Pass the Test!

James 1:12-16 NKJV 

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

My Grandson. This is not a test, He just can’t decide! 

God does not tempt or try us. He does test us to see if we are truly committed to Him; however, as the scriptures says, "God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone." (verse 13).

In addition, when Jesus was baptized by John in the wilderness, it says:

Mark 1:9-10 AMPC 

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when He came up out of the water, at once he [John] saw the heavens torn open and the [Holy] Spirit like a dove coming down [to enter] into Him.

The Holy Spirit, like a dove, entered into Him. A Dove did not come on Him, it appeared to look like a dove that symbolizes purity, and transformation of heart, mind and body. What really caught my attention was it says it, "entered INTO Him" (verse 10), not on Him. The KJV says this:

Mark 1:9-10 KJV 

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

The word, "upon" in Hebrew (על) is translated; on, at, to, by, into, upon; so it is important to interpret the meaning of what the Bible is saying and then it further says:

Mark 1:11-13 AMPC

11 And there came a voice out from within heaven, You are My Beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.12 Immediately the [Holy] Spirit [from within] drove Him out into the wilderness (desert),13 And He stayed in the wilderness (desert) forty days, being tempted [all the while] by Satan; and He was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him [continually].

As the scripture says, Jesus was tempted [all the while] by Satan. This is the proof that Jesus tempts no one. It is our own selfish desires and the deceit of Satan. When Satan tempted Jesus, He would recite scripture and begin with: "It is Written."

Matthew 4:1-11 AMPC 

Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil.2 And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took Him into the holy city and placed Him on a turret (pinnacle, gable) of the temple sanctuary. 6 And he said to Him, If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge over you, and they will bear you up on their hands, lest you strike your foot against a stone.  7 Jesus said to him, On the other hand, it is written also, You shall not tempt, test thoroughly, or ]try exceedingly the Lord your God. 8 Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory (the splendor, magnificence, preeminence, and excellence) of them. 9 And he said to Him, These things, all taken together, I will give You, if You will prostrate Yourself before me and do homage and worship me. 10 Then Jesus said to him, Begone, Satan! For it has been written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone shall you serve. 11 Then the devil departed from Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

If we are not deeply rooted and grounded in the Word, Satan comes and steals what little bit we do know, by fear, doubt, tragic circumstances that we feel were inflicted by God. It all comes from Satan. His intentions are to "kill, steal, and destroy"! (John 10:10) What more proof do we need?

The Holy Spirit lives within us, not without! Once it comes into us, it is permanent, fixed, cannot be moved, unless we commit the impartible sin, which is "unbelief"! So when you feel convicted, it is the Holy Spirit telling you of your errors - Listen to that inner voice! Satan condemns, the Holy Spirit convicts us to keep us safe and free from the wrath of Satan. 

I know there has been a time in all of our lives that you have said, "Something told me . . . . . . "! I will give you an example: My Mother was coming home from work one morning and one of her eyes went blind. It was caused by stress and fear from an encounter on her job. She was not able to see the road correctly and it scared her; and she said, "Something told me to close that eye - I know that "Something" was the Holy Spirit -(Praise God, HE was there to deliver her, because only one eye went blind not both). So, when she closed the one eye, she was able to see clearly the road, and it gave her enough leverage to drive home safely; not having a wreck or causing one. The Holy Spirit is hidden in your heart (It's a Heart thing). So the next time, you hear "That Something", obey it - It will keep you from harm!

James 1:22-25 AMPC

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).

It's a Good Day to take a Walk!

Romans 10:15 KJV

15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

I Love the Word! We all, as Christians, have Christ in us and are called to encourage those who are spiritually broken to tell them of a Savior who loves them perfectly. He does not ask you to clean up your sins before He will accept you. He ask you to come as you are, a dirty, filthy rag, and He will cleanse you of ALL unrighteousness (In His timing) if and when you say, “Jesus come into my heart. I believe you died on the Cross for my sins” and watch Him do a great work in you!”

