BibleForums Christian Message Board - Blogs - My small part in appreciating the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. by militarywife http://bibleforums.org/blog.php/25541-My-small-part-in-appreciating-the-grace-of-our-Lord-Jesus-Christ A free online Christian Community. Active, moderated Christian Message Board. en Sun, 19 May 2013 01:10:43 GMT vBulletin 60 http://bibleforums.org/images/misc/rss.jpg BibleForums Christian Message Board - Blogs - My small part in appreciating the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. by militarywife http://bibleforums.org/blog.php/25541-My-small-part-in-appreciating-the-grace-of-our-Lord-Jesus-Christ He will NEVER leave us or forsake us http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2457-He-will-NEVER-leave-us-or-forsake-us Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:28:35 GMT I thank God for the brothers and sisters He puts in my life to remind me how precious our walk with Christ really is. A lovely sister shared this with me today and it just blessed my heart. I hope it will YOURS too. :hug:

Burdens
"Why was my burden so heavy?" I slammed the bedroom door and leaned against it. Is there no rest from this life? I wondered. I stumbled to my bed and dropped onto it, pressing my pillow around my ears to shut out the noise of my existence.
"Oh God," I cried, "let me sleep. Let me sleep forever and never wake up! With a deep sob I tried to will myself into oblivion, then welcomed the blackness that came over me. Light surrounded me as I regained consciousness. I focused on its source: the figure of a man standing before a cross.
"My child," the person asked, "why did you want to come to Me before I am ready to call you?"
"Lord, I'm sorry. It's just that . . . I can't go on. You see how hard it is for me. Look at this awful burden on my back. I simply can't carry it anymore."
"But haven't I told you to cast all of your burdens upon Me, because I care for you? My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
"I knew You would say that. But why's mine have to be so heavy?"
"My child, everyone in the world has a burden. Perhaps you would like to try a different one?"
"I can do that?"
He pointed to several burdens lying at His feet. "You may try any of these." All of them seemed to be of equal size. But each was labeled with a name.
"There's Joan's," I said. Joan was married to a wealthy businessman. She lived in a sprawling estate and dressed her three daughters in the prettiest designer clothes. Sometimes she drove me to church in her Cadillac when my car was broken. "Let me try that one." How difficult could her burden be? I thought. The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank to my knees beneath its weight. "Take it off!" I said. "What makes it so heavy?"
"Look inside." I untied the straps and opened the top.
Inside was a figure of her Mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak. "Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son," it began. "He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren..."
I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to resolve her epilepsy. A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs, he had been convicted of killing a police officer. "I see why her burden is so heavy, Lord. But she's always smiling and helping others. I didn't realize..."
"Would you like to try another?" He asked quietly.
I tested several. Paula's felt heavy: She was raising four small boys without a father. Debra's did too: a childhood of sexual abuse and a marriage of emotional abuse. When I came to Ruth's burden, I didn't even try. I knew that inside I would find arthritis, old age, a demanding full-time job, and a beloved husband in a nursing home.
"They're all too heavy, Lord" I said. "Give back my own." As I lifted the familiar load once again, It seemed much lighter than the others.
"Lets look inside" He said. I turned away, holding it close.
"That's not a good idea," I said. "Why?" "There's a lot of junk in there."
"Let Me see." The gentle thunder of His voice compelled me. I opened my burden. He pulled out a brick.
"Tell me about this one."
"Lord, You know. It's money. I know we don't suffer like people in some countries or even the homeless here in America. But we have no insurance, and when the kids get sick, we can't always take them to the doctor. They've never been to see a dentist. And I'm tired of dressing them in hand-me-downs."
"My child, I'll supply all of your needs... and your children's. I've given them healthy bodies. I will teach them that expensive clothing doesn't make a person valuable in My sight." Then He lifted out the figure of a small boy. "And this?" He asked.
"Andrew..." I hung my head, ashamed to call my son a burden.
