Blessings

 

Blessings

To all of you who read my post. I want you to know that you are a blessing to me. Having you as a part of my life encourages me to be better, do better. Whether I know you or not, I feel especially blessed by you. To my dearest friends that are struggling with cancer and my friends that are sitting by their loved ones that are soon to leave this world and to those who are facing surgeries, dialysis, treatments, take heart, God is with you. He is beside you with His arms around you. Put your hand in Jesus’ hands and He will comfort you. Lean into Him. He knows and understands what you are going through. He will never leave your side. My heart goes out to all of you who are suffering for one reason or another. Please know that you are in my prayers. All of God’s children are special to Him and I am with Him in agreement that you are special.

To those who do not know the Lord. I pray for you also that you will search for Him. Read what He says in His Holy Bible and know that God loves you. I pray that He will grant you wisdom and understanding. Most of all, know that God will bless you in your life, if only you put your faith and trust in Him.

Love to all my family, my children, my grandchildren, to all my friends I know and do not know personally. I Love you and glorify God in knowing He put you in my life. Thank you.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

God's Presence

 

God’s Presence

In this world there are cancers, diseases, disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, Sunami’s, destructive storms, etc. It makes a person sad and depressed that we live among these things but when we look to God and see what He is doing, it can give us a new outlook. John 16:33 “in this world you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.”  Deuteronomy 31:6 and Deuteronomy 1:9 “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. He will never leave you or forsake you.”

God is our sunshine in this world. He is our encouragement knowing that whatever comes to pass that God has our best interest at heart. He will not harm us, but He will cradle us in His arms and protect us. If you are feeling sad or depressed, go outside, soak up the Son, God’s warmth and remember God is as near as the breath we breathe. He is the wind in the trees; He is the song in the bird. He is the hello neighbor and the smile of a loved one. He is ever present in our lives, and He is the praise on our lips. Rejoice in the Lord for He is good. He is our ever-present help in troubles. He is our promise for eternity. God Bless all of God’s children.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

 

Wisdom and Knowledge

 

Wisdom and Knowledge

Proverbs 1 shares the story of Solomon and his request of God. His desire was “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment and equity, to give prudence to the simple. To the young men, knowledge and discretion.” This is not only Solomon’s desire but should be the desire for each of us today.

Our true source of all wisdom come from God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Without wisdom and knowledge, selfishness and pride will take its place. This could lead to a “know-it-all” attitude and can only bring discomfort for us and those around us. We cannot fully teach others if we think we know it all and do not draw our wisdom from God Almighty. Only God can give us wisdom and knowledge. It would be ridiculous to claim more than God has given us. We must strive to be more like Christ every day but we mustn’t claim to know as much as Christ. By far, we are simple in mind compared to Christ’s wisdom and knowledge.

Reading Proverbs is a good way to live wisely and productively. It gives us truths that work as well as it did the day it was written. There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. It can be read as a daily chapter starting with chapter 1 on the first day of the month, reading every day until the 31^st day of the month. Proverbs will help you gain wisdom and knowledge in the way God would lead you.

I pray that you relish this wisdom and will grow from it, not only in maturity but in the knowledge that the good Lord grants you.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

God Has a Positive Answer

 

God has a Positive Answer

Here’s a handy little chart that I found a long time ago that still applies today.

You say, “It’s impossible”…God says, “all things are possible.” Luke 18:27

You say, “I’m too tired”…..God says I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30

You say, “Nobody loves me”…..God says I Love you. John 31:6. John 3:34

You say, “I can’t go on”…God says my grace is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9, Psalm 91:15.

You say, “I can’t figure things out”… God says I will direct your steps. Proverbs 3:5-6

You say, “I can’t do it” …God says you can do all things. Philippians 4:13

You say, “I’m not able”… God says I am able. 2 Corinthians 9:8

You say, “It’s not worth it.” …God says it will be worth it. Romans 8:28

You say, “I can’t forgive myself” ..God says I will forgive you. I John 1:9, Rom.8:1

You say, “I can’t manage.”…God says I will supply all your needs. Philip. 4:19

You say, “I’m afraid.”…God says I have not given you a spirit of fear. 2 Tim. 1:7

You say, “I’m always worried and frustrated.” God says cast all your cares on me. I Peter 5:7

You say, “I’m not smart enough” God says I will give you wisdom. I Cor.1:30

You say, “I feel all alone.” God says I will never leave you nor forsake you. Hebrews 13:5

Father, God, bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day. And may their lives be full of your peace, prosperity and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

What Does God Expect from us?

 

What Does God Expect from Us?

What does God expect from us? God expects from us only what we can give. He knows our human weaknesses but has given us Jesus as a model to inspire us to holier and more loving behavior.

Does He forgive us when we fall short? Of Course!

Is He patient? Always!

Will He give up on us? Never!

Will He accept what we do, who we are, no matter if we could have been better?

Absolutely!

