Tried and True!

We all can distinguish between good and bad, light and dark, or right and wrong; but none of us know some one's thoughts before he/she speaks them. We can fool man but NO ONE can deceive God. Yet some of us can cover up a deep hurt by how we act; such as appearing strong within; however, our heart speaks to God and says; "This person is truly kind, giving, and understanding". But because they have been deeply hurt, they will not open their heart anymore to receive love or give love.

 

God is saying; "My love NEVER disappoints and NEVER leaves you lonely, hurting, or crying in the middle of the night". My love created you; therefore, My eyes do not deceive me when I say; "You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ And beautiful for the eyes to behold"! No one Loves you as deeply as I do nor ever will! Give Me a chance! That's all I ask of you!

Plants wither and die without rain and sunshine. We wither
and die without God in our lives to give us our daily food to grow 
also! 

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. 3 You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. 4 You know what I am going to say before I even say it. 5 You both precede and follow me and place your hand of blessing on my head.

6 This is too glorious, too wonderful to believe! 7 I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. 9 If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me. 11 If I try to hide in the darkness, the night becomes light around me. 12 For even darkness cannot hide from God; to you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you.

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit them together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it. 15 You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! 16 You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!

17-18 How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!

19 Surely you will slay the wicked, Lord! Away, bloodthirsty men! Begone! 20 They blaspheme your name and stand in arrogance against you—how silly can they be? 21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I be grieved with them? 22 Yes, I hate them, for your enemies are my enemies too.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. 24 Point out anything you find in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalms 139 TLB)

The Gift of Family! Happy New Year!

Father Thank you for the wonderful gift of family! A family who is able to correct in love and not hold a grudge. Help each other with our needs, but not instill a selfish want! Have each others back, but allow a fall ~ because experience can be the best teacher! Show love out loud, instead of speaking words that dissipate like smoke! The old cliche: “Actions speak louder than words”!

 

A family grows willingly, lovingly, and wholeheartedly! Without these characteristics, we fall!

Growth is an up hill climb that will eventually bring you to the top, but never look back or down, because you will fall ~ hard! We grow together, we pray together and we struggle together! Together a family stands, divided we fall!

Christmas Dinner with some of my family, but not all! 

Jesus summoned these men and asked them (using proverbs they all understood), “How can Satan cast out Satan? A kingdom divided against itself will collapse. A home filled with strife and division destroys itself. And if Satan is fighting against himself, how can he accomplish anything? He would never survive. Satan must be bound before his demons are cast out, just as a strong man must be tied up before his house can be ransacked and his property robbed. “I solemnly declare that any sin of man can be forgiven, even blasphemy against me; but blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can never be forgiven. It is an eternal sin.” (Mark 3:23-29 TLB)

May God Bless you and your family in the New Year and bring you a cleansed heart and mind to believe in each other, encourage each other, and love each other!

 

There are three things that remain—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. (I Corinthians 13:13 TLB)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Feast or Famine!

So many people do not understand that struggles in your lives are not there to beat up on you, instill fear, or bring about hopelessness! Struggles happen that can either bring you closer to God or turn your hearts away from God!

I do not own the rights to this photo!

When you are burdened down with decisions, financial setbacks, a wayward child, or sickness, don't look to God and ask why? God is not the one who brings about any harm, destruction or sickness, He is the one who heals, delivers, and upholds! Remember this verse and always understand that Satan is real:

(The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they  may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [overflows]).  (John 10:10 AMP)

Then why are these things happening to me; you say? Again, it's so that you will call upon the Lord to deliver you from the storm, and to build upon His goodness and mercy to allow God to be a friend, instead of a “as needed basis”! If you are not willing to Trust in Jesus, then your problems will continue to reoccur over and over again! Just like the Israelites in the wilderness. They complained (which is sin) even after God had showed them miracle after miracle; and still they did evil in the sight of God. Whereas, those whose hearts had turned from God, did not get to the promised land. The evil they did unto God, came upon them! 

When you eat food like this in excess, it leads to poor health and sickness; which triggers doctor bills, medication and  struggles   

Picture Courtesy of Promote Women Within

                                                                                

If you are not tired of it, then continue as you are; however, for those who are, then receive Jesus right now as your Lord and Savior and begin a life of freedom from sickness, lack, unemployment, division and separation in the home, that are warring against you to keep you from Trusting in Him! God did not create any of us to fail, but everything He created, He created for success!

Say it out loud: 

Father in my heart, I am troubled and perplexed; however, I know there has to be a better life than the one I am living! I want to be whole and free from doubt and worry. Cleanse me of the load I am trying to carry alone! Jesus I receive you now as my Lord and Savior, who died on the cross for my sins! I believe you are the son of God and died to give me salvation (the deliverance from eternal death) on the cross! I know the journey will come with obstacles; however, I am ready to receive the benefits of my rightful inheritance you gave to me thousands of years ago! Thank you Jesus for your eternal love, goodness and mercy for my life, that you alone saved! Amen!

Upon receiving Jesus, you will feel better! Now is the time to equip yourself with God's armor (Ephesians 6:11-17) so that you will be able to stand against the tricks and treachery of Satan ~ and establishing a relationship with Him! 

For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from  judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this  [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own  striving], but it is the gift of God; Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man  should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can  pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] (Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP)

He Reigns!

Advent [noun] – the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.

I do not own the rights to this photo!

Today, November 27, begins the Advent season. It was established (by Martin Luther) to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Messiah, (a second time). Although in ancient times, the book of Isaiah foretold the Jews of Jesus' coming to save them from their sinful ways!

