Fear

There is a lot of talk in the recent days about fear. The kind that is caused by what people hear and interpret as a real threat. The Paris attacks and the days afterwards has set off a lot of fear.  I mean have you been afraid more so than after possibly the 9/11 attacks?  Do you remember the initial reaction you had? I do. Listened to intermittent reports that the manager of our group had the tv setup for us to hear.  Tried to work. Tried not to think about it especially after all those people lost their lives. I was suppose to go to Pittsburgh the next week.  With all the flights grounded for an unknown period, our plans became conference calls. That was a relief but at the same time what if I did have to go... Would there be another attack, would there be another 9/11? 

We, as Christians are suppose to have faith, to trust God, to believe in the best of people. But we don't live in a perfect world. The world is broken but God created us before the world became broken. He said I haven't given you a spirit of fear but of sound mind and judgement(a).   We have His spirit living in us. The fear is from the fall of mankind. But once we accept Christ,  the fear should be turned into Trust. We should trust God is still in control even when it doesn't seem like it. We should believe His word, take it for face value. We shouldn't let our doubt cloud our judgement.

We should be ever watching and waiting. We should not be deceived.

In the last days there will be many saying look there he is,  but he will not be there (b)

A“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

http://bible.com/72/2ti.1.7.hcsb

B ““If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah! ’ or, ‘Over here! ’ do not believe it! False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note: I have told you in advance. So if they tell you, ‘Look, He’s in the wilderness! ’ don’t go out; ‘Look, He’s in the inner rooms! ’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the carcass is, there the vultures will gather.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:23-28‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

http://bible.com/72/mat.24.23-28.hcsb

Weekend wisdom

Yeah it's the weekend!  However our busy lives we should never forget that we would not have this time if it wasn't for God who gave it. We should take the moments that we are at rest, whether it is right before we put our feet on the floor or many times throughout the day to thank him for what we have in our life, for those who do not have, and for those who seek to harm us.   Remember that God gave you the breath you breathe and the hearts that beat. Lord I pray that we take time today and everyday to remember your word, to ask for forgiveness, and seek your face through your written word and through fellowship with others.  We desire to be one with you and to keep your words In Our hearts.

Unstoppable

I'm doing something a little different today. Posting twice. Let me just say that if you haven't had the chance to see Kirk Cameron's movie Unstoppable, it is a must see. Through the stories of God's creation of Adam and Eve, the serpent and the sin, the evil of mankind, this movie definitely places hope for the world back where it should be....in God's hands. To say that this movie doesn't move someone would be missing the point of the whole movie. The designer of the world is still in control. Nothing doesn't happen for a reason. And God can turn the question, Why? to Why!.

I can't wait to get to my Forever Home!

Keys to the Kingdom

Day 65 - 1 Kings 17:5

Another day for reassurance.  God's word speaks of the rejection of his faithful servants and due to this they were lonely.  So does this mean that if we too are fruitful with His words, that we will be lonely as well?  I would hope not everyone but like in Ecclesiastes 3:1 - There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Loneliness is not the end of the world.  A person can still be happy and not have close friends.  Still be isolated and having a great life. I think a key to this is being close to God and keeping His word.  I recently read a friend's quote about it is not necessary to know all the Bible, just one verse at a time.  Start with something simple like John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I didn't think my boss was going to speak to me again since he asked what he could improve and I answered communication.  I have to say this is one of his faults.   Either he doesn't answer emails (like the one from this morning) or he doesn't tell me things that I think is important (like him being out of the office) or things that affect me but gets upset if someone doesn't communicate with him.  I have felt that since the decision was made to move me under him, I have been placed on the back burner.  It's just the way I feel.  I can't help it.  But as I have told a friend, I have to take charge of my own success.  If I left it up to him to help me succeed, I might not learn anything (MPO - aka My Personal Opinion).

Today's picture comes from the Great State of Texas - Longhorn Caverns.  This  is  a view from the Lookout tower.

First week. (A few days)

I have to start off by saying...I am not a writer, not a blogger, and definitely not looking for any notoriety from this new venture.  I am just me.  I may not give out a whole lot of details about me here, but we will see where it goes.

