*Stand Firm*

It's so easy to become distracted with the wrong things. And maybe not even the wrong things but just not the right ones. The enemy knows our weaknesses & he knows where we'll struggle the most & easiest! He will start slowly, little by little until one day when things have went the wrong way for far too long & our strength has now become weakness & our faith is run down, that's when he makes his big move. We are now vulnerable & will break at the slightest disappointment, when normally we'd been able to handle it. It's especially important for us to keep our guard up, to stand firm with the protective armor of our Heavenly Father. Only through daily time with our Father, reading & meditating on His word can our hearts & minds stay strong, secure & protected. When we drift away then that's when problems start arising & the enemy gets full gain to our minds. So we have to stay cautious at all times so at the first sign of defeat we can quickly get back on the right track. The longer we lose control the harder it will be to regain strength again!

**Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, & he will flee from you. Come near to God & He will come near to you. ~James 4: 7&8

**Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test & approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Romans 12:2

*What the word says about those sins the world accepts*

**Nothing in all creations is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered & laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13**

The world has planted this sense of acceptance in our minds that certain sins are left without consequences because they are so prevalent in our society these days. Many Christians have became to believe that God just looks over these sins because it's just the things to do.

When our lives get in a mess we never look at these, maybe hidden sins, & come to realization that maybe that's where the problems originate from! Every sin we commit is followed by consequences. So just maybe our hardships are results of our sins that the "world" accepts.

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity & debauchery; idolatry & witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions & envy; drunkenness, orgies, & the like. I warn u, as I did before, that those who live life like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galations 5:19-21

This verse pretty much sums up the 'sins the world accepts' but I'm still gonna give you some other words of scripture that God has laid on my heart to share regarding a few of the most accepted sins.

One of the main sins the world accepts is premarital sex. It's so common that even Christians won't repent from it. I'm convinced that many of the hardships we may experience are consequences from the result of never obeying God's commands in this area..
~Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1Corinthians 18&20
~Do not love the world of anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes & the boasting of what he has & does--comes not from the Father but from the world. 1John 2:15&16
~It is God's will that u should be sanctified: that u should avoid sexual immorality; that each of u should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy & honorable, not in a passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
~Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives u his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Next is the love of money. Now while I believe God wants us to be blessed financially, when we become obsessed & greedy that's where it becomes sin b|c God blesses us so that we may BE a blessing..
~Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:23&24
~Keep your lives free from the love of money & be content with what u have..Hebrews 13:5
~For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10

The sin of feeling we have to get even. Everyone believes we have to get people back for the wrong they do to us but God says to let him handle that! One of my favorite quotes is "don't let the sins of another man cause u to go to hell !!"
~Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. Romans 12:17
~Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, & u know that no murdered has eternal life in Him. 1John 3:15

Then comes our words..cursing IS a sin!..
~With the tongue we praise our Lord & Father, & with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise & cursing. My brothers, this should not be. James 3:9&10

The last thing I feel lead to address is drinking..many people have many different views on this but I want to point out the few things that address it. God clearly forbids drunkenness -
~Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 6:18
~It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall. Romans 14:21
And God also warns us against becoming a slave to anything, so if u feel u NEED alcohol to get through the day, you're a slave to it.
~for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2Peter 2:19

In closing I want us to remember what the word warns us:
~Do not merely listen to the word, & so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

All my Love, Kerri <3

*Seeking a Change?*

Are you lost, lonely, yearning for something more? Have u tried dating different people, switching your group of friends, indulging in random activities or even turned to drugs or alcohol, but still seem to be lacking joy? I was there for many, many years. And, I felt a nudging from God for a long time but I'd always say to myself, "How can becoming a Christian make me happy, I mean come on, look at all I'd have to give up!" Until finally one day, after experiencing many heartaches, I said, "Ok God, take me, mold me, redeem me, I give it all to you!" And he did! It wasn't the easiest journey by far, I've been criticized, lost many friends, been attacked full force from the enemy, felt incapable but through this all, I have forever gained: JOY, HAPPINESS, & a LOVE that is measurably more than I've ever experienced before! It was so worth it and I'd give anything to be able to go back years in my life and make this change sooner than I did. And you can too! Start right now, give your life to Jesus and let him transform you into the amazing person he created you to be, you won't regret it! :)
All my Love!
~Kerri <3

Jesus says: "He who is not with Me is against Me" ~Matthew 12:30 and Luke 11:23

Dear Lord, Thank You for the sacrifice You made so that we could have the chance for everlasting life. I believe You died on the cross for my sins! Forgive me for my sins, cleanse me, make me whole in You. Come into my heart. Thank U, Jesus for saving me!
In Jesus' Name I Pray,
~Amen

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:
old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
2 Corinthians 5:17

~{unanswered questions}~

As I sit here tonight I'm pondering things through my mind & heart as to why things happen the way they tend to. Why things or people are removed from our lives without proper reasoning. Why bad things happen to good people. And one of the toughest questions I have: why we can't hear from God during difficult times.