Feet have a purpose in life. We cannot move into directions and travel to and from our destiny of choice and purpose without them. Yes, we have cars, but you have to be able to get into them; basically walk to it to drive it. When we walk for hours and have the wrong shoes on or carry sickness in our bodies that affect our movement, we cannot walk long hours or a great distance, without stopping to sit down and rest our feet and body. As Nehemiah 9:20-22 (NKJV) says;

20 

20 You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them,
And did not withhold Your manna from their mouth,
And gave them water for their thirst.
21 Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness;
They lacked nothing;
Their clothes did not wear out
And their feet did not swell.

22 “Moreover You gave them kingdoms and nations,
And divided them into districts.
So they took possession of the land of Sihon,
The land of the king of Heshbon,
And the land of Og king of Bashan.

God fed them food from Heaven (The Bread of Life) and clean water to refresh and sustain them. The food kept them healthy and well those forty years, so that nothing afflicted their body with disease, sickness, or an unhealthy weight caused from over indulgence of food - keeping their feet from swelling, because their weight, in which the feet carry the load was able to hold them up as they traveled.

We all know about some hurting feet, especially when us women wear heals to look good, but the shoes do not feel good after a short period of time wearing them. They have to come off quick; and when they do, our feet our sore, and swollen. And it hurts to walk on sore and swollen feet when that happens. So if the Israelites walked for 40 years in the wilderness, think about it, the food and water they received from Heaven that sustained them, was Holy and had what their bodies needed to sustain it as well. We have to grasp how powerful and loving God is to sustain millions of people in the wilderness for 40 years, His power and love is still that powerful for you and I today! But if you are in unbelief, or fear, and doubt, then you cannot preach it and bring about good fruit!

I also want to add, experience of God's goodness and mercy of how God brought you from a defeated state in life to victory, it's even more impacting to others when you share how God gave you your life back, when you could not see a way out of that dark place.

Psalm 37:23-25 King James Version (KJV)

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

God will show you the way in which to walk, and NO GOOD thing will He withhold to those who trust in and rely on Him wholeheartedly - and He will bless our children and children’s children through many generations. 

Again, God Loves you perfectly; however, favor comes to us from our faith in Jesus - those who are committed, sincere and do not trust Him one day and doubt Him the next day. It’s those who are steadfast and faithful! 

Ask yourself; Are you wholeheartedly committed to Jesus, and do you believe He died on the Cross to give you life and forgiveness of sins? God gives life and restores us to a state of peace, justice, joy, and good health. Satan afflicts us with sickness, depression, doubt, worry, and fear! Now ask yourself; “Who am I going to call on if I need a true Friend? 

Don’t doubt or even Hesitate! The choice is yours; however, I pray “You” choose life - not death!

Unity is Power!

Unity  strengthens bonds that become stronger with words that encourage, heal, empower, and redeem. The foundation of "unity" has no loop holes to fall through, because it is strong and steadfast - it takes great strength to penetrate it!

Division separates, tears down, weakens bonds, and keeps strife at the forefront. The foundation of "division" does have loop holes, and is easily destroyed through negative accusations and/or conduct. 

Things such as:

"I eat what I want, you eat what you want - "Division"

"Let's join hands, pray, and thank God for the food "we" are about to receive - "Unity" 

"I don't like your hair! It makes you look ugly and fat - "Division"

"Your hair is different. I love the color and style on you - "Unity"

"You are bad and will NEVER amount to anything. And besides you're dumb and stupid too - "Division"

"Awe you didn't pass the test? Well we will study "together' and make sure you understand the lesson so you can pass it the next time. Don't give up hope, you're a smart young man. We'll get you ready so you will have the knowledge and confidence you need to pass - "Unity" 

Proverbs 15:28 AMPC  

"The mind of the [uncompromisingly] righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."

Seriously examine "yourself" before you speak to, at, or about anyone. Everyone needs to hear words of encouragement often, as well as a compliment to continue forward in the right direction and path. Hurtful words suck the life out of you; and your self-worth and self esteem fail also that cause one to give up and give in.

Proverbs 15:4 AMPC

"A gentle tongue [with its healing power] is a tree of life, but willful contrariness in it breaks down the spirit."

