Judgment. Who's seat are you in?

What is judgment?

Why do we judge?

What makes you better than me or me better than you ?

Why is it ok for some but not ok for me or you?

What makes one sin worse than another to us yet all equal to God?

Have you done something that you have judged others for?

Have you been in the seat of judgment yet turned right around and judged harshly of someone else doing the same thing?

What about the planks in our eyes?

All these thoughts that swim in my head during the night when I wake and can't go back to sleep. 

Judgment. We all are judged by God. Hebrews 4:12 He judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 

Matt. 7:1 says Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 

So, being human, we just do it. 

I'm guilty. I judge sister Susie over there that is prettier than me. And brother Joe, who cheated on his wife. Or even cousin Judy, who drinks too much. (Eye roll) I'm the judger. 

And... I've been judged so harshly by others and sometimes rightfully so, but so many times, wrongfully accused. 

I've even gotten fuming mad at someone else for doing something I thought was so wrong, and found myself doing the same dang thing later and felt terrible for being so hateful about the other person. Because I was guilty of the same flaw. 

I just want someone else to know, I'm right there too. 

In a world full of pretend perfectionism, I'm not perfect. Never have been, never will be. 

I'm a awfully imperfect person. Romans 7:15 says I do not understand what I do. What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. I feel that in my soul. 

Let's think about the golden rule before we judge next time. You know... Do unto others...

And take a look at what you're judging about that other person, it may be something in yourself that you aren't allowing yourself to honestly see. You know when you point a finger, there are 4 pointing back at you. 

Let's do better. Let's leave the judging to God and ask Him to perfect in us His Spirit, so we can be the best version of ourselves that we can be. 

One Word Heals, BELIEVE

Just one word heals what's broken inside. 

I heard that today while listening to worship music. 

We're ALL broken inside. We all want to feel heard, seen, validated, ... (use your best adjective here).

Let God... Let God do His work IN YOU!

I hear and see (on Social Media posts) people say what all is wrong with them. "I have this ailment", "I don't feel good, I need a doctor appointment", "I'm depressed", "I have social anxiety", ... etc. whatever the case may be.

We've brought up a generation that thinks everything about us is wrong. 

Friends, we all have brokenness. 

It Is Normal! And we're all looking for what's NOrMal!

Yes, we're all special, also. But...

My ailment, whether inward or outward, is no bigger, better, or worse than yours. 

It makes my heart hurt to hear so many young people medicating for anxiety, depression, ADD, abc&xyz. 

You say you have severe anxiety? ...

Me too! ...

Depression? ...

Me too! ...

Negative thoughts (suicide, anger, resentment, guilt)?? ...

Guess What? ME TOO!!! ...

All those things are part of being a human. It's OK! We're OK. God made us that way. 

You know why? To make us seek Him. To get us to search for Him. To find Him. 

Satan tries to plant those lies in our minds to deceive us into thinking we are not worthy or good or "normal". BUT GOD...

Is bigger, better, stronger, more...

Encourage your children and share with others the reality of "normal". None of us are perfect. 

We all struggle with thoughts of oppression. Our minds are a battlefield. 

Be honest with your kids and friends, and let them know you're not perfect. 

Social Media makes everything look like life is one big happy place. (And it can be!) Social Media makes it look like we're perfect with filters. 

We all have problems. We need to let that be normalized. 

Don't be defeated by sickness, disease, addiction, and bondages. 

Don't let the "world" make us feel like we're "not right" or "unwell". Because we are!

By God! By His Resurrection Power. By the blood. 

Live in the blessing not the burden

How many times do we do something we know will result in negative consequences, yet we go through with the "pleasure" of the moment?

This weekend, I had a wonderful time. As I considered the "guilt" of my pleasures, I am reminded how sinful we are in inconspicuous ways. My "guilty pleasures" were no more than eating "bad"- for -me foods, but it could be related to how easy we get tripped up over small sins. 

I even made a social media post about how we should "throw caution to the wind" sometimes and enjoy the little things. Life is too short. 

I was attending a funeral out of town for a family member. Since I was in that mode, that was my mindset. Life is too short. Eat the cake- (in my case, donuts, pizza, coke float--these are not allowed in my diet for health reasons. I get migraines- dairy, sugar, and MSG are all triggers).

It reminded me how we let little pleasures lead us to bigger mishaps. If we let ourselves have the "donuts" are we setting ourselves up for eating a dozen donuts in the future? If we allow ourselves to dismiss the small voice of reason every time, eventually we don't listen to the voice of reason - our subconscious, the angel on our shoulder telling us right from wrong. 

Now, my message was originally about how to lighten up a bit on yourself from the rigid rules we apply to ourselves when it comes to eating and "enjoying" life. We're all too busy. We're all "watching what we eat" because the doctor or our health tells us we can't eat whatever we want all the time. 

Our food industry has traded good, healthy foods for junk full of chemicals and harmful ingredients. It's not like it was in the "old days" when there was no "high fructose corn syrup" and "artificial sweeteners" or "chemical laden" crap. 

My thoughts migrated to looking at how that very thought process compares to making wrong choices in general. How little lies, little sins lead to bigger lies or sins. When we are conditioned through social media and other outside resources to think about ourselves all the time like "self care, self love, self...fill in the blank..." we are training our inside voice (inner spirit) to stop focusing on what is right or wrong (from God's instruction) to listening to our flesh and changing what we see, think, feel to what we want it to be according to our flesh.