Thankfully he revealed two things to me, seasons & diligence.

There is a time for everything, & a season for every activity under heaven ~Ecclesiastes3:1

So, there are seasons for everything in our lives, & sometimes those seasons may 'expire'. Instead of questioning & being angry when that happens, we should actually be Thankful. I know I don't want anything or anyone in my life that God hasn't put there for a divine purpose so why get all bent out of shape about it!? Instead, embrace the moment. Praise God for bringing more opportunities in your life to help u grow & explore his unique creations. Look forward, happily, while awaiting your next season or be Thankful for the current season you're blessed to be in.
Sometimes we may not realize why things have been removed from our lives but that's where our faith comes in. Believing in what the word of God says..
(Replace the 'you' with your name).. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you & not to harm you, plans to give you hope & a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11

Now where does diligence fit into this. We need to be diligent in seeking God & studying his word. When we put him aside we lose focus, & in doing that we miss what he's trying to tell us. We live in a microwave world where we expect things to happen quickly. We expect God to clearly & bluntly answer us when we're ready to hear him, overlooking the lack of diligence we've been in our study & time with Him. Our Father loves us, he wants to spend that quite time with us. He wants to speak to us. But through the busyness of our days we miss his still, small voice. Silence the chaos of the world & allow God to intervene. Sit in his sweet peace a little each day & watch the answers arise! Diligence is a fundamental part of the Christian faith. And your diligence grows through encountering God & meditating on His Word.

A sluggard's appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. ~Proverbs 13:4

All my love~
Kerri

*Circle War*

Have u ever felt like your life is similar to that of a circle? Like its just repeating the same messes over & over again. You've dug yourself, or even someone else, so far out of the hole only for u, or them, to fall head first back into it! How discouraging can that be! Especially to a newly found Christian strengthening his or her walk & trust in Jesus. To get out of that mess, to see the blessing that laid behind it, but knowing it is over & never imagining God would take u back to that pit, & then, when u least expect it there it is again. We become so frustrated with God that it's easy to lash out with:

"Why are u doing this again God"

"It's just not fair"

"I pulled myself out of it, u shouldn't have brought me here again"

But, in doing that we're contradicting our previous feelings. We're being false witnesses. We once thanked God for allowing us to go thru those seasons b|c it brought about so many blessings but now that it's back we don't trust he will bring us back out strong or possibly even stronger than before.
God is the Alpha & Omega, he KNOWS what he's doing. He does not want any of his children to perish but to have everlasting life. And if that takes bringing about the same messes over & over again until we become the strongest in those situations then he's gonna do it!

Dear Father, We Thank U for all You do in our lives. We Thank U for the trials You allow us to trickle thru so You can make a completion in us. Show us the areas that need cleaning up, & then show us the ways to do it. Forgive us when we're too stubborn to see our blessings. They're usually disguised but they're always there. Guide us Lord.
In Jesus' Name we pray,
Amen.

~ Romans 5: 3&4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

~ Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

*Recommended Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 & Jeremiah 29:12-14*

::Feeling like a Failure::

Do u ever feel like a failure? Just not cut out to be a mom, wife, mentor, ect.? Boy do I! It's like as soon as things are going great, I'm strong in bible study, feeling confident that no matter what the enemy may throw at me I'm ready to take it on head first, & then just at the least expected moment, BAM, we crash! He got the best of me again, I failed! I reacted in anger & rage, I said something I now regret. I feel like I'm at the bottom of the pit again that I had worked so diligently to reach the middle of! I feel inadequate, incapable, unworthy, ashamed & embarrassed. "Why God Why, do I keep failing u, y do I keep failing the ones dearest to me, & myself?" Words I've often cried out to God in the mist of my turmoils & disappointments. I would bog myself down with guilt that made it impossible for me to forgive myself because I didn't feel worthy of that forgiveness. I was so disappointed in myself that I let the enemy take my joy. He made me out to be weak & it ate at me, made me angry!
It's human nature to 'think' showing someone your angry or mad at what they've done to u will make u look stronger, bolder, keep your pride up. But how do we 'get back' at Satan? We stand up to him by not allowing him to take our joy! By showing him we can rise from our failures & be stronger in Christ than we were before! We can learn from those mistake & then be ready to conquer them with full force the next time he tries to throw them at us.
The Christian life is a step by step, day by day journey! God knows we are gonna fall down but he says he will be there to help us back up, to plant us back on firm ground & continue to walk forward with us. When we beat ourselves up over our failures, we eventually begin to feel unworthy to pray & worship God & in turn give all the power to Satan, which is all he wanted in the first place. But when we get back up, brush ourselves off & begin again, we slap him in the face & show him our God is still bigger than him & with God on our side we will defeat him!

