stay flexible because I know that God is the one who has the final say in my life, my plans, and in the next decade and beyond.
I know, without doubt, that God is always with me and hears me when I talk to Him. He guides me, answers my prayers, and directs the circumstances of my life. He is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I can have plans, but I can only see the moment I am walking in. When I am seeking to be in God’s will He makes my path clear. I know that He is working all things for my good because I love Him and I trust His promises.
I have seen many of my prayers, dreams, goals, and plans become realities over the past 10 years. Sad and unexpected events have also occurred. My Mom died, followed by Maynard, Richard’s Dad in 2000. Heidi, a best friend, died in 2009. The pain of 9/11/2001 touched all of our lives. Richie was in the building across the street and men he worked with were in the towers. They all were fortunate and able to exit the city safely but each of their lives was forever affected. There have been illnesses and disappointments as well. God gives me the strength to walk through the difficult times. My joy and hope is internal even when external circumstances are hard. I thank God for working in my life at all times and in all circumstances. He wants us to be thankful always as He tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-22. God rewards a thankful heart.
I am so very grateful and do not take for granted all of the good things that have occurred in Richard’s and my life through the past decade to bring us to where we are in 2010. Our first grandchild, Trevor Richard was born on July 9, 2003. Erica and Trevor had purchased their first home and relocated to Orefield, Pennsylvania the previous year. In 2005, our youngest daughter, Christa Grace graduated from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. The following year, 2006, brought the happy event of her marriage to Khristopher. They had graduated together and were married in the Muhlenberg Chapel. It was very rewarding to see both of our girls happily married with their college years completed. Now we could think about retirement plans. Another event in 2006 was the birth of our second grandson, Hunter Ryan, on March 6. God is good and the boys are so precious. With the birth of the children, the three hour ride between Allentown and Long Island became a routine run.
Richie retired in 2005. He had built our home in Dix Hills and now had the full time job of completing the unfinished construction so we could put the house on the market, down size, and move on. We purchased a house in the Florida Keys in 1992. We planned to have it for retirement in the future and vacations until then. We love The Keys and are glad that we had the foresight and ability to buy the house when we did. But we also knew that when we retired we did want to have a little home near our girls and their families. Destiny found us a lovely, little home in Orefield, one mile away from Erica and Trevor and the boys. In the spring of 2008, I retired from Huntington Hospital, we sold our home of 35 years in Dix Hills, and we moved to Pennsylvania. We are now “snow-birds”. Our primary residence is Florida but we are back and forth between The Keys and Orefield, PA. Last summer, 2009, we were able to realize another of our heart’s desires. We took a wonderful trip to Norway. We visited family, toured, took a cruise up the west coast of Norway through the majestic fjords, and visited friends in London. Now that we are retired and settled in our new life we pray for continued health and the ability to enjoy our family and do some more traveling. It is good to make plans and have goals. I stay flexible because I know that God is the one who has the final say in my life, my plans, and in the next decade and beyond.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Spiritual Discernment
Test spiritual teachings for truth by going to God’s Word for yourself. God reveals himself in His word, the scriptures. Men and women of God are His witnesses. Just remember that we are all human and our understanding is incomplete. We cannot depend only on the understanding of others. Search for greater spiritual discernment by searching the scriptures for yourself. Also, know that everyone on their spiritual journey is at a different place in their walk with God. When you choose a church to worship in, find a spiritual leader who is further along in his or her walk than you are. Choose a Bible believing church and a leader who is in prayer and is preaching from the word. If you are not growing, learning, and moving into a deeper walk assess the reason why. Start with a self assessment. Do not blindly accept teachings and a teacher without questioning and seeking God and His word for yourself. He will teach you and give you the gift of discernment when you seek truth. God will give you insight and lead you to Spirit filled people, teachers, and religious leaders who love Him and preach His word.
The more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. While walking through my journey of faith I continuously pray for and seek wisdom, truth, understanding, and a more intimate relationship with my Lord. I want to experience His power in my life. I want to be obedient and available to be used by Him where He places me.
If you haven’t started reading the bible, you should now. Before reading, ask The Holy Spirit to bring the words alive and to open your spiritual eyes and understanding. He will hear and answer your prayer. 30 years ago when I seriously started reading God’s word for myself I used a copy of The Good News Bible. God directed me to passages and books that addressed my pain, opened my understanding, and gave me direction. That bible is now taped together, underlined, highlighted, and very worn. I knew that He was with me and that He heard me when I called out to Him. I suggest that you choose a bible translation which is easy for you to read and understand. I love The King James Bible but I feel that it is a more difficult translation to start with. I am presently using The New Living Translation and The New International Version.
Become familiar with The New and Old Testaments. There are 66 individual books in the bible; 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in The New Testament. In The Old Testament, start with The Psalms and Proverbs. In The New Testament choose one of The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Read one book at a time, not in any particular order. Bring your needs to God in prayer. He will speak to you through His Word. He directed me to the book of Job and I realized that Job faced greater suffering than I was going through but never doubted God’s presence in his life. God loved Job and I knew that He also loved me.
No matter where you are in your journey of faith, start where you are. God will grow you and place a hunger in your heart for a deeper understanding and a closer walk with Him. You won’t be disappointed.
