Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good, Be Good

 

Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good, Be Good

Step 1 – Do you look good? Are you trying to lose weight or wishing for a make-over? Let me ask this. Who do you want to look good for? Is it your spouse, your friends and family, yourself? Might I suggest you do it for God. We should want to look good for God. He is our spouse, our best friend. He gave us our looks. No, we will never be perfect but if we focus our weight loss or make-over on doing it for God then the steps will come. We can ask God for help but if we’re not doing it For Him, it will be harder in the long run. Doing it for Him will help you cut out sweets, pastas and spuds. You will focus more on meats, vegetable and fruits and you will get weight loss and a better complexion!

Step 2- Maybe you want to feel better. All kinds of ailments can cause our bodies, our minds, and our spirits  to feel sluggish. We just want to rise up out of this tired slump, but we feel dragged down to the point of no return. Who do we want to feel better for? Certainly, for ourselves, but is our family and friends suffering right along with us? Why not focus on feeling better for God. After all, God is to be praised for our bodies, our total being. Let’s  start off with praising God and being good stewards of our health. We got our bodies looking good, we feel better for the weight we lost but there is still that lingering Arthritis, diabetes, depression, etc. Feeling better for God will cause us to exercise the proper fitness plan benefitting the ailment. And soon our praise to God will be genuine because Hallelujah, we feel better!

Steps 3 & 4 in my next post.

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

Two Types of Listeners

 

Two types of Listeners

The following is a direct quote from the late Dr. Charles Stanley:

“When it comes to spiritual truth, a person is either a purposeful listener or a passive one. Purposeful listeners attend church each week expecting the Lord to do something new in their lives. They put into practice what they learn. Passive listeners may enjoy a sermon but have no intention of applying what was taught. Although church attendance might be part of their lives, they fail to grow spiritually.”

“My friend, God will direct your life if you are willing to listen submissively. When things are falling apart, there is nothing more reassuring than hearing Him say, “My child, nothing takes me by surprise. I’m going to guide you through this. Let me strengthen you for the challenges that lay ahead.” Nothing in this world can compare to hearing God’s voice. The Sovereign Lord of the Universe holds all power; He has the resources to meet every need you have. Don’t you want to walk closely with Him? You can do just that simply by willing to listen.”

Hearing the word doesn’t help much if it stops with just hearing. The Bible has so many examples of how important it is to do the will of the Lord.

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

Why Go to Church?

 

Why Go to Church?

Do you go to church? Do you know why you go to church? I often wonder why some people go to church. I look around and I see people texting on their cell phones, people are having conversations among each other, or they are going in and out to use the bathroom, to smoke or just to be going out. So why did they bother coming? Is it because they have friends they want to see, or maybe they just want to be seen so they can honestly say they go to church. Maybe they feel guilty if they don’t go. Church is a sacred place where I as a sinner can go and be taught the life Christ would have me live. I am by far not perfect and I am no better than the rest of the people in church. When I am in church, I believe that every song, every word preached is spoken to me. I am there because I love God, and I respectfully sit and listen to Him. I try my best not to let distractions deter me from what is important. There are times, however, the distractions are so numerous that it is hard for me to concentrate on what God has to say to me. Those days I left the church building feeling empty. Wondering why I even bothered going. We, the church, being many bodies gathering together in one place should be mindful of ourselves and each other. Our Salvation depends on what God has to say to us and the sharing of being like-minded in one place is important. Our only need during worship service is to be spiritually filled with God’s love and grace. All else is nonessential. Please pray with me that we become more devoted to God and less of self.

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

Respect and Reverence in Church

 

Respect and Reverence in Church

Growing up in church my sisters and I were raised to be still and listen to God’s Word. We were taught that church is where we go to learn to love one another and to go out and spread the Good News. Nowadays, it appears that a movie theater has more reverence than the sanctuary of a church.

The question is, where is our focus? Is it on God’s Word? Do we sing from the heart and listen to the praise we are singing to God? When the sermon begins, are we focusing on the words God is placing on our hearts? If our focus is on what is for lunch, what are we doing after church, or anything not pertaining to the worship, then we are not focusing on God. We are not worshiping in a manner pleasing to God. For just one hour, our attention should be totally on God and giving Him the respect that He deserves. My prayer is that you and I strive harder to show respect and reverence to God, to not only honor Him in church but in all that we say and do, wherever we are.

