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Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 3, 2022
Happy Saturday,

Wait Before Responding

We often respond to offenses in haste and in anger. God wants us to take time to pray and calm down. Sometimes our best response is to do what the last press secretary’s favorite response was ( I will have to circle back to it). It is better to wait than speak in haste.

Waiting gives us time for our anger to cool down. Waiting gives us time to think over the situation. Waiting gives us time to seek advice from others. We may find that a third party can see both sides can see where we were in the wrong, too. In anger, we cannot often see both sides of a situation. Most of all, waiting gives us time to pray over our situation.

When we spend some time with God, we will be able to do what God always wants us to do and that is to react in love.

1 John 4:7
New King James Version
Knowing God Through Love
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

This does not mean the person will react in kind, but the person will know that we are Christians in all circumstances. Reactions in anger can kill our testimony.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 4, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

Sweeter As We Grow

Psalms 34:8
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

The closer we walk with God, the sweeter the relationship grows. The longer we trust Him, the sweeter the relationship is. This is not the time to test greener grounds. This is the time to determine within ourselves that we are going to walk with God until we die or until the rapture.

We must not allow ourselves to become discouraged by false teachers who would deny the rapture. God’s Word is truth. Jesus will come for us and we will rise to meet Him in the clouds.

Never forget that whether we live or die God will always be with us. He will never forsake us. Throw away fear and put all your trust in our Heavenly Father. The more we trust God the sweeter our relationship with God will be.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 6, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

‘’Comfort and Joy’’

Christmas is a wonderful time with Christmas lights, bows, and ornaments. Christmas time can also be a sad time when we think of those who are no longer with us.

The loss of those we love can tear at our hearts and emotions run deep. Yet we can still find joy in this season. The first reason for joy is our Savior, Jesus. The joy in knowing that He left the glories of Heaven to come to earth as a helpless baby for our benefit. His love was so great that He was willing to leave His powers in Heaven and become a helpless baby so that He could live and die to reconcile us to Himself.

God wanted mankind to live in Heaven with Him so much, that He was willing to sacrifice His perfect Son to redeem us from our sins. The greatest sacrifice of all time. This is what Christmas is all about.

Knowing that God loved us so much and that Jesus suffered so much for our redemption, should fill our hearts with gratitude. Every day we should praise God for our precious gift of salvation.

While it is true we do not always understand why God allows our loved ones to die, we can trust the one who paid such a tremendous price for our salvation, to know best. We can and should ask God to comfort us and fill our hearts with His perfect joy.

Trust in God in all circumstances.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 7, 2022
Happy Wednesday,

It’s Okay!

In the last month or so, I have had times of confusion and it's okay. It's okay because God is with me. Even when I forgot what I am doing, I feel His presence.

All of us have circumstances that we are dealing with. We need not live in fear but call out to our Heavenly Father. He will speak peace into us. We need not fear the future for God is quite aware of the future. Just as He walks with us today, He will walk with us tomorrow.

The closer we walk with God, the sweeter our relationship grows. We choose how close we want to walk with God. We must be willing to obey Him to walk close to Him. We must listen to the Holy Spirit and take to heart when He convicts us of a sin in our lives and be willing to repent and turn away from sin.

We cannot walk with the world and God. Choose the wiser path and walk close to God. The award is worth it, both here and in the future.

“May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness! “
- 2 Peter 1:2-3
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 8, 2022
Happy Thursday,

He Gives Us What We Need

Whatever ministry God has placed on your heart, you need not fear being good enough. God equips those He calls. He will provide what we need to accomplish His desires. God does not call us because we are perfect, for there is no one that is perfect. God calls those that are willing.

'Call to Me, and I will answer you…'" (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV)! When we feel inadequate, call out to God. He will encourage us and provide what we need to succeed. When we are discouraged talk to our Heavenly Father and He will encourage us.

God has used me when I was sick, grieving, and discouraged. When I willingly worked for God, He helped me, comforted me, and encouraged me. Do not wait until everything is perfect in your life to work for God. Trust me that day will never come! Be a willing servant of God despite your circumstances and God will bless you and your work. Worship and praise God in all circumstances.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 9, 2022
Happy Friday,

Confusion

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

The last couple of nights I have had trouble walking and today confusion was my companion. My tablet stops using cookies and I had to make up new passwords, which is not easy when you are confused. Yet, as I lay in bed to write this I realize that God was with me all day long, and even in my mental state, He gave me peace. Never give up on God. He is always with us! Even in times of distress, we can trust God.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 10, 2022
Happy Saturday,

God’s Mercies Never Run Out

“Promise #344:
My tender mercies never fail, for they are new every morning.

Lamentations 3:22-23 (WEB)
22 It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed,
because his compassion doesn’t fail.
23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

As human beings, we grow tired. There are some days when our compassion for others is running low. There are even days that we do not feel so loving toward others. We wake up on the wrong side of the bed and can begin the day irritable and just plain cranky.

Thankfully our Heavenly Father does not feel that way. His love for us is consistent, despite our behavior. It hurts God when we hurt others, but He does not stop loving us. There are not many things we can depend on in this world, but we can depend on the loving nature of God.

When we realize that God‘s love for us will last an eternity, we can have peace, even on bad days. Keep trusting God. Pray for guidance. Seek His will in all things. Worship God throughout the day and praise His Name forever. God will be with us forever.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 11, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

“Whisper A Prayer”

The old Hymn says to whisper a prayer in the morning, evening, and noon, which is a good idea. Yet, we can whisper a prayer anyway. We can pray as we are getting dressed, in the car, in the store, and at work, and truly we can whisper a prayer anywhere.

At all times we can offer up a prayer to God. We do not even have to close our eyes, which is a good idea if we are driving. God is not interested in dramatic and intellectual prayers. God is interested in prayers from our hearts. It does not matter how simple our prayer is, if it comes from our hearts.
Betty

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Matthew 21:22
And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”


Luke 21:36
Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Colossians 4:2
Christian Graces
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing,


1 Peter 4:7
Serving for God’s Glory
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

Jude 1:20
Maintain Your Life with God
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 12, 2022
Happy Monday,

Children of God, We Are Blessed


Daily Prayer for December 12
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
“He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:11–12, NIV
Lord our God, we thank you for allowing us to be called your children. We thank you for giving us the power to become more truly your children, so that there may be a witness to your name on earth, so that again and again in the name of Jesus Christ new power may come for body and soul, for the happy and unhappy, for all who are still following false paths, for all who suffer so much grief, fear, and need. We thank you and we praise your name. Help us on our way. Help us weak people who often grow anxious and afraid. Help us in everything. Help us especially in the concern we have deepest in our hearts, that your name may be honored, your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.”

Jesus came to the Jews first, yet when they rejected Him for the most part, He did not refuse to sacrifice Himself and go back to Heaven. He chose to die for the people of His day and the people who would accept salvation through the ages. He died for us Gentiles, also.

He cared about all sinners. God wanted to reconcile all of mankind to Himself. People who end up in hell, are not there because God did not love them enough. They will be there because they chose sin over salvation.

We must choose to abandon a life of sin and live in righteousness and truth. The devil and his angels are going to hell because of their rebellion against God. We cannot live in rebellion against God’s laws and enter into Heaven. Only those who are covered by Jesus’ blood can enter in to Heaven.

