Keep Your Eyes On God and You Will See Things More Clearly

Holy Spirit spoke to me one day and told me to sit down to mediate and to pick a leaf on a tree to concentrate on. I've been meditating like this for a while because he taught me to. This brings rest to my mind and allows me to be quiet so that I can receive from him and hear him. It helps me get centered on him. We really need to quieten our mind to bring rest and restoration to our mind and our soul. 

I sat down on my doorstep and picked out a leaf on a tree in my front yard to meditate on. I wasn't wearing my glasses so the leaves blended in but I could make out the shape of this one particular leaf. As I was sitting there, with a quiet mind, looking at this leaf as a focal point, it became very clear. I could see the veins in the leaf. Then I noticed I could see the definition of every leaf and the veins in the other leaves. Everything was so clear. I was amazed by this especially since, like I said, things look blurry at a distance.

Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, 'Keep your focus on me and you will see things clearly.' This excited me so much. I had been agonizing over things and this helped me put my focus back on God, not on the way things seemed. God always works things to our good. He loves us so much, more than we can fathom. 

Keep your eyes on the Lord. Focus on him not on the things going on around you. When things seem bleak, return to what his Word says. Profess his promises into your life through the name that God set above all names, Jesus Christ. There is power in the name of Jesus. Praise God for always making a way for us. 

Lisa C

Church?

Often I hear people say they don't go to church because of the way people act who go to church. I was guilty of this for awhile because of how I was treated. Once you've been the topic of the church gossipers and backbiters and felt like you were being stared at when you go to church, you don't want to experience that again. You feel judged, like everyone is looking at you under a microscope. In some cases you are judged and talked about and wonder how it's different from any other place. You can go to work or school and get talked about. You can go anywhere and experience situations where there are people who smile to your face but all along think they're better then you and talk about you behind your back, even telling lies on you and slandering your name. You see people who are religious. They remind you of the Pharisees and Sadducees you read about in the Bible. They keep traditions of men, not God. They worry about what they look like on the outside, but inside they're full of evil. They care about their position, money, and bringing lots of money into the church but their community suffers. You don't know of any good they do for their community or citizens of that community. You wonder why bother when you can watch preaching at home, after all, your relationship with God is between you and him. BUT I'm here to tell you, church is a beautiful thing when done according to God's Word. If you study the Christian Church in the New Testament you will see that no sin is condoned and people who stir up strife, lie to the Holy Spirit, or are religious are put out of the church. I don't mean ordinary people who are trying to live right and mess up daily because we all do, but people who pretend to be perfect and talk about others or look down on them. Satan sends into the church people who on the outside appear like lambs but on the inside are ravenous wolves. They are there to destroy your faith, to cause conflict in the church, and to stir up strife. Whether you realize it or not, stay home on Sundays or go to church, fellowship with other believers or stick to yourself, YOU are in a constant spiritual battle between good and evil. How can you look at all the evil in the world and not believe in God, because all that evil wants to destroy all good in the world and all good people. When you separate yourself from church and the assembling of other believers you cut a vital lifeline to your spirit. Your spirit struggles to win the good fight and tires from the daily battles. Church services and like minded believers build you up and help prepare you for those daily battles. Yes, there may be a wolf in your midst at church, the Bible says to test the spirits to see where they're from. Find out if there's good or evil in their heart. The best test is that of looking at their character. The Bible says you can't get salty water and fresh water from the same source. If a person appears to be good and evil then you know they're evil. Church is a community in itself and the members support one another, lifting one another up, encouraging one another, helping one another, and by being that honest friend who calls you out when you're wrong so you can get straightened out and be a doer of the Word, not a hearer only. Churches are a pillar in the community because the church organization gives to causes and helps other organizations who help people, and helps individuals in need, and supports people and organizations to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ so that other people can be saved. Yes there's churches who don't. They hide behind the church to get rich. So know them by the fruit they bare or don't bare, and don't affiliate yourself with them. Don't cut out a huge part of your life and privilege as a child of God by cutting church out of your life. Find a church where good seeds are being sown in your community and the lives of regular people like you and me. Test the spirits in the church keeping in mind that the powers of darkness want you to fail, to feel condemned, to feel like you're not good enough, to feel like you don't belong. When you go to the grocery store you don't buy everything, right? And you look at the expiration date, you want fresh, healthy food. There's a lot there you don't want but you go to get what you do want. Go to church to get what you need and want. Be clear about your intentions. Are you going to church to be closer to God, to serve the Lord, and to form new godly relationships with people, or for some other reason. Do everything you do as unto the Lord, not people. Don't be a people pleaser. Be a God pleaser. The benefits of being a member of a church far out weigh any opposition you may face. Expose the wolves. Keep the church.

