challenges.

It is amazing how most the challenges I have faced in my life, I never thought I would! Either because I didn't know they existed until I faced them, or just because I didn't think that it would be me. A very interesting challenge started several weeks ago, and I'm not sure if it is over or not, but I know that the only I have gotten through it intact is my Lord. Not because I clung to Him, because to be honest I even tried to run from Him for a while, but because He clung onto me.
I am so thankful to be His child.
I'm so happy that He loves me no matter what I do.
Last night He faced me with this, and how I have been ignoring Him, yet using Him in the above mentioned trial.
He gave me a chance of me and Him as I waited at church. All other people had left, or were elsewhere, and I sat in the auditorium in prayer. I cried to finally confess to Him my short coming, and to begin to make right my relationship with Him.

It's interesting how I know that nothing is better without Him, yet I will pull away. Whether I just got distracted, or because I fled from His presence, I will for a time turn away from Him and look at other things, only to find anything else brings loneliness and pain. Only with Him is there joy, peace, love... Without Him, life is pretty empty.



Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Stubborn.

Everyone knows that person who can dig their heels in, and not even a speeding train could budge them. Well, that's my Granny... and that's me. I've learned much from her on this subject in the last couple of years. I, instead, call it determination. I have to be determined (Stubborn) to get through a day. If I wasn't, I'd just stay in bed all the time because the world and life is one big uphill battle. Just getting up and dressed some mornings takes everything I've got, and then I have the whole day to tackle!
I know I am not alone in facing these challenges, both in that many others face them, and that my Lord is with me. I'm supposed to learn when quit. I've always thought I'd quit once I'm down and literally cannot move anymore, (so, dead. When I'm dead.) But apparently that's not how I should handle it. I'm supposed to give in, declaring "I can't."
It is amazing to me, because I know I can't, yet I do anyway. Most days, I'm walking by God's grace alone. I can feel my muscles give in, and my knees hurt past feeling, yet I keep going. To say "I can't" and go sit in the corner doesn't feel like an option to me. I can, until I truly can't. Pain is not a reason to not push on. Not to me.
I think of Christ, who carried His cross until He collapsed. Who carried my Sin away by His death. He gave His all, in His life and through His death, why should I do any less?




Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:23
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

To love is to choose, to choose is to serve, to serve is to live. I will give my all in my life.

As God "Can not love more, and will not love less." So is my goal to serve Him and others for Him.

With the Joy of the Lord shining on my face, I willingly, patiently, actively, wait upon Him day by day; Depending on Him for my strength for the day.

Assumptions.

So many people make assumptions based on what they see at first glance. The one I personally hear the most is that I have everything easier because I am young; This usually refers to health. It is apparently impossible for people to grasp that anyone under the age of 40 can have physical problems. Everyone knows people just go by what they can see, the Bible even says so.
1 Samuel 16:7
"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

For years and years when I catch myself starting to assume about someone, and pause and try to think of better reason they are acting the way they are. Instead of assuming the worse of someone, I think, "Well, maybe they have some deeper problem. Some situation they are dealing with, and this is the best they can do right now."

Everyone has different limitations, and everyone's limitations vary over their lives as trials and troubles come. For an example EVERYONE should be able to understand: You can do more and do better, and more happily when you are well, and less so when you have a cold or the flu. A greater scale exists, but I know all should be able to read that one.

I know a lot of the "you're young and fine" assumption comes from acting like I'm super woman. I like to work hard... not work hard "for my age," or "for my disability." I don't like people to look at me and see "less than." No one likes that.

I want to do my best. If I'm not stumbling down from pain and exhaustion, then I haven't done my best. I could do more. A lesson someone has been trying to teach me, is that it isn't always best to do your best. Sometimes it's better to do 75 everyday so that the overall is stronger and better. So that endurance withstands the test of time, day after day.

Maybe my worst assumptions are about myself. Where is my inner voice to defend myself from the assumptions and judgements I place on me?

But, then, where in the Bible does it ever say to do anything at only 75%?

Gossip.

