To Forgive, Yet Never To Forget

Our brains can be compared to the designs of the current craze, memory foam. The industry has been inundated with mattresses, pillows,  and furniture made of this material. The product boast of memory as in the comfort of where your body fits when laying or sitting on this bounce back  foam. The concept can carry on in our daily lives. We practice forgiveness and that is what is expected of us. But our memory never forgets. Where we go from there is up to the human soul and spirit. True forgiveness says,yes this has happened, I cannot change that. I can move on and pray that whom and what instances  can and have been forgiven. That lessons have been learned and work is being done to right the wrongs. In the bible this was the circumstance over and over again. God forgave, he never forgot.

I, even I, am he who blots out
your transgressions, for my own sake,
and remembers your sins no more.

Review the past for me,
let us argue the matter together;
state the case for your innocence."
Isaiah 43:25-26

There Is Only One Way To Preserve The Spirit

There are times when the human spirit is so broken it seems like there is no restitution for the pain and suffering. Many keep that so deep (broken spirit)and buried it may seem as though there isn't one left. Some become co-dependent just to keep theirs going (their spirit). Spirit and soul go hand in hand. If your spirit has been broken, your soul is damaged as well. There isn't a hospital or emergency room that can repair either. The only way to do so, is to release what ever has broken that spirit. Let it go. It is a weight to heavy for you to bare alone. Ask for help. Let go and let God. This is the only life jacket you have. This is the only way to preserve your spirit. It is this or be hurting the rest of your life.  And when an animal is wounded it is suffering. Do not suffer any longer.
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all." God may not remove all the afflictions, but He makes sure we are able to endure them faithfully - all of them.

Do Not Let Your Pride Get The Best Of You

Pride is really and truly a selfish entity. There is a tremendous difference when one is proud of something or someone. That is part of the human nature. However when we turn pride into thinking of "one self" as opposed to others. When we discount humbleness and humility and trade it for the me game, it gets ugly. No longer is it (pride) based on the giving of oneself. It is being into oneself. God wants us to love ourselves yes. He does not want us to be vain about it. So the next time you get the "i" bug and pride gets the best of you. Just pray to God . "This too shall pass"

We Thank Him For All Favor Big And Small

We should all get into the habit of saying thank you for favor of any kind. This world is so filled with sickness and death. Hatred and misery. Lies and untruths. We are in an infested ocean filled with sharks. It is small wonder we survive. Times are hard for many. We have to appreciate the little things. And I know there are many little things. When someone is dying of cancer or some other fatal illness, pray for them and thank God for your life. Use it (that favor) to help someone else along. Sometimes it doesn't take as much as you think. God is showing us favor all of the time. Just take note and do not forget to thank him.

Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

A Mothers Prayer

Dear Lord you have blessed me with a child who did not ask to come into this world. The blessing is that he or she will be in and of this world and remain safe. You gave me the strength to carry this child inside of me, nurturing and building a relationship before this child's eyes are open to the world. You made me forget the pain and labor(work) it took to physically have this child. Lord I say thank you. Could you please send your angels to protect my child in this cold cold world? This is a prayer mothers around the world I am sure pray and have prayed. No one is ever prepared to lose a child. It is a pain you cannot forget ever. Look what it took to have them (your child). It is a mourning that never goes away. Stay strong mothers. Cover your children with love and ask for protection every day. The world is so cruel and the enemy is so prevalent it is really hard to be there as their protector every second.
2Tim 4:18 Deliver them from every evil work and preserve them.

It Is Spring, Time To Prune

With the season change it can't be but noticed the budding plants and trees. God is preparing the growing things to bloom and blossom when the time is right. Old leaves and branches have been blown off and away. The rain has fed the roots that supply the life. All of this leading up to natures big show in the summer. We can do the same. Let the old leaves and branches fall by the wayside. You may have to physically cut or prune a dead non productive person or persons out of your life. If you have someone who just won't move in their discomfort. Someone who cast doubt and never changes. Let them go on. Pray for them. But do not let them block your blessings. You know Peter was always questioning Jesus. Always. Jesus saw something in him and did not let him go. Yes, he had to prune away the "dead leaves" and Peter bloomed into a beautiful God blessed man. There was also "doubting Thomas" who did not believe Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead until he put his finger in the nail holes in Jesus hands. In this case Thomas' doubt was peeled away and he went on to blossom.

Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."

Do You Hold The Keys?

