The old and the new

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.

I will apologize ahead of time if I ramble.

What is a resolution? Fixedness of mind, determination that one makes

Most of the time resolutions that we make are just words. Our actions don't line up or else they don't line up for long.

Do you make resolutions or commitments?

Be careful making either cause it could be considered a vow by the Lord. And He takes vows very seriously.

Here are some vows the Lord made to us:

Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Ps 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us.

Mic 7:19 He will turn again, He will have compassion upon us: He will subdue our iniquites; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Is 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but Thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back.

Our repented for sins are washed away, never to return. So next time the devil brings back something you have repented of, tell him to get lost. The devil doesn't know the future, so he attacks us with the past. But the verses above tell me that God has wiped them out if I have truly repented of them. So no one including the devil should be allowed by me to use them against me.

So let's start the new year off right. Let's agree to fight back when the devil tries to use our past against us. Let's agree to hold each other in prayer as we do.

The word tells us in a few places that we will be attacked, we will have trials and tribulations and persecutions, but out of all of them it tells us the Lord has delivered us.

Here are a few of those for you:

2 Tim 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
2 Tim 3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them ALL the Lord delivered me.
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.
:6 So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Can you say ....

it is well with my soul? Listen to this video. It has amazing words. Remember no matter what you are going through right now, this very moment in time, God is aware, He is right beside you. He promised to never leave or forsake you. So no matter what things look like from the outside, on the inside things can be well with your soul. Just reach out to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So many people struggle with depression this time of year. If you are one of them, know that I am praying for you and that you too can say It is well with your soul.

Tis the season

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

As you read the above think about where your heart truly is right now. Are you caught up in the holiday? Are you rushing here and there for the perfect gift? If so I pray that you take time to remember that the only PERFECT gift was Jesus Christ. It is HIS birth we are celebrating, not the jolly red suited guy. We must put the focus where it belongs and make sure that our children and grandchildren don't get so caught up in the process of getting gifts that they don't realize just how incredible the gift of Jesus Christ was to all of us.

Take it to the Lord in prayer

Have problems today? Have temptations today? Have any kind of need today?

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

But the hard part is making sure after that you leave it with the Lord. How many times after praying and giving our situation to the Lord, do we pick it back up when we are done? Or is it just me?

Today I am laying all of my situations in His hands and walking away free with only His yoke and His burden.

MT 11:30
For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light

May we all remember this today.

First Love

Rev 2:4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Remember when you were first saved? That on-fire, totally consuming, single focus of your attention? Then over time, that changed. You were not as excited about what Christ did for you. I am not saying you still don't appreciate it. I am saying that you don't feel the on fire, consuming need to share that information with everyone you meet.

Christ wants us to return to that on-fire, all consuming, single focus. Does that mean you can neglect everyone or everything else in your life? Not at all. But as we mature in life and in our salvation we should learn to do both. Do you talk to someone about Christ every day? At least for a few minutes? Do you read His word every day? At least for a few minutes? Do you try to learn something new about Christ every day? Or do you think you know it all? I know I don't know all there is to know about Christ, and that it will take me the rest of my life to learn of Him and I still won't know all there is to know. Think back to when you were newly saved. You read the bible every chance you got to learn more of Him. You told everyone you met about the wonderful Savior you had found. That is the first love Christ is calling us back to.

Can you be still?

PS 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.


On the surface this looks like such an easy thing to do doesn't it? But have you ever really tried to be still? On purpose? Have you ever watched a small child who has been told to be still try really hard? Ever been told when about to have blood drawn or given a shot to be very still? Even for a moment?

I believe God knew when He told us here to be still just how hard that is for us. And I think He knew that if we do the second part, know that He is God at the same time that it would be easier. Doesn't the thought of God and Who He is bring a peace and quietness, almost a stillness to you?

He is an incredible God. His mercies are new every morning! Halleja !! Praise His wonderful Name! I don't know about you but I need new mercy daily. I need so much daily from Him. He is my everything. I can do nothing without Him.

Do you have a beam in your eye?

Mt 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. 6




We can be so quick to notice someone else's sin or fault can't we? Especially when it is not something we personally struggle with. We can make excuses for our faults/sins. You know "well my walk is really difficult", others don't struggle with this so they don't realize what I go through", walk a mile in my shoes and you will understand" (wait didn't Christ say if they ask you to go one go two?)

First of all sin is sin. God doesn't see it as some big or some small. It is all ugly to Him. And it should be to us also. Let's remember the above verse that says we will be judged in the same way that we judge others.
Prayerfully that will make us less quickly judge others.

Lord show us all the beam in our own eye.

This is long but will have you laughing at the beginning and crying at the end

Do you have an ear?

Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Notice in the verse in revelation, if we overcome not only will we be eating of the tree of life, but look where it is!! It is in the midst of the paradise of God!!

Now the second verse I posted is both encouraging and discouraging. It talks about peace and tribulation.

I know a lot of us are dealing with depression right now. But rejoice sisters in Christ, He tells us He has overcome it and in HIM we will have peace. So for myself and the rest of you, when the old devil comes with his bag of tricks and tries to cause us depression, let's run into His arms. They are wide open and ready to wrap around us. And let us run to each other and encourage each other that we love each other and are willing to help anyway we can, but most importantly we will pray with each other and point each other to the Lord of peace.