Lisa C

Supernatural Strength: Where it Comes From

When I was younger and healthier I was more confident in myself and what I could accomplish all on my own. After journeying through the valley, through years of sickness, debilitating pain, and the mental and emotional trauma that goes with it, I have leaned that I do nothing by myself. I am never alone. I never have to rely on my own power, abilities, or strength; I never have. God is my sufficiency in all things.

He gives me supernatural strength to do what I cannot do on my own. His promises are true. He is not a man that he can lie. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

There were times when I was younger and healthier that I took credit for the things that I did. I took all the glory for the things that I accomplished, never realizing that God is my everything and everyone to me. I loved him. I believed in him. I turned to him when I needed someone to be there for me. But I never fully realized just how vulnerable, limited, and small fries I was until he showed me that he will supernaturally give me physical strength, strengthen me mentally and emotionally, and give me joy and peace that is beyond all human understanding.

I fell into the trap of being prideful. I would say, "look what I did, look what I accomplished, look at how I did this", not realizing it came from the Lord. In Colossians 3:23-24 we read, 'Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).

God not only gives us what we need to do what we do, but he rewards us for doing it. I used to look for my reward from people. I wanted to be recognized for what I had done. I wanted to be praised, to be given credit where credit is due not realizing that I could not do it without the LORD. He is our sufficiency in all things. He endows us with knowledge, talent, gifts of the Spirit, guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, life, and the air that is in our lungs. How could I have thought that I did anything on my own or deserved the credit?

Credit goes to the LORD. He and he alone deserves to be glorified, honored, and praised. He deserves to be lifted up, blessed, and recognized for all he does. We should be humbled and in awe of what he does and accomplishes through us. I know I am. 

Lisa C

Diversionist

What do you call someone who sabotages, who lays waste to your efforts to have a full life, a fulfilling relationship with someone, or who prevents you from accomplishing something? Satan and the powers of darkness come in many forms. The most deceiving form is as someone who loves you and has your best interest at heart, but they deceive to accomplish their own selfish agenda. Do not be deceived by others. The word of God says to test the spirits. You can not get bitter and sweet water from the same well. 

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

John 10:10 AMPC

Lisa C

Idols and false gods

I watched a man who was afraid become bold. This man who lived in fear and was tormented by his thoughts and memories learned who he was according to God's word. He learned who he was in Christ. This same man who was lonely in a room full of people, felt loved. He felt God's love. This man who trusted no one and didn't believe that anyone could love him or be a true friend realized people can be good. There are good people in the world, not perfect, but good hearted and selfless people.

When he got saved he learned that God loved him unconditionally and made him in His image. He learned he could let go of the past, the bad memories, the pain, the bitterness and feelings of worthlessness. He became sure and confident and rightly so. He learned who God said he was. He learned who he was in Christ and what that meant. And that he had a heavenly father who loved him unconditionally and family in Christ who were his family alongside his earthly family.

He found peace and belonging in the Lord and witnessed to many, sharing with others the hope of Christ. And because of him many others received the Holy Spirit, and profited from the fruit of the Holy Spirit which are love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, patience, and self-control. Their lives were transformed.

He went out of his way to witness to people and share God's love and peace and hope because it had brought him so much relief and joy to accept Christ as his Savior and experience God's peace and love and live in direct fellowship with God. But old thinking patterns flared up and were left unchecked.

We are in constant warfare. We have to keep our minds in check and not allow ourselves to think about things that we know we shouldn't do or dwell on. Sin and mistakes start in the mind, in our thoughts, and in our heart. When we allow ourselves to sin or live in sin we will feel guilty and ashamed. It isn't until we learn God's love is unconditional and we can receive forgiveness that we can move forward. Getting saved is only the beginning. We spend the rest of our lives becoming better and better people, more loving and kinder people. Sometimes we have to start over every day. But the main thing is starting over. By starting over I mean forgiving ourselves and moving forward in God's love and grace. The past always belongs in the past whether it's what happened ten years ago or yesterday.

The man who had experienced so much joy in the Lord reverted back to his old ways. Once again he was unfaithful to his wife. His wife who kept taking him back for 27 years put her foot down and ended the relationship. Where before he had affairs, he cared about this woman and after his divorce he got remarried. This second marriage ended.

