I have been a bit overwhelmed recently. I don't think there is a person out there that does not understand what I mean. There are times that I want to cry (or scream). I want to climb right back into my bed and pull the covers over my head. I get mad for no reason. I pout and mope around. I begin to wonder what my problem is. It seems that when one battle ends, another one begins. How much can I take? I think to myself, am I just being silly?
He is trying to teach me something. I feel that my life is a puzzle, and God puts one piece in at a time to make sure that it fits and looks correct, understanding He is working on different situations in my life. If He were not working on them, I wouldn't be here (or sane) now. At times, I feel like I am holding on to the edge of a cliff by my fingertips, yet I know I am secure because that cliff is my Savior. He is not going to let me fall. We do not have perfect lives and need to remember that He wants the best for us, but it is what He wants for us.
At the time when you don't see an outcome, stay steadfast. Down the road, it all falls into place. Believe it or not. But the most important thing ( I have realized-hit me over the head with a two by four!) is to learn to be happy right in the midst of it, and He will bring you through. Without pain, there is no gain, and we do gain from the pain. The Holy Spirit will be there to guide you (if you allow Him) whenever you are lost, lonely, or at your wit's end. Thank Him today for loving, caring, and coming to earth to save us from our woes, selfishness, shortcomings, and sin. God knows I'd really be upset without Him!
Do you stop to enjoy the simple things in life? I remember when I was a child and would walk to the corner store. It was really just a little store with a wooden floor that sold penny candy. The man behind the counter would put all of my choices in a tiny paper bag. Heaven, I'm in heaven! Do you remember playing kickball, Red Rover, Mother, May I, and just having a total blast? My mom would let us buy popsicles from a Jingle Scoot man who drove a truck around our neighborhood. Times have changed, but God hasn't.
Our bible study group got together, and we were going on and on about what some think of the Bible today. One comment was that the Bible is old-fashioned and not up-to-date. I could not even imagine the Bible changing to conform to today's times. People seem to want to rewrite the Bible to suit their needs and desires. I don't think that everyone truly understands that the Bible is the holy, inspired Word of God. You can't change that.
I miss the carefree life of a child. I miss being able to play a softball game in my backyard with just my neighborhood friends. I miss root beer floats on a hot day and hotdogs at a baseball game. I know that those days are over, but people seem to make life so hard. What happened to birthday parties with just family? What happened to stay married to one person for the rest of your life? What happened to worship one God? The media would say we want the freedom to choose what we want. So what if, back in the day, Jesus chose at the last minute not to die on the Cross to save my pitiful soul? One has to have rules to live by whether one likes it or not. I did not always like the rules that my earthly father gave me, but I obeyed them. The Bible is our moral compass, and, once again, God never changes.
The Bible doesn't need to be rewritten, updated, or retranslated. We need to be rewritten. Our minds need to be rewritten and reprogrammed. People of today need to get back to a more simplistic belief system. For some, I guess that it is just easier to conform than stand on what you believe. Well, I believe in God, and I will stand firm on it. Do I struggle? Yes, but I am still standing.
We are the sequel in our generation to the written Word. In television lingo, the word would be "spin-off." We are act two of the play. How we live and worship God will affect the next sequel, our children. I do not want my children to conform to this world, and I do not want them taught that it is fine to rewrite God's holy Word. The thought of that is not okay with me. We are children of God and not supposed to conform to the world and its values.
I had a dream last night that a man came down the hall and was throwing things at me. They were big and hard things. I did not fall, and I did not cry. I stood. When things are coming at you, you need to stand on God and His written Word. Do what it says, and He will always take care of you. Cast your fears on Him and believe.
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
There has been something bothering me for quite a while. It is the negativity in the air that we breathe. Now, I know that sounds rather dramatic, but when my daughter comes home and says that everyone she encounters is stupid, there is a problem. I have talked to her about projecting a positive attitude. She feels that everyone has a negative attitude, so why be positive? She said, "Look around, Mom. Everyone around you is negative. They complain all the time. They are unhappy." Now that upsets me.
I started looking around. I started listening to people I encountered. She is right on the one hand. People are negative and unhappy, and what is more, it seems to be getting worse. It is at work, at home, even in our churches. What is the cause for all of this? It isn't only because they don't know Jesus. People I know who love Jesus are miserable. What has happened?
When Jesus was here on earth, I do not remember any negativity coming from Him. Yes, He did overturn the money changers tables in His Father's house, but I don't recall anywhere in the Bible where He called someone stupid or dumb. He loved everyone; even when they crucified Him, He forgave them. He loved his enemies. Isn't that a biblical principle?
