Tag: Christianity

So Thankful For Thy Truth

Psalm 119:142 (KJV), “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.”

I’m so thankful for the truth of God’s Word, because His Word is a firm foundation. I’m also thankful for the wisdom and instruction found in His Word.

Nowadays many are in search of truth. Truth has become whatever people want it to be, instead of what God says it is. God’s truth does not change. He does not “adjust” His truth to please mankind. He does not “relax” His standards so that we can live by our feelings. Feelings change, but God’s truth always remains the same.

In order to stay connected to truth, we must stay connected to God and His Word. The Holy Spirit will help us to understand God’s Word, and He will empower us to apply what we learn to our lives. Jesus Christ died and rose so that we could be free to walk in Truth.

Father,

Thank you for Your Truth. Help us to walk in Your Truth daily. Help us not to be deceived by the lies of the enemy. Help us not to succumb to the many false teachings that are being taught today. When we are tempted to compromise Your Truth, so we can please ourselves or other people, give us the will to stand strong. Thank you for guiding us into all truth by Your Spirit.

In the name of Jesus. Amen.

A Crown Of Glory

Proverbs 16:31 NLT, “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.”

We live in a society where youth and outward beauty are esteemed above the beauty of growing older and gaining wisdom.

Living a godly life that is dedicated to God’s purpose, will create a legacy that can be passed down for generations to come.

There were so many people in the Bible who were well advanced in years. Regardless of their age, God used them to accomplish great things and bring Him glory. No matter how old we are, it’s never too late for God to work through us. As long as we have breath in our bodies, we can have an impact and make a difference in the world around us.

Psalm 92:14,“They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,”

God’s ability to use us is not solely based on our educational background, status, or age. He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Our only qualification is to know Jesus and to allow His power to work in us and through us.

God says that gray hair is a crown of glory and once He has spoken, His Word is all that matters.

What If It’s All In Vain?

As a Christian, I’ve asked myself this question before, “What if it’s all in vain?” I have never personally struggled with wondering if God exist, because I have seen Him answer prayers I have prayed. I have heard Him speak to my heart. I have experienced His peace and comfort. Plus I can look at the beauty of His creation and know that He is real.

However, I have definitely had times where I felt weary in my Christian walk. I wondered if it was worth it to keep pursuing the things of God. I have questioned His involvement with the details of my life. There were even times I have experienced that vague feeling, that somehow I was missing the mark of understanding who God is, and what He really wants from me.

Have you ever felt this way?

I believe that it is perfectly fine with God for us to ask Him questions. He wants to know all of our doubts and fears. It’s up to Him to decide what He will and will not reveal to us, but we are always free to talk to Him about anything. Our questions are at times what Jesus uses to draw us closer to His heart.

Matthew 7:7 NIV, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Some of the things I have learned during my times of struggling with doubt include the following:

1. Doubt is something the enemy will use to pull us away from God. Therefore, we must be honest with God about our struggles so He can help us. (Hebrews 3:12)

2. Don’t compare yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others will cause discontentment, which will cause you to doubt God’s goodness in your life. (Galatians 6:4)

3. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Meditating on and speaking God’s Word will replace your doubt with faith. (Romans 10:17)

4. Fear not! Fear will cause you to doubt that God loves you and will supply your needs. Understanding God loves you perfectly will cast out fear. (1 John 4:18)

God promises us that the life we are living for Him is not in vain…

1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Where Will You Look?

Proverbs 11:4 (ESV), “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.”

Yesterday at church, my pastor taught on the parable of the rich fool, found in Luke chapter 12. During the sermon, he also showed a short clip of several famous, wealthy celebrities expressing what brings them happiness. As they spoke, they were all very adamant about the fact that money and fame did not bring them happiness.

One of the celebrities really stuck with me (she is a very famous singer), because she said she felt happiest when she was able to be herself, and express her creativity. She said being made to do things just for the sake of earning more money, made her sad.

Most of us don’t possess wealth and fame, but the world we live in encourages us to look everywhere for satisfaction except God. There are many so called “solutions” to the problems we face, but only One True Answer. Jesus Christ is that Answer. He has told us that He is the Way, the truth and the life. No one can get to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). That means wealth can not save us. Popularity can not save us. Even the good works we do can not save us. Our good works only point people to the One who can save them.