It's hard to over hear bad-mouth gossip about yourself. It's not really something I've had to deal with much until recent days. I can't say I've never said a bad word about someone else, being around it constantly it is hard not to take part. In 1st Peter a challenge is given to be that you would suffer for Christ, and not suffer because of being sinful.


1 Peter 4:14-16
 "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."

Proverbs 17:28
"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding."

James 1:26
"If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain."

Sin Reveals Grace.

We can not grasp the wonderful love, mercy, and grace of God until we realize how bad we are. Until we see that we have so wronged the Perfect Creator, and see that He is the only one to forgive us, then we are lost in our blindness. All sin is what we do against God and the things we do that break His law. You can’t hurt your best friend, and ask another friend to forgive you for the wrong you did to someone else. It also does not work to pretend that you never wronged your friend. The only way is to ask forgiveness; The same applies to God through Christ.

Romans 3:23

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 3:10

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”

Romans 6:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

John 14:6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

“For he(Father God) hath made him(Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

I once heard a comedian do a piece on Christ. This ignorant person compared what Christ did with someone who shot their own foot for their neighbor’s mortgage. This is not a true comparison for several reasons; First of all, the debt we owe was paid for by the one we owe it to. In this comic piece, it is someone unrelated causing him self harm for a debt between two separate parties. Romans 6:23 (see above) says that the wages (cost) of sin is death, Christ came to pay that debt, to die in our place.

Secondly, the pain Christ went through was not pointless as the comparison implies. His death on the cross was only a small portion of the pain he endured, but it was the most important and most remembered. Thankfully He did not stay dead, but conquered death. Because He rose again, we have everlasting life through Him because death is conquered; The debt has been paid.

Mark 10:34

“And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.”

1 Thessalonians 4:14

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”

The gift of Salvation waits to be claimed.

Romans 10:9

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

I would love to tell you that once you have claimed this gift that everything will be easy, but it wont. It will be harder, but more wonderful than all the ease the world could provide. We are warned and comforted of the trials to come.

Philippians 1:29

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:33-36 “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”

John 14:26-28 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.”

2 Corinthians 1:4

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Date Day!

Granny and I went out today. We went and saw the movie "Home" Which was very funny, cute, and I'd recommend it for the humor. Most of what we ate today was popcorn, nachos, soda pop, and enough ice cream to feed 6 or more. We are feeling pretty miserable from all the junk food, but it was worth it. We had a good time.
It is days like today that make me look at my life and see just how blessed I am. Since I am working, I was able to be the treater. Spending the day with someone you love, that loves you, is something not everyone gets to do, and I know I am blessed in that.

God is good.
Even when the days are not as wonderfully comfortable as this one was.

When the going gets tough...

Most days things are fine, but some days get hard to get through. It's that way for everybody. Everyone has their battles. Mine just happens to be with my joints (mostly just that.) When it rains, or if I decide to get sodapop, or if I push myself too far, it is like I suddenly break and I'm simply done. It gets hard to focus and think, forget standing or much moving. Neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, back, hips, knees, ankles, and some muscles that sit between them, hurt.
It's obvious when this happens, I know because everyone around tells me when this happens. Which is good because sometimes I don't realize it myself. I'll be so focused on doing stuff that needs to be done, that I'll be ignoring the signals my body is sending me. Not in a sudden way, because I have to ignore it all the time to get through a day. Before I learned to do that, I didn't do much because of the focus on my hurt made it hurt too much to do.
I'm glad that I am able to push through, I love working, but I wish I didn't have to push through. Especially on those days when I get up in the morning and feel like my whole body is just waking up, (like when your foot falls asleep-goes numb-then the nerves kick back in,) and I have as much energy as a slug on a hot summer's day. Those are the days when I wish for ease, yet don't let myself even if I could. Those are the days that when it all seems too much to bear I start to berate myself to try to keep on, but only continue to spiral down. Some times on those days I will pray, but an empty prayer it is when my heart is so far from God in pain and frustration.

I like to be superwoman; I like to do it all. Who doesn't?
It's a hard reminder to me on how little I can do, when those pains come on, when my muscles weaken and are sore, when I am reminded that I am human living in a broken body.

