Standing on the Promises

Standing on the Promises

1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by Love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.

 

I haven't heard this hymn [song] in quite some time.. I wonder if churches still sing the old song. This particular song speaks of God's promises... His Word... The Bible... What better place to find words of encouragement or wisdom during life's storms of doubt and fear... But the Bible... God's Word.

God's Word is His promises to us for any situation or circumstance we may face. His Word is true and stands for all eternity:

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless... 2 Samuel 22:31a

God promises a way of escape when we feel there is no way out:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

His word is powerful to save a lost and dying world. It can change a life and bring deliverance to the fallen soul:

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10 [1 John 2:1]

His Word is more real then a rabbit you may pull out of a hat hoping to find good words for the day...Then signs in the clouds or wisdom from a friend with good intentions.

Yes, I'm singing this song to remind me that my rest comes in the Words of God's truth; the Bible... the anointed scriptures... the beautiful love letters written just for us. Something tangible to grasp knowing it will not change with the winds of time.

When I'm seeking for answers I'm looking for something that is unmovable, constant, rooted and stable. Something that is steadfast, uncompromising and unwavering. I don't have the energy to be on some emotional roller-coaster, wondering if my zodiac sign or quote of the day will suffice for what I need!!

I need Jesus! I need His words of love to sooth a broken heart or a wounded spirit or to give me hope for tomorrow... I need His words... His words of truth.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11
'And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:19
'No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:37-39

Worries of tomorrow... Life, our life, my life may be rough, at times, but we have peace in God that He cares and will meet our needs, however they will come. His promise of a future and hope NOT disaster. I know in His word he will take care of my every need no matter how overwhelming life circumstance can be, victory is ours, saith the LORD!! We just read it in the scriptures above... how can we not believe? Yes, I believe! I believe in the Word of God! It is for me, for you and all those that believe. God's promises will NEVER fail... His love is NEVER ending... His mercy is great EVERY morning... I'm truly thankful for His word today... His words of promise, overcoming daily with His word.

I'm standing on the promises of God!!

His word alone... tangible, strong, unshakable and fixed...

Sassy's Last Day...

Sunday, June 15th, was a very stressful, emotional, and exhausting day. Our little mutt, Ms. Sassy had to be put to sleep, she had been with us for 17 years. She had been ill for quite some time and we knew her time was getting close. It had only been in the last couple months that she seemed to have been getting worse. With our financial hardships we were unable to do the test (that would cost us an enormous amount of money) to 'dignose' the issues going on in her feeble body.

We babied her and tried to make her comfortable in the last stages of her life, but when is was evident that life was just seeping out of your little body, I had to take her in....

If you have never had to put a dog down, it is the most horrible and heart breaking thing to do... This was our second time doing it (we had a chocolate Lab, 10 years ago, that was 12 1/2 years old we put down) and it didn't make it any easier. I was such a mess I couldn't even speak to the vet over the phone about bringing her in... I called my husband who had just left to work and emotionally fell apart. He was horribly saddened he was not and could not be with us to do this very thing.

Once I gained some composer I made my son, Sean, come with me and Julian came along as well. As soon as we walked in the people at the vet were extremely kind to us and very comforting... they put us in a room and we loved on Sassy... She would just look at us and not move her little body... Julian was a mess.

I knew it probably wasn't a good idea to have my 9 year old in the room with us, but I was torn whether to have him experience this in his life or be sheltered from it. In the end he stayed with us and was emotionally frazzled... The Dr. examined her and told us, it was time... she lived a long good life, I was in tears. I knew Sassy was suffering and this was the kindest thing could do for her, but it still was so hard for me. My heart broke into a million pieces, Julian's little heart was shattered and Sean couldn't keep the tears from falling. We were all heart-sick...

As soon as Sassy was no longer with us, we just held each other and cried big sobs of tears... I wished my husband was with us and I was sad Cynthia was at work and not able to be with us as well. :((( So, so sad indeed.

After we said our good-byes we came home to two beautiful girls waiting for us... They wagged their tails and came to our feet with all the loyalty and love dogs have for their owners. I am thankful they were here to soften our broken hearts but I really think they knew something was different. Julian couldn't get over the fact that the dogs knew we left with Sassy and came home without her... he made himself sick over this. 

