Today I received this message below as a response to a Facebook wall post made by my good friend Thomas J "Capn Dawg 1" Shea. My good friend whom I have come to respect as a genuine Christian to the core. He never fails to amaze me.
Unbeknownst to CD1 today had been a really tough day for me. Trials had been happening all week and with each successive day this week the trials kept getting more serious. Today's trials were hands-down the most toughest out of all the ones we've struggled with recently. Just before logging into Facebook I found myself grappling with why??
I had been praying prior to this and lo and behold there is CD's post. I knew it was God and that He was reaching down to comfort and assure. As a Christian I know too well the importance of being "refined" and that it is a process we all go through to become more sold out to God as well as to learn reliance completely on Him through our toughest moments.
All along this week I kept thinking "higher level..BIGGER DEVIL.." but today I was reminded "BIGGER DEVIL..even BIGGER GOD!".
Yes life may come at you from all directions and yes we all go through those times when all we can do is hold on tight to God. I knew upon reading what CD shared that there was no doubt I would share this. In fact CD asked me to. I want to thank CD again for sharing this and at the opportune time he did as it was truly inspired by God and helped when nothing else could.
My hope is that this in some way also reaches someone who needs it and at the opportune time as well. Just know one thing God always is there..even in those storms of life. Those storms of life make us what we are. By passing through a refiner's fire..though painful..we are better for it and a true vessel of Him. Just hang on...He's truly there. I know 1000 per cent as below is my testimony of His love for me as well as His love for you too!
"Brenda...Received this from cpt_mac a few minutes ago-use it!.........."
Malachi 3:3 says:
"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says:
"He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver."
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"
He smiled at her and answered,
"Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it."
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, The Lord is my God. ~Zechariah 13:9~
Because he has set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he has known My Name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My Salvation.
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.
~Prov 20:19~
When I was in junior high school while in class one day; our teacher, Mrs. Lobo, stood before us and said I want to tell you a secret. I will share it with the first person who will pass my secret on to the next person and so on until everyone in the room has heard this "secret". There were around 30 students in my class that day if I recall correctly. I was in the first row towards the back. I think I was the 5th person to hear Mrs. Lobo's "secret".
The secret I heard was: "I am attending a wedding this weekend. I will be a part of it as a maid of honor". The secret "spread" around the class with each person turning around in their desk to whisper it into the ear of the person behind them. Before long it had "spread" to all 30 odd students.
At the end of this lesson of sorts or activity; Mrs. Lobo asked the last student to stand and say what they had heard. The "secret" by then had become "Mrs. Lobo is pregnant and will have a baby in 6 months!"
After we had a good laugh Mrs. Lobo then said my "secret" was: "My sister is getting married Saturday, my family from Mexico is coming down for the event".
Can you imagine if this was not a game and people were actually spreading rumors about you? The above was an exercise to show the power of the brain and how we interpret information. If a person were inclined to interpret information in a negative way and spread the information it could do a lot of damage. It can cost people relationships. It can cause problems at work. It has cost careers. It also can cause health problems as well for people who suffer as a result with the outcome being depression and anxiety. In general spreading gossip about others can do more harm than good.
Gossip in and of itself is something that is not favored by the Lord, We read in Matthew 15:19: “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." Here The Lord equates it with serious sins like murder. In Proverbs we read "The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin" (Proverbs 13:3) which shows that by watching your words and actions you breathe life into a situation and not more problems.
In 1 Timothy 5:13 we read "And with they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." which shows that gossip comes more out of idle time and minds than anything and that by spreading rumors you are doing something that you shouldn't be doing.
The word of God is clear on this subject. As Christians we should pay heed to try not to fall victim to this ages old practice. It is human nature to want to share news of loved ones and wonderful friends. But when it crosses a clear boundary of openly talking about a person's life then passing this information on you are doing more damage than good. That's when it becomes a non Godly practice.
The Bible says our words amongst each other should be supportive. Filled with breathing life and love into each other. Upbuilding and exhorting each other daily.
Hebrews 3:13: "But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21)
“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.(Proverbs 12:18)
As believers in Christ we can daily use our words to heal others and provide solace. strength and comfort. Each of us I am sure can recall a moment when we were struggling with something and a kind word did wonders to help us feel better and stronger. The tongue is small yet it holds much more power than any of our other body members. That power can be either for good or bad. Today let's choose for it to wield edifying power and not the power to hurt or devastate someone's life.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:1)
A well known speaker started off his seminar holding up a $20 note, in a room of 200. He asked "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said "I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumble up the $20 bill.