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that I will seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4

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

Jesus is My Husband

 

Jesus is My Husband

Jesus is my husband. He loves me like no other. He is always faithful. He listens when I speak. He answers all my questions. He cuddles me when I cry. He won’t ever walk out on me. He is a good Father to my children. I can trust Him with all the decisions of my life. I can trust Him to be honest with me and tell me what I need to know. There is no better friend to me than Jesus. I can see Him wherever He goes, He is in all His handiwork. He is the greatest artist I know. He provides for me even in the worst of times. He clothes me with salvation. He lets me rant and rave and He still loves me. He comforts me when I am afraid. He allows me to grieve for those who have gone on before me and reminds me that there is still hope and someday, I will see those who have gone on to live in the heavens with Him. He cheers me up when I am sad. He makes me laugh through blessings and sometimes even sorrows. What more can I ask for? He doesn’t just fit into part of my life. He is in every part. He is everything to me and I LOVE HIM!

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

Loving as God Loves You

 

                                        Loving as God Loves You

Isn't it great that when God looks at us, he doesn't see our inadequacies? He doesn't see our crooked teeth, wobbly legs, shaky hands. He doesn't notice the scars on our body or the lisp in our speech. When he looks at you and me, he sees something special, he sees our heart and the way we look at each other. He told the disciples to go out and teach the nation and to love others as Jesus loves us. Jesus lays no condition on His love for us. We are His and He knows each of us by our name. He has called us to follow Him and to reach out to others and bring them with us. We are the apple of God's eye. We are blessed to be called His child. God gives us everything we need and sometimes more than we asked for. He is our protector and provider. We fit into the palm of His hand and he cradles us daily. He walks with us wherever we go and if we listen we can hear His voice. He is interested in everything we do or say. Take today that He has given to you and return it to him with much gladness and joy. We are the caretakers of all that He has given to us, even the people come into our lives. Let us not look at their fault but look to their needs and love them as Jesus loves us.

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

Compassion for the Underdog

 

Compassion for the Underdog

Romans 12:16-18 “Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

We are fortunate that God did not make us alike. We encounter people from all walks of life. There are gifted people who excel above others yet cannot grasp the simple things. There are average people who struggle with good and bad choices. There are mentally challenged people who have a heart of gold and a sweet disposition but tend to be bullied by others.  Then there are autistic people who have trouble with changes. The one thing we have in common is we were all created by God and we are extremely loved by God. He made us all different, but He loves us each the same.

God does not judge us for our looks, our nationalities, our deformities or our mental status. Neither should we.  We were all created equally, thereby not making one person better than the other. Even people who serve in a higher station than we, are no more or less human than we. Even the homeless are no more or less human than we. Instead of looking at appearances or job titles, we should be looking at others as God looks at them. He sees the heart and knows us as His masterpiece.

Let us love one another and show kindness to each other. “Judge not lest you be judged. Matthew 7:1

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's Plans

 

God’s Plans

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The bigger picture includes both you and me, we are part of God’s plan. That gives us a much broader focus, not just for me, but for all of us. God’s plan is for us to glorify Him and to reach out with encouragement and prayer to all those we encounter.  Relying on Him to touch others’ hearts and souls so that they can glorify God also. When we do our part in God’s plan, He then, in turn will do His part in the plans He has for us. If you feel like your prayers are not being heard or answered, then ask yourself, “Am I doing my part in God’s plan? Ask God if there is something in your life that you may or may not be doing that is keeping your prayers from being answered.

Know this that God loves you unconditionally and our lives have a special purpose that only we can fulfill.

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.

People in our Life

 

People in our Life

What a glorious time to rejoice! Think of all your friends and family. Think of all the acquaintances you make daily. Think of the people who have come into your life that irritated you to no end. Those people are the ones we say we can do without, but obviously, God didn’t think so. Everyone who comes into our life, whether it be for a minute or a lifetime, is part of us. We were all created by the same hands. They are there for a purpose.