So, when we change the situation from the little things like just eating pizza and taking some "me time" to lolly gag around with friends or loved ones to indulging in junk food all the time and being lazy and skipping out on doing the important jobs that need doing, then we have missed the point. 

God wants what is best for us. He gives us parameters to go by. We need to keep that little angel on our shoulder to keep us in check. Don't let the innocent fun of grabbing ice cream with your husband turn into thinking it's okay to skip out on eating wholesome foods and just eat ice cream and not work. An occasional treat is quite alright, but the binging is where it becomes a problem. 

When we become negligent to the healthy boundaries and remove the boundaries altogether - that's when the lines become so blurred that the once innocent thought of having lunch with a friend could turn into drinks after work with a coworker that is married. That's a pretty extreme example, and my thoughts have gotten pretty far from the original thought process of a happy time compared to how we quickly let things get out of hand. 

My message was simply this: live your life, enjoy it, have fun, just don't let it get out of control. Keep a check on where you let your boundaries be stretched. I know it's easy to fall into the traps Satan sets up for us. That ole devil just loves to lead us into temptation. He is cunning and makes temptations seem so innocent. That's what my thoughts were. Just how simple "asking for forgiveness is easier than asking permission." Don't let little "happies" ruin what God has in store for you. 

The grass is not greener on the other side. It is only greenest where you fertilize it. 

Go have a donut, some pizza, and some ice cream. Just don't commit a carnal sin in the process....

This ended up being different than how I was thinking it in my head. I don't think I conveyed my thoughts as good as I wanted. Oh, well. I hope you got the message. Be careful out there. It's a mad world we live in. 

What's your thoughts? Tell me what you think about letting yourself have guilty pleasures. 

Turn the Paige

As we head into February - the month of LOVE... What does LOVE mean to you? How do you show it? What's your "love language"? Have you read the book "The 5 Love Languages"? Let me tell you my "love" story. 

From my perspective... 

 When I met my husband, his name is Chris, it was not love at first sight. Now, don't get me wrong, I was infatuated for sure. He was, and still is a cutie pie. I had been in a 5 year relationship with a guy who I thought was "the one"; but turns out, he was NOT! He was polar opposite of Chris. His idea of 'love' was totally different. Did he teach me what love was? Yes. It was not what I think of as love today. Did he show love? Yes. The way he was taught and the only way he knew how. It was different that what I was taught and what I thought love was supposed to look like. The funny thing is, I am still 100% his friend and love him, as a friend. I learned so much from that guy that I never even knew I was learning at the time. I grew, through that relationship, into the wife I am today. So, I have much gratitude for him. He really "showed" me what love was. And what it was not. 

 My best friend at the time introduced Chris to me. She said she knew someone I needed to meet. I had been in a bad relationship and needed to find some fun and joy again. So, she set us up. We met at a friend's house. blah, blah, blah, ok. We met. No sparks. Just met. Later, we met again. At THE BAR! That's the funny part of the story. 

 When I saw Chris at the bar one night, I asked him to "pretend to be my boyfriend" because there was a guy who had been hitting on me wanting a dance. I did not want to dance with that guy, so if Chris "pretended" we were together, maybe that other guy would leave me alone. It worked! And Chris played the part of "boyfriend" so good, that I thought he would make a pretty good one. He did. He kept coming around after that. We proceeded to the dating part, and I guess the rest is history. That is why I can tell people I met my husband in the bar. You can find "the one" in a bar, if you're that fortunate. 

 Did we have "love at first sight"? No. Did we know we would be together forever at first? No. I didn't even know what I wanted from him at that time. I just wanted to be treated right, not cheated on, and have fun. He filled the bill. Everyday, he treated me right. Everyday, he was faithful. He waited for me when I acted a fool by blowing him off, asking for space. He was always there when I needed him. When I realized he was "the one" was when I called to chat, because I was "down and out" and needed a friend. He said "come on let's go do something fun". (I went with him and a friend to get tattoos. That was fun for us at that age 20 and 21.) I knew then that after I had dragged him through this old relationship I was ending and he was always there when I needed him, I needed to grow up and make this thing work. 

 At that point in my life I didn't even have a relationship with the Lord at all. I mean I thought I was saved, I believed. I had been baptized and I was a Christian, but I wasn't going to church. I wasn't pursuing God. I wasn't doing my part of being a good Christian. I was just depending on my "once saved, always saved" mentatlity. Thank God Chris was a Christian also. Thank God he was raised in church and had a healthy relationship with the Lord. He wasn't pursuing it either, though. We were just being young and dumb and wild and free. All in all, I can honestly say that it was definitely God's handiwork though. From my loved ones prayers, God put us together. Our paths crossed because they were supposed to. We were at the places and times in our lives that put us together. The way it was meant to be for us. Now I see that so clearly. If things hadn't happened the way they did, we wouldn't have taken notice of each other. We had to go through the things we went through to get to where we are now. So, if you're one of those who has not met your "one" yet. He's out there making his way to you. If you're one that is in the midst of a relationship that isn't what it should be, I have advice for that too at a later time. This post is not for that yet. We'll talk about things to do to make a relationship stronger and better, later. 

