The Violent Take It By Force

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in
God for pulling down strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3

According to websters dictionary a stronghold is
1 : a fortified place
2 a : a place of security or survival

A stronghold can also be a place we have allowed satan
to take hold of our thinking or life. This comes from a time
when we were weak, tempted, or caved in to thoughts,
desires, or temptations.

A strong hold upon our life. A place that
has taken root in our heart and spirit and become
a bondage within us.

We want to change that from a strong hold of satan the
loser upon our lives to a strong Hold of God upon our
spirit. A refuge, a place of comfort, away from the
enemy surrounded by God's angels, and fought by
mighty warfare.

So how do we change this?

1. Recognize the areas of your life that are not dedicated
to God. Perhaps you have become addicted to something,
or perhaps you are committing adultery. Perhaps you
have been thinking or doing things you know are not
right, but you continue. It can even be a way of
thinking, such as negativity, or gossip, or even
unforgiveness. All of these are negative, satanic strongholds.

2. Recognize that God is greater than any of these.
His might is not limited by our thinking. He is able to
pull down strongholds and defeat them forever.
Do not limit his ability by your thinking or unconfessed sin.
Recognize your need, confess it, and allow His
mighty spirit to overcome the strongholds within you.

3. Learn to fight back. We fight back several ways.
We learn to think differently -- righteously. We get into
the Word, and plant it in our heart, speak it to our problems.
We get into praise.. remembering God is worthy of praise
and inhabits the praises of His people. WE get into
fellowship, and learn to find encouragement and
wisdom from a Pastor and Teachers that God sends to us.
Speak the word, often, powerfully, it is alive and
will go forth and accomplish God's purpose. Nothing
can stop it!

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth.
It shall not return to Me void!
But it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper
in the thing for which I send it.
Isaiah 55:11

I am reminded of that popular saying now..
when one doesn't want to hear what someone else is
saying. They hold up their hand and say "Talk to the hand".
Basically because they are emphasizing they won't listen.
(A common problem now)

But.. I thought about this, and thought this is what we should
be doing to satan the loser every time he comes in with
a negative thought, or temptation, or lust, we should hold
our hand up and say, NOOOOOOOOOO!

I am a child of the King of Kings. I am covered by the
blood of the Lamb. You have no place in my life.
Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world.
And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet
shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Romans 16:20

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
has exalted itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into CAPTIVITY every thought to the
obedience of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5

We have power in the name of Jesus to overcome
the powers of darkness! Take charge and fight back.
We are His warriors. Never forget that. Never cave in.
And never let defeat be spoken to you. Take every
thought into captivity in the name of Jesus and by
the blood of the Lamb.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying Lord, even
the devils are subject unto us through your name!
and Jesus said to them, I beheld satan as lightning fall from
heaven.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and
scorpions, and over ALL the power of the enemy;
and NOTHING shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:17-19

Claim it, believe it, receive it, cling to it, live by it
and hold up that hand and tell satan the loser you have
power over his demons and domain by the blood of the Lamb
Put on the armor of God daily, and fight back my friends.
We will not lose.. we will win.. and God is still on the throne.

And from the days of John the Baptist until now,
the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it
by force.
Matthew 11:12

As the kingdom of heaven advances, we fight the conflicts
of the powers of darkness with violent spiritual warfare..
According to Jack Hayford: The upheaval caused by
the kingdom of God is not caused by political provocation
or armed advance. It is the result of God's order
shaking relationships, households, cities and nations by
the entry of the Holy Spirit's power working in people.

Hallelujah! Power in the blood of the Lamb!
Praise God saints, and fight back!

Ephesians 6:10-18
(read these daily, practice them with all your heart,
and God will prevail)!

Stop Being Weak - Our Hope is In God.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

So we can be sure when we say, "I will not be afraid,
because the Lord is my helper. People can't do anything
to me. Hebrews 13:6

The dictionary defines courage as:
The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

When tough times come we have to toughen our approach to life.
We cannot throw our hands up in despair, run around
and scream hysterically oh what is happening to me. We have
to take every thought captive, and trust that God has our back.
God is in control. God's abilities are beyond our understanding.
God cares about the details of our lives. Nothing is impossible with
God.

This is not just religious speak, it is reality. God is greater than
all our sins, all our trials, all the world's chaos, all our defeats.
God is greater.

We can choose to walk in faith or fear. We can choose to walk
in hope or despair. The difference is found on our knees in
the presence of God where we boldly come to his throne
and leave our troubles there in exchange for his peace
and the recognition he will work it out and be with us every
step of the way.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. God will be with you through whatever
you are facing.

I will guide them along paths they have not known. I will
make the darkness become light for them, and the rough
ground smooth. Isaiah 42:16.

Choose to be strong in the Lord and the power of his might.
Stick out your chin like flint and say I will be a overcomer,
not a victim. I will rise above, and not lay beneath. I will
live like a child of the king of kings, who loves me
and gave himself for me. No weapon that is formed against
me shall prosper.

So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a
great reward! You must hold on, so you can do what
God wants and receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36.

Remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

How to Disable a Christian

There are many things in this life to distract, but
distractions serve to do one thing, keep us from focusing
on what is good or right or what needs to be done.

Troubles, trials, people hurting us all serve as distractions
for our mind to keep us so entangled emotionally we are
unable to rise above it spiritually and intercede for each
other in prayer.

We are too busy being petty or feeling sorry for ourselves.

The best tool satan the loser has is to keep your
mind so occupied that you become weary and worn
and unable to function. It seems to be a easy thing
for him to do. He also uses being busy as a tool
to keep us from spending time with God.

He observes us, our daily habits and scopes in our weakness.
Our vulnerabilities are his playground. He knows our
buttons that will make us feel defeated, discouraged,
self loathing or unworthy. He wants us to feel like
a victim, one that cannot ever do anything right and
this will never get any better.

If satan can steal your joy, he can make life seem
like it is not worth living. That is a lie from the pits of hell.

God needs a army of dedicated, committed people
who get up and work in his name and for his glory,
and go out and pray for those around them, pray
till you feel the answer coming, don't give up, persist,
fight the good fight of faith. God wants faithfulness,
He wants you reading his word and living his word, and
making a difference in this world.

