In my daily Bible reading, I am reading the story of Moses and leading the Israelites from Egypt, to the Promised Land. Even after years of knowing the story, I'm just now beginning to understand the relationship between Moses and the Lord. What faith it took for Moses to hear from the Lord, even when it appeared Moses wasn't sure that the Lord's plan was working!!! How many of us live like that today? We hear what God is telling us, but yet, we doubt that it will come to pass because we are looking for the "quick fix".
Exodus 14:14 " The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
When I first read that verse, I thought, "wow, maybe that's what my problem has been...I'm too busy moving around while the Lord is trying to help me!" To some, maybe the scripture doesn't make any sense, but take a look, I mean a really, really, hard look....study it and let God speak to you through that scripture. To me, it's not saying, "by the way, just sit there and do nothing", but to listen to the Lord, let Him fight for you, let Him hear your requests.
God is equipped to fight for us in the Heavens and He equipps us here on earth with His word. We are to trust that He knows what is best for us, even when we think we know what's best for us!
Let me put this in while I'm thinking about it.....my purpose for this blog is to not only inspire, but to witness to those who may think that Jesus has forgotten them or that their life has lost its purpose. I'm here to tell you that first, Jesus will NEVER leave you, nor forsake you (Deut.31:8). We are the ones that leave Him. We want to do our own thing, so that we can get a quick result; but when things don't go the way WE planned, who do we cry out to? Jesus!!! How that must make Him feel...that we don't trust Him enough to let go and let HIM!!
Okay, now back to Moses....(I'll try to tie this all together...lol).....everytime that the Lord instructed Moses to approach Pharaoh with a decree, Moses would reply with, "But what if he doens't listen?" The Lord knew what He was doing, even though Moses' faith was shaky. As I read and reread the story, I am understanding why the Lord continued to hardened Pharaoh's heart.......to prove that He was in charge and to show Moses that when we follow Him, the results are amazing!!
if you would like to respond or comment, I would love to hear from you.......agwade1@rocketmail.com or amandawd9@gmail.com
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
When All Else Fails.................
" Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..." 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (emphasis mine) NIV.
When you read these words, thoughts such as, "Well, times back then weren't as hard as they are now", or "How could I be happy always, that's crazy!", at first it doesn't seem possible that such a powerful verse can be any help in our situations. But, oh, my friend.......once you read those words over and over, place them upon your heart and practice them daily, the difference will soon be felt.
Life experiences are just that.......EXPERIENCES! They are meant to be used to help us through the rough times in our lives, to bring us close(r) to God. My purpose behind this blog is to encourage those who feel like people have let them down and that they feel as if there is nothing left in life for them. But, my friends, I'm telling you that once you get up, dust yourself off (and, possibly your Bible), and begin walking the walk with God, you will be surprised how quickly things can change. Now, the walk with God is not a bed of roses; you have to work just as hard in maintaining the walk. God isn't going to do all the work for you, if He did, why would we have to worry about anything?
That's where free will comes in.....God gave us a free will so that we could decide to choose Him as our partner in life. He wants us to come to HIM, not the other way around, where's the sense in that? WE have to let go of our stubbornness.......WE have to be receptive to hearing the Word of God....WE have to be the ones to meet God.
I cannot express how depending on the world to bail us out of our problems only leads to more problems. That's because the world wants us to fail and reach for a "loan" from it, only to have the rug pulled out from underneath us at our own expense! I have discovered that depending on the world leads to shame, depression, anger, and leaves us scrambling for some other way to fill the needs in our lives.
Give God an opportunity to see what He can do in your life.
May God Bless you and yours!!!
agwade1@rocketmail. com or amandawd9@gmail.com
When you read these words, thoughts such as, "Well, times back then weren't as hard as they are now", or "How could I be happy always, that's crazy!", at first it doesn't seem possible that such a powerful verse can be any help in our situations. But, oh, my friend.......once you read those words over and over, place them upon your heart and practice them daily, the difference will soon be felt.
Life experiences are just that.......EXPERIENCES! They are meant to be used to help us through the rough times in our lives, to bring us close(r) to God. My purpose behind this blog is to encourage those who feel like people have let them down and that they feel as if there is nothing left in life for them. But, my friends, I'm telling you that once you get up, dust yourself off (and, possibly your Bible), and begin walking the walk with God, you will be surprised how quickly things can change. Now, the walk with God is not a bed of roses; you have to work just as hard in maintaining the walk. God isn't going to do all the work for you, if He did, why would we have to worry about anything?