What I want you to get out of this post is that God has a forever planned for you. When we try so hard to make it happen on our time and our plan, He is a gentleman and steps out of our way to let us learn the hard way. If you just step aside and let Him do it, it will be much better. I see God working in all areas of my life now. From conception to present day, I can see His work. There has not been one part of my life that He was not in it. Knowing that, I am so much more thankful for all I have. That is what allows me to look at my marriage, my husband, my love life and have a heartfelt, grateful, and positive perspective of it all. God did it. He used me to get to Chris, and he used Chris to get to me. We have a wonderful life and marriage. I couldn't ask for more. I can honestly say, not bragging or being boastful, I have the best life and husband I could want. I don't even know what else I would pray or ask for. I pray daily to keep it going. To grow more and make us stronger and closer. God knew exactly what I needed and fulfilled my heartfelt desires without me even being aware. That is how he works. Miraculously. Wonderfully. Graciously. 

 I hope this gives you some sort of hope, encouragement or inspiration to trust God with your life. If you don't know God in that way, please don't hesitate to drop me a comment or message. I will pray with you, for you, and get God in your life. 

Oh, and Love Languages... words of affirmation, touch, gifts, service, and quality time. Ours is a combination of them all. I like words of affirmation; he's learned to affirm me when I need it. Physical touch and affection, we all like that and I feel like it is needed daily. I grew up in an affectionate family, so hugs and kisses are normal to me. Gifts - who doesn't like getting gifts. He doesn't speak that way though, I get gifts for myself and thank him for them. LOL. I like getting things for him and seeing the appreciation in his face when he is surprised with something he really wanted and likes. I am a server, by nature. I just naturally serve people. Always trying to help, fix, do. He does too. He wants to fix whatever he can for me. Helping is one of his gifts. Quality time is probably our best compatible love language. Just spending time together is what makes us both happy. I think we are a combination of all the love languages that are specified in the "book". That is just a book written by a man though, The Good Book doesn't have specific love language, it just says to love one another. Period. Find your love language through God's prompting and you'll be just fine. He will help you figure each other out. What works and what doesn't. That's what we have done, and it just keeps getting better. Let God lead. Put Him in charge of your relationship and it can't go wrong. 

 Love, Peace and Faith - 

We've come a long way, baby. 

 PM

Through the chaos to the peace

I hope through my stories and sharing my thoughts that you can be entertained, educated, encouraged, or empowered. I have so much to share. I've been told multiple times throughout my life, that I need to write a book or share my story. So, here I am. I hope you enjoy. I hope you can follow without being lost in my erratic thoughts and I hope I can help you begin to think from different perspectives. I guess about 2000, I really learned that there was so much more to life than what I was living. I changed my perspective, and have been truly trying to see the good, look at the positive, and hear from God every day. I am the most imperfect person there is. I have failed, I have succeeded, and I have doubted my existance. I continue to choose to be a better version of me for you. For my family, for my self! Let's start somewhere in the middle of my chaos... I'll start with the story of my "changed perspective". This is the part where God met me in a place I never saw coming. I was broken, shattered, destroyed, and lost. In the midst of all of it, I had a lesson. One day, God just said "Stop! Get it together. You're gonna be fine!" Right?!? Well, that's what I say now. At the time, I didn't hear that. I just heard the devil telling me I was losing it. I was a young mama, with a thriving hair business, a great husband, who put up with my ever changing moods. I was doing my job as wife, mama, business owner-hairdresser. Just a regular ole gal going through the motions. Not a strong Christian, not in church, not anything special. In the midst of one of my hardest battles, I found myself needing something I knew I didn't have. Well, I say I didn't, I did, I just didn't know it. In the hospital with a 7 year old daughter recovering from surgery after having a tumor removed from her skull, I learned how much I did have. And that is where I changed. Well, God met me. And it changed me. Funny how now when I look back at all the things I've been through, I can see all the ways God blessed me, favored me, kept me. I never saw it before. I had to grow, I had to go through stuff. We have to. I have many reasons to have the kind of faith I have now and should have even more. From being born to a teenage child, an unplanned pregnancy, and unwanted baby, to "living my best life" as a growing child. I had more love than most, spoiled in many ways. My struggles andbblessings are not worse or better than anyone else. I have just chosen to see the blessings and favor my God has shownn me. I've been through horrors no child should face; molested by the babysitter, "gang banged" while alocohol poisoned. I've seen things that would curl some people's toenails - drug abuse, drunken orgies, and pure evil at it's finest. I've also seen God show His face in those places. Maybe having addicted loved ones and watching them go through their battles helps us see through our own. I take life one day at a time. One step at a time. I never know where the next step will be. I never know what my next move will be, but I know God does, and that's all I need for now. Oh, and did I mention, I have been to jail. I'm no saint, remember? I've been through a lot. As time and memories come, I'll give you all the details in hopes that you can relate or be encouraged. When you feel like you've hit rock bottom, maybe it's just the knot at the end of the rope that you can hold on to better. Or that rock that is a step to get up to the next level. After all, even bankruptcy, family divisions, losing best friends, deaths, and hard knocks don't leave us on the bottom. Those are the rocks that help us build the walls, or the steps to get us back up to the place we were meant to be. What's your story? Do you have one? Maybe you can relate to some of mine. Maybe yours is worse. Maybe not. I hope by telling mine, I can be a glimmer of hope, a little sliver of light to shine in your darkness. I shine so that others will know that there is light in the darkness. You just have to fan the flame or flip the switch. The stories will unfold. I'll tell you from my perspective. I may step on some toes of my friends and family. It may not be the correct story from someone else's version. These will by my perceptions. Maybe some are made up in my head. I don't know. I just know, what I do know is God has given me the story, I'm just being a vessel to tell it. Hoping for the best, believing it, and trusting God. PM<3ox

Reintroduction & Restart

Reboot, Renew, Regenerate, Restore, Resolve...