Pray and have a conversation with God.
Seek truth.
Read His Word.
Grow in your faith.
Be strengthened in your mind, body, and spirit.
Be ready to walk with God through life into eternity.
Fear not because He is always with you.
The more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. While walking through my journey of faith I continuously pray for and seek wisdom, truth, understanding, and a more intimate relationship with my Lord. I want to experience His power in my life. I want to be obedient and available to be used by Him where He places me.
If you haven’t started reading the bible, you should now. Before reading, ask The Holy Spirit to bring the words alive and to open your spiritual eyes and understanding. He will hear and answer your prayer. 30 years ago when I seriously started reading God’s word for myself I used a copy of The Good News Bible. God directed me to passages and books that addressed my pain, opened my understanding, and gave me direction. That bible is now taped together, underlined, highlighted, and very worn. I knew that He was with me and that He heard me when I called out to Him. I suggest that you choose a bible translation which is easy for you to read and understand. I love The King James Bible but I feel that it is a more difficult translation to start with. I am presently using The New Living Translation and The New International Version.
Become familiar with The New and Old Testaments. There are 66 individual books in the bible; 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in The New Testament. In The Old Testament, start with The Psalms and Proverbs. In The New Testament choose one of The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Read one book at a time, not in any particular order. Bring your needs to God in prayer. He will speak to you through His Word. He directed me to the book of Job and I realized that Job faced greater suffering than I was going through but never doubted God’s presence in his life. God loved Job and I knew that He also loved me.
No matter where you are in your journey of faith, start where you are. God will grow you and place a hunger in your heart for a deeper understanding and a closer walk with Him. You won’t be disappointed.
Pray and have a conversation with God.
Seek truth.
Read His Word.
Grow in your faith.
Be strengthened in your mind, body, and spirit.
Be ready to walk with God through life into eternity.
Fear not because He is always with you.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Justified by Faith
When you receive the Gift of Faith (Ephesians 2:8, Faith is a gift)
You will KNOW
God will cause it to GROW
Your faith will SHOW
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your house” (Acts 16:31)
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13)
“For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God,
and it is confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9,10)
You will KNOW.
Now is the day of salvation. Eternity and a new spiritual awareness start when we believe, receive, and confess our new faith. Our Spiritual eyes were blind; now they see.
God opens up our understanding and we see things differently. We have experienced the new birth. We are in the world but not of the world (John 17:16). We now have dual citizenship. We were born into a country’s physical citizenship. We now also experience an eternal, spiritual citizenship. Our spiritual realm existence starts now while we are here on earth and lasts into eternity. We develop the ability to become less self seeking and are able to see God’s plans in our circumstances and prayers. A dependent baby thinks he is the center of the universe. As we grow and mature we usually learn what a small part of the universe we actually are. Some people remain selfish and never learn. When our spiritual eyes are opened, we become a part of something even greater, and God gives us spiritual understanding and glimpses into eternity.
He causes our faith to GROW.
We are Justified by Faith; made right with God. (Romans 3:23-31).
Our faith is justified, exhibited and given proof of, by how we live and what we do.
We don’t work to be saved.We do good works because we are saved. We want to please God and do good to help others as God has commanded us to do.
God tells us about our faith in relationship to our good deeds in James 2: 14-26.
Our faith should SHOW
In Romans 1: 16,17 Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News (Gospel) about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, it is through faith that a righteous person has life”. As a believer, God sees us as righteous. He sees us through the filter of His son, Jesus, who died for our unrighteousness.
May you KNOW, May your faith GROW, and may Christ in your life SHOW!!!
You will KNOW
God will cause it to GROW
Your faith will SHOW
“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, and your house” (Acts 16:31)
“Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13)
“For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God,
and it is confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9,10)
You will KNOW.
Now is the day of salvation. Eternity and a new spiritual awareness start when we believe, receive, and confess our new faith. Our Spiritual eyes were blind; now they see.
God opens up our understanding and we see things differently. We have experienced the new birth. We are in the world but not of the world (John 17:16). We now have dual citizenship. We were born into a country’s physical citizenship. We now also experience an eternal, spiritual citizenship. Our spiritual realm existence starts now while we are here on earth and lasts into eternity. We develop the ability to become less self seeking and are able to see God’s plans in our circumstances and prayers. A dependent baby thinks he is the center of the universe. As we grow and mature we usually learn what a small part of the universe we actually are. Some people remain selfish and never learn. When our spiritual eyes are opened, we become a part of something even greater, and God gives us spiritual understanding and glimpses into eternity.
He causes our faith to GROW.
We are Justified by Faith; made right with God. (Romans 3:23-31).
Our faith is justified, exhibited and given proof of, by how we live and what we do.
We don’t work to be saved.We do good works because we are saved. We want to please God and do good to help others as God has commanded us to do.
God tells us about our faith in relationship to our good deeds in James 2: 14-26.
Our faith should SHOW
In Romans 1: 16,17 Paul writes, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News (Gospel) about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - Jews first and also Gentiles. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, it is through faith that a righteous person has life”. As a believer, God sees us as righteous. He sees us through the filter of His son, Jesus, who died for our unrighteousness.
May you KNOW, May your faith GROW, and may Christ in your life SHOW!!!
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