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
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
*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*
"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*
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
::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*
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*
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
*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*
*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*
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Don't let drugs take over your life
Drugs have became such an epic these days & it saddens me greatly! I've seen people who are in such a stable lifestyle lose everything due to turning to drugs. A strong man who worked hard everyday, paid for his home at a young age, raise two beautiful daughters, lose it all for turning to drugs. Several women never get to truly enjoy the time with their children as they grew up b|c they chose drugs. And yes I say 'chose' b|c it IS our choice! & let me 1st clear up that a drug is anything we feel we have to have or 'need'..something we take, use or drink to deal with life.
~for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.~ 2Peter 2:19
We ALL have problems & hardships during our life, God even tells us we will, but drugs are just a 'quick' momentary fix! It will not take away or change the pain or issue. In fact I'm here to tell u it will 100 percent make the pain &|or issue WORSE! All u do is cover that problem up with another problem --> the stress of how you're gonna get your next 'high' .. You will hurt the people that love u more than anything else due to selfishness, lies, anger, lack of interest, & betrayal. All this over only a *few minutes* of feeling 'happy'..
~If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.~ 1 Corinthians 12:26
A person who turns to drugs is like a person who commits suicide, selfish & weak. If fact, they are committing a slow death for themselves. Many parents will say they'd die for their children. Well how about we take a different approach, let's say we'll LIVE for our children! Life is sooo hard, I know this! I have struggled with something everyday of my life for as long as I can remember. & I too have turned to some types of 'quick fixes' to cope with the pain or stress in the past. But, it NEVER did resolved anything!!!
~ That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
**Young people who may reading this: please please please never turn to drugs, it WILL ruin your life worse than anything you're going thru right now! Seek counsel! There are plenty of us out there that won't judge u & want to help u if we can! We HAVE to deal with our issues, they won't go away any other way !!!!
~On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." ~ Mark 2:17
**People who may have already turned to drugs: Seek help! The way to prove your strength back is by admitting u have a problem! They are many rehabilitation facilities out there & I have the up most respect for all the people who seek help! We all makes mistakes but admitting our faults is what grows us !!!!
~~But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for u, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.~~ 2Corinthians 12:9
Bless!!
Kerri
~for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.~ 2Peter 2:19
We ALL have problems & hardships during our life, God even tells us we will, but drugs are just a 'quick' momentary fix! It will not take away or change the pain or issue. In fact I'm here to tell u it will 100 percent make the pain &|or issue WORSE! All u do is cover that problem up with another problem --> the stress of how you're gonna get your next 'high' .. You will hurt the people that love u more than anything else due to selfishness, lies, anger, lack of interest, & betrayal. All this over only a *few minutes* of feeling 'happy'..
~If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.~ 1 Corinthians 12:26
A person who turns to drugs is like a person who commits suicide, selfish & weak. If fact, they are committing a slow death for themselves. Many parents will say they'd die for their children. Well how about we take a different approach, let's say we'll LIVE for our children! Life is sooo hard, I know this! I have struggled with something everyday of my life for as long as I can remember. & I too have turned to some types of 'quick fixes' to cope with the pain or stress in the past. But, it NEVER did resolved anything!!!
~ That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.~ 2 Corinthians 12:10
**Young people who may reading this: please please please never turn to drugs, it WILL ruin your life worse than anything you're going thru right now! Seek counsel! There are plenty of us out there that won't judge u & want to help u if we can! We HAVE to deal with our issues, they won't go away any other way !!!!
~On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." ~ Mark 2:17
**People who may have already turned to drugs: Seek help! The way to prove your strength back is by admitting u have a problem! They are many rehabilitation facilities out there & I have the up most respect for all the people who seek help! We all makes mistakes but admitting our faults is what grows us !!!!
~~But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for u, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.~~ 2Corinthians 12:9
Bless!!
Kerri
Monday, May 23, 2011
~What are we thinking~
Have you ever thought about what your thinking about? Have you ever thought that maybe the way your thinking contributes to the ways you act? I ask these questions because until reading this book called 'Battlefield of the mind" written by Joyce Meyer, I had never thought about what I think about. I was one who thought, well If I'm thinking about it it's not hurting anyone! Boy was I wrong! As Joyce pointed out in her book, God wants our minds to think positively & the way we think does impact our lives & those around us negatively! I never considered myself to be a 'negative' person but, I do think negative thoughts a lot, to myself! I've noticed now how thinking negative thoughts make me make negative decisions.