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV)

The Jews, God's chosen people, truly longed for a leader; however, they misrepresented themselves through idol worship, and deceit! Their inability to grasp all God's mercy and goodness, caused them to suffer greatly at the hands of their enemies.

Thank God, Jesus was born to deliver us from our sinful ways and give us hope and a future! Although His life was short here on earth, He reigns in Heaven, which is our divine destination!

Many churches do not practice the Advent season; however, there are some who do. Whether you honor Advent or not, everything that Jesus is, we want to become: Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace! This is what is meant to be Christ like! He walked this Earth to show us how to forgive wholeheartedly, love unconditionally, and receive Salvation! Although Jesus was given gifts at His birth, He is our gift at His death! So Honor Him with Thanksgiving and Praise, from whom ALL Blessings flow!

Haircuts for the homeless: New York City hair stylist swaps salon for the streets

• Mark Bustos is a 30-year-old hairstylist in Manhattan
• Every Sunday, Bustos goes around the city offering haircuts to people who can't afford them
• Bustos began cutting hair for impoverished people on a family visit to the Philippines in May 2012
• Bustos provides free haircuts to as many as six people every Sunday

By James Gordon

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730212/Swapping-salon-streets-New-York-City-hair-stylist-transforms-looks-homeless-gives-free-haircuts-day-off.html

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,” they sang, “and peace on earth for all those pleasing him.” When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told

us about.” (Luke 2:10-15 TLB)

Salvation came at a cost; but is freely given to all who believe in Jesus!

The Goodness of Giving!

God as I read the book of Amos, modern day world is like this today. The wealthy never consider giving, helping, serving and feeding those who are struggling and in need! However, there are ALWAYS those faithful believers in You who DO serve you and act on your Word. They demonstrate Your love to those in need by serving them, building shelters and homes, feeding them, digging wells, and ministering to them! Drawing all people unto You, so they too, will inherit the Kingdom of God! Amen!

 

Those who serve the Lord, serve others this Thanksgiving (that is fast approaching) so that we are reaching out to those in need out of our wealth God has blessed us with! As you are always blessed, be a blessing!

 

 

Words Start Wars!

Father, Thank You we are lifting up those close to us with our words; instead of tearing them down! Words are powerful; whereas, they can ignite conflict or compliment and value the good in others!

God, you alone, focus on “good” in ALL of us and know our hearts, so that all darkness will be exposed by Your light! Thank You!

Your endless love will transform anyone; so I pray that all of us who are tempted to lash out at a loved one, a friend, a co-worker, in anger, to look up to you in prayer so the right words are spoken to keep peace, unity and sobriety in the environment. In the midst of storms, if we look to the left or to the right (seeking others for advice) we will be consumed by the waves (The conflict will spiral out of control)! It's so import to be prayerful in ALL situations and let “You” God handle them!

“Behold, I have created the blacksmith Who blows the coals in the fire, Who brings forth an instrument for his work; And I have created the spoiler to destroy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment, You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their righteousness is from Me,” Says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:16-17 NKJV)

Don't Turn Your Back!

Many of us do not wake up and say, “I like myself”, or take it a step further and say, “I love who I am”! The majority of us do not like who we are, who we have become or how to obtain a positive attitude about ourselves!

I do not own the rights to this photo

If you are one of the many who do not like yourself, it starts with a small act; and can end in destruction to those who allow the negative thoughts to magnify! I see it everyday! So many of our youth are trying drugs and become addicted, alcohol and become addicted, pills and become addicted, cigarettes and become addicted, sex (which transpires into a child out of wedlock or a life threatening sexual disease), eating disorders and become dysfunctional and disillusioned! All of these destroying acts lead to detrimental destruction and many deaths!
 

Please bare with me. If you are feeling blue, don't add to the fire and do things to inflame it more! I am appalled at the youth who have become Mothers and Fathers out of a selfish act. It's irresponsible, because the thought and action is self-gratifying! Being a Mother and Father at a young age again, is not what you probably had in mind; therefore, think about what the outcome will be from having sex; when you are not married. It leads to unwanted things that are permanent in life and the very things you are doing are categorized as sin - as well as self-destruction!

We all go through hurt, rejection, and even pain, but we all don't allow it to consume us; and become someone you are not meant to be. I have asked a few young people while teaching, but not many, do they read the bible; or know anything about Jesus? They do believe there is a God, but that's as far as it goes. If you have a listening ear, you can discern a young life in need of help! You will run into a few who do not want to hear what you are saying about Jesus; however, when you tell them how much God loves them just the way they are; they begin to get quiet – and listen! One young man started crying! That's when I knew he was reaching out for help!

Numerous (not all) established churches are not reaching out to those who are in need of a Savior! Churches are established to help the poor, the needy, the downtrodden; but, again many turn the poor, the needy, and downtrodden away! Churches are not established to please man, but to please God. Whereas, how are we going to help others when most members put themselves in the judgment seat! It's easy to succeed when we view those with money, titles  and education as an image we want to portray to man, but, that's not what we are called to do. Anything worth saving and delivering, takes courage, boldness, and faith in God. Once He sees those who are reaching  out, then He will reach down and bless the church and it's members! Here is what Jesus said:

He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:13-17 ESV)

We as saved people cannot turn our backs any longer and watch our future destroyed. Open up the doors of the churches for prayer, activities, opportunities to volunteer in the community; and in turn, get out from behind the closed church doors and minister to others - in need! I pray our church members turn from being Pharisees (Hypocrites), and begin to be disciples (those who serve)! Your rewards will be in Heaven!

Together, with Jesus, we can change one life at a time, one step at a time!

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)