Try Me, Put me to the Test!

In the previous verse (v 9) of I Chronicles 4, Jabez's Mother gave him this name because she birthed him in pain; which translates “sorrow maker”! However, Jabez was the only one among his brothers who was honorable. Now honorable has many synonyms; but the proper word to use is "righteous" because Christians are familiar with its meaning.
 

Jabez did not want to carry the burden his name meant throughout his life; so he went to God in prayer that His blessings be upon him ~ and God responded with a “yes”! There is nothing more powerful than God's blessings that are placed upon those who love Him. God already loves all of us unconditionally; but to love Him, is to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, love the unloving, shelter the homeless, and daily seek God for guidance and direction to set out daily to love the way He loves, give without wanting anything in return, and pray in all circumstances without ceasing! God hears our prayers and will grant our request! Righteous living is to be in right standing with God!

To be blessed by God is to be protected, in good health, and favor in all that we encounter and do!

Do You REALLY Know?

I was in JC Penney a few years ago just browsing and this woman passed me calling a little girl who was in the shoe section to come on, she was ready to leave. The little girl quickly grabbed a specific pair of shoes and walked over to her, pleading for the shoes. Well being social, I commented they were very cute shoes and would look good on her. The Grandmother proceeded with, “She has more than enough shoes at home and although they are cute, we are not buying them”. The little girl begged for a short while and realized she was not going to win this battle, so the shoes went back to the shoe department.

As the little girl was leaving, her Grandmother began telling me how she provides for the child quite often and her daughter (the child's Mother) do not have a good relationship. She badly berated her daughter to the point I said in my mind, “God should I pray for this woman”; because from listening to her story, I felt the relationship could not continue is this manner, and with prayer, God could heal both of them to mend all hurt and pain between them. I immediately heard from God and He said, “There are two sides to this story”. I understood exactly what He was saying. This woman was not telling the truth; and to form an opinion about the situation without knowing only her half; was sorely unfair to her daughter. So I politely dismissed myself from the situation to go shopping.

How many of us quickly form an opinion and pass judgment on someone just by listening to that person berate someone else? I already know the percentage is high; because very few people are truly Christ-like in their character. Do you know the other person well enough to form an opinion? Have you formed a relationship yourself with that person and know their character? Has that person personally harmed you in anyway to dislike them? And even if they have, we are to still forgive! I first want to remind you of this: Jesus is the ONLY one who has that Authority and Power to judge, and He judges justly and fairly, with a deep love for all of us – and forgiveness. NEVER be quick to judge anyone, even if you do know their story; it's not the character God wants us to have, nor practice!

But love your enemies and be kind and do good [doing favors so that someone derives benefit from them] and lend, expecting and hoping for nothing in return but considering nothing as lost and despairing of no one; and then your recompense (your reward) will be great (rich, strong, intense, and abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High, for He is kind and charitable and good to the ungrateful and the selfish and wicked. So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these]. Judge not [neither pronouncing judgment nor subjecting to censure], and you will not be judged; do not condemn and pronounce guilty, and you will not be condemned and pronounced guilty; acquit and forgive and release (give up resentment, let it drop), and you will be acquitted and forgiven and released. (Luke 6:35-37 AMP)

Remember when you point one finger at one person, ten are pointing back at you! So strive to obtain Christ-like character. Take time to build a relationship with God, so you can have healthy relationships, as well as discernment.

Over There, Shall I See My Reward!

Life is going to have trials and tribulations, good and bad, ups and downs, as well as likes and dislikes. Is it easy to walk away when a loved one's addiction is not improving as you would like? Is it really easy to disown a parent, child, or sibling because they are hanging out with the wrong crowd? You ask yourself those questions and you also are the one who has to live with the consequences.

God said he did not promise us that life would be easy, but He did promise He would be with us always – even to the ends of time! “And then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”

(Matthew 28:20)

Me, my Son and his family with my parents. He received a promotion 
that moved him far away. It is God's blessing for 
him to improve his life and family's life! Prayer has made that happen!