We always tell our children that we don’t expect perfection. We just want your best. How beautiful it is that God wants the same from us.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

My Favorite Place

 

My Favorite Place

Everyone has a place to go where they can find peace and solitude. Mine is nowhere in particular but it is forever with me . It is not a nook, nor a cranny. My hide-away is in open places. It is among the stars at night. It is driving alone in the solace of my car, seeing the beauty of God’s handiwork. The pretty colors of springtime. The whiteness of Winter, the many animals that are out and about in the Summer. There is so much to see that God has blessed us with. I think of Numbers 6:24-26, “The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you and  give you peace.” It puts me in a prayerful mood and that is my favorite place. It is in prayer, snuggled in God’s powerful arms, praising His awesomeness and the beautiful things He has blessed and provided for us.

Prayer removes me from all the cares of the world and gives me peace that can’t be found in chocolate or ice cream or in a good book. Nor in any  other material things of this world. It is where God dwells, where I am allowed to talk to Him and to listen for His answers. It provides peace that passes all understanding. It is knowing He hears all my prayers and answers all my prayers. Opening my heart in prayer is my favorite place for my soul. I hope and pray that you also find peace in prayer and can open up your heart and soul to the one who knows you best. Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

Where is God?

 

Where is God?

If I were to ask you where is God, what would your answer be? My neighbor says God is at the campground beside the river where he resides in the summertime. A mountain climber might say He’s at the top of the mountain and in all the beautiful scenery.

A stargazer might say He’s in the stars at night.

Others may say He is in church. Some may say He is everywhere and in everything. Those who are hurting or in pain are asking the question, where is God?

In all reality God is only a breath away. “He will never leave us or forsake us.” Hebrews 13:5. Though we are beaten and left to die, God is there.

Though we be abused physically or mentally. God is there.

Though we have sinned and feel like God wants nothing to do with us, God is there.

Though we turn our back on God, still He is there.

God knows our every thought, our comings and our goings. There is nothing we can say or do that He doesn’t have knowledge of, and He still remains a breath away. He remains close with His arms open wide, ready and waiting for our acknowledgment of Him for our acceptance, for our willingness to enter His arms, thereby allowing Him to enter our very being. Won’t you look to God and let Him enter your heart? God is with you today and always.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

The House of the Lord

 

The House of the Lord

Psalm 122 “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the House of the Lord.” Have you ever heard the statement, “I don’t need to go to church, I know God loves me and I love Him.” I have and during a 15-year period I was one of those that made that statement. Knowing God Loves you and that you love Him does not build a relationship with Jesus. Without church, God’s people, we might as well be standing on a turntable because that knowledge alone will get us nowhere. Church is a place to go where we can give thanks to God. We don’t go for the people; we go for God. It is a place where we as God’s children can go to share our joys and sufferings. To give and receive comfort for each other. It is a place where we can remember God’s sacrifice of His one and only Son. To try to grow as a Christian on our own without the help of other Christians is like spinning our wheels with nowhere to go. There are no lessons to be learned without someone to teach us. There is no understanding without someone to explain what God has written for us. We need each other to admonish, and encourage, and help each other. One way to accomplish this is to go to church, become involved and be a part of a church family. We must continuously learn what God expects of us if we want to build a saving relationship with Jesus. “No man enters the Kingdom of God, except through Jesus.” John 14:6. If it is said, “I don’t go to church because of all the hypocrites that are there.” Then ask which one is closer to heaven, the one on the inside or the one on the outside? We have all sinned and no one should make oneself out to be better than the other. Take your problem to the one that offended you, make amends and get yourself right with God. Time is short, we all need each other. The House of the Lord is a place or prayer, singing, and great fellowship. I encourage you to let God guide you to the place you need to be. There’s a wonderful family waiting to welcome you.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Holy Word

 

The Holy Word

Psalm 119:11"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” The Bible, the word of God, so powerful that it can actually keep a person from sinning. Do you have a Bible? When we open our Bible, it can speak to us in many ways. It is our sword to fight against our enemies. It is our comfort to help through our trials. It is our instructions to live daily for the Lord. It is a way to praise God and be thankful for our provisions. It is a path to eternal life. It insulates us against the pressures of temptation. To simply own a Bible is not enough. We must open our Bibles daily and not just read it, but study it, print it on our hearts and live as though you might have written the words yourself.

I Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God; and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction for righteousness.”

John 12:48 “He who rejects Me, and does not receive my words, has that which judges him. The word that I have spoken will judge Him in the last day.”