I love it when God speaks…

Luke 12:20-21 NLT, “20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? 21 Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

Our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is what is most important. Wealth is good when used wisely, but it will one day pass away. We must avoid the temptation to let earthly things that will pass away, replace the solid foundation that we have in Christ.

My pastor summed up His message with this point, “when we have an abundance, we are to be generous and give to others.” Instead of giving, the rich fool decided to build bigger barns to store more stuff. It’s easy to look to money and “stuff” in search of happiness and security, but these things are not reliable.

We must look to Christ to fill our voids. He will satisfy our desires.

Psalm 145:16 NIV, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”

Look to Jesus.

Sunshine Blogger Award – 2

Thank you Stuart for nominating me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I have been enjoying your post. They are very intentional and address a variety of issues which is very helpful. It’s inspiring that you don’t mind tackling the tough topics.

Check out Stu’s blog:

Something to Stu Over

Here are the rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.

• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post/or on your blog.

Here are the questions for me:

1. What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten or should I say attempted to eat? Chitterlings

2. What is the hardest thing you have overcome? Lack of self confidence. I am still working this!

3. What is the one thing you have to have every day? A banana at breakfast

4. Why do you think it is so hard for most men to share their true feelings with the ones they love? Because men are usually taught to be “tough” and that includes not showing too many emotions.

5. If you are married, what do you treasure the most about your spouse?

If dating, what about the one you are seeing? If single, what are you looking for?

As a single person I am content and thankful I have had this time as a single to grow in Christ. I’m not really looking. If God wants me married He’ll send the right person. But He would have to have true godly character.

6. Where did the term, without using Google or any other search engine, by the skin of my teeth come from? I have no idea! I would need to google it. Lol.

7. What are you passionate about and why?

I am passionate about encouraging people, and helping them to know and understand that they are valuable in God’s eyes. They don’t have to compete with others because God has a special unique plan for each person.

8. What topics, if any, have you wanted to write about but haven’t because you feel your “fan base” would not approve?

I don’t necessarily think people would not approve but sometimes I think about racism. Living in South Florida it is so multi cultural (which is great) but there is much racial tension and other negative things to go along with the diversity. It gets tiring at times that people can’t just realize we are all human regardless of what country you came from.

9. Someone who has hurt you deeply in the past reaches out to you. They have done so to make ammends because the Lord told them to. Do you forgive or do you tell them to bugger off? I forgive them.

10. Now, let’s flip that question a little. The Lord tells you to reach out to someone you hurt in the past. Do you do so or do you ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit out of fear?

You do it! I have actually reached out to someone from my past before because I hurt them. I would just advise people to pray for God to give them the right timing to approach them and the right words to say. Timing is everything.

11. Oh gosh, you are running late for work, grab a quick cup of coffee, get dressed quickly, slip on a pair of shoes and jet. When you arrive at work people snicker when you walk in because you slipped on two different pairs of shoes. What do you do?

I laugh with them! This actually happened to my coworker some years ago. She laughed at herself. We all laughed with her. Lol

I am nominating the following for this award:

Lamar Gibbs

https://thoughtsofredemption.com/2019/04/04/nationalpoetrymonth/

You Are Awesome

https://hhhigh.wordpress.com/2019/04/30/i-wait-for-the-lord/

Silent Songs of Sonsnow

https://sonsnow.home.blog/2019/04/27/a-home/

Reflections of a storyteller

https://reflectionsofastoryteller.com/2019/04/16/a-heart-of-gratitude/

Michael Ogazie’s Blog

https://ogaziestheory.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/a-weekend-tip/

A Writer’s Touch

https://awriterstouchonline.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/a-weekend-tip/

Everything is Hack!

https://everythingishack.com/2019/05/01/the-problem-with-getting-experience-after-graduating/

Grace and Pink

https://graceandpink.home.blog/2019/04/07/epiphany/

Humanity Lives On

https://humanityliveson.home.blog/2019/05/01/time-too-is-money-give-just-that/

Rooted In Faith

https://rootedinfaith.blog/2019/04/12/20-the-sweet-fragrance-of-christ/

Saem’s Blog

https://samsparking.wordpress.com/2019/04/11/avail-able-to-be/

Here are my questions to you:

Stuart’s questions were great and very thought provoking so please answer the same 11 questions.