He entangled himself with people who did not believe in and worship God, Jehovah. From what he told me he lost his identity in Christ. He experienced a great deal of loneliness. And often he felt like he didn't have anyone.

The man who had once found peace, happiness, strength and joy from God and knew who he was according to God's word, a new creation in Christ, a child of God, cut the lifeline that kept him from living in self defeat. He cut ties with the Holy One who made him feel like he was never alone. He stopped dwelling on the good things that kept his heart and mind in perfect alignment with God who gave him strength to get through the hard times.

The man moved back to a city near his home town after his girlfriend said she could no longer live with him unless he quit drinking because it was causing her health problems. I can understand that. He got into some trouble and needed help. My husband and I brought him back to his hometown to live with us.

He brought idols into my home. I told him he had to remove them from my home and property or he would have to leave. I would not disrespect the Lord, my heavenly father by allowing them in my home or on my property.

They provoked him (God) to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
Deuteronomy 32:16 KJV

I am the Lord : that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Isaiah 42:8 KJV

I fell in love with my heavenly father and his Son Jesus when I was a small child. I was verbally, mentally, and sometimes physically abused. Sometimes memories of the verbal and mental abuse try to resurface but I replace them with who God says I am and what is true according to God's word.

I learned as a young child that God is faithful and true and I was never alone. And I haven't been because he is always with me. I have felt his perfect peace that is beyond all understanding. He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

I have been miraculously healed more than one time, and have proof. I have been accused of things that I had not done but somehow my reputation remained in tact and others started a relationship with Christ because they saw him in me and my actions. There have been times that I got out in left field and lived in sin, but even then God watched over me and healed me. He knew my heart. He miraculously healed me from mitral valve prolapse and enlarged heart. Praise God for healing me.

God does not cause bad things to happen to us. Often though, we bring things on ourselves by making bad choices. We are not promised an easy life. We are not promised a life without pain, sorrow, or loss. But the Creator of the heavens and the Earth who created us in his likeness promises to strengthen us and promises he'll never leave us nor forsake us. He keeps his promises. He is not a man that he should lie.

That part of us that is made in his image is our spirit. Our body is a temple to our spirit. One day when Christ comes back to take us to our perfect eternal home, we will be given a new body that will not age or become diseased. We all feel as though there's an empty place in us, that is where God belongs. He completes us.

Here, on Earth, we are given the freedom to make our own choices. We are free to make our own decisions. We are free to do as we please. Unfortunately for some, that means killing, trickery, manipulating, lying, stealing, destroying, inflicting pain on others, and mutilating. In the Holy Bible we read:

The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 KJV

The thief who wants to steal your joy, your hope, your faith in your heavenly father, and your relationship with your heavenly father presents himself in many forms. He studies you, knows how to push your buttons, and manipulates you so that you will completely turn your back on God, or live in sin while trying to have a relationship with him which doesn't work. In the Holy Bible we read:

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already it is in the world.
1 John 4:1‭-‬3 KJV

The man whom my husband and I brought home to help, got rid of his false God's. I gave him a Bible to read and he retrieved from storage some books he had gotten when he took classes on the Holy Bible. The demons that tormented his mind and heart again, and the old memories from the past that haunted him again were eventually overcome by him asking for forgiveness from our heavenly father, reconciling with Christ, acknowledging that he had been forgiven, acknowledging that he was loved unconditionally, acknowledging that he was a conqueror in Christ; and by putting on the mind of Christ which is the word of God.

He conquered his demons. He lived in peace and happy for awhile then something happened to steal his joy. Something dampened his faith and he started to become bitter and angry. He wasn't reading the Bible and listening to uplifting music and he started drinking more and more. 90% of our spiritual battles are in our mind, in our thoughts. We can let our thoughts run wild, we can dwell on the past or 'what if', we can dwell on pain from a loss, or we can put on the mind of Christ. In the God breathed word of God, the Holy Bible we read:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8 KJV

The man I've been telling you about found his way back to God. In the Holy Bible the Lord my God has many names. Some of them are Jehovah, El, Elohim, I Am.

The man was still in love with his girlfriend. He still hoped they would get back together. He thought eventually she would move to North Carolina to be with him or come get him and take him home. However, he didn't stop drinking and she didn't take him back. His attitude became worse. He could not or would not admit he was an alcoholic. He would not accept help for alcoholism. Who he was sober and who he was drunk were as different as day and night. There were times my husband and I were afraid to go to sleep because he would be drunk and in a rage for no apparent reason.