When the Israelites rebelled against God with their idolatry, God gave them over to Egypt and Ethiopia. God used them to discipline the Israelites. When His people turned back to God, He then disciplined Egypt and Ethiopia.

Is there someone in your life today that God may be using to discipline you? Think about it, there may be a lesson to be learned by the person you are having hard dealings with. Ask God for clarity so you can learn this lesson. Turn to Him and He will soon discipline the person who is bothering you. God tells us, “Though we walk through deep waters and through the fire, He will never leave us or forsake us.” Isaiah 43:2 paraphrased. I praise God for all the people who come into my life, both to bless me and discipline me because through God I will become stronger because of them. Being more Christ-like is what we strive for each day.

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.

Approaching the Throne of God

 

Approaching the Throne of God

How many times do we go to the throne room of God and place our self at Jesus’ feet? Do you see God on the throne, Jesus at His right side, and the Holy Spirit lifting you up so that you can share your concerns with Him. Are you totally committed to saying what needs to be said? Or do you find yourself temporarily leaving to run an errand, to decide on a grocery list, to plan out tomorrow? Whatever it is, we have just left the throne room. I’m not saying it is easy to stay focused in our prayers. I suffer from the same dilemma. What I am saying is that we must try harder to give ourselves totally over to our prayers. God doesn’t want bits and pieces of us. He wants ALL of us. We would never call a friend on the phone and say, “just a minute, I need to get my run around the block in, and I will get back to you.” I am sure that friend would not like that at all. I don’t think God likes it either. I do say though, that God is more understanding and He does allow us our weaknesses. But still He probably wouldn’t want to be dismissed any more than the friend on the phone. We may not see or hear His physical being or voice, but He is nevertheless there and promises to remain there if we remain there also.  When we go to the throne of God in prayer, let us stay in His presence and fellowship with Him. He is ready and willing to hear everything we have to say and to tell us what we need to know. God never leaves us, but we tend to stray away from Him in our prayers.

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

Leaving Your First Love

 

Leaving Your First Love

Rev. 2:2-4- “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and you have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”

If we claim to be a good parent, a good mate, a good sibling, a good child and we do not have the love for Jesus in our hearts we count as nothing. God is more interested in our relationship with His Son Jesus that He is with our talents or our struggles we have on a day-to-day basis. We must step outside of our self and focus on God’s love. Loving God is our priority. When we do that then all other things fall into place. Then we will become the best parent, the best mate, the best brother or sister, the best child and the best friend to all those we encounter. Whatever our ministry in life is, we mut be sure it is to glorify God and not our selves. It is the Love of God that sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for us. It is our Love for God that draws us to glorify Him in all that we say and do. Jesus should be our First Love in all things; before our family, before sports, before our jobs and anything else. To learn more about how we are to Love, read I Corinthians 13. It is our guide to be more like Jesus.

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.

When All the World is Against Us

 

When all the World is Against us

In Isaiah 36 and 37 the Assyrians came to take Hezekiah and his people captive. King Sennacherib had bragged about how he had taken all the other nations and cities. He tells the people of Jerusalem that they are no match for him, that their God cannot stop him. King Hezekiah was a man of faith and knew differently. When faced with a problem, he first took his worries to God. Hezekiah could have said “the whole world is against me, I am undone.” He could have given up that very minute and surrendered him and his people over to Kingston Sennacherib. He didn't though, he trusted and believed in the God almighty. Even though all the odds were against him he knew that God would take the matter in hand and take care of it. John 16:33 says “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” In Romans 8:31 it says, “if God before us, who can be against us.” When we are overwhelmed with problems around us, who do we rely on? Do we rely on self and try to fix things on our own or do we like, Hezekiah, take our problems to the Lord? Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When God took the Assyrians in hand, an Angel came forth and destroyed 185,000 men. If God can handle Hezekiah’s problems, don't you think he can handle yours? Put your faith and trust in God, He wants you to lay your burdens down at His feet. He wants to conquer all those problems that are overwhelming you. All we have to do is ask. He is forever faithful!

“The Lord is my strength and shield, my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7

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.