There has not been such a troubled time in this world
in a long time, and Christians often seem unable to unite
or work past their own issues to join together as a spiritual
force that dominates the spiritual realm with powerful
prayers and dedicated lives.

If you want to be a disabled christian, you will feel
misery, hopelessness, despair and focus on your problems
more than the answers God has for you. Disentangle yourself,
reach out to God, let it all go. Rise up and walk in the name
of Jesus and go forth in his name, with your brothers
and sisters in Christ and be a force to be reckoned with in this world.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints

Ephesians 6:10-18

Remember Only one life, will soon be past, Only what is done for Christ will last.

How to Deal With Loneliness

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8

A few years ago, the Rev. Billy Graham in one of his sermons
said that loneliness was epidemic in America. Since that time,
I believe with all my heart this problem has gotten far worse.

What are the causes of such a transformation in society?

One of the main reasons is busy lives. People are overbooked,
from their career, activities with children, responsibilities
and family. They barely have time for necessities, much less
reaching out to others. This also means that they have
less tolerance for things that others are going through, they
just don't have the time or emotional resources to deal with it.
It is just too much for them.

Also past hurts in relationships and unresolved situations
can really hold people back from reaching out to others. It
binds them to the past and to those hurts, like a umbilical cord
of pain. They cannot let go, and therefore cannot move on
or enjoy new and healthy relationships, because the old
ones are haunting them. Forgiveness is the solution to this.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead
Philippians 3:13


One of the best solutions to loneliness is finding places
to go and things to do. Find activities that you enjoy and
get in groups that do those. There are many free
activity groups out there, and even self help groups
that can fill your time far more productively.

Get in a good church that teaches God's word, and has
a good outreach to people. Find things that they need help
with and volunteer. Very few people do this now. It is needful.
Take time to make relationships there, and even if people
are not as friendly as you would like, you be friendly, be
a example of outreach and compassion. Watch what
a transforming thing it is!

Find places that you know where there are needs and reach out
you will find it helps you forget your own trials for a while
and makes you feel so good inside, because you know
you are making a difference. Everyone has something
they can do today, but you have to make the effort.

For people like me who have physical issues and are homebound
it is a little more challenging. Like you, I have many ups and downs.
Days where I feel inspired and hopeful and days where things
get to me. But I have learned that I cannot meditate and
dwell on things that weigh me down. It is overwhelming. I find
things to do each day. I set goals for each day and get them done.
I also spend my time praying for others a lot. It is something
I know I can do to make a difference, and I have seen many
answers to prayer because of God's powerful mercy, grace
and love for us.

We can choose to meditate on our troubles and trials and
feed them breakfast, lunch and dinner by constantly entertaining them.
Or we can choose to realize we cannot solve them and dwell on
what we can get done, and what we do have, and entertain
good and hopeful and positive thoughts through reading
the word of God and cleaning our mind of all that is not
productive or good.

Being content is a very vital thing in this life. There is
always someone worse off, or going through more, or dealing with
much more than you can imagine. Don't let your own issues
hold you back from being a listener to those in need, and
taking time to pray for them. This is the essence of life, the
human bonding that brings us together and makes
life so much more worthwhile on a daily basis.

Look around you, see what you have and be grateful.
Take time to tell people you are thankful for them.
Take time to love someone each day.
Be content. Be inspired. Life is short, don't fritter
it away on discontentment and anger or sadness.
Change your mindset. There is still time left, it is a new day.

Even if no one else is there for you today. God is.
Savor it, talk to him, and tell him everything in your heart.
He will open new doors, bring solutions, and help you
find friends. But to make a friend, one must reach out
and be friendly. Above all, avoid pity parties, they are
no fun to go to, and they make you more lonely than ever.

One day at a time my friend. Hope springs eternal,
and God's mercies are new every morning. Make sure
each morning your mind is renewed and your heart
refreshed. Face the new day with new strength and hope.

Bottom line is, do you want to stay the same as you are now,
or change things and find more peace within, and contentment?

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:8

The Refuge Part 2

copy right Millie Plastaras 3/23/2003


Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with
His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.
His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall
not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies
by day. Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
Psalm 91:3-6

Ancient Jewish commentators believed that these verses
were descriptive of demonic attacks. The mention
of the word pestilence refers to attacks that come like a
plague. As we watch our world create such destructive
things as biological weapons that kill the human race,
our heart cries within us, is there safety anywhere?

God holds his arms out and says yes. Within the feathers
of my wings you can abide and find shelter, and I will protect
you from all these things. As your faith, so be it unto you.

God's word does not lie, nor pretend, nor just apply to some
people. The riches of it, the promises, the protection, the
blessings are for the children of God, who have repented
and received Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Then
is the beginning of freedom, and all that God has to offer.

But we must not only read to find out what we have as
promises for our health, wealth, spiritual life, and future
we must also take it into our spirit and apply it. We must
receive it. The reason many people don't get blessed
is they never read it, they never receive it, and they never
allow it in their life!

They might become Christians just to avoid hell, or to make
sure they go to heaven, but they never truly make a
commitment that means I will study your word heavenly
Father, and I will grow in wisdom and strength and
knowledge through your anointing and power.

They are baby Christians, content to run their own lives
and only run to God in an emergency.

Of these the world cannot be secure. For these Christians
are not there for themselves, or with Christ, they most
assuredly cannot be there for you.

We are to make Christ our anchor. Our focus.
Our Father, the first person we consult. The person
we are obedient to. And reading His word, shows us
thousands of things we will never learn any other way.
It leads us into divine truth, that will serve us well all our
lives, and carry us through the days of darkness and
great sorrow, as well as the days of joy.

It will teach us a song of victory in a land of darkness.

So my friend if you want protection, if you want victory,
if you want to overcome depression, if you want to find
healing, you have to take God seriously, and seek Him first.
There is a way, that is right, and none other. It is to the throne
room of God, where Jesus sits, our Savior, an advocate
before the throne, defending us daily, and ministering to us,
even sending his angels forth to protect and guide us.

WE can avoid the plagues, we can avoid the pestilence,
we can fight against the powers of darkness, and we can
overcome them all through the blood of the lamb.

But first... you have to take God serious, and live it
breathe it, receive it.. and watch all the beauty of God's
love unfold in your life as you put him as the head of
your life.

