Category: life lesson

Don’t Mistake a Blessing for a Curse

Nehemiah 13:2b -yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.

If you are living in misery, you are NOT living in your blessing. If you are feeling condemned, lacking favor, desolate, unhappy, forsaken, damned, cursed or living in unforgiveness, you are NOT living in your blessing. There have been times in life I have felt all the above, certain I had missed out on or even had had my blessing taken from me, and actually I have had things taken from me more times than I can count, yet I realize the things I thought should have blessed me, were NOT the blessing at all. I also realize that God is the giver of ALL good gifts. He is the only One that can turn a curse into a blessing and I know I am blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure and JOY, is gonna be my STRENGTH! You can find it all over in the Bible; Numbers, Lamentation, Joshua, Nehemiah, 2 Corinthians, Galatians are just a few place. Maybe you lost your job due to someone else’s actions or you applied for a job and was turned down for a reason that makes no sense to you. Both of these things actually happened to my husband a few years back. Here’s a personal testimony of mine I’ll share; I was robbed several years back. I had four of my grandchildren living with me at the time, I was also a substitute teacher at our local public school where my grandchildren attended when the robbery occurred, which is where we were at that very time, my husband was at his job as well. So the first blessing was that no one was home at the time of the break-in. When the kids and I got home the front door was still open, so I took the kids back to the car, called 911 and waited. My husband got home about the time the police arrived and they had the kids and I stay outside until they searched the house and found it to be safe to enter. When I got in there I was in shock at the things that were taken. It was EVERYTHING of mine. EVERY sentimental thing I had, an early 1900’s safe that had been in my family for years, all my jewelry, things of my childrens and grandchildrens memabillias I had been holding on for my entire life, the lamp beside my bed which the necklace I wore when we were married hung from the switch that turned it on. Right down to my clothes, including undergarments, along with some other things such as guitar and computer, etc. but mostly EVERYTHING that was gone was mine. I was devastated to say the least, because I am a very sentimental person. For the next 48 hours I was a mess, I couldn’t see how I would ever get any peace about this, I had been violated once again in my life and why? Was there a curse on my life? The questions that were going through my mind were of course due to shock and well of course fear which is nothing more than lies from the devil. After that 48 hours I heard the Lord tell me I was blessed. You can imagine what that might have been like, hearing I was blessed after all that. But this is what I heard God say as if He were standing right beside me. “He had protected my family, none of us were harmed and as for all of my belongings; I wasn’t going to be able to take any of those things with me when I leave this world, the ONLY thing I was going to be able to take were other souls and at the time the souls He was talking about were my four grandchildren that I was raising at the time.” Blessed I was; all four of my grandchildren ended up receiving the Lord as their personal Savior and were ALL baptized while in my care. When you’re not feeling blessed, give those feeling, thoughts, and circumstances over to God. God’s ways and our ways are not the same. What looks like misfortune or a curse to us, He says is a blessing. When in question, I just pray and I don’t act until I have a knowing in my spirit what will lead me to my blessing. Trust me there is a blessing. Have I ever missed it, sure, who hasn’t? Misfortunes happen to us all in some form or another, but so do blessings. Thank you Jesus for redeeming me from the curse of the law and may the LORD bless each person reading this and keep you and make His face shine upon you, Amen.

