Philippians 2:4-8 (The Message) ~ Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourself the way Christ Jesus thought of Himself. He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of Himself that He had to cling to the advantage of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, He sat aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of slave, became human! Having become human, He stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, He lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death- and the worst kind of death at that- crucifixion. 

   What kind of an example are we showing others about who Christ is? If we profess to be a ” Christian”, are we really doing a good job portraying Christ to others?

   I’ll be honest with you.. ( which is something you can count on from me) ..I know that I fail God and don’t always behave in a manner that is pleasing to God. Example: When my husband who knows me best and is the best friend I have, points out something that I don’t want to hear, I can’t say that I respond in a Christ-like manner always. ( Does  what I am wearing look ok?…or..Heather, I really need some shirts pressed…and I respond with “Well, why don’t you take them yourself to the cleaners because I am busy too you know” instead of ” ok honey, you work hard and I am sorry I have slacked in that area” )

   Look at everything that Christ Jesus did and gave up for you and me!! What are we giving up for Him? What are we surrendering to Him?

   No matter how good we try to be, we live in a fallen world…and Satan is on the prowl, trying to trip us up and mess up our witness. Be careful, don’t let him!

   As a “baby” Christian, it is SO important to get involved with a church, bible study, or to be mentored or discipled by someone who is more spiritually mature. Why? Well, I can tell you that it helps you to be stronger in your faith. Being stronger in your faith will then allow you to make a larger impact for Christ. I am not saying that it is a “requirement”…I am simply saying that it couldn’t hurt. When I say “baby Christian”, I am not referring to age.

   Now, as a believer that has been one for a long time, you can still need to grow. Listen, I am talking about myself too! If any of us believers get to the point where we think we don’t need to grow or learn anything else, then I believe we are in trouble! We have to continue to grow and learn in order to make a difference for Christ!

   It’s hard to fathom that Jesus…who was without sin, chose to suffer for us! Would I do the same? Would you?

   My Savior willingly chose to suffer more than our small little minds can fathom…makes me want to willingly step out of my comfort zone even more…because, OH how I love HIM so!

   What might you need to do right this moment to bring Him glory? It doesn’t have to be huge..it could be a smile to someone, or a kind word..or it could be something bigger. Do you need to respond to something more important, something that could make a difference for eternity? Just the smallest act of obedience will bless you…because it blesses and glorifies Him!

   I have to witness to the fact that HE has so blessed me with feelings of joy, peace and contentment in HIM, since I have responded to HIS calling in my life. Everybody has a calling from Christ and each day it could be different. Will you answer His call?

   If you feel Him calling you to accept Him as your Lord and Savior..what are you waiting on? Don’t wait until it is too late…life on earth is not guaranteed…life as a believer in Christ Jesus is eternal!

   Heard this song on the radio after I had written this post..coincidence? I think not..

   you_can_have_me_sidewalk_prophets_these_simple_truths_

   Be blessed my friends!

 UNTIL NEXT TIME !

1 Corinthians 9: 26-27 (The Message) ~ I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else about it and then missing out myself.

Ever felt like you just couldn’t take one more step..either because you were physically or mentally tired? Ever been so weary..ever felt discouraged, worn out or defeated? Chances are that you have.

The enemy (satan) wants us to stay in those dark and defeated places. That is when he has us right where he wants us. God is just waiting..not forcing Himself upon us, but waiting for us to turn to Him or turn back to Him. God wants to bring you out of the pits of despair.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) ~ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

As I was running this morning on the treadmill, I couldn’t help but think of how out of practice I was. I mean, a year ago, I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles)..with a time I was proud of too. Today it took perserverance and determination just to run 1 mile. Then all of that made me think of how our spiritual lives can relate to the running or exercising. I was out of practice and only did 1 mile because of that. Now, I have to work my way back up.

It’s the same with our lives as Christ-followers or Christians. As a Christ-follower, to be an effective witness for Him, I have to stay in spiritual shape. If I don’t stay in His word, surround myself with good influences, be careful of what I listen to on the radio or watch on t.v.,read, etc… I start getting out of shape and back to the ways of the world instead of the way of my Savior God.