Under his wings you will abide, and no weapon formed
against you shall harm you. You are a child of the King.
Blessed, beyond measure, with a refuge that is unbreakable,
and stands against any storm or loss you may face.

Let Jesus be Lord of your life.
Then no evil can prevail. We have His word on it.

remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

The Refuge, Part 1

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High,
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and My fortress,
My God, in Him I will trust.
Psalm 91:1-2

There is a secret place of peace. One our heart
longs for and seeks. In the still night hours when
everything seems magnified in its worry and despair
we find that there is a refuge that refreshes our soul.

Many of us wake during the early morning hours,
and we don't know why. Consider this, maybe God
wants you to talk to him at a time when the world
is still and he can speak to you and refresh you and
take you to a new place in Him.

A place that is higher than us. A hope,
a refuge for our very soul.

As we lift our hearts and eyes to the Lord above,
we see a refuge that is beyond our wildest hopes.
A complete secure place where no harm can
reach us.

It is in the shadow of the wings of God. Tucked in
with God, how blessed we are. Asleep, in His
arms. The cares of the world pushed away by
the nurturing care of a Abba Father, who loves
us and gave His only son for us.

A refuge, a abiding place for those who seek
Him, and allow His peace to wash over them till
they feel the cares of the day wash away from their
spirit with a cleansing and refreshing from the Holy
Spirit. The refreshing water, cleansing, renewing
us, till we feel released from our burdens, our
sins, new, clean, pure before God.

Have you ever felt this, or felt it lately?

Oh, if only we could tarry in prayer, till we feel a release.
Only if we could find a refuge away from the world,
where the noise and clatter of the world fades away
and the voices of angels sing in our ears.

To feel ourselves surrounded with the warmth of
the wings of God. Tucked in, comforted,
childlike in our trust, and finally, falling asleep
as we feel safe.

If we could only picture this in our mind every night,
how it would release us from the cares of the day!
If we only believed that God was working out
all the things in our life. If only we could have a
glimpse of how very much God loves us, we would
rejoice and sing and dance before the Lord.
We would see, we are truly loved, truly forgiven,
and nothing shall harm us.

If only we would let go, and Just take him at his word and trust him.

We are safe now. We can relax.
God is here, he is in control, and loves us more than anyone ever has.

Hold out your arms, Let Him take you into His wings,
and abide. Just abide in that peace.

All is well.

Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Choose to Dwell In Hope

But as for me I will ALWAYS have hope;
I will praise you more and more. My mouth
will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all
day long. Psalm 71:14-15

Our hope comes from God, not our circumstances,
not the people around us. Hope is sustained
when we choose to focus on God. Spending time
in his presence, through prayer, and just
talking to Him, allowing that time of refreshing
we all so desperately need.

Many feel if they control their lives as best as
they can that gives them security. But the older
we get the more we realize the less we control.
It would make one feel like their life
was spiraling out of control when they finally
recognize that fact. Yet that would be
untrue, for you see, God is in control.

God saw your yesterday, he saw your anguish,
the cry of your heart, he saw each word and deed,
He knows you intimately. Nothing is hidden to him.
He knows your family, your circumstances,
your job, your thoughts, your actions, and this gives him
greater insight to what is needful to make your
life work well, and to bring you the comfort and guidance
that is far beyond your own understanding and scope.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
even at night my heart instructs me. I have set
the Lord always BEFORE me.
Because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Psalm 16:7-8

Where is God in your life? Is he set before you
or left on a shelf till you have a emergency?
How is that working for you?

Do you feel like your life is out of control
or are you feeling the peace that passes all understanding?

Tap into the greatest source of strength the world
has ever known. Who loves you with a everlasting love
and has great plans and hope for you.

Remember
Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Doors

copyright Millie Plastaras 7/15/2011

In each life there are many choices we make.
Our careers, who we date, who we marry, what education
we choose. So many doors to open or close by our decisions.

Each door has its own advantages or consequences,
and the secret to success is in being vigilant about
using wisdom on what IS the right door to open, and
which doors would be disastrous for us to open.

Many people don't plan ahead, whether in relationships,
or jobs, or even their daily life. They just "go with the flow"
and don't look with depth at the important issues, consequences
or long term effects of their decisions. Many often
pay for their choices for the rest of their lives, and
it is a difficult path for each of us when we not
only don't plan ahead but just do things because we
can or want to.

As Christians, the bible tells us we are to be different.
We are no longer our own, we are bought with a price,
the precious blood of the risen lamb. Our life should be
transformed with new thinking, new choices, and prayerful
decisions about our mates, our jobs, and our words and deeds.
This is the sign of a true depth in a Christian walk, to see
the "fruit" produced in the lives of those who truly Follow
Jesus, live by his word and seek his will. It literally shows
in what they do and say!

I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship 2 Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12: 1-2 ESV

In looking at your life today, what do you see? Do
you see careful, prayerful thought in your actions, plans
and relationships? Is your life before God sacrificial?
Or is God someone you talk to in emergencies or when things
get hard? The Bible tells us daily we are to pick up our cross
and follow him. That should be our first door each day.

It is also important to remember that doors we
open can invite good or evil. These concepts are
not taught much any more but are very important.
What we watch, where we go, who we choose to be
around either is good for our spirit or bad for it,
some of it having eternal consequences.
Corrupt company corrupts, this is something
you see in people's lives everyday, who they
choose to be around changes them. Guard
your heart, guard your mind, and seek Godly wisdom,
something you will never regret.

God show me what you would have me do, give
me strength and wisdom for the day, and make me aware
of things that would be wrong choices, or relationships that
are not healthy for me spiritually. Help me to live my
life with wisdom and insight, that comes directly from your
heart, and from me listening to you daily.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Are You Being Truthful With God and Yourself?

If people's thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death.
But if their thinking is controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace.
When people's thinking is controlled by the sinful elf, they are against
God because they refuse to obey God's law and really are not
even able to obey God's law. Those people who are ruled
by their sinful selves CANNOT please God.
Romans 8:6-8

A relationship with God through Jesus Christ
produces changes within us. It produces change
in our thinking, in our desires, in our focus and in our path.
If.. we seek him first, and really mean what we say
and say what we mean. A relationship with God is not
a game we play when we want to feel religious, or when we
are in trouble. It is a daily, ongoing, dedicated, sold out
experience where we truly seek God first.

