Attitudes

This is the warning!Genesis 4:7 (Amplified Bible)
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.

People around you are affected!Deuteronomy 20:8 (Amplified Bible)
And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, What man is fearful and fainthearted? Let him return to his house, lest [because of him] his brethren's [minds and] hearts faint as does his own.


Are you open to rebuke or correction?2 Samuel 16:11-12 (Amplified Bible)
And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who was born to me, seeks my life. With how much more reason now may this Benjamite do it? Let him alone; and let him curse, for the Lord has bidden him to do it.
It may be that the Lord will look on the iniquity done me and will recompense me with good for his cursing this day.


Are you bitter or better?
Ruth 1:20 (Amplified Bible)
And she said to them, Call me not Naomi [pleasant]; call me Mara [bitter], for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

Ruth 2:13 (Amplified Bible)
Then she said, Let me find favor in your sight, my lord. For you have comforted me and have spoken to the heart of your maidservant, though I am not as one of your maidservants.


Teachable or willing to listen?Job 6:24 (Amplified Bible)
Teach me, and I will hold my peace; and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.


Angry?
Genesis 4:5-6 (Amplified Bible)
But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.
And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?


Hateful?
1 John 4:20 (Amplified Bible)
If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen.


Unforgiving?
Matthew 6:14-15 (Amplified Bible)
For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Think you are better or deserve better?

Jesus didnt deserve it and He was better than all of us!
Philippians 2:6-7 (Amplified Bible)
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped ]or retained,
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.

Do you leave traps for your enemy or plot evil?
Proverbs 1:18 (Amplified Bible)
But [when these men set a trap for others] they are lying in wait for their own blood; they set an ambush for their own lives.

Is this your prayer?
Psalm 51:10 (Amplified Bible)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

In order to have a good attitude you must keep your thoughts right.....what ever is in your heart and mind will bleed out your attitude!
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."

Titles...Positions...

People want titles and positions, not realizing the work behind it. There were men that wanted to sit at Jesus' right hand but Jesus asked them if they where willing to drink of the cup? Asking them if they would be willing to die for it? I pray Gods will be done with me, because if you get a position or title that you aren't ready for, it can very well ruin you. It can take your joy and ruin many relationships and ultimately take you right out of the will of God.

Matthew 20:21 (New Living Translation)“What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.”
People don't realize what they ask for....they want to be seen, not abused! Most positions come with much abuse. People take advantage of you, hate you, challenge you and worse, everyone thinks they can do it better than you. If you are not equipped for it, it can take you out......! God doesn't measure you by the notches on your belt...He measures your heart!

Just cause someone has a title doesn't mean they are acting on Gods behalf either! There have been many people that name the name of Jesus and still don't hear from Him. They hear from everyone around them. Everyone that is in their ear, giving them what they want to hear. The people that stand for the truth and whats right are a lot of times the ones that get accused of the worse stuff. They are accused of everything under the sun and are persecuted because they don't submit to the flow!

Its crazy when positions are created and titles formed just to keep peace in a group  of people. People need to get a back bone and realize that sometimes its not about that! You don't need a title to be used by God. Pilate crucified Christ in fear of the people! Why give the title, why not just tell the people what they need to do and let the chips fall into place. You shouldn't have to get people fired up about getting a title, so they rise up.... they should do it because its the right thing to do and because they love God.

I have come to realize...all of it is not worth it! The competition, striving, animosity etc! I don't need or want it....I will serve without the headache. God puts people where He wants them. He also removes them when He wants to. I am convinced that no matter what a man does they cant stop you from fulfilling Gods plan for you! Only you can stop it and only you can turn from it. All the people in the bible...Joseph and David could not be kept from what God had for them...Through many trials and hardships Gods will was done. Even Jesus told Pilate, you only have the authority over me that My Father has given you.

1 Corinthians 12:18 (New King James Version) But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

If you are the only one standing for the truth...are you going to continue to stand? What if it is amongst your closest friends? Most wont!
I lay my life down for God....no one makes me. I can pick it up again when I choose. I love God and I willfully lay down my will and life for His!

Titles and positions can change people. Be careful to stay connected to God about everything!

Even if you think you are doing the will of God and you are rolling with the flow you should still seek God in all your decisions!
Joshua 9:14 (New Living Translation) So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord.

People sometimes get caught up in religious activity and forget about God!

Hosea 4:12 (New King James Version) My people ask counsel from their wooden idols, and their staff informs them. For the spirit of harlotry has caused them to stray, And they have played the harlot against their God.

Please be careful not to think your okay with God just because you have a position. Pastors, priest, ministers, people in ministry, people that are devote to church! All kinds of people that look and seem okay with God......are far from doing what God has called them to.