Remember the song,

What a Friend We Have In Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

Idle Words

Mt 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

:36 But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Ever speak idle words? I know I have. Did you ever stop to realize how important even the idle words out of your mouth are to God? And to you? These few small verses show just how important they are to both God and us. We will be justified or condemned by our every word.

I know that makes me want to be more careful about even the idle words I say. What about you?

Lord, help me to speak only things that bring glory to You. Help me to guard my tongue Lord. It is difficult sometimes to do. But with Your help I know I can.

In Jesus Name,

Words

1 Cor 1:4-5 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

:5 that in every thing ye are enriched by Him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;

These verses are my prayer for all of us today. Oh, that we would only speak words that were enriched by Him!

Have you ever known either right before or during an utterance that those words were not enriched by God? And you knew even before you said them, how much they were going to hurt the person you said them to? But, here is a question for you, especially if like me you had to say yes to that question. Did you consider, your words hurt the other person, how much more they hurt God?

Have you ever tried to justify hurtful words to someone either you don't know, or that you do know and they don't know Christ as their Savior? Remember Christ died for them also if they will just receive Him as their Savior. He knows them and it must still hurt Him when we are purposefully hurtful to someone. If for no other reason then because we are His child and supposed to be showing Him to the world. Yes sometimes we must say difficult things to each other, but we must be careful that He would approve our choice of words. Do we go before Him first and "audition" what we will say? Or do we just blurt out what is in our heart without considering the effect? If we first (even if it is done quickly in prayer) seek the Lord about our words, we will be less likely to hurt our Lord Jesus Christ by what we say.

Pr 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Gifts

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Ever look for the perfect gift to give someone? Have a hard time finding it? I have. Yet we have the best gift in the world to give them. Especially if they are not saved. We have the knowledge of Who Christ is and what He wants to do for us and them.

This time of year people are usually more open to hear about Christ. Am I willing to tell them? Are you?

Have you noticed that everyone is saying Happy Holidays to you instead of Merry Christmas? I for one refuse to say Happy Holidays. I will be saying Merry Christmas to everyone. They are not going to get me to take Christ out of the glorious celebration of His birth.

We started a few years ago to reduce the amount of money we spend on gifts. And to put the focus back where it belongs on Christ and the incredible gift of salvation that He came to give us.

Will you join me in keeping Christ is the holidays by saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays?

Love in Christ,

Kim

Phil 4:6

Phil 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Well I am sure that we are all familiar with this verse. The first part of the verse tells us not to worry about anything. But read the second part closely. There is a requirement isn't there? God already knows what we need, that is true, the word tells us so. But He wants us to ask for our needs also.

As a parent, friend, neighbor, wife, whatever, sometimes I see a need and meet it without being asked. I am sure you are the same way. But sometimes I won't help unless they ask. I think God is the same way. He wants to see if we are gonna ask for His help or try to go it alone. He has given us a free will and is a gracious God.

So today I ask that He help me get through the day today. That He would show me what He would have me do today, and give me the strength and energy to do it. And if He plans on me being on the phone, computer, couch, counseling / chatting with people then that I would accept that and obey. I also praise Him for bringing me through the things He has and that He allows me to use the things He taught me in each one of them to help others.

What about you? Will you take your day to God in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving?

Ps 116:17

PS 116:17

I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

Whose name are you calling on? I was recently told about a friend who was almost in an accident. Her first response? She yelled out one word.... God. How awesome is that? That should always be our first response to all things in our life. But is it? Or do you (like me) try to "fix" some things yourself first? Why don't I always remember that God can do such a better job then I can no matter how big or small the thing is? Well today I will make an effort to ask God first how to handle any situations that arise for me. Will you join me?

Ps 107:22

PS 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

This says to declare HIS works with rejoicing. Not our works. How do we declare His works?

One obvious way is by telling others about them. But what about the not so obvious ways? Like the way we live? Do you still do all the things you did before you were saved? I pray I don't. I did some things back then that He would not approve of and I desire His approval. The fact that He changed me is one of His works. Do others see the good works He has done in me? Am I hiding them or declaring them with my life and the way I live it?

What about you ? Are you declaring His works in your life with rejoicing?

Ps 100:4

Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

Be thankful unto Him. This is a good reminder to be thankful unto Him for what He did for me on the cross. Not just thankful for things. If He never did anything after the cross for me it would have been enough. How often do I thank Him for just that? How often do you?

Ps 95:2

Ps 95:2
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Ever wonder how to approach the throne of God? Here it tells you. With thanksgiving.

How many times do I approach God and immediately start with my requests, desires? Hasn't He done so much for me already just by sending Jesus to die for my sins? I need to remember that I must come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise.

Does that mean I shouldn't make my needs, desires known? Of course not, and sometimes I am so overwhelmed that I have to start with my needs. But do I remember after pouring my heart out to the Lord to give Him thanksgiving and praise? I know there are times I have failed in this. What about you?

Leviticus 22:29

Leviticus 22:29 And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will.

So this tells me that I must offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving willingly.

Hmm, have I ever done it unwillingly? Probably unfortunately. Sorta contradicts itself doesn't it? If it is thanksgiving you would think that it would be willingly. But has there been a time that I offered it because everyone else was doing it? When I didn't really feel like doing it? That would probably qualify it as a sacrifice, but I don't think that would make it willingly. What do you think? Are there situations you can think of that would make it unwillingly but you did it anyway? Share your thoughts on it with me.