Many people say they know Jesus but do not spend time
showing that they do. They put everything else in their lives
first, and God is a afterthought. The word tells us this
is rebellion, and that rebellion is worse than witchcraft.
(1 Samuel 15:23)

Every relationship we have in our life takes work.
If we are married, it is something we have to put time
and effort into. We have to be thoughtful about the other
person, be aware of their needs, and wants, and try to make
our lives with them thrive.

When a person truly loves God and is truly following him and
wants to please him, it will show in their actions and deeds.
No games, no rebellion, a daily surrender and seeking of God.
It really is a very clear cut choice.

One would have to wonder if we don't get to know God here
on earth and truly live for him, if he won't seem like a stranger
when we meet him. Life doesn't last forever, but eternity does.
Are you ready for eternity?

What is life about anyway? Meaning of life comes in the arms
of God and his guidance and navigation through each day,
its trials, it's relationships, and everything we face.

Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world.
I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that
fight AGAINST your soul. People who do not believe
are living ALL around you and might say that you are doing wrong.
Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do
and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.
1 Peter 2:11-12

We cannot be a light if we walk in darkness.

Remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Battery Back Up

"Master, how can I, your servant, talk with you? My strength is
gone, and it is hard for me to breathe." He said, "Daniel, don't be
afraid. God loves you very much. Peace be with you.
Be strong now, be courageous." When he spoke to me,
I became stronger and said, "Master, speak, since
you have given me strength." Daniel 10:17,19

In my home we have a battery backup on our phone
system. If the power goes out, the phone will remain
on 8 hours until the power can be restored. It is a great
thing to know we have that resource in case of emergency.
It is a power source we can rely on if we keep the
batteries updated.

I often see people get so weary from the things they
are going through. . People go to God and say "God
why are you failing me? Why am I going through all this?
God where are you?"

Yet during the week, they were too busy for God.
They had time for tv, for friends, for their computers,
for their entertainment, for their hobbies, everything but God.
God was a last priority. Suddenly when trials hit they are
weary quickly, and feel overwhelmed, and blame it on God.

Yet truly, it is our fault if we don't spend time with God.
It is our fault if we do not spend time in his word to find
fresh strength, fresh hope, fresh renewal, fresh forgiveness,
fresh inspiration in God's word daily.It is the source of strength
we need as a battery backup in our spirit. We have to
refresh ourselves in his arms before we go out and
face a world that consistently drains us, pulls on us,
and often makes us weary.

How can you have strength if you never built any?
You only become weaker.

A athlete would never sit all day and say ok muscles build yourself.
He knows he actually has to do something about his body to
build strength and endurance.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

My friends if you want to run the race with courage, you have
to feed your spirit, you have to fight the good fight of faith.
You cannot be lazy and neglect your spiritual life if you want
to be victorious and overcoming.
Run the race with endurance and hope
strengthened by the hand of the Almighty God of the Universe
with his word planted firmly in our hearts, we go forth
with confidence, hope and inner strength that comes no
other way. Seek him first.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31

Remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.

Freedom from the Past

Therefore there is now no condemnation
for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

One of the things I am noticing among many Christian friends
is the self condemnation they heap upon themselves for their past,
or situations they did not handle well. They cannot seem to move
past it, forgive themselves and live a life free from the past because
of the precious mercies and forgiveness we receive through Jesus.

I also see many of you clinging to the hurts you have received
from others. You are unable to disentangle yourself and cling
to these hurts as if they were important possessions. My dear
friend, they are not important, they are spiritual bondage! You
are being tied to the past with a spiritual umbilical cord that has
kept you in slavery to your past. You are not free to move on,
or savor fully the life you have today.

Yet, if you see someone else doing this it is so easy for you
to point at them and say what are you holding on to that for?

There are several places in the Bible that truly instruct us
on this mindset.

So you shall do all the Lord your God has commanded you,
you shall not turn to the right or the left.

Deuteronomy 5:32

Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.

Proverbs 4:27

To me these verses signify staying focused on God and avoiding
evil. Slavery to the sins and hurts of the past is evil. It is robbing
you of joy and peace in Christ and productivity in your current day.

I am reminded of the story in Genesis 19, I urge you to get
out your Bible and read it today. Lot was in the
city of Sodom, and God was about to pronounce great
judgment upon this city. Angels arrived to tell Job that
they had come to destroy the city because of the great outcry
against this city before the face of God. He was told to get
out of the city and to warn his family to leave quickly, for the
city would soon be destroyed. In Genesis 19:17 they were told:
"So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside,
that he said, Escape for your life! Do not look behind you
or stay anywhere in the plain, escape to the mountains,
lest you be destroyed."

You see this required absolute surrender and complete obedience
and trust in God, not only for safety from harm, but for God's
provision. For this to happen, Lot had to listen to God, and
he couldn't be focusing on many things that distracted him
for the purpose and journey ahead, he had to stay focused.

His wife did not obey God, she looked back and was turned into
a pillar of salt, a judgment for her utter disobedience to God in
a situation he was trying to lead her out of.

You see there are consequences in life for our disobedience.
If we look to the right or left and get distracted by the troubles
or cares of this world, we are not living fully, and successfully
in today. We are limiting ourselves, we are unable to surrender
and work for God fully, because we are not focused, and we
have withheld areas of our mind that should be free of the past
and of distractions. It is leading us down a road we should
never have walked on, into a life that is less than it should be,
and all by a mental choice on our part.

Luke 9:62
But Jesus said to Him, no one having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Are you fit for the kingdom of God today? Are you holding
onto grudges, blaming people from your past, and in bondage
to these things? Are you so busy you never have time for God?
Are you condemning yourself for your mistakes?

My friend, God said we can be forgiven, and we should forgive others.
Once we REALLY do this, we move on, to a new purpose, to a new
life.

You MUST be in the word of God, and fill up on it and live by it.
You MUST be free of the past. You MUST let go of anything holding
you down and keeping you in slavery to something that is not worthy
of your time and is displeasing to God.

