Today I’m sharing a post by Ileen @ psst…God Loves You. I’ve been following Ileen for awhile, but was saddened to find out from her recent post that she unexpectedly lost her beloved little brother. Please remember her and her family in prayer. Thanks Ileen for sharing your story with us.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support.” Psalm 18:16-18
I stood with tear filled eyes, fighting back the rushing of emotions as I stood before our family and friends to speak about my brother Joe Luis. I had spent the night before scribbling on a notebook, steadily erasing the words that clearly weren’t enough to describe the love I have for my brother. My heart ached in sheer agony as I began to speak. “How do you sum up the life of someone you love dearly? You don’t.” I couldn’t sum up his life, I simply shared glimpses of some of the precious memories I held dear to…
Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
I remember the days when although I was a Christian, I was not following the Lord closely. I was in church most Sundays, listening to the sermon and singing songs just like everyone else. However, the rest of the week, I lived like I wanted to, with little or no regard for the Lord and His ways.
Photo By: Garon Piceli
When I think of His past faithfulness to me, in spite of me, my heart rejoices. I’m thankful that God was patient and kind with me as I learned what it truly meant to be committed to Jesus. It does take time to grow in the ways of the Lord, and growing in Him is something that we should always be striving to do throughout our time here on Earth. If we don’t seek Him, we won’t find Him.
Looking back and seeing how God has kept us and used the things in our lives, both good and bad, to draw us closer to Himself, is a way of understanding His eternal love for us. The things we go through may not always make sense at the time, but I’m glad He never forsakes us, and has mercy on us through it all.
Psalm 143:10, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”
God is love, and God is Truth. As Christians, we should allow ourselves to be guided by His love and truth as we go through this life. God’s definition of love, often differs from the worlds. And of course truth, has become whatever people want it to be. Whatever makes them feel good is deemed to be true. However, God’s Word does not change based on our feelings. He will lead us on level ground, but we must be willing to follow Him.
John 10:27 NIV, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Photo By: Pixabay
The love and truth that is found in Christ is priceless. It is imperative that we listen to Him, so that we will not be lead astray by the deception of the world. As the old hymn says, “On Christ the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.” May you walk in the joy of God’s love and truth, and stand firm knowing that as you follow Christ, His faithfulness to you will never end.
Over the last several weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with a few new bloggers. Their posts (and our exchange of comments) have been such a blessing to me. I recommend that you visit their blogs, and support them on their blogging journey. I know you too will be blessed as I have been. God is truly using them for His glory. ❤️😊❤️
✝️Dante @ Putting God First Ministry – Dante blogs about how trusting Jesus has changed his life, and has helped him to overcome his substance abuse addiction. It’s an inspiration to read about how God is working all things together for good in his life. Keep serving God and, Don’t Believe The Hype.
✝️Brenda @ Beauty For Ashes – Brenda’s blog inspires us to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus and grow in our faith. She reminds us that in Him all things are made new, and that His plans for us are perfect. No matter what, He Remains.
✝️Kim @ Beyond My Limitations – Kim blogs about how her faith in Jesus helps her to live in victory even though she has a physical disability. Regardless of any challenges we face, she encourages us to have, The Mind Of A Champion.
Photo By: Pixabay
Psalm 25:3 NIV, “No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame…”
Proverbs 8:11 NIV, “for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Wisdom truly is a precious gift from God. He promised to give it to us when we ask Him for it (James 1:5). Godly wisdom gives us the insight we need to make decisions that will honor God, and keep us on the right path. His wisdom will help guide us through life.
Nothing can compare to the wisdom God gives us. It far exceeds our natural understanding. Godly wisdom allows us to see God’s truth and choose God’s truth in all circumstances. Ask God for wisdom, and trust Him to freely give it to you.
AHUGEthank you toThe Holliman’s! They both nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. 🎉🎉 I appreciate both of your blogs, and the inspiration you both bring to trust Jesus Christ. ✝️ Mr. Holliman also blogs about being healthy and shares healthy, delicious recipes. 🥕🥬🍉 Check out their blogs at:
Rules: • Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to him/her. • Answer the 11 questions provided by the blogger who nominated you. • Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions. • Notify the nominees by commenting on one of their blog posts. • List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post.
☀️Mr. Holliman’s Questions to me:
1)What is your favorite book? Why?
I’ve read so many good books, but one of my favorites is “When Women Say Yes to God” by Lysa Terkeurst. It has many inspiring stories of having faith in God.
2)Do you have any pets?
No
3)How long have you been blogging?
2 years, but diligently for the last year
4)What is your favorite 2 quotes about faith?
“Faith is trusting God when you do not understand.” AND from Corinthians, “For we walk by faith and not by sight.”
5)Have you ever made your own herbal tea?
No
6)What is your favorite disaster movie? If any
I’m not sure exactly what is classified as a disaster movie, but I did used to watch a show on the Smithsonian Channel called Air Disasters. It was about discovering why plane crashes had occurred and what the FAA did to fix the problems.
7)Do you think the government is going in the right or wrong direction?
Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong so we have to keep praying for our government officials.
8)What is your favorite health food that you cook or buy?
My favorite vegetable is brussel sprouts. I eat a banana almost everyday. I also have come to like Tofu, it’s very versatile.
9)What is you favorite fruit?
Pineapple
10)Have you ever been hiking in the snow?
No
11)Do you like taking walks?
Yes! I love to go for walks.
☀️Mrs. Holliman’s questions to me:
1)What inspires you to wake up every morning?
The fact that God’s mercies are new everyday and knowing that He is faithful and He will take care of me.
2)What is your purpose for your blog?
To inspire others to Draw Closer to Christ.
3)Do you like to talks walks or jogs?
I love going for walks.
4)What is the most important thing to you when it comes to family?
Showing love because relationships are built on love.
5)Have you ever took a trip and got stuck there because of the bad weather?
Yes. I was on my way to Charleston SC for my cousins funeral in 2015. We got stuck at the Atlanta GA airport for 8 hours due to bad weather throughout the South.
6)Does it snow where you live?
No. There is no snow in sunny Florida, but I did live in Michigan for 11 years and there was a lot of snow there.
7)What makes you want to keep writing?
Jesus. I have a desire to share Him with others.
8)Do you like to ride horses? If so, have you?
No. I’ve never ridden a horse.
9)What is your favorite type of birds?
Cardinals are pretty. Birds are beautiful creatures in general. When you take time to admire them you can see many colors and designs.
10)What month was you born?
February
11)What is your favorite place to eat pasta?
Carrabbas Italian Grill (although I love the salad and breadsticks at Olive Garden).
I nominate the following, if you choose to participate…🥰
Funny how these words came to mind again. As I remembered that I was having a chat with a friend recently and I recall stating “2019 has been a Year!; funny how I was so excited for the year but didn’t know it will be a year of many bumpy rides”. 🤔
Hmm, as much as we claim and state “I trust God”, do we really trust Him?. 💭
I had to ask myself this question when I was hit so badly the third time on an attempt. It was like “God why do you allow me to ache this much”. I didn’t know if all was indeed well when I first got to know of the feedback on the attempt. As I interjected my mum when she said “All is well, all will be well” with “I don’t know if all is well”. Truth be told, I was feeling…
Drawing Closer to Christ 