Contentment

 

Contentment

 I think one of the hardest things in life is to be content with what we have or who we are. If we are not content with what we have and who we are, how can we be content with God? Think about it, when we are not content, don't we ask questions like- why God? What are you waiting for? Now think about this. Every aspect of our life belongs to God. He has given us everything that we have. We belong to God. Isn't it selfish to ask for more? Do we really think it is all about me? How does my wants and needs glorify God? It is not about what God can do for us, but about what we can do for God. I want to let go of myself and praise God for all that he has given me. I want to glorify God through my actions, through my deeds. I don't want people to see me, but to see God in me. God will fulfill my want and needs in His time if I am willing to glorify Him and trust in His love and promises for me. I pray for that contentment in my life and for all who want to share in it to God's glory.

We live in a want now world. It is programmed into us, but when we die, we can't take it with us. It's all in vain. Only God sees the bigger picture. Sometimes those with the least are the most content.

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

Lead Me to the Cross

 

Lead Me to the Cross

Have you ever thought of the words “Lead me to the cross?” I heard a song with those words, and it got me to thinking that if I were a witness to Christ’s Walk up Golgotha, if I were to see his body having been beaten and all bloody; to see Him struggle to carry the cross and then be dragged up the hill, how would I be? Would I just be a curious onlooker or would I be one of the mockers to taunt Him to save Himself? No, I believe with all my heart, knowing that I love Jesus that I would want to follow Him and stay with Him until the end. But would I have the strength to do so? I know my heart would be breaking, I would feel too weak to walk on my own. Someone would have to lead me, or better yet, carry me to the cross. I wonder how Mary had the strength to go all the way up the hill behind her son. To witness the cruelty Jesus suffered. I can’t imagine watching my child go through something so horrendous. It’s bad enough when we sit by a loved one whose life is slowly stepping away from us. To know that Mary, Mother of our Savior had the strength to go on gives me comfort in knowing that only through the strength of God could she have made it up that hill. God offers that strength to us too as we walk through our daily lives. He is forever with us, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Without Jesus we aren’t able to walk through all this life has to offer.

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

The Case for Christ

 

                                            The Case for Christ

If you know of someone who does not believe the Bible is true. If you know of someone who claims to be atheist or agnostic, then here I will suggest a book for you. Lee Strobel has written several books in his search for truth. Lee was at one time a self-proclaimed atheist. When his wife became a Christian, it inspired him to do research in answer to his many questions. You probably have had many questions or doubt yourself. There is nothing wrong with that as God tells us to “seek and ye shall find.” Matthew 7:7. Many of his questions are indeed deep and worthy of asking. His works have certainly answered my questions and once I got started reading them, it was hard for me to put them down. The ones that I have read are “The Case for Christ” and “The Case for faith. He has another one that I'm looking forward to reading, it is “The Case for Creation.” These books are well worth the read and will help you in your quest for truth enjoy them then share them. God be with you.

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

What Do we Say to the Sufferer?

 

What Do we Say to the Sufferer?

Many people are suffering today, and we who are not suffering are lost for words. How can a person know how another person feels in their suffering without entering that person’s body and mind? Sometimes our very presence is more of a comfort to a person than any words spoken. Most of us have experienced the death of a loved one. We have all suffered in many ways to the same degree but to each of us individually it is different. What may look to us as a horrendous amount of pain to one may be looked at as a great blessing to others who experienced the shame and suffering. For every source of pain and suffering can come an unexpected blessing. One may say to another, “I don’t know how you managed through your pain; I would have fallen apart.” Sometimes we just do not know how strong we are until we have gone through trials of pain and sorrow. Jesus Christ is the only one who can say he suffered as we suffered. He suffered rejection and ridicule. He suffered loneliness, He suffered abuse and He suffered death on the cross for us. His presence is always with us. He is our source of strength. Jesus’ words are a great comfort to us, but knowing He is with us and will never leave us is a blessing that compares to none other.

Those who have gone before us, that belong to Christ, are now seeing Him face to face and would not desire to return to us. We rejoice that our loved ones are safe in the arms of Jesus.

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

His Mercies are New Every Morning

 

His Mercies are New Every Morning

Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”

Since God’s love and compassion are constantly renewed, we are provided a fresh start each morning.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old things have passed away, behold all things become new.”

Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” The operative word is “have”. We have all sinned at one time or another but unless you are at this moment sinning, you are not a sinner. Christ died to take away your sins. He saved you by His grace.

Every morning you are faced with the choice of being one with God or following your own ways.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, think on these things.”

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.

The Gift of Jesus

 

The Gift of Jesus

Jesus the Greatest gift of all! He is our shelter in times of need. He is our comfort when we are cold. He is the food that fills our hunger for more. Most of all He is the love of our life that died for us and was raised again so that we can be with Him always even to eternity. Jesus is the reason for all seasons.

We think of Christmas, birthdays, Anniversaries, baby showers, bridal showers  when we think of gift giving. But do we think of everyday being a gift to us? We are showered with blessings from heaven every day of our life. We tend to forget that when things go awry in our life. We see the struggles, trials and tribulations but we forget to count our blessings. We cannot see the good things that are occurring right before our eyes. Every morning, we wake up to a beautiful day whether it is raining, sunshining or snowing. It all depends on our outlook. It is up to us individually to decide what this day will do for us. Do we face it head-on and count our blessings, or do we live under our circumstances and let it bear us down?

Joshua 24:14-15 “…Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served…whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Use today as a gift, not only to yourself but to others. Share the gift of Jesus and count your blessings.

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

Psalm 121

 

Psalm 121

“I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from there comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; He that keeps you will not slumber nor sleep, behold He that keeps Israel shall not slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade upon the right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore.” Psalm 121

This scripture is meant to remind us that God is with us every step of the way and he will watch over us. Day and night. Always and forever. Be vigilant in serving the Lord as He will help tend to your needs and those who you tend to. Praise God for His everlasting presence in our life!

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.

Roller Coaster Ride

 

Roller Coaster Ride

Have you ever been on a roller coaster ride? I remember as a child I went on a roller coaster ride and decided right then and there that I won’t ever do that again. If you have been on a roller coaster you will know what I mean when I say that all the scenery around becomes blurry. You cannot focus on a single thing. When the ride begins to slow down, things begin to take shape and are less blurry until finally the ride stops, and all is in focus once again. While on the ride there is nothing to do but accept its motion and be patient for it to end.

Today, we don’t know how to accept the motion of life and rest in the moment. We dwell on past mistakes, and we stress about the future. When life becomes a roller coaster ride, it is hard to focus on the One who gives us each moment. If you take care of a loved one who has health issues, then you could have hope one day and the next it seems dismal. If our hope isn’t based on our trust in God, then it can be a seemingly unending struggle.

We don’t know what the future holds and should not be presumptuous about our future without acknowledging God’s will. Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

John 14:13-15 “…You do not know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

God’s grace has always been proven sufficient in the wild rides of life.

 

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.

Jesus is the Way

 

Jesus is the Way

John 14:6 “Jesus saith, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no man cometh unto the Father except by Me.”

If Jesus is the Way, shouldn’t we be following Him?

If Jesus is the Way, shouldn’t we do as He does?

If Jesus is the Way, shouldn’t we do as He says?

If Jesus is the Way, shouldn’t we believe as He believes?

Jesus walked on earth, following all of God’s directions, He was compassionate, He healed the sick, He spoke God’s truth. He believed in God as the one and only true God.

He was God’s child and so are we. We are called to walk, as Jesus walked. When we follow the life He lived on earth, how He loved and gave all of Himself, there’s no way that a heart, life wouldn’t be opened, touched, and changed by it. Jesus came to not only show us the Way but to Be the Way. By His death and Resurrection, He saved us from our sins, then left us the Holy Spirit so He can live out His life through us.

My prayer is that each one of us strive to be more like Jesus and live our life in Christ-like obedience to the one and only God.

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 are Our Expectations?

 

What are our Expectations?

Sometimes we find that people will snub other people because they don’t add up to their expectations. They expect others to be more like them. Maybe they believe others should believe as they do are act as they do. Maybe they believe others should do as they say because they feel they are superior to others.

