Hidden. Concealed. Revealed.

It’s a terrible ordeal when secrets which were once hidden, concealed-are revealed. So many people have been caught up in scandals: Tiger Woods, Jim/Tammy Baker, Bill Clinton, Mark McGuire-next door neighbor, pastor at your church, music minister in your town, parents…YOU.. I bet if you were to sit down and speak with these people, you would realize all of them was under the same impression; if I hide it well enough, it’ll never come to the surface. Obviously, they and we are often wrong as it will be revealed.

What if we’re already there, hiding secrets and in fear it will come out? There are two things you can do, conceal it or confess it.

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

There is nothing you can hide from God, nothing under, on or around the earth-it will be found. Christ even tells us it’s much better to confess your sins to others so that you may be lifted up, encouraged. As we confess our sins the burden of the secret or the darkness is lifted, revealing the truth and light. No more bondage by the secret and it no longer runs your life.

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.
Luke 8:17

… you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Numbers 32:23

There’s just no way to hide it so what can you do? How can you take this secret and turn it around to a positive experience? We must realize we have to CONFESS our sins to God. We have to tell God about it, repent and receive FORGIVENESS.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:1-2, 10-12

Along with the Confession and Forgiveness, we must finally accept and begin HEALING. It’s a long, arduous and difficult journey, but at the end, we find peace and joy.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed… James 5:16

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3

We must realize, our life is in God’s hands. He loves us-no matter what secret you’re trying to hide, your past or whatever you’ve done-there’s forgiveness for you. There’s healing within Christ Jesus, there’s forgiveness through His blood and life more abundantly than you can ever imagine.

Question: What are you hiding? What thing(s) are you hiding within yourself, marriage, friendships, money, job….What are you turning a blind eye to, justifying your behavior but deep inside, struggling with yourself. Stop struggling and receive God’s grace and mercy, allow the things that is in the dark in your life, to come out and into the light. There’s so much more revealed and enjoyed when brought to the light. So, what are you hiding??

 

That’s “just the way I am.”

We’ve all heard that before and even said it from time to time. Someone is forgetful-that’s just the way I am, I can’t remember anything. We struggle with money, marriage, religion-insert your issue here, that’s just the way I am; or my parents were.. We always seem to justify our actions as being, “the way I am.” Have we ever thought we could change? Honestly, have we ever thought to our self that if we tried hard enough, we could possibly change our ways? We could right, if it didn’t require us to “change,” wasn’t painful and we could select the outcome or consequences. If we change, it may cause us to loose something we’ve grown use to..

Proverbs gives us an idea:

• Proverbs 14:12 KJV
  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

There are many times when we fall victim to satan’s lies and deception. Satan tells us we “can’t” change, we’ve been like this for years and I just can’t change. Satan will tell you that change will uproot your world and take you out of your comfort level. Oh, and it can’t be worth it, because you’ll fail and that’s just the way you are. Christ tells us through scripture that if we trust in Him and lean not on our own understanding, He will guide the way. The kicker however, is we must follow His way and His lead.

• Psalm 1:6 KJV
  For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

• Psalm 18:32 KJV
  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

It’s God who will give you the strength to change, if you truly want it. God will “gird” you with strength and THEN, He makes your way perfect. You have to ask for the strength to be given to you before He makes your way perfect. Now is that “your” perfect?? Of course not, it’s God’s perfection which is different than our idea or perception. Just because you’re the way you are now, doesn’t mean you will remain the same way for the rest of your life; UNLESS you choose to remain the same..

I remember a Pastor saying one time: “By saying we are the way we are, we are saying God is the same way. In other words, if we’re someone who has a sour attitude and say that’s the way I am, we’re saying God has the same attitude.

Genesis 1:27-

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

God created us in His own image and He created us individually. He created us with the ability to choose on our own how we feel, act and how we are.. It’s our decision to change and if we want to bad enough, we will.

Joshus 24:15 sums it up:

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

So, are you “just the way you are” by choice?? I believe we all are due to our choices that we make on a daily basis. We choose to allow the things in our life to control us, ruin our perception and believe the lies which are so destructive. Be honest with yourself and think about that. Sure it’s tough, consuming in our life but do we ever once look to God sincerely? Are we walking with God BEFORE the problem or do we wait until we “need” God and cry out to Him to be saved? Is God like a button we push when we need Him and after we’re done, we’re on our own again? Sad part about that is we use God for our own advantages and when we’re done, we walk away with no remorse. Is it “Just the way you are” or could you change some things about your attitude and way of living? You have to make the choice, what will it be??

