Put your hand in Mine!

It just melts my heart when my daughter tells her son, "Grab Mimi's hand"; and he looks at me, smiles, and boldly grabs my hand assured he is safe and protected when we are out in public somewhere shopping. Or my Granddaughters and other Grandson will come to me out of the blue while I am watching TV or we are playing board games, and sit on my lap or lay their head on my shoulder or chest, lovingly; whereas, they know they will NEVER be told, "Get off of me"!They trust and believe those acts of love are loved by Mimi and welcomed! 

My Grandson and Son-in-Law! Hang on! Dad's Got you!

Matthew 18:1-3 AMPC

"At that time the disciples came up and asked Jesus, Who then is [really] the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

And He called a little child to Himself and put him in the midst of them,

And said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven [at all]."

That's how God wants us to be towards Him, holding His hand when we are crossing from a bad situation that has left us empty, alone, deserted, and rejected. He says, "Hold My Hand"! Put another way, lean on, trust in, and wholeheartedly rely on God. Our confident trust in Him, just like a child has in those they know who loves them, will NEVER be rejected or leave you in despair. Our Heavenly Father's Hand also gives us comfort, peace, and assurance we are safe and protected in His care! 

Now I know how John felt during the Last Supper. While Jesus was telling the disciples who was going to betray Him (John 13:21), John laid his head on Jesus chest to show his love and adoration of Him Although it doesn't say it, it is evident what his actions were portraying. 

John 13:21-23 AMPC

"After Jesus had said these things, He was troubled (disturbed, agitated) in spirit and said, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, one of you will deliver Me up [one of you will be false to Me and betray Me]!

The disciples kept looking at one another, puzzled as to whom He could mean.

One of His disciples, whom Jesus loved [whom He esteemed and delighted in], was reclining [next to Him] on Jesus’ bosom."

John's actions mimic that of a child who Loves and honors their Father, that subconsciously, he acted how he felt about Jesus in his heart.

"Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]." (Ephesians 5:1 AMPC)

I know how Jesus felt in His heart also; because even my grown children will occasionally sit on my lap, although we laugh, it tells me they also need to feel special and loved just like they were as little children sitting in my lap with my arms wrapped around them - safe and secure! 

We are ALL God's children, and NEVER too big, too old, or too sinful to take hold of His Hand! By being in God's presence all of the noise going on around you disappears. We only hear His voice , softly say, "I Love You! Take my Hand! It's a place of peace, joy, and comfort - ALWAYS! 

My Heart Speaks Beauty!

There's this beautiful cream sweater I have had my eye on for the past two days that caused me to be in "Awe" of the design and beauty of it! I did not purchase it as of yet; however, I did pray to God, if I should buy it. Well, as of today, I have not received a resounding yes or no; but I did receive something more powerful and impacting that caused me to truly meditate on what the scripture in I Timothy 2:9-11 AMPC is truly saying . It reads as follows: 

"Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing,

But by doing good deeds (deeds in themselves good and for the good and advantage of those contacted by them), as befits women who profess reverential fear for and devotion to God.

Let a woman learn in quietness, in entire submissiveness."

Although these verses are connected to how, as Christians, we are to adorn ourselves with a pure heart that illuminates within us from spending time with God in His Word and prayer; people who are in doubt of the divine Word will develop a false message of what a Christian is and fade away from coming to God. 

Yes, I can purchase the sweater, but I put  my faith in the sweater to bring out the beauty in me more than I did God! I viewed the sweater initially; with the thought, "This is a beautiful sweater and I can wear this out and look sharp"! The sweater is only an outward adornment; whereas, true beauty is within - and God knows our hearts ( good or bad) that is the only adornment that speaks who we really are and who we truly serve! Amen 

We ALL know that clothes fade , decay, and lose their value and style after wearing them a few times- God never goes out of style, fades, decays, or is invaluable to anyone, unless we reject His Love ~ That is incorruptible and unconditional! 

The next time you see any "thing" that (in your mind) will make you feel good about you because you want to please the masses and be viewed as beautiful, well dressed, and wealthy (money); Thank God for His Love that outlast "ALL THINGS", and affects and infects your life that pleases Him (Who is the ONLY one that matters) and you will illuminate and draw attention, not because you are adorned with elaborate clothing and deceived that God is pleased with your money (Money does not please God; whereas He created Heaven and Earth and ALL it's inhabitants); but you are adorned with the Light (Jesus) that stands out in dark places that people can't help but notice ~ and draws others towards you!

