All posts by A Labour of Love

My name is Sherry and I am a stay at home mom of two, wife to my husband of 20 years, daughter, granddaughter, sister and aunt. My delight in this life on earth is serving a God who knows my weaknesses and guides me through each day. Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013 after a lifetime of ailments and illnesses, I am determined to share my journey, share my faith, and share in the blessings that gave me my life back on track. I am determined and strive to be the Proverbs 31:10-31 woman. My goal is to beat this disease so that I will be the Titus woman to my daughter and those who need me in the future. I hope that you find this blog to be a blessing to you. Thanks for stopping by.
Following in Faith

Could Not Say It Better

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Photo by Belle Co on Pexels.com

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of reading on social an article by Benjamin Knight who posted on the Reformation Resurgence. In these troubling days, his words struck me and I could not get them out of my mind. Oh how many need to hear these words and advice in their walking with other Christians and with humanity.

How we long for God’s truth and long to live for Him, looking forward to an eternal life serving Him. Do the scriptures change you when you read them? Have you taken the words to heart and understood who you are standing before Him? I cannot tell you how convicted I am after each sermon when gospel truth is correctly taught. In fact, I leave for home pondering with great wonder at how the Lord prompted one of his beloved shepherds to speak the truth that I personally needed to hear. I reflect on my own sins, my own failures, my own near miss temptations and sit in awe that He has given me truth so that I may repent, ask for forgiveness and do better than I have. I do not take the words of scripture lightly…. I accept them with great care knowing that living for Christ and in Christ is not easy and is a minute by minute decision. Out of which comes either success or failure. If I stay faithful to Him, I will never be lost. While I may wander, He will always find me and place me on the straight path.

Did you know that a puffer fish can inflate itself multiple times over its lifetime to survive? Do we as humans have unlimited “puffer” power or do we die slowly each time we puff ourselves up with our own context of “doctrinal truths” that fit our selfish wants and needs? Do we have such pride in our biblical knowledge that we feel we would rather win debates and argue rather than to take everything to our Holy Father in prayer? Do we thrive in doctrinal truths or do we enjoy walking around wearing crowns of pride to support our own agendas and our own desires?

Scripture is clear the responsibility a Christian should have in their walks with Christ:

Matthew 16:24-28. Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. [25] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? [27] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. [28] Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8. [7] “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
[8] He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Matthew 7:1-5. [1] “Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. [3] Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [4] Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? [5] You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ [23] And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

I have said many times over one of the best studies I had the honor and privilege to participate in was going over a book by Matthew Henry. The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit helps one become more aware of shortfalls that go along with humanity and of all sinners alike, including Christians. Bringing forth scriptures and doctrinal truths to help understand IN CONTEXT humility and the understanding of what that means. Are we in Christ through humility and grace or are we like the Pharisees, hypocrites and puffed up?

Matthew 23:25-26 [25] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. [26] You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.

Psalm 10:2-7 [2] In arrogance the wicked hotly pursue the poor;
let them be caught in the schemes that they have devised.
[3] For the wicked boasts of the desires of his soul,
and the one greedy for gain curses and renounces the LORD.
[4] In the pride of his face the wicked does not seek him;
all his thoughts are, “There is no God.”
[5] His ways prosper at all times;
your judgments are on high, out of his sight;
as for all his foes, he puffs at them.
[6] He says in his heart, “I shall not be moved;
throughout all generations I shall not meet adversity.”
[7] His mouth is filled with cursing and deceit and oppression;
under his tongue are mischief and iniquity.

So much to say and yet, with the approval of the original author, I do not think I could say it any better. (Permission granted directly by the author, to be kept exactly as was written with mention of the Reformation Resurgence)

To My Fellow Reformed Brothers and Sisters,

There’s something heavy on my heart that I need to get out. It’s something that I wrestle with every day, and I believe it needs to be said—honest and unfiltered.

What good is sound theology if it doesn’t transform how we live and love? Yet, too often, we wear doctrine like a crown of pride rather than a mark of humility.

Being Reformed in India is often a lonely road. We are few and scattered across the nation. The joy of discovering the doctrines of grace is quickly tempered by the challenge of finding others who share this conviction.

Most of my interactions with Reformed believers have been online. Out of countless conversations, only a handful truly reflected humility, grace, and Christ-centred living. The rest were dominated by arrogance—heads full of doctrine, yet hearts devoid of its practical outworking. Theology, intended to humble the soul before God, had become a badge of superiority.

For example, a few days ago, I encountered a guy who called me a heretic over two secondary issues—Sunday worship and baptism. I mentioned that the specific day of worship is not the ultimate concern, citing Colossians 2:16–17. His response? A rigid defence of Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, quoting Calvin and the Westminster Confession of Faith. When I asked, “Have you ever been to a Muslim-majority country where Christians, including Reformed believers, meet on Fridays due to legal restrictions? Does that make their worship any less acceptable to God? What about persecuted believers who can only gather secretly and irregularly—will God reject their worship because it’s not on Sunday?” He ignored the heart of the matter. The conversation shifted to baptism, and his accusations escalated. Because I did not hold to the WCF’s view but the LBC, he insisted I was not truly Reformed and should stop using the term. His arguments, clouded by theological pride, missed the heart of the matter—valuing rigid tradition over Christlike humility.

Too often, we love to quote Calvin, the Puritans, and other historical figures more than we quote the Bible itself. While their contributions are invaluable, their words should never overshadow Scripture. Do we quote Scripture with the same passion we quote Calvin? Do we defend the gospel as fiercely as we defend our theological camp? If this makes a Reformed guy like me uncomfortable, imagine how a new convert or someone from another Christian tradition might feel. If Calvin or the Reformers were alive today, they would be the first to rebuke us for elevating their writings above the Bible. Their goal was to point people to Scripture, not to themselves.