This last scripture reminds me to get busy and find out what God wants me to know in His word. Psalm 19:10 “His word is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.”  I have read God’s word from cover to cover repeatedly, and I learn something new every time. Blessings always flow from the word of God.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Regrets

 

Regrets

2 Corinthians 7:10

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Have you ever done anything that you regret and may still be holding on to? Why is it people hang on to their regret? For some it is to punish themselves, for others they have not ever experienced the grace of forgiveness, so it becomes a part of their life. Then there are those who feel that if they let go of their regret, they may fall back into the same pit of sin once again. Look at the word, regreT. Do you see the cross at the end of the word? That is where we should leave our regret- at the end of the cross. When we hang on to our regret, we quench the Holy Spirit and do not receive the blessings that God holds in store for us when we truly let go. In Romans 8:1 it says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. So, we repent of our sins, leave our regret at the cross and live according to the Spirit. If Christ does not condemn us, then why should we?

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

Forgiveness

 

Forgiveness

Psalm 109 reads as if the author wants his accuser dead and his family to suffer to the greatest degree. When someone accuses us of something that we didn’t do, our first instinct is to get angry and lash out at the accuser. It is an automatic reaction, like self-defense is if someone who assaults us physically. But the Lord said, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent. Matthew 29:39 says, “forgive men their trespasses and your heavenly Father will forgive you.” Matthew 5:44 says, “I say to you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Psalm 109 is a perfect example of how people prayed before Christ began His ministry on earth. When Christ came, He set the perfect example of how to treat those who accuse us of wrongdoing. Not once did we read of Christ getting in a fist fight or wrestling match to prove He was right. Nor did He pray that His enemies be wiped off the face of the earth. He always spoke with kindness and even when they arrested Him and brought Him before the courts, He did not fight against them. He spoke the truth and left everything else in God’s hands. Jesus was faced with accusers nearly every day. When someone accuses us of wrongdoing, we must always speak the truth and take the matter to the highest court for mediation and understanding. God grants us both, if we lay the burden down at His feet. Matthew 7:12 say, “Whatever you want me to do to you, do also to them.”

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

What's to Become of Us?

 

What’s to Become of Us?

Revelation 16:18-21 tells us what will become of us in the end times. Have you ever wondered how Moses could change God’s mind on Mount Horeb when God wanted to destroy His people for making a golden calf and worshipping it?

When Joshua was near to dying, he called his people to him and reminded them of all the blessings God had given them and their deliverance from all their enemies. In the end, he said, “if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord…then choose this day whom you will serve, but for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15.

If you are not prepared for the end times, then you must strive to change God’s mind on His timing. Look around you at all the people that make up your life. It is easy to love those  people who are close to you, but what about the person that agitates you? What about Judas who betrayed Christ, Or Peter who denied Christ or even Paul who claimed to be the most treacherous villain on earth. If they were here today and there are many like them, would we be judgmental or would we choose to love them as Christ did? I encourage you to strive to be more loving, forgiving, exceptional person in God’s eyes so that you can change God’s mind toward destruction. The United States is a very generous nation that helps foreign nations when they are in need. But we are not a perfect nation. We need to go forth and spread the Good News. Let everyone you encounter know that God loves them and He is merciful. Let us not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk, showing God’s grace and in so doing helping to save our nation.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Israelites and Us

 

The Israelites and Us

Psalm 109 praises God for His forgiveness and steadfastness. Many times, repeatedly, the Israelites stirred up the anger of God, but every time God forgave them and brought them back to His loving arms. Their sins, however, did not go unpunished. He sent plagues, famines and even allowed them to be carried off to Babylon to become slaves.

We are not so different from the Israelites. Romans 3:23 “We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” We, even though we are Christians complain when things don’t go our own way. We try to take matters into our own hands, knowing full well that God is in charge. We wait until things get bad, when we think there is no way out, then we fall on our knees and call out for God’s help. Most of our troubles, if you think about it is brought on by our own doing. Even still, God is always faithful and provides a way out. We praise God for a short time, then we forget what He has done for us and once again, we find ourselves back into either the same sin or a new sin more enticing.

How can we counteract this roller coaster ride? Do we look at it as a way of life, or do we strive to work harder at being more like Jesus? When Christ came to earth, he taught us how to love one another and how to strive toward perfection. We have more than Moses’ law for the Israelites, we have a New Testament full of Christ’s words and examples. We must never forget that God sent His son to die for us so that our sins can be forgiven. We may be sinners, but we are saved by the grace of God. Praise God daily for this and love one another. Forgive as you have been forgiven.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

Who is God?

 

Who Is God?

The Lord God Almighty

The Creator

Omnipotent, Eternal, immutable

Omniscient, Invisible and visible through creation

Unsearchable and searchable through God’s Word

Incomprehensible, Holy

Knowledge, wisdom and power

Merciful, Goodness and Love

Disposer of events

Judge of all, Lawgiver, Redeemer, Defender, Protector

Jealous

Searcher of hearts

Sanctuary and refuge

Savior, Jehovah, Father of Lights

God of heaven and earth

Comforter

Miracle Worker

Teacher, Friend

And much more and everything!

God is Awesome! What astounds me most of all in all this is that He LOVES ME!

“My Savior loves, My Savior lives, My Savior is always there for me. My God He was, My God He is, My God is always gonna be!”

