OBSERVATION ON OPINIONS AND ADVICE

Observation - 99.9% of people do not want and will ultimately not take the advice or guidance they ask for. What they are really looking for is agreement and praise. Maybe, if each individual could be more honest about what they want, what they get would be less likely to be taken offensively.

It is also possible that many take their own opinion or advice as too valuable.
The interesting thing is that on the whole, advice given to others is usually not applied to ones self. For example: A gentleman gave one of my sons the advice, more than once, to write a business plan. Later, I heard the same man tell my other son that he (the man) often didn't have a plan, or when he did, didn't follow it.

My Prayer - Lord, help me to be perceptive to what other people really want/need, regardless of what they say. Help me to contain myself from trying to help where my help is not wanted. Help me to encourage the way the person needs encouragement and not just be fulfilling my own needs. Help me to be honest with myself and with others about what I am seeking from them as well. Open my eyes, ears and heart Lord that I act as you would in every situation. In Jesus name I ask this. Amen.

HOW DO WE KNOW IT'S FALSE

2 Peter 2:1 (NIV)
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.

A great pastor said not too long ago that these people will be dressed like us, they will talk like us, they will appear to live their lives like us. Some will even believe they are Christians because they have become such great imitators that they have even fooled themselves.
They will however give themselves away! It may be ever so slightly, but by staying in the Word of God, we will always recognize the truth. Don't rush to judge, that is not why I write this today. The reason is simply this: that you might evaluate your own life based on the scriptures. In doing that, have you fooled yourself? Did you truly come to a saving knowledge of the grace that Jesus Christ has brought into this world, did you repent and when He called you to Himself? Or, did you come to church?
This may be the last day that you will ever have to answer this question. Please be sure you are answering it correctly.

FRUIT ANYONE?

When others look at you, can they even tell you are a Christian? In an attempt to be like everyone else do you cover up what should be the most important person in your life? Do you even consider Jesus Christ a person?
The Bible tells us that we will be known by our fruits. If someone described you in the term of fruit like you eat, would you be a fruit salad or one little blue berry?
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
By only showing one of these we qualify for the one little blue berry status. We should all be fruit salads when it comes to living our lives for the Lord. Pray that He will draw your attention to the fruits you are leaving out of your salad of life!

Until He Comes or until I go,
Nikki

JUST DO IT!

My sister used to tell me that she thought I would argue with God! It always hurt my feelings that she would say such a thing.(She probably thinks she still knows me that well.) The awful part is that in my lifetime I actually have from time to time argued even with God. I guess we all want things our way, but when we become Christians we are suppose to want it our Father's way.
How many times have you said to your kids, 'Don't argue with me, just do what I tell you to do!"
I know I did. Guess what, our heavenly Father has given us the same instruction.
Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life - in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
Let's put on the attitude God requires of us and remember that whatever we have to do today that we will do it as for the Lord without complaint or arguing!

Until He Comes or until I go,
Nikki

HARD PILL TO SWALLOW

When I was a young person I had a very quick temper. No one at that period wanted to cross me because they knew anger would fly like fur in a cat fight. I had that quick temper until one day I prayed that God would take it from me. I have jokingly said that after that he made me a little slow on the uptake of recognizing insult until I was away from the situation and could listen to Him before I responded. If we allow feelings to be in charge we will always react wrongly.
1Thessalonians 5:15 (NIV) says: Make sure nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and everyone else.
Thanksgiving is two days away and we are going to be seeing a lot of people, some family, and some friends and acquaintances. People are going to talk and we are going to be listening. It can be wonderful or we can take things the wrong way (maybe even the way they were intended and just respond the wrong way) or we can do as the Word of God says and be kind.

ARE YOU A CONTENDER?

