New Things

Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth,
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19 NKJV

What Is Friendship? Part One of Friendship Series

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV

Of Christmas Past

This is going to be different than my usual posts.

Dealing With Others

Christmas Memories

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

(Image: "Free Gifs & Animations" http://www.fg-a.com)

Do Not Fear The Log*!

And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but not consider the plank* in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and look, a plank is in your own eye!

Matthew 7:3-4 NKJV 

* - I think of a plank as a 2x4 piece of wood, also known as a big piece of wood. That reminded me of a Ren & Stimpy skit that included a song about the log as a toy. Hee hee. It's an inside joke that makes me laugh.

"I don't understand that chick. She always fall for the same type of guy. When I try to point it out to her, she get mad at me!"

"Why is she always late? And then when she finally gets here, nothing is up to her standards."

"It only takes but a minute before he gets angry and blows up. We are always arguing and I'm tired of it."

"Why are you so stubborn?!"

That woman never uses the sense the Good Lord gave her."

That's because you always do this. Your life would be much easier if you didn't but You.Just.Don't.Get.It!"

Isn't it always easy to point out someone else's mistakes and faults? And when you are arguing, how many of us use those facts as weapons? One thing I've learned in my short life is no one likes to have their shortcomings pointed out. It's embarrassing. Or maybe it's just me who doesn't like that.

Now a few of us are okay with criticism but only when we ask for it. In my teens, I got this small poster that read "Before you give me advice, be sure I want it." People always give their two cents unsolicited and then get mad when you get mad.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus expounded on many things that millions feel are the central tenets of the Christian faith, and He told the people to remove the plank (aka the log-see above) out of their own eye before helping others with the speck in theirs.

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." Matthew 7:3-5 NKJV

A few weeks ago, an acquaintance and I had an argument and as I was commenting to someone else, I realized I could be wrong. I am grown enough to admit my wrongs, so I set off on a fact-finding mission. What was revealed during my biblical search and chatting with a friend is the two of us were talking of two different things. I also realized that at this point, I needed to let go and let God. I chose to focus on my response and the need to speak the truth in love.

Turning it back to me and how I responded will help in further dealing with this person about that argument. Getting myself straight first will help get to one accord or at the least, agreeing to disagree.

Few people will pause and examine ourselves, but that is the very thing that Christ preached. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If you want people to be patient with you, be patient with them. If you want people to understand you, understand them. 

Focus on that plank of yours and you'll probably surprise the other person. When you then come to them, you'll be able to speak the truth in love and your new way of dealing may help them to see the light or be less defensive. Then resolution and forgiveness will be easily attained.

How do you get rid of your log?

Be blessed and Stay encouraged!

Scripture To Get You Through

I am not going to start like I usually do. I was reading an article bu Dorothy Beal on Blogher about the best verses to help while you run a marathon: 26.2 Bible Verses For Running Or Racing. I thought about those verses that get you through anything. My list will probably be unorthodox. 

Life

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

What are those verses that help you through life?

Feeling Fat, Ugly, Round, Heavy, Bloated, Etc.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14

Feeling Unworthy

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6

Feeling Powerless

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 2 Corinthians 10: 4-6

I could go on, but these are just a few of what I use to help me. Are there any verses that help you deal with your doubt or negative feelings?

It's Not The Rapper!

Every now and again, I am going to bring something in the form of Christian news. This is a gentle rant.

I was at the website Streaming Faith, and I saw an article that made me pause and shake my head. I gotta little upset because it's no different than what I read back in the 1980s and 1990s.

As Christians, we know that there are those pastors, evangelists, ministers, teachers, etc., etc., that can lead a Christian astray. Especially if said Christian refuses to read the bible on their own. I am absolutely sure if they did, they would pause in their following.

This pastor claims that rapper Lil Wayne is leading youths astray. Really? I am no fan of Lil Wayne. But it is not Lil Wayne or even rappers or Hollywood. The rampant immorality and debauchery is a people never knowing Christ or them turning away from him.

And really this is like Calvin Butts talking about gangsta rap back in the late 1980s. Every now and again, there comes a well-meaning pastor who in the book talks about the true causes, but uses the leading rapper/singer/celebrity to drive the point home.

I don't mind conferences where they teach the youth in the church about the ills of emulating the hip-hop community, but to title your book after a rapper? No. It's not fair to anybody when this happens.

You can read all bout it here. Is Lil Wayne a pied piper making teens follow his way? Each person must answer that question for themselves, and answer these, too. What about the parents? What about the pastors, ministers, teachers at this church and others? This pastor decided to write a book about it, but what are others doing?

I guess I just prefer teaching children and teens to make better choices that line up with God's word rather than attacking a rapper. And mainstream media? They'll just think this pastor is stirring up controversy and trying to make money off Lil Wayne.

If children and others who do emulate Lil Wayne and the rest of his kind saw people soldiering for Christ, and using His word as their guide, then they could hear Lil Wayne and see how his lyrics don't line up, and either stop listening or listen with a grain of salt, for lack of better terminology.

It's ugly out there, but the best way to combat it is to walk the walk.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a [lamp stand], and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV

Is it Lil Wayne leading them astray? Who did the pastors and leading theologians rail against in your day?

Is Your Foundation Secure?

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

(Back To The Basics - Word of God by Mark Taylor creationswap.com)

God and the Government

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

Romans 13:1-7 NKJV

Honor the king. 

1 Peter 2:17b

Thankful Thursdays!

Blessed be the Lord, Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!

 Psalm 28:6 NKJV

(Image from Upon This Rock  website)

Watch Out For Bitterness, It Can Mess You Right Up!

Lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by by this many become defiled;

Hebrews 12:15b NKJV

(Jon Sullivan American flag public domain photo)

Get Back Up

And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Receiving Forgiveness: You Can Be Forgiven

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

 Psalm 103:12

God Is A Fighter, and He Will Fight For You!

