Wednesday's Word

I was inspired for today's word on my way to work. I actually saw one. Today's word is "rainbow."

Actual meaning - an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain

Meaning to me - A reflection of God's promises to us that hold true even through the storms of our life

Like I said above, I saw a rainbow this morning. It's colors were clear and beautiful. The most beautiful thing though was that the rain was still falling, but the sun was shining through making this gorgeous rainbow.
See, God is just like that. When he made the promise to Noah, he didn't promise it would never rain again. He promised that the earth would never be destroyed by rain again. I bet every time it started raining after the flood Noah would look up and see that rainbow in the sky, and he was reminded that God was faithful, and God's promises would be kept.
It's just like our lives. There are going to be rainy, stormy days, but if we look, we'll see a rainbow through the pouring rain. A gentle reminder that God is still with us. He will keep His promises to us.
And what are these promises? Here are just a few:

Matthew 28:19-20, " 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

II Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

James 4:10, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

God has promised to be with us. He's promised to hear us. And He's promised to lift us up. But did you read the first part of those verses? There are things He wants us to do, too. He wants us to follow Him. If we obey Him, we will be blessed by Him.
Noah had to build the ark to be saved from the flood. Had Noah refused to obey God, he would have died with the rest of the wicked.
If we walk away from God's commandments, we won't feel God's presence, and there will be a hindrance in our communication with God.
So follow Him today. The benefits are well worth it!

Tuesday Toss Up - The One About Labels

Okay, this is gonna be a combination of a devo and a Tuesday Toss-Up. This has been on my heart all weekend, and I think it's something that you could give some great words of wisdom about too. So leave your comments on what you think whether they be short or long. I want to hear your thoughts! Now to the devo:
America is a place overrun with buisnesses. And all the buisnesses have a marketing campaign. They all have their label that you remember them by.
Whether it's this place that says, "Always low prices. ALWAYS." or this place that tells you to "Come see the softer side," you know them by their advertising. Most likely you won't have to visit those websites above to know what stores those are.
You also probably know what food place tells you to "Eat fresh" while eating their subs with "6 Grams of fat or less." And the burger joint that tells you to "Have it your way" while eating a "Whopper."
Marketing campaigns are a huge part of buisness. You see the ads in newpapers, magazines and on television. You hear them on the radio. These buisnesses want you to know they are out there. They want your money.
Buisnesses aren't the only things with labels though. People have labels. Friday night I went back to my high school to see a guy from my church graduate. I saw one of my teachers, and he shared one of his labels for me. I am, "The only girl who ever cleaned her purse out in his class." My friend Ari is, "The only girl who ever fell asleep while sitting straight up in his class."
I graduated six years ago, but I still haven't lost this label. Apparently not many high school girls want clean purses. Or maybe not many can clean out their purses and still get an "A." Whatever it is, I still have the label.
We all have labels. We're either fat or skinny. We're tall or short. We're red or yellow or black or white.
But when we are saved, we gain the most important label. That is the label of "Christian." Christian means "follower of Christ." Unfortunately there have been many times that I didn't fully represent everything that label means. My life is not always the shining example it should be. I fail everyday.
Sure, it's easy to be a Christian on a blog. I type whats in my heart. You guys see that. But you aren't there for my everyday life. You don't see my struggle with my temper. You don't see my frustration at ignorant drivers on the highway. You don't live with me everyday.
But those that do know that I fail. I have a label that says "hot temper." I have a label that says, "Puts her foot in her mouth too often." Sure, these are things that I strive to work on. They are things that I pray for the Spirit to help me with. But I haven't perfected these things by any stretch of the imagination. I think I have improved, but I still have a lot of work to be done. And I want to do the work. I want to live a life that shows what a Christian truly is. I want to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (I Timothy 4:12)
Right now if I were on a shelf in a store, my label would probably read, "Christian Girl: Some assembly required."
My toss up question to you is this, what is your label? When people see your life do they say, "I want what he/she has." or do they say, "Hmm...if that's a Christian, I don't need it." ?