Hope

Three times in the past few days I have heard about young people overdosing, or in one case a local 10 year old committed suicide at the school he attended. This is so very sad.

Why is the suicide rate, addictions rate up so high? People have lost hope. They think that there is nothing worth living for, no one who cares, ... fill in the blank. This should not be so. There are record number of people who claim to be christians. Where are they? Are they, am * I * reaching out to the hurting world? Am I telling them that Jesus loved them so much that He died for them? Can they not see the hope I have? Am I hiding it? If so why?

I am sitting here in tears for our young people. Why have they lost their hope at such a young age? What would cause a 10 year old to hang himself? Did no one see he needed help? What was so bad in his life that he would prefer to end it? How at 10 could he have lost all hope?

I realize that the devil is really fighting hard to get our young people.BUT WHAT ARE WE DOING (YOU AND I) TO STOP HIM????

Please reach out to all the young people in your life. Tell them there is hope. His name is JESUS.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a time that everyone is open to giving thanks to God for His blessings. Between now and Thanksgiving I will try to post at least a verse about thanksgiving every day.

Here is todays:

Ps 107:21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
:22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.

Sacrifice of thanksgiving. That will be my goal today. To give the Lord a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Now a sacrifice means it cost you something. Not money necessarily, but something. So today I will spend the day with the mp3 headphones on as much as possible and focus on songs of thanksgiving.

What will you do today to show thanksgiving to God?

Leave me a comment telling me!

Supply

Do you ever think about the word supply? It can be used as a noun or a verb. But both sorta mean the same almost. It means provision, equiped, having what you need.

If there is a hurricane, tornado, snow storm coming, we make sure we pack in whatever we think we will need and then some don't we? We don't want to be caught short of something important. Also if we are off on a trip, we get the vehicle checked out, we check the tires, change the oil, make sure we have snacks, and oh yes don't forget money for gas, hotels, food, whatever. And we usually take a little extra "just in case" don't we?

But how do we apply making sure we have enough supplies to our spiritual life? Hmmm

So let's look at some scriptures. And prayerfully this won't be to all over the place lol.

Phil 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

Supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Can we ever have enough of a supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ? Probably not till we are with Him I think. What do you think?

How do we get the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ that we need daily?

2 Pet 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

Ah a glimpse, we need knowledge of Him.

Verse 3 goes on to say, According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

This says He has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness! But we know that right? Sometimes though we, well * I * seem to need a reminder.

Mt 6:33 says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and HIS righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Again telling us to seek knowledge of God and He will provide.

Lk 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth te cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

We should plan ahead, but not just in our physical life, but in our spiritual life. It is easier to do in the physical isn't it?

How much supply of Christ do you need? Do you have enough? Will you ever have enough? Should you ever feel you have enough?

Personally I think if I feel I have enough, I am so far off of the path I should be on. I should always desire more of Christ.

MT 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled.

Filled with what? Jesus Christ and His righteousness !!!

Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Oh to be full of Christ, so that all you see when you look at me is HIM. That is my prayer today for each of us.

MIA

Sorry I have been missing in action on the blogs site. I haven't read or responded or posted in a while. I hope to remedy that starting either this weekend or early next week. Been going through a dry spell. I know God is preparing me for something, just haven't figured out what yet.

You will know as soon as I do :-)

Worthy the Lamb!

I saw this video awhile back on a Gaither special.

I ran out and bought the cd not caring what else was on it, just so I could have this song. Of course there are many great songs on the cd. But this is one of my favorites.

I have heard some christians say when they get to heaven they will tell this to the Lord, or ask Him that. You know what? This song is so true! Even the arch angels will be falling down before Him. Do we have the arrogance to think we will be able to stand before our Lord and Savior ? How wonderful will it be to be praising our Lord all through eternity???

Does God deal with us all the same?

I was chatting on the phone this morning with a dear older lady. I have known her for many years. We began (as we always do :-) to talk about how God deals with us about different things. The question arose does God deal with us all the same? In some ways I would say yes He does. He deals with each of us fairly, justly, etc. But let's be specific. Here I don't think He does always deal with us the same way. Let me give you a for instance. (that is southern talk for example lol so our northerners understand, hi Terri! LOL) .

God dealt with Isaiah this way when he didn't want to speak:
Is 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:

:7 and he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Yet look how God handled Moses not wanting to speak:

Ex 4: 10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto they servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
:11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind: have not I the Lord?
:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
:14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said, is not AAron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
:15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

So here we have two different men, both not wanting to speak and God dealt with each differently.

That tells me that if God is dealing with you about something, and me about the same thing, He may go about it a different way with each of us. Same God, same Holy Spirit. What is different? We are. God has made each of us unique. And because of that, He deals with each of us differently.

Take school for our children. (this came up in a group I am in LOL) We homeschool, and it works for our family. Others may not be called to homeschool for whatever reason. God has dealt with school for our children differently. Even with other homeschoolers. Some have school at home, some have a relaxed school situation, does that mean that if I do or don't homeschool I am missing God? Or if I do or don't (fill in the blank) I am missing God? Not necessarily. Though I might be in some instances. God made each of us unique and because we are all at different stages of our walk with God, He deals with us differently and at different times about different things. He is not a cookie cutter God. He didn't cut us each out of the same cutter. He wants us to be individuals.

