DID YOU LEAVE SOMETHING TO TIE ONTO?

Working at a location on the facility team gives me a great opportunity to learn new things almost daily.  I escort electricians, plumbers, painters, appliance technicians, and security technicians on a regular basis and normally ask a few questions while escorting, to gain a better knowledge of things. 

A few days ago I had a security technician show up to install cameras.  As I began to tell him how hard some of our areas are to access he said, for some folks, it could be difficult, but sometimes you need to know what to look for before starting the job. 

He began by getting a very tall ladder and going up into the ceiling.  Pretty soon he came down with a big smile and said, "This job will be a breeze!"  

He held a string in his hand that he had pulled from the ceiling.  He explained, "Many electricians, when doing their electrical work will leave behind a string running from one side of the building to the opposite side.  They do this for electricians coming behind them to tie onto.  

This young man picked up his cable, taped it onto the string, went to the other side of the building, crawled up and found the string and started pulling.  

To my surprise, out came the cable he had tied onto.  It worked!  The technician had turned a six to eight-hour job into just a couple hours. 

Instantly I started wondering what are we leaving behind for others to tie onto that will make their lives easier?  

Are we leaving anything behind?  

Are we even thinking about those that will come behind us?  

Do we even care about those who will come behind us?  

Far too often, we live our lives for ourselves, not preparing for anyone besides ourselves.  

Let's take time to leave something behind that others can tie onto that could save them time or even save their lives.  

According to Hebrews 11, the string we need to leave behind is the string of faith.  

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, 

the evidence of things not seen.  For by 

it the elders obtained a good report.

Through faith we understand that the worlds 

were framed by the word of God, so that things 

which are seen were not made of things 

which do appear.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Following these verses listed above, is a list of all those who have gone before us that left the string of faith.  

By Faith Abel

By Faith Enoch

By Faith Moses

By Faith Abraham

By Faith Isaac

By Faith Jacob

By Faith Joseph

By faith, and you can list those related to you who left a legacy for you to grab hold of and make your pathway in life lighter.  

Don't ignore the string that was left behind, grab hold and teach others how to hold on to complete the race till we see Christ. 

NO MORE NIGHT

Photo provided by Brooke Erin Sorrels 

WATER OF LIFE

Photo provided by Brooke Erin Sorrels 

And he shewed me a pure river of water 

of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out 

of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

In the midst of the street of it, and on 

either side of the river, was there the tree 

of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, 

and yielded her fruit every month: and 

the leaves of the tree were for the healing 

of the nations. And there shall be no more 

curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb 

shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

And they shall see his face; and his name 

shall be in their foreheads. And there shall 

be no night there; and they need no candle, 

neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth 

them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

And he said unto me, These sayings are 

faithful and true: and the Lord God of the 

holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his 

servants the things which must shortly be done.

Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that 

keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Rev 22:1-7

IN A STRAIT BETWIXT THE TWO

Photo provided by Kathy Mitchell

THEIR THIRST IS NEVER QUENCHED

Photo provided by Renie Brandow

Last week I went to Kroger to purchase some Aloe Vera to drink during my lunch break. I walked to the aisle I thought it would be on and to my surprise, I couldn't find it.  As I came around the corner of the next aisle I was taken back as it wasn't on any of the shelves on that aisle either.  Turning the corner to the next aisles and walking all the way down looking on every shelf of both sides, I realized there were no Aloe drinks on this aisle either. 

A bit frustrated at this point I turn to one of the workers and they direct me to the cold section where I found one type of Aloe drink, the original.  

As I was leaving the store I turned back around and said out loud, "Why in the world do we need six aisles of drinks?"

Last night at 2:30 AM. I woke up with the answer to the question I had asked myself, the week before. 

We are a city, nation, country, and a world that is so very thirsty.  We are grabbing for everything we can to quench our thirst, and it is still leaving us dry. We have done all we can to push Christ out of our intermediate schools, colleges, companies, governments, and even homes. 

While doing so our bodies are screaming for more.  

More of what?  

More of something to quench this thirst deeply hidden in our souls.  