*For as a person thinks in his heart, so is he...* ~ Proverbs 23:7
No-one wants to be considered a negative person but, sometimes the negative thinking can influence the type of person we become & maybe even the type of people we surround ourselves with. I absolutely despises being around people who are negative about every situation they encounter. Sometimes we're gonna get down about difficulties but being sad & being negative are totally different. Whenever I find myself thinking negative thoughts I automatically start praying. I need God's help desperately to help me learn how to think positively even about the worst of situations.
*...it shall be done for you as you have believed... * ~Matthew 8:13
Positive minds produce positive lives. Negative minds produce negative lives. Positive thoughts are always full of faith & hope. Negative thoughts are always full of fear & doubt. ~Joyce Meyer Who wants to be full of fear & doubt? I know I don't! I want to be full of faith & hope! So, to get that we have to think about what we're thinking about!
God doesn't say it will be easy but he does promise to go thru it with us! I challenge you to think about what your thinking about. Don't expect to conquer this problem immediately! But stay positive, even when you fail. ---> I will never give up! God is on my side, He loves me, & He is helping me! <--- Anytime you catch yourself thinking about a situation negatively, STOP! Change the way you're thinking, even if you have to repeat a more positive approach aloud!
* God has begun a good work in me, & He is well able to bring it to full completion. * ~ Philippians 1:6
*Futher reading Romans 4: 18-20 .. * Abraham was very positive about a very negative situation!
God Bless!
Kerri ( :
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
*For as a person thinks in his heart, so is he...* ~ Proverbs 23:7
No-one wants to be considered a negative person but, sometimes the negative thinking can influence the type of person we become & maybe even the type of people we surround ourselves with. I absolutely despises being around people who are negative about every situation they encounter. Sometimes we're gonna get down about difficulties but being sad & being negative are totally different. Whenever I find myself thinking negative thoughts I automatically start praying. I need God's help desperately to help me learn how to think positively even about the worst of situations.
*...it shall be done for you as you have believed... * ~Matthew 8:13
Positive minds produce positive lives. Negative minds produce negative lives. Positive thoughts are always full of faith & hope. Negative thoughts are always full of fear & doubt. ~Joyce Meyer Who wants to be full of fear & doubt? I know I don't! I want to be full of faith & hope! So, to get that we have to think about what we're thinking about!
God doesn't say it will be easy but he does promise to go thru it with us! I challenge you to think about what your thinking about. Don't expect to conquer this problem immediately! But stay positive, even when you fail. ---> I will never give up! God is on my side, He loves me, & He is helping me! <--- Anytime you catch yourself thinking about a situation negatively, STOP! Change the way you're thinking, even if you have to repeat a more positive approach aloud!
* God has begun a good work in me, & He is well able to bring it to full completion. * ~ Philippians 1:6
*Futher reading Romans 4: 18-20 .. * Abraham was very positive about a very negative situation!
God Bless!
Kerri ( :
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
~ What is a Christian? ~
I wanted to discuss this topic, what is a Christian, because lately I've noticed how much criticism people throw on Christians. And although most of the ones who are throwing stones are far from the way I perceive that Christians should be, I still wanted to address the issue.
* "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye & pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? * ~ Matthew 7:3
A Christian is someone who follows the bible to a tee & commits NO SIN, right!? WRONG! We ALL are sinners! In fact, God tells us that he doesn't call the righteous but the sinners! We have all fallen short, & we all sin!
I've heard many people say, "oh they done that, but they call themselves a Christian" or "you're not acting very Christian like". I do believe that we, as Christians, should be setting examples! But, what many of these critics aren't realizing is that they're 'judging' & that is just as much of a sin as whatever the 'Christian' is doing. Who is anyone to judge another person's heart or their choices for that matter! We all make mistakes. & ONLY God can judge us.
~All Christians struggle, even the 'good' ones~
We,Christians, should take more accountability for the ways we act & things we say though, because people are watching us. Many people feel like they don't wanna be a Christian by the ways they see Christians as, & that is heartbreaking! I know I want people to see the love of God through me, & that's also what God wants!