I don't know about you but there are many times that I falter for just a moment and have to stop and evaluate whether I should maybe soft pedal who I am. Anyone who knows me well knows that I always sign off my emails 'Until He Comes or until I go'. As it turned out the other day I was working on a job bid on the internet and I got to the signature and froze. The question was, do I, to this big company who did not know anything about me, sign off in my usual manner or do I make exception in an effort to get the bid?
It was suddenly as if God was asking me, 'Are you my contender or not?' The very question in that light emboldened me and I signed like I always do. If they don't want me as a Christian, then they don't want me.
A contender according to my desktop dictionary is (a) someone who struggles to surmount (b) someone who struggles in a competition or campaign in order to win or achieve, or (c) someone who asserts something in a position or an argument. Philipians 1:27-28(NIV) says this: Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved and that by God.
Are you a contender? As Christians we should be.
Are you a Christian? If not let me tell you about my Lord and Savior. You can email me at: NikkiASharp7577@gmail.com

CRACKED POTS

There are times when we get small glimpses of the plan. A scripture that gave me one of those glimpses this week is 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV) But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God, not from us.
If some people seem cracked when you look at their lives, God can use those cracks to reveal the light He has put inside.
The question then becomes, are the cracks in you life revealing God's light OR darkness, bitter goo and despair. Think about it!

IT JUST MAKES ME TIRED!

There are times when everything we do seems so tiring. That we are doing it all for nothing. I don't know anyone that hasn't felt this way. Right now with this economy and the world situations that are going on, I know a lot of people that feel it would be a lot easier to just give up, lay down and call it over.
My son has Rheumatoid Arthritis in his spine and large joints. He is 32 years old and won't be 33 until January. There are days like today when he literally screams out for God to help him and pleads that it would be easier if the Lord would take him home.
As a mother, you would take this pain on yourself if you could do it for your child, but it isn't an option. So, you pray, and continue through your day knowing that
the hope that sustains us when nothing else can is the same hope that the Apostle Paul wrote of in the books of Corinthians. It is the hope of our salvation, so we go on. .... I Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

NOT OURS TO REPAY

It is in man's carnal nature to take revenge for wrongs taken against him. The Bible teaches us however that we are to do what is right and leave repayment of our being wronged to God. Romans 12:17-21(NIV) Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Although this is a hard concept, when we learn it a new kind of peace comes over us. God's peace is so freeing if we will let it be.

EDUCATED IDIOTS!

I am sure you have heard it said about someone, "He was a wise man." Well maybe he was, but the question is how did he get that way. Was it experiences he learned from? Was it study in a higher institution?
My grandmother used to call some people 'educated idiots'. As a child that seemed an oxymoron, until I got older and actually met a few. Another quote of hers was that a person could learn a lot, but without 'common sense' it meant nothing; I've met a lot of people without that too!
The truth of the matter is that true wisdom is a gift of God and therefore something we can ask for in prayer. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV) says this: For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
We need to remember to ask the Lord for wisdom to be one of the gifts he bestows on the leaders of our country, of our states, of our churches, of our homes and for ourselves. Don't be an 'educated idiot', be a wise child of the Father that resides in Heaven.

WHAT IS YOUR TESTIMONY?

The definition of the word testimony according to my computers dictionary is: evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something.

While we can testify about all kinds of things God does for us even a lost person could do that. (The Bible says the rain falls on the just and unjust alike)

Our Christian testimony should actually be about the instant when we came into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord who then baptized us with the Holy Spirit.

In John 1:32-34(NIV) John the Baptist gave his testimony.
Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

What is your testimony?

2012 IS IT THE YEAR OF THE END?

Recently several books and a movie have come out about the Mayan calendar and the fact that it ends Dec 21, 2012. The authors would imply that it is the end of the world prediction. One analyst says that the Mayan calendar just rotates at that point and starts over. References are made to other early calendars such as the Aztecs.

Here are some other speculations of my own:

1.) The calendar maker got tired and quit.

2.) The calendar maker got old and died; no one wanted to chisel on rock for a living after that.

3.) The calendar maker ran out of space.

4.) The mayans ran out of virgins and children to sacrifice, knew the calendar maker had to be good for it since he had been chiseling for ever, so his head had to roll.

YES these are all silly speculations, but isn't anything we absolutely don't have in writing.

Matthew 24(NIV) gives us an overview of the End of the Age return of Christ and the end of life as we know it:


Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time.

"So if anyone tells you, 'There he is, out in the desert,' do not go out; or, 'Here he is, in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

"Immediately after the distress of those days
" 'the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.

