The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalms 34:18 NLT)

There are things in this world that happen, that I’ll never understand. I won’t claim to understand.

This I know, My Savior.. My Redeemer, is GOOD.

The truth is that this world that we live in is broken and sinful. So much so, that God sent His one and Only Son, Jesus… Immanuel.. To save us.

John 3:16,17 ~ “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Jesus means, The Lord Saves.

Immanuel means, God With Us.

When trials come.. And they will…

When circumstances are sometimes awful.. And that’s a guarantee…

When bad things happen to good and innocent people and children, we can rest in the fact that this is NOT our home. If you know Jesus, and most importantly, if HE knows you… This broken and sin-filled world is only temporary. Our real home is HEAVEN.

John 16:33 ~ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

While we are here though… Let’s live right. As my father in law shared at Granny Shiver’s funeral; When asked if she had any advice for us on living our lives.. She said : “Just Do Right..Do right.”

That’s pretty good advice if you ask me.

Just do right. Just forgive. Just live. Just let bygones be bygones. Hold the ones you love close. Tell them you love them.. Show them that you love them with actions. And.. JUST DO RIGHT.

Even when you don’t understand the why’s… Just Do Right.

And remember… We are just passing through. There’s two final destinations.. Heaven or Hell. Although those are great words of advice.. “Just Do Right” won’t get you to Heaven. Truly knowing and following HIM will. So, do you know HIM and as Granny witnessed.. Does HE know you?

See, when asked if she knew for sure about her place in eternity, she said “oh yeah, I know Jesus and HE knows me.“

Trust HIS promises that are found in The Word. Rest in HIM. “The Lord Saves” AND “God With Us”

Hebrews 13:6 ~ So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

We don’t have to understand.. We just have to trust God.

Until Next Time,

Heather

by: Heather Dawkins
 (future home of CrossPointe)

We all make choices. Many choices in our lifetime. Every choice has a consequence. Every choice matters.

Thank goodness, our God is a God of second chances..and third chances….

I’ll be honest. My choices didn’t always bring my Jesus glory. I made that choice though.

I wasted precious time as a teen. Thinking that I had to fit in. Feeling like I never did. Making wrong choices just so that I would feel comfortable. All the while, professing to be a Christian.

Sometimes my life looked like it should. Sometimes it didn’t. That’s NOT okay.

I let my lack of confidence..rule me.

I let the world influence me. My focus was on me instead of on God…where it needed to be. Nobody is to blame, except ME.

Things  haven’t changed that much in 20 something years. (as far as feeling like you have to fit in goes)  I know that kids today still struggle with feeling like they just don’t fit in. Feeling UNCOMFORTABLE around the “crowd”. AND..making bad choices because of that.

TO YOU,  I SAY:  It is better to NOT fit in. It is BEST to STAND OUT and STAND FIRM in JESUS.

You may never get another chance. We aren’t guaranteed our next breath.

It was ONLY after I truly SURRENDERED to HIM, that I began to feel comfortable in MY SKIN.

So many times..people think that SURRENDER is a bad thing. As if  it takes away your FREEDOM.

When in fact, it is the OPPOSITE.

With SURRENDER, there is TRUE FREEDOM. A peace that surpasses ALL understanding.

We all have a choice. FOLLOW HIM or FOLLOW THEM.

Matthew 16:24 (NIV) ~ Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself  and take up his cross and follow me.”

NOW, I love not fitting in with what the WORLD thinks that I should look like, be like, act like, or desire.

The BIBLE tells us that we are NOT to look like the WORLD. Authentic Christians CAN’T look like they did before. Authentic Christians will have a “before and after picture”.
James 4:4 (NIV) ~ You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 

I’m just so very thankful that my JESUS loved me even when I didn’t bring HIM glory. I’m so thankful that I took that step that made all the difference..when I said,   ”I surrender, God..I cannot do this on my own..I want to glorify YOU..and I am so sorry for the times when I failed you. I will follow you no matter the cost, because the relationship with YOU outweighs everything else.”

