Strength

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.". -Mahatma Gandhi
Originally uploaded by sherman padam

FORGIVENESS

How hard it is for us to forgive those we feel have transgressed against us. It takes a lot to forgive others or even ourselves. Do you know that unforgiveness can breed defeat in our minds? Many suicides are a direct result of our thoughts of how we have been treated. We often think the world has dealt us a raw deal or God is punishing us for something we did wrong when we go through afflictions.

But as I read and pray, I have come to understand that "Our trials come to make us strong." Contrary to what you might believe, afflictions help us to become more compassionate toward others and draw us closer to our heavenly Father.

This can only be fulfilled in our lives if we use the one who is the "plumbline" or "the cornerstone" for the building. We must line up with the WORD of GOD. Understand that Jesus was tempted as we are and feels all of our afflictions. He tells us that we are to take up our cross and follow Him.

Hebrews 12:3 tells us... "For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds." The battle is in the mind, not the heart. The heart is just an organ to support the functions of the body; but the mind is the battlefield between life and death.

We are overcomers by the words of our testimony. Our testimony is how we came through our trial in victory. Victory is making the most of the day that we have been given.

I've often heard a saying that I find much truth in: "Regret looks back; Worry looks around; but Faith looks up."

The Four Candles, Author Unknown

Pawnee Pink Sherbert Sunset
Originally uploaded by Fort Photo

The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their Ambiance was so soft you
could hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, "I Am Love and I haven't the strength to stay lit any longer." "People put me aside and don't understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them."And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly... A child enters the rooms and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, "Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end."

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, "Don't be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles."

With Shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the
other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life. With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are...Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

FAITH

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen." What is this telling me? The faith that I have right now, at this very moment, is where my victory lies.

Most people read this scripture with a very distant understanding. I think this happens in part because of the "cloud of witnesses" that follow. But in order to be an overcomer, we must see the WORD as being "quick" and "powerful." The word "quick," can be equated to instantaneously, speedy, fast.

God says His word will not go out void; but that it will accomplish that purpose for which it is sent.

I received a very thought provoking email today that gives me vision, understanding and acceptance that I want to share with you.

"Happiness keeps you Sweet;"
"Trials keep you Strong;"
"Sorrows keep you Human;"
"Failures keep you Humble;"
"Success keeps you Glowing;"
"But only GOD keeps you Going!"

We must come to realize that we are not our own. We have been bought with a price. Jesus died on the cross at Calvary to purchase us back from the permanent death placed upon us all through sin. Happiness comes from "Happenings," but "Joy" comes from JESUS!

"This JOY that I have; the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away!!"

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matthew 21:22
If we pray according to the will of God for our lives and His glory through our lives, He will bring it to pass.

Hold on; don't let go of His hand nor your "Faith."

Courage

"Courage" is the opposite of fear. In my last posting, I spoke of overcoming fear. St. Francis of Assi wrote the words that have rang out from the hearts of many. "Lord, give me the courage to accept the things I cannot change; to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

His opening word..."Lord," depicts one who readily acknowledges a higher power. Since so much of my success in overcoming Lyme Disease lies in my ability to draw from my spiritual storehouse, today I want to remind you of a very important scripture. Paul the Apostle wrote in II Timothy 1:7,"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love, and power, and a sound mind."

Saying is easier than believing, and remembering a scripture is easier than putting it into practice!
King David prayed in Psalm 61:2 "....When my heart overwhelms me, lead me to the rock that's higher than I."

Many times, I find myself thinking of what has happened to me. How much I have lost financially, materialistically, and mentally. I become very depressed and feel so defeated. But I struggle my way through prayer (which by the way, is only dialogue with my heavenly Father), and find consolation through His WORD. Some I speak from memory and othertimes I read the hope of His promises from the Bible. The key to finding strength from this is to receive the words with faith that He is working out His plan for my life; to save me so I will reign with Him.
I'd rather suffer now so that I can live in that "forever" place outside of time with the one who gave his life for me. "Oh, The Blood of Jesus." It will never lose it's power!!

Freedom from Fear

fear
Originally uploaded by peggy.

"Uncontrolled emotion cannot live in the presence of common sense and intelligent faith"- Norman Vincent Peale

The Bible says that "Perfect love casts out fear." Understanding where to find that "perfect love" is the key to executing this truth. Maybe you don't share my beliefs and that's okay. However, this is my blog, so I'm sharing my views. Jesus Christ is this "perfect love".

Accepting His plans for our lives gives us an understanding that is mentioned in Romans 8: 28 "And we know that all things work for good to them that love God; to them that are the called according to His purpose."

When we accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior, we are telling Him to have His way in our lives, to bring glory to His name, and save us so we may dwell with Him in His New Jerusalem.

Lighthouse in the Stormy Sea

Lighthouse in the stormy sea
Originally uploaded by ornellab.

Can you sleep through a storm? Jesus did. His disciples however, became fearful that they were going to be shipwrecked. Upon waking Him, Jesus spoke to the storm and said "PEACE BE STILL!"
When the storms of life are raging, Jesus can be our beacon of light no matter how high the waves are crashing. Peter walked on the water as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. Let Jesus be our focus and our guide. Turn your eyes on Jesus and just walk...He will lead and guide you.