I was blessed to have an article published by Christian Women Online. To read the article click here.
Posted in Published Articles | Tagged God, God will provide, heavenly husband, honor, marriage, Purity, single moms, Wedding | 2 Comments »
Hebrews 13:20-21
20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him,through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
All my life I have struggled with insecurities. I have never believed that I was good enough. I have never believed that I could do the job I was given to do. The truth is that I can’t do anything on my own. I don’t have the ability to succeed in anything in my own power. Without God in my life, I am completely powerless. I know that God is working behind the scenes to bring me into His full purpose for my life. I am scared because, on my own, I know I will fail. I will never be able to use my talents to glorify Him on my own.
I am so thankful for a Father, who wants us to communicate with Him and gives us the Bible to use as a guide when we don’t have the words. Sometimes, I simply don’t know what to pray and I find a verse or two in scripture to pray back to Him. Today, my prayer is from Hebrews 13:20-21:
Hear my prayer, God of peace and listen to the heart of your servant. I want more than anything else in this world to do your will and to serve full-time. Often, I don’t feel equipped for this calling on my life and I am terrified that I will fail and bring shame and disgrace to you, my heavenly Father. I only want to do YOUR will. I ask that you will equip me with everything good for doing YOUR will. Give me the skills needed to serve you through serving others. Give me the heart to look beneath the skin and see the heart of the person you love. Give me the patience and the strength to persevere when the going gets tough. Fill me with your love when I am called to wash the feet of one of your children. Use me. Send me. expand my territory. Work in me what is pleasing to you, that I may always seek to glorify your name. I ask this all in the name of my precious Savior Jesus. Amen.
I long for more of Jesus in my life. I long to be fully consumed by the Holy Spirit. Filled to overflowing with the love of Jesus. I surrender all I am, everything I have, my past, my present and my future to Him. I completely trust Him with my life. I am totally sold out and want nothing more than to live for my Jesus forever.
Posted in Prayer | Tagged A prayer, equip me, Gods will, sold out for Jesus, work in me | Leave a Comment »
Isaiah 48:10
See, I have refined you, though not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
When I read this verse, I am reminded of how a horseshoe is made.
Shaping
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Horseshoe manufacturing begins with cutting steel into appropriate-length bars. The length is determined by the type of horseshoe being made. This is based on the kind and size of the horse, and whether stance (also referred to as horse conformation) issues need to be addressed. The bars are then heated to between 2,200 degrees and 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, placed on a mold or horseshoe shape outline, and a machine bends them into the familiar U shape.
Forging
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Most manufacturers use drop forging to press the bent metal into a horseshoe. The metal is forced into the die or mold using a powered hammer that is dropped on the metal, and then exerts a tremendous amount of force to form the final shape. The amount and length of the applied pressure is monitored and determined by a forger who operates that particular piece of equipment.
Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_8783508_horseshoe-made.html
Just think about it…bars of steel are heated to between 2,200 degrees and 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit, placed on a mold, and then they are forced into their final shape by a machine that applies a tremendous amount of pressure to force the steel into the mold.
Sound familiar? We are those bars of steel that need to be bent into something that God can use. Sometimes the pressure God uses to bend us to His will can be uncomfortable or downright painful. He uses difficult circumstances or heartbreaking situations to mold us into a person who will glorify His name.
As a single mom, I have dealt with the fire of poverty for years now. I have struggled to pay the bills. I have felt the guilt over not being able to give my kids everything they want. I have never had the money to buy a newer, more reliable car, so I constantly worry about my vehicle breaking down. I am still in this situation. I am still being molded by this fire. I know what God wants from me, but it doesn’t make things any easier.
God is using my circumstances to mold me into a person who trusts HIM with every aspect of my life. I am a born worrier. I am working on this, though, because I want to glorify God with all of my heart. God wants me to be willing to step out in faith and surrender EVERYTHING I worry about to Him. Surrender my vehicle. Surrender my kids. Surrender my finances. My heavenly Father is getting me to the place where I am willing to let go of everything, believing that He will provide what we need. I really struggle with this. It is an every day battle, but I am growing in this area and I am learning every day to open my hand a little more and let go of what I can’t control. I have to have complete faith in the one who is in control: GOD. I’m a work in progress, but aren’t we all?