When Jesus saved the woman who committed adultery from being stoned, He told her to go and sin no more. A truly saved person will not choose to live in sin. Salvation is a serious thing. It is dangerous too, to play with sin.
Betty

2 Corinthians 6:11-18
New King James Version
Be Holy
11 O Corinthians! [a]We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what [b]fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what [c]communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you[d] are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
“I will dwell in them
And walk among them.
I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.”
17 Therefore
“Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you.”
18 
“I will be a Father to you,
And you shall be My sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty.”
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 13, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

“Without Faith, It is Impossible To Please God”

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

God does not always answer our questions. Sometimes He wants us to trust in Him despite not knowing the reason why. I have had this weird headache for over two years. It feels like my head is in a vice. The headaches come and go. Doctors have done numerous tests and they cannot find the answer despite my many prayers.

I have concluded that God wants me to trust in Him despite not knowing the answer. Just as I still do not know why God chose to take my son to Heaven.

I am 70 and I got saved at 7. I have been through many trials. Sometimes the answer of why evidently came to me. Other times I received no answer to my questions of why.

I have concluded that walking with my Heavenly Father does not guarantee an answer. Trusting in God completely requires that we trust God when we do not know the reasoning behind God’s decisions. When we love God with all of our Hearts we can trust God despite unanswered questions. No matter what happens I know without a shadow of doubt God will never fail or abandon me.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 14, 2022
Happy Wednesday,


My neighbor and I went to my daughter-in-law‘s Church to see my granddaughter in the Christmas play. All the children did wonderfully. It is so great to see innocent children singing about God and Christmas. It blessed my heart.

We would do better if we adults would reach out to God with child-like faith. We would probably see more of our prayers answered. God bless each of you and may God grant to you all your needs.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 15, 2022
Happy Thursday,

Prepare Our Hearts

Daily Prayer for December 15
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
“A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." Isaiah 40:3–4, RSV
Lord our God, open our ears and our hearts so that we hear you speaking and can follow the voice that cries out to us. May we be a people who prepare the way for you. Grant each of us strength to give up everything at the right moment and to realize, "The way to my heart should be leveled too. It should be straight and level all around me and in the whole world." The light is now shining for us in Jesus Christ, and through him we want to find strength and help, to the glory of your name. Through hearing his voice we will find help. Help will be very near to us, and the mighty hand of the Lord Jesus will be over us in every need. For this he came. We can believe in his help, and we long for it. Hear the inmost longing of each one of us, and make us part of your people so that we may keep hope in our hearts and serve you on earth. Praise to your name, O Father in heaven, that you have put us on earth and that we can draw strength from the One who fights and is victorious, Jesus Christ. Amen”

We should pray that God will open our ears and hearts to receive the messages that God has for us. Not only let us be open to hear God’s message, but pray that our hearts will be open to receive the message of God and that we will be willing to do the work that God calls us to do.
It is not enough to hear the message of God, if we refuse to act on them.

1 Samuel 15:22
So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.

It is better to obey than repent later. Repentance does not give us a license to sin. We honor God by obeying Him. Worship is so much better when it comes from clean hearts and hands. When we obey Him, we can worship in righteousness and truth. Heavenly Father, give us ears and a heart that longs to hear Your voice. Teach us, Your ways Father. Do not allow us to be led astray by those who teach lies wrapped up in half-truths. Help us discern Your voice and know Your Holy Word.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 17, 2022
Happy Saturday,

Heartache

“Promise #351:
I am very close to those who have a broken heart. 

Psalm 34:18 (WEB)
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”

King David knew heartache. When Samuel came at God’s directions to look at Jessee’s sons he forgot about his son David. When Samuel asked if he had any more sons he then mentioned his son David. David was just an afterthought.

Even though David was called to be the King of Israel, he had to live many years on the run because King Saul wanted to kill him. Even after many years as King, David had to fight for his Kingdom against His own son, Absalom who tried to steal his father’s crown.

With all his suffering David was a man of God’s heart. Why? Because David loved God’s laws and meditated on the Words daily. Through the written words of David, we learned how much God loved mankind. We learned that we can find comfort in the arms of God.

God showed us through the words of David that He is indeed a God that wants to comfort the brokenhearted. Tragedy can lead us to bitterness but if we give ourselves wholly to God He will heal our brokenness and He will comfort us.

Tragedy does not have to destroy us if we allow God to work through us tragedy can polish us like gold so the brightness of God shows through us into a world of darkness.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 18, 2022
Blessed Sunday,

“I Choose Joy”

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Psalm 98:4

KSBJ radio station’s theme this month KSBJ “I choose joy”. Unlike happiness joy is a choice. We can be joyful in the Lord despite our circumstances. We do not have to be in perfect health to be joyful. Even when we are still grieving the loss of a close family we can be joyful in the Lord.

Joy in the Lord is realizing our circumstances will one day change. One day we will put on our glorified bodies. Where sickness and disease will be just a faded memory. While we still miss our loved ones there will come a day when God will wipe away our tears forever.

Revelation 21:4
New King James Version
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

We choose joy when we choose to worship God and praise His Name in all circumstances. Joy does not require us to deny our physical or emotional pain. Choosing joy is deciding to give glory to God despite our suffering. It is literally offering up a sacrifice of praise.

When we think of the wonders and glories of Heaven we can be joyful in the expectation of our future eternity with Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. My friends things may be hard today but press on to the prize of Heaven.

Philippians 3:14 Context

11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 19, 2022
Happy Monday,

Make Me More Like, You

One desire, that we should have this next year is that we be more like Jesus. There is not a one of us that does not need spiritual improvement. We all have times that our actions and reactions are not as Godly as they should be.

Mark 7:20-23
New King James Version
20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

The biggest danger is not what we feed our belly, but what we feed our minds and hearts. When we fill our hearts and minds with sin and trash, we corrupt ourselves. Soon things will come out of our mouth that not only bring us shame but destroy our testimony.

Let us pray for spiritual revival in our own hearts and minds so that we can stand before Jesus, unashamed.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 20, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

Are We Seeking God

“Promise #354:
I will seek after those who worship Me in spirit and truth.

John 4:23 (WEB)
But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers
will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshippers.”

This time of the year, we are so busy buying presents and attending Christmas parties, that we can forget God. Sadly, God can become to us, an afterthought at the end of a long day, when we say a quick prayer before we fall asleep.

We need and let me say that includes me, to talk to God when we first wake up. We do not need to say a long prayer. Just acknowledge that God is our Savior and King. I cannot say it too often but mini prayers and praises to God throughout the day are a blessing to God and us.

God bless and protect you and your family this Christmas Season. May the light of the Holy Spirit shine through you and be a blessing to others.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 21, 2022
Happy Wednesday,

Strengthen Our Faith”

“Daily Prayer for December 21
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:17–18, NIV
Lord Jesus Christ, to you we may lift our eyes, for you have broken free from our world of death and live in the glory of life, and you offer your life to us on earth. Let the power of your life be revealed today in us and in many others who want to celebrate Christmas. Send your Spirit to move our hearts so that we hear, see, experience, and understand what you and your gift of eternal life truly mean for us. So watch over us in these days and strengthen us in faith. Shed the light of your grace over us and within us. Protect us as your disciples. Lead us into communion with our Father in heaven and into community with you, O Jesus Christ, for all eternity. Amen”

This is a wonderful time. A time of celebrating the birth of Jesus. A time to get together with family and friends. Yet, we also have a tendency to ignore our physical and spiritual health.