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Things I'm Rejoicing About Today 1. Last night two little girls named Sidney and Destiny got saved in my youth class. (There's rejoicing in the presence of the angels over this one. Don't believe me? Check out this verse, Luke 15:10, "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." Last night there were two that repented, so a lot of rejoicing went on!!) 2. This bug seems to be fixed, and the recovery process is coming along nicely. Thanks for all the prayers about it! 3. Shalee sent me a sweet e-mail yesterday checking on me. She is such an encourager. (She lives Galatians 6:2, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.") 4. I have Monday off of work, and I get to go to Carowinds. (Yes, this is a true reason to rejoice. I'm healthy enough to ride the roller coasters. I couldn't say that just a little over a year ago!!) 5. My Aunt Teri and Uncle Moose are celebrating 25 years together on Sunday. Another example to me of what a God-centered marriage is! (Go to Teri's site and offer your congrats!!) 6. My critiquing buddies Mike, Gina, Ane, and Janet are going to the ACFW conference, so I'm rejoicing for them. I went last year, and it was a true blessing! 7. My Bible study group (which includes Christy and Tracy) is meeting tonight! I love Bible Study night. 8. My brother's fiance Allison has a birthday on Sunday. We had a small party for her after church last night. She is such a great Christian girl. I'm glad that she's gonna be my sister! 9. If you go to Allison's site you'll hear the song, "He Knows My Name" by The McRaes. Jesus knowing my name is the greatest reason to rejoice! 10. I just got an e-mail that my tickets for Kingsfest have been printed. It should be a great three days of praising God and fellowshipping with the two Bible Study Buds (who just happen to be my cousins) that I mentioned above! 11. Isaiah 40:28 is the verse of the day today on Bible.com. It's an awesome verse. Check this out, "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." Our God is ever powerful! He'll never falter or fail. A major reason to rejoice! 12.GiBee shared part of her testimony yesterday in this MeMe that I made up, and it was such a blessing! 13. I can claim these two cuties as my niece and nephew. (Could there be more reason to rejoice??) Post your link, and I'll leave it here if you're playing along with the Thursday 13! Carmen Dawn Wystful1 Sherri Chi

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wednesday's Word

Well, Wednesday has come again, and it's time to focus on this week's word. The word for today is, "rest."

Actual meaning - Mental or emotional tranquillity

Meaning to me - The feeling of deep peace I receive once I hand something over to Jesus

If you've read my other blogs this week, you know that I'm the kind that likes to hold onto stuff. I try to fix things myself. I like to make elaborate plans. And I easily get stressed when things aren't going the way I thought they should. God constantly has to remind me that my life is in His hands. I don't have to worry.
And in those times when I finally let go and give everything to Him, I find such sweet rest. I have no reason to worry. I have no reason to fear. God is in control, and I can rest in the fact that He can handle anything.
Like I said, it's a hard lesson I've had to learn over and over. But many times in my life the Spirit has led me to this verse in the hard times of life:
Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
All you have to do is come to Him. He'll take all your burdens and give you rest!

A Comedy of Errors

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seemed to go wrong? If so, you understand how I felt yesterday. I'll just give you a brief rundown.
The program that I've been working on for months and months has a bug. This bug is a big one. In fact the programming guy said it was what his nightmares were made of, which means this bug means no fun for me. Pretty much it was showing that it had saved things when in reality it hadn't, and it didn't show up until we were ready to upload it to the partner software, which we tried to do yesterday. I honestly felt like crying, but all I could do was just laugh. After all, crying wasn't going to change the fact that I've got to redo the stuff.
So that was work, then I got home. I made some Oodles of Noodles, when I went to strain the water of of them, my hand slipped and the entire pot of noodles spilled into the sink. So I made a second pot. Everything went okay with that one except I burned myself when I drained the water. Oh, and while the second pot was still cooking my mom was like, "you need to wash that pot you used." I was still using it!!!
There were other things that happened that made me start looking up to see if something was about to fall on my head or something, but finally I realized that having a bad attitude about the day wouldn't change anything that had happened. The only thing that I could change was me. So that's what I decided to do.
See, even though I couldn't change the events of the day, one thing was certain. Yesterday was a day that God made. God was still in control even though everything I did seemed cursed.
Check out Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. "
No matter what happens, God is in control. He allowed the sun to rise this morning. This is the day that the Lord has made. Yesterday was a day the Lord made.
So regardless of what today brings and in spite of the craziness of yesterday, I have reason to rejoice. I serve the Lord who makes the day. I serve the Lord who makes the night. The God of all creation holds me in His hands. I have no reason to fear!
So I leave you today with Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."