Our ultimate authority is the Bible—not Calvin, not the Puritans, and not the confessions. These men are guides, not the goal. Their writings illuminate the truth, but they are not the source of it. Confessions summarize our beliefs, but they are not infallible. The moment we elevate them to the level of Scripture, we fall into the very error the Reformers stood against.

Our passion for doctrinal precision can sometimes blind us to the heart of the gospel. We become so focused on being theologically correct that we forget to be Christlike. We argue over doctrinal nuances while failing to show love, grace, and patience to those who differ. We can dissect every nuance of predestination, yet if our words tear others down, we betray the very grace we claim to believe. We can recite the Five Points of Calvinism flawlessly, but if our words lack love, we are nothing more than clanging cymbals (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Ask yourself (as I often ask myself): Does my theology make me more like Christ or more like a Pharisee? Am I known for my love and humility, or for my ability to win arguments? The doctrines of grace should produce the most humble, compassionate, and patient people on earth—those who know they are recipients of God’s mercy, not because of their merit but solely because of His sovereign grace. Yet too often, we appear harsh, arrogant, and unapproachable. We win arguments but lose people. We defend truth but forget that truth without love is incomplete and ineffective.

I am not claiming to be prefect in my walk. I, too, stumble and fall short in many ways. There are times when pride creeps into my heart, and I am not as humble as I ought to be. Yet, we are called to grow together, encouraging and challenging one another to walk in greater obedience and faithfulness. As Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” True spiritual growth happens not in isolation but in community, where we lovingly correct, encourage, and build each other up in the truth.

Let our pursuit of sound theology never puff us up with pride. Instead, let it drive us to our knees in humility before the holy God who, by His grace, opens our eyes to His truth. May our knowledge of Him break our pride, deepen our worship, and lead us to love and serve others with the same grace and patience He has shown us.

Some Reminders for a Christlike Life:

Be quicker to listen than to speak. Arguments rarely soften hearts, but a listening ear can open the door to truth (James 1:19).

Pray more than you debate. God alone opens blind eyes (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Serve with joy and humility. Let your actions display the gospel you proclaim (Philippians 2:3-4).

Be patient with those who disagree. God was patient with you (2 Peter 3:9).

So, brothers and sisters, let us return to what matters most—exalting Christ and pointing people to His Word. Let us defend sound doctrine with humility and grace. And let us remember that theology is not about winning debates—it is about knowing, loving, and glorifying God.

The world is watching. What will they see in us?

Soli Deo Gloria.

Jeremiah Knight –The Reformation Resurgence

If you are still reading, I implore you to read that last section again by Jeremiah Knight. Where do you stand within the church body as a whole? Who do you identify with, being Christlike or more like a Pharisee/puffer fish? I hope that you will join in me in self evaluation and be humble in doing so. Understand what motivates all intentions of your daily living, especially as you strive to become more Christlike.

Following in Faith

The Fear of The Lord

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What does it mean to fear the Lord? Yesterday I posted my own thoughts on fear and today I was blessed by a friend who read my blog and directed me to Ligonier Ministries, where they have daily discipleship resources. Under the section renewing your mind they have been discussing Fear of the Lord. Wow! How blessed are we when the Lord lays something on your heart for over a week and then He blesses with affirmation of your studies reminding how relevant and important His lessons are. I have now listened to all of them on fear from February 10, 2025 to today’s. I will continue to listen and learn and I hope that you will follow along.

There is a great deal to consider and a great deal to repent over in our sins. Understand your fear, understand your relationship with God, understand your obligation (which should come naturally when you have proper fear of God) so that you can properly worship, grow in your faith, have the peace you seek, and if you are dealing with a hardened heart you may be blessed with softness, compassion and joy. Standing before God, calling Him alone father is something that we all need to remind ourselves to do as we all will be judged according to His will.

I would be curious to know if you find yourself to be a rhino or a deer? What does your fear reveal? What are your priorities? Where does your security lie? Do you fear being a sinner or being exposed as a sinner? What is the state of your heart? Are you a hypocrite? Are you puffed up after studying theology? Do you pride yourselve on knowledge and power because we think we know more than others? Are you a theological thug? Do you have true knowledge of yourself? Things to ponder as you listen.

Praying that you find this to be a blessing in your walk through life. Be enriched by the Word dear one.

https://www.renewingyourmind.org/?utm_source=ligonier&utm_medium=homepage

Following in Faith

No Fear

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Green Back Walleye; one of so many…..2025. Bucket list checked off. No Fear!

There are so many things in life to be afraid of, loss, loneliness, criticism, uncertainties, future, past haunts, temptations, judgements, and losing ones voice. I often sit back and consider my own concerns or fears and remind myself that there truly is nothing in this world I need to fear if I am in Christ. Reminding myself that He gave me the breath of life, He brought me into this world, He guides my paths, He has chosen me to be a daughter, a granddaughter, a wife, a mother and a friend. He has chosen my path in this life and I just need to be patient, be encouraged, be hopeful, and faithful in knowing that nothing in the path I walk is a mistake in God’s plan. It may look different than I had hoped for or expected, yet it is His perfect plan and I will not fight against it.

I have been thinking lately about Christian liberty and moral self righteousness in the context of righteous anger. It’s an interesting concept, and when you really think about it, there is a temptation into thinking that one is acting with indignation to a cause in support of what they deem to be the moral high ground in their faith. Curiously I ask if it really is? I mean, what is the path taken to get the end result of what one expects? Is it a path of destruction, character assasinations and broken hearts? Is it a path of bitterness, anger, pride and stiff necks? Oh the pondering I do to try to explain that which I witness, and experience in witnessing others behaviors. It seems that in each situation, the main culprits of sin include and are not limited to gossip, resentments, hatred, self pity, bitterness, self righteousness, pride, broken hearts, and one of the biggest is fear. I just keep thinking that fear is one of the biggest issues humanity deals with. That being said, if one is claiming to live for Christ and in the Word, how can they blast through life leaving a path of destruction being led by fear? Living with a heart full of love and compassion, being in the Word daily and living a prayerful life, one would assume that fear would be abated. Yet, fear is offering gratification of self preservation for one’s own prideful nature. Oh Lord help us….