Sure, I am STILL a work in progress. HE is not finished with me YET.

Philippians 1:6 ~ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Will you take that step? The step to TRUE FREEDOM? Stand firm and STAND OUT. It’s really the best feeling in the world.

Romans 12:2 (NIV) ~ Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.  

(Maybe you have already taken that step. That is WONDERFUL! Maybe this post will help you in helping someone else then.)

           Until Next Time,

 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.

~ Romans 2:13 (ESV)

   I can watch Cooking shows on TV, collect recipes, buy cookbooks…but that doesn’t put dinner on the table.(just ask my sweet husband..:) )

   I can read God’s WORD, but just “reading” it isn’t enough. I can even memorize scripture..but what good is that if I don’t put it into practice.

   If you buy the bait for fishing, and you don’t put it on your fishing pole..How do you expect to catch a fish?

   I can own 5 or 6 Bibles… BUT, if I am not studying HIS Word..the BIBLES are just decoration or dust collectors.

   Getting the picture yet? 

   Followers of Christ are called to ACTION. Complacency isn’t an option.

   What good is it to KNOW GOD personally and keep that knowledge to yourself?

   If we keep God hidden, then we are NOT doing…we are simply hearing.

   I always feel the closest to God when I am serving others. I feel the closest to HIM when I am giving of my time and resources to others..in an effort to further HIS Kingdom. There is NO BETTER feeling!

   Why do you/I feel so good when we help others..monetarily, with our time, etc.. ?

   I believe the reason is that we are letting Jesus SHINE through when we serve. We are putting HIM on display..not ourselves..but JESUS.

   It is important to remember that if you are serving with the attitude of: “look at me”, that you are not shining for Jesus. That is shining for yourself. Yikes. Reality check. Been there and done that.  Don’t want to do that again. Who hasn’t? Unless you are perfect, that is.

   Are you hiding Jesus?

   Do you need to come before HIM and be honest about anything?

   As I shared yesterday, He already knows. AND..He is merciful and He is a forgiving God!

   I guess that the point I am trying to make is this:

   KNOWLEDGE WON’T CATCH A FISH…

   You (or I) can know all the right things to say and do, but if we don’t DO it…what good is that?

   We (those of us who know, believe & trust in our Savior) are called to be Fishers Of Men. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus tells Peter and his brother Andrew to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men.

   Matthew 4:19 ~ “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

   Jesus is the light that shines within us..the light that we are supposed to shine for others to see and come to know Him. Jesus tells about this “light” in Luke 8:16.

   Luke 8:16 ~ ”No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.”

   I love how Jesus speaks to us. He uses stories..illustrations..so that we can “get it.” The verse above is as clear as it gets. That’s what it’s all about friends! Letting our light(Jesus) shine! By living what we profess to believe. By serving. By loving. By giving. By forgiving. In every way..to let our light SHINE. Knowing what to do and DOING it are two different things.

   Matthew 5:16 (ESV) ~ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

   Love this song by Kari Jobe… listen and enjoy! 1-02 We Are

  Striving to SHINE for Jesus!

P.S. The links that are scattered through this post are of previous posts that I have written. You may want to read them again. I especially love the one about the Fishers of Men… Also, feel free to share my blog with others..It is my hope that others are reached for Christ through the writings in this blog. Blessings to you all! Shine on! ~ Heather

I am trying hard to be more like my Jesus. I have lots of improving to do..I know I am far from perfect. My kids and husband are kind enough to remind me of this sometimes too. And yes, I remind them as well..so don’t feel bad for me.

Ever had one of those days when your patience is just worn thin? Oh boy…those are the days when I am not at my finest. Those are the days when I have the choice to overcome my flesh and not let the little or big things bother me. I have to admit that I don’t always make the correct choice.

Nope. I have definitely had my share of moments that I wish I could take back..because I reacted when I had no patience left. Not my finest moments at all.

Thank goodness God is a forgiving and merciful God. Thank goodness I’ve come a long way. No.. Not even close to perfect..but lots better than I was before!