That's where free will comes in.....God gave us a free will so that we could decide to choose Him as our partner in life. He wants us to come to HIM, not the other way around, where's the sense in that? WE have to let go of our stubbornness.......WE have to be receptive to hearing the Word of God....WE have to be the ones to meet God.
I cannot express how depending on the world to bail us out of our problems only leads to more problems. That's because the world wants us to fail and reach for a "loan" from it, only to have the rug pulled out from underneath us at our own expense! I have discovered that depending on the world leads to shame, depression, anger, and leaves us scrambling for some other way to fill the needs in our lives.
Give God an opportunity to see what He can do in your life.
May God Bless you and yours!!!
agwade1@rocketmail. com or amandawd9@gmail.com
Monday, January 10, 2011
A Relationship Like No Other
For years, anytime I was around someone who has such a good relationship with God and I witnessed them worshipping Him during a church service or witnessing to someone who needed to be told the Word, a small pang of jealousy would hit me, almost to the point where I would always begin to doubt my own relationship with God. My thought process was like, "Well, that's the type of relationship that I want." Not once did I ever stop and realize that maybe that type of relationship wasn't for me, that what I need was different from anyone else. That my relationship was going to be "personalized".
Jesus knows what our needs are and not everyone has the same types of needs. Our spiritual needs are just like that.....not everyone has the same needs. Jesus knows where I am in my walk with Him and it's not the same that so and so has. I do admire however, people who have walked with Jesus for years and years, always leaning on Him for their needs and even in their lowest point of their lives. Now, to those who know me, they might tell you that I'm the most least spiritual person that they know, but you know what.....to Jesus, that doesn't matter. He knows the demons I have fought and He has always been there, even when I never called upon Him, He was there...patiently waiting.
But what Jesus has for me, may not compare what He has for you. My trials won't be like your trials, our experiences won't be the same. I may have to go through more sludge and muck in order that I can be cleansed from my sins, my past, etc.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit-----fruit that will last..." John 15: 16
How comforting to know that HE CHOSE ME!!!! He chose you, your family...all you have to do is step out on faith and allow Him to come into your life and let Him be in control. When I think about all the time I wasted not really having a devoted relationship to Jesus throughout the years, although it does sadden me, I look forward to what He has in store for me in the future!
May God Bless you and your family richly!
" I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile". Romans 1:16
Jesus knows what our needs are and not everyone has the same types of needs. Our spiritual needs are just like that.....not everyone has the same needs. Jesus knows where I am in my walk with Him and it's not the same that so and so has. I do admire however, people who have walked with Jesus for years and years, always leaning on Him for their needs and even in their lowest point of their lives. Now, to those who know me, they might tell you that I'm the most least spiritual person that they know, but you know what.....to Jesus, that doesn't matter. He knows the demons I have fought and He has always been there, even when I never called upon Him, He was there...patiently waiting.
But what Jesus has for me, may not compare what He has for you. My trials won't be like your trials, our experiences won't be the same. I may have to go through more sludge and muck in order that I can be cleansed from my sins, my past, etc.
"You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit-----fruit that will last..." John 15: 16
How comforting to know that HE CHOSE ME!!!! He chose you, your family...all you have to do is step out on faith and allow Him to come into your life and let Him be in control. When I think about all the time I wasted not really having a devoted relationship to Jesus throughout the years, although it does sadden me, I look forward to what He has in store for me in the future!
May God Bless you and your family richly!
" I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile". Romans 1:16
Friday, January 7, 2011
Overheating
As I was coming home this afternoon after being in town most of the day, I noticed that my truck was beginning to overheat. My first reaction was,"Oh Lord, please just get me to the house". Then I begin to shut off the heater, I slowed down, thinking that if I just crawled along at a snail's pace, then maybe I could get home without any damage. I was about 6 miles from my house and thankfully the only vehicle behind me, turned off at the next road. WHEW!!! I was scared that if he had to follow me almost to my house he was going to be one upset driver!
At one point or another, whether we've been in line at a bank, or at a store, or even in traffic, we have a tendency to "overheat";whether it's because someone has 30 items in the 20 items or less check-out, or if a driver is driving too slow in our lane (the fast one of course!), we find ourselves huffing and puffing, even saying things to the other person, knowing they can't hear us (or pray they can't read lips).