Another thing (bonus here LOL) that we talked about is being careful that we are following God and not a man in a pulpit. We must be careful to follow Jesus. The pastor is put there to teach us, but he (the pastor) is a man and he can miss it just as we can. If we put him on a pedestal we can follow when he misses it and miss God ourselves. We must check everything out anyone tells us against the word of God.

I love my phone chats with this lady. She is definitely a blessing from God and we always make each other think. I hope I gave you something to think about today :-)

MIA

Sorry I have been missing. Just trying to settle in to a new routine. I am now babysitting my two grandsons for about 30 minutes before and about 3 hours after school. And then there is the migraine that wouldn't go away. So anyway hopefully as of today I will be around more consistently again.

Words

How important are words? Some would say very important, others would say not important at all. Personally I think words can be both but not at the same time .

Let me see what God has to say about words.

Gen 37:8
And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

Joseph was hated for his words. This show that words can have a lot of affect on people.

2 Sam 7::28
And now, O Lord GOD, thou art that God, and thy words be true, and thou hast promised this goodness unto thy servant

God's words are always true. Ours should be too.

1Ki 12:7
And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.


Here it says good words, so that must mean there are words that are not good.
Are we being careful to speak good words?
Can good words become bad words?


Job 6:25
How forcible are right words! But what doth your arguing reprove?
Right words are forcible! And we can use our words to argue. I don't think that is what God had for us originally. Arguing I mean.


Job 8:10
Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?

Our hearts can speak. We should speak from our hearts more often. Then we would speak in love.

JOB 11:2
Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified?

Could this be saying sometimes we talk to much? I know I have been guilty of that.

Job 15:13
That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?

This is talking about those bad words. If we turn our spirit against God, nothing good can come from that situation.

Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.


Do I treasure His words more then my necessary food? I pray I do.

Ps 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, F63 and my redeemer

Well there is a lot more about words in God's word, but I think this is a great place to stop. Sounds like a great verse for me to stand on today and everyday. Will you join me?

i was tagged!

ok i was tagged by mere to define normal in my own words so here goes. i posted this at her blog too.

wow define normal... do you know how long it has been since i knew what normal was? lol. how about i define what i wish normal was? my wish for normal would be that all of my children and grandchildren lived within 20 minutes of us. that there was peace in all the world. that no one went to bed hungry, and that everyone had a safe place to sleep every night.
is that what my life is like? no way lol. our oldest daughter and family live over 900 miles from us. and you know the rest that there isn't peace and there is hunger and homeless. but one day, when our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ returns we will have peace, and everyone will be fed and have a glorious home in heaven.

Update on Alexis

For those of you wondering about my granddaughter and the bells palsey... if you go here http://www.lettersfromenfieldland.com/ you can read the latest update and see a new picture. She is 99% healed and it hasn't switched sides !!! We are praising God for His mercy and grace.

Are you hot?

There are many ways to be hot. I live in south louisiana so can we say HOT? lol. And today it will be in the high 90's, and today I am having hot flashes. CAN WE SAY EXTREMELY HOT?

Sigh, I love where I live, don't get me wrong. The people are caring, well most of them, lol. The culture is one of family. I live far enough from New Orleans to not have to deal with the atmosphere there that I don't care for. All in all this is a great place to live. But today, with the temps in the 90's, heat indexes in the 100's and the hot flashes, well today, I would like to live on an iceberg some place lol. Anyone care to join me?

So of course since hot is so on my mind today, I decided to see what God has to say on hot.

Ps 6:1 O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

Here it talks about the Lord's displeasure and anger. There are many places where it mentions the Lord's hot anger.

Da 3:22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Remember this story? The furnace was so hot that the men sent to toss them in burned, but they were kept safe by the Lord.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.


Are we on fire for God? Have we lost our heat? I pray we are on fire.

Ps 25

PS 25:1 Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
3 Yea, let none that wait on Thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
4 Shew me Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths.
5 Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day.
6 Remember, O LORD, Thy tender mercies and Thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to Thy mercy remember Thou me for Thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
8 Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will He teach sinners in the way.
9 The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will shew them His covenant.
15 Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn Thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring Thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in Thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on Thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.


And all that I will add to this is AMEN!

When life gives you lemons....

A comment was made by mere on her blog about me making lemonade out of the lemons life has been throwing my way. Of course that got me thinking lol.

So here is my study on lemons.

There are many different things you can make with lemons other then lemonade. Personally I don't like lemonade lol and since I get lots of lemons I learned a lot of different ways to use them.

Lemon chicken
Lemon on fish
Lemon bars
Lemon ice box pie
Lemon meringue pie
Lemon cake

Well you get the idea lol.

So what does the word say about turning our lemons (trials or tribulations) into something else?

Deut 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; 31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Jn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Ro 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience

Something made from the lemon! Patience !!

Want something really great made from lemons? How about:

Rev 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Now you have to admit that the crown of life is worth a few lemons in our life!!!!

So next time life hands you lemons, make something great out of them with God's help!

link to update for Alexis

please follow the link to Letters from Enfield Land for updated pictures of Alexis. For newbies here Alexis is my 8 year old granddaughter who has bells palsey.

You GOTTA see those pictures. They had me bawling!!!

An award !!!