So, in order to improve in this area..I have to be aware of those times when I may not be as patient as I should be. I have to choose to be patient even when I don’t feel like it. Jesus possessed all of the aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit..and so should I.

Ephesians 5:1 ~ Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Yes..I fail at times…but I am trying harder than I ever have before to be like Jesus. I love Him so much and I realize who and what I would be if I didn’t have Him as my Savior and Friend!

We all have areas that we need to work on. Areas in our life that need to be more like Jesus. When you realize that you aren’t perfect and are able to admit it..then you are closer to becoming more like Jesus than ever before.

Jesus is perfect..yet He chose to live a life that wasn’t luxurious or glamorous by any means here on earth. Jesus is perfect..yet, He willingly took my place on the cross so that I, being imperfect, could live in the presence of a perfect God for all eternity.

Not one of us is perfect. However, when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit..who is perfect…comes to live inside of us. So..to say, “Oh, I am just human.” is so wrong if you are a true believer. We truly grieve the Holy Spirit when we act in ways that don’t reflect Jesus in us!

Working moment by moment to become the person that God created me to be, that is how I am living now. I know that Jesus loves me..I know that I don’t deserve the mercy and grace He shows me daily. I know that I am so grateful for His forgiveness and mercy and grace.. I know that I want to make Him happy..not sad. My Savior Jesus is worthy to be praised and He deserves my very best.

When my patience runs thin now, I am a lot more calm and I am improving only because I am seeking Him. It is ALL because of Jesus.

What about you? Are there areas you might need to improve in..or work on? Have you trusted Him as your Lord and Savior? Do you really know Him? Are you trying hard to be like Jesus?

You are not alone.. you are one step closer to being more like Jesus when you admit your imperfections and begin working on those things. If you have never accepted Christ and if you can’t say that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are going to heaven when you die, then now is the time to invite Him in. Let Jesus love you..let Him lead you..Let Him save you. I could not imagine going through life without my Savior Jesus. He provides a comfort that is beyond words..a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is so freeing to know that God has everything in control..so I don’t have to be in control..He’s got it!

Please leave me a comment if I can pray for you. There is power in prayer. Prayer is our direct line to God.

Until Next Time,
Heather

I have started several posts and even have 11 in the “draft” or unpublished phase. It’s just not their time to be posted yet. As I was sitting with my family..I felt the urge to write the poem below. I used to write poetry a lot, but it has been a long time.

My hope is that the poem below will make you really think. Really seek HIM. Really look within and ask yourself…

“I am living for HIM or for me?”

“Do my actions match up with my words?”

“Do I need to BE STILL and SEEK HIS FACE more?”

“Am I giving HIM my all?”

A beautiful sunset from God

WHAT IF?

What if…we smiled at a passing stranger and that one small act changed the course of their day?

What if…we took the time to just listen more?

Would we hear something more than before?

What if…we took more time to spend with God and pray? 

Would we make more of a difference with our day?

What if…we gave more of ourselves..to the sick and the poor?

What if…we heeded HIS call to help and to serve, when HE called…not after we went the wrong way?

Would we be able to pass them by anymore?

Would we realize the blessings we had missed along the way?

What if we trusted HIM like never before?

Would we step out into the unknown and feel safe?

What if we gave all we had…like HE gave for us?

Would we be able to show more grace? 

What if… we loved like HE loves…with a merciful heart?

Would we be making our  world be a better place?

What if…we forgave those who once held a place in our hearts?

Would we feel joy and peace in its place?

What if we learned to BE STILL and SEEK HIS FACE first?

Would we keep living our lives “our way” ?

Written by:

Heather Dawkins

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) ~ 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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Psalm 105:4 ~ Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

The time to seek HIM is now.

Until Next Time,

These are all pictures that I have taken of crosses.

I am studying Genesis – Deuteronomy right now with a group of ladies. We just finished Exodus and are now moving on to Leviticus. As we were watching the video that goes with the study, I was struck with a frightening thought. One of those thoughts that really puts things into perspective.