Yes, in this wonderful time we can neglect our prayer life. Let us remember to pray for spiritual and physical health. God wants to supply our needs but too often we forget to ask. Make our needs known to God and trust Him to answer our prayers.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 22, 2022
Happy Thursday,

Give Me, A Gentle Spirit

1 Peter 3:4 ESV
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

Let us be honest, we do not always react in gentleness. We can be abrupt, rude, and unkind. We live in a world where rudeness is normal behavior. We have to ask God to give us a gentle spirit.

Ephesians 4:2 ESV
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

We need God to fill our hearts with love so our actions and reactions come from love and not anger. When we feel anger, pray and ask for forgiveness and ask God to replace our anger with love for others.

Colossians 3:12 ESV
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

We must choose to dress ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. The Bible makes it plain that we must choose to do so.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7, NIV

When we choose to rejoice in the Lord and trust Him in all circumstances, we will find the love of God shining through us. We must remind ourselves everyday that we are the representative of God to the world. Let us choose not to bring shame to our Heavenly Father.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 24, 2022
Christmas Eve,

Today Is The Day, To Be Saved



“Promise #358:
Now is the day of salvation and the time to receive My favor. 

2 Corinthians 6:2 (WEB)
for he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you, in a day of salvation I helped you.
” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.

The New Living Translation Bible translates 2 Corinthians 6:2 this way... For God says,“At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.” Indeed, the “right time” is now. Today is the day of salvation.

In Isaiah 61, the prophetic declaration of God's good news says that we are to proclaim the Year of the Lord's Favor. Adding to that, in 2 Corinthians 6:2, the Apostle Paul says that today is the day of salvation. Both scriptural references are now words. Words for today. Not tomorrow. Not next year. Today.”

We hear Preachers and Teachers proclaim that today is the time for salvation all the time. Sadly just as the people saw the rain happen too late to get in the ark, millions will realize the rapture has happened and they have been left behind.

They will cry because they knew the truth but refused the gift of salvation. Those who have said someday so many will realize it is too late.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
New King James Version
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

While many will be saved during the tribulation. The Bible makes it clear that many will believe the strong delusion that God, Himself will send on the earth and their chance for salvation will be gone. It is a scary situation for those who know the truth of salvation, yet choose the pleasures of sin over the gift of salvation.

God’s gift of salvation is a free gift, but God makes it clear that those who knew the truth but refused salvation, will be judged harshly. My friends, today is the day to receive the gift of salvation. Leave your sins behind and serve the one who died for you. Jesus’ gift of salvation is the reason for Christmas.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 26, 2022
Happy Monday.

Do Not Allow Anyone to Shame You, For Looking Forward To The Rapture

2 Timothy 4:8
New King James Version
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.


Just as a Bride looks forward with great anticipation to her Wedding Day. The Church should look forward to the day she is wed to her Groom, Jesus Christ.

This does not mean that we do not continue to work for God and His Kingdom. Actually, we should be working to our full potential for our Heavenly Father, so we will feel no shame when we enter into Heaven.

We plan for the future but we live each day as if this is the day, that God calls us home. We do not put off working for God to someday, because someday may not come.

Titus 2:11-14
New King James Version
Trained by Saving Grace
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Our prayer shouod be that we live in righteousness and truth so we will not be ashamed when we face God. When we do sin, we repent and turn from our sin.

1 John 2
New King James Version
The Test of Knowing Christ
2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

The world is not going to get better and only God knows when the rapture will happen but we can stand strong in our faith when we put on the armor of God.


Ephesians 6:10-20
New King James Version
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the [a]wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [b]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Brothers and Sisters let us not live in fear, but put our complete trust in God. He will never abandon us, nor fail us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 27, 2022
Happy Tuesday,

Seek God, Daily!

This week many people will start thinking about New Year Resolutions.
Losing weight, exercising, getting healthy, and spending wisely are just a few of the normal resolutions. Many resolutions will be forgotten by Valentine’s Day.

A good resolution to make is to seek God daily. This does not have to be hard. Talk to God before you get out of bed. Say little prayers and praise God throughout the day. Take 15 minutes to read a Bible devotion every day.

The more we talk to God, the more He will make Himself known to us. Make room for some quiet time to listen to God. Seek a stronger relationship with God. Seek to honor God by living in righteousness. When something bad happens, go to God first and not last. Seek not just to know God, but to have a relationship with Him.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 28, 2022
Happy Wednesday,

God Does Not Force Salvation On Anyone

“Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” - Revelation 3:2

God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins, but He will not force us to receive the gift of salvation. It has to be our choice. This is a serious choice. This choice determines where will spend eternity.

Do we choose a life of pleasure from sin over a glorious eternity in Heaven? Sadly too many make that choice. Just as a young child thinks that School will last forever. Too many people think that this life will last forever.

People refuse to study God's Word so they can see for themselves how beautiful and glorious Heaven is and how horrendous hell is. My friends come to Jesus before it is too late. No person, object, or lifestyle is worth spending eternity in Hell.


Revelation 21
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New King James Version
Open menu

All Things Made New
21 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. 2 Then I, [a]John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said [b]to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
6 And He said to me, “It[c] is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. 7 He who overcomes [d]shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. 8 But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
The New Jerusalem
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came [f]to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the [g]bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the [h]great city, the [i]holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.
14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the [j]names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand [k]furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. 17 Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. 18 The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.
The Glory of the New Jerusalem
22 But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine [l]in it, for the [m]glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations [n]of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor [o]into it. 25 Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). 26 And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [p]it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything [q]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.


Is your name written in the Book of Life?
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 30, 2022
Happy Friday,

Do Not Fear

“Promise #364:
I will guide you to the very end, for I will be your God.

Psalm 48:14 (WEB)
For this God is our God forever and ever.
He will be our guide even to death.”

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but God does. Just as He is with us today, He will be with us tomorrow. If we put our complete trust in God we will not have to live in fear or anxiety.

James 1:2-7
New King James Version
Profiting from Trials
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces [a]patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be [b]perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

Trust in God and do not give in to doubts. A double-minded man is offensive to God. The more we read God’s Holy Word, the more we will trust Him. The more we know Him the more we will love Him.

1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
December 31, 2022
Happy Saturday,

2022 Is Coming To an End


“Ere Another Year Begins, Believe in Jesus
Jeremiah 8:20
The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

2022 will end just like 2021 with millions unsaved. For too many of these, know the truth of salvation, but have chosen to reject it. They are not saved because they have chosen not to be saved.

One of the saddest things is going to be the millions in hell because they chose to be there. You might say no one chooses to go to hell, but that is not true. When you reject salvation, you are choosing to spend eternity in hell.

Many people say there is no God nor is there a hell. Disbelief in God and hell does not change reality. God’s existence is not determined by mankind’s belief.

Many ended the year 2021 and are no longer with us. They faced the eternity they chose for themselves. This is heartbreaking. Are we praying for lost souls? Are we even concerned about the lost souls?

It is time for Christians to wake up determined to make a spiritual difference in 2023. How shameful it will be to stand before Jesus and admit that we did not care about lost souls! That we only cared about ourselves!

Let us ask God to give us a heart of compassion for the lost. To have a praying heart for lost souls.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 1, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

I Do Not Need Anybody

Many people live by that proclomation. Taking pride in needing no one. God did not make us to self-sufficient. He made us to depend on Him. He is our creator and He wants a personal relationship with us.

Too often self-pride keeps a person from seeking a relationship with God. Feeling they have accomplished a great feat by not needing anyone, including God.