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Overwhelming Battles

 

Overwhelming Battles

This blog is taken from a letter by Dr. Charles Stanley.

Have you ever experienced a battle so overwhelming that it felt as if everything in your life were against you? God tells us that “if you want to win this battle, you fight it on your knees alone with Me.” If you want to overcome any difficulty, the best way is by spending time alone with God. Only He can give you victory. Here are the steps Dr. Stanley advised:

1.     You set time alone with the Father. Psalm 103:19

2.     Listen quietly to the Father and expect Him to speak to you. Ecc. 5:1-2

3.     If the Lord reveals any sinfulness in your life, repent of it immediately. God’s primary goal is to have a relationship with you. Sin will hinder Him from having full access to your life.

4.     Remember there can only be one general in this battle, and that’s the Lord. He is in control and knows the path better than you do.

5.     See everything that happens to you as coming from God. If the Father allows trial or challenge in your life. It is ultimately for your good and His glory. Romans 8:28

When you fight your battles on your knees and faithfully obey Him, you invite God to be your Redeemer, Defender, General and Protector. That’s not only the best way to win, it’s the most wonderful, eternal path to triumph every single time.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Lord Shall Fight for You

 

The Lord Shall Fight for You

Exodus 14:14

“The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” How many times have we prayed to God to fix a problem for us, just to take it back and try to solve the problem our self. It’s easy to give it to the Lord, but it’s hard to not to try to hold on to a little bit of the problem. God promises to fight our fight for us. He in return expects us to be quiet and let Him handle it the way He sees fit. I truly believe that God always has our best interest at heart and especially for those of our loved ones. God is all-knowing, He sees how the problem started, why it happened and already knows the ending. We needn’t worry about how things are going to turn out when we hand over our problems to God. He promises that all things turn out to the good for those who love the Lord. God is faithful and is merciful and His truth is everlasting. We must trust God to guide our way and that of our children and grandchildren to truth and understanding and in the end to everlasting life. God not only fights for us, but His fight is endless.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Nehemiah Prayed

 

Nehemiah Prayed

Nehemiah 1:5

“I pray, Lord God of heaven; O great and awesome God, you who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love you.” Nehemiah 1:5.

Nehemiah had the right attitude. He prayed to God from the bottom of his heart. He knew God would listen and he knew God would answer his prayers. He knew God was powerful and was full of mercy and grace. He knew how to pray. We must never allow the word of God to leave us. We must know His promises as in Joshua 1:8 “For then you will make your way prosperous, then you will have good success.” Nehemiah prayed for the people and asked for them to be forgiven. He prayed for their broken-down ways in Jerusalem and God answered his prayers and made him prosperous. Prayer is our source of happiness. It relieves anxiety and brings peace. We are never alone when God is in our hearts and minds daily. Pray, my brothers and sisters. Pray without ceasing.

“…And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as I tarry there, none other has ever known.”

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Abusing the Gift God Gave You

 

Abusing the Gift God Gave You

Joshua 16:3 “And Samson lay low till midnight, then he arose at midnight, took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and took the two gate posts, pulled them up, bar and all, put them on his shoulders, and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron. These gates were high and were covered with steel plates to keep them from being burned down. Then the gate had a steel bar across the top and the side posts had to have been buried really deep. The gates alone probably weighed a ton, the size of a truck. While looking at the maps in our Bibles, we surmise that Samson carried this gate nearly 30 miles to the top of the hill. This strength that God blessed him with was held in his hair. If you don't remember the story of how his hair was cut and his strength lost, then please read Judges 16. So why did Samson do this? Samson may have known that there were men lying in wait for him until morning. Maybe he did this out of revenge or maybe he was just plain mischievous. God gave Samson this strength to get rid of the philistines. He was a good man in the eyes of God, but did Samson use his gift the way God intended? In verse 2 of this chapter, it says Samson went into a prostitute and stayed there until midnight. Then when he left, he did not leave quietly but probably woke the whole city with the lifting of this heavy gate and carrying it up the hill. Is this is what God intended Samson to use his gift of strength for? Which brings me to us, is there a gift that God has given us that we are using that is not based on God's intentions? So ,what might our gifts be? Do we have the gift to teach? If so, are we teaching God's word or everything but? Do we have the gift of compassion and is it limited to family and friends only or are we reaching out to others we barely know and care about? Do we have the gift of giving? Do we give to those who we think deserve it, or are we giving to those whom God has put on a heart to give to whether they deserve it or not? Maybe we have the gift of prayer. There are many prayer warriors in our world, and we are blessed to have them, but as a prayer warrior, do we pray only for those we encounter and maybe only once, or do we pray for those struggling and suffering outside our reach, daily. My prayer is that we all have the gift of love, and we use it the same as God's love for us. Love covers many gifts, and we cannot go wrong if we love others as God loves us.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

We are children of God

 