Yes it is disheartening to see a loved one suffer, struggle, and even take a wrong turn on the path to destruction. Look at it this way, it's just a detour that will eventually lead them on the road to success! The success I'm talking about is freedom from drugs, gangs, sexual impurity, a quarreling marriage, and even the parent who values work over their family. That in itself is a success worthy of celebration! Cherish the moments you have with those you hold dear to your heart; and never turn you back on them.

 

All of us reading this have struggled ourselves with something that is wrong and not pleasing in God's eyes (sin), so when you were going through the fire, ALWAYS remember someone was praying for you! God NEVER turns His back on us, even when we are deep in that valley! I love when God says:

 

“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed”. (Malachi 3:6 KJV)

Which means even in our mess, God's love for us is still just as strong as it is when we are on the righteous path! We too should be Christ-like and change not our hearts! Continue to love that person in the midst of their storms. No you are not powerful enough to change them, BUT YOUR PRAYER IS! NEVER cease praying when things get better either; because Satan, the adversary, steps in and WILL cause destruction. As scripture says:

“Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour”. (I Peter 5:8 AMP)

Being sober of mind, means you are at rest (peace of heart) at all times, because you are secure in who you are and whose you are; with ultimate Trust in God to deliver that loved one out of that deep pit of despair! So stay in prayer through trials and tribulations, good and bad, ups and downs, as well as likes and dislikes! Miracles happen every day, some are just not noticeable to the naked eye! It is our rightful duty as a true Christian; whereas, your reward will be in Heaven ~ which is your forever home!

Do You Really Trust Me?

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength."

by Corrie ten Boom

25 “So my counsel is: Don’t worry about things—food, drink,  and clothes. For you already have life and a body—and they are  far more important than what to eat and wear.  26 Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what  to eat—they don’t need to sow or  reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Will all  your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothes? Look at the  field lilies! They don’t worry about theirs. 29 Yet  King Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as beautifully  as they. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers  that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more  surely care for you, O men of little faith? 31-32 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food and   clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all   these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your   heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need  them, 33 and he will give them to you if you give him first  place in your life and live as he wants you to. 34 “So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of  your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. (Matthew 6:25-34 TLB)

One of the most widely used word today is “worry”! Spoken words such as: “I'm worried we will not have enough money to pay the bills”! Why didn't you call, I was worried”! "The doctor found a spot on my lungs, and wants to do more test. Don't worry though" And then we – “worry”! Or; "My wedding ring just fell down the drain"! All of these examples, have happened to many of us. Constant focus on a thing or problem, magnifies it! We can focus on a good thing or a bad thing, either way, you get an unwanted outcome, or an answered prayer! 

                                                                     

                                                                                                                        Miles a day old! 2015

This is how our outer appearance can fool the public

because I was waiting, in 2015 for my 4th grandchild,

which is my daughter's 2nd child, to be born.

She was having a cesarean; whereas, it was taking too 

long for me. I quickly remembered to pray! Thank God

I did, because she had lost quite a lot of blood; but God 

sustained her enough to eliminate a blood transfusion!

Amen!

Those who choose to worry, do not realize, it carries with them everywhere they go! Notice the emotions that show on someones face in the grocery store, standing in line at a ball game, or walking through the mall. Although some are busy doing something, their mind is fixed on that problem that they feel is worth worrying about.

Approach someone in that state of mind, gently, and watch their reaction! They will either jump, because they were startled out of that worry hypnosis, or they will ignore you because they are deeply hypnotized with “worry”; they block all things out of sight and sound! 

Why do we worry? Is it because we feel we are in control, or can somehow worry enough, the issue at hand will miraculously fix itself? I'm not sure either, but I do know that when we worry, we are telling God, we do not trust Him to do what it is, He said He would do; which is:

Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. (I Peter 5:7 TLB)

Now how do we let God have all our worries? By daily prayer and fellowship with Him; which is reading the Bible! God has an answer to every concern you will ever face in life, in the Bible! Now change that worry to Trust, that transfers to “Peace”!

Dressed to Impress!

No, I am not an expert on relationships, but God is. I'm positive, the direction here is husband and wife relationships; because there are numerous relationships that fall under the relationship category. We have working relationships, friendships, Mother and child relationship, Father and child relationship, siblings, and the most important, a relationship with Christ!

