A Heart at Peace

James 3:17- The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please.

-

The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women (Luke 8:1-3), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by his own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested his mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described him as a "lamb, unblemished and spotless" (1 Pet. 1:19 NASB).

-

After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, "And in him is no sin" (1 John 3:5 NIV).

-

Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldiers, but not Jesus. He lifted his hand to heal. His heart was at peace.

- Just Like Jesus

-

The Happiest Heart

WHO drives the horses of the sun
Shall lord it but a day;
Better the lowly deed were done,
And kept the humble way.

The rust will find the sword of fame,
The dust will hide the crown;
Ay, none shall nail so high his name
Time will not tear it down.

The happiest heart that ever beat
Was in some quiet breast
That found the common daylight sweet,
And left to Heaven the rest.

- John Vance Cheney

Seven Wonders of the World

Geography students at the end of the semester were asked to list what each considered the Seven Wonders of the World. The following gathered the most votes: Egypt's Great Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon, the Panama Canal, the Empire States Building, St. Peter's Basilica and China's Great Wall.

One quiet girl had not turned her paper in yet. The teacher suggested, "Well, tell us what you have and maybe we can help."
She began to read, "I think the Seven Wonders of the World are to touch, to taste, to see and to hear..."
She hesitated, "And then to run, to laugh and to love."

That's some of the best advice I've ever read
I love you all

PART SIX: of Six

Proverbs 28:13- He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

-

What IS mercy?

What IS forgiveness?
What IS grace?
Not the "testimony" definition.... "An undeserved gift".... but the reality definition.
The knowing, deep down inside realization, that you can't have one without the other and vice versa.

The knowing and applying the fact that "My salvation isn't based on my reputation as a man and/or whether or not people like me"

Not caring whether or not I'm gossiped about, looked at, snickered at, or avoided.

But I mean FORGIVENESS!

It is PEACE.
Peace of mind
Peace of soul
Peace of heart
Peace... the feeling that makes you cry at a sunset, at a song or an elderly couple holding hands... the feeling that makes you appreciate * no* love and take comfort in the wrinkles that show through on my face...
the gray coming out in my hair...
the knowing I'm ONE DAY CLOSER to seeing my Savior face to face!
I mean that... IN YOUR GUT FEELING of PEACE! And longing for home.

And that this fight of "life" is the GREATEST gift and adventure I could ever ask for. *but being given the cross as the ultimate bonus*

Standing on the faith that one day I will hear... "Well done thou good and faithful servant"
But why?
Not because of what I've done.... It is ALL Christ!
Part one: It starts with a soul.
Part two: Acknowledging our weakness and repenting. Knowing that God understands our weakness as humans and created a plan.
Part three: Allowing Christ to cleanse us.
Part four: Standing on and taking courage in Jesus' promises
Part five: And fighting... fighting on in life... fighting for souls... the lost... the blind
Part six: Testimony... glorying in our struggles, our temptations because Christ is using them for sanctification.

It is ALL Christ. His work. His miracle.

And thankful and humbly.... His cross.

*So, I will get down off "my" cross, use it to build a bridge and get over it*

*My selfpity that is.*

I'm sorry

I love you all

PART FIVE: of Six

Genesis 18:14- Is anything too hard for the LORD? No!

-

The God of surprises strikes again... God does that for the faithful. Just when the womb gets too old for babies, Sarai gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned...

-

The lesson? Three words. DON'T GIVE UP...

Is the road long? DON'T STOP.

Is the night black? DON'T QUIT.

-

God is watching. For all you know right at this moment... the check may be in the mail.

The apology may be in the making.

The job contract may be on the desk.

The forgiveness of man may be on the way.

Don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers.

He Still Moves Stones

PART FOUR: of Six

Hebrews 8:12- I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

-

Romans 8:1- Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

-

Romans 3:26- (God) justifies those who have faith in Jesus

-

For those in Christ, these promises are not only a source of joy. They are also the foundations of true courage. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through, hidden in, and screened out by the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, he doesn't see you; he sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure. How could you not be courageous?