Start reading the labels on all the beverages and it will amaze you what they aspire to. The advertisers state, "this beverage will make you clean, make you stronger, make you soar, make you focus, rejuvenated and fulfilled. 

Yet, if this were true, why do we need seven aisles of beverages?

We should be the strongest, smartest, healthiest, most motivated generation that has lived on the face of the earth.

Are we?

I must say, I have lived 56 years and finding each generation is only becoming more depressed, self-centered, spoiled, and depraved.

What is it like living with the baby boomers, generation X, Y and Z?

They are making more money, living in larger homes, driving the best cars and wearing the best clothing credit cards can buy.  They demand service everywhere they go, take away the rights of others, push and shove their way to the top without any regard to those they may be hurting.  Never satisfied, constantly searching for more, reaching for all they can get for free so they don't have to get out of the chair. 

Why is this?

We have thrown out the only thing that truly satisfies!

Jesus Christ, the Lord of creation, the giver of life, the sustainer of all things, the infinite one, the everlasting one, the faithful from days past, the merciful one for today and the hope for tomorrow.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 5:6

I thought it interesting to share with you a few of the advertisements on beverages. 

Kula Watermelon
So juicy, the tabloids are talking. The rumor are true, Watermelon is finally here, and it's making a huge splash. Surely you've heard your taste buds gushing about this big summer blockbuster. This premier flavor works your tongue like a red carpet, and the paparazzi are swarming. Luckily, what just 5 calories and 1 gram of sugar per serving, this big, juicy flavor looks just as good on camera as it tastes in your mouth.

Roar

Everything you need to make moves.  Roar organic has everything you need for success.

The world is a tough place sometimes...

Full of environmental stressors like pollution infrared sun rays and that person at work who is always ruining your vibe. 

While you can't affect who has the adjourning office at your co-working space, we do contain antioxidants that can fight free radicals which can damage your body.  

So, maybe a solution would be to work from home more often, skype your meetings and drink more roar.

We enhance our tasty liquid with B3, B5 & B6 vitamins to do what we can to help.  Besides, it's much easier & less painful than getting a shot in the bum at the local cryo-center 

Clean

Go Clean, supports recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.  

Sparkling flavor that will tantalize the tastebuds and a crash-free boost, it's time to dump the junk and go clean. 

Pepsi
Live for Now

Red Bull
Gives you Wings

Aspire
It sounds like a summer dream - a fizzy drink that actually makes you thinner.

What we truly need isn't a beverage from the grocery store but a beverage from the storehouse of the Lord Jesus Christ, one that will satisfy the quench deep within us. 

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will let him take the water of life freely.

Rev 22:17

HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY

Photo provided by Renie Brandow 

Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, 

and passeth by the transgression of the remnant 

of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for

ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

Micah 7:18

GOD COMMANDED THE LIGHT TO SHINE OUT OF DARKNESS

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UNDER WHOSE WING THOU HAST COME TO TRUST

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon 

GET UNDERSTANDING

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get 

wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE

In the bible, (Hebrews 11.27) we read that Moses, by faith, forsook Egypt, "not fearing the wrath of the king;"

Why did Moses do this? "For he endured as seeing Him who is invisible."

There is so much we can't see, so we must depend on the One who can.

The other day, I reported for jury duty. Although there were hundreds of people there with me to do 

their service, we all left that day with no cases to try. The process was slow and extended so we had lots of down time.

During a break, while getting some food, I noticed a lady with a white cane trying to look at the menu on the wall. The menu was very high and she wasn't very tall and it was obvious that she was legally blind. She had pulled out a small scope to help her read the menu.

As she was spending quite a bit of time trying to see the entries on the wall, I asked her if she needed help.

She thanked me but said, "No."

In the bible, in the book of Ruth, Naomi became bitter with God because of her difficult circumstances. She even renamed herself "bitter" (Mara). She didn't think the name Naomi (pleasant) was appropriate any longer. She said, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me." (Ruth 1.20) She, her husband and two sons had left Bethlehem, where they were from, and went into Midian. This was because of draught in their home country. After ten years she is returning to Bethlehem without her husband and two sons who had all died while in Midian. All she had left was one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, who had chosen her and her God over her own people and their false gods.

