Posts
I would like to offer an open forum to share about God. Many have been invited to this website who are all in various stages of their walk with Christ. Some do not know the Lord but are becoming open to discussion. My prayer for this site is that everyone has an opportunity to grow closer to God here. I hope that some of my friends in Christ who visit this website will be a help in prayer and encouragement through scripture for others who come with questions and concerns about who Christ is and what He did for us.
I also want to hear your stories about how God is working in your life. Share something God has taught you lately or what you are asking God to help you with. How can we pray for you? Are you lacking peace in an area in your life? Is there questions you have or do you need help in an area that you don’t want anyone to know your situation? We are sometimes ashamed or embarrassed to share with someone we know so we keep things inside and try to go it alone. See if God can help you find the support you need through this site where you can open up and remain anonymous if you wish.
At the end of your post, I ask that you label yourself in the stage you are in on your walk. I think it will help everyone to have an understanding on how to relate to you. Sign out using one of these symbols (zero, dash, or plus sign): 0 - +
0= I do not believe in God.
-= I may believe in God but I’m not sure yet. I have not accepted Jesus into my heart.
+= The cross says I know Jesus as my personal savior.
Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted.
~ Isaaiah 12:3
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
How Tame is Your Tongue?
How Tame is Your Tongue
Do you know when to rebuke or when to be silent? When you do know you should be silent, do you rebuke anyway? When you know you should rebuke, can you will your tongue to speak out even if it could cause conflict? The Lord’s Truth is not always popular sometimes even among fellow believers. “For the word of God is living and powerful, ad sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and morrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Be one who people can rely on to give wise truth. Do not be one with a flattering tongue but one who breathes God’s love and truth. “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” Proverbs 28:23 Every conversation you have should be being applied to your knowledge of scripture. Do comfort your loved ones but do it in truth. Seek God’s guidance and pray for his wisdom. If you don’t know what to say or if you don’t know the answer, be silent and listen. Let them know you will pray for them and make sure you follow through. Get back to them if the Holy Spirit leads you to a passage that can be applied to that person’s circumstances.
What an amazing comfort that is to know that the answers to all we face is given to us in scripture. It isn’t up to us to bring comfort and to say the perfect thing, Jesus has taken care of all that for us. Do not counsel with your own wisdom. We aren’t wise but the Father is. Let your way of comfort be that all of the answers we seek are in the Holy Bible and if we surrender all of our problems there is peace and joy in our Father’s everlasting love.
What if a fellow believer is not asking for advice but is close to you and you witness ways that he or she is slipping away from God’s doctrine. If you are bringing matters to light in the love of Christ than you are living out God’s word. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season; Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. In no way should your offering correction be for any kind of personal gain, not pride, greed, or self-righteousness. 1 John 3:18 let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
We have no control over how our rebuke is received. That is up to our friend whom we are speaking. Proverbs 15:31-32 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
What kind of friend are you? Are you a flatterer or do you speak God’s truth even if you may lose a friend? Is the loss of a friendship worth an opportunity to help a friend grow spiritually? Have you taken heed to rebuke or been angered by somebody bringing a shortfall to light? Do you need to rethink a circumstance where somebody brought you to anger when they were only presenting the truth? Maybe you weren’t angry with that person but at yourself.
Do you know when to rebuke or when to be silent? When you do know you should be silent, do you rebuke anyway? When you know you should rebuke, can you will your tongue to speak out even if it could cause conflict? The Lord’s Truth is not always popular sometimes even among fellow believers. “For the word of God is living and powerful, ad sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and morrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Be one who people can rely on to give wise truth. Do not be one with a flattering tongue but one who breathes God’s love and truth. “He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor than he who has a flattering tongue.” Proverbs 28:23 Every conversation you have should be being applied to your knowledge of scripture. Do comfort your loved ones but do it in truth. Seek God’s guidance and pray for his wisdom. If you don’t know what to say or if you don’t know the answer, be silent and listen. Let them know you will pray for them and make sure you follow through. Get back to them if the Holy Spirit leads you to a passage that can be applied to that person’s circumstances.
What an amazing comfort that is to know that the answers to all we face is given to us in scripture. It isn’t up to us to bring comfort and to say the perfect thing, Jesus has taken care of all that for us. Do not counsel with your own wisdom. We aren’t wise but the Father is. Let your way of comfort be that all of the answers we seek are in the Holy Bible and if we surrender all of our problems there is peace and joy in our Father’s everlasting love.
What if a fellow believer is not asking for advice but is close to you and you witness ways that he or she is slipping away from God’s doctrine. If you are bringing matters to light in the love of Christ than you are living out God’s word. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season; Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. In no way should your offering correction be for any kind of personal gain, not pride, greed, or self-righteousness. 1 John 3:18 let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
We have no control over how our rebuke is received. That is up to our friend whom we are speaking. Proverbs 15:31-32 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
What kind of friend are you? Are you a flatterer or do you speak God’s truth even if you may lose a friend? Is the loss of a friendship worth an opportunity to help a friend grow spiritually? Have you taken heed to rebuke or been angered by somebody bringing a shortfall to light? Do you need to rethink a circumstance where somebody brought you to anger when they were only presenting the truth? Maybe you weren’t angry with that person but at yourself.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
How to Accept Jesus as Your Savior
You are getting ready to experience the love that you’ve been searching for all of your life. That hole in your heart you’ve been trying to fill is about to be overflowing. The feeling of just existing on earth is about to give way to purpose. How do I know all of this about you? All people who have not accepted Jesus as their Savior live their lives this way. There is no peace or love without Jesus.
You must understand that God created you. You aren’t here accidentally in any way. God created every little fingerprint and hair on your head. He designed you to be unique and he has a purpose for you. He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Without Jesus, we never could have been made worthy of God’s presence in heaven. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice to cover all of our sins. Do you know you are a sinner? Admit it, out loud. “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Now that you’ve confessed your sins, ask for forgiveness. No sin is too great and no number is too many. Leave them all at the foot of the cross and ask Jesus to save you from them. Ask Him to come into your heart and life as your Savior. Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Once you’ve accepted Jesus into your heart, you need to share with somebody. Tell someone that you have been saved. Find a church to attend where you can fellowship. Most importantly, begin reading your Bible. You cannot grow spiritually, without the knowledge of the Word so dive in. Pray constantly. Begin a conversation with God that never ends. Begin in Matthew, the first book of the gospels. This explains of the coming of Jesus, the persecution of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the rising from the grave of Jesus.
Ephesians 5:8-10
…walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and the truth. Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Let me know if I can help direct you in any way with a church, good study Bible, any questions at all I will do my best to help you find the answers. Please keep me posted on your progress.
You must understand that God created you. You aren’t here accidentally in any way. God created every little fingerprint and hair on your head. He designed you to be unique and he has a purpose for you. He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for you. “For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” Without Jesus, we never could have been made worthy of God’s presence in heaven. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice to cover all of our sins. Do you know you are a sinner? Admit it, out loud. “For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.” Romans 3:23
Now that you’ve confessed your sins, ask for forgiveness. No sin is too great and no number is too many. Leave them all at the foot of the cross and ask Jesus to save you from them. Ask Him to come into your heart and life as your Savior. Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Once you’ve accepted Jesus into your heart, you need to share with somebody. Tell someone that you have been saved. Find a church to attend where you can fellowship. Most importantly, begin reading your Bible. You cannot grow spiritually, without the knowledge of the Word so dive in. Pray constantly. Begin a conversation with God that never ends. Begin in Matthew, the first book of the gospels. This explains of the coming of Jesus, the persecution of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the rising from the grave of Jesus.
Ephesians 5:8-10
…walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and the truth. Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
Let me know if I can help direct you in any way with a church, good study Bible, any questions at all I will do my best to help you find the answers. Please keep me posted on your progress.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Father, Hear Me
FATHER, HEAR ME
How long must I wait
How much can I take
I’ve stayed strong in my faith
Through these trials I’ve faced
But there is no finish in sight
No morning to my night
I long to receive your grace
How long will you hide your face
Have I lost favor in your eyes
Must I wait till my flesh dies
Before you fulfill the desires of my heart
And mend the pieces of me that are falling apart
As I endure for your name’s sake
Comfort me
As I fight Satan in this battle
Strengthen me
As darts of temptation are fired
Shield me
Dress me in the whole armor of God, Oh Lord
And let me bring you glory
Do not let this take too long, Father
Oh, grace me with your mercy
I humble myself before thee
Knowing that I am not worthy
I don’t deserve what I ask for
Still I ask for more
With your Holy Word
Convict me
With your merciful heart
Forgive me
With your saving grace
Save me
All is chasing the wind without You
But all is possible with You
I hope to bring you victory
But fear I don’t have it in me
Rescue me from this storm
I am tired and I am worn
I continue to endure
But for how long, I am not sure
Be Thou near me
Oh Father I cry out
HEAR ME
How long must I wait
How much can I take
I’ve stayed strong in my faith
Through these trials I’ve faced
But there is no finish in sight
No morning to my night
I long to receive your grace
How long will you hide your face
Have I lost favor in your eyes
Must I wait till my flesh dies
Before you fulfill the desires of my heart
And mend the pieces of me that are falling apart
As I endure for your name’s sake
Comfort me
As I fight Satan in this battle
Strengthen me
As darts of temptation are fired
Shield me
Dress me in the whole armor of God, Oh Lord
And let me bring you glory
Do not let this take too long, Father
Oh, grace me with your mercy
I humble myself before thee
Knowing that I am not worthy
I don’t deserve what I ask for
Still I ask for more
With your Holy Word
Convict me
With your merciful heart
Forgive me
With your saving grace
Save me
All is chasing the wind without You
But all is possible with You
I hope to bring you victory
But fear I don’t have it in me
Rescue me from this storm
I am tired and I am worn
I continue to endure
But for how long, I am not sure
Be Thou near me
Oh Father I cry out
HEAR ME
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Be Careful What you Pray For
Be Careful What you Pray For
1 Timothy 6:11
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
In order to be a good Christian, there are certain qualities that we aim to possess. We pray for knowledge, patience, love, faith, etc… Have you ever really studied how God answers our prayers as we ask to be better Christians? Sometimes, we may ask for something and He grants us that something as simple as that. Other times, it’s not so easy.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
For in much wisdom is much grief; And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Solomon tells us how we must grieve to become wise and have sorrow to gain knowledge. God normally does not just snap and make us smart. He shows us how to make good decisions. He teaches us often through trials.
Ecclesiastes 1:18
For in much wisdom is much grief; And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Solomon tells us how we must grieve to become wise and have sorrow to gain knowledge. God normally does not just snap and make us smart. He shows us how to make good decisions. He teaches us often through trials.
Hebrews 12:11
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
I’ve been looking back on some of the recent events in my life and remembering what I had been praying for. I’m learning that God really has been answering my prayers even if it wasn’t perfectly clear to me while it was taking place.
The Lord blessed me with a child which was an answer to prayer. I had prayed that God would give me the patience, knowledge, love, and biblical knowhow to raise my child for God’s glory. I prayed God would strengthen me as a warrior to fight His battles on earth and bring him glory in spiritual warfare. (Be prepared on that one.) The more I learned, the more I felt I wanted to put on the armor of God and bring Him as many victories as I could.
Here’s what God did…
Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
I’ve been looking back on some of the recent events in my life and remembering what I had been praying for. I’m learning that God really has been answering my prayers even if it wasn’t perfectly clear to me while it was taking place.
The Lord blessed me with a child which was an answer to prayer. I had prayed that God would give me the patience, knowledge, love, and biblical knowhow to raise my child for God’s glory. I prayed God would strengthen me as a warrior to fight His battles on earth and bring him glory in spiritual warfare. (Be prepared on that one.) The more I learned, the more I felt I wanted to put on the armor of God and bring Him as many victories as I could.
Here’s what God did…
He placed it on my heart to work inside of my home. He led me through scripture showing me that working outside of my home was following the ways of the world and my place was serving Him in my home. He even gave me a revelation. He told me to follow in faith and leave my job telling me He would provide for my family. He gave me a deep love for my child, I never imagined having. Sounds great so far, right? Let me continue; He gave me a husband with a hardened heart toward me quitting work and following in faith. Instead, my husband is doing all he can to please me and get me working in my home. He is not ready to receive God’s guidance to follow in faith. He is much too practical. God has kept it on my heart to follow in faith and I’m still working at my job waiting “patiently” for my husband’s heart to change. Every day is a spiritual battle staying faithful to God and submitting to my husband.
Don’t be discouraged from praying. I would go through all of this over again to obtain the closeness I’ve been receiving with God. God is amazing and I love seeing Him so active in my life. I’m in the middle of a spiritual battle keeping strong in faith, learning patience as I wait for God to soften my husband’s heart, receiving knowledge as I drown myself in scripture and increasing my love each day for my child making all of this more difficult to endure. Yet, I still say BRING IT ON! I welcome trials from my Father and I’m finding joy in His teachings that will continue to build and grow throughout my life on earth.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Psalm 24:4-5 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths, Lead me in your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Revelations 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
Psalm 24:4-5 Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths, Lead me in your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day.
Revelations 3:10 Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.
Has God answered your prayers in a way you wouldn't have expected?
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