seen and heard

sometimes God's people should be seen and not heard. these we have way to much talk and not enough walk. God gave us 2 ears one mouth. that should tell us something. we christians love to talk and at times it is alright but sometimes we should keep mouth shut listen and walk the walk. it is difficult i know. but it is easy to talk the talk but when push comes to shove and ruber meets road. we often find excuses and give them as to why we don't walk. i am just as guilty as anyone else. but am beginning to see that sometimes it is better to be quiet. there have been times when i spoke to much and should have listened more. we need to listen twice as much as we speak. and think befor you speak. for every one negative comment you tell someone it takes 4 possititve ones to override it. example "you just baught a new dress or suit. everyone who sees it is saying how good it looks. but one person who says it isn't you or that doesn't look good. many times then you'll head right back to the store seeking a refund. use your words carefully. i've always said it is not what you say it is how you say what you say. that conveys message. whether it is the one you wanted to convey or not it is conveyed nonetheless. if memory serves me correctly Solomn even wrote on this matter. so think befor you speak and watch and see what happens. and sometimes even though you want to speak. don't! because sometimes that is why the person is doing or saying what they are saying or doing. so they can get a reaction from you. and they know you'll say something. but if you keep the lips zipped. then it will stop often times and they'll probably wonder why? and that is perfect opportunity to reflect God's love and show grace. and who knows you may be able to help win a soul to Christ.

forgiveness and love!

It has come to my attention that many churches teach but seem to seldom practice forgiveness and love. they speak about it until the cows come home. but when time to practice it is rare or if it is practice it is practice with the attitude "i'll do it if i have to" this is wrong.

You may ask "how often should I forgive?" I say limitless. we should forgive all things no matter what the isue. I know some things are harder to forgive then others but forgive anyway. I know offenses are repeated often. Forgive any. Jesus has forgiven them and has forgiven us for all things. so we should follow in step. afterall our goal is to be like him. Love them all the time and no matter what they've done. God loves them and sent His Son Jesus to die and rise again for them. so we should love them. some are harder to love then others i know. but that is no excuse. as stated in a previous post "no such thing as unloveable."

one may ask "buthe is abusive." I say get out o the situation but love them anyway and forgive. not in wordonly but in speech and action. it iseasy to say "i love you!" or I forgive you" but often our actions reflect something different. and when you sy these say fo from the heart. and ean it. the way you say wll have a dramatic influence.

it is far time the church steps up and sarts truly living theway we are commanded. without "what's init forme" attitude. Christ went to th cross and rose again for or sin and has and ill forgiv us no matter what we do or how often we do it. so it is time for us to follow him. you will say but he was perfect. I say no excuse. forgive and love. will you forget probably not but you should put it ehind you and not carry it on your shoulder ike a chipdaring someone to knock it off. in closing "lt go and let God!" love all and forgive all. you'll be surprised the change taht will take place over time. and if someone asks why then that your opportunity to say "because Jesus loves you" and who knows tha may be your chance dear saints to win a soul for the Lord. and that is our goal. we really have no choice o this issue. we are commanded to love and told to forgive. so stop not doing it and start doing it. no matter what. who knows what will happen.

church growth?

Many people have often said "I'd really like to see our church grow but..." the but is usually followed by "I can't" or "I don't know..." or even "it is not up to me it is the pastor or deacons responsiblity." That is false. it is up to each and everyone of us to help in whatever way we can. it may be simple as praying for the church which we all should do. maybe helping put togather the bulletin. there are mutiple ways to help. talking with your friends with out fear of them stopping being a fried. invite invite invite. bring it up in conversation casually. also help lan events at your church to bring people to. but most important pray for your church. and look for ways to serve. you may be unnoticed but the Lord sees it. He promises in His word "what is done in secret will be rewarded openly." reward shouldn't be your motivation but the Lord should be. Love love and love anyone and everyone as we are commanded. there is no such person "unloveable." we all would fall in that catagory but Father God sent His Son Jesus anyway to die for our sins and he rose again like he promised. so we should love one and all no matter what. some I will admit are harder then others but love anyway. in the end you may see amazing thngs happen that even you didn't expect. so how do we expand the church. stand on the promises not sit on the premises and take action. no matter how large or small it may be. you'll be glad you did others in the church will appreciate it and the Lord will reward you for it. you don't need to be a scholar to help just help. look for ways and offer help. and keep offering to help until they find a way to have you help. they say the squeaky wheel gets the grease. so until next time. the Lord loves you and so do I.