I realized that I could see the whole story because I had read the whole book. She and Ruth would go back into the land. A kinsman redeemer named Boaz would fall in love with Ruth, marry her and have a son to raise up to the name of her dead husband (that's the way they did it then in Israel). Ruth's son would be the grandfather of King David, who would be the ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus.

Now we can see what God was up to and it was good. At the time, however, Naomi could not see this. She was like the visually impaired lady with her scope, zooming in on her present circumstances, but not allowing anyone with further perspective into her world. She had become bitter because, in her words, "The Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me."

She could not see the whole picture whereas God could. Not only could God see the whole thing, he was in control of it and would bring something good and beautiful out of it.

My dear friends, it is important for us that when we cannot see beyond our next step that we trust in God who can see it all and is ready to orchestrate some incredible music above all the chaos we feel at the moment. Can you trust God? You can trust God.

I think Charles Stanley is right. He said walking with God is often like walking in the dark with a flashlight. In those times, we cannot see far ahead but only where to take the next step. In those circumstances, we must learn to trust the One who who knows the complete story - that is, the Lord.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28

LET NOT MERCY AND TRUTH FORSAKE THEE

Photo provided by Nancy Gordon 

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind 

them about thy neck; write them upon the table

of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour 

and good understanding in the sight of God 

and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine 

heart; and lean not unto thine own 

understanding.  In all thy ways 

acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy 

paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: 

fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 3:3-7

UNDERSTANDING THE FEAR OF THE LORD

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My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide 

my commandments with thee; So that thou 

incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply 

thine heart to understanding;  Yea, if thou criest 

after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice 

for understanding;  If thou seekest her as silver, 

and searchest for her as for hid treasures;  Then shalt 

thou understand the fear of the LORD, and 

find the knowledge of God.  For the LORD giveth 

wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and 

understanding.  He layeth up sound wisdom for 

the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk 

uprightly.  He keepeth the paths of judgment, 

and preserveth the way of his saints.  Then shalt 

thou understand righteousness, and judgment, 

and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom 

entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is 

pleasant unto thy soul;

Proverbs 2:1-10

CONFIDENT

Photo provided by Janie Purser

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:

Philippians 1:6

STRENGTH WILL RISE WHEN WE WAIT UPON THE LORD

Photo provided by Renie Brandow

Claus Mattheck has studied trees for 30 years and has an amazing discovery.  As Claus watched trees grow, he began to see the stress on them.  As the trees felt the stress in an area it would grow a layer down to the earth making the shape of a triangle.  As the tree continued to grow it continued to shoot off triangle shapes all over it that gives it strength and the tree would begin to grow stronger and stronger each day.

He found human bones do the same thing when broken, leading him to start testing the triangle structure on other items.

Today many tools and medical devices are built based on Claus' findings.  They have found; if a tool breaks repeatedly in a specific place and they redesign it with a triangular shape in the place the tool is weak, it becomes hundreds of times stronger than previously.

We understand in the bible about the Trinity being the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. but do you fully understand the strength the Trinty provides us?

There are many times I need to call on something solid like the Father, someone older than I that offers great love.

There are times I need to call on something solid such as the Son, someone who offers grace to my wounded heart.  Such grace that no matter what I have done, he is willing to lay down his life for me and die, that I might live.

There are times I need to call upon the Holy Spirit, something my soul cries out for and the communion of the Holy Spirit offers.  I need someone to intercede for me to the Father as there are times I have no idea how to do this for myself.

There have been times over the last few years that my heart and soul cries out for more.  I cry out to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  I cry out to the Almighty One, the Most Powerful One, the Holy One, the Eternal One, the One who controls the rain, who controls the seas, who controls the orbit of the entire universe and can control my heart, soul and mind.

Many times during the great trials of life we tend to grab the wheel out of the Lord's hand so we can control the situation.   We fully understand we are grabbing the wheel and try to let go but our fears are so consuming that we convince ourselves, if we don't grab the wheel we will most surely drown.  At this point, we need to just let it go and let God!  Just as a friend of mine, Bill Price told me Sunday and I take those words to heart.