"But, Lord, he's hyperactive. He's not quiet like the other two. He makes me so tired. He's always getting hurt, and someone is bound to think I abuse him. I yell at him all the time. Someday I may really hurt him..."
"My child," He said, "if you trust Me, I will renew your strength, and if you allow Me to fill you with My Spirit, I'll give you patience."
Then He took some pebbles from my burden.
"Yes, Lord," I said with a sigh. "Those are small. But they're important. I hate my hair. It's thin, and I can't make it look nice. I can't afford to go to the beauty shop. I'm overweight and can't stay on a diet. I hate my clothes. I hate the way I look!"
"My child, people look at your outward appearance, but I look at your heart. By My Spirit you can gain self-control to lose weight. But your beauty should not come from outward appearance. Instead, it should come from your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in My sight."
My burden now seemed lighter than before. "I guess I can handle it now."
"There is more," He said. "Hand Me that last brick."
"Oh, You don't have to take that. I can handle it."
"My child, give it to Me." His voice compelled me. He reached out His hand, and for the first time I saw the ugly wound.
"But, Lord, this brick is so awful, so nasty, so... Lord! What happened to Your hands? They're so scarred!" No longer focused on my burden, I looked for the first time into His face. In His brow were ragged scars -- as though someone had pressed thorns into His flesh. "Lord," I whispered. "What happened to You?" His loving eyes reached into my soul.
"My child, hand Me the brick. It belongs to Me. I bought it."
"How?"
"With My blood."
"But why, Lord?"
"Because I have loved you with and everlasting love. Give it to Me." I placed the filthy brick into His wounded palm. It contained all the dirt and evil of my life: my pride, my selfishness, the depression that constantly tormented me.
He turned to the cross and hurled my brick into the pool of blood at it's base. It hardly made a ripple.
"Now, My child, you need to go back. I will be with you always. When you are troubled, call to Me and I will help you and show you things you cannot imagine now."
"Yes, Lord, I will call on You." I reached to pick up my burden.
"You may leave that here if you wish. You see all these burdens?They're the ones others have left at My feet. Joan's, Paula's, Debra's, Ruth's... When you leave your burden here, I carry it with you. Remember, My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
As I placed my burden with Him, the light began to fade. Yet I heard Him whisper, "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." A wonderful peace flooded my soul.
John 16:33 (NIV) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2457-He-will-NEVER-leave-us-or-forsake-us <![CDATA["The only Color is in a box of crayons"]]> http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2455-quot-The-only-Color-is-in-a-box-of-crayons-quot Mon, 16 Aug 2010 03:30:53 GMT I spent a night in Nashville Tn. with the girls this weekend. Our intent was to go and have a much needed "girls night out" ...what I received was a much needed revival of compassion in my heart.
As I walked around the city, I encountered Jesus everywhere I went. HIS intent for my "girls night out" was one I will cherish always.
I met a man name Lewis. The "most famous homeless man in Nashville" is how he introduced himself to us. He shared with us candidly bits of his life and his life on the streets. My heart experienced something I have never quite experienced before...sadness AND JOY at the same time. Lewis shared with us Jesus. Absolutely, freely, from the heart shared the love of God with us. This man spent many years in a prison, lives on the streets (which to some can be considered a prison in itself), and joyfully shared his thanksgiving with us. Lewis doesnt see people for their color or nationality, or in material ways...Lewis looks at people for who they are...children of God. Lewis recognizes that we are ALL Gods children no matter what our financial situation is, no matter what are current "prison" may be, or where we were at some point in our lives. He reinforced with his ministry, that we are ALL Gods creatures and in everything give thanks. No matter where we live or dont live...share Jesus with someone.
I am blessed. I am thankful. I am renewed. I am humbled. I am regaining focus.:hug:

The Crayon Box Song
When I was just a little child no higher than your knee,My mother bought a box of crayons, just for me.I picked them up and I opened them up and I looked way down inside,And the colors there reminded me of Jesus when He died.