When a thought from the past comes up, say I am not looking back.
Give it to God. Let it go. Read his word, pray, and be faithful and
diligent to God. He needs workers and laborers for his kingdom,
and you cannot do it if you are wandering around lost, hurt,
and enslaved. Be Free, today in Jesus name. Give it all to him,
and let it go. He is waiting, even now.

Remember none of us are perfect, that is why Jesus came.
He just wants us to turn to him and be new in him and live
life to the fullest. He will equip us, but we must do our part
and not cling to the past in any way. Look not to the right or left.
Focus on God.

love always
millie

Freedom in Christ - Do not turn back!

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be
burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1

Christ came to earth for one great reason, to set
us free from the yoke and bondage and slavery to sin.
He paid for this by his own atoning blood upon the cross.
No one ever loved us this much before, who gave his life
that we might be free.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

If we then know that when we become Christians
we are set free, why would any of us resort back to slavery?
Yet each day many of us by choice do that very thing.

We find habits, or lusts, or temptations greater than
the power we give Christ in our lives, and we fall back
into that sin, in a worse state than before we went to Christ.

To him therefore that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin. James 4:17.

In essence we are belittling the very sacrifice of Christ
by his own death on the cross, and elevating that sin
above him in our life, actions and thinking.
Anything that comes between us and God we are idolizing
and it is sin!

And who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
Hebrews 6:6

We are crucifying Christ again by our own neglect
and sin, how can we do this after the price he paid?
We are dismantling and disabling our very own spiritual life.
At first it may seem a small habit, or a small thought, or
a small parting of the ways, and soon we turn a blind eye
to the word of God, to church, to christians around us to pursue those things we know are wrong.

My dear friends, we are so utterly accountable for each
thing we do in life.

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36.

Friends this is a serious journey we are on. One of faith,
one of commitment, one of focus. One of dedication
and daily renewal in Christ. We leave the old life behind
and have a new one in him.

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit,
who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own! You were bought at a price. (the blood of Christ). Therefore honor God with your body.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

My friends, seek God first thing each day. Read his
word so you understand what is right and wrong.
Pray, ask for his guidance and wisdom in your life.
Then above all be obedient. Don't fall into temptations
trap and defilement. Don't allow satan to draw you away
from God into the pits of despair and sin. IT is a choice.

Nothing you do in this life is more vital than what we do
for Christ. It is eternal! Take it seriously.

Only one life, will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.

Jesus Loves Me!

Jesus Loves Me

Then when that happens we are able to hold our heads
high no matter what happens and to KNOW that all is
well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we find
this warm love everywhere within us because God
has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with
His love.
Romans 5:5.

One thing in common with all of us, is we all need
to feel loved. Everyone needs nurturing for their soul.
They need to know someone cares, that the milk
of human kindness still exists, and that someone
cares if we are alive, and if we have needs, if we
hurt, if we are lonely, or if we need something.

Love is vital to the human spirit. A life without
love is a life that is grief stricken and lonely.

How many of you out there today feel you are loved?
I bet there are many of you longing for someone to care
about you. To hug you, or just put their hands on
your shoulder and tell you they care about you.

By the same token, how many of you have reached
out to anyone new lately and loved them? Did you
acknowledge them, or notice them or their needs,
or just pass by thinking of yourself only?

Why do we allow despair in our lives when we have
someone sitting with us all the time who created the
universe? Why do we wring our hands and count
our sorrows, when God said, Cast your burdens
upon Me for I care for you.

Why do we constantly feel alone, when God said He
would never leave us or forsake us?

My guess is for many, God is their LAST resort to
talk to!

My friend, as our life grows as a flower and starts to unfold,
and then fades and withers as the grass, the one
constant in this life, is our need for love, and the
certainty that God loves us.

All He asks, is that you repent of your sins, and
receive His son as Lord and Savior of your life, and
dedicate your life to Him, becoming his disciple, seeking
His will, talking to Him daily, growing and becoming
strong in Him and His word. He then is your constant
companion, hope, source of strength and anchor for your soul.

If you do not talk to Him, it would be the main reason
you feel lonely, hopeless and drained. If you do not
reach out to him and receive him, you cannot expect
a close relationship or input from Him. He is waiting for you!

You are seeking sustenance from that which does
not fulfil nor sustain, nor bring hope when you try
to do it on your own, and find it from things that do not
satisfy the soul.

Seek that which is above, and find the peace
that passes all understanding.

Then you can gladly proclaim.
You have seen Him, you have Felt Him,
You Know He Cares.
Then you can gladly proclaim.
Jesus loves me, This I know.

love
millie

ps.. we need that sense of community, reaching out
to God first and then to each other, this is vital to a Christian.
Don't neglect it. We live in a land of lonely people
because they have forgotten how to get along, and the
importance of nurturing relationships, that are unselfish
and giving.

And may the Lord make your love to grow and overflow
to each other and to everyone else, just as our love
does towards you. This will result in your hearts being
made strong, sinless and holy By God our Father,
so that you may stand before Him guiltless on that day
when our Lord Jesus Christ returns with all those who
belong to Him.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

*****



While watching a little TV on Sunday instead of going to church, I watched a Church in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gate to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak... 'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50 odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could
always rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow paralyzed me...the only thing that would comfort was this verse.........

Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
we are weak but He is strong
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

I EVEN SANG WITH THIS ONE

When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will ever forget it. A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the adults who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of course)
during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest because I could see they knew it the best.' Senior version of Jesus Loves Me Here is a new version just for us who have white hair or no hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all you others, check out this newest version of Jesus Loves Me.

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.

(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
YES, JESUS LOVES ME
FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,
With my hand in His I'll go On through life,
let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.

(CHORUS)

When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'

(CHORUS)

When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.

(CHORUS)

I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.

Spiritual Strength Found in Tears

copyright Millie Plastaras 2/24/2003

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy,
He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for
sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6

There are many different kinds of tears, and these are
actually a sign of what is in the depths of our hearts.
The bible tells us that what we sow in life we reap.
We are planting seeds, and when harvest time comes
we reap what we sow.

Those wanting spiritual breakthrough for specific needs
should really pay heed to this verse. For when we come
before God he wants a broken vessel, one that is surrendered
and seeking. One that listens for the voice of God, and
seeks it with all his heart. Tears of brokenness are blessed
by God, as the word says God values them so much He
keeps our tears in a bottle. (psalm 56:8).
Throughout the word we find where men and women
cried out to God from the deep anguish and agony of
their heart, and God heard their prayers and delivered them.