I've heard people say, "If I compliment them too much, they will get a big head, and I don't want that". Or they will say, "It builds character and makes a person stronger". Both of these are lies! It has been proven that those who are encouraged put forth the effort and time to do better, be better, and are secure in their abilities, have healthy relationships and friendships. Those who are constantly tore down, do not have healthy relationships, carry around anger, and tend to look for ways to self sabotage themselves, and others around them.

I Corinthians 1:9-10 AMPC 

 God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship and participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.But I urge and entreat you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in perfect harmony and full agreement in what you say, and that there be no dissensions or factions or divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in your common understanding and in your opinions and judgments.

Although the above scripture is speaking about the church, I feel our unity and division begins in the home that carries over into relationships, church, work, play, and even success in everyday living. Division is not what we want; whereas, it hinders the bond or bridges of a firm foundation of people who are committed to right living. 

There are more people today who come from a generation of being mentally, physically, and verbally abused. Being in an environment like that is not inherited, but patterns. The saying, "Hurting people, hurt other people" is true. Although a person does not benefit from that type of lifestyle, they carry it over into their adulthood and continue it through their children and children's children, until someone breaks the destructive and abusive behavior. Again, Division!


It takes more energy to be angry and condescending than to be kind. But where and how does someone begin to change the behavior? How can someone break away from the abuse? How can someone heal from a lifestyle of brokenness? Where can they go to get help?

All of these questions can be answered and the new you and lifestyle begins with two words - "The Bible." Our families are dwindling, as well as our commitment to Jesus. We need Unity back in the home and the church. We need Jesus in our lives. God's Word NEVER fails or disappoints - Especially when you are faithful like He is to read it and obey it!

Mark 3:22-29 AMPC

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, He is possessed by Beelzebub, and, By [the help of] the prince of demons He is casting out demons.23 And He summoned them to Him and said to them in parables (illustrations or comparisons put beside truths to explain them), How can Satan drive out Satan?24 And if a kingdom is divided and rebelling against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.25 And if a house is divided (split into factions and rebelling) against itself, that house will not be able to last.26 And if Satan has raised an insurrection against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but is [surely] coming to an end.27 But no one can go into a strong man’s house and ransack his household goods right and left and seize them as plunder unless he first binds the strong man; then indeed he may [thoroughly] plunder his house.28 Truly and solemnly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever abusive and blasphemous things they utter;29 But whoever speaks abusively against or maliciously misrepresents the Holy Spirit can never get forgiveness, but is guilty of and is in the grasp of an everlasting trespass.

Is it Lawful to . . . . . .

We strive to do things our way and get depressed, angry, upset, and despondent, reaching for a quick fix or easy way in life; but become deeper intwined in one trap after another - that can compare to being trapped in a net or string; you turn one way to get loose and realize you turned the wrong way and become entangled more than set free! Eventually, the exhaustion causes you to become complacent and aloof. You say, “What’s the use. The more “I” try, the worse things become.” We can’t do it alone; or never could! 

I know, because “I” have lived a life of a self confident fool! I was what is called, “Works of the flesh.” Which means without God! 

Works of the flesh is arrogance, pride, self-seeking, dislike, disgust and most of all, “selfish”, because it only seeks to gratify self! It’s debilitating and draining; it also destroys a soul and spirit. 

We sit around wondering, “Why are things not going my way, or why are the things I want to happen not working out the way I want them to.” Well, most of it is from our selfish desires; but the important one is, our joy and success is not through worldly things, at the expense of adopting negative emotions and  a destructive lifestyle to obtain them! 

Think about it, your health deteriorates, you become anxious, depressed, forceful and mean to others, lack of sleep, that is covered up with lots of coffee and energy drinks loaded with caffeine (an addictive drug) that can lead to being dependent on stronger drugs to get through this dark lifestyle you seek to live on or with that stronghold that is destroying you, your family and your job (if you have one).

We don’t see the big deep hole we are creating, until one day, we are too deep in it to climb out; without someone to reach down deep, and slowly pull us up - and out. 

