tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89412903683959342842024-03-28T08:41:13.234-04:00God Is LoveThis is a blog sharing my own testimonies, personal experiences, mistakes, triumphs, healing's and what I have learned about God and His Word, the Holy Bible.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-30758713256487116152024-03-28T08:40:00.001-04:002024-03-28T08:40:40.423-04:00Knowledge<div>What is knowledge? We read in Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou (you) have rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee (you), that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast (have) forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy (your) children." The Hebrew word for knowledge in this verse is da'at. It means knowledge, perception, skill, discernment, understanding, wisdom. In the book of Hosea we read that Israel had turned from God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and become a sinful nation. God warned them and pleaded with them through his servant Hosea. God wanted the people of Israel to stop worshipping false gods and idols and living in sin, to repent so that he could remove his reproach from them. God now wants the United States to stop worshipping idols, false gods, and themselves. He wants this nation as a whole to repent and turn from their evil and wicked ways. Pray for our nation. Pray for every person in this nation to repent and worship the one true God, Yahweh, and become sanctified in the Lord. Pray for one another. ALL SCRIPTURE IS FROM KING JAMES HOLY BIBLE.</div><div><br></div><div>Prayer: Father, God, we come to you through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank you for this country which you have blessed and protected. We thank you for freedom and the rights as citizens to live without prejudice. We thank you for your love, mercy, grace and patience. Father we ask you to turn the political and church leaders of the United States back to you and your ways. We ask you to lead and guide this nation back to being 'one nation under God', a nation in covenant with you, serving you as a whole, a nation envied by the world because your protection and blessings were upon us. Father we pray that it doesn't take more terror, disease and bloodshed for this nation as a whole to see that we need your protection and should be content with your blessings. Father we pray that each and every believer be strengthened, and each and every citizen of the United States recognize you as the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the one true God, and be filled with your holy spirit. We pray for your leadership and guidance. In Jesus name we humbly ask. Amen.</div><div><br></div><div>Written by Lisa C</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-73465226888354130352024-02-04T18:18:00.001-05:002024-02-04T18:18:31.686-05:00Second video of Testimonies of HealingWatch my second video about me being healed from mitral valve prolapse, enlarged heart, hypertension, memory loss, spinal canal stenosis, and bone spurs. Please follow the link below.<div><br></div><div>Written by Lisa C</div><div><br></div><div>https://www.facebook.com/simplefunheaven?mibextid=ZbWKwL <br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-83696439877970191942024-01-31T22:20:00.001-05:002024-01-31T22:20:09.634-05:00My first testimony video<div><div>A while back I said that I would start sharing my testimonies and personal experiences with God. This is my first. I hope it blesses your heart. God bless you.</div></div><div><br></div>Check out my video on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/simplefunheaven?mibextid=ZbWKwL <div><br></div><div>Lisa C.<br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-33649594369851287442024-01-21T08:51:00.002-05:002024-01-21T08:53:07.291-05:00Who Are We to Not Forgive Them?<p dir="ltr">Is it not right for God to forgive people who have done terrible things to us or hurt us or others? Is it not right for us to forgive others? The Apostle Paul, afore known as Saul of Tarsus, murdered and inprisoned Christians including women. He was so feared that the the man of God Ananias feared him and did not want to minister to him for salvation nor healing. But God changed his mind and he ministerer to Paul and Paul went on to do great things for God. Another example is the prophet Jonah who ran from God to avoid preaching redemption to the wicked people of Ninevah who had done much evil in the sight of God. God was going to destroy them if they didn't turn from their wickederness and evil ways, which they did. The King of Ninevah gave an order for everyone to fast and pray for mercy and forgiveness in hope that God would change his mind and not destroy them. God had mercy on them and did not destroy them. Jonah was angry because he wanted the people to be punished. Then God caused a plant to grow overnight to give Jonah cover from the sun and heat. God also made the plant die over night. Jonah was very upset about the plant dying. We see in the final three verses of The Book of Jonah that God used the plant to demonstrate his love and mercy for people. God asked Jonah why shouldn't he, God, care about the more than hundred twenty thousand people in Ninevah that didn't know their right had from their left when Jonah cared so much about a plant that died that he didn't plant nor help to grow. Often we can see our own predicament and care most about the things that immediately effect us but not see the predicaments that others are in nor offer them mercy, grace or forgiveness. Is not God showing us in The Book of Jonah that we should do what God tells us to do, calls us to do, and care about others even if they're not who we want them to be or they're not acceptable according to our standards. Who are we to set standards as to who God does or doesn't forgive and bless? People have become so vain, so self important, that they lack sympathy and compassion. Let's ask God to help us align our hearts and minds with his and our will with his will so that our actions are done to the glory of God not our own selfish gain.</p>
<p dir="ltr">đź“śâ€â€Jonah‬ â€4:9â€-‬11‬ â€NIV‬‬<br>
[9] But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he said. “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” [10] But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. [11] And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”</p>