Valentine's Day

Well Valentine's day is coming. just a reminder to do something for someone to show you love them. we are commanded in Scripture to love one another so who will you show love to. You may say "I don't have enough money!" I say it doesn't take a lot of money to show someone you love them. Sometimes and actually all the time the simple fact that you put forth the effort to do something is appreciated. You can do something as simple as
1. call them on the phone
2. write a note in your words explaining how much love them tht is better then any card.
3 invite someone over for dinner, desert or coffee
4 take someone out for lunch or something.
do this for someone to show your love and it doesn't have to be romantic love. just show Christ's love for someone. even the person who disspitefully treates you. in fact I'll be willing to bbet that your act of love will turn them around. After all whatever you do is peanuts compare to what the Heavenly "Father paid for your sin. He sent His son to die for you. he rose again and offers a place in Heaven just for you free of charge. the debt has been paid. so step out and do something. keep it simple. we saints put to much emphasis on the price of the gift on this day. forget it! just do something. no matter if it is is just a hug. the fact you are showing your love is appreciated. and i'll bet that the person would be more satisfied with a simple act then the most expensive. it may be a challenge but do it. the Lord will reward you for your action of love. even if it doesn;'t seem that it is appreciated. don't do it expecting anything and I mean anything in return. just do it from the heart and watch the reaction. i'll bet that it will be priceless and worth more then you could ever dream. if you've never accept Jesus do it today. you'll be glad you did and the rewards in life and after will be more then your dreams. till next time remember I love you and more importantly God loves you. no it doesn't matter who you are or what did or didn't do Jesus loves you. and will accept you. just confess to him you sinned "messed up" and ask him to come in to your heart. he'll take care of the rest and from thatmoment on your place in heaven is secure. So show your love for someone and watch what happens.

appearances

There is a lot of talk these days about "appearences" being everything. While in certain circumstances I'll agree that that is true. those being of course "jobs, interviews and school." However the line should be blurred and erased when it comes to church and other situations.

All to often it has been my experience in church that it is expected that you dress a certain way. if you don't you are looked down on and not only that people don't even try to speak with you or just totally move far away from you. however if you dress in a suit and tie or a fine dress. watch and see how many people suddenly gravitate toward you in numbers. it is kind of like and pardon my bluntness here "sucking up." it seems if you dress nice you must have the dough. and if you got the dough you'll want to give to a place that treats you right. I'll say it is alright to a degree. but we shouldn't show favortism based on looks. you don't know where they been or why they are there. you'll probably be the only Jesus they'll see and if you don't reach out to them. then who will? in many churches if you come whering holes in your jeans anda t-shirt and sandals you are look at as if you have a problem. and people will often distance themselves from you. not all churches do this but it has been my experience more then not that it is so. and it isn't just dress. if you walk in and show you have a disability they either play the pty party game ad over help or accept you for who you are. however if you step up and offer to help they are very reluctant to allow you. because they don't know how you'll hadle the duty. instead of asking you or discussing the matter the disabled person or person who's dress is less then perfect are ignored. and or put off and given excuses as to why "no."

this shouldn't be. we should accept one another no matter who, wha or how we are. show love not favoritism and seek to educate ourselves. you never know what will happen. beauty is skin deep. what is on the inside often is beautiful and ready to shine. and it is this class of people quite honestly i've seen are more willing to serve and get their hands dirty. The apostle James warns against showing favoritism strongly.