O...Red is the color of the blood that He shed,Brown is for the crown of thorns they laid upon His head.Blue is for royalty! Within Him did dwell;And yellow is for the Christian who's afraid to tell.
I colored and I colored 'til the crayons were all gone,And though I am much older now, the mem'ry lingers on.And when I see a little child with crayon box in hand,I tell them what they mean to me and hope they'll understand.
O...Red is the color of the blood that He shed,Brown is for the crown of thorns they laid upon His head.Blue is for royalty! Within Him did dwell;And yellow is for the Christian who's afraid to tell.
Afraid to tell of a Saviour who died on Calvary,He died for lowly sinners just like you and me;And someday soon He's coming back to be our King,And the colors of the crayon box we will sing!
O...Red is the color of the blood that He shed,Brown is for the crown of thorns they laid upon His head.Blue is for royalty! Within Him did dwell;And yellow is for the Christian who's afraid to tell.
So, don't you be a Christian, who's afraid to tell!


written by: William V. Mason ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/2455-quot-The-only-Color-is-in-a-box-of-crayons-quot God is working all the time http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1433-God-is-working-all-the-time Tue, 26 May 2009 05:33:36 GMT A couple of weeks ago, I was able to take a trip to St Louis with my best friend and her husband. God knocked our socks off with just a beautiful couple of days of much needed retreat. We stayed at the Wingate which allowed us to enjoy swimming and... A couple of weeks ago, I was able to take a trip to St Louis with my best friend and her husband. God knocked our socks off with just a beautiful couple of days of much needed retreat.
We stayed at the Wingate which allowed us to enjoy swimming and a nice relaxing hot tub. :) Ahhh... So with the three of us dawned in our suits we headed to the pool of relaxation. We all got in the hot tub and much to my amazement...we spoke no words. There was a beautiful quietness to our fellowship. God had given us the peace and ease each of us needed.
After wrinkling into prunes LOL...we all decided to head off to our rooms and hit the sack. So, we said our goodnights.
As I sat in my room alone, I was recollecting the days events. Our drive to St Louis, the fellowship Misty and I were able to share while her hubs snored peacefully in the backseat. 4 1/2 hours of bonding. She and I grow so much in our talks. God has given us a special bond. He placed us together.
So, thanking God for the blessings of the day I sat at the window of my room. Breathing in the night air, to my hearts delight, God had placed two birds perched side by side for my heart to be blessed.
Call it what you want...but, I call it God confirming a call He has for Misty and I.
He has blessed our friendship, we serve together, and He delights to give us our hearts desire. I am blessed.
Our sisterhood is one that God is the Lord of. I praise God for the gift He has given me with my close knit friendship. ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1433-God-is-working-all-the-time He knows my name http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1346-He-knows-my-name Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:17:50 GMT :) Sitting in the local waffle house in the wee morning hours I was blessed to encounter a man whom God had masterfully planned out the teaching of a wonderful lesson for me in listening. We introduced ourselves as we enjoyed a morning coffee and... :)
Sitting in the local waffle house in the wee morning hours I was blessed to encounter a man whom God had masterfully planned out the teaching of a wonderful lesson for me in listening.
We introduced ourselves as we enjoyed a morning coffee and bite to eat. He was from that particular town and we discussed where we attend church. Funny how the conversation moved to who our pastors were and I was blessed to be able to share who mine was and where God has me worship. We tossed around a few more names and enjoyed each others company.
Then the conversation shifted gears. We were encouraging a new waiter, his name was Aaron. We both made a point to call him by name as we spoke to him. Noticing such, this man and I began to talk about listening and hearing the words people speak. How humiliated I was when he asked me if I remembered HIS name. I didn’t. He knew mine though. He said “Sara, sometimes we talk and don’t listen.” “I listened and I know your name, but, you didn’t hear me when I told you mine.” WHAM…I knew at that moment he was right and this was a lesson from God happening. I apologized and thanked him because basically this was a lesson for me to realize where my focus is... or rather is not.