The Applause of Heaven

PART THREE: of Six

John 13:5- He poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

-

To place our feet in the basin of Jesus is to place the filthiest parts of our lives into his hands. In the ancient East, people's feet were caked with mud and dirt. The servant of the feast saw to it that the feet were cleaned. Jesus is assuming the role of the servant. He will wash the grimiest part of your life.

-

If you let him. The water of the Servant comes only when we confess that we are dirty. Only when we confess that we are caked with filth, that we have walked forbidden trails and followed the wrong paths...

-

We will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours.

A Gentle Thunder

PART TWO: of Six

Hebrews 4:15- Our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.

-

J.B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15: For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unintelligible - he himself has shared fully in all our experience of temptation, except that he never sinned.

-

It's as if he knows that we will say to God...: "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here." So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording agian.

-

He himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus himself.

-

Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.

-

In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strians. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.

In the Eye of the Storm

PART ONE: of Six

I walked along the beach today

And found a lonely shell

Scratched

By seas and

Sands of time.

-

I, too, am a lonely shell.

Hold ME close

And you will hear

The ocean ROAR.

Christ Was a Weak Man

Doesn't sound like a great title, does it? But I realized, yesterday as I read John, just one more of Christ's knotches in His belt that says: "I was human just like you." I've read it many times, but never really realize what Christ was saying.

St.John 5:28-30 - Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

-

Did you catch it?

This is in red letters, so Christ actually says this- "I can of mine own self do nothing"

DO NOTHING! Just like you and I. Human! Totally reliant on God as His source of wisdom and power. If Christ couldn't make it as a human on His own, whatever made me think I could or can on my own? The creater of the universe couldn't make it as a human without God's help!

I find that very humbling to realize and also very ecouraging. God was there for Christ; and God will be there for us!

-

It reinforces my faith in that I have human feelings:

I hurt

I cry

I get cunfused

I .......(fill it in)

I struggle

I sin

My life seems to fall apart around me!

So what do I do with these feelings? Right

-

Ecclesiastes 1:9 - The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

-

No new thing under the sun!!

So no matter what you are going through right now..... your not the only one. It has happened before to people and will happen again to more people! And praise God, Christ knows how we feel cause He was human once. He has felt our hurt and pain and lives in us.

-

So to the confused.... to the ones going through struggle, hurt and pain I will hold you up in my prayers!

God Bless

I love you all

Character Creates Courage

Psalm 31:24 - All you who put your hope in the Lord be strong and brave.

A legend from India tells about a mouse who was terrified of cats until a magician agreed to transform him into a cat. That resolved his fear... until he met a dog, so the magician changed him into a dog. The mouse-turned-cat-turned-dog was content until he met a tiger-- so, once again, the magician changed him into what he feared. But when the tiger came complaining that he had met a hunter, the magician refused to help. "I will make you into a mouse again, for though you have the body of a tiger, you still have the heart of a mouse."

Sound familiar? How many people do you know who have built a formidable exterior, only to tremble inside with fear?... We face our fears with force... or.... stockpile wealth. We seek security in things. We cultivate fame and seek status.

But do these approaches work?

Courage is an outgrowth of who we are. Exterior supports may temporarily sustain, but only inward character creates courage.
- Max Lucado

Courage is not freedom from fear. It is being afraid and going on.

-

Romans 5:3-5 - And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation bring about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character, and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (NASB)

-

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

-

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.

When life pushes you to your knees.... your in the perfect position to pray!
Fight the good fight

Patience

Just thought this might be good. It was a study that I read recently on patience. Just passing it along.

Patience is thought to be just a passive waiting or perhaps a tolerance. But in the New Testament the Greek translations for "patience" are mostly active words.

Hebrews 12:1 - .... and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

-

You don't run patiently..... it means with endurance.

Perservering through difficulties in hope of Heaven. Fighting towards a goal, eduring trails and expectantly waiting for God's promises to come to pass.

Patience Developed

1. God’s power develops patience.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness (Colossians 1:11).

2. Trusting God’s goodness develops patience.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

3. Allowing trials to purify character develops patience.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (James 1:3-4).

4. Resting in God’s timing develops patience.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not yourself because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not yourself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth (Psalms 37:7-9).