It is a mystery question to some. And yet a simple answer to many. Do you hold the keys to the kingdom? That would mean, do you understand what it takes to be in favor of God? So that when last days are upon us, our souls go in the right direction. God's laws are very distinct and can be found through out the Bible. In the days of sin and destruction, God reconsidered his position of disappointment and said to himself. Man deserves another chance. I love them so.  We (as man) were given that chance by way of Jesus Christ. God allowed the old ways to be excused and pardoned and Jesus  as well as many others walked the earth teaching and preaching the "Keys to the Kingdom"

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. -Matthew 24:12-14

Walking With Integrity

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gives tribute to a man or women who walks with their heads held high. Showing integrity. Not falling prey to the mindless , falsehoods of materialistic things. Proverbs 11:1-4 A false balance is an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.  When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.  The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.  Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.
This says it all. We should try our very best to be honest. Do not flaunt your haves to the have nots. Stay humble at heart and you will be rewarded. God sees all.

Loss Prevention

This (loss prevention) a profession which keeps thieves from taking your merchandise. There are elaborate and grand set ups and monitoring devices to keep a mindful watch over people which tracks their every move. Imagine if you will the ancients and their belief systems. There was paganism. There were the extremist. There was Judaism. There was Islamic and Buddhist faiths. All well documented throughout the years. Then you have a little known  group of people called Christians by today's terms. But during the time of Jesus life the people were just called followers. If it were not for the writings years  well after Jesus, Christianity would have all but disappeared. The bible and many other writings were this followings "loss prevention".
Psalms 100:5 For the LORD is good His mercy is everlasting, And  His truth endures to all generations.

Create In Me A Clean Heart

In the book of Psalms you have one of the mightiest warrior/kings in the bible singing and writing his heart out. David was a man just like you and I. He made zillions of mistakes. He tried very hard not to but...he was human. But God had his hand on him from day one. These next verses sums it up. David is asking of God, Psalms 51:10-13 Create in me a clean heart, O God.  Renew a loyal spirit within me.  Do not banish me from your presence,  and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and make me willing to obey you.  Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.

 

Not Many Are Prepared To Make That Ultimate Sacifice

We walk through life "sacrificing" in the shallow sense of the word. Not many would voluntarily do so,(sacrifice) that is. Yeah we may give up sweets. Or indulging in extra this or that. But to ultimately sacrifice something crucial. Something nearest to you, that if missing you bleed. No not many at all would do this. When asked this question it does not always mean sacrificing to the 10th degree what God wants us to do is put someone else before ourselves. Take the I, me out of the equation. Show that you can sacrifice oneself for another. That is all. It is that simple.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.

You Do Have A Choice

In our day to day activities we make choices every minute it seems. Do I do this or that? Do I want this or do I want that? It does not matter where you are in the scheme of things you do have a choice. Now there are times and destiny's that have struggled far more then humanly possible. No doubt. You still have choices. They may not be the choice you want or put in different context. You may have to circumvent here or there to make a choice work for now, but you can build upon that. Unless you give up. And there are plenty who have. God does not want you to give up. He sent his son to suffer for man. That was his choice. Life may be rough yes. But do not give up. Live through Christ Jesus it is far better then going at it alone. John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This

When God has shown you favor, it is like nothing after that could ever come close. And if God is in your life 100% you never question it. In the times of Jesus and even before him the Jewish people constantly questioned God's laws and God's favor. When Jesus proved time and time again who he was, what his purpose was and what was to happen, his disciples even questioned him. Imagine the frustration of standing before crowds, healing the sick, bringing life back. Teaching everyone, not just a chosen few, what it going to take to know God. And still have your life threatened. And ultimately killed for it. That is Faith to the tenth power.  To complete your mission. To die in spite of. No nothing has ever felt like this. John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

Our Mere Existence

In reading verse after verse in 1John you see how many times Jesus was questioned as to who he really was. And if he said who he was and showed who he still caught grief. 1 John 8:57-59 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. Think about that in our daily lives. If you have to question the truth, why ask about God and his works. His works have been shown to you everyday in some form or fashion. Belief ,Trust, Obedience, this formula will get you through the life of hard knocks.

Why Should We?

There are many who walk amongst us, trying to do the right thing because that's what's suppose to be done.  Many have been brought up in the church and they go through the motions and somehow have managed to get by. Because in their minds it is all good. But the heart is the main source of contentment here. When your heart has been broken, and that hurt has been buried for decades, and you have not visited the real root of the source, you  develop an under current of resentment. And it may be directed at God because that is what the "church" is addressing. Everything including the pomp and circumstance is done in the name of Jesus and God. Here's the real nitty gritty. When Christianity was born, Jewish law included rituals, ceremony's etc, etc. When Jesus came along he adhered to the "laws" but he and his followers broke away from the pomp & circumstance and he preached salvation to everyone minus the other stuff. He preached that suffering is going to happen. He preached that God is a forgiving God. He preached that one must live from the heart. This in order to truly love. So the question of why should we? Should turn to the question of why not? Because in the true end, God will show you what it is all about. There won't have to be anybody standing in a church, synagogue, mosque, temple that won't know who and what the real deal is.
Psalms 37:24 Though he or she may fall, he or she shall not be utterly cast down. The Lord  will hold you up with his hand.

