Tag: Faith

In the context of religion, one can define faith as confidence or trust in a particular system of religious belief, within which faith may equate to confidence based on some perceived degree of warrant, in contrast to a definition of faith as being belief without evidence.
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Unravelled

Reflecting upon 2017

A new year is bestowed upon us once again. Once again I find myself reflecting on the previous year. Likewise, I am praising God for triumphs and trusting Him with ongoing struggles as our family prepares for 2018.

Thankfully, last year brought healing for myself and my family. This was more of a spiritual, soul healing. The year started off with leftover pain from the latter part 2016. Once spring rolled around, I was ready to let go and give my hurts to God. Once I was able to lay it down and walk away, God smiled as He tenderly comforted me. His forgiveness allowed me to forgive.

Around the same time I was finally able to move forward from the pain I had held onto for so long, my husband lost his job. Now, surprisingly this wasn’t much of a storm for us. God had strengthened us from a previous job loss that lasted a year. At this point, we had learned to do a nice little jig in the rain. It’s a great testament to God’s handiwork through previous trials when you can fully trust him in the valley.

The job loss lasted a few months and our family was met with an open door from a company that would give us hope for the future. This new job opportunity required my husband to work out of state for two weeks at a time. He would then be home one week and return for another go around. The job was physically demanding for my husband. Not only that but working in full gear, combating RA symptoms, in the summer heat did a number on him.

After one of his shifts, he called me as he did every other night. He was very discouraged and I could tell his voice was weak. He was telling me that he just couldn’t do the job. I knew in my heart he had the most determination I had ever seen in a person. I never imagined that he would really have to quit.

But he did. I was devastated.

After I had some time to process the situation, I was able to determine what caused all of my angst. I had built my hope so high on this job and the promise of a better future. When this came crashing down I unravelled. I don’t think I have ever been so caught off guard with something that I felt I had some kind of control over. In reality, I had zero control. However, I had already planned on these future dreams for our family and I assumed that it was written in stone. When the tablets were scattered in pieces below my feet, I just couldn’t handle it. It took a few days, but I eventually got over it. My husband and I also had a nice laugh about how crazy I had acted! Not only that, but I realized that sometimes God will allow you to unravel to preserve you with His truths.

“Sometimes God will allow you to unravel to preserve you with His truths.”

God is sovereign

Regardless of how I thought things should turn out, God ended up having a job waiting on my husband when he got home. I knew this was some of that amazing mercy being poured out from our loving Heavenly Father.

The rest of the year was mostly uneventful and it was a welcome change.

Well, almost.

Fast forward to the day after Christmas. At 7:30 that night, my husband and I found ourselves in the ER with our four-year-old son. He had a broken elbow. Did I mention he is autistic and mostly nonverbal? Yea. Good times.

Even though I was dreading the visit, I knew I had to be strong. I had envisioned the worst possible scenario in my mind and I was expecting it to go down for everyone to see. This is what I like to call autism awareness; real-life meltdowns in public places that include shrieks, hitting, and tears. Sometimes I try to explain and sometimes I just let the actions of my child do it for me.

We got back to the room and waited for the doctor. After several pain-filled X-rays came the diagnosis and a temporary splint.

We returned home and my husband was shaken to the core. It was definitely an unwanted visit, but it had gone better than for what I had prepared. God had so strengthened my weary heart over the past year that,  I felt as if he was giving me a new perception of our special needs world.

My son sat there on the ER bed, screaming. No words to express the pain and anxiety. Only high-pitched dissatisfaction to portray how he felt in that moment. Right before they came to splint his arm, he had let out the loudest, highest-pitched yell that I had ever heard. While he was belting it out, his eyes were locked steadily on mine. Halfway through the noise, I could clearly hear what my son was saying. “I’m scared, mommy.”

I had held it together up to that point. But, even as the tears rolled uncontrollably down my cheeks, for the first time, my heart had a clear purpose. I understood why God had chosen us for this special needs journey.

I couldn’t stop thinking about how many special needs children and adults have been left out in the cold by families who would rather not.

These families decided they would rather not have autism in their lives. They would rather not have to deal with the stress that comes along with raising a child with special needs. They would rather not, but rather let someone else handle it. More than likely an institution or the state government.

I have read about the institutions that housed special needs children and adults in the 1940’s. My stomach turned and my heart broke reading about the living conditions. Not to mention the abuse. The parents of those precious souls decided they would rather not. By the sounds of it, the people that were to be caring for those that couldn’t care for themselves had made the same decision. There is nary a word in the Oxford dictionary that can give justice to what those children went through.

All of these thoughts had pierced my heart the instant I heard my son scream his lungs out- his only way of communication.

Yes, he was helpless. Yes, my heart broke for him.

What hurts the most was knowing that there are still families that decide that they would rather not. Instead of institutions, they choose cages or closets in their own home. They would rather not, so they literally put their autistic child out of sight AND out of mind.

So, when my husband talked about how hard that trip was, I was secretly rejoicing.

We are so very privileged to be able to provide the care our son needs. We are blessed that our family was chosen to freely extend the love of Jesus to a child that has needs outside of society’s norm.

Autism Acceptance  

Which brings me to the sum of the autism equation.

Because modern medicine has made leaps and bounds since the days of special needs institutions, autism families are more empowered. Families are given sooner diagnoses and quicker treatment plans. Often times, these plans include a team of people that come alongside the family for care and support. It’s a far cry from cold sterile rooms and days without normal human interaction.

As these families gain support through therapies and treatments, their load is greatly lifted. They are more likely to venture out in public and risk a meltdown. Instead of feeling abandoned and alone within the walls of their homes, they feel like society is warming up to the idea of autism and the uncanny nature that comes with it.

And therein lies the solution.

Love. Understanding. Acceptance.

 

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Can Rock Star Alice Cooper Really Be A Christian?

Can Rock Star Alice Cooper Really Be A Christian?

Thinking back to the rock celebrity from the 1970s, Alice Cooper, and your mind will probably conjure up images of a creepy long-haired guy with runny black eye makeup who plays with snakes. In an age when hard rock was associated with all things evil, Alice Cooper seemed to epitomise that genre. His style was macabre theatre and he played it up with all his might.

But it wasn’t always that way.

Raised as a pastor’s kid (and the grandson of an evangelist) Alice Cooper grew up in Detroit and Phoenix as Vincent Damon Furnier. He even served in the church as a pre-teen. But as a teen, Furnier wandered off from the church to begin his rock career, eventually adopting the band name “Alice Cooper” as his own. In many respects, he became a completely different person.