If I was living in Old Testament times, I would have had to bring at least one innocent animal to slaughter as a sacrifice today. Why? Because as my day just began, I had already had a slip up….or two. (Praise JESUS for conviction that only comes from a real relationship with HIM .)

(For more information on Old Testament sacrifices, please look in Leviticus in your Bible. There is SO much to share on this topic and it will make you think..)

The teacher on the video explained animal sacrifice in OT times so well. She said that a perfect unblemished animal would have to be brought and that you would lay your hands on its head…a symbol of your sin being moved to the animal…and then you would have to slit it’s throat and you would get blood on your hands. What a visual reminder of sin and the sacrifice that HAS to be made because of it. (There were lots more details..so, read Leviticus.)

Remind you of anything?

Jesus and the cross at Calvary?

Jesus, the PERFECT and SPOTLESS sacrifice for your sins and mine. Jesus…the sacrificial lamb. God’s view on sin never changes. There always has to be a sacrifice because of sin. Sin is UGLY in God’s sight. In the OT times, the unblemished animal was the sacrifice and today, Jesus is the unblemished sacrifice.

1 Corinthians 5:7 ~ Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast- as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

Law turned into Sacrificial Love that day on Calvary. Jesus paid the ultimate price for us to be able to receive the gift of eternal life. Don’t get me wrong, GOD has always loved us. HE just loves us so much… realizing how much we needed a Savior…that HE provided the Ultimate sacrifice in the form of HIS Son, Jesus Christ!!

Aren’t you thankful that you don’t have to perform the rituals of OT times?!

I wonder, Do you know my Jesus? It is about relationship…Not religion, not following laws because you think you are supposed to…but following GOD because you have the desire to!  Do you know HIM?

If you DO, do you realize what a GIFT HE gave for you and for me? You have two choices and you are free to choose between two masters..but the consequences remain the same. Eternal life or eternity in hell. Choose Jesus!!!! Please…choose Jesus…

Luke 24: 46,47 ~ He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Romans 6:23 ~ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Matthew 6:24a ~ No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.

Until Next Time,

P.S. ~ If you’d like to receive these posts by email, Just sign up on the top right hand corner of my blog page. You can also “like” my Simple Truths Blog FB page or follow me on Twitter @hgdSimpleTruths !

There’s just something about sharing the deepest parts of yourself with others. The ugly parts that God has turned into something beautiful. It’s a vulnerable place to be in. An out of your comfort zone place. Yet, it’s a place that God is glorified in.

I am reminded in Acts 22…when Paul asks to speak to the crowd that was accusing him and beating him, of how he used those moments to be honest and vulnerable and give his testimony. He didn’t get up and say, “I am perfect and that’s why you shouldn’t throw me in jail.” NO…Paul told of who he was before he knew Christ as his personal Savior and then he told of his transformation after coming to know God. He was transparent. He was vulnerable. He was unashamed.

How willing are we…as followers of Jesus…to be transparent?

Why is it so hard to just “be real” ?

We are called to “BE REAL” friends. We are called to LOVE. We are called to forgive. AND….we are called to be transparent…honest…to bring God glory.

Matthew 6:15 (NIV) ~ But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Luke 17:4 (NIV) ~ If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, “I repent,’ forgive him.”

John 13:34 (NIV) ~ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

1 John 1:8 (NIV) ~ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

Why is it so scary to be “transparent” ? Well, one reason, is the fear of being judged by others. Let’s be real…we all fear that at some point or another.

If our transparency brings healing and hope to just ONE person, then it is worth it. When we let God use the mess that we made of things and turn it into HIS message, then who cares what others may think! That, my friends, is being obedient and transparent.

I’ll be completely honest with you. I don’t always WANT to be transparent. It is a lot easier to put a “smile” on my face and pretend things away. That doesn’t bring God glory though. I have to be willing to be obedient in sharing my testimony…when HE wants me to. Same goes for each of you.

Truth is, everybody has garbage. Everybody has made mistakes. It is what we choose to do with the mess or garbage that makes the difference.

So, I leave you with these questions.