Arise, O Lord; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly.

Psalm 3:7 NKJV

Walking In Forgiveness: Part 2 of Forgiveness Series

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV

Dear those who do not believe in Christ (yet), this is not for you. This is for those who are struggling to forgive though they call themselves Christians. While you may be struggling, too, and I have no doubt that many of you are, but first you must seek salvation. So, thank you for the click, come back on a different day or read another of my posts. Though all are aimed at encouragement for those in Christ, you may get some things from it. Or ... or ... you can read this and store it in your memory banks for later, you know, after salvation.

There is an epidemic going on. More and more people are not walking in love or forgiveness with one another, let alone, strangers. Christ warned us this would happen. In Matthew 24:12, he stated "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." So today we have a lot of hurt and blase Christians running around because family, friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and churches, yes churches, have hurt them. Some have walked away never to return. Some left, but came back and are still hurting. And more are still hurt but forgave them. 

I started this blog because others have helped me down this path that I wanted to do the same. I know the difficulty it is to forgive someone firsthand. I have not gone through everything you've lost, but this is just to get you thinking. To plant a seed for God's army. I have seen the bitterness when someone cannot forgive another. 

Being unable to forgive someone changes you deeply. Bitterness latches on, and you can no longer trust a soul, not even God, despite all He's done for you. And bitterness is insidious. You never know when it will come out. The person that has hurt you falls upon some misfortune, despite knowing better, you cannot help but smile. Think of a celebrity you despise. Oh, so somebody came to mind? No, you are good. Think of a politician? Gotcha! Instead of cheering that Osama bin Laden was dead, we should have been praying for Christ to be able to get a foothold in al Qaeda. 

On one of my jobs, it was several weeks into the new year, and the office manager told me to tell the Christmas decorating committee that if they did not get rid of all the Christmas decorations that day, they would not be allowed to decorate the following year. When I passed on the information, the committee gathered around the office entrance, and instead of planning, they began to bicker. They complained that it fell to them to have to take it down, and they went on and on. I told them to stop complaining and take it down. My co-worker tried to reinforce what she was saying, but she got the hand and I told her none of that mattered, take it down. She was livid. But she kept her cool. She proceeded to ignore me for a few hours. She was covering my breaks that day. Since she was older than I, I immediately recognized that I had to ask for forgiveness. But she really could not forgive me. It took her some time, and quite frankly, I am not sure if she really did. To see that firsthand was an eye-opener.

I have had several eye opening events since then, and I totally understand the need to protect your heart, so to speak. What many don't realize it is terribly freeing when you walk in forgiveness. God will forgive us our trespasses if we forgive those who have offended us. That's in the Lord's prayer, except, you know, I paraphrased. We are to be imitators of Christ, and yet we continue to hold grudges and practice schadenfreude when those who have hurt us get hurt. We do not allow God to get vengeance on our behalf, instead we slash tires, put up billboards, and rewrite everything on their facebook profile. Or even worse, we prevent them from getting a job, despite the fact it could come back to haunt you legally. 

When I was on assignment in May, I met this co-worker who was having issues dealing with no-good so-called friends. I don't know what she had gone through, but her friends' disappearing, really hurt her, despite the fact she had a lot going on for her. There was lot I wanted to say but we were there to work, so I didn't get around to it. So, I am going to say here what I wanted to say to her.

You are unbelievably strong. You did the one thing that many don't even think to do. You turned to God. And sometimes friends turning their backs on you is something we all have to go through to get us to turn to God. It's painful. I do not disagree, but why give them that much control? It's been said that he who angers you, control you, but if you forgive them and move on, you will be surprised who God brings to the table. I used to handle a department at my former church. Despite all the grownups that were sent to help, but showed up with excuses, tardiness, or just did not show up at all, I left it to God. And I soon found myself surrounded with people who were interested and wanted to learn all that I could teach them. They all just so happened to be teenagers and children. I had a few adults, but mostly teens. Sadly, or maybe not, the skills that I passed on were transferable to the real world. A few of them have careers based off what they learned from me.

Being unable to forgive can turn you into a spiteful, hate-filled creature more ready to judge someone than to help them. And heaven please help you, if you cannot even remember the offense. God forgives us so we should forgive them. How many of us are always begging God for mercy and yet, we cannot be merciful to those who have hurt us? Then we wonder why we feel persecuted and ridiculed for our beliefs.  In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul wrote: "Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace."

But really what it boils down to is what Christ said "Love your neighbor as yourself." If we practiced what we preached, we will get that back. Show mercy to someone, mercy will be given. Walk in forgiveness all the time, you will be forgiven. We need to be more like Christ. And for many of us, it takes a huge leap of faith. I came across a time, when no one could help me and I kept asking God why? I could think of hundreds of times that I had helped so many, but on this day, no help could be found. I decided I would exercise that faith of mine and said whoever you bring. I stopped calling people, and soon enough, someone asked what you need and did all they could to help me that day. I am eternally thankful to them and especially God because He is awesome. A lot of us would be mad at those who could not come through. Did you ever consider that God blocked them so you could depend on Him? But He does that so often! Well, you must not know that with God all things are possible, but first you must trust Him. For some people, it will be friends, family and other people they know who will come through. And for others, it will be who God will bring. I did not know this person who helped me. And barely knew the second person as well. But He brought them. He is awesome. And I am happy I took that leap of faith.

Streetwise AtheTypist basically breaks it down like this: Straight up, we all got those sometimin' half-steppin' friends. And let's not forget narcissistic family members and troublesome co-workers and horrible bosses. We got them. They need you for whatever it is they need you for. But when you need them, they are nowhere to be found or are trying to do whatever they can to take from you. But thank you Jesus, we have a God who is able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we can ask or think. He is always there, and wants you to turn to Him, before even your husband or wife! He wants you to turn to him before Mama. All this hurt and busted and disgusted feelings and holding grudges, why? God is not like the people you dealing with. You are not alone. We all have been there, and can empathize, if not sympathize, but you should turn to God, and even if you did and turned to your family and friends, and no one helped then guess what? All the more praise to God, because He came through and nobody can say it was them. 