5. Waiting for Christ’s return develops patience.
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draws nigh (James 5:7-8).

Patience Demonstrated

“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:10-11
1. Job (James 5:11)
2. Abraham (Hebrews 6:15)
3. Paul (2 Timothy 3:10)
4. Jesus (2 Thessalonians 3:5)
5. God (Romans 15:5)

Patience Displayed: responding correctly to irritations and trials

1. Thank God: A person’s first reaction is usually “Why me?”, but the Bible says to rejoice in God’s will (Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:6).

2. Seek His purposes: Sometimes, God puts people in difficult situations in order to witness. Other times, He might allow a trial for sanctification of character.

3. Remember His promises (such as Romans 8:28-29).

Patience Declared Worthy of Reward

1. Hope (Romans 5:3-4)
2. Inherit the promise, glory, honor, immortality (Hebrews 6:12-15; Romans 2:7)
3. Maturity (James 1:4)
4. Answered prayer (Psalm 40:1)
5. Pleasure of God (1 Peter 2:20)

The next time you’re in a traffic jam, betrayed by a friend, or mocked for your testimony, how will you respond? The natural response is impatience which leads to stress, anger, and frustration. Praise God, Christians are no longer in bondage to a “natural response.” Instead, they have the Lord’s strength to respond with complete trust in the Father, who uses trials for good (Romans 8:28). Through God’s power, purpose to be patient.

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life” (Romans 2:7).

Am I an Easter Island?

Easter Island is the most isolated, inhabited place on Earth. At over 2,000 miles from the next population in the South Pacific it is most famous for it's 900+ statues at up to 65ft tall, known as Moai. It was settled by Peruvian descendents (Inca) at around 400 AD. It was a beautifully forested island and a true paradise. The Rapa Nui (Inca descendents) spent their lives building the Moai statues. The Moai statues are representations of their deceased, took over a year to carve one and were taken 8 miles to the coast line to "guard" the island. The Rapa Nui spent all they had in carving these Moai statues, depleting their natural resources. The island became bare of trees, leaving no wood for boats and no boats to fish. They starved and withered and died. They started tribal wars that took their 20,000+ population to only hundreds and became cannibals.

Why the FYI you ask?

As I watch this documentary (History Channels awesome!), I started to ask myself if I was an Easter Island. And at times in my life, I have been. I thought of my spiritual life as the island. A beautiful paradise created by God when He came to live in my heart. So what have I done with it? What are my Moai (idols) in my life that I spend all my time and resources creating? What material things are my Soul wasted on? Then find myself depleting my resources (my "Spiritual Gifts") like the Rapa Nui's deforesting. Do I become involved to the point that my Bible reading and studding are hurt. Do I stop going to YG, Church, stop doing things with my Christian friends? (Fellowship?) I definitely don't want to spiritually "starve and wither!" I definitely don't want spiritual (like tribal) warfare were the principalities, powers and rulers to be go at it toe to toe! (read post "The Old Cherokee" Nov 7) (Eph. 6:12) I don't want spiritual cannibalism!

So what do I learn from the past, from the Rapa Nui's on Easter Island?

I'm NOT an island! I can NOT do this thing called life on my own! I can't cut myself off from church,YG, friends, reading, praying......etc.... like the Rapa Nui did from the rest of the world. I need help. I need support. I need to stop wasting my "resources" on frivolous "idols" in my life, set my focus on the things from above and place my treasures there in Heaven! (Matt. 6:20)
Learn...
Plant...
Grow...
And past it on...
and on...
and on!

The Rapa Nui society failed. Lord, "teach me to be content in what ever state I am" (Phil. 4:11). At work, at home or out and about. Lord, help me serve to my utmost no matter were I am.
Amen

Bloom were you're planted!

I love you all

Aslan- Why a Lion?

Revelation 5:5 - ...Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book...

-

Aslan : Turkish for lion

Judah: "He shall be praised"

-

So the question becomes: What are the characteristics of lions?

-

Proverbs 30:30 - A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

-

Judges 14:18 - ... And what is stronger than a lion?...