Where have we gone wrong? If we love Jesus, should we not project something positive in negative situations, even when it hurts? Sometimes, those who are the most negative need a smile or kind words. It would mean so much if we could show them a positive gesture. If you have Jesus in your heart, you have something far greater than those who don't. Allow the Holy Spirit to help guide you through those negative situations.
I have talked to my daughter quite a bit about positivity. I told her if anything, I would hope that before she says someone is stupid, she would think, my mom wants me to project a positive attitude. I guarantee that she will be very tired of hearing this from me, and by the time she goes back to college, I pray that I have made an impact on her. I would also pray that she would make an impact on someone else. Honestly, what harm is there in projecting something positive? It probably would stun a lot of people, as I am sure that Jesus stunned a lot of people in His time.
I want to be like Jesus. How about you? Try to "think positively" and then act upon it. It will not only help the other person, but it just might do you a world of good as well.
Now is time to get real with ourselves. One cannot be whole until one searches one's heart. Many are trying to do the right thing. We try to be compassionate, loving, caring (all good biblical things), but we have things in our lives that need attention. One cannot live in the past or dwell on things that have happened. You know the things that can haunt our thinking, things we have done or said. These issues must be dug out of our inner spirit and let go. From experience, I have learned over the years there can be things that linger, causing great harm.
Deep-seated issues can be buried deep within that lie dormant. As they grow and take on greater roots with age, they can consume us even to lacking concentration on anything but what is eating us alive. The issue might be something that happened in our childhood or something that happened as recently as last year, but it is buried. However, to be set free from these emotional strongholds, they must be confronted and confessed to God, for it is how He sets you free.
For example, one must forgive those who have hurt you, whether intentionally or not. One cannot possibly function fully (in life or for God) if one cannot forgive. The issue might be terrible and continues to fester in your heart, but do not allow the one responsible (don't give them the power) to keep you bound. You change. The person who has wronged you might see the change in you, which, in turn, might produce some change in them. Remember: Forgive as you have been forgiven! That is a biblical truth. The individual journey to this freedom, though, lies with each one of us. Face the big, bad wolf inside and pray for God's guidance.
Give it all to Him at the Cross and feel the freest that you have in years. Many (me) have wasted a lot of life thinking and dwelling on things that only God can heal.
Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (NIV).
I don't have a spare minute, and I blame it on everyone but myself. God is working on me in different areas, and this is one of them. I am a giving person, which is not bad unless you give so much you are exhausted. If you ask me to help you with something, I will be there. It doesn't matter if I have worked a long day and I am worn out. I have always believed in doing the right thing. If someone needs me, I am there because it is the right thing to do. I wonder, does God want me worn out? How can He use me for His kingdom if I am so tired that I cannot keep my eyes open? Those times when I don't have a spare minute, I blame it on everyone but myself. Finger-pointing, judging? Nah!
Recently, I have been pressed to get my priorities straight. I need to be kind but learn to say no more often. Should I be on the computer (social media, cruising the net), or should I be reading my Bible, which can help transform my thinking? Should I be out with friends or at home talking to God? If it is not in your best interest, then the answer is no.
This world is going through some tough times. Marriages are falling apart. Businesses are closing. Money is tight, but you can rise above it all with God. It is time to say no to anything that is coming between you and God. To repair marriages and money issues, you need to put aside everything stealing your time, and pray. God (always) wants what is best for you. Before you make big plans, pray about it first, not second or third, and be willing to accept the answer and outcome.
There have been times in my life when it has just been easier to say yes. Still, I am finding out that when I put on the brakes, if possible, and wait to pray about doing anything (everything!), it all goes much smoother. I feel more confident that I am doing the right thing.
Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
I want to share something with you all. I have had a "me" problem. I had a revelation from God last week, and He was talking directly to me. God is sick of hearing me, me, and me. I found as I would pray that everything went back to poor me. It was either about me at work, me at home, or plain me. He said that I need to get "the me" out of my prayers, and I did. I do plead the blood over myself, but that is it. There is no more help me with this or help me do that. It is not that I was praying just for myself. I prayed for others but to tell you the truth, a lot of it was about me. Since I stopped praying the "me prayers," things have changed. I have seen God move! I can see where I was stopping God's hands in different matters. He gets all the glory in my book.
Also, sometimes you cannot help the "me people." I think that they have to help themselves. I have prayed repeatedly for someone very dear to me that cannot let go of herself. I believe that you know that kind of person. It isn't that they are spoiled, but everything is about them. When something happens to them, it is everyone else's fault. Those types of people want and want. Life is never fair to those people. I have given and given. I have listened and listened, but I cannot take it anymore. I have prayed and prayed, but sometimes you have to let them go. You need to leave them in God's hands. They can literally bring you down. I have sobbed and sobbed over it. She cannot see beyond what is happening to her. I also feel that she doesn't care beyond herself for anyone else's burdens. It is such a heartbreaking thing for me. I realize I cannot do anything about it. I have surrendered her to the Lord, and I am going to go on for now. The worst part of it all is that I probably contributed to this, and it tears me apart. Even though we walk and talk to Jesus, we are human. We think that we know what is best. We know all the answers. We want to make everyone happy. I pray that God can straighten out the mess that I have made. She is so wonderful when the "me" light is not flashing. Oh, Lord, help her!