The church of Christ should be as Peter stated "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (1 Peter 4:8-10) When sinners see this, they will come flocking. Yes, the church is filled with people working through their own struggles, but the one thing everyone should get after being saved is walking like Christ. Remember this: if that person who hurt you asks for forgiveness to God, and God forgives them, the least you can do is forgive them, too.

"And be ye kind one to another,

tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 

Be blessed and stay encouraged!

Happy International Forgiveness Day!

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.

Matthew 6:12

Today is International Forgiveness Day. I did not know that. How about you? It was started by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance. Check it out. Can you imagine if everyone forgave each other? Heaven on earth or as close to it as we gonna get.

Today, I was switching back and forth between not writing until next week, and just throwing up a bunch of scripture. Yeah, I know I was half-steppin', erhm, going to phone it in, uh ra, just being real lazy. Since 2007, I have had placed on my heart to write about those tough things: finance, walking correctly and forgiveness.  And have not done them because I knew they would not be received well by those closest to me. But since very few are reading this, I am going to do it for people who stumble on this, and if family, friends, and acquaintances read it and are blessed then thank you Jesus. If they don't, we deal with it when we get to it.

I know there are people who have learned to forgive and have done so, and do it daily. That was not a strength for me. When I first accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Savior, I had a relatively good year afterward. The one who usually got on my nerves, I would calmly say "Bless you in the name of the Lord" and continue what I was doing. Nothing this person said had any effect on me. Fast forward two years, I was ready to choke them.

Throughout the bible, and particularly the new testament, it states we are to forgive, forgive, forgive. Christ said if we forgive others, our Father will forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). So my forgiving others is wrapped up in receiving God's forgiveness. Ergggh. I know a few of you feel me. But for the longest time, this has been a thorn in my side (sadly, it still is). Before walking in salvation, I believed people should know when they stepped out of line. And sometimes they needed to know loudly. There were people who needed checking, and choking. I could list so many instances, but I won't. At the beginning of having to deal with forgiveness, I was told time and time again, "Vengeance is mine." (Deuteronomy 32:35) That helped and I would calm down slightly. Then as time progressed, I would calm down more. I didn't forget, but I started to be less concerned and to just be. Holding a grudge just wasted energy and was troublesome.

I hear the but, but, buts you are thinking. Jesus told Peter, after he asked how many times he had to forgive his brother, to forgive seventy times seven. People are gonna offend you. There is the old Portuguese proverb: "as desculpas não se pedem, evitam-se" that is "you don't ask for apologies, you avoid them." But a lot of people were not taught this or it never occurs to them they have done something wrong. There are those who just out and out do it to annoy you, but 1) forgive and 2) let go. Psalm 118:8 tells you it's better to trust God than man. God is watching. He knows who is for you and against you. Even if your parents offend you daily, forgive them and trust God. Horrible bosses? Forgive them and trust God. Two-timing boyfriends or girlfriends? Forgive them and trust God. Unsavory co-workers? Forgive them and trust God. Are they gonna do it again? Maybe, probably. You are going to trust God and forgive them. 

Jesus gives you the blueprint and for happiness and the ultimate prize-heaven, you must forgive them. And then you have to take it to the next level--pray for them and ask God to bless them. Yeah, I've grumbled about it, too. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus said we must love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Doing this make you a child of God's and you know what happens to a child of God. They are blessed, duh.

What it boils down to is if you trust God, then when that friend or relative betrays you, you know that God will handle it. So instead of stressing over it, you pray for them, forgive them, and live your life. Is life going to be happy happy joy joy all the time? No. You are a soldier of God's army, fighting for his kingdom. Happy happy joy joy will come in heaven. Your fight may look like you are up against strangers and members of your own family, but it's not. It's against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12 NKJV). 

And that should make you mad. And it should make you more than willing to forgive. I mean seriously, how dare they use your child against you? The nerve of these demons in diapers! Want to stick it to them? Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Treat them like you want to be treated. When you practice eye for an eye, sure, you may feel good for that day or decade, but you never really got back at the source, and all the source did was flicker on to the next person. But when you listen to Christ and follow His blueprint, your enemy will be confounded, confused, befuddled, and worried. 

Before I got it, I always came across Christians (yes, Christians) who thought it was their duty to make life miserable for everyone they worked with. Don't be shocked, you know there's a few. No, they were not right or in order. They just made life miserable. When I talked with them, I learned several things. They went to church every single Sunday, and prayed. But it was lip service and they just prayed for their family. And when one decided to ensnare me, it was on and poppin'. But I began to pause and do just the opposite. I prayed for them and their family. I began to help the ones they would target. I prayed for the departments and the executives. I tried to be the balance and set the atmosphere until I left. And as much as they wanted to take me out, they did not because in their eyes I was on their side. Sneaky much? Yep. Can you do the same? Yes. Will it get easier? Yes and no. 

You will spot things quicker, but sometimes that baby demon becomes a toddler and you just have to up your game because they upped theirs. But you are not alone in this battle. Forgiveness just makes you stronger. And at the end of the day, it will be better in the long run. It's tough now, but it will be better, and don't forget that even in the storm, there are times when it will calm down. The rain will stop and the sun will shine forth.

I will speak more on this on another day. I believe this is a good start. How has forgiving others helped you on your spiritual journey? Is it still tough going? What have you learned that may help others?

Be blessed and encouraged!

When Others Have Failed, God Won't!

for in Him we live and move and have our being . . .

Acts 17:28a NKJV

Yesterday, I could not find scripture to back what I wanted to write about. After the "great" news this nation received last night, I woke up this morning and Acts 17:28 was on my mind. I had no issue in previous posts of just giving partial scriptures, but I want to provide the whole thing today, particularly because of the news we got last night.