Inspired by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, and The Who, Cooper’s band jumped quickly into fame in the 1960s and 1970s with showmanship as well as musical talent.   Drugs and alcohol came naturally along with the mix, while violent stage antics began to draw more and more attention. Glam-rock costumes, fake blood, torture of baby dolls, and even mock human executions became trademarks, leaving audiences wondering what could be next.

The effect was controversial in public, to say the least, while Cooper’s life was on a downward spiral in private. Hospitalising himself for alcohol addiction in the late 70s, he wasn’t able to kick his habit of illicit substance abuse. Barely able to remember recording some of his albums in the 80s, Cooper was so addicted that his wife filed for divorce (they then reconciled). He began acting in B-grade horror films as well as appearing as a dark personality in many other formats.

Since then, things have drastically changed again.

The faith of his childhood never went away and Cooper eventually hit rock bottom. He looked around himself and saw his drinking buddies, including Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix, realised they were dying before they were 30, and didn’t want the same for himself.

When he bottomed out, Cooper knew where to turn. He credits his full recovery to God.

Appearing as King Herod in NBC’s live version of Jesus Christ Superstar for Easter 2018, Alice Cooper’s dark experience likely allows him to identify with Herod’s dark side more than the average person.

Now 70 years old, Cooper declares that he and his wife are both Christians who read the bible and pray every day. Alice’s wife, Sheryl, also grew up as the child of a clergyman. The couple has remained faithful to each other throughout their 42-year marriage and are thankful that their three kids have never had any problems with alcohol or drugs.

Alice Cooper doesn’t consider himself to be particularly “religious” but he does go to church every Sunday. He also heads up a faith-based organisation in Phoenix, called Solid Rock, which ministers to teens in partnership with a local church.

Cooper says that Christianity is all about “dependence on Christ” and a “one-on-one relationship”. And he is adamant that there’s nothing in the bible that says he can’t be a Rock Star.

Check out these lyrics from Cleansed By Fire from the 1994 album “The Last Temptation”:

What about truth

What about life

What about glory

What about Christ

What about peace

What about love

What about faith in God above”¦.

You’re lost

And I’m found

And I’m Heaven Bound

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Can God Be Trusted?

Can God Be Trusted?

Today, trust has become a precious commodity. With all the news reports and bad experiences of people we know, it is no longer easy or prudent to immediately trust. Trust needs to be earned. People can be deceitful. We must be cautious in our dealings and relationships lest we fall prey to people who victimize unsuspecting, untrusting individuals. Man’s wisdom can be flawed. We must be selective about the advice and opinion we heed lest we are encouraged into making wrong decisions and assumptions.

It is right to be guarded. The attitude has become a necessity in order to spare our selves from loss and heartbreak. At times though, the Christian can bring this attitude into his relationship with God. When things go wrong or get harder, we can begin to doubt God’s character and capacity. When life gets busy and so many pressing matters hound us, we may begin to rely more on our wisdom and doubt the effectiveness of consulting with God by prayer and reading of the Word. God can become unreal to us. When this happens we must stop and remind ourselves that God can be trusted. God is trustworthy. God is reliable.

God is so certain of His own goodness that He isn’t  threatened at all by our questions.

He has seen the beginning and end.

God bears the wisdom of eternity. From eternity past and eternity future, God was, God is, and God will be. God is not a novice; nothing will surprise Him. He will never panic nor will He be stressed. He won’t be pressured into doing anything drastic or impulsive. When He acts, I know He acts in wisdom. It may be hard to understand but whatever He allows or withholds, I know there is His perfect reason behind it. In the end, all things will work out for my good (Romans 8:28).

That He sees the beginning and the end is an assuring thought. Think about it. The past, present, and future are equally laid out before him. God is never blindsided. He is never shortsighted. There can be peace and calm amidst the chaos and confusion because God clearly sees my life and knows how to direct and keep me on the right path.

He knows me wholly.

No one can know you more than He does. Even we fail to understand our hearts at times. Jeremiah 17:9 says that our heart is deceitful, no one can really understand it. We get overwhelmed and our emotions get the better of us. We second-guess ourselves and we overestimate ourselves. But, not God; He understands us with a perfect understanding. He knows what you and I are made of. He is fully acquainted with our uniqueness. He knows why we are the way we are. He knows how and why we think the way we think.

Psalm 139 beautifully lays just how much God knows us. Verse 4 says before we even utter the words, God knows it completely. He knows the reason behind the words and the feelings that go with them. From the passage, we know that He created our inmost being. He saw our unformed body and has set how many years we will have to enjoy life on this earth.

That He knows us completely and accurately is a refreshing thought. Think about it. There is never a need to pretend or build walls. We can come just as we are. He will not pre-judge. There is never a need to explain our selves. He gets us completely. We can trust Him to respond to us rightly and helpfully.

Can God be trusted? For these two reasons and many more, the answer is a definite “Yes!” Yes, He can.

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What Does It Really Mean to Be a Child of God?

Child of God

Becoming  more  Christlike  is the result of freedom from sin.  The influence of grace is to soften the heart, to refine and purify the feelings, giving a heaven-born mindset and sense of property.

A Christian cannot be self-exalted, for this is not Christlike.

The world’s Redeemer, the sinner’s saviour says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

But let us continually bear in mind that the meek and lowly Jesus has the spirit and the ambition of a conqueror. The vast dominions over which God holds sway form no adequate theater for the exercise of His grace, the expression of His love, and the manifestation of His glory.

He who loves the Lord Jesus Christ in truth and sincerity will love those whom Christ died to save, and will eagerly embrace every opportunity to minister of Christ to non believers.

We must look at our lives as sons and daughters of God, as laborers with Jesus Christ, living for a higher purpose. We are representatives of Jesus Christ in character and are to serve Him with our undivided affections. Not only will we reveal the fact that we love God in our actions, but will, in accordance with His holy character, live a pure and perfect life.

We must live in perfection because Jesus is the embodiment of perfection, and the great Center upon whom our hope of eternal life and happiness is centered will lead us to unity and harmony.

The life we now live must be by faith in Jesus Christ. If we are Christ’s followers our lives will not be moved by little actions according to circumstances, envious faultfindings, jealousy, and selfish vanity. These put us out of harmony with the life of Jesus Christ, and we cannot be overcomers if we retain these defects.