-

So strength and power are characteristics. Is that not a description of our Lord also? He is all powerful, and NOT afraid of anything. Why would He be? He made everything right...... He can destroy it too.

How about dangerous and ferocious, terrifying?

-

Psalm 7:2 - Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces....

-

Sounds dangerous to me. Ferocious and terrifying. And yet comforting.

-

Amos 3:8 - The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

-

The Lord hath spoken, who can but prophesy?.... who can change God's commands? And who dare not fear His roar? But, He is my brave and mighty Hero (as a lion is brave and mighty.) The lion (The Lord) is courageous, bold, brave, valiant and protective. He doesn't run..... He has the heart of a lion.... He's wild at heart..... He won't back down..... NEVER tame, but always loving!

-

Isaiah 31:4 - For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called for against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

-

The Lord will fight for you like a protective lion over his cubs. In all His (lion's) majesty, royalty and beauty. And yet save you gently as a lion with his cubs and carry you to safety.

-

How about over turning those tables in the synagogue and confronting the "hypocrites" and "den of vipers."

And the lion is valiant.

-

2 Samuel 17:10 - And he also that is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt: for all Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are valiant men.

-

Sounds to me like the lion, the Lion of Judah, is a fitting animal for my Lord and Savior. And as the mane is the glory of a lion, I can't help but imagine the glory of God shining bright out from around his face (like a mane... no?)

-

-

Let us not de-claw our Savior.

The King & His Four Wives

The King & His Four Wives

Read This Carefully, very powerful thoughts sent to me. Just passing it on.

-

Once upon a time there was a rich King who had four wives. He loved the 4th wife the most and adorned her with rich robes and treated her to the finest of delicacies. He gave her nothing but the best.

-

He also loved the 3rd wife very much and was always showing her off to neighboring kingdoms. However, he feared that one day she would leave him for another. He also loved his 2nd wife. She was his confidant and was always kind, considerate and patient with him. Whenever the King faced a problem, he could confide in her, and she would help him get through the difficult times.

-

The King's 1st wife was a very loyal partner and had made great contributions in maintaining his wealth and kingdom. However, he did not love the first wife. Although she loved him deeply, he hardly took notice of her!

-

One day, the King fell ill and he knew his time was short. He thought of his luxurious life and wondered, "I now have four wives with me, but when I die, I'll be all alone." Thus, he asked the 4th wife, "I have loved you the most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

-

"No way!" replied the 4th wife, and she walked away without another word.

-

Her answer cut like a sharp knife right into his heart. The sad King then asked the 3rd wife, "I have loved you all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and keep me company?"

-

"No!" replied the 3rd wife. "Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to remarry!" His heart sank and turned cold.

-

He then asked the 2nd wife, "I have always turned to you for help and you've always been there for me. When I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

-

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!" replied the 2nd wife. "At the very most, I can only send you to your grave." Her answer came like a bolt of lightning, and the King was devastated.

-

Then a voice called out: "I'll leave with you and follow you no matter where you go." The King looked up, and there was his first wife. She was so skinny as she suffered from malnutrition and neglect.

-

Greatly grieved, the King said, "I should have taken much better care of you when I had the chance!

-

"In truth, we all have 4 wives in our lives: Our 4th wife is our body. No matter how much time and effort we lavish in making it look good, it will leave us when we die. Our 3rd wife is our possessions, status and wealth. When we die, it will all go to others. Our 2nd wife is our family and friends. No matter how much they have been there for us, the furthest they can stay by us is up to the grave.

-

And our 1st wife is our Soul. Often neglected in pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world. However, our Soul is the only thing that will follow us wherever we go.

-

Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now, for it is the only part of us that will follow us to the throne of God and continue with us throughout Eternity.

-

When the world pushes you to your knees..... You're in the perfect position to pray.

Simplify Your Life

This is just a quick thought I had today....

Simplicity and contentment.

I was Christmas shopping Tuesday night with a family member. They asked me if there was anything that I "really" wanted. Not just little things that would be nice, like maybe a CD or something, but something I "really" wanted.
"No, nothing," I said
"Me either," they said.