We really had a hard time the rest of the day... Our emotions were over the top and we couldn't stop crying.. It was draining and exhausting. I knew in my mind once everyone got a good nights rest, everyone would feel better. And as the days go by our two girls have made our days better and easier.

I'm thankful for my little family and the bond we have created within our little core. I count this as a blessing from the LORD; another manifestation of God's wonderful mercy and grace working in our lives.  

First Day of Summer 2012

http://instagr.am/p/LoQblRmaH0/

Yesterday was Julians last day of school, which makes today feel like a Saturday. I turned on the radio expecting for Kids and Company to come on but of course it did not because today is FRIDAY. So what is planned for today with a 9 1/2 year old? Nothing, absolutely nothing... It has been an absolutely beautiful lazy day.
The weather is lovely and the house is quiet (no preschoolers today). My heart feels good and revived in the LORD... He woke me up this morning with renewed life.

Not because my bank account is full
Not because I'm able to meet our bills
not because my children are serving Christ
Not because my husband has a fantastic job
Not because I'm healthy...

But because I know who I am, who I serve, who I love, and who I once was. God has been at work and many lives have come to know Him because of His mighty acts and the healing He has done. For that I am very thankful... Sometimes I feel completely unworthy of such a merciful God, but I know His love is greater then my failures and faults.
I've realized that the struggles of my life are not from Him but from the prince of this world... He has brought on sickness and pain. Struggles and hurts. Heaviness and burdens...
We need to remember that our God is for us and not against us... He has promised new life and freedom from our burdens and pain. He is a God of goodness and wishes for us to worship and love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. He wouldn't place unsettling burdens on us to distract us from what is really purposed in our lives.

I am persuaded that nothing could separate me from the love of God, nothing.
Be encouraged my friends and trust in the mighty God, Jesus Christ. He will meet those bills, He will save your children, family and friends, He will bless your job or give you something better, He will heal the sick body and help you get through those rough areas in your life. Our God is a God of purpose and not a God of destruction... If He has brought you this far, He will bring you the rest of the way.
In Christ name, Jesus... We are victorious!

♪Happy Birthday Jesus!♫

♪♫ Happy Birthday to you, happy birthday to you.

Happy Birthday dear Jesus; happy birthday to you!!♫♪

♫♥♪♥ Happy birthday, Jesus. I'm so glad it's Christmas.

All the tinsel and lights and the presents are nice,

but the real gift is YOU!!

Happy birthday, Jesus. I'm so glad it's Christmas.

All the carols and bells make the holiday swell,

And it's all about YOU!!

Happy birthday, Jesus! Jesus I love YOU!! ♥♪♥♫♥

"I love you, Jesus."

The story behind the Birth of Christ and why we celebrate Christmas :)

I know it is a LONG read, but the story in the Bible explains best what happened, how it happened, why it happened and for who it happened. Nothing could ever change or alter this wonderful event in our time of history, the beautiful purpose for our lives, even still today... For you and I and to all our children... God's SALVATION, His greatest gift to us. It was all planned out and fulfilled for the love of Christ for all people.

*Including YOU*

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

Be blessed as you read and really let it sink in... :)

•  Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel .

• Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

• Matthew 1:18-24

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together , she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example , was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold , the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying , Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying , Behold , a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is , God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

•  Luke 2:9-14

And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

•  Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

•  Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed , every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was , that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered . And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste , and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , as it was told unto them.

•  Matthew 2:1-12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold , there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying , Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled , and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together , he demanded of them where Christ should be born . And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor , that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared . And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said , Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again , that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed ; and, lo , the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was . When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down , and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

•  Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting .

Thankful for; Jesus Name Lighthouse

Here I go talking about posting everyday about something I am thankful for and I cannot even do that small task. So let me try and make up the last 5 days.

Being thankful is something we should always be and should take us further than these 30 days. But of course this has been hard for even me to come and sit at my computer and  post a daily praise report.

God forbid that there is no praise or thanksgiving in my heart. I am extremely thankful and give Him all praise and honor! Just this life alone (a life in HIM) is worthy of praise and I will forever be thankful!!