And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though he is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' Acts 17: 26-28 NKJV

Place all faith and trust in Him. Does it hurt to trust God? Yes. Tremendously so. These are uncertain times. It's perilous for many people. A lot of people were living paycheck by paycheck. And then they lost their job. There are plenty of folk who lost jobs and worked in a dying field. All that experience and no one is hiring them. Christians are no different, but we got a loophole. Think about those Christians you know who every Sunday, or whenever you see them, always have a kind word for each person they see. They are always the first up to shout and praise God. They always give a cheer when it's offering time. It happens every single time you see them. Why? They live for God. They have learned that despite all the wrong in their life, they can still and must still praise God. 

I think what trips people up in their walk with God, is thinking that when trouble comes, He is going to swoop in like Superman and save the day. But that is not happening for some.  So what do you do? Well, what else can you do but wait on the Lord. Hard isn't it? 

I wrote about Acts 17:28 a few years ago, and I feel it still applies today.

As most of you may know, I have been on a serious job hunt since July, and I've questioned my pursuit of being an entrepreneur. But what I've come to understand is that I placed my hope and faith in the wrong things. What I would do is send in a resume, and start dreaming of life anew. And heaven help me, if I thought the job was easy because then why wouldn't they hire me?!! And how dare they if they didn't?!!!

But with all the junk I was going through, I happened upon a scripture that I heard of and probably read a long time ago, but it was just illuminating to me during that time. 

    For in him we live, and move, and have our being; (Acts 17:28a)

If it is in him that I live and move and have my well being, then I must place my hope and faith in Him. So, whenever a job came along that I really wanted, I prayed that I would get but placed my hope and faith in the Lord that He would take care of me. If I got it great, if not, oh well.

Everyone walking with God and living by His principles and precepts goes through uncertain times. Some a lot more than others. But the difference between a lot of us is some wallow and cry out and murmur and complain, and a few of us just smile and praise God. 

Even now I have begun doing that in all areas of my life, not just my job situation. Even though I understood Psalms 118:8, it was only recently illuminated because of Acts 17:28. So while life is topsy turvy and people are acting funny, which is more typical than unusual, my confidence must be in the Lord and not in man. We've all heard it before, one minute people like you, the next they don't, or as I like to put it, if it don't concern them, it don't concern them, so why am I wasting mental, spiritual and physical energy on wondering why or better yet, worrying why so and so is acting all funky? Or if I got this job, or if this thing is going to happen?

Seriously. If you pause for a second and look over your life, you will see that God has always provided; whether it was funds, a job, objects, and, yes, even people. Yes, we have disappointments about the one that got away or the opportunity we missed, but if you pause, you'll see it worked out, unless of course, you are still whining about it, then maybe you need to stop your bellyaching, and see your life for what it truly is. So, why stress? You may be miserable now, but it all works for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Count it all joy!

No matter what you are going through, stay focused. Place your hope and faith in God, not somebody or something.

If we would wait on God, everything will work out. If we follow His principles, and put our trust in Him, your walk becomes stronger, and then you will find yourself able to praise and glorify Him no matter the situation.

Has He been testing your faith and trust in Him? How did you get through your uncertain times?

Be blessed and encouraged!

This was also on my mind this morning.

Feeling Weak? Borrow God's Strength!

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.

Isaiah 40: 29

Many days can go by when one feels helpless. When nothing works out according to our plans, you feel put upon, embattled, weak. When the bill collectors are calling and threatening, and there is no money to give them, you just feel hopeless and powerless. Most people have been in this spot. I could give many more instances of feeling weak and powerless, but the fact is, we are never weak. And God is the most powerful and wants to help you.

Time and again, when you read God's word, you get promises that God will work it out. At the end of it all, we have to continue to trust in Him. When you feel bereft of hope and sapped of strength, look to God and use His strength to see you through. Despite everything appearing to be on the verge of being lost and/or destroyed, our trust should be in him. If you are sick, trust in God, not the doctors or medicine. Take the medicine and listen to the doctors, but your trust of healing is in God. (Sometimes it must be said plainly cuz you know.) Need justice? Trust God, not the lawyer or the judicial system. Even if both fail, He won't. 

It seemed like this week was one of those weeks where nothing was going to go right. I made two major mistakes. One was costly, and the other was avoided by an understanding person. As I began to focus on the loss and feeling so helpless, I remembered that would only lead to despair. I quickly began praising God, and thanking Him for His blessings. 

I trust God that everything will work out. When I feel weak, God is my strength. As His word says "The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him." (Psalm 28:7 NKJV) No matter the situation, He provides strength and we need to trust Him. Then whatever the trial or tribulation, we can endure it because our God is most capable of handling our situation. 

Think on this: recall for just a moment everything you have gone through and gotten through. Bad grades, untrustworthy friends, cheating boyfriends, lying girlfriends, shady co-workers, horrible bosses, bad investments, lost homes, lost wages, unscrupulous bill collectors, surgery, broken bones, horrific car accidents, and this list could go on. It left you feeling weak, but did He not bring you out? You thought you would never get out of that hole didn't you? Sometimes we forget about all of the things we've gotten out of and the things we were freed from. This is nothing new. And even if this situation is your first bad one or it's the worst ever, you will get out of it. You are your own witness. The bible is filled with many more. Draw your strength from God, and He will carry you through. We are overcomers by His blood and the word of our testimony. (Revelation 12:11)

How has His strength helped you?

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

This Just In: Worry Can Make You Sick!

Do not fret--it only causes harm.

Psalm 37:8b

When I was younger, I did not worry. I caused other people to worry, but I didn't worry. Then before it became the fashionable thing to do, I lost my job. And the next thing I knew I joined the worry bandwagon. But worry ain't doing a thing for me. My pity parties are not fun. I am attracting the wrong people, and now I hear worry can make me sick?! No, I need off that bandwagon. It ain't for me. How about you?