I didn’t recall any of the details this man shared with me because I was not listening. I was just talking. I did not open up my heart to truly care about the gift this man was bringing me.
Similarly, in my spiritual walk, I was enlightened to see just how often I may not have heard the words God has been speaking to me. Am I talking too much? Am I opening my heart to be able to hear Gods word? Is there a stumbling block in my way? When was the last time I asked my God to “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Psalm 51:10
So at the end of our meal, we parted ways. He had shared with me a great lesson and I learned from it. He knew my name and I wonder now if I had been entertaining an angel of God.
Praise God.
The word clearly says in John 10: 3-4“to him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”
I thank my God for knowing my name. He knows my name. I praise Him that He goes before me and leads me; I praise Him for teaching me to know His voice.
God clearly showed me my need to listen and listen closely. Thank you Lord for showing me that what YOU have to say is more important and wonderful than anything I might.
Luke 11:28 shows us “But He said, “More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

Thank you Lord for knowing my name.:hug: ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1346-He-knows-my-name Sometimes http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1190-Sometimes Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:10:03 GMT Sometimes I just want to jump back over the fence and run. Sometimes I just want to forget about everything and roll up in a ball and forget. BUT I CANT. God give me the strength I need to overcome this feeling. Feelings are just that. Reality is... Sometimes I just want to jump back over the fence and run. Sometimes I just want to forget about everything and roll up in a ball and forget.
BUT I CANT.
God give me the strength I need to overcome this feeling. Feelings are just that. Reality is YOU. Make yourself real to me. I need you. I need YOUR strength. I am weak and YOU are strong.
Lord help me, because, I cant help myself. I trust you and I love you and I seek you and I praise you. I know that your Word in a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. I am not in darkness when I am in your WORD.:hug:
I love you Lord.
Sara ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1190-Sometimes Well Praise His WORD. http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1112-Well-Praise-His-WORD Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:38:58 GMT It dawned on me this morning as I sat on my porch talking with God...He kindly said WHEN was the last time you opened my Word. Shockingly, I thought about it and realized, I have neglected the blessings of being able to open up and read freely. I... It dawned on me this morning as I sat on my porch talking with God...He kindly said WHEN was the last time you opened my Word.
Shockingly, I thought about it and realized, I have neglected the blessings of being able to open up and read freely. I have gotten too busy in "my walk" to clearly see that I have truly been neglecting my walk by not opening my instruction book of life.
I will be the first one to praise God for this and that...but you know what? When was the last time I actually praised God for allowing me to help lead another to Christ? Or when was the last time I praised God for showing me His living word in action? I have truly failed lately.
For which, I CAN thankfully praise God for showing me my error. I DO praise God FOR talking to me and I praise Him for allowing my ears to hear.
Lord, I love you and I am sorry I have neglected the importance of being more diligent in you word. Forgive me when I fail you and guide me in the direction of your will.
I love you Lord.:hug: ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1112-Well-Praise-His-WORD No real title this time http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1039-No-real-title-this-time Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:22:07 GMT :cry: My heart aches. Lord, I know you are in control. I know you are holding those three angels in your arms right now. There is no pain anymore and you have wiped their tears away. Please wipe their mommas tears here on earth. Hold her in your... :cry: My heart aches. Lord, I know you are in control. I know you are holding those three angels in your arms right now. There is no pain anymore and you have wiped their tears away.
Please wipe their mommas tears here on earth. Hold her in your arms and blanket her with tender loving comfort. Surround her with the right people.
Lord, I find peace in Psalm 46:10 when I read the words " be still and know that I am God" thank you for your LIVING word.:hug: ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1039-No-real-title-this-time The Dugger House Guidelines~Excellent http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1020-The-Dugger-House-Guidelines-Excellent Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:34:27 GMT 1. Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well. 2. Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask. 3. Always be...
  1. Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.
  2. Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.
  3. Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
  4. Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
  5. Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
  6. Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
  7. Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
  8. Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
  9. Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.