<p dir="ltr">Written by: Lisa C</p>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-75078350887449937502023-12-26T12:56:00.001-05:002023-12-26T12:56:37.912-05:00There's No Greater Pain then Losing a ChildI miss my daughter, Mazie, so very much. I am thankful for each and every one of Mazie's friends who have called me, texted me, messaged me, visited me and kept in touch these past thirteen months, and for my family members, church family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers who have prayed for me, and encouraged me in the Lord these past 13 months. From my experience there is no pain nor loss that is worse than that of losing a child. I thank God for giving me faith, strength, peace and joy through all of this. If Mazie had lived she would be 29 years old January 6th of 2024.<div><br></div><div>About 30 years ago I prayed for God to heal me and bless me with a little girl. I was healed, became pregnant, and blessed with being Mazie's mom. My daughter was hurt, abused, lost faith in God, people, and herself. She used drugs recreationally as she lost faith in herself and others but as the hurt and abuse and depression continued she used drugs I believe to escape. People she loved and cared about used her, verbally and physically abused her, hurt her deeply, ripped away everything she held dear in this life and she lost more and more of herself and her faith in God until she no longer had any hope. I prayed and prayed, many of us prayed for my daughter to be healed, filled with God's peace and inner joy that comes only from being in a relationship with God, and to know He loved her unconditionally and strengthened her and covered her with His grace, and know he wanted to get her out of that situation. God did. She did. I give God all the glory, honor and praise. And then Mazie went home to be with God. <div><br></div><div>God's word says for us to trust Him with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. I trust my heavenly Father. I trust God and rejoice that my daughter was saved, experienced the peace and joy from feeling His love, and through faith and hope found a way out of all the heartache, hurt and loss that she had experienced and was experiencing trying to get out of the life she was in. She had faith again. She had hope of a better life. Would I have loved to have seen her completely out of the situation she was in and living the happy and whole life that she hoped for and I wanted for her? Yes. But I trust God. He allowed her to die. I don't know why. But I trust Him. I know it's part of a plan. I know he loved her unconditionally. I know he blotted out all her sin. I know he gave her faith, hope, peace, joy and everlasting life. I know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.</div><div><br></div><div>Through the blood of Jesus we are saved and are forgiven of all our sins. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior all of our mistakes and sins are blotted out. Our sin is as far from us as the East is from the West. There's a reason why God wants us to follow the straight and narrow path. If a man commits adultery and God forgives him he still must face the repercussion of that sin against his wife and marriage. If a woman steals and God forgives her she may still go to prison for stealing. If a people have promiscuous sex and contract a disease God will forgive them and help them through it. God strengthens us and helps us through the repercussions of our sin in this world whether we've sinned against him, people, or our body. God turns even our mistakes into blessings. God loves us as his dearly beloved children. He doesn't want us to sin because sin has repercussions. </div><div><br></div><div>Everything he teaches us is for our good and our benefit. God's word says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I believe Mazie's spirit has returned to God and that she is in a constant state of joy and peace that we all look forward to experiencing one day when we go home to be with the Lord. Was she murdered? Did she have a panic attack or asthma attack and couldn't breath? Did she use again and it killed her? Did she die at someone else's hand through negligence or abuse? I don't know. Maybe I'll never know. But do I trust God and believe she's with him? Yes. Do I believe in God's justice? Yes. Do I believe God will forgive or has forgiven people who hurt Mazie, and people who contributed to her death in some way? Yes. Do I forgive them? Yes. Do I believe she's been healed and living in a state of constant joy and peace? Yes. I thank God for the almost 28 years that I had Mazie. </div><div><br></div><div>I Thank God for the love, joy, happiness and blessing of being her mom. I thank God for each and every memory that she lives on in. I remember the first time that I thought about Mazie after her death without breaking down and crying. It was a happy memory and brought a laugh to my lips. It was a relief to remember her and laugh. I know that the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy us, our lives, our family, our health, our hope, our faith, and will do anything he can to wedge a gap in our relationship with God. I thank God for bringing Mazie back to Him through His love and for her knowing and experiencing His peace and the joy of knowing Him as a loving Father, and understanding His grace before she died. And I thank Him for me knowing this. </div><div><br></div><div>People get in horrible wrecks and don't get as much as a scratch. Others get into a fender bender and die. Some fight fatal diseases and overcome. Others die quickly. Some shoot themselves point blank and live to have a change in heart and a better life. Others die from silly accidents. Some suffer for years and years then finally give their heart to Christ and live the remainder of their life in joy and peace and constant praise for the change God did in them and their life. I thank God that Mazie was His child and promised everlasting life. That gives me peace. Before she died I saw the transformation in her, her heart, her faith in God, in hope that comes from knowing we're not of this world but a better world to come, and the longing and determination to overcome her demons. I don't know of anyone who knew Mazie who wasn't changed for the better. She loved unconditionally. She believed in people. She selflessly helped and loved people. She believed in God. She was an encourager. She believed love could change the world. She lost that belief and hope for a while. And then found it