First of all Id like to say I'm extremely thankful for Jesus Name Lighthouse; the church our family attends at this time. It came into our lives at the most ugliest and worst time of our existence; lust, hate, depression, disgrace, shame, unforgiveness, hostility, and dispare.... We were in the deepest part of a pit that had no bottom. In the midst of our falling we were being  weakened, divided, and completely shattered into tiny little pieces that in no way could ever be put back together again. Our family was not going to survive this reduced state that we were becoming. Not in a matter of days but minutes upon the hour (for you see, I believe the enemy knew he only had a limited amount of time before an all out revival would take place. If were saved he knew we were going to me mightier than we've ever been in our life time serving Christ).

Pastor Champlain and his wife, Gayla, came to our rescue. I say rescue because everyone we were devoted to and loved with all our hearts turned their backs on us and left us to die. And in all reality that is OK because I really feel this deserting was in the will of my father. For you see this rescue in our lives came from a wonderful family and a beautiful church. They came to us, pulled us out of the pit as we were falling and gave us hope. They prayed for us our children and our home, there were many demons to fight and what a fight they gave... not for themselves but because they saw souls they once knew being destroyed by the destroyer himself. They knew we were not who we once were being deceived into believing lies upon lies of lust and pride; that we were no longer the true believers of the Cross as we once were.

It has been four years and four months since the time of our deliverance, and so much I am not typing here, that I am so thankful. Restoration, love, mercy, forgiveness, grace, peace, joy, power, anointing, healing and just plain revival has entered our lives thru Jesus Name Lighthouse. God used these ministers to reach out to our cause. Pastor's saying is 'Show the world Jesus' and that he did in tremendous ways, he has shown our family Jesus. He also says 'he is not building a church but leading souls to Heaven' and that is how he leads his church; thru strong preaching, accountability, love and repentance, forgiveness, restoration and mercy; because what is important is to make heaven our home!!

I don't know where we would be today, November 6, 2011 if it had not been for this Pastor and his church. I will be forever grateful and thankful for all the work God has done in us thru JNL.

No, we have not attained all that needs to be obtained, for we are a work in progress. We will not reach our fulfillment until we reach our glorious Heaven!

Thank you Jesus Name Lighthouse for not letting us stay in the gutter of dispare and dieing in our sins, but bringing us before a loving God torn and in ruin for Him to bring to the perfection of His will.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Romans 12:2 KJV

L♥ved with a Steadfast L♥ve

But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love...

Nehemiah 9:17 [ESV]

 STEADFAST: Literally means fixed in place, strong and firm support that will endure strain.

STRAIN?! Did you say strain?? YES! God can and will endure any strain. His love for us caused Him to withstand the humiliation and the pain of that old rugged cross on Calvary hill, I'm sure He is able to endure much of OUR strain.

We are so easily distracted by our 'stressful strain' our 'strains of hurt' or the 'strains of life' that we tend to forget the wonderful God that we serve. Or do we just serve Him when things are good and things are going our way (or so we think it should)? I for one can get caught up in the cares of this life and start looking at all that is around me to the point of feeling 'strained'.

Sometimes we just worry too much and not put enough faith in the God who holds tomorrow. His amazing 'steadfast' love for us has conquered the sting of death and is so willing and so just to forgive us of all our sins and save us from all our 'strains'!

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them [daily]. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life?~ Matthew 6:25

Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?"' or "What will we wear for clothing?" For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:31-33

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34

AMEN AND AMEN!! To God be the glory!! His steadfast love for the weak in body. For the troubled soul. For the broken hearted. For the sting of bitterness. For the lonely. For the battered soul.... God's steadfast LOVE will endure all and everyone of our concerns!

Be encouraged my friend to know that our God, the God of Heaven and Earth will watch over you and He knows and understands all our situations and circumstances!

Thank you, Jesus... *HALLELUJAH* for your grace and mercy! FOR YOUR STEADFAST LOVE!! I know that I am indebted to Him for always! Without His love and forgiveness I would completely be lost and undone. And completely burdened with the overwhelming 'strains' of this life.