 

That's a good question for you to ask yourself while you are reading this? What is your relationship with Christ? Keep that question in mind as I resume with the subject at hand ~  "A husband and wife relationship”.
 

                                                                    My Daughter and Son-in Law 2014

 

All relationships take work, commitment, and “love”! I put love in parenthesis because, we all view love as a feeling instead of an action! Feelings are never to be put at the forefront of anything; because they are fickle. Think about it, our emotions can change like the wind! Most feelings are birthed from our own selfish desires! How can we remove self out of the way, and be joined with “us” or “we”?

 

Good question! We can't; because all of us are born sinners! We all come in this world demanding, wanting; with manipulation, lies, and deceit! All of these behaviors are our natural carnal instinct! In other words, they are natural born to us! I know many of you have heard, “We all are born sinners”! Well that's why!

 

Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death as the result of sin, so death spread to all men, [no one being able to stop it or to escape its power] because all men sinned. (Romans 5:12 AMP)

 

If you will recall, because of one man's sin, it passed down through all generations – and the man many will recognize is Adam. When Adam and Eve allowed the serpent to deceive them in the Garden of Eden, all of what Satan is was handed down to us; deceit, lying, manipulation, deadly diseases, sexual sin, homosexuality, control, anger, hate, covetousness (which is the desires of what others have), jealousy ~ whew, I am going to stop, because the list goes on, and could take up too much of your time, and mine! That's what Satan's intention is also! He blind sides you into thinking, “You have no hope”! And you don't, when you don't know better or know there is a better way!

 

A good and healthy relationship, first, begins with commitment. Am I committed to this union? Will I sacrifice hanging out with my friends, when my spouse or child is sick? Will I give them my all (100%) of me; or will I conceal only part of who I am, and give the good of me to others? What is it that you are honestly afraid of? Afraid of being hurt? Afraid of rejection, when you pour out your all? Perhaps, you are afraid of being taken advantage of? "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind". (II Timothy 1:7 KJV)  

All of us have experienced one or more of the questions asked, and survived. The questions is, how will I respond to being rejected, hurt, being taken advantage of; or sacrificing so-called friends for family? Do you respond in fear, which produces anger; or in love and respect; which keeps the peace and harmony in the household! Remember it takes two to argue!

 

If you are not committed to God, you will not be committed to anything or anyone! That's why I first mentioned commitment. Once you establish a relationship with Christ, He gives you everything else you need; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control! (Galatians 5:22-23 TLB) It's what produces when the Holy Spirit is in you ~ The Fruit of the Spirit!

 

That's why it is necessary to be born again! When you are baptized in water, the symbolism of being dunked under (dying of the old self, the sinful you), to be raised with Christ, when you are brought up, (the symbolism of being born again in the Spirit)!

 

¹¹ When you came to Christ, he set you free from your evil desires, not by a bodily operation of circumcision but by a spiritual operation, the baptism of your souls. ¹² For in baptism you see how your old, evil nature died
with him and was buried with him; and then you
came up out of death with him into a new life
because you trusted the Word of the mighty God
who raised Christ from the dead.
¹³ You were dead in sins, and your sinful desires were
not yet cut away. Then he gave you a share in the
very life of Christ, for he forgave all your sins.
(Colossians 2:11-13 TLB) 

 

As I mentioned previously relationships take work. So in order to establish a lasting relationship with Christ, it will take “work”; and a will to want to! Once you are baptized, there is still work to be done in you and through you! You thought the change happened over night, didn't you? Nope, that's when the change begins. It's like a sculptor who chips away at a piece of hardened clay little by little to form it into a beautiful piece of art or masterpiece of artwork! God begins to gently and lovingly remove Satan's strongholds. Some of it is easy for you to let go, and other things will be a struggle. Although everything God does is good and excellent; yet we still fear the unfamiliar!

Each sculpting tool has a unique function to mold the clay, and 
necessary to complete the masterpiece!

So how does this strengthen a marriage between a husband and wife? God's love is perfect! It has no beginning and no end! He does not put any conditions on us to love us! It is undying, eternal, and everlasting!