"At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose that servant is wicked and says to himself, 'My master is staying away a long time,' and he then begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

It is in writing! He tells us what to watch for, not so we can know the day or the hour, but so that we might be diligent in our faith.

Does it matter when the end of the earth might come? Not really, our lives could end tomorrow on the highway. What matters is what we are doing with this day, this moment. Do you know Christ Jesus as the Savior of your soul? He is coming, are you ready for that return or will you be cut to pieces and assigned a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth?

I am on twitter, I will reply if you would like to talk about this.

WORDS MATTER!

My children, when younger would argue with me that words were just words and didn't mean anything unless we let them. Words, however, are the true window to who you are inside. The way you use them can build up another person, or destroy them.
My husband, when very small heard his mother say that he had not been wanted, that he was there as an accident. I don't believe for one moment that she intended those words to be harmful, she was merely sharing a life story and didn't think about the little boy playing near by. That one solitary statement hurt him so badly that it has stayed with him all of his life.
The Bible tells us about the tongue in James 3:9-12(NIV) With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Many times my Pastor has asked a congregation, "Who are you when no one else is around? Are you still the same person you are here this morning? Do you say, 'Praise the Lord', 'Hallelujah' and always ask the Lord's blessing on your food?"
Do you tell your children what a blessing they are to you, like you do Mrs. Jones that you don't even know at church. Do you say, "Well, bless your heart let's pray about it." when your spouse makes a blunder, like you did to the deacon that misjudged your intentions? Do you use the same four letter words on your family that you do on others, like love, or hugs, or kiss, or is it something else that comes forth like a gushing polluted river?
One misdirected word can change who you are to someone else forever. It can change the witness that we are called as Christians to be.
Words matter. Jesus was even called the Word of God. If God thinks of it as so important shouldn't we. Think on these words and take a close look through the window of your heart. What do you see, if it doesn't make you happy, lay it on the altar of sacrifice dear fellow Christian, (it's right there inside) and God will restore you through His Son Jesus the living Word of God.

WHAT' UP WITH THAT?

What's up with so many people at odds with each other of late. People who claim to be Christians. People who will quote scripture at you and turn around and gossip about you or a situation concerning you.

The scary thing is that now more than ever Christians need to unite and serve Christ. Instead we are letting worldly issues come between us. What's up with that? Can't we see the forest for the trees? That is exactly what the enemy would have us do. In some cases it makes me wonder about the proclamation of their salvation, (not all but some).

Colossians 3:12-17(NIV) teaches us this:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Don't tell me you are a Christian and talk behind my back. Don't tell me you love me and hurt me to the very quick. Don't drag my Savior into pettiness for your own gain. Why would you, how could you as a Christian? I mean what's up with that?

THE SOCIETY OF THE SELF ABSORBED

The definition of a narcissist is: Excessive self love; inordinate fascination with ones self.

The definition of an Altruist is: selflessness.

Those definitions being given, it is the opinion of this writer that we live in a narcissistic world. We are self absorbed. The prevalent condition in our society is to think mainly of self (self absorbed). Can you tell by the following list where you might fall?

1.)
Narcissist: Takes every statement made as a personal criticism
Altruist: Believes the best and always gives the benefit of the doubt if there is a question.

2.)
Narcissist: Thinks of what he (or she) wants to do on vacation, to eat for dinner, or movie to go
to.
Altruist: Asks what others want to do on vacation, to eat, or movie they would like to see.

3.)
Narcissist: Can't allow others an opinion. He (she) is just right because of who he (she) believe
themselves to be (which is always right).
Altruist: Will concede to a point even if they know for a fact they are right, to make another
feel good.

4.)
Narcissist: What others do or don't becomes about him (her).
Altruist: Thinks that there is always a reason for things and overlooks the greatest of
offenses.
5.)
Narcissist: The ultimate poor me person.
Altruist: The ultimate poor you person.

6.)
Narcissist: Asks what can you do for me?
Altruist: Asks what can I do for you?

7.)
Narcissist: Things that happen to those around him (her) or close to him (her) becomes more
about him (her) than it was about the person to which it happened.
Altruist: When things happen to those around them they try to fix the problem in every way
that brings peace to all.

