Stand Firm!!

BEING VIGILANT
Be vigilant; stand fast in the faith; quit yourselves like men; be strong. Let all things ye do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

As the Corinthians awaited Paul's next visit, they were directed to:
(1) be on guard. They were to be constantly watchful or alert for spiritual enemies that might slip in and thre...aten to destroy them whether it be divisions, pride, sin, disorder, or erroneous theology;
(2) stand firm in what they believed—that is, the gospel that they had been taught in the beginning, the gospel that had brought them salvation;
(3) be courageous so that they could stand against false teachers, deal with sin in the congregation, and straighten out other problems;
(4) be strong, with the strength given by the Holy Spirit; and
(5) do everything with love because without love, they would be no more than prideful noisemakers. Today, as we wait for the return of Christ, we should follow the same instructions.

Today, I stand firm in faith, waiting for God's directions and continuing forward believing!

Diluted morals and integrity in society

Wondering if the next generation will have a chance at knowing what really is. I see now why the elder generation is amazed at what is going on is society. I am just 42 and I see how each generation understands less and less about morals, respect and integrity. Guess we are getting closer to the sinful generation. I can only hope that God takes myself and my children while we are still His. I believe this may be the predestined plan. This reality came to life as I was sitting with my 16 year old son watching tv. I am surprised at the cursing, vulgar and disrespectful behavior on public television. He is now in his room because I refused to watch it and changed the channel. Lord, please help. Have mercy on us who are trying to show them your ways. I beg for intervention, for your divine help. Touch his heart, fill him with your love and knowledge. Help me to guide him properly and to fulfill my parental duty assuring him of your love. Grant me your peace and mercy Lord as I seek to fulfill my purpose here.

We are so tiny

Looking at the devastation from Tsunami in Japan. Such power to just sweep away anything in its path. I think this is so humbling to know just how tiny we are. God is so powerful and our minds are so small. Lord I say yes to all you offer, to all you require, to all you choose. Our minds have been trained by this world and it is so hard to keep it focused on you at all times. Thank you for your ways which bring me back to you. Thank you for your love which continues to wait on me. Take me from this world before I ever choose to turn for you. The same for my children Lord, I would rather they be called home by You than lost to the world of death. My love and faith in you increase everyday, I think I may be a fruit loop but may I remain a fruit loop until the end. Continue protecting me Father, continue calling yours home. It hurts to see them turn their backs, it hurts to see them choose the deception, so many or fooled. I trust your ways, your plan, your will. According to your word I do not need to understand, I just need to continue focusing on your instructions. Your word I have hid in my heart so that I may not sin against you psalm 119. Lord I pray for the violent acts that have entered into my family to TEACH them, to open their eyes!! May they choose YOU!! May you continue to knock until they answer..... not matter how painful, it is much worse to stay lost for eternity.. Today I am grateful for hardship, struggle, tragedy, and pain!!

Tragedy

Real tragedy is not learning or seeking God when terrible things happen. I am sad this morning as I think of one who was beat by his father and brother. How much anger it must have taken to break the face of their loved one. Where is the love? Has it been hidden by so much disappointment, shame, jealousy?? The evil feelings cannot be hidden forever and apparently the evil one feeds them to a point of erruption. So then, maybe we should feed our soul the sweetness of our Lord. Daily doses of his love and forgiveness. Seeking Him to guide our path. Ask Him to show our true purpose and worth. By feeding love the hate is dissolved. The most powerful in us is the ONE we feed!! Feed the evil reap the evil. Feed the love and love you shall share!!

With Gratitude comes Joy

Having so much to be grateful for yet forgetting to acknowledge it. How often we complain and seek something other than what we have been given? How often we want things to be different from what they are. Today I spend time being appreciative for the many blessings God has sent my way and thankful for how much worse it could have turned out. Lord help me to always seek You in everything. To always be grateful and satisfied with what You have sent and asking nothing more!!

Gifts of the day

Today I have the choice to complain, judge or be grateful. Since I don't deserve God's grace and He chose to bless me with it anyway, I am grateful. Instead of focusing on ifs, ands or buts I focus on what is. Today marks the day before Ash Wednesday. By this time Jesus was baptized and knew His calling from God. He is preparing to enter the wilderness for time to pray and prepare. This is his time of temptation, may we learn by his faith how to use our faith until the very end.

entering the wilderness

I think of Jesus going into the wilderness to prepare for his calling in life and being tempted by Satan. With this in mind I am reminded how Satan tempts us daily with lies, greed, envy, fear, anger, control, dissatisfaction, ungratefulness and lack of faith. I am also reminded how God loves us and protects us, for it is by His grace that we are saved, through faith. May we ask God to open our eyes to see His worth and become so mindful of His goodness that we thank him daily.

Also thinking of my calling in this life as I enter these 40 days of contemplation. Lord guide me on the path directly towards you. May I always remember to seek you alone and go directly to your word when unsure. The more I read your word the more I trust and recognize you. Continue to teach me your ways and fill me with your love and compassion. May I love all with your love. May I see everything with gratitude!!
Protect your people on the roads and streets tonight, keeping them safe. I pray for the lost who are searching the world for happiness, Lord plant your seed of faith and grace.