 

If I convince myself I’m right, I must be…even if I’m wrong.

We’ve all been there. We know inside our heart we are wrong, yet we convince ourself and justify our actions. Some of us go as far as “fighting” just to be right, knowing the truth. We’re only hurting ourself when we deceive, and that’s exactly what it is. We’re placing the truth behind a clouded glass only to clarify in our own way. That’s no fair to the people around us as they’re affected-but it’s no fair to us. Like domino’s, once one lie is told, lies must follow to cover up the original lie. At some point and time, the truth will come to the light and be revealed. Let’s face it, if we believe a distorted truth, then that’s what we become and what we believe about ourself.

You know the distortions you’ve been told all your life: “You’ll never amount to nothing, you’re a failure, you’ll never do it, you’re so stupid to do that, fat people like yourself will never be successful.” Make it more personal, insert you’re distorted truth here and listen as you say it. It hurts like it did then right? Hopefully it doesn’t as time and God can lessen the pain, but if you’ve tried to handle it on your own-it hurts. Look at what David tells us in Psalms:

For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. 3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. Psalm 36:2-3

That’s what happens as we lie and deceive ourself, we begin to become deceitful, wicked in thought and words and you begin to think of yourself in a different light; deceptive light. When you sin and deceive, you think little of it if any at all, you have to keep doing it to catch up with the last one. Truth be told, the more right you convince yourself you are, the more wrong you become.

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34″I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered,” this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you…” Matthew 26:33-35

Ironic the very thing Peter told Christ he would do, he failed. Christ even told Peter he would disown him, but Peter insisted.  The good news is, Peter repented and later Christ gave Peter a second chance when He asked Peter if he loved Him 3 times. (3 times Peter denied, 3 times Christ asked him if he loved Him.) The good news is, there is hope because we have a merciful and gracious Saviour who loves us so much, he sacrificed His life for us.

Pray:  We must talk to God on a daily basis, hourly-even every minute if we can. Praying is just that, talking to God-no specific ‘way’ or format we follow, we just speak from the heart. We must speak to God, and then we have to do the hardest thing afterwards-wait. We have to wait to see what or how God responds. Maybe he grants you extra time with a friend or spouse, maybe blessing you with financial success or even saving your marriage which is falling apart. By waiting, we can accept His answer or silence in order to follow His guidance.

Listen: Listen to God and see what He has to say to you and your heart. Look at Proverbs 8:33:

• Proverbs 8:33 NIV
  Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.

Change:  You have to make the move and change your ways. Whether it’s removing yourself from a friendship, changing jobs or just removing yourself from the “crowd” of those around you.

• Matthew 18:3 NIV
  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

You have to change your ways in order for anything to take place. It’s like talking about church, saying how good it is, how you’d like to go-but never attend. You have to take the first step and take action-to make it happen. When Christ enters in, the Bible tells us we are “new creatures,” so make the change. You wouldn’t put dirty clothes on after a nice hot bath would you? What would be the point right, so why do we keep putting the dirty ‘sins’ back on our life when we have a new life??

When you convince yourself you’re right even when you’re wrong, the path you head down is treacherous. It’s a road of deception, lies and hurt to yourself and the ones you love. It’s not worth it, you are better than the lies you are believing or have believed over the span of your life. Satan loves to stir up trouble and tell you what you’re worth. Yet don’t forget, God is the one who created you so you are worth a Savior’s life.

I’m not sure what lies you’ve been told that you believe, lies which you are telling yourself because you’ve listened to the wrong people in your life or it’s something you’ve fought all your life, let it go.. You have to let it go and give it to God, allow Him to empower you with the understanding you ARE someone and you ARE worth more than you give yourself credit.

 

If I hide it, it will go away…

Wouldn’t that be nice? If we did or said something wrong, we hide it and it goes away? What about all those things you did wrong or thought were wrong, such as looking at something on the computer you shouldn’t be? If you hide it, it’ll go away right? Unfortunately, it will not but it will give satan an open door to your life. I like to think of it like this: If you place furniture in a room and turn off the light-does that mean the furniture disappears? Of course not right, and if you walk inside you’ll find out that it’s still there. There’s a lot of pain involved when running into something without being able to see it. That’s the same way with sin, it’s dark-you can’t see it and it will slowly eat away your morals, values and ethics. It makes you feel guilty and in most cases, it’s shameful.

no shame: buwsh (boosh); to be ashamed; to be disappointed, to be confused, to become dry.