So, you say what is a Christian? In 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12 this is what it says:
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you & urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more & more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy & honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; & that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you & warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more & more.
Make it your ambition to lead a quite life, to mind your own business & to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders & so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Here are some scriptures to help us:
• " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your mind.' This is the first & greatest commandment.
• And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ~ Matthew 22: 37-39
* "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" * ~ John 13:35
• If anyone does not provide for his relatives, & especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith & is worse than an unbeliever. ~ 1 Timothy 5:8
• Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ~1 John 2:15
• My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. ~James 2:1
• If anyone considers himself religious & yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself & his religion is worthless. ~ James 1:26
• Do not merely listen to the word. & so deceive yourselves. Do what it says, ~ James 1:22
We should all remember that as human beings, we are liable to make mistakes & unfortunately hurt others. But the grace of God-the unmerited favor & forgiveness of God-enables us to seek & grant forgiveness.
Many times the belief in the untrustworthiness of Christians is coupled with the belief that God turns a blind eye to the wrongs of his people. Not true. He sees all & holds his people to a higher standard.
* "The Lord disciplines those he loves" ~ Hebrews 12:6
You've probably seen the bumper sticker, "I'm not perfect-just forgiven." Thanks to Jesus, we can all experience God's grace. Even Christians.
Be Bless! ( ;
***Futher reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28***
* "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye & pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? * ~ Matthew 7:3
A Christian is someone who follows the bible to a tee & commits NO SIN, right!? WRONG! We ALL are sinners! In fact, God tells us that he doesn't call the righteous but the sinners! We have all fallen short, & we all sin!
I've heard many people say, "oh they done that, but they call themselves a Christian" or "you're not acting very Christian like". I do believe that we, as Christians, should be setting examples! But, what many of these critics aren't realizing is that they're 'judging' & that is just as much of a sin as whatever the 'Christian' is doing. Who is anyone to judge another person's heart or their choices for that matter! We all make mistakes. & ONLY God can judge us.
~All Christians struggle, even the 'good' ones~
We,Christians, should take more accountability for the ways we act & things we say though, because people are watching us. Many people feel like they don't wanna be a Christian by the ways they see Christians as, & that is heartbreaking! I know I want people to see the love of God through me, & that's also what God wants!
So, you say what is a Christian? In 1 Thessalonians 4: 1-12 this is what it says:
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you & urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more & more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy & honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; & that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you & warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
Now about brotherly love we do not need to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers, to do so more & more.
Make it your ambition to lead a quite life, to mind your own business & to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders & so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Here are some scriptures to help us:
• " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your mind.' This is the first & greatest commandment.
• And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' ~ Matthew 22: 37-39
* "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" * ~ John 13:35
• If anyone does not provide for his relatives, & especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith & is worse than an unbeliever. ~ 1 Timothy 5:8
• Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ~1 John 2:15
• My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. ~James 2:1
• If anyone considers himself religious & yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself & his religion is worthless. ~ James 1:26
• Do not merely listen to the word. & so deceive yourselves. Do what it says, ~ James 1:22
We should all remember that as human beings, we are liable to make mistakes & unfortunately hurt others. But the grace of God-the unmerited favor & forgiveness of God-enables us to seek & grant forgiveness.
Many times the belief in the untrustworthiness of Christians is coupled with the belief that God turns a blind eye to the wrongs of his people. Not true. He sees all & holds his people to a higher standard.
* "The Lord disciplines those he loves" ~ Hebrews 12:6
You've probably seen the bumper sticker, "I'm not perfect-just forgiven." Thanks to Jesus, we can all experience God's grace. Even Christians.
Be Bless! ( ;
***Futher reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28***
Thursday, April 7, 2011
~Conquering Anger~
This is a subject I know all too well. Something I've been battling since day 1!!
Anger is not something God implants into us, yet we struggle with it endlessly!
**Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12**
We are tempted by anger by so many things daily, from difficult circumstances, rude people, stress, not enough time, to personal hormonal imbalances in our bodies to things just not going our way! We are so busy, & people, including ourselves, put this high standard on us of things that have to get done daily, that we lack what I feel, is a critical necessity to helping us conquer our issues with anger. **ME TIME** & in this 'me time' I'm personally referring to time alone studying the word of God. For me, it gives me so much more patients that when situations arise, & they do often, that get my blood boiling, I can remember that anger is not the way God intends for us to handle these situations. It's there, it's happened, so deal with it, fix it & move on! If we'll take a deep breathe, or even sometimes, go cool off & deal with the situation later, we'll be proud of ourselves for not blowing up & conquering our anger!