It must drive God nuts when we constantly bombard him with pleas. All throughout the bible we are admonished to not worry. We are told to seek other things. Worried? Forget about that. Seek His wisdom. Why are you fretting when you should trust God? 

I have heard it all before. I have even said if you are worried, you are not trusting God. In 2009, I was so strong in my thinking that God will provide that my friends thought I was losing my mind. (I am not saying I am this big dog strong Christian, but I had to have my mind made up, you feel me?) We all watched with baited breath as time ticked away, and services was cut off. Then another job came through. Like I said, He was either going to save me or He wasn't. And if He didn't, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV) tells us: Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own troubles. I remember back then when my friends thought I was nuts, I had a conversation with one of them and at the time she told me about that verse. I had no idea why she gave me that since I wasn't worried. If she heard worry in my voice, then thank you. But I was standing my ground. So, in my mind, I was not worried.

Flash forward two years, and I am standing on His word. It is hard out there for everybody, but I look at others who have lost or were losing everything, and how they worked through the worry. I think of the woman and her sons when her husband died and the bill collectors came to collect everything including her sons. She believed the prophet of God when he said get all of your oil, and sell it. The oil never ran out and all of the bills were paid. Each of us need to listen to what God is saying. Christ told us to not let our hearts be troubled, but to trust in God and trust in Him (John 14:1). 

The widow and her son had just enough food to have one last meal, when Elijah was sent to her. And he told her she would not run out until it rained again if she took care of him. I am not saying run out and make sure your pastor has food. I am saying it is all in God's hands. (Sometimes you have to make it clear, cuz you know.) 

You don't even have to pray about it. Sometimes I feel like God isn't there, when in fact, He's probably closer than He's ever been. Yeah, I did join the bandwagon, because a few of my avenues had been cut off. But I forgot. That seems to be a trend for me. I keep forgetting His blessings, and seriously, how? I waver, and maybe it's just me. (You all got it goin' on, so just give me a sec and let me continue assuming we all worry.) We waver, in spite of all that He is done. Behaving just like the children of Israel when they were in the desert. There was manna and quail. There was a cloud during the day, and a pillar of fire at night. They still had moments of disbelief. They saw the Red Sea part. They walked on dry ground while fishes flew by their heads. But they had their doubt. They questioned. They murmured and complained. They also got left in the desert. 

So I read about them, and I go over His promises, and when new scripture is illuminated for me like Psalm 37:8b, I get my mind back in order, and stand on His promises and give Him praise for what He's done; what He's going to do; and because He is God. I remember those God has helped throughout the bible, and I take myself back to when He helped me. I remember and I am back to my "crazy" ways. He has it under control. 

How has God helped you? Who are your witnesses? Do you sometimes forget? is it just me?

Be encouraged and blessed!

Understanding Is Key!

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7 NKJV

When I was younger, maybe about six or seven years ago, I heard a preacher say "God ain't call you to understand, He called you to stand!" Back then I liked what I heard, so it joined my growing repertoire of sayings and phrases. I recall being in a meeting, and one member of the group was trying to figure out something I needed all of them to do. I know they mentioned the word "understanding," because it triggered the phrase, and I said "He ain't call you to understand, He called you to stand!" Yeah. Of course, they said nothing in return, and it wasn't until recently that Proverbs 4:7 came back to me. 

Thing is, most people need that understanding. There are certain things you need to stand on: faith, His word, and His promises. I'm sure that is what the preacher meant, but I was too immature to hear it that way and then I used it inappropriately. 

A lot of people don't want to think, especially on trivial things. We want things easy peasy: insert problem, out comes the solution. Talk with your pastor, minister, teacher, priest and they will pray on it and it will get solved. It is not that easy. I have had many pastors, and one of them would stand at the front of his church after service, and a line would form. Some people expressed gratitude, most, however, would come with their problems. And he would receive each and every one of them. Sometimes he prayed over them right then and there, other times he gave words of encouragement. 

Another of my pastors would have none of that. After service was over, he was in his office. If you needed to talk to somebody, you better grab one of the associate ministers or deacons. And if you happen to grab him, you told him your problem, and the first thing out of his mouth, "What does God's word say? or Have you read your bible?" I won't lie. I thought that was such a cop-out. I would compare the two, and deem the kind minister who spent long minutes helping his congregation after service better.

But then a thought occurred to me: "why aren't you up there?" My answer would be because my problems aren't that tough. Other times my answer was "I've prayed over it and I am leaving it to God." Now, on occasion I have heard some of the requests, and yes, some of them, in my mind, were trivial things. But to that person it was major. I also understand wanting another person to be in agreement with you as you take it to God. But remember what I said about wanting things easy? Lots of people just take it to the pastor, minister, deacon, and teacher and leave it there. How many of you Christians have a friend who you only hear from when they have issues? People want to do the easy things. And as my other former pastor questioned, they will not read their bible. More on that on another day.

And getting wisdom? Whoo doggy. If you are not sighing with me, you haven't really tried to get wisdom. Look at Solomon, he was the wisest person on earth. And in his old age, he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. Throughout his life, he lived for wisdom. He tried everything in search of wisdom. And Ecclesiastes is depressing. Because sometimes that wisdom hurts. 

Recently, I have had a co-worker and a friend lament the terrible misdeeds of so-called friends. They have told me about friends who lied to them and excluded them. And for them it hurt. Gaining that knowledge or the truth provided each of them with the opportunity to gain wisdom. What will be hard is the understanding. But really, when you get the understanding, life is better.

Solomon got all that wisdom by doing everything under the sun, but at the end, he understood that the only wisdom he needed was Godly wisdom. I have had friends lie, use, and exclude me. I have had co-workers take credit for my work. I have been accused and mistreated. Some of my friends, I understand why they did what they did. Nope, I did not like it but I understood. And forgave them or I'm in the process of forgiving. And because of all that hurt, you found out who really will pray for you. You find out who really will help. 