Wow I got this from flipflopmom and the babblings of mere! How blessed I am ladies. And how humbled.
FlipFLopMom said :

Cajun Quilter!!-- She rocks because she is definitely a solid friend.. and someone I can always bounce things off of.. and she is a true woman of God.. and I feel blessed to have her in my life!! She is a true mentor.. she is honest.. she will tell you things with GRACE and will always pray about what comes off her tongue first.. a quality I HIGHLY LACK!! she's my southern mama!!! *Ü*

Had to lol at the southern mama, and yes I am your southern mama.

Mere said:

Cajun Quilter- You simply AMAZE me with all the lemonade you are making with the lemons life throws you. Your steadfast love of the Lord even in the midst of trouble and heartache is AWESOME!!

Both of you had me in tears btw. And it has taken me a long time to respond cause I just am not sure I deserve this honor :-).

I am supposed to bestow this on 5 deserving people. Well some of you will have it more then once lol.

Ok here are the ones I am giving it to:

http://happywife84.blogspot.com/ Daphne's Diary

This lady shows more love and compassion in her little finger then most people have in their whole body. While struggling with many serious health issues this incredible woman still takes care of her husband, 2 sons, her mom and dad, and helps her brother and sister-in-law raise their 4 small grandsons. This lady's heart has amazed me for years and I just hope she realizes the crown she is preparing for when she arrives with Jesus.


http://justaflipflopmom.blogspot.com/
flipflopmom

I know I shouldn't do this to you, but you are one of my closest, dearest friends even though we have never met in person. You are amazing in the love you have for others, especially the children God has put in your path. You show much grace and wisdom in your dealing with them, and with your own children. I love how you enjoy taking care of your family and everyone else that God sends your way. You and I share a heart for the old ways of homemaking and that is awesome to me.



http://www.laurelwreathsreflections.com/
Laurel Wreaths Reflections

This lady always blesses and challenges me when I read her blog. She is awesome in her love for God. I love her humor and her serious side both. They are well balanced and a blessing to me each time I have a few minutes to spend there.

http://lettersfromenfieldland.blogspot.com/
Letters From Enfield Land

Well now for this one I am prejudiced lol. This is my oldest daughter's blog. And since she lives 900 miles away from me, I always check to see if there are new photos of her family. She is the mom of our granddaughter with Bells Palsey and I am just so blessed by the things the Lord has shown her through this journey. She went from being terrified at first (as all of us were) to growing strong through this journey. She is an encourager to her young daughter and to me as her mom. I love you sweetie. I miss her family.

http://kay-memyselfandi.blogspot.com/
A Glimpse of My World

And last but not least is my youngest daughter. I love seeing the pictures that she takes and what she does with them. She wants to be a photographer and considering she is using very inexpensive cameras she takes awesome pictures. I know that she can do anything she sets her mind to as she is a very determined lady. I am so glad she has come back to Louisiana. I missed her alot.

So there are my 5. I just wish my middle daughter would start a blog lol. Then I could do more of these lol. Our middle daughter is equally awesome. Even though she doesn't have a blog I will tell you about her. She is a strong lady even though she probably doesn't think so. She has overcome much in her life and is a remarkable young woman because of it. She is always there if I need her (as are the others) and while she has an "attitude" lol she is very loving. She uses the attitude to hide her compassionate heart from the world.


Please know that each and every one of you touch my life in one way or another and I thank God for you each day.

Can you gossip if no one is around?

1 Chr 28:9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

Ps 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Mt 9:4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts?

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Is it possible to gossip when you are alone? Can you gossip with God? It says in these and other verses that God knows our thoughts. So my question to you is this...
is it possible if you have gossipy (i know that isn't a word lol) thoughts about someone and don't voice them, are you gossiping with God? Do you think He likes when you do that?

Lord please guard my thoughts.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Putting God First

Back in biblical times the family consisted of all the relatives. They were bound together as one unit. They cared what happened to each other. They were close to each other. They helped each other. Were there disagreements? Of course. But they worked through them. What happened to that unity? I haven't spoken to my sister (by her choice) in over 10 years. It breaks my heart every time I think about it. But there is nothing I can do about it. I have to wait for God to work on her heart and open it up to me again. The split between us came after I gave her a word the Lord gave me to tell her. As much as it grieves me to have the separation from her, the separation I would have from God had I not obeyed would be worse. I know God has a plan, and He will bring reconciliation when HE is ready.

So what does this have to do with putting God first? Well God has called us to put Him before everything and everyone in our lives. But what comes after? By His decree we are to put others in a certain order.

1 Cor 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

So what does it mean to us? Well first we should be seeking God first. Then our family should come next. First husband, then children, then extended family. Then and only then should we reach out to others. If we are not showing forth God to our family, immediate and extended, how can we show God to others? Has He called us to witness to others? Definitely. But don't you think when we stand before Him if we have pushed our family aside He won't hold us accountable? What does the world see when we have no time to minister to our own family and yet we try to tell them about God? Don't you think if they start reading the Word God has left us that they won't think we are hypocrites?

I pray He not find any of us to be hypocrites.

Who are you lifting up?

John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me

When you talk about Jesus to someone, who do you lift up? Him or yourself? Is it me, me, me or Him, Him, Him?

What Held Jesus to the Cross?

John 15:9 As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you; continue ye in My love.
15:10 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.
15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
15:12 This is My commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.
15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus' self sacrificial love held Him to the cross.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ, liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

Our sins held Christ to the cross. That was the purpose of the cross.