We are Children of God

Romans 8:16 “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” Have you considered that not all people are children of God? Yes, people are God’s creation, but not all people are God’s children. Romans 8:14 “For as many are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” So, then we believe that not all people are led by the Spirit of God. “For if we live by the flesh, we shall die in the flesh.” “But if through the Spirit and do the deeds of the body, we live.” So how is it we live by the flesh and cannot live by the Spirit and by the flesh. Whether we live for God and do as He leads us to do, or we live by the flesh and do what earthly desires lead us to do. Our earthly desires come from our own selfish wants and needs put there by satan himself. So, if we live by the flesh, then we follow satan. Then we are children of satan. We cannot serve both satan and God as our father so we choose this day as to whom we follow. Do we go about coveting our neighbor, lusting after the opposite sex, gossip, cheat, lie and do all the things that will make satan smile or do we live in peace, patience and understanding of our Lord, do we rejoice in truth? The fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control, against such there is no law. Therefore, we want to live by the Spirit and as children of God. The most beautiful saying in the Bible is “Jesus Love Me.” If we have a relationship with Jesus, then we have a relationship with God and there is no open door for satan.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

God's Grace

 

God’s Grace

Titus 2:11 “For the grace of God that bring salvation has appeared to all men” the prodigal son took his inheritance from his dad and squandered it on women and drink, then he had to wallow with the pigs. Was he deserving of a feast when he arrived home? That’s God’s grace. The wife of Hosea tired of her husband over and over, prostituted herself and yet Hosea took her back every time. Was she deserving? No, that’s God’s grace. The thief on the cross didn’t deserve God’s grace, but he received it. None of us deserve God’s grace but we receive it repeatedly. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” When we are ready to receive it, God gives it. Unfortunately, not all are ready to receive it. There are some holding on to their sins thinking that they can continue for now and repent later. (God always forgives). That is what is called grace abuse. The problem is full hands cannot receive gifts. Forgiveness needs to be accepted as well as forgiven. The prodigal son was more than ready to receive his just due but got grace instead. Hosea’s wife received God’s grace repeatedly. The thief on the cross received a place in paradise with Jesus’ grace. When we truly love God, we won’t hang onto a sin thinking we can repent later. We must repent in order to receive the wonderful gift of grace. Let us examine our life and be thankful that God’s grace abounds in our life.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Humble Yourself

 

Humble Yourself

Galatians 6:3 “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing. He deceives himself.” Paul was writing this to the Galatians, but it still applies to us today. Ponder Jesus. How He came to earth and took none of the credit for all the things He did. He spoke of all things as coming from God. Paul also wrote to the Philippians in chapter 2:12 to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. When we serve God, it is not to be seen, or to be put on a pedestal. We do it because God called us to do it and we know and understand that we cannot do anything without Christ. In Philippians 2:3 it says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind. Let each esteem others better than himself. Let not each of you look only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” When we do service in God’s name, we must remember it is God who puts us to it, and He deserves all the credit. We are only God’s ministers and bringing the Good News to others is our commission. We should not do anything to look good in other eyes. What is pleasing to God is the only thing that matters. God is our only salvation and none but God through Jesus Christ can take us to heaven. With humility we must serve the Lord and allow God to work through us in all avenues of our life. Only God is high and mighty.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Pray to be Counted Worthy

 

Pray to be Counted Worthy

Luke 21:36 “Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

The words “counted worthy” made me stop and ask the question, how can we be counted worthy when no one is worthy? What great, exciting thing have we done to be counted worthy? Do we look at our deeds, or do we look beyond that? You and I became worthy the day we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior and were buried with Him in baptism. We became worthy when we built a relationship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ. We show our worthiness when we become a servant to God in spreading the good news that Jesus died, was buried and rose again to take away our sins. So, if we can be counted worthy, then when “all things come to pass” the faith we have in the Lord God Almighty, will help us escape all the trials and tribulations that come our way. “Pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Giving to the Lord

 

Giving to the Lord

Have you considered all the things that the Lord has given to you? Our food, clothes, family, land, homes, etc. The list is endless. Now consider what you can give to the Lord that isn't already his. David said it best in 1 Chronicles 29:14 “But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer so willingly as this where all things come from you?” David was making preparations for his son Solomon to build the temple of God. He understood that without God's generous gifts of gold and silver and timber he could do nothing. Yes, these things came to him by the hands of the people, but God created them and made all things available to David for this one purpose. For this, David praised God and counted it nothing of which he could offer. Everything we have, our spouse, children, friends, family, all our earthly possessions are on loan to us while we are here on earth. So how can we give to God when he already has everything? It's not what we give to God it's how we give to him in verse 17 of the above scripture David says “I know also, my God, that you test the heart and my pleasure and my brightness. As for me in the uprightness of my heart, I have willingly offered all these things.”

Here are some familiar quotes: “it's not the gift it's the giving.” “It's the thought that counts.” It's not the sacrifice, it's the obedience.” “Give and it will be given back to you.”