He periodically did things to break the law and was in jail many times. When in jail and sober, he remembered the Lord and his heart went out to the men who were incarcerated with him and he witnessed to them, sharing God's love and hope. This man who had God's love and our love and the love of many others pushed everyone away. He fed the anger and gave in to negative, life sapping thoughts, and bitterness.

Our thoughts and the sin we allow in our lives like pride can destroy us and our earthly relationships and put a gap between us and God. We can make anything a God to us by putting it, him, or her before our relationship, worship, and praise of our heavenly father. I will always love the man I've told you about. I won't tell you who he was out of respect for him and his memory.

I am so thankful that he got right with God again and felt his love and peace again before his life was over. And I am thankful for him witnessing to others and planting that seed of hope and salvation. In God's word, the Holy Bible we read:

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
2 Corinthians 5:14‭-‬15 KJV

If you live in loneliness, sadness, bitterness, anger, alcoholism, depression, drug addiction, cutting, or anything else that causes you to feel defeated; there is a way out. You have supernatural help. You are loved unconditionally. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. You need only to believe. Believing equals receiving. Lean on God, not your own understanding. We only see parts of our selves and our lives but he sees the whole picture.

Learn to keep your thoughts in check. It took me a while to learn how to do it but it is possible. When you have a negative thought, acknowledge it, and replace it with a positive thought, preferably with something from the word of God. Study the Bible. Claim God's promises. Learn who you are in Christ. Look at people who try to influence you or who do have an influence on you and your thoughts. Are they building you up or tearing you down. Deal with the ones who are tearing you down. That is not love. Find a church to go to and hear the word or listen to it online. Find like minded believers to spend your free time with. Listen to Christian, uplifting music. And believe. Faith is the key to salvation. In the Holy Bible we read:

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. And without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:1,6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understating, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 1:6

Lisa C

Why Do Christians Suffer

We do not find in the Bible that Christians are exempt from suffering. Rather that Christians are strengthened to endure the hardships that they must face. Only when we are caught up with him in the heavens will we be made new and given a body as glorious as his and live an eternal life where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no more tears.

We read about many forms of suffering in the Bible. Jesus told his disciples that they would be persecuted by those who persecuted him (John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.); there name would be slandered (Matthew 10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?); men would scourge them (Matthew 10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues:); they would be rejected by some (Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.); they would be hated (Matthew 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.).

The disciples suffered many hardships. Barnabas and Saul taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ to almost the whole city who came to hear them. This made the Jews envious and they spoke against them (Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.) Peter and John were beaten and suffered shame for his name (Acts 5:40-42 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.) Peter and John were imprisoned (Acts 5:18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.) The disciples had tribulations (Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.) Paul was stoned, beaten and shipwrecked (II Corinthians 11:25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;) Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into prison (Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely:) The disciples were made a spectacle of (I Corinthians 4:9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.)

In their writings Peter and Paul gave directions to the church of Christ. Peter said that we may be criticized and tried (I Peter 4:12-14 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. I Peter 1:6-9 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.) Paul taught that we have satanic opposition (Ephesians 6:12-18 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;)

Some do not want to suffer for Christ but instead want to know what the benefits are of enduring to the end. But to those of us who love Jesus and are thankful for what God did for us through him there are rewards beyond anything that we can comprehend. When Christ returns our ole human bodies that have pain and sickness will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to a body that is like Christ’s body (Philippians 3:20-21 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working where by he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.) A crown of righteousness will be given to them that love his appearing (II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.) A crown of life will be given to them who endure temptation (James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.) An incorruptible crown (I Corinthians 9:24-27 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.) And those who feed the flock of God will receive a crown of glory ( I Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.)

It may seem impossible to endure until the end but Christ has given us grace which covers all areas of our hearts, minds and lives when we succumb to him. Paul said in II Corinthians 12:9 And he [Jesus] said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. And Paul said in Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

We also read in Romans 8:34-39 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. We read in Revelation about the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:3-4 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.)

Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

No Change, that's Good

Jesus never changes. According to his word he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We can depend on everything that is written to us in the word of God. The same God who sent his son into the world to save the world has not changed. Even in times like these, he remains the same. He is our rock and our shield. He is for us, not against us.

My belief during these troubling times is that God protects me but if it is my appointed time to go, I am ready. I know where I am going. My Savior has prepared a place for me to spend eternity. I am not in a hurry to get there. I hope I live to be 120. But I am not afraid of death because Jesus defeated death. Who knows, maybe my I will be transitioned like Enoch.