God wants to be a part of our lives, because He loves us. He genuinely cares about us. He wants a daily relationship of conversation and prayer with His children. When we reject God, not only do we miss out on a fulfilling relationship on earth with God but we miss out on an eternity in Heaven.

Let us lay aside our pride and admit our need for a Saviour. We have all sinned and need the blood of Jesus to reconcile with God. As the song says: “Come to Jesus and live”.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 2, 2023
Happy Monday,

God Is Loving And Merciful

“Promise #2:
I am full of mercy and grace and I overflow with love. 

Psalm 103:8 (WEB)
Yahweh is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.”

We sometimes see God as an angry God, looking constantly for someone to punish. Other times we see God as a pushover. Truth is God is almighty, all-knowing with strength that knows no bounds.

God is loving but God will judge this world one day. He will also judge individuals who rejected the gift of salvation. His love does not subtract from Him being a just God. Justice requires He punishes those who sin, but out of His great love for mankind, He sent His Son to die for our sins. Sadly, the majority of mankind has rejected His precious gift of salvation.
Choose salvation before it is too late.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 3, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”

2 Corinthians :12-9
New King James Version
9And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Hubby and I have been having weak spells when we stand up. We do not have to fear for God is with us. He gives us strength and He keeps us from becoming discouraged.

When we put our complete trust in God we will find that He will sustain and encourage us. As we get older we are tempted to give into fear, but let us instead choose to focus our trust on our Heavenly Father. He will never fail us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 4, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

Praise The Lord

Some days we wake up with the blahs. Nothing is really wrong, yet we have no motivation. There are also times we have to rest because we wore out an aggravated body part.

No matter what our situation is we can praise the Lord. We can worship God. Praising and worshipping God is not a waste of time. It is honoring God and it also builds up our ourselves. God is worthy of all praise. Whatever activity you have planned for the day, make time to worship our Heavenly Father.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 5, 2023
Happy Thursday,

“I Chose You”

Promise #5:
I chose you to be adopted into My family before creation.

Ephesians 1:4-5 (WEB) 
4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love; 5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

The devil takes pleasure in making Christians feel worthless. Many times, we give him the tools to do so by our own doubts and fears. We need to remember that God chose us before we were even born. God has loved us before we even existed.

This does not give us the liberty to sin or be proud. It does give us a weapon against the devil when he whispers lies into us that God does not care about us or we will never amount to anything.

We were chosen by God to do His work and to be a beacon of hope in this world. When the devil reminds us of our past failures, remind him that broken colors still color.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 6, 2023
Happy Friday,

“Is Your Name Written In The Book of Life”

“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20:1

When we face God, what is important will not be how much money we give away, how many hours we worked at the Church, or our standing in the community. God will care about one thing. Is our name written in the book of life?

Salvation is not about works, but when we surrender to God, we will want to work for God because we love Him. The most important thing we can do in this life is to surrender ourselves and our will to our Heavenly Father.
Betty

https://youtu.be/0z1E2pz3Xzk
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 7, 2023
Happy Saturday,

“We Are Valuable To God”

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
1 John 3:1-

The devil likes to torment Christians. One way is to convince us that we are worthless. We must remind ourselves that Jesus chose to die for our sins. There is a difference in self-pride and confidence.

We need confidence that we can accomplish what God has given us to do. A person who goes around beating themselves up can weaken their testimony for God.

This does not mean we accomplish things on our own. We need guidance from the Holy Spirit, strength from God, and the peace of Jesus to be successful in our work for God. We can accomplish our task when we realize our success is because we are obedient to our Heavenly Father.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 8, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

“You Can Call Me Father”

“Promise #8:
I sent the Spirit of My Son into your heart so you could call Me Father.

Galatians 4:6 (WEB)
And because you are children,
God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying,
“Abba, Father!”

When you have brain issues there are many things you do not understand anymore. There are a lot of jokes I do not get anymore. What is hard is when friends get offended at you because you misunderstood what they said or wrote.

Let us remember, my friends a lot of us have come to the age where we have senior moments. Forgive yourself for being confused. Ask God to comfort you, when you feel fearful. Praise God for every day that He gives us. Trust in God with all your heart. Press onward toward the prize of Heaven. Rejoice in our Heavenly Father who loves us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 9, 2023
Happy Monday,


Discouragement

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

The devil can use discouragement against a baby Christian as well as a senior Christian. Never think you have arrived to the point where you cannot be tempted.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.

It is hard when we grow older and our bodies become crippled and weak. We can look back on our past when we were young and hearty and get depressed, even feel useless. As long as we are willing there are things that God us for in His Kingdom. The question is whether we are willing.

Things in this world can cause us to feel discouraged. We must remember that the Age of Grace is coming to an end and this world is heading into judgment. Of course, this makes us sad, but Jesus, Himself warned us of these days.

Share the Gospel where we can and pray for lost souls. Prayer is a ministry. Even when do not get around as well as we used to we can still pray. Pray that our hearts will not be hardened against sinners and that we will have compassion for lost souls. Pray that we will be useful to God until the point of the rapture or our own death. May we be like Dottie Rambo and leave this world a shouting praises to our God.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 10, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

I Am Redeemed

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 43:1

READ Isaiah 43:1–7

We were born into sin. We have a sinful nature, but do not lose hope. If we are saved, we have been redeemed by God Himself. He purchased our forgiveness with the blood of His only Son, Jesus.

We were blinded to our sins, but the Holy Spirit out of His love for us, opened our eyes so that we could see the truth of our own nature. Not so that we could be condemned but so that we would repent and receive salvation.

If we choose to stay in sin, them we have condemned ourselves. We have chosen the pleasures of sin over the glories of Heaven. My friends, Heaven is a Holy place and sin can never enter the gates of Heaven. If we reject salvation we have condemned ourselves.

If we would spend some time in God’s Holy Word, we would find that no sin is worth an eternity in hell, but too often people refuse to look at the future. Caring only about their present circumstances. By the time most people realize the horrible cost of their sinful pleasures it will be too late.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 12, 2023
Happy Thursday,

Even Satan Did Not Choose Hell

When I hear someone say that they don't mind going to hell, I cringe. Satan has lived in Heaven and he never chose to leave Heaven. His sin is he wanted to defeat God and rule over Heaven.

He still has this desire to defeat God. That is what the war of Armageddon will be about. At the end of the tribulation, Satan will convince the men of the earth to join him to defeat God. His sin, in the beginning, was pride, and pride will be his downfall.

Revelation 20:10-15

New King James Version


10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where[a] the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
The Great White Throne Judgment
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before [b]God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second [c]death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Hell is a real place. There will be no partying with your friends. Everyone there will be in eternal torment. People who say they choose hell have the sin of pride and ignorance. There is no exit door in hell. Hell is real and is for eternity. This is why it is so very important to pray for sinners that they may be convicted of their sins and choose to abandon their sins and turn to Jesus for redemption.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 14, 2023
Happy Saturday,

God Is Generous With All His Children

“Promise #14:
I give My Spirit in unlimited measure.

John 3:34 (WEB)
For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God;
for God gives the Spirit without measure.”

The Holy Spirit is a marvelous gift from God. While we were sinners the Holy Spirit convicted us of our sins so we could have the opportunity to repent and become reconciled to God.

The Holy Spirit guides us so that we can live in righteousness. When we read God’s Holy Word, the Holy Spirit helps us understand the truths of God’s Word. When we are tempted to transgress or walk onto a dangerous path the Holy Spirit warns us.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22
New International Version
21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

The Holy Spirit is our boarding pass into Heaven, our assurance that eternity in Heaven awaits us. It makes me sad when Christians of many years say that they hope that they have done enough to go to Heaven. My friends, there is nothing we can do to earn a ticket to Heaven. It is a gift from God.