so the next time you are in church and you see someone new and they don't look or smell or appear like you think is proper. stop. walk over to them extend a hand and smile and say "welcome!" we're glad you are hear. this may difficult but be genuine and sincere and allow the Love of Christ flow. who knows you may be talking with the next Billy Graham or maybe the next Joyce Meyer. God makes all things beautiful and can use anyone anytime and any place. he just wants a heart that believes in him. and he'll take care care of the rest. who knows. so let's stop looking at the outershell and get to know the inner person and wait on the Lord to show us what and how they can be used.

till next time God loves you and so do I. be blessed.

surprises

I have had many times in my life when I've been caught by surprise. I mean really caught by surprise and amazed at the provision of God. Let me take the time and relate just a few of those times here.

The first time was when I was living in Omaha. It while I was working for Marriot as a Guest Relations Representative. My manager called me over to her desk. Thinking I might be in trouble for something I did or didn't do. I went over. She advised me that someone had submitted my name to receive a Thanksgiving basket. I don't know who it was and she did say. I didn't find out. It was appreciated and amazed me. It was appreciated because money was a bit tight at that moment and food was needed. A example of how God provides when we don't think it possible or even in a way we don't expect it possible. As to what all what was in the box I don't recall. All I remember was it was all good for sure.

The second time was around Christmas the following year. We did a secret Santa in our department. My secret Sana got me some socks, and a few other items. But the surpise was from the whole department. It was a "$100" gift card to Target. This surprised me and humbled me. It was amazing and for sure came in handy. As to what ll it was spent on I don't recall. but I do remember thinking God is amazing. As to how the department did it without me catching on I have no idea. But am ineed thankful.

Finally, my last day at Marriot. This was a sad day but a good day. I was leaving to go to Colorado. Leaving to be with my wife to be. I was working hard and do my thing. When I finished a call I put my phone on hold. I did this so I could finish typing a couple of notes on the file I just started. I then sent said file to the appropiate outbound representative as usual. I then heard the tone in my headset indicating that I was loggged off. At that point I proceeded to reach over to log my phone back on. It was then I was told "Daniel come with me" Think it was to do some final paperwork I got up and followed. It was then I was led to a room. and told have a seat. I was then given a glass of punch and a plate of cake. and spent the next hour or so enjoying a fair well party. They had a poster there that everyone signed. I then returned to my desk for the last little bit of my shift. As i packed up to leave, I was handed some cash. It ws to the tune of $80 dollars. Again surprised and thankful for the gift. that was a going away gift/wedding gift.

Amazed an surprized. But this moring I sit here and think. God is Good all the time and all the time God is good. he provides for us andd at times it catches us off guard but you know what? It shouldn't. Because God promises to provide above and beyond what we think. Because I am in Christ. So my dear friend if you don't know Him. Why not? it only takes a moment. I will tell you you won't regret chosing Christ. I promise you it won't be an easy road but the rewards here and in the end are amazing. If you have stepped away from Christ dear saint let me encourage you to come back. He hasn't left you ever and is always ready to take you back with arms open. So until next time. May the Lord Bless you and Keep you and may He always make his face to shine on you and give you His peace. God bless and till next time remember to pray to pray for the peace of Jersaleum .

angels

Do angels really exist and appear to us today? my dear saints yes they do! I have a few examples I could readily give. But for the sake of not being long winded I will give one that sticks out in my mind at the moment.