Satan knows your weakness and he will use it as much as he can to cause you to stumble. He will cause you to judge others based on what YOU do and how YOU act, he will cause you to justify YOUR actions against theirs-judging again and it will make you compare YOUR life and what YOU do/say, to what they are doing or saying wrong. Do you see a pattern here? YOU. You have to take yourself out of it but satan will drag you all the way through it.

SATAN’S SHAME GAME

You experience something deeply painful or sinful.

You connect what happened with who you are.

You believe the only way to be safe is to hide.

Satan works overtime to make sure you “hide” what you have going on in your life. You have to bring it to the light, and that light is Jesus. You don’t have to run all over the place telling everyone what you’ve done wrong but you can tell God and ask for His forgiveness. He will give you mercy and grace to cover those things you’ve done/said and you can start new; fresh. Look at what Christ says in II Corinthians:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

It doesn’t matter where you’ve gone, what you’ve done, what you’ve said or how bad your past was, it is just that-come find healing and peace with Christ. He’s waiting for you to come to Him so He can wrap you up in His arms and walk with you through the healing process. Just because you’ve hid it from those around you, doesn’t mean you hid it from God. He wants you to tell Him, He wants you to turn on the “light” in your life so that all things can become ‘new.’ What are you waiting for? Where are you with Christ today and be honest: On a scale from 1-10, 10 being walking with God and 1 being I need to walk towards God, where are you? That’s a question you’ll have to decide to answer on your own and it’s between you and God. Don’t hide it, bring it to the light.

 

Floats are made for fishing..

 

My father and I use to go fishing all the time down at the “creek” and at the lake near our home. It was so peaceful, nice and relaxing at times and as my dad would tell you, I just wouldn’t hush! He said it would scare away the fish so I guess that’s the reason why we never caught too many fish. What can I say, I didn’t realize the value of the “time” we were spending until I became older.. Now that I have a son and another child on the way, I want to have the same impact on them as my father did on me. So as I was cleaning the garage this past Saturday, I ran across one lonely fishing “bobber” or float lying in the floor. As I picked it up, the memories of my father and I flooded my mind and a smile came to my face. My mind began to think of what a float is created for and why it’s created. It’s purpose is to be attached on the line of your fishing pole, float in the water and let you know when a fish or other water dweller has attached itself to the end of your line. You pull, set the hook and reel your catch in unless something happens. Then it dawned on me, is this what I do with God? Is He like a fisherman hoping to “catch” me, and every now and then I latch on to God, hoping He’ll reel me in and save me from my problems? Is the float thrown out by me, in hopes to catch something in life that will satisfy me?

What are you looking for in life that will satisfy you? Is it drugs, alcohol, your job, money, wife, kids, yourself or maybe it’s pornography, lust or speaking with that man/woman at your job a little closer than you would if your significant other were there. There’s something that we try to fill the void in our life and it’s tough to keep it all in balance. When we engage in the activity there’s a sense of “ahh” or a rush we experience. The fact we often forget is the rush only last for a small time and then we’re back trying to fill the void once again. Christ tells the lady at the well in John 4:13-14:

13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

That void isn’t going to be filled nor was it meant to be filled by anything other than Jesus Christ Himself. Christ loves us right where we are and we’re not suppose to be “bobbing” for any other thing to fill the void in our life. Floats are created to let you know when something is attached to the end of the line-yet in our life, we should never let go therefore the float is unnecessary. We don’t need a float in our life because we are the fishermen of life, His hands and His feet to tell others. We’re not suppose to love the things of the world but just live in the world to serve His purpose; giving Him honor, praise and glory. God doesn’t want anyone to be without Him, but He’s not going to force anyone against their will. In II Peter 3:9 Christ tells us:

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

What are you “bobbing” for in life? What’s your hurt, hang up or habit? The only way to fill that void is Jesus Christ, He can wipe away your cares, give you strength when you are weak, show you the way when you’re unsure and life you up when you’re down.. Place your trust in Him today and hand over the things in this life which are driving you to unhappiness, giving you no peace and causing you stress and worries.. Floats are made for fishing, not for things in our life. Give up your float and allow God to control your life.

Is the Bible real-I mean everything??