A gUrL named Theresa ;)



I know this isnt the greatest picture but the only one I have of her and I :/



It has been over a month since I've written on my blog, well actually one month and 9 days. I have been extremely busy with remodeling my home, trying to open up a home daycare/preschool and focusing on making ends meet; that I have neglected to write about all the wonderful blessings that have come my way. Of all the answered prayers God has so graciously answered and all the open doors God has opened for me...

So why am I here tonight??

Well, I have this friend who came by my Face Book page today and asked for this site address... She informed me that she wanted to follow me... Hmmm .... Yes... Time to get back on the blog and give her something to read about, right?? lol.

So this post is really about Theresa. I met her at Creative Frontiers School, we were co-workers there and became friends. There was something very refreshing about her. Her enthusiasm about life, her job and the devotedness she had for little children. She was phenomenal!! She is young and courageous and will get far in all that she does. She's a hard worker and has a good head on her shoulders. A great asset to any company that may hirer her...

There is one thing about Theresa I wish she had (that I pray she has seen a small glimmer of Him in me)... a deeper relationship with Christ. I'm not writing this out of any disrespect to her and I don't think she would take it that way. I have grown to love Theresa and would love for her to know my Savior as I do... To know the one who has made her to be who she is... What greater abilities He has for her and how far He can take her than what she could ever do on her own... To know His love that she will never experience with her love (Jason)  ;) and a much deeper love than even she has for herself... lol (inside joke)

She's head strong and knows what she wants in life. She is so willing to be there and help in anyway that she can... very dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic and full of life... 'full of beans' (I looked it up!!! that's what it says; 'FULL OF BEANS'!!!!) Hahahahaha!!

Sorry only something she would fully understand... ;P

I write this to say this.. She has re-inspired me to continue my writings... she wants to read what I have to say... so I guess I should share my most intimate thoughts and experiences with my God to her and all that are willing to follow and read. That is what this blog is meant to be...

Isn't that what we are all here for? To follow and read what others have to say about their lives or share their stories...

Well, Here I am ready to share with, not only her but with you as well.

I hope I can be of an encouragement to all who read and follow my blog... I know I'm not the best of writers, but I write from my heart. It's really a hidden passion of some sorts and maybe just maybe someday it will become something greater.  

My heart is full of love because Christ is Love and He has given me another chance to serve Him in such a beautiful and intimate way... I love that He is all that we really need in life because He will meet all our needs and strengthen us through all our life's challenges...

So Theresa here is my first after many days (over a month) of writing. It may have even been longer if you hadn't so enthusiastically ask to follow me...

LvYa♥Gurl and I'm honored to call you my friend =)

A long run with Danny

Danny was given a route of some sorts that would take him away from home for a few days. I cleaned his cab, fixed his bed with clean sheets, and put a few clean shirts in his little closet... readying him for this trip. I wrote out a list of things I needed to do while he was gone; finding a school for Ju, looking for a job, calling important people for other things that had come up.

On Sunday a sister in the church heard about his next job run... she offered to watch Julian so I could go (because of me being unemployed, a nice distraction from unsettling things that took place with my job and school). I was extremely distracted in my soul and felt I had entered another whirlwind, but I knew the Lord had it all under control, i needed to leave it in His hands and let the Lord do what He does best... take care of me =')

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,

and will be secure, without fear of evil.

Proverbs 1:33

We told her we would think about it... It set the stage in motion in Danny's thought process. He insisted I and Julian go with him on this trip... I did not want to go. Julian was extremely insistent on going with daddy, I could not say, no to Julian... *sigh* I guess, we'll go.

I hesitantly fixed a clothing bag and all the necessities we would need to keep us comfortable on this trip. Tuesday morning, early morning (2am) we were up and heading to the truck. I still didn't want to go. We loaded up the truck with Ju'z and mine belongings, put him in the bunk, sleeping, and I sat myself in the passenger seat thinking about all the things that needed to be done at home.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

God always knows what He is doing. Yes, I put a lot of account in my life as the Lord's leading... he has done so much for me and has brought me so far, I do not underestimate His love and power in my everyday life. I give Him praise for the next breath I breathe and give Him honor for the next step I take. I love Him for the things He brings my way and love Him the more for bringing me through them. So Yes, I put a lot of praise in my life for Him. In everything that comes my way I need to learn to put my trust in Him, for He knows, better than myself, what He is doing.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5

Being away for five days, I was not thinking about anything but the wonderful sights i was seeing and the many grounds of miles we were traveling. it was like i was being taken away from all of life's issues. I needed to recap, reset my mindset to God's ways, i read His word, prayed and sang many songs. My husband enjoyed my company and I in turned enjoyed his and Ju'z. It was a wonderful time to think of nothing else but my little family and God. 

