John 10:10 New International Version (NIV)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The devil does not come with horns and a scary face. He presents himself your friend and wants you to listen to him. We must be careful the things we think about also. The Bible says there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. ~ Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
Each day we must guard our minds and hearts. There is so much division in this world and the devil would love to divide your home, job, church, relationships and the list goes on. We must be careful in the divide he wants and press toward God in our thoughts plus actions. I remember a time when my life was just a mess. My brother had just died, I lost who God was in my life and I went about angry. Angry that he died and I was only 32 years old. My plan was for my brother to get a miracle. God's plan was to take him home to Heaven. It made me question how God worked, his plan and my own loss. A year later, I found myself seeing things a bit different. The bible says there is a time for all things, life and death. It brought me to thought of God's plan and yet I had seen miracles with my own eyes.
FAITH ~
Romans 10:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I had to open the Bible for myself. I had to put God head of my life so I could help myself and my family. My kids were ages 6 and 9 years old. So much sorrow inside our house and I found myself wanting the joy of the Lord. Just as God spoke to Nehemiah, I found him saying to me: the joy of the Lord is your strength. I had lost my strength, joy and so much after my brother's death.
Nehemiah 8:10 New International Version (NIV)
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
I find myself asking you today, do have you have joy of the Lord as your strength? Even through the hardest of days, sorrows and disappointments, we can still have joy. I might not be happy for my situation, but I so happy that God leads the way now. I find that God is my constant of knowing my heart, my desires and helps me is all seasons of life. I will not let the devil divide my family, my life, my house, my church and the list goes on. I am faithful to God and I find that God is faithful back.
BE CAREFUL ~
Each decision we make affects us and can affect others.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I have found in life that the joy and delight comes by hearing what the word (Bible) says. Lives were changed by the willingness of a yes to God. Jesus chose his disciples to walk him on earth and lead the way for others. Now he choses each of us to do the same thing. Some people will not enter a church but will enter your will. Your life example carries on and gives them a choice to see Jesus in you. I didn't realize this when I was in my early 30's but I do now. I see how my own choices affects so many people. Even writing this blog makes a difference. I get back some comments and it makes my heart want to write even more. I do not know it all, but I certainly have been through some hard things. I have stopped and I have started again in life. I have lost and I have gained. I see the purpose of a new day and my desire is to serve the Lord with all my heart.
I know that life can becomes overwhelming at time, but God continues to be here for each of us. Never doubt that joy of the Lord can be your strength too! My thoughts and prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
The devil does not come with horns and a scary face. He presents himself your friend and wants you to listen to him. We must be careful the things we think about also. The Bible says there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. ~ Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)
Each day we must guard our minds and hearts. There is so much division in this world and the devil would love to divide your home, job, church, relationships and the list goes on. We must be careful in the divide he wants and press toward God in our thoughts plus actions. I remember a time when my life was just a mess. My brother had just died, I lost who God was in my life and I went about angry. Angry that he died and I was only 32 years old. My plan was for my brother to get a miracle. God's plan was to take him home to Heaven. It made me question how God worked, his plan and my own loss. A year later, I found myself seeing things a bit different. The bible says there is a time for all things, life and death. It brought me to thought of God's plan and yet I had seen miracles with my own eyes.
FAITH ~
Romans 10:17 New King James Version (NKJV)
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I had to open the Bible for myself. I had to put God head of my life so I could help myself and my family. My kids were ages 6 and 9 years old. So much sorrow inside our house and I found myself wanting the joy of the Lord. Just as God spoke to Nehemiah, I found him saying to me: the joy of the Lord is your strength. I had lost my strength, joy and so much after my brother's death.
Nehemiah 8:10 New International Version (NIV)
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
I find myself asking you today, do have you have joy of the Lord as your strength? Even through the hardest of days, sorrows and disappointments, we can still have joy. I might not be happy for my situation, but I so happy that God leads the way now. I find that God is my constant of knowing my heart, my desires and helps me is all seasons of life. I will not let the devil divide my family, my life, my house, my church and the list goes on. I am faithful to God and I find that God is faithful back.
BE CAREFUL ~
Each decision we make affects us and can affect others.
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
I have found in life that the joy and delight comes by hearing what the word (Bible) says. Lives were changed by the willingness of a yes to God. Jesus chose his disciples to walk him on earth and lead the way for others. Now he choses each of us to do the same thing. Some people will not enter a church but will enter your will. Your life example carries on and gives them a choice to see Jesus in you. I didn't realize this when I was in my early 30's but I do now. I see how my own choices affects so many people. Even writing this blog makes a difference. I get back some comments and it makes my heart want to write even more. I do not know it all, but I certainly have been through some hard things. I have stopped and I have started again in life. I have lost and I have gained. I see the purpose of a new day and my desire is to serve the Lord with all my heart.
I know that life can becomes overwhelming at time, but God continues to be here for each of us. Never doubt that joy of the Lord can be your strength too! My thoughts and prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie
RSS Feed