I think this is an age old question which has perplexed many people over the years. We wonder if all the events which took place are accurate and are there any books which were left out?? What about the reliability of the whole book, is it valid? Which Bible is correct, aren’t they all the same? We tackled some of those questions today in church and I just had to share it. Steve did an excellent job of answering some of these and more tough questions. Here’s a snapshot of his message-THANKS STEVE!!

1. What you believe about the Bible determines how you live your life. If you don’t believe the Bible, it will affect how you live, if you only believe parts of the Bible, it will affect how you live your life. More importantly, what you believe about the Bible will determine your values, morals and spiritual walk and relationship with God. II Timothy 3:16 says:

16” All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,17 so that the servant of Godt may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (NIV)

Christ is clear about the scriptures being “God-breathed” meaning, it was breathed into man by God. Yes man wrote the book but ALL scripture was G0d-breathed and is useful. Christ breathed very life into the words we read in order to be ready and equipped for every good work. Look at what II Peter 1:21 states:

21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

When you begin to look at the origin and foundation of the Bible, it is impossible by all standards for the Bible to have been placed as it is today. (Actually it’s pretty ironic since with God, ALL things are possible.) Let’s take a look at some facts:

The Bible contains 60 different books, by 40 different authors on 4 different continents in 4 different languages over a span of 1600 years. I would love to know how ‘man’ wrote the Bible and placed all the  chapters, verses and books in order. What we’re missing is  The Bible was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by over 40 different authors from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, tent-makers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings. Despite these differences in occupation and the span of years it took to write it, the Bible is an extremely cohesive and unified book.  We can get caught up in all the logistics for days but the important things are:

I can trust the Bible as the Word Of God because the Bible is 1.) Inspired, (2) Reliable, (3) Relevant, and (4) a Revelation of God. In other words, we must trust the whole Bible because it’s relevant to our life, it’s reliable in every way, inspired and breathed by God and it’s God’s revelation to us. Hebrews 4:12 tells us:

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

What do you believe? Are there parts of the Bible you can accept but others which you can not? Do you struggle believing the scriptures, what God says and maybe even everything about it? Christ says to believe in Him, His word and His love for you. You haven’t done anything-anything which is unforgivable by God, just trust in Him, ask for His forgiveness and repent of your sins. He can and will help you, He’s even active in your life right now. You can mull over the logistics all day long but we know the wind is there because we feel it-yet we can’t see it. God is the same, He’s active and in your life and even though you can’t see Him, He’s there. Let me leave you with this verse from John 20:30-31:

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.31 But these are written that you may believet that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

So is the Bible real-everything in it, above it and below it? You bet your salvation on it!

 

Never Loose Heart..

Church at the Highlands did a sermon I was looking over and I would love to share it with you. It discusses the fact of when we loose heart over things, our family, our jobs and even our own life. We end up hating our self or what we’ve become along with taking it out on others around us.. So, I want to give Church At The Highlands, (Chris Hodges) credit for this sermon and what I’ll do is turn my words RED so you’ll know where I added.. Enjoy and I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

So I Hated Life

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun… So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, 17

I’m frustrated.

…Life is useless, all useless. You spend your life working… but what do you have to show for it? … The world stays just the same. Ecclesiastes 1:2-4 GNT

This is probably the one I battle with a lot. I’m frustrated over the things I can or can’t have. I get frustrated over the smallest things and sometimes the biggest things. What DO we have to show for everything we do here on earth-it won’t matter when we get to Heaven.. Frustration is a widely used level of anger which often times brings about bad decisions, lack in judgement and hurt feelings; that’s not the physical side effects we would experience! Frustration is not worth it but how do we deal with it-how do we manage the stress and frustration level?? (Manageable and do-able-not just say what sounds good but an action.)

I’m tired.

The sun still rises, and it still goes down… the wind blows… round and round and back again.  Every river flows into the sea… [then] the water returns to where the rivers began and starts all over again.  Everything leads to weariness – a weariness too great for words… Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 GNT

I’m unfulfilled.

…No matter how much we see, we’re never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we’re not content. History merely repeats itself… Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 NLT

Focus on the Eternal

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Our goal to reach is eternal, NOT earthly and many times we get these two paths crossed. We fight for what we think God wants but we’re not in His will. Therefore, are we really “fighting for God’s desire of our heart?” No, let’s be honest with ourself…I don’t believe you can know God’s will in your life/heart if you’re not IN God’s will. If you’re not living like God’s in your heart/life, how can you be following and trusting Him?? We’ve all been there but the point is to recognize it and correct it the best we can. We must die to ourself, our faults, failures, habits, hang-ups etc. every day, and allow God to work in our life.