When exposed to the unfolding scenes in life, and words are spoken that are calculated to cut and bruise the soul, speak the following to yourself:

“I am a child of God, an heir with Jesus Christ, a co-laborer with God. I must not, therefore, have a cheap mind, easy to take offense, always thinking of myself, for this will naturally produce an inharmonious character. It is unworthy of my calling. The heavenly Father has given me my work to do; let me be worthy of the trust.” Amen

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How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

How to Deal with Chronic Fear and Anxiety

Fear is something that we will all experience in our lives, but fear is actually an emotion that we can control.

Fear is an emotion that brings on a reaction of fight or flight. Fear can manifests itself in all areas of our lives. When fear comes, we generally choose one of two pathways; we either stand and battle out whatever is causing the fear, or we run away from the fearful situation. Fear is the most powerful weapon that the enemy can use against us. Living in fear can absolutely can kill, steal, and destroy. Isn’t this the scheme of Satan?

As I am watching the latest on the school shooting here in my home state of Florida, many thoughts are running through my mind. I wonder how many parents are thinking they need to homeschool their children.

I wonder how my daughter and son would react in the same situation if it happened in their schools. Would they give in to fear, would they be able to react in time and overcome their fear to survive? How many teachers are thinking they need to resign?

Last night one of the schools in a nearby small town cancelled school today because of a potential threat. This morning, I watched my kids walk out the door for school, and worry did run through my mind, but I also know that I cannot give into fear. I lived in fear for many years of my life as a result of an abusive childhood.

It took a long time for me to learn how to control my fear but once I did my life changed dramatically. First, I had to accept that there are some things in life that I am not going to be able to control. I have to live my life, and stop merely existing. Fear can paralyze even the strongest of person, and the grip is so tight it’s almost impossible to get out of its hold. Fear would give me overwhelming anxiety and take over all of my senses. Understand that fear is a product of the evil in this world and that evil uses fear to control. Once you allowed fear to enter into your mind you are already suffering.

There are a lot of things going on in the world right now and we can choose to be afraid, to send our kids to school and or we can teach them to speak up when they see questionable Snapchats, texts, or whatever.

We can equip our children to live in their generation without being afraid. Our kids will emulate our actions and reactions so we need to learn how to deal with fear first and foremost.

One of the ways that I battle fear is to control my mind and it’s thought processes. Satan can do a lot of things but he cannot control your thoughts. The mind can occupy just one single thought at a time.

So, in order to keep fear at bay, I have learned the key point to getting out of the emotion of fear is to stay positive. I have learned to make positive statements to myself almost repetitively. I have found that when I think on the positive aspects of my life or the positive things around me, my conscious mind eventually accepts my subconscious mind. I have learned to make positive statements to myself almost repetitively. I have found that when I think on the positive aspects of my life or the positive things around me, my conscious mind eventually accepts my subconscious mind.

One other thing I hold on to keep me calm is reading my favorite passages in the Bible. The Bible holds a wealth of comforting words to keep me calm and serein, so, often I go to the Bible to read passages that hold fearful situations back.

Fear is the opposite of faith, and as long as I have God in my life I trust in His plan for me and my family. The Bible says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear”¦” (2 Timothy 1: 7a NKJV) Because I know that fear is not of God, I choose to not let fear control me. Satan would have me to doubt and fear, God would have me to trust Him and live a happy fulfilled life despite what terrible things happen to me and around me. God didn’t give us the Spirit of fear. We can’t control what is going on in the world, but we can control our emotions and how we allow fear to play a part in our lives.

 

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Feeling Anxious? Beat Anxiety with 3 Biblical Steps

Life is filled with all kinds of reasons to be afraid and anxious. War. Disease. Politics. Poverty. Death. Failure. Rejection. Clowns.

Some fears are specific and reasonable. Others are generic and unfounded.

We don’t have to read the bible very long to notice fear cropping up. Repeatedly the characters in the Old and New Testaments are commanded not to fear. When the phrase “Do not fear” so often appears, we get the idea that God doesn’t want us to be afraid.

But in the context of our world filled with so much anxiety and fear, does the bible give anything more than simply a command not to fear?

Yes, it very much does!

Although scripture doesn’t often provide step-by-step instructions in the form of a “How-To” guide, this is one case where it does. And it’s one of my favorites.

It’s right there in the letter Paul wrote to the Philippians — a veritable recipe for beating anxiety!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

Let’s break it down into three easy steps: the Command, the Action, and the Promise.

The Command: Do Not Be Anxious

If this command was a stand-alone, then I would be out of the game before even getting started. Because I can’t just manufacture peace and calm on my own! Thankfully, Paul gave the command but he didn’t just leave it there. He gave a “what” (do not be anxious) and then he gave the “how” that follows.

The Action: Present Your Requests to God

If you’re thinking that presenting requests to God is like presenting a wish list to Santa at Christmas, then you’re a bit off track. We first need a relationship with God in order to earn the right to start a conversation with him. And that comes through Jesus.

By prayer”¦.

Once we believe in Jesus as the one who saves us, God becomes our Father. And our relationship with him happens through prayer. Prayer is simply a conversation with God.

Often our prayers are one-way—we ask him for stuff. But prayer ideally goes both ways. One synonym for prayer is “devotion”. Take time during prayer to declare your devotion to God and praise him just because he is.

And petition”¦.

Here’s where the asking part comes in. Petitioning is asking God for something. In this case, ask God to meet a specific need that is causing anxiety. Ask him to help you trust him to provide. Ask him to remind you that he loves us and will not leave you alone. Ask him to take your anxiety away.

It’s absolutely okay to ask God for help. He knows that we need him and he is happy to hear us connect with that.

With thanksgiving”¦.

When someone asks you for something and you give it to them, how does it make you feel if they don’t thank you? Remember, God also likes to be thanked for the good things that he give, generally and specifically. If you’re not feeling like there’s much to be thankful for, look around and find something. Life. Breath. Sunshine. Rain. Grass. Your job. A carrot. Whatever. Be thankful.

When we take a posture of gratefulness, we avoid repeatedly coming to God as spoiled children. He doesn’t mind that we are needy. But he does mind if we are ungrateful.

The Promise: Peace

Once you’ve walked through praying, asking and thinking, it’s time for peace.

Even if the world around you doesn’t make sense and your friends tell you that you should be panicking, you have this promise:

The Peace of God

which Transcends All Understanding

will Guard your Heart and your Mind

in Christ Jesus.

 

This means that your family might not get it or your financial advisor might be telling you the ends just won’t meet. But if you’ve walked with God in prayer, petition and thanksgiving then you’ll receive his peace.