 

We cannot say that; because we do put conditions on others to love them. We put too many expectations on them, we ourselves do not do, and judge with a malice heart and soul! We focus on things about that person that disgusts us, more than the things that pleases us! We point out their faults, and defend our own! We allow a friend to be treated with respect and come home and disrespect our husband/wife and children; and we ignore their utmost needs ~ which is your friendship, trust, and commitment!

 

If you do not have a relationship with Christ, you will never have a healthy relationship with anyone! It's that simple!

 

This is the message God has given us to pass on to you: that God is Light and in him is no darkness at all. So if we say we are his friends but go on living in spiritual darkness and sin, we are lying. But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin. (I John 1:5-7 TLB)

 

God is love! He loves perfectly and without asking anything of you! So to love your spouse perfectly, seek Christ daily, who loves you perfectly, so you can love your spouse the way Christ loves you! Amen!

Maintain or Gain!

Roughly about 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with Graves disease. For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a severely overactive or under-active thyroid (I had overactive; which decreases your weight); that if not detected and treated can cause death. The thyroid hormone, as small as it is, has many functions to keep your body working properly. One of them is our metabolism.

Me and my son in 2009. I was 141 lbs.

After extensive years and months of working out, eating properly (which is a lifestyle change), and reaping the benefits, my thyroid came into existence just when I was at a comfortable weight, and happily maintained it for at least 3 years.

Over a 3 year period, (sounds familiar, but I lost it in 3 years and maintained it for an additional 3 years) with some obstacles along the way, I went from 178 lbs. to 141 lbs. Sounds easy enough, but it wasn't. My first year of losing weight, I lost 15 lbs. and maintained that weight for over a year, until I completed school. The second year, I lost 10 lbs. and kept that off, in addition to the 15 lbs., so within two years I lost a total of 25 lbs. That left me with 11 lbs. to my goal weight. So I increased my exercises, and practically starved myself, until I ask God what foods would be good for my body. Once I received that information, I gladly began cooking and eating the foods God chose for me. Little did I know, that everything God instructed me to eat was healthy for my thyroid also. On the list was spinach, fresh fish, almonds, fresh peaches, mango, grapes, apricots and eggs. There's more, but you get the idea. I didn't know I was already eating the foods beneficial for my thyroid, ; until I researched Graves disease! Yes, God is "All Knowing"! 

                                                                         Me currently, with my daughter, 2 of my 

                                                                                   Grandchildren and Son-in-law

Now to continue where I left off, the exercise increased as well. I went from walking a mile to speed walking 3 miles, running up and down the bleachers at a local high school track, and getting up at 5:30 am, 5 days a week to do aerobics on the exercise channel. The combination of the three, allowed me to look and feel better; and establish tremendous health. My health is still currently good; which I give God all the credit!

Well, over two years ago, I had a setback on jobs and my thyroid. I was eating and working out the same, but my weight kept increasing; my overactive thyroid, became severely under-active ~ a decrease in my metabolism. Within 7 months, my weight increased from 141 lbs. up to 171 lbs. Yes, I was devastated. I had gained 30 lbs. that quick! Who knew that could happen ~ I'm going to say, I didn't!

Being unemployed did not help my situation any either. I had no insurance and very little income to purchase my thyroid pills. Thanks to President Obama, I was able to qualify for H.I.P. After the doctor's visits, he reprimanded me and said; "Never let your weight get that high again, because it is hard to lose".  I had, again, two obstacles, no insurance, and unemployed. I didn't let that deter me though, because I know, it is next to impossible with me, but with God NOTHING is impossible. So I ask God to help me.

Recently, I posted a 2017 New Year's resolution blog, It is below: 

Do you have a New Year's Resolution? Here are a few I have heard for years:
 

I am going to start exercising and lose weight.

I am going to spend less and save more.

I am going get my house in order and keep it that way.

 

It's good to have goals and aspirations; however, none of us stick to them.

 

Try this:
 

God help me to lose weight, because I cannot do it alone!

God help me to be smart with money to have a balance of spending, saving, and giving.