Well, It's been 10 years since I started this blogsite. Wow. I didn't even realize how fast that time went by. As time has gone by, I have still always had this little voice telling me to write. I have no idea why, because, to me, I can't write worth a flip.  So, here's to writing from a non-writing person. I have read many personal development books in the last 10 years. I have gone through much development. Now, I am back with fervor, grace, mercy and intention to try again. 

I don't even know where to start again. First things first... Hello!

I am Paige Murray. That's who I am. What I am?? Just a girl who loves Jesus, my family, my animals, and so much more. I am a Christian, a hairdresser, a daughter, a sister, a mama, a wife, a ... so many things. Have you ever tried to think about and list all the things you are??? Try it. List the good and bad (to you, God doesn't see you that way, but our human perspective of ourselves is so skewed). 

My intention here is to help others find hope, happiness, encouragement, humor, and peace in their world. I have been through much in my 51 years. Not as much as some, way more than others. So, I'm here to share my stories. I'm here to show my perspective on the areas of my life that have molded me into who and what I am today. Let's build friendships. Let's learn to walk in freedom. Let's be peaceful and kind. Let's do this thing called life. Together. I'm gonna be vulnerable and give you all I've got from my perspective. 

My perspective doesn't mean it's right or wrong. It doesn't mean you have to agree or disagree. It's just how I see things and think about them. You never know when you are shown someone else's perspective it just may change the way you look at them or the situation at hand. 

Let's GO!

Me in 2012

Me today 2022

I Need Her

Sometimes God sends me a devotion I didn't even know I needed, other times He sends one that speaks so directly and loudly to me to remind me of something. I read this today and decided someone else may need to read it too. Lord, thank you for your word, your timing, and your love. Thank you for giving me all I need. Amen. T. Suzanne Eller

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 (NIV)

The text message read: I don't care how busy you are, Suzie. Put me on your calendar. You need me.

Sometimes friendship gets last place in my life. My parents need me more than they once did. I have children and grandchildren in three states. I juggle ministry, relationships, and real life.

But my friend is right. I need her.

I love it when we get together over lunch. We laugh. We catch up with each other's life. Often, we find ourselves talking about God. We dig deep, asking questions, praying and encouraging each other.

So why do I let this really great friendship slide to last place?

In John 13, Jesus commands the disciples to love each other. Jesus didn't drop commandments lightly. There are only a few, rare instances in Scripture, but you see, He knew something they did not. They needed each other. One day soon He would return to Heaven. Though His love would always be with them, His physical presence would not. And hard times were ahead.

Persecution.

Suffering.

Mistreatment.

But it went even deeper than that. "As I have loved you, so you must love one another," He said.

What did that look like?

When Peter denied he ever knew Jesus as his beloved Savior, he stumbled from the scene weeping. Can you imagine how he felt?

To love Peter "as Jesus did" meant that his friends wouldn't give up on him. They would remind him of Jesus' love and forgiveness. They would point him toward redemption and grace.

C. S. Lewis, author and professor, said, "Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things that give value to survival."

We were never intended to live our faith in isolation. God and girlfriends are not just fun. They are needed. In good times. In hard times. When we are living with purpose. When we falter.

You may be reading this and thinking, I don't have a friend who texts or calls me. I wish I had a friend like that. If so, why not pray and ask God for one person you know who needs someone to reach out to them. Sometimes we have to be the friend we wish we had; taking the first steps toward the friendships we need.

I have made myself a promise today. I will work on this gift called friendship. I won't allow a week or a month to go by without a lunch date, or at the minimum a conversation. In fact, I just texted my friend: I don't care how busy I am, friend. Let's make a date. I need you.

Dear Lord, thank You for my friend. I get so busy that I put her last. Give me wisdom to know how to nurture this part of my life. Help me to love my friend the way You love me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"One thing I know for sure: We were never created to go it alone...If we attempt to face life's complexities alone, our heart and hope will shrivel. God has created us for community—for belonging." Julie Barnhill, Exquisite Hope

Have you lost contact with a friend? Why not send her a note or call her? Set a date and a time to get together.

Power Verse:
Philippians 2:4, "Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too." (NLT)

Thoughts for Today

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives."

 

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

 

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled

See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven." Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.

 

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.

 

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Remember the prisoners as if chained with them-those who are mistreated-since you yourselves are in the body also.

 

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say:

 

"The LORD is my helper;

I will not fear.

What can man do to me?"

 

Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 

The LORD is righteous in all His ways,

Gracious in all His works.

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,

To all who call upon Him in truth.

He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;

He also will hear their cry and save them.

My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD,

And all flesh shall bless His holy name

Forever and ever.

Joy, Unspeakable Joy.

