and that's that

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Sees It All

Psalm 44:20-21
''If we had forgotten the name of our God
or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
21 would not God have discovered it,
since he knows the secrets of the heart?''

What do you call it when you do the right thing when no one is watching? It's called integrity. Do you have it in your character and daily life? The truth is... God is omniscient, which means He is all-knowing about everyone and everything. There is nothing hidden from God.
Proverbs 10:9 "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."
This verse tells us that when we exhibit integrity, we have a divine security around us that gives us a humble boldness. "He knows what ground he stands on, what guide he follows, what guard he is surrounded with, and what glory he is going to, and therefore proceeds with assurance and great peace." But when one strays from the ways of God into the ways of man, there will be no hidden secrets on the day of judgement.
Proverbs 11:3 " The integrity of the upright guides them, the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
I heard a report on the news about a shopping cart gatherer at a store, who found a forgotten purse in a cart. While being tempted by other workers to keep the valuables for himself, he rejected their snare and said, 'My parents and God didn't raise me to steal." True integrity guides us to make the right decisions in this fallen world. "His principles are fixed, his rule is certain, and therefore his way is plain; his sincerity keeps him steady, and he needs not tack about every time the wind turns, having no other end to drive at than to keep a good conscience."
Honesty and trust are key aspects to integrity. Jesus is the perfect example of one with integrity. Matthew 22:16"They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are."
Got integrity? Or do the temptations of the world by people, circumstances and timing stray you away from the narrow way? Remember, the world sees much but God sees all. "Our actions in obeying God show Him more love, honor, and praise than any empty words we might say to try to appear good."

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Why Worry?

Matthew 6:27
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

   Why do we worry? I know I try not to worry, but I do speculate about the possibilities. Then before I realize it.... I'm breathing faster, my heart is pounding, my mind is racing to and fro, my nerves are twitching... and fear has taken control of me. Where does that fear come from? Satan and his arsenal of weapons, that he uses to make us doubt God's plan for us, as believers. God has promised to finish the good work He started in us.
Most of us like the feeling of being in control of our lives, even tho it's a false illusion. God is sovereign over ALL things. We often feel worrisome when we have to wait. We are in a rush, but God isn't. He has His own timing and reasons. The truth is some waits will not end before we know the answer, but we must turn our worries into steadfast prayers. We must pray more and worry less. ''God is working even while you are waiting. Think of this time of waiting as a process that will eventually culminate in a victory. In the meantime, remain faithful and know that God is there with you, preparing you for the battles, goals and victories to come.''
  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5-6
In my own life, I am so dependent on others that my trust in God's provisions for me is all I can rely on. Oh, how faithful He has been, even when I am not. God's Word must trump all my doubts, because I know my future, near and far, is in His hands.
  .“For God has said, ‘I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5b-6

Sunday, February 5, 2017

Comeback Feb 2017

Psalm 139: 4-5
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.

I haven't blogged since October 2015, because of weakness in my arm. I have a neuromuscular disease that has progressively taken my physical strength away, but my will to share the Truth has never died. I did think tho that I needed both a break and a time of silence on my part after 4 years of blogging. I guess my break is over because God has provided me with a new way to type and I am so thankful. What better way to show my gratitude than to blog again about His faithfulness in my own life.
James 1;17-18 '' Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.''
We are told to be thankful in all circumstances, but that's easier said than done. In December 2016, I lost the use of my typing arm overnight for no explainable reason... for 3 very long weeks. I couldn't use my computer or the tv remote without help. I wasn't thankful, but frustrated to a whole new level. Desperation leads to research for help. ICAN is an agency that loans out tools for the disabled. They are the ones who have helped me type again with an onscreen keyboard, camera and a button clicker. So now in hindsight, I am thankful for the struggle because it helped me to persevere and receive the joy God intended for me. Our trials are meant to draw us nearer to God. When all is stripped away, we are reminded that God is faithful, trustworthy and His timing is perfect... even when we doubt.
I want my blog to be a source of encouragement for all my readers. The use of Scripture, various quotes and pictures can help us all to have the right perspective in our daily lives. I'm excited to see what God lays on my heart to write about and share with you in the coming days.

''Nothing is acted in the world without God's knowledge and the arm of his omnipotence to guide them. Not the most retired corner, the darkest cell, the deepest cavern, the most secret wickedness, but the eye of the Lord beholds it'' (Proverbs 15:3). - Stephen Charnock

Friday, October 9, 2015

Anchored In

whether your anchors are people, places, ideas, or truths. take them out and weigh them every once in awhile. you'll be surprised to find that you are always growing and shifting and changing. be true to who you are becoming.:

From Rick Warren....''The Bible teaches us that there are 3 kinds of storms in life..those that we bring on ourselves [like Samson], those that God causes [like Lake Galilee] and those caused by others [like when Paul n Silas were put in prison].
Is God your anchor and guide through these storms in your life? Impatience is often our catalyst for heading straight into a storm. Our feelings about our circumstances is another misleader in our lives, because our emotions are volatile and easily swayed. We also get into trouble by following worldly opinions, rather than God's unchanging Word.
If God is THE anchor for your mind, soul and body, then you have a hope that is unfailing, unconditional and ever lasting..... what a blessing.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Grace

CHILD OF THE STAR BREATHER — a good way to live:

''Grace, grace, God's grace... grace that is greater than all my sin.'' Are we grace givers or fault finders? We are not called to be like other Christians, but to be like Christ. His way is the only way.
We are all sinners. The dirt and gold co-exist, but how deep do we dig and what are we looking for in others? Relationships are built on mutual respect and love for one another, despite the differences we all have.
Because I am so dependent on others, I often have to let go of 'my way' of thinking or otherwise I'd be a fault finder to someone else's way of doing something. Jesus is the only one who has lived this life perfectly. He is our role model, and no one else. We must humble ourselves because the moment you think you've got it all together, is the moment you just lost it.