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..."
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
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,..."
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,..."
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
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."
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."
Friday, September 20, 2019
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..."
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..."
Thursday, September 12, 2019
When More Equals LIttle
Haggai 1:6 KJV
"You have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink; but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."
In this book of the Bible God brought to His people the reason for their lack. They had turned away from their source of being full and that source was God.
As they tried to build upon their own desires and add more to their wealth, they were finding themselves lacking and empty. This only created the desire to seek more but never be satisfied.
They had set aside building God's house to build upon their own. Therefore God caused a lacking and emptiness that could not be filled.
Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." If not, we'll find ourselves empty even though we strive to be full. Our efforts to build and to have will be futile unless we use the resources God provides to build with knowing that all comes from Him.
We must examine our reasons for what we want. Of course we want to provide for our families, bring in an income, have food and clothing; but do we fail to give God the glory for the necessities we need or do we just crave more?
Have we put off building upon God's plan for our life to build upon our own desires? Do we think bigger is better and more will make us happier or more comfortable?
Let us remember the promises of God in providing all we need not necessarily all we want. If not, we may find ourselves empty even though we have much.
Matthew 6:31 NKJV
"Therefore, do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things..."
Philippians 4:11,13 NKJV
11 "... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..." 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
"You have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink; but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes."
In this book of the Bible God brought to His people the reason for their lack. They had turned away from their source of being full and that source was God.
As they tried to build upon their own desires and add more to their wealth, they were finding themselves lacking and empty. This only created the desire to seek more but never be satisfied.
They had set aside building God's house to build upon their own. Therefore God caused a lacking and emptiness that could not be filled.
Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." If not, we'll find ourselves empty even though we strive to be full. Our efforts to build and to have will be futile unless we use the resources God provides to build with knowing that all comes from Him.
We must examine our reasons for what we want. Of course we want to provide for our families, bring in an income, have food and clothing; but do we fail to give God the glory for the necessities we need or do we just crave more?
Have we put off building upon God's plan for our life to build upon our own desires? Do we think bigger is better and more will make us happier or more comfortable?
Let us remember the promises of God in providing all we need not necessarily all we want. If not, we may find ourselves empty even though we have much.
Matthew 6:31 NKJV
"Therefore, do not worry saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things..."
Philippians 4:11,13 NKJV
11 "... I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content..." 13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Storms Are Coming
Hurricane season is definitely here and Dorian has already brought damage and chaos to many in its path.
Hurricane Dorian isn't the only thing bringing in storms. Life brings its own storms and it may seem at times we are surrounded with no way out. The storms of life can be destructive and leave damage that seems unrepairable.
Proverbs 1:27 says it well: "When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you..."
Yes, that's the feeling. It's the kind of destruction and terror that can't be kept out by boarding up openings or putting down sandbags, nor can you escape the storm by running away. Many will use their own worldly wisdom and strength to no avail.
There is only one shelter that provides safety and calm from the destruction these storms can cause. That shelter is found in Jesus. It's a place of peace and rest. It's where Jesus provides healing and repair from the damage that seems so unrepairable.
Yes, the storms are upon us, the waves are high, the winds are strong and the darkness that wants to surround us seems ominous. Listen, for there is a voice calling through the darkness of the storm. A voice that calms the winds, stills the waves and brings peace to the soul.
Listen for the voice of the Savior and trust His calling. He will take you through the storm and out the other side to a place of safety, peace and healing.
Matthew 8: 23-26 KJV (each verse followed with paraphrase by Marie Levy)
v. 23 "And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him."
And when He entered our lives we followed Him.
v. 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.
v.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.
v. 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.
Hurricane Dorian isn't the only thing bringing in storms. Life brings its own storms and it may seem at times we are surrounded with no way out. The storms of life can be destructive and leave damage that seems unrepairable.
Proverbs 1:27 says it well: "When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you..."
Yes, that's the feeling. It's the kind of destruction and terror that can't be kept out by boarding up openings or putting down sandbags, nor can you escape the storm by running away. Many will use their own worldly wisdom and strength to no avail.
There is only one shelter that provides safety and calm from the destruction these storms can cause. That shelter is found in Jesus. It's a place of peace and rest. It's where Jesus provides healing and repair from the damage that seems so unrepairable.
Yes, the storms are upon us, the waves are high, the winds are strong and the darkness that wants to surround us seems ominous. Listen, for there is a voice calling through the darkness of the storm. A voice that calms the winds, stills the waves and brings peace to the soul.
Listen for the voice of the Savior and trust His calling. He will take you through the storm and out the other side to a place of safety, peace and healing.
Matthew 8: 23-26 KJV (each verse followed with paraphrase by Marie Levy)
v. 23 "And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him."
And when He entered our lives we followed Him.
v. 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.
v.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.
v. 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.
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Our Power or God's?
Why do we as Christians insist on putting a magic wand in the hand of Jesus? Why do we assume or believe we have one in ours?
So many times I've seen on social media and in messages sent to me, (others receive them too), that try to make the blessings of God into a magic spell that you make happen by some ritual you're told to do. You see postings such as, "If you send this message to twenty people within four minutes you'll receive so much money or God will send you a special blessing. Then you have another one that states, "If you love Jesus you'll copy and paste this message" or "Let's see how many people repost this if they care about..." whatever the situation is.
Really!! Where did Jesus ever say in His word we were to follow such advice? When you read such things does it cause a twinge of guilt, even just for a moment if you don't comply? God's word says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
I get so tired and fed up with messages that contain the "must dos" to show we care or we have faith. It doesn't matter if it concerns God's blessings, an illness of someone or our faith. We don't show we care or receive from God anything by sharing or sending chain letters. We are only showing how superstitious we are or how little we trust and know the Lord.
Be careful what you let in and how you live out the Christian life. Don't let superstition or good luck charms lead you astray. Get rid of the objects in your life that lead you to believe such things and can bind you to the dark side. Even do away with sayings such as, 'knock on wood", "good luck" and please throw away the rabbits' foot, etc.
Our blessings depend solely on God and His promises. He is all the supernatural we need.
1st Timothy 4:1 NKJV "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons;..."
Leviticus 19:31 KJV "Regard them not that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God."
So many times I've seen on social media and in messages sent to me, (others receive them too), that try to make the blessings of God into a magic spell that you make happen by some ritual you're told to do. You see postings such as, "If you send this message to twenty people within four minutes you'll receive so much money or God will send you a special blessing. Then you have another one that states, "If you love Jesus you'll copy and paste this message" or "Let's see how many people repost this if they care about..." whatever the situation is.
Really!! Where did Jesus ever say in His word we were to follow such advice? When you read such things does it cause a twinge of guilt, even just for a moment if you don't comply? God's word says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
I get so tired and fed up with messages that contain the "must dos" to show we care or we have faith. It doesn't matter if it concerns God's blessings, an illness of someone or our faith. We don't show we care or receive from God anything by sharing or sending chain letters. We are only showing how superstitious we are or how little we trust and know the Lord.
Be careful what you let in and how you live out the Christian life. Don't let superstition or good luck charms lead you astray. Get rid of the objects in your life that lead you to believe such things and can bind you to the dark side. Even do away with sayings such as, 'knock on wood", "good luck" and please throw away the rabbits' foot, etc.
Our blessings depend solely on God and His promises. He is all the supernatural we need.
1st Timothy 4:1 NKJV "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons;..."
Leviticus 19:31 KJV "Regard them not that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God."
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