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.