THIS ISN'T "LET'S MAKE A DEAL"

Contrary to popular opinion, (both in AND out of the church), God does not play, "Let's Make a Deal", nor is HE Burger King.  He doesn't trade one thing for another and HE doesn't serve everything up "our" way.  
If you have gone to God begging for one thing or another, health, job, money, etc. and have been blessed enough to get that prayer answered. It is NOT because you promised God you would go to church, or promised Him you would read your Bible more or pray more.  It could be for a number of reasons but it is NOT through anything you did that God blessed your life or someone else's life other than you prayed and hopefully you believed.  But even if you had a few doubts and God came through for you, that's just God.  More than likely He answered that prayer for you already knowing that you only meant what you said because you were desperate or scared.  More than likely He answered that prayer for you to let you know how faithful HE is, even if you aren't.  To show you how much HE loves you even if you don't show Him.
How many "deals" have you made with God lately?  How many of your bargains have you kept?  I don't just mean a day or couple of days, I mean diligently trying to do what you told Him you would do. I know about this "Let's make a Deal" game, I played it in the past myself.  Until one day God spoke to my heart and convicted my Spirit and I totally gave my life to Him.  I realized that He had done far more for me than I could ever repay even IF He DID play the game.  

There is NOTHING I can exchange for Jesus giving His life for me.  NO deal I can make sweeter than the gift of Salvation that God gives.  NOTHING to compare to living in Eternity with God the Father and Jesus the Son.  NOTHING.

If you've made some bargains with God lately, now is the time to say, "Father, please forgive me for I truly did not know what I was doing".  Now is the time to say, "God is able to save us but, no matter what, I will serve Him".  As Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo said before walking into the fiery furnace.  "Even if God doesn't save us, we will NOT deny Him, we will not serve other gods". (paraphrase)
Daniel 3:16-18
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 [a]If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; [b]and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

What has God done for you lately?  Things you haven't even asked for: 1) let you wake up this morning, 2) A roof over your head, 3) food on your table, 4) the internet if you are reading this right now, even if it is free internet at the library.  

I'm just trying to show that God blesses us each and every day but it won't always be this way.  Now we get to the serious business.  Many of you, especially if you are my age, have heard parents, grandparents talk about the tribulation and the second coming of the Lord.  Unfortunately OUR children have not heard it enough and their children?? Their children probably haven't heard it at all.  Unless it's from you or they are blessed enough to be in a good God fearing, Bible believing church with a Pastor that preaches the truth of God's Word.  

This to my children's generation:  If you do not raise your children in church and to believe, worship and honor God, do not expect them to do those things when they grow up.
Proverbs 22:6 (NASB) has this to say:  6 Train up a child [a]in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Notice it says, "train up a child in the way he should go" first.  They have to have something to go back to or not depart from.  You are not doing them a favor by not teaching them about God when they are young.  Another thing you must keep in mind is that children learn more by observing than by being told.  In other words, they mimic what you do whether you want them to or not.  When they are grown their thoughts will be, well it wasn't important to my parents so it must not be that big of a deal.  
Remember that while they are small YOU are responsible for their teaching.  YOU will be held accountable on judgement day for your part in teaching them about God.  If you did not make God a priority in their childhood, HE won't be a priority in their adult life.

Here we are back to playing "Let's Make a Deal" again.  God please save my child, please heal them.  I'll do anything, I'll pray more, I'll read my Bible more, I'll go to church more, I'll take them to church".  Sound familiar?  We have probably all done it at one time or another. We have responsibility, Salvation is free but we can't take it and run, it isn't a one time thing, it's a lifelong process.  I'm not saying God won't bless you, I'm just saying we need to quit playing "christian", quit playing church and start living for God, before it's too late.  Quit playing the "Let's Make A Deal" game and start truly serving and loving God, then even though we are not promised an easy life, you WILL see constant evidence of God in your life, you won't have to go to Him with empty promises, you will go to Him in complete faith and watch His faithfulness unfold.

Isaiah 29:13 (NASB)
13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their [a]words
And honor Me with their [b]lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me,
And their [c]reverence for Me [d]consists of [e]tradition learned by rote,
(PARAPHRASED:  Because people say they love Him and say they will do anything for Him but it's only lip service and doesn't come from the heart because the heart is far removed from Him.  Their reverence and honor consists of the traditions they have been taught and not for true love and worship of God.)

How Can So Many Be So Right and STILL Be Wrong?