But God sees us when we are at our weakest moments and He is waiting for us to call upon Him in that moment to ask for His help. That is just what I did when I saw the smoke coming from underneath the hood. I began praying, "Lord, please keep me safe and help me to arrive safely at home". Now, I know that someone reading this will probably think, "Yeah, right....God hears THAT kind of prayer?....Give me a break!" I'm telling you, God hears ALL of our prayers, regardless of how minor it may seem to you, it's not to God, He is always concerned about His children, just like we are of our own children.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6. (NIV)
You see? Even if to us our prayer seems little, it's not to God......all He wants is for us to present our needs to Him in prayer. Talking to God can do wonders for you if you are having a bad day, or just need to talk, He will answer you. Remember, even unanswered prayers are a form of answered prayers, you just have to accept what God has in store for you.
I know that I'm not perfect, that I am going to have days where I just want to scream and yell at that driver in front of me that is pushing a peanut down the road, or that person in line who doesn't seem to understand the 20 items or less concept, but when those moments occur, that's when I lean on God, when I turn the problem over to Him and pray for peace and understanding. We don't know what kind of day the people in front of us are having, but we do need to have some patience with that situation.
Needless to say, I made it home safe :)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV )
:)
At one point or another, whether we've been in line at a bank, or at a store, or even in traffic, we have a tendency to "overheat";whether it's because someone has 30 items in the 20 items or less check-out, or if a driver is driving too slow in our lane (the fast one of course!), we find ourselves huffing and puffing, even saying things to the other person, knowing they can't hear us (or pray they can't read lips).
But God sees us when we are at our weakest moments and He is waiting for us to call upon Him in that moment to ask for His help. That is just what I did when I saw the smoke coming from underneath the hood. I began praying, "Lord, please keep me safe and help me to arrive safely at home". Now, I know that someone reading this will probably think, "Yeah, right....God hears THAT kind of prayer?....Give me a break!" I'm telling you, God hears ALL of our prayers, regardless of how minor it may seem to you, it's not to God, He is always concerned about His children, just like we are of our own children.
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6. (NIV)
You see? Even if to us our prayer seems little, it's not to God......all He wants is for us to present our needs to Him in prayer. Talking to God can do wonders for you if you are having a bad day, or just need to talk, He will answer you. Remember, even unanswered prayers are a form of answered prayers, you just have to accept what God has in store for you.
I know that I'm not perfect, that I am going to have days where I just want to scream and yell at that driver in front of me that is pushing a peanut down the road, or that person in line who doesn't seem to understand the 20 items or less concept, but when those moments occur, that's when I lean on God, when I turn the problem over to Him and pray for peace and understanding. We don't know what kind of day the people in front of us are having, but we do need to have some patience with that situation.
Needless to say, I made it home safe :)
"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV )
:)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
This I know to be true.....
Whenever I have found myself to be struggling with overwhelming feelings of, well, just being overwhelmed, in the past I would sulk and worry myself to the point where I didn't care if I made it through the day or not. No matter how hard I tried to convince myself that everything will work itself out, I always thought that somehow or another, my circumstances would just "magically" take care of themselves and then I could go on with my day. But, life doesn't work like that, at least not that I know. The world does not care whether or not you have food on the table, if the electric bill gets paid, if your phone gets turned off, or if your heater works properly. No, the world doesn't care about those things......the world is all about itself.
What I'm learning is that by allowing God to know what's in my heart and my mind, and by allowing Him to take those burdens that are troubling me off of my shoulders, He will provide me comfort, mercy and grace to take the place of worrying. To some that may seem like a sour deal, but I'm telling you that I would rather start my day (problems and all) knowing that I am surrounded by God's love for me and that no matter what obstacles I am facing, He will provide for me a way.
" I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
It's comforting to know that what awaits me is far more important than what I am experiencing on earth. By allowing trials and tribulations to come into my life, I know that God is waiting to see if I am going to depend upon Him or if I am going to try and do it "my way". Just like Sunday at church, Miss Marilyn taught that all tribulations have an expiration date! I think that is just amazing!!! I'm declaring that all my tribulations are about to expire and that they will not separate me from the love of God. I'm going to be where He wants me to be even if it means I have to suffer difficulties in my life.