We can be sure that God will provide what we need. He is always on time. These times are uncomfortable and inconvenient and many are living in fear but we have no need to fear. We will have what we need when we need it. This is a time for reflection, a time to embrace where we are in our relationship with our heavenly father and move closer to him.

(Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. Psalm 91:14)

(We have nothing to fear. God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7).

Turn your thoughts to him. Remind yourself of his love for you, his promises to you, and who you are in Christ. You are loved. You are cared about. You are safe.

God knew we would have times of doubt. He has not left us without help. Keep bringing your thoughts back to him, remember his love, remember his faithfulness, remember he does not lie but is truth and light. Comfort yourself with his word.

(For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. John 3:16‭-‬21)

Lisa C

Do Not Be Unequally Yoked Together

We see time and time again in the Holy Bible, God warning his people to not entangle themselves together with unbelievers. An unbeliever is not just someone who says they don't believe in God. An unbeliever is someone who does not love and fear or have reverence for God. We know as believers that we love God with our entire being, stand up for what's right according to his word, and others see him in us because of the way we love others (other believers).

So often the love we're expected to show other believers is misplaced on unbelievers because we think it will change them, that our love can change them but it can't. Going to God with a contrite heart, humbling ourselves to him and confessing our sins out of thankfulness and gratefulness for Jesus giving his life, that is believing. That is the beginning of change.

We know from the parable of the sower, farmer, that believing and having the desire to be and live as a child of God can be short lived. Some hear the Word of God but do not understand it and the evil one comes along and snatches away what was in their heart. Then there are those who hear the Word of God and immediately receive it with joy but it doesn't take root in their heart and when persecution comes because of the Word they fall away. Then there are those who hear the Word but worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word making it unfruitful.

Jesus said, "greater works then these shall you do." We have power through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are joint heirs with Christ. He has gone before us to prepare a place for us. Can you imagine living eternally in a perfect place where there's no sorrow, no sickness, and no heartache? Are you willing to give that up to temporarily be with an unbeliever in the short lifetime we have in this world. Is giving up the powerful influence you have sharing and teaching God's word to others worth the momentary pleasures of your flesh with this person?

God warns his people time and time again to not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. The powers of darkness will use them to slowly but surely turn you against God. One day laying on your death bed or at the end of your rope after a long life of trials in the flesh you may realize that you stopped reading and studying God's word, you stopped standing up for what's right according to God's word, you stopped valuing yourself, your life and using your talents to be a blessing to others, and you stopped praising and worshipping God. You no longer have a grateful heart. You stopped showing reverence for God because you made the decision to be with an unbeliever and the enemy came and covered your eyes from the truth and you became as a shadow rather then a beacon of light in a dark world.

We have been called to be the light of the world. We have been called to show people a better way; a life filled with the fruit of the spirit. You may think it's easier to live life half cocked. You believe in God, you know he's real but it's easier praying in secret then it is to be bold for him and declare to the world that you are a child of God and give him glory for the air in your lungs, publicly announcing your faith. After all, once you announce you're a child of God people look at you under a microscope and pick apart everything you say, looking for fault and tearing you down. It's easier to remain quiet and be invisible but at what price? At the price of your soul? At the price of your conscience? At the cost of a wonderful lifelong relationship with the author of true love? At the cost of a close relationship with the only one who will ever truly love you perfectly and unconditionally? Who are you? Whose child are you?

Lisa C

Morning Prayer

Let's pray this prayer together.

Dear heavenly Father, we come to you through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Thank you Father for Jesus making the decision to suffer and die for our sins, and having the strength to carry it out. Thank you Father that through His actions, He defeated all the powers of darkness, Satan, and death. Thank you for the opportunity to believe in you and Him and receive not only forgiveness for our sins, but eternal life in a place Jesus is preparing for us. And thank you Father for the indwelling of Holy Spirit being available to us, all we have to do is ask. Father thank you for being with each and every believer. Thank you Father that we have the peace of knowing that you will never leave us nor forsake us in this life nor in death. Thank you Father for this time to reflect, to re-evaluate our lives, to search our hearts for what truly drives us, and put you first in our lives. Father we ask you to strengthen us to resist sin, to lead us down the narrow path which every believer must follow because we are a holy people, loved and cherished by you. Thank you for giving us the clarity to do everything that we do as unto you. Thank you for giving us life and for helping us live our best, be our best, and live for Christ instead of our own selfish desires and gain. In the precious and powerful name Jesus we pray and give you praise. Amen.