again in God's love for her, His grace he covered her with, and strength, peace, and inner joy He gave to her. It's hard to believe how much God loves us. We're flawed. We are far from perfect. </div><div><br></div><div>We make huge mistakes and do stupid things. God's Word says we are as filthy rags. But He makes us clean. He is merciful. He covers us with grace. We cannot work our way into heaven. Only faith in His love for us will get us into heaven. Oh, if only everyone understood God's grace and would accept His love for them. We are not saved through our works but through faith in Him and what He did for us. Upon getting to know God better we come to know God's mercy and grace and how we are cleansed by the blood of Jesus who died on the cross for us that we might be saved and have everlasting life. Jesus overcame death and took the keys to death and hell. The grave has no hold on us. Jesus went through the same trials, hurt, pain and temptations we do. He was wrongfully accused, beaten nearly to death, then died a sinners shameful death on a cross for us. But he prevailed. He rose from the dead, King of Kings. He overcame the world. Through Jesus we are saved, healed, strong, and overcome this world. Through Jesus we become better people and we live a better life, a life filled with the fruit and gifts of Holy Spirit.<br></div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-18248020854394392162023-11-29T23:39:00.001-05:002023-11-29T23:39:47.858-05:00Bless My Friend PrayerFather God, <div> We boldly come to you as your daughters, beloved, chosen, and favored. Thank you for washing us in the blood of Jesus, healing us through his stripes and wounds, and blessing us beyond measure. Our cups runneth over. Thank you Father for your amazing grace, mercy, peace, joy, and happiness from within our spirit which rest in you. Father we ask you to give us a glad heart, to bring to our remembrance who we are in Christ and of all the miracles we've witnessed. Thank you Father for the person reading this prayer. Thank you for healing her mind, heart, and soul as she remembers who she is in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-63732392987375387402023-11-05T09:58:00.001-05:002023-11-05T09:58:19.699-05:00A Prayer For YouFather, we come to you in the name of Jesus Christ our precious Savior who willingly gave his blood for us to form a new covenant and make us your sons and daughters. Thank you for your perfect love for us that you freely give to us. Thank you for your mercy and compassion that you so freely bestow upon us. Thank you for grace, Father, that nothing we are given whether it's your love or compassion or mercy is merit based. It's nothing to do with us or what we deserve or don't deserve. It's all you, a loving Father, who wishes to pour out his love on us until we see how much love, gifts and privileges we have as your children. Thank you, God, that becoming your child, saved, promised eternal life, mercy and grace are as simple as believing and receiving. Father, I lift to you my dear friend who is reading and praying this prayer with me. I ask you, Father, to knit your heart with hers, to embrace her with your holy spirit and fill her and the place she's in with your peace and light. I ask you, Father, to fill her with undeniable joy that comes from her spirit which was made in your image. Bless her, Father, with heavenly and eternal blessings and wisdom. Bless her, Father, with faith that can move mountains, acceptance of your unconditional love so you can pour into her spirit and her life, and bless her with constantly being aware that she's your daughter, your beloved, and you're always with her and will never leave her. In the powerful name of Jesus Christ our risen Lord and Savior, AMEN.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-23839767873762950492023-09-18T13:18:00.001-04:002023-09-18T13:18:12.392-04:00In the Ground She Lay Her wings are soaked with tears<div>In the ground she lay</div><div>Her sorrow lasted for years</div><div>Where were the children at play</div><div><br></div><div>An angel with broken wings cannot fly</div><div>With the heart of a friend and the spirit of a wolf</div><div>Trying to dig out of the pit she did die</div><div>In pain and fear she was engulfed</div><div><br></div><div>Would she have flown higher with her babies</div><div>Would they have helped her as they have their father's</div><div>That prayer of hers is being answered I think</div><div>Would her broken heart been healed by laughter</div><div><br></div><div>These questions shall never be asked</div><div>The answers are only known to her Father</div><div>Always put God first children after friends last</div><div>Never sacrifice the sound of their laughter </div><div><br></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-14909645365100404232023-09-17T13:13:00.001-04:002023-09-17T13:13:54.141-04:00Do Not Take Offense and Cause Division<p dir="ltr">So many Christians leave their church because they are offended or hurt by someone in the church. Maybe they feel invisible, or feel like there's an in crowd and out crowd, or maybe they feel slighted or ostracized so they leave to find a place that they feel good at, feel like part of the family, appreciated, loved and important to the church leaders and those in the 'in' crowd. But the thing is, you are meant to be where God put you. The church is our sanctuary but it is also a battle ground. Souls are being fought for and won. Coalitions are formed and working together and praying together to break down strongholds in the community, strongholds on our children, strongholds on the leaders who have become corrupt, complacent, and sacrifice good people to meet their agenda. Right is right and wrong is wrong. There are no grey areas in God's eyes. He is no respector of persons and each and every one of his children is loved with a godly and unconditional love. Our God is just. Does he use the things we go through to help us grow, to help others grow, to drain the stagnant water and pour in fresh water - YES! He does! So don't leave. Don't doubt that you are where God has put you when he's confirmed it to you. Don't allow your feelings and emotions dictate your strength in Christ. Pray harder and dig down your heels and trust God to be your strength, your friend, your sanctuary and safe haven and your General. Win ground for God by standing your ground in adversity, trusting him, dwelling in his spirit and his word, looking for