So, It's been a while. I have been UBER-busy. Went to Disney World for the first time. Flew for the first time. Between work, teenage daughter, and holiday hustle, I am "wo-out". But, "no rest for the weary". And, as I read my devotions this morning, and after listening to Bro. Bo last night (and a little worship music), I have too much to post to just do a Facebook status update....So...

First let's start with Joy!

That is our word from Bro Bo this week. Unspeakable Joy! It started with a song from the Chris Tomlin Christmas CD from last year. It is wonderful by the way, if you have not heard it. But, his rendition of "Joy to the world" is AWESOME. If you don't feel joy after listening to that song, well, I just don't know what will bring it to ya. Then this morning my first devotion was about Contagious Joy. 1 John 1:1-4 ...verses 3&4 say share the fellowship and the JOYS we have with the Father and with Jesus Christ his son. ...then, you too will be full of joy...When you're in love with Jesus, you can't keep to yourself the joy that comes from knowing Him- it just spills over, bearing witness and strengthening other believers.

Next, I read about spiritual harassment. Wow. Never thought about it that way.
"Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8-9).

In the spiritual realm we deal with spiritual harassment from Satan and his legions. The Bible says "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph. 6:12). It is important to recognize when we are coming against these forces. Satan attempts to distract us from our calling and destiny in life. We often trivialize the reality of the spirit realm of evil.
Paul tells us we must set our minds to deal with the spiritual realm of evil when it impacts our lives. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Eph 6:13).
The next time you feel obstacles have been placed in your life designed to distract you from your God-ordained mission, remember Paul's words and stand firm in Christ.
 

OOOH. I liked that. I needed that. We have also been talking about spiritual warfare at church. About how much we are all fighting a spiritual battle, daily. God's speaking to me today!

Then, lastly, as I read my Bible reading for today, all these scriptures jumped out at me. I'm running out of time to elaborate on each one (cuz as always i get inspired right as the clock tells me i should be getting off the computer and get ready for work) . So, I'll just post them and you can elaborate as you want. :)

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 


Ok, gotta go. Hope this helps you today. Hope it inspires somebody to be filled with Unspeakable Joy. 


God Bless you all!

The Little Things

November 16, 2011 As I read this devotion this morning, I feel like I need to share it. Maybe somebody out there needs to hear it. I know there are some people I would like to think need to hear it, but then I have learned in the past the very things I think someone else needs is really only meant for me. So, as I think on this, and realize that I do have some "small things" that have festered inside me, even though I say different, I pray that the Lord will heal those areas. I have friends that have become so distant over such minute discrepancies that now I believe we are not really "friends" at all, just acquaintances. On that note, I do also believe that God allows friends to be in your life for seasons, and that when the season is over you may still be friends just not as close. And there are other people placed in those areas to fill that void. Just sayin'..... Marybeth Whalen

"My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly." Psalm 38:5 (NIV)

It was just a little thing. A small stone or piece of shell I'd stepped on at some point during my walk on the beach. I figured I didn't need to worry about it. Eventually it would work its way out. So I ignored it and went on with life.

But weeks later my plan wasn't working. The little thing hadn't gone away. It had only worked its way deeper into my foot. I was having more and more trouble walking. And my little thing had become harder to ignore.

At my husband's insistence, I finally visited the doctor, who told me that something that could've been handled easily at the beginning had now turned into a much bigger problem. What could've been as simple as removing a splinter now involved cutting into my foot.

I thought of the little things in my life I've ignored, letting them work their way deeper instead of plucking them out while they were still easy to get to. Resentment, anger, jealousy, gossip, unforgiveness and unkind thoughts can be plucked out the moment we realize they're there. But leave them untended and they go deeper.

What could be a matter of prayer and accountability becomes a full blown life issue that controls us and causes pain—not just for us, but for others as well. Ignore the little things and they become big problems; plucking becomes carving. Like our verse today, our sinful folly causes wounds that fester instead of heal.

I didn't take the time to go to the doctor. I didn't want to mess with the inconvenience or the pain of having my little thing dealt with. I thought I could handle it on my own. But I couldn't. I needed a physician to do what I could not. It is the same for those little things in my thought life as well. I need the Great Physician to remove what I can't reach — and do it before it becomes so deep that it's part of who I am.

When I'm struggling with little things, I've learned to ask God to help me see what is going on through His Word and prayer. Then I listen to the Holy Spirit's convictions and seek honesty from friends and family.

As a friend of mine says, "The truth might hurt, but the truth also heals." We must be intentional about being honest with ourselves and do whatever it takes to identify and remove the potentially damaging little things in our hearts and in our thought lives.

Dear Lord, please show me those little things in my life I am ignoring — whether it's a behavior like gossip or a thought like envy. I try to convince myself that there's such a thing as a "little sin" but I know deep down that little things can become big problems if left unchecked. Convict me through Your Holy Spirit and let me respond as You would want. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Why Am I in Such a Hurry?