Is there something that God has asked you to share with someone…and you haven’t yet because of fear of being judged?

Do you believe that God can turn your MESS into HIS Message?

First, I would advise you to pray diligently over it. Pray for wisdom and discernment. Be sure that your testimony points to God. That it only brings glory to God. Then, write it out. It is always changing…as it should be. Finally, pray some more and if you feel that nudge from God..GO FOR IT! Let Him be glorified!

I will be sharing portions of my testimony as I feel led, in the days to come. Why? Because, I know God wants me to. Because, I have been feeling the nudge to be even “more real” than I already am with you all.

Share more with you soon! Very soon..

Here is a link to listen to Mandisa’s song..What If We Were Real?

ENJOY!

02_what_if_we_were_real___

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

Well, it has taken me a bit longer to process these thoughts and truths that have been jumping around in my head. I know that I have shared before, that I take this “writing” or “blogging” thing very serious. AND…Sometimes…that means just waiting and being still. Waiting for God. I have learned patience through this almost year that I have been sharing here on “Simple Truths”. I’ve learned that I am on HIS timeline…not mine.

I have learned that I am at peace when I am patient for HIS time.

I don’t want to mess this up. I don’t ever want these posts to be about ME. Oh no..not at all..I only want to shine for HIM. When I say I want to shine…I mean that HE IS LIGHT and I want to reflect HIM and HIM alone.

It has been a week ago today that I left to go on a retreat for women. We went away for two nights and oh how God touched me at the core of my soul. HIS presence was known. HIS words were spoken through many women (message, prayer, song, testimonies, sharing, etc..)  because of their obedience to HIM. It’s not always easy being truly obedient…because it really does take you out of your comfort zone. This I know. From experience. BUT…..oh at the blessings and complete joy that is felt when you are obedient. Blessings…not just for the other people…but for you as well.

I saw chains loosed last weekend…and chains are still being loosed because of the TRUTH that was spoken to us. GOD”S WORD is TRUTH dear friends. It IS HEALING for the soul.

Most importantly though…GOD’S WORD reflects HIS LOVE for US!! Friends…hear me when I say this…God LOVES YOU! He loves every single one of us!

We have got to start reflecting that LOVE. That TRUTH.

1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) ~ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

 Deeply…it says. Not surface. Not fake. BUT….DEEPLY.

God’s LOVE….the love of Savior Jesus….covers our sins.

If you ARE a true follower/believer, you are CALLED to LOVE. DEEPLY.

I am called to love deeply. Do I always? No… Sometimes…the love that I show and you too (if you are being honest), is love that may be dependent on my emotions at the moment.

I am called to love deeply….not just when I feel like it. Not just when everything is “hunky-dory” (pardon the “old” phrase).

I am SO VERY THANKFUL that God loves me ALL the time. In fact, it still blows my mind sometimes that HIS love NEVER CHANGES. Seriously, you should do a search on your Bible app or in the dictionary and concordance in your actual Bible on the phrase “His love”. It’s awesome!

John 15:12~ My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

We don’t love in this way out of our own ability to do so. NO…that isn’t even possible. IF and WHEN we LOVE in the way God commands us to love, it’s because God is loving the other person through us. IT’S HIM.

1 John 4:19~ We love because he first loved us.

   I am so thankful for all the LOVE that was shown this past weekend at the retreat. Women sometimes have a hard time letting down our walls..and letting ourselves be loved. It has to STOP. We have to stop comparing ourselves and thinking that everybody else must be thinking something “bad” about “me”. It’s a trap. A trap that the enemy wants us to be in. BECAUSE..we can’t possibly love each other if we don’t even love ourselves. GOD LOVES YOU.

I LOVE THESE WOMEN!!!

It’s okay to recognize areas that you have fault…but give those faults and bad habits…bondage..to  GOD (repent and change). THEN and only THEN can you move on. When I say move on..I mean, STOP letting your past mistakes define you. Allow God to love you and in turn reflect that same love to everyone you meet.

1 John 4:8~ Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

It is ALL about LOVE. Isn’t that what we all want anyways?