holes in your armor where darkness can creep in and cloud your vision and causing hurt, a break down in your confidence, loneliness, anger, spitefulness, or talking about others. Tell no one but God and watch him cause the people around you to grow and flourish. We are to love others with a Christ-like love. He forgave the people who beat and murdered him while he was dying. Let God's love shine through you and conquer the world around you. Let your light shine and win ground for Christ. Do not be offended but pray and love those who hurt you and watch God's love and will prevail. We are all under attack by our enemy. The powers of darkness want to beat us down and confuse us and use us being OFFENDED to break down relationships and DESTROY CHURCHES. If you're a child of God you're under spiritual attack. Your leaders, friends, family, finances, job, anything that directly impacts you can become a stumbling block for you if you fail to continuously put God first, set him above everything and everyone, and dwell in him, reading his word, singing praises, being thankful for each and every blessing, remembering his godly unconditional love and strength. Put God first and everything else will fall into place. That's a guarantee. The chips may not fall the way you want them to but rest assured, God's will be done and his kingdom magnified, you will be blessed beyond measure.</p><p dir="ltr"><br>
Written by Lisa C</p><p dir="ltr"><br>
🙏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; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,<br>
Ephesians 6:12â€-‬19 KJV</p>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-62742211962620904592023-09-17T10:27:00.000-04:002023-09-17T10:28:04.482-04:00Dwell in the Secret Place<div><div>My Heavenly Father is the first person that I talk to every morning. I love starting my day with him, praising him, praying to him, reading a devotional with him, and sharing his word, love, and encouragement with others. He is my everything and everyone to me! He is the best part of life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. </div><div><br></div><div>Written by Lisa C</div><div><br></div><div>🙏Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.</div><div>John 14:6 KJV</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.6.KJV</div></div><div><br></div><div>Written by Lisa C</div><div><br></div><div>🙏Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.</div><div>John 14:6 KJV</div><div>https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.6.KJV</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-49330708311223224182023-08-25T06:46:00.001-04:002023-08-25T06:46:38.711-04:00Shield of FaithI woke up thinking about Job from the Book of Job in the Holy Bible. I have experienced so much loss but it is so little compared to what Job loss. I lost my daughter, my dad, my fur baby, and due to a car accident I have a deformed finger, and I lost a job that I loved. All of these things took place in a matter of a year. The car accident was in May, I lost my dad November 1st and my daughter November 20th. I lost my job and my fur baby within that year. But job lost all of his son's and daughters and all of his wealth on the same day. And he suffered tremendously physically from boils. He was in so much pain. His friends accused him of doing wrong in the sight of God. His wife told him to curse God and die. (Job 1:13â€-‬19 KJV And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: and the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: and, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.)<div><br></div><div>But Job held tight to his Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:16 KJV Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.) He remained faithful to God. He did not doubt God nor blame him for everyone and everything he lost nor his physical condition. He did not curse God. He did not allow his circumstances to destroy his relationship with God. He stood strong. In the end, God blessed Job with a whole lot more then he had lost. </div><div><br></div><div>Don't lose sight of God's unconditional love, mercy, or grace. Keep your eyes on him through all of the hard times as well as the good. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. </div><div><br></div><div><div>(Philippians 1:3â€-‬6 KJV I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.)</div><div><br></div><div>Written by: Lisa Clewis </div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-28733921533084131872023-08-22T23:04:00.003-04:002023-09-17T13:14:15.197-04:00I Lifted My Hands in Prayer Even Then<div>I used to wonder why the Holy Bible states praise is a sacrifice that we make. Then I learned first hand that when you praise God even through the tough times like losing a loved one, a home, a job, or whatever the case may be, you gain strength and are filled with joy, peace and love. Have you ever heard someone say praise God until you have a break through? It really works. When you can continue to trust God and praise Him even when you're hurt, angry, confused or utterly crushed by life you are supernaturally lifted up in a way that only God can do. Even when you're sobbing so hard you can barely speak or sing, lift your hands to God and start praising him. Everything we're directed to do in the Holy Bible is for our benefit. We are God's children and like any parent he is sometimes misunderstood. He wants good things for us, not evil. So next time you're hurt, shocked, feel lost or afraid, start praising the one who can give you supernatural strength to get through it. He will never leave you. Just praise him, trust him, until you feel him. </div><div><br></div><div>Last year I was in a life changing car accident no fault of my own. I have a permanent deformity. I also went through a lot with my daughter. It was a nightmare. We want so much to protect our children. I lost my daughter. She died twenty days after I lost my step dad whom I was very close to. That in itself was a horrible experience. He suffered so much. I lost a job that I loved. Even though the work stress was affecting my health, I loved what I was doing. And I lost a beloved pet which was my daughter's pet until she was old enough to leave home. She couldn't take her with her. These are just some of the main events. This isn't conclusive of everything I went through or was going through. But through it all I learned the secret to unbelievable strength to get through anything and I learned how to tap into God's peace and joy and love and to feel his presence even though I felt completely crushed on the inside and so far away from him. I learned to praise until I had a breakthrough. God honors his word. He keeps his promises. He is not a man that he should lie. And his love is unconditional. Honor him with praise, trust him, even when you don't understand it all. He will be your refuge, your strength, your night in shining armor, and your closest friend to through it all, whatever you're going to through. When you want to give up and die, praise Him. Lift your hands to Him. Wave your hands at Him. Let him see you humbled by your heartache, and lift you up and set you on higher ground. </div><div><br></div><div>Written by Lisa C.