Many years ago I mentioned to a family member that with humility I feared God most of all. I was taken aback when their response was that I should never fear God, that God is love. I remember quieting myself and praying for them at that moment asking the Lord to open their heart to His truth and to know Him completely. Our society, through a great deal of media interference I may add, has taken God out of the picture and created an environment where many no longer fear God, they fear man and humanity. They fear for themselves that their own identity or their own personal desires will not be met. They take on the fear they feel others should have in life, they fear that salvation will not be theirs or that of other loved ones. Fear mongering as we would call it is running rampant in our culture along with self preservation. Goodness gracious I often ponder and ask the Lord if He is weeping over creation and over the evil that has begotten so many. Non believers and believers alike share in fear. Our churches are falling apart at the seems in this generation of self seeking prideful dispositions that believe authority is old fashioned and part of a tradition they do want to take part in. Little do they realize, authority came from their creator and from their beloved Lord who gave them the breath of life. I hope you caught that, self seeking prideful dispositions. After all, isn’t that what pride is? Self seeking feeling as though one is better than another, that one has more wisdom than another? Trust me, out of want to clear the air and make things (which I truly have no control over) right for peace, I myself feel the taste of a prideful heart that is self seeking. I am also reminded that it is out of fear of the Lord that squashes that taste and the sweetness of the Lords words overtake the bitter taste of a self serving moral high ground.

So how does one overcome the fear in life? How do good stewards of the Lord feed the masses with God’s manna for their own survival? Honestly, after a great deal of pondering, praying, seeking wisdom through God’s Word, I have come to the conclusion that through stillness and quietness in one’s own mind is best. Remembering that fear is of Satan, not of God. That alone should be key, yet sometimes humility is so far under the radar that one cannot see that a humble spirit is Godly. Humility and being meek and quiet in spirit often concludes with recognition of God’s blessings for salvation of a soul and also of God’s retribution toward the wicked. God does not allow anything to go wasted, not a prayer, not a thought, not a conviction of heart. Seeing a blessing through the thicket of the brush is something that does not come easy when there is pride, closed mindedness, selfishness, bitterness, anger, blindness, lack of faith, loss of hope …. The list goes on…..

What is my surety that fear is NOT of the Lord? Here are just a few of my reminders, hope they will also be yours:

The Lord is my shield (Genesis 15:1b) The Lord hears my voice where I am at in my journey of life (Genesis 21:17b) The Lord is with me at all times (Genesis 26:24) The Lord blesses those who have faith without fear (Deut. 1:21). The Lord fights for believers in Him (Deut. 3:22). Keeping Gods commandments brings blessings (Deut. 6:2). God makes it clear that It is the Lord God that should be feared (Deut. 8:6) Being courageous and valiant without fear is of the Lord (2 Samuel 9:7). Prosperity in life comes with the fear of the Lord acknowledged and pursued (2 Chronicles 26:5). The knowledge of God comes through fearing the Lord (Proverbs 2:5). Fear of the Lord is hatred of evil, pride and arrogance. (Proverbs 8:13). The fear of the Lord is wisdom and insight. (Proverbs 9:10). The fear of the Lord prolongs life. (Proverbs 10:27). Fearing the Lord allows for uprightness and strong confidence. (Proverbs 14) The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life (Proverbs 14:27). Instruction in wisdom and humility rather than honor (Proverbs 15:33).

There are so many more; 365 fear not statements in scripture, one for each day. Necessary for encouragement to the heart and mind of a Christian. A believer that has humility and fears the Lord will be blessed with safety, life and wisdom in truth.

Friend, where are you in this mire of a life? Are you stirred by self righteousness which you use as a religious crutch to build yourself up? Are you caught up in bitterness and anger that swells the hatred against others? Are you seeking the truth through humility and fear of the Lord so that you are given wisdom to know better? We are all sinners and we all have wrinkles that we need to seek ironing out. I encourage you as well as myself in great humility to stay focused on the Word, glorify the most holy of holiness, study and remind yourself that fear is not of God and that being alive means having no fear. Trust in Him, in His will for your life, in His leading and guiding without fear. Pray when that beast of pride begins to knock on the door of your consciousness and remind yourself that you are no better than anyone else on this earth, you are a sinner, you are not more important than the Lord our God, and that every time you allow yourself judgement on others you unsurp the glory of God off his throne. There is one judge and jury and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. So fear the Lord, know who He is wholly and completely, and live having no fear other than that of the Lord!

God bless you.

Following in Faith, Why?

Profoundly Appropriate

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There is no question I am profoundly blessed. I do not take my life, circumstances, heartaches, pain, joy, blessings, relationships, daily living for granted. I have suffered great loss in my life….. from abandonment, critical spirits that try to take away my joyfulness in Christ, sufferings in mind body and spirit, bodily injuries and illness, separation in life long relationships, and so much more…. Yet…. In Christ I stand! Even, when I am unable to physically stand, I stand before a Holy God knowing that I trust in Him to give me strength to overcome, persevere, experience Joy, trust and faith.

