Author Archives: Matthew, Karen, and God

Stress free days

I’m not sure about all of you out there but I can get so stressed out over different times and over different things that I feel as though my chest will explode. This is definitely the work of the devil and can cause us to backslide in our relationship with God. Luke 12:25-26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Stressed, worry, doubt, fear, and anxiety are bad words in my book. Our God is enormous and can more than handle our petty problems that seem overwhelming to us. 1Peter5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. I was at the airport yesterday and it was a full house. I couldn’t find the right road leading to the parking garage and the traffic wasn’t great. If you ask any of my friends they will tell you that I drive like a little old lady. I drive like this because I’m worried that other drivers that are speeding will run into me. Once I was able to park I headed over to the terminal and had a sigh of relieve believing that my trek was finished. I looked for my friends terminal and couldn’t find it, only to realize that I was on the wrong side of the airport! Aaaaaaahhhhh! I ran through the airport and the huge parking garage and into the other side of the airport only to realize that the flight had been delayed a half an hour. By this time I was so stressed out that I reached for my phone instead of God. I called a couple of friends but no one picked up. I immediately started praying casting out all my worries and fears on God and he graciously removed that from me. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. “

Made new

A friend of mine had purchased quiet a bit of used honey bee equipment. The bee boxes were in great shape but had been sitting in bird and mouse poop not to mention all the years of dust and dirt stuck to it. As we started scraping and brushing off all the debri and took the pressure washer to it we could see some promise in the investment. We let the boxes dry then gave them a fresh coat of paint. Once the paint had dried we took a step back to admire what looked like brand new boxes. When I was lost and broken it felt like those dirty boxes. I was using drugs, Alcohol, and women trying desperately to fill a void in my heart. Covered in shame and filth, I struggled to make sense of my life and find purpose. One day I heard a faint knocking on my hearts door and when I answered, there stood Jesus. Every day since then He has been washing me clean. Slowly but miraculously He has been improving my life and the way I look at others. Tears of joy, happiness and victory stream down my face instead the tears from feelings of abandonment and heartache. Praise God that He finds treasure in used and broken people.

A Sip Of Conflict!

Another objective lesson from our trip to the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The sign above the water fountains stated;

THIRSTY! The water in both of these drinking fountains is perfectly clean. So which do you choose?

We make choices everyday some are difficult while others are easy. The results of our choices may impact our life good or bad. Spiritually we are promised living water Jesus said, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the scriptures declare, Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.” John 7:37-38 NLT

Do you choose the toilet bowl of sin? Or Do you choose the living water of Jesus?

Today’s challenge

I would like to invite every reader to challenge themselves in loving their neighbor. This can be challenging in the fact that some neighbors are not easily loved. Some are hermit’s, never leaving their homes, or people that seem to always be in a bad mood. Definitely pray before you do this challenge. Ask God who you can help today. The point isn’t to drive anyone away, it’s to show them God through love. This can be done in many ways like opening your mouth and asking how their day is going instead of ignoring them because they are usually a grouch. Asking if you can help them when you see them struggling. Maybe bring them a plate of cookies or offer to have them over for a meal, especially if they are elderly. I challenge you to get creative, opening up your heart to others outside your normal circle of friends. I’m not saying to drop your current friendships, but expand it. Matthew 22:37-39 Jesus replied:”‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it love your neighbor as yourself’.