Extra Time

So many people are finding extra time on their hands and worry, fear and anger are taking up quite a bit of their time. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we read 'For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.' God did not give us a spirit of fear. In God we find hope and new beginnings in lives that are in despair. I admit acting on that can be easier said then done.

Thinking about all the right things can be hard especially when we're worried about things like the health and needs of a loved one, if we'll have enough money to make ends meet or even be able to find the things we need. But God's word instructs us on how to do that in Philippians 4:6-9 'Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it, and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you.' When all is said and done it is much easier to hear or read God's instructions for us then it is to put them into practice with practice being the operative word. Practice. Practice. Practice. Keep bringing your thoughts back to love, joy, peace, and a place of tranquility one thought at a time. You don't have a deadline, you're not given a time frame to master controlling your mind, just remember it's for your benefit.

With all of this extra time on our hands we can also do things we've been putting off whether it's cleaning out the garage, organizing the closet, practicing a new song, doing a Bible study, or starting a new hobby. Personally I've got things I wanted to do and never had the time. But first I'm planning on starting a small garden so I'll have my own supply of healthy veggies that are so necessary and important to our immune system. This is a good time to get on that immune healthy diet by incorporating more veggies into it. I love this time of year because I love vegetables.

I plan to soon get started on a Bible study that I've been wanting to do of Hebrews 11. I've been wanting to dissect it and study the life of each historical person mentioned. We can learn so much from the lives and actions of others. These particular people are being mentioned for their great faith which is something we need at a time like this. Whether the precautions taken are an over reaction or not enough during a pandemic we can find peace, hope, and joy in our heavenly Father and his word, the Holy Bible. God, his Holy Spirit, and his Word have been bringing me peace and encouragement since I was a little girl and it will you also. God bless each and everyone. Keep your mind on the riches of God's grace and remember his unconditional love for you.

Lisa C

P R A I S E

Praise God

Do you want to beat the blues, get rid of fear, be full of joy, and have peace? Sing praises and hymns to God in the privacy of your home every day. You don't need a great singing voice. The Word of God says to make a joyful noise. We can do that. Raise your hands toward heaven and praise the Master of the universe, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

Paise God! He is our sufficiency in all things. He is our rock. He is our Savior. We can lean on him, our understanding is limited. He is all knowing. He is our lifeline in this world and for all of our eternal lives. He is our Knight in shining armor, our hero that never messes up. He always does what is best for us even when we can't see it. Sometimes unanswered prayers are answered prayers.

Suffering brings out the best in us. I know because I've been through the fire. I have suffered with my health, with pain, and feeling like life as I had known it and enjoyed it was over. Now I have an even better life because I'm more at peace with who I am, and where I'm at in life then I've ever been. And it's because through it all I have learned that God never leaves me nor forsake me, he strengthens me, he knows me, he will never let me down.

Where we mess up is we blame him for the bad things that happen because we know how powerful he is. What we don't understand is, he doesn't use that power to manipulate and control people. But what he does do, is he uses the stuff we go through to help us become better people, smarter people, stronger people. He will use what we go through to teach us. He will use what we go through to purify our hearts. It's not forced. It's not demanded of us. It's that quiet voice inside of us, that light in our heart that's taking over the darkness that once was there. He's the source of hope that we feel, that hope that keeps us going. We blame God for the bad things, the things we didn't want to happen but did. But those things, the hard things we go through shape us, mold us, make us better people for ourselves and the lives we touch.

When we take all we've learned from all the experiences we've been through and we put them to use to help others going through what we've been through, we're helping others. Be that blessing. Be that one who can be empathetic and stand up and say, "I will help that person. I will come through for that person. I will help that person go through their struggle and see the other side. I will help that person go through the fire." You can be someone's lifeline and lead them to Christ. You can help them get still and quiet their mind and listen for that quiet voice. You can stir up that hope inside them so they can feel it and overcome what they're going through.

Fire purifies gold. Be the gold. Throw your shoulders back and tackle whatever obstacle you're having head on. Be the gold. Walk through the fire knowing you're not alone. God is with you. He's got your back. Talk to him. Tell him everything, every detail. Let him in your heart. Let him be your rock and strengthen you.

God does not possess people. He does not make people do anything. He have us free will. We make up our own mind. We make our own decisions, good or bad, and so do all the other people we live with on this planet with. But you're special. You are special when you have been born again, become a child of God, and filled with the Holy Spirit because then you've got armor, then you've got power.