I have always desired, even before accepting Christ and understanding what that meant, to be kind, forgiving, joyful, thankful and loving. At the same time, I have also been insecure within myself. Looking back I am wondering if my lack of confidence has stemmed from that insecurity. I have often looked back and wondered if before Christ my bewildering and empty heart was seeking security in others and things out of fear. Fear of others and their acceptance of me. Was I trying to fill that unexplained hole in my heart with worldly obligations and expectations? Doing, loving, and pursuing from a worldly perspective rather than out of a Godly perspective? Were my desires to be the person who was kind, forgiving, joyful, thankful and loving, simply put, an obligation of others for acceptance? Hmmm….

If I am being honest with myself I have to admit, yes. My longing to be accepted within all of my relationships before knowing Christ, stemmed out of a fear of mankind. I desired acceptance, love, forgiveness and joy to come from others. If I just did enough then they would accept me. Not saying that even in Christ my head hasn’t at times considered that same thought process, yet I do have to say that I have found more joy out of the most atrocious situations be it relationships, or health issues since I became a Christian. I have more often than not, clearly accepted that the hole in my heart and longing for acceptance will not, and never has been healed or filled by what I can obligingly do for others. My disappointments in others inability to accept and love me as well as Christ causes great sorrow and pain. Yet, through prayer and trust in Him I am consoled.

This morning I had the pleasure of once again joining my husband at his Faith and Fellowship breakfast breakout session at his company’s yearly Summer Development Conference. At that breakfast the theme was all about loving others. Do we love others out of obligation to do the right thing or do we love others based on the natural overflowing of love from our Lord Jesus Christ who loves us? Do we have a natural outflowing of His love which is then transferred unconditionally to others through our actions, words and behavior? What is the condition of our hearts? Are others changed by our natural love which is expressed because we are victorious in living for and serving Christ? How many of us can answer that question honestly?

We have a beloved rescue dog whom we purchased from a shelter at 6 weeks of age. Abandoned by her mother and cared for by humans, and adopted and loved by us. She is a Pyrenees mix which is known for herding and guarding. She does this well. She is well behaved unless she feels threatened or unless she is feeling the obligatory guarding she feels we need. Do we love her out of obligation? Even though at times she is a bit of a handful? No, we love her unconditionally and because our hearts are filled with love that we enjoy sharing with her. Isn’t that just like what it’s like with other people sometimes? A friend or family member who is difficult to love, when our hearts are filled and overflowing with the love of Christ, we take every opportunity to love them no matter what right? So why are so many people, friends and/or family members so willing to push away that kind of love? Why do they put an arms length between themselves and unconditional love by another? Why do they proclaim victory for themselves in pushing away pure agape love? Why does our rescue dog push back when we try to do what is best for her and love her point blank without expectations?

Appropriately and ironically this morning at this breakfast one of the speakers clearly pointed out it’s out of fear. Fear of abandonment themselves; fear of losing their identity in who they want to be; fear of disappointments; fear fear fear! Their hearts are not filled with the same overflowing love of Christ that can remove their fear. After all, how many people understand that in the Bible, God’s Word, there are 365 verses that are considered fear not verses. One for each day. One for each day that fear creeps into the mind of a believer. How many of us can say confidently that we are children of God, saved by Grace, redeemed and victorious through Jesus Christ? Notice the seventh word in that last sentence…. Confidently. Fear many times, takes over and overrides confidence. Fear of unknowns, fear of abandonment, fear of loneliness, fear of everything this world can throw upon the shoulders of even the most proclaimed Christian. Many people declare Christ, yet many do not truly believe Christ is stronger than their own will and fear. When we do not release our will and our fears completely to Him, His love cannot permeate and naturally overflow through us to others.

If we have a natural walk with God, others are changed by our expressed love for them. This is how we serve our redeemer. Sharing love naturally. Not always an easy task, and after my most recent 10 months of counseling (and many more before this….) I better understand that there are a great number of people that will allow their humanity and fear to overtake their hearts so that they are blinded by our natural overflowing, unconditional love for them. Humanity set’s regulations, conditions, rules and standards of how and when they will accept love, or show love. I have seen this in family, friends, social circles and even within God’s people. Unity in Christ has to be mutual for those who seek to serve Him. Unity in understanding that agape love is complete in itself. It’s pure, natural, unconditional, and without earthly regulations, conditions, rules and standards.

John 13:34. (ESV). A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

So how is love expressed, experienced, given and understood when you are in Christ? Let’s take a look:

Galatians 5:22 – 26 (ESV). But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong in Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

There are so many verses on love and loving others. Friends, please lay your woes, concerns, natural envy of earthly desires at the feet of Christ and set before Him all fears. Be subject to the unwavering love of Christ by trusting in the leading of the Holy Spirit and allow the overflowing of Christs love permeate through you so that you can love just as Christ loves. Serve Christ by serving your brethren with their observance of your unconditional love for them and unwavering faith. Be aware of your own heart before criticizing or judging anyone else’s. Allow for the sanctification and growth in understanding the truth of what it means to be in Christ.

Oh how we need more and more companies to step up and allow Christ to be known and seen within their walls and within their employees. Unity and Love in Christ and Christ alone. Praise be to the Lord God for His leading of my heart to share what I am feeling this day. My heart is overflowing for all of you…..

Why?

Aw-inspiring Nature

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My peonies above that sit on the side of our home. They are so beautiful. This weekend is the peony festival in our state so I just had to post this picture.

I am always blown away by the sight the Lord has blessed me with. The sight to see what is around me, the beauty of all of His wonderful creations. The birds chirping all day long during the summer months bringing beautiful music to the ears, the florals that keep color around us, as well as the beautiful smells from their scented aromas that collide with one another. Nature is incredible.