I grew up in a home with one parent that leaned very heavily toward being a complete narcissist and one that leaned very heavily toward being a complete altruist. The one that was more narcissist had two parents that were narcissistic and the one that was altruist in nature had two that were very balanced between the two.

To be at peace a person needs to be balanced. Nothing is ALWAYS about you or anyone else. You cannot solve everyone else's problems. There is something you can do about both things.

The Bible teaches us in Philippians 4:4-7(NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

HEADLINE: MEN AND WOMEN AFFECTED BY SEVERE PMS

Most of you have heard of it and all have experienced the debilitating effects of PMS. Yes Poor Me Syndrome is spreading across the world like frogs in the Egyptian plagues of old.

Take me for instance! I am probably one of the most blessed women I have ever known, but have been suffering profusely from Poor Me Syndrome of late. Here are just two examples:

Last Friday we were getting ready to have a garage sale and my husband, through absolutely no malicious intent whatsoever, suggested we sell something that I had made in high school and my mother had gone to great lengths to keep for me. I immediately started to cry, but after a short prayer realized that it was just a thing after all and most likely fit into the category of a treasure laid up on this earth. BUT that is not the end of the story. You see later that day I continued to pine over the incident telling my daughter-in-law that NO ONE ever remembered anything that was just about me and swore her to secrecy about my feelings.

Monday morning arrived and my husband and I are sitting in the office with the radio on. A song came on that played on the first date (and only date) we had before we were married, he rose from the desk and said this is our song do you want to dance?

Now having stretched back out from the one inch size that brought me down to, brings us to last night.

I had been telling the same two people that I felt abandoned by all of my friends, and no one ever wanted to just get together and be with us. Now that was bad enough, but when it came to my prayer time, I told God basically the same thing and said, "God, if I have even one friend please let them contact me tomorrow." ARE YOU CRINGING YET?

Two thirty in the morning arrives and it is burning up in our bedroom. I ask my hubby if he wants to go in the office a while to cool down. So that is what we did and that is when things get started.

First I checked my email and a blog I usually look at about half way through the day by O.S. Hillman was already posted, so I went in to look at it. The reference to the scripture was about the story of the garden and Jesus asking His disciples (also known as his friends) to just stay up with Him while He prayed so they wouldn't fall into temptation (they fell asleep) Luke 22:41-46, one of the twelve betrayed Him unto death with a kiss Luke 22:48, then there was Peter denying Him three times Luke 22:55-62, and finally Jesus ultimately dying on the cross alone all who knew him and followed stood at a distance watching Luke 23:49.

It was as though the Lord were saying to me, who are you to gripe about ANYTHING? (He always makes me laugh and cry at the same time. So convicting and shows me my smallness too!)

These two incidents are maybe the smallest of all of the trials in my life right now, but because I was feeling sorry for myself, they had become monsters in my life. There are no sufferings or trials we have that Christ Himself did not suffer with the agony of all of us together. We cannot begin to perceive the depth of anxiety He must have felt.

What we can experience is the depth of His love and forgiveness daily. All we have to do is ask. By the way, a friend did get in touch early this morning and ask us to just come be with them for an evening. So when you are experiencing Poor Me Syndrome just remember GOD ANSWERS BEFORE WE EVEN ASK! PRAISE HIM TODAY AND FOREVER or the rocks will! Amen.

HONOR AND TRAINING

Have you noticed the disrespect that parents are treated with by many of the young people of our era? A friend said to me yesterday that she just wished she could be in the same room with her grandchildren for more than 10 minutes without wishing they would leave. When I asked why, she told me they were just rude.

God instructs us in Ephesians 6:1-4 (NIV) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth". Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

It seems a lot of parents today want their kids to know about the first part of this where they get honor, but do they recognize the part about not exasperating their children.

I looked up the word exasperate and this is what it said: to irritate intensely; infuriate.

Here is a list of was to exasperate your children:

1.) Telling them God's Word for their lives but not applying it to your own.
2.) Yelling about everything they do.
3.) Never giving them credit for being good.
4.) Not being the adult in a situation.
5.) Arguing with your child.
6.) Calling them names (that you would be offended if someone called you).
7.) Teasing beyond it being fun for them.
8.) Calling attention to their failures in front of other adults.
9.) Making promises you break (not just on good things, but even on punishments)
Matthew 5:37 Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
10.) Forgetting what they tell you.

