Power…..a by-product of Love

Ephesians 3:17b-18 says, "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ."  The Bible has many examples showing that God is love-to know love is to know God!  There is an attainable power, not on our human abilities, but the power of God working/molding us.  A capacity of strength and empowerment within us via the Holy Spirit.  That is power, power to sustain the pull of Satan/sin.  I must ask myself, how often do I demonstrate godly love to others during the daily grind?  When I do not, I am missing out on a promise and blessing-the power through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.  When I do show love-I can more effectively share Jesus and be filled with the powerful Spirit.  Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

Shaken but not Broken!

At times, I have felt that abiding peace in the midst of uncertain circumstances. I have relearned the practice of true childlike faith when I don't know what's coming next, and yes, it can be a struggle/challenge.  I’m trying to simply trust. My faith has been shaken but not broken. I realize more now than ever that sometimes each of us needs a shake (in this context, not the milk kind-although that sounds pretty good), otherwise complacency can become our dwelling place. God uses trials to make Himself more real and reachable to us than He was before. Hebrews 12:6-7,  Because the Lord disciplines those he loves  and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?  A pathway to a new place we could never have reached if things had stayed the way they were! God uses everything in our lives to draw us closer to Him-even the bad stuff. Situations we never would choose- trials that shake us, that leave us different than before. May we never equate the trials/struggles we face with how God feels about us. He is not indifferent and does hear our prayers. He deeply loves us----always, and that is our ultimate victory! In the end we can be certain of these promises: we will find Him faithful, we will find Him true, we will see what He has done and marvel at His ability to use everything and waste nothing. Isaiah 42:16 says, ‘ I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.’ Read Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 12:11 again. God works for the good of those that love Him.  Discipline is a large part of love......just as a loving parent instructs/nurtures their children.  Sometimes we say yes, others no.....or at least, 'not now'.   As reflected in the poem ‘Footprints’, God does not leave the faithful. Blessings in your pursuit…….TO

The Choice is Yours

There are typically three choices in how we do life; Give in, Give up or Give it your all.  May we not succumb/give in to Satan's deceptive lies and lures in this world.  Winston Churchill advised us to never, ever, give up.  Life is better when we're ALL IN. Jesus told us not to be lukewarm in our faith (Rev. 3:15-16), but to deny self, commit to a life in Jesus.....be ALL IN.  I want to encourage you today to not live life timidly or without passion.  Live, really LIVE the day by day abundant life Jesus offers! Blessings in your pursuit.......TO 

Here Comes The Judge!

James 4:11-12 says, Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
We all at times probably like to think we are right and another is wrong.  Ungodly attitudes, pride and sin usually shows itself in these moments.  Why do we compare, critique.......judge others?  Do we honestly think we have it all together/right...and all the time?  Unfortunately, sometimes we have this mindset.  Scripture tells us often to be humble......to think of others more highly than ourselves.  We are to be welcoming, loving, caring, show kindness, compassionate, etc.......why does judging or other insensitive acts (gossiping, backstabbing, selfishness, etc) often consume us/take precedent over what God calls us to be.  There is a huge difference in condemning/judging versus attempting to point out or help correct sin.  The difference is love and attitude.  We are all guilty of sin and we all need love, compassion, and forgiveness. Let us have the mindset of nurturing one another through genuine acts of caring for and loving others spiritual well being.  I challenge us all to become more godly, (loving, caring, nurturing) as we strive to become the servant God desires.......more of Thee and less of me.  Blessings in your pursuit.......TO

The Great Physician

In Luke 4:18, we read of the wonders of God's healing power. 
He came to:
                    Open the eye of the blind/recover the sight (Optometrist)
                    Set the prisoner free (Spiritual Dr.)
                    Give good news to the poor in spirit (Encourager/Hope)
                    Heal the heartbroken/oppressed (Heart Surgeon).....see also Psalm 34:18; 147:3.
Sometimes while it is necessary to trust in earthly doctors, we often fail to lean more on our Heavenly Father/Creator........the Great Physician.  Yes God does work through others whether it be an MD, fire fighter, EMT, nurse, police, educators, etc.  However, the source is the all powerful, all knowing  Creator-God.  All our hurts and fears will not be satisfied during this earthly life.  Through obedience we can have and enjoy the ultimate victory......everlasting life with our Creator and Savior.....free of hurt, tears, disappointments, disease.........are you walking that line of faith, trust, and obedience?  Blessings in your pursuit.......TO