Paul writes in Romans 7:18-25: 

18 For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.]19 For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing.20 Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul].21 So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands.22 For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature].23 But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh].24 O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?25 O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

We all struggle with sin, because we are born sinners; however, it is destroying our lives and many of us seek things that destroy more than Jesus, who gives life and a renewed heart and mind! 

Look at those who have Christ in them, there is something about them that is beautiful and it shows in their face - they glow! Their face is not distraught with worry, they have a peaceful spirit and a loving smile. Jesus who is the light of the world, illuminates in their spirit. 

John 1:4-5 AMPC 

4 In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.5 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].

Although many Christians have material things on earth to live and survive, and they truly appreciate them and thank God for them; they don’t idolize them. We as Christians know we are not to focus our attention on things, but on lost souls who need a Savior. 

James 1:15-18 AMPC 

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.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].

We first have to take responsibility of our wrong behavior and admit, repent and be truly sorrowful for our wrong actions; whereas, the light, Jesus, will overtake the darkness within - and your beauty will attract others ---They will want what you have and how to get it!

Peace

As I watch the tiny snowflakes fall gently to the ground, the descent is not heard by any one or anything. They are as quiet as a moonlit night , where not even a branch or bush is rustling. 

If we stare at the snowflakes, one cannot deny the peace and “awe” inspired beauty the snowflakes produce as they fall on the ground, the tree branches, and evergreens to give a panoramic picture for eyes to behold. 

Now imagine that “Peace” that you experience from the view and how it makes you feel. 

Peace is in the mind, but can be obtained through our imagination of something pleasant or beautiful to observe - or a moment that made you peaceful! All noise, chaos, self generated arguments or unnecessary words spoken to ignite a pushback (argument) has all been removed -by choice, to receive this state of mind NO ONE can ever take away unless you allow it. 

Philippians 4:5-7 AMPC 

“Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Once you’ve understood how we can purposely put ourselves in a peaceful state, now reverse it. Finding fault and voicing it in others, badgering someone of ALL there faults as if you have none, now keep reading because if you stop here you are not allowing the Holy Spirit to work in you to remove the negative emotions that DO NOT give you rest , cause health problems, and keep you and your household in constant turmoil. 

Words hurt and do stick with some one when they are told unkind things. If you experienced unkind words and deed, recall how it made you feel. Correct! Not good, yet those who were hurt, abused, neglected, and rejected assume they are no longer under those who mistreated them, care or presence so they believe the negative emotions they once felt are gone as well. 

Well that is FAR from the truth, those negative emotions are still there and surface through our idiosyncrasies - which is beliefs you have formed from a deep hurt or experience - yet no one can help a person overcome their past but Jesus. Humans are NOT THAT HOLY OR LOVING to gently, lovingly, and with conviction change you. There is one thing that you have to do to be better though. - Allow Jesus in your heart, by reading His Word daily and striving to receive His character! 

“If it’s NOT peaceful, you are in the wrong Spirit”! 

Restless waves causes restless actions

Galatians 5:16-26 AMPC 

 “But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).

17 For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do.

18 But if you are guided (led) by the [Holy] Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.

19 Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency,

20 Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies),

21 Envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,

23 Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law that can bring a charge].

24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.

25 If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

26 Let us not become vainglorious and self-conceited, competitive and challenging and provoking and irritating to one another, envying and being jealous of one another.”

God wants us to live and have fun; however, not at the expense of compromising right and wrong behavior! It’s that simple! Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you - 

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." (Isaiah 26:3 AMPC)

How Long Shall I Be With You?

I enjoy reading the Bible and I write of this often of how Jesus was with His disciples constantly, teaching them many things by His actions, wisdom, and divine power. Although they were not Holy, being in His presence infected and affected them profoundly. They had some big shoes to fill; but Jesus gave them help ; which is the Holy Spirit, that was with them and in them always as they walked on this earth. We as Christians, have that same Holy Spirit in us as well. 

          John 14:23-26 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC 

23 Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.

24 Anyone who does not [really] love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but [comes] from the Father Who sent Me.