If God has placed you in the fire, there is a reason. He will not leave you there and you are not alone. Go to Him in prayer and ask Him what it is that you need to learn. Ask Him what heart issues need to be resolved before you can be that vessel that He can use. Then quiet your spirit and listen for the answer. Our loving Father will tell you what you need to know. Your situation is not hopeless. God is in control and ALWAYS will be. You WILL survive this and you will come out of it someone that God can use to glorify His name.
If you are in need of prayer or just need someone to talk to, contact me. I am here to walk through the fire with you. You are loved, my friend!
Posted in From My Heart | Tagged faith, molding my character, refined by fire | 4 Comments »
Hebrews 10:24,25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Matthew 22:37-40
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
In my previous post, I wrote about how the Church, as a whole needs to step outside of the church and minister to the communities surrounding their buildings. It will take more than that, though, to transform our communities. We, as Christians, need to see ourselves as true missionaries of God, and step outside of our homes and love our neighbors to Jesus.
I know how hard it can be to get involved with neighbors. We have jobs that drain our energy, leaving us with no time and to exhausted to meet the neighbors. Maybe, you find yourself worried about getting a door slammed in your face if you step out of your comfort zone. It could happen. That didn’t stop Jesus. He went all the way to the cross because of His love for us. He didn’t stop because of one door being slammed in His face. You know, most of the time, that person on the other side of the slammed door is the one who needs love and compassion the most. It may sting, but don’t give up.
I have listed 12 ways to meet the neighbors and build community. You may have to push through your exhaustion, make the time and step out of your comfort zone, but you can do this. You may be the only way one of your neighbors will learn about Jesus. Don’t let busyness or fear keep you from being a missionary in your own neighborhood.
12 ways to love your neighbors to Jesus:
1. Have a “get to know you” open house for the neighbors on your block. Go door to door to the neighbors on your block and invite them in person. Let them know how much you want them to come. Give them a handwritten invitation and a sincere welcome. This gives you a chance to get to know your neighbors in an informal setting and helps you “break the ice.”
2. Reach out by doing an intentional act of love once a week. Mow the lawn of an elderly neighbor, fix a meal for a sick neighbor, run an errand for a single mom. You get the idea. Keep your eyes open. God will provide plenty of opportunities for service, if you are willing to serve.
3. Ask your neighbors if they have any prayer requests. It may take some time for some to trust you with their “stuff”, but be patient in building relationships. Be sincere in following through. Don’t just give it lip service. Make these requests part of your daily prayer time. Your neighbors WILL know and your witness to them will grow immensely.
4. Start a block Bible study. Once a week or every other week, invite your neighbors to get together at your house for a meal and a Bible study. It can be something as simple as covering the basics of Christianity. You don’t have to be an expert on the Bible. God is looking for willing vessels. If we had to be experts to start serving, not many of us would qualify.
5. Get to know the kids on the block. You can often get to know the neighbors through their kids. If your neighbors know that you care about the safety and welfare of their kids, they will be more willing to let you into their lives. Be that safe place that a troubled child can go to.
6. Show compassion. Don’t be your neighbors judge and jury. You have not walked in their shoes. We are all broken and have baggage. Listen with a heart of compassion and show love and mercy to your neighbors. Be willing to help in any way that you can.
7. Organize Summer potluck street parties. Claim the street, gather the lawn chairs, and fire up the grill. Take over the otherwise “off-limits” street as a space to draw neighbors together.
8. Start a community garden. If there is space on your block, start a community garden. Get everyone involved and allow everyone to be a part of a harvest celebration.
9. Start a block newsletter. A newsletter doesn’t have to be time consuming. It can be a simple list of activities, needs, good news, prayer requests, prayers that have been answered, even a short bio of a different neighbor in each issue. It can be a monthly newsletter and get the neighbors involved in the publishing of it. Keep it simple and it can be a wonderful to tool in keeping everyone involved in what’s going on in the “hood.”