It is our love for God that influences us to live and work for God. We want to be the best we can be, because we love God. We want to worship our Heavenly Father because, we love Him.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 16, 2023
Happy Monday,

“Sustain Us, Heavenly Father”

“Daily Prayer for January 16
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2, NIV
Dear Father in heaven, we come before you and thank you with all our hearts. You know all that we are thankful for. Continue to sustain us, we pray, and give us strength for the paths on which you lead us. Even when we must suffer and fight long, hard battles, we know that everything has its right purpose and will still lead us to your goal. For all this we praise and thank you. Protect us in mind, heart, and spirit. Keep us courageous, and lift us above all discouragement through your Spirit, who will renew our lives forevermore. Amen”

None of us have arrived where we are beyond failing our God. Remember what the Bible says about pride.

Proverbs 16:18
18 Pride goes before destruction,
And a haughty spirit before [a]a fall.

We are so much better off when we admit our weaknesses and cry out to God to sustain us. Seeking help from God is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength that we can face our weaknesses and acknowledge our need for God’s help.

When we suffer trials and tribulations seek help from God. It is pride that tries to convince us that we can stand alone. Being a Christian is having a relationship with God and walking with God. God has never called us to walk alone. He is always with us, so let us talk to Him, seek His advice, and praise His Name.
Betty
 
Posted by WildB (Member # 2917) on :
 
(ThanX for your post I fixed the prayer for effect.)

Dear Father of heavenly lights,

We come before you this day and thank you with all our hearts. You know all that we are thankful for.

Continue to sustain us, we pray, and give us the strength thru your Grace for the paths on which you shall lead us. Even if it be we must suffer and fight long, hard battles, we know that everything has its right purpose and its right time. Keep us, your true north faithful, to the fulfillment of your will.

For all this we praise you by our proper actions and thank you for the strength provided. Protect us in mind, heart, and spirit.

Keep us courageous, and lift us above all discouragement and evil through your Spirit, who will renews our lives upon our awaking here each day and forevermore there in the peace of eternity.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Note: Isaiah 59
1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
5 They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.
7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

8 The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
9 Therefore is judgment far from us, neither doth justice overtake us: we wait for light, but behold obscurity; for brightness, but we walk in darkness.

10 We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes: we stumble at noon day as in the night; we are in desolate places as dead men.
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
Bill,
Thank you.
Betty


January 17, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

Heaven

“I looked, and, behold, ... the Lamb." Why, that Lamb is heaven itself; for as good Rutherford says, "Heaven and Christ are the same thing." To be with Christ is to be in heaven, and to be in heaven is to be with Christ.”

An unusual concept, but would Heaven be the same without Christ? I do not think so. We long to spend eternity with Jesus the Holy One who paid for our redemption with His blood.

Heaven without Jesus would be having a Birthday party without the person having the Birthday. It would seem unnatural, just as Heaven would be without Jesus.

Just as I long to see my son in Heaven my heart yearns to see Jesus face to face. To thank Him for saving my soul. What a wondrous day it will be to see Jesus face-to-face! To kiss his hands and feet. It is true we long to leave this evil world and our broken bodies behind but we also long to be in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
Maranatha,
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 18, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

Attacks of Weakness


“Promise #18:
My power will rest on you when you are weak.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (WEB)
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”

I have been having weak spells when I stand up. I am having a medical test to check on a possible cause of this today. Weakness not only affects us physically but can affect us emotionally and spiritually.

In times of weakness, the devil will try to take advantage of our situation by putting doubts, fears, and sometimes evil thoughts in our minds, to tempt us to sin. Remember that satan waited until Jesus had fasted 40 days before he attacked Jesus with temptation. Yet, the Bible said that Jesus did not sin.

We can defeat satan through Jesus Christ. When the devil attacks pray immediately. We do not have to be in Church to cry out to God. We can pray anywhere. When we seek sincerely seek God, He will help us. Replace thoughts from the devil with prayer, songs of praise, and worship. Because of COPD, I have lost my ability to sing out loud, but I have learned that I can praise God anywhere in my mind. The devil can't invade our thoughts when we are praying and praising God.

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials...Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:2,12, RSV

Replace fears and doubts with prayers as praise and God will give us peace.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 19, 2023
Happy Thursday,

Forgiveness

Romans 5:8
New King James Version
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Matthew 18:21-22
New King James Version
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

There are some people who seem incapable of seeing their part in a disagreement. You ask forgiveness and they forgive you but they never apologize for their part of the argument. You can let this stick in your claw and allow it to eat at you for years or you can make the choice to forgive them and move on.

It is so much better to forgive and move on. We are not responsible for their inability to admit their own mistakes. The truth is we do not need their apology to forgive them. We forgive because God forgave us. It is good that we repent for our wrongdoings and allow God to deal with them.

Forgiving people is like medicine for our own souls. We prevent bitterness from taking hold of our hearts when we forgive without expecting anything in return. Forgiveness is love in action.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 21, 2023
Happy Saturday,

Read The Bible, To Know God

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”  - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The more we read God’s Word and pray the more we will know God. The more we know God, the more we will understand His ways. When we do not understand a passage, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning to us.

God will make Himself real to us if we ask, Him. We must desire to know Him better.

Jeremiah 29:13
New King James Version
13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Isaiah 55:6
New King James Version
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.

Let us not wait until we are in a battle to reach out to God. Communicate with God daily so that we already have a relationship with Him before trouble comes.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 22, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

Go To God For Rest
“Daily Prayer for January 22
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and l will give you rest. Matthew 11:28, RSV
Dear Father in heaven, grant us the inner quiet we need so that we may come into your presence and hear you speak, forgetting all the things that try to force themselves upon us. May we experience your true and living support. Keep our hearts glad and thankful for everything, even in grief, anxiety, and suffering. In this thankfulness we can remain with you, and Jesus Christ can help us, Jesus, whom you have given as our support and helper in all that most deeply concerns us. We entrust ourselves to you. Keep us in your Spirit. Amen”
There are times we are exhausted from too many days of suffering. It is tempting to close off yourself and hide in your misery. It is far better to go to God. To seek His face. To take our needs to him and cry out to God for help.

God wants to help us. He is just waiting for us to call out to Him. Seek God with all your heart and trust in Him in all circumstances.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 23, 2023
Happy Monday,

Fear Not

“Promise #23:
I will not let you be tested beyond what you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (WEB)
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man.
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able,
but will with the temptation also make the way of escape,
that you may be able to endure it.”

Too often we fear what never happens. Worrying about what could be will accomplish nothing. God got us through the troubles of yesterday. He will be with us through the troubles of today and tomorrow.

We will be at peace when we take one-day at a time. The same God that is with us today, will be with us forever. God help us to lay aside fear and put complete trust in our Heavenly Father.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 24, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

“Traveling On”

There is an old Hymn that says: “I feel like traveling on”. There may be times we feel like giving up, but when we remember all the times that God has brought us through trials, comforted us, and performed miracles in our lives how could we walk away from our faith in our Heavenly Father?