There have been times in my life when I felt close to God. There have been times in my life when I felt distance between us. It’s a relationship, and like any relationship if neglected it begins to dry up. If you don’t spend time with your loved ones, kids, husband, wife you grow apart. If you have a beautiful flower but don’t water it, it withers up and dies. If you are like me, it is usually too late by the time I notice the withered flower or plant. Thank goodness though, once saved always saved and you can change your ways and your relationship with Christ will flourish.

I made a choice a while back to surrender to God and to let go of what “Heather’s” idea of a relationship with my savior was supposed to be like. I realized that there was more to life, more that I should be doing that was of lasting value..eternal value..to bring Him glory.

God never left me during those dried-up times..He was always there. Let me make something clear too, He wasn’t the dried-up one either. Even though I was saved, I was still holding back. You may have heard the old saying..something like, ‘God doesn’t move away from us, we move away from Him.’ The awesome thing about God’s mercy and grace is that He allows us to come back to Him and He forgives (and forgets) when we truly repent.

I don’t want to be spiritually out of shape ever again. This is why I stepped out of my comfort zone and obeyed God’s calling. Man, have I ever been blessed!!! He is always in my corner as long as I let Him lead and follow Him.

Does this mean I am perfect now? Far from it! My desire now is such that I want to be like Christ..who is perfect!!!

Here are some tips to get spiritually in shape:

- Just like you would do for physical exercise, you have to have a plan for staying spiritually in shape.

- Schedule your quiet time just like you would your exercise time. If you don’t exercise, then think of it as scheduling it like you would your “date night” or “girl’s or guy’s night”.

- Vary your routine…adding in some Bible study group time, podcasts, mission work, volunteer work at church, etc..

- If you are NOT getting the results you desire, you may need to intensify your “spiritual workout”. You may need to devote more time or turn off the t.v. or phone. You may need to be discipled.

- Do NOT forget that prayer is a very important part of staying “spiritually fit”. Just as stretching so that muscles are not damaged and using weights in order to burn more calories at rest is important to your physical body.

- Be consistent in your “spiritual workout”. Just like with physical exercise (if you don’t use muscles then they weaken..if you stop running you have to build your endurance back..basically starting over), if you don’t stay in the Bible you will be weak spiritually. Also, if you don’t watch what you fill your minds with and stay in constant communication(prayer) with God..you will grow weak in your spiritual life. You will not be as effective in ministering to others.

Finally, in order to not “fall off the wagon” like I did with my running, when you don’t feel like it..do it anyways!! Remind yourself of what you feel like when you are not as close to God as you would like to be.Or in physical exercise terms, remind yourself how much better you feel after a good workout. Look at your quiet time and anything else you are doing..like Bible study,etc.. as your “spiritual” workout.

Blessings my friends! Let’s get in shape and stay that way this time!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

  I have really been thinking over the past few days about all that my Savior Jesus has done for me. Especially with today being Good Friday. Let me begin with a little bit of history about my relationship with Christ. No, this is not my entire testimony.

   I was brought up in a Christian home. My parents were active members in church. My Momma played the organ at church..Daddy was a choir director, sound booth guy ..they both were youth leaders for several years. There are so many other areas that they served in at church..I know I am leaving a lot out.  Sorry Momma and Daddy!  They made sure we were up and at ‘em on Sunday mornings..even when I didn’t “want” to get up and go. I am so thankful for the Christian environment that my parents provided! I now realize that not everybody was as fortunate. Does this mean our family was perfect? No..of course not..we had our share of difficulties.  The thing is though, we had God to lean on during those times.

   I accepted Christ at a very young elementary school age at Camp Tygart. Another thing that my parents made available to me..church camp. Now..let’s get something clear though, I called my Momma to come rescue me from camp. Let’s just say I didn’t love the amenities and I was homesick. I remember sneaking to use the pay phone. Remember those?  Momma came and got me too. 

   I could write a book on this subject..but what I am trying to get across to you is this: You have a choice in how you influence your family. You have a choice in what you want your family to be exposed to and experience. No matter what your background is or where you came from, you still have the choice right now.