I’ve got lots more on my mind and heart that I plan on sharing in regards to how my heart was touched during this time away. So, I’ll share again with you soon.

Until Next Time,

As I was exercising on my treadmill (yay me!!), I had my earphones in and was listening to some awesome praise and worship music. It is a wonder that I didn’t fall off. Picture it : Treadmill…Music…Caught up in worshipping my Redeemer..hands raised…eyes closed…it was beautiful. Thank goodness. Believe me, it could have been ugly….I really do trip going UP steps. It’s happened..more than once, my husband and girls can tell you.

One of the songs that just got to me was Blessed Be Your Name by Matt Redman.

Some of the song: Blessed be Your name, when the sun’s shining down on me..Blessed be your name….. Blessed be Your Name on the road marked with suffering….Blessed be Your Name..When the darkness closes in on me, still I will say..Blessed be Your Name! You give and take away..You give and take away..My heart will choose to say..Lord, Blessed be Your Name!!!

It just hit home with me. That no matter what. No matter the hurt..no matter the anger..no matter what..I can and will choose to say: Lord, Blessed be Your Name!!!

With Joy and complete Adoration. I am completely in love with my Savior…

See, Scripture tells me that EVERY  good and perfect gift is from above!

James 1:17 ~ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

AND then….Born Again by Third Day came on. I’m not gonna lie…I was having a mini-revival..in my exercise room..just me and God.

Here are some of the words to that one:

I was lost when You found me here..I was broken beyond repair..Then You came along and You sang a song over me! It feels like I’m born again, It feels like I’m living, for the very first time, for the very first time..in my life…   The life I have now, it is only the beginning! Feels like breathing, feels like I’m moving, For the very first time…

Listen to me friends, hear me when I say…these words spoke to me!

It is how I felt when I finally surrendered and waved the white flag of control over my life. You can be in church your whole life and still miss it! You can answer the call of salvation…and still miss it!  Rules…Rules..Rules…NO…it is about RELATIONSHIP! This is so important to me…I want everyone to Get It! My relationship with God..it is so amazing now! I GET IT…and I have finally given up on doing things “my way” and then giving it to Him. He wants it all. He wants us to talk to Him. He desires a relationship with us…in our sinfulness..our ugly selves..He Still Loves Us. Now, I am not at ALL saying that I live life perfectly now…I am saying that my heart’s desire is to live a life holy and pleasing to God. Because I realize that I have a need for Him..every minute of every day..and He IS Good!

I absolutely LOVE in Matthew 9 ..when Jesus straightens out the Pharisees. Read it with me..and picture the scene.

Matthew 9:10-13 (NIV) ~ While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat  with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

  BAM !!!

Could it be any clearer? Could you totally see this happening today? I know I could, because there are still those that think just obeying RULES is the “ticket” to Heaven. There is no ticket. It is a free GIFT. Paid for in full by Jesus Christ once and for all on Calvary’s Mountain! Can I get an AMEN!!! There is a cost though.. and that cost is surrender. Let’s also never forget the cost that HE paid…the sacrifice HE made. Out of LOVE…for YOU and for ME. We are to continually choose surrender and relationship to/with HIM.

Look at those verses…see how relational Jesus is. He ate dinner at Matthew’s house. Think about it. He spent time with those who desired Him and with those whom the Pharisees looked down their noses at. He didn’t act as if they weren’t good enough. The Pharisees lived their lives following rules…they even questioned Jesus. We aren’t really different…at some time or another, I was a Pharisee. Then…came surrender..which then brought freedom. Like the song said…Feels like I’m Born Again, Feels like I’m Living…

I just had to share with you all…just how pumped up I am today…because of Jesus. Because His Mercy is NEW Every Single Day. I want you all to know that He Loves You…flaws and all. AND then…when you wave the white flag, He’s gonna bless you beyond your wildest dreams! You won’t be able to hold it in. You will GET IT…You will get what I am saying!