10. Celebrate the Holidays together. To many people are alone on the Holidays. Depression rises to all time highs around the Holidays. Open up your home for Holiday parties. Be respectful of other beliefs. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Christmas. We never want to push anyone away.
11. Welcome new neighbors. Welcome new neighbors within a day or two of arrival. Let them know that they can depend on you if they need anything.
12. Empower your neighbors. As your neighbors get to know each other, get them involved in helping each other. As you discover your neighbors skills and abilities, empower them to use those skills to serve each other.
Community transformation will happen, if we are willing to become missionaries in our own back yards. Transformation begins with each of us as individuals, as we reach out to our own communities. As communities are transformed, cities are transformed, and states are transformed. See where I’m going with this? It starts with you. It starts with me. Put aside the excuses and pray for God to give you a passion to serve your neighborhood. God can and will transform nations. Are you willing to be a missionary to those on your block?
Posted in From My Heart | Tagged a servant's heart, comapssion, community transformation, Jesus in the flesh | Leave a Comment »
In recent years, communities of believers have developed across the United States and the world. They call themselves new monastics and have modeled their communities after the early Church of Acts. These communities are breathing life back into crime infested, neglected neighborhoods and in the process are loving these oppressed residents to Jesus. These new monastics are changing the world, one neighborhood at a time, simply by loving as Jesus loved.
The example set by the early believers still works today, if we choose to follow in their foot steps. If we look at the passage in Acts 2, we see that they were obedient in following God’s will. We, also, see that because they obeyed God, He blessed them abundantly. Let’s take a look at the ways in which the early believers obeyed God:
Their Relationship with God: The first part of this passage tells us how the believers in the early Church grew in their relationship with God. Their relationship with God came before everything else. They took the time to nurture their relationship with God corporately and I’m sure individually, as well. The early Christians knew that unless they had that intimate relationship with God, everything else would be meaningless.
1. They Devoted Themselves: According to www.merriam-webster.com, the definition of devoted is to have a strong love or loyalty to something or someone.
To the apostles’ teaching– The early believers had a strong loyalty to the apostles. They believed that the apostles spoke the truth of God and that they were anointed by God to preach and perform miracles. The early believers listened to what the apostles had to say. More importantly, they applied what they heard to their own lives and obeyed what the apostles said. They knew that God spoke to them through the apostles and they were obedient to God.
Who are the “apostles” in your life? Do you listen to them and apply what you hear to your everyday life? Do you listen to their advice and words of wisdom? Or do you hear the words, but do your own thing anyway?
To the fellowship– According to http://www.merriamwebster.com, a fellowship is the relationship of people who share interests or feelings. The early Christians had a strong love for God and that translated into their relationships with each other. They loved each other and were loyal to each other. Did they bicker? I’m sure they did. They were human, just as you and I are, so I’m sure that they weren’t always nice to each other. I’m sure they didn’t always see eye to eye on important issues, but that didn’t change the fact that they still loved each other. Because they had such a strong love for each other (were devoted to each other) they were able to look past their differences and see each person for who he/she really was, a child of God.
Who are the people that make up your fellowship? Are you devoted to them? Are you able to forgive and forget when someone hurts your feelings or makes you angry? Are you able to see past the hurt and anger to who that person really is, a child of God?
To the breaking of bread– What is the “breaking of bread”? The phrase “breaking of bread” has been used in two different contexts. The first context is the sharing of a meal as found in Acts 27:33-38. The second context in which the “breaking of bread” took place was in 1 Corinthians 11:24-26, when Jesus performs the first Lord’s Supper.
After doing some research and reading, I tend to agree with what I read on http://www.biblequestions.org/archives/BQAR143.htm, that verse 42 is talking about the Lord’s Supper. This verse is talking about the believers’ devotion to different ways of worship and communicating with God. It makes sense then that they would be devoted to the Lord’s Supper, in remembrance of Jesus. If they devoted themselves to the Lord’s Supper, then we can assume that they participated fully, out of love for their Savior.