Pray.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2

Serve.

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life... John 6:27

I think this is a vital part and heartbeat of our walk with God. Why? Simple, Did Jesus not walk around and serve others? Did Christ not walk around and spread/share the gospel, healed the lame, opened the blind eyes, turn on deaf ears and made the dead rise again?? Not saying we can go around raising people from the dead even though we DO have that power, check out Proverbs 18:21: Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. Bottom line-Christ served others and if we’re to follow His example, that’s the way we need to go.

Give.

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.  Psalm 112:9 NLT

Share Christ.

…Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…  Hebrews 12:1-2

So, what have you lost heart about and you need a “heart to heart” with Christ? What changes can you make in order to increase your walk with God? It’s not easy nor is it popular, but truth be told, Christ wasn’t too popular either. He was hung on a cross by Roman soldiers and given a death sentence when He didn’t deserve it nor was He guilty. What can you do to not “loose heart” when the trials and temptations come in your life? Maybe there’s nothing significant going on in your life and you just feel “blah.” Is that God wanting to spend time, talk or maybe he wants to hear from you. Are you listening?

If you accept defeat, that’s what you’ll always get..

Ever heard those words before? It’s not easy looking circumstances and life in the face especially when it’s you that have all the cards stacked against you.  Matter of fact, when the car battery dies, ($100) Dryer goes out before a vacation, ($150) sister goes back in the hospital with a staff infection, (Priceless concern) you’ve just found out you have to move grade levels-AGAIN, (GRRRRRRRR) and you work from 7:00-5:30 every night for about 3 weeks….that’s very stressful, worrisome and nerve racking.. To say the least! That’s what happened to our family the week before we left for Kim’s business trip-all at once. Honestly, we needed the trip more than anything only to find out I’m moving grades and stress level of that move ignited. So needless to say, the stress died down for a week only to be picked back up upon arrival of home. ALL the while I’m accepting these things without grumble, gripe nor discontentment-totally for it right?!?! WRONG!! I secluded myself, fought for what I could and hoped people were behind me as I “drug” them along for the journey..Very unlike me and it didn’t do well for my character either. Through this time, I was getting further and further away from God but it was at a snail’s pace.. See, satan knew if he intervened and God “dropped” out of my life, I’d see it and go back. He knows your weakness!! Did I say that already? Yes, he knows and so he steadily withdrew me from the presence and I allowed him too.. (Or else I would have stopped it right?) I realized it when things were getting tougher and tougher, feelings of anxiety, overwhelmed and exhaustion filled my life; fatigue had finally taken its toll. I was defeated..

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As you can see, David didn’t believe in himself before he ever stepped up to kick. He was already defeated in his mind therefore his actions reflected his thinking. Our actions reflect our thinking when it comes to God and living accordingly. Romans 12:3 tells us by the Grace of God that’s given to every one of us, we should not think of our self more highly than others BUT rather think of yourself in clear thought, sound and mind according to the faith God has given you. (Paraphrase) Humbleness is a tough brick to break in our life and it’s not a popular one as well. When we think we’re better than someone else-rather by actions, words or thought, we not living according to God’s purpose and plan. What happens when we do, will the storms and trials of life still come? Sure and you better believe with a fury ONLY God can fight against.. As it stated in the movie “Facing the Giants” in an earlier scene, coach told his team they praise Him when they win, and they’ll praise Him when they loose..Either way, nothing but the best is given to God and we praise Him anyway..

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What’s in your life that is causing you to feel defeated, no hope, struggling and fighting the depressed feelings satan is flooding your life? Why don’t you turn your back on satan and turn your eyes on God, give Him the glory and honor and praise for what your going through. Start looking for the message IN the storm, NOT the mess the storms of life are bringing. As Christ-followers we are not victims-we are VICTORS! Stand strong, steadfast, surround yourself with those encouraging friends, life honor and praise to God for what he’s given you so far and what you’re going to receive. Find out what God is trying to show you through the storms in your life instead of concentrating on the storm.. Have you got me yet? Do you understand?? Lol.. Last thing: While the disciples and Jesus were out to sea, the bible tells us a violent storm rocked the boat, tossing and twisting the ship. Where was Jesus during this time.. Asleep.. Yes, Asleep!! He’s in the bottom of the boat asleep while the storm is violently tossing this ship.What did Jesus say to the ocean waves? “Peace Be Still.”  What do you need peace in your life for tonight?