I am once again in my joyful happy place sitting under my gazebo in the mornings and many evenings. Praising God for the blessings that He has bestowed upon us. So many thoughts on life are pondered here, so many prayers are lifted here, so many plans of the future are made here. The world changes around me, relationships that once seemed safe and are no longer, prayed over plans fall apart, people are not who they claim to be, and yet there is a constant that I am reminded of when I sit outside under the morning sun and evening stars….. God is in complete control, He will not disappoint, He will be with me forever. He will dry my tears from sorrows, He will heal my broken heart, He will whisper truths to counteract humanities earthly criticisms, He will comfort the losses I feel, He will provide wisdom and knowledge when I am perilized with fear, He will lead me when I am wandering and He will guide me through the messy mire of the world. Nothing else in this world is needed than to praise, glorify and be thankful for a God who literally has the whole world in His hands.

If you are desperate for relief from worldly woes and are wandering in hopelessness, I encourage you to find a happy place to pick up the Word of God, pray, study and trust in Him alone. Do not worry about the details, let the Lord take over and show you the way. Have hope in that which you cannot see yet what you believe in. While you do so, embrace that which the Lord has already blessed you with. Be the one who sets examples of grace, forgiveness and hope for others to see.

My world….. As I am sitting here typing, I have to stop when the three youthful chipmunks living in our home foundation decide to test out my gazebo floor… imagine: sipping cold coffee, scream, type scream, sip scream, type scream…. it’s an endless routine of them scaring me and me scaring them. Haha. I honestly love it even if they freak me out! :).

God bless you friends, until we meet again…..

Why?

Unrelenting Hope

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If you are reading this you have stuck with me over the last 8 months once again without a written word of encouragement. I apologize. My mind, and life in general have been consumed with change, challenges, healing and building a new found relationship with the inner working of self care, and a new understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Jesus once said that His beloved would be hated, and so it is and has been in my life as a believer. My heart has been broken…shattered actually, and yet, I am healing with the Lord Jesus by my side, just as many who have gone before me. Life in this world as a believer and true servant of Jesus is not for the faint of heart. It takes giving up any control, loving unconditionally, having hope, forgiving, and grieving that which is given to us and taken from us. Life long lessons that continue, just when you think you have it, new challenges have you questioning your strength. So sometimes, self care through prayer, study, therapy/counseling help to remind us of our frailty.

Last night I had the privilege of attending the local Rescue Mission Gala. I had been wanting to attend for 2 years and this year was invited to attend at a table with lovely beloved brothers and sisters whom I have known for a while now. I have for the last two years helped to address and stuff the envelopes to be sent out for the event, I have been down to the Mission with my husband several times as he assisted with the praise and worship team once a month for at least the last 3-4 years, I have donated bags upon bags of clothes to the Mission which serves the men and women/families of the local area with programs to help with addiction, recovery, life skills, education, abuse, and of course the homeless. What I did not know what the beautiful stories of those who have completed the programs. Their journeys were heartbreaking, yet their stories of finding Jesus at the end of those journeys was praiseworthy. Jesus Christ filled the empty barren holes in their lives. They were given a second chance at life. I was so moved, encouraged and now the next morning I am still praising God. Now that is an impact.

Looking around at the lost in this world, I am reminded once again that there is nothing I can personally do to change a heart. Only Jesus can do that. And…He will do it in his timing, when it is right for that individual. There is great sorrow and loneliness in this world. Loneliness that has succumbed due to depravity and separation between God and humanity. The stories I heard last night remind me that there is hope. Hope in Jesus, a savior who fulfills. Jesus is the only one who can take a desperate soul lost in the wasteland to a valley of hope where they are fed and given new life.

Oh the richness of knowing, experiencing and enjoying serving Christ. This life is not about us….it is about serving a creator with praise and glorifying a savior who gave everything for those who love Him. Have we ever loved that much? Do we give us our anxieties, bitterness, sorrows, and helplessness over to the only one who can cure? Do we want control over the narrative in our stories or are we willing to submit our story to a publisher who can make changes to fulfill a more complete picture of who we are and who we are meant to be? If our answers are to control the narratives, then we are not trusting or knowing Jesus as we should. For in Him ALL things are possible. ALL healing is possible. ALL becomes clear and our stories become more than just a journey, they become a story with an ending. A happily ever after, eternal life in a kingdom prepared for us.

What an incredible 8 months it has been. The Lord has so much in store for His beloved seen and unseen. The cruelty of humanity and the darkness of this world tries to take away our Joy, yet nothing…I repeat nothing can restore like an unconditional loving God. A Father who shows compassion to the hurting, clarity to the lost, and life to the dead. I praise God for the blessing of knowing Him, living for Him, and serving in His name.

Friend, I pray that you are encouraged today and that you will not follow your heart or mind, yet that you will follow Jesus and relinquish the control over the narrative of your life to become a complete story in Christ, just as I saw last night in the testimony of so many who have been given another chance at life.

Why?

I Am Not Alone In My Loneliness

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I cannot believe it has been almost a year since my last post. I also cannot believe that I had the incredible blessing last year of sharing with others endurance through suffering. That my last post would be so important to me in my own life at this time. God’s merciful grace, through preparing His beloved, is so awe-inspiring that no words can describe. Only tears of joy can show how truly grateful I am for that study last year.

As I work through loss in my life, I find myself clinging to the Lord Jesus and His Word ever so much more. I am reminded that suffering is expected, suffering will come, and suffering can be overcome if we remember the only one we can count on for clarity, comfort, peace, wisdom and resolution is the Lord God Almighty. If we are faithful to taking all of our concerns to Him, we will not be disappointed.

All of us live in a fallen world of brokenness, of which we are not immune from. We wrestle with the loneliness that comes from relationship loss, abandonment, and physical bodily death. We wrestle with the wrongs that come against us in times when we think we are doing good, we wrestle with accusations made against us that are unwarranted and we wrestle with crushing name calling by others. We do not have to wrestle with however, the knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by a creator who has chosen us out of this broken world to do good works in serving Him to the best of our ability. Born into sin and saved by grace to a life filled with hope. Sharing that hope in all that we do with joy, kindness, love, patience and prayer. So that others will see in us the light of majesty in our Lord.

