ONE MORE DAY

First of all, let me say, i have absolutely no interest or desire to convince and tell you how to vote.  Personally, i am sick of people telling me what to do. 

This year i've been called many names i don't like, but there is one i consider a compliment... a fanatic, a Jesus fanatic, to be more precise. I yearn to be an unshakably believer and follower of Jesus and His teachings. While i strive in my heart, body and soul each day to be better and follow Him closer, i certainly have my share of weaknesses, shortcomings and sin.  I am tremendously sadden by the current behavior of many; i feel a coldness of the Pharisees spirit present among us. And my fanatic spirit is crying out to share a few thoughts.

Name slinging is rampant.  People are called every color in the spectrum, as if a color determines what is right, wrong, acceptable, rejectable, beautiful, ugly, smart, stupid, truth or lie.  I am tired of the foolishness and the people who promote and support it.  From where i sit,  WE ALL HAVE FALLEN SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD... ALL COLORS, ALL PEOPLE.  We are surrounded by cheaters, liars, power and money hungry humans, rudeness, lust, haters, vulgar, corruption, deception, filth, selfishness and more.  They cross ALL boundaries and are present in ALL COLORS....

BUT so is good, kindness, honor, integrity, humility, honesty, love, self-control, joy, patience, peace, faithfulness and more.They also cross ALL boundaries and are present in ALL COLORS.

For me, when we removed the COLORS, what is left to consider is the essence of the person, their personal makeup, their character, their integrity.  And while we ALL are tainted with temptations and failures, some?many, make a conscious effort to change or be better or even admit their wrongdoings.  

The Bible gives clear directions on expected behavior as a follower of God:

* Love the Lord your God with ALL your soul, mind and strength; 

* and love your neighbor as Yourself.  ALL other commands hang on this.

* What does the Lord require of you? justice, humility and mercy

If this is not important to you and in how you live, i do not understand why or how you call yourself a Jesus Christian... maybe a nationalist christian.  But PLEASE do not confuse the two or try to interchange them... THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.  As is said, choose your lane and stay in it, if you want to be  considered genuine in your belief.

On a last note, i am SO THANKFUL to know as believers this world is NOT our home... we are temporary residents and more like aliens or strangers on earth.  This makes suffering as a believer doable, knowing our glorious eternal home is waiting for us.  

I will not get into a battle on my temporary stay here.  The only one benefiting from it is satan.  NOTHING brings him more delight than the chaos and division of God's people. And i refuse to help him celebrate.

 I pray you search your own heart.  Vote on your beliefs.  The one thing i know for sure is God is the final Victor. And nothing matters more than that.  I pray to be found in Him here on earth and later in heaven.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

the morning after

"You will recognize them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16

Waking up early today, i took my normal walk with Stella.  Not many were stirring after a busy, late night of trick and treaters. However, i soon spotted an unusual walker, weaving back and forth across the street.  It appeared she was dropping something in the yards. But my thinking was backward.  She was actually picking up.  

As i got closer, she greeted me with a big smile, and we chatted about how much we love living in an active neighborhood for Halloween.  It was then i noticed she had a bag stuffed with torn candy wrappers. She wasn't grumbling, complaining, blaming or even disappointed. Her genuine JOYFUL presence was shining brighter than the candy wrapper clutter in her bag, and it pierced my conscience.  I had just spotted and strolled past a M&M package. I thought about picking it up, but excused the idea because i didn't have an extra bag. :(

At the next doggie station, i JOYFULLY took corrective action and grabbed 2 bags.  It felt great following my neighbor's positive lead. She didn't suggest, demand or intimate me in how to act.  She just kindly modeled acceptable sensible and classy behavior. We've all been subjected and bombarded with grumbling, complaining, finger pointing and disappointment lately, with people trying to guilt or threaten us to believe like they do.  What a sweet relief to willingly participate because i can and want to make productive improvements in my surroundings and in me. 