God wants us to have wisdom, and He wants us to understand. The understanding may take some time to get, but when you get it, it turns the bitterness of the wisdom into a much treasured sweet. So get godly wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding!

Be encouraged and blessed!

Songs Of Deliverance

You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.  Selah

Psalm 32:7

First off, to the one person who has been told about this blog, I totally got the address wrong. Hopefully you found it through my profile. 

Now that that is taken cared of, let's move on. I have a friend who thinks I am odd. I have lots of other friends who think I am weird, but this particular friend calls me odd. I love her for that. She never harshes my squee, and always co-signs on my craziness. May you have that person in your world. And she can do that, because she's odd. I guess you could say we march to the beat of our own drum. As long as it lines up with God and doesn't cause others problems, we do what we do. 

A few years back, I sent an email about having a really annoying song in my head. And when she agreed that it was annoying, I told her I always have music going in my head. That was when I was first labelled odd. And most times I do. So when I first understood Psalms 32:7, I got what was going on. 

Many Christians sings songs of praise (probably off-key, like me), but for the right song to come in your mind right when you need it, that's God. I love Him for that. And truthfully, it's not always a gospel song. Like when I was going around singing "Name it/Claim it/Believe it," Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately" soon followed. Have you heard about God's sense of humor? I would get up with a song of praise, and it would stay with me all day. And when I was working in hostile situations, "Jesus Be A Fence" would come on in full force. 

Of course, it could just be me. I could truly be an odd person. But I happen to believe that when David said God surrounds me with songs of deliverance, well, doggone it, that is what is happening. And I thank Him for it. It tells me that I am not alone. It is that pure, unadulterated truth that He is there for me. And I need that, and I know others do as well. 

I so understand wanting God to be like Harry Potter, and abracadabra, my problems are solved, but He does what He wants to do when He wants to and how He wants to do it. In the meantime, I get the reassurance. And think about it, wouldn't you rather have a song of deliverance than that annoying song? And if you have never experienced it, it's fun, insightful and can also be a warning. I truly believe there are no coincidences, so when it comes on, I toe the line.  

But if you find it odd that this happens to me, don't worry you are not alone. If it happens to you and you just never thought that there was a verse that backs you up, well, here you go. And you are not alone. We can be odd together.

Stay encouraged and blessed!

Calm Down, Shut up, and Quit Trippin'

Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:3 NKJV

Back in 2002 or 2003, I received an email that made it all plain. I forwarded it, and at the beginning of each year, I would send it out again. I have not done so for a few years, but I felt the need to do it today. I have no idea who wrote it or when it first surfaced, but this is like the bible to me. UPDATE: I have learned it was written by someone named Tommy, so credit goes to him. (7/26/19) It is so plain and so simple. I, personally, have been like that for years. My bestest friends were the ones who were like me ninety percent of the time. Back then, our saying was either "Deal with it" or "Oh, well" or "It's not that serious." When this email came along, it illuminated things. Calm Down Shut Up and Quit Trippin' is what I tell and have told people. I seem to have forgotten that. Thank God for the Internet. If it is posted once, somebody somewhere has it. 

So many times we make situations more than they are due to our anxiety.

CALM DOWN! God has your life under control; He knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease.

SHUT UP! Stop having pity parties and talking about your business all the time; don't you know that the power of death and life is in the tongue! Stop speaking negative things into existence in your life and in others.

QUIT TRIPPIN'! When you look at your situations through your eyes, you often read more into the situation than what is there. It's not as bad as you think particularly if God is in your life; Stop over analyzing your life.

Be courageous

Fear is not of God. Have the courage to step out on faith and do the seemingly impossible. Start your own business; go into the ministry; apply for that promotion; anything that you've been afraid to do and you know that God has called you to do - JUST DO IT!

Have confidence

Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Remember, greater is He that's within you than he that's in the world. You have the power of the most High God working in you, and you have His Son steadily making intercession for you. You have nothing to worry about! Walk with your head up! You say you have low self-esteem; somebody told you that you'd never amount to anything; the devil is a liar! Know that you are somebody not because Jesus said it, but because you are a child of The King!

Walk in the VICTORY!

Romans 8:28 - "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."

Does anything else need to be said?

The jury has been out and the verdict is in - YOU WIN!

In your finances - YOU WIN!
On your job - YOU WIN!
In your relationships (married, single, divorced, family, friends) - YOU WIN!!
In your health - YOU WIN!

God has already worked it out for you. It may not come the way you think it should come (or when you think it should), but remember - CALM DOWN, SHUT UP, AND QUIT TRIPPIN'!

He's working it out for "YOUR" good (in His time).

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet.

Be Blessed TODAY!!

Tommy Last name still unknown

It blessed me back then, and it blesses me now. My aces might be gone, but God does have my back, and He certainly has yours. But that last part, "Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet," yeah that trips up a lot of folk. We all would pray and think that is the end of it. Nope. Now comes the lessons in patience, faith and wisdom. And sometimes new trials and new tribulations.

I have no idea where I am headed. Things that worked before are not working, but I have to have faith, and still strive forward. I have to do my part. Not each storm will fall under "Peace, be still." The storm you are in may fall under "Do You Trust Me?" Sometimes we want things to happen our way, but it never does. And especially if it is not God's way. Drop it. Let it go. If God has called you to something, do it. If you don't know, seek Him. And stand on His promises. Remember, calm down, shut up and quit trippin'!

Be encouraged and be blessed!

Speak It!

. . . calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:17b KJV

Now I kinda pooh-poohed "name it/claim it/believe it" but for me, for ME, it was the going around claiming husbands, and cars, and clothes, etc., that made me end up dropping the saying. But truth is, there is power in your words. You have to speak your faith.