Satan is working overtime right now against God’s beloved and we have to pray for our brothers and sisters asking for God’s providential care to prepare the way for sight in seeing truth, to heal broken hearts, to sweeten taste of bitterness and to protect those who are yet to be called to Him. We need to be praying for the sins of those who know better, pray for those that hold judgmental thoughts against others, and for all of those who cannot control the temptation to demean others for their own self preservation.

There are so many things we fear in this broken world, and yet we do not need to fear if we have the Lord Jesus as our savior. Our sacrifices in this life are nothing compared to the sacrifices He has made for us. No matter what we do on this earth for the good of others is not even close to what He has done for others. We need to uphold the standards that He set with humility, love, compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. Doing what is right in the sight of God for those who need to be encouraged. That includes ourselves. If we take on the burdens that others try to heap upon our feeble bodies, we are not serving God. We serve ourselves. God is the only one who can change hearts. God is the only one who can lighten the load of heavy burdens. God is the only one who can move mountains that stubbornly hold their ground. God is the only one who can transform evil into good. God is the only one who can save out of death and can give life. God is the only one who can remind us that we are starving for spiritual truth more than we are starving for food. We need to have the humility to admit that we are not strong enough to do it ourselves. We need to call upon the Holy Spirit to give us clarity and wisdom to know best how to serve in humility in all that comes before us. That we would not stand proud over our accomplishments, yet that we would give Him glory for the blessings He has provided. Oh how this broken world tries to control that which is not controllable.

We have to rely on a Holy God who can take away the pain for us, who can give us strength in the most impossible situations and who can comfort us in our mourning. God be with you friends as you endure another hour, day, month and year. Till I write again….. goodnight.

Following in Faith

Good Through Suffering

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I once again had the privilege and honor of facilitating a discussion at a woman’s bible study of which I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of. We are studying Christian suffering. With this week being an emotional time for our city and community, I feel it is timely to share this discussion with others. God’s providential care over the presentation of His Word and validation of the gospel and Jesus through suffering is just too much to comprehend. Showing support for Christians during times of suffering and allowing suffering to be a testimony of Christ to unbelievers is sometimes overlooked.

May the Lord be glorified as you read and be blessed with encouragements in difficult times.

1 Peter 4:19

[19] Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Key parts to this verse, those who suffer, God’s will, trust in a faithful Creator, and while doing good.

We have been discussing suffering and God’s will, we have touched on trusting our faithful creator and today we get to also talk about doing good.

What does it mean to be doing good? The KJV definition says the the word good means Valid; legally firm; not weak or defective; having strength adequate to its support. So what does this have to do with suffering and why is it important?

Being a testimony in our own faith through suffering, we help to validate the Word of God because He wills it to be so. We cannot validate, God validates through our suffering. We have an opportunity to witness, to unbelievers, through our suffering, using God’s Word that the sacrifice of a child (being Jesus Christ and Jesus alone) for the sins of others is not weak or defective. We are given the strength adequate to support the love of a creator to give life to the broken and to heal the sick. Faith through suffering, helps to bind us closer to our Father in an unbreakable relationship as it was created to be in the beginning.

1 Peter 5:1-5

Shepherd the Flock of God

[1] So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: [2] shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; [3] not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. [5] Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Our Elders are given clear instructions in scripture of the lives they should live, what their duty is, how they are to lead etc. As part of the shepherds flock that the Lord has called us to be, we sometimes struggle to find that clear instruction of who or what we should be doing with our faith. We know that we will suffer, we know through the great commission that we are to go out and make disciples of all nations, to be teaching spreading the word of God that has been taught. Yet as human beings in a broken world, we sometimes find ourselves in one of two camps, overzealous or unenthusiastic without clear instruction as to the direction we head in our walk as a christian. Bunyan was great in describing the path and journey of Christian in Pilgrims’ Progress. There are obstacles, there are divisions in the path, and there are deceptive complications that stand before us.

We can either be overzealous, on fire for the Word, working as if it’s a job to put ourselves out there to make sure everyone is saved and everyone hears the gospel. Now, while this is not wrong at all as it’s a command for all who believe, sometimes we are doing it out of the inappropriate belief that out of works we are saved, and/or we blindly go about it out of glorification for our own self worth.

On the flip side, we could be unenthusiastic by just attending church on Sundays, ignoring God and God’s word the rest of the week and leaving the great commission to those who are outwardly and clearly gifted to be called and appointed to spread the gospel.

Our journey, as hard as it is to believe, is not unlike that of our Elders, lest we forget. We are ALL human. We are saved by Grace and God’s mercy has been placed upon us to do good just as they do. We are no different in that we are to join in the Great Commission, without fear, without worry about if we are doing it the right way or if we are qualified to do so, even through suffering. We have the opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ even in our suffering.

For review let’s read what scripture say:

Matthew 28:16-20

The Great Commission

[16] Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. [17] And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When we suffer, we have an opportunity, no an obligation to our beloved Father, to remember who He is. Remember what sacrifice He has made and to remember that we are not of this world. That our suffering, brokenness, insecurities and awareness of sin is because we have a loving Father who gave us Jesus whom came before us. A Father who also gave us the Holy Spirit:

Romans 8:1-30

Life in the Spirit

[1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, [4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. [6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. [7] For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. [8] Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. [9] You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. [10] But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. [11] If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. [12] So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. [13] For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. [14] For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

We are set free from the law of sin and death, we set our minds on the things of the Spirit, of life and peace. The Spirit is life because of righteousness. We cry “Abba! Father!” Heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him.