Instead of me, I really feel it should be Him, Him. Do we remember that He is the one who died to set us free from our sins? It is so easy to put that out of our minds. We were freed from corruption but look at us all now. It is so easy to point the finger at someone else. If you are not going to point the finger at yourself where it belongs, point it at heaven and pray for God to help you. Keep your eyes on Him. Times are tough, and they will get tougher until Jesus comes AGAIN. Oh, Jesus, my heart hurts right now for your sacrifice! Please forgive me!
Last night as I lay in bed, I thought about how my life is full of lessons. I often wonder if God is tired of being my teacher. I have a lot of things to re-do according to His will. He probably is up in heaven just shaking His head. I bet He says, "Will she never learn?"
Life is a Lesson
I have learned in the past few months that I need to get my life straight. How many times do we rehash what we need to do? For instance, I should pick up my Bible more. Why don't I? I don't have an answer, but I can tell you one thing, I need to figure it out. God has shown me that life is very precious and short. Many people say it but honestly, unless it happens to you...it really doesn't have much impact. You cannot even grasp the magnitude of how precious life truly is.
Making a List
I decided that I need to make a list. Let's face it. We are all busy, and you cannot even remember what you need to do until you make a list, let alone even to do it. So my goal is to make a list this week of things that I need to do. I want to incorporate it into my life, taking out things that really are worthless and non-beneficial. Staring at my IPAD or something ridiculous on TV needs to be dealt with. Incorporating more Bible studying, helping others, doing more for the ministry, and going into areas that God wants me to go in needs to be front and center.
Getting my Priorities Straight
We all need direction, and first and foremost, we need to pray about it. So I need to make sure that before my two big feet hit the floor, I give my attention first to God. It truly makes my day so much better. I am scurrying around the house so many times that I get ready for work or running somewhere that I forget to give the most important person center stage. Of course, I repent for it, and it is over. It is easy to move on and put it behind me, but I know better seriously. We all do. How many times have I been told, "Put Him first." Priority number one...God is First. Everything else will fall into place after that. Now everyone will have to figure out what the rest of their priorities are, but I know that it refreshes my soul, knowing that I am pleasing God.
Staying on Track
Once I have made my list and gotten my priorities straight, I will have some peace. I feel like I have let God down at times. I cannot go back and change things, though. I cannot go back and redo life to make things right. My heart hurts knowing that I could have done more, but all that I have left in my portfolio is that I Love God, and I know that He loves me. Otherwise, I would have been just sand running through His fingers. He could have walked away and never looked back at all, but He didn't. He is still with me, and I owe it to Him to get back on the God train and stay on track.
So CHOO CHOO! Let's board the God train and stay on the RIGHT track.
I don't need any more detours or delays.
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
A Common Sense Approach to the Bible "Bringing Heaven down to earth one rung at a time."
Check List for your Heart
Forgiveness. If you cannot first forgive yourself, then you cannot truly forgive others (Do not just forgive but forget).
Trust God. It is a relational building process as you grow (which will take time) to understand God "one rung at a time" walking through your life and circumstances. Everyone's is different.
Respect the process of God. After accepting Christ, life is not what you are doing through God; it is what He is trying to accomplish through you so your purpose can be realized. Remember: He is God, and you are not. Step down off the throne.
Learn to love yourself. If you do not love yourself, then why do you think that others will love you? Being downtrodden within your own mind can cause defeatism in your life facets, which trickles down to those around you, especially children.
"Clean hands" before God. If you have ought against any man, go to the source and tell him/her and repent of it. Your heart before the Lord needs a daily cleansing.
Attitude is crucial.
Words you speak. The enemy will use your own words against you.
Do not point fingers.
Do not ever run from confrontation. Put your big pants on and face it. If God is with you, you have nothing to fear.
Be congruent.
Be consistent.
Have "bulldog" faith. Grab God with your teeth and never let go.
Stop focusing on others, what they have, what they are doing, and where they are going, and stay focused on yourself and what God is trying to do through you. Angst will stop.
Thank God continually.