Is 53:4 Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquiteis: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
53:7 He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth.
53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of My people was He stricken.
53:9 And He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death; because He had done no violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth.
53:10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He hath put Him to grief: when thou shalt make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
53:11 He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; for He shall bear their iniquities.
53:12 Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong: because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

It is God's amazing grace that held Him there. It held Him there till He paid the price in full.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, It is finished: and He bowed His head and gave up the ghost.

The new covenant started when He died.

Heb 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

So after all of that, here is my question for today. Does my life show how much I appreciate what Christ did for me on the cross? I pray it does.

My youngest daughter is coming home!!

I am so excited. My youngest daughter is coming home. I miss the two that are in other states. It is wonderful being able to go and meet my daughter that lives here for lunch often. Have them here for a meal, or go out to eat with them. I love having them close by, but then I miss the others. So when this daughter gets here tonight or early in the morning, I will just have one living out of state. Now if only they would decide to move here.

And the best thing? All but our oldest will be here for my birthday and our anniversary in a couple of weeks !!!

I am a happy happy camper. Thank you Jesus for bringing them home safely!

God Bless the USA

I should have put this in the post below but didn't think about it till after I posted it.

Freedom

Happy Fourth Of July!

First off I want to say to anyone in the military or a family/friend of anyone in the military, thank you and may God protect you and your family while you make this great sacrifice for our country.

Because this holiday is always associated with freedom, I woke with thoughts of our freedom that God provides.

Let's look at a few scriptures.

Jn 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou *, Ye shall be made free?
:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you *, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
:35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth * ever.
:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Did you notice that Jesus left no doubt in their minds how they could be made free? And He also left no doubt that they indeed were not free even though as Abraham's seed they thought they were? We as a nation are considered a "free" nation. But this clearly tells us that freedom is an individual thing when it comes to God. If we are in sin, we are a servant of sin according to Jesus' words above. And a servant is not free. Personally, I want to be a servant. Does that surprise or shock you? It shouldn't. I hope you want to be a servant also. I want to be a servant to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is where total freedom is. He says above you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free. Christ is the truth. And just like it says, if the Son makes you free you are free indeed.

Ro 8:2
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Ah Lord, make me your servant for life.

Are your tools ready?

There are necessary tools for any job you have to do. As a homemaker we have a washer, dryer, crockpot, pots, mops, well you get the idea.

God has given us tools also to do our job as a believer.

Faith is one of those tools.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.
:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

The word of God is a tool He has given us.

Faith and the word go hand in hand.

Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Are you mixing the word of God with the faith He has given you?

God has equipped us to be able to do whatever He has called us to do. Feel unequipped for what you are doing? Is He still preparing you? Or is it possible that you are trying to do something under your own power instead of under His power? Is it something He has called you to do, or something you think is a good thing to do that maybe isn't His will for you right now? You know even good things that we do, sometimes are out of His will for us at that time. It doesn't necessarily mean it is a bad thing to do, just not what He has for us right then. He promises to prepare you to do what HE wants you to do, not necessarily what YOU want to do. Seek Him, ask if what you are struggling to do is His will for you . If it is, He will help you do it. If not, He will show you that too.

Other tools He has given us include, but not limited to are:

prayer
truth
righteousness
gospel of peace
faith
salvation
sword of spirit

Am I using the tools He has given me?

Are you?

Uprightness of heart

This is gonna be very short today.

Want to praise God with uprightness of heart? Here is the answer.


Ps 119:7

I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgments.


We must study the word of God if we want to praise Him with an upright heart.

Uprightness means what is right, what is due.

New Photos of Alexis

The top photo is from today. I am not sure when the bottom was taken.

Update on Alexis

I just got off the phone with daugher and granddaughter. Alexis (granddaughter) is having faster recovery with the second side of her face then the first. Daughter will send me updated pictures when they return from vacation. Praising God and doing the happy dance.

Such a time as this

With all that has been going on lately I started thinking about Esther, Joseph, Moses, and a few others.

God has put me right where I am right now for just such a time as this. And He has put YOU in the exact place you are right now. Are you experiencing battles, joys, good times, bad times, easy times, difficult times? God has been preparing you for all of what you are dealing with or going through right now. God is not surprised by the circumstance or situation you are in. Don't be discouraged, be blessed that nothing takes God by surprise.

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Think about Moses and all that he went through while God prepared him to lead the people out of Egypt.

Think of Joseph, he was sold by his brothers, thrown in jail for something he didn't do, and then although he was promised by someone he helped, that they would remember him when they were let out of jail, they forgot about him for 2 more years. Now I know that had God finished preparing him or had the time been right, they would not have forgotten to mention him. But it wasn't yet "such a time as this".

So, rejoice along with me that whatever you are dealing with good or bad right now in your life, that God has prepared you, or is in the process of preparing you for "such a time as this".

Sleep

During the last week or so I haven't been able to fall asleep very easily. For awhile now I wake often during the night. A couple of nights ago I was not able to fall asleep, so I got online and a friend was there that couldn't sleep either so we chatted for a little while. About a week ago another friend called for prayer because of night terrors. Because of all of this I decided to see what the Lord has to say about sleep and rest.

Both of these ladies read my blog so I am praying that something I find will help each of us to get the restful sleep God has for us.

Ps 121:4 Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Well that is good news. He is always available.