Practical Advice

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

I’m just full of practical advice like, Going hunting? You might spend some time at a gun range or target practicing first. Want to lose weight? Eat things you don’t like, you’ll eat less. Want to save money? Quit spending. Things always breaking down? Try regular maintenance. You have no peace? Stop dwelling on things that you can’t fix anyway. Don’t like what some people are saying about you? Stop saying things about some people. Don’t like the rain? Be patient it will stop. Can’t sleep? Don’t take things to bed with you that don’t belong there. Your family falling apart? A family that prays together, stays together. Clothes don’t fit? Lose weight, gain weight or buy new clothes. I could go on forever, but I have more to say regarding practical advice. There is a thing called “Biblical Practical Advice.” It focuses on applying wisdom to our daily lives. Some of the key principles would be: practicing empathy, managing finances wisely, working with diligence, maintaining patience, cultivating healthy, respectful relationships. We should be better listeners than we are talkers. Learn the “Golden Rule” do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t speak disrespectfully about others. Don’t take revenge on those that have wronged you, instead show kindness whenever possible. Work like your working for the Lord. Be like the ant in (Proverbs 6:6-8), be faithful in small things, baby-steps. “I am a BABY-STEPPER.” Stop trying to impress everyone, focus on impressing the One who matters. Be patient, it builds character and it shows God is in control not you. Avoid arrogance, “Do not cast the first stone” and be honest about your own mistakes before criticizing others. Use your personal gifts to benefit others rather than for selfish gain and actively forgive others, recognizing everyone makes mistakes. Now how many of these do you think I have down? If I was to be honest, I’d say NONE. Every day I have to repent in one area or another. But, knowing all these things gives me direction on where I want to be. I can set realistic goals, ones that are obtainable. Bottom line the Bible is full of Practical Advice. It is our instruction book for life, life more abundantly. So next time you find yourself struggling in an area, open it up. Get you some good “Biblical Practical Advice” that’s also called, Wisdom.

Always …Everywhere

Proverbs 15:3 (“The eyes of the LORD are everywhere”)

Psalm 121:8 (“The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go”), and Psalm 32:8 (“I will guide you with my eye upon you”). The Bible teaches that God is constantly watching over people as a protective guardian who never sleeps or looks away. Psalm 33:18 (“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love”). Psalms 139:1-12 describes God’s intimate knowledge of a person’s actions, thoughts, and movements, indicating he is always present. Hebrews 4:13 (“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”).

Knowing God is watching is meant to bring a sense of peace and comfort to believers during our difficult times. Yet, it also brings about accountability; we are warned that this watchfulness means God sees everything done in secret and that people will answer for their actions, which brings me to another area of who else is watching? We should live with integrity, because the Bible also talks about others watching us. We should set a godly example to everyone; I have to repent because I miss it in this area quite often. I do want to live in such a way that when people see me, they see Jesus and that my Father in heaven would be glorified. That it would also bring encouragement to others to live a right life before the Lord, seeing God’s work being done in my life, which is a work in progress, it would bring hope to them. God is not a respecter of persons, what He is doing in my life He will do in theirs. Baby Christians: people new to their faith in God, a younger generation, they need to see our life, our actions, aligning with our claims of faith. In Hebrews 12 it speaks of a cloud of witnesses, people witnessing our life. Not only is God’s eyes ALWAYS on us, but others are watching too. We are to witness to others by doing right especially to those that accuse us of doing wrong, that they would glorify God on the day he comes to visit them (1 Peter 2:12). We are called to be an example to those observing us (1 Ti. 4:12). It is also true that some will simply watch you to find fault or catch you making a mistake, just as how spies watched Jesus to find something to use against him (Luke 20:20, Mark 12:13, Luke 6:7). This is where I will end. A Prayer: Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way of everlasting! Amen

The Heart of the Matter is the Matter of the Heart

For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

In the movie the Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man wants a heart to feel emotions like love, kindness and sorrow, believing that without one, he cannot love. In the beginning he explains his need for a heart and later he notes, “Now I know I’ve got a heart because it’s breaking”.

Tina Turner sings a song, “What’s Love Got to Do With It”. This was a song about anti-love, keeping relationships casual and physical, rather than emotional, to avoid heartbreak. Its focus is on, distrust, emotions driven by past pain. It’s about protecting oneself from future hurts by not allowing themselves to fall in love. The chorus: “What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a secondhand emotion? What’s love got to do, got to do with it? Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken?” This secondhand emotion suggests that emotional intensity is less important than physical experience. Tina Turner stated in an interview in 1984 that she personally believed “love has everything to do with everything,” even though the song fit the “liberated” and faster-paced mindset of the time. The song inevitably denies the importance of emotions.