It stinks being content doesn't it! (sarcasm.... just incase it wasn't clear)
And something that is often overlooked at Christmas is simplicity. Not getting caught up in everything, remembering Christ's birth, and just living in contentment.

I also reflected then on the things in my life that I like to do.
The things that are "not so bad" or however YOU justify it.
BUT, what's "not so bad".....also..... is "not so good." They keep us from fully living for and about Christ. So, simplify your life. Give up those things that occupy your life/time that are "not so bad."

Five ways to be happier:
1. Free your mind from worries
2. Free your heart from hate
3. Live simply
4. Give more
5. Expect less

I love you all

Run in the rain

This is an e-mail that I had sent to me. I'd just like to past it along.


A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down the spout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound and sight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in
"Mom, let's run through the rain," she said.
"What?" Mom asked.
"Let 's run through the rain!" She repeated.
"No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.
This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain,"
"We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said.
"No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.
"This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"
"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. You couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what was said. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's' life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith.
"Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran. We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followed by a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing. Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.

------------------------------

I found this e-mail awesome.... The mother weights the decision and decides on a Godly example and affirmation of faith to her daughter. Children are so impressionable and look to us like heroes. Unfailinglyly. Thats how we are to look at God. We are call to be like little children. Child like faith, unwavering and without doubt.

We also are like the mother in this e-mail... We as Christians are to make the quality decision in our actions and words. Not just to children, but to everyone. Our examples are shining 24/7 whether we want them to or not. We are representing Christ and fighting to win souls for Christ. Just like the crowd at the Wal-Mart saw the example in the mother.

Also like the crowd, we are to look to Christ for the proper example and then follow Him. Even if its against the flow. Even if we get wet.
And to do it "screaming and laughing like children."

And like the mother said, "God can get us through anything." He CAN and He will. God is living in us, His temple, and goes with us into church, home, and where we should NOT be. He is there.
Sometimes we get wet though..... and it hurts.
But God is still holding us.
"So this is what it means.... to be held"
And giving us wisdom (if we ask) to make the quality decision.
And giving us grace.
And strength.
And mercy to carry on in this life.

So make the decision to run in the rain daily.
Remember..... even sunshine burns if you get too much.

Lord, I pray that in everything I do: whether work or play; morals, love, friendships or just dancing; integrity, strength and reliability, life and death. Lord I pray for the grace to do it all with daring Godly wisdom, faith and passion.

Amen

I love you all

Malachi 3:3

Malachi 3:3 - "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as are finer and purifier of silver."

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front
of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver,
but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire.
If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith,
"How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered,

"Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it."

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

I love you all

Ramblings- (may not be worth reading)

I'd like to apologize in advance. This is not a post of encouragement. This is a post on my battle, my loss, today after reading a post on Trust. If you don't want to read about the ramblings of my mind or are looking for encouragement, you might want to click away now. You don't have to comment either, it won't bother me, infact today, I don't know if I'd care; besides I've been wondering lately why I publish anyway. It seems like...... whatever..

I started off wrong today... rushed my devotions with not much heart in them.

That being said and known; knowing that was my first mistake this morning.

Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is that small, quiet voice at the end of the day that says: "I will try again tomorrow."

So "I will try again tomorrow!"

But today.....?
Trust?
I've only read Chapter 1 of Steve's Mirror and I want to, but don't want to, keep reading. The low spots, the feeling are very real to me. I can't count the times I've been driving and have scared myself by looking at trees, guard rails, on coming traffic.... with the deep desire to hit it... HARD.... hard enough.... the quicker the better. Scared because I feel my hands starting to drift..... and the only thing stopping me is the larger fear of not knowing 110% if I commit suicide, "Will I still get into Heaven?"

Trust or the lack there of..... or the breaking my legs out from under me.... or the walking out on a limb just to have it cut off behind me and then having to walk out on it again, and again, and again, and again.......
And the not sure if I can even "Trust myself, my mind, my fear, my anger, my hate."
These are my ramblings, my thought processes, my "battles" which seem daily.
I've been struggling for about six years on this "trust" issue, among others; just about all my Christian walk. Telling myself that I can trust God no matter what, even if I can't trust anyone else..... Not even my church..... but never getting an "answer" from God until the hindsight....