God help me to have the spirit of organization, not just in my home, but in my thoughts, so I can have peace!

 

Now if you tried it in your strength, it's time to let God take over and give you His strength to succeed!

 

"We have not because we ask not" (James 4:2 TLB)

Now, after writing this and struggling with my yo-yo weight, I practiced what I preached. God heard my request, but He had me do something that puzzled me a bit. God had me adjust when I take my thyroid pills. I had been taking them, since I started my medication, in the mornings when I get up; which is anywhere from 5 am to 6 am. It didn't make sense to me, but I jumped on board. Thyroid pills are to be taken 4 hours after a meal, or on an empty stomach when you wake up. It makes more sense to take them in the morning, because most people sleep anywhere from 6 to 8 hours! Nope, God requested I take my Thyroid pill at 9 pm daily. That meant, I had to quit eating after 5 pm and could not eat again, until 10 pm ~ 4 hours after eating, and I can eat one hour after I take the pill.

This is me 6 yrs. ago, my 50th birthday party with my Sister and daughter

After God re-directed the time and hour I take my thyroid pill, nothing more was said. The first night I stopped eating for 4 hours, I caught myself reaching for the red hots, or a bag of chips, or a slice of cheese and crackers. I'm not going to mention anything else; because if you haven't caught wind of my sloppy eating habits, you will soon.

God, first, had to show me where my extra weight was coming from, what I was doing wrong, and teach me to drink more water, juices and herbal tea, than I was. It took me 3 weeks to get it, but I did not give in or give up. It was the best way for me to notice my poor eating habits; and not to put the total blame on my thyroid! I'm so glad He did this, because there is no excuse in losing weight! It just takes the will to want to and be determined!

 

It took some adjusting, but I'm there! Now the exercising. No, exercising does not give me grief. I am looking forward to doing it; because I have reaped the benefits before. I'm not sure what my weight is now, but I will guess, I have lost approximately 3 lbs. in 3 weeks. Not bad!

 

Keep in mind, we are all different. What works for me, might not work for you, so again, “Ask God for help”! It will be tailor made for you and your lifestyle.

 

What I gained from God that has helped me is, eat when you are hungry, not because the food is there; and always keep water with you, and a piece of fruit for those out of the way trips that get you off schedule. IT WORKS!  

There's Nothing to Worry About!

When something is prepared for us we can not wait to receive it! If you know dinner is prepared; and you didn't have to cook it, the meal is more enjoyable! Or your house is being cleaned and put in order, once you step in it, a sense of calm and relaxation overcome you! All of those feelings are welcome; because they bring about peace of mind and heart!

Who wouldn't want to rush home to a prepared meal and a clean house everyday! I know I would! 

                                    
                                Prepared spaghetti! Yum! Dig in!

That's what Jesus meant when He said:

Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated).  You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God;  believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. In My Father’s house there are many dwelling places  (homes). If it were not so, I would have told you; for I  am going away to prepare a place for you. (John 14:1-2 AMP)

Our hearts are not troubled, distressed, or agitated, when we know ahead of time the work is done and ready for us to enjoy! Beautiful clean home, and dinner being served; we gladly receive it, with no hesitations! So why do so many of us fear and distrust Jesus when He assures us of this wonderful place? I'm sure there are and will be many responses to this, but there is only one that comes to my mind; you do not Trust Jesus enough to believe His Word!
                          
    What a beautiful serene view of the Ohio River! Calm waters and a beautiful sky! Courtesy of Promote Women Within (PWW)

Jesus continues:

And when (if) I go and make ready a place for you, I will  come back again and will take you to Myself, that where  I am you may be also. And [to the place] where I am going, you know the way. Thomas said to Him, Lord, we do not know where You are  going, so how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life;  no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had known Me [had learned to recognize Me],  you would also have known My Father. From now on,  you know Him and have seen Him. (John 14:3-7 AMP)

As you read verse 3, the word “if” is in parenthesis! It is there for those who may not receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior; whereas, there are many who will not receive Jesus, nor will they live in eternal paradise with Him!

However, it is never to late to become a “Believer”!