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you Jesus for this time with my husband and my little Julian. i know you have our life in your best interest, for that I am grateful. I will do my part and trust in you...

 

~To God Be the Glory!!!~

Putting Away 'childish things'

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

Hear we are with another of Pastor's metaphors. On Sunday night,
 two weeks ago he had a small teddy bear sitting on the pulpit.

He was exclaiming on how people hold on to their sin for comfort as you would do a teddy bear.

He was saying how children have teddy bears for comfort and we need to put away childish things,
our teddy bears, our sins and become men/women of God.

He kept saying that we need to throw away, get rid of,
or put away these teddy bears in our lives in order to make heaven our home,
how can we go there still hanging on to our childish things.

I cannot give it justice to how Pastor preached this, it really and truly was meaningful.

When we got home, Julian slept with this on his mind. Yes, you got it...

the next morning he came to me and said he had packed up all his teddy bears and threw them away.

He was ready and willing to give up his teddy bears to make heaven his home =')

Of course I had to contain my composer and explain to him that Pastor didn't actually mean
'TEDDY BEARS'
but that he was referring to sin... after awhile,
Julian retrieved his teddy bears from the garbage.

Julian was so willing to give up something so precious to him,
he loved his teddy bears. He was so intent to do as his Pastor said and get rid of the teddy bears because he really wants to make heaven his home and be with Jesus...

What a lesson to learn from this child about putting away childish things.

I have to admit, I was completely humbled by this child's actions, let alone his thinking!
What is it in my life that I continue to hold onto for comfort.
What heavy sin is weighing me down that may prevent me to make it
to that glorious place called heaven?
I really had to question myself and search deep within my heart;
"Search me, O God, and know my heart"
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

but in all reality, I didn't really have far to look.
How many of us try to justify our sinful comforts;
our anger, pride, selfishness, lust, unforgiveness... our teddy bears.
I believe that is why the Bible says we need to die daily and carry our cross.
For this alone, making it to heaven I will die daily and carry my cross.
As much as it may hurt me (physically or maybe hurt my pride).
I need to work on putting away childish things,
I need to get out of my comfort zone (rut)
and become a man.. er lol... a woman of God.
I have to make heaven my home.
I not only desire to see my wonderful Savior but I have a mother and a child
I have never seen waiting for me there...
There is no justifying here.. we need to all strive to make heaven our home.
Let us not be distracted to the things of God
or what really matters in our lives or persuad us other wise. 
'O God search our hearts that there be no wicked way in us,
lead us to your everlasting love' help us to
'put away childish things and become that man/woman you wish us to be!' 
*HALLELUJAH* 

Satan is the accuser of the brethern. Don't be his tool.



The Bible describes Satan as the "accuser of the brethren." He is seen as a sort of evil prosecutor who brings accusations against us, but Christ as our defense attorney steps in and pleads our case.

Our case, of course, is that He died for our sins, and they cannot be held against us *HALLELUJAH*.

Since Christ paid the price for them with His own blood, punishing us for them would be a sort of spiritual double-trouble. Now that's a very simplistic explanation of the concept because Satan not only accuses us of our sins, he also tempts us to sin further. It's as though the prosecutor is also your drug dealer.

*Jesus help us*

Not only are we accused before God, we are also accused within our own minds. We struggle with thoughts like, "God could never love you. Not after you did that!" Sometimes even in church, I feel the sting of accusation, "You don't belong among these good people. You aren't worthy or good enough."

There is a point we all need to understand, which I was poorly trying to say in a box that only carries 420 characters earlier today on a different site, accusation is not the same thing as conviction. When we sin, we feel a sense of conviction. This is good because it should lead us to repent and for most of us it has.

Accusation comes AFTER we repent and are forgiven. Accusation is when a sin is brought to memory that even God has forgotten.