There Is A Lamp Under My Feet

Imagine if there was no sun. The world as we know it would be completely dark. The life that depends on the sun would be no more. So many things would die. Now envision walking through this world with out God. It is a dark and lifeless world.  Psalms 119:105 Your word (God) is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Take heed. There are many who walk in the dark. There are many who have no idea which road to take (the lost). It is up to the ones who walk in the light to stay there and if there is someone who needs some light to see their way through, share yours.

Not By Happenstance

Through our experiences each day, we have the choice of how we view them. We can view them( our experiences) as happenstance. Or blessings. One does have to think. Especially if one's heart and soul are in the right place with God, about the good that comes of your day or your space in time. It is not by chance. This is far more then can be explained. Mind you there are forces that do not bring forth blessings. Instead there is detriment. So as a person doing the very best that you can, why not reinforce that positive power? Rely and pray to the Lord and know that his miracles are not happenstance.
Psalms 118:19 Open to me the gates of righteousness; I shall enter through them, I shall give thanks to the LORD.

I Need Help

One of the things I admire about my daughter in law is her calmness in her teaching of my grandsons. Each one has their own unique and gifted personality. She has explained to the youngest a great lesson that he can take through out the rest of his life. And that life's lesson is instead of getting frustrated when you can't work something out. Reach out and say "I need help".  I watched this take place when big brother showed little brother how to put together some Lego pieces. Imagine the pressure of wanting to do the task perfectly, or just like big brother but you just can't get it. "I need help" is not a failure or submission of being lesser then. It is merely a tool to get to the next phase and remaining humble about doing so. We all can take a lesson here. When life comes down hard. When circumstances seem so unwilling to bend, and you can see no way out. Shout out to God. "God I need help"

God Wants To Show You Favor

God does want to show you his favor. And this takes place (his favor) without you asking. You see God knows you better then you know yourself. He knows your heart, your fears, your intention, your humbleness and lastly your struggles. God never wants you to remain in the same place of Lack that you've been. God does not want any less for you then for himself. When you feel down and you feel that you have given it your all, do not dispair. God will make a way out of no way. Mountains will be moved. You are scratching your head and asking "how did that happen?" Then just as quickly as the question appeared the answer did as well. You know your God.
Psalms 5:12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield. 

Be Careful Who You Share Your Joy With

Matthew 7:6 Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

This verse is so so pertinent. You may go through life with good intention. Your heart is in the right place. You are doing the honorable thing. You are genuinely giving, merciful and humble. And yes, this is what God wants us to be. Never anything less. However there are those who operate under the enemies realm and there is a loathing for the greatness God gives us. So be selective in who you share your soul with. Not all feel or walk the same as you. They are really good at disguising the truth. So pray to God for discernment protection from such evilness.

I Am Blessed

There are some who still walk amongst us with little or no belief. They have that right. I have to tell a story here. In my studies I have found that there is a 151st Psalm, which was found in the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the 19th century in the desert in the middle east. In this Psalm David is expressing his knowledge that he is blessed by God. This is the only way he has was placed in charge of sheep(people as king). This is the only way he had the talent to design,make and play his lyre, and harp(both used to soothe and atone the enemy). This was the only way he was able to kill a giant one so fierce  all of the nation of Israel cringed. ( he fought many a giant through his years as king). Yes , David acknowledges that he is blessed.  We need to as well, acknowledge the Lord. For if it weren't for him where would you be.

Be True To Yourself

Upon waking everyday, one should say to oneself : Thank you Lord for another day. Instead stress sets in right away. Rushing through the day. So busy with an agenda one forgets, to be true to oneself. Yes, when waking after thanking God, look in the mirror past the reflection and ask yourself. Am I being true to who and what I am? Is someone or something throwing me off? Is this my agenda or someone else's?
If the answer is yes, stop, reflect and redirect. God wants the best for us. We have to meet him half way. We have to also remember when God loves us there are no conditions. He loves us for who we are. So try making your day unconditional. Weigh the stress and strain to do and act other wise. Is it worth it? No. Psalms 25:4 Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.