At first, you might experience peace for just a moment until you need to take a deep breath and start the whole process over again. Sort of like the “Lather. Rinse Repeat” instructions listed on your shampoo. But it will get easier and become more natural. The action of taking everything to Jesus is critical in order to receive peace.

Anxious thoughts popping up? Pray with petition and thanksgiving. Peace doesn’t last very long? Pray again.

Pray. Receive Peace. Repeat.

It’s really rather simple. Because with as many times as the Bible is confusing, Paul gave clear instructions on where to find peace.

Pray. Receive Peace. Repeat.

Not sure if you believe it? Try it out. Maintain a continual dialogue with God that includes prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. See what happens.

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How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

How to Stand With God Through the Storms of Life

A lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm, and the young lady asked her father, what should we do? He said to keep driving. Cars began pulling over to the side of the road as the storm was getting worse. What should I do, the young lady asked? Keep driving, her father replied.

On up a few feet, she noticed that eighteen wheeler lorries were also pulling over to the side of the road. She said I must pull over as I can hardly see ahead. It’s terrible, and everyone else is pulling over. Her father told her not to give up, just keep driving!

Now the storm was horrendous, but she never stopped driving, and soon she could see a little more clearly. After a couple of miles, she was again on dry land, and the sun eventually came out.

Her father said, now you can pull over and get out. She said but why now father? He said because when you get out, you’ll be able to  see that all the people that gave up are still in the storm and because you never gave up, your storm is now over.

Have you ever been in a serious thunderstorm or maybe even a hurricane or tornado? This is a testimony for anyone who is going through “hard times” right now. Just because everyone else, even the strongest, gives up. Doesn’t  mean you have to. If you keep going, soon your storm will be over too and the sun will shine upon your face again.

This story touched us! We hope it touched you too and feel free to pass it on to people you know and tell them the following:

  1. “Dig deep & pull the roots of confidence from the ground of your being, standing firm in the raging storm until sunlight blossoms inside you.” ’- Curtis Tyrone Jones
  2. In our own strength, we lack sufficient resources and abilities to meet life’s challenges. so God provides what we need. ’- Unknown
  3. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” –Emma Watson
  4. Do not fear when the waves are dashing high against your soul, simply say, “Devil, if my ship goes down, I’ll just walk on the water.” ’- Unknown
  5. “Faith can keep you alive in any storm.” ’- Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
  6. To never give up, because God will never give up on them.  ’- Unknown
  7. There are times when God will not get you out of the fiery furnace, but like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, God will keep the fire from burning you. ’- Daniel 3.16:27*
  8. That there are times when you will end up in the lion’s den, but, like *Daniel*, He will shut the mouths of the lions for your sake. ’- Daniel 6:16-23
  9. Still, there are times when He will not keep you out of prison, but, like *Joseph*, He will shower you with immeasurable favour in the prison walls.  ’- Genesis 39:20-23.
  10. And there are times when He will not take the cup away but, like *Jesus*, God will give you the strength to drink from the cup.  ’- Unknown
  11. “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. ~Vivian Greene” ’- Sandra Kopp, A Dark Moon Rises
  12. “There are some things we learn on stormy seas that we never learn on calm smooth waters. We don’t look for storms but they will surely find us. The “God of the Storm” has something to teach us, and His love always drives His actions.” ’- Danny L Deaub
  13. But in all these situations, there’s a *calm assurance* as Jesus said, “l am with you always, even to the very end”. ’- Matt 28:20.
  14. “You cannot forever escape from the storm; you must learn to stand up to it!” ’- Mehmet Murat ildan
  15. “I have both the violent turbulence of the storm and the quiet promises of God in the storm. And what I must work to remember is that something is not necessarily stronger simply because it’s louder.” ’- Craig D. Lounsbrough

 

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The Powers That Be Don’t Really Care. Do You?

The Powers That Be Don’t Really Care. Do You?

Did you ever have a “friend” in high school that loved causing fights? You know the kind. They act like your best friend but whisper bad things about others in your ear. Then they turn around and say nasty stuff about you to others. They strike a match, sit back and enjoy the flames.

This kind of person has no interest in right or wrong. Justice is a joke to them. All they want is blood.

The world today sees a similar attack, and many Christians fall for it. We don’t realize that powerful persons and entities seek to destabilize society by any means possible. They aren’t really interested in gender ideology or immigration. They just want to see the world fight about it to gain power from conflict. Satan manipulates our moral compass to do his dirty work.

What’s really going on here?

I’m not saying we shouldn’t have convictions. But it’s become so much more about taking sides and much less about people.

The best examples of how to rise above it all come from Scripture.

When the woman was caught in adultery, did Jesus take a side? Yes. He took the woman’s side. She was caught in the act. Adultery is wrong. According to Jewish law, it was punishable by death. Jesus didn’t condemn the woman though. He sidestepped the political argument and shot for the heart instead.

He condemned all sin. He elevated mercy above all things. Do we see current events from this heavenly point of view?

“Should we pay taxes to Caesar?” the Pharisee asked. They tried to set a trap for Jesus. It’s the same trap we fall into when we get tangled up in political debates. Beat your drum all you want, that’s fine. Do you really think you’ll change their minds? The religious powers of biblical times preached morality for generations — and it didn’t work. Stealing is bad, murder is wrong, corruption is evil”¦ we all know this, and all these things continue to thrive. How much more difficult will it be to convince someone of more ambiguous (secularly speaking) issues such as gay marriage?

We must mark the boundaries of morality, but this can never replace our testimony of the Risen Lord.

When people challenge me about the Christian position on homosexuality, what’s my reply? I present Jesus to everyone – gay, straight, whatever – since we’ve all sinned and we all need a Savior. I know the issues. I do my homework to understand the complexities. I can debate it until the cows come home. But I’m done trying to convince anyone. I only hope to inspire them to seek God instead.

How can you change a heart? How much are you praying for those on the other side of the political fence? Or are you too preoccupied with out-arguing them? Give unto God the things that are God’s.

Stop taking church teaching and weaponizing it politically. This only feeds the spirit of the Pharisee.

Our true mission

Take your eyes off the headlines and look to your community, to your family. Where is the need? Who is suffering? How can you help? Where can you share the Gospel? Don’t you trust in this method over any other? How much are you willing to love?

When we see injustice, it should be denounced. But like Jesus, condemn all sin — not just the other guys. Otherwise, it’s politics – and all politics cares about is winning. But the victory of our Lord has already been won. Believe this! Go all in and trust God’s plan. The political arena is not the essence of our faith. Instead, we are preoccupied with saving souls and helping those in need. This work is much harder, and our only hope for success is our complete dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Take up true arms

If we’re so afraid that we’ll lose the political fight, it appears to me that we’ve already surrendered the spiritual one.

