Hebrews 12:14

Make every effort to pursue peace and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

The major problem I have observed, for those of us who know Christ, is the frustration of knowing that we still fall from time to time. When we have received the gift of salvation, justification, it is always good to remember that it is not a sprint to becoming sanctified. Sanctification is where we are being set apart to be used by the Spirit. 2 Timothy 4:7 emphasizes the importance of sticking to the race until the very end.

In my life, my depression and weariness has been brought on by setting too high of expectations for myself. In Phillipians 4:12, Paul mentions the fact that he has learned contentment in poverty or wealth. Leaving the process of growth in the Spirit’s hands cuts down on the burden we were never meant to carry. Just because we need to leave the process into God’s domain doesn’t mean we sit back and not concern ourselves with lining ourselves up with Him, though (Romans 6:1). We need to continually renew our minds, Romans 12:2. I want to close with Christ’s encouraging words of invitation to come to Him for rest, Matthew 11:28-30. God bless us as we seek to do His will!

Daniel 10:19

” Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed, he said, “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”

When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.

When it comes to this verse, it highlights the very important factor of faith in receiving courage/strength. As soon as Daniel allowed God to speak to him, that was when he experienced his strength being restored. He had to come to the place where he wasn’t just hearing it, but actually took it to heart. I wanted to share a little bit on the subject of pride and not allowing the Spirit to work.

We should beware of coming to the place of not trusting God, getting in the way of the Spirit’s moving. I would rather have the Spirit’s filling which is described in Acts 1:8. Pride has been shown to go before a fall, as mentioned in Proverbs 16:18. I remember reading in Scripture about it interfering in prayer life, also. So bottom line, we should pay attention to what the Spirit is telling us and to not develop stony hearts…Exodus 7:12,13.

This week I would like to exhort all of us to ask God for the ability to get rid of our pride, and to truly take heed to what He would love to reveal to us. He is worthy to be trusted…He is the way, the truth, and the life, John 14:6. How dare we question what Jesus has promised us. May everyone have a blessed week as they walk closer to Him!

https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3DProverbs%25203%253A5-6%26version%3DKJV&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl1%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

     Hello, readers!  Once again, the Lord has been working on me in the area of trusting Him.  Each year at this time, I am guilty of trying to complete the year’s tasks in my own strength.  I start looking at my life and become panicked. 

     When I am in this state of mind, God lovingly reminds me that He will finish what He started in my life (Phillipians 1:6).  It can first be applied to salvation, and can be carried over to every area of our lives. 

     Personally, I have been facing a lot of new changes for 2025.  I am in a new apartment with my Husband, I have been given the opportunity of being able to possibly work from my home, a chance to share some music has been given to us, and I have been given the chance to host this website.  Since God opens the doors, we can trust Him to shepherd us through them.  He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8).  Please share with the group how Christ has been bringing you through things and has increased your faith that He will be there to the end.

Psalm 126:5-6

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goes forth and weapeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

The last several weeks have been ones of reconsidering how much I have to thank God for, and that there is no reason for me to not be grateful. There have been many years of frustrations in my life; I have gone forth in weeping, but now am beginning to learn how to rejoice in Him. He is my reason to sing and testify. I wanted to use this blog to share the reasons for rejoicing.

I wanted to start it off by mentioning that my Husband and I are holding fulltime jobs, and we see His hand in completing each days shifts.  Secondly, we just got moved into our apartment with much more space.  Yes it is more expensive, but we have seen the Lord’s hand providing each step of the way. The third reason for rejoicing is that my Mom has gotten through her lumpectomy on her breast.  She was told they were able to remove all of the cancer!  Now we are trusting God that the week of radiation will assist in the prevention of any more of the disease coming back.  In finishing up on my praise to Jesus, I wanted to thank Him for enabling the 2024 Election to go more toward the route that will benefit the United States of America.  We need to still stand in the gap and seek God’s face to heal our land!  He is the way, the truth and the life!

In this final paragraph, I wanted to close by requesting my readers to feel free to comment on their journey with Christ and how He has been faithful.  Take the time to mention the reasons you are thankful.  I then want to close with the encouragement to register to my weekly blogs. May God richly bless you as you continue serving Him. 

Romans 11:33

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgements, and how unscrutable His ways!

     In our walk here on Earth, it is important to keep in perspective the attributes of the God we serve!  It is so freeing to realize that just because we do not understand or know how things are set up, it does not negate who God is and what is able to be done.  At the moment, we may not see God moving and answering our prayers; but, that does not mean He is not moving.  It is not right for us to believe that HIs charaxcteristics are like ours.  They are on such a higher plane, they are not able to be grasped.  It mentions in His Word that He is working all things for the good for those who love Him [Romans 8:28}. 

