Monday, June 27, 2011

Seeing Is Believing

The eyes of the lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; http://bible.us/Ps34.15.NIV

Lately I have been experiencing eye trouble. I haven't been wearing my glasses regularly, and my vision seems dimmer and blurry. Things that I used to see clearly now are no longer in focus. 

Sometimes we lose our spiritual eyesight. When we begin to look at our circumstances without the lens of the Holy Spirit, the outlook seems dark, hopeless, and blurry. We can't see how things are working together for our good. Nor can we see how God allows the challenges to bump or bruise us. Sometimes we question Jesus' presence or His methods. 

But the scripture reminds us that God "sees." His eyes are watching your every step, and He knows which steps you will stumble over and which ones He will carry you over!  God has not made a mistake, and He will not let anything you see naturally deter you from "seeing" His promise come to pass!
Be blessed!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Blessed Assurance

Surely, lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. http://bible.us/Ps5.12.NIV

Shopping is a necessary part of life. The worst thing about shopping is trying to find the best quality for the best bargain. My favorite thing to shop for are Coach bags! I am absolutely an official Coach junkie. I buy that brand not for its name but for its exceptional quality. When you buy a Coach purse, wallet, belt, or pair of shoes you get the Coach guarantee of quality, customer service, and satisfaction. 

When or if your zipper gets off track or your seams unravel, Coach's policy guarantees a repair or replacement item at no charge. The Coach guarantee provides a safety net around the customer in order to maintain a wonderful relationship. 

As a child of God, we have the guarantee of blessings and favor. You don't have to worry about lack or obstacles because He guarantees that as His child you will be blessed. As part of this loving Father- child relationship he sets a circle of favor around you. So when you encounter people or events, Jesus has already placed you in a position of favor. When you have a guarantee, you don't have to worry about if you will be accepted or treated fairly. You can trust that the one who makes the guarantee will do more than you expect because of your relationship. As a believer, you must expect blessings to overtake you and confidently walk in favor!
Be blessed

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Touched by Grace

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. http://bible.us/2Cor12.9.NIV

Let's face it! Life isn't always easy. There are highs and lows, victories and discouragement, moments of joy and sorrow. Every day doesn't always pan out the way we want. 

But God! 

God pours his grace on us. He doesn't need us to always be strong because He is always strong. I can admit that sometimes I feel lonely, disappointed, and even impatient. I want things to be easy or situations to be perfect. The reality that we live in an imperfect realm with less than ideal experiences. But a life in Christ is balanced with His grace.  Grace is the undeserved love and favor of God. 
When we are at our weakest, God steps in and lavishes His love and mercy on us! So don't focus on what's wrong, meditate on who is "Always right," our loving Holy Father God. 
Be blessed!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Where Do You Live?

Where Do You Live?

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. http://bible.us/Ps91.1.NIV

One of the strongest comforts is being at home. Though it is fun to visit familiar places or explore new ones, but nearly everyone looks forward to returning home. Our homes symbolize a sanctuary, a place of refuge and a place to rest or recover. My house is the place I return when the world has been mean and cold. 

As a child of God, we have a place where we can rest. God is our refuge. He is the one we can turn to when situations seem difficult or beyond our understanding. God expects us to live in the comfort of His presence. When we live in that prepared place, our faith lies comfortably in the fact that God knows where we are. He is aware of our circumstances, and He has already prepared a plan to work things out for our good. Nothing can shake our knowing that we live in the "great". God declared, "I am that I am." He was simply reminding us that He is everywhere all the time and that He is and has all the answers! So decide every day  no matter what to live in Him!
Be blessed!

Monday, June 20, 2011

God's Wisdom

God's Wisdom

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. http://bible.us/Luke11.10.NIV

Today was a beautiful day. The sun shone most of the day, and God gave us some much needed rain. Many Christians told me for the past two weeks they had been praying for rain. And just like that God answered. He poured out loving showers to water our crops, lawns, and land.
After the rain I began searching for a rainbow. I grew a little disappointed because I didn't find one today. I whispered in my heart, "Lord, where are the rainbows? Why can't I see any?"
In that instant He answered, "You didn't ask me for one!" I had to laugh. Even though God knows the desires of our hearts sometimes He wants us to ask. I thought about His answer, and I asked, "since you knew it was in my heart, why didn't you give me one anyway?"
He lovingly reminded me that a rainbow is a reminder of a promise. God revealed in his answer that what He promised is already manifest! His answers overjoyed my heart!
- When you ask, God answers.
- When we seek God for answers, He provides.
- When we knock, God shows us He has already opened the door!

Be blessed!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Whose plan?

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the lord's purpose that prevails. http://bible.us/Prov19.21.NIV

Today I had planned to follow my normal routine: take my son to summer workouts, run a few errands, and perhaps do a little shopping. Just as I headed out the door, I realized the key to the car was locked inside my truck 30 miles away. Needless to say, my plans were changed in an instant. Instead of leaving home, I spent the day inside and enjoyed some needed quiet time.

There was a time I would have been frustrated and aggravated. My response would have been anger and blame. I probably would have "made a way."

Instead i was actually grateful that God had interrupted "my plans." I don't know what unseen circumstances that Jesus navigated my son and I away from, but I'm glad He did.

Have you ever had your plans "messed up"?
Maybe that was a Divine intervention to set you on a course the Lord new was better for you. The next time your plans "fall through" consider: God has a greater, perfect plan for your life. Trust him to direct your path and you will accomplish the greatest goals God planned for you!
Be Blessed

Thursday, June 9, 2011

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. http://bible.us/1Thess5.24.NIV

It amazes me how easy it is for us to feel discouraged. We start the day motivated and energized but are often worn down and weary over the course of a day. Sometimes our faith is challenged in the same way. We begin believing the promises of God, but later fear and doubt nudge us off course. But God is faithful. He is fully committed to bringing His word and plan to fruition. No matter what we face we most know that God is always faithful.
Be blessed!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

New Season

First, let me begin with an apology. I have not written in a very long time. I could probably blame it on extreme busyness, new directions, or lack of time. But the truth is I haven't been diligent. I know this blog is a work of heart. I know God inspired this work. I know when I get busy, discouraged, or tired I can trust him to be faithful.

Here is my fresh start:
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! 2 Cor 5:17 (Amp)

We are so privileged to walk in the newness of Jesus!
Be Blessed!