Remember participation is optional. But thanks for your blog. You are an inspiration to me! 🌺🌞

Sunshine Blogger Award – 1

Renee at Heart Tokens has nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Thanks Renee! I really appreciate you for thinking of me. I am always encouraged and inspired when I read your posts. They are very honest and transparent, which is so helpful to me.

Check out Renee’s blog at:

Heart Tokens

Here are the rules:

• Thank the blogger who nominated you.

• Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.

• Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.

• List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your post/or on your blog.

Questions for me to answer:

1. Are you the type of person that has to check email during vacation? Yes

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Not 100% sure, but hopefully doing something where I can work more with people.

3. What is your biggest weakness? Procrastination

4. What is your best talent? I’m pretty good at listening to people.

5. Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? Vegetable

6. Who inspires you the most? My mom

7. Are you super talkative? No.

8. What is the yummiest desert you’ve ever eaten? Sweet Potato Pie

9. Do you enjoy exercising? I enjoy walking

10. What book do you recommend everybody to read? I have read so many books, but anything you read by Joyce Meyer will be great. She is my favorite author.

11. What motivates you? Reading the Bible and writing.

I now nominate the following:

Anomalous Darlings

https://anomalousdarlings.wordpress.com/2019/05/03/not-a-fixer/

Danceinmyshoes

https://beautyinmylanguage.wordpress.com/2019/05/01/love-rejoices/

Preciousone

https://deandrahurst.com/2019/05/02/the-victim-mentality/

God’s Love

https://godscourage.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/god-is-my-strength/

Intheriver

https://intheriverblog.com/2019/04/01/women-are-to-be-silent-in-church/

Jyotichamp

https://championchinti.wordpress.com/2019/05/02/parents-understand-your-feelings/

Devotions of Grace

https://devotionsofgrace.home.blog/2019/05/02/the-key-to-happiness/

psst…God loves you

https://psstgodlovesyou.com/2019/04/14/when-i-dont-feel-it/

Mercifully Broken

https://mercifullybrokenblog.com/2019/04/27/its-here/

Mission Loved

https://missionloved.com/2019/04/11/healing-on-a-california-beach/

Reflections of a Storyteller

https://reflectionsofastoryteller.com/2019/04/16/a-heart-of-gratitude/

Here are my questions for you to answer:

1. If you could move to another country, where would you go?

2. Are you a morning person?

3. What is your favorite color?

4. Tell something about yourself you would want others to know?

5. Do you have a pet?

6. What is your favorite number?

7. What is your most memorable vacation?

8. What is your favorite memory?

9. What is your worst memory?

10. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

11. What do you like most about yourself?

Remember participation is optional. But thanks for your blog. You are an inspiration to me! 🌺🌞

Is Maintaining Hope a Struggle For You?

Proverbs 13:12 ESV, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Every time I read this verse, it makes me realize just how important it is for us to have hope. The Bible says that without hope, our hearts will become sick. Having hope is easiest when we feel things are progressing in our favor. But when things are bleak, maintaining a hopeful outlook can be a real challenge. I know for me, I sometimes wonder why God is taking so long. But I know I must remember that His ways are far beyond my understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

It always feels good when what we are hoping for manifest. But what about when we’re hoping and hoping and hoping and we still don’t have answers? Should we give up on hope? Based on Romans 12:12, the answer is No.

Romans 12:12 NIV, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

We should joyfully keep on persisting in hope and be patient and prayerful, even when we don’t yet see the resolution that we are waiting for. When we place our hope in Christ, He will not disappoint us. Whatever happens in our lives, will be according to His perfect will.

Romans 5:5 NASB, “and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

I love the words to this hymn, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less”, written in 1834 by Edward Mote…

“My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness

I dare not trust the sweetest frame

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

When darkness hides His lovely face

I rest on His unchanging grace

In every high and stormy gale

My anchor holds within the veil.”

Even on our darkest days, we still have the option to place our hope in Christ Jesus. Nothing is beyond His power. There are many stories in the Bible of those who persevered in hope to encourage us. But one of my favorites is in 1 Kings 17:8-24 about Elijah and the Widow.

Long story short, she and her son were planning to eat their last meal and die (talk about hard times). But when Elijah came along, she still mustered up enough hope and faith to follow the instructions He gave her from the Lord. This resulted in her having food for herself and her family. She never again ran out.

I pray God will strengthen you to keep hoping, keep praying, and keep believing.

I would love to hear about your experiences with maintaining hope in the comments.

A desire fulfilled is a tree of life