Do You Need A Hero?

My friend Adrienne had posted this fun thing on her blog fuzzytop. I checked it out just to do something fun. And it is fun. You can check out later here. However, listening to the audio that goes with it I began thinking how the world is really looking for a hero.(I have the song playing on my playlist.)

I have found my hero in Jesus Christ. The song says they are longing for a hero who is fast and strong. The person is waiting until the morning light for their hero.

My hero is fast and strong. Thank heavens I don't have to wait for the morning light because He is the morning Light. He is the Light of the world. Don't you wish everyone knew this hero?

My hero doesn't wear a cape or carry a light saber. But He does use the Sword that is sharper than any other. He gives us the authority to use that weapon also. That Sword is the Word of God. Are you an expert with this weapon or do you need more practice? I know that I need more practice. I don't know any one that doesn't. I do know some that are more capable of wielding this weapon than others.

Are we prepared to go into battle with our hero? He tells us to be prepared to be on the battlefield with him. This world is a battlefield everyday. We don't have a choice about whether to participate or not. We have the choice though on whether we are prepared or not.

In Ephesians 6:10-17, we are given the instructions for putting on the armor for daily battle. How many times do we go into the battle with just part of our armor? I am ashamed to say that are many days when I have gone through the day only half prepared. Then I have gone to bed at the end of the day badly battered and beaten because I didn't prepare.

We are told to put on the whole armor so that we may stand and to withstand what Satan hurls our way. The first thing we need to do is gird ourselves with truth. We need to know what is the truth and what is not. What does God word say about it. Jesus answered Satan with the Word. He always answered him with "It is written". If we follow our Hero's example we must be in the Word so that we may know truth.

Next we are told to put on the breastplate of righteousness. We know that we are not righteous within ourselves for we are told in Romans that no one is righteous, no not one. We are made righteous through the blood the of Jesus Christ. After we have been righteous by accepting the work that our Hero did for us on the cross, then He continues the process of sanctification in us making more like Him everyday.

Then we are to put our shoes. Do you remember which pair? Those that have the gospel of peace. What is the gospel of peace? It is the good news that tells us how we can be at peace with God. We are to go through our day telling others how that they may have peace with God.

How can we have peace with God? Our Hero came to earth born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life for 33 1/2 years and was crucified on a cross in your place and mine. He was buried and rose again on the third day. Because He took the punishment for our sin, if we accept His work, we can have peace with God.

Next it tells us to put on the helmet of salvation. This is not the last thing that happens because salvation is the first act of being a Christian. However, when you picture getting dressed with armor it likely that the helmet would be the last thing you put on. The Bible also tell us to make our call and election sure in 2 Peter 1:10. We need to be absolutely sure of our salvation. The helmet protects the head, the brain in other words your mind. Don't let someone come and teach you something different than what God's word teaches and make you doubt your salvation. Be like the Bereans in the book of Acts study to make sure whether these things are true or not.

Lastly you need the weapon. Do you remember what it is? The Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. To all of this add prayer and supplications along with being ever watchful. What are we to watch for? Anything that Satan may try to pull. Don't let him catch you asleep or let him blindside you. Is that all? No !! Keep your eye on the eastern sky. Our Hero is Coming Soon!! to take us home!!! Are you Ready???

Red Envelope letter

My friend Marsha has asked that we send a Red Envelope Letter to President Obama. I have agreed to send one. I have decided to help her out. She has asked that we do so by March 1st in order to make more of impact. These empty red envelopes represent one child who has been aborted. Do you realize if those children had not been aborted we may not be in the economic crisis that we are in now?

Those children may not mean much to some but to our heavenly Father they still mean so much. They are with him in heaven. I pray for our President that God changes his heart on this matter and others. Please join with us as we send these red envelopes and in prayer for our President.

Address it to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington, DC 20500

Seal it and write the following message on the back:

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.

It is empty because that life was not allowed to offer anything to the world.

Life begins with conception.

Stamp it, mail it, and invite others to do the same.

For more information visit Marsha.

Compassion

My friend Marsha has given compassion as the focus word this week. Whenever I hear compassion I always think of Jude vs. 22. "And some have compassion, making a difference."

Here Jude is talking about the way we witness to others about Christ. Most of the time the only way you can be an effective witness for Christ is that you truly show compassion for people. No matter what their situation may be, people need to know that you truly care about them. That you do not look down upon them.

There are times that "Christians" have their "holier than thou" attitude. This attitude has done nothing but send unbelievers that much faster on down the road of destruction. All that most people want is to know that you care and can identify with them. That is what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. In Hebrews the writer tells us that Jesus is acquainted with our sorrows.

If you want to make a difference in someone's life show some compassion. You may see all the difference in the world. You may even see the salvation of their souls.

Blessings,

Linda

Does God Exist?

This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen...

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 'I don't believe that God exists.'

'Why do you say that?' asked the customer. 'Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist..

Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children?

If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain.
I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.'

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop..

Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.

The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:'You know what? Barbers do not exist.'

'How can you say that?' asked the surprised barber. 'I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!' 'No!' the customer exclaimed. 'Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.'

'Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me.'

'Exactly!' affirmed the customer. 'That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.'

lesson from the frogs

A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit. When the other frogs saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.