Original Blog Post by Lynn Cowell. Copied from Encouragement for Today

"This is how the lampstand was made: It was made of hammered gold—from its base to its blossoms. The lampstand was made exactly like the pattern the LORD had shown Moses." Numbers 8:4 (NIV)
During the thirty-minute drive downtown, I felt nothing but irritation. Who has time for driving school? Yes, I had received two tickets in the past three years, but I was going to change. Slowing down was on my agenda!
As soon as I found a seat, my computer-like brain turned on, allowing me to multi-task while sitting in the tiny classroom. Three "mental windows" were running: my to-do list for the day; my to-do list for the upcoming holiday; and my to-do list for a home project.
Honestly, that class could not end fast enough. Finally, when I was free to leave, I rushed out of the building. Looking down at my watch, I realized I had one hour to run to the carpet store, pick out the right color and get to the bus stop before my kids did. The store was almost 30 minutes away, but I knew I could do it.
I found the perfect color carpet and was on my way home in no time. Threw the car into reverse and...BOOM! Looking in my rearview mirror, I discovered my bumper curved around a 15-foot cement store sign. All I could do was lay my head on my steering wheel and cry, "Lord, this can't be the way You want my days to go!"
I was exhausted from the mental and physical pace I'd set for myself. I knew God had a better plan. Around that same time I was reading in Numbers 8:4, and was amazed at how God took time to attend to the details of a simple lampstand. The Bible tells us it was created out of gold with blossoms at the top. God wasn't just concerned about the function of the lampstand but also its beauty.
I knew then that if God cared about these types of details, He cared about the details of my life, too. I also realized I needed to slow down enough to seek His plans for my days, instead of cramming them with everything on my own hurried agenda.
I decided that each morning I would start praying through my schedule. Sometimes He'd show me I had too much I was trying to accomplish in too little time. Other days He'd show me I needed to say "no" to some things so I could enjoy what He had called me to say "yes" to, instead of just flying through it.
Perhaps you too are caught in the frenzy of trying to get everything done. Do you ever lay awake at night wondering if you'll finish the tasks on your list? I want to encourage you to try something that has helped me. Tomorrow, before your feet hit the ground, tell the Lord: "This is Your day, not mine. Whatever You want me to do, I will do. Whatever You don't want me to do, I won't."
Throughout the day, as your desire to get more done in less time moves in, and stress tries to take over, repeat your prayer. Soon you'll discover that handing the details of your day over to God will lead you out of chaos and into His plans for peace and purpose in your life!
By no means is my life perfect now, but most of my days are surrendered to the Lord's plans rather than the busyness of my own. And, I'm learning more and more how to live according to God's beautiful timing and pattern for my life each day.
Dear Lord, every day there seems to be so much that has to get done and so little time. I know that living life stressed and frustrated is not what You created me for. Please help me each day to only do what You want me to do and not try to do more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflections:
This is Your day Jesus, not mine. Whatever You want me to do, I will do. Whatever You don't, I won't.
Power Verses:
Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (NIV)

No Condemnation by Melissa Taylor

This was one of my daily devotions this morning and I enjoyed it so much I thought I should share it.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Do you ever hear the whispers of condemnation telling you that you're not what you should be, that you're always disappointing someone and that you'll never change?
I do. Unfortunately, self-condemnation is a default for me and, if I let it, it can wipe out my confidence as a woman, wife and mom.
Thankfully, I'm just as familiar with God's promises as I am with Satan's lies. My heart has heard Jesus' gentle reminders of His love and goodness, like His "there is now no condemnation" promise in today's key verse.
However, although I know this truth that He speaks over me, I've learned that it's up to me to pause and respond to it. If I don't keep my ears tuned to His voice and my mind set on His thoughts, I forget His promises.
Condemning thoughts come back in and drown out the confidence I have through Christ.
One morning I was struggling with self-condemning thoughts and God guided me to these words written in my morning devotion: "Do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me."
I opened my journal and responded from my heart:
Hello Lord. You know I often feel disappointed in myself and call myself names. You know my feelings have been hurt by someone's comments. Comments that cut me down and stole my confidence. Instead of feeling worthy, I feel like a loser. I hear You telling me not to listen to voices of accusation. Thank You for this reminder right when I needed it.
The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."
Again, I reached out to Him:
Lord, You know I spoke unkind words to my friend. Thank You for gently reminding me to "pause before responding." You are so faithful to speak truth to me. Thank You for these words—a reminder of what You want from me. I needed this today, right now.
If left to defend ourselves from self-condemnation or the condemnation of others, we'd be defeated every time. Thankfully we don't have to defend ourselves. In fact, God's Word promises, "the Lord himself will fight for" us. (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT)
We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. His truths re-build confidence that condemnation breaks down.
Our part is to know God's promises, respond to His truth, and believe it! Staying saturated in His Word and taking time to listen to His voice is the only way we can overcome condemnation. Reading devotions, digging into books on our specific area of struggle, participating in Bible studies and talking to Jesus through prayer helps re-build the confidence that is ours in Christ.
As we take the time to listen to Him today, let's ask Him to remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and that it's true: "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."And, that means you and me!
Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not condemned. Help me to keep my eyes and thoughts on You. And to accept Your Word as truth so my confidence stays strong in You. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Application Steps:
When spending time with the Lord, pause and ask Him if there is something He's trying to tell you. Ask Him to help you apply His Word to your life.
Reflections:
Are there condemning thoughts about myself that I believe?
What are some of God's promises I can read, hold onto and believe to replace my accusing thoughts with His affirmations?
Power Verses:
Exodus 14:13-14, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (NLT)
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things." (NIV 1984)

Is God enough?

Copied from encouragement for today by melissa Taylor

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NIV 1984)

Is God enough? It's a question that my circumstances bring me back to quite often. Over a lifetime I've concluded not only is God enough,but He has to be enough.