He then asked, "Who wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied " What if I do this?" and he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up now crumpled and dirty.
"Now who wants it?"
Still the hands went up into the air.
"My friends,we have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
Many times in ours lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.
We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value.
Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who DO LOVE YOU. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who we know, but by WHO WE ARE. You are SPECIAL .... Don't EVER forget it. Count your blessing, not your problems!!
~Author Unknown contributed to me by my friend Jennifer Faunce~
So many times in life we all at times feel devalued as if we aren't good enough. But in truth we are! We are more valuable actually than a thousand million $20 bills to God and to those who truly love us for who we are. In fact God loves us for the core of who we are and each day He shows that love in miraculous ways. Through the beauty of a sunrise. Through the love of family and cherished friends. Throughout our ups and downs in life we stay valued to Him. He loved us enough to sacrifice a lot more. Allow His love today to touch your life and minister to you.
You are valuable.
Psalm 63:3: Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:44.God has called His chosen, HE puts conviction in their heart making them repent, He put His Faith in them to cause them to believe & puts His Love in them to make them love Him & everyone with a godly love. Ephesians 1:3-4 ~Don Francisco~
Recently I shared with a friend my calling by The Lord to this blog ministry. Her reaction to it is so typical of similar reactions she has had with some ministers in general such as television ministers & others: " you have a demon spirit within you as you cannot be called by God since you aren't grounded in Scripture" she then proceeded to say "I could be wrong and may God forgive me if I am but that's my feeling about this".
For perhaps a millisecond I was taken aback. However the Spirit within me took it with love and I ended up embracing her thanking her for her thoughts.
I cannot help but think of one great man who in the Bible received a calling from God who was rather atypical by religionistic purposes also. Namely the Apostle Paul.
His conversion story found here at Acts 9:1-20 speaks of a man who was a persecutor of Christians! Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascas striking him blind. He was told to go to Damascas where he was there for 3 days before a Christian named Ananias appeared and through the power of Christ laid hands on him to restore his sight. Jesus had said to Ananias:
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
(Acts 1:15,16)
Saul the persecutor became the Apostle Paul. A man whose testimony and whose leadership reconciled Gentiles to Christ. Lots of them. A man still in high regard today as a significant minister for Christ and prophet.
Not that I am putting myself in the league of Paul per se but the idea is still the same. God chooses whom He calls even if they are not perfect and skilled in His Word and are still learning. God sees us far better and knows where His direction will lead.
Each of us have a gift or many that can be used for His glory. So if anyone tells you that you are not capable..think of Paul..think of Moses who had a speech impediment and feared at speaking publicly:
"And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before, nor since you have spoken unto your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."
~Exodus 4:10~
Yet Moses did speak and was the vessel used by God to liberate His people and to bring the Law unto them as well! Plus let's not forget through God's power his vessel parted The Red Sea!
Plus there are dozens and hundreds more I am sure. God has His purpose and one day His purpose will be fulfilled in you!
Below is a song that blew me away and spoke to me in volumes. Please take a moment to listen to Don Francisco's testimony and to the words of this song. Below is a solid segment of that testimony that speaks volumes more than anything else I could share myself. Don Francisco:
"There's nobody in this room tonight that God didn't choose or hand pick....one of the things we've learned as we've gone around is that the distinction in many of our religions, denominations or whatever you want to call it the distinction between laity and clergy is just nonsense.
The word laity comes from a Greek word that means "the nothings" God didn't call nothings. Every person in here is a son of God. Some of you are wearing female earth suits and some of you are wearing male earth suits..that's okay. But we're all sons of God.That's what the Scripture says : "In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither male nor female." That means the gifts of the Spirit are distributed without reference to gender.
You remember the story of when Peter and John went to pray? You probably even sung the song ya know. And they lifted that lame man up by the hand and said "In the name of Jesus Christ you are healed" Well you know the Sanhedrin called Peter and John before them and the Scripture says they took notice that "THOSE BOYS HAD BEEN TO SEMINARY!" No...that's not what they said...The Scripture says "they noticed that they had been with Jesus" they could tell...that's where the power comes from that's where the anointing comes from.. that's where the message comes from..it comes from spending time with Jesus.
