W.W.J.D.-- What Would Jesus Do? by Hannah Anderson

How many times have you heard people say that phrase? Do you remeber the bracelets that people had worn that said WWJD on then? I never really understood what it meant until I was older. "What Would Jesus Do? "

My youth pastor let me borrow the book "In His Steps." Its about a church that gets convicted about things in their life and they start a group that would ask in every question of life--WWJD. We, as people of the world don't really take time to read our Bibles or pray, let alone ask that question everytime we do something. I challenge you who are reading this to ask yourself that question this week whether it be about clothing, friends, music, tv shows, movies, computer things, etc. If you actually stop and take time to realize that a lot of what we do wouldn't be pleasing in God's eyes. Who knows, maybe asking WWJD will help you with some unanswered questions or problems you have. You'll never know unless you try! I'm gonna do it too!

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
~Author Unknown~

The Temptations of Negative Thinking

Talk about getting hit in the head with a 2X4--something I definitely want to remember and look back on.

Once we have chosen to deal with a problem Biblically, God gives joy and releases us from the burden associated with it. However, Satan is not pleased with this and will try to undermine the victory that has been won. Be assured that Satan will try to tempt you to:
*doubt by thinking what God says, 'doesn't work'.........
*bring up old offenses and playing the recording in your mind (again & again).........
*become angry and bitter (again).......
*question your worth to Christ (again)........

It is important not to give in to these temptations of negative thinking! You must choose to stop the thought immediately and remember that it has been dealt with. It makes no more sense to go back to our doubts, pain and misery than what Proverbs 26:11 refers to, as a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly!"

My Thots: Oh my goodness, I know and recognize in my life how Satan is there to snatch away my joy after a spiritual victory. If not immediately, there were times when I drifted and then fell into the old trappings of Satan and negative thinking. What a vulgar visual application with a verse I have often heard before! But it is a very good application of what we often do. We return to negative thinking that doesn't do us any good, just the same as a dog returning to his vomit--Yuck!!!!!!!!

The Library

In the library there are books on all kinds of subjects: Poetry, Bible subjects stories, how to do things.

People come in to browse. Some come in to kill time, read a newspaper, or write a report. Some come in to research a subjest or to draw out illustrations for a class. Some want a new recipe or need information on raising their children.

The Bible is God's library of 66 books: history, exciting stories, poetry, romance, biographies and plenty of self help on how to live the Christian life and how to raise our family. When we come to God's library--do we come to kill time, to browse, to meditate? Do we come to study, to get fed, or do we read for pleasure?

Whatever our purpose is just remember to spend time in the Library with the Author. If we aren't careful, we might get caught up in the matter of duty with our Bible reading we forget to listen for what He wants to say to us.

"Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read......" Isaiah 34:16 He has much He wants to tell us.

Just something I wanted to remember

There are many of us who really try to "be good", not because we are allowing God to work in our lives to produce His fruit, but because it seems that life has fewer snags when we stay out of trouble. "Being good" can be just our own way of making life work without God (controlling the reigns).

[This is something I read today. Did you notice this statement is talking to the Christians because it talks of producing His fruit? Ouch! Something to think & pray upon.]

The Thread of Life

" And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Threads come in many different colors, made of many different materials, for many different uses. The finished product isn't usually visible at the beginning --- but the end result is often a thing of beauty.

The same is true of mankind. Read the book of Ruth in Gods' word. Being human, what heartache Naomi must have felt upon the loss of her husband and her two sons. She must have asked why. She must have felt the burden was too much. She knew changes had to be made, so she chose to go where she could get help. She couldn't see the finished product, only the twisted, knotted threads of her life. But God knew. He took the knots, the loose ends, carefully used them, through others, to give her a beautiful child to care for, whose lineage proved to be a blessing to all mankind. This is shown to us in Ruth 4:13-22 and Matthew chapter one.

Who are we to question the tapestry of life? We see only the underside of the picture. the knots, the loose ends. The loss of a loved one; the change of residence when we didn't want to move; wayward children; unkind false rumors; ill health of a loved one or ourselves. Many are the knots, the broken threads of the unfinished picture.

But -- God- our Father sees the top side! He sees the finished product that took every knot, every twisted thread to produce such a work of art, for He is the artist. Just as He said, "All things work together for good."

MY THOTS: Whether a quilted treasure or a needlework tapestry -- in our lives every stitch is purposed by God. Be still, and know that I am God.

Its All Good by Hannah Anderson

[This is from one of our teen girls at church. Good advice for all of us to live by. Thanks, Hannah]

I think of life as a gift that God gave me. If I use it the wrong way then I'm not doing what he wants me to do. Because of my salvation I have the same calling every Christian has and thats to spread the word about Jesus dying for our sins.

Its easy to serve God when nothing in our life is wrong when life is just what we want it to be and we are not scared of what comes next, but when we are faced with the smallest trial or pain we give up and grow bitter in our life. Its so easy for us to talk the talk but when it comes time for us to walk the walk we can't do it because we are bitter in our life. But if you think of this--God puts hard times and trials in our life so that we can grow closer to Him and so that we in turn can help other people with problems like ours, because we have gone through them.

If we didn't have the issues and problems that we have or are having then we would not be what we are today. You can choose whether you are going to turn your problems into something good that ends up helping your life or will you turn it into something bad that ruins your life and your zeal for God.

Think about it. God sent Jesus down to earth to die for our sins. Jesus was turned from a heavenly being to a human that was born in a stable of all things! He was mocked at all times of his life, he was beat and tested by Satan himself, and not once did he get mad at God His Father, not once did he grow bitter and change his stand on life, not once did he curse or swear or do anything wrong if we look at that and then look at our life what do you think? Do you think you have it bad? You haven't been crucified for no reason. You haven't died for anyones sins have you? No!

So think its all good? Yes, you may have a trial; you may have a hard time, but its all good because you are in God's hands. So, stand strong, put your head up, and walk the narrow way for God.

2 Fundamental Characteristics of Satan

#1. Deception -- Satan wishes to keep the God of Truth hidden from the eyes of men and to conceal from man any of the realities of life (i.e., truth) that would make redeemed man useful to God. Several of those realities are that

• God exits, and He made me.
• My sin is against Him, and He will hold me accountable for it unless I turn to Him for salvation.
• The way of the transgressor is hard.
• There is only one way of salvation, not many.
• Without Him I can do nothing.
• He loves me and skillfully orders my ways for my ultimate good and His ultimate glory.
• His Word is the only trustworthy account of reality.
• He has promised His grace for every trial and challenge of life.

The list could go on and on.

#2. Destructiveness -- Satan's design to separate the believer from his Master's fellowship, rendering him useless in the Master's service. Satan would ultimately like to separate the believer's body from his soul in physical death so that he can no longer be useful to his Master upon this earth.

[Another excerpt from "Changed Into His Image" by Jim Berg. It is a extremely good study guide with the workbook. I would recommend it to anyone seeking to grow spiritually in their Christian walk. It may just transform your life. By God's grace I'm praying it does mine. Please pray for me.]

When Good is Wrong because it wasn't Right

Did it sound like my title is talking in circling or incomprehensible?

Well I am confessing I did just that today. Last night I went to sleep thinking on the theme of our ladies' retreat this year--"For Such a Time as This." I am so excited for all its potential from the decorating to the spiritual applications. Well, this morning when Kevin's alarm went off before mine, I didn't go back to sleep. My mind just seemed to pick up from where it left off the night before. I started to think of different things I might look up on the Internet. So once I got up that is exactly what I did. After I was dressed I pretty much went straight for the computer. With some anxiety my little dog was able to pull me way long enough to let him outside and then give him his medicine. He also got his breakfast but I went straight back to my Internet searching. I did find some ideas for music that went along with the theme and will pass them on to those in charge of music. So I wasn't unfruitful in my labors.

By 10:30 my conscience started to get the best of me. I really needed to start my day. I hadn't even had my breakfast yet. So I firmly made myself step away from the computer at the same time pulling my cell phone off the charger and turning it on. As I'm walking out to the kitchen in comes a text message from my husband. He is asking me out to lunch today at NOON! So I texted back "sure" and we decided where to meet.

I had just over an hour to get my act together. I decide to skip my usual breakfast and just had a chunk of pork roast with my vitamins. I may have been dressed but it wasn't in clothes I wanted to go out in. And my hair was still a mess and my face was undone. Argh! But not to panic it was all do-able. Ladies, you all would be proud of me, I was changed, face done, hair done and out the door in time to have lunch with Kevin. We've been married 30 years and I love our spontaneous little dates.

Now you might ask yourself, did I hide the truth on how I spent my morning? No, I confessed everything to him. Even the fact that I still had not done my Bible devotions & study. Then our conversation led to the thoughts of this title. You see, I was doing a good thing with good intentions as I looked different things up on the Internet for the ladies retreat. But it was wrong of me to do them before my Bible devotions, breakfast, etc, etc, etc. The right thing I should have done was my time with God first. To be on track with our day we need to start with God. I did a good thing, but not the right thing.

Just so you know when I got back home I corrected my error and had my time with God.

Have It Your Way

Years ago Burger King advertised its hamburgers by telling us that we could have any number of options on our burgers. I'm sure many of you could sing their little jiggle right along with me...."Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders won't upset us, all we ask is that you let us serve it your way. Have it your way, have it your way...." I don't know if it helped them to sell more burgers but it certainly appealed to man's most basic desire.

In the garden of Eden Satan did not tempt Adam & Eve to steal, to lie, to kill or to commit adultry; he tempted them to live independent of God. The fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil looked good. They wanted to taste it so they did. They desired to have their own way.

God has a lot to say about our own heart throughout the scriptures.

"...every man did that which was right in his own eyes" --Judges 17:6

"So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels." --Psalms 81:12

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." --Proverbs 3:5

"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil."

--Proverbs 3:7

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes" --Proverbs 12:15

"Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom." --Proverbs 23:4

"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool." --Proverbs 28:26

"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" --Isaiah 5:21

"...Be not wise in your own conceits." --Romans 12:16

"[Love]Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own..."

--1Corinthians 13:5

"For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's."

--Philippians 2:21

"For men shall be lovers of their own selves..." --2Timothy 3:2

"These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts..."

--Jude 1:16

Isn't it something to see how God targets man's own way as our most basic problem. Because a heart that wants its own way is in opposition to God's way.

[This is an excerpt taken from "Changed Into His Image" that I really liked. So I thought I would share it here.]

Something I was reading on today.

A believer who has been giving into the pull of his sinful heart never learns the extent of its power over him until he tries to resist his flesh and the indwelling sin at full force. Then he quickly realizes that life lived against his sinful tendencies is not only difficult--it is impossible. He must learn how desperately he needs God.

The Test of Our Walk

1John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
Abiding in Christ is absolutely necessary in the Christian life.
—this is a test of continuance which means a consistent, steadiness in our daily spiritual life. As a Christian we don’t want to be spiritual yo-yo’s. High for God one day by reading our Bible, praying etc. and then the next day forget about God as we are busy with the day.

Jesus says in….
John 15:4 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.
—Just as the branch abides in the vine so that the sap, which is the life, can flow through the branch. The result is flower and fruit.
—If the Christian abides in Christ he will have the life of Christ flowing through his walk and his testimony before others will show Christ-like fruit.

With Christ as our example
—How did He walk?

1. He walked in submission to God’s will. Jesus voluntarily laid aside His own glory and power. In His humanity He was submissive to the Father.
—We are commanded,—Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5

2. He walked in obedience to God. Jesus could say that He always did those things that pleased the Father.
—Jesus showed His obedience even through death on the cross. Matthew 26:42 Jesus prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

3. He walked in humility. Jesus said of Himself, “I am meek and lowly in heart” in Matthew 11:29
—Meekness is humility toward God; lowliness is humility toward man.
—Christ was slandered by His enemies, but in 1 Peter 2:23 it says….”when He was reviled, (He) reviled not again” Christ did not defend or avenge himself against the slander of His enemies. Christ knew to do His Father’s will He must go to the cross.

He walked in love. In Ephesians 5:2, the apostle Paul exhorted us to be followers of God and to “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us”
—A Christian is to imitate God in the matter of forgiveness. In the way our Heavenly Father has forgiven us, we should forgive others. In Philippians 4:13 it says… “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. If we will surrender our hurt and our anger to Christ He’ll give us the grace to forgive and love those who have wronged us.

If we as Christians profess that we abide in Christ, then we ought to walk as He walked.

Markers -- Remember These Things

Joshua 4:20-24 "And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever."

MY THOTS: Over & over again God instructed the Israelities to "remember these things". We are to teach all the stories from God's Word. We have stories to share from our own life too. Experiences of how God worked out situations in trials or worked through us to help others. Stories that must be remembered. Stories that strengthen our faith at times when we might grow weary. It is a Biblical principle we must "remember these things."

A "Marker" is our life--while in ID we had lost a few more churches for our regular monthly support. Kevin & I started running 3 paper routes but the deliver was only once a week. At the end of the year when filing our taxes and what we could deduct for that part-time job--mileage, expenses etc. Turned out we were able to claim it as a financial loss. Giving us more greif than a benefit for our needs. With much anxiety we gave up those routes. Not knowing how the Lord would provide. In the mail that day we received a letter from a church in NC. They had heard about our ministry in ID and were taking us on for $150 monthly support. We did not know Pastor McClure or anyone in that church. Now that is of God--that is "something to remember."

This Age of Grace

Today I have been thinking of God's grace. Those of us who trusted Christ as their personal Savior are living in the age of grace. We have the assurance of our eternity secure because no one can pluck us out of the hands of our Heavenly Father. Not even ourselves by what we may do now because all the pass, present and future sin is covered by the blood of our Savior.

It seems to me Christians today have such an apathy toward sin (myself included). Is it because we are so secure in our salvation? As Christians we are free from the bondage of works and the letter of the law which is the knowledge of sin. I know many of us don't boldly, outwardly sin what we would consider big sins. But do we now ignore or make allowances for our little sins or allow the flesh to direct our lives because we are under grace?

Are we striving to be more Christ-like.....asking the Holy Spirit to reveal wickedness in our heart....Do we submit our thoughts, words and deeds to the control of God.....do we strive to grow spiritually--drawing closer to God??? Or are we so relaxed in the security of our salvation that we give no thought to whether we are following the flesh or the Spirit.... are we following sin or righteousness....? Even though we are not working to maintain our salvation or for justication do we strive to bring our flesh into subjection? Does our life show obedience and love toward God.....who is our Heavenly Father......who gave His only Begotten Son--Jesus Christ to be our Savior.......and the reason we have this age of grace we live in.......?

As a Christian, would we past the test?

How about the test of Obedience?

1 John 2:3-4+6 And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.

If we keep God’s commandments, we demonstrate the life of God within us. Acting as He acted must spring out of having the same nature. If we know God, we will show it by keeping His Word, and that involves obedience.

It’s popular today to talk about a person’s lifestyle. One who knows God through Jesus Christ has this manner of living: He is obedient to God’s Word. If our profession is not confirmed by obedience it immediately identifies us as counterfeit, false, devoid of the truth.

This practical testing of our profession determines not only the reality of our knowledge but also of our position. 1 John 2:5 But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him. Jesus, Himself said….

John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

When the Word of God is obeyed, our profession of faith is established as genuine, and our position in Christ is assured.

Just like that song we sing so often, puts it this way….. Then in fellowship sweet, we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go—Never fear, only trust and obey.

This is the evidence that we know Him and are in Him. It is up to us to examine our own hearts. Would we past the test of obedience?

What God is doing in my life

The Lord has brought to my attention a book & study guide--"Changed into His Image" by Jim Berg. God's plan for transforming your life. It has a solid course for biblical sanctification. Thus far I realize how my Christian walk has often been led by my flesh with spiritual head knowledge. With this study I am seeking a Christian walk that is led by the Holy Spirit with Christlike fruitfulness. Please pray for me.

Does Prayer Change Things?

They say that prayer changes things, but does it REALLY change anything?
Oh yes! It really does!

Does prayer change your present situation or sudden circumstances?
No, not always, but it does change the way you look at those events.

Does prayer change your financial future?
No, not always, but it does change who you look to for meeting your daily needs.

Does prayer change shattered hearts or broken bodies?
No, not always, but it will change your source of strength and comfort.

Does prayer change your wants and desires?
No, not always, but it will change your wants into what God desires!

Does prayer change how you view the world?
No, not always, but it will change whose eyes you see the world through.

Does prayer change your regrets from the past?
No, not always, but it will change your hopes for the future!

Does prayer change the people around you?
No, not always, but it will change you~the problem isn't always in others.

Does prayer change your life in ways you can't explain?
Oh, yes, always! And it will change you from the inside out!

So does prayer REALLY change  ANYTHING?
Yes! It REALLY does change EVERYTHING!

Jesus Sought the One

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Centurion's son

Peter's mother

Apostle Paul

a lawyer

a leper

Samaritan woman

Ethiopian Eunuch

Lazarus

Thief on the cross

Nobleman’s son

Woman in adultery

Jairus’ daughter

Zacchaeus

Pool of Bethesda

Man born blind

Gadara Maniac

Rich, young ruler

Nicodemus

Jesus sought Me…..

He is seeking You.

God's Love Story Toward Us -- Part 4

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.”

If we look back to our verse in John it says, “that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God tells us in Romans 10: 9-10 how we can receive this gift of eternal life.

Verse 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.”

When we are ready to repent of our sins by turning away form those sins and when we acknowledge the fact to God that we need Jesus as our Savior. God will forgive and cleanse us from our sin.

Verse 10 says, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

God looks at our heart—He knows if we are repentant of our sins.

In Romans 10:13, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

I like that word “whosoever” because it means absolutely anyone. We can make this verse personal to each of us by replacing “whosoever” with our own name. “For if _____ shall call upon the name of the Lord he/she shall be saved." Did you pay attention to the language tense — “shall be saved” “ means there is no doubt about it. It’s a done deal.

Twenty-seven years ago I did just that. But prior to that point and over the course of a few years my mother tried to tell me about Christ. But because of my pride, independence and rebellion I wouldn’t listen to anything she had to say. God had given me the free-will to choose. He gives each of us the free-will to choose.

It was during my first pregnancy that God really started to deal on my heart. I knew I wouldn’t go to heaven if I died. Because in my mind I developed a preconceived notion of what a Christian should be like. I told myself I could never measure up to be that kind of a person. So I would wrap myself back up in my blanket of pride and ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

While in the hospital after giving birth to my son, Pastor Henry came to visit me and prayed for him because he was having medical problems. A month later men from the church helped me move Mom from her house into an apartment. I had been impressed with these “church” people. They weren’t the “holier than thou” — stuffy sort I expected. They were simply nice, fun, caring people. So I agreed to visit their church one Sunday morning. After attending for a month I trusted Christ as my Savior and was baptized on July 18, 1982. Remember how I had a “preconceived notion of what a Christian should be like”? I was so surprised God accepted a sinner like me -- just as I was. There was no way in my own power I could have changed myself. It is only through Christ we can become new creatures.

I have no doubts about my salvation. Because God also gave many different verses that reaffirm our assurance of salvation —like in...

John 10:28-30, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.”