A Confession

Okay, I have a little confession to make. I'm not perfect. I mean I'm sure you already knew that. These little tidbits I share everyday aren't things I've perfected or anything. They are things I'm striving toward. Today, however, I'm gonna share one of my struggles with you. Why, well because it's the most prevalent thing in my life right now. Actually it's been a struggle for a long time.
I'm a planner. I had my entire life planned out when I was like 15. I knew where I wanted to go to college and what I wanted to be. I knew when I wanted to get married. I knew how many kids I wanted to have and when I wanted to have them. I even knew the exact colors I wanted for bridesmaid's gowns and the songs I wanted sung at my wedding. Yes, I had it all planned out.
You know what though? I didn't go to college. I'm not a nurse (thank God. I'm thankful there are nurses out there, but I've since learned that I could totally not do that ever)I've bypassed that age I wanted to get married at. I don't have that first kid I should've had by now. My plans have changed.
Actually God changed my plans. And of course being the imperfect person I am, I often go back and try to "fix" my life to be my way. I don't know why I do this. After all, God's ways are perfect, and I know that I don't need to be married right now. I know that He has things He wants me to do. Then I hear about someone getting married, and I'm suddenly on the "I'm single, so there must be something wrong with me" wagon.
So that's what I've been struggling with the past few days. I think it's because I have to be in 3 weddings this summer, and I also have a cousin getting married. I'm really happy for all my friends. (Though, 3 weddings in one summer, couldn't you guys have spaced it out a bit?)
It's just easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all and think, "This is what I need." But it's not what I need. See, God has been trying to teach me that all these years. He is ALL I need. He has a perfect will for my life, and if I'll just trust Him, He has a life beyond my imagination planned.
Whether you're struggling with singleness or infertility or loneliness, the heart of the matter is all the same. We're all searching for something more. The thing is that if we have God, we have it all. We have all we need. And He has a perfect plan for each of us. So here's the verse that I'm preaching at myself this week. I hope it helps you too.
Jeremiah 29:11, "11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
I serve a God who has a plan for my life. A plan that will bring more peace than anything I could ever plan for myself. My goal is to follow that plan and not to self-destruct by getting any "smart" ideas of my own!

A Song For Saturday

Well, GiBee has been threatening me because she wanted me to put this on my site! So here it is! I recorded it through audioblogger because linking an MP3 wasn't cooperating, so the recording quality isn't topnotch!
This is a song I wrote for my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, and it's me singing on the first verse and my sister on the second. My brother joins us on the chorus. Please, don't throw any fruit or anything at me!! It's GiBee's fault, really!


On another note, I joined "Blogging Chicks." It's a group of blogging ladies like myself! Check it out by clicking the link on my sidebar. Or click here.

A Song For Saturday

Making Up a MeMe

Well, I've done tons of these that others have sent me, so I decided I'd make up one with a Christian theme. So here goes....

What is your life verse? Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in all the earth."

Give a bit of your testimony? I was saved on March 31, 1995 at a revival at my church. Since then I've gone my own way a bit, but I fully surrendered my life to God's will in 2001. Now I'm trying to live how He would have me to live.

Do you have a favorite preacher? My grandpa and my brother are my favorites (for obvious reasons, but seriously, you should hear them both. They study God's Word faithfully, and their messages are annointed.) I also love to hear Ralph Sexton, Jr.