Tears spent in prayer will sow a seed of faith that will
reap a harvest of results.

Read that again, and keep it in your heart.

Tears spent in prayer will sow a seed of faith that will
reap a harvest of results.

Charles Spurgeon, the great orator and preacher said
that the ministry of tears was "liquid prayer."
They are pouring our heart out before God, seeking
Him with all our heart, soul and mind.
A drink offering before the throne of God, poured
out before his presence, surrendered unto his will.
What a beautiful thing this is in his sight!

In 2 Kings 20:5 we learn of tears of sorrow or suffering.
In Genesis 33:4 we learn that there are tears of joy.
In John 11:35 we learn that there are tears of compassion.
In Esther 4:1,3 we learn that there are tears of desperation.
In Isaiah 42:14 we learn there are tears of travail or giving birth.
In Joel 2:12, 13 we learn there are tears of repentance.

These are indeed a great weapon in spiritual warfare.
For this is the warfare of faith, and of brokenness before God.
A final willingness to say God, I know you are in charge,
I give you all that I have, I pour out my sorrows before you,
in expectancy of your deliverance, hope and ultimate
openness to the will of God. A broken person has
realized their position in God, and seeks His will first.

This results in the blessings of God pouring out upon
those who wait for God.

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run
and not be weary, and they shall walk and shall not faint
Isaiah 40:31

Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5

Wait I say upon the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires
of thy heart.

Remember...
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

The Butterfly Experience

Good Morning Everyone,

I love to talk about personal battles I go through and what
the Lord shows me on how to get "through" them
instead of staying "in" them.

When my trials and troubles come, I come in my room
and cry out to God for peace of mind, peace of heart,
and a good attitude to remind me that I know God
is in control.

Recently my husbands heart did not have a
regular rhythm for almost 24 hours.. it was very frightening,
considering this can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
It wasn't just irregular heartbeat, it was far beyond that.
With his history of cardiac arrest and heart attacks,
it just sent me into the grip of fear, and I knew I must
not allow that.

It took me a while to get a grip on myself. And as I
was talking to God and shedding a few tears, God
really brought a concept to my heart. I feel that
much of what I am going through, is so I can share
with you, so you can find hope in Jesus Christ.

When I asked God why my family constantly goes
through so many things.. for a few minutes, I just
heard a silence.

Then I heard his voice say ... yes.. but look how many it has helped.

I sat in stunned silence. So you mean Lord that all this
teaches me something so I can teach others?

Each trial I go through in life, or you go through
can be not only a lesson to us, but to those around us!
Tell them how you work through it and struggled
and triumphed through it. It is powerful!!

Wow. What a thought.

It reminds of a caterpillar. One day, he crawls up
a wall, and starts to create a cocoon. He winds the threads
until they become firm and strong around him, and
then he goes into a state of metamorphosis.
Layer by layer he is changing. Not so anyone can see,
but inside that little dwelling of his creation.

Then there is a day he breaks out of that cocoon and is a bright
and beautiful butterfly, cheering up everyone who sees him.

A delight to behold, and beautiful beyond description.

We as spiritual beings are like this. God is peeling away
the useless layers of pride, anger, internal pain, and negative thinking,
and the things that we must let go of to move forward,
and teaching us what we do need to cling to and learn.

It reminds me of housecleaning, we throw away that which
we no longer use or need, and make the house shiny and tidy,
clutter free and clean. Throwing out the old and allowing the new
and healthy to take it's place.

One by one we give up bad habits, pride, stubbornness
sinful ways, and we surrender to his will. When we come
through this refining metamorphosis ... we will be beautiful
to him. A child transformed by his love and his concepts.
Clean and pure within, by surrendering all that is not of God,
and becoming all He is calling us to be.

Something beautiful beyond description.

But we have to surrender. We have to remain teachable.
We have to remain humble. And remember...

There is a greater cause for things that we see.
A greater calling for life than we are recognizing.

You see.. its truly all about God, and His will.

Not ours.

Once we recognize that, the special journey for us
can begin to open like that cocoon.

We are new in God.

Therefore if anyone is IN Christ, he is a NEW creation,
old things have passed away, behold all things have
become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Remember you are still under construction.
Your Father God wants the best for you.
Don't question.. surrender, and let him show you
why and what and who he wants you to be.

God has plans just for you!!

love,
millie

Looking Above

copyright Millie 5/10/2003

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed, we are
perplexed, but not in despair, Persecuted, but not
forsaken, cast down but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Hidden in the quietness of tears. Alone with our
grief, and pain, we find it darkening our days and hearts.
The losses, the grief, the sorrow mount up and become
a shadow upon our spirit. Friends come and go,
but there seems to be no security. A curtain of
blindness has covered our eyes with tears of despair,
and our heart cries out within us. Oh God, Help Me
quickly.. I am at the end of my rope.

And He says, my child.. at the end of your rope is
where I want you. For in those days, you turn to me,
and you find that I am your strength, and your hope.
You find that I bring you joy, and that I have answers
to all your needs. For it is when you are weak my
Child, that I can be strong within you.

As we gaze out the window.. we suddenly see
the flowers blooming in the neighbors garden.
Their faces are lifted to the sun. Soaking up
the sunlight, and the nourishment it brings to their
leaves.

It reminds me I am to turn my eyes unto the hills.
To look above. Not at the things of earth.
Not to let my spirit get entangled with the cares of this
life, but entangled with the word of God, till it seeps
in my spirit and casts away all shadows, all tears,
and restores my strength.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes
my help; My help comes from the Lord which made
heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

If He made these hills, and even man cannot make
mountains grow, why then is my heart trusting in men?
Men come and come, they hurt us, and we hurt them,
but the presence of God is an anchor to our souls.
We find rest for our spirit.

Why is it Lord I need to be reminded of this so often?
Why do I get my eyes off you, and onto my problems?
Each time it brings the same despair, the same depression,
and my life is caught up in a whirlwind of self involved,
pity, loneliness and heaviness.