Getting Personal.

I don't get personal often or easily. I'll talk about my family, the weather, my Lord, but I grow wary when it comes to talking about myself. Whether it is how I am feeling physically, or what I am thinking, or if it is something I've lived. I always leave something out when I tell a story that might be considered personal, when I tell anything at all.
Even on my worst days, when everyone knows there is something wrong I say "I'm fine" and walk on. It is an area of me that I hold on too tightly to. It is not easy to live in a lonesome walk such as this, but fear holds me here... And that is not how I should be living.
Even those that do not have the confidence of Christ know that it is no way to live. One of the ways I have tried to open up a little bit, is here. This blog has been a mild outlet when I have felt brave enough to share something I know few will look at. Most of my posts get no more than 6 views, with those intriguing titles pulling in a whole 12-14 views.
Especially within the house of believers we are to be at least somewhat open, because we are told to bear one another's burdens. (Gal6:2)

I know I still don't have any close friends because I don't want people to know enough about me to be close. People can't be trusted. It comes down to that. I tried, got hurt, and I know people are people and they are all people, and people lie, cheat, steal... they sin, just like me.

Even when I write a biblical blog post, it is usually more centered around someone else and their experience rather than my own. Because God forbid that I should clue people in on my sins and shortcomings. Not because I want to seem perfect, but because I don't want them used against me. It seems enough pain to know that I have stumbled away from my Savior yet again, that I choose sin, without the added pain of negative comments from people. I know in my heart that only the opinion of Christ truly matters, but it still hurts when the opinions of others are against me. I'm sure it's the same for you.
I can not seem to even make myself talk through a whole conversation. If it's getting personal, or uncomfortable in any minor way, I run. Sometimes literally run.

I don't think talking has ever been my thing. Some times I think I do not have "a thing." I look at everything I can't do, and that is my problem. Looking at my failings... Looking at me instead of God.

One of my main defences is a quick wit drowned in sarcasm. So, I am trying to memorize Eph 4:29-32 since most of the sarcasm is down right wrong. But, what verses tell one to be open, and ready to be hurt by the world? I know Paul was. He knew that God was the beginning and end of all things, and that all in his life was something of which God could gain the glory. The good, the bad, the righteousness, and sin were all used to teach and help others see God for who He is, and what we are.
Maybe instead of running away from being personal, I should personally share to God's glory. Not that I should revel and reveal and live in all the bad things I keep so carefully guarded, or share every opinion asked or not. But maybe I should look for ways to share my own personal testimony to God's glory. Maybe instead of answering "I'm fine" or "I'm here" when asked how I am doing on a rough day, I should answer with a smile "I'm hurting, but, praise God, I'm living!"

Should and Shouldn't.

In Colossians, Paul paints a wonderful (I mean blunt) picture of things we, as Christians, should be and not be.


Col3:5-17
 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."

"The Dos and Don'ts"

Mortify meaning to put off fleshly/worldly things-which are then listed: (to put them into more used words...) "Unmarried sex, sin, excessive affection, evil lusts, desiring to have what belongs to someone else."-vs5

He also tells us to get rid of anger (which is pride,) and to not intend (to do) evil toward others. We are not to talk profanely, or have any filthy way of speaking, and we are not to lie.

As if all that wasn't enough, here comes the dos!

We are to be holy, merciful, kind, humble, meek, patient, and forgiving. And above all those things we are to live love. Letting God's peace rule our hearts, and being thankful for everything (even those things which we deem bad.) Knowing the Word of God to teach and warn each other with grace.

This is my prayer: That I would not only be able to do these things, and not do these things, but to WANT to follow my Lord rather than my own sinful way. I know my Lord provides me with the power to follow His will. He has told me this in His Word. My prayer is that I would Live Him as He lives in me.
Galatians 2:20
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

When something is stolen...