I Feel Like Traveling On | William Hunter
Anticipation

I Feel Like Traveling On
William Hunter, 1838
alt. attr. to James D. Vaughan
copyright status is Public Domain

Subjects: Anticipation, Heaven, Home
Scripture: John 14:2-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1-4
I Feel Like Traveling On [.xml]
James D. Vaughan
copyright status is Public Domain

1 My heav’nly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on;
Nor pain nor death can enter there,
I feel like traveling on.
◦ Refrain:
Yes, I feel like traveling on,
I feel like traveling on;
My heav’nly home is bright and fair,
I feel like traveling on.
2 Its glitt’ring tow’rs the sun outshine,
I feel like traveling on;
That heav’nly mansion shall be mine,
I feel like traveling on.
3 Let others seek a home below,
I feel like traveling on;
Which flames devour, or waves o’erflow,
I feel like traveling on.
4 The Lord has been so good to me,
I feel like traveling on;
Until that blessed home I see,
I feel like traveling on

Let us not become so focused on today’s troubles, that we lose sight of the prize of Heaven that awaits us. The human mind cannot comprehend the glories of Heaven. John the Apostle saw Heaven firsthand, and he found it difficult to describe the glories of Heaven in Human terms.

When trials and troubles come and they will focus on Jesus. This life is temporary but Heaven is eternal.
Betty

https://youtu.be/IVc2imqX9OY
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 25, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

I Do Not Understand The Bible

Have you ever heard someone say the previous statement? Truth is we may never completely understand everything in the Bible, but if we never study the Bible, the less we will understand.

The more we read the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit will help us understand the Words of God. In this day and age when there are too many preachers and teachers, sugar-coating the Bible and teaching outright lies, it is important we know the truth for ourselves so we are not led astray.

Before we open the Holy Book, pray that God will open our eyes and ears to see and hear the truth.
Betty

“God, Help Me Know the Truth In a World of Lies!”
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 27, 2023
Happy Friday,

More Love


Daily Prayer for January 27
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
‘My prayer for you is that you may have still more love – a love that is full of knowledge and wise insight. I want you to be able always to recognize the highest and the best, and to live sincere and blameless lives until the day of Christ. I want to see your lives full of true goodness, produced by the power that Jesus Christ gives you to the praise and glory of God. Philippians 1:9–11, (Phillips)
Lord our God, we thank you for filling our hearts with such great trust. We thank you for all we are given in our lives, above all that we can come to know Jesus Christ. We thank you that over and over we can draw strength and life from his life. Praise to your name, for our life has a goal and we may find strength and certainty during our time on earth. You will reveal what we hope for, and even now you allow us to keep something of this goal before our eyes. We praise you that your name may become great in our midst and that again and again new life can well up from us, who are poor and weak. May your name be praised for setting this goal before us to strengthen us. Amen”

God has given us so much love. Do we give love freely or with a thimble? Do we choose to love only the loveable? Let us look in the mirror. We are not always loveable ourselves. On a bad day, we can be quite ornery, ourselves. We can be fussy and out of sorts and yet God chooses to love us, even on our bad days.

We live in a fallen world and there will be times when our actions and reactions are not lovely. What do we do? We seek forgiveness from God and those we offended. We pray that God will help us do better. Our goal should be to please our Heavenly Father, above all!
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 29, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

“Promise #29:
When Jesus appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never dim.

1 Peter 5:4 (WEB)
When the chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away.”

Wordly honors will one day fade away. Popularity also fades away. The darlings of today will have books written about them in the years to come trash their reputations.

The honors we gain for the sake of God will never tarnish or decay. What is done for Christ will never fade away or rust. We must work for the glory of God and not to gain honor in this world. Give God all the glory and praise for without His help, we would not be able to accomplish anything.

Rejoice in our salvation and praise our God forever and ever.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 30, 2023
Happy Monday

Grow With God

January is coming to an end, but it is not too late to make another New Year's resolution. Let us choose to grow with the Lord. We can begin to pray every day that we will not be the same person on December 31st that we are today.

We would be very disappointed if a plant we started growing today would be the same size on December 31st. We with God’s help can choose to grow daily in our relationship with God. It will take effort on our part. We cannot coast into a thriving relationship with God.

The devil will attack us more as he sees us growing in our relationship with God, but remember we will not be alone. God will be with us all the way. We can trust in God completely.

May God give us the desire to flourish in our relationship with Him. May we choose not to barely make it into Heaven but to enter the gates of Heaven victorious. The choice is ours.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
January 31, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

“Clawed My Way To The Top”

Have you ever heard someone say that they “clawed my way to the top”? Sadly, they really mean that they mean that they stomped on everyone in the way to get to the top. Very few people are that happy when they get to the top. They live in fear of losing their positions. They trust no one. In reality, they are miserable.

The best life is to live in a way that is pleasing to God. Riches do not buy happiness and contentment. With Jesus, we can be content in all circumstances.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 1, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

Complete In Me Your Good Work

Hebrews 13:20-21
New King James Version
Benediction, Final Exhortation, Farewell
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you [a]complete in every good work to do His will, working in [b]you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

May our desire be to allow God to accomplish His desires through us. May we be willing vessels, ever willing to do the work of our Heavenly Father. May we seek to live in a way that is pleasing to our God and King.

Let us work for God here on earth, even as we long for the rapture so that we shall be with God forevermore. May God bless you and your family.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 2, 2023
Happy Thursday,

Seek Discernment

Proverbs 2:3-5

New King James Version

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.

In this world the knowledge we can gain from God is underrated. Yet how much more peace we would have if walked in the path of the Lord! How much trouble we would avoid if we sought to walk in righteousness and truth?

The standards and morals of this world will lead us to hell. We have God’s Holy Word as a compass to guide us to walk in righteousness in truth. We can seek God’s direction through prayer.

Isaiah 55:6
6 Seek the Lord while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.

We need not walk blindly guessing God’s will when we can study the Bible and pray.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 3, 2023
Happy Friday,

The Good and Bad

Yesterday, I had a good today. Today is, not so good. My thoughts feel like one of those floor games of long ago, with a small metal ball bouncing all over the place. I cannot remember what the game is called but I spent my coins on them as a kid.

I am reminding myself that God is with me.

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

I need not fear. Obviously, this will be a no-driving day. I can listen to praise and worship songs and work on my new jigsaw puzzle today. Whatever stage we are in our life, the devil and his demons like to torment us. When we sing praises to God they will move on. They do not want to praise God with us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 4, 2023
Happy Saturday,

Godly Love

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-

When we are honest with ourselves we can admit that sometimes our love does not measure up to God’s love. We can be guilty of loving for our own gain. We can withhold love on a whim. Our love is not always pure love.

What do when we see ourselves in one of these positions? We seek forgiveness from God. We ask God to teach us how to love. Self-loathing is not the answer. The answer is being honest with ourselves and God.
When we truly love God, we want to love others as God has loved us.

Heavenly Father,teach us to love others with a Godly love.
Amen,
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 5, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

“Pray With Expectations”

My sister last week sent me a card with that title on the front. I happen to see the card again today. When we pray without expectations, we are double-minded. We hoping for an answer to our prayer but we are also doubtful. Shame on us! May God help us to pray to Him, with faith, all the time!
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 6, 2023
Happy Monday,

“They Did Not Recieve The Love of The Truth”

The Devil is attacking the intelligence of young people and young adults, but the reality is they are choosing to believe the devil’s lies. It is no longer popular to believe the truths of God’s Holy Word.