  10. Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.
  11. Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
  12. Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
  13. Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
  14. Never raise a hand to hit.
  15. Never raise a foot to kick.
  16. Never raise an object to throw.
  17. Never raise a voice to yell.
  18. Never raise an eye to scowl.
  19. Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
  20. Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
  21. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
  22. Amendment J.O.Y. -
    Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.
]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1020-The-Dugger-House-Guidelines-Excellent Who is really in control? http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1017-Who-is-really-in-control Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:15:33 GMT Image: http://einsteinsyndrome.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/est-bullet.gif Here’s the situation. Moses is at the burning bush. God wants him to go to Pharaoh, and Moses begins making excuses. “Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never... Here’s the situation. Moses is at the burning bush. God wants him to go to Pharaoh, and Moses begins making excuses. “Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently, nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Exodus 4:10-12
I praise God for bringing to me this scripture today. Many times we find ourselves questioning God with "why me? why does my child have this affliction? why? why? why?"
We make excuses for everything. God clearly states in the passage above the HE is in control. He will be our mouth. He will teach us as we go. He will be our eyes, ears, and mind.
Embrace the gift God is giving. Instead of making excuses PRAISE HIS NAME that He will get us through all things.
Thank you Lord that while I may see my imperfections YOU make me whole.:hug: ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/1017-Who-is-really-in-control Trophy life or LIFE of REWARD http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/591-Trophy-life-or-LIFE-of-REWARD Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:44:20 GMT *_Awards vs. Reward_* You know thinking back I have earned many awards, some recognitions, and lots of trophies. You know where they are? Packed up in a box in storage. Yes I could pull them out and dust them off and try to recollect the...
Awards vs. Reward

You know thinking back I have earned many awards, some recognitions, and lots of trophies. You know where they are? Packed up in a box in storage. Yes I could pull them out and dust them off and try to recollect the memories each of them have, but, to be honest...its really not that important.

What matters to me is MY REWARD.
My Reward in Heaven.

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
~~~~~~
Matthew 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
~~~~~~
Luke 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
~~~~~~
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
~~~~~~
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
~~~~
Praise God for the gift He promises us.:):pp:hug::amen::yes:
]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/591-Trophy-life-or-LIFE-of-REWARD Fourth Pew on the Right http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/584-Fourth-Pew-on-the-Right Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:34:50 GMT *Fourth Pew on the Right* I love going to Church. When I walk through the doors, I can count on two things for sure: * Gods living message will be delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit * I will sit in the same seat with the same...
Fourth Pew on the Right


I love going to Church. When I walk through the doors, I can count on two things for sure:
  • Gods living message will be delivered by the power of the Holy Spirit
  • I will sit in the same seat with the same brothers and sisters, every time.
It occurred to me that every week I am predictable in my walk with our Lord. I go to Church and other than a 5-minute, “meet and greet” I am not getting to know my other brothers and sisters in the Lord. I migrate to the “safe zone” of “my pew.” Why do I limit myself to a small part of my Church family? Maybe I am being selfish. Maybe I am even being disobedient. Maybe I am holding myself back from a blessing God is waiting to extend me or better yet a blessing to another.

We are a body of believers. The Holy Spirit is the SAME for all who are filled, but our spiritual gifts by the grace of God are different. This is important because this is how we grow in Christ. The Bible teaches us in Romans 12:4-8 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
God gives us everything we need to grow in our walk. A whole body of family in Christ waiting to help one another with the gifts God has given. How can we receive the full portion if we neglect a part of the body? It goes on to say in Romans 12:9-16 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
The Word says to be sincere in our love and to devoted to one another in brotherly love as well as honor one another ABOVE ourselves. How can we actually be doing that from the same seat every week? I do not believe we can. Philippians 2:3 encourages us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
So I challenge you…meet the rest of your family in Christ. Sit somewhere different next time. Who knows what you have been missing. Praise God.