Do you fully participate in the Lord’s Supper, or are you only half present, your mind on other things? Do you really allow yourself to “feel” the pain that Jesus felt at the time of His crucifixion, or do you distance yourself from the thought of it?
To prayer– The early believers knew that prayer was a major component in a relationship with God. It is the way we communicate with God. This passage doesn’t say how they prayed, but I’m sure they prayed corporately, as well as, individually. They were diligent about keeping prayer part of their daily lives.
How diligent are you about making prayer part of your daily life? Do you have an active personal prayer life? Do you join with the “fellowship” to pray corporately? Do you communicate with God, as often as, you communicate with others in your life?
Their Relationship with Others: Our relationship with God should always be our number one priority, but as we see in this passage, the early believers, were also dedicated to each other. If we fully devote ourselves to God, then our love for God will flow over to the other areas of our lives. We may not always like each other, but we will still have that Godly love for each other and will care about the welfare of our fellow man/woman. If the fire of God is burning deeply within us, then we will want everyone around us to experience that same relationship with God. We will want to share our love of God with others.
1. They Were Together– They did not try to do things on their own. They each acted in a way that benefited the fellowship. Did they make mistakes? Of course they did. Did they get on each others nerves? Of course they did. They weren’t perfect, but they practiced patience, mercy and grace. They loved each other, as they knew God loved them.
Do you practice mercy when someone makes a mistake? Do you show grace to that person who has messed up? Or do you hold a grudge, swearing never to speak to that person again?
2. They Had Everything In Common– They shared what they had. I’m sure that some of them came from wealthier families and had more resources than the others, but still they shared, so that everyone had enough and no one had to much. Equality was important to the early Christians. I’m sure it wasn’t always easy to share what they had, but they did, because they loved each other.
Do you share what you have with those in your church or community? Or do you selfishly hang onto your possessions because you may need them some day?
3. They Sold Their Goods, Giving To Those Who Had A Need– This is HUGE!!! Not only did they share what they had, but they sold what they had and gave the money to those who were in need! They did not hold onto their possessions, because they knew that their material possessions were only temporary. They practiced the art of sacrificially giving, because they loved each other. They all had what they needed. No one had to live in poverty. No one had to go without food, clothes, shelter, etc. because everyone shared what they had.
Have you shared a material possessions recently with someone in need? If yes, did you share that possession because you didn’t use it. or did you share it even though you did use it and maybe used it often? Have you sold something and given the money to someone who had a bill to pay or needed food? Or do you store up your possessions because you may need them someday?
4. Every Day They Continued To Meet Together In The Temple Courts– I know what your saying, ” I’m to busy to meet everyday in the temple courts.” I hear you and I know that in this day and age, life can be hectic. Who has the time to meet EVERY DAY in the temple courts? If you are devoted to God and the fellowship, then you will find a way. I’m sure these early believers had jobs and busy lives too, but they made it a priority to meet ever day in the temple courts to worship God corporately. The passage doesn’t say how long they met, but they did meet for a portion of each day and gave that time to God.
Are you willing to give up some time each day to meet with other believers to worship God? Or are you going to selfishly hang onto your time and not allow God to have what is His anyway?
5. They Broke Bread Together And Ate Together With Glad And Sincere Hearts– In this context, it is obvious that breaking bread means sharing a meal together. They ate together, sharing that bond that comes from sharing a meal. They were thankful and they were joyful. They were sincere in wanting to do life together and I can’t think of a better example of christian living than that.
How many meals do you share with those in your church/community? Are you thankful to have a community to do life with? Are you sincere in wanting to serve God and the others in your church/community? Or do you avoid the meals because these are not the people you want to be around? Do you wish you could do life with another group of people?
6. They Praised God– The passage doesn’t say they praised God on some days or only on the good days. The passage says they praised God, period! These early Christians praised God through good and bad. They had their ups and downs, like we all do and through it all, they praised God. They gave God the glory in all things.
How often do you praise God? Do you praise God when things are tough or only in the times of ease and prosperity? In the midst of the storm, can you raise your hands and praise God for the trial?