What would Jesus do? He did not snub others even though He was the Son of God. And we are like sheep who have gone astray. He never turned anyone away. He sat and ate with the prostitutes and tax collectors. He beckoned little children to come to Him. He told all those who are weary and heavy burdened to come to Him. He even went as far as dying on the cross to save us from our sins. You and me, sinners who need God and His teachings. Sinners who need each other and the comfort we could share. Whenever we look at others, whether they are dressed nicely or poorly, whether they live in mansions or in the slums, we must consider all are the creations of God and with our help they can become children of God. Not one of us is more important than the other. God knows your weaknesses as well as mine yet He loves us equally. We should do the same with all who come our way. Who knows that God didn’t put that person in your life for a purpose.

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

Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword

 

Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword

In Revelation 13:10 it says, “He who kills by the sword, must die by the sword.” This verse has been taken both literally and symbolically. It has been referred to different aspects of our life. For instance, we can say if we live by alcohol, we will die by the alcohol. We know that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage. Same with drugs, smoking, illicit sex, which all can lead to disease and harmful side effects to our lives, marriages, etc. It can also be looked at in the aspect of John 1:1. “In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” In other words, if we live by the Word, we shall die by the Word. The Word of God is what we should live by and when we do, we shall die with the Word in our heart. When we die by the Word, we die to the flesh and live to the Spirit. Jesus told His disciples in John 6:63 that “the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life.” It would do us good to look to ourselves and ask if we live by earthly desires, etc. we shall die by that. Only one answer leads to salvation and a place in the heavenly kingdom.

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.

 

 

Doing Business with God

 

Doing Business with God

In Isaiah 7 God wants to do business with King Ahaz to save the nation from becoming captives to the Assyrian Army and to save their land from desolation. King Ahaz, however, does not want to do business with God. He wants to do things his way. He feels he can rely on the support of the Syrian King to help him out of this mess. But God uses the treacherous King of Syria to punish King Ahaz for wanting to do things his way. In other words, He let King Ahaz do things his way, but it backfired on him in that the Syrian King made them his slaves.

Even today, we struggle between doing business with God and doing business with man. Psalms 118:8 “It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Things will always backfire on us or come to destruction when we do things our way instead of God’s way. Every thought we have, every decision we make, every move we make should be consulted with God before it happens. He will direct our path, make our decisions for us and all will come out good for those of us who Love the Lord and trust Him.

Our paths are made straight when we look to Him for direction and guidance.

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.

The Apostle Paul

 

The Apostle Paul

Paul spent his life arresting Christians and having them executed, both men and women. He did this on a daily basis; he stood there as the apostle Paul Stephen was stoned. It wasn't until God met him on the road to Damascus that he was blinded (Acts 22) and later received his sight and understanding of all that he had done. In first Corinthians 15:9 Paul stated that he was the least of the apostles and not fit to be called an apostle because he persecuted the church of God. In first Timothy 1:15 he states that he was the chief of sinners. To me, this means that he was the worst sinner, worse than Hitler, worse than any assassin or criminal on earth, worse than you and me. Yet, Paul received God's forgiveness and stated in verse 14 that the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant. He didn't receive God's grace and increments, a little at a time. He received it in abundance.

Whenever a crisis happens in our life, it is God's grace that grows us. When we think we have hit rock bottom, it is God's grace that strengthens us. When we feel unworthy to be forgiven of our sins, it is God's grace that perfects us. Whenever there is a change that is needed in our life, it is God's grace that changes us. We, like Paul can willingly receive God's grace in abundance and should equally be gracious to those who have wronged us.

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.

He is the First and the Last

 

He is the First and the Last

He is the keeper of creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of times.

He always was, He always is, and He will always be.

Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never undone!

He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain!

He was persecuted and brought freedom!

He was dead and brought life! He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand Him, the armies can’t defeat Him, the schools can’t explain Him, Hitler couldn’t silence Him. The new age can’t replace Him.

He is light, love, longevity and Lord. He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful and pure.

His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Savior! He is my Joy. He is my guide, and He is my Peace!

He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, The power of the powerful.

The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, nor forsake me, Never mislead me, Never forget me, Never overlook me and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book.

When I fall, He lifts me up! When I fail, He forgives! When I am weak, He is strong! When I am lost, He is the way! When I am afraid, He is my courage! When I am hurt, He heals me!

He is the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End! He is God, He is faithful, I am His and He is mine!

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