When a person knows God, He is in the process of being sanctified. I remember talking to my Father about this subject. It is so wonderful to know that He has everyone and the Universe in His control. Our conclusion was that if things were run only in our power and timing, it would be totally out of control. Today, let us all stop be selfish and let the Holy Spirit move as He wills. He wants so much for us to trust Him as the Good Shepherd!

Numbers 23:19 https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/NUM.23.19

I am sure everyone is observing the change in the seasons and weather conditions, the constantly changing world of electronics/media, stresses of aging, along with the knowledge that an election is coming up in the US.  Yesterday in Auburn, WA, I saw some Autumn colors and wanted to share them with you.  I included it down below.  What I wanted to address today is the fact that despite our living in a rapidly changing world, we have a God that can make us new creations.

God promised to make all things new, and to save those who call on His name (Isaiah 43:19, Romans 10:13).  In this verse from Numbers it shares that God doesn’t lie, and will not go back on His Word.  That is why I love dwelling on the promises made in Scripture…no matter how bad things get around us, we can be assured it will come about.  Oh how I pray for our faith to increase!

Instead of being tossed around by emotions and feelings, let us let the Holy Spirit complete His job and carry us to the finish line (Hebrews 12:1).  If we have a crowd of witnesses that have already made it to Heaven, it should make us more determined to complete what the Father has given us to do.  I was reminded of Jesus’ obedience to the Father while agonizing in the Garden of Gethsemane… He committed His life to the Father (Luke 22:42).  Thank you, God, that you are still faithful to us!

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2042%3A2&version=NKJV

I chose this verse because it expressed the type of faith I would love to develop.  This faith of Job’s is a reminder that what God has planned to happen, it will come to fruition.  With that type of perspective, it is a wonderful way to curb our anxieties.  Yes we can try to use wisdom and surround ourselves with encouraging people and pets, and in severe cases utilize medicine; but, He is perfect love and is peace.

The message I wanted myself and us to leave with today is that we are not the ultimate power to pull us all together.  It takes the mighty hand of our Creator.  He has left us with many reminders in His Word of being there always. He will not let us down, like we or others often do.

In dealing with mankind, Jesus has exhibited much patience and grace.  He has not blotted us out without giving us warnings and the choice to submit ourselves to Him.  I recall one of my pastors and Dad stating that God was a true gentleman.  I don’t know about you, but I would rather have God’s will in my life than anything else!  Let’s remember that when we are plugged into Christ, we can do everything He requires of us (Phil. 4:13).

Matthew 15:21-28

     in this chapter of Matthew, it emphasizes the importance of who you place your trust in.  This Gentile woman did the right thing… she took the issue of her tormented daughter to the Master.  I love how much faith she exhibited!  She acknowledged the fact that she wasn’t a Jew but could still receive from Him.  She brought up how the dogs at a table still receive the leftovers.

      As I was pondering this subject, the Holy Spirit reminded me of when Jesus mentioned the creation is taken care of by Him (Matthew 6:26) without a care in the world.  Where is our trust put each day?  We need to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23). If I would exercise my faith, my blood pressure would be more under control.  Let us all dwell on the fact that Jesus loves us so much and is omnipotent!

Psalm 103:1- Praise the Lord!

      Yes, how can we not praise the Lord!  That was the message that kept coming out this week.  It was one of much turmoil …health and emotional problems in my life, my family’s life, and in many members of the Body of Christ.  I had several nights of troubled sleep.  I just was beside myself!  The Lord stopped me and shared with me that I shouldn’t be waisting my time worrying.

     Instead, those are the times to seek His holy Name in honor and praise.  I love  talking to God because that is when I feel loved and sheltered (Psalm 119:114).  Inside, there could be a storm of cares and concerns; but, God is still the speaker of peace (Mark 4:39).  He does not give us a spirit of fear but of peace and of a sound mind {2 Timothy 1:7}. I remember my Father sharing how my Mother overcame many of her mental illness issues giving herself to the Holy Spirit.  I remember one of my pastors, probably Chuck Smith, stating that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman.  He is there waiting for us to give ourselves over to Him, and will not force His way on us.  He truly is good, and creation will not stop praising the name of the Lord!

    

https://www.bible.com/bible/114/PHP.4.6-7.NKJV

      I have to admit that being anxious about things has been a sin of mine.  Over the years, God has lovingly reassured me that I was in good hands.  The first step we need to take when upset is to take our concerns to Him in prayer.  Then we need to thank Him for His answer and that He cares for us.  He has promised to give us peace! That peace, which is divinely given, will protect us from doubting.

     I don’t know about you, but I do not want to be guilty of not trusting Jesus.  When we are doubting God, it is as if we are telling Him that His promises of provisions are lies.  Who are we to tell the Creator of the Universe we would rather trust our own intuitions/feelings?  I wanted to encourage everyone to continue in our faith and to keep praying.  He loves us so much!  Please take a listen to this Toby Mac song…I am sure it will bless you.