God Blessed The Early Believers:
1. Many Wonders And Miraculous Signs Were Done By The Apostles– People were healed, the dead came back to life, food appeared out of no where. God anointed the apostles and they were ON FIRE! God was using the apostles in a mighty way because of their obedience to Him. God still performs miracles and wonders, but we have to be in obedience to His will.
2. They Enjoyed The Favor Of The People And The Lord Added To Their Number Daily– Because of the obedience of the Church of Acts, God blessed them with the favor of the people. People were jumping at the chance to have what these believers had. Because they put God first, loved each other as God loved them, they set an example of what Christianity is all about and people responded to that.
CHALLENGE:
If you are a church pastor or leader, I am challenging you to encourage and empower your congregations to step outside of the church walls and reach out to your communities. I am challenging you to adopt a 1/2 mile or 1 mile radius around your churches and find out the needs of the community. Go out and meet the residents, finding out what they need and doing whatever it takes to meet those needs. Make it about building relationships, not just about getting people into your church. Don’t hide behind the excuse of not having enough resources to meet the needs of the community, remember that you serve a God of all resources. Jesus told us to “GO OUT” and we, as Christians need to start obeying what Jesus told us to do. If we reach out to our communities and treat our communities as our mission fields, we will be more effective in reaching the lost for Christ.
Are you devoted to God? Are you devoted to the community around you? These are questions I ask myself and I am feeling the Holy Spirit convicting my heart. GO! and love people to Christ!
Posted in From My Heart | Tagged being devoted to God, lessons from the early church, loving as Jesus loved, The fellowship of the believers | Leave a Comment »
Ecclesiastes 2:17-23
17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.This too is meaningless.
The last few months I have watched with growing concern as a nurse in my workplace worked herself to exhaustion. She would work over any time she was asked, even though it was visibly taking a toll on her. I voiced my concern to her on more than one occasion, telling her to just tell them, “NO”. She would sigh and say, “I know, I know”. Finally she confessed to me that she was afraid that if she said “no” she would lose her job. Over the last 3 months or so, she had been dealing with an illness that caused her obvious pain and suffering. This wonderful woman passed away early this afternoon.
She worked herself to the point of not having the time or energy to really enjoy life. Why do we work? Most of us simply work to pay the bills, to survive. We are born, we work, we die. Is this really what life is all about? It makes no sense to me. I know that there has to be more. This can’t be all that God has planned for us. We go through the motions of life like robots because we are to tired to enjoy being alive on this earth. What are we working for? None of it will matter when we get old. We have to sell it all anyway when we are placed in a nursing home and all of our hard earned possessions will be gone.
Inside I am screaming, “What is the meaning of all of this?” “What is the purpose of life, if we have to work to live until we are to old to even care anymore?” None of it makes sense. I feel like the author of this passage in Ecclesiastes; like everything is meaningless.
There has to be more to life than this. I don’t know the answer and I know that God owes me no explanation on why He does what He does. I do know, that the next few weeks will find me prioritizing my life and I will be reflecting on what brings true meaning to my life. What changes do I need to make to realize those burning desires of my heart before its to late?
I have felt utter shock and disbelief at the loss of this beautiful lady. I have also cried tears of heartache and sorrow. I will find the meaning to all of this insanity. I will…
Peace be with you, my friend, Denita Morris.
Posted in My Daily Life | Tagged the meaning of life | Leave a Comment »
As an employee of the Sisters of Providence, I have come to respect and embrace their charism of Love, Mercy and Justice. However, I have had a hard time understanding why they oppose the death penalty and care so much for those who have committed such horrible, unthinkable crimes against others. After all, they have to be hardened murderers to be on death row, right? So, why would the Sisters choose to have mercy on and even pray for those on death row?
Every month, the Sisters post the names of those awaiting execution that month, along with the date of the execution. I know they pray for these individuals and for the abolishment of the death penalty itself. I love Jesus and I hate injustice, but I could not understand why they would pray for these horrible criminals. I was talking to a co-worker one night and we were in agreement that these men and women deserved everything they got. We agreed that they should die the way their victims died. NO MERCY!