Just know this JESUS loves YOU. Yes, YOU!! Lay it down at His feet….Don’t just try to appear HOLY…Be HOLY as you are called in Christ Jesus.  God desires for us to realize that we need HIM …that we can’t do it on our own.

2 Timothy 1:8,9 ~ So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

Jesus Loves You…Yes, YOU!!

Until Next Time,

You probably are wondering why in the world I chose the title above. Truth is, I didn’t. In fact, I woke up around 3 A.M. and God gave me this title. So, here we go.

Never say never. The “objects” that you are seeing occur in other people’s lives can very easily occur in yours as well. I had a vision of a mirror with many different words written on it. Picture it with me:

SIN. LOSS. BETRAYAL. HURT. FEAR.

SIN…ADDICTION…IDOLATRY…GREED..GOSSIP…HATRED…SLANDER

ADDICTION…LUST, EXCESSIVE SPENDING, OVEREATING, ALCOHOL ADDICTION, DRUG ADDICTION, PORNOGRAPHY, ADULTERY and the list goes on and on.

The objects in the mirror can be closer than they appear.

Closer than they appear to you. Closer than they appear to others.

They all are a part of the battle we are in..against Flesh. SPIRITUAL WARFARE. Satan wants us to fail. He wants us to be separated from God.

Ephesians 6:11 ~ Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Never say never my friends. Always be on guard against the Devil and his schemes. Your mirror may appear to be clean..but is it really?

If there is SIN in your life that you think is “HIDDEN”, you are mistaken. Forgive me for speaking so boldly. It isn’t meant to sound judgemental in any way, shape, or form. I say these things because I truly care. I know what it is to be truly surrendered to God. AND… I know what it is to not be surrendered.

You can say, “Oh, I HAVE surrendered to GOD.” Your actions will prove it though. You know. God knows.

James 2:17 (NIV) ~ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

When you face a trial, do you have true and complete peace in knowing that God really is enough? Do you truly feel that you are filled with Joy that can’t be explained any other way? Are you able to smile when the “world” would tell you to hide and fall apart?

There is a difference. In the way you handle life’s awful storms. When you finally…truly…SURRENDER ALL.

There’s a peace…an Anchor, if you will. To be able to smile and have hope…when before you might have done the opposite. It’s the result of full Surrender.

“  Oh, nobody knows about my “little” sin. ” “It doesn’t hurt anybody but me.” “ I still love God.” “ I am saved, so I can do it and just ask Him to forgive me..I mean..it says He forgives when I ask.”  AND here’s a huge one.. ” I am just too weak.”

Those are all lies. Satan wants you and me to believe those things. The fact is, SIN is anything that separates us from God. Separated.

Separated…think about it. To be apart from…cut off…

I don’t ever want that. I need my Father God. Every minute of every single day.

It is a conscious CHOICE. There is that word again that I seem to use a lot in my posts.

The moment you decide to follow God, the Holy Spirit comes to guide you. Sin that you don’t get rid of is like a wall of heavy stones. The stones are stacked one on top of the other. With each stone the wall gets higher and higher. Each time you CHOOSE sin over righteousness, picture that wall being built that separates you from God. Leaving you miserable and ineffective for His calling on your life. Ineffective only until you SURRENDER to God fully. When you do, you’ll be able to resist the temptations and even laugh at them.. Not because YOU are resisting, but because YOU are allowing God to finally fight your battles!

Ephesians 5:11 (NIV) ~ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of the darkness, but rather expose them.

Honestly, I would like to write out the entire portion of Ephesians 5…but, instead…just read it if you will..

If you want to truly follow God, you have to make a choice to pick Him over that temptation. God knows we aren’t perfect…and He knows we can’t do life alone. We need HIM. He doesn’t NEED us.

It’s a DAILY CHOICE…minute by minute…second by second… A Daily Walk.

Galatians 5:16 ~ So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

   I leave you with this last passage of Scripture. Read it …soak on it..and believe it. His Word is Truth..His Word is Alive.

1 Peter 5:7-11 ~ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered for a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

   Standing Firm!

   Until Next Time,