I'm not knocking education don't misunderstand me; but lots of times we can come out with heads about this BIG and hearts about like this (blogger:picture a tiny pin prick hole) just tiny and hard. Jesus Has Chosen YOU and only YOU can know what He has chosen you to do. It's different from everyone else's calling. Your gifts are different. Your calling is different but it's just as real as anybody you might see up on a platform. Don't let anyone devalue it. In fact the first words you will probably hear any of you here that have tried to step out into your gifting and your calling the first words you probably heard are "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!!! JESUS??!! " Well no, not really I'm His brother...REALLY! yea really :) (Scripture that touches on this Matthew 12:46-50)
JESUS says "I've chosen you I BELIEVE in you even if no one else has ever believed in you. and I will ALWAYS BELIEVE in you."
LOVE the people who will try to devalue you. But don't let them do it! Stand up and say NO! I am not who you say I am. I am who JESUS says I am I am who my FATHER says I am. " "
~Don Francisco~
In truth it was revealed to me in 2005 by Jesus that I had an "anointing". It's taken me years to finally have the courage to step into that anointing. I am not hurt or bothered by my friend's assessment though. As Don says the only assessment I care about is His and as long as I listen to His promptings (which I have) then that's what matters. He has called me to speak of reconciling to Him and to teach of drawing closer to Him. Which is how I too am drawing closer as well. It's a blessing and labor of love. In short God has given you His gift He will definitely empower you with the means and Spirit to share that gift with others. To share His Love with the world.
"But Ruth answered, “Don’t force me to leave you. Don’t make me turn back from following you. Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and I will be buried there with you."
~Ruth 1:16,17~
One of the most loved Scriptures of all time is above. It's found in a pretty powerful story of loyalty, love, courage and Redemption in the Old Testament called Ruth
When I received the prompting to go and prepare something about Ruth I had no idea it would teach me the powerful stuff it would teach me. My first surface thoughts were I could relate to this Godly woman who shows fierce loyalty, sacrifice and courage.
But little did I know that the essence of the story itself would point towards a more Higher picture of the Savior Himself in the character of Boaz (the man who becomes Ruth's husband.) Also Ruth herself is the picture of who we are as we seek God. Plus Ruth's name itself means "mercy". An epitome of yet again our Lord.
As I researched it became pretty compelling. It's a beautiful narrative with a higher purpose that I would like to share today in this entry.
The story itself is a lovely inspiring one. It centers around two women : Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi. The story starts 10 years before when Naomi and her family had left Bethlehem. There had been a severe famine there. The clan in order to survive had migrated to the enemy territory of Moab. Once in Moab, Naomi's two sons would marry two local Moabitesses; Ruth & Orpah.
After some time Naomi's husband would pass away as would also her sons leaving her & eventually her two daughters-in-law widowed.
Left with no male providers; Naomi concerned for the welfare of her two daughters-in-law Orpah and Ruth; made a decision to send them home to their families rather than stay with Naomi who would be moving back to Bethlehem. As Naomi shares her decision; Ruth cries out in an impassioned speech:
“Don’t force me to leave you. Don’t make me turn back from following you. Wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and I will be buried there with you."
~Ruth 1:16,17~
Moved, Naomi relented allowing Ruth to stay. Eventually the clan & Ruth would migrate to Bethlehem.
For me this part is rather courageous as Ruth is moving rather far from her culture; her family and friends and everything known to her.
Can you imagine doing that? Leaving everything you know and entering a foreign culture, a place so alien to you where you know only a few people? Also a place you may encounter non-acceptance as it is an enemy area? That is exactly what Ruth did. Her decision in the end blessed not only her & Naomi but each of us as well. Which I will touch on in a bit.
After settling in Bethlehem; Naomi advised that Ruth should go to the fields of a local kins-men to them named Boaz to glean there. Israelite law demanded that the corners of the fields not be harvested. Any grain that was dropped was to be left for poor people, who picked it up and used as food (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19). This was called "gleaning". This would provide for Ruth and Naomi. Plus it would become a wonderful way for God to work His will as well.
One day while she was gleaning in his field, Boaz approached Ruth stating he had knowledge of her. He had heard of the decision she had made to come to Bethlehem with Naomi. He gave Ruth permission to glean his fields. He has a great deal of respect for Ruth going as far as to offer her protection while gleaning. The ideal position for a gleaner was right behind the harvesters, where one would be the first to pick up whatever stalks fall from the sheaves. However, a gleaner who followed too closely was vulnerable to rough treatment by the workmen. Moab had ordered his workers not to lay a hand on Ruth.
This is a huge victory for Ruth as firstly she is an alien and considered enemy in the area she now resides. Secondly, she is also child-less which is something that is frowned upon in their society. Thirdly, single widowed women in those times had very few options to survive. Perhaps prostitution, begging, being sold into bondage or to become the wife to her nearest male relative a term called kinsman redeemer. Boaz was spiritually astute enough to see the true virtue in Ruth and to look beyond the stereotypes of ethnicity; poverty and the stigma to eventually fulfill the role of kinsman redeemer.
Ruth shares all of this with Naomi who sees God's hand in this. Naomi knows that Boaz is a nearest male relative so Naomi urges Ruth to go to the threshing floor of Boaz's fields and to lie there beside him. Once he awakes she would offer herself to him in marriage which she does. Boaz states that there is a closer relative and that he would speak to this relative first & then sent some grain back with Ruth as proof of his interest in providing.
Boaz then approached this relative who opted out of taking Ruth as his wife. Fearing any children he would have with Ruth would inherit before his current offspring would. Plus he had some misgivings as well about Ruth being a Moabitess. To seal this decision the relative offered his sandal to Boaz to show Boaz could legally take Ruth as his wife. It was then that Boaz could take on the role of kinsman-redeemer to Ruth & his divinely appointed role in her life.
Upon marriage Naomi would also live with them as well. The reward for Ruth, Naomi and Boaz was a son named Obed who would become the grandfather of one of the most beloved Biblical kings; King David. (1 Samuel 16-31; 2 Samuel 1-24; 1 Kings 1:1-2:11; 1 Chronicles 11-29) and through this lineage (Matthew 1:1-17) they become direct ancestors to Jesus our true Kinsman Redeemer.
When you look at the sheer definition of kinsman Redeemer
He must be a Kinsman.
He must be Free himself.
He must be able to Pay the Price.
He must be Willing to pay the price.
This can be summed up as well to describe our Savior Jesus Christ.
As in Ruth's case we were all aliens. But for us it was to God through sin.(Genesis 3) The wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23) To provide a reconciliation to God and be freed from this penalty; we would need a Kinsman Redeemer.(John 1:29) who would offer Himself up as a Sacrifice for us. We needed someone free from the blemish of sin. Jesus became our sole option.
Through Christ we become reconciled to God.
"And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation"
(2 Corinthians 5:18)
We find forgiveness through accepting Christ as our Savior. As a reward we ALL become joint heirs and receive the ransom Sacrifice. (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:6)
Plus as in Ruth's name we find "mercy" and love (John 15:13)
We are no longer in "spiritual bondage" but are freed!
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
(Galatians 5:1)
Just as the purest love, grace and mercy shines in the book of Ruth so it does in the larger perspective of Jesus as the larger Boaz. This wonderful book foreshadows the depth of the love God has for each and every one of us. A love that should make us yearn to follow as Ruth was to Naomi.
God loved you enough to provide this miracle. What an amazing gift!
I remember too well the confusion when I became born again and re-dedicated. Having been in so many faiths and sects I found myself thinking "okay I accept you into my life. So how should I address you?"
In one faith I was taught that His name is Jehovah. Then in another faith I often addressed Him as either Eloheim or Heavenly Father. In the non denomination churches I attended He was Jesus. So, what's a girl to think?
At this point of re-birth I wasn't sure if I should call Him: Jesus, Father; Jehovah, Eloheim...God? As someone who sought a more profound relationship with my God I wanted to be able to address Him directly by name.
After a time of seeking an answer through prayer and Scriptures; the one thing I came to a realization of above anything is that He is GOD.
That whatever circumstance I approach Him He is still just...GOD.
That when I go to address Him I should address Him as reverently as possible.
A God who should be addressed as such: In faith. In pain. In need. In supplication. In reverence. In praise. In revelation. In Spirit In Truth.
He is GOD.
However longing to use a name I do find myself often calling Him Father. As He is after all my Father. I have called Him Jesus as He is after all my Savior, Redeemer and God. John 10:30 denotes both these names as Jesus says: "I and the Father are one.”
I've also used Jehovah Shalom a term of peace and reconciliation. I've used El Shaddai (God Almighty will provide) in moments of praise and worship. As well as the Name Lord Adonai which denotes majesty and which I use in my most reverent moments. Usually when I look at the beauty around me.