Here are some verses of scripture that when I feel myself getting angry, I recite them to myself, even sometimes aloud, & they help me conquer some of that anger:
• Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
• Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
• Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
• Ephesians 4:26 & 27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
• James 1:19-21 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
• James 1:26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
~Here's a passage on the website YouVersion.com (that I also recommend you downloading) about anger that was pretty helpful to me:
*Not all anger is sin. In fact, you have the right to be angry about what God is angry about. It is called righteous anger. You have the right to be this way until the sun goes down. You will really need to search your heart to figure out the source of your anger. Whether you bottle up your anger or blow up with your anger, both forms are just as dangerous. You probably already know this, but misguided anger doesn't do any good for you or the people around you. It's time to let God replace your anger with love.*
• Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, •
Be blessed everyone & CONQUER your anger !! ( ;
Anger is not something God implants into us, yet we struggle with it endlessly!
**Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. ~James 1:12**
We are tempted by anger by so many things daily, from difficult circumstances, rude people, stress, not enough time, to personal hormonal imbalances in our bodies to things just not going our way! We are so busy, & people, including ourselves, put this high standard on us of things that have to get done daily, that we lack what I feel, is a critical necessity to helping us conquer our issues with anger. **ME TIME** & in this 'me time' I'm personally referring to time alone studying the word of God. For me, it gives me so much more patients that when situations arise, & they do often, that get my blood boiling, I can remember that anger is not the way God intends for us to handle these situations. It's there, it's happened, so deal with it, fix it & move on! If we'll take a deep breathe, or even sometimes, go cool off & deal with the situation later, we'll be proud of ourselves for not blowing up & conquering our anger!
Here are some verses of scripture that when I feel myself getting angry, I recite them to myself, even sometimes aloud, & they help me conquer some of that anger:
• Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.
• Proverbs 29:22 An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.
• Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
• Ephesians 4:26 & 27 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
• James 1:19-21 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
• James 1:26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.
~Here's a passage on the website YouVersion.com (that I also recommend you downloading) about anger that was pretty helpful to me:
*Not all anger is sin. In fact, you have the right to be angry about what God is angry about. It is called righteous anger. You have the right to be this way until the sun goes down. You will really need to search your heart to figure out the source of your anger. Whether you bottle up your anger or blow up with your anger, both forms are just as dangerous. You probably already know this, but misguided anger doesn't do any good for you or the people around you. It's time to let God replace your anger with love.*
• Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, •
Be blessed everyone & CONQUER your anger !! ( ;
Monday, March 28, 2011
Life's A Climb
As most of you know I've been on a spiritual journey the last few months & I'm proud to say Jesus has been doing major formation inside me! I've been a believer my entire life but I've lived a life of pleasing only myself & the eyes of the world! At the time I thought I was having the times of my life! But, little did I know I was digging holes that would take years to refill! Like so many I felt 'unworthy' of God's grace. I knew the things I was doing wasn't pleasing to God but they were to me & that was all I cared about! I didn't deserve God's forgiveness. And at times when I'd be ready to accept his forgiveness I wasn't ready to give up all the things I was doing! Why would God wanna take all the things away that made me happy!?
»»This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,«« ~ 1 John 5:3~
God started showing me how much I needed him:
In September 2009 I had a miscarriage. I struggled with the actual passing of my baby at home by myself, not that no-one wanted to be there, but because I felt I had done this & I needed to grieve alone, & I did. It was like watching an unborn baby die..I felt like I was cursed with this experience because I'd considered abortions in the past. And who knows maybe I was.
»»Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. «« ~Hebrews 4:13~
In the same month, actually a week later when I returned to work I was let go. Never in 10 years had I been let go from employment. I hit rock bottom! I was able to find another job, but with a huge pay decrease, 3 weeks later!