Lesson today:  i don't need for someone to tell me what to do, but show me in how they act and what they do.  And if i see and believe it merits something for the good, i will gladly follow.  This old dog is still willing to learn new tricks.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

from out of the mouth of babes...

comes the heart and soul of adults.

"If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6

Children come into this world with a clean slate.  Thoughts, words and actions are "picked up" from surrounding people and places.  They are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. That is why, as adults or parents, most strive to instill some basic clear boundaries.  Such as...

treat others like you want to be treated

if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all

no name calling... EVER

when someone is hurt, help them

don't brag

we share because we care

we become like those we are around, choose wisely

don't hit

Yet, sadly we seem to be losing ground with these basic acts of decency and human kindness.  The chaos, confusion and deepening division of beliefs is not changing the minds of people but stirring up hatred, meanness and pain.  The crevice is deepening and Satan is sitting back with his feet propped up, enjoying the ugliness in God's people.  

While our children learn ways, words and actions that are not of God, His Word has made is abundantly clear, a heavy price will be paid for this.  My heart is broken for our land.  Yet, God in His infinite mercy and grace, will provide a way out, if we will listen to Him and obey.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

are you bait?

  Jesus said...

“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19
 "go and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 28:19

As believers, Jesus has cast us into the world to show, inspire and help bring others to Him.  We are the bait, He is the Master Fishermen.  As a true fisherman depends on a variety of baits to entice and capture fish, God desires a multi-packed tackle box loaded with successful bait too.

Father, You created each of us uniquely, possessing different needs, talents and desires. In growing Your kingdom, each and every one of us is needed to reach others.  May we be alive in You, so You can reel in an overflowing eternal catch.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

seeing like God

 "You are ALL children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:26,28

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality..." Acts 10:24

"And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth..." Acts 17:26

"But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. 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

It appears to me, God's view of us has nothing to do with our outward appearance... nor our power, titles, monetary worth.

What matters to God is our heart.  Period.
If you find anything different, let me know.

Meanwhile, may we celebrate and be thankful for our acceptance, unity and love as members of His family. And value each other as God   does.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

Hw protects... period

 "God reached down from on high and took hold of  ____; He drew ______ out of deep waters. He rescued ________ from  his/her powerful enemy, from his/her foes, who were too strong for _______.  They confronted ______ in the day of his/her disaster, but the Lord was his/her support.

He brought ______ out into a spacious place;   He rescued ______ because He delighted in ______."   Psalm 18:16-19  

 

Do you know of a name(s) that needs to be in the above blank?  Someone who needs to be pulled out of deep waters, despair or trouble?

When physical, emotional or mental sickness is present... there is suffering. Situations can develop due to decisions we make, decisions others make, or they might just happen. In light of the past few months, i am reminded how little control we have over many circumstances. 

Thankfully, we can TRUST the strength and support for those in need, as well as, the peace of those who love them, are in the Mighty Hands of our Father, the Great Physician.

Where we are incapable, our God IS capable.  
When we are ready to give up, our God IS going strong.

He cares, He can, He will... rest in Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

forecast or fact?

 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Hebrews 12:8

June 20th was the first day of Summer, but no one bothered to remind Ms. Summer of the official date.  She arrived in full blazing glory way before her premiere date pounding numerous days with relentless sweltering heat.  How long will the heat wave continue?  Since it arrived so early, can we expect it to leave early?  The professional and trained weather forecasters are called forecasters for a reason.  They watch trends and patterns, but even with all their sophisticated, hi-tech instruments, it's still an educated guess.  Is there anything can we rely on 100% of the time for accuracy?  

Thanks be to God, YES!  

On God we can. His love, grace, mercy, goodness and forgiveness start immediately when we become believers and is unending.  He is our one firm foundation, in an otherwise shaken and fallen world.  With God in our life, we can survive all trials, disappointments and heartaches. His Peace and Love soothe and heal hurting souls.  With God in our life, we can celebrate abundantly sweet surprises, accomplishments and joys.  His Peace and Love multiplies our blessings.

With God in our life, we are 100% taken care of at all times forever... that is not a forecast but a fact.  Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal