Are U Up for the Challenge?

That is the disease that I have suffered from throughout my life so far. The first thing that comes to mind is what usually flows freely from these lips. This has cost me many friendships and relationships. Walking with God makes me want to not do that. He really makes me want to talk to people in a loving way because of reading Jesus stories. Throughout all of the Bible Jesus had such a tame demeanor and people were drawn to Him. He never had spiteful words run out of His mouth because of His self control. This is still hard for me at times but it’s one of my biggest goals in life. I want nothing more than my words to be sweet like honey. Encouraging and inspiring, making people see Jesus through me. Is that your wish today? Please join me in prayer. Dear kind Heavenly Father, help us to be slow to speak today. Have us take a second and think of what you would say before we say it. Let the Holy Spirit guide the words that come out of our mouths as not to discourage someone. In Jesus precious name, Amen!

It can be hard to want to love people at times, especially when that person doesn’t want to reciprocate that same love. Some of our homeless can be like that at times. They have have spent the majority of their lives stealing, lying and cheating that it’s now the only thing they know how to do. Karen and I have a wonderful Tuesday study group and almost all of them are homeless. We have been working on them by showing them the love of Christ. Loving them even when they don’t feel like loving themselves. The friends in this group at times come in feeling angry and depressed, lonely and discarded. The one thing that they can all agree on is that they know where they can go to receive love and compassion. We have 13 members in our group and it has stayed pretty consistent and are starting another group on Friday. These groups even though they have different topics have one goal in mind and that is to share God’s word and show them Christ’s true love. It works beyond all compare! Everyone wants to be loved and it may take time to break down those huge walls that have been built up over the years, but the end result is always the same. True love always prevails! God’s words are simple. John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Short and sweet!

www.bible.com/111/jhn.15.12.niv

www.bible.com/111/rom.8.18.niv

The hardships, trials, sickness, and pain that we suffer can seem unbearable at times. I have to tell you, it’ s not all in vain. The Bible tells us, If indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory. Paul reminded us, the suffering of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us.

When sin entered the world all of Gods creation was affected. Through the glory of God, all of Gods creation will be freed from it’s bondage to decay. I think Revelation 21:4 says it the best, God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away. Praise God for the promise that we will share in his glory!

One day at a yard sale I had stumbled across an antique calender that was unused and still in its original wrapper. It had caught me off guard because it was from the early 50s and to be in that great of condition was awesome! The calender only had one picture and it move my heart when my eyes hit it. It’s of Peter half way in the water extending his hand toward Jesus who was standing on top of the water. This picture tells me of a couple different things. Peter was in a boat with some other followers of Jesus. The water was slushing this way and that because of the terrible winds. They were getting worried because they were in such a small boat compared to the big things that were happening outside of it. Jesus had suddenly appeared walking on the water. They thought he was a ghost, but he relaxed their minds by talking to them. Peter had said that if it was really him to call him out to him. Jesus did. Peter stepped out of the boat with his focus on Jesus, but after a few steps the sound of the wind and the look of the waves had diverted his focus from Jesus and he began to sink. Jesus reached down and grabbed him responding , ” Oh you of little faith”. The two things that jump out at me is that this world gets so loud at times that our attention to the holy one can easily get diverted if we let it. The other is that PETER WALKED ON WATER! Even though It was for a brief moment, he was able to do this through Jesus. Not sure about all of you but I would love to have that kind of faith. Where do we stand with Jesus, in the water or on top? Dear, Heavenly Father ,thank you so much for this beautiful day. Thank you for always loving us. Being with us, in us, and around us. Help us to keep our eyes on you today and not of the things in this world. Thank you for the strength to get us through each day and night. In Jesus name ,AMEN!

What is it like to truly repent? Not having your soul out there for the devil to rent, a safe feeling that could only be Heaven sent. It’s relying on God when trials are rough, running to Him when our sinful nature’s too tough. It’s not just the want to be better in heart, mind, and soul, it’s the need for God to fill the gaping hole. The one in our chest that Satan plays in, waiting and taunting us with such evil sin. We need to fight against this spiritual war by running to answer our hearts door. The door to our heart that Jesus knocks on, letting Him in giving us His armor to be strong. We ask God for forgiveness but that not enough, we still need to turn to Him before our sinful thoughts get rough. Repentance is the key to a great relationship, then and only then you’ll be joined at the hip. Turn from sin and evil today, putting God out in front to lead our way!