The interesting thing is that none of us would take these things from someone else, but I have seen lots of parents do them to their children. Maybe, if we did not exasperate our children, they could grow up showing more honor and would thereby have a long enjoyable life on earth.

Think about it, pray about it. If the shoe fits, wear it, if not.......Praise God!

TOXIC WASTE

When my children were small, they heard frequently from me the term.."Trash in, trash out!" The term originated with the early computers and meant that what you put into the computer is what you were going to get out (still applies today)! The statement to my children was concerning the tv shows they watched, the books they read and even the people they would 'hang' with.
Today you can't turn on the tv, read most books on the shelves for the general public, or for that matter go out in public without hearing words that make you wonder what happened to polite society, let alone Christianity.
The Bible admonishes us in James 3:7-12 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bare figs? Neither then can a salt spring produce fresh water.
As Christians it is our responsibility to bear fruit, not just with our deeds, but with our words. If we are spewing toxic words from our mouths, we will put to waste our children, grandchildren and the children next door. We also put to waste our Christian witness; we insult the Lord that loved us enough to die to save us.
Consider your words today BEFORE you use them. Don't allow toxic waste to come out of your mouth, we have enough of it on the planet already!

ARE YOU AN A.H.?

Through the years I have met many professing Christian people who just can't let go of things, especially when it comes to being hurt by others. I have to admit at times I fit that category. These people can be called an A. H. Now before you get too offended, A.H. in my terminology stands for ANGER HOLDER (you thought it was something else didn't you?).
All throughout the Bible God reminds us that He is in charge of the retribution for those who harm us, but for some reason we can't let go of dwelling on even the smallest of offenses, let alone the really big ones. Each one of us can analyze why we do it until we are blue, but if we really look closely, a question arises:
DO YOU TRUST GOD?
Ok, I feel you bristling again... "Well of course I trust God!", you say.
What is trust? I looked it up for you:
(a) a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of someone or something
(b) acceptance without evidence or investigation.
Now think for a moment about the anger you are holding and I will ask you the question again, "Do you trust God?"
If your answer is yes than you must put your belief in the reliability, truth and strength of His Word, and yes with no evidence or investigation into the situation, you need to accept that God will take care of whatever you are willing to put into His hands.
The key word here is trust. The Word says in Proverbs 3:5-6 (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (6) acknowledge him in all your ways and He will direct your paths.
When we hold anger, we are working in our own understanding and acknowledging ourselves not Him.
So remember, if anyone accuses you today of being an A.H., tell them you are a child of God and you are trusting Him in whatever situation you come into.

DO YOU PLAY THE MARTYR GAME?

In this instance the definition of a martyr is a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort in order to obtain sympathy or admiration.

There are many of these people in the religion of Christianity who want everything they do to be seen, every piece of paper they pick up acknowledged, every deed they do for someone else spread far and wide, and everyone to say how great and wonderful they are.

Jesus covered this so many times in His words, but one I especially like is found in Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Our daily lives as Christians are to serve the Lord in all we do. Many of us think that what we do, whether at home, work or play is about us and what we do at church or on Sunday is about God. Do you tell others what you do for them, or what you did for someone else, or even boast of what you did today for God. The Bible tells us we have our reward already if we martyr. Wouldn't you rather have the reward that awaits from the giver of all that is good, Our Father in heaven? THINK ABOUT IT!

The scripture in this blog is only one of the examples Christ used in Matthew 6. Read the Chapter, you'll see what I mean!

EVERYONE IS DEALING WITH SOMETHING

Philippians 14:12-13 (NIV) I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I have had a very sore foot for about a week and a half. It is so sore I haven't been able to walk normally. Today walking through a store, limping, I started to moan and groan about the entire situation when around the corner of the isle came a wheelchair with a lady that more than likely from the looks of things has never walked. I immediately felt convicted of the sin in my heart of griping about my situation.