The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died.
The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.

When he got out, the other frogs said, "Did you not hear us?" The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.

This story teaches two lessons:
1. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day.
2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.
Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words... it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times. Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.

This was posted by a friend Christi on PLM. Although that website is for MS, sometimes some other things of interest are posted. I thought this was very insightful.

Blessings,

Linda

Are You A Kept Woman

This is a copy of e-mail sent to me by my niece. It arrived at just right the time. I was having myself a little pity party. This little e-mail helped to put things back in perspective.


A Kept Woman..........................

I Am a 'Kept ' Woman?
You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind,
But GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)
There were times when I thought I could go no longer,
But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)
At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong,
But the LORD kept my mouth shut.. (Psa. 13)
Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough,
But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)
When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.
When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)
I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me!
I'm blessed to be 'kept '
Do you know a 'kept ' woman?
If so pass it on to her to let her know she is 'Kept '
I'm "Kept" by the Love and Grace of God.

common sense has died

I borrowed this from a friend on PLM a MS website. I thought I would share with you.

Common Sense

'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

Common Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter, Responsibility and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights

I Want It Now

Someone Else Is To Blame

I'm A Victim

answered prayer

God has answered prayer that has been prayed for several years. My cousin and his wife have been married 20 years this past Dec. They have tried everything to have a baby including invtro. It seemed that it was God's will for them not have a child.

We often wondered why? Since they both loved children so much. His wife kept children and kept some just like they were their own. They have such a heart for children.

Well this past week they have been privileged to adopt a newborn baby. We just found out minutes ago through an email. We are so happy for them. Thankful that God has sent them this extra special blessing. Pray for them and this little bundle of joy. I am not revealing names or going in too much detail just to protect their privacy.

Needless to say this child will be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray that this child comes to know Jesus as his/her personal Savior at an early age. Praise God from who all blessings flow.

50 years of Wedded Bliss

My parents celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary last week. We surprised them on Sunday with a family dinner. They were supposed to have went on a trip. However my mother's back started hurting her again so they stayed home. She has suffered with chronic back pain for over 20 years.

It was just family. We gave them a big party on their 25th anniversary. Since they had plans, we were not going to do anything. So at the last minute we decided to celebrate as a family and surprise them. I was asked to make mother her favorite cake(strawberry). My sister-in-law made my Dad's favorite pie (pecan).

Well I decided to dress the cake up just a little bit as you can see. Mom was so tickled. She took the topper off and said she would save it for their 75th anniversary.

I thank God for my parents and their love for each other. I also thank Him for giving me parents who raised me in a Christian home and taught me about the Love of Christ. I thank Him for their faithfulness in following Him. I pray that my sons can say the same about their Dad & me.

Blessings,

Linda

memory verse

The memory verse that I am working on for the first 2 weeks of Feb. is

Joel 2:13. " So rend your hearts and not your garments, Return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and of great kindness and He relents from doing harm."

God is wanting our grief and repentance to be true sorrow and repentance. He doesn't want it to merely that is seen by the world or that is put on for show. As it we are told in the book of Samuel God looks upon the heart.

Then we are turn back to Him. Sometimes we have wondered from Him even it is just in some small way. Oh, but the difference it makes in our lives! Can't you tell the difference when you are really close to Him and when you let just the everyday mundane things of life get in between? Return back to the sweet time of fellowship that you have shared with Him.

You know that there is nothing else like it.

He is waiting for you because is so gracious. Have you ever known Him to be anything but gracious. He has such a heart for you. He is full of great loving kindness. This is our great God. He also relents from doing harm when we truly repent and return to him. When it is not just a ritual.

How about you? Is the time you spend with God really heartfelt or it is just a ritual? Let us go heartily before our King today!

blessings,

Linda

Love

The focus word this week from Marsha's Legacy Moments is Love. The verse that I have chosen this week is rather short but says a great deal.

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

We humans love God because He loved us first. Do you think we would love Him if He had not been the One to initiate it? I don't believe we would.
1. We would have no idea what love is.
1John 4:8b tell us that "God is love." That is not saying that is all God is but that is it one characteristic of God. I don't believe we would know what true love was without God first showing love to us. We might would know what jealousy, and lust were but not true genuine love.

2. We are too selfish in nature to care about any one but ourselves and how it would benefit us. If we didn't get love first we sure wouldn't return it. Mankind's nature has always been what I am I going to get out of the deal.

What did we get out of the deal.

"For God so Loved the world( that includes you and me) that He gave His only begotten Son (His One & Only) that whosoever(insert your name) believeth on Him should not perish but hath everlasting life. " John 3:16

His Son Jesus Christ takes the punishment for our sins. He did not deserve the punishment, but you and I do. He shed his precious blood for you and me and gave his life. Then on the third day He rose from the grave. Praise His name. So that we might not have to endure the punishment and eternal damnation for our sins. But instead may stand before God righteous and pure and live forever with Him.

As the saying goes all this and heaven too. Now that is what I call LOVE!
I ask you today if you have not already done so, would accept this gift of Love that God has so freely offered to you. I pray that you will.


Blessings ,
Linda