What's the best Bible Study you've ever done? The one that Christy, Ari, Tracy and I did on "Women of the Bible" I learned so much during that study, and I drew closer to my Christian sisters.

What do you feel God's calling is on your life? I feel that God has called me to write. I don't know fully in what capacity. I just know I'm meant to write.

Okay, I won't make it a long one! I'm going to tag GiBee, Peggy, and Tania to do this MeMe!

Thursday Thirteen

GiBee's Tuesday's Toss Up has had me thinking about praise. So here are 13 Praise Songs that I love for this Thursday! 1. I Love The Lord by The Talley Trio 2. Indescribable, Holy Is The Lord, and How Great Is Our God by Chris Tomlin (I know that's three songs, but Chris Tomlin has the most awesome praise songs) 3. Praise You in This Storm by Casting Crowns 4.Presence by The Newsboys 5. Love Song, Your Love Oh Lord, and King of Glory by Third Day (you can hear these at Third Day's site!) 6. Only Grace by Matthew West 7. Open the Eyes of My Heart by Michael W. Smith 8. When You Spoke My Name by Mercy Me 9.Much of You by Steven Curtis Chapman 10. You Alone by Casting Pearls 11. I Bowed On My Knees and In Christ Alone by Michael English 12.How Great Thou Art by Hope's Call 13. In The Presence of Jehovah by The Martins Links to other 13's. Leave your link and I'll post you here!! Chi Trinity13 Wystful1 Lori EmilyRoseJewel Susan Angie Carmen Sherri

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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He Holds Me Up

Okay, I'm gonna start this post with an announcement of sorts. I've known for about a week, but it's really exciting to me, so I'm gonna announce it...I get to meet GiBee. That's right. I'm gonna meet one of my good blogging buddies in person. I'm singing at her church! Things were crazy last week, and I kept forgetting to announce it! But anyway, I'm excited!
So now to today's thought! I read this verse at Bible.com today, and it blessed me, so I thought I'd share it.
"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD. Are you a good man? (or woman as the case may be.) Do you rely on the Lord to order your steps? Do you trust Him to direct you in every are of your life?
It's easy to say that we do that, but it's tougher to live it. Things come up in life, and we want to hold onto them. We don't want to turn them over to the Lord, but He will give us perfect direction if we'll trust them.
But in those times when we don't go to Him, He doesn't stop loving us. He's still there to catch us when we fall. He doesn't allow us to be "utterly cast down."
I'm so glad that I serve a loving, forgiving God. There have been so many times when I haven't followed His perfect direction, but His gentle hands were there to pick me up when I fell. He wiped the tears from my eyes and kissed away the pain. He loved me with a love I'll never understand on this earth.
How about you? Have you ever felt that love? If not, He's offered it to you. He wants you to know Him. He wants you to know you are loved. I'm gonna end today with the song "You Are Loved" by Hope's Call (click on the link to go to Hope's Call's site where you can hear the song!)

You are loved beyond your failures,
You are loved beyond your past.
The hope that you imagined
Is reality at last.
You are loved with no condition.
You are loved with no remorse.
The stripes of your forgiveness,
Are engraved upon the Lord.
You are loved.

In the Midst of the Storm

I don't know about where you live, but in my part of NC, Mother's Day was a stormy affair. Literally. It poured rain, and the thunder rolled, and the lightning crashed, and it hailed. I'm talking a major storm here.
Thankfully God protected us from having anything damaged in the storm, however, for which I'm grateful.
While the storms were blowing outside however, we were enjoying blessings on the inside. First, it started with yesterday morning's service (which was actually before the storms started.) My Grandpa didn't preach. He felt led to let anyone stand and share about their mother.
Needless to say, it was a very tearful service, but it was such a blessing. There were many reminders from those who have lost their mothers to cherish your parents while they are living. It was a really sweet service.
Then after church we had a cookout with my dad's side of the family. I know. You're thinking, how in the world did you cookout? Well, we had it at the church, and the church has a shelter. Thank God for that!
Anyway, we had a great time fellowshipping with the family. I got to talk a lot with people I don't get to see as often. It was really a nice day.
Then there was the service last night. We had The Anchormen at our church. If you've never heard them, you should. If you ever hear of them being in your area, go. They are such a blessing and so real. Three people asked the Lord to save them last night.
So, if I was to give you one word to describe my weekend, it would be "Blessed." I hope your weekend was blessed as well!
Here's a prayer of blessing for the week from Numbers 6:24-26:
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

What Are You Building?