The movie is a fairytale, the song is based on an era in time, but what does God have to say about the matter of the heart? God views the heart as the center of human personality-encompassing intellect, emotion, and will-and the primary indicator or spiritual condition. As humans we tend to look at the outward appearance, God looks directly at the heart as in the Scripture (1 Sa. 16:7), which is often described as naturally deceitful, sinful, and in need of divine transformation. Scripture also speaks of the heart being wicked; filled with evil thoughts, immorality, and greed. Jesus taught that the heart is the source of all behavior, that what defiles a person comes from within, including evil thoughts, murder, and adultery. God says, he searches the heart, he tests it looking for evidence of His spirit, and then he refines it and blesses it according to our conduct; [“I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deed.”] I as many of you reading this have experienced our own story of emotions on the matter of the heart. As horrible as the brokenness and the wounds that we have been carrying from the emotions of the heart are, there is GOOD NEWS. In the Word of God it says, broken hearts are not abandoned, but are the focus of His intimacy, healing, and restoration. God draws near to the brokenhearted, offering to bind up wounds, exchange the emotional ashes for beauty, and transform painful experiences into a testimony of His love and grace. He saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18). He turns sorrow into joy (Is. 61:1). No matter how shattered the circumstances of your life may seem…”preaching to myself here,” God is the restorer of the damage done. God will use these moments of brokenness to draw me and you closer to Him, a place where His strength and love abound and this is the heart of the matter.

Am I Producing?

Knowing the testing of your faith produces patience. Let patience do its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Ja. 1:3-4)

Let’s turn our adversities into opportunities. Let’s become complete and whole. Let’s produce “FAITH.” Faith produces patience, endurance, and perseverance, which leads us to completeness, I want everything God has for me. Faith produces the ability to withstand hardships which in turn should mature us as believers. Eventually it will lead to good works and obedience in God, which I am steadily maturing in with each circumstance presented before me. Faith is our weapon to war against the enemy. If we have the faith to believe God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31). Battles seem to be never-ending, but with God we are more than a conqueror. It also produces peace, joy and love for others, that’s where we see the adversity turning into an opportunity. An opportunity to show the love of Christ in any given circumstance; I am still working out the kinks in that area just FYI. Faith is the foundational assurance of things hoped for, confidence to trust God’s promises. I have hope, and I trust, that’s the only reason I am still here. It is an anchor, a grounding for all future hope today, tomorrow, days and years to come. While hope is looking forward with an expectation, our faith is relying on God’s character that He is who He says He is. Faith is the inward certainty that generates the outward expectation of hope. This is where I know that I know comes in. If we will get this seeded deep inside of us, it makes it possible for us to move forward with confidence. Life allows us so many opportunities, yet I have found most require faith to do them. I don’t always feel that kind of faith. I have to stir up faith inside of me, it’s there, but I have to remind myself. Without it I am an “Udder FAILURE,” I have to pray for direction and guidance and be ready and willing to receive. God simply wants me to trust in Him, have “FAITH.” By doing it that way it is perfect, I lack nothing. That trouble situation, self-doubt, rejection, lost loved one, struggle to succeed in what I am trying to accomplish; adversity overcome. DONE! Once you have faith, the test is finished. (Hebrews 12:2), Jesus is described as the “author and finisher” (or perfecter) of our faith. Doubt and faith do not co-exit.