Ps 121;3 He shall not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

He will take care of me even while I sleep.

1 Kings 3:5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.

God speaks to us sometimes through our dreams.

Ps 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Here is a reassurance that He will keep me safe as I sleep.

Ps 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so He giveth His beloved sleep.

There is a dear sweet lady I got to know through her writings. She made a vow to God many years ago to rise early and spend time with the Lord. For awhile after reading about all the blessings she received from doing that I decided I too would rise very early for my quiet time. I struggled for awhile trying to train myself to do it, but you know what? God made us each differently. I am not an early riser. If I do get up that early, I struggle all day physically and mentally. For awhile I felt horrible that I was failing God by not rising early to spend precious time with Him. Then one day He made me realize that what time of day or night I do it isn't important, what is important is that I DO it. That brought me sweet release from the condemnation I had let the devil put me under. Do I still read her writings? Oh definitely, but I no longer judge my worth to God by what she does or doesn't do differently from me. I judge my worth to God by how well I obey Him.

There are places in the word that use sleep in a spiritual sense but sine we are having trouble with physical sleep I focused on those uses.

Ex 33:14 And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give you rest.

Our rest comes from God. I hope this gives us rest tonight.

Through

How many times did God bring His people through places, circumstances, situations? The bible is full of scripture showing that very thing.

Here are a few I found this morning.

De 8:15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; Who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint:

Sounds like the conditions were awful, yet God brought them through.

Ps 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

Through the valley, they weren't left there.

Ps 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that shall tread down our enemies.

I don't have to do it, He will.

Is 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Feel like you are drowning? Feel like the flames are getting close?

He says He will bring me through to the other side. My part is to trust Him and let Him do it. Oh, and did I mention that since I am made of flesh that is the hard part?

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Listen to the song I posted below this. It is a very powerful reminder.

Through the Fire by the Crabb Family

Temperance

This is my final study on Fruit of the Spirit. At least for now lol.

Here is one definition I found.
Virtue, the practice of moderation.

There are only a couple of places in KJ that temperance is used.

2 Pet 1:6 And to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.

You can see it is listed above with alot of good things we should seek after.

Here I searched for moderation and this is what I found.

Phil 4:5 Let your moderatioin be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Even though there is not alot said, it is clear the Lord thought it was important to include in His word.

Meekness

Most people today don't see meekness as a virtue as it was in bible times. Newer bible translations use gentleness or humility in its place. People today think meekness means weakness, when actually it takes a strong person to be meek.

Meekness is an active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that should be seen as only a part of a larger picture. It is not a resignation to fate, or submission to events.

It takes a very strong person to show meekness. It requires you to persevere without giving up in a situation you have no control over.

There are only 14 verse in the KJV where the actual word meekness is used. There are more that use just meek.

Jesus describes Himself here as meek.

Mt 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Mt 21:5 Tell ye the daughters of Sion, Behold thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon a donkey, and a colt the foal of a donkey.

Here Jesus is described by Paul.

2 Cor 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you.

Here it says the meek will be satisfied.

Ps 22:26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live for ever.

And of course everyone can quote Mt 5:5 Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth.

Well next on the list is temperance and that will finish up this study. I will be praying to see what I study next.

Faith

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

I didn't look up a definition for faith because one is provided right here in God's word. Once we have the thing we are believing for it is no longer faith.

Mk 11:22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God.

He doesn't say faith in a man, or men. He says in God.

Want more faith? Here is the answer.

Lu 17:5 And the apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith.

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think: but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

You have received the measure of faith. It contains enough faith for you to believe in Jesus for salvation, and anything else you need. But you must exercise your faith, and your requests must line up with the word of God.

1 Cor 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

It doesn't matter what men think, it matters what God can do.

2 Cor 5:7 (for we walk by faith, not by sight)

Haven't received whatever it is you are exercising your faith for? Does it line up with the word of God? Then remember and stand on 2 Cor 5:7.

Getting fiery darts shot at you?

Eph 6:16 Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith you SHALL be able to quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked.

It doesn't say you may be able to, or even that you will be able to quench some. It says you WILL quench ALL of them.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

It takes faith to believe in God.

Feel like your faith is being tried? I do.

Ja 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Think nothing is required of you?

Ja 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Do I think you have to do something other then ask Christ for salvation? No, but I think if you are saved you should have a desire to do something for the Lord even if it is just to tell others when given the opportunity about Him, or to take care of your family as He has called you to do.

What is the end result of our faith?

1 Pet 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised).

Without wavering means not doubting.

There are so many scriptures about faith, I read them all, over 200. And chose just a few to share here.

I pray that at the end of my life it can be said of me ...

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live: yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

The post below has a song about Gal 2:20. Listen to it, you will be blessed.

Crucified with Christ

Goodness

Ps 34:8 O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.

Ps 86:5 For Thou, Lord art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee.

In these two verses, (there are many more), God's goodness is praised. He is not only good in general, but He is good to us.

Ps 145:9 The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are all over His works.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

His goodness helps us to find repentance, which leads us to salvation.

For us, goodness involves right or "good" behavior. It appears as kindness sometimes. It avoids evil.

The choice between good and evil has been around since the Garden of Eden.

Is 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Mt 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

What will you choose moment by moment today? Good or evil? If you really think about it you will see that it really is a moment by moment decision. Every choice you make has a chance to choose good or evil.