Today, I was bored. To be specific, I am bored of the Internet. I could wander for hours around the Internet. No, not Facebook or Twitter. I see them for what they are so until I need them, I am not joining. The Internet is a great time suck. One minute, you are Googling something, the next thing you know, five hours have flew by. Ha. I'm probably just talking about me. Ignore that. You don't waste time like me. At a couple of sites I do hang on, I kinda let it be known that I was switching focus.

Blogging like this is work to me. And I also get paid to do Internet research. Just as in the past when I worked as an editor, I don't want to spend my off-time, wandering the Internet. (Yes, I'm getting somewhere.) After I said farewell Internets, I started thinking about what was the opposite of bored.

I Googled bored, and realized its opposite is excited. Then I started to text my friends, and was going to call today "Opposites Day." But then I remembered the "speak which are not as though they were." I've been really focusing on that. So, instead of calling it "Opposites Day," I went with "Speak Faith" time.

So I texted, "I'm rich. I'm healed. I'm excited!" I go to physical therapy three times a week. I start with exercising my body, and then I get pulled and tucked into all types of positions. I read my bible to exercise my spirit. Of course, my faith needs exercising. In Proverbs 18:21, it states "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (KJV) You have the power to speak positive things to others, and positivity to yourself.

And truthfully, you owe it to yourself, especially if you hang around naysayers. When I was a teenager and young adult, I favored those teachers who were in my corner. I have no doubt that all of my teachers wanted me to get good grades, but there was a certain lot who wanted me to succeed. And you could tell because they took time to encourage me, and basically speak life and positive things to me. When my parents could not understand, my mentors did.

All of us can do that. And we should. But I digress. This is about speaking life to yourself. Actually, if you do it to yourself, it will be easy to do it to others. Let go of the stupid things you say in your mind: 'I'm stupid." "That was a dumb thing to say." "I just can't do it." "Man, it's too hard."

Sometimes you just need to make it simple and plain. "Keep at it." "You'll get it." "I am not afraid." "I am smart." "I am beautiful." "I am worthy." You may not feel it, but at least you are countering your negative thoughts and exercising your faith, not only for your benefit but also your faith in God. When you realize that God has given you everything you need, especially a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), you will stop the negativity, and be what He sees you are.

And when it gets really rough, start quoting the scriptures. Remind yourself of God's promises, and what He thinks of you. You will succeed. You will be blessed.

Be encouraged and be blessed!

Have You Forgotten?

And I said, "This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High." I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.

Psalm 77: 10-11 NKJV

Bear with me as I get through these. A little background, if you will. Last week, I saw that my mother was reading a little pamphlet titled "When God Isn't Answering Your Prayer." It was an excerpt of Psalms: Folk Songs of Faith by Ray Steadman. When I first saw the title, I started hearing the lyrics: "you got to name it/claim it/believe it/(believe it and receive it)." And I shook my head. I couldn't believe that came in my mind. And I started thinking about all those sayings I got that were wild and crazy. When I first heard the song, "Faith Is" by Dottie Peoples, I was all over it. I was naming and claiming and believing God for all those desires and wants I so desperately "needed." I put "needed" in quotes, because I really didn't need it. Sure, they would have made life more bearable, but I could live without half of the stuff I wanted and desired. And when I learned the difference between what I wanted versus what I needed, naming and claiming came to a stand still. Especially after singing those lyrics one day, I plainly heard Janet Jackson's "What Have You Done For Me Lately." So, needless to say, I stopped naming and claiming. When it came back to me last week, I chuckled, because if it is taking forever and a day to get an answer to your prayer, it probably means no or wait. I'm just gonna be real. If you think I'm wrong, the comments box is below and we'll have a nice, godly discussion about it. I could probably learn something from you.

Last Sunday, I saw that my mother was done with the pamphlet, and passed it on to me. My money was real nonexistent, and my computer had some issues. I checked around, and saw that it would cost me too much to have it checked out and then fixed, so I switched to the other computer in the house: my mother's. Compared to my computer, my mother's is from the 1970s. You click on something, go take a shower, get dressed, and boom your Internet is finally up and running. I was doing paying work, and promised to work up to ten hours, so I would schedule around her. It was hard. Imagine my non-surprise when her Internet began to fail. I switched to working in the wee hours. And then the weekend hit, and her Internet was out. So, basically, no computer worked in the house.

I was crying out to God, praying, just bemoaning my own existence. When my mother wrote her note that she posted on the pamphlet, "Your problem is spiritual." My first thought was "Ya Think?!"  But I figured reading the pamphlet wouldn't hurt. And Mr. Stedman made the best pitch. He started out with prayer is not the first thing you do when you are in desperate need or I guess, any need. Oh, really? I was hooked. I kept reading. He covered Psalm 77, and sure enough, the writer of Psalm 77 was going through the same things as me. Minus, you know, the computer issues. I had just spent about three weeks, begging, pleading, and moaning and whining and complaining. And it is what a lot of us do. All of us have not arrived, so to speak, so we go here first. What, God, why? When, God, when? Yeah, we pray, but sometimes our prayers turn crying and accusing. Mr. Stedman kept his pitch up, and I was reading to find out what I was doing wrong. Did he make it plain? Yes and no. He didn't out and out say stop complaining, and whining, and murmuring and crying and pleading. He just said the writer of Psalm 77 was on the edge of the abyss and turned away. Say wha? For real? For really reals? I was beside myself.

See, I am not a fan of huge sales pitches. Can't stand them as a matter of fact. Tell me how much it is and I will let you know if I want it or not. I couldn't believe I got played like that. Bump that, I thought. I pulled out my phone, turned on my Bible app, and read Psalm 77. The writer spent several verses crying, pleading, wondering, and accusing. Then he stopped because he thought of all the things God had done for him. And isn't that what we do? Mr. Stedman went on and on about walking in unbelief, but when I read Psalm 77, I thought the writer had done what I did. I had forgotten. 

