Life

   I haven't written anything in a while because I've been struggling with daily life. One day at a time, one step at a time, one moment at a time trying to do and be what I am supposed to do and be. I don't want to be fake or phony. I want to be the real deal, a what you see is what you get Christ-like Christian. I want to be biblical Christian taking my cues for living from God's word, not society or people around me.
    My struggle to be Christ-like has not always been successful. The perfection I have striven for has been an ever illusive thing. Finally, I see that it is not in me to be perfect, but it is in Christ. Christ lives in me and as I die to myself and allow Him to live in me and through me in fulness, I will have victory. It is Christ in me the hope glory. He is my victory! That's how I win my struggles. My prayer and heart's desire is that Christ will help me live this out daily.

How's Your Witness?

    As a Christian, is your life a daily expression of faith in God or a daily expression of complaining about what God has not done? Do people see you refusing to give in to discouragement or despair or do they see you   questioning if God can even solve your dilemma, meet your needs or see you through your circumstances? Remember people are watching.
    Remember, also, that your Heavenly Father is watching, loves you and wants you  to cast all of your cares upon Him.  He has promised to be your refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. He lives inside you, and He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. Depend on Him, trust in His promises. Have faith in God. Let Him shine forth through you.

How Is Your Day?

     Most of us experience good days and bad days. That's just life. But, have you ever considered that we need to be more concerned about having a godly day than a good day. What's the difference?
     For most of us a good day is a day where everything works out the way we expected or better than we expected. Good days are often determined by happenings that bring happiness.  Circumstances and people tend to favor us. A godly day is a day begun with, continued with and concluded with looking to and depending on God. Godly days do not depend on happenings, circumstances or people. Godly days depend upon our relationship with and trust in God. We don't just need more good days. We need godly days. Godly days will make the good days better and the bad days less bad. What kind of day are you having?

Hebrews 12:2

King James Version (KJV)

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

What a Friend We Have in Jesus-A wonderful Message

 What a friend we have in Jesus, 
 all our sins and griefs to bear! 
 What a privilege to carry 
 everything to God in prayer! 
 O what peace we often forfeit,
 O what needless pain we bear, 
 all because we do not carry 
 everything to God in prayer. 

 Have we trials and temptations? 
 Is there trouble anywhere? 
 We should never be discouraged; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Can we find a friend so faithful 
 who will all our sorrows share? 
 Jesus knows our every weakness; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 

 Are we weak and heavy laden, 
 cumbered with a load of care? 
 Precious Savior, still our refuge; 
 take it to the Lord in prayer. 
 Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? 
 Take it to the Lord in prayer! 
 In his arms he'll take and shield thee; 
 thou wilt find a solace there.

        Written by

        Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886 

Only God

I saw a perfect message from a friend. I needed to hear it today.

Only God
can turn a Mess into a Message,
a Test into a Testimony,
a Trial into a Triumph, and
a Victim into a Victor!

We serve a very awesome God!

 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

Valleys

    Are you walking through a valley? Does it seem to be a long, hard and threatening valley? Do the shadows and what might be ahead fill you with anxiety and fear? Remember that as a Christian you never, ever walk alone. You have a Shepherd Who walks with you. He's beside you, ahead of you and is your rear guard. Therefore, fear no evil for He is with you and will be with you in your walk through this life. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
 



                                                                 HEBREWS 13:5
                              For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake.

 Deuteronomy 31:8 

New American Standard

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Rough Day?

  Are you having a rough day? Tell it to Someone who always cares. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.

Finding Help in the Time of Grief

    <sup>During the past month, I have often needed help. My brother's passing has caused much grief in our family. We miss him terribly. And, we are not alone in our grief. During the past month, there have been four other families connected with my church or myself who have lost love ones. These families have been plunged into the grieving process. The shock, hurt and sadness of loss is at times overwhelming. But, I know from experience the very best place to go for help when this happens. Humbly, I  point those who are hurting to Hebrews 4:14-16.

Hebrews 4
14</sup> Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Saying Goodbye To My Brother

   Friday afternoon, January 4, 2013, my brother, Barry went home to be with the Lord. Oh how we miss him! But, he is in a much better place. He is no longer sick, suffering, tried or having difficulty getting around. The Lord has been so good in giving His presence and comfort in the midst of my family's grief. God truly is our Refuge and Strength and a very present Help in the time of trouble. He truly ministers to us through His people as they pray for us, cry with us, hug us, offer words of sympathy and tangible expressions of kindness.
  The town of Adamsville, Tennessee, where my brother lived for thirty-six years, was wonderful in their tribute to him as Assistant Fire Chief, Rescue Squad Leader and owner and operator of H and W Plumbing and Electrical Company. My family and I were deeply touched by the great love and respect poured out for Barry. The Home-going Service initiated and presented by Fire and Rescue was awesome and very comforting. We all appreciate the honors and kind words bestowed upon Barry. He would have been humbly dumfounded by it all. It made saying goodbye a little easier. The days ahead will be painful and sad for quite a while, but the prayers and support of faithful friends and our faithful God will see us through.
  If I could say anything to my brother right now, I 'd say, "I love you brother dear. Thanks for being my brother. I sure miss you, but because of our certain hope in Christ Jesus, I'll see you after a while."