There is always someone who has it a lot worse than you do. If you look around you'll see them. I realized when I saw the lady that while I had prayed about my situation, I had not really given it to God. I would finish the prayer and then pick up my problem and leave with it.

The Lord will give His people the strength they need to make it through anything if we will just let Him.

The question really is why do we want to be so stubborn that we would prefer to handle it ourselves? Good question don't you think? Especially, when it should be a God question.

Are You Ready?

Matthew 24:3-8(NIV) As Jesus way sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?"
Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming I am the Christ, and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of war, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earth quakes in various place. All these are the beginning of birth pains."
I remember my mother telling me, "Don't worry, you will definitely know when the baby is coming." Anyone who has been in labor can tell you the same thing, when it is really time, you know it!
God has provided His infallible Word that we too might know. If you continue to read the text in Matthew 24, you will find that the pains of the labor are great and many won't make it through it at all. But consider this, what do you do when you know it is time to go to the hospital?
You make sure all of those you love know it too so they can come, because after the long ordeal of labor is over there will be a wonderful new life to celebrate.
Jesus told us to make disciples. Are we being good and faithful servants? Do your loved ones know of what is to come? Have they put their faith in Christ alone?
Have you?
If YOUR answer is no, let me hear from you. We will walk through the answers to all of your questions together. I love you and want you to celebrate one day with me in the Glory that is to come.

Black Ball?

When I was in Junior High and High School, I belonged to an organization that voted on their membership by placing white marbles into a box for a yes vote and black marbles for a no vote. Being a Christian and very optimistic the majority of the time I thought it a mere formality and we were always cautioned about the responsibility we had in casting a negative vote. The admonishment always went something like, "The only reason to ever cast a black marble was if we knew this person to be morally corrupt in some way." (Remember our age please.)

Much to the displeasure of our advisor and shock of the majority of us one young lady being voted on the year I was a senior was black balled by three voters. This had never happened before and we were all asked to leave the hall and the three voting negatively were asked to speak to the advisor privately within the next week at which time another vote would be taken.

I don't know what was said but I do know that whatever these young ladies decided they knew about this person was not what they claimed and when the vote was retaken there were no black marbles cast. For me it was a relief because I had come armed with Matthew 7:1-2 "Do not judge. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." I say relief because at the time I was not as bold for the Lord as I am today, but bold or not I would have stood in the gap for this young women who as far as I could tell was a Christian and had done nothing to deserve this type of contempt.

When we judge someone else's character we need to be so careful that what we say is truth (not just as we think, but as God so deems). Being judged with the same measure as we judge someone else is very serious, because it is God that does that judging and He has the advantage of knowing what is in our hearts. I would not want to stand in God's judgement for having misjudged someone else harshly or otherwise! In fact if we cannot say that we for certain know someone else's heart, we better leave it to God!

Matthew 6:14-15(NIV) For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Jesus spoke these word while telling the disciples how to pray. It makes not forgiving people very scary doesn't it?  The only way we can do it is to do it is through Christ Jesus. The last several years I have heard several people say they just couldn't forgive someone.  

     YOU MUST! Yes, even if they did it intentionally! Yes, even if they did it to your children or grandchildren! Yes, even if they were suppose to be your friends! It doesn't matter why, Jesus died so God  could forgive every single thing we ever did to sin against God, but many of us want to believe that it isn't the same thing. According to the scripture it is.

     With that said, if I have done anything to you, forgive me. Anything anyone has done to me, I forgive you and if you ask the Lord, He will forgive you as well. 

                                                              God Bless and have a great 4th of July

Praise from the heart!

My eldest son is the music minister at our church. I have to say that I used to be one of those people that thought if it did not come from the baptist hymnal, or you didn't have the score in front of you, it just wasn't church music. HOWEVER, all of that has changed through being led by someone that loves the Lord with all of his heart and encourages those at the church to sing from our hearts.

One of the favorites at our church is "The Heart of Worship"by Matt Redman. It was written truly to bring the church back to the heart of worship.

The wonderful thing is that worship begins with one person. YOU! God wants your praise not just your requests. He deserves it!

I could quote scripture all day on praising God and so probably could most of my readers, but the praise part of the worship becomes a fellowship with God when you share in the new praise and worship songs.