John 1:3-5 AMPC

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

Can I "Love" You This Much?

Negative words tear people down and exposes them. "Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a [self-confident] fool exposes and flaunts his folly." (Proverbs 13:16 AMPC) 

(Folly biblical definition: 2a. : criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct. b. obsolete : evil, wickedness especially : lewd behavior.)

Confronting someone is different than badgering someone! Badgering means to repeatedly pester. "By pride and insolence comes only contention, but with well-advised is skillful and Godly Wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10 AMPC) 

When we lovingly and patiently correct others the response will be peaceful, loving and accepting also; however, words spoken in anger and with the intention to hurt, comes from a malicious and wicked heart. Hurtful words repeatedly play over in a person's mind (like a broken record) of how they don't measure up to the World's standards; therefore putting that person in the forefront of a sure target for Satan to torture and torment them more.

And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Spirit, the Holy One, will not be forgiven, either in this world and age or in the world and age to come.

Either make the tree sound (healthy and good), and its fruit sound (healthy and good), or make the tree rotten (diseased and bad), and its fruit rotten (diseased and bad); for the tree is known and recognized and judged by its fruit.

You offspring of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil (wicked)? For out of the fullness (the overflow, the superabundance) of the heart the mouth speaks.

The good man from his inner good treasure flings forth good things, and the evil man out of his inner evil storehouse flings forth evil things. (Matthew 12:32-35 AMPC)

Being broken in Spirit is just like a broken record (as mentioned previously), nothing "Good" can get in because of the constant music of "Not good enough", Not smart enough", Your bad", "Your not like your brother or sister", "Your Black", "Your a woman", etc. won't stop playing! It repeats over and over!  "A glad heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken." (Proverbs 15:23 AMPC)

If you are the one speaking negative to others, bring to memory that you also were spoken too as a child in like manner and do not see how broken you are as well. Behavior, whether good or evil patterns! 

God has continually put this on my heart to write about; whereas, many of us (me included) truly believe it's OK to speak to our loved ones, friends, and neighbors with malice in our hearts and receive approval from God! 

God still loves you and will NEVER leave you NOR turn His back on you, but cussing, speaking ill of someone, and constantly finding fault is not acceptable or applauded by Heavenly Angels! It's the person with a heart of "Righteousness (right speaking, doing, and living) that gets applause; as well as seeking the "Good" in others ALWAYS. That person may do many things right and one thing wrong and we will focus on that wrong thing that magnifies into destruction of Spirit and conduct. "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. (Ecclesiastes 7:8 AMPC)"

We overcome evil by doing good and KICK THAT WORD "CAN'T" out of your house too! It is "Prohibited" to even be a part of your vocabulary!  Philippians 4:13 AMPC reads; "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]."

Which translates, "We can do ALL things, with Christ, who gives us the ability (With power, wisdom, and strength) the things the World would view as impossible! Nothing is "Impossible with God" to those who believe! We can get our inspiration from those, who in the world's view, should have never accomplished what they did.

Wilma Rudolph was diagnosed with polio at an early age and was paralyzed in one leg. She was born in an era where blacks were oppressed by whites of all things, especially medical care. Her Mother, despite the oppression, never stop believing God would heal her daughter. The advice she was given from doctors of massaging her leg and a few more therapeutic actions, helped, but it was God, who healed her child, in addition to her Mother's undying faith! She went from a brace on her leg to being the first American to win 3 Olympic Medals in track and field in a single Olympic Games. One of her many inspirational quotes is: "I can't are two words that have never been in my vocabulary. I believe in me more than anything in this world." Wilma Rudolph

George Washington Carver, who surpassed human kind with his longevity of life and intelligence; whereas, he was not expected to live past 21 years of age due to his failing health. His belief in God sustained him to live well beyond man's predictions, and he gave all credit to God for his success. He confessed that his faith in Jesus was the only apparatus that manifested his gift in the agricultural industry as well as his desire to pursue it so strongly!