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7zgYo3UC8uf0nIb4-Op6a7WFSbBLQb5_qWXz5sWaPtV7vTtOue3NdgJecL6YuoNvYfvBbv1_bEuqAm1ptwu3Mm_ek1e0knCl38JEdjsXe_Gy8X8QonsQIGz8Sg2cLuNp5bCDrKtEg6MdUSYYRhfa2a3rWw-X9U2pMnx8gWYgRrAEMYGY8mRpq0Bdn5s18" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7zgYo3UC8uf0nIb4-Op6a7WFSbBLQb5_qWXz5sWaPtV7vTtOue3NdgJecL6YuoNvYfvBbv1_bEuqAm1ptwu3Mm_ek1e0knCl38JEdjsXe_Gy8X8QonsQIGz8Sg2cLuNp5bCDrKtEg6MdUSYYRhfa2a3rWw-X9U2pMnx8gWYgRrAEMYGY8mRpq0Bdn5s18" width="400">
</a>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyVjx47KnOTzBvNpBxpBQ1BY4zFtx_8CvZqts-GpkEI_ez_A1nBQECTkh7r6nxhliXPtSgl8Qz6sRo2T1U_cRR8qk3aufUpyJ_nILxTWTGhDAKoXsg1Jg483p68wbueRLkbevNglke6ZIDlQwTPmVXuH_En54nHtkWmF9CPzAXJlF2FiLM31aweWqGIE2p" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyVjx47KnOTzBvNpBxpBQ1BY4zFtx_8CvZqts-GpkEI_ez_A1nBQECTkh7r6nxhliXPtSgl8Qz6sRo2T1U_cRR8qk3aufUpyJ_nILxTWTGhDAKoXsg1Jg483p68wbueRLkbevNglke6ZIDlQwTPmVXuH_En54nHtkWmF9CPzAXJlF2FiLM31aweWqGIE2p" width="400">
</a>
</div><br></div><div>🙏By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.</div><div>Hebrews 13:15â€-‬16 KJV</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-87074457938791915502023-08-12T07:43:00.001-04:002023-08-12T07:43:01.306-04:00Daily EncouragementVisit my Facebook page, Simple Fun & Heaven for daily inspiration and encouragement. Tap Link to join https://www.facebook.com/simplefunheaven?mibextid=ZbWKwLLisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-81362062519682795562023-07-15T10:28:00.001-04:002023-07-15T10:28:27.040-04:00MarriageSo little is taught at home or understood today about what God expects the relationship between a husband and wife to be like. It's never one sided. It's never each to his own. It's never turn your back on your parents and just be there for your spouse's every whim. It's a two become one type of relationship. Two become one in purpose, one in a heart for God, one in love towards others. They put God first and each other second, then their children, parents and so forth. They put their spouse only second to God, not second to mom or second to dad, or second to their child, or second to their job, or second to their friends. This is one reason why it's so important to be married to someone who is a believer rather then a non- Christian or someone who knows about God but chooses to live their life following after the world; drugs, alcohol, partying, selfishness and self-centeredness, anything he/she puts ahead of God, spouse, and children, etc. It's God, then your husband or wife, then your children. Friends are further down the list. <div><br></div><div>Think of your relationships in circles. You are in the center of the circle. The next circle around you is God. The next circle is your spouse. The next circle is your children. The next circle is your combined family and so on. Do you see where I'm going with this. Keep your circles small. Hold close those that are close to your heart because when they're gone you've lost a part of you, a part of who you are, a part of your flesh and blood. </div><div><br></div><div>Often I see husband's disrespect their wives and show very little compassion towards them because that's what they saw their dad do. I see wives disrespect their husbands behind their back and joke about manipulating him to do what they want him to do. This is so far off the word of God, selfish, sinful, and a shaky foundation for the marriage to say the least. Don't be like other couples. Don't be like other families. </div><div><br></div><div>Know what your heart and your spouse's heart are for God and how you want to serve God together, your heart for your children and how you want to train them up to be, and your heart for others and how you want to serve others. By 'you' I mean you and your spouse. Know your spouse's heart and make a heart connection. Become one in heart and purpose. You'll be unstoppable.<br></div><div><div><br></div><div>Written by: Lisa C</div><div><br></div><div>🙏Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
</div><div>Ephesians 5:24â€-‬33 KJV</div></div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-42626064013734191262023-07-09T21:04:00.001-04:002023-07-09T21:04:36.941-04:00We Create Our Own DestinyWe sow a thought, and reap an action. <div>We sow an action, and reap a habit.</div><div>We sow a habit, and reap a character.</div><div>We sow a character, and reap a destiny. </div><div>Unseen thoughts produce visible consequences.</div><div> -Author Unknown-</div><div><br></div><div> Be careful what you do and say in front of your children. You're molding their character, the foundation for their belief system or the lack of one, and their heart. Remember, teach your children God's ways, use the rod of correction which is the word of God, and love them unconditionally. Teach them how to recognize sin, repent, and believe in God's mercy and grace. And teach them to not associate with people who don't believe in and reverence God because it will be to their demise if they do. </div><div> Guilt, low self-esteem, feeling dirty keep people from going to God and having a close relationship with God. I lived in sin twice in my life. I had to learn. Other people have to learn too. God taught me by miraculously healing me from mitral valve prolapse, enlarged heart, and a heart spotted with scar tissue. He made my heart completely healthy and perfect when I could not forgive myself nor understood God's mercy and grace. That is how I learned that God is a forgiving God and loves me unconditionally. </div><div> God is a God of mercy, grace, and unconditional love. Don't we owe it to him to teach our children, love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and forgive others?