While I lived in Denver and I didn't have an apartment. I was stayin at the Salvation Army. My wife "now x" was staying down the road at the Samaritian House. I will admit during this time my marriage was not well. but in the spirit to try and get it back and moving I tried to get a bed where she was staying. The way they do this is you are given a card. if they draw your card you get the bed. there was only one bed available. the card was drawn. nope it wasn't mine. but that isn't where it ends. I got up and proceeded to leave. I was told hold on a minute. I waited and then was told I got the bed. what happened was the man whose card was drawn spoke with them and motioned to me. indicating he wanted me to have the bed. he then left and he had only walked a few few feet from the gate. and like that was gone. vanished no trace. angel? I suspect as much. so I stayed thre and talked with my wife and tried to work on our marriage. not long after that was accepted to attend the Colorado Center for the Blind to take some Parenting classes. that is another story for another day.

so dear saints scripture tells us how we should be have and warns us that we may entertain angels unaware. they come at odd moments and unexpected times. but it is usually unexplainable.

one more story quickly.
I was waiting for the bus one day in Denver my wife and I were sharing a hotel room with another couple. while I waited for the bus a gentlemen approached me and stated "the Lord wants me to give this to you." he handed me a crisp bill and like that was gone. before I could ask what it was. I arrived at work thinking it was probably a five or a one and tried to get change. no way. I found a trusted friend and supervisor and asked her "what is this?" she advised it was a "$50" I stood in awe and put it in my wallet. that night we needed to pick up a few things for dinner and do laundry. no money on hand. I then remembered "$50" took it out and it was exactly what was needed. I never saw that man again. have no way to know where he went or any thing like that. so keep your eyes peeled and stay on the alert. because when you are in need to going through rough times God will often send his Angels to help us through. it is awesome and I praise God.

No angels don't appear like they did in the days of old with bright light and wings and all that we see in pictures or how we see them protrayed in scripture. but they do come and they do help and sometimes relay message that we need for the moment.

you may ask "your x" yes I am divorced now I did make effert to make things work and prayed hard but sometimes things are not meant to be. I learned many lessons but I know that God answers prayers. not always the way we want but he answers them and His way is the best. so trust the Lord and rest in His arms and know aht he'll provide and that he loves you. and so do I.

He is there

I realize that many of you are struggling with many different issues. You I know have anexiety about many things. I am also aware that you such as I sometimes wonder "Go! Where! Are! You!" it is those times that we need to go to him and cry out. Jesus promised us that He would never leave us nor forsake us. He is truly there all the time. At times it feels like we are alone but we are never really alone. He is just a prayer away and wants us to trust in Him fully and know that He'll provide all we need when we need it and how we need it. He is an on time God.

If you have sin confess it and know that you are forgiven no matter what it is. you may have confessed it many times and keep returning to it. But know you are always and forever will be forgiven. just accept that and know it. Live in Victory and walk in your freedom. If you are approached by someone and asked to forgive do it. Forgive them and forget it. put it behind you for God our Father has done it when we ask him to forgive us. It is difficult I know. But even though you at the moment are drifting through rough seas. it seems that no safety is in sight. rest in Jesus and know that he cares, loves and is by your side. Weeping lasts during the night but Joy! comes in the morning. though you may cry many tears and have many sleepless nights. rest in the arms of Jesus and know that he cares for you. he will protect you no matter how difficult it seems. he won't allow you to go through anything without him and won't allow you to go through it if you cant bare it.

WhyWorry

Many saints and I include myself with this because I do it sin. I know we all do but this sin is a suttle one and one that is often not thought of as sin. But anything that is done outside of lining up with the Bible is sin. The sin? WORRY!. Yes worry is a sin.

Dear saints it is a sin and many of you will disagree. But Scripture tells us that it is. Paul wrote in Philipians 4 "be anxious for nothing..." you will say that is anxiety not worry. but I tell you worry is anxiety. Christ himself even told us "take not thought of tommarrow what you will eat drink or wear." in other words "don't worry"

you will ask what then should I do? I am glad you ask. instead of wasting energy on worry pray pray pray. give the situation to the Lord and leave it with him. don't try ad fret abut it and handle it on your own. Let God take care of it. Some have said I don't pray because he probably won't answer. He will and does always answer our prayers. it isn't always the wa we want or in our timing but his timing is best. He may sa yes he may say no but the hardest answer is wait. We all hate to wait. as a rule most people are in to much a hurry. but it is said good things come to those who wait.

so why worry? not an option for the saint of God. prayer is the only opetion and one that needs to be done with fervent passion and with expedientness. So the next you find yourself worrying. Stop!! use that energy to pray and leave in the Lord's hands. His hands are best and Luke says "with all things are possible." so believe it and trust and go forth and serve the Lord with the fervent passion that I know all of you dear saints have. Till next time.