How can so many be so right and still be so wrong?  That question comes to my mind all the time.  I read some great posts by christians about observing the Sabbath or the coming of the Lord.  Posts filled with truth and backed up with Scripture.  Then I see horoscopes or pictures of half naked people or worse yet, the Word of God taken completely out of context in the next post.  That is why I ask, how can so many be so right and still be so wrong?  I already know the answer to that but it saddens me because the church, God's church, God's people are so easily blinded, so easily led astray.  I'm no exception, my only saving grace is God, again, MY ONLY SAVING GRACE IS GOD.   There is an old saying, "there but for the grace of God go I".  If it were not for the convicting Holy Spirit, for putting on God's armor every day, I don't know what I would be doing, (and I might add I don't want to know!).  Thank you God for never leaving me.  There was a time when I "thought" I was right but I was so wrong.  And please don't get me wrong, I am NOT saying now that I'm always right.  The difference is now I know how fallible I am, now I know that I can be right, but I can be so wrong too.

There was a time I followed man's doctrines and believed man's word over the Word of God.
Why would I do that you might ask:
1)  Because I did not read the Word of God myself.
2)  Because I did not have a deep personal relationship with God.
3)  Because I was unwilling to let go of my beliefs and man-made traditions and let God teach me.
4)  Because I was scared I would have to give up some of the things I enjoyed.
5)  Because it was "easier" to listen to a preacher and believe him, than to study and read the Bible for myself
Wow, that #4 because sounded just like my excuses many many years ago for not giving my life totally back to the Lord.  Because I was afraid I would have to give up some things I enjoyed.  That's a subject for another post but let's just say, I didn't give up anything because I HAD to, it all went willingly.

Back to how can you be right and still be wrong.  The Bible says to "be diligent to show thyself approved".  (2 Timothy 2:15) NASB.  Meriam Webster defines diligent as characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort : painstaking diligent
 worker>.  Steady, earnest, energetic, painstaking?This means God wants us to stay in His Word, to study it, to grow with HIM, not with the world.  We won't get it completely right until the day HE changes our bodies from mortal to immortal, but we can work diligently to spread the TRUTH of HIS Word.  

Here are some things to get you started to search out for yourself.  But before you do, IF you do, I ask you to pray sincerely for God to show you the truth, EVEN if it goes against everything you have been told and taught.  Ask God to open your eyes and ears of understanding.  Be receptive to letting the Holy Spirit teach you.
Ready:  Here goes, God's laws, the 10 Commandments, the 4th Commandment, rapture, holidays, (in particular, Christmas and Easter, trinity, King James Bible, Sunday observance, God's true church.  That's just a few of the things I can think of that I had to relearn.  Now in teaching me the truth about these things, God took me other places ALONG with His Word (the Bible).  The first thing I can remember God showing me was about the rapture.  The word rapture isn't in the Bible!  When you look up how the rapture "theory" came to be, you find out it was an idea started by man!!  You will find a great many "arguments" pro and con but praying and opening yourself up to God will show you the truth.  Arguing fact is one thing, proving and backing up with fact, that's how you get to the truth.  Always back those facts up with Scripture.  The Bible, contrary to what some "say" does NOT contradict itself.  It proves itself, time and time again.
How can so many be right and still be wrong?  By following the world instead of the Word.
God bless you as you study for the truth.

Sticks and Stones

Psalm 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Do you ever find yourself weighed down by what others say or have said about you?  Who isn't?  Even the strongest among us can be disheartened by an accusation or a careless word.  It can come from anywhere, a loved one, a co-worker, even a total stranger.  Ever been cut off in traffic only to be cursed at or improperly gestured at as if YOU were the problem.  Ever let that set the course for your whole day? 
"I am wonderfully made, beautifully designed, magnificently engineered, created by God, strong and powerful! I am built Lord tough!" 

Satan is good at what he does, after all he's had thousands of years to practice.  He knows just what it takes to try and steal our joy!!  The first thing he wants to do is break our spirit, do something to cause us to take our eyes off God even if only for a moment, so he can kick us while we are down.
The next time satan uses someone to bring you down, remember what God says about you.  Keep in mind that being human you are going to make mistakes, you might get angry, you might get down but don't let careless hurtful words or deeds destroy your joy.  Remember your joy, (and strength) comes from the Lord-NOT people.  Remember you are wonderfully and fearfully made.  You were created in God's image.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.

Remember the old children's line:  "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me."

We all know unfortunately, words can hurt but they don't have to.  If we keep our focus on God and remember that no matter what satan may bring against us, no matter what people say about us, no matter what lies are told on us, we are "more than conquerors".  We are wonderfully created, a chosen people, God's beloved.  What people say only matters if we react or respond... 

Romans 8:38-39

38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
The next time someone hurts you with words, look up and thank God that it was you and some one else was spared :)  Nothing can take the sting out of someone like thanking God for them anyway, blessing them, praying for them. 

Luke 6:28

Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which spitefully use you.