It is God the Father and God the Son that holds our salvation secure. God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son. It is not his desire that any of us should go to hell, but He gave us a free will to choose.

So what is you choice today?

God's Love Story Toward Us -- Part 3

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.”

Going back to the verse in John it says, “He gave His only begotten Son.”

God still loved mankind. He wants us to live our eternity with Him in heaven. Heaven is a pure and holy place—just like God is pure and holy. We are sinners who needed a Savior to deliver us and cleanse us from our sin nature. God can not allow sin into heaven. Because God loves us He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sin.

Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death”….

Wages is talking about what we earn for our sin. We have earned death—an eternity of suffering apart from God. But God doesn’t leave us there. The verse continues to read…”but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

God wants to give us the gift of eternal life. Jesus, the Son of God, paid for our sins on the cross. We have the free will to accept this gift or we can pay for our own sin debt for all eternity in hell—suffering and apart from God.

God's Love Story Toward Us -- Part 2

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.”

The next words of this verse are “so loved” -- "For God so loved" this is a love He wanted to share. It says next God loved “the world” that’s not talking about our global earth of dirt, water and rock. The world refers to US—mankind who God created in His own image.

Genesis 1:26-27 “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping things that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

God made us eternal beings. We may have physical bodies that wear out and die. But we have eternal souls that will live on for all eternity.

When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He walked with them in the cool of the day. He gave Adam dominion over all the animals. Their food was available right at their fingertips, ready to eat. God created a beautiful world for Adam and Eve to live in and only asked for one thing in return. God told them not to eat the fruit from one particular tree. He called that tree “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” in Genesis 2:9. Out of all that was created God wanted that one tree “set apart” for Him. He told Adam and Eve everything else was for them.

God was giving Adam and Eve a chance to show Him love through obedience. It was through some twisted misquoting of God’s word’s that Satan caused Eve to doubt what God had said. When she saw the fruit looked so good, she yielded to temptation.

You know, I can relate to this with my love for chocolate and a saying I heard once. “Opporunity knocks at your door, but Temptation leans on the doorbell.” Old temptation just leans on the doorbell when it comes to me and chocolate, especialy choc. with peanut butter.

Eve did eat of the forbidden fruit. Then she gave some to Adam and he ate it, too. Instantly they knew the knowledge between good and evil. They had been created with pure innocence and the free will to make choices. By eating the forbidden fruit they learned the shame of disobedience.

Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death be sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”

Through Adam’s sin of disobedience all men have inherited the sin nature.

Romans 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” and Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Our sin nature puts us all in the same boat — we are all sinners.

God's Love Story Toward Us -- Part 1

During the next few days my posting will be a continuation off of today's. It is always my heart's desire to share the story of God's love toward us.

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.”

In looking at the first two words, “For God” is speaking of the one and only true God of the universe. He is an all-powerful being who created our beautiful world with his hands.

Psalms 19:1, “the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Psalms 8:3 “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained.”

Just the light work of His fingers was powerful enough to create the bright twinkling stars; the delicate wings of a butterfly; the cheerful song of the birds; the sweet fragrance of a rose; the mighty speed in the cheetah; the strength of an elephant and the mysteries of the human brain.

A Christian Soldier Fights Best on Their Knees

Many of us know the children's song "I'm in the Lord's Army…I may never march in the infantry, ride with the cavalry, shoot the artillery. I may never fly over the enemy but I’m in the Lord’s army, Yes Sir!"

In our life we face many trials that feel like battles. It says in Ephesians…..For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

As a Christian soldier we can win every battle by fighting on our knees. We don’t have to experience defeat though fiery arrows lie all around us. Regardless of the battle or how furious our enemy we never have to leave our knees to claim the victory because Christ is our Captain and the master strategy. In Romans 8:31 If God be for us, who can be against us? …..we can win every battle by fighting on our knees.