I didn't have anything stolen, but a lady I work with did. It was a nook or something that got stolen at her church. So upset she went on and on about how she wished she could go to church without all the sinners. I just inwardly shook my head. It was as if she didn't realize she is a sinner too!
But it got me thinking.
What does God have to say about when we have something stolen from us?
Several verses came to mind.

Matthew 5:38-41 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain."



Luke 6:27-31 "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

One thing we have to keep in mind, the ministry of Christ was built on love and giving. The disciples kept little to nothing for themselves, but left all to follow Jesus.

Second Corinthians talks about the people sharing what they have with one another that they all never lack. (See final text) It quotes Exodus 16:18 which talks about the manna from heaven, where every man gathered no more or less than he had need of. Something we don't see in our day in age in America; we gather what we have need of, plus anything else we can get our hands on. Things rule the lives of many people. This is not to be the way for God's people. We are to be focused on God and heaven, not on ourselves and earth.

I'm not saying, neither does the Word say, that you can't feel upset about it. You'll never find where the Bible tells you what you should feel, simply how you should act and react.

1 Thessalonians 5:18
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."






2 Corinthians 8:8-16 "I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you."

what interests people.

It is interesting to me to see what post titles get the most hits.
My number one viewed post was Why I left home.
Followed by Getting to heaven by works.
And in the number three spot is Dealing with those awful sinners.

Just... interesting.

John 3:16... and 17-20

EVERYONE knows John 3:16. Even those who don't believe have at least heard this verse before. But what does it mean to them? Little to nothing.
Why is that? Because God's grace means nothing to those who don't think they need it.
Reading on, in 17-20 we learn just how much we need His Mercy and Grace.


16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
God sent His Son because we were already condemned by our sin; His love for us caused Him to take action to save us from ourselves.

When people think of Sin, the blame-game is still being played. In the Garden Adam and Eve blamed each other and the serpent, and the serpent hadn't a leg to stand on. But, here we are, many generations later and we are still pointing fingers. James addresses this a little in chapter one: "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."(James1:13-16)

It is our own fault when we fall into temptations and evil, and we on our own haven't the power to flee it. 1st Corinthians 10:13 says:

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

When we look to our Savior, as He saved us from our sin, He will continue to provide to keep us from it. Without Him, all there is left is sin and death.

Word Of God.

How do you know that the bible is true?
Having been talking with a man at work about God, this is something I want to be able to answer.

Firstly, I want to address that the Bible is not just a book, but it is God Himself-The Living Word.
John 1:1-3
 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He quoted scripture to him. (quoted from Deu8:3) There is power in the Word of God.
Matt 4:4
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Every verse given to us is important. All of it can be used to help us grow in the Lord.

2nd Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Just reading through the Bible is not enough either. We are to study it-Study the Lord.

2nd Timothy 2:14-16  "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness."

Relationship with Christ.

How many of us actually stop to think what it means to have a relationship with Christ?
Have you ever thought "I, personally, can talk with God. And He talks to me."
Plenty of religions can talk at their gods, but how many can claim "God, Creator of the world, Savior of my soul, is also my Father." This is my badge. I CAN'T be "good enough" for Him, or to get to Heaven. But my Savior made it where I don't have to be.
I sit here amazed.
Think about it.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom10:9-10

That's my part, to believe, to confess. This belief is not simply head knowledge of accepting Christ as a fact, but trusting Him, and all He has said.

There is proof on whether or not a person believes.

Jesus tells of it in Matthew 7 (See final text.)

We know that when we are Saved that God the Holy Spirit dwells within us to teach us and guide us.

Galatians 5:22-23 says "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

When we are right with the Lord, (Not living in sin,) we have this fruit that is both inward and outward. An interesting thought, is that every part of the fruit is not feelings, but choices. Too many people want to place feelings into it. The prophet Jeremiah says "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked:" (Jer 17:9) This is our worship, that we choose Christ, and follow His teaching. In John 14:15 Jesus said "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Love is action, it is choice. Shall we read that again? "If ye choose me, keep my commandments." When God calls us unto Him, we make the choice to follow Him, or to turn from Him. A relationship with Christ requires that we walk with Him daily, choosing Him over ourselves.