2 Thessalonians 2:5-12
New King James Version

5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. 7 For the [a]mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [b]He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

We have Christian singers, entertainers, and writers, and even Pastors, and Teachers of God’s Holy Word who have embraced the LGBTQIA. While they have made it about love and acceptance they have rejected the truth of God’s Holy Word. They may not realize it but they have made their beliefs above the laws of God. Because they have chosen to believe a lie from the devil and his demons, God will send them a strong delusion so they may be all condemned.

You might, say that I am being harsh but I am only speaking the Truth. Awake yourselves who believe you are Christians so you can know the truth and be set free.

John 8:32
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

2 Timothy 4
New King James Version
Preach the Word
4 I charge you [a]therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead [b]at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 7, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

“Why Do You Write About Bad Things?”

I have been asked that question many times. Can you imagine if God had never mentioned hell in the Bible? What a nasty surprise it would be for people to end up in hell with no warning? God and Jesus warned us many times the dangers of not repenting and turning away from our sins?

My friends better to be warned about the consequences of unrepentant sin and a lifestyle of sin now while it is time to turn away from sin and live in righteousness and truth.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 9, 2023
Happy Wednesday.

Trust In God


Promise #40:
Trust in Me with all your heart and I will guide you. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 (WEB)
5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

When we put complete trust in God, we can lay aside fear of the unknown. There are many challenges ahead but we can live in peace knowing that God will always be with us.

We also need to lay our doubts and fears at the feet of Jesus and trust Him to comfort and sustain us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 10, 2023
Happy Friday,

Keep Loving

Above all keep loving one another earnestly. 1Peter 4:8

We live in a world where the masses proclaim their love for everyone and hate anyone who disagrees with them. The devil would like for Christians to react in kind.

We are to hate sin and love the sinner. Having a loving heart does not mean that we condone sin nor should we try to make people feel better about their sin.

If our neighbor’s house was on fire, we would not go over and have a tea party in the middle of the fire. We would do everything we could to get them out of the burning house.

With sin, it is a little more complicated. We can not force people to turn away from their sins and turn to Jesus. We share the truth and pray that they accept the truth. Sadly, there are times when someone will tell us that they do not want to hear about salvation anymore.

There were people in Jesus' day that did not want to hear the truth. Jesus told the Disciples this:

Matthew 10:14
New King James Version
14 And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.

There comes a time when you realize your words mean nothing to a person. That they are so blinded by the pleasures of this world that they refuse to see the consequences of refusing salvation. This is when you move on but continue to pray for them.

The world will condemn us but remember we were not called to serve this world but to serve our Heavenly Father.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 11, 2023
Happy Saturday,

Cry Out To, God


Promise #42:
Call on Me when you are in trouble and I will rescue you.

Psalm 91:15 (WEB)
He will call on me, and I will answer him.
I will be with him in trouble.
I will deliver him, and honor him.

I was raised to keep my problems to myself and as I have gotten old, I am more inclined to close into myself on bad days. There are many of us that worry about being a bother to others.

We must be careful that we do not withdraw from God when we are having bad times. These are the times we should cry out to God and seek Him more than ever. We will never arrive at perfection on this earth. We will always have problems. Let us lean more on God and seek His help more than ever.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 12, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

He Will Fight For Us

“In Exodus 14:14 the Bible says... The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. (NLT)”

We spend so much time-fighting battles on our own and that is a shame. We often forget that God wants us to call out to Him for help. He wants to walk with us down every road we walk the good and the bad. We can trust God to sustain us to carry us when we are too exhausted to walk on our own.

As we walk with God we should be communicating with Him with our petitions and our praise. As we praise God we will find ourselves strengthen in our weaknesses, encourages in our despair, and uplifted when we feel defeated.
Betty

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 143 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Romans 15:13 ESV / 136 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 136 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Psalm 31:24 ESV / 129 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV / 126 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Jeremiah 29:11 ESV / 117 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 32:8 ESV / 116 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Matthew 11:28 ESV / 107 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 106 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
1 Corinthians 16:13 ESV / 103 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV / 99 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 13, 2023
Happy Monday,

God Gave Us A Way of Escape

Psalm 51:5
King James Version
5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Every person since Adam and Eve have been born into sin. Adam and Eve’s sin has stained the human race. God could have chose to scrape Adam and Eve, but in spite of their rebellion against Him, He still loved them.

1 Peter 1:3-5
King James Version
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

God chose to send His only Son to die for our sins. Jesus chose to suffer and die so we could receive redemption. If we go to hell it will be our choice of choosing sin over redemption.

Jesus is coming soon. The Church Age is coming to an. It will soon be too late for most people to be saved.

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
King James Version
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Praise God who provided us a way to escape the horrors of hell. God help us to cherish our salvation, it is a precious gift, bought with the precious blood of our Savior and Lord, Jesus.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 14, 2023
Happy Valentine's Day,

Love is Complicated

The first Marriage Ceremony was officiated by God. Even with God providing a mate for Adam it does not mean their marriage was perfect. There is no perfect marriage. Marriage takes commitment and hard work.

Everyone goes through troubles and heartache. A mate works with us and helps us to keep walking through the desert heat and the winter storms. There are times when our mate is the problem. This is when we seek God’s help to heal our marriage.

We can succeed when we trust God in every area of our lives. He made us and He knows how to put us back together.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 15, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

Live As The Lord Does


Daily Prayer for February 15
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
For this is what the high and exalted One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15, NIV
Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that even in need and misery we may feel and know that you are with the weak, for you are mighty in helping your children. You give the weak strength to serve you in spite of all their faults and weaknesses. Make us glad at heart for everything we are allowed to do and experience, because it serves you, your glory, and your kingdom until the day when others also are given eyes to see. Amen

In Heaven God is surrounded with angels who praise His name 24/7 and 24 hours a day and yet He sends His Holy Spirit to surround the brokenhearted, to comfort and sustain them.

As our bodies begin to fail us and our minds weaken, also the Holy Spirit will not abandon nor forsake us. As we become more childlike, the Holy Spirit will reach us at our level.

We do not have to worry about our tomorrow knowing our Heavenly Father will always be with us. Trust In God and rejoice in the knowledge that He will always be with us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 17, 2023
Happy Friday,

Put On Your Garment Of Love


1 Peter 4:8
New King James Version
8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Love one another just as your Heavenly Father loved you so much that he died for your sins.

Colossians 3:14
New King James Version
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

How can we allow God‘s light to shine forth to the world when we are wearing a garment of anger and resentment? How can others see Jesus in us when we are wearing of garment of bitterness?

Before we go out and face the world we must seek God and ask for forgiveness of our sins. When we hide our sins we open up our heart to all kinds of sins.

The world hates Christianity but at the same time, they do not want to hang around bitter angry people. When we through the help of the Holy Spirit we put on the garment of love, then the world can see Jesus living in us. Our prayer should be that others can see Jesus living in us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 18, 2023
Happy Saturday,

Build Up, One Another

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV) 

Building up one another in the body of Christ is a Ministry. When we see a brother or sister in Christ struggling, pray for them. Pray for opportunities to encourage them. As we encourage one another, God will encourage us.

Often it is the little things that encourage us. We met Sarah and Savannah yesterday and watched Savannah at gym class. This encouraged hubby and me. Sarah is very good to include us in Savannnah’s life and I appreciate that.

Let us pray for opportunities to encourage each other. When we see a young mom struggling look for opportunities to help and of course pray for the family. May it be said of us that we loved, much.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 20, 2023
Happy Monday,

Change Without Pain

When I was younger, I remember sitting around with my friends and talking about weight. You would usually hear someone say how they wished they could wake up 25-plus pounds lighter. The thing is losing that much weight at once would not be good for our hearts.