Christ tells us in Psalms 108:13-”With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.” Deuteronomy 20:4a-“For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against the enemies.” I John 5:4-“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world.”  1-God loves you-period. 2-You are victorious in this life.

Emptiness..Happiness..Loneliness..Where does it all come from??

Have you ever wondered why you feel “empty” at times? You know, those times you just “can’t put your finger on it” kinda days. Sometimes it continues for months and even years yet others live their whole life feeling that way. They walk this earth with little to no purpose that is clear, trying to search and look for anything/everything to fill their heart.  I wonder when we’re going to understand GOD is THE ONLY one who can fill that void. God created us FOR Him and we’re to bring Him glory, honor and worship; that void is HIS void.

A good friend and I were discussing those who had bright futures, everything they wanted, everything they could ask for or hope for yet they were empty on the inside. They were longing for things to fill that void but nothing seemed to work, yet we’re no different. We get caught up in sports, job, our toys, hobbies, money and many other things which take up our “time” from the things most important.  Think about it, what would our relationship look like or be like if we spent the same amount of time with God as we do our hobbies, job or activities in our life? How would life be different and how would our perspective change on God, people and even each other? EXAMPLE: Do this, think about the one activity-just one-which takes up a large amount of time which is NOT a necessity.. (Job is a necessity but we’re talking about hunting, fishing, job after hours to make more money..you get the picture?) Now, what if you spent that amount of time with God everyday as you do with your activity or hobby? What do you think your relationship with God would look like, or relationship with people, problems, issues etc?? I think our perspective would be radically changed and I’m the first to admit, I don’t spend NEAR enough time with God like I should but with my blogs and research, I’m working on it..Let’s take a look at one of the most famous clips in our generation when it comes to happiness and a change of heart. To set up the clip, Scrooge as we know, was very very tight, frugal and almost down-right mean to his employees and those around him. After the visit from the 3 ghost, he became a new man running all over town spreading happiness.

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Obviously some of us may struggle with small things in our life, some with larger things and others struggle all together. What we can say is emptiness is NOT of God.  Check out what Jesus says to the woman at the well in John 4:7-13 about what His water will give..

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?”8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.t)

10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

11 ”Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus is telling her, His water will always be filling and she will never thirst again. When we’re following Jesus, trusting, believing and having faith in Him, we’ll never yearn for anything; in other words, we will not be empty.

Proverbs 15:13 NIV

• A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NIV)

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

So if we’re unhappy, how can we be doing or following the guidelines of Christ? As Jesse Duplantis use to say, “Everyone who’s a Christian says you should be happy but the ones I know are depressed, sad and unhappy.” True isn’t it? Our happiness depends too much on the things around us, the people we are in contact with and our circumstances. Don’t allow those things to take your joy and happiness so your happy heart makes your face cheerful..

• Matthew 28:20 NIV
  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

• Jeremiah 1:19 NIV

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the lord.

To be lonely is not what God has intended for our life and more importantly, He told us He would be with us until the very end of the age-what more can you ask for?? God is standing by waiting on you, patiently with arms outstretched ready for us to run like a child, into His arms. To wrap our arms around Him, squeeze and allow Him to take off our coats of problems, issues, life etc. and to walk away with a peace unlike ALL and ANY understanding.. I don’t know about you, but I like to have that kind of peace..

I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but God does and He’s waiting on you. He loves you no matter what you’ve done, where you’ve been and what things you’ve said or thought. Trust in Him, believe and have faith to understanding one simple fact: God Loves You!! We often forget this very important point in our lives so wherever you are right now, stop and say this to your heart and mind: GOD LOVES ME JUST LIKE I AM. GOD LOVES MY FAULTS, MY HEART, MY MIND, MY SOUL AND ALL THE THINGS I AM BECAUSE IT IS GOD WHO CREATED ME. In other words, just admit and realize God loves you my friend, just love Him back.. So where does emptiness, happiness and loneliness come from? Does it come from us or from God?? It’s up to you to make that decision based on your perception and understanding of God but I know for a fact when I’m empty, unhappy or lonely, it’s at my own decision or fault..

Laughter…It IS the best medicine, God says so..

Proverbs 17:22:

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:13:

13 A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit.

Psalm 32:11:

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!

So, of all the posts I do on here, I realized I have no “funny” clips or no funny advice.. Well, tonight is a little different-here’s a funny clip and some verses above to help you “laugh” your way through life when you can..

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