Lord help us to choose only good.

The Warrior is a Child/Do I Trust You Lord

These songs speak volumes about my life this week.

Gentleness

I hope this is clear this morning. I am really having a time with my allergies.

First off here is one definition I found - Sensitivity of disposition and kindness of behavior, founded on strength and prompted by love.

Today I am using the NKJV for scriptures.

1 Cor 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness.

The verses before this, he says that some he is writing to are puffed up. He wants to come to them in love and gentleness, but first they must get right with God.

Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.

Isn't it something how alot of times more then one fruit of the Spirit is mentioned together? That is cause they go together so well. It is one Spirit.

Phil 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

Here we are told to be gentle with everyone. Not just those that it is easy to be gentle with, or that our flesh wants to be gentle towards.

Well, usually whatever I am studying the Lord brings me through a situation where I get to "use" the study, I wonder what is in store for me today? :-) I do know that no matter what it is or how I feel, He will teach me something I need to learn, and that HE will bring me through it. I have His word on that.

Longsuffering

This word for longsuffering is used only 14 times. It is translated longsuffering 12 times and patience twice. There are other words translated patience.

Here is the definition of longsuffering: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.

The NIV says slow to anger in its place sometimes.

Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to shew His wrath, and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.

If God gave each of us what we deserved, He would destroy us.

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called,
:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

We are called to be longsuffering with one another. This is what I am struggling with today. UGH

It always amazes me, though it shouldn't, that God always allows situations in my life that go along with whatever He has me studying. Yesterday I studied peace, and was seeking it most of the day. Today has me dealing with longsuffering with someone.

Col 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Well let me just tell you that I need prayer to be joyful in my longsuffering today. It is not coming easily, but it should.

Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering
:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Verse 12 starts with put on. That means it is my choice.

1 Tim 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.

Jesus uses the longsuffering He shows me as an example to those who will follow Him. I should always be careful in all things in my life and remember that others may be watching that He is drawing to Him. I must walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Heb 6:12 That ye may be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Here it is translated patience.

Lord, help me to be patient and endure.

Peace

What an appropriate word for me today. I feel unsettled today. Guess why this one is next in line. God's timing is always perfect.

I have done a little housekeeping this morning and some hand piecing on a quilt all while listening to my MP3 player full of praise and worship songs. For any of you who would love an IPOD but can't afford it, this small MP3 player was about $40 at Wal-mart and works great. It works like an IPOD without all the bells and whistles.

Ok here is my study for today.

Num 25:12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace.

Covenant means divine ordinance. That is pretty powerful.

Is 54:10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

Here it shows some of what is required of us to have peace.

Lev 26:3 If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them;
Lev 26:6 And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Another requirement:

Is 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.

This is why I have been filling my thoughts with praise and worship music today.

2 Thess 3:16 Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

It was prophesied that Jesus would give us peace.

Is 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Our peace comes through our faith in Jesus and His work on the cross.

Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 2:14 For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.

Col 1:20 And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things on earth, or things in heaven.

Is 32:18 And My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

This is what I am standing on today:

Jn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Joy

Next on the list is joy.

We can have joy in so many things.

Our marriage should bring us joy.

Pr 5:18 Let thy fountain be blessed and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.

Our children should bring us joy.

Ps 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.

Our salvation and God's love for us should bring us tremendous joy.

Ps 32:11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.

His joy is our strength.

Ne 8:10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry: for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

We should have joy that we live in a place where we are free to worship God.

Ps 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

We should even find joy in our trials and temptations.

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

When we are persecuted because of our beliefs we should have joy.

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name.

Our faith should bring us joy. Even in our trials we know we are not alone. Can you imagine going through some of the trials the Lord has brought you through without the knowledge that He is with you and will never leave you? That should bring you joy.

Phil 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith.

This is how Romans describes the Kingdom of God.

Rom 14:17 For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

And what about this as a source of joy:

Lk 10:20 Notwithstanding in rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Now that should bring you joy today. I know it does me.

Love

This is the first thing mentioned in Gal 5:22 about the fruits of the Spirit.

1 Cor 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, those three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Other versions replace charity with the word love.

1 Jn 4:8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love.

He doesn't merely love, God IS love.

Jn 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth; and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

Jn 17:23 I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them as Thou has loved Me.

God loves us as He loved Jesus! It has to be true, cause Jesus said it was! Now if that doesn't put a song in your heart and a smile on your face, I don't know what will.

Jn 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Because God loves Jesus, He made His will known to Him. Because He loves us, He will make His will for our life known to us if we seek Him with our whole heart. Because Jesus loved God, He was obedient and submitted to God's will for His life. Are you (and I) willing to do the same?

Lk 22:42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done.

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Jn 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

No one "took" Jesus' life. He willingly gave it because He loved us. And He did it even though we didn't deserve it. We were sinners.

Ez 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

He loves us and doesn't want us to perish.

Where does our love come from?

1 Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God, and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

This indicates we have a choice to make about remaining in God's love.

This comes from the NIV translation:

1 Cor 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
:3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
:5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
:6 Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
:7 It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.
:8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

As you can see from these verses, the fruit of the Spirit is in direct opposition to the works stemming from the flesh.

Well this is long enough. But there is so much in the word about love it was hard to stop digging a little deeper.

Love to all of you, and hugs to anyone who read to the end.