As most of you know, I'm in the middle of a Beth Moore Bible Study called, "A Woman's Heart." Last night we got together, and we had an awesome discussion. One thing in the second lesson we talked about really hit me.
She had us read I Corinthians 3:9-15:
"9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
When I was reading these verses the thought hit me. All who have believed on Christ are building on the same foundation. I mean this isn't really new information, but it hit me in a different way.
We're all making a building with our lives. Jesus is the foundation. It's our choice what we build on it (gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble.) But we all have the same opportunities to earn rewards. Billy Graham doesn't have a better opportunity than me. Paul didn't have a better opportunity than me. I don't have a better opportunity than a recovering drug addict that just got saved. We are all on the same foundation, and we all make the choice of what we build on that foundation.
Some choose to live their own way and don't think about the way they build their lives. They're making a building of wood, hay, and stubble. Others strive to live for Christ. They're making a building of gold, silver, and precious stones.
Wood, hay, and stubble won't survive the fire. Gold, silver, and precious stones will. So what are you building today? Will it survive the fire?
I want my life to be built the right way. I want to come forth as gold. I want rewards to lay at Jesus' feet. How about you?

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Reasons I'm Thankful for My Mom (In Honor of Mother's Day) 1. She has always loved my sister, my brother, and I equally. She has never shown favortism. 2. She can't hold back tears when my brother, my sister, my dad and I sing together. 3. She loves her grandkids like crazy. 4. She makes up crazy jokes to make me smile just when I don't really feel like smiling. 5. She gives me hugs just when I need them. 6. She makes Bible reading an important part of her life. 7. She has always lived a Christian life in front of me. 8. She tells me she loves me everyday. 9. She has taught me what a wonderful marriage is made of (Along with my dad of course) 10. She pushes me to do better. 11. She is one of my best friends and still loves me in spite of the way I treated her in my bratty teen years. 12. She prays for me everyday. 13. She always puts others first (even when she should really think about herself!) I love you, Mom. Thanks for always being there!! Links to other 13's. Leave your link and I'll post you here!! Joan Dawn Carmen Aileen Chilady Tess Sherri ladybugcrossing Wystful1 Melanie Morales Shalee

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wednesday's Word

I heard one of my favorite songs this morning. "Walk by Faith" by Jeremy Camp . The song inspired my word for today. Faith.

Actual meaning:
Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.

Meaning to me:
Belief that God is there with me even when I don't understand the things that happen in this life.

Like I said the song "Walk by Faith" inspired this word. Look at the chorus to this song:

I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see.
Because this broken road, prepares Your will for me.

That's the perfect definition of faith. Trusting that God has a perfect will for you. Trusting that even when life is hard, He has a purpose.
See, we don't always know what is going to happen. We don't know what is just around the next curve, but God does, and we can trust that He cares for us and that He won't put anything in our path that we can't bear. (I Corinthians 10:13)
A few weeks ago I heard it put like this. We trust Him for our eternal salvation. I mean we trust Him to save us from hell. Pretty huge thing there. We trust Him with our eternal souls.
But then the preacher went on to say that though we trust God with our eternity, we don't trust Him to handle our daily lives. I'm definitely guilty. I mean I won't take something to God thinking it's too small of a problem or that I can handle it on my own. But nothing is too small for God. He wants us to have enough faith in Him to bring Him every burden and every care.
So whether you are going through something huge or the problems in your life seem trivial, hand them over to God. Have faith in Him. He can handle anything.

What Does God Require of You?