No Matter Who You Are

It doesn't matter who you are. Jesus loves you. It doesn't even matter what you've done or not done. He loves you just the same.

You may say... I have: stolen stuff, used foul language in front of children, drank until i was so drunk i was sober or you may say i murderered. it doesn't matter. what you've done in te past. Jesus loves you just the same.

Jesus is calling the perfect into his family he is calling those who want to have eternal life. He paid the price you deserve for your sin. He came, died ad rose again. All that is up to you is to choose to have him in your life.

it doesn't matter if you are white black, purple or pink. doesn't matter if you are male or female abled or disabled. whosoever wil call on the name of the Lord will be saved. And believe me your life won't be same if you choose Christ. it won't be smooth sailing but i promise the rewards in the end are worth it for sure.

the Bible says "if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you shall be saved." it also says "sosoever will call on the name of the Lord shal be saved." last I checked "whosoever" means anyone. God loves you so much he sent Jesus to take your place. Jesus did it to help restore the broken relationship between us and God. you are never to old or to young to take this step. after you do then find a good Bible and read it daly. also find a good church and attend regularly.

how do you take this gift. it is simple you just ask God for it. no specific words you must use. just admit that you need him and ask him to come into your heat. simple as that. just ask for the free gift and God will take care of the details. if you want to know more feel free to ask me and I will respond and if you want help praying i can help that way as well. But don't wait until it is to late. because after you die that is it and no second chance to change your mind. so spend eternity with me in Heaven one day or live like you do and not accept the free gift and be tormented in Hell. it is your choice and only you can decide. what you do doesn't make a difference with where you spend eternity you just need to take the free gift and let God help you with the rest. I serve an awesome God who loves you for who you are and willhelp you run with endurence. IF you mess up after you decide to go to heaven simple. just confess to him you messed up ad move on. make it right when possible but don't fret the small stuff. just move forward. Jesus is the only way to heaven and I hope to see you there when I get there.

waiting

We all have to wait for a variety of things in life. Things like: trafic lights to change, to see the doctor, to be seated at a restoraunt. Many of us complain about some of these waits because it seems tediously needless. But when it comes to waiting on the Lord we struggle even more.

Isaiah 40 31 says: But those who wait on the LORD Shal mount up with wings like eagles, They run and not be weary, They shal walk and not fail."

Simplely put waiting on the Lord has its rewards. Afterall His timing is perfect. Dear saints we serve an on time God ad he is never late with fullfilling his promise. Our strength won't see us through. But it is when we rely on theLord's strength and wait on him to help we get through smoother. This doesn't mean we sit and not do. we do and do it all for the glory of the Lord. Who cares if we get recognized for what we do. it would be nice but that shouldn't be our objective for doing. Dear saints you are in Christ and should do what he asks of you to do. in doing so you'll show others the Father and they'll want to know more.

So don't hurry up. WAIT!! it has been said by otehrs older then me "good things come to those wait." if we hurry it along it more then likely won't come out as well. take your time relax and let the Lord direct guide. eagles fly gracefully and have awesome power in their wings. do we get tired sure. but if we wait on the Lord we won't tire of waiting because we know our Father knows best. Take your time learn as you go and take pleasure in knowing that your Heavenly Father is taking care of business. and when you pray ad tell him your needs or trouble. leave it with him and let him handle it. he has the power and plan to make it happen.