The Bible says that God casts our sin in a "sea of forgetfulness." A God who is omniscient chooses to forget the sins we have committed. So who are we to bring them up? God Himself would be more justified to bring them up then anyone of us. But unfortunately we become a tool for Satan and accuse each other. We bring up old sins and hold them against each other. We bring accusations against those who are no longer accountable for their crimes. We have all done some horrible things, and have paid our debt in many ways and sometimes still live with the repercussions. For some people this is not enough, they want to continue to bring this charge against them. I have done horrible things, and Christ has paid my debt. Yet, there are still forces that want to bring these charges against me.
I think it's important that we try to become more Christ like in learning to forgive and forget. If God forgets our sins, we should forget the sins that others commit. We should not allow ourselves to become "tools of the devil" for those who are covered in Christ's blood.

God, help us not to bring accusations against each other, and help those who feel accused to rest in Your tremendous mercy and grace that is given freely on a daily basis, once we have repented.

Do we have any examples of Satan accusing "our brethren before God" (Rev. 12:10)? Yes, we find in Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6. Job was a good man! God said so Himself to this fact. However, it did not matter to Satan. He accused Job anyway. Here we see a true picture of Satan as "the accuser of our brethren." Satan also tempts mankind. Hence, people can become "accusers of our brethren" and share in the devil's work.
We see people carrying out the work of the devil in both testaments. Job's brethren falsely accused him (4:7-9). The Pharisees falsely accused Jesus (Matt. 12:22-24). Among the sins characteristic of the "last days" is that some will be "false accusers" (2 Tim. 3:3). Now these are accusations of innocent people and If people can become false accusers, then we can become false accusers. The sad thing about this is being a partaker in the devil's work.
But what about those that are not so innocent? Let's look at Paul for an example; Paul's persecution among the churches played havoc on their lives. They hid from fear of having this man find them and persecute them harshly to the point of death. But then Paul was struck down by the voice of God and repented of his horrible sins. The apostles accused him of many ghastly things witch affected his ministry to minister to others. Even to the point of mistrust from those that did not even know the 'new' Paul, effecting the church. 

Anyone Can Accuse Anyone of Anything because everyone has past sin in their lives that can be resurrected.

We are doing the work of the devil! What happens when we do this?

1. Such accusations hurt people, innocent people. Job's friends hurt him with their words (Job 16:1-2). Job felt the inward pain that comes to one who is falsely accused as have many brethren today who have faced such accusations.
2. Such accusations hurt people's reputations (those that are not so innocent). Paul's reputation suffered in the eyes of some of his brethren in the church at Corinth because of false accusations made by his enemies there (2 Cor. 10:2, 10). They apparently even turned Paul's refusal of support from the church there into an accusation (cf. 2 Cor. 11:7-9; 12:13). Yes, Paul had done wrong, but he had repented, which gave the apostles no support in accusing his actions.
3. To me the biggest thing about accusations is that such can poison a church. We need only look at Paul's relationship with the Corinthians to see this. Because of the charges made against Paul by his enemies at Corinth, he was not able to continue with his work of building up the church there. Rather, a large part of his second letter to the Corinthians was taken up with explanations of his conduct and answers to enemies (cf. 1:12-2:4; 4:2; 7:2; 12:19; chs. 10-12). We can come to believe the worst about our brothers and sisters simply by hearing and believing accusations, crimes that are no longer held against them for they are under the blood of Christ. We can be motivated by the desire to accuse others (Mark 3:2; John 8:6). Accusations, false or not, can lead to the severing of relationships among the people within the church. Hurting the ministry in severe ways sometimes splitting a church!

Such results has cause me to think soberly before casting off with some charge against my brother or sister.  Believing an accusation made by an-other. Call your brother in question or write them, seek to build bridges, not to destroy them. Remember, anyone can make false accusations about anyone else. God's people should seek what is true and not be led by idle charges or gossip. Love is the key. We need to treat others as they would like to be treated (Matt. 7:12)

and judge others by their fruits, and not by accusations they have heard

(Matt. 7:20; Gal. 2:14).

The devil is "the accuser of our brethren." It is bad enough that he is involved in such activity. But let us, God's people, not be a  part of the devil's work, don't be his tool.