The Holy Spirit gives you advantages you don't have otherwise because you're connected to the all knowing. You are connected to the God who created the heavens and the earth, the God who knew you before you were knitted in your mother's womb. You were no accident. You're not abandoned or an orphan or all alone. You have access to God. Here is your father.

Jesus died to give us salvation. He is the reason we are covered by grace. What you do won't get you into heaven but what you believe will. Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and died on the cross for your sins? Do you believe that God raised him from the dead? Jesus loves you just like the song says. He shows true love all through the scriptures.

God, our Father, is love. He teaches people how to love. His love is the only true love. He doesn't control you. He doesn't manipulate you. He doesn't make you do anything you don't want to do. He just loves you and he's there waiting, wanting for you to love him. That's all he wants, your true love for him.

Praise God today. Don't let what's going on in the world today alarm you and steal your joy and peace. Praise God. Thank him for everything, one thing at a time. Say it to him in your heart and mind or out loud but tell him for every single thing you're thankful for, every single thing you appreciate. Thank him for the people in your life and for how they've touched your life and made you a better person. Praise Him! Give him the honor he deserves. Glorify his name, don't throw it around like a four letter word or just an expression. Honor his name! Praise Him.

If you don't know any hymns or gospel songs, play one on your phone, computer, tv, radio, whatever you've got and sing with it, dance to it with your hands raised in God's honor. Get out a hymnal and sing. Sing a Psalm to the Lord. The Book of Psalms in the Holy Bible are songs. Sing to the Lord.

Start today. Replace those ugly, negative, fearful thoughts with what God wants us to think about. He even tells us in his word, the Holy Bible, what things are good for us to think about because negative thinking is poison to us, it's poison to our lives, it interferes with our believing, with our faith. If you need a boost in your faith read Hebrews chair 11. And praise the Lord, sing to him, dance, love him, honor him. Let him know you trust him. Give all your burdens to him. Let go of your burdens and let God help you. Let God make a way.

Lisa C

I was in Prison and You Visited Me

We all are prisoners of some sort. There are prisons with walls, bars, and gates; and their are the prisons in our minds. We can be a prisoner of our past, a prisoner of hate, a prisoner of self loathing, a prisoner of fear, a prisoner of prejudicism, a prisoner of depression, a prisoner of pain whether physical or mental, a prisoner of revenge, a prisoner of pride, a prisoner of defeat, a prisoner of addiction to drugs, alcohol, porn, sex, shoplifting, and many others. We can be a prisoner of fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of being alone, fear that our abuser is right and we can't make it on our own. There is the prison of guilt, the prison of making a fool out of yourself, the prison of going outside, meeting new people, making changes, the fear of the unknown, the fear of letting go even when what you have isn't good for your.

The prisons in our mind are fortified with negative thoughts. Out minds are attacked with thoughts that feed our fear, thoughts of helplessness, confusion, and failures. Thoughts of all our failures, all the terrible things we've been through, thoughts of the things we've done wrong, thoughts of the things we've lost, thoughts of the people we've lost, thoughts of missed opportunities, thoughts of the sin we've committed, thoughts of the sin in our life, thoughts of the negative and hurtful things people have said to us, thoughts of personal attacks to our character, thoughts of how unimportant and unloved and unlovable we are, thoughts of guilt, and thoughts of why we don't deserve to be loved or happy. These thoughts are the metal bars, walls and gates that keep us in prison. These thoughts are our stumbling blocks, our enemy. These thoughts take the wind out of our sail. They take the water from beneath the boat. They take the engine out of the car.

We can break free from these prisons and we have help. Many verses in the Holy Bible are about freedom. We can be set free from these misconceptions, these lies that we believe about ourself and our life, wrongful believing about who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are to us, and sin. Some of my favorite Bible truths are that Jesus is for us not against us, he will never leave us nor forsake us, and that if God is for us then who can be against us?

It takes hard work to break free from our personal prisons because we have to acknowledge that we have a prison we need to be set free from. We have to search the scriptures and learn the promises and the facts about who we are in Christ. The internet is a great place to find scriptures on specific topics that we can find and read in the Bible. Don't let your eyes fog over and say well I knew there was a catch. Jesus planned to die for you before you were born so that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit and have a direct line of communication with our heavenly father. When you get out in left field, Jesus searches for you until he finds you and brings you back to the fold. You cannot work for salvation. Your works will not get you into heaven. Only your faith in Jesus's love and sacrifice will do that. You can't belittle what Jesus did for you by trying to work your way into heaven. That's already been done, to God be the glory. Praise and honor to Jesus Christ our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.