Do Not Let Iniquities Prevail Against You

This sentence cannot be said enough. What has to be remembered is the enemy wants to keep us as far away from God and what he has to give us as possible. Therefore many obstacles come our way. It is so hard at times to deal with this, especially if we have family issues, car issues, court issues, marriage issues. What Gods law states is that you believe and have faith in him. He will provide and make a way out of no way. If we could just grasp hold of that. Keep it in mind in the heat of battle. Because that is what it is. God's army against you know who's. Stay in faith. I cannot help to think of Zacharias when Gabriel the angel appeared to tell him that his wife will be having a baby. Zacharias doubted the angel. Until his wife told him she was pregnant. The angel came back to Zacharias and said since you doubted God you will not be permitted to speak (mute) until the baby is born. Do not doubt. Stay in faith. Know that mountains can be moved.

It's A New And Blessed Day

Sometimes we complicate the simplest thing by putting too much into it. God simply wants us to love ourselves and our fellow man. Follow the laws of the Bible. Forgive. Be merciful and humble. Just that simple. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

Could Not Do It Without Him

There are some who may think it over zealous to praise God out loud and all the time. Everyone has a right to their opinion. However, God loves it when we praise him. We are giving respect where respect is due. We are showing our appreciation for our blessings. I will never forget entering a sanctuary when I was about twenty-five. I do not remember what the sermon was per say. I do however remember thanking God for my life. I do also remember the tears of joy streaming down my face as I felt his (God's) ominous presence.  With this said. Go ahead experience praising the Lord. Rejoice in his presence. Make it known that you cannot do without him. Romans 5:1-2 We can have in our soul the assurance of present salvation, with no uncertainty whatsoever.

On The Path

Questions often arise. Like how do I know if it God talking to me or not? Or how do I know that I am on the right path or not? Questions are simply doubt. Questions are faithlessness. We must, must,must know that all things happen for a reason. We must look at each situation with a fresh perspective. Take the "I" out of it and draw on the curiousness of why is this happening? Could there be a lesson in it for me? I know God has a plan for me, what is this particular situation doing to access that plan? These questions do not give way to losing your faith in God. No they do just the opposite. These questions bring you closer to God. They will be answered in due time. Stay faithful.

 

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 

Withstanding The Test Of Time

Every day that we awake, is another day we can make changes to ourselves to others. Nature has a way of  balancing itself, which is most  noticeable after a storm. We with God's help can do the very same (balance ourselves out). There can be times when we are so caught up it seems impossible. But with God all things are possible. We are made in his image, therefore we can stand the test of time. We must carry Faith in our pockets at all times. 1 John 5:14-15 And this is our confidence, that if we pray according to His will, He will hear us, and give us what we ask for, because our desires are in agreement with His thoughts for us.

Deception & Smoke Screens

Have you ever experienced things in way that seem so far different then you can ever imagine? Let us just use the drive to work. On a normal day you take the same route, you go the same speed. And the traffic is crawling at the same pace. Nothing out of the ordinary. Then out of the blue, what should be a normal day, turns into a unnerving nightmare. And it all starts off as the alarm did not go off on time. And so the domino affect begins. At this point or should I say, the point that should and could avoid that domino affect is the initial distraction, the alarm going off late. At that precise moment we should stop, and pray. It does not have to be anything elaborate. Something simple to give the enemy the understanding that this is nothing but deception and smoke screens. God has power over your dominion.
Psalm 143:7-8  Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit.  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 

Never Too Late

Just when you look around here comes another obstacle. You have so many choices when this happens. I will not list them because the list is infinite or so it seems. The most important thing to remember, is not to give up. Step back pray to God for strength, wisdom and tenacity. Each one of these things will help you forge ahead and make the right decision.
Hebrews 12:1-3
And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 

A Letter To God

Dear God
You know that I know that if it wasn't for you and your tremendous sacrifice I would not exist. Your son was made to suffer for all of mankind. If you think that I do not recognize that you do not know me well. I know you do though( know me well). I have been through life experiences and still am. But every step of the way I give thanks and praised to you. So except my humble letter and continue to grace me with your presence so that I may show and tell others, in Jesus name Amen!

Challenge Yourself

There are times in every one's life when doubt, fear, shame, come into the picture. Some feel these emotions more then others. The challenge is to go deep down inside and bring out FAITH. Bring out CONFIDENCE. Bring out SELF LOVE. Know that doubt, fear and shame are the enemies best tools. If these type of things consume us, his work is done. No! Satan get thee behind me. Jesus Christ is my savior. It takes the mindset to remember to challenge yourself. Get that Bible out and just start reading aloud. Those feelings will dissipate. Call on God anytime, any place. Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found. Call on him while he is near.