All That You Did

John 15: v. 16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you..."

You didn't have to call me that day to salvation,

but You did.

You didn't have to speak to me and say, 

"Marie, you're not a Christian,"

but You did.

You could have left me in my sin,

but You didn't.

You didn't have to comfort me and 

take on my pain,

but You did.

You didn't have to deliver me from

the bondage of sin,

but You did.

You didn't have to put up with my failures,

my struggles and my doubts,

but You did.

You didn't have to fill me with Your Spirit 

to strengthen, guide and teach,

but You did.

You didn't have to love me so much that

You chose to die that I would live,

but You did.

You didn't have to go and prepare a place

for me in heaven so that I might 

dwell with You for eternity,

but You did.

Thank You Jesus for all that You did.

1st Peter 2: v. 9-10  "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, … that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light..."

Jesus Is Our Anchor

Matthew 8:23-26 (King James Version) is given followed by a paraphrase (in red) that can be applied to your life and draw you closer to Jesus through His word. May you have peace through Jesus as you seek His guidance each day.

Matthew 8:23 And when He was entered into a ship, his disciples followed Him.
And when He entered our lives we followed Him.

Matthew 8:24 And behold there arose a great tempest in the sea, in so much the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep.
And there arose a great hardship and stress in our lives; it was so bad that it covered our life with darkness and fear. God seemed so far away.

Matthew 8:25 And His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us, we perish."
And we cried out to God and cast our fears before Him and He heard us.

Matthew 8:26 And He saith unto them, "Why are ye fearful O ye of little faith?" Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
Then He reached down to remind us that He is in control, to not be afraid and to give us more faith. He set aside our fears and gave us peace.

Matthew 8:27 "Who can this be that even the wind and sea obey Him?"

   Can you answer the last question above? Who is Jesus Christ to you? Does He calm the storms in your life or are you still trying to make it on your own?
   Choose to follow Jesus and trust Him for your life and all the storms you may face. As your Savior, Jesus will be the anchor to your soul.

A Revelation of Evil

   A few days ago I was given some spiritual insight or at least I believe I was. I noticed I had been getting angrier or my response to situations seem to set it off easier than usual. I'd also noticed I was nervous and more anxious. I have dealt with anxiety in the past so I was blaming it all on just a resurgence of it.
   Then I remembered talking to a friend who said she was dealing with some anger issues also. It suddenly dawned on me that perhaps  something more is going on. I wondered if others, especially Christians, were dealing with emotions more than usual.
   I believe it's because Satan's armies are becoming more intense and active. They are also increasing in strength as they pull in more followers. There is so much demonic activity right now and hate with the elections plus what's happening in Washington D.C., that all of it is spilling over.
   There's a battle going on regarding the sanctity of life, the push to silence Christian, denying how God made creation, (male and female), to turn evil into good and of course their agenda to destroy a country built on faith in God.
   This battle has increased and become so intense we are feeling the effects of that activity, sometimes unaware of where it comes from.
   It's time, past time, to insure we are wearing all of God's armor according to Ephesians 6:10. Be aware of what's taking place, check your armor for any weak areas of faith and make secure your walk in Christ, "because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Ephesians 6: 10-13 NKJV
10"...be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand... 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers of the darkness of this age... 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day..."

Sing and Dance Through The Darkness

   Feelings and emotions or lack of them can sometimes lead us astray. They dictate too often what we think, what we ought to do or what we believe at any given moment. We are prone to make decisions, sometimes unwise ones, based on what we feel.
   If the disciples had relied on their feelings instead of their faith and trust in Christ, their lives wouldn't have had the impact that it does today.
   Many of the disciples went through persecution or were imprisoned for their faith. Many died for the same reason. I do not believe they were constantly feeling joy or even God's presence every single moment. They faced physical pain, mental distress and probably doubts tried to invade their minds as well. They had however believed and trusted the promises Christ had given them. That trust sustained and kept them, not their feelings.
   I have struggled with anxiety most of my life. When I came to Christ it was a joyous occasion but I learned that His salvation or promises didn't disappear when I was struggling with emotions that pulled me away from what He'd done in my life.
   There were times when I would sing or praise God when I was at my lowest and felt no hope. I didn't feel like singing and I didn't want to praise God but I did it anyway. I did more of what I didn't feel like doing than what I felt like doing; which was to run, hide or give up.
   Eventually, God showed me He was always there and lifted me up from the darkness. Though faith, not my feelings, He strengthened me and gave me hope. I could actually feel joy in rejoicing.
   Remember the pain and suffering Christ endured on the cross for our sakes. He kept His eyes and heart on the One able to deliver.
   So sing, dance and choose to do your daily walk by faith even when you feel otherwise, for His joy waits to embrace you.