I CAN trust God no matter what.... that is very, very obvious to me.

But what about everyone else.... what about me.... how do I RELEARN to trust that again....

I posted on "Giving Freely" about just that, but not all of my feelings.
And about forgiveness in "Restitution", but not all of my feelings.
After awhile of walking out on those branches of trust, then having them cut off so you are dashed upon the rocks..... you start to wonder..... "how many branches are on this tree.....", "how many times, or how long will, that freely given heart and mind last before it just SNAPS". "Is this tree going to be just a pole soon?" Many a days have come and gone where my only comfort would have been a straight jacket. And I find myself with the deep, driven, painful feelings of crying and screaming...... but not having any emotions left to do it with..... just numb, empty, angry, bitter.... a void.... Totally blank except the hate of exsistance.... hating the smell of my breath knowing it means I'm still alive.

The emotions I've felt come from more than just the stabs in the back I've received. I don't have time or room to write it all. But some of those questions and feelings came back to me today like a gun shot. Not just the trust stuff, but loneliness and isolation, church, pain (physical pain), gossip, politics.....etc.....

Now I have to stop writing..... Refocus..... think: "Big Picture."

I wish you all could see my smile tonight. God IS so amazing.... and to see the past and to know it's the PAST..... and that I can't go back and start over, but that I can start from now and make a new ending, with the grace and strength of my savior, Christ. Knowing that the feelings I've wrote about can and are put to rest in Christ and His love.

God has a Great sense of humor.... doesn't He? Knowing my feelings I decide to walk away from work for a minute.... (the bathroom).... and read.
I read first:

Romans 6: 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

and then:

Philippians 4: 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

Now that I re-read this I guess there is encouragement in it.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, and for me today, its starting with my prayer before I crawl into bed. "I will try again tomorrow"

Restitution - (A man of honor)

I've just had an experience tonight that causes me great joy. I just had a Brother I love make restitution with me about a past hurt he had done .

Matthew 5:23-24 “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, “leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

-

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge.

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.

6 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

8 Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice.

9 Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. . . . . "

-Also-

Forgiveness is not something we do for other people only. But we do it for ourselves too. To get well and move on. It is a choice that cannot be forced or coerced. But by clinging to the past, we scarcely exist in the present. It is a powerful but underrated and often overlooked force in our lives. It pollutes our lifes and relationships with others. Forgiving will leave us feeling stronger and less vulnerable. It is not just forgetting an injustice done; it is the understanding that allows us to set aside the emotional impact of that injustice done to us. And when we no longer hold those emotions, and have understanding for the person and the grace of God, we have forgiven them.

-

Matthew 6:14 - For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Matthew 6:15 - But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

-

Mark 11:26 - But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

-

Luke 6:37 - Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

-

Luke 17:3 - Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Luke 17:4 - And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

-

Matthew 18:21 - Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Matthew 18:22 - Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

-

Besides, looking at what God has forgiven me! Please- how can I not give forgiveness. I love you Brother, you are a man of honor.

Tonto

sub·mis·sion (n.)

sub·mis·sion (n.)

A. The act of submitting to the power of another:
"Failure that cannot be overcome does not give
rise to revolt but to submission"

B. The state of having submitted.
See Synonyms at surrender.

Luke 23:46 - And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

A thought occurred to me as I read this verse today.

"Is that not the ultimate example of submission or what?! Jesus freely giving all He is and has to offer to who? To God the Father!"

Awesome!!

I pray that I can follow that example given to me by Jesus. I pray that we all can freely submit (surrender) all we have to God for His use. Our hearts, souls, dreams and desires, our spouses and families, our friends, our jobs, school, homes, vehicles, comforts, heat and air conditioning, our money, appearances, our EVERYTHING.

After all, they're all God's anyway-- right?

We're just using these gifts on loan! We don't really possess anything that God hasn't given us. Our job is to be good stewards of what He has given us and put them to use in furthering God's Kingdom.

Matthew 25:14-30

Fight on soldiers.

I love you all