Final text:
Matthew 7:13-27
 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Workkeys.

I got gold. Even with the knowledge that it is an amazing score, I was a little let down. I was going for Platinum, but one (out of three) lacked the score required. This will not be the end. I will study, test, and study to be able to retake the test and reach my goal. By the next time they have the test that I can take it, I will reach my goal. Count on it.

Sadly, I can not take much credit for the feat performed today. My Lord provided the mind that it may learn; He held off pain, and gave me the ability to concentrate.

Credit also goes to my wonderful teacher and mother. Without her I would have an average education, instead of the boosted knowledge that comes from a good homeschool experience.

My intrector assures me my mother's choice in homeschooling is the biggest part in my great scores.

Be proud mom. You taught me well.

Preaching love, not fear.

After reading an article ( http://www.patheos.com/blogs/formerlyfundie/5-reasons-why-many-american-christians-wouldnt-like-the-first-ones/ ) I have been thinking a lot on the way people share the Gosple, and why it is important.
John 3:16 says that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son..." We are to be like Christ, as the name "Christian" means. You will not find a sermon Jesus preached that said "You are all awful and hell bound!" While we are awful and headed for hell as sinners, that is not the approach we are to take. We are to share the Good News. The Gospel is not that we are awful, but that God is wonderful. We all know we are awful, that doesn't need to be preached to any wise person.
Another reason not to preach that way is because the focus is on us, and not God. "YOU are a dirty rotten sinner!" has the wrong focus. We are to be God focused, not us focused.
This isn't to say that Jesus never spoke of our wickedness, nor never spoke of hell(Example Matt5:22); but it is that Salvation was never preached with fear tactics.
It wasn't said "Follow me or burn forever."
It was said "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 15:1-16 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Jesus presented a choice. And a hard choice it was with His honest warnings.

John 15:18-21"If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me."

People are more likely to make a profession when they are in fear of pain. People are more likely to actually follow Christ with love knowing the grace of God.

"Christian"

Working has provided me the chance to meet many people who have many different beliefs. What amazes me is how man will claim the title "Christian" without believing much more than that there is some sort of higher power.
This has forced me back to the roots of  "Christian." Acts 11:26 tells us that the disciples were first called "Christians" at Antioch.
I heard it preached that a Christian is these three things:
~A Sinner.
~A Believer.
~A Follower of Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:20-24 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:"
Matthew 16:24 Also supports it: "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." 

One man I talked to said he believed some of the Bible, but couldn't believe all of it. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 is the reply to that. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

Some said that they just believe they have to be good to get to Heaven. John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:36
"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Life, what to do?

My work training (barring an extension) will be over in the next month. In the next week or two I should be able to take the Workkeys test (which should be gold by all the different pre-tests I've done.) Then, I don't know. Life will happen. I still haven't the foggiest idea what I want to do for a living. I keep expecting to have some grand revelation; To have the answer handed to me. I keep hoping it would be that easy. But, then, we all know life isn't easy for anyone.
It is almost funny to me which things people will say you need to figure out for yourself, and which things God will just tell you. As if they know the mind of God and what He will do for you, and make you do yourself.
When you get right down to it, God will help you do a lot, but you do have to do everything yourself. He provided everything needed for the life He wants us to live, but still wants us to walk it. Most the time though, I wish He'd just live my life... that way it would go as planned.
Me? I have no plans. If only I could know His.

Growth.

Granny and I were talking the other day on how far I have come just since I started working a couple of months ago. I have since pondered it, and started praising my Lord for all these blessings.
When I started working:
 I couldn't stand for more than 20 minutes on a good day.
I didn't talk to people-I had no interest to.
I thought I'd fail, and fall, and end up dead from that.
I thought that even if I could do the minimum, it'd never help me.
I fought with God on my situation, demanding to know why.
I would get so stressed dealing with people, that I would cry for hours.