We can be that way, too about our spiritual health, too! We pray and ask God to make us the person that He wants us to be. Then God takes us through the fire and we start screaming to get out. We are shocked when God tells us that He is only doing what we asked Him to do.

To purify gold or diamonds, you must use fire. You only see the beautiful product after the time in the fire when the imperfections are burned off. The same can be said of us. It often takes the fire of suffering to remove jealousy, envy, and slander from our hearts.

Our love for God should make us want to be what God wants us to be. Remember just as God was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire and He will be with us, as well. We want to live our best life for God so that He will be proud of us.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 21, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

Dealing With Issues

We all have issues we have to deal with. Hubby and I both are declining in physical and mental health. This morning I was trying to figure out what will need to be done in the future. There is quite a bit of challenging things that will have to be dealt with. The biggest issue is the proper timing for making certain decisions and then it came to me that if I trust God, He will guide me.

We do not have to live in fear when we trust God to guide us. He already knows what lies ahead and He will be with us every step of the way. We, Christians, spend way too much time fearing the future when we can leave it all in God’s hands.

We were blessed to be with our daughter and son-in-law, Sunday. Being with them was refreshing. Let us be thankful for God-giving moments of joy.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 22, 2023
Happy Wednesday,

Test Everything By God’s Word

We live in a world, where everything that is being taught by Religious leaders is not of God. We need not be led blindly into every ‘new’ thing that comes along. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guides us as we search the Word of God to see if what is being said of God.

God does not want us to be ignorant and He warns us in His Holy Word to test the spirits. To live the way God wants us to live, we must know God’s Word. We cannot depend on Sunday morning preaching alone to lead us into a life of holiness.

Read God’s Word daily and pray earnestly throughout each day seeking guidance and help from our Heavenly Father. Pray for one another. God’s help is there for the asking. The question is are we asking?
Betty


1 John 4
New King James Version
Love for God and One Another
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess [a]that Jesus [b]Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 23, 2023
Happy Thursday,

“His Will”

Promise #54:
I hear you when you ask for anything according to My will.

1 John 5:14 (WEB)
This is the boldness which we have toward him, that,
if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us.

We often say to God “Your Will, not mine”. What if God's will is different than ours? I can tell you that it can cause pain that never completely goes away.

When a mother loses a child or a young mother loses her husband there is a big hole left in their lives. Just when you think you are starting to heal something happens and the wound is torn open again.

We know God knows best but we wish that God would explain the reason to us. This is when we must rely on faith.


Hebrews 11:1
New King James Version
By Faith We Understand
11 Now faith is the [a]substance of things hoped for, the [b]evidence of things not seen.

True faith is trusting God when we do not understand. It is trusting God when He chooses not to explain. One day all will be made known to us, until then we love God and trust Him that He will always do what is right.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 24, 2023
Happy Friday,

The World Is Full of Trouble

If you do not believe the heading, just watch the news, read the paper, or go on the internet. Yet, we can stay strong in our faith by asking God to refresh us daily. We can do this through prayer and reading the Bible.

The Bible warned us about these days but He told us that these are signs that His coming is closer than ever. Our Redeemer is coming soon for His children. While we continue to work for the Kingdom of God we comfort ourselves with the knowledge that we are leaving this world soon for the glories of Heaven.

Knowing the times we should be talking to God more than ever. Praying for our loved ones and friends and others who are lost. Every time we hear about someone getting saved, let us rejoice with the Angels of Heaven.
Betty

Colossians 3:2
New King James Version
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 26, 2023
Happy Saturday,

Is my Goal To Please, Mankind or God?

“In the words of Paul, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10). That is some straightforward language.”

We live in this world and we deal with people almost every day. It is easy to fall into the temptation of not making waves, not upsetting people, and keeping quiet, when we should speak.

When the unsaved or judged at the White Throne of Judgement, many will point to Christians they had known and condemn them for not telling them the truth.

It is true that many times when we speak the truth, not only is it not accepted but, the response is often one of anger. It is far better to face the anger now than the shame later when we realize we kept quiet and did nothing to save those we cared for from an eternity in hell.

There is too much on the line to allow people’s feelings to cause us to keep quiet. Preachers and teachers who refuse to preach on sin and hell have blood on their hands. We will too when we are given the opportunity to share the Gospel and only fear or pride to keep us quiet. Speak up for God while we still have the chance. The age of grace is coming to an end.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 26, 2023
Blessed Sunday,

We Have A Glorious Future

“Promise #57:
When your body fails, you have an eternal home waiting for you. 

2 Corinthians 5:1 (WEB)
For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved,
we have a building from God, a house not made with hands,
eternal, in the heavens.”

If you are blessed to live long enough, you will find that your health will decline. Your body will not work as it did when you were younger. We need not fret and become depressed. Although this body may wear out, we have a glorious future in Heaven.

A Heaven where there is no sickness or death will ever enter its gates. Where joy will abound. Most of all, we will be able to look into the eyes of our precious Savior.

God will help us make it through these hard days and comfort us when sorrow overtakes us. It is easy to think these days of pain will never end, but that is a lie from the devil.

Friends, this is not our home. We have an eternal home with God in Heaven. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Our hope is in the Creator of all things. Press onward to the prize of Heaven.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 27, 2023
Happy Monday,

Serving God For His Glory


1 Peter 4:7-11
New King James Version

Serving for God’s Glory
7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the [a]oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the [b]dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As we come to the end of the Church Age, it is very important that what we do be for the glory of God and not for self-recognition. Remember the praises of mankind is temporary. The world is fickle. They love a person one day and despise them the next. Even in the Church people forget easily and move on to admire someone new.

What is important is to seek to please our Heavenly Father! Working for God does not always please others. The family of the Pastor who married me and my hubby unfriended me on Facebook because they were offended by my posts on sin.

It is very important that our motivation be to please God and not mankind. If you work for God very long, you will offend someone and often it is not the sinner but a fellow Christian. We must be willing to do what God tells us even when others are offended.

Do your work for God in love and allow God to deal with the consequences. Trust in God and seek comfort from Him when your feelings are hurt. God will sustain us through all situations.

Victory is ahead! Our home in Heaven awaits us. Do not give up. Heaven will be worth it all.
Betty
 
Posted by Betty Louise (Member # 7175) on :
 
February 28, 2023
Happy Tuesday,

God’s Love For Us


Daily Prayer for February 28
CHRISTOPH FRIEDRICH BLUMHARDT
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:10-11, NIV
Dear Father in heaven, we thank you that you have always been gracious to us, revealing your great goodness and power in ages past and in the present. In this revelation we live, O Lord our God. You are the almighty One, who works wonders on earth and who rules the heavens so that we can be blest and helped on our earthly paths. Let your goodness and your justice be revealed throughout all the world. Arise, O Lord our God. Let your light shine in us who believe in you. Let your light shine into the whole world. Let your name be glorified. You are indeed our Father, both in heaven and on earth. You give our lives security now and in eternity. Amen

God is a loving, merciful, and just God. Loving, that He provided a way of salvation. He is just on that He will punish those who rejected salvation.
He is merciful to those who fall and cry out to Him for help.

As children of God, we owe God praise, honor, and worship. We should serve God, not because of duty but out of love. What a mighty God we serve! We will be so much happier when we put our trust in God and honor Him in all our ways.

Pray for the soon return of Jesus to take His children Home.
Betty
 




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