And remember, this is how very much God loves you:

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 4:16
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
God loves us so much He sent Jesus, that means we are very special to Him so no matter what lies satan tells us we have the word of God to stand on and God Himself to comfort us along with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Man does not give us our joy, let's not let careless words or deeds steal it away.
A dear friend and sister in Christ posted this on my comments in facebook and feel like it just confirms what God gave me above so I want to share it with you all.  (God bless you Sis. Cathy for listening and obeying the Lord and being such a wonderful sister and friend in Jesus).
Cathy P:  I might have done what you said I did, but I am not who you say I am! I am still on the potters' wheel being molded and shaped in His image.And I have God's grace and mercy when ever I reach out and ask. If we could only forgive ourselves as GOD has already forgiven us, cast our misgivings into the lake of fire. It is our doing to keep digging up the past. Put away the shovel and move on. Be proud of who you are in Jesus.God bless.
His servant
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem 

Closer than a brother

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
The Lord spoke to me strongly about this today and I know I needed to hear it, however, He said there is someone else that needs to know it too. Maybe someone that knew it and has forgotten, I don't know, it is only up to me to obey the Lord. I pray this speaks to you as it did to me.
This is what the Lord said:
I know you are lonely, I know you are searching for something - someone. I am here. Seek me.
I AM the friend that sticks closer than a brother. I have given you those I wish you to have in your life for now, but you need to seek Me. It's really just you and I. Put your trust in Me, and see if I am not all you need. Lean on Me. I will fill every empty space in your heart and in your life. You will not find what you seek until our relationship is set in stone. Others have hurt you, you have hurt others. This cycle needs to stop, it cannot continue, I will not allow it. Come to Me now, open your heart to Me. Let Me work through you - get out of yourself and out of My way. Make My will your will in every aspect of your life, not just some. I see you still hanging on to some of your own old ways with one hand while trying to grasp Me with the other. I tell you again you cannot serve two masters, you are seeking things that are outside My will and not of Me, but you already know this. Let go - let Me have your whole heart, commit everything to Me and see if I will not fill every empty void in your life. You cannot love because you are trying to love in the physical. Give Me your heart so you can love in the spiritual. I did not put you here to judge and walk away because you are disillusioned with people. They are My responsibility, do what I tell you, pray and love. I say to you, pray for My will in ALL areas. Pray for the mind of Christ, pray for the heart of Christ, pray for the Holy Spirit. Then and only then can you love like I do, then and only then will your heart be repaired. Then and only then can you truly appreciate every single person I put in your path. Nothing happens by chance. I am NOT a God of chance but I am THE God of second chances and third chances and more. Cleanse your heart, give it to Me totally so I may fill it. Get rid of all those things whether spiritual or physical that come between you and I so that I can show you ALL I have in store for you.
Know My ways and walk in them. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people: and walk you in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well to you.
I have given you Godly people in your life, cling to me, cling to them until you are truly prepared to go out again and share the annointing I have placed on you. You have much still to learn, learn from me. I love you my child, my heart is crying out to you, accept what I have to offer.

A Fire I Can't Put Out

Or I should say "I don't want to". This past week I have been going to revival with one of my daughters and awesome doesn't even describe it. Seeing the Lord moving and seeing the Holy Spirit move has quenched my thirst and kindled the fires in my spirit. I want more, more of what the Lord has to offer. I want to serve Him and I don't want to let this fire grow dim or go out. I am no stranger to seeing the Lord move so I wonder why I've cooled off in the past. I can blame it on the enemy but much as I hate to make any concessions where he is concerned, he is not totally to blame. I have to accept some of the responsibility myself maybe even a large part of it. Now, before you shake your head at me saying I shouldn't give the devil any leeway, rest assured I'm not. I know he is a snake, a liar, a deceiver and as the Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Make no mistake, I'm not cutting the devil any slack and I'm not turning my back on him. However, he really can only do to me what "I" allow him to do. If I'm not reading my Bible, I'm not staying in touch with the Lord, then I give the devil a perfect opening into my life.
I should live my life as if I'm in revival everyday. The fires should be so bright in me that the heat touches anyone who gets near me! I've seen God move, I've been in His presence, I've been in the presence of the Holy Spirit, I have no excuses! I want more and if I want more all I have to do is stay hooked up :) I do want the fire in me to be so strong, I couldn't put it out if I wanted to. That's annointing, that's what I'm asking God for - annointing. You know what happens when you pour oil on a fire? It gets out of control. I want to be out of control for God.

The Bell

I don't know who did this but they spent a lot of time and it has an awesome message so I had to share. If you know who created it, feel free to leave their name in comments so they get credit for it. God bless.

THE BELL
I KNOW WHO I AM
I am God’s child (John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15 )
I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )
I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 )
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 )
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).. I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God’s co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God’s workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5)
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God’s child (Eph 1:5)
I belong to God
Do you know
Who you are?