</div><div><br></div><div>Written by,</div><div><br></div><div>Lisa C.</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-88530092494567238802023-06-14T08:32:00.001-04:002023-06-14T08:32:37.650-04:00Only Believe Sometimes unanswered prayers are answered prayers. God said that he will not allow more to be put on us than what we can bear. Everyone wants God to bless them, but who do you know that truly submits to God? Our will must be in alignment with God's will. Do we know the mind of God? Do we know what lies ahead of us? There are two forces at work in this world. One is the forces of evil that wants to kill, steal and to destroy our soul and does so through ignorance, and trickery. The other is the one true God in whose image we were created. Your conscious mind and the seat of your emotions; that is your soul. To win this battle you must control your mind and thoughts. You must bring every thought into subjection. The biggest battle for your soul is in your mind. There is hope because the fruit of the holy spirit within us are love, joy, peace, self-control, patience, goodness and kindness. These will come from within when you invite God's Holy Spirit to come into your heart and life. Evil spirits can put thoughts into your mind, but cannot read your mind. Satan cannot read your mind. Only God knows our thoughts. Learn God's Word and his will and desires for you. Anything that is contradictory to what is in God's Word is a lie. Don't worry so much about whether or not you understand all of the Word correctly, ask Holy Spirit to come into your heart and be your leader and guide; he will. Ask for wisdom. He will give it to you. As we mature more and more of God's Word is opened up to our understanding. Study the Holy Bible using the tools on blueletterbible.com or Greek and Hebrew concordances to learn the scriptures and get a better understanding of God's Word. When Jesus was tempted by Satan he used his knowledge of the holy scriptures to defeat Satan. Take an active part in taking care of your soul. Choose where you will spend eternity. It's as simple as believing that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on the cross for your sins and rose from the dead three days later. Some wonder why a blood sacrifice was necessary. Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old law, the old covenant between God and mankind after mankind chose knowledge of good and evil over life. Now we have a new covenant and through the blood of Jesus that was shed for us we can become sons and daughters of God. Through praise, worship and repentance we can go before God and petition Him without any sin, guilt or condemnation. We only have to believe and ask God to forgive us of our sins in the name of his son, Jesus Christ and confess with our mouth that we believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead. Then we are saved. We are washed clean like new born babes. And inviting the Holy Spirit into our minds and hearts and allowing holy spirit to produce the fruit of the spirit within us helps us submit to God and live our best life.Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-10165417756319106032023-04-30T08:59:00.001-04:002023-04-30T08:59:02.026-04:00Stop Being Self-Defeated<div>Preaching, teaching, witnessing, giving your testimony or even being a child of God is not for the faint hearted. It takes guts and backbone to stand up for God, your freedom to worship and preach/teach/witness to others. Jesus didn't say follow me and I'll make your life a peaceful walk through a field of beautiful wild flowers. Jesus said take up your cross and follow me. He said those who do not accept me will not accept you. You spiritually stink to unbelievers. Quit trying to ride the fence and live in both worlds because without the armor of God you will be mowed down by the devil and evil spirits. When you drink or use something that alters your mind you open a gateway for evil spirits to attach themselves to you. When you profess negatives and curses over yourself, your life or your children you give the devil and evil spirits the right to inflict those things which you've said on yourself and your loved ones. Repent for not putting God first. Repent for your words. Live life to it's fullest in God's grace. Only God can fill you with Holy Spirit who teaches, leads and guides you, gives you word of knowledge, speaks through you. Don't make your addictions or your 'easy life' or 'me time ' your God. Stand up for what's right. Be a change maker one day, one moment at a time. Be someone who does what's right in God's eyes.</div><div><br></div><div>By: Lisa C</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-75904897777368872672023-04-23T18:41:00.000-04:002023-04-23T18:41:08.779-04:00YouTube Channel Sharing God's Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br>
</div>https://youtu.be/2579tgn_Pa4 <br>
<br>
Hi, I started a YouTube channel so that I can share God's love via video. I hope that you enjoy watching.<br>
<br>
Lisa CLisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-62280715360254491602023-04-23T18:33:00.000-04:002023-04-23T18:33:01.283-04:00Choices<p dir="ltr">We all have the freedom to make our own choices. But some choices can take our freedom. We can choose to build our treasures in heaven where moth nor rust can corrupt it. Or we can choose to build our treasure here on earth where nothing is permanent. Sometimes we want to build our treasures in people and family or things because we feel like they complete us and make us whole or happy. Nothing is permanent except God and your eternal life. People will hurt you, break your heart, and take away all your treasure here on earth just to control and manipulate you because they are selfish, broken or both. They need God. You can't be God to them and love them enough to change them. Only God can do that. Never do anything that is wrong to make someone 'love' you or want to be with you. That is the first sign that the relationship will be a disaster for you. Circumstances change. Your needs will change throughout your life. What's important to you may change. But God never changes. He is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. He is not a man that he can lie. He is always the same. Have you ever met a person that was always the same every time you saw him; always loved you the same, always treated you the same, always was interested in you the same. How he felt about you never changed. The