Faith (Can it be shaken)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

Yesterday two young Mormon Elders came visiting again, they came to share their faith they visited before and I was okay with it, as usual I am not one to confront or debate doctrine or theology.  I stand on the promises of God, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was with me and he would speak for me. They wanted to leave asome literature, at first I took it than I returned it and apologize and explain to them that I did not want to waste their literature that they could use it to share with some else, they politely ask me to humor them and to take it.
During the course of our sharing they shared their beliefs and I shared mine. I shared this scripture with them 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 
It was not a matter of who's doctrine or theology is right or wrong its a matter of sharing the love and the word of God with your neighbor,  Before we parted ways there was a reassurrance that indeed I was ok, they politely ask me if I ever need anything to just call them. I reassured them that I was okay.  These scriptures were my reassurance of God's unfailing love for me
John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 

^{Romans 13:9b-10} and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”^{[c] 10} Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ²⁴ And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. ²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

The question "Can someone faith and belief be shaken?"  For me answering my own question, "yes" it can be shaken if God isn't the true foundation of your life.  With God as the true foundation and the cornerstone of your life you can withstand anything that trys to shake your faith, you are able pick yourself up dust yourself off and move forward sometime its easier said then done.  With God you can get through it.  My faith has come full circle it doesn't mean I am out of the woods the devil uses everything in his arsenal to entrap us.
1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

The plagues of today

July 19, 2013
1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Money, fame, noteriaty (the desire to be notice to stand out in a crowd) and status (to be held with high standards and importance) are some of the things that plague Americans.  Americans are in awe of famous celebrities and their life style.  Media floods the airway with the lifestyle of the Rich and Famous showing how they live. Media also promote reality show, competitive shows that pays out money to the winner its a big and lucrative business.
Are we so obesses with those kinds of achievements.  Since the time of creation.  Eve was tempted by Satan and ate of the forbidden fruit,  mankind lost their ultimate desire to please God. Mankind strive for fame, money, and status, Yet their were Those who stayed faithful Starting with Abel, Seth, Enoch, Noah, Moses, the list goes on.

God provides not only our needs, also our desires. fame, and fortune is possible with God if we put him first.  As long as we remain faithful to God all things is possible. Satan uses everything in his arsenal to turn what God has blessed into something evil.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

1 Peter 5:8-9Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings

Recently my mind has been filled with thoughts that sees America as dying from within.  We are plague not like the kinds of plagues that the Eyptians in Moses time. Yet we are plagued with new kinds of plagues, Fame, Fortune, Greed, Sex, Drugs and Alcohol, Acceptance Depression, Noteriaty, Status; we are constantly at war a spiritual warfare.  With God we can be victorious and defeat Satan. America has lost its first love. The love of these things are sin.  When we put other things before God its a sin. Don't take anyone word as if from God search scripture, if you lack understanding ask God for understanding, test every spirit, for Satan is an imitator. 
1 John 4:1-4Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit who doesn't confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

Satan is not alone he has an Army of demons. God also has an Army of Angels.  God sent his son into the world in the flesh to be flesh, to be crucified, buried, and raise on the third day as an atonement of mankinds sin.  Satan know he will be defeated he is trying to take as many souls with him to hell will re will remain eternal. 

 

John3:16: For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

John 14:6: Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.  

We as Americans are so caught up in achieving the things of the world that we have given in to the temptation and abandon God.   Scripture say we need to pray and to be watchful.  I will say that even for me its possible to fall short.  In January 2010 God showed laid on me Psalms 1 later that same year a teaching video by youth pastor and lead singer of Casting Crown brought the passage to life. How even devout christians can fall from grace.  It doesn't happen overnight it happen gradually like  a snowball affect and we don't realize until its too late. With God Its never too late.
1 John 1:9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  We need to be Faithful and ready, being watchful, always praying and thanking God.

We are in awe of famous people pavorizzi swam them trying to capture pictures of them to sell them to tabloids for big money.
Media sell show of reality TV of well known people, they also sell shows that pays money to the winner.  Shows like Survivor, Big Brother, Hero, Summer Camp etc,.  I understand why people get involved, the pay off is Money, Fame, and Status.  Money last only awhile unless you invest it.  Fame loses it luster and fades away.  Status can change in a blink of an eye.

The Jonah's Days

July 2, 2013

The story of Jonah,

If you attended Sunday School church you all know the story of Jonah and the big fish, God gave him a message to deliver to the people of Ninevah. Yet Jonah decides to flee and get far away from Ninevah, and as the story goes God is not pleased he sends a storm, while the storm wages Jonah sleeps below as if nothing is happening, the crew is frighten they pray to there Gods, the captain goes below and finds Jonah sleeping, he shouts and tells him how can you sleep at a time like this, pray to your God maybe he will have mercy on us and save our lives.  The captains ask him many question Jonah answers, he tells them he is a Hebrew and he worships the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land. Then he tells them he is running away, the crew is terrified. As the storm gets worse they ask Jonah "what should they do to stop the storm?" "Throw me into the sea!" Jonah said, and it will become calm again. For I know that this terrible storm is all my fault.

We all know the story and the outcome. Yet if you read further you realize Jonah's reason for not wanting to deliver God's message.  He knew God would show compassion and mercy to the people if they repented. For me God not only had a message for for the people of Ninevah
For me God was teaching Jonah  mery, grace, compassion, repentance, love.

Can we show mercy, grace, compassion, do we repent from our sins, do we love unconditionally, do we love our neighbor that was the lesson.

