Answered Prayer

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" -James 5:16

I am so amazed at my Father. A few weeks ago, I headed to church and the sermon was on HATE. I knew in my heart it was wrong to hate, but I found myself saying it all the time. So, the pastor said to love your neighbor just like Jesus said, but also pray for your enemies. He said to ask God to bless them and that hate will with time turn to love.

To be honest, I was doubtful. I decided that it couldn't hurt so I prayed for my enemies and asked God to bless them. This was maybe 3-4 weeks ago. There has started praying for her, for God to bless her. In the past she had never shown me any kindness or encouragement. On Wednesday I was taken back at her because she walked up to me and just was so happy to see me and spoke to me. We had a really nice conversation.

God answers prayers...we just need to have patience.

In God's Image

I have been starting to read my Bible more and more and I have decided to start at the very beginning. I was reading my Bible today and fell across this verse:

"Let us make people in our image to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life-the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small children."

"So God created people in his own image;
God patterned them after himself;
male and female he created them." - Genesis 1: 26-27

I have been feeling pretty self-conscience lately. Maybe it is due to this extra tire around my waist, but I haven't been saying the best things about myself. I read this verse and there was a devotional beside it in my Bible. It said,

"Knowing that we are created in God's image and share many of his characteristics provides a solid basis for self-worth. Human worth is not based on possessions, achievements, physical attractiveness, or public acclaim. Instead, it is the basis on being made in God's image. Because we bear God's image we can feel positive about ourselves. Criticizing and downgrading ourselves is criticizing what God has made and the abilities he has given us. Knowing that you are a person of worth helps you love God, know him personally, and make a valuable contribution to those around you."

Now, isn't that saying something! I need to remember that I am created in God's image...and that is BEAUTIFUL!

His Mysterious Way

I had a horrible today at work. Mainly because I had someone tell me that they no longer wanted me to manage their accounts. They wanted the previous rep to handle their accounts. The person that decided to take a promotion and move on. She is no longer in our department. They said I wasn't good at my job, that I didn't know anything in regards to their accounts. They said I make many mistakes.

To be honest, it hurt. It hurt because I AM trying to learn and cater to their every need, but to be honest they are not my only account. I have 19 others that need catering. I cannot focus all my attention to the one. I was feeling pretty low. Asking myself... Why can't I make them happy? What can I do to do better? How am I going to fill these shoes that she left?

Then I read this...

"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." - Luke 6:27-28

Isn't it amazing how a simple verse can make you look at things differently. I will pray!!! I will pray for these people that do not care for me. I will do better....I have GOD on my side.

Friendship

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one." - CS Lewis

I know that I may not have many friends, and it seems the older I get the less I seem to have. I think that life in general gets in the way, beliefs, and I have noticed that being Christian I tend to see things differently. I don't want to go to a club or be of this world. It is a hard thing for some of my non-believer friends. They tend to not include me, and that is okay because I have HIM in my life and I live for HIM now.

But...

I am blessed to be surrounded by the ones that truly care and love me for me. The ones that say, "What can I do to help?" There is something life changing happening in my life and I am so thankful to God for putting these particular people in my life.

I am thankful that my friends have asked us to come back to church. I am glad that GOD used them to get inside my heart.

I thank GOD for friendships...

Out with the old...In with the New

This verse has always had special meaning to me. I love butterflies and I always associated this verse with transforming as a butterfly. I am not the same that I used to be and it is the most refreshing feeling in the world. It is so hard to describe...it is as if a better me lived inside me and I am finally shedding my old skin. I am praying more than I ever have in my life. This time it isn't just because I am in a jam...it is because I need you and want to thank you every day.

For the first time in my life it is no longer about me....it is about YOU!

Everything....

Bible Verses I Can't Live Without....

"The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. " - Psalms 34:18

"Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29

"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised." - Proverbs 31:30

"I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

What is recession for?

I was searching online for more input on getting closer with God. I headed to Desiring God and was moved by the first thing that caught my eye..."What Is the Recession For?" This intrigued me since it seems that every time I turn around someone or somewhere it is mentioning the recession.

John Piper explained some points as to why this recession is occuring. THe list he made is below and I have to say I agree. If you want to read more you can go here.

God’s Purposes in This Recession

Now what are some of God’s purposes in this recession?

1. He intends for this recession to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.

2. He intends to wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.

3. He intends to relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods, in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.

4. He intends to advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.

5. He intends for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.

Love your enemies.

I headed to church today thinking, I cannot wait to get there. A friend had been telling me about a series that the church was going through called The Six Degrees of Separation from God. The end of the series was today on hate.

I listened intently as the pastor let us know that when Jesus said to "Love your neighbor", He wasn't just talking about those who love or like us. We need to give love to everyone. It reminded me of a song that I heard a long time ago. The chorus is simple... Just Give Love To All.

We should pray for our enemies, as well as those who love us. When we pray for them, our heart grows, and we become more Christ-like. All this hate that we have in our hearts will just eat away at our soul. I know I haven't been praying for those who have hurt me. I know that I haven't been wishing but ugly things to those I don't like. Today.... I'm changed. I will pray for those I love, and especially those who I dislike. I want to be the person God wants me to be. Today is a new journey. I am so thankful for His grace.

God bless!