Reminders

Titus 1:5(NIV) The reason I left you in Crete was that you migh straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Do you ever find that you have to be reminded what the purpose in what you are doing is? Boy, I do. The problem is that most generally I am struggling so hard against not what God wants me to do, but how He wants it done, because I figured out a way on my own how to do the task that I have stopped listening. The sad thing is, I am usually exclaiming all through it that I KNOW God wants me to do this the way I am doing it. The next thing is yelling, "God, I thought you told me to do this." Then the answer, "No, I wanted to do it through you."

God wants to work through us. Your light that shines is the light of Christ. Don't rush out ahead or despair because you think you have been left behind. Read the word and LISTEN!

You Can Depend On It!

Don't we all have people that want to give us unasked for advise or tell us we are doing the wrong thing? I've always been amazed at how often this happens.

I have to admit before I continue that there have been times I have been very guilty of this kind of intrusion both on friends and family. You might say well me too, but my heart was in the right place (my excuse exactly).

In I Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV) it says: Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Just before these two verses they were admonishing the believers (brothers in Christ) that they love each other and to love each other more and more. God has really been dealing with me about the fact that to love does not include delving into the business of those we care about. If we really care we are there for them when they ask and give the help asked for if it is in your means to do so.

I've been thinking a lot lately about the measure with which you judge someone else. You know in Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV) Do not judge or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
The thing is that if we begin to talk about what is wrong with someone else (even the statement, that guy is really odd), we have to consider that someone out there is saying we are odd. A person should really think about what we say, if we gossip and even who we are mad at and why in consideration of this scripture.
The scripture will convict and that being said, the mere fact that I can't get this one out of my mind makes me realize I must really need to be thinking about it.
Do you have a scripture that has been revealing something about you to yourself? I would be interested in hearing about it.

Just Because It Looks Good Is No Indication!

Did you ever see a dessert at the front of a restaurant that looks just wonderful and told the waitress, I want that one not one from the kitchen, that one. She probably told you it was plastic! Likewise, in magazines the ice cream on top that never melts during the photo shoot is usually a lard.
People are often not what they appear to be. What about a skunk? It is gorgeous until you get a whiff of the little darling.
The same is true of various religions being promoted today and the thing is Christians are being fooled into believing things that are not true and even bringing those things into the church. I John 4:1-10(NIV)- tells us: Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowldge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Be careful who you believe, if you have a doubt open the Bible for yourself and see if what you are being told lines up with the Word of God. Don't just acept it because it looks good!

Don't Look Back

When I was a little girl my grandmother would tell me stories about her high school days. When I was in high school she told me stories about her high school days. When I was a young married my grandmother told me stories about her high school days. At some point I began to realize my grandmother somewhat lived in the past. (Don't get me wrong, she was my best friend and I loved her dearly.) It made me sad for her though that high school seemed to be a peak in her worldly existence.

As Christians many people never grow and become adults in their faith. They want to believe that they can just go back to their old way of life and it was great to become a Christian, and wasn't that quite an experienc. I Peter 1:13-15(NIV) says this: Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self controlled, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who call you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

We do not have a calling to live in our past life, we have been called out of it to repent, be saved and do the work Christ has asked of us. It is impossible to prepare your mind for action if you don't know where to look for the answers.

God has provided all of the answers in the sword of the Spirit, God's holy Word. The Word is the truth of Jesus Christ. Open your Bible today and find His revelations to you that you may be holy in him.

Asleep In Church, Asleep At The Wheel

When my children were little I never let them sleep in church. There was always the hope that something the pastor said would soak into their little heads. Sometimes they say things now that make me think it possibly did, however neither one became truly saved until adulthood.
Ephesians 5:13-14 says, But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Many are still asleep to the truth of the word of God, the dead spoken of here and many times over in the new testament is being spiritually dead. When we wake up to the calling of God by the Holy Spirit through salvation in Jesus Christ we hear, and see the word in a new light.
Have your eyes and ears been opened to the word or do you find yourself not wanting to hear it, read it or live it. If you find yourself in these words, perhaps you are asleep at the wheel of your life. Get to church and stay awake. Why? The Lord is calling! Listen and HE will tell you what to do.