Having a support system of Godly friends to hear your problems is a blessing and I'm going to utilize those friendships that I have taken for granted.
If there is something you need prayer for, please email me and I will pray for your needs. agwade1@rocketmail.com or amandawd9@gmail.com
MAY GOD BLESS YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!!
Give honor and glory to Jesus Christ who died so that we might live.
What I'm learning is that by allowing God to know what's in my heart and my mind, and by allowing Him to take those burdens that are troubling me off of my shoulders, He will provide me comfort, mercy and grace to take the place of worrying. To some that may seem like a sour deal, but I'm telling you that I would rather start my day (problems and all) knowing that I am surrounded by God's love for me and that no matter what obstacles I am facing, He will provide for me a way.
" I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
It's comforting to know that what awaits me is far more important than what I am experiencing on earth. By allowing trials and tribulations to come into my life, I know that God is waiting to see if I am going to depend upon Him or if I am going to try and do it "my way". Just like Sunday at church, Miss Marilyn taught that all tribulations have an expiration date! I think that is just amazing!!! I'm declaring that all my tribulations are about to expire and that they will not separate me from the love of God. I'm going to be where He wants me to be even if it means I have to suffer difficulties in my life.
Having a support system of Godly friends to hear your problems is a blessing and I'm going to utilize those friendships that I have taken for granted.
If there is something you need prayer for, please email me and I will pray for your needs. agwade1@rocketmail.com or amandawd9@gmail.com
MAY GOD BLESS YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!!
Give honor and glory to Jesus Christ who died so that we might live.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
2011 is finally here! For most of us, that means resolutions to stop smoking, to lose weight, etc., but for a few of us, a new year brings with it new opportunities to make changes in our lives that will assure us that God is on our side. By turning away and begin to deny the world our lives, our souls and our minds, and by focusing on returning to a relationship with God, then we can face any obstacle no matter its size or nature.
My heart broke last night as I heard about the accident on 231 South between a small pickup truck and a private tour bus. My initial reaction was, "Oh my gosh, those people were just going to buy fireworks to celebrate the new year and now they're gone". It's a reminder that we are not promised tomorrow and that we should live life to its fullest. The tragedy of last night shows how we are not in control of our lives and that in a blink...........it's all gone.
Tragedy reminds us of how precious life is and how much our friends and family means to us. But let me pose a question to you....how many times have you attended a funeral or had someone really close to you ill and when friends and family visit, you make comments that you're going to get together more often and spend time with one another? Speaking from experience, I've done that a millions times (or so it seems). I understand that some friends and relatives live out of town or even the state and it's difficult to get together, but with today's technology, it only takes a few minutes to put together an email or a text to let someone know you are thinking about them.
God did not create us to be lonely. For years after my divorce, I thought I had to have a man to complete me and I would go to great lengths in order to find that man, without even thinking that maybe I wasn't ready for that type of relationship yet. God completes me, not my children, not my family, not a husband (eventually...or not...lol), but GOD COMPLETES ME!
My new year resolution is simple..........return to God and let Him direct my paths and guide me.
"Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-----His good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2
God Bless You All
My heart broke last night as I heard about the accident on 231 South between a small pickup truck and a private tour bus. My initial reaction was, "Oh my gosh, those people were just going to buy fireworks to celebrate the new year and now they're gone". It's a reminder that we are not promised tomorrow and that we should live life to its fullest. The tragedy of last night shows how we are not in control of our lives and that in a blink...........it's all gone.
Tragedy reminds us of how precious life is and how much our friends and family means to us. But let me pose a question to you....how many times have you attended a funeral or had someone really close to you ill and when friends and family visit, you make comments that you're going to get together more often and spend time with one another? Speaking from experience, I've done that a millions times (or so it seems). I understand that some friends and relatives live out of town or even the state and it's difficult to get together, but with today's technology, it only takes a few minutes to put together an email or a text to let someone know you are thinking about them.
God did not create us to be lonely. For years after my divorce, I thought I had to have a man to complete me and I would go to great lengths in order to find that man, without even thinking that maybe I wasn't ready for that type of relationship yet. God completes me, not my children, not my family, not a husband (eventually...or not...lol), but GOD COMPLETES ME!
My new year resolution is simple..........return to God and let Him direct my paths and guide me.
"Do not confirm any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-----His good, pleasing and perfect will" Romans 12:2
God Bless You All
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