David couldn't have said it better; it is in the way we live and our willingness to give back to him what he has freely given to us.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Oh, Come Let us Adore Him

 

Oh, Come Let us Adore Him

Oh, how I adore my Jesus! My Jesus walks with me in my daily life. He never leaves me, nor forsakes me. Hebrews 13:5. He talks with me through the scriptures. What beautiful words He tells me. “You will be my child, and I will be your God.” Jeremiah 30:22. So many promises God has given to me. He is preparing a place for me so that where He is, I can be also. John 14:3. So many prayers He has answered. I know my God takes care of me. He fulfills my every need, and many times showers me with my wants because He loves me so! There is no better Father, Husband, or best friend that there is in my Jesus. Throughout all the heartaches, sickness, grieving and troubles that come my way I can rejoice in the fact that God is in control, and He has a better plan for me than I can imagine. I trust in the fact that He has my best interest at heart. I pray for all the people in the world that do not know my Jesus like I do. He has His arms stretched out saying, “Come unto me you who are heavy burdened and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28-29. Just say the word and God is there. Oh, how I adore my Jesus!

"The Man from George Street"

 

“The Man from George Street”

Romans 10:15 “And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things.”

Have you seen the video of “The Man from George Street?” Amazing things could be done if all Christians were as committed as the little white-haired man. Everyone who shares the word of God with others are among those who have beautiful feet, just as the man in the video. Oh, to think that God sees us as having beautiful feet!

Have you ever thought about all the people that God sent out to share the good news of Christ. Recall back to the day when Jesus was born. The shepherds were one of the first that God sent out to share the good news of Jesus’ birth. They weren’t rich people, they weren’t scholars, they weren’t what we would consider high class citizens. They were shepherds. They lived with sheep. If you have ever been around sheep, then you know they stink. But God chose them to spread the good news. We are sinners, we probably even stink at times, yet God has chosen us to spread the Good News.  The Word of God. And here we are, all of us with beautiful feet, blogging to all those who will take the time to open up our posts to read. Encouraging, loving and telling others all about Jesus Christ who died for us and took away our sins. Not only are your feet beautiful but your life shines forth more beautiful than ever because you are following the call of God and doing what He purposed for us to do while here on earth. God bless you greatly.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Holy Word

 

The Holy Word

Joshua 1:8 “the book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is within it. For then you will make your way prosperous and then you will have good success.”

In the days of Moses, the Levitical priests were instructed to study the books of law (Genesis through Deuteronomy) daily. They were to know the commandments and the laws like they knew the back of their hands. These books were also to be read to the Israelites every seven years. However, they did not follow God's orders because they felt it too difficult to do. Maybe that is what is wrong today. We find that making time to read the Bible is too hard to do.

Consider for a moment what the Bible holds for us. Not only does it contain the ten commandments and the laws for the Israelites but it contains many examples of how people live back in those days. That is history. Consider proverbs. This book tells us how we should live. There are 31 chapters in the book of proverbs and if you were to read a chapter a day according to the day of the month, each month, just think of the knowledge you would gain.

If you were to study the four gospels, Matthew, mark, Luke and John you will learn all about Jesus's birth, death and resurrection, not to leave all out all of the miracles he did while here on earth. The book of Acts is filled with stories of how the apostles carried out God's word. Then Paul wrote letter after letter to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and many more. He exhorted them, he taught them and even today we can learn much knowledge from them. two of my favorite books of the Bible is Romans and Hebrews. These two books are wonderful books on faith. Then the last Book of Revelation tells us of the end times and what we can expect in the last days.

If we want to live a godly life, we must meditate on His words day and night. If we want to go where God directs us, we must study His word to understand His plan for us. If we want to share Jesus with others, we must  “Study to show ourselves approved of God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 215.  For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Choose Your Friends Wisely

 

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Numbers 16:26

“And He spoke unto the congregation, saying, depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.” Numbers 16:26

This scripture was spoken at the time when Moses had led the Israelites from the land of Egypt and korah began to challenge moses's authority. Cora complained that Moses had brought them into the wilderness to die. He had taken them from slavery and is now ruling over them. Moses and his anger had returned the challenge by telling them to return the next day with their incense and allow God to choose who will be their leader. When the Lord appeared, he too was angry and told Moses to tell the congregation to get away from them. Then the land swallowed Korah and his family up while those who held their sensors, 250 of them of them burned to death. Today, God is still telling us to stay away from the tents of wicked men lest we be consumed in all their sins in 1 Corinthians 15:33 it says, “Be not deceived, evil company corrupts good morals.” When we talk of having accountable partners we don't look for someone who imbibes in strong drink and drugs. We don't look for someone who curses or uses God's name in vain. We look for someone older, wiser and has the likeness of Christ in them. In the same manner, if we fall into the category of people who drink, do drugs, curse, etc. We cannot be considered someone who others might want to confide in. Jesus is our greatest example of what we look for in a friend and what friends might look for in us. So, what does that look like? Jesus was loving, compassionate, a help in times of trouble. He was faithful to all and a servant to everyone. He loves us despite our faults, condemns no one and draws us near to Him in all ways. If you don't have friends that bear these qualities, then you might want to rethink your relationship with them, lest you become like them. God may not punish wicked men like He did in the day of Moses, but He does say no sin goes unpunished. Always stay closer to God than you do your friends.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Give Thanks to the Lord

 

Give Thanks to the Lord

I Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

I know it is not Thanksgiving, but it is good to be thankful every day of the year.