 Isaiah 29:13 (Amplified Bible) And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips but remove their hearts and minds far from Me, and their fear and reverence for Me are a commandment of men that is learned by repetition [without any thought as to the meaning]

The grass is greener in the other yard!

It always kills me that people just think they have it so bad. Everything requires work and maintenance, if you dont water your grass it dies, if you start to water it more, it comes back to life.....mind you -usually stronger and thicker.

I used to say water your grass more but now I say uproot the grass and build a pool! I guess that could be devastating for the grass, but I am allergic to grass and I like swimming better anyways!

BUT! the bible says:
Proverbs 14:1
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

Well, so much for that idea...!!!

2 Timothy 4:5 (The Message)
3-5You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.

2 Timothy 4:5 (New King James Version)

 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Remember after you get your grass back to being healthy...its takes alot of work to keep it that way!

The Silent Killer

No one thinks they have it, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Some of the symtoms are being short tempered with people, getting frustrated if they dont understand something or do something you think they should do. Getting into heated discussions, always thinking your right in arguements. Having input about stuff that is none of your business. The more you understand something, or think you understand something; the more you need to be checking yourself for this.

I recently had to ask myself if I was full of pride. Pride hides itself, is disguses itself. Pride will tear your life apart! It ruins relationships, it offends people and you can give Christ a bad name.

1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (Amplified Bible)
NOW ABOUT food offered to idols: of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature]. If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much [of divine things, without love], he does not yet perceive and recognize and understand as strongly and clearly, nor has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought or as is necessary.
But if one loves God truly with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].

Thinking you have discernment but really you are being critical. 

Discerment is rooted in love, discerment without love is being critical.

1 Corinthians 4 (The Message)
14-16 I'm not writing all this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.

Another symtom is not listening or interrupting. Even better, there is a big conversation and you get in it, but what you say is not even the subject being talked about. Just wanting to look li,e you know something.

1 Corinthians 4:18-20 (The Message)
I know there are some among you who are so full of themselves they never listen to anyone, let alone me. They don't think I'll ever show up in person. But I'll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we'll see if they're full of anything but hot air. God's Way is not a matter of mere talk; it's an empowered life.

God help us to grow in love, help us to knock down the walls that hurt us so very much! Help to mature and beleive You have everything in contrtol! We don't need to put our hands in everything! Help us to see where our hearts are and motive are. Remind us when we are not doing what You want us to. Help us be humble, pateint and gentle.

James 4:6 (The Message)
You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."

Pride makes you see yourself as a victim.

You know, there comes a time when you need to just stop being hurt and offended at the littlest things. People that care about, can't reach you or love you. Have you ever thought that maybe most of your issues are self induced. Your holding on to things that happened in the past like they were yesterday! Making everyone feel sorry for you and worse feeling sorry for yourself constantly. Life is what you make of it. You don't like your life.....your the only one that can change it. People try to help you and you get mad or don't accept the help...why? This isn't how God intended us to live! He has given us family, friends and people around us.....they are supposed to bring joy to your life! Pain comes, but it is supposed to go! People hurt us, but they are hurting! Why cant you see its not personal? Your expectations are to high, you expect more out of people than God himself. If you would lower your expectations you wouldn't get hurt so much!

I would venture to say; everything you see that you don't like in people or that makes you mad.....you do those exact things as well....its like looking in the mirror!

All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street.

Focus on the goal. How many of you when you run a race, you look back and say, "wow....did you see me in the beginning?" Did you see how good I started the race? NO! We don't saw that, we say, man that was a good finish or I am so proud of you for finishing! I know its not easy your chest was burning in pain, your legs felt like they where going to collapse but that didn't stop you!

There will be times you feel like you just cant do anymore, your focus on the goal gets dim. We need to refocus like a camera does every so often. No matter what the situation is, we need to keep pushing forward. Its not easy but that is what God expects of us. We run a race, not to finish first, but to finish! If you have stopped pressing toward the finish line....get back up, off your butt and start again!

NO PAIN... NO GAIN!


Philippians 3:12-19 (New Living Translation)
Pressing toward the Goal 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,[a] but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Instead of Monday I do Meday!

For those of you who know me....I have always spent mondays as off days or pamper days! I call them Medays! Yesterday I finally had the money to go get my hair cut the way I wanted! I think I love it! Part in the middle, flowing with a bit of a flip!



Plus, I got my nails done, went shopping and went to dinner with my family! We even went for cold stone! I love it when we can do that! Thank you Jesus for Blessing us! 

Today Allie has her appointment at the specialist office! Pray for us!

Feelings!!! UGH!!

Feelings! UGH! You can't live without them and you can't
make decisions with them....I have found that the more feelings you have about something, the harder it is to do the right thing. You start making decisions because of your feelings and then the trial and problems get worse!

There are many reasons we go through trials, but I think we can look at a couple that are an umbrella of most of them.