I don't know how it went at your school, but I went to a Christian school, and we always had an assembly on the first day of school to review the rules. Seriously, they'd read through the rule book. Then they'd split the guys and the girls and tell us about our dress codes, modesty and so forth. (Not sure what they told the guys, because I of course was in the girl's session.) It wasn't really fun, and it got very repetitive, especially since I heard it from kindergarden to the 12th grade.
Anyway, after the assembly, we were all given a rule book of our own. We were to sign the first page along with our parents (our parents were supposed to read it first, but I doubt they ever did.) Then we were to turn it in (if we didn't turn it in, we got demerits, that was one of the rules!) That way if any of us ever did anything, they could take us to the rule, then to our signature where we agreed to follow that rule. It was pretty cut and dry, though there were plenty of people who tried to get around it.
I read a verse this morning that made me think about those days back in school. Though it's been six years, I could probably quote that rule book to this day. It got into my head after a while, and I'm still hate walking onto my old high school campus in jeans, scared that someone's gonna give me a dress code.
Check out Micah 6:8, "8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Just like I was shown year by year what was expected of me in school, God has shown us what He expects of us in His Word. When we become Christians, we have signed on to be a follower of Christ.
This verse puts out there plainly. He wants us to do justly. The definition of just says that one is consistent in doing what is morally right or righteous. If you've seen the Chronicles of Narnia, you know at the end that Edmund is called King Edmund the Just. Now we all know that he was not "just" through the entire movie.
That's where the "love mercy" part comes in. See, God knows that by nature men are not just. We must have come to Him and ask His forgiveness of our sins. We must depend on His mercy. That's why we should love mercy. Because mercy is what saved us. Just as Aslan's mercy saved Edmund's life. Jesus' mercy saved ours.
My brother sings a song called "Mercy Said No." Here's a line from it: "When life and death stood face to face, and darkness tried to steal my heart away, Thank You, Jesus. Mercy said no."
We all deserved death, but through Jesus' sacrafice, we all have a way to life.
So because of God's mercy, we should all strive to walk humbly before Him. There is no other way to walk before Him. I mean think of it. He is an awesome, holy God. Yet He loved us enough to send His Son to save us. The very thought of it humbles me.
The very thought that a perfect God sent His perfect Son to die for an imperfect world. A world that didn't even recognize Him. It just blows me away. That's why I'm striving to do just what this verse says. I want to be just. I do love His mercy, and I want to walk humbly with God every day of my life. What about you?

A Safe Crossing

I'm sure you've all seen them. You're driving through the city, and they're there. The darters. They're standing on the sidewalk ready to race across the street as soon as there is a break in traffic.
I often shake my head at them. I mean, there is a pedestrian crossing not 10 feet up the road, but they are willing to risk it to save maybe 20 steps. Doesn't make sense to me.
I've read about these people getting hit, injured and even killed because they darted and someone was going faster than they expected or someone just didn't see them. I'm sure they never planned on this.
I saw one of these darters this morning, and it made me think. I mean, we often take chances in life that are just as dangerous. No, we may not try to beat a car while racing across the road, but we ignore safety just as much as any darter.
See, God has a perfect way. A perfect will for our lives. It's the safe path. No, it isn't always easy. It might require a little more work, a few more steps, but its always the best route to take.
If we try to take a shortcut, we miss things God is trying to teach us. We miss blessings along the way. So, if you are following God, and it seems tough, just trust Him. He has you right where He wants you, and it will be worth it in the end when He brings you safely to the other side.