Bible says we should put God first. God, then your spouse, then your children; in that order. Putting God first gives you a solid foundation on which to live. People can mature in the LORD and become stable in their mind and emotions but they got that way by putting God first. God, his unconditional love, his ability and willingness to make us complete, his ability and willingness to make our lives complete, never changes. He won't force you to change, to do his will, or to be and do what he wants you to. He gives us freedom of choice. Everything that is done whether good or evil was done from freedom of choice. As you get older what you think is important, will change. The Bible says when you put your trust in God you will change from glory to glory as you get closer and closer to the Lord and learn more and more about him and his will and choose to do his will. His will is his word, the Bible. The Holy Bible is God breathed, written by holy men of God. God gave them the words to write down to bring us wisdom, guidance and knowledge in written form. So many people blame God for the terrible things that go on in this world and yet they continue to make poor choices. They don't take time to get to know God or find out what his will is by reading the Holy Bible. Read the Bible. The New Testament is written for us. In the Old Testament you'll find prophecies about Jesus the Christ, his birth, life, death, and eternal life. He was with God from the beginning, before the world began and sits at God's right hand. God's will is for our good. If you read or have read the old covenant, those things written were to protect the people from human tendencies, from their poor choices and from the poor choices that people around them made. We want a shroud of protection around us and our loved ones yet look to the world for it. This life is temporary. Teach your children about God. Teach your children his will. Teach your children God's ways; how to handle heartache, abuse, trauma and loss in his loving, capable arms. Also, teach them that when they make poor choices that separate them from God, he is waiting with open arms to welcome them back into a relationship with him; forgiving them, washing them clean, healing them from the affects poor choices or trauma has had on them and their life. Your children will have eternal life with God. They will live forever with God who is love. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I miss my daughter Mazie Clewis so much. Towards the end of her life she realized how loving, forgiving and healing God is. She felt that perfect, unconditional love, a love with no strings attached that only comes from God. Like many of us do she had lost her way and felt like she wasn't good enough for God, like she couldn't or shouldn't be forgiven because of the mistakes she had made. But she finally realized that no human being is good enough on his own nor can be perfect and that God completes us and makes us whole. He fills in all those gaps of imperfection. He makes us whole again. She found that through the blood of Jesus who loves us with a perfect, unselfish love we can be forgiven and his arms are always open. He is our advocate. He gave his life for us so that through him we have forgiveness. God loves us unconditionally as his children. He doesn't want any of us to be lost, to be separated from him. But he's a gentleman. He won't force you to come to him. He waits patiently for you to choose him. Mazie found so much peace and joy in God before she died. She had planned to go away to a rehab and get well. But from what I understand she used one more time which was her last. I can't say that's what killed her. I haven't gotten her autopsy report yet. I know several people wanted her dead because she knew too much about the things they did and they were afraid she would talk if she got out. But her mind was already out. She put her treasure in God. She found the wonderful peace and joy that only comes from him. She was afraid to live with family because our lives had been threatened. From what I understand someone was angry with her, very ugly to her, controlling her, not allowing her to leave because she chose to get clean and live right, she was leaving the next day to start over, and she used again. I don't know for certain but that is what it sounded like on the phone with the person. But then I think I know where the drugs came from. Those people could have intentionally killed her, or just made another bad batch of drugs that killed her. Using drugs is like playing Russian roulette. You don't know what you're putting in your body. Drugs steal, kill, and destroy people , their relationships and their lives. Broken people make and sell drugs. Broken people are runners. Broken people give people drugs to ensure a viable income when they get addicted. Broken people give people drugs to ensure they'll stay with them and do what they tell them to. Broken people abuse people and manipulate people. Broken people expect the worst out of everyone. Broken people push others away and don't trust anyone. Broken people feel like they're not lovable and that nothing good happens to them. But through God they all can be healed from the inside out and live a life filled with peace and joy. They will have a perfect eternal life. If you have an addiction please realize that anything you put above God, anything you use as a go to for everything, anything worldly you have put your trust in to make you happy and peaceful or help you forget besides God will eventually destroy you or come to an end. This doesn't happen because of God or because it's his fault. This happens because everything in this world comes to an end. The thief, Satan, comes to kill, steal and destroy. Jesus came to bring life and for us to have an abundant life. Put your treasure in heaven where moth nor rust can corrupt, where eternal life begins. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, forever. And he wants to have a close, intimate relationship with you and give you the fruit of the spirit. đź“ś22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 đź“śFor the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
<br>
2 Chronicles 16:9 KJV
<br><br></p>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-65733375673549728022021-04-16T09:39:00.000-04:002021-04-16T09:39:03.283-04:00Be the LightYou are a single rose
In a sea of darkness.
You will always be surrounded by darkness,
But you are light.
