Sunday, July 25, 2010

Everyday Miracles

Have you ever looked back on your life and completely understood what God was doing years after He had done it? I had a moment like that today.
About 4 years ago my husband and I were looking for a piece of land to make our home on. We thought we had finally found the perfect place. We were approved for the loan and gave our down payment to the bank. We were on our way to a better place to live...one that was all ours!
Suddenly the seller backed out, for conscience sake. They said that there was something wrong with the property and they refused to sell it to us. Once the property was off the table...so was the loan.
Needless to say, we were utterly confused and so very disappointed We remained in the same place for another painful year.
We have been in our new home for the last 2 years. God brought a fantastic blessing from a bad situation. Had we bought that property we would spend the next 40 years paying for second best.
God new 4 years ago. I realized it today.
God had the miracles of the past recorded for the present so that we would know about them today and be encouraged. Think back on some of the ways that God has worked miracles in your life and be encouraged with me today!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Above all, brothers, do not swear oaths by heaven, by earth, or by any other object. Instead, let your "Yes" mean yes and your "No" mean no, lest you fall under condemnation.
(James 5:12)
So why don't we all just say what we really mean; and really mean what we say?
So many people could avoid so much pain if we all lived by that motto!
This post wasn't brought on by the actions of anyone I know. Actually I was watching one of those movies where 2 people refused to admit that they loved each other for fear of exposing their vulnerable hearts one to the other.
So, it is my conclusion that we all are afraid to be honest, completely honest with each other because we don't want to become vulnerable. We have to stay guarded to stay safe. After all, what would people think if they knew what we really think, how we really feel, who we really are? It is exhausting to wade through all of the facial expressions and body language and cues, codes and just plain lies. We are all so afraid to be found out.

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
(Hebrews 4:13)

There is One to whom all things are laid bare. There is One who knows every single thing about us. No matter how deep or dark or scary or secret, no matter how well we think it is hidden or how deep we think it is buried, there is One who sees and knows all.
His name is Jesus. And He loves you anyway. He wants you anyway. He died in your place anyway. He knew what you would become and He still chose to create you. You are wonderful and valuable to Him. Don't hide from Him. Don't try to pretend or put on an act. You can't fool Him.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)

The great thing is that He has been where you are. He understands your weaknesses and because of that, He is there to give you strength to overcome them.
Knowing this, I am encouraged to be open and honest with Him so that I can accept His strength in my weakness.
I hope you are encouraged with me today.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I have a question. DO we really believe what we say we do? Do we really believe that the lost will go to an eternal hell if they are not told the truth of the gospel? Do we really believe that there is an eternal home in heaven for those who believe and give their hearts and lives to the Lord Jesus? DO we really believe that He is coming soon?
If we really believe all that we say we do then why aren't we out there preaching the gospel with urgency? Why are we not spreading the good news to the lost and telling them about the choice they MUST make if they want to spend eternity with Jesus instead of an eternal hell.
That is just something to think about .
I encourage you today to go out and spread the good news before it is too late for the lost.
I know I am encouraged to do so. So wont you be encouraged with me today?