There is only one way for the tree to grow the extra growth on the trunk or branches that will support it through the storms that will crash up against it during the ages to come; it must wait.  The tree can't rush the process, it has to patiently stand right where it's planted and let the growth take place.

Recently my family has come against the greatest storms of life as we have continually been hit every few days with a major crisis for months now.

We must stand on the rock our lives are built on. and that rock is Jesus, the only one.

We must stand on the same truth my parents taught me to stand on,

We must stand on the same truth my grandparents taught me to stand on.

The same truth those who have gone before all of us stood on.

The same truth, the God of the universe gave his only Son to redeem us.

The same truth the Lord Jesus stood firm for even unto death.

The same truth the universe groaned in agony with when the Lord Jesus took in his last breath and creation and the universe realized they had just crucified the only thing that could ever bring meaning and hope to this mess of a world we have created and bathed in.

The same truth that the Holy Spirit stepped in and beaconed upon our behalf for that the God of the universe hear our cry for mercy.

In Ephesians chapter 6 it says, "When you have done all, Stand!  This is after the storms have beaten up against us until we feel we can't stand any longer;

Just Stand!

If we have the love of God, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the communion of the Holy Spirit we will have what is needed to stand against the greatest storms of life and to take the truth of the gospel of Christ into the ages to come.

When you have done all, Stand!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 

and the love of God, 

and the communion 

of the Holy Ghost,

be with you all. 

Amen.

II Corinthians 13:14

WHERE IS THY GOD?

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As the hart panteth after the water brooks, 

so panteth my soul after thee, O God.  My soul 

thirsteth for God, for the living God: when 

shall I come and appear before God?  My tears 

have been my meat day and night, while they 

continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

When I remember these things, I pour out my 

soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I 

went with them to the house of God, with the 

voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that 

kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my 

soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope 

thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for 

the help of his countenance. O my God, my 

soul is cast down within me: therefore will I 

remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of 

the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth 

unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy 

waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the 

LORD will command his lovingkindness in the 

daytime, and in the night his song shall be 

with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou 

forgotten me? why go I mourning because 

of the oppression of the enemy?  As with a sword 

in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while 

they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why 

art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in 

God: for I shall yet praise him, who is 

the health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalm 42

LOOK AT MY EYES

When my children were growing up, there were many times I couldn't get them to obey me.  I finally learned, if I stopped and said their name and then said, "Look at my eyes," finished telling them what I wanted them to do they would become obedient.  There were times they started the cycle of obedience but would stop and continue in their own direction.  I would once again stop and say their name and say, "look at me" once again and their attitude and obedience were directed in the right path.

I noticed my son testing this on his children today as we celebrated their father's birthday, and just as 25 yrs ago, it still works with this current generation as my grandson instantly obeyed his father's voice. 

My daughter told me one day when she was a teenager, "I hate it when you insist I look at your eyes."  The reason why is, when I want my way and look at your eyes, I know I have to obey but when I can keep my eyes on other things I feel it's easier to do what I am deciding to do instead, but you keep saying, "Look at me," and this continually makes me obey you instead." 

We are much the same, the Lord says, "Look to me and be saved!"  

It is so easy to put our eyes on our desire for certain relationships or our desires to be involved in certain sins that pull us away.  It's so easy to keep our eyes on the TV, computer, and iPhones instead of on Him.  Yet He woes us back into his path by His words.

In Isaiah 45:22 He says, "Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

Psalm 32:8  I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Far too many times, we turn our face away because we know the moment we look into His eyes we will remember His great love, mercy, and compassion for us and it will melt our rebellion away and our soul will turn back, even when our flesh wants to follow our own ungodly selfish paths.  

Does it surprise us, that our world who has tried to banish Christ from the schools, businesses, streets and even family gatherings, has also become so vile and disobedient not only to God but to each other, and to the authority of any kind?  

Does it surprise us that marriages are falling apart continually, not because people are giving up their own desires but because we all want our own way, even when we fully understand it may lead us astray and cause division?  

Does it surprise us that children have murder hidden in their hearts even when they seem so sweet, kind and innocent at times?  