Light dispels darkness;
Let your light shine. Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-75821804271382993772021-04-04T10:47:00.001-04:002021-04-04T12:41:14.194-04:00Where Is It Found?
People look all over the place for true love, something that will give them joy from within, peace, and comfort but there is only one place that those things can be found. You cannot work for it. You cannot do anything to deserve it. You cannot pay for it in any way, shape, form, or fashion. You must receive it as a gift. You must trust that the Son of the one true God died for you on the cross and was risen from the dead.
Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was with God before the creation of this world. He was born a helpless baby, had a childhood, was a teenager, went through his twenties, and was about 30 when he began his ministry.
Jesus knew that his purpose was to die for our sins. He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets and established with us a new covenant. Through our faith in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and fellowship is restored between God and us who believe. The same holy spirit that Jesus was filled with and that was given to his disciples is given to us still today.
The holy spirit is our teacher, guide, and comforter. The fruit of the holy spirit that we have as believers is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Our Heavenly Father gives freely to us who believe.The one true God, our Heavenly Father, gives us mercy, salvation, grace, the holy spirit, healing, answered prayers, unanswered prayers, eternal life, having a loving Father stand by us and strengthening us through every hardship, and so much more. The Holy Bible is full of promises that we can receive as believers today.
So look no further for godly things in other people or things that you can buy or make with your hands. Only true love, joy, and peace come from God. And believe me when I tell you, no matter what you face in this world God can and will give you a perfect peace that is beyond all understanding while you are going through it. The wonderful things that we seek are from above and can be forever with you and inside of you. Just look to your Heavenly Father and believe.
Lisa CLisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-2585514088383819422021-03-04T07:35:00.000-05:002021-03-04T07:35:27.635-05:00The Whole Armor of God - Part 1What is the whole armor of God? I am going to open the scriptures with you and go through a passage of scripture in the book of Ephesians. This passage of scripture is about the Whole Armor of God that is available for all believers. God provides us with the Whole Armor of God to stand unscathed in the presence of darkness and the powers of darkness. We are comrades with Christ and are given everything that we need to stand up to the powers of darkness, overcome the world and all it throws at us daily, and stand up for our Heavenly Father, His Word, and our beliefs.
This passage of scripture was written by the Apostle Paul. Apostle Paul was a disciple of Jesus Christ from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He was a follower of John the Baptist but was called by Jesus to follow him towards the end of John the Baptist ministry. If you are not familiar with the Apostle Paul and want to learn more about his ministry and the miracles that he performed by way of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth let me know in comments and I will write about him.
We are going to begin in Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren (a fellow believer), be strong (be strengthened, increase in strength) in the Lord, and in the power (force, mighty with great power, dominion) of his might (ability, force, strength). [Bible verses in italics. King James Version]
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole (clothe oneself) armour (includes shield, sword, lance, helmet, greaves, and breastplate; armed) of God (which God supplies), that ye may be able to stand (continue safe and sound, stand unharmed, to stand ready or prepared; to be of a steadfast mind; the foundation of a building; to uphold or sustain the authority or force of anything) against (position and state looking toward a thing) the wiles (to follow craftily, frame devices, deceive) of the devil (a calumniator, false accuser, slanderer; the prince of demons, the author of evil).
We are given the armor of God and directed to put it on to. We are not left in this world defenseless. When we become followers of Christ, being washed by the blood of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit, we are no longer of this world therefore we become enemies with the prince of this world, Satan, and as such need to not only believe in Jesus and live for him but live prepared to face our enemy, that old serpent, and stand up to him.
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle (the term is transferred to the Christian's struggle with the power of evil) not against flesh and blood (a living creature (because possessed of a body of flesh) whether man or animal), but against principalities (from the beginning; angels and demons holding dominions entrusted to them in the order of things), against powers (used in the plural of a certain class of angels), against the rulers of the darkness (office given in charge ), of this world, against spiritual (a being higher than man but inferior to God) wickedness (evil purposes and desires) in high places.
Ephesian 6:13 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.
Some of you at this point may be wondering if this is true. Are there really demons? Is there evil in the world? Is it good vs evil? And the answer is yes. There is a spirit world. We are being battling evil forces every day. But we are comrades in Christ and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ defeated sin and evil and all the powers of darkness. However, until Christ returns to get the church, the body of Christ, we are in battle daily with forces of evil and most of the battles that we fight are in our mind. The very thoughts in our head are used to destroy us. But God, foreseeing the evil we would face, has given us armour that we can wear daily.
Lisa Clewis
Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-62137088423846583842020-07-17T11:15:00.000-04:002020-07-17T11:15:00.093-04:00Keep Your Eyes On God and You Will See Things More Clearly<div>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. <br></div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>Lisa C</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-28076970416225201492020-07-01T09:29:00.001-04:002020-07-01T09:29:42.742-04:00Church?<div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>Lisa C</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8941290368395934284.post-60889432950093282022020-05-27T08:19:00.001-04:002020-05-27T08:19:15.907-04:00Supernatural Strength: Where it Comes From<div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>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.</div><div><br></div><div>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).</div><div><br></div><div>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?</div><div><br></div><div>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. </div><div><br></div><div>Lisa C</div>Lisa Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00070854448989004204noreply@blogger.com