You will have to learn how to train your mind and what you think. You will have to bring into submission your emotions when they try to run away from you or prevent you from living your best life. You have to bring into submission the negative thoughts and consciously replace them with positive, godly, holy thoughts. You are God's child, his creation, his baby. He is protective and he is going to teach us what we need to know and do so we will live a life bearing the fruit of the spirit which are love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, self control, patience, gentleness, and goodness.

There are numerous verses in the Bible about being set free. Search the scriptures. Read a daily devotional. Dwell on scripture, God's promises, who we are in Christ, think on those things which are good and godly. God wants for us to live a more than abundant life. He wants for us to be healthy, whole, and to live in peace with inner joy. These things come from him and knowing him, having a relationship with him. Communication is key to a relationship. Talk to God. Tell him everything. He wants to hear you say every detail and set yourself free from that heavy baggage. There were times in my life that I felt so unworthy to be loved by God but I found out that some of the most amazing things that he's done for me was during those times. He is fighting for us, always working in the background to turn things in our favor. Do yourself a favor, put your trust in God.

Lisa C

Healing and the Paschal Lamb

I've been using my down time over the past several days to polish up a book that I wrote many years ago and add more to it so that I can add more testimonies of healing and grace to it; that is when I've been able to see it. My vision has been so blurry. Praise God he used it to teach me some things about myself and to bless me.

God doesn't make us sick but he will use it for our good, to have a closer relationship with us, teach us something, bless us or others, so many possibilities. He turns even our mistakes into blessings. And he gives us an eternal life with new bodies that will never get sick, wear out or die. This down time with added time in the scriptures, prayer, and joyful praise in my home, and thinking about all the ways God has blessed me was just what I needed. I'm not saying he caused me to be sick, but he has certainly blessed me and my heart every day through it and I feel stronger spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

My children and grandchildren have been through some stuff the past two weeks, two longer than that. Some have had the flu, some have things going on I won't mention. I have been worrying and anxious, wanting to do something to help them, to change things for them. I can't change things that they go through; but I can pray and be there for them and encourage them in the Lord who I know will never leave them nor forsake them. And I know I shouldn't be anxious. I should have been trusting God and that's the main thing he's helped me with this week, keeping my eyes on him and trusting him.

I feel better today after a couple shots n meds that I got yesterday when I went to the Dr. I guess the flu decided to leave me with impacted and infected sinuses. I'm so glad I had gotten a flu shot. It could have been a whole lot worse. We all have sickness and trials but none of us go through them alone. God never forsakes us nor leaves us. It may seem like it sometimes because we can't see him through all the despair and have our eyes on our problems instead of him, but when we take our eyes off of our problems and keep them on him, our Redeemer, we see that he is right there with us, waiting for us to lean on him and trust him.

It breaks my heart when people blame God for making them or a loved one sick, or for being in an accident and hurt, or for other things that tear at their faith and stab them in their heart. God didn't bring sin into the world. He didn't intend for us to live in sin or sickness or the other terrible things we go through. He gave man free will. Man brought sin into the world when he disobeyed God. Man broke the perfect fellowship he had with God by sinning against God. Then so that man would not eat from the tree of Life and live forever God kicked them out of the garden of Eden.

The only way we can live in harmony and fellowship with God now is through his unique Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was born and lived as a man, flesh and blood, and willingly suffered throughout his life, suffered and was crucified as the paschal lamb for our sins therefore completing the law, bringing us into the period of grace that we live in, and through his blood and stripes we are healed. Praise God for that and for these miraculous bodies that fight off viruses, infections and disease. And praise God for the advanced medical care we have today. It's amazing what can happen when people use their gifts and talents to be a blessing to others.

I praise God for all his benefits. He blesses us and is working behind the scenes for us and will perform miracles in our lives if we'll just follow him. We read in Psalm's 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

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We Have Been Given Power

We are not without power to overcome. We are not vulnerable, nor have we been given a weak mind. We are given power to overcome, edified by the Holy Spirit. God is waiting for us to give him power to do his will in our life, waiting to turn things in our favor. He is ready, as a powerful and loving Father, to align our circumstances according to his will. Won't you study and know his promises, trust him to pour out his favor and blessings on YOU? He loves you unconditionally. He is able and willing to turn things in your favor. Align your will with his.

And He said to them, I saw Satan falling like a lightning [flash] from heaven. Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are enrolled in heaven. [Exod. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1.]
Luke 10:18‭-‬20 AMPC

Lisa C