Food for Friday

Okay, on my other blog I posted a recipe today. Not my usual thing, but it was asked for so I posted it. (If you like lime chicken, go over there and check it out.) Anyway, it got me to thinking about a verse. Yes, something strange has once again sparked my brain. This should be amazing you less and less by now!
Anyway, I got to thinking about how much these human bodies rely on food. I mean we could go a while without it. Days even. Possibly weeks or maybe even a month. (There are times I think I could live for years just off of the fat in my body.) But the point is pretty soon we get weak. We wear down. Our stomachs growl and beg for sustenance.
We need food to stay alive. That's why I think it is so interesting that Jesus referred to Himself as "The Bread of Life." (John 6:35-48) It's something we get. In this passage, people had come to Jesus wanting him to miraculously feed him, as He'd done for the 5,000. Jesus was trying to tell them that He was offering them so much more. He told them He was that He was the Bread of Life and that those who came to Him would never hunger or thirst.
They didn't want the spiritual aspect though. They wanted Him to satisfy their physical needs and nothing more.
I think many of us are like that. We want to go to God like He's Santa Clause. We ask that He will help us pay the rent or make grandma better. But we don't want the relationship with him.
Like yesterday I talked about prayer. Prayer is important, and God wants you to come to Him. But the prayers that truly change things are the prayers of the righteous. (James 5:16)
Those living a righteous life are those striving to follow God's will. No, these people aren't perfect. They're forgiven by God, and they know that their lives belong to Him.
I learned a long time ago that before my prayers could change the world, they had to change me. In other words, if I wanted a good prayer life, I needed to go to God and ask for a close relationship with Him. I needed to make sure that there was nothing between God and myself. And I had to go to His Word and search out the promises He has for us.
He wants us to come to Him, but just like Jesus had to teach the disciples to pray, He has to teach us.
So go to Him today. Search His Word. Humble yourself before Him. Then He will heal your land. (II Chronicles 7:14)

Thursday Thirteen

**Special prayer request and update -
I just receive an e-mail about a lady in my church. Her name is Judy, and she is in the hospital bleeding from her brain. She just had open heart surgery several months back, and they discovered several health problems at that time. They are doing a cat scan to see what's wrong and if they can't get it stopped, they will do surgery around 5:00pm eastern. Her sister Kathy has asked that a prayer chain be started for her. Please join our church in this prayer for Judy and her family. She is a new Christian and she needs strong prayer support at this difficult time**

**A brief prayer before I start this week's
Thursday Thirteen about The National Day of Prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for this nation and for the freedoms we have to come to you in prayer. I pray that you would be with our nation in a great way today. Grant the petitions of our hearts. Thank You, Father. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Now to the Thirteen**

Thirteen Things We Need To Pray About On This National Day of Prayer**Update - you should also go to Praying for Your Prodigal's post about the National Day of Prayer. It's beautiful!** 1. Our President and his family (whether you agree with him or not, the man needs prayer. The position he is in holds more stress than I'd ever care to have.) 2. Our Congress (These people hold the power to make decisions that will shape our lives) 3. The Supreme Court, and all the lesser courts (These people need wisdom to interpret the law) 4. Our troops (Whether you think they should be fighting or not, these young men and women need our prayers everyday) 5. The survivors of last years hurricanes and this year's tornados and fires.(These people are still so far from having their lives back to normal) 6. Preachers across the land. (So many of them are facing opposition on every side) 7. Our teachers (This is becoming a more dangerous job everyday. These people need prayers for wisdom and strength. They also need prayers for more support from parents.) 8. Our policemen. (These men and women put their lives on the line everyday, and most don't respect them at all. They need prayer in a great way.) 9. Our firemen and EMT workers. (For strength to face the things they face daily) 10. Our children (Children are growing up way too fast in our culture. They see things way too young. Our children need God's help.) 11. Our doctors, nurses, hospital workers. (Many of these people are worn thin because of a lack of workers. Pray that God will grant them strength and that people would appreciate them more.) 12. Our blue collar workers. (These people go to work everyday to keep America strong. Some barely make enough to get by. They deserve our prayers.) 13. Our poverty stricken and homeless. (Some are there by their own doings. Some have lost jobs, or are unable to work due to sickness. No matter the situation, we need to take these to God in prayer.) Links to other 13's. Leave your link and I'll post you here!! Carmen Mary Chilady Pink Chihuahua Princess Better Safe Than Sorry Heather Happy Mama to Three