In November 2009 I started experiencing panic like attacks. After having 2 back to back, my mom took me to the ER. Their I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Wolff Parkinson's White Syndrome. It's basically an extra value(hole) in my heart which cause signals to get tangled up & in turn makes my heart beat extremely fast. The trouble with this condition is possible passing out, heaven forbid, at the wheel of a vehicle or a heart attack. I've undergone 2 surgeries. One here in December of 09 & another in Charleston with a heart specialist June of 2010. Neither surgery was successful.
In May 2010 I was let go at the other job.
»»"A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message-which is also what they were destined for.«« ~ 1 Peter 2:8
There are other things that have occurred with my family as well. Looking back at all of this I thank God because had I not experienced all of this who knows where I'd still be!
»» Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that sufferings produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. «« ~Romans 5:3-5~
With a new year 2011 approaching I thought to myself, 'I'm tired, my life has to change'. I brought the New Year in with Redemption World Outreach Center, my baby girl & mom at the Bilo Center Praising our precious heavenly Father! Then started attending church again regularly. On January 23rd I rededicated & surrendered my entire life to God! I threw ALL the trash out & have started studying daily, God's word, & trying to live the way he designed us to! I'm far far far from where I want or need to be but each day I get stronger! Situations happen almost daily that I do not react Christ like to, but thru the power of prayer & the countless forgiveness that God gives I'm getting there!
»»If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. «« ~ 1 John 1:9~
I've felt more at peace & happy these few months than I have my entire life & I can truthfully say I look back on the days when I was too selfish to give my ways up & I feel disgusted with myself!
»» Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.«« ~1 John 2:15~
God wanted this for me my whole life & I kept putting him out to fulfill what I 'thought' made me happy when in all reality it scarred me to a degree! But Praise Be To God that by his saving grace I have been redeemed & REMADE !! :D
~~Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! •2 Corinthians 5:17
Kerri Motes 3|25|2011
~~God Is Love~~
»»This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,«« ~ 1 John 5:3~
God started showing me how much I needed him:
In September 2009 I had a miscarriage. I struggled with the actual passing of my baby at home by myself, not that no-one wanted to be there, but because I felt I had done this & I needed to grieve alone, & I did. It was like watching an unborn baby die..I felt like I was cursed with this experience because I'd considered abortions in the past. And who knows maybe I was.
»»Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. «« ~Hebrews 4:13~
In the same month, actually a week later when I returned to work I was let go. Never in 10 years had I been let go from employment. I hit rock bottom! I was able to find another job, but with a huge pay decrease, 3 weeks later!
In November 2009 I started experiencing panic like attacks. After having 2 back to back, my mom took me to the ER. Their I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Wolff Parkinson's White Syndrome. It's basically an extra value(hole) in my heart which cause signals to get tangled up & in turn makes my heart beat extremely fast. The trouble with this condition is possible passing out, heaven forbid, at the wheel of a vehicle or a heart attack. I've undergone 2 surgeries. One here in December of 09 & another in Charleston with a heart specialist June of 2010. Neither surgery was successful.
In May 2010 I was let go at the other job.
»»"A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message-which is also what they were destined for.«« ~ 1 Peter 2:8
There are other things that have occurred with my family as well. Looking back at all of this I thank God because had I not experienced all of this who knows where I'd still be!
»» Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that sufferings produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. «« ~Romans 5:3-5~
With a new year 2011 approaching I thought to myself, 'I'm tired, my life has to change'. I brought the New Year in with Redemption World Outreach Center, my baby girl & mom at the Bilo Center Praising our precious heavenly Father! Then started attending church again regularly. On January 23rd I rededicated & surrendered my entire life to God! I threw ALL the trash out & have started studying daily, God's word, & trying to live the way he designed us to! I'm far far far from where I want or need to be but each day I get stronger! Situations happen almost daily that I do not react Christ like to, but thru the power of prayer & the countless forgiveness that God gives I'm getting there!
»»If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. «« ~ 1 John 1:9~
I've felt more at peace & happy these few months than I have my entire life & I can truthfully say I look back on the days when I was too selfish to give my ways up & I feel disgusted with myself!
»» Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.«« ~1 John 2:15~
God wanted this for me my whole life & I kept putting him out to fulfill what I 'thought' made me happy when in all reality it scarred me to a degree! But Praise Be To God that by his saving grace I have been redeemed & REMADE !! :D
~~Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! •2 Corinthians 5:17
Kerri Motes 3|25|2011
~~God Is Love~~
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