I know where to go. Thank you Lord for reminding me.
I have been looking the wrong direction again.
Forgive me Lord. And lift me to Holy Ground.
Fill me with your spirit, and make me fit for your work.
Lift the spirit of despair, depression, and rebuke the
darkness from me. I will look into your face until
the world fades out. And when I leave this room,
I will be full of your anointing, prepared for whatever
is ahead.

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return,
and come with singing unto Zion, and everlasting
joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness
and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11

Cling to that rope my friends.. God is holding on to you.
Look to His face. He loves you. Very much.
He never leaves nor forsakes. And He ... will
bring you into Holy Ground. Full of righteousness
and Hope.

Come out singing.. He is Lord!

Hallelujah!

remember
Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Three Little Words

A person might have to suffer even when it is unfair,
but if he thinks of God and stands the pain, God is pleased.
If you are beaten for doing wrong, there is no reason
to praise you for being patient in your punishment.
But if you suffer for doing good, and you are patient,
then God is pleased. This is what you were called to
do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you
an example to follow. So you should do as he did.
1 Peter 2:19-21

There are some very important concepts we do not
hear spoken of very much anymore. I wonder why
we ever stopped? Could it be the media, the movies,
the magazines, the powers that be, have been
reprogramming our thinking little by little?

Could it be we have gotten away from some very
important ideas about life choices? Is our
thinking is not based on thoughts of love
for others, but merely on our own mindset and desires?
Have we become a selfish, self-focused generation?

I do believe things have changed,because everyplace I look today,
I see unresolved anger, unforgiveness, and cold hearts, and wounded spirits.
People have closed themselves off because of past
pain, and this has ruled their lives in far more ways
than they can imagine. People are ruled by emotions,
battered by depression, longing for satisfying relationships,
yet feeling unfulfilled and lonely.

Shame
People have lost their conscience. A sense of shame
that comes when they know they have done something
wrong. They justify it in every conceivable way.
It is my right to feel this way, it is someone else's fault,
it is OK if I do what I want to do, it is my life.
People base their decisions on selfish motives,
without consider the eternal consequences,
Whatever we do in this life returns to us.
Whatever we sow in the lives of others is what we get back.

If we sow strife, that is what we will get back.

If we sow kindness we will get kindness back.

If we sow anger we will get that back.

What you sow... you reap.

Be kind to people even when you don't think they
deserve it. Kindness is from the heart of God,
how can we do less than our best?

What if that dear person you love, but are fighting
with was gone tomorrow? How would you feel about
how you have talked to them? Would you change
anything? Are you allowing that still small voice
to speak to you. Or are you reacting to what people
say with a defensive posture that says my feelings
come first. Does this reflect Jesus?

Compassion
Compassion is to feel sympathy,
or empathy for what someone else is going through.
We feel it to the point, we wish to help in any way we can,
whether through prayer or some other means of
support. This is so important. Sometimes we get
so caught up in our own woes, troubles, sorrows,
that we don't have any resources left to help anyone
else. This is directly in controversy to the Bible,
who tells us we are not only to cast our burdens on him,
but to go out and minister to others. It is no witness
at all to be defeated all the time, it is no different from
someone in the world. We have to follow the concepts
that Jesus taught to be overcomers, and not carry
these burdens, nor the past with us.

Care about what others are going through.
We were put on this earth, not as an island,
but a community, reach out and love each other
while there is time.

Forgiveness
This is a rarity anymore. Seems like
if you do something wrong once, then people write you off
as if you didn't exist. Perhaps because of their own
past hurts, it makes them more defensive. But this
is one of the most powerful tools satan has because
it divides Christians, and families, and friends.
Keeps us from fellowshipping, encouraging each other.
It is a tool to wedge apart people so they cannot agree
in prayer, or join together to minister to a larger degree.

It is one of the greatest tools satan uses in the modern
day church, the spirit of offense and unforgiveness.

Forgive people even if they don't ask, even if they do
not deserve it. Because Jesus forgives us. How can
we do less? Are we better than God?

This wrong thinking has to stop.
Because all of these things are totally
changing the churches in this country, and definitely
the families. Everyone is so disconnected and selfish.
Everyone has a history they carry around with them
like a prize. They treat it as if carrying past issues
around were a vital function. It is not. Jesus said
the past was the past. That we shouldn't worry
about tomorrow. Sufficient unto today are the problems
thereof.

Three little words, shame, compassion, forgiveness.
Why don't we hear these anymore?
They are vital to the survival of human relationships.

Search your heart, and see what changes you
need to make, and ask the Lord Jesus to help you make them.
If you want to succeed in life, have a victorious mind,
and enjoy your life, you must allow these traits to be
part of you. BE willing to tell yourself the truth, and set
goals to make positive changes in your thinking and relationships.

You must surrender selfish motives, and seek
the high road, through Jesus Christ. This gives a life
of joy and satisfaction, knowing we are making seasoned, wise
and loving choices.

Not my will, but thine be done, should be the cry of our heart.

Jesus, how precious the name.
He gave His life for you and me.
How can we give less, than all of ourselves.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may
see your good works and glorify your Father whom
is in heaven.

Do they see light in you?

Let your life be a reflection of Jesus in You,
working in you, transforming you, making you
a new life, with new thinking and a new heart
because of your surrender and focus on Jesus Christ.

remember

Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last

Provision

Even Lions get weak and hungry, but those who look to the Lord
will have every good thing.
Psalm 34:10

As I watch the news each day the predictions are a lot of gloom,
and doom. We see economies around the world in jeopardy,
and we see bids for power, and corruption in high places.
Our budgets are stretched as far as we can take them,
and IF we allowed ourselves to dwell in worry and self pity
soon life would seem bleak and hopeless. And many
are doing just that, living in fear and dread.

I am reminded of so many people in this life who suffered
great tragedy and loss yet somehow managed to forge
ahead with courage and resolve and rise above those
great losses and make sense of life. Often they found
purpose in life in doing for others rather than seeking
to fulfill themselves. It took their mind off their
own problems and made them feel a sense of purpose
and accomplishment to know they made a difference
in the lives of others.