Does it surprise us that companies are constantly spending enormous amounts of money on security camera's because theft has become so common, not only among people we would expect it from, but also from those who it's least expected of?

Does anything surprise us anymore?  

Why have we become so hardened? 

Why have we become so selfish?  

Why have we become so pliable to sin?

Why do we demand others turn their eyes away from this great God of love, mercy, and forgiveness?

It is because we refuse to look into His eyes and even the reflection of Christ in anyone else's life tries to bring our heart, mind, and soul into subjection and the spirit we have allowed to dwell within us despises Christ so deeply, that it cries out destruction to those who lead us in the path of righteousness. 

The eyes of the Lord is upon you.  Where are you looking, to Him or the opposite direction? 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

and the things of earth will grow strangely dim

in the light of His glory and grace. 

BY THE BREATH OF GOD FROST IS GIVEN

Photo provided by Renie Brandow

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind:

and cold out of the north. By the breath of 

God frost is given: and the breadth of the 

waters is straitened.

Job 37:9-10

LET US OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Photo provided by Jennifer Poss Payne 

For here have we no continuing city, but 

we seek one to come. 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.

Hebrews 13:15-16

MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY

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But my God shall supply all your need according 

to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto 

God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. 

Amen.

Philippians 4:19-20

WALK IN LOVE

Photo provided by Jennifer Poss Payne 

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, 

and hath given himself for us an offering and a 

sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Ephesians 5:2

THERE IS ONE WAY! WHAT WAY IS IT?

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There is one body, and one Spirit, even as 

ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God 

and Father of all, who is above all, 

and through all, and in you all.  But unto 

every one of us is given grace according 

to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Ephesians 4:4-6

MORE OF HIM!

When I was growing up there were some things I was taught to recognize when someone might be swaying one into a trap or possibly preparing to kidnap someone.

I was taught, if these things start happening, get adult help, talk to someone, and never follow after them, but flee.

This person / group would:
1. Start agreeing to give you things for free
2. Start teaching you that the things you have always learned are not correct.
3. Teach you to trust them and doubt others
4. Teach you to start doubting everything you have ever been taught, from the basics of life to the greater things in life, because after all, you could have been lied to, all this time.
5. Start teaching you new things that sometimes you wonder is correct, but it seems fine so you just go along with it.
6. Teach you to pull away from your parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and friends; only hang with them because after all your acquaintances walk wrong, talk wrong, eat wrong, sleep wrong, and are just flat wrong about nearly everything.

Pretty soon you might find yourself part of a cult who would remove you from your area and take you off and when you returned you appeared to be stoned out of your head, but instead your mind had been so washed out that it was just empty, and I do mean empty. No smile, no joy, no life, just an empty shell that walked around and sold roses on the street corners.

That group still exists today and I have watched many an intelligent man and women sucked into it over the last few years. They no longer stand on the street corners and sell roses. Their leaders now are writers, professors in colleges and involved in new media and the followers seem to be filled with fear, anger, frustration because their parents led them astray. These people are empty and you can see it in their eyes. They have no meaning for life other than to eat, drink and have fun, and demand that everyone else join in on what they demand is correct.

Folks You Better Wake Up!

It's the same cult today that existed in the 70's with a new mask on but the end results are the same, you're still sucked into a cult that wants you to believe there is no God and there are no consequences for sin.

No conscience because they have been so brainwashed that they don't feel anymore. They can handle anything that comes their way because their feelings are gone.

You see, these people didn't make you tough, they suck the life out of you and yes, many times you can handle anything because you have no feelings or conscience left.

Know who you are and know who you belong to because I am watching so many middle-age folks being brainwashed because these highly educated writers and leaders tell them their parents abused them, led them astray, taught them a lie, when in fact they want you to follow them for one reason and they will dish out lots of free things to suck you into their trap.

These folks have an agenda and need followers to build this new world order and if you fall back and hang with your family and believe in your Godly heritage; they so strongly want you to reject, they may lose a battle.

They don't love you because of love. They say they love you because they need you in order to fulfill their agenda.