No matter what our circumstance. It is good to find things that we are thankful for.

I am thankful that God created you and I.

I am thankful that the Holy Spirit dwells within all His children.

I am thankful for the mind of Christ who walks with us and talks with us in all that we do, morning till night.

I am thankful He watches over us and protects us through the night.

I am thankful for the children and grandchildren that God has loaned to me while I am still on earth.

I am thankful for my siblings.

I am thankful for my friends who hug me and hold me close to their heart. I am thankful for those who God places in front of me to help me or for me to help them. God is my strength, and my friends are my support.

I am thankful for my earthly possessions that God has provided for me and continues to see to my needs every day.

I am thankful for prayer opportunities.

What are you thankful for?

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

When God Moves, We Move

 

When God Moves, We Move

It was when the Israelites sinned that God made them dwell in the wilderness for forty years. God led the Israelites by a cloud that hovered over the tabernacle. When the cloud moved, they tore the tabernacle and their tents down. When the cloud rested, they set everything back up again. Sometimes they moved daily, sometimes they settled for a month. Other times they broke up camp and set up the same day. They never knew when God was going to move them or allow them to rest. They had to wait upon the Lord and be ready in a moment’s notice. Those who trusted in the Lord was comforted in the fact that God was always with them and would never forsake them. Those who did not trust in the Lord, rebelled and died in their sins.

Sometimes we humans get restless and try to speed up God’s timing or we jump the gun and do things our own way. Abraham and Sarah jumped the gun when they got tired of waiting on the Lord to bless them with a child. After all, God promised them a nation of children. Genesis 16. Their impatience led to discord in their lives.

When we trust in God’s direction and wait patiently for the answers to our prayers, God’s blessings overflow. When we make our own plans, they may seem to work for a time but in the end leads to confusion, discord and sometimes lack of trust in God. We forget our choices is what made us end up there in the first place.

“He who waits on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 RSV.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Love the Lord Your God

 

Love the Lord Your God

Matthew 22:37 “And Jesus said unto him, Love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

Do we love the Lord with all our hearts? Do we love God with such a passion that we can’t help but share Him with everyone around us?

Do we Love the Lord with all our soul? Are we willingly saying to God, “I am yours, lead me in the path that you would have me go?

Do we love the Lord with all our mind? Are our thoughts near to God. Always on our mind?

Blessed be the Lord! He is our protector, our straight and narrow path, our refuge in times of trouble. He is our Father in Heaven!

Thanks, and glory to God for loving us as He does. Praise Him always.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

How Lost are we Without Christ?

 

How Lost are We Without Christ?

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of the Father in heaven.”

“Two men will be working in the field – one will be taken; one will be left behind.” Matthew 24:40. Which one will you be?  Here is a litmus test:

1.  1.   Do you put your job, family, friends or superstitions before God?

a.     Or do you wake up with God on your mind and think of Him all day long, praising and loving Him?

2. 2.    Do you speak angry, filthy words? Do you tell lies or gossip?

a.     Or do you speak with kindness, compassion and truthfulness?

3.   3.  Do you follow your plans carefully laid out for yourself, then watch them fall apart at the last minute?

a.     Or do you follow the path God directs you on, receive blessing after blessing? Do you have that kind of faith and trust in God?

Where will you be when Christ comes on His white horse to collect all His followers? If your answer was (a) to all the above, then most assuredly by the grace of God you will be the one taken into Christ’s arms. Unless we have a relationship with Christ and we follow His example in caring for others then I’m afraid those who don’t will be left behind.

John 14:6 “No man come unto the Father except through Christ.”

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Burdens We Bear

 

The Burdens We Bear

Joanna Weaver wrote a book called "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.” In her book she tells a story of a man who is talking to God. While talking, God gives him an assignment asking him to carry three stones to the top of the mountain. The man is very willing and starts up the hill rejoicing. Along the way he comes to a village and a man stops him and asks him to carry a rock to the top for him. The first man agrees and continues up the hill. Now he has three stones and a rock making the load heavier but bearable. He soon comes to another village where a friend asks him to take a bag of pebbles with him. Still, the load seems heavier but not uncomfortable. As he journey’s he makes stop after stop, filling his wagon. Soon the load becomes unbearable, and he begins to blame God for giving him a burden too heavy to carry. He cries out to God, saying he cannot carry the burden any longer. God then appears and looks over the wagon. He tosses out rock after rock and pebble after pebble. God tells him to “Let others shoulder their own belongings because when you are weighted down with all these cares, you cannot do what I have asked.”