Yeah, sure, I'll give you that the situation may be new and tougher than the last one, but if He did it once, God will do it again. It seems to us that either situation is insurmountable or we can't understand why we are always going through or why the same things keep happening. I'll cover the cycling on another date. I knew my mother's service would come back, and I could explain to my boss what happened. So, I calmed down and read two books from Ted Dekker. By the way, you should check him out if you like Christian thrillers. As for my other issues, I remembered all of my "big and tough" issues and how God brought me out of those. I stopped murmuring and accusing, and set about doing what I could do. I worked my hours, and spoke with someone for free about my computer and purchased what I needed, and Bam! Here I am, back on my computer, writing this up. 

Like I always tell myself, "shut up and quit trippin." I began praising and thanking, and I just chilled on out. He is working on what we need, and what will bring Him glory. Sometimes we come out of a situation that everyone will know only God could have gotten you out. And then sometimes, it is so you can't say it was anybody or anything else. And when I say you, I don't mean the general you, I mean YOU! God is opening those doors and providing, and when He wants to bless, there is nothing and no one who can stop Him.

Stay Encouraged and Be Blessed!

Ignore That Feeling! He Is Still With You!

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV

I was doing a little reading this morning since my new wake-up time is the break of dawn (not by choice). As I read through several passages, this scripture stood out for me. I know everyone goes through rough times, and for quite a few of us, it is an ongoing thing, but this scripture needs to come to mind in those dark moments. Like I said, everyone goes through and sometimes it is difficult to shake off, but you are not alone.

It seems as though there is no one to help, or if they do, the moment of peace quickly dissipates. We have all been there. So utterly alone, and without help. People can't help and also get frustrated with your negative attitude. The nicer ones will take you out and provide a visible relief. It may help and it may not. Then there are the others. Their idea of a gentle style is basically to run a bull through a china store. After dealing with them, you really feel alone. Or ready to inflict harm on them.

"I mean, if you would just . . ."
"Tsk. Tsk. You are not trusting God."
"You not praising Him enough!"

They could drive you batty, and you will still feel alone. Sure, you can tell people what you are going through, and they certainly can empathize, but they cannot fully grasp the situation. And finally what you end up doing is being fake, because you are praying. You are praising. But it is just hard to break the discouragement.

However, if you are not doing those things, might I suggest you start? Just sayin.'

No matter what you are going through, God is still there. When you feel most alone, He is closer than ever. Seek Him. His Word has promised that. I know a few of us wants to wear how we are feeling on our sleeve because you don't want to be fake. But what has that got you? People saying cold and callous things to you? People avoiding you like the plague? Problems should go to God first, and really should stay with Him, but if you still need to discuss with someone else, choose carefully. No, seriously. Choose carefully.

Just remember you are not alone in the struggle. I could give all types of platitudes of all the good things to come, but you read your bible so you know.

Be encouraged and blessed!

Camping's Followers, You Are Not Alone!

As I saw the billboard that stated May 21st was Judgment Day, I shook my head and dismissed it. I bet a lot of Christians did the same thing. While hanging with friends, we discussed it, and I realized I was a lot more upset about it than I originally thought. I watched a few news reports, and I felt sickened.

To your average Christian, Camping was obviously a false teacher. The nonbeliever thought he and his followers were nuts. Christ said, "No man knows the day or the hour, not even the angels."(Matthew 24:36) And I just thought to myself, "If there is one scripture that left no doubt, it was that one." I just could not see how this was debatable. So, I wondered, besides Revelation and the Old Testament, what other parts of the bible had Camping's followers read?

I saw his followers on the news as they were asked about their beliefs that the Rapture was May 21st. One lady stated that none of her family and friends believed. She was so sure she was right. Another family dragged their teen son and daughters to pass out pamphlets and proclaim what would happen on May 21st. One mother told her daughter she was not going to be "raptured." Wrong. Just wrong. Yet others sold their belongings, broke up happy homes, etc., etc. Camping, however, did not close the doors to Family Radio. This could be for many reasons. Some of them good. He did not give away all of his belongings or savings, either.

Those that followed him were probably shocked. I hope a large number of them simply shrugged their shoulders, prayed for guidance, and had a chat with their local clergy on Sunday. For the few disenchanted, pissed off, hurt and dismayed by this, do not lose your faith in God. Take to your bible, and read words of encouragement. It is a scary world, but trust God. And trust God alone. You are low today, but you won't be always. I know it is hard. Believe me, I understand that. It's much easier to trust people than God. Even people who have failed you over and over again. They are tangible and can be seen. But place all that trust in God.

Psalm 118:8 said "It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Despite your loss, God will make a way and He will see you through. And for the one teen girl, whose mother told her she won't be raptured, forgive your mother. She's been hoodwinked and blinded for whatever reason. She needs your prayers and your forgiveness. Are there underlying reasons people followed Camping without reading God's Word themselves? Yes. But what they need now is compassion and either help back to God or help trusting Him. The least we can do is pray for their spiritual well-being.

I hope the next go around, whether from Camping (he, by the way, said the date was wrong and the new date is five months from now) or others, there will be less people listening. And a lot less media attention. What is needed is more people reading and studying God's Word. I hope more people did to see if he was right, and in turn, read more. That is my prayer.

Be encouraged and blessed!

Welcome!

My world is filled with many things, and the most important to me is what I do for Christ. It feels like I am spending a lot more time writing, so I figure, I should at least devote some time to encouraging others in Christ. I am not traditional. I don't feel fundamental. I certainly do not want to be controversial, but it could happen. I know a lot of people say this, but I don't think of myself as a typical Christian. But I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

I don't expect to be the only person posting, and all I want is for this blog to encourage others in their faith in Christ. Many have done the same for me, and I want to pay it forward. The Internet is filled with so many negative things, and it seems that most Christians are afraid of it because of that or they flock to certain places. I want this for those that need it. If my experiences are beneficial, leave a comment. Constructive criticism only, please.