Many days when I first started working, I came home in so much pain, and completely exhausted. After a few weeks I had my first mess-up. I didn't handle it well. I just cried with a black cloud over my head, and became more withdrawn and focused on getting it right. Then they moved me to another station. I went from packing a kit, to labeling gauze with an expiration date. I thought it was punishment for messing up, and I sat there jabbing myself with mean thoughts on how poorly I was doing. It took almost a week for me to accept that I had been moved, and I had also changed how I looked at it. It was an easier job, and, with thought, I figured they probably moved me more for my breakdown than for my mess up. (I later learned that they move people around all the time to give more experience in more areas.) After a couple of weeks I began to thrive at my new station. I saw there was paperwork done each step of the process, and I asked to learn about it. A couple of days later the lead at the gauze station quit coming into work, and they began to teach me the paperwork. It took awhile to start to get the hang of it. One day, a couple of days into learning the paperwork, we had a couple of guys from a different station come down to work with us. They asked who was in charge, and I didn't know, so I told them "I guess no one is." So, they asked "Who's doing the paperwork?" "I am" "You're boss then." In that same conversation I learned lead comes with a pay-raise. I didn't get the raise for another week, until I was actually doing the job, and then asked about the raise. Once I became "in charge" I really began to thrive in personal growth. My new position forced me to interact with people, and had me working on standing more. The more I experienced, the more I learned, the more I grew. Now, I don't mind talking to people because it is a lot less stressful. I can stand up to an hour and a half solid on a good day. I have found depending on God to bring my success and confidence to a higher level is the only way to go.
When I started working, I had no goal but to be working because I was told I had to.
Now, I am looking to my future. I am saving to buy my own car, and eventually my own home.
When I started working, I didn't think I had the body or the brains to make it.
Now, I know God will help my body, and He gave me a great mind, and a great mom to teach me. Having been homeschooled, I tested at an at-least-two-years-of-college level.
I have been blessed beyond what I ever hoped or dreamed even possible.
I look forward to seeing what else He has in store for me.

I have Issues.

Where I am working, there is a program for high school kids to also come in and work for a couple hours. One kids kept mouthing off, and not working well, and trying to do things a different way. This started a topic, by rabbit trail, at my work station about people using issues as excuses. Sure, everyone has something they need to overcome. Everyone has SOMETHING that is hard for them to do. Some people have things that makes everything hard to do, but that doesn't mean to stop doing stuff and to just whine.
That was me, not so very long ago, that was me. I sat and whined that it was too hard. I couldn't do it, when really, I just didn't want to do it. Yeah, it hurts to do it, but letting that stop me is... stupid. Life is hard... Life hurts... Life takes sacrifices, and hard choices, and effort to live it well.
Every morning I wake up with the choice: Am I going to do my best, or am I going to make excuses?
Sure, I have issues, but they are to be something to make me stronger, not to hold me down.
I struggled for years with honestly thinking I would never amount to anything more than a pillow on a couch. I hurt, and I gave into that pain, and added self-pity on top of it. I was a mess, and I had to choose not to be a mess to be able to change.
It was not as easy as flipping a switch. For one reason, I didn't even realize what I was doing. It did not occur to me that I was making the excuses, the choice to not do. When I thought I was getting help the first time, I was really just getting fed more excuses to use, and I didn't seem to mind that at all. It wasn't until someone made my excuses invalid that I was able to see that I did not want to be that way.
God wants my best. He wants me to serve with my whole heart, mind, and soul. The devil is happy to provide "reasons" not to. Reasons are almost always excuses.

Lets look at the word "excuse" for a minute.
: to forgive someone for making a mistake, doing something wrong, etc.,

: to say that (someone) is not required to do something.

: to allow (someone, such as a child) to leave.

When we make excuses for ourselves, we are using the first listed definition. We are forgiving ourselves for doing wrong, which is not something we have the authority to do. Only God has the power to forgive sins. We like to make ourselves into Gods. We get to heaven by our own good works, we take control of our own lives, we want to choose our own death. These things are not in our control, only God has the power and authority over these things.

The excuses we make are lies to God, and to ourselves. I saw a church sign awhile back that said "If you are called of God, God has made you capable." Those that are His children are called unto holiness, you are capable of it through Him, don't make excuses.