One of my favorite quotes from him is: "God cannot use you as He wishes until you come into the fullness of His Glory. Do not get alarmed, my friend, when doubts creep in. That is old Satan. Pray, pray, pray."  George Washington Carver

Another person who defied the odds is a young lady I have grown to know over these past few years that has encountered verbal abuse and left her spiritually broken. 

A few years ago, this young lady was in a severe car wreck that smashed her right foot, she received severe trauma to her head, and broke her back in 4 different places; but her spine went untouched. 

According to her injuries and recovery, she, again, by human standards, should be paralyzed. One of her doctors told her, "You need to Thank God, because there is no way anyone should have survived this car accident, as well as your spinal cord being untouched"! 
Truly, it was the Hand of God that saved her spine and kept her from being paralyzed. Today she has a new song to sing - nothing short of a miracle! BUT, God is still doing the impossible! If you see this young lady today, you too, would be in disbelief after you hear her story - unless you too know the power of God and His Love!

YES prayer does work - and YES God is able- and YES positive talk brings about positive change in others and in you! QUIT listening to Satan, who tells you what you "can't" do or become  - and KICK "can't" out of your mind, your speech, and your household!

                                                

True Essence of Christianity

As outlined in the Amplified Bible - The Book of James Chapter 1:1-27

I. The Essence of True Religion

Read the paragraph above the outline Photo taken by G.Smith

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad [among the Gentiles in the dispersion]: Greetings (rejoice)! 2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. 3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. 4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. 6 Only it must be in faith that he asks with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind. 7 For truly, let not such a person imagine that he will receive anything [he asks for] from the Lord, 8 [For being as he is] a man of two minds (hesitating, dubious, irresolute), [he is] unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything [he thinks, feels, decides]. 9 Let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his elevation [as a Christian, called to the true riches and to be an heir of God], 10 And the rich [person ought to glory] in being humbled [by being shown his human frailty], because like the flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun comes up with a scorching heat and parches the grass; its flower falls off and its beauty fades away. Even so will the rich man wither and die in the midst of his pursuits. 12 Blessed (happy, to be envied) is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). 15 Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death. 16 Do not be misled, my beloved brethren. Photo taken by G.Smith 17 Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse]. 18 And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself]. 19 Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20 For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. 21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. 23 For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror; 24 For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like. 25 But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience). 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious (piously observant of the external duties of his faith) and does not bridle his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religious service is worthless (futile, barren). 27 External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.

What a powerful and impacting chapter “The Essence (nature) of True Religion”; because it outlines the “true” Christian character and actions by doing these simple things: loving, enduring, listening, and obeying!

Photo by Heather Smith -My Granddog Boots!

We make it difficult, because of our resistance to behavior that is or rather produces great outcomes!

Dogs, when asked to do something, they do it because they want to please us. When they do not, we become frustrated and characterize the dog as stubborn and disobedient. No we are not dogs, we are humans who reject God's Word and are disobedient as well that brings about difficulties in our lives. 

It's a spiritual battle we war against internally. Emotions should “never” get in the way of anything asked of God. Why? Because God would NEVER ask of you to do anything He has not equipped you to do; in addition, He is within, beside, and around you to perform the desired duty asked with power (wisdom) and truth (Love)! Never without a doubt it will produce “good things”!

Biblical Definitions

Dispersion- the action or process of distributing things and people over a wide area

Endurance – the fact of power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way – a marathon runners endurance. Stressful effort

Steadfastness- firmly fixed in place, firm in belief, determination, or adherence: Loyal

Patience – a person's ability to wait something out or endure something tedious without getting riled up! To remain calm, even when you've been waiting forever or dealing with something painstakingly slow

Joy - is a product of Christ-likeness. When we seek God through His word and prayer, we will receive joy! It is the second fruit of the Spirit!

Reproach – address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.

Variation – a change or difference in condition, amount, or level, typically with certain limits.

Shadow Cast – a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and surface

Reason - Hebrew word is yakah- to argue, plead, contend or reason all with the purpose of showing how someone is wrong in their thinking and should change their mind

Obedient – Hebrew word is Sheme (pronounced “Shmah”) - to hear and obey or hear and act or do what is asked.

**Note: The definitions are defined through biblical meaning, and some are the root of the original Hebrew definitions.