Political arguments are easier since we can rely on intellect, knowledge, and wit. The spiritual war, however, requires other resources that we are afraid to trust.

It‘s paramount to understand and identify this ploy used by Satan himself to keep us off balance and distracted.

Return to the real fight. Our Captain calls us. Be not afraid.

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“Britain should take pride in its Christian heritage” says Theresa May

Portrait of British Prime Minister Theresa May. Author Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. This file is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v.3).

The Prime Minister referred in her UK Christmas message to taking pride in Britain’s Christian heritage – in which  some considered a bold  statement for a politician in an increasingly secular and politically correct society in which Christianity is tolerated less in favour of other faiths. However,  Teresa has previously said there is “no way” Christianity will be marginalised in the UK while she is Prime Minister.

“In the face of unspeakable suffering, Christian  faith has provided solace where no other source of comfort could.”

The  UK prime minister paid tribute to the Churches Together initiative, an ecumenical organisation that brings together the vast majority of Christian denominations in Britain and  to the armed forces and emergency services. Mrs May mentioned that the response to terror attacks in Manchester and London earlier this year, and to the Grenfell Tower disaster, “inspired the nation” and  acknowledged that the action of the emergency services “saves lives every day, including on Christmas Day.”

Mrs May, whose father was an Anglican vicar and who is a regular churchgoer, has  already spoken of the influence of her Christian faith on multiple occasions, saying in an interview earlier this year that it “guides me in everything I do”.

“Theresa May was voted the Conservative party leader most like Jesus in a poll carried out by Christian radio station Premier.”

In her Christmas message Mrs May  added:

“As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us celebrate all those selfless acts – and countless others – that epitomise the values we share: Christian values of love, service and compassion that are lived out every day in our country by people of all faiths and none.”

“Let us take pride in our Christian heritage and the confidence it gives us to ensure that in Britain you can practice your faith free from question or fear.”

She also added: “Let us remember those around the world today who have been denied those freedoms – from Christians in some parts of the Middle East to the sickening persecution of the Rohingya Muslims.”

And let us reaffirm our determination to stand up for the freedom of people of all religions to speak about and practice of their beliefs in peace and safety.”

Unlike last year, May made no mention of Brexit in the Christmas message.

In contrast, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s Christmas message made no mention of  Christianity or any other religion, but instead emphasised a message of ‘compassion’. Not surprising as Jeremy Corbyn’s has previously refused to discuss whether he holds any religious beliefs, probably in fear of losing votes.

In recent years the Church of England has reported relatively steady Christmas attendance figures of around 2.5 million across the country – more than three times the average total Sunday congregation. But for the vast majority, the festival has become purely secular.

Recent surveys suggest that persecution of Christians in the past few years has, on a global level, reached unprecedented levels. For Christians in the UK there is a sense of being a target: sometimes for aggression, but primarily for ridicule or simply bemusement by non-believers. Therefore, Theresa May’s words of encouragement are not only timely and most welcomed, but also come at the end of a year where  the British  government has proposed radical social policies that have caused major concern  throughout the  Christian community in England.

“May’s message  in one of  encouragement to practice  Christianity ‘free from question or fear.”

Teresa’s message also directly follows  the treasurer, Scott Morrison, message in which he recently  vowed to stand up to “mockery” and jokes about Christians.

We have seen this so often from Christians facing disciplinary action at work for sharing their faith and wearing crosses to businesses being sued and forced to close for refusing to serve openly gay people, to nativity plays being banned in schools for fear of offending other religions. Christians in the UK also raised concern over their freedoms to live out their faith with Lord Pearson leading the way suggesting that it would soon become a hate crime to proclaim Christianity.

Numerous street preachers  have also been  arrested throughout the year – yet all (eventually) had charges dropped against them.

“The paradox of a secular Christmas, perhaps, is that it is no less Christian for that.”

“Every year, the straws in the wind seem to come a little harder. Plummeting church attendance; ignorance of the most basic details of the Bible; advent calendars filled with chocolates or sex toys rather than illustrations of the nativity.” a nation newspaper reported.

However, the Church  has nothing  to worry about for if  we ask, if we seek and when we knock, God will answer, we will find and  God will open the door.

Secularists may take pride in having transcended the religious identities that prevail elsewhere — but they are no less Christendom’s heirs for that.

The paradox of a secular Christmas, perhaps, is that it is no less Christian for that as our secular society continues to  draws from the well of Christian tradition that is embedded in the frantic of British society.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

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50 Profound Martin Luther Quotes About Faith

A lot has been written about Martin Luther’s legacy and even though he was born in 1546, the legacy of the reformer is still felt today.

Though he was a student of Scripture, Martin is probably best known for defying the Catholic Church of his day, laying some of the groundwork for protestant theology, forming the Lutheran tradition. He was both a  complex, influential ”ž and controversial ”ž.

In today’s hectic world, there is much we can learn from Martin’s commitment to simple living, good stewardship and value of nature.

He had much wisdom to share, here are some of his most influential and controversial ”ž quotes that are sure to give you some food for thought:

  1. “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.” –  Martin Luther
  2. “Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!”  –  Martin Luther
  3. “The Christian shoemaker does his duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes, because God is interested in good craftsmanship”  –  Martin Luther
  4. “Reason is a whore, the greatest enemy that faith has; it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but more frequently than not struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.” –  Martin Luther
  5. “A person who…does not regard music as a marvelous creation of God, must be a clodhopper indeed and does not deserve to be called a human being; he should be permitted to hear nothing but the braying of asses and the grunting of hogs.” –  Martin Luther
  6. “The devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God….Music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices.”  –  Martin Luther
  7. “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.“ –  Martin Luther
  8. “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” –  Martin Luther
  9. “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” –  Martin Luther
  10. “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my Guide.“ –  Martin Luther
  11. “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” –  Martin Luther
  12. “Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ.” –  Martin Luther
  13. “If you want to interpret well and confidently, set Christ before you, for He is the man to whom it all applies, every bit of it.” –  Martin Luther
  14. “The  Gospel cannot be truly preached without offense and tumult.” –  Martin Luther
  15. “Therefore we conclude that all law, divine and human, treating of outward conduct, should not bind any further than love goes. Love is to be the interpreter of law.” –  Martin Luther
  16. “We  are nothing with all our gifts be they ever so great, except God assist us.” –  Martin Luther
  17. “Those  speak foolishly who ascribe their anger or their impatience to such as offend them  or to tribulation. Tribulation does not make people impatient, but proves  that they are impatient. So everyone may learn from tribulation how his heart  is constituted.” –  Martin Luther
  18. “My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.” –  Martin Luther
  19. “True humility does not know that it is humble. If it did, it would be proud from the contemplation of so fine a virtue.” –  Martin Luther
  20. “Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even more boldly.” –  Martin Luther
  21. “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” –  Martin Luther
  22. “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” –  Martin Luther
  23. “So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!” –  Martin Luther
  24. “Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God.” –  Martin Luther
  25. “To find Christ in such poverty, and what his swaddling clothes and manger signify, are explained ”¦ that his poverty teaches how we should find him in our neighbors, the lowliest and the most needy; and his swaddling clothes are the holy Scriptures; that in actual life we should incline to the needy; and in our studies and contemplative life only to the Scriptures; in order that Christ alone may become the man of both lives and that he may everywhere stand before us.”  –  Martin Luther
  26. “A Christian man is the most free lord of all,  and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and  subject to everyone.” –  Martin Luther
  27. “I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self.” –  Martin Luther
  28. “Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved.” –  Martin Luther
  29. “God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.” –  Martin Luther
  30. “I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the heart of the youth.” –  Martin Luther
  31. “You have as much laughter as you have faith.” –  Martin Luther
  32. “There never yet have been, nor are there now, too many good books.” –  Martin Luther
  33. “This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.” –  Martin Luther
  34. “The dog is the most faithful of animals and would be much esteemed were it not so common. Our Lord God has made His greatest gifts the commonest.” –  Martin Luther
  35. “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” –  Martin Luther
  36. “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” –  Martin Luther
  37. “Everything that is done in this world is done by hope.” –  Martin Luther

 

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Christians Seen as ‘Dangerous and Offensive’ Says Former Liberal Democrat Leader

Christians Seen as ‘Dangerous and Offensive’ Says Former Liberal Democrat Leader

December 04, 2017 – Today Christians in Britain are seen as both “dangerous and offensive”, according to Tim Farron,  an evangelical Christian and former Lib Dem leader who recently resigned saying it was impossible to be both true Christian and a political leader.

“The former Lib Dem leader is to argue that faith lies at the core of liberal values in an  annual lecture of the religious think-tank Theos.”

In a speech to be delivered on Tuesday, Farron will say:

“If you actively hold a faith that is more than an expression of cultural identity you are deemed to be far worse than eccentric. You are dangerous. You are offensive.”

In prepared remarks, he will also tell the think thank that Christianity and its values are at the heart of liberalism.

Scrutiny of his religious beliefs persisted during this year’s election campaign where he was repeatedly asked in media interviews to clarify his views on whether homosexuality is sinful.  

This question first arose two years ago during an interview on Channel 4 News, to which Faroon replied: “We are all sinners.”    The media questioning then intensified during the general election campaign earlier this year until he eventually stated that he did not believe gay sex was sinful.

He also faced questions about an article he had written over six years earlier in which he said abortion was “a sin”, but recanted of that view during the election campaign.

Mr Farron says “People talk about shared values today. But when they do, what they mean is these are my values – and I am going to act as though they are also yours, and will demonstrate contempt for you if you depart from them.”

He argues that given this diversity, the only way to hold society together is through ‘real’ liberalism that accepts religious differences.

“Liberalism has eaten itself because it has eaten the very world view that gave birth to it, that made it possible, and which makes it possible,” he will say.

“So I knew that stepping down was the only thing to do,” he added. “I was right to do it. I don’t regret it.”

 

Media Headlines

Christians are deemed ‘dangerous and offensive’ says Tim Farron –  Telegraph.co.uk

Christians are deemed to be dangerous, says Tim Farron – The Guardian

Christians are deemed ‘dangerous and offensive’, says former – Catholic Herald Online

Tim Farron: Christianity is seen as dangerous – BBC News

UK Politician: Christians Seen as ‘Dangerous and Offensive’ – CBN News

Lib Dem leader defends record on LGBT rights, but says ‘I’ve already answered that’ when asked repeatedly by radio caller  – The Guardian

Mr Farron criticised social media too, saying it had been “naive” to think a decade ago the medium would lead to a “greater democracy”.

Genuine Christianity, he said, “has always has been countercultural. It will always go against the norms of the day,” which makes it unbearable for the guardians of secular orthodoxy. Christians will have to battle against “inevitable disdain.”

“But Christianity rebukes both sides: don’t judge, show kindness, show gentleness, show patience – especially to those who don’t deserve it.”

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Gay Prayer Remarks for Prince George Described As “Un-Christian and Anti-Constitutional”

LONDON — A prominent Anglican cleric and gay rights campaigner Reverend Kelvin Holdsworth said that people should pray for Prince George age 4, be gay to help the Church of England recognize same-sex marriage. But his comments about the four-year-old, who is third in line to the throne, have been described as “unkind” and “destructive”.

The backlash comes after an article on LGBT website Pink News suggesting the young prince was a ‘gay icon’ was branded ‘sick’ earlier this year.

Mr Holdsworth aged 51, provost of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow, which voted to allow gay couples to marry earlier this year became the focus of controversy on Friday after reports he believed Christians should pray for Prince George to be gay. In his blog post, he urged people to pray for him “to be blessed one day with the love of a fine young gentleman” as it would help the Church of England become more inclusive.” A royal wedding might sort things out remarkably easily though we might have to wait 25 years for that to happen,” he wrote.  “Who knows whether that might be sooner than things might work out by other means?”

Gavin Ashenden, a former Christian chaplain to the Queen and Episcopal Church bishop, told the BBC:

“To use prayer as a mechanism for wishing this on Prince George is an unkind and destructive thing to do.” “It doesn’t have the prince’s best interests at heart, but uses him as a gender-political football to please 1.7% of the population.”

He further stated,

“What is especially odd and incongruous is the fact that it is suddenly OK to pray for someone to be gay, but totally unacceptable to pray for them to be free from being gay and to resume a sexuality that was in tune with their biology. “This seems not only contradictory but hypocritical.”

While same-sex marriage is permitted by law in most of Britain, the Church of England says on its website, “it remains the case that it is not legally possible for same-sex couples to marry” in its churches.

Mr Holdsworth told the BBC he first wrote the blog post over a year ago but it gained traction after he tweeted it again following the news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent engagement.

In his clarification, published on Thursday Mr Holdsworth said it had not been his intention to cause hurt, and expressed regret that the post had led to a focus on the young Prince.