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Wednesday's Word

Today's word is something that's been on my heart lately. Like I wrote on Monday, at times it seems that Christians must face hard times while those in the world seem to live a life of ease. (This isn't really true. It's just our perception. Otherwise why would millionaires be addicted to heroine or cocaine. These people are searching, and though it seems they are happy on the outside, they are empty on the inside) Okay, sorry for the rabbit trail, but I wanted to clear myself up.
Anyway, I've heard people say, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" My question back is, "Why not?" I mean, Romans tells us that we are all sinners and there is none righteous. None. Not even one. So if we are all sinners living in a sin-cursed world, what is there to keep us from going through trials. Christ doesn't put us in a protective bubble when we are saved. He doesn't promise a life of ease. He promises He'll be with us to the end.

So today's word is "longsuffering."

Actual meaning: Patiently enduring wrongs or difficulties.

Meaning to me: A Christian's ability with the Spirit's help to endure any trial that life brings

As I said above, we live in a sin-cursed world. Jesus died to save us from our sin, but we are still in the world. However, we are not to be of the world. The same kind of things that happen to the unsaved person down the road can just as easily happen to us. Matthew 5:45 tells us, "for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust."
Because we are in the world, we will face the trials of this world until Christ takes us home to heaven. But we should handle life's problems differently. The unsaved person down the street may turn to drugs or alchohol. We are to turn to God and trust completely in His care. If we trust in Him, we will be able to bear anything. We will show the fruit of longsuffering. (Galatians 5:22)
So are you in a valley today? If you are, are you handling it God's way or the world's way? We are to be a "separate people." (II Corinthians 6:17) When we are saved we are no longer of this world. So look to God. Allow Him to work in you through whatever trial you are facing. Your attitude of longsuffering may be what reaches those around you.

Gotta Share a Blessing

Things at work are crazy already this morning so this post is gonna be short, but I just had to share a blessing.
Sunday night a missionary came to our church. We took up a love offering for him, and I felt God putting a certain amount on my heart. I was thinking, "This is way out of my budget for this week." But I wrote the check anyway.
You know what? Mom told me that I received a check for the EXACT SAME AMOUNT in the mail. She'd just forgotten to tell me about it. So God had already provided the money before I wrote the check.
Isn't God awesome? If we just trust Him and follow His leading, He will provide. He'll take care of our every need!
So take these verses with you and remember that God is always right there with you. He knows everything about you, and He'll take care of your needs.

Luke 12:6-7, "6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."

Keep Pressing On

**Just a brief praise report before today's post. We started travelling to sing again this weekend. The service was awesome, and dad didn't have problems singing. The men at the church were great too. They helped my brother pack up the equipment since dad still can't lift anything over 5 pounds. God is good!**

Now for today's thought...Have you ever wondered if it's worth it to be a Christian? I have. I know. I'm evil now. I'll probably lose all of my readers after that statement. But hear me out.
I mean think about it, you get up early every Sunday morning to go to church services while your unsaved neighbors sleep soundly in their beds.
You spend your entire Saturday cleaning up the church rather than going to the mall or relaxing by the pool.
Then of course there's Wednesday night service and Sunday night service. And revivals. And Vacation Bible School. And Bible Study.
Don't get me wrong. I really love all this stuff. It's just that there are times when I feel like I never stop. From the world's viewpoint I am wasting my time.
But then something bad happens. And I have people to fall back on. I have people that are praying for me. And most importantly, I know I am in God's hands, and I can trust Him to help me weather any storm. All those hours spent in church have helped to build my understanding of Him.
Or I am in a service where the Spirit really comes down, and I can't imagine having missed it. The joy that floods my soul is something I wouldn't trade for all the money or power the world could offer.
So is it worth it to be a Christian? Yes. It is worth it. So if you are in a place now where it seems you are stretched from every side, remember that it is worth it. The Christian life offers rewards that you can't imagine. The benefits are out of this world.
So press on toward the mark. (Philippians 3:14) Your life has a purpose, and everything you do for Christ is worth it!