Afflictions …Nothing Strange About That

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71)

Have you ever felt like the short-legged dog? Life can be a real challenge at times, but scripture tells us that already. “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12). Life is a battleground; a place we grow, learn and for spiritual refinement. Hardship and heartache are part of our journey in helping us in becoming one’s intended self, [We need to entrust our souls to our Creator and continue to do good, for He is faithful] ( 1 Peter 4:19). I sometimes wonder how people can be so saintly while going through stuff. Their demeanor will be like; walking around with this angelic kind of smile, such self-restraint, like it’s all good. I know scripture, I know God intimately, and without say’n, He obviously knows my every thought and action before I even think it or do it. I know we are all wired differently and because of that each person goes through things differently, even people of faith. I also know God has and will always provide an answer to the question or a light to lead us out of the dark if we will [“be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him …] (Psalm 37:7). But you might be one who has been waiting patiently for a long time for an answer, what now? Wait a little longer, trust and count it all as joy. What? count it all as joy?! Yep, because the Scripture says; [“when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness”] (James 1:2-4). Steadfastness: the quality of being fixed, unwavering, and loyal in purpose, faith, or affection, characterized by endurance and consistency. It provides stability during adversity, builds deep trust in relationships, and, according to biblical context, produces mature faith and spiritual reward … like those who I called earlier; the saintly. And this “joy” obviously does not mean the worldly, temporal happiness. This is complete “joy in the Lord” who is sovereign over all things, including trials. So now you may ask, “why would a loving God want me to suffer? I’ve asked this question before. Again, scripture has an answer; [In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith …may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed] (1 Peter 1:6-7). Just so you know, God does not delight in your suffering nor in mine, but He allows suffering in order to refine our faith, to develop Christ’s character in us, and to bring glory to Himself. I don’t know who’s reading this and what you might be going through, but I do know the One who does. Scripture tells us, [“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed”] ( 2 Cor. 4:8-9), [“God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”] ( Psalm 46:1). Then, [“Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray”] and remember to be still and wait patiently for God. Afflicted …but, not crushed! Don’t let the mud of life bury you, get up out of that grave … bathe in the Living Water and let the mud be washed away.

Root of Bitterness

“See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (Hebrews 12:15)

Do you have some unchecked resentment, anger, or toxic attitudes that are growing beneath the surface? If so, these roots eventually will cause you emotional, spiritual, or relational damage, usually stemming from offenses, disappointments, unresolved feelings of being wronged, betrayed or unforgiveness. I assure you this force will spoil your joy and ruin your peace. In the scripture above we are warned about the trouble it will cause, a deep-seated animosity toward others around you. Like this tree the roots were under ground, you weren’t able to see them until one day they grew outward. Our bitterness is like the roots of the tree, it isn’t always seen until it produces “fruit”-outward actions like sarcasm, hostility, negativity, resentment, or bad behaviors caused from pain, jealousy, or lack of forgiveness, the list goes on and on. The consequences if left unchecked, can lead to severe anger, broken relationships, isolation, faith being challenged, even physical/emotional sickness. By addressing it, bringing it to light, forgiving our offender, practicing intentional joy, and relying on grace we can overcome and rid this root once and for all. This is not just a personal feeling, it spreads and it affects others. As I sit here ruminating on this root I realize how many times I have dealt with this in my life and as easy as it is to write what I know to be true, it sometimes is hard to follow, that’s why I need grace. I need the Holy Spirit, my Paraclete, my Helper. Jesus promises me an “Advocate,” “Helper,” “Counselor” in John’s Gospel to be present with me forever. He is the One who comes alongside, indwelling in me offering guidance into truth, comfort, and strength, never leaving me alone instead making it possible for me to overcome. This is where I find myself being honest with God and myself admitting my anger and forgiving the offender. This is where I stop the ruminating on the offense and move past. This is where I replace negative thoughts with gratitude for the positive aspects of my life. This is where the good fruit grows.