I see people who after car accidents or serious illness
who have lost use of their legs or arms, or even
have trouble breathing and yet they manage to have
full productive lives. How do they do this? Look
at Christopher Reeves, who after a fall off a horse
became a quadraplegic and was put on a machine
to help him breathe. Yet he found even more purpose
in life and lived it to the fullest until he passed from this life.
How can we make sense of becoming a quadraplegic?
How can people find purpose when their own body won't work
and move? Because they make a conscious decision
not to feel sorry for themselves but to set short term
and long term goals and rise above their circumstances
and make the best of whatever life they have.

I have a dear friend whose life was a testimony to being
a servant to others. Her husband left her for another
man. She was a Godly woman and that was such a difficult
time for her to make sense of. Years later she remarried
a wonderful Christian man, and eventually she had a beautiful son.
She was very happy in this new life. One day she got a call
that her husband who was on a construction job
had been buried alive and was dead. Somehow she managed
to live through that time and forge ahead and build her life
around Christ and her son. One day as her son was
playing outside a neighbor shot a gun and accidentally killed
her 12 year old boy. Suddenly her life had been stripped of
everything she ever loved. I watched this woman then
turn her life around by spending her time teaching children
and serving others. Never thinking of herself, but of
what she could do to make life happier and easier and
more fulfilling. She gave her life and past to God,
and asked him to give her hands work to do. And He did.

Dear friends, all of us can make this choice. My own
life has become very complicated. I have a number of
physical problems that often feel like chains binding me.
I want to do this or that, but my body won't cooperate.
Often it seems unbearable. But if I allowed myself to
become depressed, life would be unbearable! So instead
I get up each morning and seek the good in the day.
I try to focus on positive things, to pray often, to seek
inspiration in God's word and in my relationships and to
forge ahead. To spend time singing and worshipping God.

Looking to God first, who is my provision, my strength,
my hope, my inspiration, my guide, my courage, my counselor,
, my peace, my Father.

Dear friends, you do not control a lot in your own life, but you
can control your thoughts. And you can lay them at the feet
of Christ and say God these are too much for me. I don't know
how to change them or overcome them, but I know that
you can show me the path to take, and help me walk on it.
I know you can make me rise early and find joy in the new
day, to focus on my blessings and the things I DO have,
and not to dwell on what I don't have or what seems to be going wrong.

This is not easy, but anyone can do it, by choosing to.
God is your provider. God will take care of you. I was young
and now I am getting old and yet I have never seen
God fail me even through the most horrific times in my life
when it seemed my world was imploding, God was there
in the midst of that storm, calming my spirit and making
a way where there seemed no way.

I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live
when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being
happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have
enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I
need and when I do not have enough. I can do ALL things
through Christ, who STRENGTHENS ME. Philippians 4:12-13

Why spend your money on something that is not real food? Why
work for something that doesn't really satisfy you? Listen
closely to me, and you will eat what is good; your soul
will enjoy the rich food that satisfies.
Isaiah 55:2

If your soul is not satisfied your mind and heart are
not satisfied. And only God can satisfy the soul. You have
choices today. Are you making ones that prosper you
or make you sad? Are you spending your money on things
to make you happy and they are not? Rise to the call of
God on your life, and seek Him first, everything else will fall
into place and give you peace and internal satisfaction.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33

Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last.

Abide With Me

I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.
I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is
at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory (inner self)
rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in
safety and hope.
Psalm 16:7-9

Dearest Friends,

As you wake up and face this new day, how much
hope are you feeling?

If any of you spend a lot of time watching the news, my
guess is that your hope meter runs lower because of it.
And if any of you are focusing on and worry about your
finances, or your personal problems and feeling consumed
by them, my guess is your hope is draining away.

How can hope be restored? Absolutely!

There are many ways. But the most important?
Is to recognize God is in control. We focus on everything
but that. We focus on our leaders expecting them to "fix"
everything. We focus on our friends and family to help "fix" us
when we are down. And we allow money to bring us a false
sense of security. Sometimes spending it when we don't have
it to feel better because life is so hard.

It is no wonder with this false sense of what we can
be secure in, we often feel let down and disappointed and
lose hope! We are looking at things and people who cannot
live up to the demand of restoring our hope. It isn't their job!

My dear friends, what we put into our spirit is what helps
it thrive or become ill.

We must find hope in God's word every day. It restores
our soul. I find the Psalms to be a great source of hope and
restoration to me. David was man acquainted with mistakes,
flaws and failures, heartache and grief.
He disobeyed God many times, yet
God says David was a man after his own heart. Why?
Because David always repented and sought God. He sought
Him when he knew he was doing wrong, He sought God morning
and night, and he sought God when he knew he was right before
God. David had a heart seeking God!

David sought hope and restoration through God everyday!

David wrote this:

The Lord is my shepherd
(to feed, guide and shield me);
I shall not lack.
He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
He refreshes and restores my life --
my self; He leads me in the paths of righteousness
(uprightness and right standing with Him -- not for
my earning it, but) for His names sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

Are you feeling restored?
Do you feel rested as if you laid in a bed of
soft meadow grass, comforted by the presence of God?
Do you feel right before God?

These things are vital. You cannot do without them
and expect to have inner peace if you cannot cry out to
God in all situations and rely on, cling to, trust in,
find hope in, and stand strong in God and his precious
promises and powerful abilities, far beyond our
thinking or imagination.

Now unto Him Who is ABLE to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us.
Ephesians 3:20

Who is that power within us? God!
This power works in us according to our level of
surrender to Him. He is the only one that can
bring the restorative hope you need to face the
day with courage and a rested heart.

But you have to spend time with Him.

Hope deferred (put off) makes the heart sick,
but when the desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
Whoever despises the Word of God brings
destruction upon himself, but He who
reverently fears and respects the commandments
of God shall be rewarded.
Proverbs 13:12-12

We can count on God. Everyone else comes and
goes from our life. No one is on this earth that
will not let us down, and we will let people down.
But Jesus never fails.

Hope looks forward with constant expectation.
Despair robs hope from our very soul.Time away
from God uninterrupted, breaks that stream of hope
we all so desperately need.

Choose hope! Abide in God

love always
millie

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Abide With Me

author: Henry F. Lyte 1793-1847
musician: William H. Monk 1823-1889

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see:
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need Thy presence ev'ry passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's pow'r?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness:
Where is death's sting? where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies;
Heav'n's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.