Till next time the Lord bless you and keep you, may his face always shine on you and may he give you his peace.
renew their strength

our most powerful weapons

We have two very powerful weapons in our spiritual arsonal. they are:
prayer
love
Prayer is very powerful! Sad to say seems like it is seldom used or taken seriously by many saints.
How often do I hear one say "I'll pray for you about that..." and they move on and don't. if we promise to pray we need to follow through.

Prayer is simplely us communicating with our Father in heaven about our concerns. Some have told me they haven't prayed about... because He probably answer. My response to that is: "He always answers!" "it isn't always in line with what we hope for." If we as a family of God took prayer more seriously and kept at until we saw an answer. I'll be willing to bet that we would see awesome things happen. and not only that but we would send old ugly running and packing. so no excuse as to not prayuibng. time isn't an excuse you have time for a lot of stuff and if you look over your day you'll realize I'm right. so instead of complaining about why... pray!!!

Love is also powerful and we need to show others we love them even if it hurts. no matter who they are or what they may or may have done. love them anyway. who knows! maybe by showing them love you'll bring them to Cyhrist or back to Christ. You may be the only one who can make the difference in their life at that moment. God loves them and you qand so share that love with anyone and everyone you meet.

you may say "I don't have the funds!" I sa6y "it don't take loads of funds to show love sometimes a simple card or letter or just a word of encouragement" you may say "I have no time!" I say "no excuse Jesus Christ took the time to come minister die and rise again so you could be restored to a right relationship with Father God. you'll say "that was Jesus he was God so he had time he could make it" still no excuse not to show love. so go and show someone you love them and watch the results. I am sure you'll be surprised.

The world does enough beating up of people. we are to be different and shed light in one's dark world. You never know where it may lead or what may happen. this is for sure their life won't be the same after your act of love. And for goodness sake don't brag about it saying "look what I did for... or I did this to show I loved tem" do it and don't expect recognition for it the Lord will reward your effort and see you are taken care of.

May the Lord bless all of you and remember you are dear saints and I love each one of you and the Lord does abundantly.

Who Am I

I realize I've writen about this before but it has been on my heart a lot lately. Who am I?

Who we are is no defined by what we do. We do what we do because of who we are. Who are we? if you are a believer you are a saint, a child of God! This teaching that says "I am just a sinner saved by grace," is bunk! you are who you perceive yourself as. you act the part you identify yourself as. if you indentify yourself as a sinner then you will sin and sin some more. however if you identify yourself as a saint as scripture says you are you will sin less. I am not saying you won't sin but because where you place your identy that is what you will act like.

I have asked well meaning elder believers why we say "sinner saved by grace" and they say it is so we ca identify with others and they with us. well in my book you are who you claim and if you claim yourself as a saint and act accordingly then others will want to identify with you and be like you. if you say you are just a sinner saved by grace then you will act as such and thereby not giving a nonbeliever something they can aspire to be like. why would someone want to be like you if you identify yourself as being like them? they don't see a difference so therefore choose to remain.

hroughout the who new testament christians are referred to as saints. and 2 Corinthians 5 tells us "if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things have past away all is new." if all is new thena transformation has taken place so I am no longer what I was but am new. if new then must be a saint and no longer sinner. yes i sin but I am a new creation and am in Christ. so it is my endeavor to be like him.

in saying we are saints and perceiving that we are and believing it we will endeavor to act like what we perceive a saint to be. so as a result we will probably sin less and endeavor to model Christ. You are how you perceive yourself to be and will act accordingly. so let's stop trying ti identify with the world so we can draw them let's identify with Christ and model Him thereby drawing others out of curiousity to the change and thereby winning others for His kingdom.

If God is For us

If God is for us! Who can be against us? I ask with respect but desire to know honest answers. God is for us for sure in all we do. He wants us to devote ourselves to Him and serve with pure hearts and be ready to go when he says go. When he says go! why do many believers just sit and say "ummm ummm I don't know" there are tim es when God's direction is so clear cut and dry you'd have to be blinder then me to not see it. but many iof us don't go.

