a Mighty Word ~ one

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people." 1 Timothy 2:5-6

One picture can be worth a thousand words.
One book, His Word, is richer than all others books put together.
And, there is One who loves us immensely more than everyone else in our life combined.

Thank You, Father. And, You are the One and Only Lord of my life.

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

treat 'n treat

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4: 30-32

Every October, besides the cool crisp air, i love revisiting the tale comparing a Christian to a jack-o-lantern.

It goes like this...
God personally picks and prepares each of us to do His work.  Through continuous love and discipline, He diligently removes the yuck from us.  He rids us of the harmful seeds of hate, jealousy, anger, doubt, revenge, fear. Once in the Arms of Jesus, His Light shines from within us to draw others to Him. 

Isn't that a beautiful picture?  God's Hands on us taking out the junk and putting in His Light.
Enjoy this spook-tacular day.  When you treat 'n treat, you also shine!

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

a Mighty Word ~ trust

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1

For those of you following along with my friends Linda and Dalene in their book Words to Live By, the word of the week is TRUST (See pages 31-36).  I don't know about you, but this is definitely one area of my life where I have plenty of opportunities to practice.  Of course I find that the more I choose to trust God IN and FOR EVERYTHING --great or small-- the more confidence I have in Him, my circumstances, and others.  It really is all working together for good, just like He said it would.  

This week, let's exercise our TRUST muscles in every situation where uncertainty threatens to make us weak or wobbly.  Just as we choose to exercise, we can choose to trust.  Sounds like a great way to keep flab and trouble at bay!

I trust you will have a wonderful week!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

pick me!

"God wasn’t attracted to you and didn’t choose you because you were big and important—the fact is, there was almost nothing to you. He did it out of sheer love..." Deuteronomy 7:7 (the Message)

"Okay, Captains, pick your team."
Do you remember the terror on the playground when game sides were chosen?

"Pick me! Pick me!" It was the heart cry of all on the playground. No one wanted to be the last one standing... all alone, embarrassed, feeling unwanted or unworthy by both sides. But for an uncoordinated child, like me, it happened. 

Our cry may fall on deaf human ears (young or old), but not so for the True Captain and Leader of our life.  From one of the least, God heard my "Pick me!" cry on the very first whimper.

And He claimed me instantly.

From the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the Truth.

He chose us first, because He loved us first and best.  
Father, help me to love the least best too.

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

a Mighty Word ~ fear-not

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

God will see us through every turn, every creak, every dark corner.  He is never surprised or caught off guard.

Thank You, Father.

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

you shouldn't say that

"Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment." Proverbs 10:13

Recently i had an embarrassing conversation.  It went like this...
"I saw Terrie today; didn't you say she ignores you?"
"Yes, but I hope you didn't say that to her."
"Of course not. But, i did say to the person with her, how a true friend is a friend at all times."
"That was not a very Christian thing to do."         

OUCH! How that rod hurts!

And right she was... it was an unkind thing to say.  Although my words were true, they were laced with unkind intentions.  God is constantly teaching me lessons through others.  Many days I  come up short, stumbling and choking on my own tongue trying to follow Him.  Frustrating and embarrassing for me -- but of little surprise to our Father.  He knows our e-v-e-r-y thought and motive.

Lord, thank you for faithfully picking me up out of the mud.  I pray You do whatever You must to keep my focus on You and Your Will, and not my personal petty issues.  Thank You for loving me enough to rattle my teeth and heart when necessary.

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

falling for you...

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

Some days we just need to remember how incredibly loved we are.  
Thank You, Father.  I know Your love can see us through whatever falls our way. You can bring beauty out of all things.

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