And then, very softly and with the gentlest whisper in my spirit, I felt Jesus speak to me. This has happened all within the last week or so. Within a day of my conversation with my co-worker, I heard that those inmates that were to be executed by lethal injection had had their executions stayed because the injections were said to be inhumane. My immediate reaction to this news was, “Who cares? They didn’t have any compassion for the ones they murdered.” I still did not understand why society should care about these inmates. How could the Sisters pray for these monsters? How could God have mercy on these inmates? What was wrong with them?
I started reading a book called, Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and keep your day job…by Kerry Weber. In it, Kerry describes her visit to San Quinton and the conversations she has with a group of inmates who are participating in theology classes with the Catholic chaplain. In these conversations, the men express their sadness at being judged by their crimes and not for who they are now. They all agreed that they are not their crimes and that if God could save someone like Saint Paul, then maybe there is hope for them. As I read, I felt God asking me, “Who are you to play judge and jury? If I choose to have mercy on the sinner, that includes you too. It was MY decision to send MY Son as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of the ENTIRE human race, not just a chosen few. If they choose me, I will prepare a place for them with me in MY kingdom.”
The question soon became, what is wrong with me? For someone who claims to love Jesus, for someone who hates injustice, why do I have such a hardened spirit when it comes to these men and women who are living in spiritual darkness? If I can’t find mercy in my heart for those on death row, then do I really love Jesus as much as I say I do? That question stung.
I felt immediate remorse for my attitude and the words spoken by Jesus as he hung on the cross burn deeply in my heart, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
If my beloved Savior, Jesus, could forgive those killing him, even as He hung there wounded and bloody, how can I NOT follow his example and show mercy for those inmates on death row and otherwise. Maybe the Sisters have it right. They must since it seems God is answering their prayers.
I still struggle with this. I feel that I am betraying those that have lost their lives at the hands of these men and women. I have to remember that justice belongs to the Lord. It isn’t up to me.
I have decided that I will join the Sisters in their prayers of mercy and I will pray for those who are unfortunate enough to find themselves on the monthly list of executions. I will join the Sisters in their prayers for an end to the death penalty, thus allowing God to be God.
If you would like more information on the Sisters of Providence, visit their website at http://www.spsmw.org.
Posted in My Daily Life | Tagged compassion, death penalty, justice, love, mercy | 2 Comments »
I know that I have not written for about 2 1/2 months. There have been times when I wanted to, but I couldn’t find the words. It has been a tough time and I have felt lost. I still feel that way to some degree, but I am trying to fight my way back. I felt like there was a part of me that was withdrawing from the world. Sometimes, we need to withdraw to gain perspective or simply to find the strength and courage to go on. I could not give up writing for to long. All these thoughts and feelings were bottled up inside of me and this ongoing need to write about Jesus. I feel so filled up with Jesus and the Holy Spirit that I feel that I will explode. If I am silent, the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40). I understand that verse now. It is how I feel. All these feelings and words are jumbled up inside of me and writing this blog is my only way to get it out. I will explain some of what I have been going through.
I am the blessed mom of 5 kids in 5 different phases of life. It isn’t easy and sometimes it can be downright overwhelming. My oldest, Cherokee 20 and my granddaughter Ava moved to North Carolina at the end of March. Cherokee is adjusting to marriage and motherhood. She is finding that these roles sometimes come with heartache. Kiowa, my 19 year old daughter has just finished her first and last year of college. She decided it wasn’t for her and is now in the process of joining the Air Force. Cree, my 17 year old daughter is a junior in high school and is struggling to decide what she wants to do after high school. That transition to adulthood can be a tough one. Talon and Ty, 14 and 12 respectively, deal with peer pressure and inappropriate behavior in their public schools. I talk to them about how they want people to see them and how they want to see themselves, but sometimes it is hard to be the only one outside of the circle. Sometimes it is easier to join the crowd, especially at their young ages. I see them having a harder time of this then the girls did. I wish I could protect them from this, but they have to find their own way and decide how they want to act. I’m not always happy with their choices and I worry about their futures and then I see that glimmer of Jesus and it gives me hope that they will turn out just fine. God has a hold of them all. I know that, but my mother’s heart still worries.