It takes effort on my part to make sure my heart is staying in this truth.

As a young child,I didn't realize my need for God,but I did realize I had a need that was not fulfilled. I was sexually abused when I was seven years old. My dad left our family when I was eleven. Both circumstances left me devastated,and I didn't understand how God could bring healing at that time. I spent many years trying to heal myself and make myself feel better.

Nothing was enough to meet my needs. Nothing worked.

As I grew older,I moved from being a Christian who simply believed to becoming a Christian actively seeking and following Jesus. And my life began to change.

Because I was having direct conversations with God and consistently reading His Word,I was challenged. I learned that when the hard knocks came,and they would,I needed to ask one question in order to move on: "Is God enough?"

When a friend betrays me,is God enough?

When I need to forgive what seems unforgivable,is God enough?

When my child has issues out of my control,is God enough?

When my marriage is on the brink of destruction,is God enough?

When I am not forgiven by another,is God enough?

When my mom is dying of cancer,is God enough?

When others don't recognize my value,is God enough?

When I struggle professionally,is God enough?

When someone I love uses words to hurt me,is God enough?

When I am in debt and don't know how I'll pay my bills,is God enough?

When my past haunts me,is God enough?

When my health declines,is God enough?

When I am let down and disappointed in my life,is God enough?

The last time I asked "Is God enough?" I opened a boxof personalized Bible verses someone very special had given me. Reading verse by verse out loud silenced the thoughts paralyzing me with self-doubt.

I discovered the answer I always came to when I asked "Is God enough?" Yes He is.

Nothing here on earth is guaranteed. If I lost everything,I'd be okay because no one can take away my Jesus. Whether I live in a mansion on a hill or a shack in the swamp,I have my Jesus. Whether the world is for me or against me,I have my Jesus. When I am knocked down,I get on my knees and find my Jesus.

When life becomes more than you think you can handle,don't quit. And certainly don't believe the lie God is not enough. Instead,ask yourself,"Is God enough for me? Then plant His Word deep in your heart so you'll always have the ready answer,that yes He is. He is enough for me,for you: "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)

Dear Lord,help me to realize and remember the secret to being content in all circumstances is You. Help me to be aware of Your presence in my life at all times. In Jesus' Name,Amen.

In the midst

Brutally Honest Okay, can I just be brutally honest about something? Comparisons stink. They do. Just when we think we’ve gotten to a good place in some area of our life, along comes someone else or something else better. And our confidence just shrinks back, takes the hand of doubt and starts ransacking our heart and mind. Yes, there are Scriptures that can help with this. And yes, God can use it for good in our life. But honest to goodness, it’s hard on a girl’s heart. Recently, I was put in a situation where something I feel very vulnerable about was held up to another person’s near perfection. My weakness standing beside their strength. My yuck placed next to their glory. My struggle on display in the shadow of their strength. And in the private space of my most inner thoughts, I cried. And even more than that I found myself feeling so defeated by the reality, this will never be a strength of mine. It just won’t. I could work on this area until the cows come home (whatever that means) but I wasn’t designed for this to be my strength.Oh, I can make progress for sure. And heavens knows I do work on it. And on my good days I see how God is using this all for good. But when comparison sneaks in, it can be hard. Worse than hard. It can just quite simply make me forget all the strengths I do have. And when we forget, our hearts shift. We stop being thankful and instead become consumed by that little thing we don’t have. What a dangerous place to be. I guess I share all this today for two reasons. One, because many of you are coming to She Speaks this weekend and I shutter to think anyone would get caught in this trap and live distracted this weekend. Get prayed up right now. Ask the Lord to absolutely get your focus off others and onto the exciting,thrilling, unique calling He has just for you. When I was struggling recently I wasn’t prayed up. I had not asked God to help my focus. I just found myself wallowing and wallowing isn’t of the Lord. Amen! Amen! But whether you’re coming to She Speaks or not, I share this because you need to know. I struggle. Just like you. I’m on a journey of learning. Just like you. And I desperately need His truth to bump into my weaknesses every single day. Only then can I get out of the shadow of doubt and into the life giving reality of who God has made ME to be. And see it as good. Not perfect. Not even close. But good. And good is good.

I copied this from Lysa TerKeurst 's daily blog. I liked it so much I thought I should share.

From Adversity to Destiny

Copied. 

"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position" (James 1:9).
Most of us avoid pain. We keep our medicine cabinets loaded with pain relievers. We couldn't imagine major surgery without an anesthetic. We are so averse to pain that we think God must desire that we will experience pain-free lives. After all, a loving God surely wouldn't want us to suffer pain, would He? Although God takes no pleasure in our pain, we have to acknowledge that He sometimes allows painful circumstances to occur in our lives in order to shape us and make us more like Christ. Sometimes our times of despair turn out to be a much needed light into our soul.
I once came across the following poem written by an anonymous Confederate soldier, a devout young man who fought in the American Civil War. The lines of this poem express the soul of a man who has learned to view his times of adversity from a different perspective:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am among men, most richly blessed.*
Do we trust God to lead us even though we can't see the pathway in front of us? Do we trust Him to be all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful? Do we believe He does all things well? As Paul wrote, "Everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). That's why God leads us through the dark places.
Only in the darkness do we learn to walk by faith.