Future Glory

[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. [26] Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. [27] And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. [28] And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Our book reminds us that 1Peter 4:19 Jesus “entrusted himself to God.”

Being reformed members of the body of Christ we clearly understand that that God has predestined those He has chosen and called those who are to go out, as disciples to share in the glory of God. The Spirit helps us in our weakness. The Spirit knows how to intercede for us when the groanings are too much for us. It’s not about us, it’s about those who are yearning for the change of heart, that we have the opportunity and the privilege to share joy and hope in Jesus before humanity as a testimony.

2 Corinthians 4:7-10

Treasure in Jars of Clay

[7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. [8] We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; [9] persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; [10] always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.

This…this is how we know that we are called even through suffering that we are Christians by our suffering. This is our confirmation that suffering makes a difference. This is how we are encouraged to have joy through suffering, even when we cry out “Abba, Father”.

John Stott comments,

How did Jesus expect His disciples to react under persecution? [In Matt. 5:12 He said], “Rejoice and be glad!” We are not to retaliate like an unbeliever, nor sulk like a child, nor lick our wound in self-pity like a dog, nor just grin a bear it like a Stoic, still less pretend we enjoy it like a masochist. What then? We are to rejoice as a Christian should and even “leap for joy” (Lk. 6:23).4

Luke 6:20-23

The Beatitudes

[20] And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. [21] “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. [22] “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! [23] Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Before I move on I have two thoughts about this. First, leaping for joy does not necessarily mean that we literally leap for joy. We rejoice with joy in the fact that we have the opportunity to experience suffering as God would have us, at His will. That our faith is strengthened through suffering because we have all the trust in the world that we are not in control, God is. And we trust that.

Also, we cannot and should not worry about or judge ourselves or others, including other Christians, as to the way in which they react and suffer. From the outside someone may look like they are being stoic or showing joy like a masochist, or seemingly anxious in what seems to be self pity, yet we cannot truly know where their faith is at that moment. How God chooses to use their suffering and how He chooses to utilize their growth in faith to be a testimony in suffering is as God sees fit and should not be something we need to make a judgement call on.

Many believers and non believers alike, share in humanity, emotions, sinfulness, weeping and joy. One’s immediate reaction to suffering in their life is nothing short of normal. We cannot judge what the outcome of their suffering and response to suffering will bring. Sharing your own testimony to suffering and the strength it took to get through it should never be frowned upon or looked upon as bragging. As long as God is glorified through that testimony and if prayer stands behind it we should rejoice that the Lord has opened the door to do so. Each Christian has a struggle, some will struggle more with wanting to know why while others will not. That’s ok. As long as we proclaim victory in Christ we know that our suffering was for the good.

This moves us into the next section of How do we share in the suffering of other believers? And how do we know we are supposed to?

1 Corinthians 12:26

[26] If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

We’ve all heard the saying misery loves company. I really hate that statement, yet sometimes it’s a bit truer than I would like to admit depending on how you read that. We find connections to people who have suffered as we have suffered. We find support groups for just about every type of suffering don’t we? Support groups do not remove the pain and anguish we feel, they do however, bring us together and bind us together in suffering. Support groups are great if they are giving comfort and tools to grow through the anguish, and what a better way to offer that comfort than to share the gospel to unbelievers. So even though I dislike the misery loves company verbiage, it does offer opportunity for believers and unbelievers alike to share in a way that sometimes may not otherwise occur.

As I am completing this lesson for study today, I am taking breaks to tune in to the Wisconsin Darrell Brooks sentencing part of the trial. Hearing the families and their anguish, there have been many that have shared that through the grace of God they are getting through. They are trusting in God to give them strength each day to not dwell on what happened and that today they have closure as one step closer. These families have been able to share with one another the grief of loss, and anguish of suffering at the hands of evil. They been bound together in circumstance through tragedy, strengthening one another through their suffering as a community. While I cannot judge Mr. Brooks heart and what God will do with him, from outward appearance, I can and will use the word evil as he shook his head yes to one parent saying that he hopes he rots in hell, and clapped or laughed when others were done sharing their tragic story. Pure evil in the face of the suffering created at his own hands. Still trying to understand if he did that in his hopes of seeing Satan. Only God knows and only God knows his true heart.

I praise God that these families have the opportunity to share the strength they have been given and proclaimed God as the source. As one young man shared, he has joy that Mr. Brooks cannot take away, even though this life has changed and the last year has been a journey. It takes a profound amount of maturity in faith to say that he can forgive. This… this is what it means to suffer for Christ. Claiming victory over suffering for Christ. Not allowing our suffering to define who are. Allowing our strength to come from the Holy Spirit and sharing that strength with others. It’s not being showy, it’s not being stoic or being a masochist if Christ is at the center and proclaimed to be at the center of our grief. It’s an example of what the Lord offers through the sacrifice of His son for sinners like us.

To those who are still suffering through this tragedy, I continue to pray for God’s strength to be given to them, that they will be encouraged through no strength of their own to trust in a Holy God and His will over this entire debacle. Job was rattled in his own suffering so it is not to be expected no matter how faithful one is. Being able to turn to the Word and relying on God’s truth rather than man’s truth is what I pray for these families. I also pray that evil will be casted out of Mr. Brooks and that He will submit to the Lord and will repent honestly and truly, offering humility before God. We will not know easily if this will happen as again, it is God’s will and only God knows the true condition of his heart.

We are qualified to share the gospel because we suffer as Christ suffered, we are called to do good because the word is not defective and we are strengthened because we have been predestined to have encouragement and faith to give glory to a creator who not only gave us life on earth, but also everlasting life with Him.