Father, Thank u for your unconditional love. Thank u that no matter how unworthy of forgiveness I may be that u love me so much & will wash that sin away & give me chance after chance after chance to get back up & step forward in faith & love, to hold my hand & continue to guide me in the direction that brings me to u.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

*All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." ~Acts 10:43*

*Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ~Romans 8:1*

*Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. ~Matthew 18:21&22*

*For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ~Matthew 6:14&15*

*The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; ~Psalms 34:18&19*

*Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. ~1Peter 5:8&9*

*Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. ~James1:2-8*

*Fighting the Battle*

For the last month or so, I have been in a hurricane, so it feels, in my life. It's one of those instances where it's nothing of your control. It actually didn't even have anything to do with me, but when things arise with people we love it seems to fall back on us. Although this didn't begin with me it has ended up being a major dealing within my heart! The first emotions began with hurt & anger then escalated to betrayal, abandonment & jealousy, later onto deeper personal emotions of worthlessness, lovelessness & loneliness.

*Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. ~Matthew5:4*

*But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. ~Romans 5:8*

I hate to feel out of control, & ironically enough, that was exactly what God was trying to teach me through this, to let Him have all control! It wasn't in my control so I needed to quit trying to take control! No-one was listening to me anyways so it was pointless for me to continue to do.

*"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." ~Matthew 26:41*

I was no longer enjoying life, instead I was full of doubt, worry & stress. (Along with all the previous mentioned emotions.) Can we just say, "a complete mess!" l0l !! We know the enemy had a tight grasp on me & instead of resisting him, I was letting him squeeze tighter & tighter. He knew where my downfall was & he took advantage of it when I was the most vulnerable!

*Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, b|c we know that suffering produces perseverance; ~Romans 5:3*

*Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ~James 1:4*

I prayed over this storm constantly & even released it over to God several times, BUT I now see that although I meant it when I released it to God, I didn't trust him enough to have it! I still wanted some kind of control. So, God continued to let me have it! If I was gonna be hard headed & stubborn well by golly he was gonna let me! You see, God wants us to lean on Him completely! Not just enough for the moment, but enough for when the obstacles get tough again that we'll let Him take it! I was entirely miserable & lifeless when I had this storm on my shoulders! I even got frustrated with God many times because he wasn't taking this from me. But, the whole time He was telling me, 'my dear, just let me have it, let me handle it, I will fight the fight for u, release the pain to ME!' I was just too self absorbed & thought I could handle this on my own! Pretty funny, huh! No-one on this earth can handle anything without God's help, no-one !! And if we try to, we'll end of failing at some point! God wants to bring us into a new place that is full of freedom to follow your heart b|c that is where His law abides.

*"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; ~ John 14:1*

*The Lord's hand is not waxed short. He is able to meet all my needs! ~Numbers 11:23*

This storm still isn't over, It's still a struggle everyday, but everyday I'm getting stronger & stronger with God! He's walking it every step of the way with me! As hard & heart ranching as this is, I know God has a plan. I know there are gonna be some mountains along the way & not everyday is gonna be simple but when u rely wholeheartedly on God, there is some kind of peace he provides that is unexplainable! It's a day by day thing. Some of the emotions still pop up occasionally but every time I start to feel them I release them to my Father, God! I've also learned that it's ok to cry, to be hurt & it's ok to be angry, but to be angry at the sin & to respond in love! When u respond in the anger, that u feel, u r then doing the same that the person you're angry at is doing!

* What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean', but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean.'" ~Matthew 15:11*

*"He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?" ~Micah 6:8*

I'm so blessed that God has brought me to this point thru this storm! Please continue to pray for my strength, as this battle is no where near over!

*"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ~John 16:33*

God is Love! <3



* I ask & I receive, that my joy may be full. ~John 16:24*

*But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ~ John 16:13*