I think the reason is simple. We are afraid of what brother or sister so and so might think if we step out in faith and answer the call of God. Well muy answer to that is: "Stop!!! you don't have to answer to them!" The Lord Jesus Christ has called you so go and do. Don't worry anything about it. just look for ways to get it done and if needs be look for the help. If it it is truly from the Lord he will provide a way even when it seems there is really no way.

UIf God is for us no one can be against us. He'll make the way smooth and prosperous and will cause the doubters to stop doubting and take notice. So step out in faith I know it is a hard thing but after you take that first step each step begins to get easier and easier. So stop sitting on the permises and stand on the Promise of God and go!!

the walk

It is said "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step" Many of you are standing still and being fearful of taking that first step. You say "no one walks with me" this is untrue! Because if you are a believer in Jesus Christ UHe is always with you and will never leave you. He is right by your side ready to guide direct strengthen and encourage.

It may seem like no one walks with you and often times this road will feel lonely but know this for certain that you have many who have gone before you cheering you on and the Lord will be right there through the good, the bad and the ugly and everything in between. Just pray and ask Him. He will listen to all your fear and hand those fears to him and he'll take them away and replace them with the power to move on and continue.

Fear not my brother and sister for I know that walking the road sees dark at times but joy will come in the morning. Just wait on the Lord and He'll renew your strength. Stay in continual meditation of the Word and prayer. You won't go wrong when you do that.

For me I want to serve the Lord in a arena where I speak motivationally, to inspire or simplely just teaching the Word of God. When and where I don't know. But am willing to go where He sends me and am assured that he'll provide the means and way for it all to take place. I trust in an awesome God and know His way is perfect and that he'll never send me where He himself wouldn't go and will not allow me to go through anything that can't be handled.

So cheer dear saints and smile for your Master the Lord Jesus has a plan for you and will helpyou to see it through. Walk don't run and go at the speed he sets for He knows best.

giving thanks

I was thinking today. with it being Thanksgiving day here in the United states. I was thinking about being thankful.

While I am thankful for many thiings this past year. I willnot mention them all here because most of them are the basics that we are all thankful for. However, I was thinking about the passage in James: "count it all joy when you suffer trials and tribulations, knowing that the testing of your faith works patients"

Was thinking, how many of us stop and thank God for our struggles we go through? James says to count it all joy. when one takes joy in something then they usually are saying at some point that they are thankful for it. So in a short ad round about way. I am thank for all the strggles I've had this year and continue to have. Because I know for certain that in the end I will win. Because with Lord on my side how can I loose. While I am still without a permanent job and still single and am not dating anyone at the moment. I am thankful for the struggle because the yet is yet to come.

So let us all push forward today and remember to give thanks for all that we have but don't forget to thank God for your struggle. because ion the end if know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour you'll win the ultimate prize. After He is the only way to Heaven. many say there are mutiple ways but they're wrong Jesus is the only way. so stay close to Him and you won't go wrong. Struggle you will and be tested it is certain. but in the end you'll win. so count it joy and when doing that thank God for it and let's move ahead and be victorious in life. Remember you can choose to be a victum or a vitor. it is all up to you. I hope and pray you choose to be a victor. I choose that and will stay on course.

God bless one and all and let's all remember to pray for one another and keep moving forward and help one another.

I am bell ringing this year stay tuned for a posting on that.

to cry or not?

It is a common philosphy that men are taught from childhood up. "Real men don't cry." We are taught this via movies, books, television and even by some well meaning adults. On the other hand we have some people that tell us "it is alright to cry." however this is usually nly when a major tragedy has occured in our lives. Also to reinforce the idea many times, and I realize it isn't meant to be as such, but if we are crying as a child over something parents are known to say "stop crying or i'll give you something to cry about."

