what's in our hearts?

You know, I find it very disturbing when someone criticizes a person for trying to help someone who has fallen on bad times, or is dealing with a difficult situation and need someone to come along beside them and help them. A very good friend of mine is doing just that, helping someone that needs him, and a few people have given him the title "soft". I applaud anyone who steps outside of themselves to go to the aid of others. There is nothing more rewarding than to look at oneself in the mirror and smile because you know you have done something good for someone besides yourself, that is one of the most gratifying feelings we as human beings can experience. I challenge everyone including myself to always be willing to lend a hand to those in need, for in helping strangers, you could very well be entertaining angels. What better way to please God.

It's all about the attitude

Today I would like to start off my message with a request from God to grant me patience and wisdom in all things. Have you ever had to deal with someone that was difficult, rude, obnoxious or just hard to get along with? I think we all have. Just recently I had a very disturbing conversation with someone who was exactly like that, and it seemed like no matter how nice I tried to be, how calm I was, and how much I tried to exercise self control, this person was just the opposite. Well, to make a long story short, I lost my temper and the conversation turned into a shouting match until this person hung up on me, that really set me off. We learn as Christians that we should always exercise self control and put off anger, this is something I am really working hard at because I am the type of person who doesn't like to argue or deal with confrontation of any kind, and I have to constantly remind myself what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:12- for we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. So going forth, I will continue to pray for self control, and learning how to bridle my tongue when dealing with difficult people, and keep in mind Proverbs 15:1- a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.

living in a world of chaos

First I would like to start out with a prayer to the families who have lost loved ones due to senseless acts of violence or crime. My heart is heavy this morning with the state of our would today. It's becoming harder and harder to turn on the tv to watch the news of what is happening all around the world everyday. People killing each other, killing themselves, people losing their homes to foreclosure, banks going out of business, people losing their jobs, etc....... In a world full of chaos and destruction, I thank God that he is in my life. We as Christians know that the things of this world are only temporary, but what about the millions out there that don't know Christ, can you imagine what they are feeling right now, they have lost hope and are taking desperate measures to survive. It is so important for us to share the Gospel with the lost each and every day, and I for one am guilty of not taking that opportunity to do just that. I see people falling into depression and anxiety, people turning to crime because they don't know of any other way, and my heart breaks for them. People are hurting in these end times and they are looking for a way out, we know what the key to survival is, so let us take the time each day out of our busy schedules to share the love of Christ, with his grace and mercy to a world that is reaching out and searching for answers.

finish what you start

Last night I decided to get some much needed exercise, so I went walking with one of my best friends. After about 2 laps around the track I was already exhausted and had to slow down a notch, by the 3 lap I was ready to quit, so my friend said sit down for a minute and relax and I will come back for you on the next lap, so I stretched my legs a little to get the cramps out, and by the time he came back for me, I was ready to go. Well, I did my fourth lap and I thought okay this is the last one for me and I am quitting, so he said come on just one more, I said I can't, then I said okay one more, and before you know it I had walked 7 laps around the track, I was so proud of myself because I had finished what I started. That is how the Christian walk is, sometimes you get tired and just want to give up, but if you finish the race and never give up, the reward that God has for you is unimaginable. As the saying goes, " when you get tired of standing, that is the best time to start kneeling, in prayer." Always finish what you start, the reward is great.

Struggling with Singleness

Today is a good day and a blessing, everyday is good when God allows us to partake of it. I would like to start off by asking for prayers in helping me to accept God's will in my life. I, like so many others, struggle with a life of singleness. Ever since I was old enough to know what marriage was, I liked the idea and have always wanted to be married, and each day that I remain single is truly a struggle for me. Having someone to share your life with is truly a gift, but I hear so many married people saying they wish they were single, and the single ones wish they were married, and I ask myself why would anyone want to be single? well, I already know the answer to that question, it is so we can totally focus on God and doing his will. I too want God to be priority in my life first, but I would also like to have a husband to share in the joys and blessings that God has provided for me. Am I wrong for feeling this way? God said, " we have not, because we ask not," so I am asking to be blessed with this special person, but, at the same time if that is not in God's will for me, then I am asking that he help me to accept that, and that his grace will be sufficient. So, please keep me in your prayers, and for all of you, who like me desire to be married, remember nothing is impossible for God.

"This is the Day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. " I have decided that everyday is a good day, no matter how many struggles I may face, or how many challenges I may have, I treasure each new day that is full of promise and God's grace. I can choose to be depressed and cry over spilled milk, or I can rest assured that joy comes in the morning and everything happens for a reason.