25 I have told you these things while I am still with you.

26 But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.

This makes me think of how our world is lacking in parenting and leadership. There is no commitment. Not all parents, but many do not want to make sacrifices , spend time with their children and educate them in life, until they are able to take care of themselves. Our children do not remember the things we bought them over the years, but they do remember the times you spend with them , giving them wisdom and love. Scripture tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV) Focus on the Word “Train”. To train for anything takes discipline, determination, perseverance, and a commitment to the task at hand. This is what parenting is about also; but at the forefront of all of this is Jesus and His Word(The Bible). It is imperative in our lives and our children’s lives. Nothing else can compare to it. 

When a new employee begins a job, someone is usually assigned to train and guide that employee of the accepted position they were hired to do. The training varies depending on the job, some can take a day and some can take a month or more; and some are hired based on their education- but the experience is lacking. 

No one begins a position knowing what to do and how to perform it, unless they are promoted within that department and have on occasion, filled that position in another employee’s absence for a week or so. Even then, there are some things they still need to be trained to do.

An employee that is left in the dark and never told how to do something, are viciously criticized when the job is not done correctly. This is how we parent. If a parent does not properly train, communicate with their child at all times, and spend quality time with Godly advice and love, the world will impact their lives that offer them behavior that leads to a life of chaos and destruction. But the first thing a parent does is criticize your child and give up on them. NEVER give up hope or give up on your child. 

Can I make a suggestion? Go to God in prayer first , and leave the rest up to Him. In the meantime, establish a relationship with Jesus yourself- and watch you and your child begin the transformation little by little into a new creation. Let Jesus take the wheel, who loves us perfectly, and is faithful and just to His Word and will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! 

Matthew 9:35-38 AMPC

35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity.

36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.

38 So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.

Can I Love You This Much?

Goodness scares so many people! Those who reject good in their life, have had many struggles, live in an environment that bleeds tragedy, poverty, and chaos. They are surrounded by negativity in all situations, Word, thought and deeds! That mindset keeps their lives in "fear of" where they feel - "There is no hope"!

Much of what we experience in our lives is a choice, and a mindset; as mentioned above. We feel and believe - this is how life is, so "we" settle in and receive more of it.

I Corinthians 10:1-14 AMPC 

For I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God’s Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea,
And each one of them [allowed himself also] to be baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea [they were thus brought under obligation to the Law, to Moses, and to the covenant, consecrated and set apart to the service of God];
And all [of them] ate the same spiritual (supernaturally given) food,
And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them [produced by the sole power of God Himself without natural instrumentality], and the Rock was Christ.
Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness.
Now these things are examples (warnings and admonitions) for us not to desire or crave or covet or lust after evil and carnal things as they did.
Do not be worshipers of false gods as some of them were, as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink [the sacrifices offered to the golden calf at Horeb] and rose to sport (to dance and give way to jesting and hilarity).
We must not gratify evil desire and indulge in immorality as some of them did—and twenty-three thousand [suddenly] fell dead in a single day!
We should not tempt the Lord [try His patience, become a trial to Him, critically appraise Him, and exploit His goodness] as some of them did—and were killed by poisonous serpents;
Nor discontentedly complain as some of them did—and were put out of the way entirely by the destroyer (death).
Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period).
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
Therefore, my dearly beloved, shun (keep clear away from, avoid by flight if need be) any sort of idolatry (of loving or venerating anything more than God. 

Anything we go through in life that is common to man, is not impossible for God to deliver you from it, your part is to be receptive to God and believe in His power to deliver you. It is good for us to have struggles and hardships in life; because it draws us closer to God. But those who don’t know Him will turn to things not of God. 

Psalm 50:7-15 AMPC

There is NOTHING God can’t do. He owns it all and made you - He understands and WILL help when you decide - Jesus is your answer- not the evil desire within that tells you otherwise ! 

Believing is the first step - and daily spending time with Him by reading the Bible and praying - the peace and joy you receive will keep you at rest even though things around you are not! That peace is priceless and worth having. It’s available to all of us; BUT, not all want it! 

May God Bless you and you receive Him in your heart today! Someone needs Him right now!