I realize that sometimes crying isn't called for with kids but one should use discernment.
is it alright for a man to cry? Well what does the Bible "the word of our one true God." say. John 11 35 "jesus wept." also when he was in the garden before he was about to be cruicified. "Jesus cried tears of blood." So men abolish the thought in your mind. that it is wrong for a real man to cry. Jesus "yeshua" was a real man and he cried. We are to be like Christ so there you go it is alright for a real man to cry.

Don't be afraid to show that emotion in public or private. it is all good. don't be ashamed as I've been in the past about crying. in fact i've been knonw to apologize for crying. So if you need to cry feel free and let the tears flow. not only will it help you feel better it shows you have heart. and that is really what is important. a real man has a "heart"

eyes

It has occured to me that many of us have a tendacy to choose what we will or will not see. While to a degree this is admirable. However; we need to ask the Lord so see things the way he sees them. It is when we do this we often tiems will things we had beforehand chose not to see. It may scare us and often tiems cause us to shed tears. But we need to see things as the Lord sees them

We need to pray "give me your eyes Lord that I may see the way you see and give me your heart that I may love the way you love." We often choose who we'll love. this is sin and needs to cease. We are to love one another as Christ loves all. Showing that love is difficult but easy at the same time.

While I realize it sometimes hurts to love someone we need to till do it. Who knows where that display of love will lead. It may very well bring another lost soul in the kingdom.

Saying "I love you" isn't enough. one needs to demostrate said love. We need to have a lot more action in our life if we want to win others for Christ.

I am reminded of a song that came out in the 80's be a nonchristian group the chorus said "a little less talk and a lot more action." as Petra said "sometimes God's people should be seen and not heard." To much talk and not enough walk.

So pray for the eyes of Jesus and the heart and watch out. because you may need to boldly go where no man has gone before.

influence

We have many things in this world that influence us. We have movies, music and television. But the greatest influence is people. While what we hear and see on television and the music we listen to does have a remarkable influence and impact. People often times have greater.
The other day I was thinking of people that the Lord has brought in my life. Some believers as myself and others unbelievers. But both have hd major impacts on my life. Some to greater degrees then others. unfortnately some of them have passed on and so I can not thank them but others I have lost track of and have no clue where to begin to find them to thank them.

That is why it is so keenly important we monitor how we conduct ourselves around others. We are always being watched and who knows what kind of influence our words, actions or lack of such will have.

The Lord brings people in our lives for a reason. Sometimes it is to teach us a lesson or sometimes it is to comfort us andother times it is to encourage us. Whatever the reason cherish those people while you can. If they are meant to stay with you until you die or until they die or until the Lord comes. But when they do leave physically. Know that they will always be with you in your heart. We need to remember to listen more then we speak. that is why we have one mouth and 2 ears. So think befor you speak. the words you say will impact. Hopefully for the good but if it ends up for the bad. Well then move on and hope that you can be forgiven. And if someone has said or done something that has impacted you for the lesser degree. and they come to you and seek forgiveness? then forgive them embrace them and move forward.

some would say that music has no influence or impact. it does. sometimes we don' realize it but it does. and we do. we may never know what extent we've impacted someone or how. but know this you will and o impact others. You may never know how or to what degree until you reach Heaven. But take satisfaction in knowing that you can make a difference.

sheep

I have been thinking about something lately. Why? of all animals and things that we can be compared with does Jesus compare us to sheep? well it is a stupid animal. they'll follow anything pretty much. we are stupid. I know that is insulting to be called stupid. but when it boils down to it we are. we all do stupid stuff. I don't care if you have a phd or a masters. but sheep will follow anything. however get them in your camp and train them well they will obnly listen to their masters voice. Jesus said "my sheep hear my voice" "a stranger they will not follow" so let's get to know our masters voice better so that we won't follow another voice. it is easier said then done but it is well worth it in the long run.