Media Headlines

Gay prayer for Prince George remarks ‘unkind and destructive’ – BBC News

“Anglican Minister Urges Prayers for Prince George to Be Gay.” – New York Times

“I was very disappointed that he was prepared to bring a child in to this same-sex marriage debate” – Susie Leafe, the director of the conservative evangelical group Reform.

“The comments made by Provost Holdsworth were made on his personal blog.” – Rt Rev Dr Gregor Duncan, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway.

“Pray for Prince George to be gay, says LGBT campaigner priest.” – The Express

“Pray Prince George is gay says leading clergyman as it would force the church to be more inclusive.”  – The  Daily Mail

“Anglican minister sparks outrage by urging prayers for Prince George to be gay.” – The  Christian Post

“It was a ‘cynical, secular, and sinister in its approach to spiritual matters.” – Lee Gatiss, director of the Church Society, a conservative Christian body

“Anglican minister clarifies ‘un-Christian’ remarks over Prince George.” – Sky News

His suggestion was widely reported in the British media on Friday, though the blog on which he made it was inaccessible Friday morning.

LGBT inclusion remains a divisive topic in the Anglican Church which commits to uphold “marriage between a man and a woman” and, as a global communion, does not allow gay marriage.

 There has been no immediate comment from the royal family.

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Top 45 Walk By Faith Quotes

What does it mean to walk by faith not by sight?

What does ‘We walk by faith not by sight’ mean?

Walking by faith and not by sight requires you to go to a place you do not know, one that God will reveal as you walk in obedience. Walking by faith requires a strong determination to follow God’s plan regardless what life throws your way.  Walking by faith means you have the courage to stand up for the hurting, broken, and down-trodden, to face death yourself for the good of others.

If you choose this path, you must be willing to get out of your comfort zone as you can’t go on this grand adventure with God and keep your old way of thinking. Feelings follow correct behaviors, not the other way around. Make right choices to honor God, and your feelings will eventually catch up. And though at first following God this way may appear to make your life harder, it actually does the exact opposite. It makes your attitude more in line with His, thus enabling you to weather whatever comes your way.

Take a look at these popular quotes about walking by faith:

  1. “Living in Faith: Walking with the divine love of God.” — Unknown Author
  2. “I walk by faith, not by sight.” —Denzel Washington
  3. “The way you become brave, is one terrifying step at a time.” — Bryant McGill
  4. “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” — Dalai Lama
  5. “No one is sent by accident to anyone.” — A Course in Miracles
  6. “The more we really believe the truths God calls us to believe, the more we will take chances with God.” — Lysa TerKeurst,
  7. “Faith is a place of mystery, where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see and the strength to let go of our fear of uncertainty.” — Brene Brown
  8. “The key to living life as a follower of Jesus Christ is to never lose faith in the end of the story.” —Glenn C. Stewart
  9. “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.” —George Mueller
  10. “I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see.” —Jeremy Camp
  11. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” —Proverbs 3:5-6
  12. “Hebrews 11:1-40 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Unknown
  13. “God is light, in him is no darkness at all.” — Unknown Author
  14. “Open up my eyes to things unseen.” — Unknown Author
  15. “Sometimes in life, a fog sets in and you don’t know which way is the right direction. Every voice may tell you it’s not going to happen, but God has placed a promise in your heart. Refuse to listen to those voices. Keep believing.” — Joel Osteen
  16. Blessed.” — Unknown Author
  17. “Life is a circle of happiness, sadness, hard times, and good times. If you are going through hard times have faith that good times are on the way.” — Unknown Author
  18. “People who walk by faith don’t see obstacles, they see opportunities.” — Warren W. Wiersbe
  19. “Fear is the polio of the soul which prevents our walking by faith.” — Clarence Jordan
  20. “We walk by faith. We don’t stay still, drowning in our misery.” — Jentezen Franklin
  21. “I will walk by faith even when I cannot see.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7
  22. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.” — Matthew 11:30
  23. “When it comes to God we need to have conscious engagement.” — Glenn C. Stewart
  24. “The more you pray, the less you’ll panic.” — Rick Warren
  25. “Faith makes all things possible”¦ love makes all things easy.” — D.L. Moody
  26. “Everyone has their own path. Walk yours with integrity and wish all others peace on their journey. When your paths merge, rejoice for their presence in your life. When the paths are separated, return to the wholeness of yourself, give thanks for the footprints left on your soul, and embrace the time to journey on your own.” — Unknown Author
  27. “Learn the Unforced Rhythms of Grace.” — Matthew 11:30
  28. “Walk by faith not be sight.” — Unknown Author
  29. “The first factor in living by faith is our pursuit of God.” —Glenn C. Stewart
  30. “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
  31. “I’m not walking by sight- I’m, walking.” — faith T. D. Jakes
  32. “Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone.” — Kim Hanks
  33. “Guide me through this darkness, Lord. Hover over me especially when I cannot seem to hold on for another moment. Flood me with the graces of hope and fortitude. Send your angels to watch over me as I sleep through the night. Remind me during the day that from this small dark cocoon, I will emerge a butterfly.” — Caroline Myss
  34. “Courage is not having the strength to go on, it’s going on when you don’t have the strength.” — Teddy Roosevelt
  35. “To love means loving the unlovable. To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable. Faith means believing the unbelievable. Hope means hoping when everything seems hopeless.” — Gilbert K. Chesterton
  36. “Everything happens when it needs to happen; everyone is always where they need to be. You will never miss out on what is meant for you, even if it has to come to you in a roundabout way.” — Lyanla Vanzant
  37. “It’s always darkest before the dawn. The bigger your challenge, the closer you are to your victory.” — Joel Osteen
  38. “It takes courage to keep walking when the path is obscured by confusion. Trust. Believe. And just keep walking. The way will be revealed!” — Sue Krebs
  39. “Beginnings are usually scary and endings are usually sad, but it’s everything in between that makes it all worth living.” — Sandra Bullock in “Hope Floats”
  40. “The next message you need is always right where you are.” — Ram Dass
  41. “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?. — Romans 4:1-25
  42. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” — Psalms 91:1-16
  43. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” — Hebrews 11:3
  44. “Taking a leap of faith comes into play when God’s instructions go beyond our human reasoning or seem contradictory to our human rationale.” —Glenn C. Stewart
  45. “Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to.” — Unknown Author

Get out of that boat and step onto the water”¦and never take your eyes off him. It is a decision you will never regret!    What happens when people walk in faith: trusting God takes you to amazing places.