But no matter what names are used to address Him..at the end of the day..He is still..God. A God I am glad to say I worship.
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His ; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations."
As many of you know I have spent the past few years chronicling the journeys of people who have appeared on the CBS Television show "Survivor" notably Holly Hoffman and Benjamin "Coach" Wade. Spending the past few years blogging about these seasons helped me to understand that each season is like taking a journey especially if you are closely following someone. I can't help but now apply this symbolism to the stage I am at right now in my life which is a conscious decision to follow in the footsteps of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who is in all actuality the very epitome of the term "Survivor".
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (NIV)
My message today is simple He is our living God and He wants what is best for us. Are we truly taking the steps to take a "journey" with Him and in essence making the choice to "follow" Him?
I have always been a "believer" having grown up in a Christian based home or in a home where I was taught to believe in God and that Jesus is our Savior. I have always attended a faith of some sort. In fact I have attended many from Churches to sects.
But it was an experience that happened when I was 41 that has made me stop short to examine and realize an important truth. That just because you go through the rituals and attend doesn't necessarily mean you are following or even "know" the Savior Jesus Christ.
I would like to share an experience with you that made a big impression on me spiritually. It was definitely an eye opener!
When this experience happened I was attending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints faith (commonly termed Mormon.) I had been attending this faith off and on since I was 16 and was pretty much grounded firmly then in their faith. By this period I was a very active member of this Church holding leadership positions in the Women's Auxiliary group "The Relief Society" within my small Branch. Along with leaderships in the music areas as a Music Leader/Chorister and Single Adult Representative as well.
My whole life then was consumed to serving in every way I could the members of my Branch. Plus I will admit there was some ambition for higher callings as well. So when a friend who I had once served under in her tenure as a Relief Society President (as a teacher) asked me to support her in attending a different Church and might I add religion..I consented. Thinking okay I am grounded and will not be looking elsewhere myself. But that night while attending this Church in Redford, MI an experience happened that took me completely off guard. It changed a lot of how I perceive "walking with God".
While attending this service I was so lifted by the Spirit that was present there that when I went home that night and knelt down to pray I was amazed by what happened. The very presence of Christ centered itself into my small room and all around me that I found myself saying "nice to meet you!" It was so solid and so strong that I could not deny that it was Him. That He was real. That He was ready to accept me as His child. Plus I made the realization that even after all my years of Church, serving and going through the rituals that I had not really "met" Him or come to truly know God.
That moment was an eye opener. That even though you do everything that you feel that is asked of you : attend, serve and live the way your faith dictates. Do you really have a relationship with God? Are you truly "following" Him?
Recently as I remembered this it made me reflect on how I should worship Him and how I should give to Him all that I am and could be. To meet Him on a level where I can build a lasting relationship with Him. Not just acknowledge He is God but actually "know God".
I eventually left as an active member of the LDS faith and just a few months ago joined a new Church "Calvary Chapel Worship Center" and was baptized last June into a new life. In the end the LDS faith did not work for me and I am at peace with and love my new faith! Below are photos of my baptism. Myself with Pastor Andrea and two wonderful folks who assisted in my baptism!
It is so easy to allow the daily stuff of work, home and activities to draw our thoughts away from building a day to day walk. But to have that walk it must take that few minutes or set aside period to devote to Scriptures and to daily meditation. If you don't set aside the time the Spirit that is alive with in you or surely the relationship itself will grow cold and wither just like a plant that is not watered and not nurtured. God never turns aside from any of us instead it is us who place other things before our relationship with Him. He wants us to "meet" Him and "know" Him. To make time for building a relationship with Him. He wants us to "follow" Him. To place our complete faith, trust and lives in His hands. To take the "ultimate journey" that will define who we are through Him. A journey that if taken will truly liberate us as we grow to know Him.
That's what I have learned from my experience of years ago.
Just know one thing if you get anything else out of this blog: Please know that God loves YOU! He truly does! Enough to sacrifice His life and be resurrected (hence the truest Survivor!) so that we may be forgiven and one day live with Him. That through Him we may find strength though we are weak (2 Corinthians 12:9) Through Him we are liberated (John 8:31,32) He is truly our truest Friend (John 15:12-17)and seeks to have a relationship with us. But most importantly He is our God. (John 1:1,14; Philippians 2:5-8;) and wants us to daily commune with Him and acknowledge Him as God. He wants you to truly "know" Him.
Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