I have, for lack of space, shortened this story but wanted to share it with you because at this time of the year it is extremely easy to be bogged down with too much to do. I have found in my own life that I have placed what is least important ahead of what is most important. Serving the Lord is most important. We must focus on what God asks us to do and let the cares of the world, not be our cares. Let God handle the cares of the world.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

The Air We Breathe

 

The Air We Breathe

“This is the air I breathe, this is the air I breathe, Your Holy presence living in me.” (the first verse of Breathe by Marie Bennet)

In Genesis 2:7 it reads, “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.”

There are so many things in our life that we barely notice. The air that we breathe comes directly from God. Without it we would be dead, lifeless beings. We need to give God thanks that we are alive. God’s breath dwells within us. He is a living, vital part of our life. The words we speak, the sounds we make (whistling, snoring, etc.) come from God. How do we show appreciation to God for such a thing as air? If we lack air and need oxygen, we can become desperate for air. Like the song goes on to say, “ And I..I’m desperate for You.. and I…I’m lost without You.” Each and every one of us are here because of God and like it or not, His breath lives within us. God tells us in so many ways how to use our air. Not expending our air with angry words or cuss words but to speak with kindness and with songs of praise to God. We must become desperate for God as we are for the air we breathe. We are indeed lost without God. May the breath you breathe shine forth with a Christ-like, Godly Spirit. “In His hand is the life of every creature the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

How Awesome is God?

 

How Awesome is God?

When we think about how awesome God is, we tend to look back over the miracles that Jesus did while here on earth. How He turned the water into wine. How He raised the little girl and Lazarus from the dead. How He healed the woman with the issue of blood and the lame to walk and the blind to see. But what about how awesome God is today?

How He makes the dew glisten and looks so soft and inviting and when it dries the grass is still soft. Only God can create the morning dew. Then there is the person who has been cured of cancer or the heart patient who no longer struggles with heart trouble. I have heard of people having tumors and after much needed prayer they go to see the doctor and to his amazement the tumor has disappeared. There are good doctors in our land, but God has the final say and only He can put a stamp of approval on our lives with that kind of miracle.

I often ponder over the miracle of sleep. How does that happen? I know there are sleeping pills (which I don’t take) that aid in getting a person to sleep but is it the pill that actually does it or is it God saying it is time to sleep? I know I have laid still many a night trying to force myself to sleep. It just doesn’t happen. I believe that only God has that power and our responsibility is to “let go and let God”. Giving our problems, our thoughts to God is letting go and allowing God to do His best and He will give us rest. Praise God for His awesomeness!

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Blessed are You Among Women

 

Blessed are You Among Women

“Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.” Luke 1:28. Wow! To have an angel of the Lord come to you and say that is absolutely amazing! These words were said to Mary the mother of Jesus. In Luke 1:46 & 47 Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Have you ever thought about how precious you are in God eyes? Look at all the beauty around you. All the many colors. Then look at the friends God has given to you and the people that surround you when you are at church or any other gathering. The people God puts in our path is because God trusts you to love and care for them as much as He loves and cares for you. Did you get that! God loves and cares for you! Does that very thought make your soul magnify the Lord and your spirit rejoice in God?

It does mine, I am so happy to be a child of God and to know that He chose me and has called me to care for those around me and even to you who read this blog. It makes me want to sing praises to God! If you don’t realize this then go back to the scriptures. It is full of God’s love and grace and mercy. What can we do without God? Absolutely nothing! Rejoice in the Lord, even through your sufferings because He has something great in store for you!

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

Was Christ's Sacrifice Worth it?

 

Was Christ’s Sacrifice Worth it?

The book of Matthew describes how the people stripped Jesus and put a crown of thorns on His head. They spat on Him, they ridiculed Him, they beat Him, and lastly, they hung Him on the cross naked. Everything that was done to Jesus, all the cruelty, was it worth it? Do we as followers do anything to make Jesus’ sacrifice worth it? We have such a sinful nature, and we live in a sinful world. When I hear about all the bad things that happen in this world, I can’t help but ask, what Jesus did for all of us, including you and me, was it worth it? What do I do with my life to make Jesus’ sacrifice mean what it is meant to be? We should all be asking ourselves this question. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19.

Do you see? Only those who enter the kingdom of heaven will make Jesus’ death worth it. If we are Christians and we have a relationship with Jesus, then we are also following this commandment. We are out in this sinful world bringing others to Christ. Without doing so, Christ’ death was for nothing. If you haven’t taken up the cross to follow Jesus, now is the time to do so before it is too late.

Please read the scriptures listed, study them, apply them to your life and grow in the saving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior.

For more posts like this, go to: https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.