1. Refine us and purify us....get us to grow! (Children of Israel- Exodus 13-17 )

If we are being purified and God is trying to pull things out of us that don't belong...it is very uncomfortable! The last thing we should do is complain and mummer. God doesn't like it, it shows our unbelief that God is not in control. Also, we need to be careful not to complain against our head ship. They have a hard job and a lot of times the are dealing with very stubborn people. The only 2 people that survived the Exodus was Joshua and Caleb...all the people died in their problem! They never made it to the promise land.....God promises things for us but we can stop the blessing by complaining and not believing the report of the lord. Complaining also is a form of disobedience.

Joshua 5:6 (NKJV)
For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they did not obey the voice of the LORD—to whom the LORD swore that He would not show them the land which the LORD had sworn to their fathers that He would give us, “a land flowing with milk and honey.”

2. Disobedience (Jonah 1:12)

God desires to use us, not for just the people we like but also the one we don;t get along with. When God tells us to do something and we don't....storms will come to get you in the place God told you to go in the first place. When we are in the storm it will affect the people around us....they also will be in the storm! When we finally surrender and do what God tells us; we need to be careful not to get bitter and mad at Gods mercy! Because our feeling can lead us astray!

Jonah 4:4 (NKJV)
Then the LORD said, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

3.For the Glory of God and a to be a testimony for others-an example for them. (Job 1:8; 2:3)

Satan comes to attack our character...he accuses us and then comes to test us. Everyone sees what happens....a lot of time they will try and blame it on some sin you have committed or a door you have opened to the demonic. During these times we need to be sure we don't curse God. This is what Jobs wife said during his trial....curse God and die! This is exactly what the enemy wants! We need to be in love with Christ and be close to Him to endure such stress. the people you serve God with in the church (your brethren) and the your family will try and figure out what is going on they will give reasoning's and opinions that can cause you to stumble. Be very cautious not to let your heart grow weary in this season that can last a long time. You may have to endure the worse things you have ever experienced but God will be with you. Do not yield to what others say and think. If you have opened doors to the demonic or if you have sinned against God....God will not hide that from you, His desire is that all come to repentance. You  don't have to worry about not knowing if you have or haven't deserved this. Jonah knew that he was disobedient, he knew the storm was his fault. Don't complain....like the children of Israel. Keep your heart right with your headship. This is a time that you will be tried by fire...it is the will of God.

Job 1:8-12 (NKJV)
Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

I encourage you to get closer to God and more intimate with God now....don't wait for the trial!

Matthew 7:24-27 (The Message)
24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."

We had a hard night!

Poor Allie has had stomach pain for months every time she eats! Last night we took her to the ER cause during Bible the night prior, her stomach swelled big. We were there from 3pm-3am.....test galore, two different hospitals and no coffee!
The highlight of the night was that the nurse taught Allie how to tie a tourniquet to take blood. The nurse found out Allie wanted to be a firefighter and gave her the rubber band in memory of her first lesson. Its really the little things that count!!

The people were very pleasant and went the extra mile! This morning PA Sam called to see how she was doing. I am very thankful they took the time to care!

My tantrum!

Job 16:2-5 (The Message)

If You Were in My Shoes

 ^1-5 Then Job defended himself:

"I've had all I can take of your talk.
   What a bunch of miserable comforters!
Is there no end to your windbag speeches? 
   What's your problem that you go on and on like this?
If you were in my shoes,
   I could talk just like you.
I could put together a terrific harangue
   and really let you have it.
But I'd never do that. I'd console and comfort,
   make things better, not worse!

Isn't it funny, how we can look at someone and come to a conclusion about them without ever taking the time to understand them. We think we understand things and we think we can judge books without reading them! The longer I serve God....the more I see everyone judges (including myself).....and usually it is incorrect! I can easily look at someones life and think how foolish a person is being... because the actions they are taking! We see the actions people take and become Jobs counselors so quick!

I want to try and understand people....I don't want to jump to conclusions! While I was not talking for a week, I experienced this so much. People automatically assumed they knew what I was going to say... before I had a chance to even say it.

Biggest thing that gets me is.....how often we justify ourselves and then give no mercy to the next person!

Bottom line is....the will of God in your life is the will of God for you! I know that there are basic guidelines for all Christians... but when it comes to the details....please put away your magnifying glass and pray for me! God is big enough to reveal His will to me and I will be the only one to face God for my life and I will be the one to give Him an account for my life!

This is the first time God has really shown me how ugly this is.....I have been guilty of the same thing! I cant believe how shallow we are.

Job 16:5 (New King James Version)
But I would strengthen you with my mouth,
And the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief.

We love God...we want to do everything we can.....sometimes we can't......just like you. There is a time for everything, balance is required in using the word of God correctly.
Discernment is rooted in love and if there is no love it is being critical!