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Seasonal Depression: Remembering God’s Provision

Seasonal Depression: Remembering God’s Provision

When we see those words, some of us may think about those persons who lost loved ones during the year. They’re facing the great task of celebrating the holidays without that person for the first time.  What I would like to do is help you rethink the term from a big picture perspective.

I have a friend that was dealing with unemployment during the holiday season. I have another friend that dealt with not having as much as he had hoped for the holiday season. This led to a depression that even they didn’t realize was happening. The stress of not having had become their evaluation of that year. Because they could not do what everyone else was doing, they drifted through the holiday season in a daze.  They were experiencing Seasonal Depression. It is the downward evaluation of your year in review. It’s what you feel when you look forward to the Christmas tree and the fear of having few gifts to wrap. It’s the evidence of goals met, or the evidence of how far behind you really are. That‘s in your mind. That’s what you’re thinking.

These are practical feelings going South quick. God has already presented words of comfort we can review.

Psalm 121 presents an active role for the Believer. It’s what I call a “Psalm on the move“. Here’s a breakdown:

  • V.1: There’s something Christians need to do, and we have to be confident in that action.
  • V.2-4: We should specify where that confidence come from, and remind people that he will never “go asleep on watch”.
  • V. 5-6: God is in control! He controls the day and the night! Why am I worried?
  • V. 7. God protects us externally and internally. It’s not about what you see all the time, but it’s about what you don’t see. The Holiday season is all about what you see. All the decorations, sales, and food of course. It hurts when you can’t participate at the level you want to participate. What I am challenging you to do this season is to let the Holy Spirit intervene. Don’t worry about what you don’t have and take it day by day, as Jesus tells us to pray (Matt.6: 9-13).
  • V.8: God tends to our daily operations. If we can remember that God is in control from the moment we get up to the time we lay back down, you’ll beat Season Depression. Ask yourself this question: How do you start your day? Am I starting my day from a Biblical worldview or do I turn on the TV first? (We all do this, relax.) Make it a discipline that before you start your day you talk to the Lord. Get your mind there  and the body will follow in health.

We all have goals. We’ll meet some and miss some. Life is going to happen. When it does, remember that though you may not be where you want to be, you’re further than what you were last year at this time. Broaden your perspective on Seasonal Depression and help protect yourselves and your loved ones from facing a season where we recognize the birth of Jesus Christ with stress.

You’re here. Let’s go there. We’re praying for you. Got a prayer request connected to Seasonal Depression Tell me about it.

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Don’t Dismiss the Power of Prayer

Don’t Dismiss the Power of Prayer (Open list)

Have you ever found yourself in a spiritual rut? I know I have. Life gets busy, the church feels like one more thing on your to-do list, and prayer feels both cumbersome and ineffective.

“Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12, 13

The Power of Prayer

There are two kinds of prayer — the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire.  The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart.

But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt and knew that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire,

“God be merciful to me a sinner.”

After we have offered our petitions, we are to answer them ourselves as far as possible, and not wait for God to do for us what we can do for ourselves. The help of God is held in reserve for all who demand it. Divine help must be combined with human effort and energy. But we cannot reach the heights of heaven without climbing ourselves. We cannot reach  those heights by the prayers of others when we ourselves neglect to pray; for God has made no such provision for us. The unlovely traits in our characters are not removed and replaced by traits that are pure and lovely, without some effort on our part.

The power of prayer is undeniable to those who pray regularly. True stories of prayer making a difference in a moment, a life, or the world inspire each of us to examine and strengthen our faith life regularly.

“Reach deep inside to access the power of praying to change our lives and change our hearts.”

In our efforts to follow the example set us by our Lord Jesus, we shall make crooked lines. Yet let us not cease our efforts. Temporary failure should make us lean more on Christ.

There it is. The fuel that drives everything: prayer.

Please find a collection of prayers chosen by men, women, and children from multi-denominational Christian backgrounds. Contributors include politicians and royalty, as well as ordinary people.

While I have no scientific measure of how “popular” a prayer might be, nor is popularity to be equated with quality, there is something about the following prayers that make them surely among the world’s most favorite prayers.

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Through Hope, In Faith and By Prayer

I think that sometimes when we don’t see results we can sometimes feel that we are praying in vain. That our prayers are not always heard. It’s a human response to feeling that you are praying your last prayer, due to sheer exhaustion, because of what is happening in your life or the situation you are praying for. I have been told many times to give up and almost as many times I have been told that there is always hope.

I don’t know if I even have the ability to give up hope. I’m not sure it is part of who I am or ever will be. For me to give up hope would be like giving up on my faith, admitting that there is nothing to become, to look forward to nothing to love. Hope is never giving up on what you love, to not believe the impossible can happen when you are surrounded by everything that someone once told you was impossible.

In this life I have had to learn so many difficult lessons and I don’t think that learning and growing will ever end for me. Some of those lessons came easily while others were, each time I went through something, I thought was the hardest thing I ever had to do. Forgiveness took me over 40 years to learn and it was a struggle every time I had to do it but now it comes easier through hope, my faith and a lot of prayers while kicking and screaming all the way.

“If you try and lose then it isn’t your fault. But if you don’t try and we lose, then it’s all your fault.” ’- Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game

I’ve had to learn to take responsibility for my actions and for my inaction. I had to look at myself, be honest and move forward without answers. Then I think the hardest was having to go back to revisit forgiveness of everyone, everything and myself. I had to see that I wasn’t perfect, people aren’t perfect and situations and decisions have consequences. I learned to be ok with all of that through hope and faith that I could do better and be praying for help and strength.

My oldest son has problems and I don’t know if they will change. I don’t know if he will change. I see the issues, I know the solution and there is nothing I can do to change any of it. All I can do is have hope that there is a piece of the boy I used to know deep inside, have faith that he will be the man he has been raised to be and pray that one day he will feel the love and compassion that God has for him. That what seems impossible is possible because he has been forgiven and anything that is wrong can be made right through hope, in faith, and by prayer.

August 3, 2017 8:17am ~ Heavenly Father, thank you for this beautiful day and the chance to do your will and read your scriptures. Thank you for having the blessing of another day to do your will and worship you.

Today more than ever bless and watch over Ja.G. as he is released form jail entering into evil temptations. May he find his way to you to find peace and salvation. May he find the desire to be forgiven by you Lord Jesus, to desire your blessing of the Holy Spirit.

Give his family the ability to forgive him and to find your love and desire to worship you and receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit.

Bless us as we go through our day. AMEN!

John 5:5-9 ~  One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”    “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”    Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”    At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Be well and get up, always.

 

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