Abundant life

John 10:10

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 

I read this devotion that highlighted this scripture with the elaboration on the part about having life more abundantly. Saying life more abundant with everything. Challenges, opportunities, changes, etc. So, think about it. Life is abundant with those things too. Don't be discouraged with the challenges that come your way. Jesus overcame and the same power lives in us. Look at the abundance with eyes that see what our Lord sees. Live fully.  

Today I Will Make a Difference

 Awesome words I found this morning. I love it and thought I should share.

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of his thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.
I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.
I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It’s OK to stumble… . I will get up. It’s OK to fail… . I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.
I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.

Another good devotion

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways" (Isaiah 55:8-9).
God speaks to his children in many varied ways. God has said that his ways are not our ways. If left to our reasoning, we will fail to fully walk in the full counsel of God, which leads to poor decisions.
Thus, our goal is to avoid being deceived and to develop a listening ear that hears the voice of God with confidence. Our goal is to have such intimacy with God that we can walk in the full blessing of our decisions and to be assured they are not based on our own reasoning alone. This does not mean that we do not use the intellectual and logical skills that He has equipped us with.
A.W. Tozer said that the man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice - any choice will be the right one. J. Oswald Sanders explains his method of receiving guidance from God for decisions; "I try to gather all the information and all the facts that are involved in a decision, and then weigh them up and pray over them in the Lord's presence, and trust the Holy Spirit to sway my mind in the direction of God's will. And God generally guides by presenting reasons to my mind for acting in a certain way."
The apostle Paul said, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). God has equipped us with everything we need to make good decisions. Hearing His voice is the first step toward making right choices in life.
Do you have a decision to make? Submit that decision to the Lord, ask God for clarity. Ask Him to make the desires of your heart the same desires that He has for you in this matter. Await His perfect timing on the matter. Then you can be assured of making the right decisions.

Mean Girls

 After reading this today I felt it needed to be shared. I tried posting it on facebook, but obviously facebook didn't like it because it would not post. So, here it is.

"You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless." Song of Solomon 4:7b (MSG)
The words on Facebook glared back at her. "You are so ugly! You are fat, annoying and I hate you!"
Lindsay just sat there, staring at the screen, baffled. "What did I say? What did I do?"
Maybe this has happened to one of your children, or in some way they've faced this same type of painful rejection. Maybe you have felt it yourself. I recently spotted a t-shirt at the mall that read "You're no one until someone talks about you." What a sad state of affairs.
Growing up in a world where "Mean Girls" and "Gossip Girl" are movie and TV titles, it comes as no surprise that "mean" defines many females today. How can we guard our hearts against this? As a mom, what can we do when our children's hearts are crushed by meanness?
Feeling unaccepted is nothing new. In Song of Solomon 1:5a, we are introduced to a young girl who felt this way: "Don't look down on me because I am dark..." (MSG). She felt rejected. Those feelings are so opposite of what we and our children want to feel. We long to be accepted.
Matthew Henry concludes about this passage in Song of Solomon that we, as represented by the young girl, are "often base and contemptible in the esteem of others, but excellent in the sight of God." [1]
We can counteract the poison of meanness by remembering who we are in God's eyes. I am excellent in the sight of God and so are you. Song of Solomon 1:5b reveals the tanned girl's acceptance of this truth; she knows full well that her Lord finds her lovely. When I know that I am accepted by the Lord, it puts me exactly where I need to be to slough off insults and to help my child do the same.
When my daughter was in sixth grade, she was 5'10". One day as she got off the school bus, I noticed she was holding back a flood of tears. Once again she had been made fun of for her height.
On that day, her youth pastor wasn't there. Her teacher, counselor and small group leaders weren't there either. But her mom was. I began telling her how her Father saw her. Sharing truths like these:
• "My beloved is mine, and I am His..." (Song of Solomon 2:16a, NKJV).
• "You're beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless" (Song of Solomon 4:7b, MSG).
• "The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord" (Psalm 45:11, NIV).
I poured these truths and others into my daughter that day and continue to remind her of them still. I put them everywhere so that together we can read them over and over again. When we feel rejected, these words remind us that we are, in fact, accepted! I pray they will be a sweet reminder for you, and perhaps your daughter, today.
Dear Lord, help me to be purposeful in putting Your truth about who I am into my heart and mind so that am not swayed by the opinions of others. And when the time is right, I can pour Your truth into the hearts and minds of my children and friends. When my child feels rejected, help me remind them that in You they are accepted. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Isaiah 55:1-3
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
   come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
   come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
   without money and without cost.
² Why spend money on what is not bread,
   and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
   and you will delight in the richest of fare.
³ Give ear and come to me;
   listen, that you may live.
 6-9,11
⁶ Seek the LORD while he may be found;
   call on him while he is near.
⁷ Let the wicked forsake their ways
   and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
   and to our God, for he will freely pardon.  ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.
¹¹ so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
   It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
   and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

 Isaiah 57:15-19

¹⁵ For this is what the high and exalted One says—
   he who lives forever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
   but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
   and to revive the heart of the contrite.
¹⁶ I will not accuse them forever,
   nor will I always be angry,
for then they would faint away because of me—
   the very people I have created.
¹⁷ I was enraged by their sinful greed;
   I punished them, and hid my face in anger,
   yet they kept on in their willful ways.
¹⁸ I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;
   I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
 ¹⁹ creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
   says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”