Why do I Love Snow

Whenever I mention to someone how much I like snow I often receive looks or comments that suggest I am totally insane. Then often times my husband will call me "contrary Kate". I must admit at times the name can be quite fitting. As in the case why do I like snow so much. In reality I am a "fair weather" person. I do not like cloudy, rainy days or days when the wind chill factor is unbearably sharp. So why then, would I like snow so much? You know I didn't always have such an excitement over snow. But I do remember when my attitude changed regarding that cold white stuff.

We were living in the Silver Valley of north Idaho at the time. I'm not sure how many years my husband had been in the ministry. It was another Saturday morning where we were out on church visitation. I happened to be doorknocking with a sister in Christ named Maggie. Even though it was a chilly day, it was beautiful.

During the previous night it had snowed eight or so inches. It was a wintery wonderland. We didn't live in a big city with a lot of traffic. In fact, many of the roads had not even been plowed yet. The fresh snow covered everything---the surrounding mountains, the cars, trees, fence posts, sidewalks...... And then to top it all off the sun was shining so bright with a crisp, clear blue sky.

As you might imagine, not very many people were receptive in talking with us. They really didn't like the message we were trying to share. Plus they were anxious to shut their door and not let all that cold air inside their home. As we walked from house to house it was discouraging when there wasn't any good prospects from our efforts. But it was truly a beautiful day and God used that fresh beautiful white snow to encourage and bless our hearts.

Maggie & I had hoped for the opportunity to share the gospel and maybe see a lost soul trust Christ as their personal Saviour. The Lord brought to our mind how our awful, ugly sin had been washed away and we were cleansed white as snow. Just like the beautiful scene that surrounded us. That day I felt I got a little "I love you," from God. And each time since fresh snow always lifts my day and makes me want to sing....."Are you washed in the blood, in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?" I can get quite an emotional high from it all.

That is why, I LOVE SNOW!!!! Tell me, how can a washed in the blood, born again Christian not LOVE SNOW? Hope you are having a good day today--God bless!

Whiter than Snow

The snow that fell around Christmas time has discolored from the business of this world (traffic grime & slop, trending footprints, animal markings, a child's play). It reminds me how my life gets discolored by sin. Many years ago I trusted Christ as my Saviour and His blood cleansed me white as snow. Even though I am not under the power of sin anymore I still have a sin nature. We all have that nature and in my life I continue to sin. But when I see a fresh layer of snow covering the area it shows me when sin discolors my life I can be cleansed again and be made white as snow. Christ's blood is always there to cleanse us when we stumble.

Later I shall come back and tell the story of how I fell in love with snow.

To begin with a first step

For a long time now I have thought of starting this blog. Now as I think of my first entry I wonder what I might say. It is not that I have such profound thoughts to share. But I do feel compelled to share different matters as they are laid on my heart.

Since this is also a start of a new year I thought I would share some notes regarding the year 2010 which lies before each of us.

In 2010....

1. God knows. He is God almighty. Nothing comes as a surprise to Him or catches Him off guard or unawares.

2. There are things I do not need to know. If we knew all our future held it might totally freak us out. We can rest in the fact that God controls all things and He won't give us any more than we can bear.

3. God will go with me no matter what I face. I am not alone....as the song says...."No never alone, No never alone. He promises never to leave me, never to leave me alone..."

4. I am closer every day to meeting my Saviour. In John 14:2-3 it says "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." What a wonderful promise from our Saviour!

5. I know what I'm suppose to do......be a testimony--a messenger......be a tither.....a student of His Word......be faithful with a surrendered heart.

6. God's Word stands. God is unchanging--He is the same. All the great attributes we read of God in the Bible are still true of Him today.

Though circumstances of 2010, circumstances of our country, circumstances of our personal lives seem uncertain, we have many great things that are certain. I think Bro. John Bishop put it very well when he said, "The Bible tells us that the Lord is good, and He is right. God is good when we understand Him and He is still good when we don't understand Him. If we could figure out God, He would be too small. I am thankful we have a big God." All I can add to that is--- Amen.