Friends, to whom do you place your trust? Is it in yourself? Perhaps in the depths of despair you may offer your creator your submission to Him and His will. Just a thought. Just a prayer for you this day as you read this blog.

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

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Colossians 1:14

[14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (ESV)

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In the stormy seas of life, many will often times forget to look at the beauty that surrounds them. The focus is on the here and now and it is forgotten that nothing happens without cause and reason. Excuses for bad behavior are given, white lies are told, walking away without explanations are common and the waves overtake the whole being so that one drowns in the sinfulness of darkness without reaching the light that is within grasping hands.

Have you found yourself being in this situation? Have you sat alone pondering to yourself “what just happened”? I challenge you today, to understand that you are not feeling anything other than what every other person has felt at one time or another in their life. I am not talking about in just today’s time or in just this century. I am talking about any time in life since Christ died on that cross. The verse today sums up the message of the gospel in such a short half sentence that reading it makes ones head swell with awe.

Let’s take a look at just one word for a moment. Redemption is a noun yet it has a verb twist as it’s an action of sorts. Redemption in the dictionary says its the release of; the saving of sins. The biblical meaning of redemption says it this way; (Greek: apolutrosis) refers to the deliverance of Christians from sin. It assumes an important position in salvation because the transgressions in question form part of a great system against which human power is helpless. (Wikipedia). Did you catch that last part? If not read it again…. “a great system against which human power is helpless.”

There are many religions throughout the world that would teach and have their followers believe that there is always something you can do to for yourself to calm the storm and deliver oneself from sin. That if you just trust enough, if you just do enough, if you are a kind person, etc. Redemption doesn’t work that way, it’s something that no one can do for themselves. Do you remember the biblical testimony of the calming of the sea? Writing this made me think of that. Let’s take a look shall we?

Jesus Calms a Storm

35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4:35-41

Jesus is the gospel truth. He is the one who restores from a life of sin to a life worthy of salvation. He saves because he loves. There is nothing anyone can do for themselves. One cannot calm the seas around them, one cannot steer the boat to safety when the waves are crashing around the uneven rocking sides, and one cannot just call out for deliverance without their own sacrifice. Turning toward the Word of God, and putting faith in Jesus Christ who withstood death and was raised to sit at the right hand of the Father to judge the wicked is the way in which one survives.

Easy it is not. Who after all likes to admit they were wrong in action and deed? Who likes to admit that they’ve stood before others in deception? Redemption has happened to save those whom are called to serve and worship Him. Repenting and asking for forgiveness to those whom have been wronged is necessary. It’s the one requirement in which then leads to a life of having faith in that which is unseen yet felt. A calmness from the storm that rages around trying to sink the boat. A calmness felt without fear. A calmness that sits before fear and locks in a life that will never feel death.

You notice from the verse quoted above that even Jesus’ own disciples had fear. The walked with the prophesied Messiah, they knew him and yet they had fear. Many in the Old Testament sinned. Repentance and faith in God and what knowing what was yet to come is what saved them. Walking away from a life of sin is not always easy. There are definitely challenges and there are always slip ups. Everyone is a sinner, that’s human nature. What is done in one’s life to prevent sin and actions taken to rectify a sinful act is the important part of surviving the storm around and seeing the beauty of the calm that is available. The beauty of a life given for a life to be saved.

The forgiveness of sins is what Jesus came to this earth to accomplish with His death on the cross. This, is the calm within the storm. Won’t you consider joining others in this joyous new birth in faith?

Let's Have Some Serious Conversations, Why?

Let’s Have Some Serious Conversations

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Colossians 1:13

[13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

This time of year we see that the weather has taken on a more subdued stance and we enjoy the warmth of the sun as the snow melts. We see the grass is becoming greener and the trees are budding. The spring florals are popping up out of the ground with force as they bring color to our colorless scenery of the last four to five months. It’s a time for the birth or hatching of the animals that have spent the winter months nesting just waiting for the younglings to care for to make their appearance. With all of the newness of life have you ever considered that it is also a great time for the renewal of life for us as well?

When you read the above passage did you realize that the gift the Lord has given us through the death of His son Jesus Christ is a gift that is reflective of a new birth? A new birth that is unmatched on this earth.

Each year, as we celebrate this gift, we are given the opportunity to reach out to others to share in this gift of life. A renewal and new birth of an individual who is lost in sin and lost to death. If you are asking as so many do, how can one go through a new birth? Let’s take a look at what scripture says and what the Lord has taught us about this very topic.

John 3:1-15

You Must Be Born Again

[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. [2] This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” [3] Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [4] Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” [5] Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

[9] Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” [10] Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? [11] Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. [12] If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? [13] No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, [15] that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Understanding that the Lord our God through his Son Jesus Christ has saved sinners from that which they have been born into, is not for the faint of heart. It was not a beautiful sight for those who were present in seeing the bloody and gory death of Jesus, yet the burden he took on for sinners was glorious. Only a holy almighty God could do such a thing.

God saw His creation and being all knowing, knew that we needed a savior to lead mankind out of death and into an eternal life with Him.

John 3:16-21

For God So Loved the World

[16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [19] And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. [20] For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. [21] But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Full of hope and full of love for one another, God’s flock has an opportunity to turn away from the evil of this world and turn toward Him. The opportunity to help lead others out of darkness to a life of everlasting eternal life in a kingdom of grace with our savior. Is there anything more glorious at this time of year than knowing that new life could mean a life saved for eternity?

I challenge each of you to consider the blessing and incredible gift that we have been given, and share the good news of the gospel truth with those who need a renewed life. A rebirth from darkness of the world to the kingdom of light.

Perhaps also be reminded that believers also need to be encouraged and what a more perfect time to do so. While the earth renews with life in spring, let us renew our faith and share it’s beauty with others.

God be with you all friends.