7 Ways to Practice Peace; Joyce Meyers, Promises for Your Everyday Life (Day 27)

7 Ways to Practice Peace
Daily Devotional

Philippians 4:6-7

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Living in God's peace is vital to enjoying life. I believe that one of the keys to living with peace in your life is taking small steps toward peace every day. Here are a few tips you can use to develop a more peaceful lifestyle.
1. Be selective with how you spend your time. You may be trying to do too many things and end up doing none of them well. Hurrying is the flesh trying to do more than the Holy Spirit is leading you to do. Be led by the Spirit.
2. Be prepared to say "no" nicely. Sometimes we take on things we shouldn't because we're uncomfortable saying no. Ask God to give you the words to say no when you need to.
3. Resist the spirit of procrastination. God's Word tells us to exercise self-discipline. Do what you know you need to do now so you can fully enjoy your times of rest.
4. Eliminate key distractions. If you know you are prone to certain distractions, such as watching TV, set some guidelines for yourself.
5. Set appropriate boundaries for interruptions. Life is full of interruptions, but you can learn to set boundaries that help you manage them in healthy ways, such as scheduling times when you are "off limits." Schedule time to give yourself a break.
6. Modify your life. Ask God to show you out-of-the-box ways to save time and trouble. For instance, when I don't have time to do the dishes, I use paper plates!
7. Pray and listen. If you can see that your plan is not producing peace, go back to God, pray for peace in the now, and for the wisdom to make changes that will benefit your life.
The bottom line is to make peace a priority, take practical steps toward it, and let God lead you every day into His perfect peace that passes all understanding.

Prayer Starter: God, lead me into Your peace that passes all understanding. Show me the daily steps I can take to walk in Your peace for me.

Living a life of peace is difficult if we do not take the time to slow down and make that time to just chill and seek God.

"In God we TRUST"

June 10, 2013

America put alot of emphasis In the statement of "In God we Trust," that phrase is written on our currency, yet they had lost what our forefathers of this great and powerful nation had fought for what is  written in our constitution.  This nation was built on  Faith, Belief, and Trust, in "GOD".

They operative word is "TRUST" we are slowly dying from within we have allowed ourselves to be physicologically Oppressed.

This week has been an eye opening yet I very blantly been called on it.  If we say we Trust God yet because its not done my way and now, I take it upon myself to try and get it done.  Its like tell God I don't trust, You, you are taking too long and that's not the way I want it done.  Then we learn that Trusting in God is giving it all to Him to Surrender all. I learned a  valuable lesson and this scripture was brought to full view. .
Proverbs 3: 5 "TRUST in the Lord" with all thine heart, lean not unto thine own understand, In all thy  ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.  Why is it that we think we can do it better?  We can never unless we TRUST, BELIEVE,and have FAITH, in "GOD" yet God works in his time and his way, when he knows we are ready. 
 

"What is On My Mind?"

June 8, 2013

What is on my mind?  Much is on my mind trying not to rely on self but to rely solely on God.
Altho is is trying time yet God continues to remind, spend time in The Word of God and to always be in prayer.
Sometimes I get complacent and think I am strong enough to withstand those firery darts that Satan throws and I become easily distracted. God reminds me that Satan comes to steal to kill and to destroy, he is the biggest manipulator by convincing you through pass mistakes that you are not worthy that gOd is angry at you.
When you confessed your sin and asked God to forgive you he has forgiven you.  Satan is the father of lies and he knows that Jesus is victorious , he know that the end is near when he will be no more.
He is trying to take as man souls as he can,  Scripture says if you resist the devil he will flee from you.
The Word of God is a sharp as a twoedged blade it will cut you.  God's Word is our defence against the enemy.

Ephesians 6:10 tells us to be prepared

10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel

Life as we say will throw everything as for us to give up, yet God is there he is our strength, our refruge, our provider, we need to take up the sword of the spirit and defeat Satan .

Everyday God is with me daily and I sometimes fall and God reminds me that he is there He will help me to be victorious, to triumph.

Without God life is difficult with God all things are possible.

 

What Have I Been Doing

June 1, 2013

"What have I been doing?" Seemingly it is the ultimate question,really with emphasis "WHAT?" What have I been doing?. 
 Now that I am older it has taken so long to realize what I have known long before when my parents tried to instilled in my life the importance if drawing close to God.  My parents were very involved in church when I was little they did alot.  As usual they were distacted draw away from God. Yet my parents were persistant and felt as children we need structure and direction.  We were very involved growing up in church.  I couldn't wait until I was old enough to get away from attending church.

Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

My parents were right sending us to church.  As I got older I was so distracted the world look good and as I thought satisfying.   I had made so many mistake and my children were caught in the crossfire.  My children surferred through the tragic confusion, I later filed for irrecconcilable differences I made many mistakes that had stolen the Joy from my children, and had taken its toll on their lives due to selfishness  I am thankful because I slowly learned that God has been in control of my life.  I made the wrong decision, and taken the wrong direction in my life and my children suffered because of those decision, and God still was there for them.  They may not realized and had done the same as me not realzing that God is in control even when we make wrong choices.

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 

God already knew thing we would do. Sometimes it takes some of us a longer time to learn and to really get to understand Gods' direction for us.  What saddens me the most is that it took me a long times to understand. The only I can pray is that God will help those that I have hurt to forgive me.

Also that my children to follow and make the same mistakes.

 

I am now learning what I should have learned long before, praying and hoping that God watch over my children and grandchildren.