Joy Unspeakable

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11)

Yesterday was such a refreshing in my soul. My husband and I spent the entire day enjoying being in the elements of this beautiful nature God created for us. We get so busy just doing life that we don’t take enough time to simply bask in His presence, allowing our souls to be filled with joy, “unspeakable joy.” The trees are in bloom, the waterfalls and streams are flowing from the spring rains, flowers are budding. The forecast was: God reigns and the Son shines, it was a beautiful day. A day to be taken in with every breath, exhaling with all thanks and gratitude. There is none like You Lord. As much as I enjoyed the day, spending it with my husband riding the trails on our ATV’s, I couldn’t help but see God everywhere. I would be rolling right along and suddenly come to an almost stop in awe of His wonderful creation before me. The cliffs of the rocks and how flowers were blooming out of them. A trunk of a tree that some animal had managed to create a home for himself. The ripples in the water and the rocks how they had changed over so many years and the sound of the water flowing was so soothing to my ears, so peaceful. True joy and fulfilment can only be found in God’s presence, and I was certainly there in His presence. I knew our time of joy out there was going to end soon, but my intimacy with God is a lasting satisfaction and joy. This day was temporary, like many things we do in life, but God offers us everlasting, eternal blessings and happiness, rather than just temporary, earthly pleasure. My destination yesterday was Mill Creek Trails, my destination with God is a place of security, peace, and eternal reward, “Joy Unspeakable.”

Time Out

But He would withdraw to desolate places and pray (Luke 5:16)

Jesus frequently withdrew from crowds to pray, it was a continual practice of regularly withdrawing and praying, prioritizing his ministry over meeting every demand. I recently deactivated my Facebook for 7 days, I needed a time out. I have found that occasionally it is important for me to turn off social media to allow myself time to get closer to God. Sometimes I have things that just don’t make sense to me or my heart may be hurt or feeling like I need a little help getting through some issue, this time I was at a loss for words and didn’t know why. Proverbs 4:23 instructs us to protect our hearts, which means to set boundaries to protect our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. So, in order for me to be the best I can be at the things God has called me too I sometimes, like Jesus need a time out to pray, to seek Him. Galatians 6:5; Each of us has to bear our own load. Our actions and choices allows us to set limits/boundaries on the things that are getting in the way of us spending that crucial “time out” with God, without feeling guilted. Setting boundaries is not unkind; it is a form of self-respect. Before crucial decisions or during high stress times, Jesus would withdraw to maintain his connection with God the Father and avoid the noise. I to have found that just deactivating social media is not enough, it sometimes requires not talking to anyone during that time too. A real sabbatical experience. You may find people that can’t understand that, but even the disciples in Mark 1:36-37 said to Jesus, “everyone is looking for you.” Peter and the others only see the needs so they don’t understand why Jesus went away to pray. Once Jesus has finished he is then able to go on and do what the Father has called him too and I too can do the same. Immediately after the time out I heard exactly what the Lord wanted me to say. My intentionality for writing had not left me, but I knew I could not write without His leading and now I was prepared once again. You see, being intentional about “EVERYTHING” in my life, means “EVERYTHING!” I matter, my health matters, my sanity matters, relationships that don’t question my actions and choices of what is best for me matters, my calling matters, most importantly what God says to me matters most. Jesus is my example, when I don’t know what to do; what would Jesus do? He took a time out and prayed, he set boundaries and I did the same. Just being Intentional.

Uniquely His

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1:5)

God is completely sovereign. He knows all things even before they happen, so He knew Jeremiah even before he was formed in his mother’s womb. God’s plan for Jeremiah was that he be consecrated, or “set apart,” for preaching God’s word. His ministry was to be a prophet to the nations, not just to Israel (Jer. 25:1-14; 46:1-51). God has a plan for each of our lives as well, (Jer. 29:11). He set us apart before birth as well, every person is a unique masterpiece, not a copy.

When you know you’re different and you are okay with it, God will cause you to be right where He wills you to be and you’ll find you haven’t been left out at all. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities; but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Cor. 12:4-6). There are several scriptures that speak of being “different” or a unique person-set apart from the worlds standards-it is essential for doing the work of the Lord. God uses diverse personalities and gifts to serve Him. And remember what the Word says in Colossians (3:22-23); what we do we do with sincerity of heart being to the Lord, not for eye service or people pleasing. Whatever you do, work heartly as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord. So be different, be the unique individual God created you to be.