Blessings ~ Sara





 ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/584-Fourth-Pew-on-the-Right Love, Barbara http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/579-Love-Barbara Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:13:16 GMT In Christ’s Love, Barbara Through the years, I have had a love/hate relationship with this woman named Barbara. A beautiful woman from the inside out she is. I learned many wonderful lessons from her. She carried with her what some may...
In Christ’s Love,


Barbara


Through the years, I have had a love/hate relationship with this woman named Barbara. A beautiful woman from the inside out she is. I learned many wonderful lessons from her. She carried with her what some may not understand, Christ’s love.

I say it was a love/hate relationship because I, me, being unable in those times to understand the depth of her walk with Jesus. Oh, I thought I could, but my heart was not open enough to.
Barbara would sing a new song everyday from the moment she woke until the moment she rest. Her mouth just constantly flowed with the message of Christ’s love. It did not matter where she was or who she was with it was evident that Barbara was walking in spirit and in truth with Christ love in her heart. Praise God because SHE is an example for the believers. Probably the closest example to the wife of a noble character I have EVER met.

I remember days where she would be baking in her kitchen and she would just talk about how God did this or that for her that day. Everything that came out of her mouth was praise to God.
Some could barely stand to listen. Others like me NEVER tired of her goodness.

Well, one thing that bothered me is when she would sign her cards In Christ Love. I just did not understand why she could not just love me herself and sign that card Love Barbara. I never said anything to her about it. Just wondered every time I opened a card why I was not good enough for HER to love me.

This one thing has actually had such a negative affect in my life. It actually robbed me of many years of goodness and fellowship that I could have had with Barbara. I realized today that it was I, not Barbara. Me. Barbara truly had God in her heart. He is greater than Barbara is. His love IN Barbara is greater than any love SHE could have given me herself. Now I understand. Now I know the love she rightly gave the credit IS Christ’s love.
We cannot love the way Christ loves us without the spirit of the Lord living in us. Perfect love covers a multitude. Praise God.
Praise God that He has clearly revealed to me CHRISTS LOVE because now I too can sign my cards “In Christ’s unfailing love” praise God.

The bible says in 1 John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
In the name of Jesus, we have the victory. The bible clearly says and I believe “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/579-Love-Barbara Life and Life abundantly http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/576-Life-and-Life-abundantly Fri, 22 Feb 2008 08:15:47 GMT Psalm 1:1-3
"Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers.
But they delight in doing everything the lord wants; day and night they think about his law.
They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper." ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/576-Life-and-Life-abundantly McCain and family: Practicing what he preaches in Iraq. http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/562-McCain-and-family-Practicing-what-he-preaches-in-Iraq Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:20:13 GMT Though typically reserved about his family's past and ongoing sacrifice and service to our country, it is good to know that Sen. McCain and his family truly practice what he preaches about his Iraqi policy:

Please check it out:
http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics...ns.html?csp=34

Odd that when there is bad news or doom-speak, it draws all the media attention, however when the son of a Presidential front-runner completes (another) successful tour of duty in a war zone, it gets very very little attention or support.
Not many politicians can say they have done, would do, or are doing, nearly the same level of sacrifice for this country that Senator John McCain has since Vietnam, and that his own son has continued just recently.
I am confident that as a result, Senator McCain clearly understands the reality of the situation on the ground in Iraq better then most of his detractors.
Thanks Brian!! ]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/562-McCain-and-family-Practicing-what-he-preaches-in-Iraq Giving thanks http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/558-Giving-thanks Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:43:04 GMT
"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name." psalm 100:4

Some things I am thankful for
Salvation
My dear husband
Loving children
My Dad
My Mom
The sun
The rain
I am thankful for the littlest things like the blanket my sister knitted for me with a large hole in it. She made it with love and it was her first try. I love my blanket.
The gifts and talents my children both have in music. God has blessed them with a beautiful sound.
]]> militarywife http://bibleforums.org/entry.php/558-Giving-thanks