   I am so thankful and grateful that my parents exposed me to God at a young age. I am so thankful that they set good examples for me. You have the chance right now..this very moment..no matter what mistakes you have made(nobody is perfect), to be a good Christian example to your kids. If you don’t have kids of your own..what about nephews and nieces, cousins, family members, friends, students..etc. ? There is somebody that you effect. No matter the “problems” that all families face (mine included), with God on your side you can overcome!

   Thank you to my Momma and Daddy and to all of my past Sunday School teachers, those that took time to help at Bible school and church camp! Thank you for giving to the Lord..I am a life that was changed. Thank you Jesus for loving me even though I am so unworthy.

   I pray you all enjoy your Easter weekend..and take time to reflect on what it really is about. I pray you all are blessed!

   Colossians 3:23-24 ~ And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

   Enjoy this song..it is an old one that I just love:  thank_you_for_giving_to_the_lord_ray_boltz__

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!

   When I am gone….how will I be remembered?? When my time on this earth is done, what legacy will I leave behind? Surely I am not the only person who has had these thoughts.  I know it isn’t something we tend to think about when we are younger. We should though..and as adults we should teach our children to do the same. I am more concerned though with what God thinks..judgement by ”man” not so much..it is God’s judgement that counts. I do hope though that the way I live and act and speak show that Jesus is in me.

     I hope that my life points to Jesus..and my love for Him. I hope I touch somebody in a way that impacts them and causes them to long for Jesus. I hope that my love for Jesus is seen and outweighs any mistakes I have made during my life. (I know I am not perfect). I want to be an encourager, a lighthouse that shines for Jesus. I want to stand out..for Jesus..not for me.

   I hope my family and friends will say that I was an example of what an authentic Christian wife, momma, friend, woman should be. I really hope they will remember me as someone who loved them unconditionally and proved it with my actions. I hope they will remember that when I made mistakes..I came back and apologized and made things right. When my time on this earth is done, I hope that my Heavenly Father will say, “Well done my good and faithful servant!”

   How do you want to be remembered? What do you hope your life points to? Will your life on this earth, the way you live and choices you make bring others to Christ???

   I want to glorify Christ..He was persecuted falsely, beaten, and nailed to a cross..because He loves me..and He desires me. He desires you too and He loves you! He doesn’t need us..but He has chosen us! 

   If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus (you have never surrendered your life to Jesus)…I want you to know that He wants you. He loves you. He had feelings like you and I…He even was distressed the night of his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Mark 14: 33-36  Jesus is fixing to go into the garden to pray..this was after the Last Supper and washing of the disciple’s feet..Jesus knew what was coming next..what He was sent to this earth to do… the verses say : And He took Peter, James and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, Abba Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.

   Jesus suffered for your sins and mine..not His…He was without sin. They couldn’t even find anything to charge Him with that was factual. He knew what was coming..the ridicule, false judgement, sorrow, hurt feelings, and death. Yet, He willingly suffered for my sins and yours. He also knew that on the third day He would be raised from the dead..  

   Romans 5:8 ~ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

   I want to live a life that is pleasing to my Lord , and when I am gone I hope others will know that Jesus loves them because of the way I lived. It is a choice..minute by minute..how we live our lives. Giving glory to God…or living for the world. I want it to be said of me that I made an impact for Christ! In order to be remembered the way I want, I have to walk the walk..watch my words and actions..make sure that I am not doing anything to mess up my witness for Christ. I will be the first to tell you I am far from perfect, thank goodness God desires imperfect people(all people are imperfect anyways). If we were perfect then we wouldn’t need a Savior. It is my heart’s desire though to please Him..not grieve Him.

   Matthew 5:16 ~ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

   How do you want to be remembered? Do you know where you are going when your time on this earth is done? If you don’t..don’t wait..surrender to Jesus now. He wants to carry your burdens..He wants to save you. If you have surrendered your life and you are a child of God..is your life bringing glory to God? Are you making an impact? Everybody has a gift and a purpose. Are you using yours to bring Him glory?

   Matthew 11:28-30 ~ Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

   As I ask you these questions, I am challenged also..to make sure that each day..each moment..I am living in a way that is pleasing to God. I want to hear those sweet words from my Savior when I get to heaven..”Well done…”

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!