Personally, I have had to make some changes. I had to add a few more hours to my work schedule, due to the need of a few more dollars in the bank. I went to the doctor in early April and was told that I needed to limit the stress in my life, as she upped my blood pressure medication. I have come to the conclusion that the only thing I really can control is how I react to the stressors in my life. I can’t let the little things effect me or I will have a heart attack at the age of 44. I could hear the concern in her voice. I have to lean on my heavenly Father more than ever. I have to calmly deal with what needs dealt with and let go of everything else. I need to find that place of peace and joy in times of chaos and refuse to let go of it. More than ever, I need to let God be my rock, my protector, my provider, my peace, my joy, the one in control.
I am glad that I am back. I couldn’t stop writing and I won’t stop writing. I know I used to write 3 or 4 posts a week, but given my new work schedule, I will have to cut that down to 1 post per week. I am still here for you, my friend, and I encourage you to contact me. Thank you for your patience and God bless you always.
Posted in My Daily Life | Tagged silence, transition | Leave a Comment »
Exodus 14:13,14
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The oppression of individuals and people groups is nothing new. The Israelites lived with oppression for much of the Bible. Throughout history people have been oppressed by other people and society as a whole. Even today, there are people living with oppression. Many times the victim of oppression suffers in silence. They feel hopeless and alone. They wonder if anyone cares what they are going through. They wonder if God cares.
If you are being oppressed, let me assure you that God cares. God tells us in this verse how we can deal with oppression.
1. Do not be afraid. I understand that your situation may be terrifying, but God is telling you not to be afraid. God knows your situation and He IS in control! He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
2. Stand firm. Do not lose faith that God will deliver you. Keep the posture of integrity, ready for action, expecting further orders, joyfully and patiently awaiting God’s directions.
3. Be still. Pray consistently and wait on the Lord. Even when you don’t see anything happening, God’s word says that He IS fighting for you. He is working behind the scenes to deliver you from the oppression you are living under. God is fighting for you and will continue to do so until you are delivered.
I know that you may believe that your situation is hopeless. You may believe that God will never deliver you. He can and He will. Keep your head up! God is working on your behalf and will continue to do so until you are free.
Never give up hope! You WILL be free! Stay strong and keep your faith! God loves you and you will be free!
Posted in From My Heart | Tagged freedom, God's deliverance, oppression | Leave a Comment »
Writing the posts in this devotional series has helped me find out who I am in Christ. I write from my heart. I write about things that I struggle with, knowing that if I struggle, then many of you might too.
I have always struggled with identity issues. I have never felt that I was good enough. Through these posts, I have discovered who I am and I hope that you have too.
I have learned:
1. That God sees my heart. He looks past the outside and sees who we truly are on the inside.
2. I have been adopted by God. God loved me enough to adopt me. I am His child. He loves me unconditionally and that will never change.
3. I am redeemed and forgiven. It doesn’t matter what sin I commit, If I approach God with a sincere heart, asking for forgiveness, He is faithful to forgive. Not only does He forgive, He erases the sin and gives us a do over.
4. Nothing will ever separate me from the love of God. Even when I mess things up, I know that God still loves me.
5. I am a work in progress. Sometimes it seems that I am getting nowhere, but God will complete what He started.
6. God chose to create me BEFORE He created the universe. He chose to create me, just as I am.
7. He has given me a spirit of courage, not fear. I have nothing to fear, as long as I stay in Him.
8. I am more than a conqueror in Christ. With Him as my partner, I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.
9. God is approachable. When I have a problem, I can go to God. His door is always open, day or night.
10. I can do ALL things in Christ. There is nothing that can stop me from doing God’s will.
11. I was made in the likeness of God. In my spirit are all the characteristics of God. I simply have to choose to let those characteristics shine through.
I hope this devotional series has encouraged you in your walk with God. I hope that you know how much God loves and treasures you. Never think that you are unworthy of love and respect. You are worthy! You are God’s beloved child!
Posted in Identity: A 12 Day Devotional | Tagged identity in God, reflection | Leave a Comment »
Patti Burris 