Eat, drink and be merry only last as long as you have food wine and friends.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY ARE GONE BECAUSE, ONE DAY YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF AT THE END OF THE ROPE, AND YOU WILL NEED MORE.

Had Moses not had more (Christ) the Israelites would have drown with the Egyptians.

Had Joseph no had more (Christ) his family would have starved to death during the famine.

Had the children of Isreal not had more (Christ) they would have starved in the wilderness.

Had David not had more (Christ) he would have died when facing the giant.

Had I not had more (Christ) I would have never survived raising five children, being a ministers wife, being devoted to my friends, family and Digging a Well so others could drink.

It wasn't anything else except for more of Him that has kept me alive and on this journey.

That's all we need. "More of Him"

EPHESIANS 3:20-21 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly 

above all that we ask or think, according to the 

power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory 

in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all 

ages,world without end. Amen.

TOOK ON HIMSELF THE FORM OF A MAN

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Let this mind be in you, which was also 

in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form 

of God, thought it not robbery to be equal 

with God:  But made himself of no reputation, 

and took upon him the form of a servant, 

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he 

humbled himself, and became obedient unto 

death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore 

God also hath highly exalted him, and 

given him a name which is above every 

name:  That at the name of Jesus 

every knee should bow, of things in heaven, 

and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that 

Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God t

he Father.

Philippians 2:5-11

FEAR NOT LITTLE FLOCK BUT SEEK YE FIRST

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But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all 

these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s 

good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide 

yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure 

in the heavens that faileth not, where no 

thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will 

your heart be also.

Luke 12:31-34

ARE YOU BUILDING IN VAIN?

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Except the LORD build the house, they labour 

in vain that build it: except the LORD keep

the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit 

up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: 

for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: 

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty 

man; so are children of the youth.

Happy is the man that hath his quiver full 

of them: they shall not be ashamed, but 

they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:1-5

THE LORD HATH DONE GREAT THINGS

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Has the Lord ever been your help, guide or surety?

There were many times He has been mine.

When raising my children there were times

I thought one of them wouldn't live due to 

illnesses or accidents.  

I would cry out to the Lord from the depths 

of my soul for the Lord to watch over them

and protect them and bring healing to their

body.

As they have grown into adults I still cry 

out to the Lord for them, as they are under 

not only the pressures of adulthood from

their jobs and families, but they are 

blasted each day with all the political 

unrest in our country, global changes, and
the call from the world to pull away from 

our Godly heritage. 

There have been times recently that I cried 

out to the Lord and He heard my cry.  There have
also been times I cried out to Him in great
agony and I know He hears, but no
answer is heard, no signs are given,
and no promises, but I know He is my
constant and though I can't see Him,
feel Him or touch Him, He is there and
will hear my cry and answer in His divine
time and not in mine. 

One night as we were remodeling our home,

which is a long disastrous story in itself, 

we had a water line break.  Water was spewing

all over the newly remodeled floors and I 

caught myself crying out to God, "God

do you not even see what has happened to 

us lately?"   

As soon as the water was shut off at the valve

and cleaned up from all over the floor, I realized 

all the water that went everywhere had not touched

the newly layed laminate flooring but was only 

on the ceramic flooring, which was a miracle in 

itself. 

I immediately starting crying as I realized the 

Lord does truly know what is going on and 

many times He has a plan far greater than

our little selfish plan so we need to just
step aside and let Him work out the details
even if that means things get broken
or destroyed.  They are earthly, souls
are eternal  

I had to stop and pray

and tell the Lord that whatever reason we

are struggling so massively, to help me 

accept it for His glory, so others

may see Christ in and through me even 

when my world is crumbling all around

and I feel utterly helpless. 

It always helps me to remember the past

times He brought me through storms that 

during the storm, many times, I asked where 

He was, or asked if He was there listening

to my cry. 

Nothing wrong with asking those questions. 

But, I found with each trial He was there watching

from a distance so I could grow, so I would call 

out to Him and so I would see just how small I was 

so I could realize just how great He is. 

The LORD hath done great things for them.

The LORD hath done great things 

for us; whereof we are glad.

Psalm 126:3-4