Join me each Thursday on podbean.com or at Jesuswithoutthejunk.com as we endeavor to learn about God and His ways together. Molly
Today's post is an interactive one. You have to do your part by reading Psalm 37. I was given this specific Psalm by the Holy Spirit yesterday morning in prayer. One important (concrete) factor I have learned with God over the past twenty-three years: If I do my part, God always does His part. Now, to be clear, God is not Santa Claus or sits in heaven ready to loose a new home, car or give you a "100 fold return" on an offering that you provide for His work. But in His divine nature, He does hear the faithful, earnest cries (prayers) of His children and, due to this nature, responds in some manner. Like you, I have been miffed over the past week's events, no matter how one looks at it.
My emotions, most of my life, were either high or low. I was always too quick to jump to conclusions. I learned to incorporate the 24-hour patch test with the Holy Spirit to help my roller coaster ride. I color my hair, and the store-bought boxes tell you to try a test patch to see if the color is compatible with your skin type. The instructions tell you to wait for 24-hours, after the test, before fully processing. Now, for someone who always knew best, I didn't have time to wait. Twenty-four hours? No way! I jumped and did everything my way, no matter what or who my speech or actions affected. It was a frustrating way to function. It never got me anywhere positive, and I always felt frustrated and angry. After I began to learn about God and His ways, I (step by step) learned to get my flesh under the control of my spirit-man and what a difference the 24-hour patch test made in my reactions.
My question for those who say they follow Christ is: Where is your mercy? And where is your grace?
With life events and the circus that took place this past week, I went to the Lord with my heart in turmoil. Once again, I knew the 24-hour patch test had to be incorporated. I also did my research, and in the times we live in, why aren't we doing more of our own research before jumping? The hatred and spewing of vile comments and "hang him" lynch mob was uncalled for. Within 24 hours, the truth began to spill out. Antifa and BLM were embedded in the crowds that came to Washington to stand for truth, justice, and righteousness. Did anyone happen to see the children with parents? They believed they were doing the right thing to stand for their country. One (or a cluster) of bad apples seem to always ruin the bunch.
Beginning the last week in January 2021, I will start to teach (The forum now is uncertain, but I will be visible somewhere!) in a "simple and clear" way the truths of our God, based on what He says, not what CNN, FOX (so disappointed in them), MSNBC, and other news outlets say. Yes, one must stay informed to be useful, but if one bases their worldview only on what secular outlets tout, we will continue to be outraged. Our spirits will never mature into the things God has prepared for us since the beginning of time. It is a maturation that is coming in the body this year, specifically that we might rise and defeat the enemies of God.
But for today, take heart and read Psalm 37 this morning. Allow it to give you a greater understanding of the nature of our Father in heaven and bring solace to your soul.
"Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."
The above statement seems apropos for the time we live in. It is a very cool statement and one that I thought I recalled was made by Patrick Henry. This phrase was dropped into my spirit this past week, and I knew that something would come of it. Yesterday, I Googled the phrase (Thank God for Google for its information only!) and discovered that the exact saying that Patrick Henry uttered was, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their party." The former (the first one) was proposed by Charles E. Weller for a typing course. It was a rich one-liner having seventy (70) exact characters making it easy to remember and type over and over and over. Yes, I remember learning to type in High School! But the phrase itself is poignant (deeply affecting) for the times in which we all live.
Ephesians (I fondly named this the warfare book over twenty years ago) 6:10-12 (NIV) "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Lots of unknown entities by most accounts for many.
The Bible teaches that "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). I hold responsible for America's current condition, a nation of pulpits for not preaching/teaching that Satan was real, ready, willing, and able to destroy us all (John 10:10). He comes through various means and ways of deception, physical destruction, and spiritual lack. He has manipulated this country (in my generation) from the early sixties and is showing himself today (peacocking around) in full bloom.
However, these heinous deceptors have finally caused those who walk with Christ to rise, fight, and come to “the aid of their country.” The 2020 Presidential Election was stolen. The concrete evidence will be outlined on Jan. 6, 2021, when the new session of Congress meets.
But we serve a faithful God, and He has had his remnant fasting, praying, offering of themselves to the point of weariness, and standing against this demonic onslaught. Yes, there are so-called, and I use this term very loosely— prophets (be careful of those who call themselves such) proclaiming "A Word" from God. No one but God knows what the outcome of Wednesday will be. No one. There are signs and confirmations but be wary.
The Gospel we have today, passed down to us from generation to generation, which can grant us an overcoming victory, piece by piece, and step by step, is not a FLUFFY Gospel. It is not a “feel-good” or “name-it and claim-it” work. I wonder what Paul, John, Peter (who was crucified upside down because he didn't feel worthy to die as our Lord!) must be thinking. And Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, and Jerimiah. A sobering thought.
Our prayer, as faithful followers of Christ, should be that "Thy Kingdom come and thy will be done." And, of course, take authority over Satan and his hold on Republican and Democratic hearts. For our nation to survive this onslaught, we must all come to our country's aid in some fashion.
God save us,
Molly
Posted by: Molly Painter AT 08:34 am
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