   I am not a morning person..I love my sleep..I need my sleep. I chose to set my alarm to wake up 30 minutes earlier today. When I told my husband that I had done this(he was still asleep ) he said that was a miracle in itself..because he knows me best..he knows I “need” adequate sleep.

   What I have craved more of lately though is time with my Lord and Savior. Quality time is very important to me in all of my relationships. It should be even more so with Jesus. My kids and husband require a lot of my time and attention. I don’t mind..so I am learning to balance all areas of my life. Family time, friend time, Bible study time, blogging time, and quiet time just to name a few. Not to mention cleaning time, washing time, driving kids to activities time, play time,taking care of pets time, etc… Life can be busy!!

   I was so blessed by sacrificing just 30 minutes of my sleep today! No distractions, well except that mosquito that was buzzing around at first . I am going to continue to try and do this. There will be days when it doesn’t work out(kids sick, etc), but on those days I will just have to find the time. It is all about balance…and with God leading the way, He will help balance it all out!

   When I got home from taking my kids to school, I decided to listen to a podcast(audio sermon) on my phone. It came from my DailyBible app. that I have on my cell phone.  I chose to listen to one on testimonies. Man, I was blessed again! Remember my post called (TESTIMONIES) ? ( If you didn’t read it..it is on my blog.) Well, I still plan to write mine. I keep going over parts in my head..but have failed to put in on paper(or computer ). I also feel like I should share it with my friends at Bible study. Especially since my friend and I have been telling them all that they should really write theirs out and share it.

   The preacher on the audio made some great points! In fact, they convicted me. I am so thankful that God convicts me..sets me straight! He shared that the reason so many people are fearful about sharing their testimony is because they don’t want the focus to be on them ,their mistakes, or problems. Then he said something that is definitely the truth: Our testimony should be pointing at Jesus and what HE did for us..not what we did. It should be focused on God and how HE has been there for us (our Savior)..it isn’t what I did for me..it is pointing at the fact that God loves me and wants me and wants to cleanse me of unrighteousness! A testimony is a good thing..it is all about God’s work in your life! Definitely not something to be ashamed about. It doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective either. It is something you/I should be thankful for..something we want everyone to know! It should be about God working in and through us..it should bring HIM glory! (to touch others, to point them to Jesus)

   So..made me feel bad that I had been hesitant to share my testimony. Made me realize that by not sharing it (if God led me to) then I was denying HIM glory!

   Just wanted to share this with you all..my friends! Maybe you will get something out of my honesty that will help you or someone you know. I hope this post encourages you to make the time to spend with HIM and share what He has done in your life with someone who needs to hear it. If you find any of my posts encouraging..I don’t mind at all if you want to share it with someone. You can print, email, FB, or Tweet it.

Here is a verse that I read this morning from the passage of scripture (Lamentations 3:22-40) :

Lamentations 3:25 (NKJV) ~ The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.

   Blessings to you all my friends!

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!

  As I promised, I am back with another post on the subject of forgiveness. Today I want to touch on the “when and why” of this thing called forgiveness. It is a touchy subject..I know. It is a must though if we call ourselves believers.

   Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) ~ Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

   Read that verse above again, Jesus was talking…let it soak in.

   Luke 17:3-4 (NKJV) ~ Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.

   That was Jesus talking y’all! Sound easy? Sound fun? Sound painless? NO…but it is necessary. Rebuke is also another way of saying “correct”or “reprimand sharply”. Just to be clear, the scriptures also say to do it in a spirit of love. We need to forgive even when we don’t want to….especially when the offender repents. God forgives you and me when we truly repent, therefore I must forgive others when they truly repent.

   Here’s the thing though..you can forgive even if the person that hurt you or hurt your feelings hasn’t apologized! WHAT??? Yes…it is a choice. It is about letting go. The things that make up “unforgiveness” will eat you alive and rob you of time and energy. Satan loves it…it grieves God though.

   Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) ~ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

   So the why of forgiveness is basically because HE said so. Well and because if God chooses to forgive you and me, then we must forgive others. Another way to look at it: Nobody is perfect..we all make mistakes..if God forgives me (and forgets by the way ) then who are we to judge who is worthy of forgiveness?! That would make us GOD. There is only one God…and like I said before, it isn’t you or me. Thank goodness..because I know that I  would make a mess of things.

   Still, another reason why is this…in Matthew 6:14-15 it clearly says: For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

   Unforgiveness causes broken fellowship between you/me and God (Heavenly Father). To me that means that I cannot really be walking as close with God as I desire when I harbor bitterness or resentment or an unforgiving spirit. It makes my Savior sad..and it is a terrible way to live. Makes you miserable too.

   Forgiveness is just a fact of life. Everybody is going to have to forgive somebody sometime. We all have or will let somebody down during our lifetime..nobody is perfect. Therefore, we all will need to extend forgiveness to someone during our lifetime..and we all will need to ask for forgiveness at some point in our life. Nobody is exempt..because nobody is perfect..only Jesus is!

   I challenge you to search your soul and see if you need to let something go..and forgive somebody. I also challenge you to look deep within and see if you need to ask for forgiveness from anybody. It really does make you feel closer to God and it gives you an amazing sense of peace. Remember what I said though, you can forgive somebody even if they haven’t apologized to you. It is your choice to hold onto or release the bitterness. A possibility that comes with forgiveness in human relationships is reconciliation. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does it is awesome.

     Matthew 5 :43-45 ~ “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, 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, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

    Wondering where LOVE comes into the picture in the title of this post? Forgiveness and Love go hand in hand. You forgive because God loves you enough to forgive you..even though none of us deserve it either. Salvation (the forgiveness of our sins through the death of Jesus on the cross) is the ultimate gift.  (See Romans 6:23)

     You forgive because it pleases your Heavenly Father..because God is LOVE. Where is the love in not forgiving? Where is the peace? There is none. When I have been bitter and unforgiving, I find that I have been self-centered..not GOD-centered. I want to be GOD-centered.

   I realize this post was longer than usual..that’s just how it had to be though.  Thanks for taking the time to read it..I hope you were blessed! Get your Bible out and read these scriptures..don’t take my word for it..take God’s word for it.

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!

 There is one thing God’s love cannot do. It can not forgive the unrepentant sinner. ~ Billy Graham

Hello friends! Let me begin today by sharing something that I wrote during my quiet time with God this morning:

   I am learning patience with this calling HE has put upon me. To wait until I am clear about what HE would have me write about. Sure, I could come up with plenty of stuff to blog about on my own..but that would not be what God wants! So, I wait…and then God blesses me by filling my mind and heart with HIS words…and then, I write.

   There are ideas constantly running through my mind about what to share with you all. However, I choose to wait until I am led by Christ to share what He would want me to share with you. Waiting isn’t always easy for me..

   2 Corinthians 2: 5-11 (NKJV) ~ But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent-not to be too severe. This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought to forgive and comfort him, lest a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. For to this end I also wrote, that I may put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven the one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan take advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

   Don’t stop reading now if I have hit a nerve…please! See, I have been the “unforgiving” one and I have been the “forgiving” one as well. I have “been there and done that”. I believe this is part of my testimony. No, I am not going into my entire testimony..I just want to share a little about forgiveness.

   Plain and simple…life hurts sometimes, people hurt you, you hurt others, we all make mistakes. It boils down to this though…none of us are perfect.Is it hard to forgive when you hurt so bad? Yes, that is why we must rely on God to help us. If we claim to be Christians though, we must love like Christ loves us. If HE can forgive me..then I must forgive others.

   1 John 4:20-21~ If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God who he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him:that he who loves God must love his brother also.

   There is a freedom that comes with forgiving.. It releases you and it humbles you. So many times we choose to hold onto unforgiveness because we are prideful. Or, we choose to listen to others opinions instead of consulting with God. Pride and listening to others judgements(opinions) can really cause you heartache. Listening to God will never lead you astray.

   Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)~ Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

   God forgives everyone and anyone who comes to Him with honest and pure repentance. Therefore, I (you) must also. When we start deciding who is worthy of forgiveness and who is not, we are then making ourselves “GOD”. There is only one GOD…and it isn’t you or me. God is love…(1 John 4:7-8)

   I could write forever and a day on this subject..instead I am going to make this into a series on Forgiveness and Love. (too much to put into one post on my blog) So look for part 2 on the issue of forgiveness and love. Sign up on top right corner of my blog to recieve one email when I publish a new post.

   I pray you are all blessed and that you know my Lord and Savior. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Him..now is the time. He loves you and wants to offer you the free gift of salvation. He is a loving and forgiving Savior!

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

   I have been putting off something..something that I know I need to do. Something that will be used for His glory. I love to write, but I keep putting off writing out my personal testimony. I suppose it is because I am not sure where to begin. Maybe it is just because of “re-living” certain things that I would rather not. I don’t know..but I do know that He has really been revealing things to me in the form of memories..things I need to share.

   See, I truly believe that everybody has a testimony..and also that somebody or many people would benefit from hearing it ..if only we were not afraid to be vulnerable and share.

   The Bible study group that I am a part of has really been focusing on sharing our struggles, writing out our testimonies, being real with each other. I truly believe that when we are real with each other it opens doors to healing. If we can help someone else because of something we struggled with, then we can help them heal and at the same time..use our problems amd mistakes for His glory.

   The Bible states in Romans 3:23 (NKJV) ~ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

   A testimony is not something you can write out one time..it is always changing. Your testimony is just that ..your testimony. It should not be exaggerated (added to)…it is what it is. Your testimony is personal..but if it includes someone else..I do believe you should get permission to include details about them..you can keep your testimony vague if needed. (When sharing it..you may not need to share it all..let God lead you.) One person may benefit from one portion of it..while another may need to hear it all. Oh and another thing, it doesn’t have to be long! The Bible has a perfect example of a short testimony..it is found in  John:9:25 ~ He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.”

 When sharing it you should be very careful to make sure that your character is solid and that you really are saved and changed. The inside and outside needs to match up..otherwise you won’t be effective. You know..do your words match up with your actions??

If lips and life do not agree, the testimony will not amount to much. ~H.A. Ironside

   The way we live our lives each day is a part of our ever-changing testimony. We can be a good witness for Christ or a negative one. It is a daily, minute by minute choice. I know I have made mistakes and I know I am far from perfect…but thank goodness my Jesus loves me and forgives me anyways. Each day..each minute is a chance to start fresh.(I don’t mean “doing wrong” because I want to and because I know He will forgive me).

 I want to live for Jesus..make Him proud and be a good witness, so that others can experience what my Jesus has to offer! I want people to know I am real and I want to share with others what God has done for me..so I better get started writing out my testimony (so when God wants me to share it I will be ready.)

 Be blessed my friends! Check out this song by one of my favorite singers, Mandisa.

 Click on link:02_what_if_we_were_real___

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

   My kids Spring Break was last week. I love it when they are out of school…yes, I really do. We had a great week together. We all agreed that the best part was getting to go to the Toby Mac concert at Wild Adventures. In the words of my oldest child..”I just don’t have words to describe how amazing it was!”

   Just being free to worship Jesus and sing along to the music was amazing! Makes me really think how blessed we are to live in a country where we can worship God in public. So many places in this world that cannot…they have to meet secretly..at the risk of death. So sad..

   Towards the end of the concert, my children asked if they could go into the aisle to get better pictures. I told them sure! Lo and behold..it was right around the time that Toby Mac and 2 of his band members came into the audience! Oh. My. Goodness. Talk about highlight of their Spring Break!!! My children ended up being right next to him. So close as they put it..”We could see the color of his eyes.”

   My youngest child ran back to me when he went back onstage. She exclaimed, “He grabbed my hand! I got to touch him!”

   Ding Ding Ding!!!!! Teaching moment!!!!!

   As we were walking out after the concert, my kids were so pumped up! Telling me how close they got..how he touched them..etc.. I stopped and said, “Just think how awesome it will be when we see Jesus in Heaven!!! Can you imagine how exciting it will be..to really touch him..see the color of His eyes..sing and praise Him?!!! It’s going to be amazing!!!!!

