I find myself in familiar territory these days. Years ago, God dealt with me about my mind and the thoughts I would allow in. We walked through many hours of study and Scripture and overcame a lot of junk. Sadly, over time, I slowly let my guard down, and little by little let my thought life run rampant again--and now I am reaping the harvest of that mistake. My life of thoughts has brought me back to my knees. I am so very thankful for the Blood and the Grace it brings. I am thankful that even though I have let my life become a mess, the Grace from the Blood that Jesus shed affords me strength, and the super natural ability to pick myself back up, and clean out the muck of my mind! Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the entire renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove for yourselves what is the good and acceptable and perfect … [Read more...]
Trials Develop Character and Will Not Lead to Disappointment
Anyone with breath in their lungs knows that life can be hard. For some it may be harder than others, and for many, there are seasons of very difficult times that never seem to end. I feel like my life is the latter. I feel like my life has been one long season of trial after trial after trial. I have even found myself crying out to God: "Why me, Lord"?? Then, I will see some horrific news story and realize, it CAN be worse and it IS for some. So, now, I always remember, yes, I am going through a trial, but it CAN be worse. If we focus on the good; while not always easy, and in many cases easier said than done, it really does make the trial more palatable. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy … [Read more...]
God Longs to be Gracious to Us!
It is only day 3 of 2013, and it is already crystal clear to me that it is going to be a year that I will need to engage in spiritual warfare, and rely on my Lord and His Word more than ever! And therefore the Lord earnestly waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him--for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship! - Isaiah 30:18 I used the Amplified Bible translation for this verse, because after I studied the verse, I found that it describes it perfectly based on original Hebrew text. However, I still want to look at the word gracious. It comes from the Hebrew word chanan and means: bend in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow, give, grant, be merciful. I love this! Isn't is amazing to think that … [Read more...]
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