2nd Timothy 1:7 NKJV
7"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."

Hebrews 12:3 NKJV
3"For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself lest you become weary and discouraged..."

Wake Up! Our Time Is Short

   In 2nd Timothy 3:1 it says, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." I believe that time has come. You see so much hate and division, not only in Washington but also among America's own people. Even Christians are divided over the issues. It has become almost frightening to turn on the news without wondering how things will end or how it will affect us.
   My heart has been so heavy concerning the division among the churches and those who profess to be Christians but discard or change God's word to suit their own lifestyle or agenda. This should not be.
   In Washington, our so called leaders have lost all common sense and direction. I do believe though that God is using Trump, our President, to give America and God's people a chance to turn back to Him.
   According to God's word in Isiah 44:28 through chapter 45, He used Cyrus, a pagan King to allow God's people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem for their return. It wasn't because Cyrus was holy or righteous; none of us are. Romans 2:23 states, "...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
   There have been other times that God used Kings to fulfil His purpose. We need to pray that He will touch the hearts of those in this position to have wisdom and direction for God's glory. Be aware though because God can also use those who would cause destruction to bring America and His people down to their knees for their lack of obedience. It would be better if we voluntarily got on our knees in prayer.
   Wake up those who are asleep, blinded and caught up in the ways of the world. The signs of destruction are all around us and our time is short.

2nd Timothy 3:2-3 KJV
2 "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,..."

Knowing Your Neighbors

   In Matthew 22:39 Jesus says, "...Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." How do you love your neighbors if you don't know your neighbors?
   This popped in my thoughts after a daily walk this past week; but it really started the night before when I noticed a Rescue Squad several doors down from where I live. I found myself concerned about my neighbor; a neighbor with no name. And that's where the problem comes in. They've lived there for years. Yes, I've said "hi" or waved if I happen to have passed by. Somehow I don't think that's enough.
   So, I'm doing my morning walk and I noticed a woman standing on the front porch of the same house where the flashing lights and EMTs had been the night before. I didn't want to seem like I was being nosey but I asked if everything was ok explaining my concern.
   She seemed relieved to be able to talk, opened up about her health issues and what had happened. She had been able to return home from the hospital and now was waiting for her sister to pick her up for a doctor's appointment.
   We talked for about twenty minutes, each exchanging information about ourselves; me trying to encourage her through God's word. She then asked what church I went to and told me which church she "use to" go to. Before it was over I had her name, needs and told her I'd pray for her.
   Wow! A connection made all because I reached out with care and concern. This wasn't the first time God had introduced me to a neighbor.
   A few weeks back a young woman was walking past my house, saw me near my car and asked if I was going up the road. I wasn't planning on going anywhere but I asked her why. She said she didn't have a car and was wondering if I'd give her a ride to the pharmacy; quite a way if you're walking. Of course I did, also gathering information as we talked. She lived on the street behind mine.
   I wondered if the Lord was trying to tell me something? I didn't have to wonder, I knew. If I am to love my neighbors I need to know my neighbors. What are their pray needs or is there another need they have that God can use me to fill?
   As I realized my concern for others is starting to grow, I suddenly remember the prayer I'd lifted up to the Lord the last few weeks. "Lord, give me a burden to care for others." He's doing exactly what I asked for, starting with my neighbors.

Galatians 6:2 KJV
2"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

Romans 15:2 NKJV
2"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification."
 

Blessings In All Seasons

   What is God doing in your life? It's a question each of us need to stop and ponder. Do we really believe and see all God has for us in our daily walk with Him or do we just drift through each day, oblivious to His presence?
   Do we only want His intervention when our need suddenly becomes a burden too hard for us to handle? On an opposite note, some of us may find we only praise and thank Him when all is going great. Otherwise we may let doubt creep in and obscure what God wants us to see.
   May we realize not only to call on Jesus when we are in hardships but be aware of His presence when our joy is full, our mountains are high and the sun shines bright.
   Be deliberate about God's presence and work in your life. Take note of even the simple things around you and give thanks for all you have. Thank the Lord for the things your don't have and ask Him to use each situation for His glory. He always has a purpose working behind the scenes for our good.
   Whether our circumstances are good or hard at this present time; God's blessings abound all around us. May He open our hearts to His abundance continually in all seasons of our lives.

Romans 8:28 NKJV
28"And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV
1"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose..."