   Seriously, that is all I could think about. As exciting and awesome and amazing as the concert was..seeing and praising Jesus takes the cake!! It is going to be AMAZING!!! But wait, we can worship and praise and see Jesus all over the place while we are still here on this earth. So what are we waiting for, praise Him now! Get excited!

   If you don’t know Jesus personally, Now is the time! What are you waiting for? Jesus is more amazing than concerts (even christian concerts ), more amazing than sporting events, more amazing than anything this world has to offer. He is worthy to be praised!! 

   If you do know my Jesus, then Yay!!! Are you praising him though? Do you find worshipping HIM more amazing than other “things”? Now is the time…

   Sorry, I can’t help but get excited or jacked up when talking about my Jesus! I really make no apologies about it. He is worthy to be praised!!!  I understand that your taste of Christian music or worship may be different from mine(and that is ok ), as long as you praise HIM!

   The meaning of the English word “hallelujah” is translated into “praise God”.

   John 4:23-24 (The Message) ~ “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly being themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself-Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”

   Blessing to you all my friends!

   UNTIL NEXT TIME!!!

Genesis 50:20 (NKJV) ~ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

   Woke up yesterday morning to a setback. Honestly, I wasn’t really surprised because in the Bible it clearly states that when you are doing good for God that the enemy doesn’t like it.  {see 1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10 for examples}

   Well, guess what?? I decided to put on the armor of God!! He is my shield!!

   I tried to share one of my posts on facebook yesterday. I was shocked and disappointed when a message popped up. It stated that I was blocked from posting the content from my blog on fb via the fb share button on my blog. It also said that it was marked as abusive/spammy content… Really???? The TRUTH about God, encouragement is abusive or spam?? Wow?!

   My first reaction was hurt and disappointment. I then got face-down on the floor in my bedroom and began praying out loud to God. My oldest daughter happened to be in the room..but she has seen me do this before, so she wasn’t shocked. I believe in the power of prayer..of releasing it to the ONE who can do all things!!

   My next reaction was “fight mode”. The kind of fight mode like “in your face because my God is greater and will win this battle if He wants to” . See, all this little setback did is confirm to me that I am doing a good work for God..to bring HIM glory! I kinda got excited…YES…excited!

Ephesians 6:11 ~ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

   I had just a peace come over me! See, I know that if it is God’s will that I share my blog, then He will make a way! When the devil tries to knock you down…you are only defeated if you don’t get back up and fight! This world is temporary..Heaven is for eternity. My God will not be moved! I will stand firm and continue to share the truth about God’s love..it is a choice to read it..

1 Peter 5:10 ~ But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

   That verse above is something to rejoice about my friends!!! He is strengthening us..perfecting us..establishing us..and settling us through our trials.

Romans 8:18 ~ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

   We are guaranteed setbacks in this lifetime..in this world. What setbacks are you suffering from? I pray that you look deeper and see where God is at work and where/how He will use your situation as an opportunity to bring glory! Remember, don’t let life and worldly troubles keep you down. God is bigger, greater, and He is able!

   He opens doors, closes doors, and when He wants you to do something He provides a way! Remember this..the enemy only wins if you let him win! I am not going to lie to you..I had thoughts of defeat and discouragement..but I chose to look up and let go and give it to God. I am so glad that I did!!

   I am a fighter because I stand for Jesus! By the way, God won already..I knew He would. He provided me with a way to share my blog anyways! This morning I was able to share it another way!! God wins every time! Victory in Jesus my friends! (and yes..I did a victory dance ) I promise you that if you stand firm in your faith, and if you don’t back down when trying to do good for God..if it is what He wants..He will make a way! It may not be in your/my timing or way, but it will be the right time and right way.

   I challenge you to look at your setbacks..past or present..and see how you can use them to show love to others and glorify God! He will never ever let you down. Never..

John 16:33 ~  “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

   Thanks for taking the time to read my posts…I pray you are blessed by them. Please subscribe to Simple Truths if you haven’t already..you will get one email when I publish a new post.

 Love this Chris Tomlin song..Chosen Generation, click on link below to enjoy it!

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   UNTIL NEXT TIME !