I started off a journal for the first time in my life this past week.  I know someone who is a blogger and they suggested a gratitude journal.  You know, some way of recording what you are thankful for so you can look back and cherish what you do have and not be jealous of what you don't.  So that's where the idea to journal came from and it has evolved into this place.

So with that I can say, I won't be writing everyday here, but will record it in my journal and then a few times a week put it here.   And just so you know, yes I do mention names, but they have been changed to protect their privacy.  

So since I am just doing this once a week, I'll start with last Sunday (yeah, it's the day I started)

Sunday. My weekend has been quite busy.  My uncle just turned 87 a few days ago and I had gone to visit them for the evening on Saturday. My cousin was down from the northern part of the state and I was surprised to see her kids.  Her daughter is an excellent cook and fixed a wonderful chicken dinner with some of the best mashed potatoes I have ever had (high end restaurant quality).  We had a good visit.

I had a fire awaken in me a few weeks ago when I visited my cousin.   My twitter account has been very active here recently due to this fire.  I had also started a daily Bible devotion by Billy Graham.   (Some of the writings will be specific to these readings). 

Day 55 - Micah 7:18. God can use anyone if we are willing to get out of our comfort zone (#twitter) and listen to Him.  God is more powerful through our weakness (and not the physical weakness). We must be willing to give up the area of our life that we want the most control. In my own life, it is finances.  I believe that is why I have to stand firm in giving my tithe. (Started new church and gave there for the first time last week). NO MATTER WHERE IT GOES!!!!   (yes it does matter to me). #tithe #church

Letting go is the human's hardest thing to do.  We like control.  Control means power;  power means leadership. But without the true living God, all that control is meaningless (even if you think you have control, you really don't.  Someone else always controls you). With God, a different kind of leadership happens.  One of kindness and recognition of His sovereignty.  

So what about a simple women in today's world.  Are we still looked at as the weaker sex?  I believe so (I know, so unpopular with the modern woman's opinion). Mentally and physically.  Physically of course there is big differences.  God made us that way....(Eve totally destroyed that). But mentally God gave us a different skill set than men.  Sure, we overlap in some mental capacity and emotions.  When women tend to be multi tasking (duh we have too, some men are just oblivious).  But their engineering capabilities far exceeds most women.

Back to finances...letting go of the fear of not having enough is part of giving.   One day, I wish I could give to other charities that I believe in what they do.  But for now, I have to be content with God's House.  

Wow that was a lot for just one day......today is not a day to share all though....yes there was more....

Monday. Full day at work. Had a hard time even trying to get motivated to get out of the house early.  (My goal was 6:30.  In my dreams). 

Day 56. #Ephesians 4:20-22.  As noted above (or yesterday in my journal), man's downfall is being proud (control and pride go hand in hand). As noted by Billy, Paul was a harsh man.  Full of pride (upbringing). We as humans have a built in pride gene.  This is due to the fall of mankind to sin when Eve first listen to satan.  He tricked her.....God didn't say she couldn't eat of the fruit (Genesis 3:1-5).  But deception by satan allowed pride to slip in through the forbidden fruit.  God says unless we become born again-in spirit- We can not partake of the new fruit - Jesus.  

I could go all political on you but I think my twitter account is enough....don't want any haters here!!  So I am removing my comments I made about that in my personal journal from here for now.   Maybe another blog....lol.  But I do have one part that would probably give you a clue on where I stand (if you already haven't guessed). 

I believe we can only delay the discipline of the Lord for America so long before God says enough.  From apathy of His people, to the name and claim it prosperity and feel good preaching, God will eventually say, I have waited long enough.  God have mercy on your children in America.  For our unfaithfulness, our apathy, or devotion to other gods.  Wake us up out of our comfort zones so that we can ask forgiveness of our sins and have mercy on our land that we will seek your favor. Holy is The Lord of Israel

Spiritual growth requires spiritual watering from the Holy Spirit.  Without our desire to be watered, we grow very parched.  Much like a plant that doesn't get watered (I am currently killing one in my bathroom from lack of water-AUGH!).  God can provide the desire to be watered but only the person can thirst. 

My picture of the day. #colorado